Latino Fashion Week’s spectacular closing night

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Although Latino Fashion Week Chicago 2015 recently ended, the fashions presented were “Timeless.” As stated on LatinoFashionWk.com, “the theme for LATINO FASHION WEEK®, “TIMELESS,” celebrates the ability to create fashion that is beautiful to the eyes, stimulating to the spirit and forever imprinted on the soul.” This year’s fashions did just that. The clothing and styles presented for men and women of all sizes throughout the week were amazing to see. I attended the closing night show and it was truly a moving experience.

I was impressed that the designers took the time to match music with their collections for this event. The music selections really added to the experience and feeling of the show. For example Adan Terriquez, a Mexican born designer, showcased his gowns while models glided down the runway to a passionate Mexican inspired tune. As you can see in the photo below, Terriquez creates colorful quinceañera dresses and beautiful dramatic evening gowns perfect for black-tie or red carpet events.

Collection by Adan Terriquez at Latino Fashion Week Chicago 2015

Collection by Adan Terriquez at Latino Fashion Week Chicago 2015

Ukrainian designer Roksolana Bogutska presented her bohemian chic fashions in the next segment of the show. This collection was beautiful and timeless. I especially liked her mix of textures and fabrics. She mixed velvet with silk prints on several long dresses and it totally worked. She presented many luxurious coats and vests detailed with fur and embroidered in rich colors.

Collection by Roksolana Bogutska at Latino Fashion Week Chicago 2015

Collection by Roksolana Bogutska at Latino Fashion Week Chicago 2015

The final designer of the night was Laura Santana from Ecuador. Her collection was filled with beautiful ready to wear dresses and jumpsuits in brilliant jewel tone colors. Like all of the designers, the details on the clothing were impressive. For example, she added ruffles along the shoulder to a couple of the jumpsuits. Other details included: beading, cut-outs, and one shoulder designs. Sananta’s dress and jumpsuits were tailored, fitted, and very feminine.

Collection by Laura Santana at Latino Fashion Week Chicago 2015

Collection by Laura Santana at Latino Fashion Week Chicago 2015

I had the opportunity to walk the runway during Latino Fashion Week at the Sophisticates Luncheon. The event (along with all of the Latino Fashion Week Chicago shows) was held at Block 37 on State Street in Chicago. I modeled clothing from AKIRA:  black jumpsuit, faux-leather jacket, and necklaces. In addition to AKIRA, models wore fashionable styles by e&e Aubé Designs and sophisticated lingerie/nightwear by Moi Soli.  

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Backstage at the Sophisticates Luncheon fashion show -Latino Fashion Week Chicago 2015

The great thing about Latino Fashion week is that both local and international designers are given the chance to showcase their designs. Next year will be the 10th anniversary of Latino Fashion Week Chicago. I can’t wait to see what designers and fashions the creators and staff of Latino Fashion Week will present in 2016.

 

Stylish & Sophisticated

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Every retailer seems to have their own version of the tie neck blouse at various price points for Pre-Fall & Fall 2015. The tie neck blouse is a great staple piece to have in your wardrobe since it is always in style. The tie neck detail provides a polished and feminine look to the top. It is very versatile, and many tie neck blouses can be worn year round (depending on material & sleeve length).

A classic tie neck blouse is a staple piece to have your wardrobe.

A classic tie neck blouse is a staple piece to have your wardrobe.

Above is a work look pairing a tie neck blouse from White House Black Market with a high waisted black pencil skirt. I purchased this blouse during the summer for $68, so it is most likely on sale now. I like the subtle black & white print of this short sleeve blouse. It makes a nice layering piece to wear under a blazer. I accessorized this professional look with high black pumps and On Point Stud Earrings from Henri Bendel.

This BCBG tie neck blouse is very unique. The asymmetrical hem of the blouse adds to the interesting design.

BCBG Kelleigh tie neck top

BCBG Kelleigh tie neck top

This tie neck blouse which retails for $268 can be worn over a skirt with a belt (as shown in photo above) or loose without the belt as on the BCBG website.

A tie neck blouse can look more casual when worn with jeans or leggings and not tying a bow. Leave the scarf-like tie pieces loose as seen on Ann Taylor’s site for a dark ruby blouse.

With so many options of this classic blouse, it’s so hard to choose just one!

Sundress – glam it up or down

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If you’re looking for a pretty and bright colored sundress, I recommend something like the Rosie shift dress by Lilly Pulitzer in hotty pink. This sleeveless a-line shift dress retails for $188 and is worth the price because it is so versatile. This style dress can be worn many times as it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

For a casual chic look, wear flat sandals like the Tory Burch ones shown. Since the bodice of the dress already has some shine, not many accessories are necessary. The Kate Spade stud earrings displayed and a simple bangle are perfect. A straw tote completes the relaxed silhouette.

I always wear heels, so I would pair gold strappy platform sandals with the dress. To give the dress a more glamorous look, I would also wear large gold earrings like the Kendra Scott ones displayed on the right side of the photo. They really pick up the gold lace details on the dress. Accessorize with gold bangle bracelets and a clutch purse.

Keep your make-up simple (minimal eye make-up & a bright lip) for both of these looks, especially if you’re wearing this dress at an outdoor party.

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I love the bright color of this Lilly Pulitzer sundress. The left side of the photo shows a casual chic way to accessorize the dress, while the right side displays a more glammed up option.

 

Fruit Salad – a healthy summertime snack

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Planning your meals is always the best way to stay on track if you are on a diet or just trying to eat healthy. There are so many delicious fruits available in the summertime. Try preparing a large fruit salad for yourself on a Sunday that you can eat throughout the week. If the fruit salad is prepared, you’re more likely to opt for it when you’re very hungry. It’s a great way to prevent unwanted snacking and going for something like candy or sweets. Not only is fruit good for your health, it also has beauty benefits. The vitamins and antioxidants found in fruit can protect the skin from damaging free radicals and increase collagen production.

A bit of fruit always goes well with a protein shake making the perfect snack or small meal. For breakfast, I enjoy having fruit on the side of an egg white omelet. A fruit salad is also tasty with a chicken breast for dinner or lunch.

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Prepare a large fruit salad that you can snack on throughout the week.

Happy Summer 2015

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For this week’s look, I chose a retro inspired sundress. It’s summery, flirty and only costs $34 on Polyvore. I like that it has a defined waist and flared skirt. We all work hard to stay in shape, so make sure any sundress you wear fits well and shows off your figure. Hoop earrings, stacked bangles, and strappy heels complete this outfit. Any cat eye sunglasses will work, but these Prada studded cat eye glasses are fabulous. They really complement the hardware on the bangle bracelet and Kate Spade straw clutch. Make-up for this look should include black eyeliner and red lipstick. Benefit’s They’re Real push-up eyeliner is easy to work with to achieve the perfect winged eye. An easy way to prevent your red lipstick from bleeding is by using a lip crayon to line and color the lips. Then apply additional color or gloss with a lip brush. Since it’s summer, you really don’t need any blush. Let your natural glow shine through!

Celebrate summer with this retro inspired look. I accessorized this dress with cat eye sunglasses, stacked bangles, and glam make-up.

Celebrate summer with this retro inspired look. I accessorized this dress with cat eye sunglasses, stacked bangles, and glam make-up. Don’t forget your favorite summer cocktail – Cheers!

Fashion Forward: A fashion show & benefit gala celebrating young people of all shapes, sizes and abilities

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Fashion Forward: A fashion show & benefit gala celebrating young people of all shapes, sizes and abilities. Purchase tickets at www.tellintales.org

Fashion Forward: A fashion show & benefit gala celebrating young people of all shapes, sizes and abilities. Purchase tickets at www.tellintales.org

Fashion shows are always so much fun to attend, especially when they spotlight people from the community. Join Tellin’ Tales Theatre on May 17th as they celebrate young people of all shapes, sizes and abilities at Fashion Forward: A Mixed Ability Fashion Show and Gala. “It’s time young people with disabilities got a chance to show off what makes them feel beautiful right alongside with their able-bodied peers,” says Tekki Lomnicki, Artistic Director of Tellin’ Tales Theatre*.

This lavish event will be held at the National Hellenic Museum in Chicago. The evening revolves around a gorgeous fashion show featuring attire by Chicago area designers, custom made for models (ages 14-25) with and without disabilities. Light bites and spirits will be served. Participate in a live & silent auction and dance the night away by the sounds of a local Chicago DJ. Special guests will include Academy Award nominee Richard Jenkins, and Karen Tamley, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. Tickets for Fashion Forward are available at www.tellintales.org.

Event: Tellin’ Tales Theatre’s Fashion Forward fashion show & benefit gala

Date/Time: May 17, 2014 at 7pm

Location: National Hellenic Museum, 333 S. Halsted St., Chicago

Tickets for the event are available at www.tellintales.org.

*The mission of Tellin’ Tales Theatre is to shatter barriers between the disabled and able-bodied worlds through the transformative power of personal story. We bring together children and adults from both communities to share their stories in theatrically innovative productions and programs to promote awareness, understanding and acceptance.

Protein Pancakes

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Looking for a healthy breakfast option? Try making protein pancakes. They taste as good as regular pancakes, but are much better for you as they are full of protein and good carbs. I often cook them for brunch or to have on hand as a snack.

protein pancakes

Protein pancakes are a healthy breakfast option and make a perfect snack.

This recipe is enough for 2 people. The entire batch is approximately 475 calories & 42 grams of protein (or 237.5 calories & 21 grams of protein if you share the pancakes).

Ingredients:

5 egg whites

1 cup (dry) oatmeal

½ cup low fat cottage cheese

1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract

Combine the egg whites, oats, cottage cheese and vanilla extract in a blender. Mix on high until everything appears blended.

Spray a nonstick pan with a no-stick cooking spray like PAM. Keep the heat on low. Pour batter into pan (whatever amount desired – I usually make them 3 inches in diameter). Cook until golden brown or bubbles begin to form around the edges. Flip the pancake and cook until golden brown.

The great thing about protein pancakes is that they are super filling (since there is so much protein.) If you’d like even more protein, add a ½ scoop of protein powder before mixing ingredients. To keep the overall calorie count down, serve the pancakes with fresh berries instead of syrup. Enjoy!!

Radiant Fusion

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“A dazzling attention-getter” is how Pantone described its color of 2014, Radiant Orchid, in a December 5, 2013 press release. Each year Pantone, the experts who set the standards on color, announces a color of the year that influences fashion and beauty as well as home décor.  Radiant Orchid is a beautiful color that looks pretty on everyone.

You certainly don’t need to dress monochromatic Radiant Orchid from head to toe. You can easily incorporate the shade into your wardrobe by wearing a Radiant Orchid top or blazer with jeans. Or try wearing an accessory (shoes, jewelry, a purse, a scarf, or sunglasses) in a Radiant Orchid tone. Update your make-up by using a lipstick, tint, or eye shadow in the Radiant Orchid color palette.

Here is a board with a couple looks inspired by Radiant Orchid. One of my favorite pieces of clothing is a basic black pencil skirt, so naturally I first matched a Radiant Orchid colored top with the skirt. I then found the perfect dress and accessorized it with gorgeous jewelry from Henri Bendel and Alexis Bittar.

Looks inspired by Pantone's color of 2014 - Radiant Orchid

Looks inspired by Pantone’s color of 2014 – Radiant Orchid

Not only does Radiant Orchid work well with black, but it is also stunning paired with many colors. I chose some Pantone colors (below) that mix and match well with Radiant Orchid for spring. Even though Emerald was the Pantone color of 2013, it’s still a lovely shade to wear transitioning into spring. For example, Honeysuckle, Sand, and Radiant Orchid make a cute bright spring outfit.

This spring mix and match Radiant Orchid with these Pantone colors.

This spring mix and match Radiant Orchid with these Pantone colors.

Before you go shopping for everything Radiant Orchid, check your closet. You may be surprised how many pieces you already own that are this color or a very close hue. I found a few blouses and purses. One peplum shirt is radiant orchid on top and Dazzling Blue on the bottom part of the peplum.

Hope to see you all in this fabulous color of the year!