So who am I and how did I end up blogging?  Brace yourself.  This could take awhile. 

First off, I am no style expert.  I actually did not have a defined style until probably college.  As a matter of fact, if you spoke to anyone who knew me before then, I am certain they would NEVER use the word “stylish” to describe me.  I truly feel that one’s style reflects who they are and how they feel.  Like many preteens and teens, I had no clue!  I was constantly experimenting with different fads, but nothing ever completely stuck.  Nothing really felt like me.  Influenced by 90’s hip hop (which I still love!), I wore baggy pants, big hoop earrings, and dark brown lip liner with pearly lipstick.  Then came the ska/punk stage with Jnco’s and crop tops.  I call this my, “No Doubt Groupie” stage.  Hesitantly to admit, there was even a moment in time when the raver scene had entered my closet.  What was I thinking?  Soccer has always been a big part of my life, so my warm-up suits and sweats would often make appearances as well.  Toward the end of high school, I started to feel comfortable in my own skin.  I started to appreciate fashion and design as an art that tapped into people’s emotions.  I slowly found solace in refining my style to reflect…me.

I was much more serious about college than I was with my previous schooling.  I had a growing love for history and culture and continued to do one of my favorite things in life…play soccer.  I became much more driven and self-aware.  I worked part-time jobs in the retail and beauty industry, often taking mental notes of clients with impeccable style…and much bigger wallets!  I always set out to find something similar at a more affordable price, but did make some hefty purchases here and there.  After graduation, I was fortunate enough to be hired as a high school Social Studies teacher in Queens.  I love teaching.  I worked three years at this school, while coaching soccer and completing my Master’s degree, before making the switch over to suburbia.  (Why did I switch?  Well, there was this guy…who lived out on Eastern Long Island…that I would later marry and with whom I would have two adorable children.  We decided to start building our future together.)  My teaching career consequently impacted my personal style.  It introduced me to the world of business casual.  My style continued to evolve to incorporate new staple-pieces such as blazers, tailored pants, and button-downs.

For the most part, I prefer to feel comfortable and effortless in what I wear, but I love wearing heels and sometimes a sultry dress is worth the sacrifice.  (Insert winking emoji.)  I love experimenting with the latest trends.  I am always in awe when I see what my favorite designers are coming out with next.  I enjoy curating my closet and carefully piecing outfits together.  There is something therapeutic about it.  The clothes I select reflect who I am, but they also have the ability to transform my mood.  As strange as it may sound, feeling comfortable in my clothes makes me more comfortable in my own skin.  Fashion just makes me feel good.

In 2016, my friend and classroom-mate, Silvia approached me about creating a fashion blog.  We had always given each other advice on what to wear and mom-life, that it seemed like it could be a pretty cool adventure…but what would people think?  How would I be viewed?  I have been bothered by these kind of thoughts my entire life and they were definitely on my mind now. Honestly, I really didn’t know what creating a blog would entail, but Silvia and I always make a good team and have fun working together.  Why not embark on this journey?  Maybe this would help me get over thinking about others’ judgement by just putting myself out there.  Well, at the time Silvia and I were amidst AP exam prep and I was also pregnant, so this blogging idea did not come to fruition until a year later.

I was on leave from teaching and taking care of my beautiful babes, Brody and Bella.  For me, there is nothing better than being a mom.  My family is my universe.  As much as I love being home with my kids and not missing a thing, I started to feel like I was losing myself a bit.  Without teaching, coaching, or playing soccer or really doing anything remotely athletic, what did I have that was just mine?  I was a little lost…and so was my style.  I barely put myself together.  I didn’t look or feel like me.  I started and continue keeping a journal, writing down only positive affirmations (unlike my high school journal, which was all self-sabotaging).  I trained and ran the NYC half-marathon.  This was all great…blah blah blah, but still did not fill the void.  That’s when I decided to delve into the world of blogging and see what it was all about.  I had already been following some bloggers for years, but did not know anything about what it would take to create one.  As I researched blogging, I became borderline-obsessed.  There was so much to learn.  I loved seeing other people’s style and reading their stories.  In early 2017, I finally called Silvia and said, “Let’s do this!”  Silvia and I started meeting and planning and within a few months, Balancing in Style was created.  Slowly, just like Stella, I was getting my groove back.   This has become so much more than just a blog for me.  Life is a blessing, but it is not easy.  Life constantly pushes and pulls us in different directions.  It’s important to find balance and do what makes you happy.  For me, finding a way to balance life in style, makes it that much sweeter.

*Note:  Silvia decided to step away from blogging in May 2018.