B So Chic! on the Tube: Talking Fall Fashion & Beauty Trends on ABC Action News {Video}

          

There's nothing like talking about things that make you smile and pretty. On TV.

Last month I was invited to appear once on ABC Action News in Tampa, Fl... I was talking food and entertaining at home. And then like every wonderful surprise that's dreamy, I was asked to stick around and do a few more segments, branching out from food, which is what I do 90% of the time. The lovely and uber friendly host, another Cuban gal, wanted me to chat fall fashions and beauty trends. Totally caught off guard since it was all unplanned, I winged it in the best way I could...

And this is how it went... (see Youtube video above). That's what happens when you'r thrown all kinds of curve balls and have to pull your answers of fore-sighting... and it doesn't help I mispronounced the one product I'm obsessed with.

I am currently in loooove with Caudile's Divine Oil for the body and their Beauty Elixir sprays. As much as I travel, it's simply amazing to be able to come home and pamper myself with sexy body toners and aromas that unwind. These two really do the job. You'll feel like the prettiest, sexiest, and most confident chica. Even if it's you... alone... at home... ;)

Try them... you'll absolutely love, too.

Now for the things you couldn't see beauty prods on the table which I didn't have time to mention (because if you've ever done TV, live or taped, you know you get all of 3-4 minutes to talk... so no matter how much you think you can cram in, something(s) will always get left out) I'll share my thoughts on them in some upcoming {Beauty Bloom} posts.

Finally, if I were more of a shoe freak, I'd be a bona fide hoarder and someone would be calling the fire department to charge me with endangerment to my neighbors. The massive amount of shoe boxes (still too poor to have a custom-designed dressing room where I can beautifully display my shoes) is cause enough for a fire. Sure things. It's just wrong to have more than 300 shoes... yeah, a girl can't have too many shoes, but when I look at my options, I start realizing I just like to collect. I buy the same shoe in several colors but somehow I end up going for the same pair all the time while the rest of my collection begs to be worn. Too bad none of what I just said means I'll taper my shoe shopping. After all, another segment is in the works and you know that means running out for more shoes!

But weren't the orange L.A.M.B.s (featured here) and espresso Aldo booties (worn here) yummy!?!!

Follow the sexy fun on TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM  | GOOGLE + :) 

Wearing

Leather leggings and top via Nordstrom

L.A.M.B. pumps

Multi-strand chain and pearl necklace c/o L. George Designs

Marc Jacobs watch

IB Designs silver bangle bracelets 

Yellow jade ring via Loehmanns

Read More

Sunshine Eyelet & Minis

Yesterday was my very best friend's birthday. I've known that girl since we were 7 and anytime I get to see her makes me super happy. She recently bought a brand new home and finally decided to welcome us over for dinner and an amazing strawberry creme cake. 

Right before I left, my niece, who I ended up taking with me, and I decided to play in the street before trekking to middle Virginia. It was an awesome day with great food and sweet company. Especially since I woke up to a loveliest satin bag of freshly designed arm candy by my mom... see the goodies on Instagram, which I'm wildly obsessed with! 

Oh, and this brown leather bag is that best thing I've scooped up this summer. I bought it a few weeks ago in Granada, Spain where leather is super cheap and incredibly great quality. I should have bought 10. 

Hope you had a fabulous weekend. 

***

Skirt via Old Navy (loooove this mini)

Top via Macy's

Wedges from Aldo

Sunglasses, vintage Christian Dior

Bag from Spain 

Bracelets, various and some made by my mom 

Cuff, vintage lucite

Follow the sexy fun on TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM  | GOOGLE + :) 

*PS: I'm now teaching my sis how to use my camera so this should be fun getting some decent shots until she gets IT! 

Read More

Sexy Shoe Sunday: Aldo Does Tapestry

I'm starting to think I need to beg my niece to work at Aldo. Every time I fall in love with a shoe on my foot, it just happens to be a pair from the Canadian store.

I can't seem to shake them off my shoedar! I was in one of their stores in late November looking for some winter boots when I came across these super throwback-style tapestry booties. I've worn them 3x already and already looking forward to the next outfit.

Even if you're not into a "couch-looking" patterns (as my brothers put it) that take you back to sitting in Grandma's living room, there's something awesomely chic about a pretty metallic print on a 6" wood heel.

Maxi skirt, skinny jeans, a dress or a mini skirt -- all options work with this perfect bootie.

Me loves it!

DO YOU LOVE?! 

Won't you follow and share on TWITTER| FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM  | GOOGLE + :) 

Read More

Sexy Shoe Sunday: Aldo's Studded Trend

I don't classify my style as trendy. I'm very boho glam, with a lot of chic vintage. I love old world vibes with modern touches. Every now and then the trend wave scoops me up and I get on it for a while. The super ubiquitous ones appeal less and less. However, I've found this stud and spike thing fun and somewhat suggestive of my inner bad girl. She never comes out.

Oh, but when I saw these, I caved. They spoke to me. Not too over the top with studs and not a crazy color. The nude leather against the gold hardware make them a perfect pair for playing dress up or chic casual. And, my rule when buying trendy: must be under $100. These were $85 at Aldo. Their entire fall collection seems to be mostly about textures, patterns and hardware. I've got my eyes set on a few already. So, for the good deal I took advantage of, I'm okay with rocking them til the studs fall out. Because unless they're original Louboutins, they're bound to fall.

Aren't they perfect, though?

Won't you follow and share on TWITTER| FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM  | GOOGLE + :) 

Read More

Essence Magazine and Fabulous Fur Toppers!

There are those phone calls and emails I loathe receiving. It's either a client that can't afford my services but earnestly wants to work me down, or a last minute writing assignment in which case I have to drop everything I'm doing and make my deadline. 

But then there are those phone calls that are always welcome. No matter what time of day. And those special emails that are always welcome, too. No matter what time of day.

I get them quite a bit and every time I do, I find myself experiencing a new reaction. 

But, when a friend tweeted "Girl, I see you is January's Essence issue," I was confused. Essence had called me last month and requested a picture and some other information, but I didn't know that picture would take up 1/3 (or 1/4???) of of a page in the Style section.

BOOM! What a sweet and fashionable surprise. She tweeted a picture of Pg. 28. I hopped in my car and sped to the bookstore. Nada. A 2nd bookstore. Nada. Drats. Only subscribers were getting the mag. I had to wait for it to hit newsstands and finally, it did a few days ago and I couldn't resist but to take a picture of the cover and said page!

Queen Latifah and all her majesty graces the cover, while fashionistas get a lovely plug in the center. I think I can get used to this. I've seen my name in magazines, but as a writer and mostly about food. Seeing it as a feature in fashion is a whole other giddy feeling. So much, I'm framing it and plastering it everywhere in my place. That's until others come calling---b/c yes, I've put that out there! All the other mags we subscribe to.

So this is from a photo shoot I did last winter with my former photog intern, Nicki. I blogged about it at that time in a post appropriately called "Faux Get Me Not." Having the image snatched up by Essence is an honor. I never thought in a million years, any of my pics would get printed. And let me tell you, it feels goooooooooooood! It's even fancier that my fur hat got a mention in the story--happens to be one of my faves.

Thank you Essence! You've tickled me so and helped start the year on a fabulous note!

Here's to more fashion print features!

xo.

http://instagr.am/p/aGYaB/

Read More

Green & Orange & Turbans

Some things just happen naturally when getting dressed. Other ensembles and looks need inspiration. It's seldom the case that I call on someone else to help put an outfit together. But when it's an exclusive look for a online or print feature, I like two opinions better than just my own.

I recently shared two looks I love and would wear over and over again... they represent timeless chic to me. Plus, every piece has special significance. The  black super studded Minnie Mouse look and the fabulous DIY tutu skirt were both for a feature that's yet to be published in The Atlanta Journal Constitution--so yeah, I took liberty of publishing the pictures here.

They were just too fabulous to hold in my pictures folder. Curating them here would be almost as exciting as seeing them in the paper.

The entire shoot back in March was beyond exciting and the energy I got from the ever so flexible and patient Alison Church ( I kinda want to hire her to follow me around!) helped ease me into a place of sexiness and confidence.

Especially with the 3rd and final look we shot...This one didn't come as easy and so natural to me. Individually, the pieces are stunning and are mainstays in my wardrobe. I mean look at the emerald pleated skirt! Gorg. The turban is a vintage staple from the 70s, found in a whole in the wall, but one of the best "catch all" stores I've ever stepped foot into. And, the romper is just that--a lovely silk piece that flows and touches the body so romantically that wearing it to bead wouldn't be a bad idea. But it's too pretty not to be showcased in public.

This one came together as a result of prancing in my dressing room with 1/4 of my fashionable posse,  Melanie of Capitol d'Beaute, Vanessa of Bonen Bonnets and their diva friend Daniel of Heel My Soul. It was really Daniel's vision. Me... I just wanted to wear the turban and the uber fab coral necklace which my lovely mother made for me. This was a classic case of girls gone wild at 3 am in a room full of plumes, shoes, jewelry, hierlooms, hats, furs and crystals-- magic occurs. Obviously this is a spring look, but one that works in other parts of the world and inspired by travels to culturally rich places -- the patterns, textures, mix of fabrics, animalistic fetishes, etc...

Was it a bit convoluted and over the top? Yes! Do I love it? Yes! Would I wear it again in the same fashion? No.... though it all felt so right and looked amazing! And, that's what it's really all about.

WEARING:


Max Azria skirt
Haquen silk romper
Vintage silk turban
Aldo shoes
C.B. Herrera Jewelry coral necklace
Vintage glass and panther necklace
Vintage brooch worn on turban
ABS and leather cuffs; YSL bone cuff; ABS bee ring
Vintage crystal necklace as worn by SJP in SATC.

Follow the sexy fun on TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM  | GOOGLE + 

Read More