June 7, 2020 - Washington, DC.
I called my daughter, Romi, on a Saturday morning and said "there is a Black Lives Matter march from Dupont circle to the White House tomorrow". Before I could get the words "do you want to join them" out, she said YES! No hesitation. I'm proud of her and all of the young women and men for joining these peaceful demonstrations. Even though we are in the midst of a pandemic, this cause supersedes their own well being. The march from Dupont Circle to the White House was magnificent. I'd never been involved in anything to this magnitude. Passionate protestors chanted Black Lives Matter, Say Their Names - George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and I Can't Breathe. The crowd laid on the street for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in honor of George Floyd. It was a remarkable scene. Whispers of I Can't Breathe quietly echoed down the street. I wasn't able to capture the length of people covering the street, but you can imagine, this demonstration was significant and meaningful. I will never forget this moment. I am fortunate to have shared this historic event with my daughter. We want to thank the black community and demonstrators all over the world for educating us and allowing us to be involved in this historic movement. I know there is confusion regarding recent protests. Many people are speaking out about safety and the affect these gatherings will have on the Covid-19 count. I understand your concern, but am frustrated that you are complaining about our involvement. Most people at this demonstration were wearing a mask. I know it doesn't look like we're social distancing, but the crowd was slightly dispersed as we walked. Everyone was aware and respectful of each others space. This past week, protests in Washington, DC have been peaceful. This is a worthy cause and you don't have to participate, but please try to understand and respect us for joining.
These are photos from the protests in front of the White House and St. John's church on Friday, June 5th. These peaceful demonstrations set the tone for the following weekend.. People from all over have come together to demand change in policies that allow racism and police brutality. Black Lives Matter, Say Their Names - George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and I Can't Breathe are the prominent phrases being chanted throughout the city. The St. John's church is located across from the White House and has become a significant background for protesters in Washington, DC. This location was chaos less than a week ago - it was a terrifying demonstration. BUT, today protestors have filled the area and are peacefully expressing themselves. It's wonderful to see parents and their children joining the peaceful demonstrations. It is important that we educate our children - they are the future. A vast majority of the people gathered in Washington, DC are young women and men. Their conviction and energy is astonishing. Young folks all around the world are marching the streets, speaking up and demanding change. Donations are gathered for every demonstration and handed out to protestors marching the streets of DC. At the final destination, the White House, there is water and snacks being offered to everyone. The food and beverage aspect is organized and incredibly thoughtful, not only those who donate, but the volunteers serving the community. Thank you. You can also purchase Black Lives Matter and I Can't Breathe merchandise in front of St. John's church. As I mentioned in my last post regarding the DC protests, I purchased a t-shirt and protective face mask. These items are very important to me and will remind me that I was a part of this remarkable movement. There is a bright yellow Black Lives Matter mural painted along 16th street, courtesy of Mayor Bowser. It was painted on Friday morning, Breonna Taylor's 27th birthday. Thank you Mayor Bowser. I'm not the only DC resident that is impressed with how you've handled these past few weeks. It started out as a horrific attack on the city by criminals masquerading as protestors, but the vibe has changed dramatically. This past week, the peaceful demonstrators have shut down the rebels. There are multiple organized demonstrations everyday of the week in DC. Folks are peacefully reminding us that we need to educate ourselves, speak up and demand change. It is absolutely amazing to see our young generation work tirelessly to challenge the system. The police presence in Washington, DC has also changed dramatically. Just last weekend, it seemed like there were more police and National Guard that protestors. Now, they have taken to the side streets. There are no longer police behind the White House fence and in my opinion, you can barely feel their presence. Albeit, the helicopters haven't stopped circling over the city. I've had many sleepless nights - initially due to the looting and thereafter due to the constant whirring of helicopters. I understand the need, but can't wait for it to end.
These are scenes from the protesting in DC on Tuesday afternoon, June 2nd. Unlike the previous nights, on this day, the protests were fairly calm. So, my husband ventured out to take photos and videos of the peaceful gatherings, destruction from the past weekend and the overall state of Washington, DC. Old folks, young women, men and even children participated in peaceful protests all over the United States this past week. Since protests in the U.S. began, people living in countries across the globe have joined the cause and are protesting with us. It is truly a magnificent gathering and shows that most of us are united. It is unbelievable to witness so many people (especially young people) stand up for what they believe in. People of all colors have joined together to protest the murder of George Floyd. To demand change in policies that allow racism and police brutality to exist in our country and all over the world. This is the newly installed fence that separated protestors from the authorities protecting the White House. I think this fence was a positive addition to the police tactic. It allowed space between the opposing sides and reduced provocation from either side. A much needed space to benefit the protestors. It was surprising to see custom merchandise being sold a few days after the protests began. I was more than happy to purchase a Black Lives Matter t-shirt and I Can't Breath protective face mask. These are probably the most important items in my closet. They will remind me that I lived during this time, I was there to witness the mass protesting that changed the future. I know we haven't seen great change yet, but I know this movement will not be ignored or forgotten anytime soon. In a country that is so divided racially, it is remarkable to see all of us come together in the fight against racism and police brutality. I gotta say - there are some brave reporters in DC. I watched live feeds of the protesting every night until I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore. I want to thank those reporters for educating me and allowing me to stay informed from the comfort of my own home. I'm an opinionated person, but I'm not one to protest on the front line. Albeit, I have found other ways to support this cause - Posting photos and speaking up on my blog is just one of them. Using social media to spread the word and donations to organizations and bailout funds are other ways to contribute. The Criminals masquerading as protestors were selfishly destroying our city and certainly not supporting the Black Lives Matter cause. They vandalized buildings, monuments, shattered store fronts and looted. This small group caused chaos this past weekend. The same is happening all over the United States. These rebels are smothering the amazing cause so many peaceful protesters are working endlessly for. I myself was terrified that the rioters would reach my community - just a short walk from the White House. It is truly shocking to walk around this beautiful city and see the first floor of buildings boarded up. Thank you to the women and men who worked overtime repairing store fronts and boarding up businesses. You have been instrumental in our fight against vandalism and looting during the protests in Washington, DC. Black Lives Matter flags hang outside businesses and residential. This is another way you can contribute to the cause. Show your support any way you can. No gesture is too small and every opinion counts. My favorite photo - this young girl is sitting alone at the end of my street, protesting Black Lives Matter. Her sole protest brings tears to my eyes. I hope one day she sees this post and knows that this single moment changed lives of the people who were fortunate to walk by. Thank you. This blog post is a gesture to show that I support this cause. I'm with you in this fight for equality. Our voices have been heard, but we cannot relax until there is significant change. Let's keep marching forward..
I was curating the perfect collection of clothes and accessories for a trip to Paris and Amsterdam in June. THAT'S NOT HAPPENING ANYMORE! I guess I'll have to model the 20+ looks in the house. Here's a few of the stand-out pieces in my "cancelled trip to Europe" suitcase. I had to move mountains to get these Dior D-Trap ankle boots (available at Dior). These fishnet cutout boots were a key piece on the runway. The reinvented combat boot has a leather flap with double buckles and a few signature Dior features - the bee, gold Christian Dior logo and black star on the sole. These boots would have turned heads in Paris - maybe next year.. I'm a HUGE fan of Moschino t-shirts. They're high quality and make a statement. I was planning to pair this Moschino BULLCHIC! t-shirt (available at Farfetch) with a Tibi turquoise jacquard midi skirt and the Dior D-Trap boots. It would have been my Carrie Bradshaw in Paris moment. No worries - this t-shirt will not go to waste. My sunglasses collection is overflowing, BUT I managed to fit one more pair in there. These DiorCamp aviator sunglasses (available at Farfetch) were made for me. The straight pink arms don the CD logo and the slightly tinted pink lens adds sofiticaticon. LOVE! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to snag this Christian Dior Book Tote (available at Dior). It is gorgeous. The Toile de Jouy embroidered pattern was inspired by Mr. Dior's muse. I love the complexity of the pattern, along with the grey shades and Christian Dior signature on the front. The Dior book tote is timeless and while it is reinvented each season, the old ones never go out of style. Interesting fact - you can collapse these totes and pack them nicely in your suitcase. The iconic Moschino teddy bear has a three dimensional effect and a playful vibe. The teddy bear makes an appearance each season and is super cute. I like that this one is bursting through a piece of art. From a fashion obsessed state of mind - this Moschino teddy bear t-shirt (available at Farfetch) is a piece of art. I have a very basic hairstyle - a slightly slanted bob, colored black. It's chic, but you can't do much with it. Albeit, hair clips do add a little flare. I purchased this Off-White two-toned hair clip (available at Revolve) to hold my tiny strands together and add a little contrast. The white and black clip holds my thin hair nicely and looks great against my black hair.
We popped out for a quick jaunt around the block to capture a few Mother's Day photos and I finally debuted my Diorcamp boots - YAY! I'm wearing Dior sunglasses, Free People Kelly Washed set (tie-dye sweater and shorts), Dior J'adior cotton oblique bracelet set and Dior Diorcamp boots. Romi is wearing All Saints and Danielle Guizio. The balloon flower arrangement is by Balloons by Zippy.
Dior sunglasses, Dior J'adior cotton oblique bracelet set, VS jewel embellished bra, Free People Want You t-shirt, My Baby Made It sweatpants, Balenciaga Ville XXS top handle bag, Dior D-Connect sneakers
My usual Must-Haves list is comprised of designer clothing and accessories that I have-to-have or am lusting over and can't afford. These days, the must-have items on my list are necessary beauty products during a pandemic. Never thought I'd say that! I'm sensitive to scents and hate the smell of hand sanitizer, but it's a necessary product to have on hand! I was so happy when NCLA Beauty launched a small lineup of Hands Clean sanitizer available in lavender, eucalyptus, watermelon and unscented. You can pre-order these little bottles of hand sanitizer at Revolve. I got lip fillers (and botox) a few days before the stay-at-home order came into effect AND my lips are perfect - BUT, now I have to wear a face mask. Enough said! I'm happy to see many of my favorite clothing brands producing face masks - I know the quality is there. I pre-ordered three cute GRLFRND masks at Revolve. The best place to order cheeky, cloth face masks is Etsy. You can also order personalized masks. If you want a hefty mask with replaceable filters, there are many online stores to choose from. I believe face masks will be around for a while and everyone should have at least one. It seems like many people are struggling with DIY beauty these days. Most rely on hair, nail and tanning salons to keep their beauty in check. Fortunately, I prefer to do my own gel nails and apply self tanner at home. I do however get my hair colored every three weeks and had to learn a new skill during these unusual times. dpHUE is my go-to hair coloring brand. The dpHUE root touch-up kit is easy to use, the color is perfect and the solution completely covers roots (even greys). Paired with the dpHUE gloss, this color touch-up duo is perfect for someone who requires single process coloring. I posted a lengthy DIY root touch-up video a few weeks ago - Scroll down a little.. Another necessary step in most beauty routines is waxing or threading the upper lip and eyebrows. The Tweezerman Smooth Finish Facial Hair Remover is an excellent DIY threading tool. You simply twist the handles, while gliding the coil spring along your upper-lip. It's painful, but does a great job removing unwanted hair. You can purchase this Tweezerman beauty tool at Sephora. Being able to do your own nails is a necessary skill to have. You never know when your go-to salons (and the entire world) may close for months! I was introduced to gel nails a few years ago and went to the salon four times before deciding to do it myself. I purchased gel polish in a variety of nude shades, base and top coat polish, remover, foils and an LED nail lamp. My go-to brand is CND. I recently discovered Static Nails. The lineup includes reusable press-on nails (I gotta try these) and long-wear polish that promises to last up to 10 days. The shades are gorgeous and it seems like either one would be easier than applying/removing gel polish. Of course, I have a few items in my cart! Admittedly, I like tanning beds. BUT, the last place I wanna be is baking inside a horizontal UV radiation bed that someone else just laid in. SO, I'm going back to DIY self-tanning. My go-to brand is St. Tropez. I've been using it for years. BUT, as of late, I'm experimenting with new brands. I'm going to apply Luna Bronze Self Tanning Lotion later today.. This process takes a little practice. I suggest purchasing a light color, a tanning mitt and body exfoliator. Read the instructions carefully and stay away from water and excessive activities that will make you sweat for at least 6 hours. Applying self-tanner is a quick way to enhance your stay-at-home skin. On the bright side, if you screw it up, nobody will see it - Unless you post pics.
I was challenged to a Bug Out bag competition. I had thirty minutes to gather all of the items I deemed essential if I had to leave my home and go into survival mode. These items should be of the utmost importance. I didn't include self-defense items or proper food, but I think I did a great job for someone who hasn't been preparing for an apocalypse. I hope you appreciate that I included prosecco, coconut water and avocados. AND, there's a color theme! For those of you who aren't familiar with a Bug Out bag - It's a bag (usually a sturdy backpack) containing essential items for survival. It typically has camping gear, non-perishable food, a change of clothes and self-defense items. You can buy pre-prepared Bug Out bags for up to thousands of dollars. Your Bug Out bag needs depend on your level of paranoia! I do think having a Bug Out bag for your pet is smart. Often, emergencies happen and we forget to pack essentials for our pets. My Toy Poodle, Teddy, has an extensive Bug Out bag that we can grab-and-go..
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