Do-si DO's for Nashville

Even as a non-country music lover Nashville, Tennessee was great for a getaway. You'll learn about one of the country's music industry hubs and discover some cool places. You'll go to enjoy the live music playing along Broadway, take a trolley to tour the city, find an exact replica of the Parthenon in the middle of a park and eat delicious food. In a couple of days you'll find you feel right at home. Go see more touristy pics in my IG story.

Jeans & Western Shirt- Wrangler | Boots- Sebago | Sunglasses- Ray-Ban

 

Shirt- Life After Denim | Khakis- Original Penguin | Sneakers- Gola Sneakers

Coincidentally during my visit to Downtown Nashville, Wrangler opened a pop-up shop just a couple of blocks away from Broadway and all the Honky Tonks. Make sure to make your way over and check out the latest offerings, a legit denim bar and even a stage for live music performances during the weekends. Get more details here.

217 2nd Ave S photo: Emily Blincoe

photo: Emily Blincoe

photo: Emily Blincoe

Roadtrip: The Grand Canyon

Let me just start by saying, if you've never been to the Grand Canyon do yourself a favor- add it to your bucket list and make it happen. I finally understand what the word breathtaking means. When I first arrived clouds overhead and even then it looked amazing. Once the clouds moved and the sun shined through the canyons splendor was in full force. It was late afternoon which ended up being perfect because sunset was just a couple of hours away. I heard the best place to see the sunset was Desert View Point. It certainly was. As the sun set every couple of seconds the colors in the sky and in the canyon changed to purple, pink, green and blue hues surrounding everyone there as the sun continued to descend and it was magical.

T-shirt- Penfield | Shorts- J.Crew | Belt- Mission Belts | Shoes- Palladium | Backpack- Fjall Raven

So lucky to have shared this trip with my little sister!

Jacket- Penfield

I heard the best place to see the sunset was Desert View Point. It certainly was. As the sun set every couple of seconds the colors in the sky and in the canyon changed to purple, pink, green and blue hues surrounding everyone there as the sun continued to descend and it was magical.

Road Trip: Hoover Dam, NV

It was my second time to Hoover Dam and I still enjoyed visiting and walking around. This place is really impressive as it was built during the Great Depression and it only took them 5 years to build it. Love walking around the Deco Style architecture and the beautiful landscape.

Deciding what to wear for this trip was a no-brainer. A light cotton t-shirt from Penfield, distressed jeans from Denim & Supply, Palladium boots and belt from Mission Belt had me ready for the heat and anything that came my way.

Do not be deceived, these boots are extremely comfortable.

The bridge over Hoover Dam. Talk about reaching great heights!

Road Trip: Albuquerque

Due to last minute changes Albuquerque, NM became the next stop and I was OK with that. A friend recommended that hands down I had to get breakfast at Duran Central Pharmacy. Sounds a bit strange, I know, but when you enter the pharmacy just head to the back and a cool little restaurant will be there to serve you some really delicious food. Whatever you get will be a great choice but make sure to ask for a tortilla with butter. So good! After that delicious breakfast we headed to downtown Albuquerque to view the KiMO Theatre which was built in the 1920's. I'm such a fan of deco and southwestern style architecture of this building.

T-shirt Mack Weldon | Shorts- Penfield | Shirt- Burton | Shoes- Aldo

Sunglasses- Shwood | Watch- Timex

The last stop was the Petroglyph National Monument where Native Americans painted on the volcanic stones hundreds of years ago. There was a field of wild flowers right next to them so you know I couldn't pass up that kind of photo op.

Cap- Burton

Caught in the act! Instagraming my Aldo shoes instead of the petroglyph right behind me.

Road Trip: New Orleans

I had seen pictures of New Orleans and they don't do it justice. It was like stepping to another country and time in history. My visit only lasted a few hours but I made the best of it by spending most of the time at the French Quarter. Jackson Square was one of the mandatory stops but I made sure to explore the surrounding streets and alleys. And of course, I could not forget to get a tasty beignet (or two) at Cafe Du Monde a couple of blocks from Jackson Square. Speaking of food I was left wanting to try more of all the delicious food New Orleans has to offer. I did get to try some jambalaya (how can you not!), andouille sausage and of course a po' boy. Needless to say, I will have to make my way back to NOLA for more than one reason.

Jackson Square in the background. Shirt- Parke & Ronen | Pants- Life After Denim | Shoes- K-Swiss x Billy Reid 

Sunglasses- Shwood Sunglasses | Bracelet- Giles & Brother 

Bag- Cambridge Satchel Company

Interview | Meet The Talented Mr. Nieves

I'm pleased to introduce you to Mr. Sam Nieves-Velez and his first menswear line, Mr. Nieves. He brings us modern silhouettes with vibrant patterns and fabrics inspired by his Puerto Rican heritage. Needless to say I am filled with Puerto Rican pride as I write this and especially as I viewed his collection first hand. The collection has everything you need from polos, t-shirts, swim trunks, to slim fit trouser and even Guayaberas. Every piece of his collection has the vibrancy you've come to love about spring and summer.

What motivated you to launch the Mr. Nieves collection?

SAM - The motivation came from the success of my Womens line Nieves Lavi. I then started creating items for myself that I could not find out in the market, and found that guys would stop and ask me where they could find it.  (aha aha moment, finally came to fruition)

How long have you been working in the fashion industry?

SAM - Longer that I will admit.  But, long enough to have a clear understanding of what goes into creating, operating and building a business. I was fortunate enough to have worked for companies that have taught me a great deal.

With limited examples of successful and talented hispanic designers, what would you say to a young hispanic person with a dream to pursue a career in fashion?

SAM - My best advise would be to go out and learn ALL that you can. Be curious about every part of design from the creative to the technical. Fashion goes beyond just a sketch. Launching a new business these days takes more than desire and motivation. It requires experience and knowledge.

Which is your favorite piece from the SS15 collection?

SAM - It’s difficult to single out my one favorite piece in the collection, when you put your heart and soul into it all. But, I would have to say the embroidered shirts, I am very fond of, and have been getting a lot of recognition.  Of course the Guayabera, a staple in every latin mans wardrobe. I liked mixing the prints with the Guayabera elements, it gives a wild modern spin on a classic.

What is one place in Puerto Rico you recommend for everyone to check out and visit?

SAM - This is even more difficult that picking my favorite piece from the collection. I would say it depends on your personality. There is something for everyone on this “Enchanted Island." If you are adventurous, I’d say to go hiking at El Yunque, the only Rainforest in the USA. There are B&B’s nestled in the mountains where you can stay with breath taking views and incredible food. Or a seaplane tour around the island. If your more of the leisurely type, fly or ferry over to Vieques Island. There is a W hotel that that will cater to your every need.  From afternoon sails to midnight kayaking at the bioluminescent bay. And for the true (Christopher Columbus) explorer, just rent a jeep, and navigate the island to discover what every corner has to offer. Don’t bother to pack breakfast, lunch or dinner, there are incredible food vendors on every roadside, just waiting to be discovered and devoured. Buen Provecho.

Que te motivó para empezar la colección de Mr. Nieves?

- Fue por el éxito de mi linea para mujer Nieves Lavi. Comencé creando piezas para mi que no podía encontrar en el mercado, encontré hombres que me detenían para preguntar me donde podían conseguir las. Esas experiencias echaron fruto.

Cuanto tiempo haz estado en el mundo de la moda?
- Mas de lo que querría admitir. Lo suficiente largo para tener un entendimiento claro de lo que se require para crear, operar y construir un negocio. Fui lo suficientemente afortunado por haber trabajado en empresas que me han enseñado mucho. 

Hay un limitado numero de ejemplos de diseñadores latinos exitosos, que dirías a un joven hispano que sueña con tener una carrera en la moda?
- Mi mejor consejo seria de aprender lo mas que puedas. Se curioso acerca de todos los aspectos del diseño desde la parte creativa a lo técnico. La moda va mas allá que un dibujo. Empezando un negocio en estos días toma mas que solo un deseo y motivación- requiere experiencia y conocimiento. 

Cual es tu pieza favorita de tu colección SS15?
- Es difícil escoger una sola cuando pones tu corazón y alma en todo. Tendría que decir que las camisas bordadas. Me encantan y han recibido mucho reconocimiento. Por supuesto la Guayabera, es un clásico en el guardarropa del hombre latino. Me gusta mezclar estampados con los elementos de la Guayabera, le da un toque salvaje y moderno a un clásico. 

Que lugar de Puerto Rico recomiendas ir a ver o visitar?
- Eso es mas difícil que escoger me pieza favorita. Diria que depende de tu personalidad. Hay algo para cada uno en la "Isla del Encanto." Si eres aventurera puedes ir a caminar en el Yunque el unico bosque tropical en los EEUU. Hay hoteles en las montañas donde te puedes quedar con vistas espectaculares y comida increible. O toma una vuelta en avion alrededor de la isla. Si te gusta algo mas relajado te vas en lancha o avion a la isla de Vieques. Hay un  W Hotel que te brindara todo lo que necesites. Desde la tarde en veleros a kayaking a la medianoche en la bahia bioluminiscente. Para el explorador como Cristobal Colon, alquila un Jeep y recorre la isla para descubrir cada rincon que ofrece. No te molestes en empacar para desayunar, almorzar o cenar hay vendederos de comida increible en cada carretera, solo esperando ser descubierto y devorado. Buen Provecho. 

San Francisco Pt.3

This was probably one of my favorite days in San Fran. The Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate park has free admission on Friday from 9am-10am. I arrived at 9:30am (don't judge me) and there was a docent giving a free tour. Please tip at the end of the tour. The tour was really extensive and lasted about an hour. There is so much history there and its so serene. It was built before WWII so you know there was drama after that happened. Visiting the garden was an amazing cultural experience.

Este día fue uno de mis favoritos en San Fran. El Jardin Japones en el parque de Golden Gate tiene entrada gratis los viernes de 9am-10am. Llegue a las 9:30am (no me juzguen) y me encontre con el docente dando un tour gratis. Por favor denle una propina al final del tour. El tour fue bien detallado y dura aproximadamente una hora. Hay tanta historia en ese lugar y es tan tranquilo. El jardin fue construido antes de la segunda guerra mundial entonces sabes que hubo tremendo rebulu. Visitando el jardin fue una experiencia cultural.

After the the garden I headed back downtown and stopped at City Hall. Where coincidentally I caught the next free tour! The docent there was very knowledgable and not only told us about all the upgrades the building went through but also explained the political system and history in San Francisco. Whilst I was there there was the Polish Folk Ensemble of San Francisco performing in front of the grand stairs. Truly an impressive building and show. 

Después del jardín me fui hacia downtown y visite la alcaldía. Estando allí encontré que otro tour gratis! El docente era muy conocedor y no solo nos dijo acerca del edificio pero también de la historia de la ciudad y del sistema político de la ciudad. Dentro de la alcaldía había un grupo de bailarines polacos. Realmente es un edificio increíble. 

My mother met up with me at city hall. Now, what made this day even more serendipitous was where we ate lunch. We left City Hall not really knowing where we were going just knowing we had to find somewhere to eat. After five minutes without seeing any restaurants I saw a Taco Bell on the next corner. Before you jump to conclusions I saw a place right next to it, Brenda's French Soul Food, and that is where went.

Mi mamá me encontró en la alcaldía. Ahora, lo que hizo este día aun mas increíble fue adonde mi mama y yo almorzamos. Nos fuimos de la alcaldía y sin idea donde íbamos solo sabíamos que teníamos que comer. Después de caminar por cinco minutos sin ver un solo restauran vi un Taco Bell en la otra esquina. Antes que empieces a asumir cualquier cosa yo vi el sitio al lado, Brenda's comida francesa criolla, ahí es donde fuimos.   

this is my mom, isn't she pretty?

From the outside Brenda's doesn't really say much but once inside, well, it's a whole different story.

Desde afuera no dice nada, pero al entrar es una historia totalmente diferente.

I loved every aspect of this place, the food, ambience, service, everything.

Me encanto cada aspecto de este lugar, la comida, el ambiente, el servicio, todo.

I had the Turkey Po'Boy

Red beans and Rice and andouille sausage and other good stuff!

To be honest the saddest part of the trip was that I didn't know when I'd be back to San Francisco so until then I bid San Francisco Adieu.

En verdad la parte mas triste del viaje fue que no sabia cuando regresaría a San Francisco, hasta entonces le digo hasta luego. 

San Francisco Pt.1

Three days in San Francisco just wasn't enough but I feel I got a good sense of the city. I rode the bus all around town and the cable-car for that novelty and I'm so glad I did. I got to see so much that way. But Let me tell you about a few things I learned so for those of you who have not been there or are planning on going back consider these travel tips. First, get the cityPASS it's seriously the best deal in town. 5 attractions plus a 7 day Muni and cable car passport. Muni is what the public transportation system is called in San Francisco.

3 dias en San Francisco no fue suficiente pero creo que tengo una buena idea de como es la ciudad. Tomé el autobús por toda la ciudad y también me monte en el teleférico por la novedad y me alegro que lo hice. Pude ver mucho de la ciudad de esa manera. Déjame decirte algunas de las cosas que aprendí para aquellos que todavía no han hido pero están considerandolo, aquí hay algunos consejos. Primero que todo, consiguete el cityPass la mejor decisión que puedes tomar. El cityPass incluye la entrada a 5 parques y un pase de 7 días para el Muni. Muni es lo que llaman la transportación publica en San Francisco.  

I've talked to some friends who've been to San Francisco and they had not heard of the Palace of Fine Arts. So for my second recommendation, go to the Palace of Fine Arts! It is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been too.

Hablé con algunos amigos que han viajado a San Francisco y muchos de ellos no sabían de el Palacio de Bellas Artes. Mi segunda recomendación es de ir al Palacio de Bellas Artes! Es uno de los sitios mas bellos que yo he visto en mi vida.

After you leave the Palace of Fine Arts take the bus and head to the Golden Gate Bridge. The View is amazing and you can then go down and walk along the shore.

Después de visitar el Palacio de Bellas Artes toma el autobús y ve al puente de Golden Gate. La vista es increible y después puedes caminar por el parque. 

It was so windy by the bridge as you can tell by my flowing lochs. The Golden Gate bridge is very impressive in person and there is a lot of construction happening around its base, they're adding a visitors center. There are more pictures and tips to come, stay tuned.

Habia tanto viento como puedes ver. El puente de Golden Gate es impresionante en persona y hay mucha construcción, van añadir un centro de visitantes. Habra mas fotos y consejos.