Empowering through creativity.
The best way to elevate any outfit! A classy sweater with a unique touch can make a huge difference!
I love this option when I have to walk to work or run errands.
Design Software used: Procreate and Arc.
Living intentionally has multiple benefits that will automatically improve your professional
and personal life.
- Better focus: Means making actions that matter to you. Clear your mind and truly concentrate on what you consider important.
- Reduce stress: Making value-based decisions targeted on goals and action steps.
- Gain a sense of reflection: You think ahead, consider the good / bad consecuences.
- Set healthy boundaries.
- which is extremely important in the business world! Always protect your well-being above all.
My learnings: A successful creative campaign
-Define your goals: this includes having clear, measurable KPI's that can really track your progress. I recommend having weekly achievements (and even daily). This will keep you focused on improving systems.
- Audience research: Understand what your target audience needs. What are their behaviors? Is there a white space in the market?
- Channel section. Choose the right platforms to reach your audience. This will take some time and data but once you know this we promise your business will grow exponentially
- Content creation: Develop engaging, educational content. You can even make it funny, play around with photography/ videos!
Flower dye transfers so beautifully on sustainable fabrics! This age-old method creates one-of-a-kind patterns without using chemicals.
My creative process:
- I start by meticulously sketching out the floral design I want to bring to life.
- Then comes the hunt for just the right flowers and plants to extract vibrant, earthy pigments from.
- I carefully arrange each blossom and sprig into my envisioned design atop the cotton canvas. I apply firm but delicate pressure to imprint each botanical element.
- To ensure those brilliant pigments become permanent, I treat the fabric with a mordant.
- Let the faric dry.
Whenever I want to get inspired I go on a hike and spend time in nature. I also often read architecture and interior design magazines. The combination of shapes, textures, and overlays is always something I can take away from. Listening to podcasts that remind me of my value and creativity also gives me that extra boost I need when I create something new. We are human, it’s normal to have those moments of self-doubt…
Comparing ourselves to others is extremely harmful. The key is being aware when we subconsciously do that and reframe those thoughts into something positive. Whenever I have conversations with my friends or even someone new I remind them that we each are completely different, there is only one you!! Plus we have a limited amount of time on this planet so let’s make the best of it :).
Moments that echo the harmony of conscious fashion.
Details behind one of our staple pieces. Linen is not only a great sustainable fiber but also very versatile since it's perfect for any season. I enjoyed seeing the different kinds of linen in Portugal, specially the ones that were up-cycled.
The skirt seamlessly adapts to your unique style. It's fabric is extremely durable, absorbent and
anti-static.
The most valuable conscious practices and habits you can implement to counteract the impact of fast fashion.
-Upcycling and swapping clothes that you no longer wear with your friends and acquaintances.
-Thrift shopping - you will for sure find hidden treasures when you look for them
-Buy timeless pieces that you can wear, mix & match during multiple seasons and over the years: These can be a pair of jeans, a black dress, a white t shirt, a neural color sweater, black oxfords/boots, a jean jacket, a colorful scarf and classy purse to elevate any outfit!
-Educate and talk about these tips with your social circle. The most important thing right now is education and building awareness
Let’s create change♻️
These past five years have been incredibly special since I got to travel and go to different fabric stores and manufacturers. Learning more about sustainable fashion, nature derived textiles and fibers inspired me to create designs & also educate others about the impact of fast fashion.
While traveling around Portugal and Spain, I found out that organic cotton, linen, silk, pineapple fiber, tencel (eucalyptus wood) and hemp are getting more popular and are also affordable.
I was lucky enough to find ethically produced Linen here in Europe, which I got to use in my collection. The beige color was perfect for my designs; I love the fact that this material is made of flax and doesn't require any fertilizers as it is biodegradable.
What's next? I'm excited to explore Bananatex which is a fabric purely made from banana plants! I am sure there will be many more low impact materials available in the near future.
Besides adding ceramics to the accessories and tote bags, I also added some hand painted details to each small tile. I got inspired in Portuguese architecture which is full of patterns and colorful shapes.
My trip to Porto last Summer was extremely special since I got to find the most unique fabrics for my last collection! I was so amazed by the amount of fibers and textiles this area of Europe has.
My footprint and manufacturing practices when creating my collection was minimal. It didn't require big amounts of transportation or synthetic pollutants. The idea of transparency and education is extremely important. Teaching others that slow fashion is accessible and rapidly evolving is essential.
An empty mind makes the most noise. Information is power, the more we know about ourselves and how to deal with life’s circumstances the easier each experience becomes.
To maintain inner peace and be a good example for others. Those are some of my daily morning affirmations.
What kind of person do you want to be today? We definitely rise by lifting others, sharing our knowledge and being vulnerable it's so important… you never know how much of an impact you can make on other people.
I was selected with other 4 young creatives to present my designs at the Artenblanc fashion show in Alicante, Spain. A fashion event hosted by the Conselleria de Cultura. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of this initiative supported by the government.
All these years have been full of learnings, personal development, discovering daily hacks, skills and gaining knowledge from others. Recently, something has really been resonating with me, I read about this twice this past month (by chance) and also had conversations with peers and family. We all have our power "state of flow". In this state we can be productive, inspired and have innovative ideas. While doing this, our perception of time wraps, we basically use our energy efficiently in order to get great results. Some experts say this is typically 4 hours/day.
The other time not spent in our flow state can be invested in our health, both mental and physical. Basically taking care of ourselves and serving others. When we stay in tune and balanced we can be at our best and deliver amazing results in other areas of our lives.
The key here is to get to know yourself, what habits can you change? How do you want to spend your free time? What environment or people inspire you to create?
I was able to accomplish my dream to participate in the worlds leading sustainable fashion week, got so inspired from all the colorful street looks, amazing talent and insightful conversations.
Being backstage at Ganni, Stine Goya, Saks Potts & Rotate's shows was definitely eye-opening. There is so much preparation and work behind the scenes. All the models, and team members were extremely welcoming and made me feel very appreciated. I got to see the importance of values and ethics in the workplace. This is why these big brands are so successful, they treat everyone equally and care for each others well-being. Seeing body size and ethnic diversity made me feel so hopeful. Things are changing and we are all more aware about what truly matters.
What makes Copenhagen Fashion Week different? They have specific standards for designers who want to showcase their work. Here are some of them:
-At least 50% of the collection is either certified, made of preferred materials or new generation sustainable materials, upcycled, recycled or made of deadstock.
-Fur free
-Brands must educate and inform our customers about our sustainability practices on multiple platforms.
-Set design and show production has to be zero waste.
-Committed to exercising due diligence in the supply chain according to international guidelines and standards and work with suppliers. Ensure freely chosen employment, secure employment or no child labour.
Learn more on CPFW official website.
Im so excited to attend next season, the future is bright and positive changes are being made.
Habits are extremely important so we can stay in tune with ourselves.
These are some that we commonly hear and are definitely necessary:
-Sleep
-Meditation
-Spending time in nature
-Exercise
Some habits that we hear less about:
-Helping others, doing community service, etc.
(it has been proven that anxiety reduces when we serve our peers or even a stranger).
-Being thankful before each meal. This can be a prayer or a simple thank you. Always think about all the people that worked on harvesting, delivering and making what you have on your plate.
-Be giving for no reason, it's about the thoughtful little gifts; sticky notes that can make someone's day.
-Choosing mindfully. Our lives are based on decisions and this can be scary. Think while you are in a good mind space, don't rush and also don't feel guilty for feeling you are missing out on something. At the end of the day, you always have the answers within.
-Try to not gossip or comment on each others lives when no one asks for our opinion.
-Learn something new every now and then, get out of your comfort zone. This has incredible benefits as you will be able to see life from a new perspective..some people find their passion this way!
A collection based on the connection between nature, humanity and the environment. We are living in a time of immense changes, every decision we make has an impact. Our planet is suffering.Connect invites you to stay informed about better ways to shop, especially for clothes. We use sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton and linen, both materials are long-lasting and very resistant.Each piece is designed to stay in your wardrobe forever. We are all about effortless looks with a unique touch, which can include hand embroidery and hand-painted details. Some of our patterns are also designed in-house.
My inspiration: Artists Wassily Kandinsky and Henri Matisse, nature, and Copenhagen's street style.I developed this collection over the past year, the most memorable moments were spending time at the beach and the park in Valencia, and the harbor in Copenhagen where I thought about all the designs and specs. As of the fabric research, I spent quite some time looking at shops in Spain, Porto, and Denmark.
I am very lucky to have found these fantastic textures and unique fibers.
The sewing process required a lot of patience but with my family and friends company, time seemed to pass by quickly. I also loved having long insightful conversations while I was doing all the embroidery, it can be so relaxing.
The show at the Only You Hotel was a complete success and I could havenot done it without the help from loved ones, my fashion school and helpful staff.
Forever grateful!
Maybe, all we seek is connection.
This is our chance to create and restore harmony between nature, humanity and the environment.
Stay updated, my new collection is coming out 11.10.22
Believe you deserve it and the universe will serve it.
The most amazing feeling is when you feel empowered, capable of achieving anything once you know that when we act from love, all flows. Confirm it through experience! You can start by writing affirmations, meditating and rehearsing staying in a peaceful state of mind as much as you can.
As you know, I love traveling, but I do prefer being in a calm head space most of the time....
When I go to beautiful viewpoints and landscapes like this one in Ibiza, I try to take a mental picture so I can remember the feeling I had, when I'm stressed or overwhelmed. We learned that is normal to suffer when we don't get what we want, though this is NOT true. When you shift perspectives, you learn that there is always a chance to grow and learn from everything that occurs.
Outfit: Silk shirt dress from Zara and Fashager hand painted tote bag .
Porto is definitely a magical city, the second biggest in Portugal, full of color, life and great atmosphere all year long. My favorite part is walking around and observing all the beautiful architecture which has tiles originally brought by the Arabs.
My look is perfect for a Spring or Summer day (doesn't get as hot as other parts of Europe). Here, I'm wearing a beige long skirt with a cotton black sweater, black cap and blue leather purse. My sneakers are from the Italian bran Geox, ideal for those long walks and hilly streets. It's incredible how accessories can elevate a look so much!!! No expensive designer bags needed, small retailers and even stores like Pull and bear and & Other Stories have tons of options you can choose from.
While visiting Porto you must:
-Go on a boat trip on the river
-Try local food such as octopus, sardines, pastel de nata
-Visit the Cathedral
-Visit the Botanical Garden
-Walk around the local markets and vintage stores such as "Mon Pere".
Paris in Winter is completely different compared to summer, it's still sunny, looking more like autumn. If you want to look trendy without much effort, wear a trench coat over a skirt or dress. This look is always a win, accessorize it with long earrings and sunglasses.
To add a special touch wear a turtle neck with a pattern, which can layer very well with a sweater and jacket. The one I wore that day is from one of my favorite shops, Sezane.
Some if my favorite spots in Paris are:
-Montmatre
-Aujourd'hui Demain - for brunch
- Levantine
- Le Bouchon - lunch and dinner
- Champs Élysées
I definitely think Summer is my favorite season, but there is something about Fall that I love as well. In terms of fashion, is super fun to mix my favorite item (skits) with blazers, chic jackets and high knee boots. The ultimate Scandinavian style is also really easy to replicate! Simply wear jeans which could be baggy or flared, an oversized quilted jacket or coat, a hat or cap and a blanket scarf. Style it with sunglasses and a small purse. So effortless and simple, yet makes it seem like you really put work into it.
I also had the chance to go to Vienna, Austria this month. What an incredible, stunning city!!!
I recommend visiting the shops on 7th avenue, touring Cece’s castle, Schönbrunn Palace and visiting the vineyards right outside the city (quick 30 minute metro ride). If you are a coffee lover I recommend Unger und Klein located in the city center. And as of food, my favorite spot was Laolao, Chinese cousine....one of the best interior design layouts I’ve seen in my life, seriously even the bathroom left me speechless.
Fall is a great time to go just make sure you go prepared for some cold winds, though is not too bad. Austria is super close to Slovakia and Czech Republic. I recommend going on a day trip to Bratslavia for only $15 roundtrip. Also incredibly worth it to walk around and admire the old architecture and historic scenery.
My favorite quote this month is: "What you think, you become" .
I always admire and really appreciate how many countries make culture one of their priorities. Caring about people's well-being is so important. Society has always been focusing too much on capitalism, the habit of always "doing" but sadly less "being". Museums have always been a place for me to escape, reflect, see things from a new perspective and many times, learn about history.
It's the best way to unwind and slow down. I find myself happier and even more productive at work when I spend time reading books, looking at architecture and visiting art galleries. Doing this activities by yourself can be incredibly therapeutic as well!
This photo was taken at the Museum de Belles Arts in Valencia, Spain.
Finding inspiration is all about staying curious and not being afraid to break patterns or step out of your daily routine. At the end of the day, it could also be all about perspective. It's very easy to encounter something inspirational while going on a walk or simply having a conversation with a stranger. One of my favorite things to do is going to bookstores (vintage ones are the best) and observing all the different illustrations and covers. If something catches my attention I take a photo and sometimes end up buying it.
One of my preferred ways to gain inspiration is listening to podcasts; these are related to self development, creativity, empowerment and mental health. All these cover important facts that we should all keep present every day. Trusting ourselves, our skills, capabilities and power to help others.
Here are some podcast recommendations:
- 10 Percent Happier
- On Purpose by Jay Shetty
- Aubrey Marcus Podcast
- Infinite Potential
- Good life project
Warmer days are here and I couldn't be more excited. Living in Spain has given me so much inspiration and new insights. Walking around the city and observing the beautiful architecture is one of my favorite things to do here. I also really enjoy people watching, it's so interesting to see how different their style is compared to Californians. Even though both places have that beach-city vibe, here people are less afraid to combine vibrant colors and patterns. Outfits seem more sophisticated and their shoes are always so unique and beautiful. Spain has one of the largest leather industries, it produces 50 million square meters valued at €600 million per year. In Valencia, there are many small shops owned by artisans that have dedicated most of their lives to manufacturing. The best part is that the quality is excellent and aren't very pricy.
Some of my favorite show shops in VLC:
-Chicka 10 (Xativa area)
-Qualent (Point de Fusta area)
Getting to know yourself. Accepting what is and seeing everything you experience as a chance to grow. Listen to yourself, you always have the answers.
Most importantly, there’s only one of you!!!! You are unique and no one else can bring the same ideas and light that you can. Once you have this mentality the right opportunities and people will gravitate towards you. All is energy, this is what makes life so magical.
Keep inspiring!
It’s exciting to know you can implement low-cost strategies. In this post I will explain a few tactics you can consider. A big part of success is staying informed and finding what works for your business, especially at the stage you are in. Making the right efforts in a timely manner will for sure give you faster results. Here is what you need to know:
The impact of visuals:
You can always gain someone’s attention by having eye-catching visuals. This doesn’t mean they have to be extravagant and you don’t have to hire a professional photographer either. What matters the most is that you have a cohesive aesthetic on your website and social media. This shows that you are an expert about your product and also have clear goals.
Storytelling:
This is one of the most successful methods. Good stories about your product, how you started your brand, your background and expertise have a high potential as of engaging your audience.You don’t have to spend many hours writing and framing all the information. One to 2 paragraphs can be enough for communicating the message. I recommend adding data or reliable statistics that support your story, this will make the information a lot more convincing. Warby' Parker’s story is a great example, the CEO talked about his experience losing his glasses back in grad school and being without them for 6 months because he couldn’t afford that expense. Because of this, he decided to start a company that offers affordable, socially conscious and aesthetically pleasing.
What problem are you solving?
State clearly what problem you are solving for the customer. The audience is always trying to improve some aspect of their lives, if your product or service can help them achieve this, you definitely have to include your product value in a visible section of your website and social media.
Interact with you audience:
Engage with your customers by adding questions in your social media post. These don’t have to be specific but definitely have to be related to your industry. You can also ask for feedback, which is actually the perfect way to get to know if you are missing something or if there are any aspects that need improvement. Per say, if you just launched a new clothing line you can ask in one of your posts or in your blog which item or fabric is their favorite.
Hire the right influencers:
Organization and time management are crucial when it comes to working with other professionals. Influencer marketing platforms can make this process a lot easier. You will be able to filter search results and select the right instagram or youtube influencers for your brand based on engagement, follower count, location and industry. Once you have this defined you can establish what kind of information you want to share with them, it should be as specific as possible. They are representing your brand and need to have knowledge about your company’s values, product characteristics and policies if needed. You can also provide them a discount code so they can share it with their followers. This will be a huge incentive and can most likely boost your sales in no time.
Share someone’s testimony:
This is also a great tactic and can reinforce the product’s value. This is effective especially when trying to find new customers. Many of us tend to look for reviews or ways to make sure we are making the right decision when purchasing something. We want to avoid regretting our decisions at all costs, contact one of your clients to see if they can write a review or share their recent experience with the brand.Detailed posts about experiences with the brand have high engagement. The more details others share about the product, the better.I hope you find these strategies helpful and get your desired results. Technology provides amazing tools for communication that we must take advantage of. Trying something new can be challenging and sometimes intimidating but once you have an organized layout with your goals and deadlines everything will become easier. Always believe in your product, it’s value and how it can improve other’s lives. Don’t feel discouraged if you didn’t get the results you wanted. The first campaigns are always the most important since you get to see what resonates with the audience and what doesn’t.
I've previously mentioned the importance of building awareness about sustainability and slow fashion. There are plenty of alternatives to bad synthetic fabrics, one of them is organic cotton. This material doesn't need much water compared to regular cotton. It sustains the health of the land and people around it, there are no chemical processes involved.
By choosing organic over conventional cotton you are supporting small farmers and promoting a safe environment for them.
I am happy to be part of the change and provide a conscious product that meets all the environmental standards.
Shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Fashager
Last year was full of lessons, life changing circumstances that made us realize what really matters. Here are some tips to stay balanced:
- Trust yourself, trust your intuition
- Invest in learning more about yourself, some of the best ways to do so is journaling, meditation, trying new experiences
- Do everything from love
- You have the power to create everything you want.
- Do not compare your path or physical appearance to anyone else's. There’s only one you...doesn't that make you special?
- Take care of your environment. What you are surrounded with impacts you immensely, meaning people and also your personal space.
- Get rid of limiting beliefs: We all have these, stay aware so you can eliminate them from your life. We want to do so as soon as possible since they can dictate our thoughts and actions.
- Feel whole, feel okay with being alone, you are your best friend.
- Always help others, find ways to get involved in the community....personally this brings me incredible joy.
- Feel abundant, resources are always there and you will always encounter ways to meet the right people and find the best business opportunities.
- Every time you have a negative thought, switch it to a positive one! Once you do this often, it will turn into one of the most helpful habits you will have.
As the weather gets colder we all know it's important to wear many layers. What are some of the pieces that I've found more useful and I can also keep in my closet for years to come?
-Bucket hats are so classy and stylish! The ideal accessory if you want a french look and stay warm at the same time! Mine is from Urban Outfitters.
-Fleece sweater set: Neutral, cozy pieces that will go with a pair of jeans or a long skirt. Mine is from H&M. Free People also has a great selection!
-A blanket scarf over a black or grey oversized blazer. I feel like this is my go to outfit this season. Even though most blazers aren't super thick, accessories will be the best option to keep you cozy and give the whole look a fun twist.
I've seen the huge impact of creating art specially when I worked at a senior center as an art therapist. There, I got to see how therapeutic it is, not only releases emotions but unlocks memories which can produce so many positive emotions. One of my students started remembering her grandmother and drew her house, a place she remembered visiting frequently as a kid. None of them were artists and was so amazing to me how they weren't afraid to dive into it without fear of failure. While teaching it's also important to engage and ask them questions about the art work.
This will keep their right part of the brain stimulated. Remembering is like reliving, the brain has the ability of recreating past events as if they are happening now. For someone that isn't creating a lot of memories this can be extremely special and uplifting.
Here is some of my students work:
The concept of Regenerative agriculture is fairly new and now very popular in countries like India. This method omits chemicals and focuses on strengthening the soil and nature surrounding areas. We can definitely revitalize earth in the fabric making process without following the conventional methods that have been harming the planet for so long. Deep tiling and pesticides are not necessary, we can achieve the same results or even better ones by just protecting nature's natural process.
More about it's benefits:
-Promotes rich, nutrient-dense soil
-Incorporates "pollinator strips" which attract butterflies and bees to the area
-Healthier lifestyle for farmers
-Focusing on the importance of healthy soil, which can sequester big amounts of carbon from the atmosphere...(this can be one of the meaningful steps we can take
to reverse global warming!!)
Fall is here, one of my favorite seasons since you can mix and match summer and winter pieces. I love wearing dresses and skirts so this is the perfect opportunity to pair those with a leather jacket or cute coat. I've also seen gold jewelry as a big trend this year, timeless earrings and necklaces can add so much style to your outfit. Nude colors are still in and perfect to wear for any occasion. On this day, I wore one from H&M's Conscious collection! I was able to walk around Barcelona and not worry about it being too tight or flowy. As I mentioned before, one of the best ways to renovate your wardrobe for the new season is thrift shopping, always worth it! Here are more fall trends that I'm super excited to wear: pastel oversized sweaters, pearl/colorful necklaces & sweater vests.
A minimum amount of uncertainty generates an error response in the orbital frontal cortex (OFC). When this happens, it can be pretty difficult to focus on other things until the issue is solved. In fact, if you think about it, many things we experience in our daily lives have a sense of certainty: music patterns, work schedules and even our own routines.
Uncertain times can be hard but we can manage them better by releasing our desire to control everything and also setting specific goals and deadlines. A good strategy is journaling what you want to accomplish each week and having clear what habits and actions can help you get there.
-Our brains are lazy and also shaped by our habits, it can be extremely hard to break those, but it's possible! All we need is discipline. Rewiring our thoughts, beliefs and practicing awareness is key to having a healthy mindset.
-When you remember an experience, your brain takes it as it's happening all over again.
-By just smiling, you can trick your brain to think you are happy. This is useful if you are feeling under the weather. Trust me you will feel the difference!
-Prayer and meditation changes our brains. I learned this from the great Neuroscientist, Andrew Newberg who did an important study that involved brain scans from meditators. He found that there was some decreased activity in the parietal lobe during meditation, this part of the brain is responsible for orientation in terms of space and time. This explains why sensory and cognitive inputs aren't present when we focus on our inward state.
Read full article.
Sight seeing in Barcelona is my favorite. I really enjoy discovering new places and getting inspired by all the art. My favorite museum in the city is Picasso's, I feel blessed I got to see some of his original pieces and the story behind them.
Some important learnings this week and reminders for you!:
- Stay connected with the energy of gratitude. When you are, there's no room for anything else.
- Do everything from a place of love. Think about how you can serve others in your daily life.
- There's magic in everything!
The unknown is where magic happens. Consider creating with the energy from the future and not the past. If we remember this every single day, we can reprogram our mind and achieve more confidence. Being aware of our thoughts and analyzing if they are coming from peace or from our ego.
We have the power to create our own dream reality.
One of the things I consider extremely important is cheering yourself up and training your mind to remember certain quotes, phrases or sayings. Some may choose a mantra too.
Here are some of the things I tell myself every day (sometimes repeatedly if I'm going through a stressful situation)
-My external reality is a reflexion of my inner reality
-I always choose to spread love and light everywhere I go
-If I'm in alignment with the universe, my piece can not be disrupted
-I love experiencing synchronicities and I believe in the magic of the universe
I feel like I am more interested in neuroscience than ever before. Learning about perceptions, beliefs, the nervous system and how we are influenced by different things since we were born is incredibly helpful, I feel like I have a deeper understanding now.
There are certain behaviors that can deeply help us according to neuroscience, one of them being helping others. Small actions are not only good for other people but for yourself as well since large quantities of serotonin, oxytocin and dopamine are released in your brain.
Solidarity also helps your immune system, your body experiences high levels of happiness and less stress and worry. It also increases levels of motivation, passion, sense of purpose and neuroplasticity due to creativity and problem solving. Don't ever let your cortisol levels go up and help others!
I love learning every day, that’s one of my big motivations in life. Always evolving and growing. Studying and getting my Masters degree this year has been a huge blessing. I’ve had the chance to meet amazing, self driven people and gain a lot of knowledge in Neuromarketing. I’ve been enjoying getting to know the brain, customer behavior, perceptions, beliefs and some of the latest studies in the industry. Last month we had the opportunity to go on a field trip in Villena, about 2 hours from Valencia, Spain. We didn’t know where we were going at first! then, we ended up arriving at this really nice place called “Instituto de Actitudes Positivas” which means “Institute of Positive Attitudes”. I was so amazed by the fact that people are caring more and more about teaching others about emotional intelligence, overcoming obstacles and considering adversities as chances to grow. Our mentor mentioned the importance of helping others, listening, being a good example and radiating happiness. Why? It’s contagious, people can feel it. We had some activities where we focused on the importance of group work. The best part was when we got to tell each and every person some of the qualities we liked about them while they had their eyes closed. Encouraging words always make someone’s day better.This is the perfect time to lift others up and think about our communities. It’s important to remember everyone is on their own path and sometimes we have no idea what they are going through. I encourage you to wake up every morning with the intention to make someone smile or simply remember to radiate love throughout the day:)
Outfit: Simple blouse by Free People. Love the patterns, also very versatile. Easy to match! Pair it with a jean skirt, corduroy pants or leggings. Wearing vivid colors always helps my mood!
We are going through so many transitions during this time. Being in a situation like this where the whole world is experiencing the same issue makes us realize that we are all connected. This is the time when we get to think about others, help, raise awareness. The system we have been living in for the past years hasn’t clearly been working. This could be the time where a lot of people wake up and reevaluate their life and give priority to what really matters. Society will face challenges but this will also be the beginning of new and better ways of handling health, politics, trade, economy etc. It’s all about trusting God’s plan, knowing that this is all happening for a reason and we are protected by him. Today I invite you to do what makes your soul happy. Life is not about checking off a to do list. Being productive is also taking care of yourself, and learning what coping mechanisms help you the most. Slow down, and let’s appreciate the little things now more than ever. I’ll tell you some of mine: spending time with my mom, talking on the phone with my dad, beautiful Tulips in California, having peace of mind and health.
And I prove this every day. When you are dedicated and committed to doing your best at everything, nothing can really go wrong. When you have a drive and passion for something, your energy can be contagious and it can literally attract situations or people that can help you along the way. How do you stay at this state where you feel driven, motivated and pretty much in love with life? Journal, organize your thoughts. If something worries you or you have a long to do list one of the best things to do is writing everything down, it is not only a great coping mechanism but also a way to clear out your head and observe if those thinking patterns are serving you . Different breathing techniques or meditations are also helpful so we can stay grounded and be in the present. I’ve been practicing meditation since March 2019, I do it for 10 minutes at least 4 times a week and now looking back, I definitely see the difference. I can concentrate better and most of the time, I try to be aware of what I’m thinking; if it’s something negative I replace it with gratitude. Our minds tend to worry too much about the future and think “what if’s”. The key here is just acknowledging the thoughts and focusing on the present moment or recalling a happy memory.
I think it’s very important to stay motivated in life, this is why we have goals and dreams that keep us going. This is all great but finding joy in the little things is also crucial! Finding happiness in smiling at a stranger, going to your favorite coffee shop, putting a plant in your room, helping someone with a project. All these things are there we just have to make room for appreciation. We always have everything we need to be happy! Once we are aware of it, life becomes magic. Always keep the good memories close to your heart and express yourself freely.
Currently loving hair accessories, they always add a special touch to your outfit! This hair tie is from Anthropologie, they have a lot of styles and also very affordable!
Besides adding ceramics to the accessories and tote bags, I also added some hand painted details to each small tile. I got inspired in Portuguese architecture which is full of patterns and colorful shapes.
My trip to Porto last Summer was extremely special since I got to find the most unique fabrics for my last collection! I was so amazed by the amount of fibers and textiles this area of Europe has.
My footprint and manufacturing practices when creating my collection was minimal. It didn't require big amounts of transportation or synthetic pollutants. The idea of transparency and education is extremely important. Teaching others that slow fashion is accessible and rapidly evolving is essential.
An empty mind makes the most noise. Information is power, the more we know about ourselves and how to deal with life’s circumstances the easier each experience becomes.
To maintain inner peace and be a good example for others. Those are some of my daily morning affirmations.
What kind of person do you want to be today? We definitely rise by lifting others, sharing our knowledge and being vulnerable it's so important… you never know how much of an impact you can make on other people.
I was selected with other 4 young creatives to present my designs at the Artenblanc fashion show in Alicante, Spain. A fashion event hosted by the Conselleria de Cultura. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of this initiative supported by the government.
All these years have been full of learnings, personal development, discovering daily hacks, skills and gaining knowledge from others. Recently, something has really been resonating with me, I read about this twice this past month (by chance) and also had conversations with peers and family. We all have our power "state of flow". In this state we can be productive, inspired and have innovative ideas. While doing this, our perception of time wraps, we basically use our energy efficiently in order to get great results. Some experts say this is typically 4 hours/day.
The other time not spent in our flow state can be invested in our health, both mental and physical. Basically taking care of ourselves and serving others. When we stay in tune and balanced we can be at our best and deliver amazing results in other areas of our lives.
The key here is to get to know yourself, what habits can you change? How do you want to spend your free time? What environment or people inspire you to create?
I was able to accomplish my dream to participate in the worlds leading sustainable fashion week, got so inspired from all the colorful street looks, amazing talent and insightful conversations.
Being backstage at Ganni, Stine Goya, Saks Potts & Rotate's shows was definitely eye-opening. There is so much preparation and work behind the scenes. All the models, and team members were extremely welcoming and made me feel very appreciated. I got to see the importance of values and ethics in the workplace. This is why these big brands are so successful, they treat everyone equally and care for each others well-being. Seeing body size and ethnic diversity made me feel so hopeful. Things are changing and we are all more aware about what truly matters.
What makes Copenhagen Fashion Week different? They have specific standards for designers who want to showcase their work. Here are some of them:
-At least 50% of the collection is either certified, made of preferred materials or new generation sustainable materials, upcycled, recycled or made of deadstock.
-Fur free
-Brands must educate and inform our customers about our sustainability practices on multiple platforms.
-Set design and show production has to be zero waste.
-Committed to exercising due diligence in the supply chain according to international guidelines and standards and work with suppliers. Ensure freely chosen employment, secure employment or no child labour.
Learn more on CPFW official website.
Im so excited to attend next season, the future is bright and positive changes are being made.
Habits are extremely important so we can stay in tune with ourselves.
These are some that we commonly hear and are definitely necessary:
-Sleep
-Meditation
-Spending time in nature
-Exercise
Some habits that we hear less about:
-Helping others, doing community service, etc.
(it has been proven that anxiety reduces when we serve our peers or even a stranger).
-Being thankful before each meal. This can be a prayer or a simple thank you. Always think about all the people that worked on harvesting, delivering and making what you have on your plate.
-Be giving for no reason, it's about the thoughtful little gifts; sticky notes that can make someone's day.
-Choosing mindfully. Our lives are based on decisions and this can be scary. Think while you are in a good mind space, don't rush and also don't feel guilty for feeling you are missing out on something. At the end of the day, you always have the answers within.
-Try to not gossip or comment on each others lives when no one asks for our opinion.
-Learn something new every now and then, get out of your comfort zone. This has incredible benefits as you will be able to see life from a new perspective..some people find their passion this way!
A collection based on the connection between nature, humanity and the environment. We are living in a time of immense changes, every decision we make has an impact. Our planet is suffering.Connect invites you to stay informed about better ways to shop, especially for clothes. We use sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton and linen, both materials are long-lasting and very resistant.Each piece is designed to stay in your wardrobe forever. We are all about effortless looks with a unique touch, which can include hand embroidery and hand-painted details. Some of our patterns are also designed in-house.
My inspiration: Artists Wassily Kandinsky and Henri Matisse, nature, and Copenhagen's street style.I developed this collection over the past year, the most memorable moments were spending time at the beach and the park in Valencia, and the harbor in Copenhagen where I thought about all the designs and specs. As of the fabric research, I spent quite some time looking at shops in Spain, Porto, and Denmark.
I am very lucky to have found these fantastic textures and unique fibers.
The sewing process required a lot of patience but with my family and friends company, time seemed to pass by quickly. I also loved having long insightful conversations while I was doing all the embroidery, it can be so relaxing.
The show at the Only You Hotel was a complete success and I could havenot done it without the help from loved ones, my fashion school and helpful staff.
Forever grateful!
Maybe, all we seek is connection.
This is our chance to create and restore harmony between nature, humanity and the environment.
Stay updated, my new collection is coming out 11.10.22
Believe you deserve it and the universe will serve it.
The most amazing feeling is when you feel empowered, capable of achieving anything once you know that when we act from love, all flows. Confirm it through experience! You can start by writing affirmations, meditating and rehearsing staying in a peaceful state of mind as much as you can.
As you know, I love traveling, but I do prefer being in a calm head space most of the time....
When I go to beautiful viewpoints and landscapes like this one in Ibiza, I try to take a mental picture so I can remember the feeling I had, when I'm stressed or overwhelmed. We learned that is normal to suffer when we don't get what we want, though this is NOT true. When you shift perspectives, you learn that there is always a chance to grow and learn from everything that occurs.
Outfit: Silk shirt dress from Zara and Fashager hand painted tote bag .
Porto is definitely a magical city, the second biggest in Portugal, full of color, life and great atmosphere all year long. My favorite part is walking around and observing all the beautiful architecture which has tiles originally brought by the Arabs.
My look is perfect for a Spring or Summer day (doesn't get as hot as other parts of Europe). Here, I'm wearing a beige long skirt with a cotton black sweater, black cap and blue leather purse. My sneakers are from the Italian bran Geox, ideal for those long walks and hilly streets. It's incredible how accessories can elevate a look so much!!! No expensive designer bags needed, small retailers and even stores like Pull and bear and & Other Stories have tons of options you can choose from.
While visiting Porto you must:
-Go on a boat trip on the river
-Try local food such as octopus, sardines, pastel de nata
-Visit the Cathedral
-Visit the Botanical Garden
-Walk around the local markets and vintage stores such as "Mon Pere".
Paris in Winter is completely different compared to summer, it's still sunny, looking more like autumn. If you want to look trendy without much effort, wear a trench coat over a skirt or dress. This look is always a win, accessorize it with long earrings and sunglasses.
To add a special touch wear a turtle neck with a pattern, which can layer very well with a sweater and jacket. The one I wore that day is from one of my favorite shops, Sezane.
Some if my favorite spots in Paris are:
-Montmatre
-Aujourd'hui Demain - for brunch
- Levantine
- Le Bouchon - lunch and dinner
- Champs Élysées
I definitely think Summer is my favorite season, but there is something about Fall that I love as well. In terms of fashion, is super fun to mix my favorite item (skits) with blazers, chic jackets and high knee boots. The ultimate Scandinavian style is also really easy to replicate! Simply wear jeans which could be baggy or flared, an oversized quilted jacket or coat, a hat or cap and a blanket scarf. Style it with sunglasses and a small purse. So effortless and simple, yet makes it seem like you really put work into it.
I also had the chance to go to Vienna, Austria this month. What an incredible, stunning city!!!
I recommend visiting the shops on 7th avenue, touring Cece’s castle, Schönbrunn Palace and visiting the vineyards right outside the city (quick 30 minute metro ride). If you are a coffee lover I recommend Unger und Klein located in the city center. And as of food, my favorite spot was Laolao, Chinese cousine....one of the best interior design layouts I’ve seen in my life, seriously even the bathroom left me speechless.
Fall is a great time to go just make sure you go prepared for some cold winds, though is not too bad. Austria is super close to Slovakia and Czech Republic. I recommend going on a day trip to Bratslavia for only $15 roundtrip. Also incredibly worth it to walk around and admire the old architecture and historic scenery.
My favorite quote this month is: "What you think, you become" .
I always admire and really appreciate how many countries make culture one of their priorities. Caring about people's well-being is so important. Society has always been focusing too much on capitalism, the habit of always "doing" but sadly less "being". Museums have always been a place for me to escape, reflect, see things from a new perspective and many times, learn about history.
It's the best way to unwind and slow down. I find myself happier and even more productive at work when I spend time reading books, looking at architecture and visiting art galleries. Doing this activities by yourself can be incredibly therapeutic as well!
This photo was taken at the Museum de Belles Arts in Valencia, Spain.
Finding inspiration is all about staying curious and not being afraid to break patterns or step out of your daily routine. At the end of the day, it could also be all about perspective. It's very easy to encounter something inspirational while going on a walk or simply having a conversation with a stranger. One of my favorite things to do is going to bookstores (vintage ones are the best) and observing all the different illustrations and covers. If something catches my attention I take a photo and sometimes end up buying it.
One of my preferred ways to gain inspiration is listening to podcasts; these are related to self development, creativity, empowerment and mental health. All these cover important facts that we should all keep present every day. Trusting ourselves, our skills, capabilities and power to help others.
Here are some podcast recommendations:
- 10 Percent Happier
- On Purpose by Jay Shetty
- Aubrey Marcus Podcast
- Infinite Potential
- Good life project
Warmer days are here and I couldn't be more excited. Living in Spain has given me so much inspiration and new insights. Walking around the city and observing the beautiful architecture is one of my favorite things to do here. I also really enjoy people watching, it's so interesting to see how different their style is compared to Californians. Even though both places have that beach-city vibe, here people are less afraid to combine vibrant colors and patterns. Outfits seem more sophisticated and their shoes are always so unique and beautiful. Spain has one of the largest leather industries, it produces 50 million square meters valued at €600 million per year. In Valencia, there are many small shops owned by artisans that have dedicated most of their lives to manufacturing. The best part is that the quality is excellent and aren't very pricy.
Some of my favorite show shops in VLC:
-Chicka 10 (Xativa area)
-Qualent (Point de Fusta area)
Getting to know yourself. Accepting what is and seeing everything you experience as a chance to grow. Listen to yourself, you always have the answers.
Most importantly, there’s only one of you!!!! You are unique and no one else can bring the same ideas and light that you can. Once you have this mentality the right opportunities and people will gravitate towards you. All is energy, this is what makes life so magical.
Keep inspiring!
It’s exciting to know you can implement low-cost strategies. In this post I will explain a few tactics you can consider. A big part of success is staying informed and finding what works for your business, especially at the stage you are in. Making the right efforts in a timely manner will for sure give you faster results. Here is what you need to know:
The impact of visuals:
You can always gain someone’s attention by having eye-catching visuals. This doesn’t mean they have to be extravagant and you don’t have to hire a professional photographer either. What matters the most is that you have a cohesive aesthetic on your website and social media. This shows that you are an expert about your product and also have clear goals.
Storytelling:
This is one of the most successful methods. Good stories about your product, how you started your brand, your background and expertise have a high potential as of engaging your audience.You don’t have to spend many hours writing and framing all the information. One to 2 paragraphs can be enough for communicating the message. I recommend adding data or reliable statistics that support your story, this will make the information a lot more convincing. Warby' Parker’s story is a great example, the CEO talked about his experience losing his glasses back in grad school and being without them for 6 months because he couldn’t afford that expense. Because of this, he decided to start a company that offers affordable, socially conscious and aesthetically pleasing.
What problem are you solving?
State clearly what problem you are solving for the customer. The audience is always trying to improve some aspect of their lives, if your product or service can help them achieve this, you definitely have to include your product value in a visible section of your website and social media.
Interact with you audience:
Engage with your customers by adding questions in your social media post. These don’t have to be specific but definitely have to be related to your industry. You can also ask for feedback, which is actually the perfect way to get to know if you are missing something or if there are any aspects that need improvement. Per say, if you just launched a new clothing line you can ask in one of your posts or in your blog which item or fabric is their favorite.
Hire the right influencers:
Organization and time management are crucial when it comes to working with other professionals. Influencer marketing platforms can make this process a lot easier. You will be able to filter search results and select the right instagram or youtube influencers for your brand based on engagement, follower count, location and industry. Once you have this defined you can establish what kind of information you want to share with them, it should be as specific as possible. They are representing your brand and need to have knowledge about your company’s values, product characteristics and policies if needed. You can also provide them a discount code so they can share it with their followers. This will be a huge incentive and can most likely boost your sales in no time.
Share someone’s testimony:
This is also a great tactic and can reinforce the product’s value. This is effective especially when trying to find new customers. Many of us tend to look for reviews or ways to make sure we are making the right decision when purchasing something. We want to avoid regretting our decisions at all costs, contact one of your clients to see if they can write a review or share their recent experience with the brand.Detailed posts about experiences with the brand have high engagement. The more details others share about the product, the better.I hope you find these strategies helpful and get your desired results. Technology provides amazing tools for communication that we must take advantage of. Trying something new can be challenging and sometimes intimidating but once you have an organized layout with your goals and deadlines everything will become easier. Always believe in your product, it’s value and how it can improve other’s lives. Don’t feel discouraged if you didn’t get the results you wanted. The first campaigns are always the most important since you get to see what resonates with the audience and what doesn’t.
I've previously mentioned the importance of building awareness about sustainability and slow fashion. There are plenty of alternatives to bad synthetic fabrics, one of them is organic cotton. This material doesn't need much water compared to regular cotton. It sustains the health of the land and people around it, there are no chemical processes involved.
By choosing organic over conventional cotton you are supporting small farmers and promoting a safe environment for them.
I am happy to be part of the change and provide a conscious product that meets all the environmental standards.
Shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Fashager
Last year was full of lessons, life changing circumstances that made us realize what really matters. Here are some tips to stay balanced:
- Trust yourself, trust your intuition
- Invest in learning more about yourself, some of the best ways to do so is journaling, meditation, trying new experiences
- Do everything from love
- You have the power to create everything you want.
- Do not compare your path or physical appearance to anyone else's. There’s only one you...doesn't that make you special?
- Take care of your environment. What you are surrounded with impacts you immensely, meaning people and also your personal space.
- Get rid of limiting beliefs: We all have these, stay aware so you can eliminate them from your life. We want to do so as soon as possible since they can dictate our thoughts and actions.
- Feel whole, feel okay with being alone, you are your best friend.
- Always help others, find ways to get involved in the community....personally this brings me incredible joy.
- Feel abundant, resources are always there and you will always encounter ways to meet the right people and find the best business opportunities.
- Every time you have a negative thought, switch it to a positive one! Once you do this often, it will turn into one of the most helpful habits you will have.
As the weather gets colder we all know it's important to wear many layers. What are some of the pieces that I've found more useful and I can also keep in my closet for years to come?
-Bucket hats are so classy and stylish! The ideal accessory if you want a french look and stay warm at the same time! Mine is from Urban Outfitters.
-Fleece sweater set: Neutral, cozy pieces that will go with a pair of jeans or a long skirt. Mine is from H&M. Free People also has a great selection!
-A blanket scarf over a black or grey oversized blazer. I feel like this is my go to outfit this season. Even though most blazers aren't super thick, accessories will be the best option to keep you cozy and give the whole look a fun twist.
I've seen the huge impact of creating art specially when I worked at a senior center as an art therapist. There, I got to see how therapeutic it is, not only releases emotions but unlocks memories which can produce so many positive emotions. One of my students started remembering her grandmother and drew her house, a place she remembered visiting frequently as a kid. None of them were artists and was so amazing to me how they weren't afraid to dive into it without fear of failure. While teaching it's also important to engage and ask them questions about the art work.
This will keep their right part of the brain stimulated. Remembering is like reliving, the brain has the ability of recreating past events as if they are happening now. For someone that isn't creating a lot of memories this can be extremely special and uplifting.
Here is some of my students work:
The concept of Regenerative agriculture is fairly new and now very popular in countries like India. This method omits chemicals and focuses on strengthening the soil and nature surrounding areas. We can definitely revitalize earth in the fabric making process without following the conventional methods that have been harming the planet for so long. Deep tiling and pesticides are not necessary, we can achieve the same results or even better ones by just protecting nature's natural process.
More about it's benefits:
-Promotes rich, nutrient-dense soil
-Incorporates "pollinator strips" which attract butterflies and bees to the area
-Healthier lifestyle for farmers
-Focusing on the importance of healthy soil, which can sequester big amounts of carbon from the atmosphere...(this can be one of the meaningful steps we can take
to reverse global warming!!)
Fall is here, one of my favorite seasons since you can mix and match summer and winter pieces. I love wearing dresses and skirts so this is the perfect opportunity to pair those with a leather jacket or cute coat. I've also seen gold jewelry as a big trend this year, timeless earrings and necklaces can add so much style to your outfit. Nude colors are still in and perfect to wear for any occasion. On this day, I wore one from H&M's Conscious collection! I was able to walk around Barcelona and not worry about it being too tight or flowy. As I mentioned before, one of the best ways to renovate your wardrobe for the new season is thrift shopping, always worth it! Here are more fall trends that I'm super excited to wear: pastel oversized sweaters, pearl/colorful necklaces & sweater vests.
A minimum amount of uncertainty generates an error response in the orbital frontal cortex (OFC). When this happens, it can be pretty difficult to focus on other things until the issue is solved. In fact, if you think about it, many things we experience in our daily lives have a sense of certainty: music patterns, work schedules and even our own routines.
Uncertain times can be hard but we can manage them better by releasing our desire to control everything and also setting specific goals and deadlines. A good strategy is journaling what you want to accomplish each week and having clear what habits and actions can help you get there.
-Our brains are lazy and also shaped by our habits, it can be extremely hard to break those, but it's possible! All we need is discipline. Rewiring our thoughts, beliefs and practicing awareness is key to having a healthy mindset.
-When you remember an experience, your brain takes it as it's happening all over again.
-By just smiling, you can trick your brain to think you are happy. This is useful if you are feeling under the weather. Trust me you will feel the difference!
-Prayer and meditation changes our brains. I learned this from the great Neuroscientist, Andrew Newberg who did an important study that involved brain scans from meditators. He found that there was some decreased activity in the parietal lobe during meditation, this part of the brain is responsible for orientation in terms of space and time. This explains why sensory and cognitive inputs aren't present when we focus on our inward state.
Read full article.
Sight seeing in Barcelona is my favorite. I really enjoy discovering new places and getting inspired by all the art. My favorite museum in the city is Picasso's, I feel blessed I got to see some of his original pieces and the story behind them.
Some important learnings this week and reminders for you!:
- Stay connected with the energy of gratitude. When you are, there's no room for anything else.
- Do everything from a place of love. Think about how you can serve others in your daily life.
- There's magic in everything!
The unknown is where magic happens. Consider creating with the energy from the future and not the past. If we remember this every single day, we can reprogram our mind and achieve more confidence. Being aware of our thoughts and analyzing if they are coming from peace or from our ego.
We have the power to create our own dream reality.
One of the things I consider extremely important is cheering yourself up and training your mind to remember certain quotes, phrases or sayings. Some may choose a mantra too.
Here are some of the things I tell myself every day (sometimes repeatedly if I'm going through a stressful situation)
-My external reality is a reflexion of my inner reality
-I always choose to spread love and light everywhere I go
-If I'm in alignment with the universe, my piece can not be disrupted
-I love experiencing synchronicities and I believe in the magic of the universe
I feel like I am more interested in neuroscience than ever before. Learning about perceptions, beliefs, the nervous system and how we are influenced by different things since we were born is incredibly helpful, I feel like I have a deeper understanding now.
There are certain behaviors that can deeply help us according to neuroscience, one of them being helping others. Small actions are not only good for other people but for yourself as well since large quantities of serotonin, oxytocin and dopamine are released in your brain.
Solidarity also helps your immune system, your body experiences high levels of happiness and less stress and worry. It also increases levels of motivation, passion, sense of purpose and neuroplasticity due to creativity and problem solving. Don't ever let your cortisol levels go up and help others!
I love learning every day, that’s one of my big motivations in life. Always evolving and growing. Studying and getting my Masters degree this year has been a huge blessing. I’ve had the chance to meet amazing, self driven people and gain a lot of knowledge in Neuromarketing. I’ve been enjoying getting to know the brain, customer behavior, perceptions, beliefs and some of the latest studies in the industry. Last month we had the opportunity to go on a field trip in Villena, about 2 hours from Valencia, Spain. We didn’t know where we were going at first! then, we ended up arriving at this really nice place called “Instituto de Actitudes Positivas” which means “Institute of Positive Attitudes”. I was so amazed by the fact that people are caring more and more about teaching others about emotional intelligence, overcoming obstacles and considering adversities as chances to grow. Our mentor mentioned the importance of helping others, listening, being a good example and radiating happiness. Why? It’s contagious, people can feel it. We had some activities where we focused on the importance of group work. The best part was when we got to tell each and every person some of the qualities we liked about them while they had their eyes closed. Encouraging words always make someone’s day better.This is the perfect time to lift others up and think about our communities. It’s important to remember everyone is on their own path and sometimes we have no idea what they are going through. I encourage you to wake up every morning with the intention to make someone smile or simply remember to radiate love throughout the day:)
Outfit: Simple blouse by Free People. Love the patterns, also very versatile. Easy to match! Pair it with a jean skirt, corduroy pants or leggings. Wearing vivid colors always helps my mood!
We are going through so many transitions during this time. Being in a situation like this where the whole world is experiencing the same issue makes us realize that we are all connected. This is the time when we get to think about others, help, raise awareness. The system we have been living in for the past years hasn’t clearly been working. This could be the time where a lot of people wake up and reevaluate their life and give priority to what really matters. Society will face challenges but this will also be the beginning of new and better ways of handling health, politics, trade, economy etc. It’s all about trusting God’s plan, knowing that this is all happening for a reason and we are protected by him. Today I invite you to do what makes your soul happy. Life is not about checking off a to do list. Being productive is also taking care of yourself, and learning what coping mechanisms help you the most. Slow down, and let’s appreciate the little things now more than ever. I’ll tell you some of mine: spending time with my mom, talking on the phone with my dad, beautiful Tulips in California, having peace of mind and health.
And I prove this every day. When you are dedicated and committed to doing your best at everything, nothing can really go wrong. When you have a drive and passion for something, your energy can be contagious and it can literally attract situations or people that can help you along the way. How do you stay at this state where you feel driven, motivated and pretty much in love with life? Journal, organize your thoughts. If something worries you or you have a long to do list one of the best things to do is writing everything down, it is not only a great coping mechanism but also a way to clear out your head and observe if those thinking patterns are serving you . Different breathing techniques or meditations are also helpful so we can stay grounded and be in the present. I’ve been practicing meditation since March 2019, I do it for 10 minutes at least 4 times a week and now looking back, I definitely see the difference. I can concentrate better and most of the time, I try to be aware of what I’m thinking; if it’s something negative I replace it with gratitude. Our minds tend to worry too much about the future and think “what if’s”. The key here is just acknowledging the thoughts and focusing on the present moment or recalling a happy memory.
I think it’s very important to stay motivated in life, this is why we have goals and dreams that keep us going. This is all great but finding joy in the little things is also crucial! Finding happiness in smiling at a stranger, going to your favorite coffee shop, putting a plant in your room, helping someone with a project. All these things are there we just have to make room for appreciation. We always have everything we need to be happy! Once we are aware of it, life becomes magic. Always keep the good memories close to your heart and express yourself freely.
Currently loving hair accessories, they always add a special touch to your outfit! This hair tie is from Anthropologie, they have a lot of styles and also very affordable!
Paris in Winter is completely different compared to summer, it's still sunny, looking more like autumn. If you want to look trendy without much effort, wear a trench coat over a skirt or dress. This look is always a win, accessorize it with long earrings and sunglasses.
To add a special touch wear a turtle neck with a pattern, which can layer very well with a sweater and jacket. The one I wore that day is from one of my favorite shops, Sezane.
Some if my favorite spots in Paris are:
-Montmatre
-Aujourd'hui Demain - for brunch
- Levantine
- Le Bouchon - lunch and dinner
- Champs Élysées
I definitely think Summer is my favorite season, but there is something about Fall that I love as well. In terms of fashion, is super fun to mix my favorite item (skits) with blazers, chic jackets and high knee boots. The ultimate Scandinavian style is also really easy to replicate! Simply wear jeans which could be baggy or flared, an oversized quilted jacket or coat, a hat or cap and a blanket scarf. Style it with sunglasses and a small purse. So effortless and simple, yet makes it seem like you really put work into it.
I also had the chance to go to Vienna, Austria this month. What an incredible, stunning city!!!
I recommend visiting the shops on 7th avenue, touring Cece’s castle, Schönbrunn Palace and visiting the vineyards right outside the city (quick 30 minute metro ride). If you are a coffee lover I recommend Unger und Klein located in the city center. And as of food, my favorite spot was Laolao, Chinese cousine....one of the best interior design layouts I’ve seen in my life, seriously even the bathroom left me speechless.
Fall is a great time to go just make sure you go prepared for some cold winds, though is not too bad. Austria is super close to Slovakia and Czech Republic. I recommend going on a day trip to Bratslavia for only $15 roundtrip. Also incredibly worth it to walk around and admire the old architecture and historic scenery.
My favorite quote this month is: "What you think, you become"
I always admire and really appreciate how many countries make culture one of their priorities. Caring about people's well-being is so important. Society has always been focusing too much on capitalism, the habit of always "doing" but sadly less "being". Museums have always been a place for me to escape, reflect, see things from a new perspective and many times, learn about history.
It's the best way to unwind and slow down. I find myself happier and even more productive at work when I spend time reading books, looking at architecture and visiting art galleries. Doing this activities by yourself can be incredibly therapeutic as well!
This photo was taken at the Museum de Belles Arts in Valencia, Spain.
Finding inspiration is all about staying curious and not being afraid to break patterns or step out of your daily routine. At the end of the day, it could also be all about perspective. It's very easy to encounter something inspirational while going on a walk or simply having a conversation with a stranger. One of my favorite things to do is going to bookstores (vintage ones are the best) and observing all the different illustrations and covers. If something catches my attention I take a photo and sometimes end up buying it.
One of my preferred ways to gain inspiration is listening to podcasts; these are related to self development, creativity, empowerment and mental health. All these cover important facts that we should all keep present every day. Trusting ourselves, our skills, capabilities and power to help others.
Here are some podcast recommendations:
- 10 Percent Happier
- On Purpose by Jay Shetty
- Aubrey Marcus Podcast
- Infinite Potential
- Good life project
Warmer days are here and I couldn't be more excited. Living in Spain has given me so much inspiration and new insights. Walking around the city and observing the beautiful architecture is one of my favorite things to do here. I also really enjoy people watching, it's so interesting to see how different their style is compared to Californians. Even though both places have that beach-city vibe, here people are less afraid to combine vibrant colors and patterns. Outfits seem more sophisticated and their shoes are always so unique and beautiful. Spain has one of the largest leather industries, it produces 50 million square meters valued at €600 million per year. In Valencia, there are many small shops owned by artisans that have dedicated most of their lives to manufacturing. The best part is that the quality is excellent and aren't very pricy.
Some of my favorite show shops in VLC:
-Chicka 10 (Xativa area)
-Qualent (Point de Fusta area)
Getting to know yourself. Accepting what is and seeing everything you experience as a chance to grow. Listen to yourself, you always have the answers.
Most importantly, there’s only one of you!!!! You are unique and no one else can bring the same ideas and light that you can. Once you have this mentality the right opportunities and people will gravitate towards you. All is energy, this is what makes life so magical.
Keep inspiring!
It’s exciting to know you can implement low-cost strategies. In this post I will explain a few tactics you can consider. A big part of success is staying informed and finding what works for your business, especially at the stage you are in. Making the right efforts in a timely manner will for sure give you faster results. Here is what you need to know:
The impact of visuals:
You can always gain someone’s attention by having eye-catching visuals. This doesn’t mean they have to be extravagant and you don’t have to hire a professional photographer either. What matters the most is that you have a cohesive aesthetic on your website and social media. This shows that you are an expert about your product and also have clear goals.
Storytelling:
This is one of the most successful methods. Good stories about your product, how you started your brand, your background and expertise have a high potential as of engaging your audience.You don’t have to spend many hours writing and framing all the information. One to 2 paragraphs can be enough for communicating the message. I recommend adding data or reliable statistics that support your story, this will make the information a lot more convincing. Warby' Parker’s story is a great example, the CEO talked about his experience losing his glasses back in grad school and being without them for 6 months because he couldn’t afford that expense. Because of this, he decided to start a company that offers affordable, socially conscious and aesthetically pleasing.
What problem are you solving?
State clearly what problem you are solving for the customer. The audience is always trying to improve some aspect of their lives, if your product or service can help them achieve this, you definitely have to include your product value in a visible section of your website and social media.
Interact with you audience:
Engage with your customers by adding questions in your social media post. These don’t have to be specific but definitely have to be related to your industry. You can also ask for feedback, which is actually the perfect way to get to know if you are missing something or if there are any aspects that need improvement. Per say, if you just launched a new clothing line you can ask in one of your posts or in your blog which item or fabric is their favorite.
Hire the right influencers:
Organization and time management are crucial when it comes to working with other professionals. Influencer marketing platforms can make this process a lot easier. You will be able to filter search results and select the right instagram or youtube influencers for your brand based on engagement, follower count, location and industry. Once you have this defined you can establish what kind of information you want to share with them, it should be as specific as possible. They are representing your brand and need to have knowledge about your company’s values, product characteristics and policies if needed. You can also provide them a discount code so they can share it with their followers. This will be a huge incentive and can most likely boost your sales in no time.
Share someone’s testimony:
This is also a great tactic and can reinforce the product’s value. This is effective especially when trying to find new customers. Many of us tend to look for reviews or ways to make sure we are making the right decision when purchasing something. We want to avoid regretting our decisions at all costs, contact one of your clients to see if they can write a review or share their recent experience with the brand.Detailed posts about experiences with the brand have high engagement. The more details others share about the product, the better.I hope you find these strategies helpful and get your desired results. Technology provides amazing tools for communication that we must take advantage of. Trying something new can be challenging and sometimes intimidating but once you have an organized layout with your goals and deadlines everything will become easier. Always believe in your product, it’s value and how it can improve other’s lives. Don’t feel discouraged if you didn’t get the results you wanted. The first campaigns are always the most important since you get to see what resonates with the audience and what doesn’t.
I've previously mentioned the importance of building awareness about sustainability and slow fashion. There are plenty of alternatives to bad synthetic fabrics, one of them is organic cotton. This material doesn't need much water compared to regular cotton. It sustains the health of the land and people around it, there are no chemical processes involved.
By choosing organic over conventional cotton you are supporting small farmers and promoting a safe environment for them.
I am happy to be part of the change and provide a conscious product that meets all the environmental standards.
Shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Fashager
Last year was full of lessons, life changing circumstances that made us realize what really matters. Here are some tips to stay balanced:
- Trust yourself, trust your intuition
- Invest in learning more about yourself, some of the best ways to do so is journaling, meditation, trying new experiences
- Do everything from love
- You have the power to create everything you want.
- Do not compare your path or physical appearance to anyone else's. There’s only one you...doesn't that make you special?
- Take care of your environment. What you are surrounded with impacts you immensely, meaning people and also your personal space.
- Get rid of limiting beliefs: We all have these, stay aware so you can eliminate them from your life. We want to do so as soon as possible since they can dictate our thoughts and actions.
- Feel whole, feel okay with being alone, you are your best friend.
- Always help others, find ways to get involved in the community....personally this brings me incredible joy.
- Feel abundant, resources are always there and you will always encounter ways to meet the right people and find the best business opportunities.
- Every time you have a negative thought, switch it to a positive one! Once you do this often, it will turn into one of the most helpful habits you will have.
As the weather gets colder we all know it's important to wear many layers. What are some of the pieces that I've found more useful and I can also keep in my closet for years to come?
-Bucket hats are so classy and stylish! The ideal accessory if you want a french look and stay warm at the same time! Mine is from Urban Outfitters.
-Fleece sweater set: Neutral, cozy pieces that will go with a pair of jeans or a long skirt. Mine is from H&M. Free People also has a great selection!
-A blanket scarf over a black or grey oversized blazer. I feel like this is my go to outfit this season. Even though most blazers aren't super thick, accessories will be the best option to keep you cozy and give the whole look a fun twist.
I've seen the huge impact of creating art specially when I worked at a senior center as an art therapist. There, I got to see how therapeutic it is, not only releases emotions but unlocks memories which can produce so many positive emotions. One of my students started remembering her grandmother and drew her house, a place she remembered visiting frequently as a kid. None of them were artists and was so amazing to me how they weren't afraid to dive into it without fear of failure. While teaching it's also important to engage and ask them questions about the art work.
This will keep their right part of the brain stimulated. Remembering is like reliving, the brain has the ability of recreating past events as if they are happening now. For someone that isn't creating a lot of memories this can be extremely special and uplifting.
Here is some of my students work:
The concept of Regenerative agriculture is fairly new and now very popular in countries like India. This method omits chemicals and focuses on strengthening the soil and nature surrounding areas. We can definitely revitalize earth in the fabric making process without following the conventional methods that have been harming the planet for so long. Deep tiling and pesticides are not necessary, we can achieve the same results or even better ones by just protecting nature's natural process.
More about it's benefits:
-Promotes rich, nutrient-dense soil
-Incorporates "pollinator strips" which attract butterflies and bees to the area
-Healthier lifestyle for farmers
-Focusing on the importance of healthy soil, which can sequester big amounts of carbon from the atmosphere...(this can be one of the meaningful steps we can take
to reverse global warming!!)
Fall is here, one of my favorite seasons since you can mix and match summer and winter pieces. I love wearing dresses and skirts so this is the perfect opportunity to pair those with a leather jacket or cute coat. I've also seen gold jewelry as a big trend this year, timeless earrings and necklaces can add so much style to your outfit. Nude colors are still in and perfect to wear for any occasion. On this day, I wore one from H&M's Conscious collection! I was able to walk around Barcelona and not worry about it being too tight or flowy. As I mentioned before, one of the best ways to renovate your wardrobe for the new season is thrift shopping, always worth it! Here are more fall trends that I'm super excited to wear: pastel oversized sweaters, pearl/colorful necklaces & sweater vests.
A minimum amount of uncertainty generates an error response in the orbital frontal cortex (OFC). When this happens, it can be pretty difficult to focus on other things until the issue is solved. In fact, if you think about it, many things we experience in our daily lives have a sense of certainty: music patterns, work schedules and even our own routines.
Uncertain times can be hard but we can manage them better by releasing our desire to control everything and also setting specific goals and deadlines. A good strategy is journaling what you want to accomplish each week and having clear what habits and actions can help you get there.
-Our brains are lazy and also shaped by our habits, it can be extremely hard to break those, but it's possible! All we need is discipline. Rewiring our thoughts, beliefs and practicing awareness is key to having a healthy mindset.
-When you remember an experience, your brain takes it as it's happening all over again.
-By just smiling, you can trick your brain to think you are happy. This is useful if you are feeling under the weather. Trust me you will feel the difference!
-Prayer and meditation changes our brains. I learned this from the great Neuroscientist, Andrew Newberg who did an important study that involved brain scans from meditators. He found that there was some decreased activity in the parietal lobe during meditation, this part of the brain is responsible for orientation in terms of space and time. This explains why sensory and cognitive inputs aren't present when we focus on our inward state.
Read full article.
Sight seeing in Barcelona is my favorite. I really enjoy discovering new places and getting inspired by all the art. My favorite museum in the city is Picasso's, I feel blessed I got to see some of his original pieces and the story behind them.
Some important learnings this week and reminders for you!:
- Stay connected with the energy of gratitude. When you are, there's no room for anything else.
- Do everything from a place of love. Think about how you can serve others in your daily life.
- There's magic in everything!
The unknown is where magic happens. Consider creating with the energy from the future and not the past. If we remember this every single day, we can reprogram our mind and achieve more confidence. Being aware of our thoughts and analyzing if they are coming from peace or from our ego.
We have the power to create our own dream reality.
One of the things I consider extremely important is cheering yourself up and training your mind to remember certain quotes, phrases or sayings. Some may choose a mantra too.
Here are some of the things I tell myself every day (sometimes repeatedly if I'm going through a stressful situation)
-My external reality is a reflexion of my inner reality
-I always choose to spread love and light everywhere I go
-If I'm in alignment with the universe, my piece can not be disrupted
-I love experiencing synchronicities and I believe in the magic of the universe
I feel like I am more interested in neuroscience than ever before. Learning about perceptions, beliefs, the nervous system and how we are influenced by different things since we were born is incredibly helpful, I feel like I have a deeper understanding now.
There are certain behaviors that can deeply help us according to neuroscience, one of them being helping others. Small actions are not only good for other people but for yourself as well since large quantities of serotonin, oxytocin and dopamine are released in your brain.
Solidarity also helps your immune system, your body experiences high levels of happiness and less stress and worry. It also increases levels of motivation, passion, sense of purpose and neuroplasticity due to creativity and problem solving. Don't ever let your cortisol levels go up and help others!
I love learning every day, that’s one of my big motivations in life. Always evolving and growing. Studying and getting my Masters degree this year has been a huge blessing. I’ve had the chance to meet amazing, self driven people and gain a lot of knowledge in Neuromarketing. I’ve been enjoying getting to know the brain, customer behavior, perceptions, beliefs and some of the latest studies in the industry. Last month we had the opportunity to go on a field trip in Villena, about 2 hours from Valencia, Spain. We didn’t know where we were going at first! then, we ended up arriving at this really nice place called “Instituto de Actitudes Positivas” which means “Institute of Positive Attitudes”. I was so amazed by the fact that people are caring more and more about teaching others about emotional intelligence, overcoming obstacles and considering adversities as chances to grow. Our mentor mentioned the importance of helping others, listening, being a good example and radiating happiness. Why? It’s contagious, people can feel it. We had some activities where we focused on the importance of group work. The best part was when we got to tell each and every person some of the qualities we liked about them while they had their eyes closed. Encouraging words always make someone’s day better.This is the perfect time to lift others up and think about our communities. It’s important to remember everyone is on their own path and sometimes we have no idea what they are going through. I encourage you to wake up every morning with the intention to make someone smile or simply remember to radiate love throughout the day:)
Outfit: Simple blouse by Free People. Love the patterns, also very versatile. Easy to match! Pair it with a jean skirt, corduroy pants or leggings. Wearing vivid colors always helps my mood!
We are going through so many transitions during this time. Being in a situation like this where the whole world is experiencing the same issue makes us realize that we are all connected. This is the time when we get to think about others, help, raise awareness. The system we have been living in for the past years hasn’t clearly been working. This could be the time where a lot of people wake up and reevaluate their life and give priority to what really matters. Society will face challenges but this will also be the beginning of new and better ways of handling health, politics, trade, economy etc. It’s all about trusting God’s plan, knowing that this is all happening for a reason and we are protected by him. Today I invite you to do what makes your soul happy. Life is not about checking off a to do list. Being productive is also taking care of yourself, and learning what coping mechanisms help you the most. Slow down, and let’s appreciate the little things now more than ever. I’ll tell you some of mine: spending time with my mom, talking on the phone with my dad, beautiful Tulips in California, having peace of mind and health.
And I prove this every day. When you are dedicated and committed to doing your best at everything, nothing can really go wrong. When you have a drive and passion for something, your energy can be contagious and it can literally attract situations or people that can help you along the way. How do you stay at this state where you feel driven, motivated and pretty much in love with life? Journal, organize your thoughts. If something worries you or you have a long to do list one of the best things to do is writing everything down, it is not only a great coping mechanism but also a way to clear out your head and observe if those thinking patterns are serving you . Different breathing techniques or meditations are also helpful so we can stay grounded and be in the present. I’ve been practicing meditation since March 2019, I do it for 10 minutes at least 4 times a week and now looking back, I definitely see the difference. I can concentrate better and most of the time, I try to be aware of what I’m thinking; if it’s something negative I replace it with gratitude. Our minds tend to worry too much about the future and think “what if’s”. The key here is just acknowledging the thoughts and focusing on the present moment or recalling a happy memory.
I think it’s very important to stay motivated in life, this is why we have goals and dreams that keep us going. This is all great but finding joy in the little things is also crucial! Finding happiness in smiling at a stranger, going to your favorite coffee shop, putting a plant in your room, helping someone with a project. All these things are there we just have to make room for appreciation. We always have everything we need to be happy! Once we are aware of it, life becomes magic. Always keep the good memories close to your heart and express yourself freely.
Currently loving hair accessories, they always add a special touch to your outfit! This hair tie is from Anthropologie, they have a lot of styles and also very affordable!
Living in alignment with your truth, basically following your intuition. You always have the answer. The most important thing is to be connected to your feelings.
I think this is one of the keys to happiness! This way you can always trust yourself, follow your goals and basically reach the stars. There will be no fear on the way.
I love supporting small brands, specially the ones that care for the environment. This dress is handmade in India, all by women who use organic cotton to fabricate all the pieces. Organic cotton is one of the best fabrics out there, no pesticides or incredible amounts of water involved. This material can last to up to 60 years. This is definitely the future of fashion, there is no need to keep producing clothes that we are going to end up throwing away in a few months. In case you didn’t know, fashion is the second most pollutant industry in the world after petroleum. If we don’t start making changes now, our future generations will be seriously affected. I invite you to be part of the conscious community, next time you go shopping, be mindful and only buy good quality clothes.
I would recommend looking for those made from Organic Cotton, Modal, Hemp, Cashmere, Lyocell and Silk.
One of the books I’ve been reading this summer is “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle. I must say is one of my favorite reads so far. I really like his point of view about the importance of being present. Not identifying with your mind and thoughts but just observing them and being aware of your unconscious behavior. Once we are aware of those reactions we can change them, it’s very crucial to know this first step. You are not your mind and external necessities, all you need is within you. He also mentions that when we experience emotional pain, we must be aware of it but not “feed it with negative thoughts”. Why? Because this can lower our energy even more and whenever we remember something negative, our brain takes it like it’s happening all over again. The key is referring to the past only when is necessary.
Now is the time you have to make the best decisions for yourself, work on that project you’ve been dreaming of but most importantly do everything with love. When you focus on being present, you detach yourself from any past sufferings, and focus on being grateful for all the blessings.
Look: Very relaxed, yet stylish! I love yoga pants because of the way they fit & how comfy they are. If you don’t want to look too casual, I recommend wearing leather boots and slim shaped sunglasses!
Lately, I’ve been very into trying to find ways to improve my lifestyle and overall health. I found an amazing resource, the book “Change your schedule, change your life” mentions tips we can apply in our every day lives, such as eating at the right times, sleeping around 10:30 pm and meditating.
Since our bodies are synced with nature, we must use times of the day to do specific activities. Some of the recommendations that called my attention the most were:
-Eat biggest meal around noon or 2 pm the latest. This is the time where our digestive system works best. Then, eat a small meal at least 3 hours before sleep.
-Work out first thing in the morning so you can feel energized through out the day. Before 10 am is “Vata time”, during this period, we have big amounts of energy and our bodies will respond to exercise better than later in the day.
-Meditation is crucial for training our minds to stay in the present moment. At least 5 minutes a day can improve overall mood and relieve stress.
-Journaling is one of the most recommended forms of therapy. Organizing our thoughts, writing what we are grateful for and releasing our emotions is crucial to have peace of mind.
I will never forget this day. I got to see one of the biggest exhibitions of Salvador Dali in St Petersburg, Florida. I was so amazed by all the psychology behind his paintings, he even addressed dreams and also his religious beliefs. His abstract technique was not only fascinating but also perfectly complemented by all the shades of colors and small details.
I definitely felt so inspired and I could see his passion for art through all his work.
“find happiness by doing what you love”
“live in alignment with your truth”
I feel like we not only need to find our passion but also stay curious, learn something new every day….this will make us not only more knowledgable but also more conscious about how we spend our time. Honestly there is no better feeling than working on your inner peace, bettering different skills and helping others. Wherever you are at, there is always opportunity for growth!
Believe in yourself. I’ve heard this so many times but up until recently I started realizing how important this is. You create your own life, YOU have the power to achieve anything you want. Act with love, serve others and stay confident. When we are in this state of peace and acceptance we honestly attract positive situations and people.
“You literally become what you think about. If you want your dream life, start visualizing it daily”
When I started to read about this, I decided to write 9 affirmations that I can repeat to myself daily. As I said in one of the previous posts, we need to train our brain to stay present and stop worrying about what others think. You have the capability to radiate light and happiness.
These are some of my affirmations (I put the right by my mirror):
I am whole
I am glowing with health
My energy is contagious and positive
Everywhere I go, I prosper
Everything is divinely organized and divinely timed
I am grateful
I totally recommend creating a list of these and say them out loud every morning or before going to bed, you will for sure see the benefits!
Outfit:
This Mid Length dress from Anthropologie has such unique cut on the sleeves. Also, my favorite part: is 100% organic cotton. Original pieces like this are worth keeping for years!
If you are looking for a new Summer wardrobe I would go to H&M and check out their new sustainable collection. Lots of variety.. from swimwear to outerwear! And also pretty affordable!
I feel extremely lucky to be learning about Ayurveda, which means the science of life. A lot of people don’t know that all this knowledge was written in same books as Yoga back in India. It basically teaches that we must be in sync with nature in order to be balanced. To achieve this, our meals should be at certain times, the food we consume should be organic and mostly cooked (since it’s better to digest) and we must incorporate a meditation routine. It’s all about the mind-body connection. If we have an imbalance, this science cures it from the root instead of just using medication to ease the pain. I love how now, we are more open to eastern medicine…which to me is very rich and full of knowledge.
These cultures were more connected to mother nature than we are now. The answer is within us, we are capable of curing our bodies from anything. The key is believing and trusting ourselves..
Outfit:
Wearing my new favorite blouse from Free People. The best part is that is 100% organic cotton and ideal for upcoming seasons. I combined it with a patterned mini skirt from Zara and a gold shell hair clip. This outfit situation makes me so excited since I know I will have these pieces for years to come. Now that Summer is almost here, I challenge you to get out of your comfort zone and wear a color that you usually don’t… life is too short to not try new things!
At this point in my life, it’s been very important for me to be mindful of my thoughts, they for sure create my reality. I was recently reading an article and I was amazed when it mentioned that when we act, it is all based on our beliefs and our subconscious mind. Many of the things we grew up thinking were true, aren't. By knowing this, we all have the power to train our mind to believe in ourselves and all of the abundance the universe offers. We have the power to build the life we want by living in the moment and being open to new possibilities. When our vibration reaches a certain frequency, we can truly be where we want to be.
I see it as observing everything with a filter of love.
Outfit:
Favorite part about my outfit while I was in Miami were my biker shorts. They have this leather texture and were really comfy. Super fitting and can go with everything. I matched them with a grey tank top, Banana Republic mules and a Bershka fanny pack.
I have been very lucky to be around people that inspire and motivate me. One of them told me something that resonated with me and has been in my head ever since. We all have two options. Every day, at every situation we can either choose love or fear. To me this is very powerful, we are so attached to wrong information from our past or even media…The point is, fear is only in our head. If we choose love instead, we are overcoming everything. We are proving the universe that we do believe in this powerful force that goes above and beyond.
Love leads to happiness and at the end of the day, we are here in this world to be happy. It depends on YOU.
You have the power to choose happiness and gratitude every day.
Outfit:
Miami weather made me want to mix bright colors so I wore a purple shirt from Aritzia and patterned skirt from Zara. My advice for this season would be to spend on a piece that is sustainable! In my next post, I will talk about fabrics that are good for the planet, next time you go shopping make sure you aren’t supporting environmental degradation~
“What sunshine is to flowers smiles are to humanity”
This month I started practicing a habit that I think can be incredibly useful for many people. I’ve been meditating for ten minutes in the morning, sometimes at night. For now, Im just doing guided meditations which I think can be helpful at the beginning. I remember my mom would always tell me all the benefits, but up until now I'm learning and seeing all of them. After I meditate I feel grounded, present and relaxed.
I totally recommend it…! Our brains are a muscle that we must train. What truly exists is the NOW. The author of Becoming Supernatural (one of my favorite books) said we should break bonds that keep us connected to our past present reality. As we do that we liberate energy and build a new energetic field, so we can design a new destiny.
Create. We are in the eternal present!
Outfit:
Not much of my outfit is seen here but I must say if you don’t have a jean jacket.. invest in one. I personalized the one that I have and it makes it more stylish!
Outfit:
Versatile jumpsuit from Bershka with statement belt from Pull and Bear. I added a cute patterned shawl to make my look more sophisticated. I’m so excited to wear these pieces more over Spring and Summer!I You can make the look more elegant by adding a gold necklace and blazer.
I think one of my goals in life is to uplift others. We all need someone that makes us feel good about ourselves and our accomplishments. Once you wish others good, you will get that same positive energy back. I always see this in my life. We must use our hardships to best SERVE those around us. Once we do, it’s the best feeling.
If you are really good at something or if you read something useful.. SHARE IT!! A lot of information is meant to be shared.
Outfit:
Shirt: Aritzia
Pants: Zara
Boots: Ald
Coat: Topshop
Purse: Marc Jacobs
Necklaces: Pull & Bear
Lately I’ve been learning to trust the process, basically all about knowing that everything happens for a reason. The key is not getting attached to earthly things, which can be hard but when you remind yourself of what’s important..everything becomes easier. Meanwhile, wake up every day with a grateful mind, thinking that each day is a GIFT and we are here for a reason.
Stay grounded:)
Outfit:
Wearing my favorite jeans from UO and long sleeve shirt from Bershka. I made it more chic with my high heel boots and a leather Marc Jacobs purse.
My trip to Lake Tahoe was MAGICAL. My favorite part were all the views! Like I said in my previous posts, there is something about being in nature and specially connected to it. I enjoy silence, because I can observe and reflect. It’s all about being CONSCIOUS of your actions and thoughts.
As of my outfit I wore a colorful long sleeve from Topshop and dark purple corduroy pants from Stradivarius. My boots like most of my shoes are from Anthropologie.
Happiness is our natural state, this week I read about this topic and also about suffering. As humans we love to suffer as we do get attached to many things. It all depends on our perception of reality.
What if one day you wake up and decide to look at everything from a new perspective? You see everyone that comes into your life as a teacher/guide. Find a passion, serve and help!
Outfit:
White leggings, leather jacket from Anthropologie matched with a faux fur purse from Topshop and Aldo carmel boots.
I was very hesitant to get another faux fur coat but I found this perfect one from Who What Wear at a thrift store. I won't be able to wear it in spring or summer but at least I know I’ll be in perfect condition whenever I need it! Of course I had to match it with some plain pants to make the look more classic.
It’s been raining so much in California so I’ve been spending a lot of time indoors and focusing on myself and my business. I want to do so much and I'm excited for what the future holds. A big part of my day is dedicated to reading and listening to growth podcasts. I highly recommend “Highest Self Podcast” by Sahara Rose!
Currently, I am really into mix and matching patterns. At first I thought stripes and flowers would look bad together but they don’t! This right here… is one of my favorite looks so far. To complete my outfit I wore a big puffer jacket from Mango. A lot of people are afraid of wearing colors in the winter but I think we can all pull it off!
Outfit:
Shirt: Madewell
Pants: J Brand
Shoes: Aldo
Jacket: Mango
This is how winter in California is sometimes.. I love it! I was so happy to spend the day with my mom, we went to the farmer’s market and had lunch at the park. I recently got this patterned pants from Bershka and I just love how they fit, they are stretchy and perfect for any occasion.
We all have a lot to work on but anything is possible as long as we are determined and have faith. One of my favorite quotes right now is:
“You are being presented with a choice: evolve or remain. If you choose to remain unchanged, you will be presented with the same challenges, the same routine, the same storms, the same situations, until you learn from them, until you love yourself enough to say “no more”, until you choose change. If you choose to evolve, you will connect with the strength within you, you will explore what lies outside the comfort zone, you will awaken to love, you will become, you will be. You have everything you need. Choose to evolve. Choose love” Creig Crippen.
The best part about winter is that I can wear long, stylish coats. I’m pretty sure I will keep this one for many years, I love that is not too thick, so I can definitely wear it in Fall or Spring. This is a classy piece that will never get old. My advice: Get good quality outerwear, it’s an investment. We need to take care of our planet and start buying items we will keep for many years!!
Outfit:
Coat: Zara
Shoes: Aldo
Glasses: Bershka
Purse: Guillermina Baeza
Shirt: Madewell
Watching the sunset in the rooftop was the perfect way to end my day. This time has the best lighting for pictures. It was very cold in Berkeley so I wore my Bershka purple corduroy pants and cheetah blouse from Pull & Bear. To make this look extra special, I had my wood earrings on, which I bought in a boutique in Spain. Accessories and jewelry are so important when it comes to fashion! This season, invest in pieces that you can also wear in Fall or Spring. For example I know I will use this pants around March, they are not too thick and the color will always look nice with anything.!
While I was in Cartagena, I felt like I was day dreaming. Not only because I was in one of the prettiest cities of the world, but I was also sharing that experience with my dad who is my best friend and loves art just like me. I dressed more casual that day since I knew we were going to walk for more than two hours. I picked a simple green tank and a mini skirt from H&M. The Kade Spade purse made the look more trendy and less sporty.
I was very excited to wear the brown shirt and striped skirt. I know they have completely different designs but when I saw them together, I thought it looked fun and different. My advice: Don’t be afraid to mix and match pieces that you never thought would look good together, take risks… I am pretty sure the outcome will be better than you expected!
I recently got these stylish flats from Banana Republic, they are very comfy, trendy & also delicate. Here, I’m also wearing a J Crew sweater and Pull & Bear pants.
Tip: Get pieces with patterns & some kind of optical illusion! They will make your outfit 10 times better!
Rooftops in the city are always a good idea, especially in San Francisco. Since I like one of a kind pieces, I wore this mom jeans with sequins and my Zara jacket. Absolutely love monochromatic looks.
My mom and I are always looking for inspiration, we enjoy window shopping and walking around the city. It felt like summer, I wore a maxi skirt from Stradivarius and shirt from Topshop paired with my Anthropologie sandals. To make the look a little more vintage, I had my cat eye sunglasses on. Invest in neutral color pieces!!!! They are so useful and you can basically match them with anything. I totally believe we live in a time where we need to care about our environment. So, what’s better than buying sustainable clothes or even pieces that will last multiple years?
When I was little I would always refuse to wear pants, I literally made my mom buy me hundreds of dresses and skirts. I thought pants were boring and just not cute. Well, it changed this year…2018. This is the time where I finally accepted wearing all kinds of pants and I must say I’m enjoying it. New style, challenges, lessons..yes… those are some of the most exciting things in life.
Being in Barcelona was a dream, I would love to live here one day. It made me realize how places and culture influence my art. We took a bus from France and arrived to the city around noon… spent the day walking and shopping. The metro here takes you to the main locations such as La Sagrada Familia, Ramblas and also the beach. My outfit consisted of a blue silk dress from Bershka and sneakers from Asos.
Recommendations if you are in Barcelona:
-Wear silk material pieces in Summer and Fall (will always be trendy)
Visit:
-La Sagrada Familia
-Casa Batllo
-Park Guell
-Ramblas
-Casa museu Gaudí
-La Pedrera
-Picasso's Museum
Saint Sulpice is one of the oldest towns around Toulouse. The houses are super antique and well preserved. I adore all the textures and palettes. My outfit this day was a yellow shirt from Madewell and skirt from Tilly’s. I again, wore my blue sandals..they are so comfortable.
Life's too short to not try new things/looks!
I recently got this black jumpsuit, and I must say I love the fabric and the fact that is not too tight on my body. Super useful piece for the summer, you can wear it at day or night. It is very important how you style it, I wore some pearl earrings and light blue sandals.
I woke up feeling grateful this day, never take anything for granted, always tell people how much you care about them and help the ones in need.
Dimanche means Sunday in French. This was a good day, before visiting my lovely grandma we went to a marché and bought some fresh fruit and a delicious quiche, which is very typical in this country. The weather was amazing so I wore a shirt from Brandy Melville (it has some cute details in the front..I’m all about pieces with a unique touch) and a jean skirt along my Fly London Sandals.
Narbonne was one of the stops on my way to France from Barcelona. I must say, I'm obsessed with the train stations here, specially this one, close to the Pyrenees. Even though it was extremely hot, me and my mom enjoyed our two hours there eating some delicious food, reading fashion magazines and talking. On this day, I wore a light brown short sleeve shirt from Zara and simple leggings from Forever 21.
Starting to feel like spring in California, it looks like I’m wearing a dress but its actually a jumpsuit. It has a lot of volume and shape. This outfit means a lot to me because I wore it for my graduation. Totally recommend investing in a piece like this one and keeping it for years to come!
I really enjoy all the green in this picture!!! I honestly love wearing one colored outfits, in this case I mixed 2 different fabrics, which made the look more versatile.
If you ever struggle with choosing what to wear during summer, remember short dresses or long camisoles are a very good option (even better if they are metallic or crochet knitted!)
Cabo felt like paradise. I wore the maxi dress that I bought in Switzerland a couple years ago. The best part of my day was finding all the colorful shells, I’ve never seen them in so many shapes and tones!!! If you are traveling to a tropical location packing a maxi dress is a must, very comfy and stylish.
Here, I’m wearing one of my go to looks: Leggings and a black jacket. Also loving the perfect sunset in the background.
Outfit:
Jacket: H&M
Shirt: Uniqlo
Pants: Athleta
The best part of this outfit are the faux leather pants and the jean jacket with embroidery. Full look by Anthropologie!
I’m also a big fan of the blouse which looks hand painted. One thing that I admire from this brand is that the clothes last for a very long time…. I’m pretty sure I still have all the pieces that I bought years ago. If you haven’t invested in a jean jacket… do so!! They are perfect for every season.
As I said in one of my previous posts I love wearing jumpsuits, this one is monochromatic. I adore the color since it goes with everything! The jacket adds a chic touch to the outfit and makes it more unique. The necklace from Topshop is ideal since is not too big and has little crystals for good luck.
Whole look by Anthropologie
This is my favorite wall in Berkeley, the colors are so vibrant and they remind me of Andy Warhol’s modern art. Here, I’m wearing a colorful jumpsuit from Anthropologie and a leather jacket from Forever 21 (which everyone thinks is from a designer since the embroidery is so unique!) I’ll definitely keep it for a long time. If you don’t own a jumpsuit you should definitely buy one, they are so versatile, comfy and classy.
L.A is one of my favorite cities in the US not only because it has gorgeous beaches and perfect weather, it also has the cutest stores and shopping spots like Melrose and Beverly Hills. This time I didn’t buy anything but I had fun looking at all the window displays and just walking around.
Outfit:
Shirt: H&M
Cardigan: Zara
Skirt: Aritzia
Boots: Aldo
Bag: Stradivarius
My trip to Carcassonne which is a Medieval city in the South of France was magical. Being around architecture and so much history makes me very happy. Also, European ceilings are so inspirational! It amazes me how many details they have. During the cold winter days I always wore this fluffy scarf from Zara and long sweater from Anthropologie.
This day was a big deal for me, I made my first outfit in my fashion design class, I came up with the patterns and did all the sewing. Even though both pieces are very different I love them together. It took me around 2 weeks to finish and I’m so proud of the results. I am so thankful for this experience, I got to improve my skills and learn from my teachers and mentors.
While I was working at 440 Brannan in San Francisco I got to do styling for many clients and photoshoots. This one was one of my favorite ones. I was able to create a mood board, choose outfits and help the photographer. I am very grateful for this experience.
This Tahoe trip was much needed. I haven’t seen snow in over a year! I recently got this fun pants from Urban Outfitters and I thought they would look good with a simple Jacket from Pull & Bear.
I love this sweater from Zara, so simple but unique. The back makes it very stylish! Even though it's super thick I would consider it ideal for a summer night or a fall day. In this case, I matched it with my Birkenstock sandals and some simple shorts.
I walked so much around Toulouse, so in love with the architecture and doors. Mix and matching patterns is one of my favorite things, in this case flowers and shapes! Don’t be afraid to be different and express yourself. Whenever I do, I feel free, happy and confident.
Outfit:
Shirt: Brandy Melville
Skirt: Zara
Shoes: Zara
Blazer: Bershka
This sunny summer day in La Ville Rose was everything I could ever ask for. I spent the morning with my lovely grandma who also gave me the dress that I was wearing! I will never forget her lessons and life advice..not to mention that I would always wear her dresses, shoes and hats when I was little (she had an incredible style). This outfit is ideal for going on a walk with friends, shop around the city and good enough for a night out. The color palette is really popular this fall (black, grey, burgundy, dark orange).
Outfit:
Dress: Zara
Shoes: Urban Outfitters
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban
Purse: Longchamp
Necklace: Topshop
Comfy style in Saint Sulpice
Outfit:
Shirt: Forever 21
Shorts: Subducted
Shoes: Birkenstock
Architecture here in Italy is lovely. The flowers hanging out the windows are adorable and very typical of the country. I wanted to be very chic and wore something appropriate for the weather. My favorite part of it-> the gorgeous Moschino mini skirt.
Outfit:
Shirt: Brandy Melville
Skirt: Moschino
Shoes: Birkenstock
Sunglasses: Ray-ban
Fringe is a major trend. This jacket from Bershka can be worn for any occasion and season. Remember, black goes with EVERYTHING!!.
Outfit:
Skirt: American Apparel
Shoes:Tennis
Top: Forever 21
Jacket: Bershka
Bright, one shoulder shirts, perfect summer weather and seafood <3
Outfit:
Shirt: Pimkie
Shorts: Forever 21
Purse: Longchamp
The perfect outfit for a boat ride in the summer or fall. Even though I'm not wearing white, a simple off the shoulder shirt can be ideal. Add a mini skirt with a curvy shaped cut at the bottom to make the look
sophisticated.
Outfit:
Shirt: Urban Outfitters
Skirt: Pacsun
Shoes: Urban Outfitters
Love this trend, specially in leather and accesories. This purse is from Zara and under $30!
Boho chic looks are my go to when going out for dinner with friends or even just grabbing some coffee in the city.
Empowering through creativity.
