Before a long trip, there is something to be said for the unexpected experiences that will take place in one’s life. At first glance, it comes from the cultural evidence that travel can make us more vulnerable, creative and curious to explore the unseen. Today, I find myself traveling to Hawaii for a number of diabetes advocate media appearances, business sponsorships, and the opportunity to explore the tropical islands of both Maui and Oahu.
Months prior to today’s departure, I have been feeling quite reflective through a two-year process I have undergone of self-growth finding such a profound meaning of what we call – life itself. Many may place all their faith in the fact that experiencing an unforeseen place, people and cultures changes them in the best ways. I’ve found through personal endeavors we push ourselves to uncontrollable situations giving unrealistic meaning that now becomes our story which in reality is how we see life. Despite the next leg of unexpected challenges I’ll experience hours from writing this post I know one thing is certain, the journey to success begins with your past.
While I sit curb side awaiting my driver to graciously take me to the airport I find myself watching the sun rise for the first time in many years. With the morning glow from the sun beaming on my pale alabaster complexion I find such certainty in my journey to Hawaii through my personal mission to explore ways I can being proper media attention to the diabetes community. With several advocate meetings scheduled which includes the American Diabetes Association, guest appearances on both The Bonnie Sher Show and Hawaii Now News I find the potential to raise awareness extremely optimistic.
Let’s also not forget the style sponsorships and media campaigns with the following sought-after designers and luxury boutiques beginning with: Miss Poppy Wear, Heidi Herrman, Brim & Dash Millinery, Phyllis Warman Jewelry, White Rabbit NY, Lady Sharma Hats, Senita Athletics, Nuvia Q for Gladys Magazine & my exclusive VRAI interview with Project Runway and AllStar designer Kini Zamora.
Morever, this trip wouldn’t be complete without Rich of rf_fisher_photography, I only can begin to imagine how his keen and professional eye will not only capture me through the lens but the beauty that will surround us both.
American Living Jersey Dress (similar here). Retro Sunnies Cat-Eyed Sunglasses (similar here & here). Authentic Accessories available on Etsy. MAC Cosmetics ‘Chili’ Matte Lipstick. Cole Haan ‘Amela’ Pumps. Travel Services booked through Expedia
Call it destiny, decades away. I’ve often felt that I had been raised in an era that lacks glamour and elegance, which is only today viewed on the red carpet of the Oscars. From a number of afternoons spent delving within the depths of a jewelry box belonging to my namesake and grandmother, I vividly picture these carefree moments spent playing dress up and now see that it has manifested into my current reality.
Throughout my youth into adulthood, it seemed foreign, almost ludicrous, to direct my attention away from a life paved in authenticity. For me, I find you just have to surround yourself with stories. That’s how I feel when I garnish myself in a dated vintage ensemble. I feel, as if, I am providing a poetic homage to the influential women of yesteryear, gifting new life to a ritzy rhinestone brooch, pretentious yet practical dress or millinery design. Nonetheless, I’ve taken a wardrobe which showcases an infinite amount of history to the steadfast of today’s modern style, with each piece I wear sharing a story.
Matching my sentimental heart is this authentic wool dress by Johnathan Logan of 1944, one of the largest ready-to-wear design companies for women’s dresses. His designs captured both elegance and classy motifs, with many of Johnathan Logan dresses becoming collections for fourteen diverse consumer groups. Made of dated fabric, each ruche, curve and pleat drapes perfectly in every way during afternoon spent wine tasting in historic St. Helena at Beringer Vineyard.
Jonathan Logan 1940’s Day-wear Dress c/o Park Place Vintage. Authentic Accessories available on Etsy. Suede Pump (similar here, here & here). MAC Cosmetic ‘Chili’ Matte Lipstick
What makes a gemstone so alluring? Perhaps, it’s the endowing historical implementation one carries as they are among the rarest and most desired since the beginning of time—through novels, paintings, and jewelry. Much like the green light in The Great Gatsby, a variety of symbolic meanings has been attributed to gemstones. Meanings vary slightly depending on the time period, the culture, and the combinations of gemstones.
This beauty is easily found through one of Costa Rica’s finest designer-artists experimenting with an array of precious gemstones and metal details, Phyllis Warman Founder of Phyllis Warman Jewelry Design. I had the privilege of interviewing Phyllis for VRAI Magazine where I uncovered how a journey to the cultural atmosphere of Costa Rica 12 years ago provided her a diverse lifestyle of tranquility and new career.
There is something rural, yet symbolic of blending both nature and elegance within the world of fashion. Phyllis’s designs perfectly curates an enhance vibrational alignment where she uses the most alluring antique and vintage buttons to create a world apart from anything you’ve seen before. Many of these buttons date back to the 1800s holding a quality worth cherishing. I am fortunate to showcase an irresistibly shiny, polished onyx gem bracelet designed by designer-artist, Phyllis Warman.
When you look at onyx closely, you may instantly notice there is a complexity and depth to its darkness perhaps dark glamour of richness. Today, I play off this motif of wearing an authentic black velvet sheath by Tabak paired with a black veil with floral infused rhinestone crystals to provide an image that lurks mystery and glamour.
I invite you all to expand your horizon and travel wearing the Natural Handmade Gemstone Jewelry of Phyllis Warman by visiting phylliswarmanjewelry.com
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Onyx Gemstone Bracelet with Antique Button c/o Phyllis Warman Jewelry
Authentic Black Velvet Sheath by Tabak of California
Floral Rhinestone Infused Veil (similar on Etsy)
Natori Feather Escape Thigh-High Nylons
Marble Gloss in ‘Eartha’ c/o Ultra-Vixen Cosmetics
Kate Spade Patent Licorice Pumps
richinlovefashion.com 