Dress to Impress: #NewYearsEve 2015

Dress to Impress: #NewYearsEve 2015

Dress to Impress: #NewYearsEve 2015

Dress to Impress: #NewYearsEve 2015

Dress to Impress: #NewYearsEve 2015

Dress to Impress: #NewYearsEve 2015

Dress to Impress: #NewYearsEve 2015

Dress to Impress: #NewYearsEve 2015

Dress to Impress: #NewYearsEve 2015

Dress to Impress: #NewYearsEve 2015

What:

Hot Miami Styles

Why:

I make the same two New Year’s resolutions every year; wear an amazing dress/outfit to ring in the new year and get in shape! Not at the same time, mind you…there’s always next year, though. 😬

The outfit thing is my way of ushering in the next 12 months with fashionable and fabulous clothing karma. Since I have a pretty decent reputation when it comes to the wardrobe thing (a fashion blog will do that to you), that particular resolution kind of takes care of itself. The fitness thing? Well…

I’ve continuously and miserably failed at that one! Matter-of-fact, I’m currently in the worse shape of my life. That whole getting sick and almost dying thing (GBS) really threw a wrench in my fitness plans and then there’s the knee surgery I had a few months ago. Yeah, a torn meniscus. That sucked. Don’t get me wrong, physical therapy helped my knee. My rear end ? Eh, not so much.

I guess one out of two resolutions isn’t bad. Or is it? I decided to ask my colleagues at WSVN/DECO DRIVE about their resolutions. More specifically, do they make them and if so, do they actually keep them? I promised to keep everyone’s identity secret (so they’d be more forthcoming) and then I divided the answers into two categories: guys and girls, but honestly, it should have been more like, young and old.

At the top of the list for both sexes: losing weight and getting in shape. That relieved my guilt a little, but it was the older or shall I say, more seasoned people in life who really caught my attention with their responses. “There’s no time like the present,” one of my senior co-workers mused, another one said: “Why set myself up to fail, life is hard enough.” I heard those same two answers quite a bit (in different variations), from co-workers older than me. Note to self, carpe diem and guilt is a useless emotion.

There were others ones, too like: learn a new language, get out of debt, do more charity work, be a better person, get on with my family better, get a new job and start driving for Uber. Ha ha! Gotta love journalists. By the way, those answers were from younger people. At the end of the day (no matter the age), I took away one message…we’re all striving for some sort of SELF ACCEPTANCE.

Whether it’s taking things at face value (without a resolution) or tweaking the things in life that’ll make us happier (with a resolution), it’s all about saying: “I’m good enough” or “I’m working on being good enough” and for me, that’s a beautiful thing. I love that the new year brings endless possibilities; wiping the slate clean with a new beginning or in some cases, picking up where you left off or just doing the things you’ve always wanted to do…

With that being said, “Dress to Impress” is about re-evaluating and reinventing my resolutions. I’m looking forward to changing up my personal goals (realistically). While I love looking pretty, as of late I’ve wanted to feel and look sexier. Perhaps, it’s because I’m getting older (and youth is fleeting) or maybe it’s because I’m finally getting over being sick for so long.

Whatever the reason, “Hot Miami Styles” has provided me with an awakening of sorts. I love their sexy, unapologetic clothing and their “I’m a woman here me roar” kind of style. Wearing one of their gorgeous dresses to ring in the New Year is the perfect way to start my 2016.

Another thing I want more of? THE FLORIDA KEYS. I guess at heart, I’m just a small town girl. When I head south, my troubles and nervousness disappears and everything just slows down a little. So, why not combine the two? With a car full of gorgeous gowns from HMS, I headed to Islamorada last weekend. Destination? Amara Cay Resort.

The fairly new seaside retreat is (for the most part), an undiscovered South Florida jewel; chic, modern, glamorous and accessible to the working professional. Along with a private beach, charmingly sleek rooms and a great restaurant (Oltremare, which I’m featuring this week on Spotlight,) it’s the great escape I’ve been looking for or at least another reason to keep my newest resolutions…

“Dress to Impress” in HMS and spending more time in the Florida Keys are two promises I’m pretty sure I can keep. Not only that, I’m actually looking forward to it! Whatever you have planned for the New Year, I hope it greets you with health, happiness and a big dose of self acceptance. Happy 2016!

Where:

For the latest and greatest in New Year’s Eve fashions, you can shop “Hot Miami Styles” on-line www.hotmiamistyles.com or follow them on FB, Twitter or IG @hotmiamistyles.

shot on location at www.amaracayresort.com in Islamorada, The Florida Keys.
FB, Twitter, IG: @amaracayresort or reservations@amaracayresort.com

Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.Carl Bard
Photographer: James Woodley
Styling: Jackie Kay
Hair, MUA: Odett Hernandez
(clothing & shoes provided by Hot Miami Styles)

(A big thank you to everyone who has participated in ‘Favorite Things’ this year. I have so many fabulous fashionable memories and I couldn’t have done it without you!)

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

The Evolution of the TV Anchor

The Evolution of the TV Anchor

The Evolution of the TV Anchor

The Evolution of the TV Anchor

The Evolution of the TV Anchor

My first day on the job as a television reporter was nothing short of terrifying. I was young, insecure and horribly dressed. Of course, I didn’t know it at the time (the horribly dressed part.) Wearing a crisp, bright red blazer, checkered blue and white gauchos and navy high heeled Mary Janes with sweet little bows on top, I was ready to take on the world and my very first television story.

When I showed up to work, my very old, strung-out-on-coffee-and-cigarettes assignment editor barked out my marching orders: “Your story is about the largest private hospital in the area turning indigent.” My response was, not surprisingly, idiotic: “Well, that sounds interesting,” I said enthusiastically. “No shit, Sherlock,” he quipped while handing me a stack of press releases. “You’re the lead at 6pm,” he grunted. “This is my first day. Should I really be the lead?” I sighed insecurely, under my breath. He didn’t even bother looking up from his computer, but…

Just as I turned to walk out the door, he called after me: “Hey, new kid – you’re not going to wear that on television, are you?” Everyone in the newsroom simultaneously burst into laughter. I smirked at him, shook my head and bee-lined it for the hospital. Once I met my videographer, I did, indeed, piecemeal my way through the story and proudly presented it during my very first television live-shot on the 6PM news. After the tally light went off on the camera, I punched the sky and belted out the theme to “Rocky.” It was a defining moment…

Unfortunately, I did it all while wearing that not-so-flattering outfit. If I was being totally honest, though, I didn’t really have a choice in the matter. I was just starting out in the business and was as broke as a spandex maker when grunge hit. So to make due, I would piece together outfits from free clothing I got from my old pageant and modeling days. I learned pretty quickly, though, my sob story didn’t matter because viewers didn’t give a flying flip. The next day, my News Director forwarded me my first official complaint.

The ladies name was Barbara; yes, I still remember her name and in no uncertain terms she wrote the station, cc’ing my General Manager, to inform them that during my (very first) live-shot, I wasn’t wearing enough lipstick, my hair was too flat and my gauchos were hideous. Luckily, she thought I did a good job on the story. Welcome to television!

Read the rest of “The Evolution of the TV Anchor” at www.wsvn.com or to be featured in the blog email me at ShireenSandoval@yahoo.com.

Belkys Nerey wardrobe provided by www.NanetteLepore.com
Lynn Martinez styled by Elyse Held/wardrobe www.JessieBoutique.com
Shireen Sandoval’s suit www.saksfifthavenue.com / shoes www.jimmychoo.com

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

photography by tod p/t4twophotography
Twitter @todp_photo
IG @Tod_p
info@t4twophotography.com

Hair & Make-up by Odette Hernandez
Twitter @Odettehernandz
IG Odett_Herndz

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
MattAuerbach@yahoo.com

Wrapped in Beauty

Shireen Sandoval, Shireens Favorite Things, Fashion blog, wsvn, deco drive, photoshoot, beautiful, DVF, Diane von Furstenberg, Wrap Dress

Shireen Sandoval, Shireens Favorite Things, Fashion blog, wsvn, deco drive, photoshoot, beautiful, DVF, Diane von Furstenberg, Wrap Dress

Shireen Sandoval, Shireens Favorite Things, Fashion blog, wsvn, deco drive, photoshoot, beautiful, DVF, Diane von Furstenberg, Wrap Dress

Shireen Sandoval, Shireens Favorite Things, Fashion blog, wsvn, deco drive, photoshoot, beautiful, DVF, Diane von Furstenberg, Wrap Dress

When Diane von Furstenberg told me to stand up and raise my arms above my waist, I was slightly embarrassed, but completely enthralled at the same time. She wanted to teach me the proper way to tie her famous wrap dress. So I, of course, did exactly as the fashion icon ordered. “The Amelia looks really good on you,” she said happily and explained the reason I was styled in the dress.

“I designed it to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the wrap dress,” Diane said proudly, as she ripped the sealed pockets of the frock open. “Has Shireen been gifted this dress?” Diane inquisitively asked her assistant. “No, not yet,” her assistant chirped. “Well then, this is my gift to you,” Diane said matter-of-factly as she reached for my waist. Overwhelmed by her gesture, I mumbled how honored I was and watched as she untied the bow that I had carefully cinched before our interview. 

“All you have to do is tie this one under and this one over. Voila! See, you don’t need a bow. It will stay put, you’ll see.” I nodded vehemently, as she easily corrected something I had obviously been doing wrong for the majority of my adult fashion life. My face flushed with redness; it wasn’t because I was embarrassed, either. 

It was because Diane von Furstenberg, herself, the woman, the designer, the legend, the person who had created this incredibly stylish, beyond beautiful dress had not only generously gifted it to me, but had unpretentiously proceeded to show me the proper way to tie it. Despite having a career jam-packed with celebrity encounters, it was an incredible moment, one that I will never forget. It felt different; special, even. 

Perhaps it was the affectionate fawning she showered over me, the sincerity of it or the fact that we both shared a deep love and passion for fashion. Whatever it was, I held back the tears as the moment unfolded. In her presence, I felt undeniably “Wrapped in Beauty.” Later that day, when I got back to the Deco Drive offices, I tried explaining the encounter to my blog editor, Matthew Auerbach, who I endearingly call Matty.

I didn’t expect him to understand, but he surprised me by replying: “I totally get it; it’s like a Yankees fan getting a batting lesson from Derek Jeter.” I shook my head in total agreement and replied: “Yes, that’s exactly it.” Matty then proceeded to tell me if I didn’t write about the exchange between Diane and myself I’d have to be insane. Actually, I think he said nuts and I definitely don’t want him thinking I’m nuts. 

There are a lot of reasons why DVF, the woman is so special. The magnitude of her individuality and what makes her so appealing is perhaps best explained in her new book “The Woman I Wanted To Be,” a candid and heartfelt memoir about her relationship with her mother (who was a survivor of Auschwitz,) her many lovers and her incredible rise to fame as a fashion designer. 

I sat down with Diane recently at her pop-up store in the Aventura Mall, a beautiful space partially dedicated to her Los Angeles exhibit, “Journey of a Dress” celebrating the 40th anniversary of her famous wrap dress. We talked about her new book, her new reality show and in short, just what an astonishing year it’s been for her.

To read my intimate interview with Diane go to www.wsvn.com or to shop the look featured in the blog go to www.DFV.com

Blog wardrobe provided by www.dvf.com styled by Diane von Furstenberg 
Twitter: @DVF
IG: @DVF
Facebook: DVF – Diane von Furstenberg  

Gorgeous Jill and her “One of a kind Jewelry”

Shireen Sandoval, Shireens Favorite Things, Fashion blog, wsvn, deco drive, photoshoot, Jill Zaleski, Jewelry, beautiful

Shireen Sandoval, Shireens Favorite Things, Fashion blog, wsvn, deco drive, photoshoot, Jill Zaleski, Jewelry, beautiful

Shireen Sandoval, Shireens Favorite Things, Fashion blog, wsvn, deco drive, photoshoot, Jill Zaleski, Jewelry, beautiful

Shireen Sandoval, Shireens Favorite Things, Fashion blog, wsvn, deco drive, photoshoot, Jill Zaleski, Jewelry, beautiful

Shireen Sandoval, Shireens Favorite Things, Fashion blog, wsvn, deco drive, photoshoot, Jill Zaleski, Jewelry, beautiful

The sex club was everything I thought it would be: gritty, grimy and borderline gross, but I didn’t let it get to me. When I arrived, no one was having sex, but the way my fashion crew was acting, you would have thought we had been dumped smack dab in the middle of Sodom and Gomorrah. I guess the unspoken mysteries of sex can do that to a person.

The place was touted as a polite swingers club, but with the plastic wrapped mattresses, secluded rooms and one-way glass windows, it screamed unadulterated fornication. I know sometimes fashion can be weird, even sexual at times, but what we were about to do didn’t have anything to do with coitus, copulation or even coupling, for that matter.

We were there to shoot a holiday jewelry campaign with up-and-coming designer Jill Zaleski. Unfortunately, the studio we had booked a few months prior to the collaboration suddenly closed, forcing us to make a last minute, harried location change. I was actually out of town (on another modeling job) when I got news of the cancellation. I had planned on flying back to Miami that night and meeting Jill the next morning, but first she had to make her way from Tennessee.

With her in route and me out of town, I reached out to the photographer shooting the campaign and asked him to save the project. We needed a large space to accommodate a big team, including a camera crew. So, he found one and that’s how we ended up at the sex club. He had a contact who let us set up shop on the club’s expansive dance floor. It wasn’t how I had envisioned it, but it worked and the show went on.

Read the rest of my journey with “Gorgeous Jill and her One of a Kind Jewelry” at www.wsvn.com or shop the look at www.jillzaleski.com.

Blog jewelry provided by: Jill Zaleski ~ One of a Kind Jewelry
Twitter @jillzaleski
IG @JillZaleski
FB Jill Zaleski One of a Kind Jewelry

Blog wardrobe provided by: Hollen & Jen Vintage Showroom
Twitter @Hollenandjen
IG @Hollenandjen
FB Hollen & Jen Showroom