Terra-Cotta

I'm completely infatuated with this terra-cotta colored blazer from Forever 21. I think its such a greatly versatile piece that will match with just about anything. I'm also really loving these blue high waisted american apparel shorts. The bag is from Charlotte Russe and it has bohemian patches of patterns and floral designs on the strap.

Bird of Paradise

Right now I am in love with this "bird of paradise" inspired long skirt that I found at Forever 21. The crochet top is from Catherine's Closet Vintage Boutique and the handbag as well as the accessories are from Salvation Army. Ohhh, the comfy platform wonders are also from Forever 21.

Nalani Shoot

This past week we had the most amazing shoot with Nalani, a gorgeous, talented, heart-warming young woman, originally from Hawaii. She worked with Disfunkshion a couple of years back in one of our fashion shows and has been traveling the world and modeling in major cities such as Tokyo, Miami, LA and New York for the last 2 years. She came for a couple of days and we could't pass up the opportunity to work together again. The editorial that we shot will be released in our February issue. These were just some instagram shots I took while the shoot actually went on.

All Talent for this editorial is represented by Niche Models and Talent

People...

People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.

— Kent M. Keith

Leathers and Feathers

I am obsessing over this designer's etsy shop. The leather bags are beautiful, classic, boho, and VERY detailed. The store is called Twisted Tree Studio and they offer a wide range of styles and shades of leather. Whenever I can afford a splurge, this might be worth while.

News, letters, fashion and all things better...

So in a couple of days we will be launching our FIRST newsletter featuring Disfunkshion Magazine's Face of the Month (October). Every month we will be choosing a different girl who is phenomenal as an integral part of showcasing impacting young women who are more than just a pretty face. Ashley Mendham is our October girl and you'll be able to check her out in four bohemian-inspired looks that we put together for you. A look will be released each week, but in order for you to see the looks and find out where to find the pieces in each look, you must be subscribed to our email list. If you haven't already, you can do that here.


In the meantime, check out some behind the scenes shots of our shoot and our staff acting like clowns! =)


A quick peek, inspiration, and team...

Model: Ashley Mendham @ Niche Models and Talent
Photography: Daniela Voicescu
Hair & Make-up: Marc Cornwall @ Niche Models and Talent
Wardrobe: Hugette Montesinos
Assistance: Brittany Larson, Jamo Cristobal, Hunter Overacker

Behind the Scenes...Debbie Matenopoulos

Here are some behind the scenes shots of the styling process for the Debbie Matenopoulos shoot available now in bookstores. To see a live clip from our shoot click here to see Disfunkshion TV.

Random loves...

These are a few of my favorite things... Floral top (Forever 21), Leather Bag (Aldo), Cross Turquoise Ring (So Good Jewelry), The bracelets are just accessories that I love and have been wearing for numerous years. The top on the right is actually a plus size piece from Forever 21. Sometimes I find great pieces that are free flowing and oversized at the plus size section.

Girlosophy

This is by far my favorite inspirational book. Filled with quotes and unedited images, Anthea Paul captures the natural beauty and charm of extraordinary young women around the world. Anthea Paul has to be one of my favorite writers, women, philanthropists and activists. You’ll definitely find me posting more from her in the near future.

She's got a couple of more books focusing on love, healthy eating, travel and spiritual living.

Cut and paste

I have and always will be a fan of light and thin crochet. I found this piece about a year ago and although I haven't worn it too many times, every time I do, I remember just how much I love it! I also want to mention that this flowy throw is a peasant top that I cut right down the middle.

Julia's Child

Cooking can be a challenge for many working women nowadays, so finding delicious, healthy and quick meals to replenish our precious bodies is a treasured commodity. I do love to cook, but during the week find it very difficult to splurge my time into experimental gourmet cuisine, so I stick to some of my basic favorites which you too can play with. 

 1)Spinach salad with tomatoes and shrimp. 2)Grilled chicken taco salad with sour cream. 3)Steamed salmon with a tangy garden salad. 4) Mexican ground turkey tacos with cilantro and a side of organic refried beans. 

Mom knows best

Although these images are a bit blurry, I couldn't resist the urge to share about this cherished bohemian kimono-ish throw that my mom gave me. She has the coolest pieces that she wears sporadically, so when I see something spectacular, I beg her for it. Hehe! It's actually knee length, but I wrapped and knotted it in the front for this shorter look.

Domestically Inclined...

So most people might not know, but I'm actually really passionate about my surrounding spaces and making sure that they are always inspirational and appealing to all my senses. What I also love about decorating and arranging things around the house and the office, is finding amazing bargains and pieces that I can re-create and make my own.

Here we have a thrift store mini-vase with plastic flowers and a ceramic bird that used to belong to my grandmother. Books are always a fun and artistic way to add depth and dimension to any vignette.

I created these picture frames by printing out my favorite 70's floral wallpapers from the internet. I began by painting the frames all white. I later pasted the printed florals  onto the front end of the frames. I printed out some of my favorite travel or family pictures in a small size and cut them out leaving a small white border on the paper. I simply pasted the image onto the floral design an voila! 

Next is this incredible HAND chair that I inherited from my previous job at Lucky Brand Jeans. It is truly a relic that I use as a night stand. 

Last but not least are these fantastic bowls that I fell in love with while browsing through the isles of my local ROSS store.

Into the blue

Now typically I'm not a fan of blue, but I found this "South Beach Surfing" tank top, which brought with it a piece of home.I also found this vintage paisley shirt at a thrift store for 4 dollars and wear it as a blazer. On the right,you'll see what one of our amazing interns Brittany was wearing... this incredible turquoise cuff. It was love at first sight! 

A-muse-ing

I love this look because not only is it fun to rock artwork from a favorite band, but it can also be extremely versatile since what appears to be a black tank is actually a dress. I'm completely in love with this necklace I found at Forever 21 simulating an amethyst chunk.Also, did I mention I love cheap accessories???

Day by day...

These are several random looks throughout my week. My mood is often changing so I like to mix it up and have pieces that I can dress up or dress down.

Hello World...

As the days progress, I often just sit and wonder what exactly it is that I’m supposed to do. Now I don’t mean work or career wise, I mean with my life, my time, my body, my mind, my love and my potential creativity. It seems there is so much to do. So many possibilities, yet many of them pass us by without us even acknowledging what could be. I, on one hand want to discover what all those possibilities are, while simultaneously continuing to explore this path I call my DISfunkshion life, which isn’t a destination or goal, but a journey. A journey in which I’d like to encourage all young women to love and appreciate themselves, while gaining knowledge and proactive interest in the world around them. With this blog “The Latin Hippie” I hope to exhort and inspire as I will be sharing writing, images and experiences that have somehow touched my life.


The Words say it all… As a Hispanic/ Latin American young woman I have the duality of culture, language and perspective, while also fully identifying with the Bohemian-Hippified version of my “oh-so inspirational” mother Alicia Montesinos, who played the acoustic guitar at five years old with a self-made feather wrap around her head. The dichotomy is significant and rich. One that I will never escape and that I will always be proud of.


So before closing my introduction I would like to disclose that I do not take credit for ANY of the images on my blog unless I specifically credit at the bottom of the image that it is either an image of me or taken by me. In most cases I will discuss the images and make some form of commentary, so please keep in mind that I am only exercising my freedom of speech and simply being a commentator through my personal lens. I would also like to disclose that this blog is intended for NO monetary gain. I do not benefit monetarily from the images or thoughts posted on this blog.


Thank you and enjoy…
-Hugette