The Fast Fashionista

The Year of the Snake

Happy New Year, Friends!!!

I am absolutely thrilled for a new year! It just so happens to be The Year of the Snake. I feel like that’s a good sign.

As I start this post (certainly not finish it) it is currently November 29th, 2024. I’m looking out at the ocean start to type. I was in the exactly same spot one year ago today. MK is in the pool with the kids and I have a few relaxing moments to myself where I can really clear my head and think (with a glass of champagne in hand). Before I get in to it, I want to thank every single person who has read this blog in the last ten years, those who have cheered me on, the strangers who have been long time readers, and the ones who say to keep going. So why keep going? A few reasons. One, for a friend who passed that urged me to start a blog in the first place. Second, it’s a hobby I love.

Every December (and apparently November 29th as well), I like to reevaluate The Fast Fashionista. Which has been my little corner of the internet for almost eleven years. Blogging has changed, content creation has changed, and I have changed. All have been good changes. I’m always feeling very zen after my usual blogging hiatus (where I amerce myself in my kiddo’s birthdays, the holidays, and travel). I’m feeling refreshed and back again and ready to welcome a New Year. Not a new me that’s for sure. Same me, even though I am always aiming to be better no matter what time of the year it may be.

Back to the topic at hand. This space isn’t going to look too different in the coming year. I’m still keeping my three categories of Fashion, Food, and Cocktails…fast. I’m not the blogger who is going to tell you a three year long story before I give you a recipe. No need for that. Who has the time for that anyways? Not I. This, and my Fall Fashion post are the longest ones. But that’s why I like to keep it short and sweet so you can check out something new but also get on with your life. I’m also not the blogger who will monetize. I’ve frequently gotten that question over the years and it’s a simple answer. I don’t want to. This space is for me to share my passions and creativity not to make money from you reading that.

Let me start with fashion. This is always the first post I do in the week because I feel it’s the closest to who I am. Fashion is extremely important to me. Unfortunately this area of my blog gets a little neglected because if I’m being honest I’m one busy Mama and business owner. In order to share more in this area I’m going to introduce Fast Snaps. Just some favorite outfits from the week and how I styled them. I’m talking exactly what I wear in my daily life. No fuss, probably just me in my driveway doing a quick snap. Warning: some may be better than others but my focus is realness and remaining authentically me. Fashion and authenticity are the focus here. I feel style is a constant evolution and I love that so many of you have been on that ride with me throughout the years.

One thing I so deeply love about food is that it beings us all together. I completely taught myself how to cook and for that reason I think I love to share what I make and that you could too. I just talked about being authentic and if you know me then you know I’m a fancy girl and I think that shows up in my food as well. But the point is, you can make a simple, healthy meal that also looks beautiful. I absolutely love being creative in my kitchen, making cooking fun and elevated…usually with a glass of vino in my hand.

Speaking of having a drink in my hand… “My Martini Moment” is a segment that I’ve had around since the beginning. It’s taken on many different shapes and concepts but is now fast, pretty, and delicious cocktail recipes to share or keep for yourself. Since my early employment days of being a bartender (quick random story: I had to fight to be a bartender at a restaurant when I was a brand new 18. After holding a couple different positions there I wanted to bartend. I asked my boss who was, pardon my french, an asshole. He rolled his eyes and said no. After I asked again, thinking I’d never do it, he said he’d give me a daytime bar shift and if I made 50 dollars he would let me be a bartender. Well for my daytime bar shirt I made 150 dollars and I was put on as a bartender. Don’t ever tell me I can’t do something. I fell in love with shaking up a good drink and sharing that experience. Experimenting with new cocktails is something (when I have the time) I love doing.

Well that about wraps up my blog breakdown for 2025. So here’s my word of the year: .

Enhance

I’m enhancing everything, baby. Fashion, food, drinks, and every damn part of my life. Down to the tiny details.

With all of that said in my longest post of the year, I love that you’re here and that you let me share this part of my life with you. I’m forever grateful I’m able to step outside motherhood and dive into a different part of me that makes me feel alive. It’s absolutely a good balance.

Cheers to you all and

I hope 2025 is your best year yet!

Sauntering into Fall

Well, hello there! It’s been a while!

I’ve had a very busy couple of months with travel, work, and mothering that I haven’t had a chance to do much in this space. But, I’m here now! And now is the perfect time to talk about my favorite fall transition tips.

When it comes to heading into Fall your accessories are going to do the talking. Especially the footwear. You can take a basic summer dress and style it perfectly for the cooler season approaching. Here are four ways to smoothly head into the beloved Fall season.

1. Fabrics

When it comes to the cooler season think about the kind of fabric and textures. The grey dress I’m wearing is a very soft but lightweight sweater material.

2. Booties!

They’ll take basically any outfit to a fall level in a very simple way. A peep toed bootie is even better on the days it’s not very cool at all.

3. Colors

Think neutrals or darker tones to really lean into autumn. I truly love to pair navy with other colors in the fall and winter. It can be unexpected.

4. Hats and Scarves

I saved the best for last! Swap out that summer straw hat for a thicker felt brim one. Hair need washed? Grab a hat. Also, a scarf can really add a luxe feel to any outfit. Opt for a lighter one for when the weather is still a little warm.

I don’t know about you, but I’m very ready to bid Summer adieu and say hello to many of our favorite season! Now, go grab your booties and head to the pumpkin patch!

Hideaway Bay Resort

Happy Monday to you all!

A lot of you were very interested in where MK and I went this past weekend, so I decided to do a post about it because we simple had the best experience and I just have to share. As I’ve said before, MK is the master of amazing getaways and Hideaway Bay is no exception. Located in Silver Creek New York, nestled in a cove off of Lake Erie, you’ll find this beautiful beach front resort. There are ten two bedroom luxury cottages and you get to call one your own. Also, no matter where you look there is just the most gorgeous view!

We arrived a before check in and headed to our day bed on the beach for relaxing and lunch. Let’s not forget to mention there is a fabulous bar on the beach as well delicious cocktails.

You guys know I’m a foodie and must talk about that. I had the crab and lobster roll with truffle fries for lunch and let me tell you, it is what dreams are made of. For dinner, fish tacos and again, perfection on a plate (it comes with two I ate one before snapping, oops).

Believe it or not, even though I’m an indoor animal, I love to jump on a kayak (in calm water that is). Mk and I had the absolute best time paddling and floating around.

After that fun, we headed to the onsite sauna (do we want it? Yea, we sure do.) for even more relaxing (see a theme yet?) not only was it a very Zen experience, but there was a huge window with, you guess it, another beautiful view. After that, it was time for the hot tub!

Pro travel tip: if a place has a signature drink. Drink it. This was the Summer Water Froze and let me tell you it was divine!

I think it’s safe to say we will be returning to Hideaway Bay. Trust me when I say it’s worth checking out. We got to relax so much we were ready to return to the chaos if life.

Check them out here: hideawaybayresortny.com

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope your week is fantastic and full of fun!