My Best Tips for New York Fashion Week

January 28, 2019

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY HEARTLOOM & CULTRESSE BY ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Happy Monday! How was everyone’s weekend? I spent it working, while also preparing for next month, which is one of the busiest months for me. In less than a couple of weeks New York Fashion Week will be here. This will be my sixth season attending NYFW, and after a few years in the ‘rodeo’ I definitely have learned a few lessons along the way. It’s not all what it is cracked up to be, in that it’s not something you just show up to, like going to the movies. It takes weeks (more than that if you’re out of towners) to organize and plan for the week, from meetings with brands/pr agencies that you’ll be working with, to the shows you will be attending, and even squeezing in a couple of photo shoots and dinners/site seeing along the way. And if you’re visiting, you’ll need to handle your flight, hotel, transportation, etc; So in today’s post I’m sharing 5 of my best tips for New York Fashion Week. Whether it’s surviving or thriving (let’s hope both ha ha) - during the week here in New York, these tips will keep you moving and grooving!

1. IT’S ALL ABOUT WHO YOU KNOW

A blogger once told me that if the brand could not seat her front row, she would refuse to attend the show. So it’s not only about who you’re connected with, because in the 7-day binge of networking with other like-minded people you could potentially partner with in the future, it’s about how you are connecting (while certainly being kind to others) to begin with. And this is not in terms of logistics, but rather taking value in a person’s time and input, and actually connecting on a creative level. For example, getting in the Coach show because it’s a place to be seen is not going to get you in at all. You have to gain the experience in the industry along with a growing audience in order to achieve some sort of recognition, only then to have bigger opportunities in meeting with the bigger labels in fashion. I’ve been fortunate to meet many in the business just by chance, or even taking another chance on smiling at someone backstage and striking up a conversation, only to lead to some sort of connection. Nowadays it’s all about numbers and what’s on the phone, but I think in order to build any sort of successful business relationship (or any for than matter, not just business), there has to be a personal connection, first and foremost.

2. BE PREPARED

No matter how much you think there’s time to prepare for what’s a veritable buffet for fashion bloggers during NYFW, it goes by so fast and there is a ton of preparation to deal with beforehand. For example, the emails that are sent out and received. Hopefully, your emails are not automated/robotic-like and have some sort of ‘you’ in the message along with yes, your numbers, because stats are also important. Then the organization of what you chose to do everyday, from events to shows, meetings, shoots and, hopefully some sleep, along with preparing looks each day before as well. It’s a lot of work for only a week. And even more if you do more than just one fashion week, like I have been doing for the past two seasons attending London Fashion Week, where next month will be my third time visiting - I’m very excited! Bring a really good external/portable charger. With all the phone usage from ubering, texting, photo/video taking, and more, your phone’s going to die rather quickly. Here’s a little tip: To conserve your
phone battery during fashion week, put your phone on airplane mode during
fashion shows. You can post what you want afterward, of course after turning the airplane mode off.

3. EAT HEALTHY & STAY HYDRATED

I can’t tell you how many times I would only have one meal a day during Fashion Week because of my crazy hectic schedule. And I was the crankiest, hangriest b-ya there ever was, haha! Kidding, but really, no one is pleasant to be around when hungry, and it’s just not good for you. Duh. Yes, I confess on solely relying on caffeine, such as soda and coffee instead of water where I became extremely dehydrated. Now I try to drink water everyday, but I also tend to drink a ton more while traveling, especially while on the plane. I also will eat a bit more on the healthier side just to give myself as much energy as I can get - and obv. the overall way of eating and drinking properly while literally being on the go for a week straight.

4. WEAR WHAT YOU MAKES YOU FEEL CONFIDENT

Every time I wore something I was even 10% unsure about, I would not get photographed by the street style photographers and I would just feel uncomfortable about wearing it the entire day. And this shows in photos. You got to know your style and own it! This is the time to have fun with your styling skills, but also shining on in that department! Who doesn’t want to look their best during Fashion Week? Again, if you’re a fashion blogger and you’re maybe doing it to just go- as in see and be seen, it may not be within your best interest then. You should want to go for the experience and to learn from it, to make you a better blogger and person, overall. But wearing what makes you feel 100% great about yourself, is something we all strive for and definitely want to showcase during this time of the year, while also sharing emerging talent/designers.

5. SERIOUSLY THOUGH, HAVE FUN!

You can kiss that “perfectly scheduled day” goodbye, so you might as well make the most of it! Each day you’ll maybe get around 5 hrs of sleep (if you’re lucky and have an editing team) will not eat perfectly, and will definitely not be stress-free. Don’t forget why you’re doing what you’re doing, and I hope it’s because you absolutely love it, want to meet other people and connect, and maybe learn something you haven’t yet, whether it’s your first time visiting New York or your tenth - from all there is to do in my city, I hope it’s out of support and passion for fashion. And when is it a bad thing to catch up with old friends, too? I love seeing everyone during this time period too :)

I hope you guys enjoyed today’s post! I do realize not everyone that comes to my blog is solely doing so for my fashion content, more so the content from fashion week. But rest assured, lots of more beauty and lifestyle content coming your way very soon! If you come here for fashion + styling tips, what would you like to see more of on the blog? And if you are attending fashion week, drop your comments down in the section below with your number one tip for NYFW! Wishing you guys a killer week, get it done and have a good time while doing so! Catch y’all back here soon.

LOVE & XX’S,

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Top 3 Flavorful Teas

January 26, 2019

This post is sponsored by Celestial Seasonings but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Apparently I’ve turned British. Ever since first visiting London last February (my third time there will be next month!) I can’t get enough of drinking tea! I’ve always been a coffee person, but nowadays you can find me drinking at least a couple of cups of tea per day. Whether it’s with a big cup of tea as my afternoon pick-me-up, or my way to help fall asleep right before bed time, there’s certain kinds of teas that are used for certain time periods of the day. Which is why I’m thrilled to partner with Celestial Seasonings Tea and sharing with you this weekend, my top three flavorful teas of all time! They’re not all fruity or citrusy, each has its own unique flavor. So why not continue reading to find out which ones are my favorite and why I drink them so often.

There are a few reasons why I love to drink tea. I love to drink tea when I’m sick, when I need help falling asleep, and something to get me through the mid-afternoon hump we all sometimes fall into. Or even, especially on a rainy day, I like to curl up on the couch, reading a good book and sipping on one of my favorite teas. Nothing better to warm up with that a good ole’ cup of hot tea. Let’s start with my most favorite flavor when it comes to tea. It’s really quite peachy :)

1. PEACH

One of my favorite flavors in tea to drink is peach. Because you can savor it both hot and cold, you can be assured I go through a lot of peach tea. And when I tried the Country Peach Passion tea from Celestial Seasonings, it’s been the only peach tea I’ve been drinking since! A blend of floral chamomile, aromatic citrus and sweet peaches give this brew a decadent peaches and cream flavor. Makes for a really great iced tea as well during the warmer season.

2. PEPPERMINT

Peppermint tea can be enjoyed year round, hot or cold, either simply for its great taste or to help soothe the stomach. But it’s the only hot beverage I’ll drink when I’m sick. Whether I’m bed-ridden with the flu or just having a nasty cold, peppermint tea is my remedy. Celestial Seasonings’ Peppermint Herbal Tea is caffeine-free and tastes so fresh that it stands superbly on its own. The peppermint they use is sourced in the Pacific Northwest, from Oregon and Washington farmers with whom we’ve built longstanding relationships.

3. HONEY VANILLA CHAMOMILE

Soothing yourself after a long day can be tough, and there are times when simply trying to overcome stress just creates more anxiety. The good news is that there is one longstanding and deliciously easy option out there to help bring balance to your world: chamomile tea. Tasting slightly of apple, chamomile tea is a favorite among regular tea drinkers for its simple tastiness and range of benefits. I love to drink this when I have trouble sleeping due to stress and anxiety. The calming flavor along with honey & vanilla is so relaxing and never fails to put me to sleep.

Not a fan of these particular 3 flavored teas? Be sure to check out Celestial Seasonings Tea for they have a large assortment of flavors. Other factors that makes Celestial Seasonings Tea great? Their sustainability (stringless tea bags that come packaged in recycled boxes), being super affordable, as well as being zero to low calories. What are your top 3 favorite flavored teas? Whether it's opting for healthier alternatives to sugary drinks or adding in night time steps to ensure a good nights rest, you can count on Celestial Seasonings Tea. Available at Walmart. Wishing you all a relaxing and enjoyable weekend (with tea, of course.) :)

LOVE & XX’S,

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The Perfect Green Dress

January 18, 2019

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SNIDEL BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Happy Friday, everyone! Being a fashion blogger, I am constantly on the lookout for up and coming designers, from all walks of life. One of my favorite things to do right before bed (or yes, while in bed) is to be on Instagram, scrolling through the explore feed discovering a brand I may want to potentially work with. Plus it literally feeds my hunger for creative inspiration! So when I came across a particular brand, I knew their pieces were of amazing quality… even before seeing it in person! You can imagine how thrilled I was when I learned they had recently opened a store here in New York! Continue reading to learn more about one of the fastest growing Japanese street fashion brands today.

Designed by Asami Kusugami, Snidel is one of the fastest growing Japanese street fashion brands today. Snidel opened its first store on Cat Street in Harajuku on April 2005. It has since opened stores in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Nagoya, Yokohama, and all of the major cities across Japan. Snidel can also be found in major Japanese department stores – including Marui, Lumine, and Isetan. The brand goes by the slogan “Street Formal”-meaning designing clothes that are casual but formal at the same time. Snidel is particularly popular among university students and young Japanese women. The brand mainly focuses on clothes, but carries handbags, accessories, and shoes as well. They recently opened a store here in New York City on the Lower East Side a few months ago, and when I went to go see the pieces in person, I was immediately in love with the style and team!

The first piece that caught my eye was this perfect green long-sleeved dress. Featuring a thick fabric with a matted texture that drapes elegantly, it’s a womanly one piece dress that is perfect to wear on its own. Designed with a tucked waist line for a contoured figure and fitted with covered buttons, this piece exudes a classical look. Perfect with a pair of feminine pumps or even these black and white mules, it will also look good with a pair of low cut boots for a trendy look. I went for a more Parisian style, as Paris couture week begins very soon, and even though this is the first season where I received invitations I’m unfortunately unable to attend. But stay tuned, I may be in good ole’ Paree sooner rather than later!!

Of course, whenever you see a beret you might think of Paris. Just as much as wine, baguette bread, striped shirts and a bold red lip. So I styled the dress with accessories to fit the Parisian theme, like this black wool beret. Jewelry included in this post are a hand of Fatima necklace by Play Hard Look Dope and these pearl/gold earrings from LeJ Jewelry. (these earrings are also featured here) Lastly this chic bag crafted in Italian Embossed Croc and Pebble Grain leather can also be worn as a shoulder bag and you can double the strap for a shorter length. This is a fabulous day or evening bag with the classical sophistication. Thanks for stopping by! Coming up on the blog, January Beauty Favorites and more winter outfits to inspire you! Wishing you a lovely weekend, xx.

LOVE & XX’S,

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How to Wear a Maxi Skirt If You Are a Petite or a Short Woman

December 17, 2018

WEARING: MOOD SWEATER | PINK MAXI SKIRT | RED CROSSBODY | BLACK COMBAT BOOTS

Stepping up my game in the styling department this Monday! You know, us, petite girls, need a little more recognition in the fashion world because it’s not easy styling when it comes to being short. Especially when it comes to bottoms: Pants, skirts - you name it, normally anything will need some adjustments. But what if you can’t take it in to the tailor every time? Pinching a few pennies? Why not, “Make it work” as Tim Gunn says? And if you’re a true stylist, you can adapt to anything and yes, indeed, make it work! You know I’m not much of a pink girl, but many of my readers really like it when I wear this color. So on one count, I’m challenging myself to style one skirt in two completely different ways, and two, for the love of my followers. Here you go! Continue reading to see the complete shoot!

When I thought about how to style this skirt, given the fact that the pink maxi skirt (as cute as it may be), it was far too long for me. So what’s a petite gal to do? HIDE THAT ISH. And since it’s winter, I paired it with a loosely fitted black cashmere sweater with #MOOD written on it in a plush red. To accentuate with the top, I accessorized with my new favorite bag that’s got a gorgeous oxblood color with an adjustable gold chain. You can see how I wore it both ways. Even my lipstick and nails are similar to the shades or red, but not exact. And this was intentional. I think it brings more of the pink out in terms of its statement, and it’s quite a ruffly skirt! I may not be a girly girl, but I sure do feel quite the lady when wearing it.

My new favorite black winter boots have yellow laces and a rough edgy feel to them. I’d say they’re combat boots and the platform always makes me feel like I can kick ass when wearing them. Ha ha! I’d say this look has a definite punk feminine chic vibe to it. You know me for my edginess & rebelliousness when it comes to my personal style, I really had fun putting together this first look. But wait… there’s the other look. How did I style the pink maxi skirt this time? Definitely has an overall different vibe to it as well!

WEARING: PINK MAXI SKIRT | BLACK BELT | BLACK HEELS | STAR BAG

One of my favorite ways to style a maxi skirt is to wear it as a dress! As a petite and short woman (I’m only 5’3’’) who is always looking for ways to save a few bucks, and also doesn’t always have time to wait in between alterations at the tailor’s, it never hurts to find creative ways to style yourself! And this second look is more for an evening affair. Playful, elegant and still with a little bit of edge, this pink maxi skirt, now dress, is a showstopper. I styled the piece with the darkest color known to man to give contrast to the feminine shade I don’t normally wear, if not ever. I love pink and black together!

The look was definitely inspired by Carrie Bradshaw’s Oscar de la Renta dress from the show, Sex & the City, where her Russian boyfriend gifts it to her right before whisking her away to the ballet. I wanted the same type of feeling when it came to the second look. More whimsical. A touch of elegance. And a look you’ve never seen me do. And just like Carrie, I have a thing for accessories. This unique 100% leather based ball bag with Swarovski crystal stones, silver studs, glow in the dark stars and hand painted detailing is pretty insane when it comes to its details and I thought it was quite the bag to carry with this look!

I wore black strappy heels to give more of an elongated look as well as keeping with the color scheme. And when it came to styling this pink maxi skirt into a dress, I knew I need to cinch the waist with a belt, to give some shape to the long dress. I just used black satin ribbon, the same one I wore on my wedding day, and snugly tied it in the back. A statement belt, like the one I’ve linked would be just as great, but to style this as a dress it definitely need something to hold the waist in. Thanks for stopping by and checking out my duo-styled post! I truly enjoyed doing this, so let me know if you’d like to see more styling challenges like this one! Until next time… :)

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LOVE & XX’S,

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Zavo Restaurant & Lounge New York

December 8, 2018

Okay… today’s the first day where I’m really feeling the cold. I’m a Midwest girl at heart, so the winter season doesn’t bother me much, but in New York, with the humidity AND the cold? It feels much more cold than normal. So what to do on a freezing day like today? I’d say just stay inside, but if you get cabin fever like me and need to get out of the house, you should go and check out ZAVŌ. A luxurious new Mediterranean restaurant that engages all of your senses, it’s the perfect location too after marathoning through a shopping spree. Got your holiday errands all checked off yet? If not, it’s cool. Me neither. Why not sit down and take a break in between with a glass of wine at my new favorite spot in Lenox Hill?

A stylish and seductive multi-level celebration of Mediterranean cuisine and culture, ZAVŌ elevates the dining experience. Amidst tastefully appointed decor and lighting, the menu is just as scrumptious. Savor a cocktail at the sleek marble bar or unwind on the outdoor terrace. We sat in the dining room section with a pleasant ambience and excellent service. The staff was so sweet to give us a complete tour of their almost 1-year old restaurant in Lenox Hill (UES). ZAVŌ’s second floor is accessed via a private entrance on East 60th Street. Ascend the sweeping staircase to the intimate piano lounge, bar and refined private dining rooms, they offer unparalleled, five-star catering services cultivated from their deep expertise with corporate and special events. The Chef’s special selected menu changes daily to reflect their fascinating and unique live entertainment such as 50 Shades and Venetian/Masquerade Nights and others. It’s a great space for holiday parties right now, and even a wedding reception! The second floor can accommodate roughly over 200 people, and the decor alone will have you swooning.

We tried the crab cakes and grilled octopus for our appetizers which were cooked to perfection. Literally soft as butter, with wonderful taste concoctions to go with the seafood such as hummus, yellow pepper, and more. For our main course, we tried the branzino fish with grilled squash and zucchini, and the braised short beef with mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. The fish was excellent as well as the beef. The beef and asparagus were a tad dry and could have used more sauce, but the flavors were all there. Their sancerre wine was also quite good. But we were so full, we opted out on dessert. Gotta keep that holiday figure, somehow! ;) Overall, a wonderful dining experience. On the super plus side? It’s right across the street from Bloomingdale’s - the perfect spot to hang your hat and grab a bite after your holiday shopping!