FADS vs. Fashion

In the world of fashion, trends come and go faster than the seasons, making it damn near impossible to keep up with the "it" styles. However, I have found some tips on understanding the differences between fads and fashion that will enable you to put an end to the fashion fueled guessing game. 

Fashion fades, style is eternal.

Usually fashion and fads are considered the same thing, but, they do in fact, have several differences. Fashion is something which is always present. It keeps changing, transforming, and adapting itself to the evolving society trends and times. For example, blazers, trench coats, the little black dress, and a well constructed suit, will keep adapting to the changing times depending upon comfort, industry, and textiles that are being developed. Take Dior's very famous Lady Dior bag, though, it has been reworked with new textures and prints it still looks just like it did when the beautiful Lady Diana wore it.

Whereas, a fad is a style moment that stays for a very short era, does not change, and just vanishes after a time period. In fact, some may say for every horrible fad that dies, seven more are born (I am totally kidding or am I?). The word “fashionable” is used for people who keep up with whatever the present fashion is and adapt it to suit their own personal style. Yet, a fad, is often referred to as fast fashion, that only fits a particular person or style, yet, everyone wants to follow it. For example, currently, the new "it" trend, is an oversized dad vest with a white button down that could be three times your size paired with Doc. Martens and tiny sunglasses. 

Do you all remember when it was cute to wear overpriced trucker hats just because they were Von Dutch? Yikes! The reason that it is important to understand the differences between both a fad and fashion is to 

1: help you create your own style, 

2: to understand when to try a trend or pretend it does not exist and most importantly 

3: to know when to dish out the cash or make the pass. 

Some examples of FADS we are all guilty of wearing

(warning graphic images may be triggering):

 Butterfly clips

Bubble Dresses

Long dress or tunics over jeans

Capris and Chunky Necklaces

Juicy Couture ANYTHING, especially the velour track suits

Von Dutch Hats

Chunky Belts on your waist not for your jeans duh

Low rise Jeans

The Hollister polo aka high school mean girls uniform

Chokers

Whatever these were

and the oversized bug designer sunglasses. 

Now, I am more than guilty of wearing all these, as they shaped my middle and high school days but, ultimately, I started to view my closet like a portfolio, only to be filled with classics that help elevate my own style and compliment new pieces added. 

So, remember:

1.Fashion is ever present.

2. A fad is just a type of fashion for a very short time.

XO Mimosas and Pumps 

Let's talk shoes

Do you love shoes as much as I do? Then, let’s talk about it. I wanted to share my favorite shoes I have collected throughout the years, as well as mention what I personally believe are my worst buys, what brands to splurge on and when to find the look for less. For a person scared of heights, I tend to wear pretty tall heels, so my first honorable mention go to my holy grail shoes, the Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Sandals. I have them in various colors, heel heights, and textures. 

These beauties never disappoint or fail me, if my feet had soulmates these would definitely be it. If I could be the spokesperson for these shoes, I would do it for free. These are completely worth the splurge and a great investment to any shoe collection. Often times, you can find many of them on the resale market (I prefer The Real Real) for half the price. Even though, it may seem like I am being completely bias and opinionated on these shoes, I do have two disclaimers. I have found and so have many owners that the heel on the different textures vary in sturdiness. For example, my suede camo pair are super sturdy and I am 100% sure I can run a marathon in those, as compared to my patent leather navy pair. In that pair the heel feels loose and wobbly like it is going to break off, but, once tied tighter the problem is fixed. Another opinion is based on the wedged version of the shoes, although just as beautiful, they are extremely heavy and the sole is very flat and hard. None the less, if I could be a shoe it would hands down be these. 

My next opinion might be a controversial one but someone has to address the elephant in the shoe luxury world. Christian Louboutin are the most uncomfortable shoes I have ever bought, owned, and worn! I repeat, Christian Louboutin are the most uncomfortable shoes I have ever bought, owned, and worn! Has it stopped me from buying more pairs? No, but I have also begun to understand which styles are more comfortable and bearable. So I am going to share which I think are worth the buy and which to run from.

NOs!

New Very Prive

So Kate

Jonatina

All the shoes mentioned above for my foot, are too tight on the toes, too flat and just plain hurt like what I assume child labor feels like. The soles are also extremely slippery making the shoes even harder to walk in. In my personal opinion, the Jonatina are my biggest disappointment, even though my close friend swears by them. I find that the heel gets stuck and ruined very fast, the closure is a pain to close and the clear material has burned the side of my foot. 

*Now, I want to share one buying tip that I have learned to use and I want to share. When buying expensive shoes, yes try them on of course walk around, call your mom, and twirl all you want but most or even all shoe departments stores have carpet. When you try them on and walk on carpet, yes of course the shoes feel amazing but let's be real, we do not walk on red carpets for a living, therefore, the next time you are trying on shoes and you are about to buy them, try to find some bare floor. You'll thank me later. 

YES! YES! YES!

Highness

Loubi Queen

So Kate Booties

When it comes to these three, I believe not only are they classic and beautiful shoes but you get the best for what you spend. The highness may seem scary and though they do not make them anymore, the added height from the platform makes them painless. On the downside but the added height calls for a skilled walker. 

Next up is my favorite flats and sandals worth the splurge. Both the Gucci slides and the Chanel espadrilles are my go to when it comes to running errands. The Gucci slides are lightweight and feel like a dream, whether at the beach or going shopping, but when I want to look more put together, the Chanel espadrilles are a classic statement piece and worth every penny. 

So, when should you splurge or shop the look for less? Now I am no one to separate love at first shoe, but, when it comes to a fast fashion trends, shopping the look for less is your best bet. Most of my big splurges have either been classic statement pieces, things I have always dreamed of owning or things I have bought to celebrate milestones in my life. Fast fashion trends are things that are HOT HOT HOT but come and go faster than you can spell cold. For those instances places like ZARA and Lulus are your best bet for getting quality items for less that have the same aesthetic. I hope my opinions either help you or at least make you laugh. 

XO Mimosas and Pumps 

Attract, Convert, Transform.

    

In recent years, social media has become a consumers dream, granting the world with services, products and brands through online marketing. Social media marketing is catered to meeting a targeted audience of either consumers or customers, in order to have them socially interact with a business service, brand, blog or products, to either increase sales or followers. In fact, social media marketing helps create a story to reach the audience. 

Therefore, in order to create flow into your own social media, every user should know the ACT method. The ACT methodology is broken down as follows: A is for attract, C is for convert, and T is for transform. The ACT methodology plays a huge role on online marketing and every blogger or user should use it to create unique and tailored content to help boost conversions and increase brand awareness. 

When posting, content should be on-brand, creative, and aesthetically pleasing. Using the methodology can help get attention by attracting traffic to your page, once on your page a stranger becomes either a customer or a consumer, with hopes to transform them into joining your journey. 

Provide the audience with a branded content that differs from competitors is the goal to be able to stand out and make your mark. So remember, the next time you go to post a picture, think does it go with my brand and would my audience enjoy this. Following these methods can help create a small community through the share of similar taste. 

XO Mimosas and Pumps 

I am back baby!

For the past several years I have been focusing on posting less and living life while also finishing both my Bachelors and Masters. Now that life has slowed down and I have begun to pursue a Marketing program, I thought it would be a great idea to use what I learn not only to share with anyone interested in social media marketing, and to use this blog as a way to put all the techniques I learn to good use. I look forward to connecting with everyone once again after such a big break because as we know it...life happens.

 

XO Mimosas and Pumps 

Ten Summer Must Haves

Living in Miami, summer is year round but it also happens to be my favorite time of the year. Tan lines, tropical drinks, bikinis and endless Sunday Fundays. As summer comes, so do the new trends. I have listed ten of my 2017 Summer Must haves items, most under $100. 
XO Mimosas and Pumps 

New York, I Love You

New York. Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, the city that never sleeps, the Big Apple, the Fashion Capital or Sex and the City. 13 miles long, two miles wide, five boroughs, and 8.2 million people all diverse are what make up this beautiful straight out of various movies state. From getting lost in the 770 acres of green in Central Park, to visiting the Top of the Rock, New York was where I instantly fell in love and was heartbroken to leave. Growing up every show or movie I was fascinated with was always set in the same city. From Gossip Girl to Maid in Manhattan, New York is full of iconic locations that are visually compelling.

My first trip to the Big Apple was years in planning due to scheduling challenges and many other life complications, but nonetheless it successfully happened. I flew into LaGuardia on a Friday night and though I was extremely exhausted, I had to at least go for a walk around the block to breathe in that Carrie Bradshaw air. The next morning after a horrendous night, we were out for a jammed back day of exploring. First stop was the Top of the Rock. The Top of the Rock Observation Deck is one of New York’s must see and do attraction in the heart of the Rockefeller Center with the most breathtaking (literally) views of New York. There are three levels of observation perfect for photos with the highest being the open-air roof deck on the 70^th floor. 

 

After the Top of the Rock, we headed out to Times Square but not before stopping by the St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Saks off fifth. With time to spend before our One World Trade Center visit, we decided to try our luck on the Subway and venture out to Little Italy. While there, we looked for the most authentic Italian restaurant to have lunch and La Nonna was our spot. Located in a quiet street of Little Italy, La Nonna is an Italian restaurant that serves classic traditional meals on white tablecloths with sidewalk seating. Talk about a great atmosphere, from Tony singing in Italian to the people in apartments peeking out their windows, La Nonna was affordable and as authentic as you can get. After being put in a food coma, we traveled back to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. 

The memorial is free of charge and honors the lives of those lost on 9/11. The twin reflecting pools features the names of the people killed in the terror attack as well as the six people killed in World Trade Center bombing in 1993 and the Pentagon victims. The pools sit where the Twin Towers once stood with endless water flow. Never in my life had I been rushed with so many emotions while standing in an area, definitely one of those most beautiful yet bittersweet memorials I have ever seen. One interesting part of the memorial that shows how crazy life can be is the Survivor Tree. A Callery pear tree was found at Ground Zero, severely damaged with snapped roots and broken limbs. The tree was removed and placed in the care of New York’s Parks and Recreation and was later returned to the site in 2010. Today not only does the tree still bloom but it is a living reminder of resilience, survival and rebirth.

One World Trade Center Observatory is the rebuilt building of the new World Trade Center and the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the sixth tallest in the world. Talk about one of the greatest views I have ever seen in my life. We were so high up that you can see the curves of the actual state. Not only does the building offer a great view but it also has a casual café and a bar to make the visit more enjoyable. After getting enough pictures, we were off to the famous Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge impressively links Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River, and enables hundreds of commuters a safe and scenic passage. After only getting half way through the bridge, we headed back to the Hudson Hotel to get ready for dinner, which we settled for Flame an Asian hibachi restaurant. After a very fun filled night, we went back to our hotel room to relax and brace ourselves for the next day.

The following day, it was time to visit Central Park. Central Park is the most visited urban park and one of the most famous and filmed locations. First stop, the very famous Minton Tile Ceiling at Bethesda Terrace. Talk about straight out of a movie, as I walked down the stairs that lead to where Chuck and Blair once said I do and I could hear from a distance, a group of singers singing Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years.” Though I wanted to stay there the entire day, we moved over to the Kerbs Boathouse for mimosas and views of the city. I sat to enjoy some fresh air on the small dock outside the restaurant where Carrie and Mr. Big famously once went swimming and wondered how I was supposed to return back home to Miami. Once the mimosas wore off it was time to head over to the Met Steps for some yogurt (Gossip Girl reference).

Hey Upper East Siders. Gossip Girl here. Where you may ask, on the Met Steps. The Metropolitan Museum of Art represents the best of human creativity from across the globe with collections spanning over 5,000 years of culture. After the Met it was time to head to Grand Central station.  Grand Central is accessible by subway, train, bus, or airport shuttle and has various stores and restaurants.  Not only is it a historic NYC landmark but it is extremely beautiful. From Gossip Girl, to the Avengers to Men in Black, this station can be seen as the backdrop for various famous scenes. Therefore, it was natural for me to recreate the very famous Serena returns to New York scene in season one, episode one. 

“Ever thine, ever mine, ever ours.” If you know me personally you know that I love Carrie and Mr. Big and would love to get proposed to in the New York Public Library amongst all the love letters of great men (cough, cough). The library provides the city with worldwide online tools to help them discover resources and services as well as offers readers with an immense collection of more than seven hundred works of literature. After exploring the library and being captivated with its architecture, it was time to head back to the hotel to get ready for dinner.  

 Originally, a 19^th century stable for the Vanderbilt family and then a movie theater, TAO Uptown was transformed into a majestic Asian temple of holy food goodness. If you are ever in Las Vegas, Los Angeles or New York I highly recommend you get reservations. I first tried their deliciousness in Las Vegas, when I heard there were two in New York I had to get my cravings fulfilled. I have since then started a petition for a restaurant in Miami, just saying.

On the last day of our trip, we decided to head over to Central Park once more to enjoy the views one last time. After checking out, we took a train ride out of New York to New Jersey to head back home. As I sat on the train and stared off into the passing city all I can think of is when I would be back into this city that romanced me like nothing has ever in my life. New York as simple as it is to many for me holds so much more value. Being born in Cuba and moving to the US, I would have never envisioned standing in the exact same spots that I grew up fascinated with. I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to have experience New York and I cannot wait to be back and become my very own perfect mix of Blair Waldorf, Carrie Bradshaw, and Olivia Palermo.

XO Mimosas and Pumps