Je Ne Sais Quoi: What Is Style?

Posted on April 17, 2016 by BeStillMyHeartBlog

Style is simply having a sense of who you are. I’ve had style since the womb. Quite literally. I realize not everyone gets so lucky, but it’s a state of mind, an art form. It’s about being comfortable in your own skin, a logo to your personality and a trademark to your soul.

When I was little I would prance around the house singing to Dolly Parton in my Mum and Nan’s highest of heels. The world was my stage and the hair spray bottle was my microphone. Needless to say, I’m still working on my voice. But to my surprise when I was accepted to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles and told by the Director that I had one of the best portfolios that they had viewed in years, it was one of the best days of my life. I knew that it was a part of who I was. The thing is, style, oh yes, style is something that I do for myself. I dress to please myself and myself alone. Without which I would feel simply dull. I’m not saying it’s the clothes that make the person, but you may as well have a little fun with it.

To have that certain je ne sais quoi, you must emphasize a life of passion. This can come in many forms. For me it shines through in ways of leisurely pastimes, charm and cultivation of life’s simple pleasures. One might think you need extra zeros on your paycheck to manifest this type of lifestyle however it comes from within, it comes from happiness and from happiness comes the best style.

As Donna Karen once said, “It’s when the woman, her individuality and spirit comes through, she uses clothes to express who she is and how she feels.”

Investing in pieces that are both couture as well as thrifty is a high all on its own. A sensational form of art and a vision that even Picasso would fail to uphold to the likes of the fashion canvas. However, the beauty of style can be anything to anyone and beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as the magic and experience within the rules of fashion is that they are made to be broken. Obey your gut, do what you like best and know that trends are momentary, be faithful to your own taste because what YOU truly like will never go out of style.

Love,

Britt x

It’s Official: www.BeStillMyHeartBlog.com

Posted on December 13, 2015 by BeStillMyHeartBlog

It’s official.

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Be Still My Heart Blog is officially a dot com. A new year is upon us, as well as a new me and overall content of #BSMHB. I had mentioned previously that I was gearing more towards a lifestyle story, if you will, through pictures and words. Having cancer tends to throw a wrench into things at the most inconvenient times. Yet, I won’t allow that to set me back, babes.

Now that I am moving around a bit easier and the pain is lessoning day by day, I want to show the world how wonderful, colorful and interesting life can be despite having terminal cancer. (I am still writing about everything that recently occurred with my medical situation and wrapping my head around it all. Blog to come on that…)

In lieu of that, to officially kick off the lifestyle variety aspect of my blog, including fashion, photography and blah, blah — you know, I have been collecting questions I have received via email and included some extra that you’ll hopefully jive with.

Q + A with Be Still My Heart Blog

Q: How would you best describe your style?

A: I’m drawn to anything that resembles the 1960’s. That’s an era in terms of fashion that I would have loved to be a part of. The 90’s grunge is also something I’m highly attracted to. I guess my style could be described as retro grunge. I’m going to make that a thing, although I’m sure it already is?

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Q: Who would you say is your number one fashion inspiration?

A: Devious question because I have many. But the one specifically coming to mind is, Edie Sedgwick. She was so ahead of her time, fashion forward in all of her glory.

Q: What made you decide to start blogging?

A: Not many people know this, but I actually started a fashion/travel/lifestyle type of blog back in 2008 or so. I loved doing it, I loved the creative freedom of being able to compartmentalize my thoughts both visually and textually. Then once I was diagnosed with cancer, I began #BSMHB as a way to document everything that was happening in my life. But now I am ready to share a lot of other aspects of myself and my life outside of just cancer; what it is like to be young(ish), up-to-the-minute and pumped with chemo.

Q: Nylon or Vogue?

A: Nylon all the way. I’ve read both for years, but I always seem to connect more with the content amongst everything else that Nylon has to offer as a magazine publication. Cosmo is also my jam. Sorry, Anna Wintour.

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Q: What are some of your current fashion obsessions?

A: Buttons. Flare. Pin-bling. Everything I own — jacket wise has a button or five on it. CAN’T STOP. WON’T STOP.

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Q: What type of camera do you use?

A: An iPhone — I’m not a pro, but I can imagine to be.

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Q: What is your dream job?

A: It’s funny, I don’t think I would be able to go back to working for anyone again. I guess never say never, but I’ve realized I’m better off doing my own thing, freelancing creatively. I’d say Author would be at the top of my list. Anything in the creative realm is a dream, really.

Q: Name your Top 3 favorite bands:

A: Easy — 1) The Beatles 2) Third Eye Blind 3) The Format

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Q: Do you prefer music on Vinyl? CD? or Download?

A: Who doesn’t prefer their music on Vinyl? The cracks are the best part. This year I joined the best “box” club called Vinyl Me Please and each month I receive a new vinyl. So far they’ve all been badass and totally exciting to get new music in the post every month.

Q: Favorite makeup brand?

A: I’ve got to say, I’m a MAC girl, through and through. I’ve veered over to Nars, Dior, Urban Decay — you name it, but I always swerve back for MAC. Pharmacy makeup impresses me at times though, i.e.- Rimmel London. Oh yas.

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Q: Marilyn Monroe or Audrey Hepburn?

A: Sorry, Brigitte Bardot. She’s the ultimate babe in my book — and Jackie O., I love her so.

Q: How many tattoos do you have?

A: If my Nan had been asked this question, she’d say, ‘one too many’. But, I believe I have eight, but most of them are dainty, except for my Hamsa.

Q: Favorite Quote?

A: “You live but once; you might as well make it amusing.” – Coco Chanel

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Q: What is one thing your readers would be surprised to hear?

A: Probably my half American/British accent that switches on an off. (lol) — otherwise, I hope my readers continue to enjoy the content and a peek inside the day to day lifestyle of a young cancer chick. #AWARENESS and #STYLE will go hand in hand, just you watch.

E-mail me (link on sidebar) if you have any questions or want to connect! And watch out for some outfits on the blog.

Big X,

Britt

Almost Thirty: Memory Lane Part II

Posted on October 13, 2015 by BeStillMyHeartBlog

The dog days of my youth have commenced, yet the remembrances of my beloved pups over the years have always maintained a place warm in my heart. Weary of most creatures (basically anything but dogs and horses), I wouldn’t dub myself to be an animal obsessed person. Always finding that I keep my distance and woo from afar, there have been a few special dogs over the course of my life have left a print, or paw print if you will.

Timmi was my main man. He was around long before I, as my Mum and Auntie Bev got him as a puppy when they were younger and moved to America. I’m so terrible with breeds that I wouldn’t even be able to tell you what he was, other than my very best friend from the start. It’s true what they say, “LOVE is a four legged word.” Bossing Timmi around, hanging on to him as if he were a miniature-pony and singing Dolly Parton to him incessantly was just a part of every day life in the Webster household. Kind and gentle, he’d always give me kisses good night and be there for me all over again the next morning. Forever my #1!

KEG! A character in his own right and a proper English gentleman, he was a part of the package when I began dating Steve. Initially Keg was Steve’s sister’s, however once Steve returned from overseas and moved back to Phoenix the two instantly became a pair and have been inseparable since. It is without a shadow of a doubt that Steve and Keg were made for each other and their bond makes my heart swell. Keg loves me too…I think!

The newest addition to the Ochoa family is literally the love of my life, Zoila. Far be it for me to have ever judged anyone on social media that is dog crazed. Over the last four weeks, I have single handedly become that person. Initially when Steve suggested that we get her, I was hesitant. Nervous to add any stress to my already stressful life, I hummed and hawed almost to the point of no return. Yet, as soon as she was born and I saw a picture of her, I knew she and I belonged to one another. Kind of like the opposite to Holly Go-Lightly and her no-named cat. Zoi and I had an instant bond when Steve and I picked her up six weeks later. Since she has come into our lives I feel I have become much softer and a bit more forgiving of my health and my life, filling a massive hole in a once vacant space. It would be the easiest thing for me to gush all day, but I am sure I will be writing about all of the love she has brought into our lives for years to come!

Last, but certainly not least is Comet. He wasn’t exactly MY dog, however he was my family’s dog and although I didn’t live with him, he brought such life for my brother’s and sister as they were growing up. Shortly after my family moved back to Arizona, Comet passed away, but as we know ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN!

Thanks for taking this walk with me and some of the purest spirits to have graced my path with their unconditional love. Always kiss your dog goodnight.

Check back tomorrow! x

✨📷 Pre “Selfie” Phenomenon and Pre Cancer 📷✨

Posted on March 19, 2014 by BeStillMyHeartBlog

Tonight was another sleepless night, as I have recently changed my sleeping medication. In the wee hours of the night I found some pictures from my earlier twenties. Ah, to be young, wild and free again. Also, you are witnessing “selfles”, before selfles were even a thing…enjoy!

♡

#BSMHB #BrittOchoa #BeStillMyHeartBlog I www.bestillmyheartblog.wordpress.com I

Love,

Britt x

▲ Sunday Kind of Love ▼

Posted on August 18, 2013 by BeStillMyHeartBlog

Today was really lovely, I spent the day with my husband doing what we would “normally” do on a Sunday afternoon; lunching, perusing shops, time at the bookstore and generally embracing the day in each other’s company.

There is such thing as normalcy…♡