English Garden

Hi loves,

This week is double the fun, as I will do TWO blog posts.  One for those stuck in this dreary winter weather, and another one for those like me, who get to go to more tropical climates to celebrate the holidays.  But not too worry, because for those of you who have to endure the winter weather, I am doing a fashion spread that will keep you warm.  For this photo shoot, I am modeling one of my favorite items in my closet-- my H&M wrap cardigan.  Unfortunately, its no longer available but I have made sure to provide you with the information and links of where you can purchase similar options.  This English Garden-inspired cardigan is multi-purpose, you can wear it a home, as a lounge piece, for work with a more formal bottom and top, and for a day or night of fun. You can also play with it, and tie in a knot at the bottom ends, or wear it loosely.  Seriously, I have used it in all ways described, and always feel comfortable in it.

Cardigans are practical staples to have, whether they are solid or patterned... Not only do they keep you warm, but they are also pliable, and you can twist and turn them in which ever way you want to give your look a more polished or a more casual vibe.

So take a close look at this English Garden fest... and stay tuned for my next post this Saturday.  I will let you into my luggage, and a give you a sneak peak at some of the pieces I will be taking to the tropical destination I am heading: Puerto Rico, my home :)

Mucho peace & love,
Diana

Credits:

Cardigans (These are similar options): Abercrombie & Fitch; Etro-Nordstrom; Pink Ice; Rosewe; Rosewe

Shirt: Forever 21

Skirt: J Crew Factory

Tights: American Apparel

Booties:Forever 21

Photographer: Melissa Bernier

Mixing it up!

Hello loves,


Nothing like the winter blues to spark up my technicolor cerebral fluids!  Its no secret that I love bright hues.  I have encountered that my choice of vibrant colors often brings a smile to people's faces, and being a very positive and optimistic person myself, I truly enjoy when that happens.  The environments in which exist can be stressful, so why not pump up the color volume to keep ourselves cheery and motivated.  

For this post, I paired up two of my favorite colors: marigold and bright teal.  I bet some of you are thinking right now, What?  Is she color blind?  In a sense I am, and I encourage you to think color blind sometimes.  By this I mean, go past the traditional rules of what appropriate mixing and matching should be (remember that rule that stated shoes should always match your purse?).  Become a little bit blind to these rules, and start playing with the colors you find in your closet.  Let your eye adjust to it for a minute, as you do with any piece of decor you bring into the house, or with a work of art.  It takes a bit for the eye to get used to something that breaks the norm.   Now, don't go to blind, that you end up clashing!  The key for mixing and matching is to look for colors and patterns that complement each other, without colliding.  Get the picture?... Take a look at my most recent fashion spread shot by my amazing friend Melissa Bernier, and let me know what you think...  

Outfit credits are at the end.

Love,

Diana

For more follow me on Instagram: @dianamargarita1

Credits:

Blouse + Necklace: Similar Blouse; Similar Blouse; Etsy (You can find a variety of tassel necklaces in Etsy. The one I am wearing is from HM, but no longer available)

Skirt: J. Crew Factory (similar)
Tights: American Apparel
Boots: Forever 21

The FINALS strut...

Hi loves,

It's been a while since my last post... I have been busy preparing myself to defend my dissertation proposal, and taking care of other work responsibilities.  My upcoming proposal defense inspired me to write a post to share some insight with fellow students on how to remain calm and peaceful during final examinations period.   These suggestions are accompanied by a lovely fashion spread shot by my BFF Melissa Bernier.  In this spread, I am wearing the warmest, comfiest, coziest pieces that are perfect for those long study days...

You can find the outfit credits at the end of this post.  

Staying happy through finals

1. Always, always be gentle with yourself, and understand that the more compassion and kindness you have towards yourself the better you will feel to conquer the stress related to finals.

2. You can be gentle towards yourself by telling yourself self-affirming statements.  I always like  carrying small positive notes/quotes in my backpack and purses.  When I feel worried and stressed I take these notes/quotes out and in a heartbeat I regain confidence and trust in myself!  

3.  Be realistic.  There is only so much you can do in one day.  Set realistic and achievable goals and objectives.  Prioritize them.  You will have more chances of achieving more goals and objectives this way, which will then give you a boost in your confidence that you can conquer all your goals!

4. Part of been realistic, also means letting go. I have learned the hard way that worrying over every little detail in your paper or exam only fuels anxiety.  Instead, I tell myself, "I have done the very best I could, and I trust that I will get the grade that I deserve for my effort... It's time to let this baby out of the oven and into the world"!

5. Nourish your mind and your body.  In simple words, eat, sleep and exercise well!  Your body and mind are your temple, and require care.  They work together, ALWAYS, and if you mistreat one part, the other part will resent it.  This brings me to my next point...

6. Create a routine and set limits.  This is related to #3.  Choose days and times during the week to focus on your work.  For example, for my recent doctoral comprehensive exam I studied three days of the week for 4-5 hours daily.  Doing this is more manageable than trying to conquer all in 8 hours. Your brain gets tired, and so does your body, and then you get upset, anxious, and frustrated!  Setting a limit, and taking a break from work will let you release your tension and bad energy.  Then you can kick start the routine again all refreshed!

7.  Last, PRAY or say a MANTRA that will keep you calm, peaceful an positive.  Here is my favorite one...

I am a beautiful canary flower, bright like the sunshine.  I feel stressed and worried, but the light of God and Mother Nature nourish and sustains me.  I know these feelings will go away, because I am a bright and vibrant canary flower always facing the sunshine...

CREDITS:

Zara Checked Shawl: Zara Blanket Scarf

Top and Cardigan: Urban Outfitters & Urban Outfitters (Similar top)

Leggings: American Apparel

Booties: Forever 21