ABSTRACTSMILE: 2019

Life Update | While In The Run

By Abstractsmile - July 25, 2019

I'm back! For whoever is reading this, I'm sorry I left this platform deserted. LIFE UPDATE: I'm a stay home mom focusing on building this brand I started which will be soon be 5 years (November 2014 I started this platform!). I left my job late May; it has been a rewarding/liberating experience to be with my toddler for the past two months. Change is good they say, and with big decisions made like this I left an industry to pursue something I have been more passionate while creating experiences and memories with my little guy. Before making this major decision, my husband and I spoke finances, our stress levels (it can happen), and what would change for the both of us. We both knew we did the right decision for me to stay at home when one day my husband said, "I haven't seen that smile in a very long time." Our place, feels more like a home. It's brought us both more peace and opportunities. I have always believed in what I bring as a content creator, and now I see that our brand (I say our because the hubby and my tod are invested as well) can evolve into something amazing. So here is to Abstractsmile evolving and being on the run.

While on the run with this new chapter in my life, and mostly chasing after my toddler (not pictured, it was too hot to put him through this), I partnered with an amazing brand, Blowfish Malibu, that is changing the game to comfy meets stylish with their new Vegan Collection sandals. I'm wearing their Marge Sandal, the platform sandal featuring a faux stacked sole with a molded foot bed, and faux leather detail. I can definitely wear this platform sandal with just about anything, jeans (mom jeans preferably) and a tee/blouse or a flowy wrap dress (as pictured). What I love most is the strap can be worn in both ways (pictured below) where it can be added as an extra detail on the front or pull the strap to hold the ankle area. Who doesn't love a versatile stylish sandal while being comfy? Count me in!

Hope you enjoy this look. xoxo, Abstractsmile

** Shoes were sponsored by Blowfish Malibu, sold at Zappos

Boater Hat: Forever 21 (On Sale!)

Dress: Target

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Positive Vibes

By Abstractsmile - February 18, 2019

Hi lovelies! My consistency went down the drain on my writing platform which is my blog. I have been re-evaluating what I want to bring you guys in my writing platform. I'll be truly honest I have been so down and usually want to quit on creating content. I take a lot of time to scout locations, hire a professional photographer, get my outfits prepared, and sometimes I feel like it's for nothing. I recently sat down with two of my favorite bloggers before our last show for NYFW (yes, I get invited every season), and they expressed their frustration on the same situation I have been going through. Even though my numbers on social media aren't close to 10K, I have been in this influential/blogging community for so long. Yes, I took a hiatus for close to a year, but unlike a lot of girls doing this, I have a full time job and I'm also a mom. I have so many ideas in my head, but unfortunately there isn't enough hours in the day for me to let my creativity happen, until now.

Throughout all this uncertainty about continuing my brand, showcasing my style with my life experiences, I have found out I'm not alone in this. Having my husband's support and his constant ideas thrown at me on how we can make Abstractsmile a bigger brand excites me to continue to do this. We are exploring the idea to completely switch my site to a more professional one, to actually make a home office (so goodbye clutter!) & shoot videos from mommyhood to style to Q&A's, and find what other social media platforms I can use for better engagement.

So this year I have decided to not allow anyone to belittle my brand, compare myself to anyone (hey we are all human and it can happen), and allow anyone make me feel uncomfortable. I'm here for all the positivity, so from now on if I see or feel something isn't right I will speak upon it. One last thing I do have to say, if you embark on this journey, make sure to surround yourself with like minded minds. I can truly say I have met so many amazing hardworking gals who continue to push me to do this, because I truly enjoy it, and I get so much inspiration from as well.

I'll leave you with this: I'm here to provide you with uplifting words to be the best YOU, to let you know that it's OK to be different, and if you have a DREAM, GO FOR IT!

xoxo, Abstractsmile

All pictures were taken by Leslie Moncada.

Dress: H&M

Heels:Nine West (bought from (TJMaxx)

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New Year's Affirmations

By Abstractsmile - January 02, 2019

It's finally 2019! I'm sitting on my couch sipping some Café Bustelo (not sponsored), reflecting last year. Only close friends and family know that as of last week I took a big leap and I quit my corporate job. Even though I loved what I did, I felt that the time and efforts I continue to apply to this job were not bringing me fulfillment. I'm a firm believer that you should give everything a try, but if it doesn't fulfill you or encourage you to grow within than you most move in from it. I decided to leave this job in 2018. I'm making an affirmation to myself that the next career move needs to provide me with growth within and fulfillment.

I recently was told "you have so much creativity to offer from your styling to your writing". This year I have decided to schedule two days a week to post a blog post. Even though I'm usually on social media, I had forgotten why I started the blog, and it was a platform to express myself. I have so many thoughts, ideas, life lessons that I want express with all of you. My second affirmation is to get back to writing, head to a near coffee shop, put my headphones on, and focus on my writing. When I started this blog 4 years ago, I did it to provide a platform for young girls to feel confident within themselves. I have always felt different, from the way I dressed, looked, and spoke, and it's ok. So if you're still reading this, remember you're beautiful, radiate that beauty, and be confident with everything you have to provide.

I want to continue to create memories with my family. My hubby and baby boy mean the world to me. I want to be more present for those small moments, those milestones. Many of you don't know but I was only out of maternity leave for around a month and a half, I feel like postpartum depression hit me really hard because I wasn't with my baby for so long. My emotional state took a big toll, I was so committed to a corporate job and forgot the essence of spending quality time with my family. My next affirmation is to make more time to be with my two guys, because if it wouldn't be for both of them I would be lost. I love you Brandon and Lucas, my Demetrios boys.

Lastly, apply a new challenge and get back to YouTube. Once upon a time (when I was 22 , 23), I had a YouTube channel where I curated videos with lookbooks walking around the city with music that spoke to me (which is something I want to showcase as well, I'm a big music buff). But the YouTube channel got in the wrong hands and all the work I had created got deleted, but it's fine. My husband has been nothing but super supportive with my creativity so for Christmas he got me all this equipment which I will use to create videos. Since a lot of you love to see videos of Lucas, he will make an appearance, you'll see some makeup tutorials, and lookbook styling tips.

If you're still reading this, thank you! My dearest followers and supporters, you guys are amazing. I look at 2018 as the year where I learned to appreciate myself a bit more, and I welcome 2019 with this new transition. To end this with a sentence, I continue to use in each post: As always I hope to inspire you not only with my style, but also with my words, remember to add some lipstick and go conquer the world. Xoxo, Abstractsmile