Should I do the Ombre Hair?

So I must confess, I am secretly in love with Sincerely Jules Ombre hair. I've been thinking about doing it for quite some time, but I'm not sure if I could pull it off. At the same time my motto with hair is it's just hair and I can dye it back if I don't like it right? I'm thinking about not going as light, since my hair is black. What are your thoughts? Should I do it? Do you have the Ombre hair yourself? Cast your vote below.

photo: SincerelyJules.com 

Style Swap: Beyonce

Beyonce was recently spotted wearing this yellow Rag & Bone blazer ($495) along with a pair of black skinny jeans, white tee and Christian Louboutin pumps. It's another great example on how a simple tailored blazer can instantly make any outfit look dressed up (here's another style swap example from Jessica Alba). To recreate her look I paired this yellow blazer I bought at Zara a few weeks ago along with some black skinny jeans from H&M and a plain ol' Hanes t-shirt ( I borrowed from my husband).  The entire look head-to-toe is under $200. 

Tip: This season we're seeing tons of color, so instead of going for your typical black or blue blazer, why not try a fun pop of color like yellow, green or orange. Pair it with neutrals like black or white or try some color-blocking. 

Happy Monday and hope you have a great week!

Where'd She Get It: Maria Menounos Polka Dot Dress

Kathy asks: "Can you help me find where to get this polka dot dress that Maria Menounos was wearing in this photo."

VF: Hi Kathy, Maria Menounos is seen here wearing a MinkPink "Milkshake Things Up" dress. Here's where you can get it:

Where to Buy:
MinkPink 'Milkshake Things Up', ModCloth, $89

Look del Dia: To the Maxi

Today's Look del Dia comes from Carolyn. She shows us how she pairs her striped maxi dress pairing it with a jean jacket and scarf for an effortlessly chic look. Plus she gets extra points for wearing one of the latest spring trends--neon. Too cute!

Here's what she's wearing: 
Dress: American Eagle
Jacket: Gap
Shoes: Lauren by Ralph Lauren via Amazon
Bag: Michael Kors via Macy's
Scarf: Gap

Don't forget to send us your picture so we can feature you! Simply send it to vivafashionblog@gmail.com.

Video: Clothes Haul

Hey guys, so here's another Clothes Haul video I hope you enjoy. It includes two of my new favorite items this week, including a pair of Warby Parker sunglasses. Not sure if you've heard of them before, but they've become my new favorite pair of sunnies. They retail for $95 (shipping in the US is free). Also, what I love the most is that for every pair of sunglasses you buy, they donate a pair of eyewear to someone in need. 

Where to Buy:

Warby Parker, Mabel, $95 (gifted from L'Oreal)

Also on my list (for all your baseball fans) is this Miami Marlins V-Neck Tee from Victoria's Secret. They also have a bunch of other baseball teams.  Here's where you can get it: 

Where to Buy: 

Victoria's Secret, Miami Marlins V-Neck Tee, $32

6 Print Pants: Under $100

From Jessica Alba to Beyonce this season we've been seeing tons of printed pants. One tip for wearing this trend is to pair it with neutrals like Beyonce did with a black top or with white like Victoria Justice. For another quick way to pair prints, use colors already found in the print. Jessica Alba and Olivia Palermo are perfect examples. If you're looking to add this trend to your own wardrobe here are 6 printed pants all under $100. How do you wear your prints?

Where to Buy: 
1. Vila Oriental Floral Printed Pants, Asos, $63
2. Printed Trousers, Zara, $79
3. Pleated Print Pants, Victoria's Secret, $59
4. Moto Baroque Print Jeans, Top Shop, $80
5. Floral Jeans, Delia's, $39
6. Printed Trousers, Zara, $59

Weekend Review

Here's a recap of my weekend (plus some previous pics from my birthday weekend in Key West).

1. Enjoying the beautiful sunset from Mallory Square in Key West.

2. This stand has some of the best conch fritters ever! The owner mentioned he's been at the same stand every weekend for the past 23 years.

3. My husband always jokes that he has big head, so this is a picture of him after I finally convinced him to buy a hat. Not bad eh?

4. This weekend I took the bike for a ride around my neighborhood. This is one of my favorite views.

5. How cute are the fitting rooms at Victoria's Secret?

6. Went to go see the Panthers play this Saturday (and they Won--wohoo!) Oh, I also got this new Panthers shirt.

Are you on Instagram? Follow me @VivaFashion.

VF's Closet: Casual Cool

Shirt: Banana Republic; Shorts: Ruehl; Sandals: Lime Light; Hat: Eugenia Kim for Target; Purse: Forever 21; Necklace: Solomon Strands (borrowed); Sunglasses: MANGO

I never got around to posting these pictures, but they were taken last month on St. Patrick's Day. The hubby and I went to this cute little fruit winery located in Homestead, Florida called Schnelby Winery.  

They make all kinds of fruit wines from mango, to lychee to passion fruit wines. We ended taking a few bottles home. It was extremely hot and humid that day, so I wanted to go for a breezy and comfy look. I wore this white button-down shirt, paired with denim shorts and sandals. I also wore this fedora (also worn here) but this time added a green polka-dot scarf around it to change it up a bit. 

How was your weekend? Hope you have a great week!

xx, 

Carmen 

Steal her Look: Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria was spotted looking stylish as always in this bold pink dress paired with black Brian Atwood Pumps and Ray-Ban Aviators while in NYC. Here's where you can steal her look for less:

Where to Buy:
Sheath Dress, The Limited, $59
Black Patent Pumps, Charlotte Russe, $30
Dark Smokey Aviators, Arden B., $19

Look del Dia: Color Blocking

Today's Look del Dia comes from Anyelina. She shows us how she color blocks, mixing this blue dress along with some fashion forward pink pumps. Here's what she's wearing:

What she's wearing: 
Dress: Local Store
Pumps: Qupid Shoes
Clutch: Forever 21
Watch: Fossil

You can also check out more of her outfits by visiting her blog at AnyelinaCloset.Blogspot.com. Do you have a look you'd like to share? Send us your picture to vivafashionblog@gmail.com and we'll feature you (and your blog).

Video: NBC Live Miami: Quinceanera Fashion

Here's the video of my segment on NBC's Live Miami talking about Quinceanera Fashion from David's Bridal. Hope you like it.

Xx,

Carmen 

Behind the Scenes at Telemundo and NBC

On set at the NBC studios in Miami

This morning I was invited on NBC's Live Miami and Telemundo's 'Acceso Total' to talk about the latest trends in Quinceañera fashion from David's Bridal. I had a blast. Here are some behind the scenes pictures from the shoot. For the NBC segment we even had a surprise Quinceañera Party for the host of the show (she never got to have a party). Hope you like it....vides coming soon!

Also here's a link to the dresses that were featured (left to right):
Strapless Tulle Ball Gown in White, Oleg Cassini for David's Bridal 
Satin and Tulle Asymmetrical Ball Gown in Regency Purple, David's Bridal
Strapless Tulle Ball Gown in Apple Red, David's Bridal

The host wearing a David's Bridal dress celebrating her mock "Quinceanera Party"

On the set at the Telemundo Studios for Acceso Total

Me with the host of Telemundo's Acceso Total

One of the anchors from Telemundo playing around during a commercial break

Look for Less: Louis Vuitton Cap-Toe Pumps

 

These Louis Vuitton yellow cap toe pumps retail for close to a whopping $10,000. If you're looking for a similar look for less then check out this version from Zara for a fraction of the cost. Here's where to get it:

Where to Buy:
Zara, $129

Hispanicize 2012

Top, Blazer and Pants: Zara; Shoes: Jessica Simpson via Marshall's, Necklace: Banana Republic

On Friday I had the most amazing time speaking at Hispanicize. I spoke in a fashion & beauty panel alongside Nany's Klozet, Flor de Maria Fashion and Adriana Castro. I also got to meet with old blogger friends and make some new friends as well. I ended up wearing this pink top and yellow blazer from Zara for a little color blocking. It's actually one of my favorite color combos (along with yellow and blue). How was your weekend? Hope you have a great week. 

Xx, 

Carmen

ps. For those of you in Miami, I'll be on NBC's Live Miami and Telemundo on Wednesday sharing tips on Sweet Sixteen and Quinceanera Fashion. Hope you can tune in. 

Flor de Maria from Flor de Maria Fashion; Dany from Nany's Klozet; Mercedes from BeChic Mag and Me :)

Easy Breezy

This past week was super busy (in a good way) between meetings to running around attending Hispanicize, it was one of those weeks were it was hard to keep track of what day it was.  Here's one of my go-to dresses for weeks like those. It's super comfortable (and easy to move around in) yet still looks put together. I also love how this necklace makes the entire outfit pop (here's a close-up of it).
More pics to come of what I wore during my fashion and beauty panel...plus pictures from my birthday weekend in Key West.

What I wore: 
Dress: Halston Heritage
Necklace: Banana Republic
Sunglasses: MANGO
Watch: Michele

Beauty Review: L'Oreal Sublime Sun Advanced Sunscreen Crystal Clear Mist

A few weeks ago I got this package from the nice folks over at L'Oreal with their NEW Sublime Sun Advanced Sunscreen. Living in Miami, I'm always out in the sun so I couldn't wait to try these out. My favorite is their Crystal Clear Mist SPF 30. I wore it to go kayaking and was in the sun for about 3 hours and didn't burn.  I love the ease of spray sunscreens because I can ensure that I don't miss a spot, even the hard to reach places like my back. It also made my skin look nice and silky (sometimes other sunscreens can leave a purple tint on my skin because I am darker toned).

I can't stress enough how important it is to wear sunscreen and not just when you're going to the beach or pool, but on a daily basis.  About two years ago, I got one of the scariest calls ever. I was at work and my mom called me to tell me she was at the dermatologist and they told her she had skin cancer. My heart nearly dropped, but luckily she detected it in time and they were able to remove it. My mom is the kind of person that loves sun bathing (WITHOUT any sunscreen). So as you can imagine, after that scare I never leave home without my sunscreen and neither does my mom. You can find it it at almost any drug store. Right now it's on sale at CVS for just $7.99.

Where to Buy:
L'Oreal Sublime Advanced Sunscreen Crystal Clear Mist, CVS, $7.99

Look del Dia: Bridal Shower

Today's 'Look del Dia' comes from our very own fashionionable friend Karen, who wore this outfit to her bridal shower (you might even remember this dress from my previous Easter Dresses Under $50 post here). Karen added a pair of white pumps to this floral dress for a nice bridal touch.The best part is that this dress is currently on sale for $41 at Express.

What She's Wearing:
Dress: Express, $41 (on sale)
Shoes: Marc Fisher via Macy's


Do you have a "Look del Dia" you'd like to share with us?  Send us your picture to vivafashionblog@gmail.com so we can feature you (and your blog if you have one).  Here's a flashback at some of our past Look del Dia posts you might enjoy.

I'm Speaking at Hispanicize 2012

Hi everyone, just wanted to share with you that I'll be speaking at Hispanicize this Friday, April 13th in their Fashion & Beauty Panel. Hispanicize is one of the largest Hispanic social media conferences that brings together brands, bloggers, filmmakers, marketers...you name it. 

I was invited to speak in the fashion and beauty panel last year, but unfortunately couldn't make it out to L.A. Luckily for me, this year the conference is taking place right in my backyard---Miami! I'll be speaking with some friends (and fellow bloggers) Dany from Nany's Klozet, Flor from Flor de Maria Fashion and Adriana Castro.  The panel is called "Ay Que Linda! The New Power and Influence of Latina Fashionista Bloggers."  If you're going to be at Hispanicize, hope you can stop by the panel (it starts at 10am) and stop by and say hello. 

VF's Closet: Feeling Blue

Top: T.J. Maxx; Pants: Marshall's, Shoes: Nimel Limelight; Bracelets: Forever21 and Japan; Fedora: Marshall's, Watch: Michele

Has it ever happened to you that when you buy a new pair of something (shirt, jeans...whatever) you just have to wear it over and over again. Well lately I've been kinda obsessed with these printed pants and have been wearing them everywhere. Mainly because I feel they are the most comfortable thing ever. I bought them a few days ago at Marshall's (on clearance) for just $15 bucks. Here's a very relaxed and boho look I put together pairing them with a simple blue tank and fedora for a day at the beach. I also added two new bracelets to my collection of armswag. My mom came back from Japan this weekend (she was attending my cousin's graduation) and brought me back the bracelets on the right of my watch. I love collecting bracelets from somewhere different and always ask my family and friends to bring me a bracelet from their trips. 

Well my darlings, hope you have an amazing week. <3 

Xx, 

Carmen 

Weekend Review

Hope you had a great weekend. Here's a quick recap of my weekend as told through my Instagram..hehe. You can follow me @Viva_Fashion. 

1. On Wednesday, the hubby and I went to the opening day of the new Marlins Stadium. It reminds me of a space ship, but it's absolutely amazing inside. 

2. We bought a kayak a few weeks ago and finally got to take our dog Scrappy for a ride. He loves the water. That's him admiring the view...lol. 

3. Miami Juice in Sunny Isles has one of the best salads and juices (and it's organic). My fav. is this tuna fish and goat cheese salad. I also had a kiwi, strawberry and pineapple juice nom nom. 

4 & 5. My friend Karen had her bridal shower this Easter Sunday. The decor with the clocks and the cactus plant was super cute. 

6. Speaking of plants, my pineapple plant (or should I say, my husband's pineapple plant) has grown so much. I think a few more months and it will be ready to eat! 

Four Easter Dresses Under: $50

Nothing says Easter (or Spring for that matter) like a floral dress. If you're looking for something to wear, here are four dress all under $50, which would be perfect for an Easter Egg Hunt or simply hanging out with family and friends.

Where to Buy:
1. Floral Chiffon V-Neck Dress, Old Navy, $27
2. Painted Floral Dress, Forever 21, $27.80
3. Floral Waist Dress, Express, $41 (on sale)
4. Crochet Back Dress, Delia's, $44

David's Bridal Guest Blog Post: Get the Look from Miami International Fashion Week

So as you might know, a couple of weeks ago I attended Miami International Fashion Week. If you're looking to get some of those runway trends for less....then check out my latest David's Bridal guest blog post where I find almost identical looks to those runway fashion for a lot less.

To check out all of my looks for less continue reading here. 

Style Swap: Kate Moss

The gorgeous Kate Moss looked simple and chic in a pair of light colored denim jeans along with a simple black button-down top and black pumps. To recreate her look I paired this black top (which I've had for almost four years). This top actually has a funny story. I bought it while I was on a business trip in Puerto Rico and American Airlines lost my luggage!!! (here's the post. where I talk about it). I was traveling in flip flops and jeans, so can you imagine having to go to a business meeting wearing that!.

I paired it with some coral jeans from Zara (2 seasons ago) and a pair of Joey black pumps. If you're looking for something different to wear to work, instead of your typical dark denim jeans or pants, colored jeans are a great way to go. That is of course if you don't work in a very conservative setting.  These pair of coral pants are a great option, because they can almost pass as a neutral color. You can also try a light pink pastel color like Kate Moss did.

Have you worn colored jeans to work? What do you pair it with?

Trends: 5 Peplum Skirts Under $100

This spring we're seeing tons of Peplum skirts. If you're a straight body shape (like I am) this is the perfect option for you since it will help create curves and give the illusion of hips. I also love the feminine and delicate feel of this skirt. Consider pairing this skirt with a fitted top or blouse to help balance out the look.  Here's where you can get this trend for under $100.

1. Printed Frill Skirt, Zara, $59
2. Ribbed Peplum Bodycon Skirt, Topshop, $56
3. Eternal Flame Love Skirt, ModCloth, $42
4. Paprika Peplum Skirt, Asos, $57
5. Pencil Skirt with Frill, Zara, $79

Viva Fashion Clothes Haul

Hey guys, so I'm doing something a little different on the blog today. I had a really great interview yesterday with the founder of TB Empresarias Unidas (they interviewed me for my blog). And one thing the founder mentioned was that she'd love to see me do more videos. So here ya go. Here's a quick video (under 3 min.) about some of my latest finds on a budget.

One of my finds includes a yellow belt for $1.50 and a leopard belt for $4.50 I bought at Forever21. This coral top I'm wearing in the video is also another find from Marshall's I bought last week for under $20. Oh and if you're looking for some cute bracelets, I'll show you the one I picked up for under $5.

Hope you like it and let me know if you'd like to see more. 

Xx, 

Carmen 

ps. Sandra...if you're watching hope you like it. Un beso! 

VF's Closet: 5 Year Wedding Anniversary

Yesterday was very special....my husband and I celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary. I still can't believe how fast time flies. We spent the morning making breakfast at home (second time was a charm for my attempt to making poached eggs) and then just slow danced in the middle of our living room as we listened to old classical spanish music. At night we headed out to dinner at Gotham Steak. It was the perfect day. I'm very blessed to have married my best friend. Here are some pics of our wedding day. 

ps. If you're wondering, yes, we got married on April Fool's Day lol. It was the only day left at the venue where we wanted to get married hehe.