Geek style: Star Trek Starfleet ships outfit

I like coming up with quirky outfits that combine geekdom and fashion, as you probably know from my previous geeky look.

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Now that summer looks like it's here to stay (crossing my fingers) in Chicago — I virtually-styled something casual, cute and appropriate for a sunny Saturday.

I love the fun print on the shorts, and the muscle tee is simple enough that you have an cool combination without too much going on. I also like that the armholes on the tee aren't huge — which will make it easy to tuck the tee into the shorts. The rest of the look is minimalistic: lovely summery flats from Madewell, perfectly tiny bar studs and a great envelope-style crossbody bag. 

All fit for the "Federation" of fashion! (I just groaned at that too, no worries.)

Linky links: Star Trek Starfleet muscle tee | Tile beaded shorts | Margot flats | Bar stud earrings | Rebecca Minkoff Marlowe Mini

geek on,
michelle

Geeky Latina's Valentine's Day Gift Guide

It’s February, so that means Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! My friends at Ray’s Podcast asked me to come up with some cool ideas for Valentine’s Day gifts. So here’s my top picks, if you feel like veering away from the chocolates and flowers route.

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Printstagram
If your significant other loves taking photos and putting them on Instagram this gift would be perfect for them! Build them a book of their amazing photos, or give them a digital gift card so you can build a book together. :)
Where to buy: Printstagram 
How much: Photo books start at $25

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Photojojo
Another great gift idea for those who love taking photos with their phones are cell phone lenses from Photojojo. They are high-quality lenses you attach to your phone that totally up your photo game. They are compatible with iPhones and Android phones.
Where to buy: Photojojo 
How much: Individual lenses start at $20, 3-pack is $49, all the lenses $99

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Personalized cutting board
If cooking brings you and your significant other closer together, think about getting something personalized, like this cutting board. It’s bound to be used almost every day, so they’ll get good use out of it. Plus, you can’t go wrong if you pair it with these cute kitchen towels.
Where to buy: Cutting boards | Kitchen towels 
How much: $49, $35 for towels

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Imprint ring
You can still opt for jewelry and get something super unique. How cool is this? This ring leaves a message or heart imprint impression on your finger once you take it off. Make your mark on your loved one. :)
Where to buy: Option 1 | Option 2
How much: $120 | $157

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Skyline art
Showcase your love for each other — and your city — with this art piece. Personalize it with your names, anniversary and city. A list of cities and skylines available
Where to buy: Uncommon Goods
How much: $160

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Now, if you don't take Valentine's Day too seriously, and like to get quirky couple gifts, check out these options.

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Two person umbrella
Where to buy: Umbrella 
How much: $50


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Siamese Slanket
Where to buy: Slanket
How much: $39


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Smittens
Where to buy: Smittens
How much: $35

 

If you want to listen to the audio of Ray's Podcast, listen below!


geek on,
michelle

Geeking over: No Manches Clothing

T-shirts are the tortillas of our wardrobe. Stay with me! :)

They serve as simple staple pieces yet they can really make your outfit unique and memorable. T-shirts can also provide much-needed comfort while you're lounging around, or cleaning your house while singing Marco Antonio Solis songs. That said, you might as well have some culturally empowering options!

I had heard about No Manches Clothing before, but after I got this amazing Frida long-sleeve tee for Christmas (Gracias Ivan), I wanted to check out what else they had on their website.  

I pretty much wish I had their entire collection in my closet, but here are my absolute faves for women, men and baby. If you need some cultura in your closet, I urge you to check them out.

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First row: Educated Latina | Frida Long Sleeve | Hecha en Chicago
Second row: Mexican Gothic | ¡Toma! Onesie | Chicago Skull

Find them online, on Twitter, on Facebook or in person at 1800 W. 18th Street, Chicago.

geek on,
michelle

Gift guide: For the 'Game of Thrones' geek

Are you freaking out about buying gifts for the geeks in your life?

I got ya! Here are some gifts for the "Game of Thrones" geek in your life.

Great stocking stuffer for only $2! Game of Thrones hand of king brooch necklace

Great stocking stuffer for only $2! Game of Thrones hand of king brooch necklace

geek on,
michelle

Gift guide: For the 'Breaking Bad' geek

Do you procrastinate when it comes to holiday-time gift-buying? Never fear! Here are some geeky latina-approved gifts you can gift your loved ones that will be sure to please. :)
First up, gifts for the "Breaking Bad" geek in your life.

Great stocking stuffers! "Breaking Bad" keychains

Great stocking stuffers! "Breaking Bad" keychains

geek on,
michelle

Geeky gadgets for the holidays and my podcast debut

Check me out on my new favorite podcast — Ray's Podcast — talking about my top gadget picks for the holidays! It was a great experience, thanks for having me on, Ray and Laiza! Have a listen below!

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Here's my list:

Under $150

Kindle Paperwhite 

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I used to be a book purist, and owning a Kindle has completely changed my outlook on e-readers. This latest model is brighter, faster and is sure to please any book-geek.

$119/$139 at Amazon

 

Mighty Purse

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I am someone who is always paranoid about my phone's battery. The minute it gets below 60% I start to panic. This cute and functional wristlet charges your phone!  Plug it in, charge it up and take it on the go! It will buy you 2 full power cycles. 

$100 at this website

 

FitBit Force 

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If you're like me, you will most likely be stuffing your face this holiday season with tamales and buñelos. It'll be wonderful. Come January, however, I start to really evaluate my fitness level. The FitBit Force is a sleek fitness tracker/smartwatch that can track your calories, steps, and even how well you sleep.  

$130 at REI

 

Petcube

Watch, talk and play laser games with your furry friends through the mobile app anytime, anywhere. http://petcube.net/

This one is for all my pet-owners. The hardest part of your morning has got to be saying goodbye to your beloved pet while you head out to work. Petcube allows you to watch your pet, talk to them and play with them via a laser game controlled by your mobile app. Never again will you wonder if your pet is at home, bored.  

$150 at PetCube


Splurge

iPad Air

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I consider my iPad 2 a member of my family. Much loved, it's almost always at my side when I'm at home. Having said that, it's getting hard to resist upgrading to this new generation iPad. It's got a gorgeous retina display and is incredibly light and thin. Performance-wise, it blows my old iPad out of the water and also offers a front-facing HD camera.

Starts at $499 at Apple


Bueno, bonito y barato - some picks under $60

Fujifilm Instax Mini-8 Instant Film Camera

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What can I say? I like feeling nostalgic and I miss the days of print photos. This is a fun accessory, plus you'll get the instant gratification of taking a photo and having it printed in a matter of minutes.

$60 at Amazon

 

Vintage Book iPod/iPad/iPhone Charger

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Looking for a cool home decor item that also serves a purpose? This Etsy shop converts vintage books to a mobile charging station! They have some classic books and modern ones, and they'll even do custom orders! This is a super unique gift that will look great sitting on your nightstand.

Starts at $50 at Etsy


geek on,
michelle

Geek style: Breaking Bad "Better Call Saul" outfit

Can you tell I'm still looking for ways to cope with Breaking Bad being over?  :(

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So it only makes sense to shop online for BB-related things, right? Enter this great Etsy find. This "Better Call Saul!" sweatshirt is awesome — you'll be cute and warm this fall. Complete the look with cute booties and a bright plaid scarf. Bam! An outfit Huell would approve.

Linky links: Better Call Saul sweatshirt | Knot studs | Plaid scarf | Sloane bag |  Rusova booties | H&M skinny jeans

geek on,
michelle

Bueno, Bonito y Barato: Mano y Metal

I recently discovered Mano y Metal through Twitter. Their account @manoymetal followed me, and per my usual I clicked on their profile to learn more. The minute I saw Desiree's photos, logo and website I knew I had stumbled upon something very special. 

Not only is Mano y Metal based in Chicago, but all the pieces are hand-crafted by Desiree (who is simply stunning!). She does everything herself, she truly is a one-woman wonder! What an inspiration. I immediately ordered the "Made in Chicago" necklace. 

Check out my favorite pieces from Mano y Metal in the gallery below. Not only are they unique and creative, but they are all super affordable, considering they are handmade! 

Meet the Mano y Metal Team shop: http://www.manoymetal.com facebook page: http://facebook.com/manoymetaljewelry blog: http://www.manoymetal.blogspot.com twitter: http://www.twitter.com/manoymetal

geek on,
michelle

* * *  **

I was raised on the Mexican 3 B's: Bueno, Bonito y Barato. For those unfamiliar with this adage, it translates to good (quality), nice, and affordable/cheap. Having grown up with not much money, my mother always instilled in me that you could always find a good deal if you looked hard enough. And in her case, that usually involved combing through clearance racks. :) This motto has been engrained me in and I'd love to share it with you through these posts. 

Geek style: Star Wars pencil skirt

Now THIS is work wear I can get behind.  How great is this Millennium Falcon and X-Wing pencil skirt? Coming to Hot Topic soon.

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via Fashionably Geek

geek on,
michelle

Geek gear: Han Solo t-shirt

​You know how everyone's got that list of celebrities that you would leave your boyfriend/husband for? Oh, no. Just me? :)

Anyhow... Harrison Ford has always been on my list. Yeah, I know. 2013's Harrison Ford is looking aged lately, with his platinum white hair and random earring. I only need to look up photos of him as Indiana Jones or Han Solo and sigh. So dreamy!

For that reason and more I must simply have this t-shirt.

​Only $16 at Hot Topic

Hot Topic's got a great assortment of other Star Wars tees, check 'em out.

geek on,
michelle

Geek Style: Pixelated Sweatshirts

It's finally warming up here in Chicago but lest we forget its freezing the other 80% of the year, I had to share these cute pixelated sweatshirts! Of course, I'm partial to the GameBoy one, but any of these would be a geeky addition to your closet. Check them out here.

Awesome pixelated sweatshirts via Beloved Shirts​

Awesome pixelated sweatshirts via Beloved Shirts​

geek on,
michelle

Bueno, Bonito y Barato: Threadless Sale!

Welcome to my new feature, Bueno, Bonito y Barato!
I was raised on the Mexican 3 B's: Bueno, Bonito y Barato. For those unfamiliar with this adage, it translates to good (quality), nice, and affordable/cheap. Having grown up with not much money, my mother always instilled in me that you could always find a good deal if you looked hard enough. And in her case, that usually involved combing through clearance racks. :) This motto has been engrained me in and I'd love to share it with you through these posts.

* * * * * * * * * *
Have you been on Threadless yet? It's one of my favorite pages to browse around. Great quality t-shirt designs and more by very talented people! They are currently having a $10 T-shirt sale (this week only) and I present to you my top geeky picks:

Happy shopping!

geek on,
michelle

Geeky Etsy Find: Heisenberg Earrings

If you haven't checked out Etsy, you really haven't lived (on the Internet). A crafty person like myself could spend hours browsing all the lovely handmade items for sale. If you find you don't have that kind of time, no worries! I'll do all the work and present you with an awesome geeky find every week.

This week: Heisenberg Earrings ($9) by Etsy shop Sleepy Mountain

Photo: Etsy/SleepyMountain​

Photo: Etsy/SleepyMountain​

Adorable and yet still terrifying, right? That's the Heisenberg way. Would you rock these?

geek on,
michelle