Musical Notes

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Let me start off by saying apologies for the lack in updating the past few months. I've been keeping myself pretty low key and focused. My SO and I have been busy moving into our first home and furnishing it. From new living room pieces to beautiful new, modern appliances. I've even discovered a new hobby of mine aside from interior decorating, plants! With all this movement and excitement, I've been using music as a form of entertainment, preoccupation and a soundtrack to all my thoughts.

Mothers

Illustrated By Jacqueline Davis Moranti 

It hasn't been until recently that I started realizing how important family is. For me as a woman of South American descent, most of my family unfortunately do not live in the same country. As a kid I always wondered why my family's reunions were always so small and then going to friends' family reunions were such a big difference. Growing up in the Dominican culture taught me a lot, especially about mothers. As I've grown older, I've come to understand my mother so much more and vice versa. The way a family grows stronger with time, it is a beautiful way of blooming. My mother is inevitably getting older, even though her spirit is so young that she may seem not much older than myself! I know time flies and I want to make the most of the time that I have with her, she is in fact, my favorite person. And I owe so much of who I am to her. As an adult, I want to give her everything. Even more than what she has given me. Because she definitely deserves it. My family life is a unique experience, and I feel blessed to say that it is mine.

Hair Care Lately

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

I may be biased in saying this, but I believe curly/ kinky/ coily hair is the best hair! As a member of this hair group community, I think highly textured hair is where the party is. However, as many curly and coily haired gals can attest, maintenance can be brutal. Using countless products that do nothing, going on an endless search for that holy grail product, battling frizz and buildup, and hairstyles that just don't work. Sometimes changing your routine can feel daunting but the benefit is that it can revamp those dull hair days and keep your wild mane looking glamorous and frizzless. Keep reading to find out my latest hair care routine!

Lipgloss Poppin'

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

For the longest time, I have not been a fan of lipgloss. Something about the tacky feeling that I never got used to, growing up lipglosses all were tacky or at least the ones that my friends and I used in high school were. I'll admit I likened lipgloss to 12-16 year old girls and not for adult 20 somethings and beyond. I love my mattes, satins, velvety lipsticks and of course dashes of color too. But I have learned that lately many makers of lip glosses have been creating better options for adults that don't include glitter or "bubble gum" pink! My latest obsession is with Marc Jacob's new lip gloss, Enamored.

The Hair Controversy

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Hair is such a finicky subject especially for women of color. From wondering if your hair is too "untamed" looking for work to being able to go to school with dreadlocks and not being stereotyped as "dirty." Literally when I think of hair, I think of India Arie's hit song I Am Not My Hair. Its a song which talks about not being identified or type casted because of the style of hair you choose to wear because no one person is a monolith for a group of people. As I have mentioned before on the blog, I use to use chemicals to alter my hair to keep it  straight.  I did that for years since I was an infant to my early 20's and in all that time I never actually knew what my hair texture looked like under all of those chemicals. So when  I gave up the "creamy crack"/ lye  it was almost like a morbid curiosity to see how my hair grew the way God intended. I feel for women and men that hide their hair's natural texture intentionally and unintentionally because I too understand the hardships that come from it.

Give A Girl The Right Shirt

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

It's no secret that I'm obsessed with designer styles like Helmut Lang, Alexander Wang, The Row, Diane Von Furstenberg to name a few. Contemporary womens designers have this element of design unlike others, theres always an attention to details and quality that a "minimalista" like myself crave. I yearn for a wardrobe that expresses a timeless aesthetic and a bold mix of blacks, whites, and neutrals but i'll admit the occasional trend will sneak itself into my wardrobe! Whenever I shop for pieces to add to my closet, I try to imagine myself wearing it for years on end, this process is how I determine if it's timeless, meaning it's something I can wear 10 years from now or even 20 years from now! For me it's important to have a wardrobe that isn't full of fluff but containing quality and capsule pieces which is why Barney's is one of my favorite stores to visit. Barney's is what I like to think of as a boutique department store with contemporary and premier designers for both men and women. I am an avid online shopper and would prefer to keep it that way but Barney's offers an awesome in store experience with helpful employees to answer your needs, snacks, drinks, great lighting for selfies, large fitting rooms and of course a more intimate feel with the products that online shopping yet does not offer. I recently visited my local Barney's here in Philadelphia and went in thinking I was going to pick something out that would be neutral and left with something totally left field!

Hairy Situation

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

As you may have noticed recently, I have colored my hair, technically lightened it! I was admittedly getting bored with my dark kinks and wanted something drastically different, i've never had blonde or at least "blonde-ish" hair and knew that was what I wanted to achieve. I took time out one weekend to try it and 5 hours of grueling intensity with lots and lots of foil. End result, an ombre crown! I totally love it, but I am also aware of the work it takes to maintain lightened hair. The stress of maintenance for naturally coily hair has doubled for me but with a tweak in my routine I can make it manageable!

Travel Plans

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Vacations aren’t nearly learning experiences for most of us. No, they are opportunities to relieve tension, soak up the sun, and indulge. On a separate note, I can’t wait to plan for my next getaway! Phew, now that that is out of my system, let’s get back to the program! Vacations are supposed to be fun, but every now and then they are also opportunities to grow and develop. Maybe not in a human sense but from a lifestyle viewpoint. Now let me ask you this, have you never been on vacation from hell? One that just isn't enjoyable no matter what you do? If you haven’t, you’re one of the lucky ones. Everyone and I mean everyone, wants to avoid disasters, and by analyzing what was good and what was bad is the most straightforward method to plan for much more successful vacations.

Self Check

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Let's be frank, it should be one of everyone’s top responsibilities to look after their own health. As well as doing all the obvious things like eating right, cutting down on harmful substances and exercising on a regular basis, there are also plenty of do- it- yourself health checks which can help you with preventative measures. I tend to keep my physician on speed dial if any questions should arise, but out of those conversations I learned a lot of tips! Here are just a few things that you can do for yourself that can help you to spot issues in the first place. Remember to consult your physician as well! Make 2018 the year that you make major strides on your health and preventative measures.

Personal Essay #11

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Usually at the end of a year I go through my photos as a little mini review of the year I've had. One thing is consistent throughout the gallery, my hair. I'm always picking my hair out, manipulating it to reach the sky, forcing it to go high and bigger. No, I'm not a 70's kid, far from it but I have my influences, Angela Davis and Foxy Brown. My hair has always been my security blanket, I felt safe hiding behind my hair, like a nest for the introverted. It had a lot to do with my insecurities as a child,  mostly with the way I looked. Children will be children and point out and make fun of other children, often more than not I was one of the kids that would be pointed out. Most days my head felt too big, my hips too wide, my thighs too thick, my skin too dark, too ethnically ambiguous especially for a Dominican. Distinct memories of elementary school classmates that couldn't go a day without reminding me of the way I look still to this day, creep into my mind as I stare at myself in the mirror. 

Dressy Winter

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

"Baby, it’s cold outside," but that doesn’t mean that you can’t wear all of those lovely little dresses that you like so much. Sure, winter might not be the optimal time to bare your skin, but if you know the rules of layering then you won’t have to worry about the chill. If you're the type who has a wide variety of sundresses in your wardrobe, and you want to wear them whatever the weather may be - layering is your best friend. With that in mind, here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks to ensure you can keep wearing your favorite dresses throughout the winter season.

Which Character Inspires You?

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

When it comes to television, I try not to get sucked into storylines, not because I hate tv but I just don't have time to get sucked into an entire synopsis. Most shows on tv require a deep dedication and devotion to fully understand the plot lines. Which is why I tend to catch snippets here and there of reality tv shows, news segments or my favorite choice of entertainment-on-the-go, podcasts. When you're a busy- body, taking time to sit down is quite a rarity. From working 40 hours a week plus the extra odd hours working on self endeavors, and making time to visit friends and family, it's no wonder I cut out television from my schedule. Occasionally there will be a series on tv that catches my attention and just draws me in to it, and funny enough most of those series are on one network, HBO.

Beauty Bit, Fall Skin Redo

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

As the season changes, so does my wardrobe and as my wardrobe changes with the seasons, so does my skin care routine. Colder weather means drier skin, or at least for me it does! With that said, I have to make sure to keep my skin looking and feeling dewy. One of the best ways I work on achieving that goal is by keeping my routine hands free, or mostly hands free which means having an arsenal of brushes and sponges around to keep my face from picking up any unwanted extra oils. When it comes to my makeup routine it's makeup brushes galore (more on that soon!) but for washing my face one face towel just wasn't enough. That's where the Clarisonic Mia 1 comes in!

To The Tailor

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Imagine this, you're at a very special event wearing your favorite silk dress while  you network with friends and business partners. Most likely this event will have some alcoholic beverages and finger food, which means in between conversations you're taking sips of red wine perhaps. While I like to fancy myself a glass of Merlot, I definitely do not like spilling it on my clothes, especially on delicate fabrics. I'm not perfect and accidents happen, but going to a tailor shouldn't be your first and only option, spending money to get rid of stubborn stains is not magic especially when you have Dryel by your side.

In Sneakers, We Trust

Illustration by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Here in Philadelphia, being on the move is a regular thing and part of your daily routine. Wearing heels doesn't always feel like the smartest choice, no matter how how convenient it might be! Then there's the other option, sneakers. I love wearing sneakers.... while i'm working out, any other time just feels weird. I always have a hard time finding sneakers that I can wear leisurely after a workout. Either the sneakers are too bulky or not minimalist enough to match with my outfits. Fortunately Famous Footwear has a great selection of sneakers for minimalistas like myself to choose from!

Coloring Fall

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

I can live in just wearing neutral colors like black, navy, or even camel tones but super vibrant colors or pastels, totally not my thing. As i've expressed before on Burgundy Whispers, I'm much more interested in building a timeless/ capsule wardrobe just so that I'm not filling my closet with things that aren't completely necessary. Yes, occasional on trend item will occasionally by magic appear in my closet but then what do you do with it after the season is over? My little secret to shopping in color is by using the Pantone Color report! Most of the colors featured tend to bear on the neutral side so my minimalist dreams don't get squandered! Here's a look at how i'm shopping the 2017 Fall Pantone colors....

Wear it Well

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

For many, fashion is much more than the clothing chosen off the store racks. It’s a total passion, and mood enhancer, I recently watched an interview with Kanye West explaining why he is so passionate about designing fashion. In which West explains that he designs for the kids in mind, helping kids feel confident in clothing that suits them. To be able to carry off funky, unique fashions you have to have the right confidence and much of someone’s courage comes from their own views of themselves.

Beauty Bit, Autumn Rotation

Illustrated By Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Let's be honest, perfect skin is a myth! With everything that we do to try to achieve that perfect glowing, smooth, pore less complexion how can there actually be perfection? For my skin I definitely go through a process. From different types of exfoliators to moisturizers and brushes, don't even get me started on how many different kinds of primers and serums I have, whole other blog post! If ever there were a perfect time to figure out your skincare routine, it would be at the start of a new season! Here's a look at what I've added to my rotation....

Everyday Accessories

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Have you ever picked out the perfect outfit just to stand in front of the mirror, and feel completely underwhelmed? Is something missing from your costume, or do you think there’s something that could be changed or added? In most cases, it’s probably your lack of accessories that ultimately makes you look at yourself in shame. It doesn’t take much time to pick out some accessories, but it can get annoying storing several different types of rings, necklaces and earrings to pick for the right occasion. Getting dressed in the morning is already hard enough, then to add other embellishments to the outfit can feel daunting. I've sorted out ways simplify things. Accessories that you can wear with pretty much any outfit at any time of the day is key. It’ll help make dressing up in the morning a little easier, and less to worry about.

Future of Fashion

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

The fashion retail industry is always adapting to suit customer needs and preferences. Often, the changes are subtle and can even be difficult to notice. Sometimes they’re not even made with specific goals in mind, but rather just to keep things from getting stagnant. But in the next several years we’re going to see some more dramatic and intentional shifts in how stores operate both in person and online. This is largely because of some tantalizing advances in tech, and overall it is quite exciting to look ahead at. Here are some of the changes to look out for in the coming next five years—if not the next year or two....