A Window to the World

A Window to the World

A Window to the World

A Window to the World

A Window to the World

A Window to the World

A Window to the World

I fell in love in Paris, was awe-inspired to write in Rome, found the true meaning of history in London, was mystified by the magic of Moscow and bewitched by the beauty of Brazil. Ahhhh travel. I love it and if you read my blog on a regular basis, you know my wanderlust doesn’t stop there. A few years ago…

On a whim (while on assignment in Scotland,) I decided to stay. I was nursing a broken heart and took refuge in a small but quaint hotel. My days were spent wandering around the lavish and lush green countryside. I’ll never forget the way the rolling hills danced their way up toward Edinburgh Castle.

At the top, they elegantly intertwined (like long-lost lovers,) crescendoing into a perfect blend of old world charm and modern day sophistication. My respite, to the country known for its spirited people, music, whiskey, beer and the very first sighting of the Loch Ness Monster, was experiencing a particularly cold Spring that year.

I, however, managed to find warmth by shopping along the Royal Mile and wandering in and out of pubs on Princes Street. I found joy in watching the many buskers, especially the bagpipers dressed in full regalia, playing slow and stately songs. I’m sure the endless pints of Guinness, large plates of fish and chips and the occasional hearty helping of Haggis helped, too. Yes, I really did like Haggis (and yes, I know it’s made from sheep stomach.)

Eventually, I returned home, just in time for work to send me to “The Land Down Under.” My job, once I got around the globe, was to seek out the much talked about surf, sun and sand the Aussies are so famous for basking in. The Golden Coast didn’t disappoint. Each morning, I was greeted with the most amazing yellowy sunrise, speckled with warm chunks of amber and light orange wispy clouds.

Read the rest of my feature on Bagghy at www.WSVN.com or shop the look at www.BAGGHY.com & www.BAGGHY.us.

IG: @BagghyUSA
Twitter: @BagghyUSA
FB: Bagghy Miami USA

Blog wardrobe provided by www.kokopalenki.com

Twitter: @ShireenSandoval
IG: @ShireenSandoval
ssandoval@wsvn.com
www.shireensandoval.com

Photographer: James Woodley
Twitter: @BritFloridian
IG: @BritFloridian
www.James-Woodley.com

Hair & Make-up: Odette Hernandez
Twitter: @Odettehernandz
IG: @O.D.E.T.T

Assist: Jackie Kay
Blog ideas: Jackiekay211@yahoo.com

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
MattAuerbach@yahoo.com

Feeling Magenta

Feeling Magenta

Feeling Magenta

Feeling Magenta

Feeling Magenta

Feeling Magenta

Feeling Magenta

Despite the hustle and bustle around the television station, when I closed the door to my office, the room fell silent and my composure quickly started to crack. The brief reprieve from the buzz of the newsroom left me open to a wide range of emotions: I laughed, cried and then quickly buried my head into my hands and let out a silent scream. I was undeniably NUTS with excitement.

Like a boxer who had just won the most important title bout of his life, I balled both of my hands up into tight fists and punched the air with an enthusiasm reserved only for the movies…”Rocky,” “Rudy” and “Chariots Of Fire” had nothing on me. It wasn’t enough, though, so I jabbed the air again, this time like an athlete who had just won an Olympic gold medal.

One she had worked and sacrificed her entire life for. I had finally done it; won the match, earned the medal and the moment was all mine. I wanted to call someone and share it. I wanted to tell someone that the years of sacrifice, commitment and hard work had finally paid off. All the holidays I had worked through, birthday parties I had missed, family reunions I couldn’t attend and relationships I couldn’t sustain because all of my energy always went to work – I wanted to scream to anyone who would listen that it was ALL WORTH IT, but I couldn’t…

Just minutes before my air-punching moment, the Vice President of Sunbeam Television notified me that after a rigorous two month-long audition process to become co-host of Deco Drive, I had indeed landed the job: however, until we hammered out contract details, released a formal media statement and announced it to the inner fold of Channel 7, my promotion was to be kept a secret. I obeyed as if my very career depended on it and well, it did. A few weeks later…

Read the rest of  “Feeling Magenta” at www.WSVN.com or shop the looks featured in the blog at www.MagentaCouture.com.

Twitter: @MagentaCouture
IG: @MagentaCouture
FB: Magenta Couture

Twitter: @ShireenSandoval
IG: @ShireenSandoval
ssandoval@wsvn.com
www.shireensandoval.com

Photographer: James Woodley
Twitter: @BritFloridian
IG: @BritFloridian
www.James-Woodley.com

Hair & Make-up: Odette Hernandez
Twitter: @Odettehernandz
IG: @O.D.E.T.T

Assist: Jackie Kay
Blog ideas: Jackiekay211@yahoo.com

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
MattAuerbach@yahoo.com

Positively: Peace Love World

Positively: Peace Love World

Positively: Peace Love World

Positively: Peace Love World

Positively: Peace Love World

Positively: Peace Love World

Positively: Peace Love World

Positively: Peace Love World

Positively: Peace Love World

Alina Villasante is the kind of person you just want to be around: she’s good natured, effortlessly happy and genuinely kind. Not only is she interesting, she’s interested in the world around her. It’s part of what makes her growing fashion empire, “Peace Love World,” so successful.

I was reminded of her effervescent qualities a few weeks ago, when I met up with her at one of her boutiques in Aventura. We talked about how far she’s come and how far her passions have pushed her. She didn’t wanna just chat about herself, though; she questioned me about my life, what I loved and the demands of my career. I found her enchanting, sincere and amazingly grounded, despite her awe-inspiring, incredibly quick rise to fame in the fashion world.

It’s hard to believe, but Alina started her brand just six years ago (as a hobby.) As legend has it, her passion for fashion began with an annual girly get-together she hosted called the “Love Party.” During the event, Alina would gift each of her gal pals yummy material t’s with personality. Not only did her friends fall head over heels in love with her comfy creations, they wanted more. Viola! The idea for “Peace Love World” was born.

It all happened pretty fast, relatively speaking. I’m not saying there hasn’t been a lot of hard work, dedication, blood, sweat and tears involved in bringing Alina’s business to life. Matter of fact, she’s worked her butt off (and then some) to make it happen. What I am saying is – it usually takes brands decades upon decades to achieve the growth, notoriety and loyal customer following “Peace Love World” has garnered in a short amount of time (in fashion years.)

Read the rest of my article on “Peace Love World” at www.WSVN.com or shop the look at www.peacelove.world.com.

Twitter: @peaceloveworld
IG: @PeaceLoveWorld
FB: Peace Love World

Twitter: @ShireenSandoval
IG: @ShireenSandoval
ssandoval@wsvn.com

Photographer: James Woodley
Twitter: @BritFloridian
IG: @BritFloridian
www.James-Woodley.com

Hair & Make-up: Odette Hernandez
Twitter: @Odettehernandz
IG: @O.D.E.T.T

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
MattAuerbach@yahoo.com

Happy Valentine’s Day

 

Valentine's Day, Love, Feb 14th, Saturday, Heart, Chocolates, Fashion, Flowers, Roses, James Woodley Photography, #jamesWphoto, www.james-woodley.com

 

Valentine's Day, Love, Feb 14th, Saturday, Heart, Chocolates, Fashion, Flowers, Roses, James Woodley Photography, #jamesWphoto, www.james-woodley.com

 

Valentine's Day, Love, Feb 14th, Saturday, Heart, Chocolates, Fashion, Flowers, Roses, James Woodley Photography, #jamesWphoto, www.james-woodley.com

 

Valentine's Day, Love, Feb 14th, Saturday, Heart, Chocolates, Fashion, Flowers, Roses, James Woodley Photography, #jamesWphoto, www.james-woodley.com

 

From all of us at Shireen’s Favorite Things; wishing you Fashion, Love and all that Jazz!

 

Red Body Suit:  Kore Boutique, Miami
Jeans:  Colbert, NYC
Shoes:  Just Fab
Earrings:  Vintage – C. Madeleine’s
Hat:  Bebe

 

Photos by James Woodley Photography

Layers of Love

Layers of Love

Layers of Love

Layers of Love

Layers of Love

Layers of Love

I saw love’s face on a perfect December afternoon in a small garden in front of a white gazebo on the west side of Miami. I wept openly at the site of her. She was beyond beautiful and everything I thought she would be; compassionate, caring, graceful and unconditional. I had seen her before, but never like this: so powerful, raw and awe-inspiring. The experience changed me forever.

I’m not sure why, as I had seen love many times before in my life. Especially in my relationships (marriage, motherhood, parents and friends,) but watching my good friends, Jessie and Jesse (the universe wasn’t messing around when it came to pairing these two) get married under a perfect blue sky, with the people they loved most surrounding them, was undeniably one of the most moving experiences of my life. I had never afforded myself such an opportunity.

The first time I got married, I eloped with a man almost twice my age. We ran away to Corpus Christi, Texas and found a small, quaint chapel by the sea to exchange vows. My mother begged me not to do it and honestly, it’s probably why I went through with it. I rebelled against her because I didn’t want to end up like her, but my decision itself was a complete incarnation of her life. She, too, had married early and found out too late she had made a mistake. Nonetheless…

I wore a pretty short, white summer dress with a high collar and a lace back. I paired it with a string of fake pearls and delicate, white strappy sandals. My brother, who found out about my not-so-secret elopement, showed up at the last minute to walk me down the aisle. My parents were right behind him; making me unspeakably mad. I hated everyone for crashing my party of independence, but looking back at it now, I realize it’s because they loved me.

Read the rest of my “Layers of Love” journey at www.wsvn.com or shop the looks…

Layered bracelets by Levinson Jewelers
www.LevinsonJewelers.com
Twitter: @LevinsonJeweler
IG: @levinsonjewelers
FB: Levinson Jewelers

Shot on location at www.wildsealasolas.com
620 East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
Reservations: 954-467-2555
Twitter: @WildSeaLasOlas
IG: @WildSeaLasOlas
FB: Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille

Wardrobe by Magenta Couture
www.MagentaCouture.com
Twitter: @MagentaCouture
IG: @magentacouture
FB: Magenta Couture