yolauralikesbeauty

OOTD + OOTN

Typical PAMM Photo Shoot | Last of Summer Fashion

Fashion, Glamshoots, OOTD + OOTN0

My lovely friend Reyna (@reynanoriega_ on Instagram) invited me to Pérez Art Museum this past weekend. We’re both creatives, so it’s no surprise that she pulled out a camera and I followed along lmao. You can guarantee 2 things with creatives: they’ll always be late and there is always a camera involved.

I was feeling myself and this dress that’s perfect for the summer to fall transition. Here are my favorites from the impromptu shoot:

Now for the best ones lmao:

Dress: Jimmy Dress from Laura’s Boutique (no longer available)

Sandals: Gladiator sandals in cognac from Charlotte Russe (no longer available)

Earrings: Forever 21 (no longer available)

Bracelet: Beya

We all need creative friends that we can collaborate with. Thanks Reynaaa ❤ check out her photography page: rsnphotography on Instagram.

Be sure to share your thoughts on my posts with me in the comments below or on my social media pages: yolauralikesbeauty on Instagram and Facebook; yolauraisfierce on Twitter.

Thanks for reading ?<<<<<< ;<<<<< t;<<<< gt;<<< ><< p>< /p>

A Style Guide for Spain

Fashion, OOTD + OOTN, Travel0

Tapas, wine, siesta, repeat.

Probably my favorite tapas in Spain. It’s from La Cantina Mexicana in Seville. Miss this place so much!

 

I hate wine lol, but visiting Bodegas Portias Grupo Faustino was cool!

 

Spain sounds like the ultimate vacation destination, doesn’t it? It has a very relaxed culture and lifestyle. Same goes for its attire.

 

Before embarking on the voyage known as study abroad, my professors made it seem like Spanish fashion was very formal and unforgiving of crop tops and shorts. My professors even told us the tale of how some girls on a past trip wore crop tops and were approach by Spaniards for prostitution services ?

 

My professors also said that everyone in Spain rocks high-quality clothing and that’s apparently obvious. You know that’ll for sure burn a hole in your pocket ?????

 

Fake news: Spain’s attire is actually pretty chill.

 

I must admit that no one really wore crop tops and short shorts; people opted for longer, flowy and breathable articles of clothing. Everyone was well-dressed everywhere I went. I fitted right in because I overdress for everything lol.

 

It wasn’t over-the-top, though. You most likely won’t feel out of place clothing-wise. Just dress a bit nicer than you usually would. If you’d wear shorts and a t-shirt, make it the nicer pair of shorts you own and a t-shirt that flatters you. Maybe wear pants instead. If you want to remain comfy and not dress up, consider some accessories to spruce up your look. Spaniards are the master of the comfy chic look.

 

My top recommendations for clothes in Spain are flowy tops and dresses (it’s HOT and you need something light and airy), comfy pants (ripped is okay!), shorts and skirts that aren’t too short and comfy walking shoes (those cobblestone streets are unforgiving).

 

 

I brought this flowy top that was dressy enough for a night out in the shopping district and light enough so I wouldn’t suffocate from the Spanish heat ? Spain has a very dry heat, so bear that in mind — even at night! Also, these sandals were cute, but not comfy enough for a long day of walking, just a relaxed outing.

 

 

This sleeveless maxi dress was flattering, kept everything in check and was ideal for the Spanish heat in Madrid ?

 

 

My go-to comfy pants were these ripped jeans I picked up at Ross. They are a very high-quality denim and paired so well with many looks. Prior to study abroad, I researched if ripped jeans were appropriate (my professors got me paranoid lmao) and I found out they’re very popular in Spain. Also, these are my comfy sandals. If I’m not feeling sneakers, I wear these.

 

Tell me: doesn’t this look like the set of a DJ Khaled video?! It’s actually the Real Alcázar de Sevilla lol ?

 

My next look with jeans was for Plaza de España, where they shot a Star Wars movie! (Don’t be fooled; I’m not a fan of the franchise nor have I seen any of the movies lmao)

 

Seville was a bit chilly that day, so be sure to bring outerwear! I recommend a heavier jacket, like a rain jacket/ coat, and something lighter like a cardigan. The rain jacket is convenient for rain and colds, unexpected days. The cardigan is light enough to complete a look without feeling uncomfortably hot or tie around your waist just in case you get chilly. If it’s very cold, you can layer them!

 

 

Here’s a glimpse of some outfits on the trip. They’re appropriate, comfy and stylish!

 

 

Here are some from a night out! Don’t feel like respecting a culture’s usual attire sacrifices the ability to look and feel good.

 

My rules also apply to men! Instead of the dresses — unless of course that’s your wave and you wanna keep riding it ? — opt for the same, light and airy pieces and nicer looking items.

 

 

Take Adrian for example:

 

And don’t focus on Erica’s facial expression ?

 

I hope this guide helped! I kept it as relaxed as Spain’s attire. You know I had to be strict with my Moroccan Style Guide because the dress code is very conservative and many people don’t know how to follow directions ??

 

Let me know if you’ve been to Spain and how your experience was! If you can shopping in Spain; they have such cute clothing stores!! These are my favorite:

 

 

 

Be sure to share your thoughts on my posts with me in the comments below or on my social media pages: yolauralikesbeauty on Instagram and Facebook; yolauraisfierce on Twitter.

 

Thanks for reading! ?

A Style Guide for Morocco: Do’s and Don’ts

OOTD + OOTN, Travel0

I would’ve never imagined in my wildest dreams that I’d have a chance to visit Africa! It still feels surreal and I’ve been back home from study abroad for over a month and a half now lmao.

In Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl. Yes, everything is blue!

Morocco is an interesting country, very different from America and even Europe. Something heavily stressed by my tour guide was attire, behavior and respecting customs.

As a visitor to a foreign land, you must respect that respective culture’s beliefs, values and customs. Disobeying these laws of the land can result in an uncomfortable time. You can be approached, possibly harassed. You can be scolded. Also, you’d be doing yourself a disservice by not appreciating and respecting the culture.

Morocco is pretty hot, so it can seem challenging to dress conservatively without suffocating or sweating too much. My biggest recommendation is wearing light fabrics and loosely fitting clothes. Morocco does get breezy, so light clothing will definitely make the heat bearable. As for shoes, wear something comfortable. If sandals are comfortable for you, go for that. If not, opt for sneakers. You WILL walk plenty. Wear a hat too and lather on some sunscreen. Comfort over style!

CONSERVATIVELY MOROCCAN

Conservatively Moroccan? Conservatively Moroccan.

My group was instructed to dress conservatively. Conservative meant no bottoms shorter than knee length, nothing too revealing and nothing too tight.

We so cute ?

Do wear native prints.

One way to dress is with prints and colors popular in the said country you’re visiting. Get the gist of how locals dress. What many people dubbed on the trip as “African pants” were a hit amongst the women. It looked appropriate paired with a solid tee. Pinterest is your friend. Be wary of cultural appropriation, though ?

My friend Pilar is a blogger and a lowkey model. She describes her experience with study abroad on her Instagram and blog. Check her out ?

As for men, one way to go is with wearing those prints in a shirt. A button up shirt with a solid tee under gives a a culturally and climate appropriate look.

Ma boi Vince is a photographer and videographer. He posted about his study abroad experiences, so check out his site and Instagram ?


Don’t wear sacred clothing items and accessories.

If you’re concerned about cultural appropriation, be mindful of what articles of clothing carry sacred meanings. Stray away from that. You can show appreciation for a culture without violating meaningful items.

The prints and styles pictured above are culturally sensitive and allow you as the tourist to be a bit more emerged into the culture. It’s a fun way to show appreciation. Many locals showed approval of these looks and smiled encouragingly. Many of us bought these items at thrift stores or from small vendors in Seville, Spain. Some people on our trip bought pants like these while in Morocco!

CONSERVATIVELY AMERICAN

It’s very easy to tell when a tourist is American and that isn’t necessarily a good thing. That carries the implication of being culturally insensitive or depicted as a fool. If you don’t feel comfortable going with the Conservatively Moroccan look, consider wearing what you wear back home in a way that’s culturally appropriate.

Do wear knee length shorts and normal fitting tees.

Knee length shorts and a tee that is not ill-fitting keeps you within your comfort zone and doesn’t disrespect Moroccan tradition. This tee isn’t too tight and doesn’t emphasize the body.

Women can dress the same way. Shirts shouldn’t be short and if they are above the waistline by any chance, pair them with high-waisted jeans.

Do layer clothing and tie long sleeved shirts or jackets around your waist.

Bringing a jacket or long sleeve shirt to layer is also helpful and a comfortable way to travel. If you feel like you might get cold or that your outfit needs extra coverage, you have easy access to it. Also, it can complete the look and make it more within your comfort zone. It’s better to have an extra layer of security just in case.

Do wear long dresses.

Ladies, consider wearing maxi dresses too because they surprisingly provide a lot of comfort and fresh air! Maxi style dresses can have a slit, and I think that’s appropriate because when you’re walking, it won’t be too revealing. Showing your legs isn’t disrespectful, and it’s another way to stay cool! Just be mindful that it isn’t a slit that shows your waist.

Knee length dresses are also acceptable and appropriate. As long as you don’t go high above the knees, you’re in the clear.

Do not wear short shorts, skirts, strapless shirts, revealing shirts and inappropriate dresses.

Aside from drawing unwanted attention to yourself, wearing revealing outfits is not accepted within Moroccan culture. Some girls on the trip made this mistake and it was uncomfortable to watch how locals would interact with them because of it. Men would try to huddle them or women would give disapproving looks. If you can wear it clubbing or can’t wear it around your grandma, don’t wear it in Morocco!

HATS AND HEADDRESSES
This was something I was hesitant about, but locals encouraged it. They eagerly tried selling head scarfs and hats to any tourist that walked by.

Do wear hats and headdresses sold locally.

If you’re considering wearing a headdress, I suggest that you buy it from the locals and ask them how to wear it. You would be giving back to the culture you’re partaking in and learning how to appropriately rock the look.

They even taught my group how to wrap the headdresses in multiple ways to fit in. It was pretty interesting and the locals helped you even with head garments you didn’t purchase from them.

My friend Cathy is a model and singer. She looked amazing every day and posted about it, so go check her out on Instagram ?

 

Do not mock the hats and headdresses and wear it to ridicule the culture.

As long as you wear the item while being mindful of its tradition and don’t violate any sacred meanings, you’re in the clear ✅  Wearing these headdresses to fit a stereotypical look is wrong; learn and respect the culture rather than looking like them to make a joke out of it.

What do you think of my friends’ and I’s style in Morocco? What do you think of my tips, and would you visit any part of Africa soon?!

Let me know how you feel about these style guides and if you’d like more!

Be sure to share your thoughts on my posts with me in the comments below or on my social media pages: yolauralikesbeauty on Instagram and Facebook; yolauraisfierce on Twitter.

Thanks for reading! ?