What I Wore: Neon Lace

top: courtesy of Sway Chic    /    skirt: Urban Outfitters (on sale)    /   sweater: G-Stage     /     boots: courtesy of Sole Society (Heather boot)    /     bag: TJ Maxx     /     sunglasses: House of Harlow     /     necklace: Forever 21
I am currently and like many of you, on a neon craze.  My eyes have been trained to gravitate towards anything, bright, bold and neon.  I have always been a fan of what I like to call "highlighter colors" especially in the shades of yellow and pink, so I guess that explains my strong fixation with the neon trend this season.  Anyhow, I hope you are all enjoying your long weekend looking as chic as ever in your cute  short shorts, florals, neons and other summer gear!
xxAri

What I Wore: Shades of Green

top: TJ Maxx (from video post)     /     polka dot bra: TJ Maxx (from video)     /     shorts: H&M (old)     /    shoes: courtesy of Sole Society Phebe in Mint    /    bag: courtesy of Dama Handbags    /    necklace: courtesy of Sway Chic    /    watch: Glam Rock Watches    /    bracelet (on right hand): Raquelle Bianco    /    sunglasses: House of Harlow
Currently cannot get enough of these two shades of green; lime green and mint green, they are both new, fun and fresh.  Tell me what colors are your favorite this season!? 
xxAri

Budget Chic-a: Dealz and Stealz [May] TJ Maxx

[white Report Signature shoes courtesy of Report Footwear]

As promised, here is a quick video of a few budget finds from a recent (and unplanned) trip to

 my local TJ Maxx store. This was a quick video so please disregard a few stutters and notice that 

I have started to play around with my iMovie.  I am still working on the clarity of the video and 

on making my dog be quiet, so please bear with me!

 I usually always find great deals at my local TJ Maxx and other discount stores, this is why

 I have decided to share a few tips on shopping the discounter stores with you:

-Always go with an open mind and NEVER go to a discount store looking for a particular item or for a particular style, because chances are that you will not find it and leave the store disappointed.

-Take your time looking around the store, pick an end of the store and start there and after move around from department to department depending on your favorite ones.   I always start at the shoes and handbags, then make my way to the clothes and lastly the home goods.

-Check the store regularly.  Stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls receive weekly shipments, so I normally stop by when I have nothing else to do.

-Always try on clothing and shoes.  Many times the sizing and fit is off on a lot of the items that are on sale at discount stores (that is probably why they are there), therefore make sure you try on before you buy.

-This is a MAJOR TIP:  if you are not in love with it.... DO NOT buy it!  Many times we get the urge to purchase something simply because it's on sale and because it seems to be a great deal, but in reality we don't love it as much.  Make sure the purchase is something that you truly will wear and get great use out of!  

hope you enjoyed the video and my tips!

xx

Ari

What I Wore: Color blocking with Neutrals

knit sweater: TJ Maxx    /    skirt: Forever 21    /     shoes: Report Signature Bruner platform c/o Report Shoes    /    bag: Forever 21 (similar style)    /     sunglasses: House of Harlow 1960blue and black bracelet: Raquelle Bianco     /     necklace: Cookie Lee    /    watch: Glam Rock
I love mixing bright and unexpected colors together  but this time I decided to tone down the bright color blocking  by contrasting with neutrals.  That's where the sand colored knit sweater and white chunky platforms come in.  Notice I am actually wearing my hair up! Waah? I know... rare.  
hope you are having a fab-chic week!besosxx Ari

[Sneak Peek] BCBG MaxAzria Eyewear

BCBG MaxAzria Georgina frame in blue courtesy of BCBG

I m not sure if many of you know that I am a very blind.  Yes, blind to the point where I can't drive, read nor function without my eyeglasses!  The reason why many of you don't know about my blindness is  because I never wear my prescribed eyeglasses and always, always wear my contacts.  Well, Guess what? I have some fab new frames that I actually can't wait to rock! I have been wanting to move away from irritating contacts and been trying to wear glasses more often.    These BCBG Georgina frames came to me just at the right time! So, make sure  check back to see how I wear my new frames.

xx 

Ari 

What I Wore: Summer Accessories

top: courtesy of Sugarlips Apparel    /    shorts: H&M    /    belt: vintage    /    purse: Forever 21 (similar one here)    /    sandals: courtesy of Sole Society (Sandra 2.0 in Coral)   /    necklace: Forever 21 /    sunglasses: (similar pair here)
I know I might sound like a broken record, but here it goes again... the best and easiest way to add a pop of color to spring and summer outfits is through the use of colorful accessories (you can check out this video with a few tips here).   I decided to add a fun summer vibe to this otherwise neutral outfit by adding some fun colorful accessories.
Hope you all had a lovely weekend and a fun mother's day!xx
Ari

What I Wore: See Through

   vest: Nordstrom (still available)   /    top: Forever 21    /    skirt: TJ Maxx    /    sandals: Target (24.99)    /     clutch:  BCBGeneration courtesy of Little Black Bag    /    sunglasses: House of Harlow 1960    /     large stone ring: Jewelmint
I love the way the light passes through this sheer skirt.  Every time I wear this skirt I find myself walking with exaggerated foot steps just because I love the way the skirt flows when I move. Cheesy? yes, I know.   It has been a while since I have posted an outfit featuring flat sandals, or any flats for that matter, so here you have it!  I have been busier these recent weeks and now find myself wearing flats more often and reaching for my heels less often.... wahh?  I know, sounds incredible.
I have quite a few exciting plans ahead, many of which I can't wait to share with you.  Here is a little hint?    How would you feel about a shopping party?  Yes, with me.  I am looking to schedule shopping "parties" in other words, I am looking for girls in my area that would like to shop with me to feature on the blog!
for more details please email: info@lacatrinadelamoda.com
xxAri

[The Fashion Round-up] What to Give Momma- Mother's Day Gift Guide

As you know I am lover of shoes, handbags, jewelry and all the small details that transform an outfit from basic to unique, in other words accessories.  This is why, when brainstorming about what to give mom I arrived at the conclusion that 95% of the gifts I have ever given my momma for mothers day have been accessories (aside from flowers of course).  This is why I bring you this little Fashion Round-up featuring  a few mother's day gift suggestions that are oh so very lovely and perfect for sweet and caring mom.
First on the list...... SHOES-Sole Society Kerra Color Block Platform $49.99- This patent leather and color-blocked (in neutral shades) platform is the perfect balance between dressy and casual, they are a perfect everyday shoe that looks polished, stylish and edgy all at the same time (yes, it's totally possible).  Must I add that this shoe is a major steal for only $49.99!  I love seeing how my friend Neekoh (LiveLoveLA) incorporates this shoe in her daily outfits with such an edge.
-ASOS HUEY Heeled Sandals with Ankle Strap $51- What can I say more than "polka dots" and "platforms".... not much because these are two of my favorite fashion trends therefore leads us to the hybrid formula for the perfect shoe!

Second on the List.... Accessories-Kate Spade New York - Graceann Round Sunglasses $128- How perfect and timelessly classic are these round sunglasses from Kate Spade.  These round sunnies are the perfect gift to add a little glamour to mom's everyday outfits.

-Kate Spade New York - New Bond Street Cyndy Wallet 182- Adding a touch of color is very easy by simply opting for a beautiful wallet in a tangy shade.  I am totally digging this one by Kate Spade and how about the the stud closure, a little touch of "edgy-ness" never hurts.

Last but not least.... Jewelry!

-Kate Spade Mom Always Said Idiom Bangle Bracelet $58- This bracelet is probably one of the cutest and most meaningful worded pieces of jewelry I have ever come across.  The inside is engraved with "Mom always said" and in the outside is engraved with quotes such as "take a chance",  "don't forget to floss",  "have courage", "wear sunscreen", "eat your vegetables". Thinking of getting a pair of these bracelets one for mom and one for me.

-BaubleBar Medium Monogram Necklace $105- There is no sweeter gift than a gift that is personalized.  That is why I am totally digging the idea of giving mom a personalized  monogram necklace from BaubleBar featuring the first name initial letters of my two brother's and my name. 

 Brilliant!

-BaubleBar Yellow Brick Road Bracelet $152- Nothing says "luxe" and "elegance" more than a gold chunky chain bracelet, plus a bracelet like this is a timeless piece that never goes out of style.

What do you think about my Mother's Day picks.  How are you planning on making your momma feel extra special this Mother's Day?  Moms are the ones who we inherit our love for fashion, shopping  and all of all this beautiful form.  Hoping you all have a beautiful, fab and chic Mother's Day and wishing only the best to all the lovely mommas and  mommies to be out there.

xx

Ari

What I Wore: Hi- Low New- Old

[outfit]:     leather jacket: Guess    /    dress: G-Stage    /    bag: Steven Steve Madden    /    shoes: Steve Madden (Shazzam)
The hi -low hemline seems to be the obsession of the season and that explains why this dress is one of my favorite pieces that I own this season.  Actually,  this outfit is composed of some old and new pieces that are equally my favorite. The dress I am wearing and Steve Madden chunky espadrille platforms are both new purchases from this season. The purse and leather jacket are older items, let's say they are from way back when. Okay, maybe I like to exaggerate a little but seriously the jacket and purse are probably going on over three years of being in my closet. This goes to show you that it's important to also have pieces in your closet that will carry through and that will go past the seasons maintaining themselves as essentials in your wardrobe over the years.

  I wore this outfit to the first night of the Latina Lifestyle Bloggers Collective Conference event in Downtown LA.  It was such a pleasure to catch up with some of my latina blogger gals ( Chica Cherrie, Full Figured Potential) and to meet new gals.  The LLBlog Conference was such an empowering event, it was truly inspiring to find myself in a room filled with such motivated, empowered and sensational Latina women.
xxAri

[Sponsored Video] River Island's "Vogue Off"

River Island is one of my favorite UK online retailers because they always have a fresh, new

 and fun take on the season's trends.  Every time I visit the website I end up accumulating a huge

 wish list full of fun, bold, fresh and most importantly budget friendly and affordable items.  Below,
you can find some of the River Island items I am currently lusting over. The list includes 

floral chunky platforms, bright pants, a pastel cutout dress, a fringe bag, flat metallic sandals, 

dainty neon heels, round sunnies, a vertical striped shirt dress annnnd please trust that this 

list continues on and on to be never ending.

River Island is always on the look out for new and fun ways of presenting their awesome fashion
goods to their customers.  This time around River Island brings us a new silly (but super fun) way to
 shop thanks to their new "Vogue Off" app.  Head on over to the Vogue Off app to make a video
of yourself dancing next to hot River Island models and dressed in a super fresh River Island outfit.
Making the video is super easy, all you have to do is upload a photo of yourself through the app
 and then you are ready to laugh your butt off!  I had to give the app a try and let me tell you that I
 was LOL-ing way too much.  Once you make the video you can then share the video and then
proceed to purchase the "Vogue Off" outfit featured in the video. 
To keep up to date with all of the fun things going on at River Island make sure you follow the River Island Twitter and Facebook and make sure you check out the Vogue Off app here!

Yes, way, way toooo much fun!
xxAri
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by River Island, but all thoughts, views and picks remain my own

Out and About [Space 15Twenty LA] DIY-ing with Doctrine Jeans

A few weeks back Doctrine Jeans put me up for a little fun DIY challenge.  They sent over a pair of Doctrine Jeans for me to cut up, customize and adorn in order to make my very own pair of cutoff shorts.  You can check out the DIY tutorial on how to DIY a pair of polka dot cutoff shorts here.  Above, are photos from the Doctrine Jeans DIY event at Space 15Twenty, where bloggers and guests attended and customized their own pair of Doctrine cutoff shorts.  A huge thank you to Doctrine Jeans and to No Subject for allowing me to be a part of such a fun project!
You can also check out this video from the event.

xx
Ari