10 Ways to Be a Badass


Normally when one thinks of a badass, one doesn’t usually come across an image of myself but more so along the lines of ‘The Terminator’, ‘Rocky’… even Lara Croft. Or perhaps a pick-up artist or someone who is all about getting ‘ripped’. My physique is petite more than anything else. But it’s what you carry on the inside that truly resonates who you are. So after my birthday weekend, I had some reflections as to where I am in life and who I really am as well. And I can assure you, I’m one hell of a badass for many reasons. So continue reading to learn more on ten ways to be more of a baddie in your life as well!

1. STOP GIVING A F**K ABOUT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK OF YOU!

As a trained figure skater, I was criticized on a daily basis (and then some) which became part of the norm in my childhood. Good and bad, the latter proved to toy with my insecurities for years. But what it has also taught me is discipline, perseverance and most importantly, the only competition that I’m up against is with myself. Do you really think, with the career I’m in now, that I’d have any real fighting chance if I spent my days trolling Instagram worrying about other people and what they think of me? I’d never leave the house! So throw caution to the wind in this case - once you really don’t care about what others think of you and are only worried about yourself, it is forever life changing. And yes, a complete badass in doing so!

2. TAKE ACTION IN SPITE OF FEAR

We are human after all, we all become afraid of many things throughout our life. But it’s how we manage that fear is what counts. To lead an exciting life, one must be open to new experiences. Jump with a leap of faith instead of waiting for something to happen. You just got to go for it, remember that you are uncomfortable because you are simply traveling out of your comfort zone, which is a good thing. Overcoming fears equals personal growth, and badasses are far more capable than what they ever imagined to be. Better to have tried than not try at all.

3. BE COOL TO EVERYONE

Not to say one should be a doormat, but it never hurts to be kind. We are all in this together, meaning we are all going to go down just in different ways so while we’re here we should at least try to be nice to one another. Don’t get me wrong, once a boundary has been stepped outside of its line, I won’t be as cool. But to me, a badass isn’t a ‘mean girl’ or a beyotch with an attitude, but more so someone who is diplomatic, cool, calm and collective throughout many different scenarios. Treat others how you’d like to be treated. The cooler you are to everyone else, the cooler they’re gonna be to you.

4. STAND UP

Whether it’s for yourself or someone else, do it for the right reasons. Not for an ego boost. When you see someone being taken advantage of, abused, or wronged who may not have the strength to stand up for themselves, do whatever you can to help. Don’t go getting yourself into situations you can’t handle, but if there’s any opportunity to fight some sort of injustice before you, stand up and do something about it. Rise up for yourself because if you can’t do that, you’re not going to be able to help others either. But you’ll never regret doing either or the other!

5. SAY NO

Of course, it’s important to learn when to say yes but I believe it is even more important to learn when to say no. And rather frequently. You can’t please everyone, and even if you tried (which I have in the past) you will never win over everybody. Quickly saying yes to everyone and everything will consequently have you lose your focus and dilute your power. Be selective, take time in your decisions, and definitely be down to say NO AF. Lol.

6. STOP TALKING, AND START DOING

If I have to endure one more conversation amongst ‘bloggers’ as to what I have in store for summer plans, future content ideas, etc; I’m going to die of exasperation. Less talk, more action. Like a writer, don’t tell me… but SHOW ME. One of the best ways to stay stuck in your life is to constantly talk about things and never take action. If you want to really change your life or achieve a big goal, then commit to being someone who takes big action and does something about it after rather than the other way around. It kind of coincides with #1 but it’s all about delivering what you plan on doing. GET IT DONE!

7. KEEP IT MOVING

Life will try to beat you down, others will try and take what you have, and your own mind will tell you that you’re not good enough, but… guess what? The world doesn’t revolve around you and you have to maintain at not relenting. Don’t give up. Keep plugging away at it and go after it single-mindedly. Don’t let anything get in your away. Remember why you are doing what you’re doing and don’t let go of that.

8. ADAPT

Stay on your path and trudge forward with big strides, but be flexible and adapt to the conditions of the road. If you want to make the universe laugh, just tell them your plans. Things will go awry. If you’re too rigid, life will feel like it’s against you, so sometimes you got to adapt a little and go with the flow. Be like water, not cement.

9. FOLLOW YOUR GUT

It’s there for a reason, and believe me when I say this, it knows much more than you do! ;) If someone or something feels wrong to you, or a project just doesn’t feel right…listen to what your intuition is telling you. There’s a good chance that it’s right and you should at least consider what is going on. Don’t have a knack for it, or so you think? Meditate, take long walks, do things that will open your inner compass and guide you to do what is best for you.

10. KNOW WHO YOU ARE

We all have different sides to ourselves, but more so of what we project to the outside world, and then who we are - as in… who we really are deep down inside. In my profession, it’s easy to just think I’m this or that, depending on what’s in a person’s ‘about me’ page, outfit, tweet, and then some. None of this makes a person. What’s in your heart and what actions you take definitely take hold over who you truly are as a person. And it’s all about being able to look at yourself in the mirror every morning and be very accepting with yourself. Because if you can’t even face yourself, how do you really know yourself? Be happy knowing your true self, a badass at heart all the way!

LOVE & XX’S,

 
 

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Holiday Shopping with QuadPay

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY QUADPAY BUT ALL THOUGHTS & OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

NYC fashion blogger

The countdown to finishing up all your holiday shopping is on! Have you completed everyone’s wish lists yet? Perhaps, even one for yourself? But with all the retail purchases this month, I bet a lot are anxious about going broke! Especially when making those extra big, luxurious purchases. Well, what if I told you I found a way to budget - where you can buy what you love with zero interest?! You can split the purchase amount into 4 interest-free payments, spread over 6 weeks. There are no fees if you pay on time. So what is it? Continue reading to find out and also to learn more about my experience with the app along with what I purchased!

QuadPay empowers consumers with the option to pay for their purchases in four equal and interest-free installments over six weeks; the customer gets the product upfront while QuadPay’s brand partners are paid immediately. As the millennial population enters their prime spending years with less than 50% having access to credit, QuadPay is disrupting the field of payment solutions as the most innovative provider of affordable purchase in North America — buy now, pay later.

QuadPay is fully integrated with the store’s online checkout. All you need to do is choose QuadPay as your payment option when you’re ready to buy. If you are shopping with a participating store, Quadpay will be listed as a payment option during checkout. QuadPay splits your payments over four equal installments due every two weeks. Nominate the card you want to use and automatic payments are scheduled for you. It’s that easy!

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There are several brands partnering with this app, such as Koio, Naadam, For Love & Lemons, UGG®, Staud, and more. I recently stopped by at the beautiful popup in SoHo, La Boutique, where one of my favorite Parisian labels, Offtrack, who makes the best luxurious lambskin leather leggings out in the market, is one of the curated women brands in the store. Extremely fitting and versatile, it’s the perfect staple piece to have in your closet for the fall/winter. Coming in two various lengths, butt boosting seamlines and hip framing sides, it was kind of hard to choose only one pair! I went with the caramel suede pair, but they have also have black and reds.

Instead of paying the full amount of $550, I am making 4 easy payments of$137.50. Definitely helpful in terms of budget and finance! That way I can balance and still have extra money that I would have spend if I hadn’t used QuadPay. How cool is this new featured app?! Once you're approved by QuadPay, you can begin shopping with their partners immediately. Approval is quick, easy and requires only a few personal details. Never pay interest again.

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I’m telling you, this is going to be the difference between making or delaying a purchase. So if you have an extra pricey item you’re wanting to buy for your loved one/family, or yes… even for yourself, why not check out QuadPay the next time you’ll be making a bigger purchase? There’s zero-risk involved, and the easy-peasy process will have you grinning from ear to ear. That… and your brand new purchase :)

So tell me, what would you guys go shopping with using QuadPay? New pair of Nikes? Need that NorthFace winter coat to hit the slopes? Whatever your heart desires this season, rest assured that QuadPay has got your back and will make the holiday shopping extravaganza less stressful this year and every time you shop now! For more info go to www.quadpay.com and if you’d like to stop by the La Boutique popup, they are in SoHo at 250 Elizabeth Street until 12/23!

NYC fashion blogger

LOVE & XX’S,

 
 

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I Lilac Like That


THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY W. CASHMERE.

NYC fashion blogger

Happy Tuesday! I’m back at it with another color clash when it comes to fall/winter colors! You guys really seemed to dig the last one on blue & pink (Link here) and since I’ve been loving it myself, why not?! :) So without further ado, let’s get talking about the color choice of the day, it’s not exactly lavender, nor is it violet, but lilac! And the feature of today’s outfit post is a gorgeous cashmere turtleneck sweater… in lilac! Come check out how I styled this piece along with where to shop everything.

Meticulously crafted with ultra-premium cashmere, W. Cashmere’s timeless essential is a winter wardrobe must-have. Top off any seasonal look with this modern take on the timeless turtleneck sweater.  A contemporary relaxed fit pairs with a classic silhouette and super soft cashmere knit for a luxurious appeal that looks and feels great. Perfect for wearing with anything in your closet, this piece is destined to become your new go-to sweater. And did I mention it’s the softest cashmere I’ve touched to date?!

I contrasted the soft lilac with more vibrant colors such as red, orange and even, neon! But the neon is very subtle with just a pop of it on the side of my favorite oversized handbag. The red Chelsea boots are super comfy to walk in let alone how they look. And the orange is within a leather wristband of a watch, one by a luxury Parisian-brand you all need to know about called Michel Herbelin. I never thought I’d own an orange watch, but how unbelievably chic is this one… can you blame me?

Lastly, I’ve styled this leopard print dress before. But it was across the pond, in London during fashion week. (Link here) During the fall/winter season, I really love to layer and make the most out of my closet. When I had posted a teaser of this post on Instagram last week, many thought it to be a skirt! Layering game success! Lolol. I cinched the cashmere sweater just a bit to give it a more ‘crop’ like feeling, to bring more of a silhouette to my petite frame. Like this look and want to lilac like that? Ha ha! Drop your comment down in the section below!

LOVE & XX’S,

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Black and White Tweed Blazer for Fall

WEARING: BANANA REPUBLIC FACTORY BLAZER | ZARA TOP | JOE'S JEANS | EGO PEEP TOE MULE | PAUL'S BOUTIQUE LONDON BAG 


THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY BANANA REPUBLIC FACTORY & EGO SHOES

Hi! How is everyone doing? Ready for fall? Ready to go back to school? Are you just... ready? You've heard it here on the blog first, the next few weeks will be filled with Fashion Month content. I'm still working on my August beauty favorites, but being that last month was kind of major in terms of reviewing beauty products, my post is delayed due to this but I promise it's coming soon on top of other favorites! Let's just say in terms of content, it'll be just as thick as the Vogue September issue! LOL. In today's post, I'm sharing with you my fall staple favorites: Cozy, fitted jeans, a kick-ass blazer, and a good pair of mules. A very minimal, chic look. Continue reading to see the complete photo shoot and also where to shop these amazing finds! 

I attended the opening of a new Banana Republic flagship store in Herald Square (17 W 34th Street) where it is the biggest store in NYC for BR! It has two floors along with two temporary pop-ups, one with 100% Pure Cosmetics and American Designs Club, a platform for creative brands to show, share and sell their work. Definitely worth a stop next time you're in the neighborhood. I found this texture academy blazer on sale for $60! Semi-fitted and tweed-like, the black and white blazer is 50% off and so stylish. I love blazers because you can mix and match it with so many pieces, the versatility is key. 

I love the classic casual jeans and a blazer-look. It's like the effortlessly chic Parisian woman who just rolled out of bed, hair disheveled, shirt tucked out of place and yet, she looks lovely in the most imperfect way. I paired the blazer with these Joe's jeans that are not only super comfy but very much in trend with the distressed hem and fitting of the pants. How many of you ladies are also a fan of high-rise pants? 

I know technically no white after Labor Day, but how could I resist with these awesome white mules from Ego?! One of my favorite shoe brands from the UK, I knew this pair would outlast the summer and well into fall. How cute would these be with an animal print dress or with leather cropped pants?! Or even a pair of sheer socks, the possibilities are endless! What do you guys think of this rule? In or Out? Yay or Nay? Scroll down to leave your thoughts in our comment box - and to also directly shop the pieces from this post! Have a lovely first week of September, everyone! 

LOVE & XX'S, 

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Gingham and Tassels

WEARING: SHEIN TASSEL TIED OPEN BACK TIERED GINGHAM DRESS | 
LOUISE & ELEANOR SQUIGGLE BAG | ZARA CORK & LEATHER WEDGES 

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SHEIN.

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Happy Monday! I don't know about you fellow East Coasters, but I'm so over winter! How is it still snowing on April 2nd?! The last time I saw abnormal snowing was nearly 14 years ago when I was in Ukraine and it was snowing in the middle of April! We were baffled, but today's forecast is only leaving me exasperated. I just want warmer and sunnier weather, which won't be happening this week. But April showers bring May flowers! And before you know it, we'll be complaining about how hot it is outside. So without further ado, I'm bringing summer into spring to potentially jumpstart warmer temps! Continue reading to see the perfect dress for spring and summer. It is quite adorable for a vacation outfit as well. 

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How adorable is this dress?! A multicolor vacation round neck half sleeve shift dress has a backless short ruffle fringe, orange tassels and a gingham print with no stretch. I love the high waist and flounce sleeves, as it brings shape to this type of dress. It's similar to a babydoll dress. I think this would be perfect on the beach or anywhere with a lovely resort. I also believe this dress would look amazing at Coachella! The highlight of this dress? It's on SALE! 25% OFF and ONLY $16! 

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SHOP THE BAG

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I kept my makeup clean and fresh with only a little added sparkle to my lipgloss. If you haven't checked out my latest beauty faves, I've featured the new lipgloss line from Urban Decay and it's so legit! The shade I'm wearing is called 'Nooner'. My go-to eyeliner as of late is the gel ones by Bobbi Brown. They don't smudge and are easy to apply. Highlighter is also Bobbi Brown, using Bronze Glow SS16. Nail polish by Essie, called, 'At the Helm', which matches perfectly with the orange tassels and wedges. 

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LOVE & XX'S,

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