Romping in Old San Juan

It's been several months since my trip to Puerto Rico, but teaching has seriously taught me: it is never too late!  Here's what I wore while vacationing in San Juan: a brightly colored and effortlessly flattering romper.  Just my style.

This Express romper sometimes looks like a dress and other times like what it is, a romper!  I didn't bring my strapless bra with me, but I easily tucked my straps into my regular one.  My purple crossover is my go-to travel bag-- it zips, carries everything I need and is a great color.

My island look included dangling earrings from my largely neglected earring collection and plenty of bangles!

Old San Juan is absolutely beautiful to shoot.  I really enjoyed checking out all the colors and color combinations.  Thinking of it, reminds me of the children's book The Big Orange Spot.

In addition to checking out the beautiful houses, I also visited El Morro and Castillo de San Cristobol, the old forts.  Breathtaking views!

A close up of my favorite earrings, not as heavy as they look and in my favorite shape, hearts!

Until next time!

<3

M

A Cultural, Foodie Adventure

What a beautiful weekend!  On Saturday O and I had a cultural/foodie adventure.  Seriously. In the span of a few hours, through sunshine and an intense downpour, we ate, pondered over art, ate some more, and thoroughly enjoyed our day and each other.  For our date afternoon, I reached deep into my closet and put together a funky outfit reminiscent of my most truest, stylish self.  An outfit that got me thinking: I should go thrifting and vintage shopping in Brooklyn ASAP.  It's been too long!

My main piece was this Harriet's Alter Ego dress from at least six years ago, worn here as a skirt.  The tied striped top was inspired by a girl I saw on my way home from the gy.  Tie, my top?  Why not!  I liked the pattern mixing, very fun.  The cardigan was a way to go from cooler to warmer temperatures seamlessly.  The clutch was a polished touched to this funky look.  Initially I had my purple cross over, but that was a bit much.  In the end, my purple lip was just the right touch.

J.Crew cardigan, tank, Harriet's Alter Ego African print dress, sandals from DSW, coach clutch, Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses, Heroine lipstick by M.A.C.

Pattern against pattern against pattern.  Yes!  This mural on a random block in Williamsburg gave me life.  I love when I find beautiful patterns where ever they might be.

 I love the asymmetrical nature of this skirt.  Very fun, and definitely flirty without being too much.

Another mural in Williamsburg.  I appreciate art in many forms in and many places.  Art against art.

 This skirt inspires me to do two things: one, take the African cloth my grandmother gave me in Congo years ago and get some pieces made and two, shorten the long skirts I had made into something more wearable.  I'm envisioning midi skirts, or just below the knee.  As for my cloth, I've been flirting between a structured dress and shorts, or some skirts made.  Will see.

Here I am inside the Domino Sugar Factory after viewing Kara Walker's Subtlety exhibit.

One of the many sugar babies at the exhibit, each made of molasses and dusted with white and brown sugars.

After view the Kara Walker exhibit, I happened across a wedding at the waterfront.  The most beautiful part to me was the openness of the nuptials.  There were people who happened by, who simply stopped to listen to the sermon and bare witness.  Definitely a beautiful, Brooklyn moment. 

Here's the best thing I ate that day.  Fried anchovies, Jersey style AKA with the head on, with a tasty dipping sauce.   I finally made it to Smorgasburg, where I hit up the Bonchovie stand and sampled some other eats.

Here's my best Yelp elite, total foodie photo.  Finally a decent one of me chowing down.  If this day is any indicator of the staycation I'm gearing up for after the school year ends, I can't wait!  Summer in Brooklyn is truly the best.  Even in summer nine, I still know that to be true.

Until next time.

Love,
M

Packing Efficiently: Another Trip to San Juan

I've had this blog post in mind for some time now, and my latest trip to San Juan was the perfect opportunity to give it life.  Ever since I went on my first international trip (not that Puerto Rico is international, but stay with me here!) to Kenya at 19 years old, and had to unzip my huge, Samsonite suitcase in the Dulles airport because it was over 70lbs and stuff things into Cooper's suitcase, I have learned to pack efficiently.

That same purple suitcase from my Jamaica trip last August (chronicled here), I traveled for two weeks throughout Mexico with (see my four-part series here), and one week in Spain with.  Just that suitcase and a tote bag.

As a fashionista, I like to be prepared for everything with the right kind of outfit.  I'd rather be over dressed than under, and I love my accessories.  I feel this one week trip was perfectly packed, and I had everything I needed for a beach vacation with some sightseeing and a night or two on the town.

My jewelry, most of it packed in my clutch during travel except for my bracelets which I wore most of my trip.  I had a lot of fun picking out what earrings and rings to take, even making some re-discoveries of old favorites.  I bought a long a few perfume samples-- perfect excuse to wear a new scent and still be able to carry-on my luggage.

My two purse options, J.Crew clutch from last summer and Coach bag, as well as my leopard makeup bag filled with bronzers and bright lipsticks.  I didn't wear much makeup on my trip, most days I didn't want to alter my freshly, sunkissed look.

My crop tops!  My look was definitely crop tops, pencil skirts, short shorts and big earrings.  I bought all the printed ones at the last minute from Marshall's. 

My houndstooth skirt and white high waist pencil skirts from ASOS, and floral romper from Express.

My striped mini dress, nowadays only worn as a beach coverup, from Target, super high-waisted black shorts and high-waist denim shorts from Express, lightweight cardigan from Express.

My bathing suits on the left: black J.Crew top, houndstooth and striped highwaist bottoms from American Apparel and red floral bottom from Victoria's Secret, neon one piece from American Apparel.  Tribal romper from Forever 21.

My three pairs of shoes: each from DSW, including the Croc jellies which double as beach shoes.

My boo and I waiting for our flight at JFK.  Another trip to remember.  Life is good!  These are the moments I return to during especially hard teaching moments.

Up next, what I wore and what I ate in San Juan and around.

<3

Teacher Tuesday: Time Flies!

Rosie is wearing Rogue in Love by Lacome and I'm wearing Exhibit A blush by NARS

Time has been flying by!  As a teacher looking forward to next week's Spring Break, I'm okay with that.  As usual I've been super busy-- writing lesson plans, gathering my artifacts (those of you teaching in NYC under the new teacher evaluation system know exactly what I'm talking about), being a graduate student, dealing with work drama and maintaining my social life.  On top of everything, I've resumed my exercise routine and am planning a last-minute, awesome spring break get-away. Yup, Puerto Rico here I come, again!

Here's what Rosie and I wore during our latest Teacher Tuesday session:

Rosie is wearing a Promod floral top, her go-to J.Crew Factory pencil skirt in burgundy, navy Hue tights and Saccoo Mary Janes.

I'm wearing a nearly neon yellow J.Crew Jackie cardigan, muted rose blouse from ASOS, GAP wide-leg pants and Fyre pumps.

Rosie's necklace is vintage, my necklace is from J.Crew Fractory

I love the way our colors look here!  I believe these big smiles are the result of our classmates pretending to photo bomb our seemingly random photos.  Yup, I do have a blog.  I forget that sometimes as well.

I like that Rosie mixes metals with her hoops and necklaces.  I love the balance of silver and gold, perfect way to compliment warm and cool tones.  Similarly, my necklace plays off of my grey pants as well as my cool-tone cardigan, and paired with my gold nameplate and rose blouse, my outfit's colors are perfectly balanced.

side-ponytail adds a fun element to this teacherly look

i love Rosie's David Yurman bracelet  Love love!

I don't usually wear pants, but a decent pair of trousers go a long way.

Yes, my blouse has cut-outs under the color. A fun, yet professional detail.

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend.  Time flies, but it is important to enjoy all aspects of life.  That's something I am thankful to have learned by now.  A lot of teachers engage in countdowns for weekends, breaks and summer vacation at all times.  While I appreciate an occasional countdown, I can't imagine only living for the days off. 

On that note, time to dig deep into my closet and plan outfits for this week without having done laundry and being assured that what I pick out will carry me through what I know will be a trying week.  Warm weather plus an impending break equals off-the-wall sixth graders.  Yet, as I affirmed during my challenging run today, I will teach and the children will learn.

Until next time,
Love.
Miss M

Bright Colors in Negril!

I've finally got around to sorting through pictures from my week in Jamaica.  I had a beautiful time with my boyfriend and our mothers.  Negril is a lot more touristy than my recent travels, but we had a great time nonetheless. 

At the airport, newly arrived in Negril, Jamaica! ASOS cropped shirt, American Apparel easy jeans, D&G sunnies, Betsy Johnson locket, Express black heat necklace

in the shade

Old Navy tank, Target skirt, DV sandals, D&G sunnies

picking a flower for my hair

<3

at the Jamaican market bargaining!

saltfish and ackee, Jamaica's national dish.  Our taxi driver took us to this local spot in town.  those Johnny cakes were delicious!

on an early morning run, nice and empty beach!

 

this jerk chicken is the best I've ever had!  at De Bar" in West End, another taxi driver recommendation

at De Bar, very visually cool spot with semi-outdoor dinning area.

Urban Outfitters dress at Just Natural, an awesome spot also in the West End

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the "Jamaican Breakfast" at Just Natural.  delicious saltfish and ackee, callaloo, breadfruit, Johnny cake with banana preserves and and tropical fruit

stunning sunset on Seven Mile Beach

<3,
M