An Alexander in London

February 27, 2018

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK BLUE BOMBER JACKET |  ODETTE &ODILE TWIGGY WHITE 
SUN SHADES | FOREVER 21 HOT PINK RIBBED SWEATER-KNIT CROP TOP |
EGO SKYE KITTEN HEEL SOCK BOOT | GENUINE PEOPLE BELL BOTTOM CROP JEANS | GUCCI BELT | 
MEDUSA MINI BLUE CLUTCH/CROSSBODY

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY SAKU NEW YORK.

When it comes to working with photographers, I'm quite selective. There's really only been one person aside from myself that photographs street style for me, and that is my husband, but when I had to travel to London and he had to stay behind, I needed to find someone reliable and with quality (which my standards can be very high... eek!) but when a new friend of mine from this year recommended someone she had worked with, I took a look at her Instagram and was immediately open to her style and vibe. But like any first encounters, they can be a bit awkward, even nerve-wracking to some, but Elena and I had commonalities such as a passion for photography, both Eastern European, and same headstrong go-getting kind of attitude. We broke the ice quickly.

But when the time came to shoot, her camera suddenly was not turning on. At first, we (I know a thing or two about cameras) both thought it was just the battery/sensor that had a small dust or something on it and we tried to clean it. Nothing. We took out the memory card and restarted the camera again, and tried many other crazy things one photographer will try to get the camera to work (this is definitely part of the problem in the digital world, yeah?) again, but to our dismay, nothing was happening. We finally ended up at a camera repair shop about a five-minute walk in central London.

When we arrived, Elena saw a man with a Canon body similar to hers, and immediately wanted to test his battery on her body. He was happy to do so, but it still didn't solve the problem. Her camera was still not turning on. A technician in the shop finally assesses her body and battery and can confirm that there is something wrong with the body. She was disappointed as everything was fine that morning (as I know me, myself, a photographer will check to make sure everything is working before even leaving the house!) and on top of working with me, she had 3 more clients that day. She tapped away into her phone before the man with the Canon, named Alexander, popped in once more.

Overhearing she had to work for fashion week that day, Alexander, 'Alex', straight up offers his camera to her, with no expectations. At first, Elena refuses, even at some point offering money herself to borrow his camera. He says no and then asks for one thing in return. If she ever needed an assistant and just had the time to give him a few tips, and he was not a professional photographer, that would be the next best thing. I honestly have to say that meeting Alex and his friend Amelia the way that I did was something you don't have happen to you every day. What are the odds we'd all be in the same camera repair store in the heart of London on some random weekday in the middle of the afternoon and for this to occur? It's as if as just when I start to think that the world is just crazy and that's that, an angel descends down to earth and I mean... wow. I am still so touched by one person's kindness. All thanks to an Alexander in London, my first shoot was a success!

Photos by: Elena Gola

LOVE & XX'S,

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Crazy Indigo Courageousness

January 12, 2018

WEARING: CHICO'S PETITE DENIM TRENCH COAT | 
ASSEMBLY NEW YORK STANDARD BLACK BELT COAT | EGO SKYE KITTEN HEEL SOCK BOOT
 IN NAVY BLUE | ALLES FRINGE BUCKET BAG | ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL DATE VINTAGE WATCH |
 14TH & UNION MULTIPLE HOOP EARRINGS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY EGO SHOES.

“You know, sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage. Just literally 20 seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come out of it.”

— Benjamin Mee

I wrote this in a caption on Instagram about a week ago. And I wanted to talk more about the significance of stepping out of your comfort zone and yes, sometimes doing things that might seem crazy at the time, but somehow always manage to bring something great out of it in return. Recently, I was having a conversation about this with a close girlfriend and how this applies to everything in life. From relationships to work, when was the last time you did something that was considered 'safe' and was rewarded for it? You know what I'm talking about. That job that pays the bills and gives you security but you hate it... that relationship you're in that sort of makes you happy but not entirely... because there's still something missing... or that trip you took and planned a thorough itinerary (don't get me wrong, it's good to make plans regarding any kind of travel) instead of letting go and getting lost, discovering hidden gems along the way. I find that especially when it comes to visiting a new place, to just let it flow... the unexpected always brings great adventures (and stories) out of it.

Now to the bit more complicated: Relationships. Ugh. As I mentioned during the conversation with my friend, "How many love stories have you heard of that was logical and easy?" Because to me, the greatest love stories aren't happily-ever-after fairytales. They are NOT those couples that gush and proclaim, "We never fight" or "We met and that was it." A deep love is extremely rich in an assortment of complications and takes a shit ton of work. Think about it. What's braver, fighting for what you want regardless of how 'sticky' the situation may be or just letting it pass, just like a wind, without a care in the world? Because whether it's a friend, lover or something more, these kinds of loves don't come around very often. It's not as if you can just hop on the next train or another great love, so to speak. To be willingly committed to someone or something takes true strength and courage. You can't cop out because it's too hard or you're too chicken shit.

Now... have I ever run from something truly great? Oh, you betcha. Why? The one and only single reason: FEAR. Running away doesn't solve your problems, in fact, I sometimes think they'll become greater if you don't face them. And it doesn't matter what it is, but I think it's so important to stand up for what you believe in and to never avoid/digress in that feeling. I never once had the emotion of fear bring me anything except pain and regret. Even if you think you can't, trust me... you can! For me, it's always been mind over matter and you can set out whatever your heart desires. But you have to be the one to take the first step. Remember, if you want BIG rewards, you better be willing to take even BIGGER risks.

What are your thoughts on today's post? Is it better to take chances, carry a big set of balls and crazily just going for it in life or to be reasonable, taking precautions and/or only dipping your feet in the water (instead of jumping in, full throttle)? I want to know what you think! Leave your comments below. I've been getting a ton of responses to these navy blue sock booties by Ego Shoes. You can shop them HERE or down below in the "SHOP THE LOOK" section. If you haven't heard about the UK shoe brand, you best get to their site NOW! www. ego.co.uk Have a fantastic weekend, everyone! :)

LOVE & XX'S,

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Chico's Women's Indigo Rain Petite Denim Trench Coat, Size: 1P

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Watch Women's

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12 Memories, 12 Years in New York City

January 5, 2018

WEARING: FOREVER 21 MOHAIR SWEATER  |
ASSEMBLY NEW YORK STANDARD BLACK BELT COAT | ODETTE & ODILE BANKSY BLACK | 
LEVI'S WINTER WOOL BERET | LEVI'S 711 ALTERED SKINNY JEANS | 
ZEALMER STATEMENT HUMAN FACE SHAPED EARRINGS | ANGELINA SHOETIQUE OTK BOOTS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY ODETTE & ODILE.

Happy Friday, guys! I'm working from home and am sick as a dog. Completely congested, puffy-eyed, stomach ache and all, I still managed to crank out a post dedicating the past 12 years of living in New York City! (Cuz I'm a true f*Ck&ng New Yorker!) It's still hard to believe, but I wouldn't have made it this far without hard work, kindness and then some. I did a bigger post on my ten year anniversary (here and here) showcasing lessons learned from being here along with what kind of adventures I did to celebrate such an occasion. However, because of a bomb cyclone, freezing temps and not being in top physical shape, the idea of venturing outside to do anything is not exactly appealing right now. We did go shoot this out in the snow yesterday after the storm calmed down, and yes I froze my patooty off from it. But being from the Midwest and with the power of makeup, it wasn't so bad freezing while sick to enjoy the winter wonderland. So today's celebration is 12 memories I wanted to share since being in New York 12 years ago today.

1. My first night living in New York, I went out with one of my roommates and her friends. We went everywhere from McSorley's to Le Souk to Brass Monkey and eventually ending the night in Koreatown with the last ones standing, chowing down on some late night Korean grub. I remember even having Tteokguk (떡국) or sliced rice cake soup which is a traditional Korean dish that is eaten during the celebration of the Korean New Year. Even in my drunken haze, I wished for good luck from the rice cakes.

2. Why did I come to New York? To join the NYPD. I'm serious. But after having my heart broken back home, and now with the opportunity to start fresh and heal from the breakup in a completely new and exciting town, I was still very much a believer in love. And I did secretly hope to fall in love before I even came here. And you know what? About a year after being here, it happened. How did I know? After our first kiss. (which was on a cobblestone road in the wee hours of the night), and when he put me in a cab to go home, this sudden rush came over me. And you know how you hear people say it's nothing like they've ever felt before? That's the feeling I had.

3. During my days as a figure skating coach, I worked for a non-profit organization that provided skating lessons to inner-city girls that would most likely never be exposed to a sport like this. And there was one particular student who was troubled and came from a tough background. I also photographed for the Org and one day while shooting she came up to me and started asking questions about my camera. When I finally asked her interest in photography, she told me she'd probably never get far doing anything with it. I told her that was complete bullshit and that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. Sure enough, she is older now and in college, but making moves and is a working photographer. We even bumped into each other in the middle of the street a few years ago where I commended her for her work and growth. It always brings such a smile to my face and I hope I had some sort of influx to her life.

4. One of the greatest secrets in New York is a place called Fire Island. It's about 2 hours away from the city and thanks to a dear friend for introducing it to me, it holds a special place in my heart. It's one of those places where you feel you're thousands of miles away from home but you're a hop, skip and a cab back into the city. Many memories of Rocket Fuel's, lobster dinners, badminton and long perfect days on the beach. It's been a few years since I've been back and I sure do miss it!

5. If you know me, you'll know my deep passionate obsession with opera. I've been heavily involved since I was a teenager and anytime I visit the Met here in New York is such a treat. But the most memorable moment was when my husband proposed to me after an evening of Tosca and just as I was about to tell him I was profusely starving after taking countless photos of me at the parterre (plus we hadn't had dinner yet and it was a late show) he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Definitely one of those nights for the books.

6. On a particularly early morning, I got off at Grand Central and started to head to work before I was stopped by a production company telling me I couldn't go anywhere as they were in the middle of shooting a scene for a movie. When they told me it'd be about twenty minutes before I could pass, I decided to book it in hopes that no one would notice tiny ole' me. As I started to look back thinking I was in the clear I smacked directly into a rather tall gentleman, who turned out to be Will Smith, who was shooting I am Legend at the time. He was very kind and no damage done because I managed to make it to work on time that day! One of the coolest celebrities I've ever crossed paths with.

7. In 2012, I lost my dad to a massive heart attack. I was crushed. About six months after, my husband and I decided on adopting a dog together but every shelter we went to didn't have any puppies. And as a first-time dog owner, I really thought it was best to raise the pup from the beginning. After countless disappointing visits, my husband decided to take us out on a day trip to a German Shepherd breeder "just to look" at puppies, given that this has always been my favorite breed. My father and I have always had a connection to these type of dogs. And this is where we met MaQ and brought him home with us on the very same day! It's probably my favorite memory in the past ten years. I literally cried tears of joy on the way home, it was the happiest moment ever.

8. Through Air BnB, I found an amazing cottage upstate in the Catskills where in between moving apartments in the city, we sought refuge up there, where there was a ravine adjacent to the house that would lead you to a sinking swimming hole. The water was so clear (and freaking cold) but our visit was well spent. I think my favorite memory from being up there was our last night when the power went out from a storm, and my husband and I sat out on the porch with candles and just talked all night, taking photographs and playing with the pup. It was perfect and so simple.

9. It took up to five years to have my debut novel traditionally published, but after a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, I will always cherish that moment of holding the first copy of the paperback in my hands. I spent four years writing it (with three jobs, a social life and then some) and another year getting countless rejections before anything happened. So it just goes to show that if you really want something bad enough, you better be willing to work your ass off for it and you better be PATIENT.

10. After about a ten-year career in figure skating (20+ if you count in the training), I gave it all up to start a new career in digital media and entered the Wild Wild West world of blogging. I remember that fleeting moment when I made that decision and thought, "Oh my gosh, was this stupid? Did I just make a huge mistake doing this?" Sure, it was really tough to walk away from skating - it was something I truly loved, but staying comfortable wasn't my idea of learning and in return, growing into becoming a stronger and better person. So the memory of jumping off that cliff so to speak will never fade. Sure, at first I was scared but any act of courage will bring out something good. I promise. It wasn't that long ago when I started out and thought, "I'll never work with a brand like so and so", or, "an opportunity like that will never happen to me" and here I am now working with global brands and am being presented insane opportunities I never even dreamed of!

11. During my second season at NYFW, I got photographed by street photographers over a vibrant green apple bag. It was such a frenzy that I literally lost my goody bag from one of the shows in midst of the commotion! But in return, I was featured in WWD and Getty Images. I remember a sweet colleague who sent me a DM on Instagram saying she saw me in the street style section in WWD and I was over the moon! Any fashion/style blogger knows the high of not only getting photographed but featured in an editorial magazine of that caliber.

12. Last but not least, probably one of the best highlights of my career from the past year was doing my first commercial with L'Oreal and La Roche Posay! This memory taught me so much, as it was a day to be engaging, supportive, patient, and most importantly, fun! As nervous as I was, even at times thinking, "I'm not so sure if I can do this", I did it and actually really enjoyed myself! It also taught me to always challenge myself because the best thing you can still do for yourself is to surprise yourself.

We are capable of so much more than we think we are capable of doing and I can promise you from all the memories that have been made from the past 12 years, both good and bad, from living in New York, is this: Keep going and keep pushing. Never let someone or something try to define you. You are you and that is your power. Now go and do you! :)

LOVE & XX'S,

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ASSEMBLY NEW YORK STANDARD BLACK BELT COAT

Zealmer Statement Human Face Shaped Earrings Hollow Out Dangling Color Gold Stud Earrings

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Green Oasis in a Concrete Jungle

October 27, 2017

WEARING: s a k u NEW YORK FLOREAL EMBROIDERED SLIP DRESS |
UNIQLO HEAT TECH TURTLENECK | MAD-STYLE ROCK & ROLL CROSS BODY BAG | 
MAUMERO HANNAH ANKLE BOOTS | LAST CALL PEACOCK EARRINGS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY s a k u New York.

The motif behind Korean designer, Lissa Koo's work is both the chic New York sense and the easy, breezy West Coast atmosphere. While being a unique, never-seen-before style, saku New York offers clothes that are ready-to-wear and easily approachable for anyone. Pursuing both sportiness and femininity simultaneously, saku New York showcases silhouette apparel that greatly emphasizes women’s beauty along with comfortable fabrics that allow easy movement. The last of the three features with s a k u New York from the past week, a garden feel in the concrete jungle, this floral embroidered dress on the blog today is just that: there's a lot going on with lots to attend to but I still feel beautiful and yes, feminine. (Shocker in my "style vocabulary" ha ha ha!) Continue reading to see how I deal with feeling and looking positively radiant even if what's going on around me is completely chaotic and never-ending (or so it seems...)

Like a garden, what doesn't grow will die. And like in a garden, there will be setbacks: stubborn plants/flowers that will require higher maintenance, furry rodents trying to steal and ruin your crop, and yes, even those dry spells and perhaps even worse, when it rains... it really pours time period(s). Time and effort are an automatic given, and just in self-care, no matter how crazy your life can get, it is so important to give that time and effort to yourself. Sure, I love to see my friends and colleagues but I love my alone time just as much. In fact, I need it. Otherwise, I'd probably lose my mind. I got to have that in order to sort things out in my head and trust me, there's a lot going on up there at the moment. And I've always believed in that if you really want to grow, you've got to figure it out on your own and really, and I mean, really know what you want. Don't be compromising of that.

You also have to keep your eye on the prize. But just like that garden, that will get messy and hard to upkeep from time to time, you have to be able to see the bigger picture. Because like everything else in life, and yep, even when it comes to taking care of yourself, it's never an easy ride. It's more like an upside down topsy-turvy rollercoaster if you ask me. But, no matter how awful or how hopeless the ride seems to get, remember you can get off that ride at any time. But if you're not a quitter like myself, just hold on to that "Holy, shit!" handle and brace yourself until the ride ends. Because it eventually will. I can whatever metaphor all day long, but you know after any storm comes the rainbow right? I know, but it's true. Hang in there, my friend!

Lastly, aside from 'me' time and seeing the bigger picture, don't forget to embrace your beauty amidst the chaos. Yes, you're probably tired, frustrated, stressed, maybe all three: but it's all about the energy you carry. Believe in the best of yourself and the other not-so-great reminders we have daily will slowly start to melt away. Every day I wake up and when I see myself in the mirror I try to reflect on the positive parts of myself rather than the negative. Instead of thinking, "My god, I look awful, I hate my nose, I wish it were smaller, instead start looking at the parts you, in fact, love about yourself. Maybe, "Wow, I never noticed how long and lush my eyelashes are," or, "That scar may be permanent, but it doesn't define who I am nor does it make me any less beautiful." In fact, I think these chaotic imperfect attributes are what makes some of the most beautiful people in the world. Think about it, you ever deeply love someone who was perfect? Yeah... my thoughts exactly.

LOVE & XX'S,

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s a k u New York Floral Embroidered Slip Dress

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Running with Scissors

October 25, 2017

WEARING: SAKU MUSTARD YELLOW LACE TOP | LEVI'S 711 ALTERED SKINNY JEANS | 
FOREVER 21 BURGUNDY FAUX LEATHER ANKLE BOOTS | SEPCOEUR PARIS SUEDE DRAWSTRING BAG

HAIR CUT + COLOR: TAYLOR & DAVID ADAMS FROM FOURTEEN JAY & AVEDA.

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY s a k u New York.

Ever willfully act in a reckless, foolish, and/or dangerous manner? Alluding to the literal act of running with a pair of scissors in one's hand, which can cause severe injury, yet for whatever reason, one keeps running around with 'em and that is without a doubt stupid. But why? Most might say, it's easy. You just don't know any better. You like to live dangerously. Maybe you just don't give a damn and don't want to stop. But I don't think everything is that crystal-clear either though. Sometimes you have to dig deeper in search of the answer as to why. I'd say my blatant honesty are those pair of scissors sometimes, and that first cut can be rather sharp. I am fiery and passionate even impetuous at times, especially when emotions are running high. Especially in matters of the heart.

I'm an all or nothing type of gal. I never half-ass in anything I do, if I'm in it - I am all the way, 100%. This applies to all sorts of relationships, either professional or personal. But those very personal ones? I have to be into you. No, it doesn't have to be a romantic relationship, this also relates to friendships, to even companies/brands I work with. The relationship has to be REAL. And it should go both ways, so if I'm interested in them then it should be equally reciprocated. How else are you going to build what you have together? Is there such a thing as mutual interest though? Or is it always one having a little bit more of an interest than the other? I think that's what makes relationships unique and difficult simultaneously. And when you find those rare, great ones, they're all the more special.

On another scissoring-note, the cut of this ribbed top by s a k u New York is my latest fave! The mustard yellow is not a normal color hanging up in my closet and I am completely obsessed with the lace detail on the front and back end of the top! s a k u New York is one of my favorite Korean clothing brands. The designer, Lissa Koo, never plays it safe - as do I - on top of her talent and creativity. And I think playing it safe in life isn't the best approach either. You've got to be a little reckless and wild to be free. Because it will open you up to so many amazing things! So I say run with those scissors from time to time. Just don't intentionally hurt anyone with them.

Do you ever feel like you've got those pair of scissors around you too? What do you do to get them to 'disappear' and have it more 'together'? Is there a way to do that with a fiery and passionate person like myself? Because I'm pretty difficult to tame... and who's to say frankness is such a terrible trait to have? I'm always saying, so long as you're not hurting yourself or others, I'm fine with it. So scissors, honesty, schmonesty - just don't be deliberate in causing pain. I'd love to hear your insights on today's topic! Comment down below and follow me on Instagram for more of my everyday life. See you guys back here on Friday!