Slits and giggles:)

Fall has begun, officially marking this time "sweater weather". With mornings being typically cool and grey, what better than my Vintage Havana sweater with smiley faces all over it to cheer us up?For the warmer afternoons, though, there's slits in the back to allow the breeze (and maybe leaves) to flow through. Side note: no leaves have actually blown through yet, but i think it'll be fun when they do:) Can't wait! I coordinated it with a pair of studded black jeans and some 'good old' motorcycle boots. Oh, and if you look close enough, the smiley faces are made up of tiny little black and yellow hearts. Cute, Eh? Just a little fun fact to make your smile even bigger. I found this fun sweater at Lord and Taylor, so, run! don't walk and grab yourself one. Ciao for now my friends.

                                        top-Vintage Havana, jeans-Blank, Boots-Franco Sarto

Freckle feature of the month

I'm so excited to have my gorgeous friend Mercedes as my freckle feature for the month of September. As you already know I absolutely LOVE freckles, and my goal is to illuminate these beautiful "flaws" that so many of us are blessed with. I truly adore Mercedes' freckle pattern, or her 'constellation' as I like to call it. It's different, unique, fun and playful-- just like her. Similar to a majority of us, she used to get picked on and ridiculed for her different looks, effectually causing her to hate certain things about herself as a result. However, she's realized that while changing her physical appearance is out of the question, it's a far better policy to accept herself and all her beauty. You can even feel this positive energy when when you're in her presence. Whenever I see Mercedes her exotic gorgeousness radiates! I'm so proud of who she is and the refined person she's becoming. Happy to be freckle sisters with this Flawsome young lady.

Flawsome of the month!

My personal flaw for this month is more of a personality trait and less of a physical attribute. Since I can remember I've always been pretty quiet and shy. I don't like to "make waves" or engage in any type of confrontation. I have trouble voicing my thoughts, my feelings. Even as a little girl I remember wanting to speak up, but not being able to muster up the courage to do so, even at great cost to myself. I had and sometimes still have this immense fear of hurting others feelings, even if I'm hurting. So, I "beat around the bush", swallow my words, and sometimes I literally cant find the words to express myself. I go blank, kind of a "stage fright" thing. Not that I don't KNOW what I want to say, or even HOW to say it. I just don't want anyone to get hurt. Being this way has not served me, or others for that matter. I'm working on changing this flaw I possess. Not everyone will agree with what I say and how I feel, but i'm realizing that's not the point! To me, in order to turn this flaw into one of my flawsomes, I have to own it and use it to be a better person. So, I've been speaking up as my girl Wendy Williams(friend in my head) says, "say it like you mean it"! You don't have to like it, but as long as you can hear me, I'm finding happiness in that. Say it loud and say it proud! Flawsome!

 top-Forever21, jeans-Blank denim, shoes-Target(Mossimo)

NYC Nights

During my recent trip to NYC I wore the perfect 'run around town, have dinner, hang out' outfit. My fun baseball top expresses my feelings for NYC days and nights when I'm gone. There's nothing like a comfortable pair of jeans, wedge sneakers, studs AND sparkles, all in the same outfit. I was also fortunate enough to attend Tyra Banks and Udo Spreitzenbarth photo exhibition. With hair, makeup and fashion, Tyra became 15 of the most famous models and Udo captured it. It's amazing to see her transformation into these iconic women. To add a little something something to the mix, they're all raw and unretouched! We know she's good, but to see her and these enormous still shots in person was unreal!! I loved it! Tai Tai loves Ty Ty!
I had a great time NYC and I miss your kiss...

                                            top-Express, jeans-JamesJeans, sneakers-Ash

       dress-frock!tracy reese, shoes-nine west, clutch-CCskye attached to Rebecca Minkoff cuff

Freckle feature of the month

I've had a face full of freckles pretty much my whole life and am just now really appreciating them, and dare i say actually loving them. Growing up, I was made fun of for having them and felt they were ugly. But, my mother has a lot of freckles on her face, and I've always loved hers. As little girls we always want to be just like our mothers, so, i felt special that we had something so visible in common. They make her special and I know her freckle pattern better than anyone. By definition freckles are considered to be flaws, "sun spots", too much melanin pigment, etc. While these may be the reasons for freckles, to me, they are NOT flaws. I don't want to get them lasered off or faded! I wouldn't be me, my mom wouldn't be her, and my sister wouldn't be she! They're our special identifying mark and I wouldn't want it any other way. So, in my first monthly freckle feature, I'm sharing my mom with you. Her freckles are gorgeous and I'm sure you'll agree. Our "flaws" make us Flawsome!

Blend in brightly!

This look is from my recent trip to NYC when I went to Central Park for the first time EVER! I can't believe I had never taken the time to go previously. One of my favorite things in the whole wide world is blending in and getting "lost" in NY. At the same time, I like to add a little something accessory-wise to stand out. So, what better than Camo pants, a hot pink handbag and a top knot bun. I loved my day  here at Central Park and I think everyone should experience it. The next time you're in the city, GO. It's massive! When you need to take a lunch break I recommend Coolhaus ice cream truck. They have THE best ice cream sandwiches. You choose the cookie (flavors from chocolate chip to red velvet to ginger molasses to so many gluten free choices to everything In between) and then you choose the ice cream (Tahitian vanilla bean to brown butter bacon to sea salted caramel and so many other delicious options). Oh, and the wrappers even edible. I chose the everything cookie(chocolate chip cookie with pretzels and potato chips stuffed with Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream) and have been dreaming of it ever since. The cookie has the perfect balance of softness to crunch and the flavors are just yummy! All in all, a great day. Can't wait to go back. Maybe I'll see you there...

OOTD: top-Twelfth of eleven, pants-Zara, handbag-Rebecca Minkoff, sandals-Seychelles, earrings-T.J maxx, necklace-Brighton, 5 wrap bracelet-Chan Luu, rubber bracelet- Marc by marc Jacobs, cuff-House of Harlow, wrap watch-World market

Flawsome of the month!

What's knocked, bruised, skinny and fat all at the same time?? My KNEES! I can't remember a time when I've ever liked them. I've gone through life thus far embarrassed by them and always covering them up. So, for the sake of my blog, I'm learning to put myself out there and make the best of it. So, I went to a secluded spot and threw caution to the sand!(Yes i was looking over my shoulder for any onlookers and immediately dropped to the ground when i saw someone). I got through it and honestly feel stronger for it. Sure maybe they crack and buckle at the worst times, but they're mine and if I don't accept them, who will? I'm starting to believe that these knees of mine are Flawsome!

OOTD: tank-Mossimo(long&lean at Target), shorts-Pink(victorias secret), hoody-Pink(victorias secret) sneakers-Reebok(real flex), rubber bracelet-Marc by Marc Jacobs