Author: shewentwear

A travel journalist who loves to dabble in fashion.

Fashion Friday: Tayla Santos

IMG_7542

Meet Tayla.

Hey there, my name is Tayla (pronounced like kayla but with a “T”) and I’m from Boston, Massachusetts. I started my blog not too long ago as a fun side thing to keep me motivated and absolutely fell in love with every aspect of it. I love the mini “self done” photoshoots, the shopping, the planning, the editing, the writing,  the emails…all of it! Its a type of busy I don’t think I will ever get tired of! I also love meeting new people so if you come over to my little corner of the internet, be sure to say hi and introduce your self ❤

 

 

Do you blog full-time or as a hobby?

As of  right now I am blogging as a hobby and I am literally obsessed with it!

What is your favorite thing about blogging?

I love looking back and seeing how far I’ve come! It’s like having a photo album and looking back at all the pictures you had taken years ago. It’s crazy how much my style alone has evolved in just one year and I can’t wait to see where I’ll be in years to come!

Are there any goals you wish to accomplish for the year?

YES! So many goals it’s crazy lol. I think my biggest goals are to obviously grow more but to grow into something that’s my own. I want to create something that’s recognizable. I don’t want to just be another fashion blogger. I want people to look at my outfits and my different pictures and be able to tell that it’s my post without even seeing that I’m the one that posted it. You know what I mean?? Does that even make sense?

How would you describe your style?

This is a question I get all the time. I have a very simple style. I always have a classic and simple base and then build with my accessories such as bags, scarfs, jewelry, and hairstyle! (hairstyle can make or break an outfit, btw). I also love mixing casual with more dressy pieces. For example wearing a black silk tank dress but pairing it with a graphic tee under, and throwing on some white vans! I love mixing styles and trends, what can i say; I’m diverse!! Loll. So I guess I would say my style is classic chic. Yeah, I like that!

IMG_8250Name your top 3 designers.

  1. Giambattista Valli
  2. Louis Vuitton
  3. Versace

IN THAT ORDER lol  

If you had a chance to go on a shopping spree at any retailer of your choice, where would you go? Why?

These are the types of tough questions I pray im never forced to face in reality. I guess I would have to say Nordstrom. They have everything!! Clothes, Shoes, Bags, Jewelry, and Makeup. I could get a whole makeover in that one store. I don’t usually shop there often but if it’s a shopping spree, why not!

Mary Kate or Ashley?

I used to watch them everyday when I was younger ( like I used to have all their VCR tapes) and debated this question for most of my life however, I think it’s now safe to say…Ashley! Don’t make me explain.

Is there a celebrity who best matches your style?

I honestly don’t know. If I had to choose I would say Shay Mitchell but you guys let me know. Check out my style and tell me if I resemble any celebs you follow. I’ll check them out and let you know what I think.

What is a staple piece everyone should have in their wardrobe?

Def a good pair of denim and a basic white tee (that fits you right. Not too oversized and not too fitted). You can do soooo much with just that. Dress it up with a pair of heels and a leather jacket and your good for date night. However, throw on some simple casual sneakers, a belt and a cute cross body and your good for a day out on the town. Don’t even get me started on all the possibilities that come with a good pair of jeans and a white tee.

IMG_8328

With all the online retailers creating trendy pieces, who is your favorite?

Wow, this is a tough one. I have so many go to online shopping retailers. I would say my top three are Boohoo, Verge Girl, and the trusty old Zaful lol

What is your next must-have purchase?

110% a LV bag!! I need one and that just might be the real reason I opened a credit card lol. Shhh

IMG_7963

Want to know more about Tayla?

 @taylasnts

 Tayla’s Closet

YouTube: itstaylasantos

Fashion Friday: Sabrina

IMG_2658

 

 

 Meet Sabrina from Runway Beauty

 

 

 

 

What inspired you start blogging about fashion?

I was sitting at my regular 9-5 job at the bank and realized that I wanted more out of life. I wanted to actually enjoy working. At first,I didn’t know I would be a blogger but I knew what I wanted to do something fashion related and also increased my knowledge. I read a few articles and realized blogging about fashion would increase my knowledge and also help me gain an audience.

 Is there a celebrity who best matches your style?

Rihanna! Rihanna is fearless, unapologetic, and fierce! She can be classy one day and edgy the next!

Zendaya is another as well! Zendaya is such a fashion icon and we are the same age! Her effortless beauty and outgoing personality is what I admire the most about her. She kills each and every look with style and grace!

IMG_1164 How would you describe your style?

Right now, I would describe my style as elevated, chic, and trendy. But my style is unplanned. I go by how I’m feeling or what I’m inspired by. I’m not at my fullest potential yet and I’m still learning.

 If you had the chance to sit front row at any designer’s show during NYFW who would you see?

I would love to go to a Marc Jacobs fashion show. His fashion shows are bold, different, and it isn’t street style which I love the most. Just the clothing itself has beautiful bright colors. His clothing inspires me and I love to witness it in person.

 What is the best fashion advice you would give?

Be you! I know it’s very simple and everyone says it but it is true. Stay true to yourself, continue to learn and grow with the industry. Don’t be afraid to take risk as well. A year from now our planet will be in the same place … where will you be?

IMG_5176

Name your top 3 designers.

  •  Chanel
  •  Balmain
  •  Versace

 

With all the online retailers creating trendy pieces, who is your favorite?

My favorite is Kloset Envy. I like shopping at places that many people don’t. Kloset Envy has great quality clothing. I purchase a few items from them and I’m always satisfied with my purchase and everyone ALWAYS compliment the items.

Processed with VSCO with a6 preset

 

Is there a trend you would like to stop?

Floral print, is a trend that needs to stop. Floral print is everywhere and on everything when spring comes around every year.

 

 Is there a certain “formula” you have when creating a look?

Honestly I don’t have a formula. I have a vision of what I want to look like and I make it happen. Sometimes things don’t come out how I vision it and I would have to start over.

 

What’s your rule with accessorizing?

Stick with the same color metal throughout your outfit. If you have gold on your shirt then you would need to wear gold jewelry. Do not mix and match. Another rule is a little can go a long way. You don’t want to overpower your beauty or your outfit with too much jewelry or big and flashy jewelry. Unless your outfit is really simple and straight to the point adding jewelry would add that extra “ump” you need.

 IMG_2945_Facetune_05-08-2018-18-02-22

Want to know more about Sabrina?

Instagram | Runway Beauty

Fashion Friday: Maite

 

1

Meet Maite Aramayo.

I am from Bolivia and I’m 24 years old. I am currently living in Milan because I’m doing my masters in Management and specializing in fashion. I have a blog that I started this year called “LA BOLIVIANA” where I write every week and give my insight into the fashion industry. Living in one of the fashion capitals of the world is a very exciting experience for me, and so I’m constantly curious about learning more about the fashion industry and willing to spread my ideas to inspire other people.

 

 

 

 

What inspired you to start blogging about fashion?

 

I made the decision to start blogging when I moved to Milan. It was a huge change for me because everybody expected me to keep pursuing a career in finance (I have a bachelor and experience in that industry) but I figured that if I really wanted to start making my way into the fashion industry, I had to start somewhere, and for me blogging was the way to go; apart from the fact that I love writing.When it comes to content and what inspired me, I saw that there’s this ongoing stereotype about fashion being the most superficial and frivolous industry in the world. And so, when I started my blog my mission became to get people informed for them to realize that it’s not just an industry about dressing people up, but that there’s a whole business strategy behind every brand and moreover a huge world of unique processes where people combine their business knowledge with creative mindsets. Believe it or not, fashion is something very complex that can represent anything you want, be able to move the crowds and ultimately fuel an economy.

Do you blog full-time or as a hobby?6

I don’t blog full-time because I only post once a week, but I don’t like how the word hobby sounds either! Since I’m doing a masters in Milan, being able to blog all the time is almost impossible for now, but I am constantly looking for new ideas for my next blog every day. I try to get people’s input all the time, and strangely my best ideas have been inspired by people who have no idea about the industry, so blogging has become quite entertaining. For me, being in fashion is a 24/7 job so I am always with my eyes wide open looking for new inspiring ideas.

 Describe a typical day as a fashion blogger.

Like any person that loves fashion, I wake up and the first thing I always do is to check fashion news on my phone while having breakfast. After that, I usually get ready for my classes and spend half of my day at university, but I always have my phone and a notebook with me, in case something interesting happens. Through the day I also take time to get in touch with other bloggers, stay active on Instagram because of how important that platform has become, I go and read some other bloggers’posts usually from the ones posted on Facebook groups and try to brainstorm all day. Also, part of being a fashion blogger is to always have a good outfit put together when you’re out, and so if I get the chance, I take some pictures.

 

Processed with VSCO with m5 preset
Processed with VSCO with preset

 What is your favorite thing about blogging?

My favorite thing about blogging is definitely the freedom to have a voice in the industry I love. Although being a blogger is so hard these days because there are thousands out there, what satisfies me the most is that my content is finally out there for some people to read it. Also, I like how much my mindset has changed ever since I’ve started blogging, because I’m constantly curious and on an“analysis mode” on a daily basis.

 

Are there any goals you wish to accomplish for the year?

Like any blogger out there, I think my main goal would be to increase my audience, of course. But I’d have to say that by the end of the year I would like to have better knowledge about blogging and also to have a bigger blogger network that I can reach out to.

How would you describe your style?

Someone once told me that my style is very “contemporary”, and I never knew what that meant because there are so many ways of dressing in a “contemporary” way these days! But when it comes to styling, I look for outfits that make me feel comfortable in my own skin and so I like to play with layers, always have a little bit of movement with the fabrics I choose and usually I try to wear something interesting that pops out in my outfit, like a cool accessory, a statement shirt or blouse, or anything that truly reflects my mood on that day.

5Name your top 3 designers.

My top one has definitely become Alessandro Michele, and I like him as a designer because he’s always playing it hard and risky. He’s taken Gucci into this imaginative and transformative phase that everyone seems to be buying into, and also he is not afraid of going without filter on his collections.

My second is Olivier Rousteing because I love how he changed Balmain and by being so young and a black French designer, I really enjoy seeing him break the rules and taking his inspiration a step forward, always bringing new diversity into the fashion world.

My third is Riccardo Tisci, because he has a contemporary street-style way of designing that in my opinion is very unique. He combines street wear with high-end fashion and he’s one of the designers that actually pays attention to the consumer. I’m beyond excited for his debut collection for Burberry on September.

What is the best fashion advice you have ever received?

I’ve been advised to not be afraid to stand out, speak up and be risky, and that goes not only with clothing choices but also when it comes to spreading ideas. I’m always worried that because I have studied finance, I don’t know enough about fashion like the ones that dedicated their lives to it from the beginning. But I realized that not even the people who are deep inside the industry know everything because there’s always space to keep learning, so I’m learning each day to put my opinion out there, even if it gets criticized. It is all a learning process.

What is the best fashion advice you would give?

Always be informed about the industry. I think I’ve gotten the habit of getting informed all the time because in some way I like to compare fashion with finance (more specifically, the stock market). If you don’t know what is currently happening in the industry you love, you’re not going to be updated and be able to come up with ideas of your own. Being informed about fashion is key, because just like the stock market, it is an industry that changes constantly and it’s very volatile.

If you had the chance to sit front row at any designer’s show during NYFW who would you see?

 

Alexander Wang, because I’ve been following him ever since he got started and it’s amazing how much he has evolved as a designer. Also, to me all of his collections are perfection and I would wear everything that he designs because of how edgy he is.

 

Processed with VSCO with m5 preset

 

Want to know more about Maite?

Instagram| La Boliviana|Facebook

Cruising in Croatia

Croatiaaa

Landing in Split, all I could think of was ” YACHT YACHT YACHT”. You know, Yacht Week? If you haven’t heard of yacht week, google it. I’m still waiting to embark on that adventure, but after you google it, you will find that you need a whole squad to actually enjoy it and my friend list is slim… so if you have any room for a plus one, invite me.

Anyways….

My time being limited ( 2 days) we hit the ground running to explore the city. Split had a very unique and old charm to it. Every time I step foot outside of the Americas, I am reminded how young our country actually is, or when it was colonized.

All the buildings had so much soul and character, even the cracks in the pavement seemed to have a story to tell.

After exploring the city, we found all these tours being offered  along the shore. Naturally, we grabbed a bunch of brochures and took them home to decide which one would be the most beneficial for our short time here.

IMG_6876

The next morning we were at the pier bright and early ( a little too early if you ask me) ready to set sail.  We chose a 5 island tour that included a stop to their blue cave & Hvar. We met with our captain and hostess and then set full speed ahead to our adventure!

First stop, Bisevo. From here we would take a smaller speed boat to the blue caves. While we waited for our turn, we explored the island a little bit. It was so cute and quaint. You could tell the island didn’t have many inhabitants but we did spot a cute little house up the hill.

Our turn came, and we were so excited to visit the blue caves.

Amazing! I love all things water related so our next stop had my name written all over it. This was my first time swimming in a cave ( I grew up in Chicago, geographically its pretty flat) and after that experience, it will not be my last.

Next, swimming to the coast of Vis. In order to walk on the beach you had to swim to it, haha. It was a small beach with no pier so to see this beauty you had to put in a little work.

Luckily,  The tour guides had extra googles for us to use and I was so glad they did. The water was so clear that you could see the many variations of fish that called Vis home.

Now onto a popular stop on Yacht Week, Marinkovac, which was a nice stop for us since we were starving and needed an island with food. Swimming in the sea tends to make me tired. Who knew?!

Last but certainly not least, Hvar. The first stop with ACTUAL locals. This city felt a lot more “posh” than Split, but still had loads of character. We walked the streets, visited a few of the shops, and enjoyed some delicious gelato. After two hours passed, we were beat and ready to go home to Split.

It really sucks that I had to rush all of this in a day, but as you can see, Croatia should be on EVERYONE’S LIST. I had a fantastic time. I’m even planning to go back next summer and spend a week (or two) there.

Until next time my beautiful Croatia

ppetmp(1)

Who has been to Croatia? What else is there to see/do for my next time I’m there?

My Favorite Looks of Budapest

Unexpectedly spent a few days in Budapest. I don’t know how I got there (by plane, of course) but after 2 days I decided I should extend my trip. This might be the one time overpacking worked in my favor.

If you’d like to read more on my experience ->  click here.

If you want to see some of my looks from the trip, you’re just a scroll away.

 

 

 

Above was one of my favorite looks. It same together effortlessly and the most expensive item was the mini YSL bag. I also loved this look because every item was purchased on one of my random trips so I felt like a Woman of the World wearing this outfit.

The YSL Anita crossbody is sold out at many retailers but you can try your luck at online resale shops like:                    Tradesy , Fashionphile, or The RealReal.
Similar snake skin booties can be found here.

_albumtemp(3)

This was the perfect dress/sandal combo for shopping and exploring the city of Pest. My friend and I wandered into this “luxury” ice cream parlor called Moritz Eis. What’s better than grabbing ice cream after a day of shopping? Taking advantage of their cute ice cream tricycle and having your dainty red dress from Zara contrast perfectly with it.     Ice cream anyone?

Similar dress can be found here or here.

 

 

 

And to the famous baths. We visited the Gellért Baths. I chose a simple, somewhat modest, black two piece and paired it with a gold tone scarf acting as a cover up.

Similar bikini can be purchased here.

 

ezgif.com-resize

Ciao

You’re the Best, Budapest

 

Hello Budapest,

IMG_0844As you may not know, I make it a mission to blend in wherever I go, even though standing at 5’10” its pretty hard to do. But in places like London, Milan, even Cologne, I blended in pretty well. You didn’t realize I wasn’t a local until I opened my mouth and you heard my “American Midwestern Accent”.

Well, in Budapest, as soon as I stepped onto the plane at LHR to BUD, I received stares, glares, and anything else you could think of. The stewardess even asked me “so what brings you to Budapest?”. I stumbled a bit with my answer, other than the famous baths, I knew nothing of the city. All I knew was that I was meeting one of my best friends there and we were prepared to see what Budapest was about.

 

 

Night 1 was definitely interesting. We stayed in Buda, which to my knowledge is the older part of the city, its separated by a river and once you make it to this side its a pretty steep hike to the top. Buda is home to many museums, castles, and cathedrals, as well as the occasional gothic-style architecture that makes you think you left the 2000s and stepped into Dracula’s lair.

 Aah, don’t fret, Dracula is Romanian, so technically not his lair but definitely a cousin whom was twice removed.

It was also the night Hungarians celebrated St. Stephens day.  There I was thinking it’s completely normal to greet every American with fireworks… This party was not for me, I was the girl who showed up uninvited… but I had my dancing shoes on and I was going to dance!

Walking around Buda felt a lot like being transported into a portable time capsule. While everything was  somewhat modern, there were so many remnants of the past. Like these vintage Houdini posters for a  magic show that was held at the shop we refused to go into. (Sorry not sorry, those flyers did not look very welcoming)

Actually, now that I think about it. The statues didn’t look very friendly either but I assume that’s the point. Cool to look at, but don’t touch! Fear invoked, good job.

 

One thing we thoroughly enjoyed was visiting the Gellért Baths. A must if you plan on visiting!

 

 Welcome to the vibrant and hip side, Pest. I feel like once we moved to our Airbnb in Pest our attitudes changed immediately. Moving to Pest reminded me of spending the summer at your Gran’s house, then a week later your cousins show up. Pest = Cousins. It was so refreshing and felt less vampy. Even the people hosted more smiles on their face.

After being acclimated to the change in culture, the days and nights were filled with adventure, fun, and lots of Rośe.

All in all it was a great trip for us. Thanks for keeping it weird Budapest, we’ll be back 🙂

 

IMG_6681

Ciao

 

 

R.I.P Anthony Bourdain <3

I write this with such a heavy heart. It is so sad to see someone with so much life meet their end in such a tragic way. Anthony, not only sparked my interest in travel with his life, but his passing has moved me to start writing again.

I remember watching Parts Unknown and living through his adventures. I knew one day that would be me stepping off the plane and connecting with the locals and immersing myself into their culture. That day has passed and I’ve been able to meet so many beautiful souls, and I feel as though my journey is just starting.

 

I wanted to write this post to the one beautiful soul who helped me see the world before I knew there was one outside of the U.S. Thank you Anthony, I hope that your soul is free and wherever you are there is good food & better people.

 

If you or someone you know is battling with depression, please know you’re not alone and help is out there. I have suffered with depression and I know that it’s not easy. No matter how much light there is in the world, there always seem to be a dark cloud approaching. I don’t know where I would be without my support system, they help me chase way those grey skies, it’s some things I can’t do alone. Not everyone has a support system or knows how to reach out because they think they’re alone. You are not! You are strong and you will be okay, its time to talk to someone!

Below, I listed the links for websites that provide you with the resources you need to help you with those dark clouds.

 

United States National Suicide Hotline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

International Association for Suicide Prevention

http://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres

https://www.befrienders.org/need-to-talk

I also found a list on IBPF.ORG with a list of numbers to call around the world, which can be found by clicking this link ,  or reading below:

Argentina: +5402234930430
Australia: 131114
Austria: 017133374
Belgium: 106
Bosnia & Herzegovina: 080 05 03 05
Botswana: 3911270
Brazil: 212339191
Canada: 5147234000 (Montreal);
18662773553 (outside Montreal)
Croatia: 014833888
Denmark: +4570201201
Egypt: 7621602
Finland: 010 195 202
France: 0145394000
Germany: 08001810771
Holland: 09000767
Hong Kong: +852 2382 0000
Hungary: 116123
India: 8888817666
Ireland: +4408457909090
Italy: 800860022
Japan: +810352869090
Mexico: 5255102550
New Zealand: 045861048
Norway: +4781533300
Philippines: 028969191
Poland: 5270000
Russia: 0078202577577
Spain: 914590050
South Africa: 0514445691
Sweden: 46317112400
Switzerland: 143
United Kingdom: 08457909090
USA: 18002738255

 

Love ❤️

Angela

 

 

What They Don’t​ Tell You About Traveling

This shit is exhausting. Like, seriously. You don’t hear that though. You just hear about the places and the cool things that happened there. What travelers don’t tell you is that the actual traveling part sucks. It’s time to call BS.

I travel for work and leisure. My job is sending me to 5 different states all within the span of 1 week, that’s only 7 days! You do that math. I love my job but after this contract is up, consider me Houdini because I’m disappearing. Actually, consider me Nefertiti because I’m a Queen. ha.

I’m asked so many times “how I get to travel so often”, and how people would love to trade places with me. No baby, you don’t want to.

There was a trip where I went from Chicago, IL, USA – Bonn, Germany – Milan, Italy – Marrakech, Morrocco – Agadir, Morocco – Essaouira, Morocco – Marrakech, Morocco – Madrid, Spain – Bonn, Germany – Chicago, IL, USA-  Miami, FL – The Bahamas – St. Thomas – San Juan, Puerto Rico – Grand Turks – Miami, FL – Chicago for a week & a half  then back to Bonn, Germany.

Sounds like a lot, right? But on Instagram it looked like I was living the dream. A little like this :

 

 

But I wasn’t.  I can’t even begin to tell you how tired I was after that month. I was sluggish. I just wanted to sleep, every day, all the time. Your body needs time to heal after all of that. Honestly, I still haven’t really sat down since then, and that’s my own fault. It illustrates so differently on social media, but if you were to bump into me after any of my extensive trips you would see the bags under my eyes and how I turn every outing into something I can walk into with yoga pants and t-shirt.

It illustrates so differently on social media, but if you were to bump into me after any of my extensive trips you would see the bags under my eyes and how I turn every outing into something I can walk into with yoga pants and t-shirt.

And when I’m traveling for leisure, I usually need a vacation from my vacation. Ha. I’m not even joking.

It’s just funny that I write for a travel blog, I travel for work, I travel for fun, yet I only share the surface about traveling. I want when I write to feel like I’m talking to Muneek, Dean or one of my other close friends. I want it to be candid and raw and real.

And all my friends know that I’m a bit of a drama queen, so sometimes when I talk I just go a little overboard then dial it back down and say ” I still wouldn’t trade it anything else” and that’s true.

Yeah, I’m tired as hell, I don’t feel like unpacking, don’t feel like packing, don’t feel like taking a taxi to the freaking airport, don’t feel like paying for an upgrade to get out of sitting in that damn middle seat, don’t feel like putting my phone on airplane mode, and I don’t feel like searching for wifi so I can use WhatsApp.

But as soon as I step off that plane I go from DRAMA QUEEN to Woman of the The World, and I am so grateful for every opportunity and every piece of land that I get to walk on. I just had to complain a little before.

All jokes aside, I do realize how blessed and favored I am to be in this situation. Which is why you don’t hear me complain about it. I don’t take any of this for granted, at all. I just wanted to make light of the situation and tell you ( my readers) that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

 

 

Ci sentiamo, Ciao ❤

Birthday in Cancun 

It’s my birthdayyyyyy, I can fly to Cancun if I want to!

It’s only right to celebrate your birthday in Cancun at a 5-star resort! Because where else would I spend my birthday? Don’t answer that.

I travel a lot. But rarely do I travel to 5-star luxury resorts where everything is all inclusive! Maybe 24 will be that year for me *cheers to luxury* haha.

I’m only slightly kidding.
We flew United, cautiously, and headed to Cancun from Ohare. The flight wasn’t that bad, honestly. A little less than 4 hours and a 20-minute cab ride to the hotel to be greeted with MoĂ«t and a few other surprises unbeknownst to me 🙂 it was worth it.

I just wanted to share a few pictures/videos from my vacay as I’m not sure when I’ll post again about Cancun.

 

 

 


 

 

 Thank you, Mommy! 💗💗💗