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I’m always looking for the next best place to getaway to. Whether it’s in the country or the city, there’s so much of this world to explore…

This past weekend, Foxwoods invited me to bring all of my friends and spend the weekend in Connecticut. I grew up going to this casino for concerts, so it was so fun going for an entire weekend (now that I’m older) with all of my friends. I was shocked at how much the place has changed since I was younger. The place is no longer just gambling and restaurants: they’ve got shopping, events, celebrities, a rad pool, and more.

My friends and I went shopping at Tanger Outlets, located right in Foxwoods. From J.Crew to Banana Republic and more, you could spend an entire day shopping at the beautiful outlets attached to the hotel. Of course, I couldn’t resist dropping some major dollars on the J.Crew sale, and my girls got some new sunglasses along with sneakers from Nike (and more). At  Tanger Outlets, you can get so much for your buck it’s insane!

Stay tuned for a video coming up on my weekend, and check out my latest YouTube video up now where I spent 5 minutes with $50 at Primark in London!

Xo,

Miss Fashionista

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Joie pants, Primark top, Dior sunglasses, Organic Shimmer tan

Update; I typed a really great post and forgot to click save. Kill me.

I’m not a fan of people changing their bodies. Whether you’re getting your lips surgically enhanced, your “fat” suctioned off, or anything else that people do nowadays, I’m not a fan of too much “fake” anything. I’ve been paying attention to Kim Kardashian’s Snapchat lately, and I’m surprisingly disappointed at the role model she isn’t being. From her obsession with stepping on the scale everyday, to her ridiculous yo-yo dieting (that never works, trust me) I get nervous about teens looking up to people like her.

We’re living in a world where people are obsessed with changing who they are. I adore my legs, but I absolutely hate my stomach. I’ve come to the conclusion that I will never have abs, regardless of my diet or exercise regime: they just don’t want to become a part of my body. That’s why I show off my legs more than I show off my stomach. It’s rare that I’ll ever wear a top like I’m wearing in the pictures above, because I’m seriously so conscious of my hips and stomach. But they’re both a part of me that I can’t change, and that’s what I’ve come to realize! I’m human, after all.

Work with what you have, and be confident with your body. You only get one, so you might as well utilize your body to the best degree.

One treatment I don’t mind is organic spray tans, like this one from Organic Shimmer. No, I don’t get a spray tan everyday, and I definitely don’t go sitting in tanning beds, though I don’t mind a little glow for a special occasion. I’m seriously pale, so getting a bit of tan decreases the time any makeup artist has to spend pounding makeup on me to look like I’m not a ghost. Plus, looking tanner makes me feel more confident, and if you have to tweak something small to feel better when you look in the mirror, isn’t it worth it?

I don’t advice young adults to proceed with surgical enhancements, like lip plumping or botox, because those are more permanent surgeries that have way higher risks than a silly spray tan. However, if you absolutely know in your heart that you won’t regret altering your body, than go for it. Just think twice (or more than twice) about changing your beautiful self.

You truly are beautiful the way you are, regardless of your hip size, your lip size, or your stomach size.

Xo,

Alexa

Forever 21 shorts, Hemsley London bag, Joie shirt, Express hat, Dior sunglasses, Kork-ease wedges

Organic shimmer tan, Nail Garden nails, Pressed Juicery juices

Sunny days, top down, iced coffee and watermelon water…ah, the signs of summer. One of the reasons I love Los Angeles is because you get a mix of everything and more. I just returned from a quick few days in LA, and my girl Amanda and I had a fantastic time driving around in our Zipcar all weekend. I flew in early on Friday to get my meetings out of the way before she flew in at night, and I stopped by the Adrianna Papell showroom, met up with an awesome lady in PR, and stopped by The Bar Method for a workout and Pressed Juicery for some yummy juice.

On Saturday, I got up early for Pure Barre (I’m obviously obsessed with barre) and then we went to brunch at The Ivy, which is one of my favorite stops in LA. Yes, it’s totally overrated, but, it’s a classic staple, and my friend is pretty obsessed with the hotspot.

I managed to have time to stop by Organic Shimmer, located on Melrose Ave. in the heart of Beverly Hills. If you’re thinking “dang, she looks tan” it’s because, for one of the rare times in my life, I actually am. I’m not a fan of truly anything artificial, whether you’re talking about botox or fake nails, but I’m down to get an organic spray tan every once in a while. If I was actually made in LA, I’d probably be naturally tan anyway, right!?

My new project, MINT, Media Impact and Navigation for Teens, is launching September 1st, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to finally have the opportunity to incorporate the discussion of social media and mental health in school systems. I’m just finishing up decorating my apartment in Boston (stay tuned for the home story!) and even though I’m rarely home, I couldn’t imagine my life any differently.

Follow your dreams, and everything works out in the end.

Xo,

Miss Fashionista

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Silkstaq interviews Alexa Curtis at the Standard Hotel in Chelsea, NYC on her experience as a teen model, and her journey to revamp the fashion industry. Even more importantly, Alexa is changing the industry to inspire other young adults to never give up, and always follow their dreams.

Neue London dress, Pala sunglasses

I’m fascinated by finding new brands, especially in Europe, because as a startup myself, I know what it’s like trying to get people to promote your product or idea as organically as possible. I never endorse products I don’t stand by, because even though I make a living from blogging, that doesn’t mean I’m about to introduce a group of teen girls to a brand with a negative message.

In London, I came across Neue London and Pala sunglasses, both fantastic and bright companies trying to make their first introduction to the U.S. market. Before Abie and I left London, we stopped by the Firmdale Hotel in Covent Garden  for a delicious and tasty afternoon tea (mine was completely gluten-free) before driving to the airport with Blacklane. Since everyone in London always dresses to the 9s, you’ve got to dress up (even) at afternoon tea. Throw on your prettiest heels, nicest skirt or dress, and get ready to roll.

Follow me around London as I eat all of the afternoon teas HERE!

I’m in Denver and LA for the rest of the week, follow me on Instagram if you aren’t already!

Xo,

Miss Fashionista

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Orla Kiely jumpsuit, Call It Spring heels

I can’t believe I’m already back in the states! Summer is flying by, and my week in London flew by even faster. On Thursday, my friend Abie and I headed to the Corinthia Hotel for cocktails and an evening in their garden. We ordered the most unreal dessert, along with some pretty drinks (mine was just cucumber water, sprite, and some other tasty non-alcoholic juice!)

Orla Kiely sent a few items to my hotel for me to wear on my trip, so I decided to wear this silk jumpsuit to dinner with the new heels Call It Spring sent me. I was shocked at how comfy the shoes were: I spent the entire evening in them and my feet actually didn’t despise me at the end of the night. Now, that’s a pair of shoes every girl needs in their closet. Watch the video below to see something SO embarrassing that happened while I was wearing this jumper…I almost died of humiliation, NO JOKE.

We filmed our night at the Corinthia, so check out the YouTube video HERE! Yep, I totally eat dessert. I’m so over girls posting pictures of them with food but no one actually eats it. Who can pass up dessert?

Xo,

Miss Fashionista

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Hemsley bag, Nike sneakers, Paige Denim jeans, All Saints jacket, Express bodysuit

I can’t believe there is only two days left on my trip! When you’re traveling, time goes by oh so quickly. I woke up early this morning to go to the gym, and immediately pressed snooze 3 times. Yep, I slept through the gym session I was supposed to attend. Sometimes you just need to, you know?

Luckily, I made my morning hair appointment just on time. My hair stylist, Alessandro, at Inanch, has made getting my hair done each morning less like a job and more like a fun hobby. Unless I was getting paid, I probably wouldn’t ever choose to get my hair done each day, because it’s exhausting! Though trying out a new style each day has been a blast, plus, my hair has never been so refreshed and stylish as it has been the past few days.

Hemsley sent a few new bags to my hotel, and I decided to pair this backpack with my leather jacket for a grey London day today. European brands are much higher quality than America brands, which is something I’ve come to notice quite quickly. Invest in a few quality (and maybe a tad more expensive) UK brands, and you’ll have the pieces in your wardrobe for forever.

Who wants to move to London with me?

Xo,

Miss Fashionista

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Express necklace, Jack Wills skirt, All Saints leather jacket

Many people don’t live by the rules I live by. That’s probably because I don’t live by many rules. I rarely stay on trend, I rarely wear shoes that fit me, and I don’t often care what people think. That can be good or bad, but for the most part, I’m just happy being myself. I wear what makes me feel good, not my friends or my parents. I eat what makes me feel good and strong, not what other people think I should be eating. The amount of times people have been like “you shouldn’t eat that” or “do you actually eat that much?” would totally shock you.

Never tell someone not to eat, or not to eat what they want, ya know? Conversation over!

Before I left for London, one of my best friends Grace and I got lunch in Manhattan at Bluestone Lane, one of my favorite Aussie cafes. They’ve got the best almond milk flat whites, tasty and gluten-free treats, and overall cool/trendy vibe. Grace is starting a fitness blog in the fall, so definitely check it out here. You’ll be seeing much more of her as fall comes near, and we’ll be *hopefully* be traveling much more together!

We ended up ordering gluten-free rainbow bowls and lattes while people watching, and of course, snapped a bunch of pics while doing so. Trying to look good in a Manhattan heat wave is almost impossible- I took off this leather jacket midway through the day before I realized I couldn’t put my life on the line for a rad street style pic. The food was tasty, and the vibe was ever cooler. Why can’t I get paid to dress up, eat, and photograph my meals?

8 QUESTIONS WITH ME! FILMED IN LONDON!

Xo,

Miss Fashionista

Twitter || Instagram

I’m SO thrilled to be in London right now! The weather is phenomenal, and my trip has been a blast so far. I’ve only been here since Sunday evening, but I’ve been going across the city with my Samsung 360 Camera, shooting the #BeCentral campaign with St. Giles! 

This week, I’m taking a writing course at Writing Course UK, which is everyday that I’m in London from 11 AM-5 PM. I’m excited to review the entire course, and hopefully leave London with a fresh mind and new set of ideas to begin working on writing and publishing for you guys to read.

I’m collaborating with Inanch Salon each day to get something new and fresh done with my hair. After pilates this morning, I went straight to the salon for a quick refresher before heading to my course. I had a few minutes in between my hair appointment and first day at school (look at me!) to snap some pics in Regent’s Park, and I’m pretty obsessed with my blowout. It’s sexy, simple, and matches well with my simple outfit. That’s one thing I adore about London: you don’t have to dress up like people do in Manhattan. Dress up, wear color or black, flats or heels, and you’re bound to fit in just about anywhere in London.

Catch my newest YouTube video with a quick Q&A on me, filmed live from LONDON!

Xo,

Miss Fashionista

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WhatMattersToU #CollectiveBias

I’m going to ask you a simple question. What matters to you? Is it your family, your wardrobe, your friends, your boyfriend? For me, I’d say a bit of all of the above (minus the boyfriend) along with any other necessary project I’m working on. Most of my life is balance, and keeping the topics above equally as important so that everyone including myself is happy.

Most of us also battle between being teenagers and slowly becoming adults, whether you’ve just completed your first year in college or you’re working on moving out and getting your own apartment. Having one week per month where you don’t feel yourself (that time of month) doesn’t help much, either. For me, I always want to stop working, curl up in bed with a ton of chocolate, and binge watch 90210. For you, you may want to curl up with some crunchy chips and watch Taken, but we’re all different!

Since I work hard to be a blogger that inspires you, I’m constantly on the lookout for products that will help you feel the most confident and be the best version of yourself.

Two product I’m obsessed with lately are

U by Kotex® Cleanwear® Ultra Thin Pads – Style N’ Store Pack, Regular 29 count

&

U by Kotex® Barely There® Liners – Style N’ Store Pack, 80 count

They’re part of Kotex’s new Style N’ Store Packs, which are my most recent everyday item. There’s four unique designs, so you don’t have to get bored with looking at the same product every morning.

The U by Kotex® Cleanwear® Ultra Thin Pads stay secure with uniquely shaped Tru-Fit® wings, have crazy soft sides, and a unique 3D Capture Core, for fast absorption to prevent leaks. 

The U by Kotex® Barely There® Liners are so comfortable you’ll barely know they are there, have rad designs, and are made to make you feel fresh and clean everyday, even where your period gets in the way. 

Here’s a handy tutorial that should help make you feel even more confident and beautiful even during *that* time of the month!

1. Get up in the morning, do a quick hair flip, and brush your teeth. Maybe eat your fav cereal, too!

2. Put on some light makeup.

3. Throw some of your favorite liners and pads in your purse, and make sure they peek out of your bag because the packaging is just THAT cute!

4. Add a granola bar in your bag, and voila! You’re about to have the best day ever!

Check out more of the What Matters To U campaign at Walmart by clicking this link! Follow along on social media and tweet me #WhatMattersToU so we can all chat!

There’s a special SNIPP offer attached to this, too! If you haven’t started redeeming rewards, it’s totally time you do. I’m obsessed with getting something back in return for shopping!

Offer is live through 9/30/16

 Purchase 2 packs of U by Kotex® products at Walmart (Any Variation)

 Text UbyKotex to 811811 and upload a photo of your receipt

Go to UbyKotexrewards.com and register to choose your customized reward!

Xo,

Miss Fashionista

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