Month: November 2015

Chic for the holidays

Published by vanavain

Holidays are already here, which means besides deciding what dish to bring,  you’ll also be scratching your head for outfit ideas.  Go chic! Whether  you are hosting, attending a friends party or  meeting the in-laws, a polished finished look is a win. A chic look  requires more attention to detail and fit, but most importantly functional pieces.  You don’t want pieces that you will have to babysit and pull at. A few staples to look for in your closet  to begin creating these looks are blazers, tailored fit pants, pencil skirts, and collard shirts/blouses to name a few. These will usually transform your whole look and pull it together. For this Monochromatic look I did some light layering and playing with different textures like I did HERE with red. This look could have been just as chic even if I opened up the jacket and added a long neck-piece. If you do not have fitted bottoms like the ones I mentioned or want a loose fit, consider joggers and styling them like I advised in The Boston …

Baby You’re a Star !

Published by vanavain

As I mentioned in my last post, Paramount theater is exciting.  The  bright lights reminded me of Times square  as a kid daydreaming while being yelled at by my mother to walk faster.  As an adult they  are still electrifying. The theater took me back to those days when I thought for sure I was going to be an Actor, Lawyer, Dancer and Fashion designer(all four) Dreaming big. As a blogger I’m used to taking pics and having people staring, but this day I had a moment like it was just me my photographer and those lights…nothing else.  Those lights gave me an extra boost and an important reminder that I’m whatever I say I am and can also achieve anything I put my mind to. Because the little details matter.  Added these colored socks for some fun. Even though you couldn’t see it much….it made me happy. So shine! Don’t question your uniqueness, quirkiness or your “whatever you have but don’t see often”.  Own it.  Everyday is your red carpet. You are a star …

Boston Coffee Talk- Caffe Nero

Published by vanavain

Seems like these months are flying by  and these Coffee Talks are one after another.  I love it though! This past Saturday  #BostonCoffeeTalk was held at the beautiful Caffe Nero in Downtown Crossing. Such a unique space with Victorian  like decor and beautiful vintage mirrors.  That and the friendly  staff is what sealed the deal for me. I owe myself another date there where I can soak it all in again while enjoying a good read. Uplifting and encouraging discussions among-st Entrepreneurs. Their drive and passion is so uplifting! I always leave wanting to go and create. Let’s not forget the bright and shining Paramount  theaters across the street that made the best backdrop. Something about bright lights I tell ya.I can only capture so much through the lens, but the real magic is in the energy, the convo’s and aha moments! Thank you again to all that attended and to the amazing team at  Caffe Nero!! I hope you can join us next month and if you are in NY this weekend, join me at #NewyorkCoffeeTalk in …

Perfect pants- Purchase with a purpose

Published by vanavain

I switched up more than my hair lately.  The closet  has been gutted out a few times a month.  For  each item I brought home about three were donated. Swapping out some pieces that were no longer of interest or of  good use for necessary items. So yes I evaluate my closet just as I do for my clients. Wide legged trousers have been on my personal shopping list since the Summer. After avoiding online shopping for a while, I finally gave in.  Got past admiration and ordered these squash colored pants from Asos. I knew that they would transition well through all seasons and I would get my moneys worth of wear.   Purchasing with a purpose is so important.  If you can’t think of two- three ways to style a piece, don’t buy it. Buying just to buy is how clutter starts and the famous “I have nothing to wear”  line comes about.  The truth is you most likely have a closet full of things you don’t need which causes the gems in …

RED- Monochromatic

Published by vanavain

RED- with a vengeance.  Like somebody talked about my Momma type of vengeance! The obsession with red is real. From Easter dresses in Brooklyn to a grown Woman with too many red staples to count. But it’s like that sometimes, a whole lot of it. No cares sprinkled with a bit of attitude….maybe a lot.  I don’t do monochromatic red often because its such a loud color and because I’m usually wearing some shade of it anyways.  When I do(any monochromatic look) ,  the first thing I keep in mind are the textures and tones.  Either the tones  are exact or  just a few shades off  and I mean very little. As far as textures- some materials don’t compliment each other well or will make one texture look more dull than it really is. They definitely should compliment each other. I will be doing a monochromatic  breakdown  soon! Hope this look gave you the energy you need to have a great Monday!   Wearing: Vintage/ costume jewelry H&M Sweater(Sold out online) Options here Faux Leather skirt(gift)  Similar hues at ASOS , Macy’s and Miss Guided Aldo …

Boston Coffee Talk- Sofa Cafe

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#Bostoncoffeetalk October was held at Sofa Cafe on Newbury street.(last one here )  Once again it was a ton of fun. I met some new folks who met some new folks. Honestly anytime strangers can make  friends, network and be fashionable all over a cup of coffee….its a win. This Cafe was intimate and colorful.  I fell in love  with the exposed brick walls and of course the retro sofas and pastel blue china…So vintage.  May have to go back for a shoot! Fall Fashion was in full effect.  I was definitely inspired to get new boots, denim and break out the pastels!   Photography: Tony Hyppolite Thank you to the Sofa Cafe team and  to all those that came out! Next Boston Coffee talk  is November 14th…more details to follow! You know I couldn’t leave you without a video recap, subscribe to my channel and look out for more videos! Share This: