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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Ring in the New Year!



Can't believe it's already New Year's!! 

Time to get those sparkling champagne bottles ready to say cheers to 2014! But before the countdown begins, here are some New Year traditions that my family and I do!

1.) Wear Red, Gold, & Green for love, prosperity, & luck.
2.) Eat 12 grapes during the countdown for good wishes during the upcoming year
3.) Grab a luggage and run in a circle outside in hopes of traveling opportunities in the new year
4.) Put water in a cup and throw it back to wash away the negative things 
5.) Last but not least, give hugs and kisses to your family and friends and CELEBRATE!

From my family to yours HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!


From LA, With Luv
Fati <3


Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas Eve

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from my family to yours!! Thank you for your support in checking out my blog, I really appreciate it. 
More adventures await! Will you join?




Much love always,
From LA, With Luv
Fati <3


Back in LA


HAPPY HOLIDAYS Everyone!!
It feels great to be back in LA, reunited with friends and family. 

Today I had the chance to visit one of my favorite places in LA called La Placita Olvera or Olvera Street. This place is filled with so much culture and diversity. I love all of the colorful Mexican paper that are hung from the light posts and the rhythmic music that is played by street musicians in the plaza. 


Another thing I love about Olvera Street is the appreciation of art in and around the plaza. Located in the heart of LA and across the street from Union Station, El Pueblo de Los Angeles is known as the historic birth-site of the city of Los Angeles. It not only gives visitors a cultural experience but it introduces them to know more about the Latin American culture and Los Angeles roots even by just stopping by and seeing the sculptures and murals in and around the plaza.



There's always events  happening in Olvera Street. Whether they are having a Day of the Dead celebration or even a Christmas mass, it is always packed with people taking pictures and having a grand ol' time. If you are into sugar skulls and vintage fashion like I am and if you are visiting Olvera Street, definitely stop by Vintage Galleria. They sell vintage inspired, Rockabilly, pin-up, retro, and Day of the Dead clothing, jewelry and accessories. I found these really cute high waisted shorts that were to die for! So stop on by and support your local vendors. 


They also sell these cool calavera figurines too!



I had an amazing time taking pictures and just getting to experience this place that I always enjoy visiting. There are new things happening all the time so it's definitely a place in LA to visit. If you ain't gone to Olvera Street, you are missing out!


Check out Vintage Galeria's etsy account for more awesome clothes or accessories: https://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageGaleria?page=3
 
From LA, With Luv
Fati <3





Sunday, December 15, 2013

Don't be a Plain Jane, Accessorize that Ugly Sweater!

The season of festivities is upon us people and it's time to be fashionably prepared. Bring out those old "ugly" sweaters your grandma knit you when you were young, because those are back in style. Believe it or not people are actually wearing these things. Check out this guy!!

=><=

December is not only the month of giving presents and making gingerbread houses, but of looking your best-est in your holiday gear! Don't have an ugly sweater and feeling a bit like Macklemore with only "twenty dollars in my pocket"? Ride on down to your nearest thrift store for some good ol' holiday cheer. 

I bought my ugly sweater at Goodwill for only $3.95, which is reasonable, it's convenient, just remember to wash your item once you get it. If you can't find any at Goodwill try your local stores like Target, Walmart, TJMaxx, your mom's closet for different styles and colors. 

I felt like my sweater wasn't looking very flashy enough, so I decided to accessorize! Here are some of the items I used for my project:

  1. Mini glue gun w/ mini glue sticks
  2. Ornaments 
  3. Stocking cut outs
  4. Sewing kit
  5. Buttons



Step 1: Buying a Sweater
I think buying a sweater is a difficult process because everyone is picky with what they like and if you can't find that specific sweater that you truly imagined, then you're in a pickle. I feel your pain, because I am the same way. Sometimes it just sucks being picky.

Before I started this mini project, I never really knew what an ugly sweater was. I just thought that it was supposed to be a sweater with holes or paint.... I was wrong. 

Definition of Ugly Sweater: "Any sweater with a Christmas theme that is considered in bad taste, tacky, or gaudy". Well know I know! 

On to the next steps.

Step 2: Brainstorm
Once you have your sweater, the first thing you should do when adding on accessories is having a layout. You want to know where you're going to put your accessories and you want to make sure it's in the area you want them to be placed before you start sewing, or gluing, or whatever you are doing. I laid my sweater on a table and placed each of the items in the areas that I wanted to cover.

Step 3: Make Your Mark
Making your mark is easy to do. You can grab a safety pin or a needle and place them where your item is located. This will help you when measuring and to know the area where your item will be put.



Step 4: Off to Work you go!
I started off gluing white cotton balls that I took from a stocking. Next, I sewed the ruffly ornaments. Seeing how I placed these on the shoulders of the sweater, I had to go over them with a needle twice so that it can stay in place. When that was complete, I sewed on bright green buttons to give it a classy yet colorful look. I had two include these two snowmen that I cut out from a stocking. The cool thing about them is they have little pockets! I got really excited when I found this out. I also added things on the back. I sewed on the "let it snow" cut out and sewed it beneath the collar and glued on "snow" which are pieces of cotton.

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Step 4: Masterpiece
Once you have gone over and made your adjustments, give yourself a pat on the back! You have created a masterpiece. I had a lot of fun putting this together and giving it my own pizzazz.

 I recently wore this to an Ugly Sweater Fashion Show that we had at work and to a Christmas party. 


(Back of sweater)

(Co-worker Seth & I)

I hope you enjoy finding and accessorizing your ugly sweater this Christmas!

May your days be merry & bright.

From LA, With Luv
Fati <3



Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Let it Snow!

I looked outside my window to see how today was going to be like and I was shocked to see the grass covered in white, fluffy snow and the cars parked outside covered from top to windshield.


 I wanted to go outside but I didn't feel like being in the cold. I had told my sister that it had been snowing here and she got all excited. I think she's way excited about the snow and cold weather than I am. She told me to go and run in the snow. I didn't want to go but, I took her suggestion and put on my winter gear!


It was soooo nice outside! I can honestly say that that was my first time ever seeing a real life snowflake other than the ones that you cut up and hang on the wall lol. It was awesome. You know how in the movies when the character is outside and all of a sudden it starts snowing but you know its only the snow machine making the effect, well that's how I felt like but there was no snow machine. It was the real deal! I know, I know I'm new to the whole snow experience but its not my fault that Cali doesn't get any snow!

Seeing how it's almost winter time, here are some outfits I made I call them:

Winter Essentials for Him & Her

For Her


Winter time, more like layering time! Bring out those long lost jackets that you've hidden in your closet because they are your crown jewel for this winter. Whether you're wearing a jacket, a sweater, or even a poncho, you can still be warm and be in style for this holiday season.

My outfit consists of:
            Plaid Jacket- Forever 21                
            Black gloves with Bows- Walmart
            Mustard Yellow Beanie- Target
            Black Scarf- Target
            Polka Dot & Striped Socks- Kmart

For Him


Guys, here are some winter essentials for you!

I grabbed some items from my boyfriend's closet and BUH-BAM! Here is it. My favorite item is the pepper colored varsity sweater, because it's a nice add on if you are wearing a long sleeve shirt or t-shirt and it is easy to layer with. You can combine this with some dark washed jeans and converse.

His outfit consists of:
                    Pepper Colored Varsity Sweater: Gift, but you can find it at stores like Zumiez
                    Black Beanie: Amazon
                    Invicta watch: T.J. Maxx
                    Converse: DSW
                    Knit Scarf: Goorin Bros.
                    Shades: Venice Beach


 Stay warm my friends!

From LA, With Luv
Fati <3





Thursday, December 5, 2013

Thursday is for...



Ever since I got that sewing machine from Black Friday, I've been craving ideas on what to sew next. Can't wait to show you all what my first completed project was, next week! I've never really hand sewn anything before so it was really good practice. I'm looking forward on doing more so stay tuned!!

Today I decided to visit a pin-up boutique that I had been researching about called Atomic Bombshells. It's a cute little shop with Bettie Page dresses, swim suits, accessories, and more. It reminded me of a shop back in LA called My Baby Jo, everything made here in the USA. From what I've noticed there's not very many pin-up shops or any at all in Omaha, which is a bummer, but its exciting to see something you recognize. As I looked around I found a pink dress with a pirate, mermaid and other little characters. I had to try it on!


I really liked the way the dress fit and how it looked. I've never really worn a pink dress before but I thought that this shade of pink was just perfect. It wasn't too bright or too dark and the colors on the characters complimented it well. I'm really glad I found this store! Definitely saving up to get this dress! 

After my trip to the pin-up boutique, I decided to go along for the ride and check out the Goodwill's in the area. One thing I like about Goodwill is their massive selection of clothes, on the downside though you gotta rummage through the clothes to find what you are looking for. But at times its fun because who knows what you might find. 

These were My Finds of the Day:


This is a vinyl clock. I wanted to buy it but it didn't seem to work! Sad Face. But it looked pretty 
cool though, besides it not working and all.


I thought this canvas was really nice with such great detail. It would make a great addition somewhere in the living room or just to have as decoration. Definitely takes you back to the 1920's. 


This St. John's Bay purse is for sure a keeper and plus its only $5. I really liked it because of its retro design of the two women shopping and it shows a lot of femininity.  Also there's a small wallet inside for your phone, when you're on the go!



I really really really wanted to buy these shoes but they weren't my size =(. But these loafers do look comfortable and they would make a great addition to an outfit. 


The gold and black buttons really mesh well with the plaid pattern on this blazer. And it also includes shoulders pads. It would make a great pair with a solid black dress or if your going more for a street style look, pair it up with colored pants.

I had a lot of fun looking at different clothes and picking out what caught my attention. That's one of the things I like to do when I go thrift shopping, go with an idea in mind. I mean it may be challenging because maybe what you want is something too specific, but you're bound to find it eventually.

Well, off to bed I go!
Happy Thrifty Thursday!

From LA, With Luv
Fati <3