Out & About - Snap Shots from DUMBO, Brooklyn

New York ceases to surprise me! Born and raised in this amazing city, no matter which borough it is that I am visiting there is always something new and exciting to see.

Late one Friday night, my best friend Amanda (instagram: @apalaces_) and I were exploring the Dumbo scene in Brooklyn and found many interesting little restaurants, art exhibits, and murals. 

Examining the panorama, I found notes of classic old New York; the cobblestone paved streets, brownstone apartments, old factories, and the view of the Manhattan Bridge from the waterfront made for a quintessential NYC night adventure.

Exploring the streets of Dumbo, Amanda and I couldn't help ourselves when we saw this one mural painted on York Street - located under an over pass, two complimenting "Yes!" designs are painted parallel to each other. (both were painted in 2013 by Yuko Shimizu) 

I thought the mural would be a perfect backdrop for some pictures, and so the impromptu shoot began.  

OOTN Details: floral kimono - H&M, navy romper - Urban Outfitters, double layered skirt - Urban Outfitters, thigh-highs - Urban Outfitters, booties - Steve Madden

I ask myself quite frequently why I choose to pose with my arms straight out.. and Da Vinci's, Vitruvian Man, seems to be my inspiration. 

QOTD: What is your hometown? And what's the best thing about living there?

I love New York because everything is open till late at night, and the city is constantly moving. Fashion and art flourish in the city and I love that I get to witness all of these things on a daily basis.

keep it classy.

xoxo,

-paintedREDD

Obsessed: Bustling Brassieres

Lets get started with my first episode of window-shopper-aholics anonymous; where I María lust over the many items I put in my online shopping cart but can not actually purchase because:

a.) my bank account will go negative if I buy it

or 

b.) my t-mobile bill is due and has surplus charges for the data usage. And even though my service was abysmal, like it always is, I need to pay this bill first before I get into any excess spending.

ohhh, the life struggles of a student budget....

The trend I'm focusing on today is brassieres, and although I'm not french I still call it this because it sounds that much more sexy... silly, I know.

But serious, lingerie this year has had so many new innovations, especially when it comes to the subject of bralettes and soft cup bras. I myself am a member of the itty bitty titty committee, and when I was younger I use to hate the fact that I wasn't as busty as my older sister, to the extent that I even thought about getting surgery. Not until recently had I started to embrace my size and really have enjoyed finding unique delicates that instead of enhancing my size with padding, actually highlights it with beautiful details and sexy lace.

Small as these brassieres are, they can really break the bank. These beauts can vary from $17 - $200 depending on where you look for them, but you can always find similar more affordable designs at places like: Forever21, H&M, and Urban Outfitters. All you have to do is keep an eye out for those designs and purchase them before they sell out. 

1.) H&M - Soft-cup Mesh Bra

2.) For Love & Lemons - Vixen Halter Bra 

3.) For Love & Lemons - Flower Hopes Bralette  

4.) For Love & Lemons - She's a Knockout Bra 

5.) La Perla - Noche De Viento polka-dot tulle soft-cup bra 

6.) Lonely - Lulu Strap Bra

Wear these under a cute crop top (examples: 2 & 4) and it'll peak-a-boo at the base of the cropped top anding a little more dynamic to your outfit. 

Or hell, where it under a turtle neck. Regardless of if it's only you seeing what you got going on underneath, these brassieres will make you feel a little bit sexier and confident while fiercely walking down the street. In the end what ever you wear should make you feel your best.

It's crazy how trends always come back. Sex and the City & Carrie Bradshaw brought the visible bra trend into style, and now it's back will some new tricks up its sleeve.

QOTD: What's your current favorite trend? Are you obsessing over these ornate brassieres? or is it not for you?

keep it classy.

xoxo,

-paintedREDD

POP of NEON!

So you guessed it, I've finally decided to get back 

into the blogging and YouTube game. I had been so busy the past years

 with college, two jobs, depression, lack of inspiration, and drama to actually keep up with my blog, but to tell you the truth I've really missed it. 

Blogging and making videos was my outlet for being creative at a time in my life where I couldn't really be creative at work because I have to stay within the lines of their criteria. But I'm feeling inspired and excited, and am hopeful that I'll be able to manage everything in my life so that I may continue this. 

On a new fun note, I want to start including Fitness, Lifestyle, Vlogs, and DIY posts on both my blog as well as on my YouTube channel. I hope y'all like the idea, and if you want to see something in particular request it in the comments!
I've missed you gals and guys!!!! 

Thanks to my supportive friends especially Amanda who pushed me to restart it all and helped me film this OOTD and also guest stared in the video. She's my bestest girl friend and has a fun and rockin' style! ^__^ <3 Love you MANDII!!!

Pop of NEON:

part 1:

Outfit Stats:

1. Neon Sweater & Printed Jacket - Zara 

2. High-Waisted Shorts - American Apparel 

3. Hat - Urban Outfitters

4. Cognac Boots - Vintage 

5. Ring - H&M

6. Bracelet & Watch - MK

Outfit Stats:

1. Navy Blazer - Ann Taylor 

2. Neon Denim - H&M 

3. Braided Belt - American Eagle

4. Glittery Flats - Gap 

5. Necklace - H&M

6. Cropped Top - H&M

7. Ring - Ecuador Trinket 

 Pop of NEON:

part 2:

Outfit Stats:

1. Tartan Pants - Zara 

2. Si Freak, si Chic Tee - Zara 

3. Shoes - Restricreo

4. Purse - MK

5. Watch - Marc Jacobs

6. Necklace - H&M

7. Glasses - RayBan

Outfit Stats:

1. Neon Pink Top - H&M 

2. High-Waisted Riding Leggings - Hue

3. Wedges - BCBG Generation

4. Purse - Coach 

5. Rings - Forever 21

6. Bracelets - H&M

 

QOTD: How who you style NEON? Write any request you have in the comments below!

Oh and remember, keep it classy!

xoxo,

paintedREDD

fashion battle of the coasts : Sequins

this weeks battle:

Hiya Everyone! I'm super excited to be introducing to you a new segment/collaboration that i'll be doing on my Youtube channel as well as here on my blog.

You're probably asking! WHAT IS THIS : Fashion Battle of the Coasts. 

But you could probably guess by looking a little more into the title because it is kinda self explanatory; but yes, me and my friend Corey aka misspebblesss on Youtube are going to duke it out during each segment by styling a certain trend or article of clothing that we are digging at the moment!! 

OOTD: Braids & Bow Ties

Another OOTD post, and if you haven't been following my youtube channel then you wouldn't know I wear bow ties on a daily basis. I really love the mix between masculine and feminine clothing. If I were to sum up my style that would probably be it. 

I wore this outfit to go to hang out with my friends and do a little bit of shopping. 

Link to OOTD Video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMkjvv5btBM&list=UU8C4p8gm7senitfy2IqcilQ&index=1&feature=plcp

1.Houndstooth 3/4 Sleeve Jacket - Banana Republic, 2. Light Pink Button Up Painters Blouse - Express , 3. Checkered Burgundy Bow Tie- TJ Maxx, 4. High Waisted Black Shorts - American Apparel, 5. Sheer Black Nylon Stockings - CVS 6. Cheetah Print Trouser Socks - Betsey Johnson, 7. Crochet Black Finger-less Gloves - Aldo 8. Heels - Jeffrey Campbell Litas, 9. Watch - Casio, 10. Wrap bracelet - H & M, 11. Silver & Black Cocktail Ring - H & M 

For this outfit I tried to keep all the colors neutral with just a pop of burgundy and light pink in the top and bow tie. I think it's a nice casual outfit.

Now did you all know, pharmacy's sell amazing nylon/sheer stocking!!!!! It's crazy the best sheer stockings I've ever bought were from the CVS pharmacy and I paid about 3 dollars for them! Such a bargain!!! Who knew I would get the best stocking in such an unexpected place. 

  thought this was a fun outfit :) 

Hope you did too!

Keep it classy.

xoxo,

paintedREDD

OOTD : POP of Cheetah

My first OOTD blogpost, and i'm so excited!!

I'm hoping you all like this idea, if so tell me down in the comment section. But yes, I've been wanting to post more frequently on my blog with things that aren't long enough to include in a video. So as of now I will be putting up mini hauls, product pictures & reviews, as well as just little exciting experiences I've been having. Think "mini Vlog".... or in this case blog entry.

Link to OOTD Video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAaskK1m3_Q&list=UU8C4p8gm7senitfy2IqcilQ&feature=plcp

So here we go : OOTD #1 "POP of Cheetah!" 

Usually when I get up in the morning... i'm not going to lie, it takes me forever to choose my outfit and I think sometimes I may take fashion way to seriously. I might only need to run one errand but feel the need to wear heels!! But in all reality when I slip on my favorite pair of Jeffrey Campbell heels it makes me feel 10x more confident and put together. Lets just say, I feel like a woman when I wear heels! I mean really, out of all the things a woman could wear that is beneath a great pair of underwear will always be HEELS. So slip on a pair girls and strut your stuff!

1. Faux Fur Cheetah Coat - Forever 21, 2. Sheer lace up back blouse - Urban Outfitters (Reformed) , 3. Black Leather braided belt - vintage Mom's closet, 4. Hat - CollectionEighteen, 5. Clutch - Miztique (TJ Maxx) 6. Clip-on Earrings - Forever 21, 7. Cuff - Vintage Grandma's Closet, 8. Heels - Restricted (TJ Maxx), 9. Trouser Socks - Betsey Johnson (TJ Maxx), 10. Pleated Twill High Waisted Pants - American Apparel

Now back to the point.... I always seem to ramble!! But whenever I am getting ready I usually piece my outfits together starting off with the thing I most want to wear, in this case it was the Cheetah Faux Fur Coat from Forever 21. Everyone knows Forever 21 is the best place for decently priced trendy clothing, I believe this cost me a little less than $30.oo last year.

So when I'm deciding what to pair with my statement piece I usually just lay it out on my bed like a magazine spread and see if I like how everything goes together (as you can see above, thats what I did)

Now accessories can really make or break an outfit, so because I had a bulky-ish coat on I wanted to keep them kinda simple. Didn't over accessories! I tried to bring in a couple more textures to the outfit with the leather clutch and metals in my jewelry. My vintage cuff which was actually my Great Grandma's, and these clip-on earrings from Forever 21 which are actually super heavy (you are warned, they hurt if you wear them for a long time...but beauty is pain!!!) added just the right amount of bling for when I took off my coat indoors.

All in all I was going for a chic Jet-Setter kinda vibe, and think I achieved that :)

I hope you all liked the outfit, I thought it was chic hope you did too!

Keep it classy.

xoxo,

paintedREDD