Sporty Girl

This summer I've made time to focus on myself, especially because this last year has been so busy for me, from school to work. I've been able to go to the gym more often, and I've even started running around my neighborhood for exercise. The summertime is also easier for me to eat healthier, cause I have more time to cook. I've always ate pretty clean, and loved doing quick high intensity workouts any chance I got, but I wasn't able to get a steady workout routine with my schedule. I can say that I feel so much better this summer than I did in the fall, now that I've been working out. I have more energy, I'm more productive, and I'm happier!

Something that motivates me to go to the gym are fun workout outfits, especially a cute matching set. I love this Alexander Wang one in particular, especially because I can wear this while running errands (with a sports jacket of course). It's a luxe sportswear look that can be worn on a casual comfortable day or to the gym.

 

Sportswear Set - Alexander Wang X HM

Shoes - Adidas

Photos by - Lynnet Perez

Summer Stripes

This summer has been HOT, especially this past holiday weekend, so I decided to wear this comfortable and casual cotton blend romper to keep cool in this Texas heat. I love the classic stripes on this piece and the natural off white and black color it has. To make this cute  outfit even more chic I accessorized with a cool toned grey hat, cute shades, gold jewelry, my favorite white sandals, and a leather Chanel bag, which features a convertible gold chain strap that can be worn two ways: doubled or long, and cross-body. Oh, and of course my yummy drink from Houndstooth Coffee, a local coffee spot in Dallas, where I spent the day with one of my girls to get some work done and then later spent the evening with friends. 

I've also found other ways to style this romper and can't wait to share it with you in a later post!

 

Hat - Somewhere in NY

Sunglasses - Nordstrom

T-Shirt Romper - American Apparel

Bag - Vintage Chanel

Shoes - Forever 21

Photos by - Ricardo

Little White Lace Dress

Converting from the little black dress to the little white lace dress in today's post. As much as I love wearing black, I always like to swap my dark's for soft, youthful and soothing hues to brighten things up in the summer. (I hope my little black dresses understand the transition in my life right now. It's not them, it's me.)

This classic piece is perfect for a night out with the girls or even just going to a nice dinner. This dress is also a go to for a bride-to-be who is looking for a more current white dress for her bridal shower or bachelorette party this summer. 

I love everything about this look, from fit, to length, to the neckline with the cut out detail and how the lace hangs near the hem showing a little skin underneath, making the garment attractive in a delicate way. 

Dress - LF

Shoes similar here - Steve Madden

Photos by - Khris Garay

Secret Smoothie Recipe That is Too Good to be a Secret

This dragon fruit smoothie is the picture of pure bliss! It's so freaking delicious and a wonderful beverage for a "girls' afternoon. My friends and I used this exact recipe I've shown below for breakfast yesterday. I posted it on my Snapchat: graceberaki, and a lot of my friends asked me what I used to make this gorgeous smoothie, so here it is!

RECIPE:

1 Packet of Ptaya (Dragon Fruit) from Pitaya Plus
1 Peach
1.5 Frozen Banana
1/2 Frozen Mango
2 Strawberries
Unsweetened Almond Milk (start with 1 cup and add in as much needed to get it to a smooth creamy blend.)

And if it's still not sweet enough add a spoon of raw organic honey. Obviously, don't add the honey if you're a vegan. This recipe is for 1.5-2 servings.

Health Benefits:

Detoxifies

Lots of vitamins

Helps prevent memory loss

Helps control glucose levels

Helps neutralize cell damaging free radicals

Helps lower cholesterol

Helps lower blood pressure

Good for your eyes, teeth, cardiovascular, bones, and skin

Best Dressed at the 2016 CFDA Fashion Awards

One of fashion's biggest moments is the CFDA Fashion Awards. For those of you that don't know, CFDA stands for the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. It's a not-for-profit trade association, which was created to raise funds for charity and industry activities. Their membership consists of more than 400 of America's top-leading and most influential womenswear, menswear, jewelry and accessory designers.  CFDA membership is by invitation only.

 Marc Jacobs, Mansur Gavriel and Beyoncé were the big winners at the CFDA Fashion Awards at the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC on Monday, June 6. Beyoncé took home the Fashion Icon Award at the CFDA Fashion Awards, in a pantsuit and wide-brimmed hat by Givenchy Couture with $9 million of Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, and Christian Louboutin heels. I thought Beyoncé looked beautiful, per usual, but I do have to admit that this was personally not my absolute favorite outfit at this fashion event. However, it was still one of the top looks of the night. She nailed it with that Givenchy hat that went perfectly with her whole ensemble.

Keep scrolling to see my recap of the best looks of the 2016 CFDA Fashion Awards night!

Ciara's glow up has been so real. She channeled the blushing bride-to-be in a pretty Roberto Cavalli ruffled dress and belt.

Emily Ratajkowsi in a black silk dress by Jason Wu and jewelry by Atelier Swarovski. 

Karlie Kloss in a white midi Rosie Assoulin dress with an ab cutout, paired with Atelier Swarovski earrings and a ring and Stuart Weitzman sandals. 

Designer Georgina Chapman in her own Marchesa dress. 

I actually got to talk with Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig (Co-founders of Marchesa) just a couple of days after I posted my "Best of the 2016 Met Gala" post. They were both so sweet and so down to earth.

Mary-Kate, Elizabeth and Ashley Olsen in coordinating black dresses.

The Olsen twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley (my favorite gals) were nominated for the Woman Designer of the Year award for The Row. 

Naomi Campbell, the fashion diva herself, in custom Brandon Maxwell. 

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley who's also a Michael Kors girl, was in a custom mint beaded georgette godet gown. She looks stunning in absolutely everything she wears.

Jourdan Dunn in Jonathan Simkhai Pre-Spring 2017 and Eva Fehren jewelry.

Jodie Snyder Morel, Sofia Sanchez de Betak, and Danielle Morel looking fabulous. 

Both Jodie and Danielle are jewelry designers that have been featured in Inc Magazine’s 30 Under 30: America’s Coolest Entrepreneurs List, The New York Times, WSJ, and are also members of the CFDA.

Jennifer Hudson looks amazing in this Bardot-style Kaufmanfranco jumpsuit consisting of nearly 2 million Swarovski crystals, paired with Kurt Geiger London heels. She wore this while she paid a birthday tribute to Prince at the CFDA Awards. Prince would have turned 58 today!

Jennifer Hudson's dress for the evening was a strapless red and black Prabal Gurung gown.

Jessica Hart looking chic in this 3 piece silk ensemble and Alexandre Birman heels. I absolutely love this look from head to toe.

Joan Smalls in Eddie Borgo jewels and Givenchy Haute Couture dress. I love that she experimented  with this black bobbed wig that went perfect with a bold red lip.

Anna Cleveland looking sophisticated in a low neck jumpsuit and a chic white tie wrapped around her neck.

Irinia Shayk and Misha Nonoo in Misha Nonoo.

I love that Vera Wang didn't need an actress or super model to wear her designs, she slayed her own dress. That's goals.

Sophie Kennedy Clark and Christopher Peters nailed the modern look.

Sophie in Creatures of the Wind F/W 16 suit and blouse. I had a lot of respect for both of their looks. They really look like they resemble their lifestyle, which is what fashion is truly about. Not everyone is into the gowns and sparkly dresses, some of us like a nice jacket and pant!

Josephine Skriver in custom Sachin & Babi and Stuart Weitzman heels. So many of the CFDA guest were rocking Stuart Weitzman and we obviously understand why!

Designer Rachel Zoe in her own dress of course.

2016 CFDA Awards Winners:

Fashion Icon Award: Beyoncé

Womenswear Designer of the Year: Marc Jacobs

Swarovski Award for Womenswear: Brandon Maxwell

Swarovski Award for Menswear: Orley—Alex Orley, Matthew Orley, Samantha Orley

Swarovski Award for Accessory Design: Paul Andrew

Menswear Designer of the Year: Thom Browne

Accessories Designer of the Year: Mansur Gavriel—Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award: Norma Kamali

The Founder’s Award in Honor of Eleanor Lambert: Donna Karan

International Award: Gucci—Alessandro Michele

The Board of Directors’ Special Tribute Award: David Bowie

The Media Award in Honor of Eugenia Sheppard: Imran Amed, editor in chief of The Business of Fashion

There is so much controversy on Twitter and Instagram about this years winners and nominees. What are your thoughts about the CFDA Fashion Awards and who wore your favorite look? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

Red, White, and California Blues

Happy Memorial Day! I'm feeling so thankful for my big brother and everyone who is or has bravely served for our country! I'm sending love and prayers to all the families who have lost their loved ones. They are not forgotten, but forever in our hearts.

Take me back, back to Cali, Cali.

 I don't think I'll ever get tired of visiting L.A., especially because I finally got some sun! I love when my skin gets darker in the summer. I feel like my clothes pop better when my skin has a glow. Lately it's been raining so much here in Dallas, so I'm ready to go back to sunshine and this gloomy weather to be over already!

For this summer look I have paired a chambray bustier top with a cream crochet midi skirt. I enjoy playing with different textures, particularly chambray, not only is it light and comfortable, but it also is perfect for maintaing a relaxed denim look. Since this top had a low neck line, I wore my favorite big boho necklace. I wear this silver neck piece with so much, it goes with just about everything. I love that I can go from day to night in this outfit by simply changing my shoes to something more casual. Although I personally would prefer to wear this in the evening over the day. 

Can I just express how happy I am that I finally got some sun! I love when my skin gets darker in the summer. I feel like my clothes pop better when my skin has a glow. It's been raining so much in Dallas lately. I'm ready to go back to sunshine, and for this gloomy weather to be over already!

Photos by - Khris Garay

Monochromatic Look: Boxy Tee and Culottes

Culottes are back this spring! 

I like to embrace this pant shape in a clean monochromatic look. I went with all black of course, and paired these pleated wide leg trousers with a boxy crop top tee, and wore my favorite lace up heels.

Culottes can be tricky because of its length and silhouette, but this pair hit my leg at the right spot for my height. If you're worried about how you will look in this trend, start with a solid color culotte like black or white because it'll appear more sleek and high fashion. This is the perfect modern outfit that is both comfortable and chic. You can go to work and then straight to dinner with this contemporary ensemble. 

Fun Fact: Spring 1927 culottes had found its place in the wardrobe of active, fashion conscious women. This silhouette has been around long before but it was trending like crazy in the 30s, and it also made a comeback in the 60s.

FEATURED ITEMS

Shirt - Top Shop

Culottes - Zara  (get a similar pair at H&M)

Shoes - Zara

Photos by Lynnet Perez