NYE Looks 

Hey there lovelies! I know it’s been a while but Ari & I are back in business! For this last post of 2016 I wanted to share 3 plus sized New Year’s Eve looks. I’ve chosen a metallic pleated midi skirt (which I styled two different ways) and a more festive burgundy off the shoulder swing dress. Let’s get started shall we?

First up is the silver/pewter skirt in the size xl from Charlotte Russe paired with a basic gray tee from Old Navy. Mixing casual and dressy pieces is always a good idea, especially if you don’t have major plans or just simply prefer a more casual look with a touch of sparkle. To add a pop of color I chose a small red bag. This outfit could also be jazzed up a bit with a low chunky heel, or kept more low key with tennis shoes or flat sandals as I the ones I wore.



Next up is the same skirt with a velvet hunter green bralette (1x) which is also from Charlotte Russe. I am obsessed with anything velvet, the material has such a luxurious look and feel to it. Once again pairing different textured fabrics creates such a lovely juxtaposition. For this look I added my trusty pointy ankle wrapped Sam Edelman shoes from Target.


Last but certainly not least is a Burgundy velvet off the shoulder dress from Forever 21 (plus). The heart shaped top is perfect for busty girls as it frames in all the right places. I also love the swing style from the waist down as it helps create the illusion of hips. I once again wore my black shoes, along with some fun new year accessories.


Want to know the best part of all? All of the clothing items are under $25! Huge steal right? Hope you all enjoyed this post.

Wishing everyone a wonderful start to a brand new year! 2017 here we come!

Metallic Skirt

Velvet Bralette

* Similar Velvet Dress

xx, Gwen

Sensible Fashion

Dressing fashionably doesn’t always have to take such a toll, it can be sensible just as much as it is on trend or chic. Granted I still have my moments where I want to wear heels and a dress to go grocery shopping (don’t think that will ever change. I am becoming more aware of the old a phrase “less is more” when it comes to dressing for day to day. Once you figure out the fit and cut that best suits your body type, the rest of the details can be tweaked here and there to add interest. This shirt dress was an amazing find from forever 21. With a solid neutral color, slit detailing and shape it is so versatile and comfortable. It can be belted and worn with booties as I did or given a more ethereal look with sandals. The dress, booties and belt are all Forever 21 while the Tommy Hilfiger cap and Ralph Lauren Cross body were scores from Marshalls. Wear what you like, be comfortable and overall remember that clothing can be simplistic and yet still make a statement. Links to items below!
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High Slit Shirt Dress

Similar Booties

Tommy Hilfiger Cap

XOXO- ARI

Concert OOTN

The infamous and all-encompassing Dominican artist Juan Luis Guerra came into town and you better believe I was there! Concerts are some of the best events to express your creativity. While it’s always fun to throw on the latest trending styles it’s also important to keep comfort in mind (at least for me) when planning to be on your feet for so long. I chose to go for a simple look that I knew would complement the environment I would be in. Juan Luis Guerra sings merengue, bachata, and beautiful love ballads sure to attract an older more mature crowd. This wasn’t the place to bring out my full on sexy vibes. Thinking about the crowd is important in assessing your outfit. I went with a simple body con striped dress with camel colored detailing on the elbow. This tucked me in (along with some much needed shapewear) showing off a little bit without being over the top. This nautical inspired dress was purchased at TJMAXX and is from the brand Monteau. The oxford shoes pictured, I’ve had for ages and are from Forever 21. I am sure for this upcoming fall season they will have an awesome selection of boots I can’t wait to get my hands on! For any future concerts you may attend keep these simple things in mind

  • Consider the environment when choosing your outfit
  • Wear comfortable shoes
  • Don’t forget any “fan” items that may help get you noticed! – I forgot my Dominican flag and regretted it!
  • Have fun and be in the moment! –Try your best to put the phones down, set a limit on pictures and videos allowed.

Hope this outfit of the day gives some inspiration for any future events, Juan Luis rocked the house and it was amazing! Check out the pics below.

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Toodles, Ari

Denim on Denim

Hey everyone, I have another outfit of the day! I am so glad my sister was able to snap a few shots of yet another one of my favorite looks. While in Florida I was able to wear shorts and leave the house without a million layers on, how exciting right?  So lets jump right in! My previous look (Green with envy) was a more of a going out kind of outfit as oppose to this one which is super casual and trendy. I paired some older pieces with newer ones creating a laid back feel.

Top: Old Navy Button down light denim
Bottoms: Forever 21 Front camo spiked denim shorts (last summer)
Shoes: Forever 21 booties (again)
accessories: Bag Phillip Lim for Target, (borrowed from Ari) Watch Marc Jacobs, Bracelet Forever 21 and lion head necklace from street vendor.

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Here are links to the actual items or similar ones:

Denim Top
Studded shorts and Boho Denim
Booties
Jaguar Bracelet
Watch
Handbag
Lion head Necklace

* The Phillip Lim bag no longer exist at Target your best bet would be E bay or the full price handbag I linked above.

I have enjoyed posting outfit ideas very much and hope to be able to add some more soon,
till then my friends
– Gwen

Lust Vs. Must- Fall Sweaters

I am loving a statement sweater for this upcoming fall season! Embellishments, tailoring, style and type of material all make for eclectic looks that can be incorporated and worn throughout the season. Some of my favorites would be classic v-neck cuts, embellishments (to avoid having to overload with accessories), long lengths and chunky knits. One doesnt need to spend lots of money to achieve this classic fall look, check out my previous D.I.Y sweater post and see how I made a $2.00 pullover into something wearable and fun! D.I.Y Studded Sweater Below are picture links to some sweaters that im lusting after this season and ones that could fit into any modest budget and are a “must”.

At only $12.45 on H&M Website this sweater is perfect alone or D.I.Y'ed with at home embellishments as I did on my target pullover. (See Link Above)

At only $12.45 on H&M Website this sweater is perfect alone or D.I.Y’ed with at home embellishments as I did on my target pullover. (See Link Above)

This mesh angora blend top is perfect for warmer fall climates (like Florida) where the temperature allows for it. $59.95 HM

This mesh angora blend top is perfect for warmer fall climates (like Florida) where the temperature allows for it. $59.95 H&M

Forever 21 Spiked Sleeve Sweatshirt at $27.80

Forever 21 Spiked Sleeve Sweatshirt at $27.80

River Island for Asos-Frill Shoulder Sweater $62.29

River Island for Asos-Frill Shoulder Sweater $62.29

Zara- Long sweater with elbow patches & front zip features $79.99

Zara- Long sweater with elbow patches & front zipper features $79.99

Forever 21 Chunky Color Blocked Cardigan $16.50

Forever 21 Chunky Color Blocked Cardigan $16.50

Top Shop - Knitted croc front sweater $96.00

Top Shop – Knitted croc front sweater $96.00

Stay warm lovelies!

-Ari

Phillip Lim

One of the most anticipated collaborations with Target caused quite the stir this year, yes you guessed I am referring to the 3.1 Phillip Lim collection. I myself was one of those who arrived at the store at 8 am when they opened and it was indeed madness! All of the handbags were gone by the time I entered the store (I was towards the back of the line, people had been standing there since 6 am, I know crazy new yorkers). I almost lost my cool, until I called up my sis and asked her to purchase the yellow crossbody top handle bag (Good thing she lives in a small town and was literally the only one there at 8 am) crisis averted! I managed to pick up some clothing items in store and was able to order the large purple tote online.

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Both of these bags are super versatile and can be paired with an every day casual look or in a more dressed up way.
Here are some easy looks I created…

Easy Breezy! This could easily be worn on the weekend on your down time or during the week while running errands. Using the bag as a crossbody comes in handy while running around NYC.

Casual: Phillip Lim Boom sweatshirt & top handle crossbody bag h&m tapered sweats

Casual: Phillip Lim Boom sweatshirt & top handle crossbody bag
h&m tapered sweats

This look can easily be paired with pumps for a dressed up look for the office or some booties for a night out to dinner. Wearing the bag off of one shoulder gives it a sleeker look.

Dressy: Phillip Lim Leopard silk sleeved sweater, top handle crossbody bag and Old Navy corduroy blue skirt

Dressy: Phillip Lim Leopard silk sleeved sweater, top handle crossbody bag and Old Navy corduroy blue skirt

Another weekend winner! Large totes are great because you can literally throw everything in them! Deadline coming up? grab your tote, throw in your laptop and headphones then head to your nearest coffee shop to get some work done.

Casual: Old Navy striped sweater with blue elbow patches, Target burgundy leggings & Phillip Lim tote

Casual: Old Navy striped sweater with blue elbow patches, Target burgundy leggings & Phillip Lim tote

This outfit could also be worn to work or out for a business meeting, (the dress is knee length). This tote is perfect for carrying paperwork to and from the office.

Dressy: Forever21 Peplum dress & Phillip Lim tote

Dressy: Forever21 Peplum dress & Phillip Lim tote

Here are the links to the same or similar outfit pieces:
(NOTE: Phillip Lim pieces are sold out online, but your local Target might have some left)

H&M Sweats
Blue Curduroy Skirt
Old Navy striped sweater
Burgundy Bottoms
Forever 21 peplum dress

And there you have it guys, a few ways to dress up (or down) your 3.1 Phillip Lim bags.

Hasta Luego!
-Gwen

Down Home Style

Staying on the short and sweet trend, this look was created somewhere from the depth of my little soul where I still am that regular Spanish girl from Queens but with a twist! I love these loose-fitting sweat pants with … Continue reading

Tiger Print Bodysuit-OOTN

Fourth of July has come and gone and with it came a night of celebrating and enjoying a night out on the town. Forever 21 has always been a staple go-to place for on trend affordable outfits for the masses. Once again they did not fail me for this weekend holiday as I did manage to snag this awesome tiger print bodysuit a couple of weeks ago. (still available on the site!) This lightweight bodysuit features a scoop neckline, back and snap button closure. It is incredibly soft! Throw it on with some jeans and a leather jacket for an edgy look, or keep it light and fun as I did for those summer night outs. I paired it with one of my favorite thrifted high waist shorts, red Mary-Jane style pumps from target and a clutch that actually came with Sonia Kashuk brushes (also from target-old season). Ladies please do not forget your Band-Aids/blister guards if you haven’t worn your shoes too many times! I learned this the hard way as I am now recovering from wearing them the entire night. All in all I had a great time watching the night sky light up and I loved the comfort of the outfit.

Cons
-If your not a fan of panty lines, this bodysuit is not a thong and may show up depending on the material you are wearing over it (my jeans weren’t too bad)

-The accessibility of using the restroom often while having a “night out” was compromised by having a bodysuit on. The snap button closure did help some.

For only $12.80 I don’t think a simple summer night outfit could get any better. Hope everyone enjoyed the holiday!

-Ari

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Forever 21 Tiger Print Bodysuit

“Pernella” Mary Jane Target Pumps