The Trip That Changed My Life

By Rachel Burt 

It has been seven years since my first trip abroad to a place that opened my virgin eyes to a whole new world. For one week, seven friends explored the jungles and many other wonders of Costa Rica. We were ready to go with very little but our backpacks, granola bars, digital cameras, bathing suits, sandals, and hiking sneakers. 

After a seven hour flight and finally landing at the small airport in the capital, San Jose, we had a two hour taxi drive,  a three hour waiting period, a ferry boat ride, and a long bumpy shuttle ride through the unpaved dirt roads until we finally arrived to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. What kept us awake was the excitement and our enthusiasm for adventure. Santa Teresa was the once untouched and laid back jungle safari.

Me

It is no wonder Costa Rica is so seductive: The staggering beauty of beaches with prime waves; lush green jungles; howler monkeys; precious wildlife; waterfalls; an array of restaurants and nightlife; reggaeton music; spin lines; canoe riding; bungalows offering infinity pools that overlook the sunset; and various yoga retreats. 

Below are some photos from my journey that capture the meaning of pura vida, which is a commonly used phrase in Costa Rica and literally means “pure life” but better translates as “this is living.” 

The food in Costa Rica is fairly cheap and because of all the expatriates, there are a variety of international restaurants. Although some sophisticated restaurants seemed appealing, my favorite food was found at the local sodas. Sodas are mom and pop type restaurants that serve typical Costa Rican food, which is big platters of fresh rice and beans served with vegetables, avocado, and your choice of meat. You will find popular local meals on the menu such as: casados (Spanish meal), ceviche (raw fish), patacones (plantains), gallo pinto  (a Costa Rican dish) and fresh fruit smoothies.

Me (left)

The locals are very kind and happy when they encounter tourists. With travelers from the entire world passing through Costa Rica, you feel a sense of camaraderie and this makes it easy for you to feel at home.

Costa Rica is a place that lures you in. One visit usually leads to another, and in many cases relocation. 

Out of all of my travels abroad, I could see myself relocating permanently to Costa Rica. Thanks to the wanderlust inside of me, it led me to many other places and many more travel stories to share. Stay tuned…signing-off from New York City. Until next time…

Goodbye Aspen

By Elma B.

Aspen is one of my favorite vacation destinations in the world because of its idyllic setting: the white peaks of its mountains, its friendly inhabitants (and visitors), and the variety of personalities the town attracts despite its minuscule size. This was my last day in Aspen, and I tried to capture some of the town’s scenic beauty. 

Traveling Tips: 

1. If you are on a budget, stay in Veil and make a day trip to Aspen. 

2. Some of my favorite places to dine in Aspen are: Ajax Tavern (for lunch), Little Nell (for apres-ski), Peach’s Corner Cafe (for casual daytime dining), and Takah Sushi for dinner.

3. For skiing, Aspen Mountain for advanced skiers, Highland Mountain for intermediate, Snowmass for beginners and intermediate skiers and Buttermilk for beginners. 

4. For shopping, you will have no problem burning a whole through your wallet with a myriad of luxury shops like Dior, Louis Vuitton and Fendi. For fashionistas on a budget, there are shops like Zadig & Voltaire, Kate Spade and Free People where it will not feel as painful buying a pair of pants or a little “souvenir” to remember your trip. 

Until next time, I will miss you Aspen! Xoxo. 

p.s. Outfit dissected: H&M oversized fleece; Burberry bright pink scarf; UGG boots; Intermix dress; Prada sunglasses; and Salvatore Ferragamo purse. 

How to Make a Table Setting for a Breakfast at Tiffany’s Themed Party

By Sarah Baker

Have you ever wanted to create a Breakfast at Tiffany’s inspired table setting for a party, shower, or other festive event but not sure quite how to go about it? Well, you’re in luck. I have come up with a Breakfast at Tiffany’s table setting just for you. 

When you think Tiffany’s, the first thing that may come to mind is probably Tiffany Blue. This will definitely be incorporated into our table setting. Other things that you might think of when thinking about Breakfast at Tiffany’s are pearls and the colors pink and black. We want to keep it classy and elegant as that is very representative of Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

In order to set an elegant and classy Breakfast at Tiffany’s table setting, you should start with a solid black table cloth. Add to it a classy feather and pearl centerpiece. For the plates, place a big Tiffany Blue plate underneath a smaller white plate. Next to the plates, add the silverware accompanied by black napkins with a pearl napkin holder. For drinking, add some champagne flutes as well as Tiffany Blue mugs for coffee and other such liquids. To fill in the table and create a more elegant dynamic, place small bouquets of white flowers tied with a thick, light pink chiffon ribbon as well as some black ring boxes. If your table still seems empty or full of holes, you can place some white candles with pearls in those spaces. If you want more pops of pink, you can have pink tinted pearls instead of the typical white ones. 

Put this all together and you have an elegant and classy Breakfast at Tiffany’s table setting for any occasion. 

The Best Beach in Los Angeles Is…

By Senka H. 

Hello lovely fashionistas!

Hope everyone is having an amazing week!

As I sit writing this, my mind wanders to memories of warm weather, sun, and beach days. It’s been dreadfully cold over here on the East Coast, as many of you know, and I keep reminiscing of my time in Los Angeles in December. When I arrived there, it was 80 degrees. Yes, 80 degrees in the winter!

Me

My best friend, Nadja, took me to Venice Beach and Santa Monica. Venice Beach, which is a beachfront neighborhood  in the Westside of L.A. and two miles south of Santa Monica, is a must for anyone who travels to California. There is a two and a half mile pedestrian promenade with performers, artists and other vendors. We had a great time exploring, tanning, and biking around. Enjoy our photos while I am still California dreaming…

Until next time, signing-off from the nation’s capital. Xoxo.

With My Friend Nadja

Top 11 Fashion Trends for Spring 2014

By Sarah Baker 

Fashion Trend Alert: Spring 2014

Although it may still be cold outside, downright freezing for some, it’s that time of year that we look ahead to spring fashions. What should we be on the lookout for? What are we all going to be wearing in a couple months when the snow melts and we begin peeling off the layers? I’m here to give you a guide on what is to come this spring. 

1. Plaid Shirts:

Short sleeve or long sleeve, plaid shirts are going to be popular this spring. Pair them with high-waisted shorts or cutoffs for a really cute look. You can also add a cute pair of boots to really complete the look. Tie it around your waist, leave it unbuttoned with a cute crop top or tank, or tie it up when you’re wearing it to add your own style and flair. I love the plaid shirts! They are comfortable as well as super cute!

2. High-Waisted Shorts and Cutoffs

High-waisted shorts are going to be big this spring. Whether they are cutoffs, regular, or Bermuda, you will be sure to be cute in a pair of these. These pair well with just about anything but look really cute with the plaid shirts and crop tops. I personally won’t be wearing much of the high-waisted shorts. They look super cute on a lot of people, I just don’t feel like I’m one of those people. 

3. Crop Tops

Crop tops were big last spring and they are about to be a lot bigger. There are some many options with the crop top. You have printed, solid, sheer, zip-up, tube, sleeveless, short sleeve, long sleeve and so much more! Pair a cute crop top with anything high-waisted if you don’t want to show your stomach. Don’t care about that? Then wear anything with a normal waist and rock it. Printed shirt and solid shorts or solid shirt and printed shorts make great combinations. Feeling daring? Pair a printed crop top with a printed pair of shorts, just make sure that your patterns don’t clash! I think that crop tops are super cute with a pair of high-waisted shorts or jeans but they are not for me. 

4. Printed Shorts

Shorts are a spring staple, and they have just gotten better. Printed shorts are making a bigger splash this spring than they did last. They are a great way to add a pop of print to whatever you are wearing. Pair them with a crop top or a cute sleeveless top. Pairing them with a solid top gives you just the right pop of print that you need, but again, if you are feeling daring, go ahead and pair them with a printed top, just chose it wisely. I love the printed shorts! It gives some flair to any spring outfit!

5. Bodysuits

Bodysuits are in for spring. A bodysuit in solid colors works really well to pair with a bottom of print for that perfect pop. Pair them with a cute skirt or pair of shorts. The issue I have with the bodysuit is that it shows all of your curves, flattering and otherwise. Pairing it with high-waisted bottoms will somewhat hide those problem areas. Also, make sure that you have the appropriate size for your bodysuit to make sure that it flatters you in all the right ways.

6. Femme Skirts

Included in the femme skirts are the skater skirts, pleated skirts, and miniskirts. Skirts, especially ones like these, are fun and cute for spring. These pair really well with a bodysuit as well as crop-top. With these skirts, you can be flirty and fun anywhere you go. Floral prints are really cute in the skater and miniskirts. I would go with more of a solid color in the pleated skirt as to show off the dynamic of the skirt better. I absolutely love femme skirts! The skater skirts are my favorite. I love that they are simple but have a flirty and twirly flair. 

7. Boyfriend Jeans 

Boyfriend jeans are a definite spring hit. Cute, stylish and comfortable. You can honestly pair these with anything and make it look good but I prefer them with a button up or cute jacket. Boyfriend jeans are not something that I have in my wardrobe at the moment, but as cute as they look, they may be there by spring. 

8. Burnout Tees and Hi/lo Tops

Both of these tops are perfect for spring. With the burnout tees, you can pair with a cute tank or bandeau that can be seen under the tee. Hi/lo tops are cute and flowing for spring. Pair them with shorts, skirts, jeans, anything to give a cute, fun, and flirty outfit. I love both of these. I love the look of the burnout tees and the flowy, flirty style of hi/lo tops. 

Burnout Tee (left) and Hi/lo Top

9. Sweaters and Cardigans

You may be thinking, sweaters and cardigans for spring? Yes. When spring finally comes, you know it won’t be warm all the time. A thin sweater or cardigan is perfect for those days when there is a cool breeze blowing. On days when it’s a little colder, you can wear a chunky sweater to keep you warm. I personally love sweaters and cardigans. They are my personal addiction. Any new style, I’ve got to have!

10. Denim Vests and Jackets

These are perfect for adding a little something to any outfit for spring. Pair a denim jacket, full length or cropped, with a cute dress or skirt on cooler days. A denim vest is perfect for pairing with a burnout tee or hi/lo top for the layered look. I love the denim vests! I love the extra that they give to a legging look. As far as the denim jackets go, I have a couple, but don’t like the way that they fit. I feel like they are too confining. 

11. Bomber and Moto Jackets

These are more items that are good for spring on those cooler days. You can pair these jackets with just about anything. Wear them with jeans, skirts, shorts, anything. They’re jackets, so they add a cute layer to your look, but you can always take them off if it gets too warm or you change your mind. I’m not so sure that these are something that I can pull-off with my style this spring. They look the best paired with more solid colors, and I really want to play with prints!

Remember, prints are in.  Adding a pop of print to your outfits and style are really key this spring. Use some of these styles or all of them to create your own look. I personally am all over the prints! I can’t wait to add a whole bunch of printed tops and bottoms to my wardrobe. I’ve given you a guide to use this spring, what you do with it is all up to you! Signing-off…until next time…xoxo.

Top 5 Fashion Pieces for the Cold Weather

By Elma B.

Aspen is gorgeous: picturesque, full of friendly people, amazing ski slopes and did I mention delicious food? Since I travel often, there are a few key pieces I always carry to stay warm in the cold weather. These key warm pieces are easy to pack when traveling and are quick to put-on when on the go and rushing out the door. Did I mention comfortable?

1. Beanie hat. Beanie hat is wearable during the chilly days of fall, winter, and spring. Styling tip: wearing the beanie upright is the new trend this season; beware: make sure wearing the beanie upright compliments your head shape. 

2. Faux fur. Faux fur is easy (and always fabulous) to wear over a dress or jeans during the chilly fall and winter days. You can wear it to work over a pencil dress or when out and about on a casual stroll with skinny pants. If you wear the faux fur, it is usually the best to pair it with skinny jeans or tighter dress to even out the bulkiness the faux fur creates on your upper body. If you are fairly slender, you can get away with wearing the faux fur with wide-legged pants or maxi dress/skirt; beware: your body will look shapeless. 

3. Long and bulky scarf. A long scarf you can wrap around your neck several times is always chic and not to mention warm. I recommend having a few so that no matter how monotone or conservative your outfit, you can always spice-up your look with a bulky and long scarf. 

Black Cashmere Scarf from Ann Taylor

4. Long boots (flats). I am a fan of the ones I am wearing that almost cover your knee. This style elongates your leg and keeps you very warm. Since the long boots are flat, you can get away with waring a shorter dress/skirt. Did I mention they are extremely comfortable so you can walk miles and miles? Stuart Weitzman has the ones I am wearing in brown and black suede. 

5. Lined Gloves. Many of us buy gloves yet our fingers still end-up freezing. I suggest buying lined gloves so that you will be able to carry your handbag without having your fingers freeze and maybe even feel pain. I bought UGG black leather gloves lined with cashmere, and I have been wearing them for three winters now. 

 What are your top 5 easy fashion pieces that keep you warm during the chilly fall, winter and spring weather? Leave us a comment below, we love hearing from you. Signing off from Aspen…xoxo.  

No Matter How Fast You Are Going, Always Eat Healthy

Behind the Scenes of My Latest Film: Mi Princesa

By Darlene Vazquetelles

When people think of actors, they probably think of Hollywood and the following two adjectives: glamour and luxury.  Few are aware of the struggles most of the actors go through to be seen, booked and paid to do a job.  On the one hand, some make it all the way through to the spotlight, are booked and paid. On the other hand, some are happy just to be paid to do something they love. The latter is my story. I started acting when I was in my early teens.  I was doing local commercials and T.V. shows in Puerto Rico.  Although I wanted to work behind the scenes, life led me to the world in front of the camera and as time went by, I started considering acting as a career.  Little did I know that it was a decision that would involve more sacrifices than I could have ever imagined.  

I moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting at a time when Latinas were still not accepted in the industry unless you were auditioning for the maid, nanny or prostitute role.  Although some of these have not changed, Sofia Vergara has recently opened more doors for us.  When I first moved out there in 2002, I was constantly told that I had to take accent reduction classes.  Stubbornly, I refused.  Fast forward to the present, and the casting directors love my accent as I sound like the girl from that show:  Modern Family. I never lost myself in the Hollywood field of dreams. I was asked out by producers, who thought I was going to be the “aspiring actress who would do anything for a role.” I would walk away from these type of situations, with tears running down my face as I faced the sad reality that can happen to young girls out there. However, nothing made me give up.  I would wipe my tears off and keep moving forward.  Having to make a difficult and painful sacrifice to be so far away from my family to pursue my career made me determined not to become intimidated because some “powerful players” were ignorant. 

Actors often struggle with earning a living. Oftentimes, people joke about actors struggling to make ends meet but, sadly, it is the truth.  Because of the instability of auditions and work, we will be the ones acting as your server, bartender, hostess, etc.  If you think that sending resumes and going to a couple of job interviews is hard, imagine having to do that two to three times on a daily basis, and to be called back one out of the last ten interviews (auditions). Although it can become frustrating, it is a matter of keeping your self-esteem and faith at a high level. 

And then come the times when an acting job parallels the reality of your life, i.e.,  “Too close to home” moments.

Such was the case for the movie I would like to introduce you to in this article you called Mi Princesa (My Princess).  I was sitting on the floor of my apartment in North Hollywood packing everything into boxes as my relationship of 2 ½ years came to an end.  It was a very emotional time for me when I was crawling around life with a broken heart.  Puerto Rican Director Carlos Jimenez Flores, whom I had worked for before in two other films, called and asked me to be in his next film that would start shooting at home: Puerto Rico.  Although at first I did not want to do it as I was trying to take in what had just happened in my life, I was convinced by him and one of the other actors to take the job.  I flew to Puerto Rico to work on the film and soon my life turned around for the better!

Although as actors, we go through a lot of downs, there are the ups that you do experience when you are part of this beautiful art. Talk about timing… As my relationship with a love ends, I start working on my first acting job as the lead actress in a romantic movie.  Aside from having family and friends around to cheer me up, the irony of this life event brought smiles and laughter back to my life.  I arrived July 13th of 2012 and started shooting my scenes on the 14th.  I did not have much time to settle back at my parents’ apartment.  But there I was…  I moved on and showed-up for work.  

As I walked to the set on the first day, I took in the beautiful scenery in front of me and thanked God for the opportunity to be working at home. I was now playing the role of Mayra, a good girl who is full of life, surrounded by family and friends.  The only thing she has been missing is love, and she was about to find it.  Again, very ironic as I had just lost it in real life.  Nevertheless, I was ready to play this character!

Humor Always Works

One of the challenges you can face when working on a film is a lack of connection with fellow actors, especially when shooting a romance.  Being that Mi Princesa was shot without scripted lines and we had to improv, I was a little bit scared  how the interaction would turn-out between the actor, whom was playing my love interest, and myself.  I met him less than 10 minutes before the shooting of our first scene.  I have to admit that it was challenging at first.  The director let us know what he wanted out of the scene, and we proceeded to give it to him, but it was a little bit uncomfortable at first for both of us. This was his first acting job, and I was fighting the emotions that were so fresh inside of me as a result of all the changes in my life that I was facing.  Still, we did our scene and after seeing the final result, it could not have been better! 

The first scene with my love interest, Ricky (actor Roberto Perez Perez), in the film.

After the ice was broken and days of shooting went by, everything just started flowing in divine order. The Director found some amazing locations, where I could enjoy the beautiful scenery of my island that I had been missing for so long.  Some of the scenic locations we shot the film included: The beaches, mountain view locations in the country, resorts, and venues with great local live music. I was finding that happy place again.  I was home.  I got to work with one of my best friends, actress Millie Ruperto, a great crew and to add icing to the cake–my niece Kenya.  The Director offered my niece a role in the movie, and she flew from Miami to be a part of the film.  I had my team!  

Morovis, Puerto Rico

Waiting to shoot a wedding scene with actor Roberto Perez Perez and a great friend and actress Millie Ruperto

Behind the Scenes with My Beautiful Nice Kenya de Jesus

Kenya Receiving Directions

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico: One of My Favorites

After two weeks of shooting, my heart content and I was happy!  We had an amazing project in our hands.  I was able to go back and work in my beautiful island of Puerto Rico while surrounded by love and creating new memories.  I was back to being me. 

With the Production Crew  by the Fortress-El-Morro in San Juan

Production finished during the last week of July 2012.  As in any production, there can be obstacles that can put at risk the  film of being finished and/or released. So was the case with Mi Princesa.  Some of the crew parted ways. Some footage was given to the editing team later than expected and while other footage was lost. The editing went from hands of the crew in Puerto Rico to another company in Chicago, which is the hometown of Director Carlos Jimenez Flores.  

I received a phone call the day after Thanksgiving of 2013, in which I was notified of some scenes that were missing. So, I flew to Chicago. I was pretty excited.  Not only was I going to go back to portray the character of Mayra, whom I loved, but I was going to do it in a completely new setting: the snowy town of Chicago!  

Yes, I had never seen snow and traveling to Chicago to shoot three more scenes for the movie allowed me to go through this experience for the first time ever!  I was feeling like a little kid! 

So, here I was in the cold Chicago shooting scenes that were supposed to be in warm Puerto Rico.  Fortunately, the scenes were shot inside. 

With Director Carlos Jimenez Flores

Mi Princesa is a beautiful film that includes culture, traditions, love, beautiful scenery, friendships, music, family and the art of being able to forgive. It is amazing how I started shooting this film coming from a broken heart and finished it a year and a half later in love with an amazing man God was saving for me.  Things happen for a reason!

I want to share with you a teaser for MI PRINCESA: YouTube Teaser HERE. This film will be released in 2014!  

For more information, contact me at darlavaz@gmail.com, darlenev@clubfashionista.com or on my Twitter.  

How to Wear Black on Black

By Amra B. 

I wear black because it is timeless: always chic, flatters my figure (even on days when I don’t feel my best), and easily matches other prints/colors. Frankly, I can never have too many black jackets, jeans, shirts, shoes, bags, hats (well, you get the idea…). 

How to Get Your “Black-On”

• Go for the unexpected: My dad once told me that people love to see something unexpected. I use this philosophy when dressing up: I combine unlikely pieces and find they look so much better this way. For example, I will wear a very lady like bag with sneakers, formal blazer with ripped jeans, pearls with sweatshirt, etc. I find this unexpected mix gives that “wow” effect.
• Go with the black basics: shirt, jeans, dress. Tip* For an extra slimming effect, choose solid black piece(s) with no prints.

• Add texture: If I had one fashion advice to give, it would be to incorporate different textures into your wardrobe. I like to add texture by wearing a really fun jacket or a sweater (this is the easiest way to do it and most flattering). 
• Add color: It is easy to wear even the most colorful bag/shoes when sporting an all black outfit. Statement piece will stand out more when everything else is black. 
• Accessorize: Even on a cloudy day, I wear sunglasses. I also find that they make almost anything look instantaneously more glamorous.  Black sunglasses look extra chic if they have some details on them. 

Wishing you an amazing week! 

XOXO

Life is better with friends… 🙂

With my gorgeous girl while visiting museums around London

Blazer: Zara

Shirt: Forever 21

Jeans: Urban Outfitters

Bag: Louis Vuitton

Shoes: Tory Burch

Rings: H&M and vintage

Hat: H&M

Travel Essentials VIDEO

Pillow Talk: How to Choose Extra Soft Bedding

By Rachel Burt

Bed: where most of us spend a lot of time, whether sleeping, watching TV or curling-up with a good book. It is an intimate place, where we escape from the outside problems and peacefully relax. So, how do we choose a bedding set that is soft to the touch, warm and cozy? Here I have laid out some tips on choosing styles, fabrics and colors that make you feel fresh, relaxed, and perhaps, be warned, never get out of bed…

1. Down Comforter: Simple, Fresh, & Organic (My Favorite) 

Sleep soundly no matter what the season; do not be scared to splurge on a 100% luxurious down comforter that can fit into a duvet. White is king when it comes to sheets and comforters. The purity of white adds a sense of freshness. If you are not a big fan of white, try pastel shades because these light colors set a tranquil and calming mood. 

2. Lots of Feather Pillows: Adding loads of pillows is simple, adds the soft, comfortable and airy feel. The feeling of jumping into a pile of pure-white fluffy billows after a long day at work and a hot shower… well… nothing beats that.

3. Decorative Pillows: Try plush fabrics like silk or velvet for decorating and adding various shapes and sizes to the pillow set. Match the colors of the decorative pillows with fluffy feather pillows, e.g., light shades of silk and velvet where you can rest your weary head after an exhausting day. 

4. Layer it: Layers, layers, and more layers. Layering from top to bottom creates the look of luxury bedding. 

Some elements to have the luxury bedding feel and look:

· Bed skirt.

· Feather or foam mattress topper.

· Mattress pad.

· Fitted Sheet.

· Top sheet.

· Down Comforter.

· Top sheet/quilt/cover.

· Duvet.

· Feather pillows.

· Decorative pillows.

5. Patterned linens:  Having a few options for seasonal changes is always the key. Cost saving tip: Pick out a couple of different sets of patterned sheets and pillowcases that you can swap for a variety  or use quilts when it is too warm for a duvet.

6. Thread Count: If you really want to feel the extra soft and smooth touch when cuddling or curling-up in your bed, go for a higher thread count. Also, choosing a higher threat count will ensure longevity with your bedding set. Try 300 Egyptian cotton for fitted sheets and a 400 thread count and higher for top sheets; this combination will make you literally feel like you are sleeping in heaven. 

All this pillow talk is making me sleepy…

Now, don’t wake me up…I am already dreaming…