Packing Tips for Short Trips

As I mentioned in my previous post, I went to Miami for a weekend for my cousin's baby shower. I'm pretty sure there's a lot of women out there that share my packing woes. Yes, I was only going away for four days but a girl needs options! And I didn't want to spend time digging around in my suitcase so I organized my outfits using this cool little system. It also saves you some space as well since there's this certain airline that only allows a carry-on and ONE personal item. ONE!

So for this system you need Ziploc bags in two sizes: quart and the small snack sizes. The quart sizes are for your clothes and the snack sizes are for your accessories.

So what I did was pack each outfit in a quart-sized Ziploc bag. These bags were cool because it gave you a little space for you to label. And me being all OCD, I labeled them for the occasion.

I used the smaller bags for the accessories to the corresponding outfit and once I was done, I put the smaller bag into the larger one. This made everything so easy! All my outfits were super-organized and it made getting ready a breeze!

Everything fit perfectly into the suitcase, just be sure to let all the air out of the bags before closing them. And that's packing made easy.

Shopping for Prom Dresses

image from www.dressdressy.com

After your wedding dress, your prom dress is pretty much the most important dress you will ever wear. And finding "the dress" can be challenging. This day and age, shopping for prom dresses is a little easier because you a bunch of options from online, boutiques to larger department stores. And most websites have speedy shipping so even the biggest procrastinator will find her dream dress. Dress Dressy is a great option as they have a great variety prom dresses online to choose from. Their dresses are super trendy and affordable. There's something for everybody!









Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.

Fashion Trends For Fall 2012

Aaaah Fall. Fall brings us daylight savings, Thanksgiving and Fashion Week. Also, a whole plethora of new trends for us fashionistas to divulge in. Here are my favorite ones for this upcoming season

Wedged Sneakers

I only wear sneakers to go to the gym (which I barely go to anyway) or if it's raining and I don't want to wear my rain boots. Other than my converse, you won't see me wearing them much. But these are tres cute! Isabel Marant was the originator behind the wedged sneakers and now more affordable options are popping everywhere. These are great for casual wear and adds a little more glamour to a laid-back look.

Untitled #19 by beautywithbrainss featuring leopard print shoes

Steve Madden wedge heels / N.Y.L.A. hidden wedge / Isabel Marant wedge heels, $630 / Blink leopard print shoes / Studded sneaker / Isabel Marant hi top sneaker, $520 / N.Y.L.A. hidden wedge

Oxblood

This beautiful shade of red looks great as both as an accent color or as a neutral. It's so sensual and dark and it instantly dresses up any look with the richness in color. Oxblood is the new black!

Oxblood by beautywithbrainss featuring leopard ballet flats

Mango scoop neck t shirt, $28 / Aqua Denim - Basic Skinny in Oxblood / Banana Republic leopard ballet flat / Shoulder handbag / Alexander McQueen ring / Stila makeup / Blush / Wall Decal Quote Better Than I Was More than I Am Vinyl Wall Decal for... / Peony Faux Flower Arrangement

Embellished Collars/Collared Necklaces

This is perhaps one of the most economical trends. A funky collared necklace can dress up a plain tee or jazz up your favorite jeans with an embellished collared shirt. You can even make a DIY embellished top or necklace. I made a necklace myself which I will be showing soon.

Untitled #21 by beautywithbrainss featuring chiffon tops

Chiffon top / Embellished top, $38 / Leather jewelry / ASOS layered necklace, $24 / H&M collar necklace, $24

Printed Pumps

This list wouldn't be complete without me doing a set with shoes! Printed pumps are a must. With a variety of patterns and textures, there's a pair for any outfit. The best statement you can make with an outfit is with your shoes and a pair of one of these bold-patterned shoes will say the best about you.

Printed Shoes by beautywithbrainss featuring blue pumps

Brian Atwood leopard print heels, $410 / Calvin Klein pumps / Michael Antonio blue pumps / High heel, $32 / Stila makeup / Lancôme lip makeup / Chanel makeup / Chanel fragrance / Philosophy gift sets kit / OPI nail polish, $21

New Year's Eve Outfit Ideas & Last Year's Look

These are for the ladies that are frantically looking for an outfit at the last minute. This is me also, my playsuit is somewhere in transit on its way to me. I have yet to shop for any accessories. I don't know, I just can't be one of those people that have an outfit planned one month ahead. I am always changing my mind! With the help of Polyvore, I have created 3 outfits that are very affordable and stylish. Maybe these will give you some inspiration. Enjoy!

Estos es para las mujeres que estan frenéticamente en busca de un traje en el último minuto. Asi soy yo también, mi traje está en su camino hacia mí. Todavía tengo que comprar todos los accesorios. No sé, yo no puedo ser una de esas personas que tienen un conjunto planeado un mes antes. Yo siempre estoy cambiando de mente! Con la ayuda de Polyvore, he creado tres conjuntos que son muy asequibles y con estilo. Tal vez estos le dará un poco de inspiración. Disfrute!

New Year's Eve Outfit by beautywithbrainss featuring stilettos pumps

Oversized top, $35
Sequin skirt, $49
Michael Antonio stilettos pumps, $50
Jane Norman metallic clutch, £12
Cocktail ring, £25
Cluster jewelry, £20

Embrace the sequins trend this season by wearing it in skirt form. It's a safe choice that will complement most body types and skin tones. This is perfect if you aren't ready to go all out with a sequined dress. Neutralize the sparkles with some nude pumps and a white top.

Sumarse a la tendencia de esta temporada por las lentejuelas que lo lleva en forma de falda. Es una opción segura que complementará la mayoría de los tipos de cuerpo y tonos de piel. Esto es perfecto si usted no está lista para ir todos hacia fuera con un vestido de lentejuelas. Neutralizar los destellos con algunos tacones de colores desnudos y una blusa blanca.

New Year's Eve by beautywithbrainss featuring platform high heels

I love the idea of wearing white for New Year's Eve. White is such a pure color and many don't wear it so it's a great possibility that you will stand out. Add a pop of color with a bright colored shoe. I chose purple, because you all know that it's my favorite color. Statement earrings will make this outfit even more glamorous, you can choose to wear your hair up to showcase them even more

Me encanta la idea de vestir de blanco para espera del Año Nuevo. El blanco es un color tan puro y muchos no lo usan por lo que es una gran posibilidad que se destacan. Añadir un toque de color con un zapato de color brillante. Elegí el color  morado, porque todos ustedes saben que es mi color favorito. Arretes de declaración hará que este traje aún más atractivo, puede optar por amarrarse el pelo para que se vean mas.

New Year's Eve by beautywithbrainss featuring gold tone earrings

Be vibrant and red-hot! This jumpsuit has a plunging neckline, giving this look sex appeal without making it trashy. A statement necklace will draw even more attention to your decolletage. The ruffled detailing adds a delicate femininity to this piece. Keep it sexy with strappy shoes and a studded clutch. This is my favorite look out of all three just for the fact that it's not a typical look.

Seas vibrante y rojo-caliente! Este traje tiene un escote, dando a este aspecto atractivo sexual sin que sea de mala calidad. Un collar de declaración será llamar la atención aún más a su escote. Los detalles con volantes añade un toquesito delicado y feminino a esta pieza. Mantenerlo sexy con unos zapatos de tiras y un embrague con clavos. Este es mi look favorito de los tres sólo por el hecho de que no es un conjunto tipico.

About Last Year's New Year's Eve Look (Sobre El "Look" Del Año Pasado)..

I've gotten several emails regarding the shorts I wore last New Year's Eve. It seems that the Posh Pants site is no longer up. BUT good thing for you ladies, sequins are very in this season! I browsed around and found several places where you can find some sequined shorts. Just click on the links I have provided below for several low and high-end options for sparkly goodness.

He recibido varios mensajes sobre correos electrónico en relación con los pantalones cortos que llevaba la víspera de Año Nuevo pasado. Parece que la pagina Posh-Pants donde lo vendian ya no estas. Pero una cosa buena para ustedes señoritas, lentejuelas estan muy de moda esta temporada! Me puse a buscar y encontre en varios sitios donde puedes encontrar unos pantalones cortos de lentejuelas. Simplemente hagan "click" en las paginas abajo para varias opciones.

Express 

(might be available in Express stores as well)

Free People

Lulu's

Patricia Field

Hope this helps!

Spring Into Fall OOTD (Repeat Offender Series)

Another outfit where I am repeating a piece that I have worn before. I first wore this skirt  in my Splash of Color OOTD post. Can you believe it was the only time I have ever worn it? I have a very bad habit of only wearing some things once. So I needed something to wear to a baby shower and while looking through my closet, I just saw it hanging there and decided to wear it. At first I was weary because it looked a little out of season but I managed to make it more appropriate for wearing in  late Fall, don't you think?


The skirt is a tulip shaped skirt from H&M. It's fitted at the waist and bottom and it billows out in the middle. it's a very flattering shape and it helps define your waistline. 


The First Time Wearing The Skirt 

Wearing it as a repeat offender..

Forever 21 blazer

American Apparel strapless bodysuit

H&M skirt

Jeffrey Campbell booties

necklace from random accessories boutique

I was going to wear the tights with the skirt but I ripped my only black pair so I decided to just go with bare legs. It wasn't that cold tonight, it was in the low 50s so I didn't end up freezing my legs off. This is a skirt that is more for a Spring season. I made it "Fall wearable" by wearing dark colors and wearing a heavier shoe. So you can bring bright colors into the Fall and Winter by pairing it with dark colors and heavier fabrics. And tights are a girl's best friend when being a recessionista. They can easily transform an outfit and are so inexpensive! I have so many colors and patterns that I have been playing with.

Hope you enjoy!

Traducción al Español...

Otro equipo donde estoy repitiendo una pieza que he usado antes. La primera vez que me puse esta falda fue en la Primavera del 2010 (el link para el "look" estas colocado mas arriba). ¿Puede ustedes creer que fue la única vez que he llevado puesto? Tengo una muy mala costumbre de ponerme sólo algunas de las cosas una sola vez. Así que necesitaba algo para ponerme para ir a un baby shower y mirando a través demi armario, acabo de ver colgado allí y decidi usarlo. Al principio yo estaba hesitante porque parecía un poco fuera de temporada, pero me las arreglé para que sea más apropiado para llevar a finales de otoño, ¿no te parece?

La falda es una falda en forma de tulipán de H & M. Es colocado en la cintura y la parte inferior y olas en el medio. Es una forma muy favorecedor y ayuda a definir tu cintura.

Yo iba a usar medias largas con la falda, pero se me arrancó mi único par que eran negra, así decidir ir con las piernas desnudas. Fortunadamente no estabas muy frío,  así que no se me congelan mis piernas. Esta es una falda que es más de una temporada de primavera. Lo hice "Otoño portátil" con el uso de colores oscuros y usar un zapato más pesado. Puede llevar colores brillantes en el otoño y el invierno por la vinculación con los colores oscuros y las telas más pesadas. Y las medias son el mejor amigo de una chica al tratarse de un recessionista. Se puede transformar un conjunto muy facil y son tan baratas! Tengo tantos colores y patrones que he estado jugando.Espero que hayan disfrutado!

Wa-Hi Goes Green with Eco-Fashion In The Park

model in design by Bridget Artise of "Born Again Vintage"

Yesterday, I attended the "Eco-Fashion In The Park" event in Highbridge Park in northern Manhattan (Washington Heights). I had a great time and enjoyed seeing the runway show. I reside in the Washington Heights- Inwood neighborhood in northern Manhattan and I was really glad to see that my neighborhood is becoming more conscious of the environment. And also that steps are being taken to teach its residents about being more eco-friendly. District 10 Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez and Gina Constanza did a great job producing this event.

The show was hosted by media personalities The Mari Twins, and they brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm with them. There were a total of 11 designers presenting their works and a lot of the pieces were quite imaginative and unique.

models showcasing designs by accessories designer Marlissa Markario

The show was kicked off by an adorable toddler girl modeling accessories by Marlissa Markario. Marlissa Markario started designing as a hobby, creating accessories for her daughters and nieces. She uses unworn and unwanted clothing for her designs. Her designs were really cute and her models even cuter.

models for Karina Fernandez, a promosing 10 year old designer

one of my favorite pieces being a huge Audrey Hepburn fan

Miriam Guerrero from Original Wear (OW)

Following Marlissa Markario was Karina Fernandez, a ten year old who aspires to be a fashion designer when she grows up. I see a lot of potential in Fernandez, i absolutely loved her designs. They were full of color and different textures. Also, a lot of her pieces were convertible, increasing its uses. Miriam Guerrero had her models dancing down the runway and her show had a lot of energy which went great with the pop inspired tees from the Original Wear line.

designs by Sandra Baquero

Lissy Gomez of LVG designs, I found them to be very fairytale-like

designs by Tom Sohung, really loved the men's zippered hoody.

some of the many ways the "Kimono Dragon" dress by Trudy Miller can be worn

designs by Wendell Johnston, whose jackets have been worn by celebrities such as John Legend

There was also a live demonstration by Trudy Miller. She has a background in architecture and started designing because she wanted clothes that would last her through out the whole day and she won't have to carry around so much bulk with her when she goes to meetings and such. As she was explaining, one of the models was showing some of the many different ways oneof her pieces could be worn. Her "Kimono Dragon' piece can be worn from 6 to 20 different ways, amazing! To learn more about Trudy Miller and her designs, you can go to http://solutionista.com/.

Other designers that presented were Sandra Baquero, Lajuanda Moody, Iliana Quander, Wendell Johnston, Tom Sohun, Brigite Artis, Lissy Gomez and Ana Segura. I was amazed at the different ways these designers used old clothing and other materials to make new designs. I'll admit, sitting there I felt kind of wasteful. I'm the type to find any occasion to buy an outfit for. Seeing these presentations inspired me a little bit to be more creative with what I already have and cut down on shopping. So I too, learned something from this event. And I'm pretty sure a lot of the spectators did too.