Luckily, Coach launched a gorgeous winter collection which I have been obsessed for the past few months, and guess what? It’s finally on sale!
Read MoreTemporary Sweetheart
A little Faux Fur Jacket to warm up my day and my mood
Read MorePhotography: Lindsey Thoeng
Side Slits and Turtleneck
It has been a while since I have been looking for a dress that I can wear now in the winter. I wanted a dress with a turtleneck, I wanted the length to be below my knees, and I wanted the material to be some sort of a knit...
Read MoreThe Best Moments of My 2015
I was about to start writing my new year's resolutions, when I stopped to think about my resolutions from last year and realized how 2015 was a pretty good year for me. I was actually able to cross off most of my new year's resolutions from last year, so I'm sharing my achievements with you - some of them are small and simple but meaningful to me. I hope this way I can inspire you to have an amazing 2016 in which you can do so much if you focus on your goals!
I started the year right by going to California in early January. It was my first time on the West Coast, and it was definitely an unforgettable trip where I saw Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Big Sur, San Francisco and so much more along the way.
I survived another winter in NY! I hate the winter so much, and there were some days that I just wanted to fly back to my warm country Brazil. But guess what? This girl was able to handle the low temperature in good style - despite some sore throats.
3.9 GPA. I like doing my best at school and I was very happy when I was on the Dean's List. I was actually jumping from excitement!
I also went to Miami and stayed in the most beautiful and dreamy spot in South Beach: 1 hotel
I went to Governors Ball. It was ok, not great but I added it to this list because it was something I really wanted to do.
I had very nice walks in my neighborhood in Brooklyn, visiting Smorgasburg, some cute restaurants, vintage stores, and my favorite ice cream place: Van Leeuwen.
I was in a really dope video: Summer Breakers with my super stylish fashion blogger friend Lynn Do.
I had the chance to travel to Pennsylvania and Avalon to visit the family I lived with when I was an au pair. They are SO important to me - really like a family, and I miss them SO much. It's always an awesome time when I am with them.
I was part of the cast of the Brazilian youtube series: "Quero Ser Grande" (I wanna be big), which showed the stories of young Brazilians in NYC making their dreams come true. In one of the videos, I also came out of the closet to many of my friends and family:
As I am starting to notice some damage on my skin from poor hydration and lack of exfoliation, I was able to find amazing skincare products and treatments which are making my skin better than ever before.
I tried new workouts that made me stronger and gave me more energy. I think exercising more is a new year's resolution of most people, and I have to say that I am very proud of how focused I was maintaining that goal throughout the year. I fell in love with boxing, learn that I can improve my yoga poses, and increased my stamina by doing a lot of high intensity interval training (HIIT).
Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and I remember the countless delicious and healthy mornings I had in 2015. Soon I will post some of my favorite recipes here ;)
Lindsey and I produced an incredible shoot featuring Balmain x H&M collab. I still can't believe how beautiful these photos came out. I am so proud of my dream team who can do everything*: my girlfriend and me. (everything*= styling, hair, makeup, location scout, lighting, photography).
I collaborated with brands from different parts of the world. I think it's pretty awesome that as a Brazilian living in New York City, and I worked with brands from different parts of the world such as Medusa from Tel-Aviv, Idotshirt from Malaysia, and Flatiron from South Korea. It's really nice to be able to mix different cultures and produce cool projects that can inspire people from all over the world.
I also worked with amazing brands which made me feel very honored. Brands that I have a big admiration and respect for, like: Uniqlo, NY&CO, Clinique, Aldo Group, DSTLD Jeans, Billabong, and others.
And the best part of all of these experiences is that I had my beloved girlfriend Lindsey by my side; supporting me, encouraging me, and making everything even more fun and meaningful.
Of course, like in everyone’s life, there were also moments when things were not that beautiful. There were moments when I was exhausted trying to handle school, work, blogging, and it just seemed so hard to keep going. I just wanted to scream: screw everything and run to my mother's arms. In those moments, the disappointment and tears were unavoidable. But I swear that from each tough moment came a lesson, and a reason to become stronger.
I have no words to describe how excited I am for the new year, and all the opportunities and memories that will be created in the next 365 days.
Thank you for following my journey! I wish you a 2016 filled with meaningful achievements and happiness.
X
Photography: Lindsey Thoeng / “Collaboration sourced via Shopping Links”
Last Few Holiday Parties of The Year
The year is almost over but we still got some parties to go, YAY! 2015 was a pretty good year for me and I am wrapping it up in great style.
Here I am wearing a black suede button front A-line skirt, which had their special moment this year, and I hope will still be a trend in 2016 - I am surprisingly not over them yet haha. Right now I am considerably obsessed with turtlenecks, so I chose to wear this cute grey one. My over-the-knee boots kept me warm and fab.
I was wearing:
Skirt: Oasis
Top: Oasis
Boots: Call it Spring
Photography: Lindsey Thoeng
“Collaboration sourced via Shopping Links”
New Selfie Innovation: The Selfie Mirror
In 2013, the Oxford dictionary named the word “selfie” the word of the year. It was definitely well deserved, since the word became so popular everywhere: from Instagram selfies to lonely tourists taking their photos in front of a landscape - selfies guaranteed their space in everyone's heart. I think the reason for the big success of the selfies is the no-effort for a good photo. You don’t need to ask anyone to take your picture, you just do it yourself and you can do it many times you want until you are satisfied.
And now the selfies are going to the next level: The Selfie Mirror is the newest innovation for photos with great quality - much better than your phone - and the practical do it yourSELFIE! And the best part is that with this mirror we can actually get a photo of our entire look from head to toe! Say goodbye to the Selfie stick!
Em 2013 a palavra "selfie" foi nomeada a palavra do ano pelo dicionário Oxford. Eu não fiquei nem um pouco surpresa com isso já que a palavra se tornou tão popular em todos os lugares. Das selfies no Instagram até as selfies feitas pelos turistas viajando sozinhos sem ter ninguém pra tirar uma foto dele: as selfies garantiram seu espaço no coração de todo mundo. Eu acho que um dos motivos principais do sucesso das selfies é o fato de que ninguém precisa de ajuda pra conseguir uma foto, e também a liberdade de tirar inúmeras fotos até conseguir a ideal.
E agora as selfies estão subindo de nível! O espelho: "Mirror Selfie" é a mais nova invenção para fotos com ótima qualidade e feitas com praticidade da selfie: feitas por você mesmo! E com esse espelho da pra tirar foto do look todo!
What I really love the most about this amazing innovations is the quality of the image it can produce, the 2000 lumens of LED glow around the edges of the mirror, and the built in microphone. Especially for youtubers and vloggers because the mirror can also be used for HD video blogging at 60 frames per second, and you can upload straight to YouTube. I am actually seriously thinking about creating my own youtube channel once I get my Selfie Mirror. It will be so much easier!
E o mais bacana é que as fotos são de alta qualidade, e também tem microfone embutido, o que é ótimo para youtubers e vloggers. Eu acho que vou até criar meu próprio canal no Youtube assim que eu receber meu Selfie Mirror. Vai ser tão fácil de gravar vídeos!
Ready to take your selfies to the next level? Visit the Selfie Mirror campaign on Indiegogo for more info.
Bliss A-'bright' Face Facial-at-home
Because we can DIY a Bliss facial at home
Read MorePhotography: Lindsey Thoeng
Skinny Black Scarf
I've been seen some girls wearing this skinny scarf lately, and I thinks its SO cute! I was looking for one for a while, and I was happy when I found it at Zara. Now I can give a break to my chokers.
Read MoreCustomize Your Skin Care Routine
Imagine how incredible would be if you could make your favorite moisturizers, foundations, oils, and serums become even better than they are? That's exactly what these Custom Infusion Drops from Cover FX do. They were created to be added to any skin product - water or oil based. They have 4 different vitamins: A+ Jasmine - anti aging, C+Lemongrass - radiance, E+ Chamomile - calming, and F+Neroli - hydration.
So basically, you can turn any beauty product and a super powerful one which will add the vitamins you need for a beautiful and healthy skin. It's like when you go to Juice Generation and add shots & boosts to your smoothie. Besides, Cover FX is a really cool company which is animal cruelty-free and vegan.
Cover FX also has the Custom Cover Drops which is a pigmentation that can be added to your beauty products. They have 25 different shades, and you can add as many drops you want accordingly to the results you are looking for: 1 Drop = Sheer Coverage, 2 Drops = Medium Coverage, 3 Drops = Full Coverage, and 4 Drops = Total Coverage.
I like it because now in the winter I can just add 1 or 2 drops to my Caudalie moisturizer, and some Custom Infusion Drops and create my own customized tinted moisturizer. It's super easy to mix them: "Just place your usual product into the palm of your hand, DROP in Custom Cover Drops, MIX with your fingertips and TRANSFORM into perfect customized coverage". I love how it looks natural on my skin and give a slightly matte touch.
It reminds me of when I was a kid and mixed my body lotions to create a different smell. But now my product customization actually brings benefits to my skin.
Shop Custom Drops:
Vitamin A+Jasmine - Anti-aging
Vitamin C+ Lemongrass - Radiance
Photography: Lindsey Thoeng
Evening in the West Village
West Village is one of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC. If I could choose a place to live in the city, regardless of the fact that I have to pay for it, I would choose West Village.
Read MoreHair Detox
Dessange Purifying Clay Collection removes toxins and provides a healthy-looking hair
Read MoreIn front of Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
Philadelphia
My recommendations of places to see, to stay, and to eat the best Philly Cheesesteak
Read MorePhotography: Lindsey Thoeng
#balmaination
Balmain for H&M collaboration screams gold, embroidery, velvet, and silhouette. The collection is very similar to the Balmain mainline, which is one of the reasons why people were waiting so anxiously to buy the clothes at H&M. But the biggest marketing tool that made the collection so wanted was the all the pizzazz in Social Media. Specially because the super models influencers: Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid were on the hot spot of the Balmain x H&M campaign.
I knew that I wanted this Green Velvet Dress from the very fist time I put my eyes on it. I love the deep dark green color because it gives a new color to my collection of only black fall/winter dresses. This color has the same good qualities of a black dress: sophisticated and easy to style, which made me want it even more. I love things that are chic and practical at the same time.
I have a long body, so I love the way that turtlenecks and shoulder pads look, because they have a nice structure and give me an impression of good posture. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I felt strong and confident. I was even playing around on my snapchat (kelpaiva), saying that I never felt so Jenner before.
I don’t think I can say anything to explain why I added the belt to this look. Just look at how beautiful this belt is, and how it makes my waist smaller, plus it adds glamour and “Balmainesses” to my look.
Lastly but not least, I also love this dress because it is totally wearable! Even though it is very chic, and it’s from a Balmain collaboration, it is not super luxurious at the point that I would never wear it. As I said before, it is super easy to style, and It will look chic not matter what. I can totally see myself wearing this dress to a party, a cocktail event, or even to a semi-fancy dinner. I am so happy I got this dress. As Olivier Rousteing said before the launch: “It’s going to be once in maybe a century that people will have this chance to get these couture things”. I definitely took his words seriously. Who knows when I am going to buy Balmain again?
Photography: Lindsey Thoeng
Photography: Lindsey Thoeng
My experience shopping balmain x h&m
Since 2004 when H&M had the first designer collaboration (with Karl Lagerfeld), the event have become an annual exceptional date for us - the people who cannot miss the opportunity to buy high-end-fashion for fast-fashion price. Although the prices of the collaboration items are usually way higher than the usual H&M price, it is still an amazing deal to get a Balmain dress for only $149 - That is exactly how much I paid for this Green Velvet Dress.
I have watched videos, and seen photos of some crazy situations at H&M stores where all the excited costumers is roughly trying to purchase the Balmain collection at the same time. I am talking about hundreds of fashionista consumers + people who are going to sell the clothes on ebay for triple of the price, running, pushing, screaming, and basically “fighting” to get the best pieces. It’s like a Spartan race where the fittest wins the golden Balmain belt.
But for me the experience was totally calm and under control. I was at H&M last year for the Alexander Wang x H&M collaboration, which gave me the experience and knowledge of how it works. So at this time I was basically an expert on getting my clothes.
I went to the H&M store in Soho. I chose that particular store because I figure it would be less busy than the more touristic ones at Times and Herald Square. I arrived at the store at 6:15 am. I know it sounds super early, but I have to go to class and wake up around that time anyways, so for me it was not that hard. It was actually much better to miss my class and go shopping for Balmain instead of going to school. Wish I could do that every week haha.
When I arrived at the store I was among the 40 first people in the line. Then when it was 7am, the H&M’s staff started distributing bracelets with the time to enter the store and shop. Each group of 10 people had 10 min to go inside and get what they wanted. I had already done my homework and created a list of what I wanted, and also backup options, so my 10 min were more than enough. Since I was among the 40 first in the line, most of the clothes were still available in all size. Lucky early bird me.
My favorite item is for sure the Green Velvet Dress, but I also love this black top. The quality of the material, and the cuts are very well made, and give the pieces the luxurious effect. They don’t feel or look like any regular dress and top. They are Balmain.
Besides looking good in the body, and looking so fancy, I love how most of the collaboration is totally wearable! If I had more money, I could buy even more stuff and I am sure I would wear them. Olivier Rousteing did a fabulous job preparing the collaboration. He was a H&M boy himself and shopped the Karl Lagerfeld collaboration in 2004. He understands how meaningful it is for us to be able to own such marvelous clothes. Thank you Olivier!
Photography: Lindsey Thoeng
Trend Alert: Over the Knee Boots
This fall I am obsessed with the color persimmon, suede-everything, turtlenecks, sweaters, and my beloved over-the-knee-boots.
Read MoreSculptwear By Clinique Review and Giveaway
What if I tell you that these two products from Clinique can do the contouring for you?
Read MorePhotography: Lindsey Thoeng / “Collaboration sourced via Shopping Links”
My Favorite Jeans This Fall #itJustFits
I honestly believe that jeans are one of the greatest fashion innovations. No matter what season it is, they are always in. If you manage to find the right ones, they are comfortable, practical, and are a great way to reflect your personal style. It’s a basic, but a key basic.
This fall, there are quite a few jeans styles taking over the streets and our instagram feeds: skinny-high-waist, ripped knees (yes, still!), jeans with patchwork, and the flare.
Since I wear jeans all the time, I try to introduce different styles to create outfits that are both beautiful and unexpected. I found a wide variety of jeans at NY&Co, especially in the latest collection with Jennifer Hudson, including all the trends I mentioned above.
While walking the streets of Soho, I was wearing the high-waist-leggings in the Polished Blue Wash. I also have a black one, a boyfriend, and a flare, all from the Soho Jeans Collection. Obsessed much? Luckily, at NY&Co I got the four of them for less than $200 so I was able to have brunch at BarBossa as well.
What I love most about the skinny-high-waist is that it fits my body perfectly, and it gives me the possibility to play with proportions: making my waist look slimmer, my butt look nicer, defining my hips, and giving the illusion of longer legs. #itJustFits. Additionally, the rips on my knee give off a carefree, laid-back vibe.
I was wearing:
Jeans: NY&Co
Top: NY&Co
Shoes: H&M
Watch: Great George
Necklaces: NY&Co
More of my favorite jeans from the Soho collection:
“Collaboration sourced via Shopping Links”
The blazer with a streetwear vibe
I love customized clothes! Who doesn't? I was super excited when I found out about idotshirt, where we can customize shirts with our names, and a number of our choice. Like a soccer jersey, but with a street wear vibe.
Eu amo roupas customizadas! Quem não ama? E fiquei super empolgada quando descobri a loja idotshirt, onde podemos customizar nossa camiseta com nosso nome, e número da nossa escolha. Tipo um uniforme de futebol, só que com uma vibe street wear.
The shirts are made of high quality material, the structure of each piece was made to adjust to different types of bodies, and the fabric is very firm and it doesn't wrinkle. The print is high definition, and I chose the number 91 because it was the year when I was born, with the floral format Crimson Petals which was my favorite.
As camisetas são produzidas com materiais de alta qualidade, a estrutura de cada peça foi feita para ajustar à todos os tipos de corpo, o tecido é bem firme e muito difícil de amassar. A estampa é de alta definição, e eu escolhi o número 91 que foi o ano em que nasci, e o modelo Crimson Petals que foi o que eu mais gostei.
I've always thought that blazers make any outfit more serious, and give it an air of formality. I think they are beautiful, but I confess I never wore them much because I didn't think it matched my style. However, as time passed by my opinion changed. I was born in 91, what means that I am 24, and a lot of things have changed in my 20s. One of them is my wardrobe: a blazer is no longer something that I think only looks good on other people; it's starting to be a fundamental piece in my own closet as well!
Eu sempre achei que blazers deixam qualquer look com mais seriedade, e dão um ar de formalidade. Eu acho lindo, mas confesso que nunca usei muito porque eu não achava que combinava muito com o meu estilo. Porém o tempo vai passando e a nossa opinião se ajustando com o passar dos anos. Eu nasci em 91, o que quer dizer que estou com 24 anos, e muitas coisas tem mudado nos meus 20s. Uma delas é o meu armário, e o blazer está deixando de ser uma peça que eu achava bonito nos outros, e começando a ser algo indispensável no meu guarda-roupa. Principalmente agora durante o outono.
To break up the "seriousness" of the blazer, I combined it with my dope idotshirt and my new Nike Theas. I am happy with the result and am excited to explore new possibilities of wearing a blazer and creating looks that match my personal style better.
Pra dar uma quebrada no ar sério do blazer, eu combinei ele com essa camiseta idotshirt que é super descolada, e meu tênis Nike novo. Estou explorando mais as funcionalidades do blazer e criando looks que correspondem mais com o meu estilo.
I was wearing:
T-shirt: Idotshirt
Watch: Great George
Blazer: Zara
Shoes: Nike
Bag: Ms. Little's Bag
Pants: Forever 21
Rent sunglasses: It's like Netflix for your face
Have you ever dreamed of having an endless collection of sunglasses? If you are obsessed for those babes like me, your answer will be YES!
For me, in most of my looks, my sunglasses are as important as the shoes, tops, pants or dresses. They can represent a certain style, and give the special last touch in the look.
Já sonhou em ter uma coleção infinita de óculos de sol? Se você for apaixonada por esses queridinhos do jeito que eu sou, sua resposta vai ser SIM!
Pra mim, na maioria dos meus looks, meus óculos tem um papel fundamental em transparecer um certo estilo, ou categoria. Eles são tão importantes como os sapatos, blusas, calças, vestidos, e etc.
I recently found out that my dream of having a huge variety of sunglasses options could come true thanks to Ditto. If you don’t know about Ditto yet, they are a really cool company that rents unlimited designer sunglasses for only $24/mo.
Even though I have already a small collection of sunglasses at home, many of them are already outdated, and not trendy enough for today’s fashion. So becoming a member of Ditto was the easiest and best way to always have a new pair of sunglasses on.
Eu descobri recentemente que meu sonho de ter uma variedade gigante de óculos de sol podia se tornar realidade graças à empresa Ditto. Infelizmente eles ainda não trabalham com outros países além dos EUA, mas ele são uma loja que aluga as melhores marcas de óculos por apenas 24 dólares por mês.
Eu até tenho bastante óculos em casa, mas não adianta: sempre sai algum modelo novo e eu ficou louca pra comprar. Porém óculos é algo caro que não da pra ficar comprando toda hora, e deixar os velhos mofando na gaveta. Por isso que o Ditto acabou sendo uma ótima idéia pra mim. Posso sempre usar óculos diferente, sem gastar uma fortuna.
It’s super easy to sign up, and if you sign up with the code RAQUELPAIVA you will get the first month free! So don't waste your time!
My sunglasses always arrive super fast, very nicely packaged, and whenever I need to swipe them for a new pair I just pick the one I want on their website, and send the old ones back: Super practical and efficient! “It’s like Netflix for your face”.
É muito fácil de cadastrar no site, e se usar o código RAQUELPAIVA você ganha o primeiro mês de assinatura de graça.
Os óculos sempre chegam super rápido, em uma embalagem ótima, e quando eu decido trocar de óculos eu apenas escolho o novo modelo que quero no site, e envio os que tenho em casa de volta pra eles. Super fácil e prático! "É que nem Netflix pro seu rosto".
Click here to go to Ditto's website and get your next designer sunglasses.
Photography: Lindsey Thoeng
Making Preppy Look Cool
I still can't believe that I paid absolutely nothing for this cute sweater! I got it at ifchic, a website that allows you to collect coins every day and use them to buy clothes. If you are not familiar with this store yet, check this post where I explain more about it.
The white collar and bottom part of my top makes it look like I am wearing a white shirt underneath, but it's actually built in the sweater. Even though preppy is not really my personal style, I still love this sweater+shirt look!
To make my outfit cooler and less preppy, I added these cool Ray Bans.
And to add a modern touch, I was wearing my girlfriend's oxford shoes to complete the look, proving that preppy doesn't mean bland and boring.
