HAPPY BIRTHDAY MS. MONROE

Happy First day of June angels!! Cannot believe that it is actually summer, and boy nothing gets me more excited because I know that means summer fashion, and more days I get to spend in my bikini!! You may be wondering where I've been, as posts have been scarce, but I am on the brink of fashion/business school graduation! Between that and all of my "side jobs", my modest yet precious little blog has suffered. Not to worry, with the amount of time that has passed a vast amount of exciting things have happened, and I absolutely cannot wait to share with you all. I promise, once the chaos and excitement of college graduation is behind me, this little treat will be back in action and better than ever! So today as many other days are filled with to-do lists, projects, and meetings, I leave you with only a brief yet charming story. For those of you who don't know, today is the birthday of iconic beauty Marilyn Monroe. Despite her demons and various hardships Monroe faced throughout her captivating life, she was nothing less than a symbol of true femininity and timeless beauty. From her signature sexy, feminine, and body conscious style, her stunning face, that captivating smile, the body worthy of an ethereal Goddess, and her trademark   red pout, Monroe was the true definition of what it means to be a WOMAN! So here is to you Ms. Monroe, happy birthday and may you always be one of the most beautiful girls in the world. Enjoy some of my favorite pics of Marilyn below xoxo DB

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

Today as we enjoy the perks of summer and this day off including food, fun, sun, I urge everyone to take a moment to commemorate the true meaning behind Memorial Day! Today we celebrate and remember the courageous men and women who have fought and continue to fight to make our lifestyle possible, and for that we are forever indebted. A special thank- you to my father Timothy! Enjoy your day everyone <3 xoxo DB

photo via: fab housewife

INSPIRATIONAL IMAGE OF THE DAY: MIXING FASHION AND SPORTS

Happy Monday my fashion friends!! The beginning of another work/school week and already so much going on. Amidst the rest of the headlining topics in the media, one of the most prominent subjects is the upcoming Olympics in London. All media outlets cannot help but to focus on the excitement (and interesting fashion believe it or not) that these games bring. It was no wonder that Vogue decided to do an entire cover story on the Olympics, and athletes with the sports they represent. Anyone who knows me knows that I am absolutely fascinated by sports, actually quite obsessed. Being one of a competitive nature and coming from a sports driven family (my brother is quite possibly the best athlete I know), they have always been apart of my life. So today as I was doing my daily Vogue browsing, I came across the feature showcasing the statuesque Karlie Kloss in the seasons finest fashion and various star athletes in their element, my entire week was made. I still am drooling over labels such as Victoria Beckham, Vera Wang, Oscar De La Renta, Lanvin, Stella McCartney, Haider Ackerman, Atelier Versace, McQueen, and Bottega Veneta all which are featured in the article. To top it off these beautifully sculpted athletes are on full display, paired with a stunning model in exquisite clothing and you've got a real life fantasy. My favorite image is the one below, courtesy of Vogue.com, revealing two of my favorite things on this planet: Oscar De La Renta and Basket Ball. Model, Karlie sits parched atop a basketball hoop, in a breathtaking strapless gold gown, paired with Manolo Blahnik pumps, while D-Wade of the Miami Heat, dressed in head toe (well lower body to toe) Jordan brand demonstrates the skills and physique that make him one of the most powerful basketball players in the league. Shot by the famed genius photographer, this image is one that is both beautiful and powerful, soft and strong. The Olympics are always something I look forward to, and if these images are any indication of the upcoming event, they are sure to be unforgettable. Next stop London!! See the entire feature here, and for behind the scenes video footage click here. xoxo DB

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! THE CELEBRATION OF A GODDESS

Happy Mother's day!! Today we celebrate the special women in our lives, whose selflessness and love nurture us every single day. As a firm believer that Mother's day should be everyday, I want to take the time out to make sure that recognition and praise is given in a most bountiful way. Anyone in my life is well aware of the bond that my mother and I share. It's not easy to put into words, as it surpasses the boundaries of mother/daughter and even best friends, my mom is my true soul sister. My mother's heart and passion has always and continues to inspire me everyday, as she is the true vision of what it means to be a Goddess. Inside and out my moms beauty is overwhelming even to this day, and anyone who has had the privilege of having her in their lives knows of the natural and raw allure that she radiates.  As my first true style icon, it was my mothers style and elegance that truly ignited my fascination with fashion and my career, and as a true tastemaker, she still has a wardrobe and personal style philosophy to rival the likes of Jackie O, Sophia Loren, and Elizabeth Taylor. So on this very special occasion, I want to bring recognition to the woman who as far as I'm concerned is the number one Diva in the world, Yvette Jaramillo Barnwell: Mamma, my angel, my heart, my soul sister, thank you for being the best mother my brother and I could ask for. Thank you for being our biggest cheerleader, our protector, our Queen. We both love and appreciate you more than you will ever know, and no matter how old we get, or how far we are you are always number one in our hearts. Finally, mommy thank you for being the true definition of what it means to be a strong Latina woman/ woman of color, strong enough to withstand any adversity or challenge, you are my greatest hero. You go girl. "Ill love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as your living your babies we'll be". xoxo Below are special private pictures of my mamma that I want to share with all of you, enjoy!! Hope you all have a wonderful day celebrating the special women in your life xoxo DB

FABULOUS FRIDAY: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. VALENTINO

Today Dee.Gi.B celebrates the birthday of one of the most talented and honorary fashion revolutionaries of this lifetime...the fabulous Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani, better know as Valentino! As today is the Italian designers 80th birthday, I commemorate his legacy as one of the greatest influences to fashion and to my personal passion for this industry. From his breathtaking designs and collections, to his creation of that captivating "Valentino Red", even in his retirement Mr. Garavani continues to depict what it means to be a true designer of fashion. Clothing elite women throughout the world, his designs emit an elegance and richness that few other labels have the power to do. It is Valentino's innate attention to detail and passion for a woman's beauty that contribute to his impeccable design philosophy. So here is to you Mr. Valentino on your special day, and may you continue to pave the way for aspiring fashion professionals such as myself. Thank you for all that you have done...Grazie e tanti auguri xoxo DB

PS. For more information on Valentino, visit his website here, check out his virtual museum, and make sure to watch his feature film/documentary "Valentino: The Last Emperor". 

Courtesy of the New York Times

MET GALA MADNESS! FASHION AT ITS FINEST

Other than fashion week, nothing gets me more excited or inspires me more than the annual Met Gala, held at New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art. This year's honoree was Miuccia Prada, the Italian visionary behind luxurious labels such as Prada and Miu Miu, as the event was heavily saturated with all of her greatest supporters and friends. Power players of Hollywood, music, art, and fashion made their way into the event on the crimson carpet, showcasing the year's most coveted couture. As a true fashionista I enjoyed and respect all of the fashion both the ladies and gentlemen brought to the table, however there were a select few (10) that made my heart melt. The photos below curtesy of the glorious WhoWhatWear.com, and Vouge.com showcase those fashionistas who blew me away with their stunning choices. Those beautiful women include: Camilla Belle in Ralph Lauren, Beyonce in Givenchy, Gwyneth Paltrow in Prada, Nina Dobrev in Donna Karan Atelier, Amber Heard in Zac Posen, Ashley Green in Donna Karan Atelier, Gisele in Givenchy, Kate Bosworth on Prada, Karolina Kurkova in Rachel Zoe Collection, and finally January Jones in Versace. Kudos ladies you killed it Monday night!! While this year I enjoyed the Met Gala as many of you did, through cyber space, I look forward to being there amidst all the magic someday soon!! Here is to fashion at Its finest...xoxo DB

HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO!

Happy Cinco de Mayo my friends! In honor of Mexican heritage I leave you the image of the legendary Ms. Frida Kahlo. As a half Latina woman myself, Frida has always been and will eternally be one of my greatest fashion and beauty icons. She pushed the boundaries of what it means to be beautiful, and paved the way for Latin women and all women for that matter, to define their own beauty and fashion philosophy, something I find extremely endearing and inspirational. So on this historical holiday I celebrate Frida, the Latino culture, and embracing what it means to be beautiful by crating our own standards!!! xoxo DB