Kondja Veii - H E Y P R E T T Y F A C E (Page 3)

May 21, 2022

That Sweet RV Lifestyle

Kondja Veii

lifestyle, travel

If you have been following me for a while, you know that my family and I decided to make a huge lifestyle change and live in an RV full time, while traveling through the US. We'd been living in Europe for the last 8 years and decided it was time to begin the transition back to life in the States. Only problem with that, we weren't sure where. With me being from the DMV area and Milan from NYC, we just knew that neither cities were where we envisioned setting down roots and raising our family.

RV living has really allowed us to travel far beyond that typical touristy set up and truly immerse ourselves in the culture and surroundings of different states, mimicking what life would be like should we fall in love with a place and decide to set up camp and call it home.

On another level, it's granted us so much freedom and many, many experiences that we probably would've never thought we'd be able to do. For me as a "stay-at-home-mom" and hubby working remote, we've been living our lives from home pre-pandemic. So it wasn't impossible to explore what life could mean for us if we made home mobile.

So far we have sojourned Sedona and Flagstaff, Arizona. Joshua Tree, Palm Springs (a little disappointed that we left before Coachella and Stagecoach, but fingers crossed for next year). Anza Borrego, The Salton Sea, San Diego area, Santa Barbara area (absolutely fell in love with this cute beach town). We did Death Valley for Christmas and drove up for a very Vegas new year. We did a brief stint in Yuma, AZ before setting out on our journey to the East coast.

Heading east we stopped over in El Paso for a couple days, still very much in shock at how close Mexico is. It's how we look at VA from Georgetown in DC and my mind is blown. Please excuse my ignorance, this immigrant girl is not as versed in North American geography as she'd like to be. So, El Paso, then overnighted in Fort Stockton, arrived in San Antonio where we stayed for 3 weeks visiting friends and doing some RV maintenance. We then spent 48 hours in Houston...ahhh Houston. Listen, as much as I love the idea of a house with acres for a vineyard and maybe some hens and goats, my soul really comes alive in the city. Houston did it for me. I also read that it's one of the American cities that has a very extensive restaurant and museum scene. Great for creatives, perfect for artists. Duly noted.

NoLa was next and as excited as I was to experience this notorious city, New Orleans did not live up to the hype. Yes, it's a major city but you'll find way more tourists on a day-to-day basis than a local. The food scene is something to write home about, for sure...but everything seemed to be focused in the French Quarters. Is that all there is to NoLa? Anyway, nightlife seemed to be active, whether it's your kind of vibe is a different story. And as the stereotype goes, for me at least, NoLa is for a quick weekend away with a small group of friends, or a girls' trip (wink wink) or even a semi romantic baecation where all you do is eat, sleep, get fly, repeat. I don't see us returning with the kid in tow, but I am open to give NoLa one more go around.

Pensacola, Florida was beautiful. The weather, the cute little downtown, the postcard beaches with white powdery sand and teal-colored water. All the rumors are true-there's nothing like a Gulf Coast beach. It served us Caribbean beach ratings right here in America. We drove through the charming neighborhoods and it was beach front goals to the fullest. And the sunsets? Soul tinglingly spectacular.

I've anticipated the month of May to be an intense one. On the list of things; putting some plans into motion and finalizing others. The saga of big life changes continues over here and having to adjust to a new new normal has me charged with excitement and anxiousness. While all this is happening I'm just happy that we'll be stationary in Central Florida for the most part. Preparing mentally and hoping for only good things moving forward.

I've pretty much summed up the last 9 months of life on the road and I feel so blessed and content that this is life for us right now. It's not for everyone, this lifestyle, but for anyone who's looking for more..? More adventure, more memories, more time with our kids or partners- yes! It's for everyone looking for another level of connection less to physical things and more to things that inflame different doors to your soul. Everyday I am amazed and in complete awe of our planet, the landscapes that exist and people from all walks of life that decided to make their life what they want it to look like. But that's a conversation for another blog post.

For now, I leave you with a few thoughts that resonated with me a little deeper, and as always, sending good vibes your way.

-Kondja

Blazer: Thrifted

Crop Top: ASOS

Shorts: ASOS

Shoes: Senso (sold out)

Bag: NastyGal (sold out)

Sunnies: MonroRS

April 24, 2022

Swimwear Brands to Shop This Season

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Kondja Veii

fashion, travel

Now that spring has sprung, the countdown to summer can officially begin. Cue 8pm sunsets, rooftop lounges, afternoon Aperol Spritz'ing, the beach! You can smell the Pesce alla Acqua Pazza in the air already. But besides the workouts and crash diets, the only other way to get ready for #bikiniseason, is shopping for bikinis.

One thing about HeyPrettyFace, we are advocates for body positivity and healthy body image. In the same breath we also encourage dressing for your body type - it's one of the best ways to be less hyperaware and more confident in a bathing suit, or any clothing for that matter.

Play up your favorite features by choosing the right cut and proportions that will make you feel your absolute best.

Here are 5 swimsuit brands that offer a range of swimwear for everybody.

Icon Swim: offers bright cut-out pieces, to neutral one piece thong-kinis and everything else in between such as beach cover ups and unisex beachwear. My favorite feature, the price point. Click the link and see for yourself.

Mo.Swimwear: is a Serbian Brand that uses sustainable fabrics, and though only based in Belgrade and Dubai, they ship worldwide. From one piece swimsuits to teeny tiny bikinis, this brand truly focuses on the aesthetics of style and femininity. It's daring and right out sexy!

Riot Swim: has had my heart since day 1. Black owned and female owned, this brand features flattering suits for all shapes and sizes and has also incorporated kiddie swimsuits that she calls #MiniRiot keeping both mommy and mini looking fly on the beach.

DashDorj Swim: female-owned, woman of color owned, a personal friend of mine. Cindy is super talented and makes all swimwear to order. That's right! You request a print (there are some fun ones for the gworls who love a vibrant print) via DM, send her your measurements and payment and just like that, you've got yourself a one of a kind, custom swimsuit, tailored just for your body. It doesn't get any better than that.

Oysho: has been one of my go-to stores for swimwear in recent years. A Spanish clothing brand that specializes in loungewear, activewear, underwear and swimwear. Their collections always offer chic and minimal options that flatter all body types.

Now that we've got that sorted, next step is to start planning your summer getaway, somewhere hot, somewhere relaxing, somewhere where the Cuba Libre's keep flowing and the afrobeats eases out of the speakers. On a serious note, wherever you end up spending #bikiniseason don't forget to apply your sunscreen. Until next time...

-Kondja

April 10, 2022

Orange: The Spring Refresh

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Kondja Veii

fashion

Orange you glad fashion week’s street style presented orange as the IT color this season? This SS'22 in style calls for bright hues and sexy silhouettes, that even the gworls who don't typically do color, are doing color.

Post-pandemic style says ditch the loungewear and comfort dressing and let's shake things up a bit. This orange dress from NastyGal (which is now on sale) is perfect for the warmer but not warm enough spring days, by long sleeves and high neck. But all the allure is in the back, where it features another on trend detail: the cut-out. Style it with over the knee boots and matching shoulder bag, to accommodate cooler climates. Or dress it up with pointed mules in the same color family for a monochrome look, adding a silver metallic mini bag as the perfect night out accessory.

If you're not one for colorful fashion, but would still like to dabble in this trend, pair the orange dress with white mules, and accessorize with your favorite black over the shoulder bag and sunnies. It's sleek and minimal but with a playful touch.

Boots: Express Leather Bag: Massimo Dutti

Here are some ways fashion girls across the globe are incorporating orange into their street style:

Jenee' from @highlowluxxe and Karen from @karenbritchick at PFW

Jump over to my Instagram to vote for your favorite (or least favorite) street style looks featuring today's spring refresh. Until next time, happy Sunday!

-Kondja

February 28, 2022

Knit Dresses and Why They're an A/W Must Have

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Kondja Veii

fashion

Knit dresses are to A/W what the slip dress is to S/S

Chic, easy, effortless dressing. If those are how you’d like to define your style this season, look no further: knit dresses are the way to go.

The knit dress has been spotted all over the fashion scene for a few seasons now. From the runway to street style there's a style for every fashionista out there. Embellished like Bottega, explicit cut out detailing like Dion Lee. From short chunky knit dresses to long maxi knit dresses. Whether you live in milder winter climates or winter wonderland lands- there's a knit dress suitable for wherever you are.

It’s the easy, throw-on-and-go piece that also qualifies as a wardrbe staple and investment piece that will carry you through the colder seasons, and for years to come.

And while we are on the topic, let's debunk the myth that investment pieces have to be expensive and unattainable. What it simply means is choosing clothing items in durable material, in a timeless color and versatile shape. And if you're looking for investment pieces, Saks Off 5th is the perfect one-stop-shop for all things designer at reasonable price points.

This long sleeved V-neck Calvin Klein button down knit dress has all the details that can easily transform this dress from day to night. Mules and a long line coat reads sophisticated.

Though the knit dress is a seasoned veteran in the fashion game, to freshen it up, vet out alluring backless details and/or cut out details in a midi length. Or a slouchy, high neck dress in a bright hue. Something tells me we are breaking all the old rules, and new rules say: colors aren't only meant for the warmer seasons. Both wearable with knee high boots for a layered and covered look.

Here are some knit dresses that I've added to my wishlist(s):

Off-the-shoulder Sweater Dress- Nordstrom $32

WayF Mademoiselle Cut Out Detail Dress- Nordstrom $44

January 24, 2022

The Perfect Winter Outfit

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Kondja Veii

fashion

The perfect winter outfit is less about the outfit and more about the individual pieces put together thoughtfully to make it practical, functional and stylish. 2 items in this outfit are wardrobe staples: the white button down shirt and the knee high black boots. Both very basic but very fluid and pretty much a chameleon in every outfit for any style you want. Here are 5 winter outfits using these staples as a base. Layer the button down over a turtleneck for more warmth depending on the level of winter in your location.

1) For a modern chic look: button down shirt, tucked into mini skirt, sheer tights and knee high boots

2) For a classic look: button down shirt, tucked into high waisted wide leg trousers, blazer and boots.

3) For a feminine look: button down shirt, turtleneck, long wool skirt, knee high boots.

4) For casual look: a button down shirt, thick leggings, oversized sweater, knee high boots.

5) For a sporty, luxe look: button down shirt, sweat pants, boots and baseball cap.

Wearing: QuestionMark by K shirt, LuluLemon shorts, Mango boots, Vero Moda quilted coat (similar here), Massimo Dutti leather bag.

The white button down is the perfect base for winter styles. It's versatile, effortless charm is what makes it timeless. There are so many ways to keep it fresh and updated like choosing it in a hue that's current this season or in a cut that'll add interest and dimension to your look, like dramatic sleeves or an exaggerated collar.

I've included some links below for you to easily recreate this outift. Make sure to follow and tag me in instagram when you do #hpfstyles. Happy shopping!

-Kondja

FOR SHIRT:

FOR BOOTS:

Schutz Maryana Flare Boot- Shopbop $166.60

Schutz Maryana Tall Boot- Shopbop $238.00