#modafresca

[fashioncreativebynatali-blog]

Ahora sí a estrenar, con este modelo en transparencia y escote corazón. Que esperas aparta ella tuyo. #vestidocorazón #modamexicana #modafresca #moda #dress #dressheart (en Fashion Creative BY Natali)

[ocelote-moda-blog]

Un estílo de vida...

La simplicidad es la forma más compleja de expresión. Ocelote materializa esta premisa a través de prendas básicas con cortes limpios y simples, que parten del estudio de la proporción y geometría del cuerpo para crear un producto que conjuga comodidad, diseño de vanguardia, y calidad de materiales. La marca expresa un concepto fresco y revitalizado de los básicos del guardarropa: productos versátiles, accesibles, conscientes del cuerpo y de sus cinco sentidos. Ocelote es una solución a las necesidades modernas de mujeres y hombres urbanos, irreverentes y creativos, que buscan propuesta y calidad en las prendas en las que invierten.

[luxmobilegroup]

Bringing Back Hammer Pants

                                                                                                                                                                                     Tank and Purse: Target, Pants: Ivy & Leo, Shoes: Jessica Simpson from NordstromRack, iPhone Case: MobilExpressions at Target, Bracelet: Century 21 (NYC), Necklace: Bebe (SF), Earrings: SisStyle.net, Cross Bracelet: LOTUS

Are you a child of the 80's? I am! If you are, then you probably remember wearing Hammer pants (or at least laughing at people who did). Hammer pants, yes, as in M.C. Hammer. These aren’t traditional Hammer pants (since they aren’t tapered at the bottom), but they most definitely favor the 80's throwback trousers. Who would have thunk that 30 years later they’d be baaaack.  I was in the nail salon last week and a girl came in wearing these pants. After staring at her for about 20 minutes, I finally asked where she got them. She told me that she got them about 3 months ago at Ivy & Leo (a little boutique in CLT, NC). I was pretty bummed, because boutiques don’t usually carry many of any one item, and I was convinced that they would be gone by now. But, I was curious, so I drove there immediately after leaving the salon. I walked in 3 minutes before closing, went right to the pants rack, and (…cue dreamy music…) there they were. One left, and in my size. Clearly, it was meant to be. I got them on Friday and wore them out on Saturday night. Annnd, here I am again, wearing them again today. I can’t be stopped. I love them.

[fashioncreativebynatali-blog]

Vestido de noche color verde menta, manga de 3/4, ¡Empezamos el dia con modelos de Vestido! #vestido #verde #vestidomenta #modamexicana #modafresca (en Fashion Creative BY Natali)

[fashioncreativebynatali-blog]

Blusa campesinas para Septiembre. #méxico #modamexicana #modafresca #blusacampesina #septiembre (en Fashion Creative BY Natali)

[fashioncreativebynatali-blog]

Ideal para lucir, tus bellos hombros, blusa campesina en varios colores como Rojo, Amarillo, Negro, Azul Eléctrico... #redtshirts #modaenpuebla #modafresca #hechoconamor #blusaroja #blusacampesina (en Fashion Creative BY Natali)

[luxmobilegroup]

Gadget Envy

                                                                Romper: Bebe, Blazer: LOTUS, Shoes: Jessica Simpson

, Watch: Michael Kors, iPad Case: Mobilexpressions from Target

I was so inspired by all of the red in the burning fall foliage around me that I busted out this blazer (you know… to pay homage to the seasons and all). Well…. that’s a lie. It sounded good though, right? Really artsy. Like I am one with my surroundings and tuned in to all of the beauty in nature. That’s all a little grandiose though, huh? I just wore a red blazer yesterday, took some blog pictures, and then realized that my blazer matched the leaves in the back drop. Bonus.

Couple of things:

1. I am wearing a one piece. Yup, pants and shirt in one. This little romper do-da is perfect for when you don’t feel like getting dressed (but societal pressures and laws against indecent exposure force you to). It is very comfy and convenient. It’s not so perfect if you don’t like having to get almost completely naked to pee. Not so convenient then.

2. Check out my new iPad case. Why? Because it is in…wait for it…ROSE GOLD. Whaaaat? I mean, think about it, you carry your iPad around everywhere. Why not have it match your arm party? This case resembles the Michael Kors rose gold case, but (and here’s the best part) you can get this one at Target for about…ugh, $100 cheaper. Get you some. These pictures don’t do the color justice. It’s a really pretty pinkish gold. Guaranteed to give all your techie friends gadget envy.

[luxmobilegroup]

High Maintenance Bar Fly

                              Blazer: Vestique, Skirt and Earrings: The Limited, Tank: Nordstrom, Shoes: Guess, Watch: MK, Necklace: Charlotte Russe, Planner: My Agenda, iPhone Case: Target

Let me start off by saying that I am currently in a bar (it’s where I pretty much stay during football season)…with my laptop plugged into the wall via an extension cord (that the manager of the bar was kind enough to get for me from the back). Before you say a word I’ll admit it, that’s a pretty high maintenance move. (“Hi….do you guys have a plug near any tables? Oh…no. Um…do you think I could get that table in the corner and get an extension cord if you have one? Great…thank you so much. I really appreciate it.”) I don’t look as stupid as you may think though since many other people have their laptops out too (making their fantasy football draft picks). I am not picking what wide receiver I am going to run with for the season though. I am blogging and editing photos from a photo shoot I did with a family of (addddooooorrrraaaaabbbbblllleeeee) triplets last weekend. The “Man-Friend” and I had a date night last night, so I didn’t edit any and I hate to make people wait for me. So…here I am. In a bar, with my laptop, sitting next to a wall, with a bright orange extension cord….drinking a tequila martini (with muddled jalapenos in it…I know. I am a beast). And it doesn’t suck. Want to know what else does not suck? Wearing 3 different shades of the same color. Here I have on Carolina blue, turquoise blue, and gray-blue. But, enough about the clothes. Let’s discuss this necklace. HOLY BAH-GEEEZUS. I love it. It is one of the purchases I am most proud of. I found it 5-6 years ago (before bib necklaces were really a “thing”) in the mall at Charlotte Russe. Never heard of it? Yeah, that’s because you are not 12 years old. Admittedly, it is a store for a muuuuuch younger demographic than yours truly. I go in from time to time though because they have super cheap shoes and accessories. I’ll occasionally find a cute tank or sweater, too. Don’t get it twisted, I am not above shopping at stores aimed at high-schoolers…half of everything I own is from F21, it’s just that you have to be careful. You have to know what you can get there and what to stay away from (it’s a fine line at times). There is nothing worse than a woman who is 30+ looking like tripped and fell into the closet of a 6th grader. There has got to be a way to hold onto your youth without looking like a tool. Right???? 

[luxmobilegroup]

Champagne Problems & a Cool Skirt

          This skirt was the best part of my day. Today kind of…how do I put this??? Umm…sucked. I know that I am blessed beyond measure, that life is good, and that I am incredibly fortunate. I know that it could ALWAYS be worse, and that my worst is more amazing than some will ever experience. I just had a crappy, Monday. So…I am going to shut up and spare you. I am going to breathe, go outside, get some perspective, and hit the “reset” button. Nobody likes to hear a girl with first world problems complain. At least I know I don’t.

Oh, before I go. This skirt is awesome, right. I HEART it. It’s soft, stretchy, comfortable, unique, and only $48.00. So…get you some.

[luxmobilegroup]

Let's Talk Skincare...

Laurie told Brie, who told me, who told Theresa, Barb, AND Carrie about Alyson at Calabretta. Women like to talk about things, people, and places that they love. Well, some women like to keep that stuff to themselves, but I don’t trust those women…give it up girls, we are all in this together. That is how I found out about and started seeing Alyson. As you know (if you are a regular reader of this here blog), I have intentionally spent this summer OUT of the sun. I had some discoloration (a.k.a: hyper-pigmentation) on my face, it looked ridiculous, and I got scared of skin cancer, wrinkles, and of looking like a hoochie (in my humble opinion, too tan and too blonde…never good). So 2 months ago, I started seeing Alyson Lowe (an ahhh.mazzzzing esthetician) and going to Calebretta Cosmetic Surgery Center for treatment. She set me up with some products (face wash, bleaching creme, and retinol) and a monthly micro-peel. It has changed my skin completely. I now get lots of random compliments on how great my “make-up” is even though (up until my little trip to Laura Mercier last weekend) I hadn’t changed a thing about my make-up. She has also been a saving grace for some ladies I know who were battling breakouts/acne. I didn’t dish the dirt on Calabretta at first, because I didn’t really think you guys cared too much. Buuuuut…I have gotten a half a dozen e-mails asking me questions (about what I’m getting done, who is doing it, what products they gave me, etc.). So here it is…

Alyson Lowe

Calabretta Cosmetic Surgery Center

1918 Randolph Rd. Suite 850

Charlotte, NC 28207

704-444-5800

www.calabrettacosmeticsurgery.com

(In case you're in the Charlotte area)

A peel as part of treatment for acne costs about $75, and the peel I get to help with hyper-pigmentation is about $70 (and you really should go about once a month if you can swing it). The products that you can buy start to run up your tab, so be conscious of what you are buying. Ask what you really “need” to help you out, versus, what brands you can buy over the counter. Alyson will be honest with you. She is great. She is sweet, gorgeous, fun, down-to-earth, and has phenomenal skin to boot. She actually told me that if I referred someone I would get $25 off of my next service…so GO. HA! Just kidding. I’m going to give my discount to you (hold the applause, please). If you are a first timer there and you tell her that you were referred by me, or ModaFresca then you will get $25 off of your first visit.

ENJOY!!

Oh yeah, and since this is a personal style blog. This is what I wore today. 

[luxmobilegroup]

Trending. Big Bun, Big Butt

Shirt: Target, Skirt: Forever 21, Shoes: ShoeDazzle, Bag and Watch: Michael Kors, Earrings: Marthe Pinaire, Bracelet: Stella & Dot (creme), Century 21 in NYC (black and turquoise), Belt: Aldo Accessories, iPhone Case: Mobilexpressions for Target

I’m not sure if I am “trendy” or “classic” as it pertains to my overall style, but I know for sure that the whole concept of mixing prints, stripes, polka dots (etc.) with things that they (in the classic sense) have no business being paired with…well, that’s a trend. And it’s a big one (oh…and yes, I know you should not start a sentence with the word “and”, but this is a blog, so I do it anyway…most people don’t know when to use “I” or “me” in a sentence, so hold your judgment for someone who deserves it). This trend may not be around for long, but it’s not going anywhere soon (at least through the fall and winter of this year <from what I can tell>). So, this is my take on the whole mixing prints trend. It is easy to do when you are dressing casually, but a little more difficult when you have to go to a 9-5 in Corporate America. I got a few funny looks today, but I kind of feel like if I don’t get one or two over the course of a day (in my buttoned-up work environment) then I have failed.  So, what do you think of the trend? Yay or Nay? My vote…a resounding YAY!

[luxmobilegroup]

Big Southern Hats & A Throwback Photo

                                                                                                                               Romper: LOTUS, Hat: Ralph Lauren, Shoes: Some random street shop in NYC, Watch: MK, Phone Case: Mobilexpressions from Target, Necklace: Stella & Dot

1. So…yeah…I have a hat on in these pictures, and yes, I really wore it around. I got it a few years ago for a “Hats & Heels” fundraising event and then wore it a month later for a “Hats & Heels” themed bridal shower. What can I say? Southern women love their hats (it’s a quality about Southern women that I love…”Bless their hearts” <only chicks South of the Mason-Dixon line will get that>). This thing has sat on the top shelf of the closet in my guest room since August of 2010, but everytime I go to donate it…I just can’t bring myself to do it. It’s one of those items that makes me think…”What if I want to wear it again? What if I need to wear it again? Well, I did it. I wore it again. It’s practical…it keeps the sun out of my eyes, covers up a bad hair day (or a forehead zit), and it’s fun. When you put a hat on like this, you can’t help but be in a good mood. You have a floppy brim in your face and a huge flower on your head. It is impossible to take yourself too seriously with all of that going on. So, if you ever get the chance, buy and wear a floppy hat for the hell of it. You won’t regret it. Well…you might, but hey, it probably won’t be the most embarrassing thing you have ever done.

2. Speaking of embarrassing, some of my girlfriends from High School have been posting throwback pictures on Facebook lately. I’ll admit it, I am an “UNTAG”ER (especially when someone posts old pictures)…I will untag a photo so fast that it will make your head spin. Seriously, if it were an Olympic sport…I’d be wearing GOLD around my neck on a patriotic-themed ribbon! Don’t get me wrong, I loved High School. I had great friends, made a ton of memories, and had a boyfriend (who I adored). He was hot, athletic, artistic, 2 years older, and adored me (when we weren’t in some ridiculous high-school argument). We were together (on and off) from the time I was 13-18 yrs old. I thought he was beautiful (and I spent a lot of time wondering what on EARTH he saw in me). I hated the way I looked, but most of all I hate looking at those photos (or being tagged in them), because I HATE the way I felt about myself back then. In HS, I was nice, and fun, but (looking back…I think) I felt like I had to be. Even if I wanted to be a B!$%H I thought that was a luxury only pretty, skinny girls had. If I was in a bad mood, hurt, embarrassed, or angry, you’d rarely know it. I was REALLY insecure, but most of the time I hid it. I was chubby, had MAJOR body image issues (including the size of my forehead, eyebrows, the zits on my face, braces on my teeth, my waistline <or lack thereof>, and my big boobs <they just made me feel fat and frumpy>). I am not alone. I know that now…but looking around those halls back then, all I saw were the girls I wanted to be. I used to actually think that pretty, skinny girls had NO problems. I thought that, because MY mind was consumed by negative thoughts about my body and face, so if you looked like them, your mind must be free to think about awesome things…like, “what am I going to wear today”? I used to think about how fun it would be if you could “enjoy” getting dressed. I hated getting dressed. I wore big t-shirts (layering 2 at a time so they didn’t cling to my fat rolls as easily), big jeans, over-sized sweaters, long hippie skirts, and…(well, that about covers it). Sometimes when I talk about that stuff with friends that I have now, they look at me like…”Shut up…you were not like that…you love clothes, and wear whatever you want. Good God, you have a blog full of pictures of yourself. You are NOT nor were you EVER self-conscious…I just can’t see it”. Well….let me tell you…I got to a point where I was SICK of feeling that way. I stopped thinking “who am I to wear that, or say that, or feel that, or BE that” and I started just slowly, creating my own definition for myself. It’s a pretty powerful thing knowing that you can CHOOSE to do that at anytime. You just have to “fake it ’til you make it”. I used to have to make a conscious effort to walk tall…now I just do it. I am still not “skinny” (but I no longer want to be either), I still get zits, I still hate my boobs half the time, and I still get “pretty girl envy”, but now (for the most part) I am free. This blog is a way to share, to show that fashion is for normal chicks, and hopefully to inspire some good feeling or idea. I hope it does not come off as some mindless, random girl just posting pictures of outfits. I hope it does a bit more than that. Actually, whatever…I hope it does whateverthehellitis that you want it to do. Wow…that got a lot deeper than I intended.

So, in case you were wondering…here it is…

                                                             Age 16: Half a lifetime ago…crazy to think about

[luxmobilegroup]

Blonde Werewolf

Blazer: Forever 21, Skirt: Target, Shoes: Jessica Simpson from T.J.Maxx, Necklace: Pink & Blue, Watch: MK, Purse: ShoeDazzle, Earrings: SisStyle, iPhone Case:Mobilexpressions from Target

1. I got a micro-peel today. I got my first a month ago to try to combat all of this sun damage (a.k.a- hyper-pigmentation) that I inflicted upon myself over the last 10 years…while, lifetime really. I have always loved a good tan (I mean…REALLY loved), but I am trying to undo years of being a dummy, so today I got my face scraped off…again. It actually feels pretty awesome, and does not hurt at all, but it does leave your face feeling oddly sensitive. This wind felt like the breath of God on me. It felt really crazy. I have no hair on my face now, and if you know me, you know I am basically a blonde werewolf. I have been working to change my evil ways over the last month though. I have not left the house even once without SPF 50 on my face. Although…I have never been this pasty white in the dead of summer and I am struggling with it. Gotta stay strong…I really don’t want to end up looking like THIS. Do you?

2. I realized while posting tonight, that this is a really affordable outfit. I got the shoes on sale at T.J.Maxx for $25.00 (a couple of years ago), the blazer for $24.00 at F21, and the skirt for about $20.00 at Target. The tank is old, but I guarantee I did not pay more than $8.00 on it. I refuse to pay for tank tops. Seems like a waste of money that could just as easily go towards something WAY more fun. Total cost for 4 pieces, $77.00. Not bad…not bad at all. Throw in the necklace and it’s still under $100! ZINGER!

3. When my boyfriend saw me after work tonight he said…”you look like a work of art”. Awww….so sweet, right? Well, it would have been really sweet if he meant that I looked breathtaking…like a timeless masterpiece, but I am pretty sure he just meant that my skirt looked like a painting. He probably meant to say…Why does your @$$ resemble a Monet?” Whatever….I’ll take it.

[luxmobilegroup]

Emerald City

Shirt and Skirt: The Limited, Shoes: Aldo (San Fran), Clutch: Pink & Blue, Necklace: Stella & Dot, Bracelets: LOTUS, Watch: Michael Kors, iPhone Case: Mobilexpressions at Target

“What’s up…Emerald City!” That is the first thing my friend, Nay-Nay (well, her name isn’t really, Nay-Nay…but then again, my name isn’t really Mi-Mi but that’s what she calls me) , said when she saw me at work today. I suppose it is fitting. I have had this turquoise skirt and jade/emerald shirt for about a year now, but I never though to wear them together until I saw a magazine article pairing the two. These photos make the colors look more similar than they are in real life. In real life, they do this cool, “we kind of clash, but we kind of match” thing. More of your “fashion forward” friends  may just “get it”, but the vast majority of everyone else….they are just going to think you got dressed in the dark. Oh well, such is life. I read a quote from Harry Winston today. It said, “People will stare. Make it worth their while.” I doubt that my clashing colors really made looking at me worth anyone’s while today, but I do like the concept of the quote. Just kind of boils down to “Do You”. People are always going to look, talk, judge, and have an opinion, so you may as well focus on making yourself happy.  You’re never going to make everyone happy…and remember, just because people (especially other women) are looking does not necessarily mean that they are thinking bad, or negative thoughts. They may just be complimenting you in their head. Of course, they may also be thinking that you look like a hot mess, but if they are thinking that then screw ‘em. You don’t need friends like that in your life. Right?

[luxmobilegroup]

Lame

                                                                                                                                                                        Pants: Express, Shirt and Clutch: Vestique, Shoes and Bracelets: Forever 21, Ring: Pink & Blue, Earrings: Marthe Pinaire, iPhone Case: Mobilexpressions at Target.

Today was beautiful…until the moment work was over…and then it down poured (naaaaturally).  We need the rain, blah…blah…blah. I get it. Buuuut… it jacks up traffic, my satellite T.V. shuts down (no Bravo or Ellen <what if Sophia Grace and Rosie were on today singing Nicki Minaj> miss that???…I’d rather die), oh…and my dogs refuse to go outside. As if that wasn’t all annoying enough, I had no other choice but to do a blog post in my dining room. That’s lame. Sorry.

I’m exhausted tonight, and have nothing of value to add. So, I am going to log off, and go to Lowe’s (for the 2nd time in 36 hours) to see just how much it is going to cost me to rip up this here carpet  and put down hardwoods. Wish me luck. I have a feeling I’m in for some serious sticker shock. Sometimes being a grown-up kind of sucks. I can think of one million (bazillion) things I’d rather be shopping for other than flooring.

Oh, this is what I wore today. Blue pants. Berry pink lace shirt. Floral heels. Doesn’t seem like it would all work together, but I don’t think it sucks. Do you? Go ahead, tell me…I can take it. 

[luxmobilegroup]

Victoria Beckham would never creep around a Parking Garage...

Shirt: Calvin Klein / Marshalls, Pants: Express, Shoes: Jessica Simpson, Purse: Pink & Blue, Watch and Wallet: Michael Kors, Bracelets: Target and Villa in Savannah, Earrings: Sis Style, Necklace: LOTUS, iPhone Case: Mobilexpressions from Target (c/o LuxMobile)

It's going to be blistering hot the next 3-4 days (over 100 degrees), so I decided to wear pants today since I probably wont for the rest of the week. Ok...that is a blatant lie. I did not think that far ahead. I wore pants today because I have not shaved my legs in 3 days (which for an Italian may as well be a fiscal quarter worth of hair growth). Admittedly bright red pants and leopard print are a bit much when paired together in copious amounts (see above), but I just wanted to...so I did. My hair was dirty, so I braided it and pulled it to the side. I actually got the idea for a side braid yesterday when I saw a photo of Victoria Beckham. Yup...wait for it...the...are you ready??? The Spice Girls are getting back together. Reunited and it feels so good. "So...tell me what you want...what you really, really want." She had her hair in this perfect side braid with volume on the top and just enough messiness to make it look effortless. I did not pull this look off, but I did manage to pull off a braid, so I've got that going for me. In order to pull off a Victoria braid I'd probably need a team of hairstylist fawning over my tresses. Annnd, since they are not lining up to do that anytime soon, I had to do it myself. Of course in order to really look like "Mrs. Bend it like Beckham", I'd have to fast for 40 days (or 40 years) and let's be honest...that ain't happening. AnyWHO, enough about that. These pictures are taken at the top of a parking garage in uptown Charlotte. I didn't leave uptown until almost 8pm, so I had to grab what little light was left. I must have looked like such a creeper just hanging out in a desolate parking garage. I am sure the garage guards got a kick out of watching me do this from the other end of the security cameras. I can hear them now..."Look at this girl thinking she is hot 'ish' taking pictures of herself". Jerks. Also, check out the article Digital Style Digest did about Lux Mobile's line of Mobilexpressions goodies available in Target.  They even included some pictures from this little ol' blog. BOO-YAAAAH!