|Special Announcement|

29 March, 2013


yes you read correctly, Chic Streets and Eats (meaning myself) will be moving to Germany sometime in May of this year and it has to be the most exciting news (besides my engagement) that I've received. I am excited, anxious and overwhelmed all at the same time, mainly because I have so much to do before I leave and I am running out of time. Exciting because I will be able to dedicate more time to the blog and you will be able to get so much more fun posts than the ones you have received so far, that is not to say I haven't had any goods ones here, after all it is my home. What to expect when I move across the Atlantic, more European adventures with lots of fun food posts, travel diaries and winter style...yes winter style, YIKES! I don't know how this Miami girl will survive, lots and lots of layers. On the bright side, I do love winter clothing so I guess that keeps me from completely freaking out about the whole weather factor.

hope that all of my Miami followers continue to come by and catch on what I am up to, I am certainly going to miss the beautiful Miami but new horizons are heading my way, ready to face them all with a smile on my face. Don't worry though I will come and visit, hopefully at least once a year.

Safety Net

27 March, 2013

Top: Zara| Bralette: Victoria Secret Pink (similar here)| Sunnies: Forever 21| iPad Case: R & Em (similar here)| Jeans: J Brand| Wedges: Elizabeth and James
 
i have had such a slump, not really feeling inspired with my outfits or with creative posts on the blog, I do apologize. I am hoping I get my groove back, I really don't know what is going on, maybe it's the many things that are coming my way that are occupying my mind. I am working on getting over this slump so that I can bring you tons of fun things to look at, read from, and maybe learn something new. This outfit is my safety net, the easy to put on that still looks good but simple enough to go about anywhere. This J Brand jeans have been the most used jeans I have in my closet, the funny thing is that they don't look like jeans, possibly the reason why I love them so much.
 
Do you have a favorite pair of jeans? if so, which ones and why?
 

|Review| The Beautiful Fall

19 March, 2013

 
 the overdue review for our first virtual reading club book The Beautiful Fall is finally here. It was my first fashion related read as I was overly consumed in anthropological and sociological books for a very long time, so it was a nice refreshing change (although I still love my anthro/soc books). When I was thinking of what book I should read for our first virtual reading club, I knew I wanted something with a bit of fashion history and a little bit of a biography, this book does just that. I was able to get my both fixes as it presented the two very parallel lives of two historical fashion designers whom prevailed in their own way in the industry, Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld. They both met at an early stage in their lives where both received praises and awards for their remarkable craftsmanship, in which should have been the premises to unit them for the force known as fashion, but somewhere along the way they begin leading different paths that eventually would set the tone for their relationship in the future. Their relationship was a bit distant from the beginning, because although they had several opportunities where they spent time together it seemed only because they shared similar friends, went to the same school, were aspiring designers and shared the dream of living in Paris. It really wasn't that surprising that their relationship would turn out the way it did, but then again isn't that an inevitable circumstance when you are aspiring for the same thing? Naturally people tend to be competitive whether they like to admit it or not and the case was that for Saint Laurent and Lagerfeld. But it really wasn't a matter of who was going to be better than whom, there really isnt much rivalry as I expected, it was really more about their own internal desires to be the best at what they loved most.

Both of these two men had a tormented childhood, only due to their pronounced charactestics. They were both different from each other yet they both ignited ridicule from their counterparts because they were unmistakably not like the rest. Saint Laurent was an introvert, a prisoner of his own mind, who repressed himself from his true desires in fear of what others would think. His only escape was to be able to sketch, and bring to life the many fantasies that were living in his mind. As for Lagerfeld, he was not afraid to be who he was, he knew he was different but in an "I am better than you" sort of way, he felt superior to the rest, ahead of his time. His persona was created from an early start and in a way I feel he knew what he was doing, because his persona translated into his designs.

Saint Laurent was the one who suffered the The Beautiful Fall because he out of the two had the most abrupt rise to the top, he was able to accomplish success from the very beginning, but ended up short towards the end of his career. As for Lagerfeld he had a slow but steady start, which really reflected on how the rest of his success in the industry would be like. Lagerfeld's success has been at the latter part of his life, as he continues to push the buttons just like he did in his early years. Saint Laurent was more emotional and instinctual, the reason why his designs where much more ethereal and fantasy-like. While Lagerfeld was and is more calculated and aggressive; therefore, his designs have been modern and edgy. None the less Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld both had their rise and falls, each shared a love for design that took them far beyond their dreams and lived tempest lives that often kept them from fully enjoying the ride.

a must read for those who want to get a glimpse of what it was like to live through some trying times in the fashion industry, not only because of the geographical disadvantages Paris was facing during the 50s and 60s but because of what that would mean to the world of couture houses and how the face of fashion would be forever changed. To give you an example of what was going on during those times here is a piece of the book that really caught my attention and created an everlasting thought in my mind:



can you imagine living in a moment where trousers were in question for their longevity? a thought that is extinct for the modern woman. Trousers are like showers, it's not a matter of question, it's a necessity. Beautiful isn't it how history evolves, how everything is ever changing and we are just along for the ride. That is all for today folks, I hope you enjoyed my review and that you at least got a glimpse of what the book is really about (for those who didn't read it, which I hope some of you did). Now if you have any comments of your own, please I would love to hear them, don't be and Yves, be a Karl and express yourself.

Hippie into Spring

15 March, 2013

Top & Pants: Atikshop Brickell| Sunnies: Forever 21| Rings: M-16, Nina Cortes "the X" ring c/o| Bag: C. Madeleine's - vintage
 
found this outfit at the very last minute and in a really unexpected shopping trip I did while walking my doggie. I wore this outfit to my nephew's baptism and was a great start to show off some spring attire.  The best part of this whole ensemble is that it has a bit of a late 60s and 70s look about it. Since I felt that for the past four months I had been wearing black and grey, I needed a pick-me up outfit and after having a very difficult week, one that I had not experienced in a very long time I needed something to cheer me up. funny how what you wear can ignite different feelings and moods, that is why I always believe in looking your best at all times so that you can be at your best at all times. Wearing what makes you feel confident and beautiful should be a daily routine, trust me you get more accomplished.
 
do you have an outfit that cheers you up the minute you put it on? or an outfit that makes you feel confident? please do share.

|Chic Reads Wednesdays| The Photo Traveler x Giveaway

13 March, 2013


i am extremely excited to bring you our next read of our virtual book club, yes I acknowledge that I haven't brought you the review of our last book The Beautiful Fall, I was having Internet difficulties on Monday night to post for you on Tuesday so I decided to post it next Tuesday (stay tuned). As I was saying, I am excited to bring you this read, because this read is like no other. You see a dear friend of mine whom I have known since the days of house parties, pom poms, gossip and homecomings a.k.a High School has written his first book. The day I found out he had accomplished a long time dream of his, I was elated. There is something to be said about those who live out their dreams, who go through sweat and tears to make them happen and if any of these people are my friends, the better. In some weird way I associate a friend's success as part of my own, can't really describe it, maybe is because I am happy when others are happy and success in anything brings happiness. I can't wait to start reading, I know it's my type of book because it is imaginative, adventurous and filled with suspense.

The point has been made, I am happy for my friend Arthur and since we are both basking in joy we want to play nice by giving one of my readers a lucky chance to win a signed copy of his book The Photo Traveler (read more about it on the site). To enter scroll down below. Also, the virtual reading club will come to you every other month, so that we have two months to read a book. Looking forward to hear your feedback on this month's book.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

An Evening of Bridal Luxury

06 March, 2013


this past Sunday I attended my first bridal event with friends and I didn't really know what to expect and surely I didn't think it would be that much fun. It so much more than what I expected, I guess a few drinks didn't hurt the cause but either way, I had a fabulous time along with my friends. Modern Luxury Brides and Ever After Miami did a fantastic job along with their sponsors to give brides and their guests an evening to indulge. In case you missed it, here are a few photos of some of the beautiful gowns from Vera Wang's 2013 collection which where the attention of the night. The gowns as per the usual where stunning and feminine, my favorite silhouette has always been the mermaid or trumpet style.

Are you a sucker for gowns like I am? I was telling my friend Kelly I can live in wedding gowns everyday of my life if someone let me or if I wouldn't look like a fool.


An evening with Vera Wang |Gowns|

02 March, 2013

 
Vera Wang, yes who hasn't been an admirer of her craftsmanship. I think all of us women can appreciate the beauty in her designs, they are timeless yet modern and can make a women feel beautiful and powerful. If you are like me, who can live in gowns everyday than you love her too and if you just recently got engaged than you cannot miss this exclusive event happening this Sunday. I will be there as you all know I recently got engaged, and want to experience a day filled with all of the things that make me happy, although it may not seem like it, I am a sucker for weddings, even more wedding gowns. This is an event not to be missed for all brides-to-be as it will give you an up close and personal look at Vera Wang's 2013 collection. Now that I got you excited, here are the details of the event:
 
When: Sunday, March 3, 3013
What: "Evening of Bridal Luxury" where you will be greeted with cocktails from Remy Cointreau and bites by the culinary experts at the Mandarin Oriental. You will then be whisked away to the ballroom for the much anticipated Vera Wang runway show, where your eyes will feast on breath-taking beauties. After the show you will get the opportunity to see luxurious bridal decor trends of this upcoming season. Not to mention a pretty little swag bag that includes a Vera Wang Lovestruck perfume. Tickets are $65 for the bride and $25 for guests, to purchase your ticket go here.
 
Hope to see you there, I am looking forward to it as this will be my first official bride event.
 
 
 

|Giveaway| Artist of the Falls 2

01 March, 2013

 
today I bring you a very special giveaway with a special project behind it, my friend Talia Rodriguez owner of Artist of the Falls came to me to see if I can help her as she is opening up a second art studio in Coral Gables, FL and is looking for assistance to be able to make this happen. I met Talia last year when my photographer Sasha set up a girls night at her Art Studio (see post here). Her art studio already serves for a wonderful space for people of all ages to express the love for art, even more so the time to have children express their creativity in a positive and fun way, develop their skills and prepare them for a professional career in art. In addition to all these services in her current studio, she has provided art supplies for underprivileged and sick children in foster care programs, hospitals and after-care centers through an annual Art Collection Drive. She is looking forward to be able to provide free art classes, organic body products and paintings, among other things. So you can see why I couldn't say not to her, I had to find a way to assist her in the process as I am a believer in helping those who are doing positive things in our communities, especially when these places are harbouring creativity for children.
 
now the info on the giveaway, Talia is graciously giving one of my readers the chance to win a gouache illustration as the one pictured above. Below are the rules to enter the giveaway.
 
To Enter the giveaway:
  1. Give a donation (any amount is welcomed), follow the link Artist of the Falls 2.
  2. Share your donation (it will give you that option once you have donated) and hashtag #chicgiveaway.
  3. Leave a comment on this post (below) to let me know you have donated.
Rules:
  1. Open to US residents only.
  2. Winner will be picked at random by Talia and myself.
  3. Giveaway ends March 15, 2013, winner will be announced on March 18, 2013.