Sunday, November 18, 2018

FAREWELL

 At the moment I have no plans to schedule another blog shoot, so that means for the time being I’m saying farewell :(:(:(


However, in the words of Wendy Williams I am a woman and I have the right to change my mind. So I might be back at some point:):):) 


But for now, I find fitting blogging into my schedule more of hassle than I find it to be fun, so I’m taking an extended, possibly permanent break. I had a great 9 year run and gained some very loyal followers and even friends (you know who you are). I appreciate every single one of you and hope that you follow along on INSTAGRAM where I'll share my #OOTDs from time to time. But do it quickly because I can't guarantee that'll last. Ha! 
 
And speaking of INSTAGRAM. My photographer, posted this #ootd pic on her IG and it was liked by the legendary Too Short! Sooooo, I'm going out with a bang...

 WEARING: catherine malandrino duster, anthropologie dress, shoes from DSW
WORN TO: church & brunch

**shot by WORK IT, BERK**


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Sunday, October 14, 2018

ARUBA: ONE HAPPY ISLAND


Anyone ever been to Aruba? I just returned last week and hopefully you followed along on my IG stories! Have I really wanted to go to Jamaica, but in September I needed someplace in the Caribbean that was outside of the hurricane belt. And that is Aruba! 
(iguanas everywhere!)
 
(Oranjestad, the colorful capitol) 

It’s a desert island that was colonized by the Dutch so picture Arizona with European influences, palm trees and some of the most beautiful aqua blue water you’ll ever see! 


It’s a tiny island and perfect for people on the east coast because it’s a quick, inexpensive flight and you don’t need more than a few days. With that said, let me sum it up for you in 5 bullets. 

1) There’s no ride share so rent a car, preferably a Jeep so you can off road and go to the NATURAL POOL! The island is easy to navigate. We never really got lost.

2) I highly recommend the AIRBNB I stayed in! To date it’s probably my favorite. The backyard, and pool, and rooftop were beautiful! I mean look at this sunset...
 
(view from the roof!)


3) If your prefer a hotel go for the Renaissance! Even if you don’t want to stay at a hotel the whole time, I suggest 1 night here. If you google Aruba you’ll see a  ton of images of flamingos on a beach. Well this is at Renaissance’s private island, and the only way to get there is if you’re a guest or if you’re lucky enough to get one of the limited $100 day passes for non guests. If you’re traveling with a group of 3+ it’s cheaper to book a room and split the cost of that! Plus the property is such a beautiful resort! Talk about feeling like you’re on vacation... 




4) Shopping, shopping, shopping. If designer shopping is your thing, this is the place to do it! Prices are less than the States especially if you’re from a place with high taxes like I am. Hello 8.5%! I saved a few hundred on my new Gucci bag! 
 

5) And last but not least, FOOD! Honestly wasn’t really impressed except for the RED FISH! Please go here and get the shrimp. For ambiance and a unique experience I suggest the FLYING FISHBONE for IN ocean dining! Yes, you can sit IN the ocean. And for drinks go to Rum Reef at Baby Beach!
(terrible picture, but these shrimp right here...)


Monday, August 20, 2018

SUMMA

I wore this outfit when I was in Atlanta in the spring, and coincidentally I’m currently on a plane on my way back from Atlanta now. Nothing says summer like little shorts & platform sandals, right?

WEARING: floral kimono from amazon, levi's shorts, ANNE KLEIN LALIMA  (and HERE), sunnies from Nordstrom
WORN TO: frolic around atlanta
**shot by WORK IT, BERK**



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Monday, July 30, 2018

BATTLE OF THE BLOG

So blogging. Ugh! I have a semi love-hate relationship with you right now. If I’m being honest a lot of it comes from the IG algorithm. I wish they would just go back to chronological order already. The algorithm favors the big “guys” virtually making it impossible for the rest of us to grow. I won’t get into all of the nuances but the more likes you get the more likely you are to be seen on the feed of new people as well as your current followers. But if people aren’t seeing you how can they like your post? Whatever (insert eye roll).
Aside from that, blogging is very time consuming and sadly the more I climb that good old corporate ladder the less free time I have. I’m not one of those girls who has a blogger husband taking my photos while I’m out doing my day to day activities. I have to schedule shoots, pick 4-5 outfits, scout the location, pack the outfits (think packing for a vacation and how annoying that is...this is essentially the same thing), shoot the looks, o and let’s not forget about changing in the car trying to avoid the strangers walking by judging. And then there’s the final step of finding time to put the post together! In fact I’m sitting here now writing this post on a red eye instead of sleeping! 
So maybe I’m just tired and cranky at the moment. Because as much as I’m complaining and for as long as I’ve been feeling this way, I’m still going strong! Well strong might be an overstatement, but I haven’t given up!! I really love shooting and working with talented photographers like Brittany of Work It Berk. And what other outlet do I have to tell people that parasols are my new favorite summer accessory?! And how would I document travel with no blog or IG. 
So for now I’m here, but for later? We shall see...

WEARING: jumper & sunnies from TJ MAXX(CUTE OPTION), PARASOL FROM AMAZON
WORN TO: explore scottsdale

**shot by WORK IT, BERK**

Monday, July 9, 2018

DUSTY ROSE

Sooooooo as I eluded to in my previous post, I’m struggling a bit to keep up with blogging. I’ll go more into detail with my next post but for now enjoy this impromptu shoot I had with my dad cause that’s all I have time for at the moment....SMH. 

But how fab is this Catherine Malamdrino dusty rose duster I scored at Marshall's for the super low-low???? And ummmmmm yes to these Anne Klein platforms also scored for a steal at DSW!

WEARING: catherine malandrino duster (SIMILAR UNDER $25), articles of society jeans (SIMILAR FOR $64), ANNE KLEIN LALIMA PLATFORM SANDALS, AEIRE YELLOW SUNGLASSES
WORN TO: BBQ & graduation dinner
let's get social

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Monday, June 18, 2018

CUBA: PALADARS, CASA PARTICULARS & MORE

I've been a terrible blogger. I'm hanging on by a thread when it comes to blogging, but I wanted to make sure to wrap up my Cuba series, and leave you with details on where to eat, where to stay and how to get around. 

THE FOOD
When you tell people you are going to Cuba, as it relates to the food, you hear 2 things 1) "O the food is going to be so good" 2) "I hear the food is not good there". I would say the truth falls somewhere in the middle. I had some really, REALLY delicious meals b/c I knew where to go (keep reading). I think a lot of people who've had bad experiences are eating at government owned restaurants inside hotels, where apparently spices and seasonings are rationed out and the food is just...bland. Well as an American I stayed away from anything government owned and ate at paladars which are restaurants within family homes. How cool is that? Here are some to note:

Dona Carmela - The food was so good and I was so hungry I didn't take a picture but it's a MUST. Arguably, the best meal I had in Havana (Queen Bey has been here!). I could have stayed there all day eating the best black beans I've ever had while listening to live salsa music on the patio. Make sure to stop by and visit the large CHRIST STATUE which is also in the area. 

Lamparilla 361 - This place is super cute and trendy and fun and the menu is eclectic ranging from tacos to ceviche to cornbread and chicken (so good) and delicious daiquiris the size of your head.


 La Guarida - This is probably the most famous restaurant in Havana, made popular by President Obama, Beyonce & Jay Z. Well folks, it was least my favorite meal. The lobster I had was not good (made me sick actually) but the restaurant itself is unique & so beautiful. It's a must for the ambiance, but not for the food. Reservations are also a must and if I could do it over I would have gone during the day to really see how beautiful this place is, and probably only would have had drinks :-/ 
Vistamar - If you want to feel like you are on vacation GO HERE. The outdoor seating is literally on the ocean. The waves are crashing right there as you eat and it is quite spectacular, not to mention the food is really good! 

HOW TO GET AROUND
Because we really wanted to make sure we were immersing ourselves in the Cuban culture, we had a driver for the duration of the trip and we stayed in a lovely casa particular with a lovely man named Mario and his staff!
(Look at those floors!)

But first let's talk about Julio! Julio was our driver extraordinaire for the trip. If you are traveling with a group he is the way to go! He promotes himself as a driver but he is sooooooooooo much more than that! He's a translator. He's a tour guide. He's a concierge (and knows all the good restaurants), and he can tell you all about Cuban life from the history, to current day. O and did I mention he provieded us with a local phone so we could always reach him? Contact him at juliomoret@nauta.cu!
(Julio, in red, translating a convo b/w my dad and one of his Cuban Mason brothers)

WHERE TO STAY
What can I say about Mario and the beautiful Casa Miramar? The photos & reviews on Airbnb are 100% accurate. It's a stunning traditional Cuban, dare I say mansion? That comes with a full staff, managed by one of the gentlest souls I ever met, Mario. 
(The front porch)
He was up every morning making us breakfast, and every evening when we returned home, he was sitting on the porch with Rocco (the dog of the house) waiting to greet us. I missed both of them as soon as I got in the car and headed to the airport.
(Fresh squeezed mango juice, fresh fruit, ham, veggie croquettes muffins & more)
(Mom journaling on the side porch)
(Me & Mario!)

And that my friends is Cuba! To my fellow American do yourself a favor and go soon before you know who cuts off travel there!

let's get social
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