Most sought-after fashion designer passes. Quick read on Oscar de la Renta

"Mr. de la Renta loved women and you saw it in every design that he did. He honoured women's features, he honoured our bodies. He wasn't afraid to pull back and let the woman be the star of the look."-

Jennifer Garner

At the age of 82, Oscar de la Renta, one of the most sought-after fashion designers, had passed away Monday October 20 in his family home in Connecticut. 

To be honest, until now I didn't quite know anything about him other than many celebrities have sported his beautiful dresses on the red carpet. I spotted this photo on Instagram this yesterday morning and was  totally drawn to it. Not just from the charming photo of him, but mostly from the caption. Two very important & beautiful qualities for a woman to posses.

Reading a few of his quotes  has inspired me to dedicate the rest of the week to this classic designer. So here a bit about him and his life.

Oscar, was born and raised in the Dominican Republic to Spanish & Puerto Rican parents. As a young man of 18, he traveled to Madrid to study art. During that time he quickly became interested in fashion and started sketching for leading Spanish fashion houses and then started working along side Cristobal Balenciaga.

• In the 1960's he dressed first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy & many more after that
• In 1965 he started his company in 1965

Oscar de la Renta was known for his intricate, elegant evening wear & a fashion designer that was conscious of quality.

Here are a few of his wonderfully classic designs:

Why I've fallen in love with Stradivarius?

From their cheekily worded t-shirts, to their wonderful high heels, Stradivarius is the ultimate store to go too when looking for something that's urban yet sophisticated & my favourite...practical! Being a makeup artist, you need practical items your closet!

Since 1994 "Stradivarius makes dreams a reality for all those girls who are too young to dress like their mothers and too sophisticated to dress like Teenyboppers."

http://www.stradivarius.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ItxStandardCompanyPage?storeId=54009550&langId=-1&catalogId=50109552

What started as a family owned business with an innovative concept in fashion in Barcelona, Spain. It is now international with stores 877 stores in 57 countries! One of them is Poland and every time I go over I always stalk up on some Stradivarius goodies.

As they say they are for women between the ages of 20-35 (young professionals) you can find things to mix & match to dress up or down or go straight to formal. Not only affordable, but also good quality items is something I really appreciate.

I'm pretty sure that I've received compliments on almost every item that I've brought back with me from Stradivarius. Absolutely in love with their clothing, brand & philosophy.

Check out their lovely "Making Of" video!

Nomadic Beauty

Rebalancing

Since getting back from my travels, I've been drinkingTiny Tea 3 times a day to aid my body to get back to it's natural balance. With my full scheduale.

My skin is finally clearing up (it freaks out when I don't get enough sleep) and bloating has dramatically reduced since drinking it for only 4 days. Already feeling like my body is getting back to usual.

Your Tea is an amazing mix of Chinese herbs and most important, laxative free! Check them out!

“Why do I keep breaking out?! I can't figure out why!"

Listen to your body.

Here is are a series of questions to ask yourself when you notice that you are breaking out more than usual:

1. Is it my time of the month? Or close to it?

If it’s around 2 weeks before your period, chances are that hormonal changes are the main reasons causing you to break out.

2. Have I changed foundations?

If so, the new foundation that you are using may be too heavy for your skin, especially if your previous foundation was of a lighter formulation (silicon vs. water based). Another possibility to consider is that the new foundation contains a certain ingredient that your skin does not respond well to, in which case it’s signalling you to stop using it.
If you haven’t recently changed your foundation, then figure how long you’ve been using it for. If it’s been more than 2 years…THROW IT OUT, IT’S GONE BAD.

Note: Any creamy/liquid products have a shelf life of about 2 years. 

3. Have I changed my skin care brand or regime?

Any change of your skin care products or your regime MAY trigger a breakout. Sometimes when you switch to healthier products, your skin breaks out because it’s cleansing itself of toxins. If you’ve used your new products for a couple of weeks and you're still breaking out, the products might not be right for you and your skin. It’s a trial and error process. 

TIP: If you are trying out new products or switching regimes to improve your skin for a special event (even when getting advice from a professional), remember to do so at least 4 weeks prior to it. Everyone's skin is different, and what might work for one person may not be right for you.

4. Are there any changes to my daily routine, environment, food and/or emotions which can be triggering my body to react in a different way?

For example:
-Travelling (different time zone)
-Not getting enough sleep
-Not eating well (toxins in unhealthy foods cause breakouts)
-Healthy changes in eating habits (switching to a healthier diet plan may trigger you to breakout as a result of a cleansing process)
-Am I exercising more? (Wash your face immediately after sweating...sweat causes breakouts)

In the end, any changes that you go through on an internal or external level affect your body. Listen to what your body is telling you. Your body gives you signs and signals all the time, but your job is to take notice of them and make changes.

That’s all my loves. Please comment and like. I would love to know YOUR opinions. 

Feeling great while traveling

Good morning my Nomadic Beauty readers,

As I was sitting waiting for my flight in Boston Logan Airport I was inspired to write about how to stay feeling comfortable throughout your travels. Avoiding anxiety, fidgetiness, soar muscles (from sitting) & how to over all feel great during your trip.

1. If you've got a long flight ahead of you make sure to exercise before trip. If you have a later flight then day of is ideal. For example I went for a run this morning then did my squats, lunges and core workout using my own body weights since I did not have access to a gym.
If you've got an early flight then  make sure to get a workout in the day before. Either way try to get some fresh air since you'll be inside for many hours.

The view during my run before my flight.

2. STRETCH - WHY? Because by stretching you will improve your circulation, relieve anxiety and massage your internal organs. While waitng between flights bust out some yoga posses and deep breathing to bring you back to yourself.

3.  Avoid super sweet and salty foods. These foods can make you bloated and mess with your hormones. You're already stressing your body by changing times zones and environments. Try to eat more natural foods if you can. I always carry a few protein bars and shakes as well as a banana and apple and some veggies with me so that I don't have to rely on "convenient" food available at airports. Here are the bars and shakes that I love & travel with:
https://www.arbonne.ca/shop_online/showCatalog.asp?category=190

And of course remember to drink lots of water. Throw in an empty reusable water bottle  into your carry so that you can refill from water fountains at the airport.

4.  Last but not least. Stay in a positive attitude. Line ups, crowds, security checks and delays can get annoying and frustrating.  But not letting things get to you is the best choice. Smile at everyone you come in contact with, who knows you might just make their day, but your also more likely of having a pleasant experience with them.

Till next time !

Natalia xo