spring – The April Diaries

THE FASHION DIARIES: Spring Fashion Mambo

Published on May 7, 2018May 7, 2018 by The April DiariesLeave a comment

Once again, I’m taking a break from the millions of things I have to do before finals to bring you another FASHION DIARIES. No, I am not in finals week (yet), but I will be next week. Thus far, I have finished 2/5 of the things I have to do. Like Nelson Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” (I should be saving that for when I do my senior sem/thesis next year).

So, without further ado, here is what I like to call the spring fashion mambo for any event/occasion!

1.) Carnival Cutie (photo taken by my dear friend, Francis — hi!)

My school hosted a carnival/block party a couple of Saturdays ago. I wanted to look cute, yet comfortable because I would obviously be going on rides and eating greasy food (Francis and I waited about an hour for Frisky Fries — so worth it!). So, I brought out the gingham print shirt and the red pants (carnival and barbeque patterns/colors). The one (or two) things missing in this picture are my classic beige Sperry Topsiders. One other essential is my cat-eye sunglasses. P.S. see my gingham blog post for my take on the trend!

2.) Sunday Studious Style

One classic piece to wear this spring/summer season is a denim jacket — no matter if it’s a dark wash or light wash or distressed or embroidered! In this case, I appropriated my mom’s embroidered dark-wash embroidered jacket. I recently bought this off-the-shoulder red-striped dress from rainbowshops.com (that’s where I also got my gingham top from above). Regardless, a denim jacket I believe is essential for any wardrobe. You could pair any pair of casual shoe with this ensemble, but I decided to sport my trusty Sperry Topsiders for this Sunday outfit. This outfit is perfect for studying at your local library, coffee shop, going to church, or walking by the bay (for those of you who don’t know, I live seaside!).

3.) The Maxi-Dress… ‘nough said.

First of all, my campus is beautiful — I thought I’d just throw that out there ☺ Again, I bought this dress at Rainbowshops.com (where else?) and I am actually wearing this dress right now as we speak! I decided to bring out a bold, statement necklace to complete my maxi-dress and sandals look. The necklace is a combination of gold, silver, and rose-gold. Sandals are from TJMAXX and they are nude and gold thong sandals. This dress also has a bold slit (I’ve been so tempted to do the famous Angelina Jolie slit stance). The vertical stripes make me look taller than I actually am and the belt/cinching is in the perfect place. This outfit is a perfect business casual outfit and perfect for any occasion, really!

THE FASHION DIARIES: The Rainy Day Batik Effect

Published on April 27, 2018 by The April DiariesLeave a comment

You know what they say: April showers bring May flowers! But that rainy day on Wednesday didn’t stop me from appropriating my mom’s blue and purple batik dress.

I’ve really come out of my comfort zone in terms of fashion. While I was going to the gym on a religious basis again (I still am), I found myself constantly wearing activewear and wearing my hair up in a ponytail. I’ve found ways to wear ponytails in my new, everyday outfits. But sometimes, you can’t be afraid to let your hair down. Now, letting my hair down is something that’s completely out of my comfort zone. My hair is naturally straight, but when I sleep on it when it’s still wet after a shower, I like it when it attains those beachy waves. Beachy waves and that un-brushed hair are most definitely appropriate for this upcoming summer weather. Did you know it’s supposed to be in the 70’s next week!? As much as I love fall fashion, I can’t help but get excited when warmer weather is approaching.

Moreover, on Wednesday it was raining cats and dogs. But I still very much wanted to wear my mom’s dress:

I decided that it needed something else besides a short boot (from Francesca’s). So, I threw on my trusty jean jacket from Forever 21. It gives off an edgy/boho chic look. Batik is a technique of wax dyeing applied to cloth of any kind. The crinkles in the pattern are where the wax breaks. Batik is a style technique practiced by the Indonesians. I can definitely see this coming into the spotlight throughout the Spring and Summer seasons!

If you must ask, blue is one of my lucky colors, alongside gold. But purple/mauve happens to be my favorite color. ☺

Today’s supposed to be another rainy day here in little Rhodey, so break out the spring colors/patterns in spite of the dreary mess coming upon us!

For more outfit inspiration, check out my Instagram @theaprilfederico !

THE FASHION DIARIES: Playing With Neutrals

Published on April 23, 2018April 23, 2018 by The April DiariesLeave a comment

If there’s one thing I love about the fact that it’s almost summer, is playing with neutrals. I found this adorable polyester two-piece in my mom’s closet and I decided to play it up with my blue suede jacket for a little color-blocking.

Playing with neutrals and dark colors are also in this spring/summer season. Can we just take a second to thank Mother Nature for this warmer weather we’re having?

I could have left this outfit as-is and pursue ballet flats, but why do that when there are these adorable kitty-cat wedges in your mom’s closet that haven’t been worn in years? That’s one way to put a little prowl in your step (pun intended). These, too, are a neutral color with appropriate, small amounts of gold, purple, and green. Plus, they have a little ring around the big toe for a little modern flair.

Fun fact: this necklace was limited-edition at the Louvre in Paris, France. Yes, I said Paris. I haven’t been to Paris enough times to know whether or not one would wear this in Paris *insert thinking emoji here*.

You could really wear this outfit anywhere — even the workplace, just make sure you bring a pair of backup shoes!