A ‘Carrie Bradshaw’ Moment
I don’t know if there are many SATC fans out there, but I’m one haha. The story lines were a little wild, but I mostly watched for the fashion and style. I’ve been watching the re-boot and I’m not sure how I feel about it so far. We’ll see how I feel when the season ends. When we were shooting my birthday photos we decided to do a Carrie Bradshaw inspired look. Yes, I’m aware this was from November LOL. There are a few scenes where she has a tulle skirt. I’ve always wanted a skirt like hers and could never find any. Within the last few years though, I’ve found quite a few. I have about 4 now and I found them all at Ross. I know, out of all the places that’s where I’ve gotten mine from. They were all around $7.99-$12.99. I keep saying this, but don’t sleep on Ross ya’ll!
Tulle skirts are fun and feel fancy. The tricky thing about them though is that depending on your height it could drown you out, so make sure you get one that fits your body type. I like to wear mine with fitted tops, or sweaters. In honor of Carrie Bradshaw returning here are my top 3 tips I learned from her.
Buying clothes/accessories is an investment in yourself. Sometimes, it’s quality over quantity.
When in doubt accessorize. Doesn’t have to be anything huge, it could be as simple as a belt.
If you have a piece that you love you can re-style it. No one will know LOL.
Until next time, go to Ross ahaha
Outfit details: Skirt is from Ross. Sweater is from H&M. Heels are from Ross. Bag is Freshly Picked
Makeup, hair, and photo by: Austin Solomona
Dresses Okay?!
Growing up, I used to associate dresses with very special occasions or church. Looking back I swore up and down I was a tomboy and always made fun of my little sister when she would sneak into our aunty’s makeup. Mind you, we were like 4 and 6 years old. Oh how the tables have turned LOL. I love me a full face of makeup and a good dress. Once I started experimenting with my style in college I loved wearing dresses/skirts to school. Especially in Long Beach, the weather was perfect practically all year round. Here are my top 3 reasons why dresses are a staple in my wardrobe.
As much as I loooove pants, I get tired of wearing them 24/7. The legs need to be free occasionally and dresses give more air to breathe. The majority of dresses are comfortable and comfort is key for me.
Since there are so many different styles of dresses they are versatile. You can literally wear a dress for any occasion. For example if you buy a plain fitted black dress, you can style it multiple ways. You can wear it on it’s own with heels, or add jewelry and a blazer to dress it up. For a more casual look you could pair it with a jean jacket and some white sneakers. The possibilities are endless and we love options over here.
Lastly, they’re easy to throw on and go. Especially being a mom, most of the time I don’t have the luxury of having time to get ready. After getting the kids ready and the bag all squared away sometimes all I’m left with is 5-10 minutes. It takes 2 minutes to find a dress and boom out the door. It also helps me to look somewhat put together. If my hair is a mess, but I got a nice dress on it doesn’t matter. At least in my mind haha.
Until next time, make sure you go to the clearance rack of your favorite store and buy you a dress. They always have some good stuff in there. Don’t be shyyy!
Outfit details: Dress is Ivy City Co. Boots are Steve Madden. Ponytail from Insert Name Here (INH).
Makeup, photo, and hair: Austin Solomona
My Birthday Be Like…
For the past few years I have done photoshoots for my birthday. I love dressing up and it’s actually really fun to shoot different concepts. It’s my way of celebrating myself and a chance for me to reflect on that year. It’s crazy how a photo can really take you back. This year I wanted to re-create a look from Breakfast At Tiffany’s. The opening scene shows the main character ‘Holly’, getting out of a cab wearing a black dress with pearls, sunglasses and is holding her breakfast. Since, it is an older movie I went with a more modern take on it. I found an affordable black dress on amazon, got some accessories at target, bought myself a ponytail, and made it work. My cousin Austin does my makeup and photos and this year he really outdid himself and did my hair too. Book him ya’ll!
This look was so fun to do! As soon as we had put it together we really loved how it turned out. One of the main reasons I love this movie is because of the fashion. I used to wish I could see women who looked like me dress up fancy just to window shop at Tiffany’s haha. Here I am making it happen for myself. Anything you set out to do, you can do! Anyone who has an issue, that’s their issue not yours.
If you know me, you know I love Beyonce and I had completely forgot that she had just done a collaboration with them. When I saw their faces on the display, I knew it was meant to be. Until next time, cheers to celebrating life daily not just on your birthday!
Makeup, Hair, and Photos by: Austin Solomona
Her Top Fall Essentials
I’m back! This past summer was one of the busiest summer’s we’ve had as a family. I did attempt to shoot content, but I didn’t like any of the photos/videos so I ended up not posting on here for the past few months. I made a lot of memories with my family and friends though so that was a win for me. However, this month is my birthday month so I decided I would celebrate by posting every week, stay tuned haha.
Over this past year I have gotten back into actually dressing up. I don’t know if it was the pandemic, turning 30, or just trying to be supermom doing it all, that I lost my style. After some self reflection and taking care of myself I realized that I had missed clothes, and putting outfits together. Since we experience seasons where I live, the transition from summer to fall is so pretty. Here are my top 3 outfit essentials for fall.
First, boots. More specifically, black or neutral toned. I personally love Chelsea boots, ankle boots, or boots with heels. Not only are they warmer than regular tennis shoes, they can dress up your jeans, skirts, dresses, etc.
Second, cardigans/blazers. They are so easy to pair with other clothing items. You can also pull off going from casual to dressy casual with these. I like mine to be oversized. I don’t do a lot of tight clothing mostly because I’m still adjusting to my mom body.
Lastly, a good brim hat. These definitely are such a fall staple that as soon as the leaves start changing colors everyone is wearing their hat out haha. I mostly borrow my cousin’s hats because he has a lot, but also my kids act like my hats are theirs so they end up ruined haha. Can anyone relate?
Anyways, I hope you are all enjoying all the Pumpkins, apple cider, and hot chocolate this season! Until next time, cheers it’s my birthday month!
Outfit details: Blazer, bodysuit from Target. Jeans from American Eagle. Boots from Steve Madden. Hat from my cousins closet haha. No shame in borrowing okaaayyy.
Makeup, hair, and photos by: Austin Solomona
She Went On A Trip
First off, let’s talk trips/vacation. I don’t know how these mommies out here take all the pictures and look so perfect haha. Shoutout to ya’ll who really do it because your girl was struggling! I had every intention of shooting content when I went, but I forgot I have kids haha. We were so busy with family and trying to enjoy everything that I barely even took pictures of all the food we ate. However, ya’ll know I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t get a family photoshoot in, so those pictures will be coming soon.
One thing about traveling is I hate packing. I used to throw clothes in the suitcase and hope for the best. I tried to plan out my outfits, but always ended up wearing t-shirts and shorts. Here are my top clothing essentials for a summer vacation. This is what we really wearing out here in these streets.
Dresses. These are simple and easy to throw on, especially when on vacation. You usually don’t have time to think about what you’re going to wear. They also help to keep cool if you’re in a warm environment.
Biker shorts and jean shorts. My go to outfits are shorts and t-shirts. Biker shorts are also really comfortable and allow a lot more room to breathe.
T-shirts/tanktops. I usually opt for t-shirts because my kids are always pulling my shirts. Having basic tees and graphic tees make styling effortless.
Matching separates. These consist of tops and bottoms that come in sets. This is also easy to wear and you feel put together without having to put in work.
Hawaii Heu and mainland Heu do not dress the same haha. I wasn’t going to post this week because I felt like I didn’t have any cute outfit photos. This is real life though. Nobody looks put together all the time. Enjoy all these random photos from our trip. Until next week, cheers to real vacation content.
Baby Blue
Baby blue was my favorite color in middle school. I had these jersey pants that I loved, but stopped wearing because someone had mentioned that “it just wasn’t my color”. I don’t remember wearing anything baby blue after that. At that age I was still trying to figure out who I was and did not have self confidence so I was low-key impressionable.
I saw this blazer in H&M a few months ago and at first I was hesitant because I haven’t worn this color in years. It took me back to my middle school self, doubting if I could pull it off. I was really feeling it, but didn’t buy it. I left the mall, did some thinking, and took myself right back the next day to get it. I found pants to match and made it a suit moment. Once I tried it on it was over. This color is cute and if middle school me could see it now, she would agree.
All this to say, just wear the baby blue sis! Whatever you think is cute or what you feel confident in, wear it. When it comes to style I don’t really follow the “rules”. I wear what works for me. I do think that everyone should own a suit though. It’s definitely a closet staple. You can wear it different ways and pair it with other clothes too. It can be dressed up, or down. You can wear heels, mules, sandals, or tennis shoes. There’s range with this. Cheers to color and rocking clothes people say you shouldn’t wear!
Outfit details: Blazer/Pants H&M, Heels/Bag Forever 21
Photos by: @pennalicia
Let’s Talk “Baaawdy”
I was comfortable with where my body was at, in my early and mid twenties. My weight was pretty consistent for most of my life. Fast forward, two kids later I noticed I was always tired, had no energy, and felt heavy. Besides being pregnant, this was the biggest I’d ever been. I really wanted to focus on my health because I could not keep up with my kids. I was so busy trying to do it all, I wasn’t taking care of myself and as a result I was burned out.
I decided I needed to change and signed up for a 90 day program with a fitness coach. The first 30 days I cut off all processed foods, fast food, candy and soda. I started working out consistently 4 times a week from home. I tracked my food, was given a certain amount of calories and a protein goal to hit everyday. The second month my workouts intensified while I was still eating healthy. During this time my trainer taught me about healthy food practices, meditation, and how to build workouts.
Do I have a supermodel body now that I finished the program? Absolutely not haha. I still have my mommy pouch, but I feel stronger both physically and mentally. I know how to build my own workouts to benefit my body. I have energy to take care of my kids and have healthier eating habits. I also lost 20 pounds, which was a plus.
During this little health journey of mine I’ve learned that it’s MY body. I am appreciative of what I’ve been able to do and I need to take care of her. What others think or how they physically see me is not my problem. If I say I look good then I look good! It’s also okay to not be okay about where you might currently be at, but be kind to yourself. I used to think this could never be me, until it was me up in our little dingy community gym.
I’m not skinny, but I’m not considered plus size either. I’m somewhere in the middle. Let’s normalize being healthy instead of focusing on sizes. These instagram bodies are not real. Throughout all my different weight stages I can honestly say I rocked each one ahaha. It’s the self confidence for me. If you’re out there struggling, you are not alone! Make time for yourself, heal, meditate. You got this! Cheers to real bodies and self love.
She’s Comfy
In my early twenties I was always wearing heels whenever I would go out. I remember one time, my mom said to me “wait until you have kids, you won’t wear heels as much.” I just laughed. Fast forward to present day, homegirl was not lying. The only time I wear heels is if it’s a special occasion, I have the energy, or I don’t have my kids.
Becoming a mom was a life changing experience. I had a new body, but my old clothes didn’t fit. That’s when I had to get creative and adjust to still feel cute, but also be practical. Looking like I have it together, but I can still run after my kids if I have to. The trick to dressing up sweats is keeping it simple and accessorizing. Athleisure is a big trend these days so here’s how I personally wear sweats.
Pair sweats with cute sneakers and oversized graphic tees.
Have matching sets. This makes it easy to throw on and add jewelry. I usually opt for neutral tones.
I like my sweats to be fitted, but loose at the same time. This helps to shape my legs so I don’t look like a garbage bag.
Buying sweats that have some type of pattern. Don’t be afraid of color. Then keep the rest of the fit neutral, so it’s not too busy.
As long as you feel good about what you’re wearing no one can tell you anything. Rock the sweats sis. Until next time, cheers to comfort and being able to run after the kids!
Outfit details: Jacket-H&M. Top-Old Navy. Sweats-Target. Jewelry from Made by Mary and Forever 21.
*Photos by @pennalicia
She’s New Here
Hello world! For my first blog post I decided to give myself an introduction. Heuifanga is my name, but I go by Heu for short. I’m a Tongan and Samoan style enthusiast. Hawaii born, California raised and currently living in Utah. I’ve been married to the love of my life for almost 6 years this year, and together we have two daughters.
Growing up, I wish I had bloggers that looked like me. Now that I am a “grown up” I figured it’s time for some Polynesian representation. I don’t have your typical hourglass figure. I’m giving you mom bod, no thigh gap, with a side of pouch. I’ve come to terms that “we all ugly to somebody” and that’s okay!
My body has been through many changes. Especially after having my kids, it didn’t go back to what it was before. I struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety so it took me a while to feel confident again. It sounds crazy, but a good outfit really does improve your mood.
This look is a simple spring vibe. Just an overall dress, with a white top and white boots. Purple is my favorite color, which is why I bought it in the first place. Top is from ASOS, dress is from Target, and the boots are from Ross. Don’t sleep on Ross ya’ll!
Until next time, cheers to real bodies, realistic clothes, and budget friendly finds.
-Heu
*Photos by @pennalicia
