Archives: Blog

Bik Bok jumper + denim, New Balance sneakers, Fossil bag, Free People jacket

I’ve been in Prague for a day now, and I am pretty convinced that Stockholm is my favorite city out of all of the ones we are going to. Even though the weather is below 0 in all of these cities, there was something about Stockholm that was appealing. The food and the people were lovely, and the shopping was so fun.

I had a Skype meeting last night about the next steps for my nonprofit, M.I.N.T, and it looks like we are going to begin some crowdfunding/fundraising to apply for official nonprofit status. I came across a cool site called iFundWomen, and after scrolling through the site, I became so enamored with all of the incredible businesses women have started. I couldn’t find one that I didn’t agree with on the site, and the fact that some of them have raised thousands and thousands of dollars is incredible. It shows you that women are seriously taking over.

On that note, I had to brag a bit about my incredible boyfriend yesterday since it was Valentine’s Day. I’m semi anti-holidays, besides Christmas and Easter, but now I like Valentine’s Day because I’m in love…is that weird? Whatever. Let me eat my chocolate and occasionally like a holiday.

The Observer interviewed my boyfriend + I on how we met: read it here!

And if you spent V-Day alone with Netflix and chocolate (2 baes right there) don’t beat yourself up over it. Who cares about a stupid pointless holiday that’s only beneficial for people in relationships!?
You are good enough just the way you are.

Xo,

Alexa

Bik Bok clothing

How funny is the name Bik Bok? I’m really hoping my sister or mom doesn’t read this post, but I left one of my favorite outfits in the world somewhere between a plane, train, and car. I knew I was shooting with a Stockholm photographer while I was in town, and the minute I realized my bag was missing, I freaked out. There goes $250 of the most beautiful, brand new, elegant clothing from Anthropologie. Oh well, life moves on.

So, I went out and about shopping in Stockholm to prepare for my shoot. Stockholm has really nice stores, that range from H&M to Bik Bok (lower end), to a fantastic selection at Zara, and higher end clothing like G Star Raw and department stores. If you’re in Stockholm, you’re set for just about any type of outfit you’ll ever need. I suggest going to European stores like H&M and Zara, because you’ll instantly see how different the selection is in the UK v.s. USA.

Between semlas and shopping, Stockholm was a blast. I’m in Berlin for the next day before I head to Prague! Have any of you guys been to any of the cities I’m going to? Europe is so rad! Everything hear from legal drinking age, to the driving rules, and the people is better than America. Literally. If you’ve never come to Europe, I highly suggest you do now!

Xo,

Alexa

Bik Bok clothing, Banana Republic flats

I’m obsessed with Stockholm. When I first got here, I was freezing, tired, and not in the mood to adventure around. Since I’m only in Stockholm for a few days, I knew I had to adventure around while I could. One of my good friends Angelina lives here, and she agreed to be our tour guide for the day around Stockholm. She showed us just about every place that we needed to see, from a shopping mall, to a coffee shop, to a museum, and I feel like I got the best tour of Stockholm ever.

As you guys know, fitness is a huge part of my life. Whenever I’m traveling, I always try and get in a workout at least every other day. I ended up coming across a studio called Rebirth Fitness online, and scheduled a session with the owner, Michael Glover. After eating gluten-free semlas (cream + pastry) and a latte for lunch, I wanted to get into the gym and get stuff done. My lovely boyfriend came to the first session and filmed us, and I just wrapped up my second session a few hours ago.

If I can say one thing: I’d come back to Stockholm just to come back to Rebirth Fitness. I’ve never felt so empowered by a workout, and Michael gave me a personal and inspiring session each time. He’s so passionate and motivated with his work, and it’s rare that you find someone who doesn’t do something for money nowadays. It’s the coolest thing in the world.

Where else do I suggest going to in Stockholm? Nobis Hotel, Riche for dinner, Vete-Kattan, Bik Bok + H&M, and GIRO for the best pizza you’ll ever eat.

This city is rad, and I’ll definitely be coming back here the next minute I can.

P.S. I just found out I’m speaking at Women Empower Expo again in D.C. in May! RSVP HERE!

Xo,

Alexa

Calvin Klein via Nordstrom Rack skirt, Louis Vuitton scarf, J.Crew flats

It’s been a few days since I’ve posted on here. I haven’t been super inspired by anything lately! Besides my Meetup in Boston last week, everything I’ve been doing has been more stressful than inspiring. Running a nonprofit is not easy, let me tell you that! Some incredible ladies showed up last week (pictured above) so thank you all so so much for coming! I can’t wait to host my Meetup next month in Boston, NYC and San Francisco!!!

Whenever you’re not feeling super inspired, or even good about yourself, realize that each day is a new chance to accept who you are. I woke up this morning and my face broke out everywhere. That’s life, right? You can’t be 100%, or even 90% all of the time.

I’m in Brooklyn, NY today for two M.I.N.T talks before I leave for Europe tomorrow! Stockholm, Prague, Berlin, Zurich and London, I’m coming for you. I’ve been slightly stressed about leaving for two weeks when I have so much work for my nonprofit to be completed, but the older you get, the more busy you get, and I’ve heard that in reality, I probably won’t be able to just pick up and travel around the globe like I can now five years from now. I probably will travel spontaneously my entire life, but a lot of people can’t. The cool part of life is being spontaneous, and if you find cheap tickets to travel, take every single opportunity you can to explore the world.

Cassell is one of my good friends, pictured above, and I asked him to guest speak at this talk with us because he brings a new level of expertise to our panel. He’s a photographer, born and raised in Brooklyn, and since he’s in the same industry, he knows all about models and what they endure. Anyone who was born before 2014 knows the impact the internet has on the mind, and I’ll never say no to having someone join our talk! If you are a person who knows a lot about the internet, social media and teens (by a lot, I mean A LOT) please email me. I’d love to hear from you and get you to join in on M.I.N.T.

The Roger in Midtown let me stay at their beautiful hotel last night, and it was the perfect stay before I head to Europe. Their breakfast in the morning is phenomenal, and their evening wine hour (for those over 21) is free + a cute addition!

See you guys in Europe!

P.S. Exclusive newsletter coming to subscribers tomorrow…subscribe for giveaways, BTS content and more.

The cool thing about being a blogger is having the ability to getting things for free. When I first started blogging, I wasn’t making any money. I didn’t realize or expect to have a full-time career from blogging, so I was content with getting a free item here and there. I never had any intention for my blog to turn into a career, so money and random free items wasn’t of any interest to me.

Now, way too many bloggers become bloggers because they think that they’ll get free items overnight. Unfortunately, you can’t just get anything for free. You have to have some type of online presence to get sent free products…but here’s how to do it.

Whether you’re looking for Fashion Week tix, or a free hair product or pair of shoes, you have to send a strong pitch out. And, you have to make sure your messaging aligns with the brand.

Something like “I want something for free” isn’t strong enough.

I like to keep my pitch for different opportunities simple, and you can usually swap in the name of the company so you don’t have to change the entire pitch.

Here’s a simple + strong pitch:

Hi! I’m a blogger and a huge fan of X. I would love to discuss working with you. My kit is attached below, thanks!

I just published this video from my trip to Providence last week, and I pretty much got everything in the video comped. From the hotel, to the food, and the clothing…blogging has its perks. The coolest part is that when you team up with a brand, you know that you’re helping them get publicity. It’s the best feeling in the world when a brand says that they love working with you!

Subscribe to my newsletter below for more BTS content + giveaways!

Xo,

Alexa

As most of you know, I gave away my tickets to Fashion Week this season. I’m 19, and I’ve been going to Fashion Week since I was 14. It’s been a crazy few years, and going to Fashion Week at such a young age has taught me many things.

1. Act like you are the s***

2. Dress crazy but don’t give people a reason to think you are crazy

3. Wear sunglasses inside to make people think you’re famous

4. Thrift shops are your new best friend

Those are quite superficial tips for attending your first season at Fashion Week, but come highly suggested from someone who no longer cares what anyoneeeee at Fashion Week thinks.

The most important question some of you guys asked is what to wear.

Here’s a few pictures of how my style has transformed over the years (thank gosh)…

I was literally like 14.

*Obviously* not an image of me but this chick is way too thin! I’m glad the industry has gone in a bit of a better direction since I first started attending shows…

Ok, ok, this pic made it to Getty Images and Cosmo, so I’m actually proud of this look. I bought everything super cheap at ASOS!

I collaborated with Byron Lars this season, and I dyed my hair red and I’m not sure why. I really don’t like my hair here. Oh well.

My first season at London Fashion Week! I still have these Adidas sneakers- I’m obsessed with the Stan Smith line!

Enough about me:

Depending on what type of style you have, Fashion Week is the time to experiment. I totally wouldn’t wear sunglasses inside now, but people surprisingly take you more serious if you wear sunglasses.

Here’s some pics of popular NYFW street style looks:

In the winter, I find most people wear lots of neutrals like black, grey and white versus tons of color. It’s winter and it’s freezing outside, so you have to find a happy medium between looking sick AF and also not looking freezing. Fake it till ya make it.

The most important thing to remember about New York Fashion Week is that you have to be yourself ALL of the time. My style evolves every minute, and I never care about what people think about what I wear nowadays. Show up in sweatpants or heels, who cares!?

Xo,

Alexa

BCBGeneration via Charlotte’s Closet romper, Urban Outfitters tights, J.Crew headband, Vintage Zara blazer, Rolex watch

I probably preach fitness a little too much, but it’s a huge part of my life. I wouldn’t be the person I am if I didn’t workout everyday. When I was modeling, I used to excessively overexercise. I never really thought about the workout I was doing, I was more concerned with how many calories I was burning. It was the happiest moment of my life when I found out that you can workout for (literally) a quarter of the time (I was working out for three hours a day) and still feel like the strongest version of yourself.

Now, I love to eat and equally workout. Between boxing, barre, pilates, and running, I consider myself pretty flexible to adjusting to any workout as long as it’s a good and intense experience. Some people begin/end their day with cooking a meal, a glass of wine, or by reading a book, and my one hour a day to myself is usually devoted to the gym.

I got to train with Mark Sayer of SayerFit yesterday in Soho, NYC,  and since boxing is one of my favorite workouts, I was totally down to try a new trainer. We spent the hour boxing, working on technique, and doing some strength training too.

Mark is available for private training classes at WORK Train Fight Gym Tuesday and Thursday.

I’d love to know what kind of workouts you guys are into- do you spend time in the gym, or you’d rather spend time reading a book? I totally wish I could spend an hour a day doing both! I do end my day with a cupcake or homey meal, that’s for sure!

Xo,

Alexa

Yesterday was one of the most hectic days OF MY LIFE! Life is too short to not double/triple book multiple things in one day, am I right?

I started the morning in Connecticut and got my hair done at Blo Blow Dry Bar in West Hartford. The salon opened early to let me come in before my talk, and I told the stylist that I was going to need a look that would last me until 9 PM (literally). I love this quaint little salon only 40 minutes from my small hometown, and I definitely wish I could go to Blo every time I’m in Connecticut!

From the salon, I headed to Bulkeley High School to present two M.I.N.T talks with Steve. If you’re not familiar with what my program Media Impact and Navigation for Teens is, read this article here. 

The biggest concept I want to preach in these talks is that we are all equal. It doesn’t matter whether you grew up with tons of money, or absolutely nothing, we all deserve to be treated equally. Every single person in this world deserves a change to succeed, but the media has a tendency to deter many young adults from feeling like they can follow their dreams. An incredibly talented student drew this picture of the talk yesterday and gave it to me following the presentation- how cool is it!?

I went from Hartford straight to Manhattan (not before stopping for some donuts)  to speak at a school program called Style Biz in the Bronx. As much as I love talking to boys and girls, I obviously can seriously relate to a bunch of girls who love fashion as much as I do (and used to). We talked about Fashion Week, blogging, and how to start a blog. It was quite a fun and eventful day.

After the talk ended at 6:30, I went straight to Bari Studio for one of the hardest workouts I’ve endured in a while. You’d be shocked at how much power your body has without any extra props!

No busy day is complete without gluten-free pasta, so I made sure to stop by Serafina after the gym for a little dinner date. Their new Lower East Side location is BOMB!

P.S. I just got word that M.I.N.T has an OFFICIAL office space in Massachusetts!!!

Xo,

Alexa

Primark pants + sneakers, Chico’s top, Lord & Taylor hat, Ted Baker blazer

Photography via Amy of The Tall Teacher

As someone like myself, who as always been anti-school (not in the way that sounds) but in the way of refusing to conform to the “normal” standard, I never saw myself working on a project that requires me to be in schools. I strongly respect the foundation that comes from the beginning of your education to the end of it, and that you should ALWAYS be learning.

Beginning the process of M.I.N.T has made me realize of the importance of keeping an upstanding reputation in school. It’s important to portray what you stand for with everything from your shoes to your top. Love expressing your personality? Wear tons of color. Hate talking to everyone!? Why not wear black!

I’ve found that keeping a neutral color palette has given me the ability to be respected more in a school setting. When I was younger, I was so obsessed with fashion that I’d wear just about anything, which gave kids a whole lot of reasons to make fun of me. Now that I’ve gotten older, I still love dressing up, even though my style has totally toned down a few notches. If you do happen to be like me, and love expressing your personality through your style, don’t let those kids put you down. Trust me, they all come running back to be your friends eventually, anyway. Being different = being cool.

Moral of the story: never stop reaching for what you believe in. Let it shine through your style, your personality, and your friends.

My giveaway with Caseology is ending this week! Subscribe below for the last chance you have to win!

Media Impact and Navigation for Teens is turning into something that I never expected it to become. What began as an idea is now becoming a full company + nonprofit. I’m excited to begin the steps to make M.I.N.T into an official nonprofit, but it’s going to be a process that may take longer than me finishing my book will take. But that’s the cool thing about dreams: you can’t give up on them.

KSL Development shot the video, and beGlammed gave me personal hair and makeup right in my hotel room to feature. People constantly ask me what my daily routine is, and it’s usually along the lines of what I’m doing in this video depending on what city I’m in. I always make sure to get a cupcake, workout at a gym or with my trainer, and try and inspire one or two people along the way.

Lots of love to my boyfriend + everyone who made this video possible, as well as the team at Pix 11 for asking to interview me on their Changemakers segment. I can’t wait for you guys to see it!

Follow M.I.N.T on social media at MINTNAV.

My Caseology giveaway ends this week, so make sure to subscribe for the change to win!