Wednesday, November 4, 2015

But first, coffee

But first, coffee

Sometimes, you have one of those days during the week when coffee does not do you justice. Oh yes, I'm talking about today. When I'm feeling extra lazy, I guarantee that you can find me in my boyfriend jeans filled with holes. Call it fashion or call it comfort, either way, my mother will tell you that she loves them. (haha maybe not)









Outfit Details: 

Graphic Tee: Target // Vest: BP by Nordstrom // Necklace: Forever 21 // Rings: Charlotte Russe // Watch: Charming Charlie // Jeans: Forever 21 // Shoes: Nordstrom

Photography by Stacey Chatfield

Monday, November 2, 2015

Halloween 2k15

It feels so good to be bad









I hope you all had a great Halloween weekend! Snapping back to reality is hard especially after such a fun weekend. So let's all get together and grab IV's of our favorite white chocolate mocha with an extra shot of espresso from Starbucks and get on with the work week. 

Here's a recap of my amazing weekend with my girls. We decided to go as Disney Evil Villains instead of predictable black cats or minions. I love the way our costumes turned out and guess what?! We didn't dress like skanks! Haha 
From left to right: Snow White's Evil Queen, Malificent, Ursula, Queen of Hearts and Hook. 

 The costume took 2 days to make and it only cost $52! 

Supplies: 
 
8 yards or purple tulle
4 yards of sparkle purple tulle 
2 yards of black velvet
2 large bags of stuffing
Black romper (already had in my closet)
Sea shell necklace (already had in my closet)
Black heels (already had in my closet) 
Black belt (already had in my closet) 
Crown
Trident 
Gold glitter spray

How to: 
1. The Tutu! I had a piece of black ribbon that I measured around my waist then cut 2 inch pieces of purple tulle to tie around the black ribbon. I then cut the sparkle purple tulle in longer pieces and tied around the black ribbon. 
2. GOLD GOLD GOLD! I used the gold glitter spray to spray on the trident and crown. 
3. I measured my waist (37 inches)  and divided it by 8 (8 tentacles) = 4 inches per each tentacle
4. I used wrapping paper as my stencil to draw out the tentacles and cut the velvet pieces.
5. I stitched the tentacles on the sewing machine and then stuffed the velvet pieces with stuffing.
6. I sewed the tentacles onto an old belt that I had.
 


 





BONUS: I was Mary Poppins the night before Halloween with my own clothes! 

Outfit Details: 
Hat: Thirfted (added flowers with a clip) // Shirt: white chiffon shirt from Forever 21 // Belt: Red belt from H&M// Skirt: Leather skirt from Target // Booties: Vince Camuto from Nordstrom // Purse: Michael Kors // 
Bow tie: From my costume box // Umbrella: Ross












Tuesday, October 27, 2015

SoMo in San Francisco

    Welcome to the stage... 

Mr. Joseph Somers-Morales

<b>SoMo</b> - Earned It - Sorry4TheBlog.Com





  I tend to have this sweet spot in my heart for great R&B music. I grew up listening to Diana Ross & the Supremes, Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men, and any other soul singing vocalists. So there's no surprise that when SoMo released his first single 'Ride' in 2012, I instantly became a fan. His voice is a smooth mix between Trey Songz and Ne-Yo with a hint of old school soul. 


          A little bit about the artist...
Joseph Somers-Morales was born in Denton,Texas and grew up loving music due to his father being in a band, although he wasn't in his life much. In 2008, his mom bought him a piano for Christmas and he became a self taught artist. 
In 2009, he recorded Chris Brown's song 'Crawl' for his Youtube channel and quickly became an internet sensation. He continued making covers of other R&B and Rap songs along with incorporating his own original work. His stage name came to be from a 7th grade love letter addressed to "Jo SoMo". 
(what a heart breaker)


Timeline

December 2008- Mom buys piano and the start of a self taught artist begins

2009- First Youtube video is uploaded for the world and everyone goes nuts!

2009-2011- Curating more popular covers for Youtube videos

2011- Drake's Take Care cover is the start of his internet sensation

2012-Creating his own music instead of just covers and begins an independent tour. (remember the song, 'Ride'? It was hot, steamy and the girls went crazy!)

2013- He released his first mixtape in September for free. In October, Republic Records signs him. He began a "SoMo Sunday" campaign to release a new weekly Youtube video on Sundays.

2014- In April, he released his second album, SoMo under Republic Records 

2015- TODAY! He released a new album on his 28th birthday September 11th and began touring across the states. 



Kastania's Experience 
I love watching artists bring to life their own experiences into the lyrics of their music and having it resonate with their fans. It's an experience that can only be felt during a live performance. 

His performance was smooth and sexy. The girls were going crazy, although most of them were in high school. His music ranges from R&B to pop to a little bit of a rap, depending on who you're asking. Overall it was a fairly mellow crowd for the 28 year old self taught artist. 
PS pictures do not do this man justice, he's so good looking in person. WOAH!










































Monday, October 26, 2015

Do you have a case of the Mondays

Do you have a case of the Mondays? 







                               

                             


Hat: Forever 21 // Tank: Charlotte Russe // Skirt: Lauren Conrad for Kohl's // Booties: Ambiance // Necklaces: Forever 21 




Happy Monday!!! 

Is it just me, or does it feel like this year has been flying by so fast? I can remember last December like it was just yesterday. At the same time, so much has happened! 

My train of thought is everywhere right now. (as many of you know about me) 

The other day, I met up with a group of girls that I've know for 20 years!! That's nuts! This might have stemmed my train of thought with the fast paced year. We all went to Catholic school together since kindergarten and have all kept in touch, which I think is pretty awesome and fairly rare. I love our sense of nostalgia and reminiscing on the dumb things we did as kids. 

This mini reunion inspired me to plan a real reunion with the rest of our class in the next few months. Where I will find the time to do this, I have no idea, but I'm really excited to catch up with everyone. 

 When we run into old classmates, the age old question remains, "So what are you doing nowadays?" Most of the time, the answer is used to judge others on their accomplishments or creating low self-esteem when you return home on your lack of adventure and efforts. 

We all know those feelings hold true, but I hate it. I hate that we judge others and ourselves when we run into old friends. We already keep up with these people through stalking social media to see the life they want us to see, but what's the truth? 

I also realized that although I don't think my life is very eventful and exciting to talk about, I should be proud of what I'm doing everyday. 

Currently, I'm working at a tech startup in San Francisco during the day, planning events and promotions for an alternative radio station, going to concerts every week, volunteering at Make-a-wish foundation, blogging, yoga classes and everything else in between. That's crazy! 


I realize I'm going on a tangent. I just want to know how we can change it? 
How many times do you run into someone and they say, "I saw on Facebook that you're in a relationship" or "I saw on Instagram that you moved back home with your parents". Haha where's the sense of mystery? Does that even exist or should we all just document our every move on social media? 

Don't get me wrong, I love social media! I love networking with like-minded people, creeping on my ex's and reading hilarious memes on @daddyissues. The content you're putting out in the world should really represent your true self and  remain positive and inspiring. That's my own opinion since misery loves company. So I'm making a vow to put effort into providing content that can inspire and promote a positive outlook in the world. Care to join me? 





Monday, October 5, 2015

I've got the Blues







Outfit Details:
Dress: Banana Republic
Shoes: Forever 21
Sunglasses: RayBans
Necklace: Forever 21

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Nifty Thrifty


Nifty Thrifty

By far one of my favorite past times has to be thrift store hunting. Not only are you finding once in a lifetime pieces, but they are unique and you had to work hard to find such an amazing new article to your wardrobe. I recently went thrifting with a friend and found some of the best pieces for my closet, to date! 


5 tips to the best thrifting!


1. Go through each item! 
    It may be super annoying to look through each piece of clothing, but have to let your creative juices flow! You might find an awesome pattern that can be cut into a dress or find a cool romper stuck between the hangers. Check out all items and you won'd be disappointed.

2. Try on the clothes!
     Take the time to try on a few of the clothes. At least try on the jackets and sweaters in the mirror.

3. Be Bold!
    Time to be creative and look for the articles of clothing you wouldn't normally wear. This is the time to buy something that's different. No need to feel bad either. Don't commit to spending too much money on these items. 

4. Wash the clothes!
      Make sure the second you get home, you wash the clothes you bought. Clean them up, start your project, wash out the stains and make it look awesome!

5. You can leave empty handed.
     You don't have to leave with something every time you step into a second hand store. If you take the time to go through each item, I guarantee you'll find some great gems!


Thrifted: Purple, Navy and Black Velvet long blazer with great pockets $6.00

Thrifted: Hawaiian style short sleeve button up shirt and olive green hat
Shirt:$2.00
Hat:$4.00

Thrifted: My favorite find of the day included these awesome black pointed flats with a medallion of a jaguar face in rhinestones and gold tips
$3.00

My other purchases:
White leather vest $6.00
Light weight flower sweater $2.00
Men's flower button up shirt $4.00 
Tupac tank $3.00
Black Booties:$7.00

My friend purchased:
80's style colored windbreaker
Flower/jean vest
Red watch

Photography by Stacey Chatfield

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Wedding Bells are Ringing!


Wedding Bells are Ringing!


There are a few things that I love in this world, my family, music, a serious love for shoes, spontaneous adventures and wedding season! 
My cousin got married this past weekend and it was such a spectical. My mother, brother and I drove to Vacaville (roughly an hour away) to attend the event. The ceremony took place in a beautiful Catholic Church and then we drove 15 minuties to attend a backyard barn reception. The lighting was great for pictures and we enjoyed catching up with old relatives. 














Outfit details:
 Dress: Agaci Boutique 
Shoes: Agaci Boutique
Necklace: Forever 21
Sunglasses: RayBans
Lipstick: Sangria color by Elf Products