Run Around Chic

Style Profile: Denisse Kuri, Fashion Designer

There was a time when I traveled to Mexico once a year, as a child it was to Muzquiz, Coahuila and Acuna, Coahuila to visit family. As I matured, I visited other parts of Mexico, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, DF and Guadalajara. I love Mexico and I always brought back Mexican dresses and blouses, that I would wear in the summer. But then I discovered Denisse Kuri and finally bought a kaftan that I can’t wait to wear. I hesitated at first because of the sizing, wasn’t sure if anything would fit and now I have an idea on how the sizing works. Plus Denisse and I have become good Instagram pals, I can just text her to ask questions. She’s a genuine person, for all of her success, she responds to emails and instant messaging.

In-between designing her next collection, trunk shows she found time to answer a few questions and if you’re headed out to Puebla, keep reading Denisse shares her favorite restaurant with us.

Fashion icon: That would obviously be Frida Kahlo, I love how she made the traditional costumes her own. Wearing them proudly and making them transcend with her paintings.

El Mural de los Poblanos
elmuraldelospoblanos.com
Avenida 16 de Septiembre 506, Centro Historico, 72000 Puebla

Favorite restaurant in Mexico: I love Mexican food but the one from Puebla, from where I am is by far the best. We have the chalupas, the mole poblano, the chiles en Nogada, and the best is at El Mural de los Poblanos, they have the Cemita de chalupas, that is like a sandwich of chalupas, the most delicious.

Last book read: Saving the fire. (Salvando el fuego) from a Mexican writer very raw but really good.

Currently watching: The Good Fight. I loved The Good Wife and then got hooked.

Beauty routine: What I’m looking for lately are sustainable, clean, eco friendly products. I discovered Allumbre stone to use instead of normal deodorant, also, local products like toothpaste and soaps and moisture from local producers in glass packaging.

Inspiration: I was inspired by the colors of Mexico and how could we translate the feelings and sensation they produce in you in our different embroidery and weaving techniques. Its also a very sustainable collection, 90 percent of our fabrics are handmade to avoid waste. We want our pieces to be forever pieces that transcend, that you would want your children to inherit.

Working with artisans: We’re always expressing ourselves through our clothes, the indigenous textiles have this way to make you feel in love with them because of the great time they require, what they are capable of expressing, and what they mean for our culture. I fell in love and decided I wanted more people to feel the same, and take their art to many more places.

If you could live in any piece of clothing, what would it be: Definitely a long huipil, its the most comfortable, delicious piece of clothing.

Other brands you enjoy: I love Kenda for shoes, Casilda Mut, Simple by Trista, and traditional clothes or huipiles from artisans.

Plans for after the pandemic: I want to get active, start going to trade shows and pop-ups.

To follow Denisse on Instagram @DenisseKuri.

Here’s to running around chic…..

New In Beauty Now

ORBAL COSMETICS EYESHADOW PALETTE $45 @Orbalcosmetics.com

I love discovering new beauty brands that deliver both budget friendly and luxurious results. Basically I’m an advocate for beauty brands that deliver on their promise, beauty products that work.

THEOREM SERUM BOOST $56 @Cairebeauty.com

Orbal is new on the scene, developed with the concept that you should have a quality product at a fair price. If you were to buy three eyeshadows, you would normally end up paying $75 dollars. With Orbal, you get 19 gorgeous hues for $45. I’m in-love with several of the colors, with this pallet you can create a day look and a glamorous evening look, house dinner parties here we come.

Another brand I love and not just because it’s pink. Caire is the first hormone defying skincare of it’s kind(That I am aware of). I literally saw a difference in my skin, it was plumper, firmer and happy. The recommendation is to use a dropper full both morning and evening to achieve results. My skin drinks it up and then I apply my other serums. The Theorem Serum Boost enhances anything that is placed on top of it. If your skin doesn’t absorb it quickly it’s because you need to exfoliate.

Caire also created a Triple Lift Molecule Mask that lifts, plumps and tightens your skin. The longer you leave it on the better the results, 15-30 minutes or longer. Caire *is developed with bionutritive ingredients that mimic your skin’s building blocks for immediate and longer-term hydrating, firming, brightening, and lifting results.

TRIPLE LIFT MOLECULE MASK 30 $52 @Cairebeauty.com

Here’s to beauty products that deliver……..

Haircare Favorites

GOLD LUST REPAIR AND RESTORE CONDITIONER $182 @Oribe.com

I’m just as obsessed about my hair as I am about my skin. I ended up going for a French Bob, and it’s a style I can maintain. I’ve had my haircut twice since the pandemic and my stylist Will did go a bit shorter than I wanted at first, but I’m older now and haven’t been going anywhere really. I’m nonchalant now knowing it will grow out. It’s funny about the things we don’t worry about as we get older.

ANALOG
CLEANSING FOAM CONDITIONER $32 @Randco.com

I recently tried Oribe’s Gold Lust Hair Conditioner and I must say I am in-love. The Gold Lust Shampoo didn’t do anything for me, but the conditioner left my hair silky smooth, so silky that my Slip scrunchie keeps falling out of my hair.

Another item I can’t live without is R&Co’s Analog. It’s a shampoo and conditioner in one. I tend to use shampoo first anyway, so mainly I use it as a conditioner.

One item that is out of stock is the Moroccan Oil Fleur De Rose Shampoo. Now that shampoo leaves my hair so silky that I don’t need a conditioner afterwards. It’s a shame they are sold out and have been since before the pandemic. I should have purchased two bottles instead of one.

Here’s to running around chic…..

It’s a Ladylike Summer

Leave it to the Olsen twins to look polished and pulled together during the hottest days of the year. I stare at their photos as inspiration. They make mixing metals and color pallets look effortless.

This definitely makes me want to bring out my long pearls and wear black and camel together.

Here’s to running around chic….

New Makeup & Fragrance

SUBLIMAGE L’ESSENCE DE TEINT $150 @Chanel.com

I can’t decide which new fragrance to get myself, or if one is necessary. I also want a new foundation, but I’m really not going anywhere, or wearing full blown makeup. But I like the fact that the Chanel Sublimage Le Essence De Teint comes with a foundation brush. I know that N30 is my shade, I hesitate because of the texture.

Eau de Parfum Twist and Spray $113 @Chanel.com

I’ll be going downtown on Saturday for the first time in two years where I will get to try on perfume and foundations, maybe sunglasses. About the Gabrielle by Chanel, I am unsure as to how it will smell on me and literally need to wear it for 15 minutes before making a decision. The question would also be, something to toss into my bag or to keep on the dresser?

3.4 fl. oz. Eau de Parfum Body Lotion Set $193 @Chanel.com

The only item I actually need is a good concealer, for those trouble spots that spurt out every so often. I used to not shop online, now I prefer to shop online. Once you are familiar with a brand, how something fits and wears there really is no other way to shop.

Here’s to running around chic…..

P.S I am still buying myself birthday presents…..

Shopping The Look – Basic Black & Gold

Roberto Coin
18K Yellow Gold Petite Oval Hoop Earrings $650; DORA 18K GOLD AND DIAMOND DISC CHARM $950 @Waltersfaith.com; Photo Courtesy of @elderordonezl

There is just something about Black & Gold, it’s luxurious and chic. I wasn’t always into wearing yellow gold, preferring white gold or silver. But lately it’s been proven that I am my mother’s daughter. My mother loved jewelry. She made Jewelry contact before eye contact and I fear I am the same. All of my sisters and I are. If one of us is sporting a new jewel, believe me, we notice right away.

With my mother’s passing, several pieces were divided between my sisters and I, and that makes wearing the jewelry all the more precious, because she used to wear them. My mother had good taste, it always ran expensive, she never looked at prices because she knew how much it was without having to ask.

Photo Courtesy of @elderordonezl; SERPENTI BRACELET @bulgari.com

She hated that I wore black so much, a good friend of mine once said that he used to wear black, when he had something to hide. I just laughed.

Selena Gomez and Kate Beckinsale have proved in the above photos that basic black & gold are as fashionable, timeless and classic as ever. There are so many textures that it need not be boring.

Here’s to running around chic…..

Pumping Up The Volume

I’ve always had fine hair, only now that I am older it’s been thinning and I’m just not ready to succumb to middle age, not yet. Especially when I’ve been taking care of my skin all of these years. I know I don’t look my age in a sense, but in a sense I do and I’ll be honest, it scares me a little. My thyroid has been acting up again and more bloodwork is needed, but I am going to wait until after my vacation. Why? I don’t want bad news if there is any to tag along with me while I’m enjoying freedom to an extent from everyday pandemic life.

I just made my last purchase for myself, since we are planning on renting a house in San Miguel De Allende in early 2022. This means, if I do shop it can only be on sale.

You can say that I have everything I need to return to normal, whenever that is.

Here’s to gorgeous hair!

The Case For The White Dress Shirt

I have several white dress shirts, that I haven’t been wearing. I mean I’ve had no reason to dress the way I once dressed to go to work, and the idea of trying to impress someone nauseates me. It’s like I’ve been there and done that, more than I can count.

And then there are photos like these that remind me how nice it is to blowout your hair, wear makeup and pull out the tried and true white dress shirt.

And then I am reminded that I really don’t need makeup at all.

Here’s to running around chic……

5 Minutes With Madeleine Sara, E-Commerce, Fashion Blogger, Stockholm, Sweden

last time we spoke with Madeleine Sara, she was in the process of looking for an apartment and a big congratulations to her for buying her first place in Stockholm. In-between planning her move and work, she found time to answer a few questions and it’s nice to know we are not the only one’s obsessed with Sex & the City.

Short cami dress with lace trim @bershka.com/us

Most recent item purchased: I just bought a one bedroom apartment, and the best feature; it has a fireplace which is so nice for winter in Stockholm. Fashion-wise I bought a black slip dress from Bershka, I was surprised how nice the quality and fit was.

Current reading list: I am currently reading The Will Trent series by Karin Slaughter. Its a crime series and I cannot put the books down.

BAGUETTE
Embroidered pink patent leather bag
Code: 8BR600AFJ3F078J

Last show you’ve binged watched: I’ve been watching Sex and the city lately. I’ve seen it like 50 times before but it’s such a good series and I love the fashion. Really want a colorful Fendi baguette bag now, preferably with sequins.

Favorite outdoor restaurant: Haven’t been out much sense covid hit but Stockholm have several nice outdoor places around the Östermalm area.

David Bagares gata 20Bv, 111 38, Stockholm

Beauty black book – salon or spa you recommend: I actually did my first ever face treatment a few weeks ago and I loved the results. I am going back again in a few weeks. The place I went to is House of Beauty Östermalm.

What’s your biggest indulgence currently: Chocolate! It’s the only sweet thing I eat.

Here’s to running around chic, to follow Madeleine Sara @Mads.sara

The Goddess Kaftan By Denisse Kuri

Naturally this stunning Kaftan isn’t called The Goddess Kaftan, it’s just a name I gave it. To think I almost missed out on buying it, I ended up ordering the last one. I tell you ladies that my hands were shaking, I was so scared someone was going to buy it before I did. In case you don’t know who Denisse is, she’s a Mexican Designer, with a vision, modernizing the way Mexican clothes are designed, taking our traditions from the various parts of Mexico, working with artisans and creating the most modern, classic, glamorous and sexy dresses, kaftans, trousers, blouses, skirts and vests we have ever seen.

KAFTAN MATLALI – Bordado a mano por artesanas indígenas de Huixtan, Chiapas – @denissekuri.mx

There are at least 6 more items I want, but I have to pace myself, this purchase was an impulse, honestly I felt like I was going to die if I didn’t get it. I envisioned myself wearing it, looking like a Goddess, a Mexican Princess. When I worked in Luxury sales, I always told my clients to envision themselves wearing the item they were trying on, and I would paint a picture for them and the results were magical. If you can see yourself wearing an article of clothing where you’re happy, then you know it’s meant for you.

KAFTAN AURELIA – Tedjido en telar de pedal en San Andrés Larrainzar y bordado a mano por artesanas indígenas de Xiloxochico, Cuetzalan, Puebla – @denissekuri.mx

I also want the Kaftan Aurelia, and so many more pieces, but alas I have to wait.

VESTIDO IZTACCIHUATL – Tejido a mano en telar de cintura por artesanas indÍgenas de Zacualpan, Guerrero – @denissekuri.mx

Thank you Denisse, thank you!

Here’s to running around chic…..

Beauty Most Wanted

KORA ORGANICSRose Quartz Luminizer $28 @Goop.com

I’m such a beauty and makeup addict. I love anything that promises a perfect complexion. I recently discovered these items and the temptation is almost too much to bear. I keep buying makeup and I really haven’t started wearing it fully yet.

RADIANT FLUID FOUNDATION NATURAL SPF 25 $130 @cledepeaubeaute.com

PORE-REFINING MATTIFYING VEIL SPF 25 $80 @cledepeaubeaute.com

I start the process with clean skin, apply an SPF, then I add the illuminators and a touch of eyebrow pencil, bronzer and curl my lashes before adding a touch of mascara. I of course apply the red lip, and I am done for the social activity with my vaxxed friends. I don’t reapply anything during the day.

The pandemic has brought on change, I am more relaxed than I used to be. But I still want a beauty arsenal that will enhance my good skin. After all the whole point is grow and adapt to change.

Can you guess which one of these beauties is on it’s way home to me?

Here’s to running around chic…..

Style Profile: Surbhee Grover of Love, Indus

Surbhee Grover is a visionary. She created skincare that’s a combination of her beloved India, the richness of regions where she grew up and New York technology, because everything we put on our skin should be good for us. Surbhee has a 20 year career helping beauty brands in their expansion and advising the beauty industry in formulating skincare that makes a difference before starting out on her own with Love, Indus.

Amrutini® Overnight Oasis
Luminosity Dewdrops – $135 -@loveindus.com

She has a busy schedule, but found time to answer a few questions. I do have one question for her that I didn’t ask, and that’s why she didn’t become a model, I mean, I want what she’s having, don’t you?

Fashion Icon: Every flamboyantly dressed pre-teen. Some have an incredible eye and dress absolutely fearlessly – we should all be so fearless to reach for what we love, and don colors and styles and fabrics that make you, you. I’ve always believed that what you wear should make you happy and be an expression of what/ who you are.

Favorite Restaurants: I have many fond memories of meals at restaurants grand and simple. The fondest memory is of a meal at an intimate, Michelin starred restaurant in Amboise, France. It was my birthday and my husband and I decided on the restaurant at the last minute. They must have had a cancellation as they had a place for us late at night. It was a small space with outstanding, modern takes on traditional French cuisine. The chef stopped by our table and was most gracious, kind and charming. Embarrassingly, I remember neither the name of the restaurant nor the chef, but the memory of the evening is indelible.

Last Book Read: Cutting for Stone by Abrham Verghese.

The Renaissance, St. Pancras – Euston Road, London NW1 2AR

Last item purchased before the pandemic: I enjoy travelling and the lack of opportunity to do so in the last year has been tough. Therefore the pre-covid purchase that brings a smile to my lips is a return ticket to London. We got back in late Feb 2020 just as things started to get uncertain, but it was a great trip and we stayed at one of the prettiest hotels I’ve been to – The Renaissance, St. Pancras. It’s like a fairytale castle with a gorgeous stairway, ornate decor and an atmosphere that takes you back to another era. Also, since I’ve lived in London for a few years, visiting is always a wonderful combination of feeling like I’m on a vacation and yet coming home – simultaneously.

If you could live in any piece of clothing what would it be: That would usually be a shift dress (with pockets, because I’d rather not carry a handbag if I can help it! J) because of 4 Cs:

(a) Comfort and movement – as an entrepreneur, and with a puppy on my hands, I find it especially important to be in something such that if I had to sprint at a moment’s notice, I could
(b) It’s a classic, not something that’s “in” or “out” from season to season.
(c ) It’s like a simple canvas you can dress up/ dress down with the help of a few accessories
(d) The shift dress signaled a change (“shift”) as its popularity coincided with the start of a second wave feminism when freedom of choice (to move easily/ to dance) became more important than the previously favored corsets.

The alternative, for me, would be a wrap dress and I’m grateful to DVF for reinventing/ reviving this dress style – it’s flexible, not fussy, and yet quite flattering.

Amrutini® Precious Potion
Vital Cream – $110- @loveindus.com

Beauty routine, what are you using now: Honestly, my beauty routine is not overly complicated. I’ve always had extremely sensitive skin and burn easily in the sun and rarely use make-up. My routine consists of a few, powerful products that can be applied in a no-fuss fashion. My focus is on maintaining skin strength, healing, intense hydration and sun-protection. For non-SPF needs, I rely on our Amrutini® range which provides all the nourishment my skin needs. And the slight whiff of (natural) fragrance in this range (which comprises of 18 essential oils including tuberose) gives me a much-needed moment of indulgence in my day.

Velvet :08 Broadway Bright
Detox Mask $58 @loveindus.com

I do cleanse with our Velvet :08 Broadway Bright detox mask once a week and use our Freedom of Expression Dual-Purpose Line Limiter on expression lines as needed.

For more @loveindus.com.

Here’s to running around chic……

Flamin Hot

There was a period in my life where I only had one pair of sneakers, I also couldn’t buy a pair of sneakers if my life depended on it. I depended on my younger sisters to pick them out for me, because when I bought a pair I ended up giving them away, I didn’t like them after I’ve worn them so returning them wasn’t an option.

But now, things have changed and I am much better at picking out sneakers and own several pairs. Since my birthday is coming up, I’ve allowed myself to be a little more extravagant and finally ordered the Flame Sneakers by Sandro. The above photo was taken last winter and I’ve been hesitating ever since. I have a limit on how much I spend on sneakers, since it’s becoming an addiction. But I bit the bullet and ordered them this morning. There are a few other colors, but being a Leo, I have a penchant for Gold.

If these fit and are comfortable, I’ll keep them and consider ordering another pair, there was another color combination I liked. Sandro also has boots that are worth considering.

Here’s to running around chic……

It’s a Love Thing……

Paloma’s Graffiti – Love Ring $600 @tiffany.com

Ever since my good friend Ohlala Malala mentioned that her husband gifted her a Tiffany’s Love Ring, I’ve been hankering for one. Although the exact one Mahlala has is sold out, they still have the small size available. The small size doesn’t look as small, I have small fingers and can imagine wearing it, being blissfully happy.

The question is, should I just buy it now, or wait until my birthday. It’s a wait and see situation as my sisters are planning something and I was told not to buy it, yet.

There are a couple of other items I want, all within reason. I don’t have a pair of gold studs yet, I have pearl, diamond, well I do have gold studs but not gold ball studs.

Tiffany HardWear – Bolt Stud Earrings $950 @tiffany.com

I really like these, but they look smaller than what I would like on the model. But they are interesting don’t you agree? They have the plain gold ball studs, but now in comparison they seem boring.

Here’s to running around chic…….

Parisian Summer – Shopping The Look

Has anyone watched “My Unorthodox Life” on Netflix? In one scene Julia Haart is staging a fashion show and picks out the same leather stud boots to be worn with all of the dresses, skirts and pants. This photo reminded me to wear my platform converse with my dresses, I’ve been trying to step-up my fashion game, so that when I come out of hibernation, I’ll be modern and not look like I did in 2019.