Beso mi mucho

So in love with statement pieces such as the "impact" collar from Beso Beso Jewelry

It makes you feel that punk rock edginess but still simple and soft enough to wear subtly during the day.

This "killer" piece drew me into their brand and opened my eyes up to a lot of their precious jewels

Beso Beso Jewelry handpicks all the gemstones they use as well as hand craft each individual piece "for badasses and sweethearts alike". 

The LA-based brand is constantly dreaming up new jewelry concepts and putting out monthly collections. Beso Beso is currently working on a new re-branding concept as they continue to grow.

You can check their  Instagram here

Like their facebook page

& 

Shop at www.besobesobyluka.com

The Bags of Summer

Summer time bags must be Bright & Fun Colors, have Funky & Trendy Prints, be Beach Friendly, and able to hold all your summertime essentials... these are just a few of my favorites.

Cleobella Mexicana Clutch

This is my FAVORITE. Cleobella's handcrafted pieces straight out of Bali are impeccable. Each is handmade to perfection and comes in 15 different colors for any mood you're in. This little gem is an a must have. check out their Instagram or place your order at www.cleobella.com

Banago Totes

These hand-woven beach totes come in several awesome prints and are the beach bag essential. You can purchase these beauties at Nordstrom, but take a peek at their website www.ilovebanago.com to watch an awesome video on how they make their wonderful art. 

Joie Louisa- Louisa Tote in Aqua

I love the versatility of this tote a lot. You can totally take this to the beach or a weekend getaway to the Hamptons or even use this as a fun tote to carry all your essentials while thrifting in the East Village. Check out their website at www.joie.com

Brahmin Shopper Tote in Salsa

I stumbled upon this brand by accident and this is for a more sophisticated take on a summer tote. Perfect for carry the "bag within a bag" concept as well as a trendy airport carry-on. Brahmin makes this in several different colors as well as another print in Aztec.. all can be found at www.brahmin.com

Keeping it Casual

Nothing is more comfortable than a maxi dress, and better yet one with a sultry little slit. Today I chose to keep it simple but edgy, being it was 90 degrees out, I opted for a light cotton maxi.

These Kelsi Dagger heels are everything.

Absolutely perfect for casual work day or a night out on the town. Plus they are super comfortable so you barely feel like you're even wearing a heel.

I am head to toe dressed in pieces I purchased from Suite 201 in Ridgewood, NJ

Nombre Grey & White Stripe Maxi Dress

Blank NYC Oversized Denim Vest

Kelsi Dagger Heels

Meet the Newest Kid on the Block: Danielle G uizio

The Raddest Chick I've Come to Know is Danielle Guizio, this girl loves burritos, overcame a cancer scare, and branded the hell out of herself. She's making moves and she's moving fast. Her brand launched June 12, 2013 and I had the privilege to interview the super down to earth rising designer...but first peep her launch video, which made me fall in love.

What are the biggest influences in your designs?

DG: "Simply, our every day life. I get inspired by an array of places, people, music, and past and present eras. Just walking the streets of New York City and visually observing the way of life and fashion from Uptown to Downtown gets me super inspired. I also like to take notice to common interests, for instance my All Day I Dream About Burritos tee, I've been posting for years now on the Internet about my sick and sorry (and kind of embarrassing) Chipotle obsession. I see an entire following of people that respond and share that same exact interest with me. I love that because the way I look at it is like, "Oh sweet, I love this design and I want to wear it real bad and I know my mexican food cult will fucking drool over it as well." "

How did you come across branding yourself and what's the journey been like this far following the launch?

DG: "Creating this brand is something I've wanted to do since I was younger. When I was 10, I had this little book that I used to rip out shirt and pant clippings from magazines, cut and glue them onto the pages of exactly how I wanted the outfits to look instead. It's pretty odd to think about, but I guess it all kinda sorta makes sense now. In college I took business classes that helped me better understand the ins and outs of becoming an entrepreneur, from the risks to the rewards. More recently, I was faced with a serious cancer scare that really put everything in life into perspective. Thankfully after months and a surgery later I received the news that I'm healthy and cancer-free. That chunk of time taught me that life truly is short and if there are any goals you want to achieve, start working towards them today. The key turning point is when you realize that you want it more than you're afraid of it. I was tired of spending all my time thinking "Well..what if..", so I gathered up my ideas and turned them into actual things. The day I launched my line basically felt like I built up a whole shit load of courage/confidence, closed my eyes, ran off the deep-end diving board, held my nose, and hoped for the best. Everything is going extremely well so far and I'm so stoked for everyone to see what is to come!"

What is your longtime goal for your brand?

DG: "World domination. No, just kidding (kind of). Ok uh anyways......I find it important to always remain true to your brand's philosophy by not hoping on the band wagon and caving in to trends or mimicking others for the sake of a buck. It's important to me to stay loyal and passionate and also work my ass off each day (See Also: HU$TLE HARD LADIEZ). Remember that nothin' good comes easy!"

Sneak peek into what we can expect fall 2013?

DG: "It's a little teeny tiny secret but I promise it'll make you feel like the coolest gal in the room." 

Naturally I had to have the "Daddy Luvs Me" Cutoff, and it is killer. Super soft and fits perfectly (I ordered a small) it goes perfect with your favorite pair of cut offs or tucked in a maxi skirt or even some edgy boyfriend jeans. Danielle's personal style is so unique and she is definitely an urban style icon. Keep an eye out of Ms. Guizio it won't be long before homegirl is a household name. Best of luck to her and her new brand.

You can get your fix of DG on her website, www.DanielleGuizio.com

Add her on Instagram and Like her Facebook Page

Beach Day

Beach Bag Essentials Today:

Beach Read & Moleskine Journal

Blue Life Tunic

Lovecat Denim Shorties

RayBan Aviators

Pacifica Coconut Water Cleansing Face Wipes

Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunblock (protect your skin girls!)

NARS "Deep Throat" Blush

Smith's Rosebud Salve & Blistex SPF Chapstick

MAC Mascara  & Benefit's "Fake Up"

Bath & Body Works Body Spray "Twilight Woods"

simple and comfortable beach look

summer is here.

Featured as Moda Muse of the Week

Today I was featured as the Moda Muse this week for Modabound. 

I had no idea what this company was until I received an email explaining, 

"If you're not really familiar with Modabound, it's essentially a fashion Ebay for college girls to "shwop" (shop + swap) with eachother. For example, if you want to sell a maxi dress that you don't really wear anymore, you'd upload a picture to the website for girls in your network to see, and include sizing info, if it's gently worn, it's brand, and the price you'd like to sell it for. Then if someone wants to buy it, they message you through the sight and you meet up to exchange." says Blair Hirak, the company's social media marketer.

This is an awesome concept and I feel it's more direct with what you're looking for unlike Poshmark which is the worst app I have on my iPhone. 

Check them out at www.modabound.com

Instagram @modabound

And like their Facebook Page

Janna Appelstein: The Modern Egyptian Goddess

Janna Appelstein is the "eye" behind the Eye of JA, an incredible modern jewelry brand she created herself "by accident".

Janna was a natural born creative, she sat in her room cutting up old tshirts to make all different designs. When she ran out of tshirts she found an old box of buttons and charms while rummaging through her sister’s room, alas she was creating little masterpieces again. It was when she decided to hook fabric through some beads; she then stumbled upon a new style of ring making. She was gaining attention fast from her classmates at school when next thing she knew she was making them and giving them away. She started frequenting Bazaar Star Beadery in Ridgewood, NJ and found inspiration to take it up a notch with her signature hand chains.

Janna walked into Gypsy Warrior’s original tiny boutique in October 2011 wearing her very own hand chain, she caught the attention of both owners in which they asked where she purchased such an amazing piece in which she replied, “I made it”. Instantly, she began reproducing for Gypsy,  shortly after her designs were being sold and currently making about 50 custom pieces for them at a time.

After meeting with Janna, I fell in love with all of her creativity. in every single piece she creates, she adds a special touch; a tiny detail to make it more personable..like a small feather or evil eye perfectly etched into or dangling from a clasp. Janna loves the concept of a "modern goddess" playing up the ancient Egyptian timeless art while still remaining contemporary. Eye of JA is actually a play on the Egyptian sun god Ra, using her initials in place. 

Her jewelry is incredible from every single piece I had the privilege to try on (and purchase) I fell in love. The body and head chains are what I tended to gravitate to because it made me feel like I was Cleopatra or at least a distant cousin. Eye of JA jewels are a summer must-have for me, nothing dresses up tanned skin and a bikini more than some gorgeous body pieces not to mention all of the metals she uses are perfect for all different hair colors and skin tones. 

As for new collections, Janna says "she's making it up as she goes along" her free-spirit and creative brilliance is etched into every piece she makes. She currently is making bridal pieces for Kleinfeld's in Manhattan as well as appearing in the Henri Bendel trunk show this July. Janna Appelstein is the next big thing, you can find her pieces here at Eye of JA also her instagram @eyeofja

keep it simple.

Ray Ban Aviators

.

21 Boho Street Midi Rings

.

Gap Classic White T-shirt

.

Denim Lab Jeans

.

Thrifted Cardigan

.

White Hightop Chucks

Street Style : Cristina Simone

Meet Cristina Simone  of the East Village

While having known Cristina growing up she always had a style of her own. Now 20-somethings our style has evolved and i am completely enamored with her chic and almost effortless ensembles. I reached out to the Integrated Planner over at Saatchi & Saatchi last week to ask her some questions about her casual NYC look.

What's your summer street style inspiration?

C: "I can honestly say Tumblr gets me going. Every blog I follow is fashion related or sexy women/couples in bikinis or cuddling naked/almost naked. The romantic vibe is what I pull from. The blogs "What I'd Wear"and JJJJound are also where I get inspired."

Essentials for summer accessorizing?

C: "A classic pair of Ray Bans and nice leather strappy sandals (I bought two colors of these Madewell sandals and am in love with them- click here for Cristina's favorite sandal) They have been my go-to sandal for ever summer dress or a minimal tank and high waist shorts. in the summer you get sweaty so I tend to tone it down with thick costume jewelry and wear a simple black/gold watch and light gold chain necklaces. nothing looks better on a tan than gold jewelry (AMEN) Minimal makeup, but always mascara. i live by mascara."

How is fashion/your personal style incorporated with your job/workplace?

C: "Advertising is a creative space, and people, mostly creatives, tend to take fashion seriously. The funny part is, they dont look like they give a shit, but they do. Currently almost everyone is playing up the 90's grunge look of boyfriend jeans and an old T-shirt, but they class it up with nice loafers and a long thin chain necklace or delicate jewelry. i like that look a lot, but i have hips so i tend to wear waisted dressed that billow out. i get girly in the summer."

Favorite place you find your amaze finds that i love so much?

C: "Buffalo Exchange is my life, i sell my clothes there, get credit and buy more clothes there. Essentially I spend nothing on clothing. i do however, find most of jewelry by digging through flea markets and vintage fairs. There is SO much crap that is useless, but I'm patient and look for that one thing I know has got to be there. Almost every piece of jewelery i own is a $5 bargain bin piece that is worth way more than i paid. my real gold watch with a diamond in it cost me $10 at a fair because the strap was broken. $10 later at the shoe repair guy, i got myself a $20 gold watch." BOOM!

What would you say in terms of fashion advice is know when and wear? (pun intended)

C: "What I wear to work is generally more conservative and girly. What I wear out at night is edgier with either legs or chest shown off- never both, don't be a ho. What I wear to the park on a Saturday with my boyfriend is low-key with a hippy-vibe and a touch of skin. 

Any last closing advice?

C: "Loafers are the lazy girl's heels They won't hurt your feet but a classic pair make every look seem a bit more masculine, which gives the outfit a cool vibe- like heels turn an outfit more feminine."

Here are some of my favorite looks from Cristina's Instagram

In all of Cristina's outfit of the day posts she always tags who she is wearing, which I absolutely love. Also, how incredible is that arm cuff- She found that at a flea market in Rome....dying.

June Obsessions

seven amazing products that are beyond fabulous and completely necessary to my existence

my june obsessions


Glam Glow Super Mud Clearing Mask $69

woof! the price tag is a bit of a shocker to most people including myself for its 1.2 oz size, however the benefits easily cancel out the cost. it really is called "super mud" for a reason.. my face never looked so clean and pure after just one use. it has some type of vaccumm suction properties that literally suck out dirt and impurities from your pores aka "pore matrix technology"

the proof is there. this is absolutely a must have product for everyone, so invest! (you can also purchase this through amazon, but be careful of knockoffs and used products)


Bliss Ingrown Hair Eliminating Pads $38

Not everyones perfect, lets face it we all get ingrown hairs. with the warmer weather and tons of bare skin, this product was a no brainer for me. the effects are almost instant and its gentle chemical complex isn't harsh on your skin..even in those sensitives areas. Definitely keep these handy for bikini season


MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara $16.50

MAC's latest addition to their mascaras, is a total hit. it's smaller than their usual mascaras but do not be fooled..a little bit goes a long way with this product. the brush is thinner and smaller which really pulls the mascara through your eyelashes to give them a fuller and thicker look. the extended play is no joke either it's made for 16 hour wear. after tireless efforts to find myself the best mascara, my quest is finally over this will be a definite repeat purchase for me.


Bliss Fat Girl Slim Cream $36

before you get the wrong idea, i do not use this cream to remove cellulite magically. with that being said this awesome cream is supercharged with caffeine so globbing it on your legs right before your "leg day" workout is an absolute must. disclaimer: do not purchase this thinking that it will get rid of your cellulite..that only comes with hardwork and this is just an aid. i swear by this product before serious a squat workout (which every girl just loves) it makes your legs and booty just look well... "booti-ful"

Benefit's "Fake Up" $24

this is a hydrating concealer which is just so convient to keep in your purse or clutch at all times. it makes for quick and easy under eye touch up at any time of the day. i like to always have this on hand just in case i get a sudden blemish that needs to be covered in a hurry. it's made to conceal fine lines and dark circles, all the while moisturizing your skin with Vitamin E. it also comes in three different shades for all skin types. i use the medium because i feel its easily adaptable to my skin with or without a tan

Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens $10

these are just so so so so perfect! keeping these in my handbag was the best idea for summer. lets face it  as much as we try have our makeup look flawless and matte we just cannot beat the heat. these blotting linens are amazing, they absorb our natural skin oils while still leaving our makeup seemingly untouched. the best $10 you could spend this summer


Benefit's "Watts Up" $30

the illuminating highlighter, that i accidentally stumbled upon. sephora had given me this as a sample along with Benefit's "Yes, They're Real" Mascara and i swear "Watt's Up" was exactly everything i could ever want. I use it mostly to highlight my eye brow arch by swiping just a little on my brow bone just after doing my brows and it makes alllllllll the difference. the other side is meant for your cheekbones which i feel give such an adorable dewey look so suitable for summer. plus its small enough you can carry with you whenever you need a little illumination 

orange you glad i didn't say banana?

summer 2012 was certainly a yellow-filled summer. hues of mellow yellow were apparent in every aspect of fashion and beauty.

summer 2013 is here and what better way to display this summers trend by featuring MAC's newest line "All About Orange" Collection launching... TODAY!

i never thought of wearing bright orange lipstick, although i have always wanted to dare to try it out, i feared only nicki minaj could pull off this look so effortlessly. i was wrong... my personal favorite is "Sushi Kiss" (third one in from the right). these bright and fun hues are an awesome way to emphasize your gorgeous summer skin and give your pout a pop for a fun night out.

Keep your eyes peeled for a lot of orange and if you want to be bold... join the party