Sundays are Meant for Dresses! (Post-Easter Edition)

Happy belated Easter everyone! I hope everyone had a great weekend celebrating and spending time with family! Whenever Easter comes around, I always think back to when I was younger; I remember the night before Easter my mom would bring out a tray of saved cascarones (egg shells) and my younger brother, sister, and I would sit around the table and paint them. To make it even more exciting, we would add pieces of confetti in them and covered them with colorful tissue paper. 

On Easter Sunday, my family and I would wake up early and get ready to attend Sunday mass. Since we would go to the Spanish-speaking mass, I always saw children and adults dressed in their Sunday's best. Once the mass was over we would drive to my grandma's house to have a carne asada (barbecue). Even though we're all grown up now, I still remember those good times and the egg hunts we would have in my grandma's backyard. We would always laugh whenever someone got a confetti egg cracked on them.

Since both, my boyfriend and my family, don't live in Omaha we spent Easter getting ice cream after mass and watching movies on Netflix. Looking at how beautiful it was yesterday, I wanted to share with you all my Easter outfit!

Who knew that T.J. Maxx would have some really cute clothes! I bought this Juniors Peter Pan Collar Chambray Dress for like $20. It was a bit expensive for me since I'm on a budget but it was totally worth getting! I love the fact that it has a collar and how the gray and the white go hand in hand giving the dress a school girl-esk look to it. Seeing how the dress was a bit big on me, I paired it up with a thin, blue belt. I have never actually worn the crescent moon and star tights prior to this, so it was a bit of an experiment for me to see how it would look and it turned out great! *If you have a gray chambray dress like this you could also wear it with some colored tights like mustard yellow or even fuchsia for a more fun look.

Lastly, I completed my outfit with some white and speckled colored flats from Sam and Libby and a pair of flamingo, gemmed earrings made by artist Billy Nova.

What's your favorite Easter memory or favorite Easter outfit!?

*Photo courtesy of Google and Daniel N.

From LA, With Luv

Fati <3

Brighten up Your lips with Revlon ColorStay Lipsticks!

So, lately I have been on this weird lipstick craze where I've been trying out different lipstick shades to see which one(s) go well with my skin tone. Seeing how Spring colors are already in season, I have been sticking to warm colors such as pinks, light reds, and nude. I'm also a bit picky on the type of lipstick I wear since there are some that I heard that leave your lips dry and parched. We don't want that!

My friend recommended me to try out the Color Stay OverTime Lipsticks by Revlon because they last up to 16 hours and have over 26 different shades. They are a dual ended lip color plus a moisturizing, glossy top-coat; made of chamomile and soy extract, for that overtime shine. I bought a few Color Stay Lipsticks at Walgreens which cost about $10.79 (currently are on sale-buy one, get one 50% off w/ Wellness card) and decided to give them a try. 

I don't normally wear any lipstick to work but I have been using three of the Color Stay shades for the past few weeks now and I gotta say, I'm really liking the way the color sits on my lips. 

This color is called, "Bare Maximum" it looks a bit pink-ish on the tube but when you put it on it's like a nude color with a hint of sparkle to it. In my opinion, I think it's a great color if you want to keep it simple but have some shimmer on your lips.

The second color I bought is called, "Perennial Plum". From the looks of it, it's like a purplish pink. For some reason I thought this shade was going to darker but it turns out it's on the lighter side. It's a really cute color for any occasion!

Last but not least is the lip color called, "Always Sienna". From the looks of it, it's like a deep red with a small tint of brown to it. What I like about it is that it's right in the middle, not too light and not too dark. It's a great color if you're going out with friends or on a nightly stroll around town.

Out of the three, I honestly don't have a favorite. I think they're all are great colors to have for different occasions as mentioned above. You're probably wondering, since it says "Overtime stay", has the color ever rubbed off? In my opinion ,there's probably been one or two times where I've had to re-apply another coat of color to my lips, but other than that the color is pretty much there and it doesn't bleed when being applied, which is awesome!

If you're looking into trying new lipstick shades for your skin tone or want a fresh new look for Spring, I suggest you try out some of the Color Stay OverTime Lipsticks by Revlon! You can find these at your local Walgreens or any store(s) that carry cosmetics!

From LA, With Luv

Fati <3 

Artist of the Week:

I am excited to present to you all this month's Artist of the Week! She's a local, Nebraska gal with a degree in Graphic Design and a passion for photography. After a long day of shooting, nothing relaxes her more than good food and a good laugh. Oh and did I mention, she has a cute pup named Baxter!

I present to you all...

Nicole Running

The first time I met Nicole was a few months ago, during a pin-up class that she and her friend Kristen (who is a local pin-up model known as Emerald City Kitty) hosted. They covered different topics like: the history of pin-up culture, how to feel confident in your body image, various poses and hair-styling techniques, and much more. I had such an awesome time getting to know them and meeting other local gals who were interested in the same things I am! Check out my interview with Nicole, below. Enjoy!

FA: What do you enjoy the most about being a photographer?
NR: I enjoy the whole process! From the initial brainstorming of themes and sets, to the actual day of shooting, and finally to editing the photos...it's what I could do all day, everyday. I especially love seeing my clients transform, and I don't just mean with hair, make up, and clothing. The majority of my clients are not experienced models, they're everyday women looking to do something different or special for themselves or their significant other.

FA: I know you had mentioned this to me before and I thought it was really interesting, tell me about how you got introduced to the pinup/retro culture?
NR: My big sister's friend's little sister contacted me asking if I was familiar with pin ups, because she was interested in doing a Bettie Page-inspired shoot. Not being super familiar with pin-ups at the time, I let her know I'd research the style and get back with her. Well, within a day I contacted her back with a "YES! Let's do this!"  After that first pin-up shoot, I knew pin-up photography was what I wanted to do full time so I threw myself into learning about all things vintage and retro.



"Something I always stress to models: point your toes!"

FA: Do you think the pin-up culture has grown overtime?
NR: Oh definitely! The pin-up look and style has come and gone as a trend over the past few decades, but within the past 3 years I'd say it's really exploded. From everyday fashion and make up to advertising, it's making a comeback for sure. When I first started shooting pin-ups, not many people in Nebraska were very familiar with it, it was definitely more of a coastal thing. I remember when my now-gal pal Kristen first contacted me when she had moved to Nebraska, and she was looking for a pin up-specific photographer. I was ecstatic to finally meet someone who was into the pin-up world as much as I was! It's also awesome to see more pin-up clothing stores, pin-up events, and conventions popping up all over.

FA: I had the opportunity to do a mini photo-session with you last month and I have to say I felt shy, which I'm sure its a normal feeling. What are some of the things that you do to break the ice with your clients who may be feeling shy/nervous?
NR: I always try to keep things light heart-ed and fun. There's usually a lot of laughing involved during the shoot. I provide a lot of feedback and guidance during the shoot, so that way my clients don't feel pressured to come up with a pose or expression on the spot. They may arrive nervous and feeling awkward in front of the camera, but they leave feeling like a supermodel.

FA: Do you have any tips that you would want to share for those who are interested in shooting retro-inspired photography or even being a pin-up model?
NR: Definitely research, research, research! Since the pin-up culture isn't defined by one particular style, you'll want to find what's fits you best whether you're a photographer or model. Studying the original pin-up artists and paintings really helped me find my direction. Something I always stress to models: point your toes!

FA: How would you describe the modern day pin-up?
NR: This is a tough question, because there's such a wide variety of pin ups today! It's really up to the individual and how they want to portray themselves. The great thing about today's pin-up culture is that you're not restricted to a certain look or style. Back in the day, the majority of pin-ups (minus a small tabooed percentage) were molded by society's idea of what was beautiful and feminine. Today, there's no set of rules on how a pin-up should look or act. I think the common thread in today's pin-up movement is creativity in transforming yourself into who you want to be.

FA: Lastly, what do you hope to gain/accomplish with your photography?
NR: My main goal has always been and will always be first, and foremost, making everyone who I work with feel celebrated. I want to create an atmosphere where my clients will feel comfortable to be themselves, and will feel like a million bucks leaving their shoot. Currently, I am working towards a larger studio space so that I can create more sets and have more options for my clients. I would also love to travel more, collaborate with other artists, and possibly work with companies in using my photos for their advertising. My end goal is to be shooting full time and own a full-service studio where the client can arrive and be completely taken care of -- hair, make up, and clothing provided.


I want to give a quick thanks to Nicole for taking the time in doing this interview and letting me use her pictures for this feature, you are awesome! Follow Nicole on Instagram and Facebook and don't forget to check out her website for upcoming photo themes and session pricing!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinup.classicpictures

Website: http://www.classicpicturesphotography.com/

Instagram: @ClassicPicturesPhotography


Illustrated image courtesy of Google



From LA, With Luv
Fati <3

Living that Grown-up Lyfe

I've been thinking a lot about career/personal goals lately and what I want to accomplish in my life. It hasn't been an easy thing to think about since there are so many things that I want to do. I think the thing that has been most frustrating for me has been trying to focus on one thing and sticking with it. I feel like my mind usually jumps from one idea to the next and it's like "ahh make up your mind already", ha-ha. It also doesn't help when someone asks me "What do you wanna be when you grow up?" or "Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?" I mean those are really great questions and things to think about but as much as I think about them I just get worried and frustrated and usually respond with an "I don't know." Some people look at me in shock and get really concerned; this usually coming from my parent's. And others, well, they are usually on the same boat as me; fresh out of college and out working in the adult world.

 I've been asking a lot of my friends, co-workers, and peers how they chose their careers they are currently pursuing and for tips and advice. Some of the tips that I have gotten are:

1. Choose an idea and run with it and if it doesn't work then go to the next

2. Brainstorm ideas and make a plan or timeline of when you see yourself reaching that goal

3. Read self-help books

4. Try to stay positive, you are a luchadora (fighter)

These are really helpful suggestions and I am planning on trying them all. 

I know that at the moment, it sucks not knowing exactly what I want to do or where I see myself but I DO know that I wanna keep growing and continue moving on up! I hope you all can join me on this wondrous adventure of living and solving that grown up lyfe!

Feel free to share with me your experience(s) on accomplishing your career goals and/or helpful tips and advice on how you stay motivated.


"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." -Maya Angelou



From LA, With Luv
Fati <3

Stylish Sundays

If you were to ask me, "Fati what are your favorite item(s) in your closet?" It would be hard to answer at first but I would probably go with my denim collection because denim is a versatile fabric that can be used to make different things such as purses, skirts, and shirts to name a few. And because it is both comfortable and durable. Some of the differences between denim and jeans is that denim is made of heavy twill and is commonly used to make ready-made garments as listed above. Jeans on the other, is the actual garment that is made of denim cloth. 

I don't really own a lot of denim pieces but if I were to put together an outfit with the items that I have which are two denim jackets, a denim vest, a chambray and a mixture of different colored jeans, I can choose to dress it up by wearing a nice, flowy blouse accompanied with a cardigan and heels for a more classy "going out" look or even dress it down by wearing a simple t-shirt and a denim jacket on top for a more casual look. It all depends on the occasion!

Since my boyfriend usually takes my blog photos, I decided to experiment with my tripod and camera this time around and show you all how I wear my denim!

Share with me your favorite item(s) in your closet and how you wear them?


*Denim and jean facts courtesy of Google



From LA, With Luv
Fati <3

Artist of the Week:

I know I haven't done one of these in a while, but I'm excited to present to you all this month's Artist of the Week! He's a local and internationally exhibited printmaking artist, a teacher, and an overall awesome dude! 

I present to you all...

Josh Norton

I met Josh about two years ago after taking a ceramics class at The Union for Contemporary Art, here in Omaha. I had barely moved to Omaha and was trying to find ways to get more involved in the community and expand my artistic abilities. I found The Union for Contemporary Art online and fell in love with the organization's mission statement and what it stood for which is, "to strengthen and provide a creative space for local artists in the community". Josh had been working on several printmaking projects at the center and had mentioned to me that he taught screen printing 101 workshops for anyone who was interested. Since that time, I've had the chance to attend several of his screen printing 101 classes and have gotten to know him more! Check out our interview below, enjoy!


Fatima: When did you first get into printmaking?
Josh Norton: Originally, I was interested in learning to screen print so I could print posters for a band I was in. This was 1995/96. I started taking it seriously a few years later. 

F: Who or what inspired you?
JN: Music, record cover art, and comics were what made me want to be an artist. From there, it was the late 60's, San Francisco poster artists [like] Victor Moscoso, Rick Griffin, etc. and pop artists like Jasper Johns. In college, I was exposed to German Expressionism, the Vienna Secessionists, whose work I really got into.

F: How old were you when you designed your first print series?
JN: Wow, no idea! Probably early 20's?  

F: What types of materials do you like working with (wood, paper, canvases, etc.)?
JN: I have pretty diverse creative habits. I love working with gouache [and] I love drawing. Of course, I love printing on paper too. I also love to build things.

F: Did you go to school or did you learn on your own?
JN: [I received my] BFA from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, Wisconsin and [an] MFA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 

F: I have seen some of your artwork displayed around town and I gotta say I love the creativity behind each one. Tell me more about your characters. Is there a theme behind each piece?
JN: I think you're referring to my Cryptoserigraphy series, which is a collection of 'evidence' that could be used to prove that monsters are real, but has been rejected by science. Inspired by those fake documentary style 'reality' shows that claim to prove the existence of mermaids, sasquatch, and UFOs, my Cryptoserigraphy work is clearly faked, but exhibited as real. (Complete with scientific exhibition tags).

F: What is the difference between printmaking and screen printing?
JN: Printmaking is an umbrella term that could refer to making woodcuts, linocuts, collagraphs, etchings, screen prints, lithographs, etc. Printmaking could also be used as a distinction between a 'Fine Art' and a screen printed T-shirt. Personally, I think it's best to ignore those distinctions. 

F: Seeing how screen printing has become a popular art medium nowadays, how do you distinguish yourself from other artists? 
JN: A personal style is something that is developed over time and results from making a lot of work. What's imperative is honesty and effortlessness. I don't make work thinking "I've got to make this in-the-style-of Joshua Norton". I just make the work I make. And after many years and a gazillion prints later, my work just looks like my work. 

F: Are there any projects or collaborations that you are working on at the moment?
JN: Always! Nothing I can be too specific about yet.

F: Where can people follow you?
JN: My website, JoshuaNorton.net. I am always posting new stuff on  Instagram, @jnortonprints

F: What are some words of wisdom you can give to those who are interested in becoming successful artists?
JN: Whatever your definition of success is, I think a true artist works hard and enjoys what they're doing.

Thanks Josh for letting me interview you, I appreciate it! If you're in the area and are interested in taking screen printing, photography, or ceramic workshops I highly encourage you to check out the UNION. They have a monthly event calendar with workshop times and dates! Workshops are free for Co-Op members and $10 for non-members! For more information on how you can participate visit their website: http://www.u-ca.org/the-co-op/.

Follow Josh on social media!
Website: http://www.joshuanorton.net/
Instagram: @jnortonprints
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/woodcutposters


*Top photo courtesy of The Union for Contemporary Art


Express Yourself!!

From LA, With Luv
Fati <3

Stylish Sundays (A Monday Re-cap)

Hello friends! I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend! I finally had the chance to watch the new Star Wars: The Force awakens. It was a really great movie! I liked the fact that they brought out some of the old Star Wars characters like Chewbacca and Han Solo and they introduced Rey, who is played by Daisy Ridley as the new female Jedi (in the making). She was pretty badass!

Some of the style trends that stood out to me throughout the movie were: knee high boots, brown satchel or messenger bags, infinity scarves and bomber jackets which were mainly worn by the rebel alliance. Seeing how I was inspired by all this, I put together my own rebel outfit!

I had bought this pink moto jacket with faux leather sleeves from H&M not too long ago and thought it went well with the look I was going for which was, rebel chic! I don't own a lot of pink items but this is one of my favorites. The material is pretty sturdy and fits really well. I added a pair of black jeans to give it that consistency in color and completed the outfit with a pair of knee high boots from Ann Taylor, that was given to me for Christmas. It's a simple look that you can wear anywhere!

Check out the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens, in theaters near you! :)

May The Force Be With You!

*(Star Wars image courtesy of Google)


From LA, With Luv
Fati <3