Five Fashion Resolutions of a Fashionista: Re-Visited

Happy 2014, y’all!! It’s that time again to start fresh. Brush off the dust, forget about what happened last year, and start a new page in life. But wait one second, before we start making a list of new fabulous resolutions, it’s only right to pull out those old 2013 resolutions and evaluate how we did. Here is my attempt to do just that. Time to critique…I’m already scared.

See here for the 2013 resolutions posts that I’m referring to.

These "Botas" were Made for Walkin'

City girl.

No doubt about it, that’s what I am. But on my recent trip to Mexico (see here and here). I found my long lost inner country girl. I spent most of my time in Mexico by the country side. So I thought, “well, when in Rome…” and I threw on my first pair of cowboy boots and my father-in-law’s sombrero and I was ready to roll. The boots were amazingly practical for that terrain, although that is rarely a prerequisite of mine for shoes. It was a pleasant surprise that I could be comfortable and stylish while wandering around the mountainside. In the end, I felt like I was ready to jump on a horse (or donkey) and ride off into the sunset with the cactus behind me. “Orale!”

Are there shoes or outfits you’ve tried that are typically out of your style realm?

I left my heart (but got a blouse) in Mexico

“I’m inspired by different cultures around the world and love to incorporate these facets into my collection.”
– Rachel Roy

From the Runway to the Boardroom

Is it weird if a piece of clothing I’m wearing has had a longer and more intriguing life than me? I find that remarkable and slightly disturbing.

How to Mix Patterns: From Beginner to Advanced

Have you been eager to jump on the mixing patterns train but don't know how? It’s actually a lot easier than it looks. Just make minor changes to your outfits until you feel comfortable to go full speed ahead. Below are steps you can take (from beginner to advanced) to get that creative engine running.

A Classy Cinco de Mayo

As much fun as it is to rock a sombrero and some chili pepper beads on Cinco de Mayo, this year I decided I wanted to celebrate it a little classier. Although, I’m not Mexican, I’ve had the fortune to marry into this beautiful and rich culture. For that reason, I decided to forego the usual clichés and cultural inaccuracies and focus instead on one of my favorite things about this historic culture – the rich colors! You see the vibrant colors in their home design, handcrafts, and fashion. Just look at their flag: reds, yellows, blues, greens, and browns colorfully display their pride. How could I not be inspired by such a colorful representation of their home?

Celebrating a Year of Fashion

It’s true, your eyes aren’t deceiving you-- IFF is officially one year old! You might recall that for my 6-month anniversary I thanked some important individuals that helped IFF grow (see here). This time around I’m excited to thank even more people. Now I truly understand the saying, “it takes a village to raise a child” because this was really the case for IFF! My baby blog couldn’t have made it without all of this great support. The Orlando community has accepted the blog with open arms and along the way I’ve met some amazing people. A big thanks to:

Harriet’s Park Avenue Fashion Show: Behind the Scenes

I am still in disbelief that little IFF was invited to cover one of the biggest fashion events in Orlando! I could barely contain my excitement as I walked up to the media check-in counter. I eagerly placed the media pass around my neck and quickly headed towards the entrance where two guards greeted me with big smiles and opened the double doors as if royalty had arrived. There was a flash of darkness and a blast of cold air that made my skin tingle. As my eyes (and body) became accustomed to the sudden change I began to see flashes of purple lights and haze. There I was, inside of the big white tent- sparkling in all its glory. I made it!

Giveaway: Carlos by Carlos Santana “On the Fringe Tour” Bag

I am beyond excited to offer the first giveaway on IFF!! I can’t think of a better way to thank you all for following. For those of you who follow IFF on Facebook (which you should!), then you know that Macy’s is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in partnership with Vanidades Magazine by saluting Carlos Santana as the 2012 Icon of Style. Some of you attended the fabulous events in Macy’s all over the U.S. and others entered the contest to win a trip for two to Las Vegas with two VIP tickets to “An Intimate Evening with Santana.” But if you missed these opportunities, don’t fret. Macy’s has been wonderful enough to offer IFF readers this ultra-fabulous Carlos by Carlos Santana “On the Fringe Tour” Bag valued at $108!

This is your last chance to join in on the celebration and what better way to do it then to feel like a rock star yourself? Fringe, leather, studs, and sexy red lining – pass me the air guitar because I am a full on rock star. I grab that air guitar and I begin to feel the hot spotlights shining on me while I look out into a dark room with floating lights. Slowly, I hear the deafening roar of the crowd get closer and closer. Is it just the bag or is it time for my solo?

Enter the giveaway to find out for yourself.

Here’s how to enter:

My Inspiration Captured: The New York Version

Remember my last "inspiration captured" post (see here)? Here is the New York version from my recent trip. How could I not be inspired by New York?

What city never stops inspiring you?

My Addiction Remixed: A Sheer Maxi Skirt

Ever get an obsession to a recent purchase? Like an amazing red lipstick that you can’t stop wearing or a pair of flats that are about to disintegrate because you can’t take them off. Well, here it is: My name is Iris and I’m addicted to my maxi skirt. There, I said it.

Endless Summer

Can you believe today is the official last day of summer? Say it isn’t so! It’s my favorite season, so it brings sadness to my heart. Luckily, I'm well prepared to deal with this temperature change -- I live in Florida. There you go, problem solved. Well, not really because Orlando dares to be too cold for comfort in the November and December months (Sheesh!). So, flip-flops and cute crop tops aren’t really an option at that point. But, I will do my best to keep the summer months alive in my heart, if I can’t in my wardrobe. Since I’m not ready to say good-bye, this post is dedicated to one of my favorite summer pieces. The crop top.

My Inspiration Captured: The Puerto Rico Version

Ever have one of those moments where you are in a familiar place that you’ve been to several times but suddenly something feels very new? I get that feeling every time I look through my camera lens. Something about peering through that lens, changes the dynamic of a place. All of a sudden, items that seemed old and boring have a new life and look fresh and charming.

My Christmas Wishlist

Christmas is just around the corner! Mistletoe hung, twinkling holiday lights, and of course… opening gifts! I noticed this year my taste is a little more expensive than usual for Christmas gifts. Can Santa get layaway? He might need it for my wish list. But what fun is a wish list if you can’t get a little crazy?? It’s Christmas after all! 

If you are still doing some last minute shopping but aren’t interested in getting in serious debt, check out Culture Climax’s Holiday Gift Guide (I was the guest post!). 

My Christmas Wishlist by styleofiris featuring a maxi skirt

1. Side Split Sheer Maxi Skirt - Can you believe I don’t own a Maxi skirt?! I think that’s a sin for a fashion blogger. I love the sheer look. It’s sexy and looks great on petite women.

2. Red Cruiser Bike - I can already imagine the romantic bike ride on the beach. Can’t you just see a vintage dress with some bright red lipstick? Too cute!

3. Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation - This is pricier than my usual foundation but I heard it’s worth the money and I’ve been dying to try it.

4. Christian Louboutin Black Patent Leather Pumps - What girl doesn’t want a pair of Christian Louboutin heels? I want my first pair to be classic black.

5. Tacori Diamond Stud Earrings - A perfect match with my engagement and wedding rings!

6. Clarisonic – It cleans 6 times better than your hands alone! Enough said.

 What’s on your wish list?