Look Good, Feel Better

Posted on May 24, 2013 by gypsyinthecity

Last week I felt like pure sh*t. What started off as allergies turned into a bad cold that had me blowing my nose every minute on the hour for a week. I hardly ever get sick, but it seems when I do its always something major.

Most of the time when I’m feeling down I like to wear colorful things to cheer me up, especially lipstick. It makes me feel so much better and definitely brightens up my day. I hate to sound vain, but I truly believe that if you look good you feel better. If you don’t believe me, try it one day. Shitty days really do call for cute outfits and bright lipstick.

This particular day I wanted to be comfortable, so I wore this striped maxi and threw on some loafers I got for a $1. I definitely felt like a grandma with this look – you know, the ones with the pearls, colorful scarfs, and red lipstick. Pretty much me when I become a grandma.

If you know me you know I am a lipstick whore. My collection is ridiculous, perhaps I will share it with you all soon. When the rumors of a collaboration with Mac Cosmetics and Rihanna started spreading on the internet, I just knew that if it was indeed true, I had to get my hands on at least one thing. Images started appearing on Instagram from the collection and the only thing I lusted for instantly was this limited edition lipstick called Riri Woo. It looks exactly like Ruby Woo, a permanent lipstick that Mac carries except it is slightly darker. Being the lipstick whore that I am, I just had to have this even though I probably own way too many red lipsticks to begin with.

Like I said before, this lipstick is limited edition and if you were not able to get your hands on it the first time around make sure you stay updated on Mac’s website for they will be releasing Riri Woo again in June, and this time with special packaging. How do you guys get through shitty days? What do you guys think of this lipstick and Rihanna’s collab with Mac? Let me know below!

Besos,

Ada

Photography by Donny Aristy

Anything and Everything NY?

Posted on May 20, 2013 by gypsyinthecity

Nothing says I’m so New Yawkkk than Yankees apparel. Whether its the infamous NY fitted cap or your favorite players jersey, one cannot deny the proud feeling you get when reppin’ your hometown. Oddly enough, this year I celebrated becoming an actual New Yorker. You see, I was born and raised in the Bronx, but my mom relocated us to Florida when I was 7 and this year, I officially have been living in the state of New York longer than I lived in Florida (hope that makes sense).

I used to visit often growing up and although Florida provided a better quality of life, I just never felt quite at home there. At 19, I decided to move back and I wish I could put into words how happy I am living in the only place that has always felt like home. Switching over my license is physical proof that I am a New Yorker, but the following list is a real sign that as much of a gypsy as I claim to be, this chick right here is all New York!

You’re a real New Yorker…

When you know better than to enter an empty subway cart (just barfed in my mouth at the thought and smell)
When you go to Times Square ONLY, if it is a life or death situation
When you’ve mastered crossing the street during heavy traffic without getting hit. Kind of like a real life game of Frogger
When you stop giving money to homeless people
When you have to check yourself before you body (take down) the tourist in front of you who just caused you to miss your train because he/she decided it would be a good idea to stop in the middle of the subway stairs to check their maps once again
When you don’t stare when you spot a celebrity
When you’ve stolen a cab from someone who needs it more than you do
When you believe anyone walking less than 5mph is talking up vital sidewalk space
When you talk shit about how much you need to get away from the city only to be missing it once you’ve been gone for a few days
I could go on, and on…

Most importantly, when you realize that you are a special breed. You know that here it all comes down to: “Lead, follow, or just get out of the way”. You are afraid of nothing, always on your hustle, and ready to prove anyone wrong who says otherwise about the greatest city on earth. Because truthfully, if you could make it here baby, you could make it anywhere!

What do you think makes you a New Yorker?

Yes we all love to talk good smack about New York City, but today I’m showing some love to the city of angels, known for its beautiful sunshine, diverse culture, and laid back vibe. I visited LA last year for the first time and loved it! It was such a breathe of fresh air, I couldn’t get enough of the cool, chill vibe.

Todays outfit post was inspired by Ashley Estrada, the timeless and classic young woman that makes up half of the sippin’ in style duo on www.anythingandeverythingLA.com. I started following Ashley and her dapper boyfriend a while ago on Instagram (@ashtianah & @blakescott_ ) and I just love their individual styles. As a couple they are just perfect.

This look was inspired by Ashley’s effortlessly chic, laid back style, I guess you can say this look is a little anything and everything NY. I added a pencil skirt and dressy clutch to dress up a Yankees graphic tee, and finished it off with one of my favorite sneakers. Ashley also seems to be a big fan of Superga’s, and can be spotted rocking these Italian kicks often on her blog. For more style inspiration, be sure to check out www.anythingandeverythingLA.com and tell ‘em I sent you. East coast, west coast love <3

Besos,

Ada

Photography by Donny Aristy

Cosmopolitan for Latinas “Fastest Updo Ever”

Posted on May 14, 2013 by gypsyinthecity

Cosmopolitan for Latinas Summer 2013 issue on stands now!

As I mentioned in my previous post, I have been featured in Cosmopolitan for Latinas Summer 2013 issue which is on stands now! If it wasn’t for the sweet messages I’ve been getting from friends and family to congratulate me, I’d think that this was all one of my vivid daydreams. I feel so blessed and humbly honored to have had this amazing opportunity.

The entire photo shoot was perfect in every sense of the word. I was flabbergasted at the humbleness of all in attendance, especially Ursula Stephen, famed celebrity hairstylist most known for amazing work over the last several years on Rihanna, and Lucky Smyler, the man behind Rita Ora’s perfect red lips. You would think all those years of working with celebrities would get to their heads, but I cannot stress enough how humble everyone was.

Ursula and I spoke about natural hair care, new products and styling tools. We also talked about my curls and how I achieved my ombre (my bff hairstylist Tainisha did it), she was loving the color! Ursula just opened her very first salon in Brooklyn, congrats to her, hope to check it out soon. Lucky and I chatted about his career as a makeup artist. He was actually an assistant to makeup artist and fashion/beauty expert Jay Manuel, most known for his work as a judge on America’s Next Top Model. We also spoke about his favorite products for a flawless look. He loves the Preo Japanese Lash curler to achieve perfectly curled lashes and the beauty blender for an immaculate application. If you must know, Ruby Woo by Mac Cosmetics is the shade he most frequently uses to give Rita Ora those beautiful and luscious red lips, a must have shade in every gals makeup bag in my opinion.

I love the quick and super easy summer updo Ursula gave me, it literally takes less than ten minutes to do. I usually always end up throwing my hair in a bun when it gets hot out, but I definitely will be rocking this cute ‘do in the summer. I hope you all go pick up the new issue and please tag in me on Instagram @gypsy_inthecity if you try this look out! Doesn’t it look great with this outfit? I think my summer outfits will consist of lots of crop tops and comfy trousers. What do you guys think?

I proclaimed this year the “sexy” year on my birthday and I vowed to push the envelope a bit while staying true to my classy demeanor. A couple of years ago you wouldn’t have caught me wearing a cropped top, I thought that was only for the skinny chicks! So here I am, stepping out of my comfort zone and baring it all- or at least what seems like it. So what if I’m a size 10, I have a little arm fat and my stomach is not as flat as I would like it to be? All of my life experiences have lead me to this moment in time where I feel 100% me, flaws and all. Alicia Keys explains it best, “I have arrived at a place in my life that I am comfortable being exactly who I am in this moment and sharing it with no reservations.”

I just wanted to thank each and everyone of you for the outpour of love you have shown me. I am extremely humbled! Thank you so much to the beautiful team at Cosmo for Latinas for a great shoot and and making one of my wildest dreams come true. If you can believe it, you can achieve it! Thank you to my family and friends for your endless support, for this year has been far from easy but without you I wouldn’t be where I am now. And to my guardian angel Art , thank you for being a guiding light and eternally surrounding me with hope, faith, and love! Miss you more than ever and I wish you were here to bask in this moment of happiness with me.

As always thanks for stopping by, and much, much love to my new followers and readers!

Besos,

Ada

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Photography by Donny Aristy

Bella by Gypsy Makeup Class

Posted on May 10, 2013 by gypsyinthecity

As most of you know I am obsessed with all things beauty, especially makeup and this past weekend I had the pleasure of hosting my very first makeup class! I truly believe that it is an art form and what better way to express my vivid personality than by using my face as a canvas?

Even before I officially started offering my services as a freelance makeup artist and style consultant through Bella by Gypsy, many people had been asking me to put together a makeup class. I had been putting it off for such a long time but everything just came about on its own and fell into place for my first class. It was so much fun demonstrating makeup application and sharing little tips and techniques with the women. My favorite part of the class was giving out mini-makeovers. I thoroughly enjoyed sharing my love of beauty with others, it was an amazing experience and I am looking forward to teaching more classes.

If you follow me on Twitter you must be well aware of the fact that gypsyinthecity.com just got a new photographer named Donny Aristy! Donny is an up and coming photographer hailing from the Washington Heights area of NYC. He is extremely talented and I am so happy to be collaborating with him to bring you all quality photography. When creative forces join together the work produced is undeniable! Lookout for Donny in future posts.

For more information about Bella by Gypsy and the services I provide, please feel free to click on the Bella by Gypsy tab above. For bookings please email Bella@gypsyinthecity.com

As always, thanks for stopping by. If you are new to the blog “hey gworl hey”!

Besos,

Ada

P.S I’m sure you all know this by now, but I have been featured in the Cosmopolitan for Latina 2013 summer issue which is on stands NOW! Ahhhh! I still can’t believe it! More details and pictures from my photo shoot coming up in the next post. In the mean time, go pick up the magazine and feel free to tag me on Instagram and let me know what you think! xx

Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls Review

Posted on April 26, 2013 by gypsyinthecity

A lot of you on Instagram and Facebook requested I do a product review on Miss Jessie’e Pillow Soft Curls since I started using it recently. Check me out foolishly imitating Angela Yee’s ad for the Pillow Soft Curls campaign during my product review. Don’t forget to comment, rate, and subscribe to my YouTube channel!

Hope you enjoyed this video. Thanks for stopping by!

Besos,

Ada

Embrace Every Curve

Posted on April 21, 2013 by gypsyinthecity

Saturday I spent the day with Art’s family, celebrating his mother’s birthday. We had dinner at Rancho Grande Mexican Restaurant in Yonkers. The giant margaritas and fried ice cream were definitely the highlight of the night. I swear anything fried is delicious, especially when its ice cream covered in coconut shavings.

I couldn’t think of anything to wear and with less than an hour to spare to get dressed I resorted to a previous outfit I’ve worn on the blog (check it out here). I’m sure your probably sick and tired of hearing this by now but you can never ever go wrong with a blazer, fitted jeans and killer accessories. It is my go to last minute outfit time and time again. I opted for my new favorite jeans this time around, which I raved about in my previous post. Thank you Victoria’s Secret for creating the perfect jeans to hug to my every curve.

I’ve come to the conclusion that I will never be anything less than a double-digit size and I am perfectly ok with that. I’m proud of the fact that I am comfortable in my own skin and I’ve perfected dressing for my frame. When you truly embrace everything about who you are it definitely shows both on the inside and out. Ladies, embrace every curve as well as your imperfections and flaws. There is beauty in owning who you are.

Thanks for stopping by and if this is your first time on gypsyinthecity.com, welcome!

Besos,

Ada

Off Duty

Posted on April 19, 2013 by gypsyinthecity

I love dressing up but I have to admit I love a good “Off Duty” day, which mostly happen on the days I have school. You can spot me around campus wearing something very similar to this or my gym clothes (obsessed with cute workout clothes as of lately). My dressed down days are all about comfort, without sacrificing style of course.

These Victoria Secret High Waisted Legging Jeans are everything! As a curvy tall girl, I detest low ride jeans because the only thing they’re good for is creating love handles. High waisted jeans bring everything in and enhance your shape. Did I mention how amazing they make your ass look?! Need I say more? I will be purchasing these in every color, hope you don’t get sick of seeing them on the blog.

This look was worn on Sunday to do laundry. I added a pink pout to make me feel a little done up and called it a day. What is your go to “Off Duty” look? Comment below!

Thanks for stopping by.

Besos,

Ada

Pretty in Pink

Posted on April 13, 2013 by gypsyinthecity

My celebration weekend was concluded with a Birthday Brunch on Sunday at Giovanni’s (amazing brunch spot in the Bronx btw). I had a great time with my family and couldn’t have asked for a better ending to my birthday weekend.

Photography by Rosy M. Thank you!

I bought this outfit last minute at H&M for a total of $35. The dress was on sale for $15 and the blazer $20. I love the simplicity of this dress and the hot pink cropped blazer was a must. Tweed blazers are so classic and timeless, a great wardrobe staple.

Gypsy Tip: Invest in quality items such as handbags and shoes. They will last you a lifetime as long as you care for them properly. Always remember, quality over quantity!

I am very big on mixing high end and low end items. Would you have guessed my outfit was so inexpensive?

I’m wearing my new “Lash in the City” Velour Lashes that I purchased at IMATS, perfect for a Gypsy in the City. These lashes can be used at least 25 times, more if you properly care for them, I love them!

Love my Pookie! This boy is the sweetest little thing you will ever meet <3

I am super excited to share with you all that GypsyintheCity.com is in the final stages of its facelift aka a new layout and look. I will be moving the blog over from Blogger to WordPress, can’t wait for you all to see the new look.

There are so many amazing things in the works right now in regards to this blog. I feel very blessed to be able to do what I love, and that is chasing my dreams. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me, your love and support for GypsyintheCity.com is truly appreciated, always.

“Chase your dreams or you’ll spend the rest of your life working for somebody who did.” -Unknown

Thanks for stopping by, have an amazing Sunday loves!

Besos,

Ada

IMATS NY 2013 Haul

Posted on April 11, 2013 by gypsyinthecity

Saturday I had the pleasure of finally attending the International Make-up Artist Trade Show (IMATS). It was my first time and I was so excited. The Trade Show is held every year in major cities all over the world. Thousands of make-up artist, vendors and enthusiasts discuss, display and collect the best the industry has to offer. Make-up pros from fashion and film provide education and demonstrations, giving an inside look into an industry full of creativity and passion.

Special Effects make-up demonstrations

With the lovely Nicole Guerriero. Have you checked out her Youtube Channel yet?

Professional makeup artist Koren Zander of Enkore Makeup perfoming a live demo. This demo was so informative, definitely the highlight of my IMATS experience! You can never learn enough about how to properly apply makeup.

Below are all the items I purchased from IMATS. I have officially started taking on clients as a freelance make-up artist and I am currently in the process of building my kit, so attending IMATS was crucial. Although I wanted to buy it all, I had to practice self control (so hard btw).

Continue reading →

Birthday Grams: Recap

Posted on April 9, 2013 by gypsyinthecity

As you all know my 23rd birthday was on April 5th. I had a fabulous day and weekend as well. I didn’t plan anything too crazy, I just wanted to spend time with the people I love and do things that I enjoy. Everything went according to plan and I couldn’t have been happier. It was one of those weekends where you just went with the flow, no worries just fun. I will be sharing more pictures with you all of my weekend but here are some Bday-grams in the meantime.