On The Streets: What Can I say, Alpacas are Majestic Beings!

Today, a few friends and I visited an Alpaca Farm that is located just 24 miles north of Omaha, in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska. The farm called, Alpacas of the Heartland is made up of 13 acres of grassland and woods, an amazing "log style" house, and a variety of alpacas to see and experience. 

We had the opportunity to meet Sheri and Mike Jacoby, who are the farm-owners of Alpacas of the Heartland. They told us about the alpaca showcases that they have participated in as well as interesting and intriguing facts about alpacas that we did not know about. 

Did you know...

• Alpacas come from the same family-line as camels
• Alpaca fleece is a silky and lustrous natural fiber
• Alpaca fleece comes in various natural colors and the softness is incredible!

The alpacas are really friendly and approachable. Some of the baby alpacas are a bit shy, but tend to approach you little by little. You can even feed them carrots and take photos of them, they are very photogenic. 

Here are some cool shots of the day!

At the end of our visit, we stopped by the little gift shop located inside the log house. Majority of the items were hand knitted from alpaca fleece which was then made into yarn. You can purchase your own alpaca yarn here too. They even had mini, furry alpaca dolls and alpaca ornaments! Our visit to the alpaca farm was a success. Can't wait to go back!

Plan your trip to Alpacas of the Heartland!

Website: http://www.alpacasoftheheartland.alpacanation.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alpacasoftheheartland

From LA, With Luv

Fati <3

Tis' the Season for Color!

After a busy week of Christmas shopping, attending holiday events, and packing for my holiday trip to California, it was time to take a relaxing break and enjoy the weekend. To add some color to my day, I wore this 1970's tunic that I bought from Ruby Begonias, a local vintage boutique in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

For those of you who may not know, a tunic is a long shirt that stops just a little over your hips. They can usually be worn with leggings and/or jeans. I decided to style it with a pair of blue jeans and gold flats. I love how vibrant and festive it looks!

Tunic- Ruby Begonias

Jeans- Old Navy

Flats- Target

Can't wait to wear this tunic for my next holiday event!

From LA, With Luv

Fati <3

Artist of the Week:

Photographer: Pierre Kenal Louis

Crystal Ellis

The journey of self discovery is a journey that keeps us moving. It tests our skills and talents and helps us discover what we're truly passionate about. For emerging stylist and fashion designer, Crystal Ellis; her journey began when she was six years old. From drawing and sketching designs to learning to use the sewing machine these talents have guided her to where she is today.

I had the chance to interview Crystal and get to know more about her. Read about it below!

Photographer: Crystal Ellis

Me: How long have you been designing clothes?

Crystal: Professionally 4 years...I have always had a desire to alter, embellish, or deconstruct clothing.

Me: Were you always into fashion? What made you pursue it?

Crystal: Yes! Growing up in the 80's I'm prone to my Madonna, MJ, & Janet styles, people who were unapologetic for being who they were through fashion. I remember my first favorite shirt that I wore and for always being the one who stood out for what I was wearing. Sad part is I did not want the negative or positive attention from what I wore. I liked what it was, so I wore it. It expresses who you are at the moment. 

Photographer: Crystal Ellis

Me: Can you tell me about your fashion line, Cristallo Couture?

Crystal: I wanted to create a cut and sew line that had no limits. People in general or in the industry and arts always say to find your "niche", style, or target market. Though I tried and attempted and took a look at what style I wanted to create, I simply could not choose. I felt it would be leaving a part of me behind. 

I've never wanted to stick to any "one style". I feel like the women we loved in the past and today have many layers...many faucets of who they are and how they want to project in their fashion. Like a crystal that has many sides of depth, any piece can make up who we are, hence Cristallo Couture. 

Me: How would you describe your style?

Crystal: Well that is the toughest question, isn't it? I've never wanted to be put into a box or specifically designed. If I had to pick style categories which would be hard to do, I would say Harajuku, avant-garde, vintage, classic, steam punk skater...

Yes, my styles can be all over the place like that, why not?

"Some would say a brand... I say break the mould".

Photographer: Randy Edwards

*Photo Credit: Crystal Ellis, Pierre Kenal Louis, & Randy Edwards Photography

Follow this Omaha artist and see what's new in her world of fashion

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CristalloCouture

Website: http://cristallocouture.com/

From LA, With Luv

Fati <3

On The Streets: Rockabilly Night in Omaha!

A few nights ago a friend and I went to an event in Omaha called Omaha Rockabilly. The event was filled with live music from local bands, swing dancing, and also a fashion show hosted by Atomic Bombshells, celebrating their grand opening of their second store in Midtown Crossing! I was really excited to attend this event, because I had not seen or been to one since I moved to Omaha. 

Outfit of the Night

Seeing how it was a special but chilly night, I decided to stay on the warm side and wear something cute and casual. 

Blouse: Vintage

Flamingo Earrings: Nova Glitz (Etsy)

Purse: Goodwill

Shoes: Converse

There were people dancing on the dance floor and others singing along to the songs. After the band performed their last song, it was time for the fashion show. My friend and I had a great time seeing all of the cute outfits as they were modeled and enjoyed being part of this great event.

If you're in Omaha and have some free time, check out Atomic Bombshells!

From LA, With Luv

Fati <3

Artist of the Week:

Imagine

This weeks Artist of The Week is Imagine from Just Imagine Nails. She is a young entrepreneur from Omaha, Nebraska with a passion for food, music, and doing people's nails! I had the chance to interview this lovely gal. Read all about it below!

Fati: How long have you been designing nails for?

Imagine: I've been doing my nails since I was four years old. I really started getting into nail art when I was about 14. 

Fati: Do you remember what your first creation was?

Imagine: My first creation was a simple little heart done with a pen.

Fati: What do you enjoy about being a nail artist?

Imagine: I enjoy creating miniature works of art and helping my clients feel good about themselves. Getting your nails done isn't something you do for anyone but yourself really. It creates a sense of pride in the wearer and nail art is a great conversation starter.

Fati: Do you usually plan out what you are going to design next?

Imagine: I pretty much always have a plan of what I'm going to do next. It makes the process go way faster when it's already drawn out. 

Fati: What do you do on your free time?

Imagine: ...I enjoy hanging out with my dog, reading, looking for new inspiration, planning my next business ventures, going to shows, and reading. 

Fati: Do you have any tips for us gals who enjoy painting our nails?

Imagine: My tips are keep your hands moisturized, take your time when you're painting, and watch videos to learn new techniques. 

Fati: How can people find you...Facebook... Instagram?

Imagine: You can find me on Instagram @justimaginenails and on Facebook at Just Imagine Nails!

I had the chance to get my nails done with Imagine and they turned out completely AMAZING!

Frankenstein & Bride of Frankenstein

 

Follow Imagine on Instagram and Facebook at Just Imagine Nails!

From LA, With Luv

Fati <3

Halloween Costume Inspiration: Mia Wallace

Haven't figured out what you're going to be this Halloween? Here's a costume that is easy to put together with just a simple, white button-down dress shirt, black slacks, and a bob wig. It's inspired by the character Mia Wallace (played by Uma Thurman) in Quentin Tarantino's 2004 film, Pulp Fiction. 

In the movie, Mia Wallace is depicted as the wife of a mob boss named, Marsellus Wallace (played by Ving Rhames). She is sassy, confident, and dressed to a T. She is an iconic figure seen on many posters, illustrations, etc. If you haven't seen the film, here's a clip of her famous dance scene with John Travolta. It's a big hit!

Since her outfit is really minimal, here are some of the items I found for my costume:

White Shirt- JcPenney

Black Flats- DSW (You can also use black heels) 

Slacks- Target

Red lipstick- Target

Missing: Real/fake pack of cigarettes & bob wig

Instead of wearing a bob wig, I am planning on straightening my hair since it is similar in length   and style.  If you have long hair you can always clip your hair back to make it look like you have a bob cut. 

I can't wait to go out, celebrate, and see all the awesome costumes people have made this Halloween!! It's going to be SPOOKTASTIC!!!

Check out my Instagram for more Halloween costume ideas and adventures!

http://instagram.com/pocket_fullof_funshine

Photo courtesy of Google

From LA With Luv,

Fati <3

Outfit of the Day: Autumnal Simplicity

Whenever I take a walk outside my house, I look down and admire the mini pumpkins that are on my porch. Their petite sizes always make me smile. I love looking at the trees and at the way they glisten in the sunlight. Their leaves turning bright and beautiful ombre colors, marking that it is time for fall.

This weekend I decided to cherish those warm moments and wear this beautiful flowered dress. I paired it with my Bobbie Flat Ankle Boot by Dolce Vita and a pair of white and gold earrings to compliment the colors on the dress. 

Welcome fall, you are here at last!

Photo cred. Daniel Narez

From LA, With Luv

Fati <3

On The Streets: Last Fling 'Til Spring Car Show

This past weekend my boyfriend and I took a trip to West Point, Nebraska and attended the 25th Anniversary-Last Fling 'Til Spring Car Show. There were over 800 cars participating in this one day event ranging from classic cars, hot rods, rat rods, motorcycles, and customized modern cars. 

We had a really great time walking around checking out the different booths and bands that were there and even got to watch an engine building competition that was sponsored by Southeast Community College students. The objective of the competition was to build an engine under 15 minutes or so, that's what the announcer said. All we saw were two teams moving quickly and swiftly as they planned and chose their next move. As the timer hit 10 minutes and 8 seconds, one of the teams rang their bell and the competition was over. Both teams did a great job!

There were so many makes and models of cars that I kept snapping photos of the ones that stood out to me. 

Check out those rims!

Flying lady emblem on Cadillac

Restored stagecoach

Seeing how it was a nice day out, I wore this green, flower patterned skirt that I bought from Flying Worm Vintage. The skirt was a perfect length not too long and not too short, just right above the knee and it even had pockets! I paired it with a simple black top from Charlotte Russe and a pair of multicolored wedges which were a perfect fit for a classy day!

From LA, With Luv

Fati <3

Ruby Begonia's and the Spotted Pants

Its been a busy couple of weeks at my new job; helping families find resources in the community, conducting home visits, and sitting in a cube writing reports that I have not gotten the chance to explore the city that I am working in which is Lincoln, Nebraska.  

Two of the many things that Lincoln is known for is for being the state capital of Nebraska and for the college football team, Nebraska Cornhuskers. You can't miss the giant, red and white 'N' flags or the castle-like stadium when you exit the highway, it's pretty amazing! 

Memorial Stadium

The downtown is made up of  bars, lounges, restaurants, music venues, and various vintage boutiques such as this one called Ruby Begonia's. 

Ruby Begonia's is known for buying, selling, & trading items as well as being 'Lincoln's longest standing vintage clothing store'. What I really liked about the store was that each item is carefully picked and in great condition as well as they have an eclectic variation of clothing for men and women. One of the items that stood out to me were these 1970's black and white polka-dot high waisted pants. Pretty groovy! 

I gotta admit I kind of got carried away in the fitting room that I could not decide what I wanted to take so I ended up with these two pieces, a tunic and polka-dot pants!

Outfit of the Day!

Pants: Ruby Begonia's

Blouse: Primark

Hat: Goorin Bros.

Shoes: Rite Aid

Purse: Angela & Roi

Follow Ruby Begonia's on Facebook for latest fashion trends and new items:  https://www.facebook.com/rubybegonias

*Photo courtesy of huskers.com

From LA, With Luv

Fati <3

Sleek & Smooth with Suavecita Pomade

As a curly haired gal it is sometimes difficult to find a hair product that tailors to my needs.  In the past, I have used products like mousse and hairspray which leave my hair smelling great and give it that extra volume that I need. Although these are my preferred products, there are drawbacks like flakes, lack of hold, and lack of flexibility to change hairstyles. 

A company that caught my attention is Suavecito pomade. Known for their hair products and shaving essentials, they are making an explosive impact in today's world of male hair grooming. It's crazy to see how pomade was used in the past and has become a popularized item for styling. 

Pomade is a versatile hair-styling and hair care product that dates back to the 1920's. Its sleek and smooth appearance is seen in popular and iconic hairstyles such as the comb over, the 'slick back look', the classic finger wave curls, and the pompadour. Pomade has also been used as makeup such as lip pomade or lip balm.  

Although Suavecito is geared towards a male audience they have announced a product tailored to women called Suavecita. I decided to try it out and see what it's like.

When you open a tub of Suavecita you can see the pink and waxy texture and smell the sweet and fruity fragrance of the pomade. Pomade is sticky but easily dissipates through your fingers making it easy to apply to your hair. As you apply a small amount, it leaves your hair looking sleek and smooth rather than frizzy and dry. 

Turns your hair from:
 This

To 

This

Suavecita pomade provides you with a strong hold for that everyday hairstyle! 

If you haven't had a chance to try it, order yourself a tub of Suavecita pomade:
http://suavecitopomade.com/

Stayed tuned for my next blog post where I will be showing you how you can create retro hairstyles using Suavecita!

*Photos courtesy of google

From LA, With Luv
Fati <3