All posts by Alicia

How to Help Japan

General, , ,

As we all know, the situation in Japan is heartbreakingly tragic. It’s been a month since the shocking series of events began to unfold and there is a dire need for relief in a country that is desperately trying to rebuild.

There are several different organizations that are currently accepting  both tangible and monetary donations. If you’re trying to figure out how to help Japan, please read this list by the Huffington Post. You’ve heard the cliche, but it always rings true: Every little bit helps.

A Day with the Girls

Art & Culture, Fashion & Beauty, Travel & Miami, , ,

Sometimes all you need is a day with the girls to lift your spirits (and perhaps some other areas that may also need, ahem, a lift). I spent the day at the Terribly Girly studios yesterday with my friend, Nicole. This was her first time experiencing the hard work and production that goes into each of these sessions.

After a few hours in wardrobe, hair, and makeup, she asked if I could remember my first shoot and how I got started in the first place. Turns out, I was feeling a little low and decided to treat myself to something fun. It was around Christmas, I was living alone, feeling lonely, and coming out of a bad relationship that had left me with more than a few self-esteem issues. The minute I stepped into the TG studio, all that stuff was pushed out of my mind. The girls were friendly, confident, and encouraging – and SO talented!

Nine shoots later, I’m glad these women are keen on making a point about beauty and self-image. I may not be a cookie-cutter beauty, but they don’t seem to mind – and neither do I.

Here are a few behind-the-scenes shots from another wonderful day of playing dress-up:

  

  

Unconventional

Art & Culture, Travel & Miami, , ,

I can hardly sit still today. This weekend is packed with colorful plans and I want to jump right in. My appointment with Maytee is only a few hours away and I honestly can’t contain my excitement about getting tattooed again. It’s been over 5 years since my last meaningful piece and these things are always cathartic for me. I’m only a little bummed that my little sister will have to sit this one out due to a nasty throat infection… but it only gives us an excuse to keep coming back .

Also, on Sunday I’ll be shooting with Miss Valentine and all the lovely ladies of Terribly Girly. I’m not quite sure what the end result will be, but at this point, I don’t even worry. I know they’re creative enough to come up with something interesting and fresh, so let’s just put on some eyeliner and see what happens.

Check back soon! I’ll be documenting everything. xo

ban.do signature scarf

Fashion & Beauty, General, , ,

I’m finding it hard to take my mind off pretty things today. Quite appropriately, ban.do just sent me an email about the arrival of their new signature scarf (100% silk – pics below). Enter code “sigscarf” through April 13th to get 15% off this adorable little wrap.

While you’re there, do some good by checking out their Hearts for Japan section, with proceeds going to relief efforts in Japan.

  

La Quinceanera

Events, Life & Family, Travel & Miami, ,

It’s been about two weeks since my sister’s fifteenth birthday and I’m just now catching my breath from the seemingly endless birthday festivities throughout the month of March and beyond. Though it wasn’t a large affair, it was certainly intimate and meaningful. The most important thing is that my sister will have some beautiful memories to share for a lifetime.

Many thanks to Dolores but you can call me Lolita…, Sweetness Bakeshop, Carlitos at Portfolio Salon, Kiera at MAC Nordstrom (Dadeland Mall), and my hubby for the beautiful invitations (and his endless patience throughout this whole process). Pics below. Enjoy!

Abruptly

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Sometimes life calls you into action before you’re even aware of the action you’re taking. This is a quick note of encouragement for my fellow Aries and anyone else who may be feeling conflicted:

Aries from NY Post: Horoscope by By SALLY BROMPTON

Some things happen without any apparent rhyme or reason and you need to accept that fact and not let situations over which you have no control worry you in any way. It’s life. It’s supposed to be fun…

Tattoo Planning

Art & Culture, , , , ,

 My life has been a little crazy lately. I’ve been planning my sister’s fifteenth birthday celebration more arduously than I did my own wedding (maybe because I had professional help for the wedding that I’m that much more grateful for now as hindsight is always 20/20), working a grueling day job at a prominent fashion/retail company, devoting significant time to my freelance writing in hopes that it will take off soon, and generally just trying to keep the mood around all of these things more pleasant than not.

If I’m honest, I’ll admit that none of this phases me – I rather enjoy the idea of tackling all of these challenges head-on. But with all the hard work, I’ve decided a reward is in order. With the recent compensation from my last job, I have booked a session with the ever-talented Maytee Bringas at Phat Joe’s on Saturday, April 9th. This session will double as a reward for my sister for being so great to work with on her birthday festivities – she’ll be piercing her tragus there as well. (Nothing quite like some ink and metal to bond two sisters together.)

The pic in this post is a mock-up that Tony worked on to illustrate how this piece will look once it’s complete. I already have a Mark Ryden portrait on my lower back (done by the talented Chris Garver back when he was on Miami Ink) and will be building around it with some inspiration from Angelique Houtkamp. Once that’s done, I’d like to start working on other pieces (keyhole pin-up, etc.) but this one has me particularly excited as it’s going to finally give some beautiful detail to work that was begun years ago. It’s time to get going again and I can’t wait.

I’ll be posting pics of the work in progress. Check back soon. Only a few weeks left for some fresh ink! <3

MiMo Madness

Art & Culture, Fashion & Beauty, Shopping & Deals, Travel & Miami, ,

Today’s weather was absolutely perfect for a street fair so Tony and I headed out to one of the many outdoor events taking place in Miami this weekend. MiMo Madness, nestled in the heart of Biscayne Boulevard’s Historic District, promised an eclectic bunch and it did not disappoint.

Along with the burlesque acts and street performers, I came across a few great artists and boutiques with unique handmade pieces. Chiquita’s is definitely noteworthy with a dedicated focus on vintage pieces from the 1920’s to the 1980’s.

Karen Keith Designs was another favorite with self-proclaimed jewelry designs for the bold and free-spirited. Wish I’d had the cash on me to take home a vintage miniature magnifying glass on a long black chain.

Check out my finds below. I’m now also a  fan of Treasures by Alicia‘s handmade bags and jewelry. (I’ll admit, the name got me):