I get it - we're all a bit tired of that same old "New Year, New Me" rhetoric (we all saw that meme of Robert Downey Jr. rolling his eyes, right?). We're all a little bit older now, and sometimes it feels like every new year's resolution becomes just plainly obligatory to say as opposed to something we actually plan on following through....

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Christmas may be over, but there's still a lot of holiday gatherings and NYE parties to attend for sure - how about putting together a full makeup look on a a super budget? Sara and I decided to put on this fun holiday take on the popular $20 makeup challenge (see her post here) - see my choices below! BASE - $3.50 I...

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Hi guys,So, don't be surprised if you see posts from another gorgeous and stylish gal that's NOT me (hahaha) here on the blog! I will be collaborating with Sara from Sookie Spartan - a fellow Michigan blogger, teacher, fellow almost-30 gal, and mother to another beautiful one-year-old named Otto. After being like "hey! we have so many things in common!" with each other on...

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trying to see if these blue specs would work on my face. maaaybe. hehe Happy (almost) holidays to all of you! Between my son having a bit of a fever scare (toddlers, amirite!) and the holiday rush, I struggled a little bit to stay timely with my posts so I do apologize for that! Today I wanted to chronicle the very cool experience I...

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Can you guys believe how fast 2015 has come and gone? I don't know about you, but it seems like the older we get, the faster time seems to pass by. Sure, there were moments that I felt like things have been going on foreever, but most of the time I wonder where it all went. My son is already a year old...

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Bedrock Beauty Leather Luxuries - 2015 Holiday CampaignPhotography : Eden and Thaad of Reel Clever Films Fashion Styling: Leah Vernon Rashad of Beauty and the Muse Hair Stylist: Brianna Black of Ken Paves Salon- Michigan Makeup Artist: Hannah diPucchio of KPS-Michigan Model: Fatima KojimaWardrobe items from Green and Glamorous, Flossy's Suitcase Squeeeee! So excited to be able to share this with you finally!...

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Inspiration is everywhere, indeed! Thank you Aldo Twelve Oaks for having us! December has been decidedly kinder - weather-wise, and the fact that it's literally everyone's favorite month, right? Holiday parties and events here and there, little mixers, and gifts! Tons of it (both buying and being the receiving end, haha)! I think the only downside of December is my empty wallet from...

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Got nothing to do tomorrow night? Good. I mean, even if you probably had something to do, you might want to consider setting those plans aside-- join some of Detroit's most stylish in celebrating Saks Fifth Avenue Troy's Contemporary (re) Launch! Complete with a fashion show of some of today's hottest labels, light bites and bubbly, this is something you definitely don't want...

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First Class Committee, created by fashion designer Terrance Jones, has launched a music‐influenced men’s clothing and lifestyle brand made in Detroit, and is debuting its first men’s winter collection to the public. This is the first collection First Class Committee has released since moving from Austin, TX to Detroit, MI. ...

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Hey friends and loved ones, sincerest apologies for the lack of updates for the past week or so. Four words: first birthday party planning! Time runs by crazy fast these days and lo and behold, Dallas is now a year old! I've been hiding out in the mom cave (haha) Pinteresting like crazy and DIYing everything down to the last detail. I'm sure...

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Hello, loves! Happy thanksgiving to each and every one of you! Even if you don't celebrate it in the traditional sense, hope you got to spend your long weekend with some fun and a little R&R (or, you know, a lot. lol). For this downtime, I'm trying to make it a mission to not think about work and business so much and you...

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"You can't start a new life in old clothes". This is perhaps my favorite quote and real-life sage advice from the hit septuagenarian comedy "Grace and Frankie" (you still haven't seen it?!! Open up Netflix. NOW.) This line actually applies quite literally in my own life - when we moved to the country last year, I had no choice but to sell off most...

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Midtown Detroit continues to go full steam ahead as being one of the most decidedly cool spots in the whole of Michigan. While there are, of course, many other places to go and see when you're in the Mitten State, Midtown is known for it's own unique brand of cultural attractions, awesome eats, and an interesting mix of retail brands. This month, Oregon's...

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I think I pretty much checked off some items from "fall must-have" listicles with this outfit that I wore to have lunch with a girlfriend. A peacoat (which I've had for years now, btw) ? Check. Something knitted? Check check! How about two things everyone seems to be loving this year - a suede button-down skirt and lace-up flats? Check, check and check! ...

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Today, a rather unexpected "On this Day" throwback post popped up on my Facebook feed: a "what I wore" photo of me back in 2013, blonde hair and all, sporting a leather-finish bomber jacket with a funky accent necklace. At first glance, this said bomber jacket looks just like any other trendy item that could easily blend into any high-street boutique; but upon...

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the Halston accessory wall. right?! the double L's, a.k.a. Leah and Lala. Two of my favorite girls on the planet Sometime ago, I met up with my always entertaining gal Mademoiselle Leah V for lunch and light conversations in the Troy area. Living on completely opposite parts of Metro Detroit, it's always a pleasure to see Leah on my side of town.  After...

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obvi the gratuitous "my feet against the fallen leaves" shot ;) My baby giving zero effs in this photo. Haha. In his defense, he was feeling under the weather. :( But isn't this view of Chicago so jawdropping? An extreme show of bravery atop the Willis Tower - Skydeck Chicago experience After months of waiting on waiting lists and stalking websites in what...

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As promised, you'll be seeing a lot more of my work as a filmmaker here on Chic in the Tropics. This site has obviously become way more than just me posting outfit shots and brands I'm obsessed about, but rather, a place where I share my adventures here in America as an aspiring (and sometimes struggling? ha) filmmaker, business owner, and new mother....

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Mootown Creamery. Serving up so much yes!  my handsome date/husband always giving me life :)  can someone tell me where I can buy this chair? seriously, though.   my mother-in-law standing outside Mootown. this block is just totes amazing.  Detroit Bold serves damn good coffee!  my son and his grandfather taking a break from all the walking :)  hey, girl! I wanted to let...

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Though last year was first time to ever experience fall, it is absolutely and without a doubt my favorite season. Though I wouldn't trade the memories of old summer days by the beach or island hopping back in the Philippines, I am quickly making new memories filled with apple pickings, walking down country roads lined with trees bearing sunset-colored leaves, and layering. A...

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