Back in February, I came across a freelance photographer’s Instagram post that peaked my interest.
I would love to meet with you over coffee or wine and hear your story. Specifically for this month, I am interested in meeting with my fellow females to discuss what it is you love about yourself and what it is you are doing in your life that you are proud of, and what you’d like to see change for yourself and us in the coming year.
Disclaimer, I follow more than 6,000 people on Instagram. So when something comes across the IG algorithm that I truly like, it’s a tiny miracle. I soon direct messaged Cat about my interest to get together to talk about women in today’s world. Once we planned a date and venue, my outfit selection was curated between texts and Snapchat convos with my best gal pals (Y’all are just pocket aces). We planned to meet up at the new Grandview Public Market because Cat hadn’t been up to Palm Beach in a while and I love taking people to new cool places with fun mural backdrops. The focal point of the outfit would be THE jacket. “La Obra de Arte Soy Yo” which meaning is “I Am The Artwork” is a great fitting jean jacket with the gold embroidery iconic phrase by Colombian artist Paula Sarmiento. I also packed some props and souvenirs to help frame my story for the interview.
oh, what a morning.
Date: Saturday, March 10, 2018
Location: Tanzy // Mizner Park // Boca Raton, FL
Photog: Cat 🐱 of Cats Meow Photo LIFESTYLE | CONCERT | RUNWAY Photographer from SoFL ↠ in WY+CO // catsmeowphoto@gmail.com for rates
The morning of the interview I had done my routine of Sunday Runday on the treadmill with Trisha’s Southern Kitchen or Ina Garten on the Food Network. I was running a bit behind on hair and makeup when Cat texted me to push back our meeting an hour. Phew! I was able to make myself presentable and headed to Grandview a little early to snag a comfy spot and grab a Rabbit Coffee. I am the Colombian gal that doesn’t often drink coffee, but I am obsessed with that place! As I parked at Grandview, I learned that Cat was not only running behind but had forgotten her camera in Fort Lauderdale and was making her way back to get it and hoped to relocate somewhere closer. This curveball threw me. The outfit, the murals, and the hometown connection were all LOST with a venue change. I text my go-to Denise to brainstorm on locations in Boca that could be backup, but none spoke to me, so we agreed to meet at Mizner Park. Whomp, Whomp, Whomp. As soon as I arrived, I picked Cat up, and we parked to the other side of Mizner to find a place to talk. After a morning of setbacks, I had Yardhouse in mind as a venue for a drink, and as we made our way there, I remembered Tanzy was a cute location. We got settled underneath a wooden structure and ordered bellinis in Tanzy’s Cocoon Lounge.
the interview
Cat’s story of our interview is on live on Instagram in three parts:
Part One // Part Two // Part Three
I have to be honest; Cat was so easy to talk to! She explained the types of conversations she had shared with women in Denver. I had seen her post for International Women’s Day kicking off Dani’s interview in the photo project so I had an idea of how the conversation may go. Cat asked me my opinion on the Time’s Up Movement, #MeToo, and other feminist-themed topics. I don’t like stereotypes – being called a blogger was one that elicited a reaction – and a conversation about generalization was nothing but offputting. I honestly felt at several times that I was interviewing Cat more than sharing myself because I am not comfortable being overly opinionated. I can comfortably share my reaction to an isolated incident, ie., Babe’s Aziz Ansari story, but I don’t quite like speaking for women as a whole. It’s easier to have a conversation about how something makes me feel that it is to generalize how things should happen. We spoke about a variety of topics but I honestly didn’t feel as though our conversation went the way it was originally described. If I was going to talk about my goals and themes for the year, it probably wouldn’t have involved Aziz or Time’s Up. It probably would have been easier to list 10 women that I admire and why.
All of that being said, it was still lovely to have a conversation! What I loved about the end product was that my favorite quote was featured. As I was preparing my props, this cute quote deck that my BFF Stacy had given me was perfect. My buddy Billy has become one of my most valued friends for the simple reason that he is continually challenging me to grow. He’ll send me books, music, and podcasts regularly to experience and I love him for it! You should be so lucky to have found a someone like that in your life. When I was looking through the quotes, the following spoke to me. I immediately snapped Billy a photo and expressed my gratitude for him. If there’s anything we can do these days is to be more open-minded to learning and growing.
“Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can, there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did.”
la obra de arte soy yo
When the venue changed, my first concern was my outfit. I had a blush pink jumpsuit outfit that I was going to wear with THE jacket had I not been concerned about competing with the Grandview Public murals. Now, we were standing in the middle of a tiny bamboo garden behind Tanzy ready to take photos and I was just wearing a black dress. So, I made it part of the message and I am so pleased it turned out that way!
THE jacket is so much more than a statement fashion piece that pairs with just about anything. It had such a beautiful meaning; I am the artwork. Let it serve as a reminder that we are all special and unique, valuing yourself transforms into good energy, something that is essential for true happiness. You’ll find the message spray painted on the sidewalks of Wynwood in Miami and I hope you’ll find your happiness.
OOTD Details
Dress: Rebecca Minkoff via Rent The Runway Unlimited
Jacket: La Obra de Arte Soy Yo, Las Mothers Project via Boho Hunter
Heels: Vince Camuto Astar Strappy Heels
Lippie: Sephora Cream Lip Stain, Strawberry Kissed
Bag: Fendi By The Way, similar color
