Apologetics

I hate having to apologize every time I write a new post, but it's the least I can do for not writing enough...
Now, enough with that.
Next subject:
It's actually cold in Miami! Nope, that was not a typo.
Scarfs are still used as nothing more than an accessory, but at least you won't be condemned for wearing one at this time of the year.
Living in Miami, you have two options for extracurricular activities: the mall or the beach. Obviously, the latter isn't in my favor at the moment.
One of my favorite places to go, 365 and 1/4 a year, especially with a breeze in the air- is Merrick Park. It's this beautiful outdoor mall where the most you can afford is the parking. But still, the people there aren't as rachet (my current overly expressed vocabulary term) as they are at other malls.
But why not I show you instead?
I just recently got my iPhone 5, so I've been taking advantage of the great camera that comes with it.
There are multiple images of some great fashion trends (mostly for your feet) at the moment, as well as the unaffordable.

They Go Together Like Horse and Carriage

Love is such a complicated thing. At least from my perception of things. People get together, and then break up 3 months later, and then get together with someone else, and repeat.
And if it's not your typical high school relationship, it's marriage. Why are so many people divorcing? I've even hear of people who go into marriages, with this perspective that they can have fun with this person for what, 15, 20 years? And then divorce after they had their time together.
And that's if the couple even does get married. For those that don't, I just ask "why not?"
My perspective on life is coated with my religious values, but sadly, not everyone sees life the same way. So I'll just throw my side of the story with a more secular analysis.
Doesn't anyone understand the value of marriage anymore? It means exactly what is read at every wedding: will you take me to have and to hold from this day forward / To love, comfort, and honor, / for better or for worse, / for richer or for poorer, / in sickness and in health, / to laugh with you in joy, / to grieve with you in sorrow, / to grow with you in love, / as long as we both shall live.
It's means commitment! It means that even if you have "irreconcilable differences", you'll find your way through it. That's Love.
But not many people understand that. C.S. Lewis got it right on the spot with this quote about humans:

We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.

We are half-hearted creatures.
Half-hearted.
Creatures.

And just a quick shift to my perspective on love: thank you Jim and Pam, Cory and Tapanga, and every other romantic comedy or drama that has ever lived, for making me the most desperate, hopelessly hopeful romantic that has ever lived.
And with that, I finish my rant.
Camila P

P.s. just in case you didn't get the title: "Love and marriage, love and marriage, they go together like a horse and carriage..." by Frank Sinatra

My Fall Must-Haves

For those of you who may not know: I live in Miami, therefore we have two seasons: chilly and burning hot. So, it shouldn't be too much of a surprise that Fall is most definitely my favorite season. I have always admired winter wear, but sometimes sacrificing fashion for the sake of keeping my body circulating blood, will mean that the huge parka with the UGG boots will come out and you'll be stuck looking like a grizzly driving a car (am I trying too hard?) Therefore, that is my dissection to how the Fall season is my favorite. The more stylish, comfortable winter wear - the freezing cold.
But enough with my analysis...
Here are some fabulous finds, which I have discovered while indulging in 1,020 (yes, I calculated) pages of InStyle and Marie Claire, that I hope to own this coming season.

Dior Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick in Sunset Boulevard 829  ($30, Sephora)
I love the dark lip for this coming Fall; it's definitely a neutral tone down after all the bright lips this summer.

Not into spending hours at the makeup counter, trying on multiple lipsticks as salespeople harass you into buying everything? No worries. This amazing new lip gloss is definitely something you want to purchase. Chemicals in the gloss work with the pH of your lips, creating the perfect pink hue upon application. This clear lip gloss is brand new, as it has just been revealed with it's Fall/Winter collection. 

Givenchy Le Gloss Revelateur De Liv Magic Lipgloss Lipcolor Revealer ($27.50, Sephora) 

I thought I'd share with you all, ever since I first laid eyes on this Gucci gold textured belt, I have completely fallen in love with it. I love it when I find an item that completely has me head over heels for it, and last season it was this. Truth be told, I love keeping up with trends, but it doesn't take much for me to recycle a prior season accessory, and use it forevermore. Two reasons: I spent money on it, and I have it for a reason, therefore, I'll keep using it. But I specifically wanted to show this belt to contrast it between my new obsession below. 

 

However, this Fall/Winter 2012 I found another item that completely has me in love: Calvin Klein's silver belt. Both thick and thin. It's just the greatest accessory that I would die to own; but unless my name is Kate Bosworth, there's no way I can get my hands on one. ( quick fact: I just read recently that 70% of all runway designs are never produced! Isn't that something? )

 

Can we please just drool over this entire wardrobe? The leather on leather, the mint, and the belt?! It's slowly, but surely, killing me.

I own many purses, but I always keep two handy: a tan and black cross body. After I noticed Crossbody/ Satchel purses were a definite win this coming season, I was ecstatic. This Vintage Revival Flap by Fossil comes in every color, and it's leather- nothing better (hehe, that rhymed!) Though this one isn't a satchel exactly, it's extremely convenient for it's large size (plus it doubles as a handbag). 

This Vintage Re-Issue Flap also by Fossil was inspired by the Italian 70s. There's nothing I love more than foreign and era inspirations. 

 

Lastly, also by Fossil, this Austin Large Flap is probably one of my favorite because of the two key-lock closures. 

 

*make sure to check out Fossil.com to see many more (of their specifically categorized) Crossbody's!

And take a look at the "Suggested for You" under the Austin- I spy two more favorites!

Something I most definitely want to invest in this coming season are some Nail Wraps! I have yet to try out these still-quite-new inventions. This one specifically is called Electro by NCLA. They sell many more here.

As always, I leave the best for last. However, in this case, it's also the most expensive: The Little Black Trench Coat. Although I could never afford this whopping $895 one by Dita Von Teese for Decades, I'm still completely in love with it because it has one thing that no other trench has: a full skirt! Because of that, I could easily throw this over myself with nothing under except the undergarments, some great heels, a nice pair of shades and I'm off! There's nothing more convenient. But, until money actually starts sprouting in my backyard, I won't be owning this. (For those of you so fortunate, it's available for purchase here.)

Just one last shoutout to this great garment: The color, the length, the styling- Opening Ceremony couldn't have designed something better. I just love how both these trenches could be thrown on and just used as a casual outfit. You can't do that with any other, normal trench. (not available for purchase online)

Stay tuned for a Fall Trend Alert coming very soon!

Camila P

US Open balls.

Is it just me, or are my titles getting very unclassy? hhmm
But the eye catcher is exactly what I have here for you! Vogue pulled together a bunch of designers, including tennis legend Maria Sharapova, to design some very original tennis balls. As to whether they will actually be used during the US Open- I'm not quite sure.
Warning: if you are the unlucky pair to get Pamela Love's ball, beware of pointed edge (and unless the spikes on Eddie Borgo's is only a mantel, same caution applies).
I've never been a fan of tennis, or too many sports in particular, but I do love fashion, so please, enjoy the designs as much I love sitting at home and thanking God for the buy one get one free special Ben and Jerry's had (yes..no..maybe so?)
Some of my favorites: Creatures of the Wind, Tory Burch and Fenton (reminds be of Chanel).

No pictures please

I hope the title caught your attention for at least a few seconds as I quickly get through this post which includes not a single photo. (get the point of the title now? Hehe)
So, just a recap of what I've done this past week:
- I started school! And it's finally my senior year. So for the first time in my entire school career, I was actually excited walking onto campus at an absurdly early time. *more posts to come about the perks of seniority (I.e. I skip everyone in the lunch line! Mwuahahahaha)*
- speaking of perks, I started reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Now, what do I have to say about the book? Uumm... It's definitely rated PG-13 and it's set in the 90s. If that doesn't give you a hint, then figure it out another way. It's not my type of book but it's definitely interesting seeing the type of person Charlie is. In a way, I think it's actually a great book for a psychology class to dive into. That way they can figure out what's going on in Charlie's head.
Well, enough chitter-chatter.
I'm off to rest my eyes. I can't even believe how exhausted I am ...
Camila P