The Best Philosophy: Live and Let Live

By Elma B.

Last week I had the opportunity to get away from the city and visit the rolling countryside in the Midwest. I was in a much needed getaway to clear my mind and inhale that fresh perspective on my everyday life. One of the nuggets of wisdom I came across was the proverb “live and let live.” It signified for me to let go of judgment, drown out the noise from others and confidently follow my own path. 

It was never my place to pass judgment but rather to enjoy life’s pleasures and opportunities. Whatever path you chose, I suggest just that you listen to your inner voice and drown out the noise that surrounds you. In another words, focus on yourself, and do not spend your energy on passing judgment. Be tolerant. Recognize that each person has wisdom of their own to share.

  

In the process of following your own path, do not forget to take those much needed getaway vacations to clear your head and inhale some fresh air. Until next time, stay radiant and beautiful, xo from New York!

Me

Gray Coat

By Amra B.

It has been quite cold and gray in NYC, and I feel like my mood has been matching the gloomy skies above me. I tend to dress on the basis of how I feel, and so subconsciously (or consciously), I reached out for a grey ensemble. I love to layer clothes in winter, and this gray coat is perfect for layering; it is not thick enough to shield me against the cold temperatures when worn on its own. I included my favorite type of print underneath, a plaid shirt, and a pair of black jeans. Recently, I have also been reaching out for my favorite booties; they are ideal for long walks around the city.

Tip* When layering clothes, be sure to balance it out between fitted and loose pieces. For example, wear a fitted coat with loose pants, or an oversized sweater with skinny jeans. Dressing in all oversized or all fitted clothing is often unflattering and tends to make us look bulkier than we really are.

Wishing you a positively radiant day! Stay warm! 

Outfit: Coat and shirt Zara, jeans All Saints, boots Jimmy Choo, bag Stella McCartney, hat vintage, sunglasses Urban Outfitters

Mini Dress

Amra B.

One of my favorite combinations to wear is a mini dress with flat boots. This look is timeless and it is as easy as jeans and a t-shirt.  I own many mini dresses, but especially like casual ones I can wear during the day. The striped dress below also doubles as an oversized shirt over the jeans on days I feel I need a little more layering. I also like the easiness of the flat boot and especially adore ones with a little rock n’ roll vibe; I have owned these boots for several years and feel like they just get better with age.

I topped my mini dress with a long navy coat, but feel like it looks equally great when paired up with a faux fur vest. I also found a pair of these amazing retro glasses and added a hat for a little boho feel. *Tip* For those of you who prefer a little more classic look: substitute an over the knee simple flat boot for the chained ones I wore below.

Wishing you positively radiant day!

Outfit: Coat and dress Zara, boots BCBG, hat and glasses Urban Outfitters, bag Louis Vuitton

White Coat

By Amra B.

I was usually not the one to experiment with color in winter; black is my staple color during this season, and as the saying goes, “it is my happy color.” However, recently I discovered this beautiful-white-sweater coat, and had to try and incorporate it into my wardrobe. It was an instant success: I quickly realized that white perfectly suits everything I own. I also realized how amazingly fresh it looked in comparison to the sea of black and grays around me.

I wear my white coat with denim, black, and brown pieces. It is entirely versatile and can be worn over a dress (like I did in the photos below) or combining it with ripped jeans (example below). My tip: go for the popular minimalist aesthetic and keep it basic; combine the white coat with solid prints for a sleeker look.  

Wearing the white coat with denim

Wishing you a wonderful day!

Outfit (below): Coat Zara, dress Elizabeth and James, boots and hat Zara, purse Salvatore Ferragamo

How to Get the Boho Chic Look

By Elma B.

Origins of the Boho-Chic Look: Secret Brotherhood 

Although Sienna Miller, Kate Moss and Mary-Kate Olsen were the pioneers of the modern day boho-chic look, the bohemian style dates as far back as mid 1800s to a brotherhood of English painters, poets, and critics (known as the Pre-Raphaelites), and of course the gypsies inhabiting Spain and Morocco. The boho-chic look reached its peak in the 1960s with the hippie psychedelia and the make love and not war mindset. Overall, bohemian fashion encapsulates the nomadic, non-bourgeois, and the free-spirited lifestyle.  

Although some say that the boho-chic look drifts in and out of fashion, I agree with journalist Bob Stanley that “the late 1960s are never entirely out of fashion, they just need a fresh angle to make it de jour.” The carefree boho look has withstood many centuries and has made its colorful imprint on the fashion world. 

How to Get the Boho-Chic Look: 

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Above (and below) you see my look, which was inspired by the bohemian lifestyle and adapted to New York City lifestyle. So, how do you incorporate this look into your wardrobe? Here are some styling tips on how to get the boho-chic look:

1. Free flow fashion items. Pick items that are loose, e.g., long dresses, twirly skirts or shirts with loose and long sleeves. The items need to be the opposite of tight. Comfort and free flow are key. 

2. Chunky and vintage accessories. The jewelry needs to have a vintage feel, try copper. Pick unique pieces that have animal shapes, e.g., snakes, owls, bull heads, and eagles. Large vintage necklaces or head pieces will complete your look. 

3. Embroidery. Embroidery on clothing or accessories, e.g., head pieces, gives that extra touch to boho-chic pieces. Embroidery on top or a free flowing dress is a modern twist added to many dress-up pieces. 

4. Loose locks. Just like clothing, tight hair is the opposite of the bohemian look. The beachy waves and I just got out of the bed look work well for a bohemian hairstyle. 

Whatever you pick to complete the boho chic look, keep in mind that the opposite of polished in bohemian; instead, rough around the edges with lots of love is more like it. Until next time, stay chic, lovable and elegant, xo from New York! 

For more on how to get the boho-chic look with Moroccan twist, click here. 

Office Chic: Top 5 Work Fashion Essentials

By Elma B.

I am a huge fan of elegance and understated glamour, which are both fitting styles for almost anyone’s work wardrobe. And no, you don’t have to look like a boring bureaucrat to look professional at work. I wanted to provide you with some styling tips on looking chic and elegant in while at the office. 

Top Work Fashion Essentials 

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1. Solid Colored Pencil Skirt. Solid colored pencil skirts will go a long way for your work wardrobe. You can wear it countless of times with a colored blazer or a patterned blouse. Below, I am wearing a solid colored white pencil skirt. 


2. Fitted Blazer. The secret to finding a perfect blazer is to know your measurements, do not pick any off the rack. Ask the sales associate to measure you, and then pick one according to your proportions or even have it altered. This way, that fitted blazer will go a long way in your everyday work wardrobe. Another styling tip, steer clear from wearing collared shits beneath the blazers so you do not bulk-up, look like a man, and feel super uncomfortable. 

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3. Pencil dress. Victoria Bekcham has been the pioneer of the modern pencil dresses. Although I own a few, I am a huge fan because of the elegant and understated appearance of the cut. Also, I am a fan of any work wardrobe that does not make a woman look like a man. 

4. Black Stiletto Heels. Sure, why not, add a little bit of sexy to your wardrobe! Women do not have to look like a man to produce an excellent work product, be who you are! Do not be afraid to look feminine and beautiful. 

5. Clutch with a thin strap. Just a plain clutch without a strap can be uncomfortable and hard to handle, especially if carrying another bag with a larger load. A small clutch with a thin strap makes you look effortless and under control. Did I mention that a small clutch has the power to downsize the look of any bulky work wardrobe? 

Whatever items you decide to wear to work, my top fashion tip is that you pick out clothes that fit your body type. Here are the exact directions on how to dress for your body type. For instance, if you are an apple shape, do not wear a skin tight pencil dress that lets your stomach rolls show! 

Equally as important as the former paragraph: always choose one size bigger than your actual size. Err on choosing a bigger size than a smaller size. Also, your looks will always look more effortless with looser clothes. Below, you will find an example of how I styled my work wardrobe. Until next time fashionistas, stay cool and chic, xo from New York! 

Simple Black Pumps

By Amra B. 

Recently, my sister and I both purchased the same pair of black pumps and have not been taking them off ever since. I am really into stretchy-below-the-knee dresses lately and these simple black pumps complement the dress perfectly. Generally, I find them so versatile and feel like they can be combined with almost anything in my wardrobe. Below are some tips on how to wear a simple black pump: 

• Wear them with boyfriend jeans: one of my favorite ways to style boyfriend jeans is to combine them with a simple black pump. Black pumps instantly add a dash of glamour to this otherwise casual style. 

• Wear them with a pencil skirt: look perfectly chic in the office by pairing up black pumps with a pencil skirt. Black pumps are perfectly suited for any skirt below the knee due to their ability to visually elongate your legs. 

• Combine them with a little black dress: for a perfect cocktail party look, pair up your simple black pumps with an LBD. For an extra dash of glamour, add a red lipstick and a clutch. 

Wishing you a great week! 

Outfit: Dress Custo Barcelona, moto jacket Mango, shoes Zara, purse Stella McCartney

Top 5 Fashion Essentials for Winter

By Elma B.

Recently, I have been downsizing my closet, and focusing on keeping and buying only basics. I read this rule that said something along the lines: “I will not purchase a piece of clothing unless I can wear it over a 1,000 times.” It is a smart approach to shopping because almost all of us can confess to buying so many pieces and wearing them maybe once…or twice. 

My biggest recommendation for downsizing your closet is to buy basics and buy quality items. Figure out your budget, and see what is the best you can get. My tip: try digging for those vintage one of a kind pieces in a consignment shop. Other than that, here are the fashion essentials to keep you warm, cozy and chis this season…

Top 5 Fashion Essentials for Winter: 

1. Faux-fur leopard print coat. Leopard print remains timeless. It is an easy print to wear with red, black, beige and even jeans. 

2. Wedge sneakers. Besides being ultra comfortable, they look chic and effortless. Buy a light brown or a black pair that you can pair-up with almost anything. 

3. A huge cashmere black scarf. I cannot say enough about this scarf, it goes with anything and feels ultra soft. This cashmere item is definitely worth the little investment. 

4. Opaque pair of black stalkings. I am a huge fan of Wolford’s because of their impeccable style and quality. These stalkings have lasted me about two years now. 

5. Black clutch. The one that I am wearing is vintage Salvatore Ferragamo. Find one that suits your personality, and you can pair with just about anything. It is timeless, elegant and chic. 

The key to fashion essentials is that you see yourself wearing those pieces over and over again and quickly making them look cool while you are on the go. More on how to get the everyday casual-chic style look here. Below, you will see my look in winter basics; they were quick to combine and did I mention very comfortable and warm? Until next time, stay gorgeous and warm, xoxo from New York! 

Nurturing Your Core–Beauty from Within

By Elma B.

Much of the outside is a mere reflection of what is on the inside. For this precise reason, I am a strong advocate of taking ardent care of your inner core. Your inner core consists of your basic beliefs and attitude about life. It is what sets your daily routine, e.g., sleep-in for an extra hour or get-up and go to that early morning spin class, or eat a banana in the morning or much on those doughnuts. Here is what to change for a healthier mind, body and spirit…

Your Daily Routine–Make a Decision 

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Body & Health

It is those underlying beliefs that reflect on what is on the outside. If you are overweight and flabby, chances are you don’t have strong beliefs about what you consume on a daily basis nor do you have the strong will to make it to the gym everyday. I have personally made the decision to be very picky about what I consume on a daily basis and to be adamant about making it to the gym everyday. I still have ways to go until figuring out the exercise routine and the diet that works best for me; read here about my confessions on body image. 

Mind

Nurture your mind. There is a constant stream of thoughts rushing through our head; it is that inner banter that is filled with excitement, anxiety and fear. Take time out each day to calm your mind. I would suggest meditation, here’s why. Even if you are not a fan of meditation per se, pause everyday to take a long and deep breath.  Calm your thoughts and reach for peace and comfort. 

Beauty 

Your looks too are a reflection of your beliefs. Take care of your skin. Make sure to wash your face with a scrub appropriate for your skin type every night before going to sleep. Take care to wear face creams appropriate for you skin type. Lastly, do not forget to wear sun block everyday on your face, even in the winter. 

The beauty is that everything starts with you, your decisions. I strongly suggest to take care of your core–mind, body and spirit, and the rest will naturally fall into its place. You will get there, exactly you are supposed to be. Until next time, stay fresh and beautiful, xoxo from New York! 

Life is About the Journey, Not the Destination

By Elma B.

We (myself very much included) get caught-up living for the future rather than enjoying the everyday. Recently, I was listening to an interview with Elon Musk (founder of Tesla and SpaceX), and he said that entrepreneurship is not about the destination but the everyday journey. I would say that no matter what your goal in life, it’s about enjoying the process of getting there and not about the gratification upon arriving to the final destination. 

Me

For me, my team is building an exciting platform for bloggers and blog readers (stay tune for more), so I must be inspired and upbeat every step of the way. It’s that end of the day fun and social activity that recharges my batteries. 

Some of my tips to inspire yourself everyday:

1. Meet inspiring people every week. 
2. Fun fitness classes. Try new and fun fitness classes/fitness routine, e.g., checkout a barre or a kickboxing class. 
3. Discover new restaurants. Discover new authentic restaurants. 
4. Feed your soul. Do whatever feeds your soul, e.g., read books in your favorite cafe, bake your favorite cake, take a kick boxing class, etc. 
5. Laugh in good company. Pick whatever or whoever makes you laugh and do that activity or be around that person.

I advise you to incorporate fun daily activities that will provide you with an adrenaline rush, make you laugh, and spike of energy. After all, the positive flow of energy, i.e., maintaining a work-life balance, will reflect in your work product and cause an overall boost of happiness.  

Thus, whatever your end-goal, make sure you don’t forget to live and have fun every step of the way! Until next time, stay happy and beautiful fashionistas, xo from New York!