The Little Mermaid

I've been asked before what my fascination with Disney is and most importantly "The Little Mermaid".

It's kind of complicated for me to answer, but in a nutshell here it is: I was an only child for 7 years and I was not exactly the outdoorsy type, I liked being alone in my room and would spend days & nights either watching Disney movies or drawing (some people didn't even know my mom had a daughter..lol). When I first saw The Little Mermaid, I very much believed I was just like her, where I just wanted explore the ideas in my head and on paper, and of course I also loved reenacting the whole splash out of the water scene in my bathtub... and about a few times after my mom caught on to me I was in major trouble, so that really had to stop. Whats pretty amazing is that my mom really encouraged my creativeness, she would let me walk door to door to sell my Ariel posters for a quarter each (I cant believe I did that), I really think some adults either fell sorry for me or just purchased some to be supportive, but needless to say I knew this could be my future. Both Illustrating and Disney have a huge history with me and I enjoy both dearly!...to this day I still doodle some images of her like the one above, just to remind myself of my childhood and why I do what I do. I may be an adult now but I'll always be a kid at heart too!

I found this dress on Pinterest, and I'm making it a mission to make it happen ha!

Is it Summer yet?

I know its only march, but summer is already on my mind!... that and I have a cruise coming up soon, so it's time to think about the dreaded thought of "swimwear". There are many out there that dread this time of year only because it brings up some insecurities, well I'm definitely not perfect... being as that I am a size 12 and curvy!..there are definitely stylish ways to feel great during the summer and look fabulous!

First of all there are several styles to work with, bikini's, tankini's, monokini's and one-piece's. It might take a while to warm up to the idea of searching for bathing suits, so I suggest to go with you're hair done and maybe a lil tan, (it's like shopping for clothing, the better prepped up you are, the more you see how it will look like all pulled together). Bring a friend for some real advice, and also don't be afraid to try new styles, colors, and even prints... to show off your personal style. When it comes to one pieces I always look for some fun details like cut outs, rouching, or even ruffles, because this keeps away from the dreaded  and boring one-piece. When I buy separates I make sure I purchase a mix of solids, brights or prints, because mixing and matching prints is more cost effective...creating new looks with only a few pieces.



When it comes to swimwear cover ups I always seem to go for options that I can definitely wear again and again, (I don't like purchasing items that can be worn for one purpose). Maxi Dresses are always great to wear with bathing suits especially because they are comfortable and can add either a print or a complimentary color. Sheer tunics are a huge trend right now, I have a fewin my closet in several colors... these are also perfect to use as a cover up since its sheer and will look sexy showing off whats underneath. Last but not least...we all have old jeans that can be cut into shorts, and the more rugged look the better (this is great cause its free!). Sooo whatever you choose to wear this summer, just have fun with and personalize... look and feel confident... most importantly don't forget that sunscreen! ha!.

Mom's Style - Timeless!

Ever go thru old family pictures and wonder what people where thinking back then?, The same can be said about old fashion magazines and fashion trends. It is said that every 20 years trends re-appear with newly updated details,I agree to this especially when I walk into forever 21, it always raining 60's, 70's and 80's in there ha!. Looking thru my mom's old photos I realized that sometimes its not necessary to wait 20 years to recycle a look, for example my mom's photo above, a  strappy simple and sexy summer dress (wearing it to go on a date with dad ), can be updated by simply changing the fabric or maybe even adding a print! (and dont forget accessories). Above I posted a couple of ways this can go: Stripes- because who doesn't love a great simple black and white striped dress, a nautical look always makes a comeback during spring/summer. Printed- because these can show off youre personal style; a floral, polka dot, and leopard prints are always fun and flirty.  Last but not least Sheer- layers of the same tone with a matching colored bodice, can be very beautiful for spring. For some reason I think its time to turn on the sewing machine!

My gorgeous Mom!

Inspirational Designer- William Travilla

Wlilliam Travilla fitting with Marlyn Monroe

When it comes to being a creative individual, there is always an inspiration behind your passion, no matter who you are. One of my inspirations and probably favorite one will have to be William Travilla, he was both an artist and costume designer that came from Catalina Island and made a lasting impact in Hollywood. From the moment I saw his work and sketches completely in watercolor, I realized that that's what I wanted to be, or at least emulate, to be a creative individual that can master both the timely watercolor skill and create a garment from start to finish. If you're a fan of Marlyn Monroe, then you have seen some of the amazing work from Travilla, every garment is perfectly constructed and elegantly executed. Whether you see Travilla as just an Illustrator or a Costume Designer, he proves to be very talented...and when it came time to creating my Personal Portfolio I decided to do what he would have done and did it completely in watercolor. Now that I think about it, it seemed pretty insane for me to even try to accomplish, because I had no social life or saw daylight for about 6 months!. At the end of the day I am very proud to showcase my work because I put a lot of effort and love into it, and I have Travilla to thank a great deal for being so inspiring.

Film: Seven Year Itch



Marlyn's famous Gold lamme dress

Film: Gentlemen Prefer Blonde's

Film: There's no Business like Show Business

*images from http://goldenhollywoodera.com/williamtravilla.php

My Favorite color is Leopard



If things were up to me I would make Leopard a real color in the crayola box, I know some people are intimidated by prints, But I think this is a fun way to add a little character and style to your wardrobe or even room. In my opinion if done right Leopard can go a long way, meaning you don't have to do it from head to toe. It should be done as an accent, maybe some sexy shoes, a cool handbag or if your gonna do a dress keep the accessories solid. Leopard is flirty and fun to me, so naturally I have leopard all over my apartment 'cause I want  it to look as girly as possible, ha!...Leopard can kind of be expensive when it comes to home accessories, but there are some inexpensive ways to decorate, for a few bucks I sew my own pillows, or find an accent rug to create a luxurious look!. There's definitely hundreds of ways to wear or use a print...Its pretty eye catching, Never have I worn my leopard tote and not gotten some sort of compliment.   





Style Icon- James Dean

Style Icon- James Dean

(Motorcycle jacket, cuffed up denim)....try it out!

From School to Fashion Week

After receiving my Bachelor's Degree I had the opportunity to work with a LA based designer and It was an amazing experience. It is very different going from doing school work and working on a portfolio to engaging in the real thing!. When I decided to go to school for Fashion Design I often dreamt that my dream job would be day long adventures of me just illustrating, and here was that opportunity!. He asked me to help him develop ideas for Fashion Week! (what a treat!). It is a long process to making an idea reality, we must have gone thru hundreds of sketches, some I posted bellow as well as actual designs that made the show. When it comes to designing one can come up with elaborate ideas, but the hard part is manipulating those ideas to reality (I found that out the hard way, after spending countless hours trying to figure out the sewing machines at school, what a mess!). At the end of the day, I have some great memories and illustrations that I carry in my portfolio from that experience. I will most likely post many things from my portfolio as things progress here.