HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! FELIZ AÑO NUEVO!!!
Oct 31, 2012
Aug 16, 2012
Jul 26, 2012
Jun 11, 2012
INDI Apparel @ Latin Fashion Live
This was by far my most exciting show to date. It was an honor to be invited to participate--it was almost surreal seeing my name and my own words on that page off of USA Today. Seeing my name next to top brands, in a national newspaper, seeing my words so exposed...it felt incredible. And, it was just the beginning...
I was on a high all day from the attention since being put on the spot that night not only for my designs but also for my dancing. I was asked by the coordinator to do a tango performance before my show. Latino Fashion Live, she said, had to include traditional dances from different Latino influences....
I was thrilled. I've always secretly wanted to perform on stage, especially with tango, but never had the chance with such a large audience in my 10+ years as a dancer. The most adventurous part came out of not having an official tango partner and having to do the performance with Stefano--a lovely Italian dancer whom I met that very same day! We were able to practice for a bit that afternoon, but in the end it was left to fate and our years of tango intuition.
After our 3:55 min performance I was out of breath and ecstatic! I ran backstage quickly and anxiously--and entered "fashion designer mode" which means look at every last detail on every model, make sure there's not a single strand or wrinkle, get everyone in the right order, double check hair and makeup for last minute retouches, and so on, and so on...
After my models walked gracefully down the runway showcasing 16 looks from my latest collection--biggest show thus far--- I walked out behind them, feeling very self satisfied, proud and relieved. I had survived my biggest night of fashion with a fever, an impromptu tango performance and a flawless show thanks to a lot of hard work and a great behind-the-scenes team.
Sitting in the back row watching the Carolina Herrera show that rocked the runway and made most of the crowd gasp--I took a deep breath and felt more satisfied than I ever have in my life. Slowly I feel like my hard work is starting to pay off, and it's a very rewarding feeling--especially since this is a project that I started in the midst of chaos last year, and have been keeping the dream alive on my own, thanks to my own perseverance and confidence.
I drove home that night singing off the top of my lungs, and thinking about how grateful I am for having such a supportive family and friends. And how important it is to love what you do in life--or rather--choosing to do what you love and letting in all of those great things in life that follow.
May 25, 2012
Ideal three day weekend packing
In honor of memorial day weekend, I'm making this travel blog post about how to pack for a long weekend.
As always, with packing light the number one rule is--keep it simple. Depending on what type of activities you'll be enjoying, pick two pairs of shoes to take.
1) I suggest one pair of flats since they are comfortable and can be dressed up or down (also makes it easy to get through airport security).
As an extra pair I usually travel with my Chucks, or if I know I have a more formal even, a light weight pair of heels that are easy to match. If I'm planning a more adventurous weekend, then my second pair would be my running/hiking shoes.
2) Layer it up!! Layers keep your life simple and give you the most versatility. Take a lightweight dress, tees, tank top, and then layering button up shirts or cardigans, vests or light weight jackets. These pieces add many options to your outfit combinations and also much needed character to your "traveler"look.
**Light knit scarves are great as tops, skirts, sarongs, or dresses depending on how you wrap them around yourself. This is a trendy accessory and VERY versatile!
If you're not sure what the weather will be like, I always like to take tights and light-weight water proof jackets (even better if they have a hoodie) because they are easy and light to pack and can turn any summer outfit into a comfy, warm ensemble!
**Also think about pockets-- any shirts or jackets with pockets make traveling through airports, train stations, or urban areas a breeze. You can keep your passport/id/cc/cash handy and not scramble for them every time.
Any reversible or change of length skirts/dresses are also ideal...check out www.indi-apparel.com for some great options!
3) Take plenty of underwear in case you get stranded anywhere and 2 bras (1 light 1 dark) one preferably that can convert into strapless, or with changeable straps. These can be stuffed into shoes, side pockets, etc--very easy to pack extras!
Also, if you're taking a more adventurous trip, your underwear can be the only pretty/delicate thing you take, you know...just in case.... ; )
4) Let's talk bags: Ideally you could take one. I like to pack for my short trips in a duffel bag and include a small purse inside to use later in case I just need a few things with me at a time. Make sure your camera fits inside the purse!!! otherwise that's another thing to lug around your neck...
5) ACCESSORIES!! Keep them to 3-4 pieces, they don't take up much room so you can pack more if you wish. Careful what you choose for the airport, it's annoying to take off bangles at security check points...
Chances are you'll be wearing the same statement pieces if you have favorites so simply pack what you KNOW you'll wear. Plus, this is a fun thing to buy during a trip--bracelets, earrings, necklaces--take note of the local trend and update your style!
***Gather everything and put it on your bed before starting to pack. Think to yourself--am I really going to wear this? If you even hesitate, take it off the pile. I always edit my choices a couple of times--and THEN start packing.
Happy Travels!
***Submit a picture of your travel gear and your travel suggestions to dianalopezart@gmail.com and be featured in the follow up article!
As always, with packing light the number one rule is--keep it simple. Depending on what type of activities you'll be enjoying, pick two pairs of shoes to take.
1) I suggest one pair of flats since they are comfortable and can be dressed up or down (also makes it easy to get through airport security).
As an extra pair I usually travel with my Chucks, or if I know I have a more formal even, a light weight pair of heels that are easy to match. If I'm planning a more adventurous weekend, then my second pair would be my running/hiking shoes.
2) Layer it up!! Layers keep your life simple and give you the most versatility. Take a lightweight dress, tees, tank top, and then layering button up shirts or cardigans, vests or light weight jackets. These pieces add many options to your outfit combinations and also much needed character to your "traveler"look.
**Light knit scarves are great as tops, skirts, sarongs, or dresses depending on how you wrap them around yourself. This is a trendy accessory and VERY versatile!
If you're not sure what the weather will be like, I always like to take tights and light-weight water proof jackets (even better if they have a hoodie) because they are easy and light to pack and can turn any summer outfit into a comfy, warm ensemble!
**Also think about pockets-- any shirts or jackets with pockets make traveling through airports, train stations, or urban areas a breeze. You can keep your passport/id/cc/cash handy and not scramble for them every time.
Any reversible or change of length skirts/dresses are also ideal...check out www.indi-apparel.com for some great options!
3) Take plenty of underwear in case you get stranded anywhere and 2 bras (1 light 1 dark) one preferably that can convert into strapless, or with changeable straps. These can be stuffed into shoes, side pockets, etc--very easy to pack extras!
Also, if you're taking a more adventurous trip, your underwear can be the only pretty/delicate thing you take, you know...just in case.... ; )
4) Let's talk bags: Ideally you could take one. I like to pack for my short trips in a duffel bag and include a small purse inside to use later in case I just need a few things with me at a time. Make sure your camera fits inside the purse!!! otherwise that's another thing to lug around your neck...
5) ACCESSORIES!! Keep them to 3-4 pieces, they don't take up much room so you can pack more if you wish. Careful what you choose for the airport, it's annoying to take off bangles at security check points...
Chances are you'll be wearing the same statement pieces if you have favorites so simply pack what you KNOW you'll wear. Plus, this is a fun thing to buy during a trip--bracelets, earrings, necklaces--take note of the local trend and update your style!
***Gather everything and put it on your bed before starting to pack. Think to yourself--am I really going to wear this? If you even hesitate, take it off the pile. I always edit my choices a couple of times--and THEN start packing.
Happy Travels!
***Submit a picture of your travel gear and your travel suggestions to dianalopezart@gmail.com and be featured in the follow up article!
Mar 18, 2012
Mar 16, 2012
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