Look of the Day: Tribal Inspired

What a beautiful winter, isn’t it? Well, not everyone lives in (the best state ever) California. Here in the Golden State, we’re experiencing a rather warm winter. The sun shines so bright and I can feel the envy from my friends shivering on the East Coast. #sorrynotsorry 

I will say though, the weather has been creating difficult winter wardrobe choices. Numerous questions like, “Is it going to be warm or chilly today? Should I wear a longer jacket? Will I be too hot in boots?” and the like, run through my mind during my daily morning ‘get ready’ routine. On this day, it started out gloomy with overcast and then leaded to lots of sun with a cool breeze. I screamed, “Make up your mind, weather!” 

So finally, I put together a Native American inspired tribal dress that’s thick like a sweater plus tall black boots with exposed zippers paired with patterned black tights. This way I could stay mostly warm with thick pieces and exposed arms and neck to keep me cool and balanced. With this casual look, I played down the number of jewelry pieces and narrowed down to my favorite, Bobbi J earrings. Hair and makeup are simple and sweet with half up and super straight a neutral brown eyeshadow by MAC named Corduroy. 

Get your scroll on…

All images are original. All rights reserved.

Look of the Day: Miss Mix-a-lot

Before today, I couldn’t tell you the last time I wore a leotard. The only time that comes to mind is during my short-lived ballet days when I was 5 years old. This time around, I ditched the pink tutu. 

I’m a big fan of mixing textiles and in this look, I did exactly that. Leather, canvas, cotton, wool, denim— the works! I kept it casual with a hint of edge pairing RACHEL Rachel Roy denim, Nasty Gal jacket, Forever 21 lion leotard, H&M infinity scarf, and Franco Sarto motorcycle boots.

All images are original. All rights reserved.

Mixing Prints: Leopard + Pinstripes

I’m trying to branch out and step out of my comfort zone. Of course, this takes baby steps. Mixing prints is my newest endeavor. It’s easy for me to mix textures and all, but prints is a newer arena for me. To start, I figured it’d be easiest to start with less extreme prints and then graduate into larger, bolder, louder colors and styles.

For this look, I was going for a casual-Saturday feel that didn’t require much work: chambray pinstripe collared shirt and tan/brown leopard print infinity scarf. The thin pinstripes add a little more dimension without causing too much distraction. Tall leather boots and distressed denim added more lax into this relaxed look. A fuss-free high bun keeps the crazy curls tamed and dainty gold jewelry adds light gleam and shimmer.

Scroll down for more…

Look of the Day: Leopard and Lime

Once again, I took a nice little stroll to my neighborhood botanical garden near Lake Merritt. All year long, beautiful blooms and bushes sprout about and fill the air with refreshing fragrances. With winding trails and secret mini gardens, it’s pretty easy to get lost…in a good way!

Obviously, I wasn’t ready to get down and dirty to start digging and planting in this getup: black Else denim, Gap lime green infinity scarf, Old Navy tank, Style&co booties, and t/o black and silver leopard cardigan.

All photos are original. All rights reserved.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Every month or so I head back to my hometown, Sacramento. It’s always nice to visit family and stroll along areas where I used to get into get into trouble (ok, not that much trouble). I start to feel really old when I catch myself saying, “I remember way back when…” We passed by the state capitol and memories started to flood my mind of my days as a State Assembly intern when I was 15 years old.

On this day, I wore one of my favorite maxis with a mermaid bottom and an open back detail. The material is super thin so I have to pair a cover-up for no nip sightings— a sheer, black, collared blouse with gold studs and front tie definitely did the trick! I showed off the deep plunge in the front with one of my fave gold pieces by Bobbi J. 

Scroll down for more…

Look of the Day: Cut Your Heart Out Cut-Outs

As I’m yearning for fall weather to hit my thermometer, it’s still hot as you-know-what. Thanks to end-of-season sales, I still get to buy summer looks for half the price.

While in Vegas a month ago, I spotted a long, flowy maxi dress from S.Y.L.K. with the type of cut-outs I’ve been craving for– cut-outs in the front! I’m a sucker for prints so, this one right here just reeled me right in and straight to the cash register.

For shoes and accessories, I kept it as balanced as possible so I wouldn’t overpower one with the other. I wore gold chain feathered earrings, a bare neck so I wouldn’t compete with the cut-outs, custom Bobbi J stone and Swarovski crystal bracelets, and leather, strappy studded sandals that I’ve owned for years and years.

Scroll down for more….

Look of the Day: Rainbow, Leopard, and Studs All In One.

I think I found my new party pants because these babies right here put me in the best mood! Not to mention, they’re super roomy, lightweight, and heck, they even have an elastic tie waist (perfect for the buffet)! Since there’s so much going on down below, I paired it with a black tank, studded flats and added a pop of color with fun rainbow aviators.

Scroll for more…

H&M tank and pants, Nordstrom rainbow aviators, and Forever 21 studded pointy toe flats.

My new M.A.C. supreme sheen lipstick in ‘Zen Rose’ is definitely my favorite at the moment.

Loving all the little studs.

Just a little arm party of two.

I love little details like this gold zipper.

Deuces!

Neighborhood Stroll

One of the best features about living in the East Bay is definitely the weather– lots of sunshine, clear skies, and it will always be a minimum of 7 degrees warmer than SF. On this day I decided to meet up with one of my besties, Jessica, and have a wonderful Friday morning brunch at Crepevine in the Rockridge area of Oakland. While we were looking for parking, we cruised by beautiful craftsman and Spanish style homes with huge trees canopying over the streets. So she says, “Stop! Turn around. Let’s take some photos real quick.” And so we did.

So here are some shots of my simple look of the day: 

Plain Jane: Old Navy white tank, Else black skinny jeans, Aerosoles leopard loafers, Clare Vivier leather envelope clutch.

Custom necklace by Bobbi J.

Taking a stroll in one of my favorite neighborhoods, Rockridge in Oakland.

                               

Photos courtesy of Jessica Linehan.

Behind the Scenes at MAGIC Market Week

I have finally fully recovered from my almost week long trip from Vegas last week. What an experience! There were definitely many firsts that made it great, but one of my most favorite parts was attending MAGIC Market Week. I had an amazing opportunity to help an online startup boutique plan and select merchandise for their upcoming launch. And let me tell you, all I wanted to do was buy, buy, buy…for myself! Ha! So of course, I shot several pics of my first experience at MAGIC.

Take a peek below…

My ‘after party’ attire: ODYLYNE dress, vintage clutch, Just Fab wedges and Urban Outfitters embellished belt.

Decorative displays.

Loving this printed booth!

Light as a feather.

Crazy booths.

Gimme, gimme, gimme!

One of the many lounge areas throughout the convention.

Gold chain gang.

Oh, hello Rebecca Minkoff!

Loving the decor. Chandeliers have my heart.

                          

                          

                          

                          

This place was massive and this is just ONE part of the convention.

                          

Several of our picks for the launch.

                         

I’m so obsessed with CC Skye!

                         

Haus Von Lila leopard pumps.

                          

Lots of sparkle!

                                      

All photos are original. All rights reserved.                                 

Friday Feature: Stylist + Blogger, Raphael Sarmiento

I appreciate unique, personal style. Replication just can’t be done so easily when a person puts so much thought and effort into creating a specific tone and statement in mixing eras, putting together prints and hues and finalizing the finishing touches. When I met Raphael Sarmiento, aka Rap, that’s one of the first things I noticed about him– his awesome, unique style that is completely unpredictable and it works every damn time. Every week that I see him, I yell, “Yesssss!” Clearly, I just can’t get enough. As we got to know one another, it made perfect sense that he was a stylist. So you know what that meant– I had to pick his brain on his thoughts about fashion and style.

Check out an exclusive interview below:

Xiomara: What inspires your style?

Raphael: California. California style is laid back and simple. I think California has a kind of effortless glamour. I like to build looks around ‘California characters’ like Hollywood star, Dolores Park hipster, surfer dude, etc. I also feel an obligation to live up to my nickname, Rap Star, so I can get a little gaudy because you know… Rap is offensive.

Xiomara: Recent/most notable styling work you’ve done?

Raphael: A photo I styled got published in Vanity Fair! I was on set at another photo shoot I was styling back in May when I found out the news. It was a photo shoot I styled last summer and I had no idea that the photographer was going to submit it. Even though the photo in the magazine occupies a little corner, it was a crazy feeling to run my fingers over my work on a glossy page.

Xiomara: Describe your style?

Raphael: My style is eclectic, but well assembled. I like taking different genres of styles and mixing them together. I love to dress for occasion and play somewhat with themes but making sure that I don’t make it too literal so that it’s costume-y.

Xiomara: Favorite fashion/style icons?

Raphael: Pharrell, Andre 3000, Willy Cartier, Tony Montana aka Scarface, Cassie, Rihanna, Prince and Jean Michel Basquiat.

Xiomara: What inspired you to start styling and blogging?

Raphael: I’ve kept a personal blog since high school but it wasn’t until about a couple years ago that I decided to create a style blog. I started posting my OOTD’s on Instagram on International Suit Up Day 2011 and it’s grown since then. I began styling back in college when my friend asked me to put together outfits for her performances and since then have just taken on styling gigs when the opportunity comes. It feels a little arrogant to say this, but I’ve always had a way with clothes so it’s something that came natural.

Xiomara: What are some of your favorite go-to looks?

Raphael: I love stunting in some all black everything! But to break it up and keep it interesting, I add subtle details with pops of color, prints, and patterns. On lazy days nothing is better than a clean white tee, ripped up jeans, a snapback, and Timbs or Jordans.

Xiomara: Fave color? Fave print?

Raphael: Red is my favorite color. It’s always striking and with so many shades, it’s the easiest way to add a pop of color to any look. For prints, or patterns rather, I would have to go with snakeskin because it’s both luxe and edgy.

[END]

Make sure to follow my stylist bud, Rap, on Twitter and Instagram and check out his blog, The Rap Star Life !

Have a great Friday!