FASHION: 5 Off-The Shoulder Ruffle Tops

Hey guys! Hope you're week is going well so far!

I know I have been MIA, but I will be popping in & out when I can. I apologize for disappearing once again, but I have a lot of projects on my plate these days. One of those includes an event I will be hosting with Fossil here in New York City! Can't wait to share. On that note, I need to go shopping!  I have been seeing ruffle, off-the shoulder tops everywhere right now!!

I LOVE this trend, especially for the upcoming warmer weather. This season you're going to have a lot of styles to choose from with many designers jumping in & creating their version of the ruffle off the shoulder top. From high to low prices, you will definitely find one for this Spring/Summer! Here are 5 of my favorites to help you get started!

L to R:

Ramy Brook Sadie top 

Bella Dahl off shoulder top 

Mara Hoffman ruffle off the shoulder top

Rachel Pally esmeralda top 

One Teaspoon off-shoulder top

-post by jen ramos

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The Maxi Dress

Spring time arrived in NYC - but yesterday it felt more like Summer. WOAH, it was HOT. Especially if you're walking around for a bit... 

During this time of year I jump online and hunt down the best fitting maxi dresses. Maxi dresses can start at $26 and go upwards of $300. Crazy, I know.  Two Summers ago I bought 3 maxi dresses & ended up spending about $100 each.  Now I look around & realize there are some really great fitting ones for the half the price. Go figure. 

It pays to shop around & one of my fave places to shop dresses is BooHoo.  Seriously, you cannot beat their prices!  If you scroll down you'll notice the long black (form-fitting) maxi I wore this past  weekend, it was only $26!! They have a ton of other cute options but I felt this was the best fit for me. In case you're wondering it's number 4 (below) and I'm a size 4.  

I love this style of dress...I must admit when I'm feeling lazy or don't have time to shave my legs, this dress is ideal. Ha.

So, tell me are you into maxi dresses? Which is your fave?

 

1. asos white frill dress  2. cami maxi asos 3. leopard print maxi via asos 4. black strappy frill maxi via boohoo 5. young fabulous & broke maxi 6. caftan maxi by young fabulous & broke 7. racer back maxi via shopbop

IVVI stroller by nuna

-post by jen ramos

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BEAUTY: TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Hi, Monica from Beauty Parler! So excited Spring is finally here and the sun is shining. Some of you might be planning Summer vacations already and to get you started on a few travel essentials I've chosen a few favourites. Aside from beauty blogging I also work as a flight attendant and I always carry a few beauty essentials in my carry-on.

One word that is key when traveling by plane is moisturize. From the moment you step on that airplane, the dry air sucks the moisture out of you. Aside from the obvious as drinks lots of water! You need to replenish the moisture loss.

There are many brands of water spray cans, Vichy Thermal Spa Water Spray is one of my favourites. Adds moisture but for me it's the refreshing factor. Right before landing a spritz of water on the face feels cool and awakens.

Facial wipes, disposal and easy to carry. I like the Neutrogena All-In-One Makeup Removing Cleansing Wipes, not only for in-flight but as part of my skincare routine.

Hand cream is a must! I tend to carry more than one as my hands get so dry. The L'Occitane Shea Hand Cream is an old favourite and classic. Creamy and leaves hands so soft. Love the scent too!

I've lost count of how many lip balms are in my uniform pockets. However, Benefit Hydrating Lip Tints are great because they add a hint of colour which in my case is necessary under those horrible lights.

Lastly, not so much for the flight but any skincare that isn't in liquid format for travel is a smart choice. Especially if you're a carry-on only type of gal. With liquid restrictions at airports, the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is an amazing product. It's a gentle powder exfoliate that suds when mixed with water.



-post by Monica Da Rosa

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Cocoa & Hearts Pineapple Art

Pineapples are one of my favorite fruits.  According to a few articles I've read in the past, it may have originated from Brazil or South America. It actually was introduced into the European markets through Christopher Columbus who discovered the fruit in Guadeloupe in 1493. Not many people know this fact. It's a symbol of hospitality, so it's used as decoration in many homes in order to convey, 'welcome to our home'.  It's been a staple in the design industry - seen on everything from wallpaper to tea towels.

They're just so beautiful and has inspired me to paint it in a unique & colorful way.  Of course we don't see hot pink pineapples, but in a Cocoa & Hearts art world, anything is possible & diversity is welcomed. Crazy huh? Each 11" x 14" piece is hand painted using acrylics on Canson, acid free paper.  They're all unique & will come signed with a certificate of authenticity.  Framing is optional on some of the pieces, but I'd suggest framing these in a gold frame, looks the best!

{ These original art pieces will go on SALE soon via my Cocoa & Hearts gallery - Stay tuned!! }

Proceeds from this artwork will go toward our adoption. 

ALSO,  If you have a brick & mortar shop (anywhere in the world) & would like to carry these original paintings in your store, please email us here.

-images by jen ramos

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FASHION: Minty Spring

Hi everyone! Adri of Adri's World. I have to say, the best part of fashion is the change of seasons, and the colors that come with it. This Spring we will be seeing a lot of pastels & Mint is my favorite. It can be styled with lighter colors for a softer look or with edgy prints like that leopard bag too!

I love that Mint can be worn with gold accents and with silver too, like in those glitter flats. Love!
A blazer can be a great way to add this color to an everyday outfit or maybe a cute top with jeans, a skirt or if it's warm enough shorts. And if you want only a bit of this color, an amazing nail polish, a bracelet or earrings will look perfect!

Are you a fan of Mint for Spring? 

[1. matt bernson flats,2.loeffler randall bag, 3.ciaté nail polish, 4.tai earrings, 5.zara top, 6.see u soon blazer, 7.asos clutch, 8.tai bracelet]

- post by Adri Reynoso

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3 Outfits for Spring...

YUP, Spring is here. The flowers are blooming & the weather is getting warmer. This means no stuffy coats or scarves. Instead, we'll run around in pretty colorful shoes (hopefully) and airy tops! So with that said, here are 3 outfits I'm eye-ing right now. 
 

I'm especially LOVING everything in outfit #2.  

It's my favorite, especially those wedges!! You can find all these items at ShopBop. 

Which of these outfits would you wear this Spring??

1. enza costa /  WGACA Vintage /  rag & bone / LAMB by Gwen Stefani

2.  clare vivier / rag & bone / current elliot / derek lam /

3.  bop basics / theodora callum / adriano goldschmied / maison martin margiela 

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