Charlene Gonzalez

It’s officially mid-august and I don’t know about you, but I’m so excited for Autumn! It’s the beginning of my favorite seasons which make the way for Thanksgiving, my birthday, Christmas and New Year. If there’s a sure fact it’s that we are all looking forward to saying goodbye to 2020.

Es oficialmente mediados de agosto y no sé ustedes, ¡pero estoy muy emocionado por el otoño! Es el comienzo de mis temporadas favoritas que dan paso al Día de Acción de Gracias, mi cumpleaños, Navidad y Año Nuevo. Si hay un hecho seguro, es que todos estamos deseando despedirnos de 2020.

During this season, my attention is immediately drawn to fashion that’s cozy, chic, leathery and elegant.

Durante esta temporada, mi atención se centra inmediatamente en la moda que es acogedora, chic y elegante.

First of all, wow, it feels so great to dress up and wear heels again! I almost forgot how to walk in heels! This crazy pandemic literally was almost the death of the high heels and dressing up for me. After going barefoot during zoom meetings and doing regular chores in casual clothes and sneakers or flip flops slipping a heeled shoe back on was like … trying to move back to my parents’ house after spending so much time getting used to independent life without any restrictions.

En primer lugar, ¡guau, se siente tan bien vestirse y usar tacones de nuevo! ¡Casi olvide cómo andar con tacones! Esta loca pandemia fue literalmente casi la muerte de los tacones altos y la vestimenta elegante para mí. Después de andar descalza durante las reuniones de zoom y hacer diligencias con ropa informal y tenis o sandalias, volver a ponerme un zapato de tacón fue como … intentar volver a la casa de mis padres después de pasar tanto tiempo acostumbrándome a la vida independiente sin restricciones.

Talking about fashion a leather skirt has always been a staple in my autumn wardrobe, they are so easy to style. I own three, 2 in black and one in brown. I cannot tell you how many outfits I’ve created from casual to elegant.

Hablando de moda, una falda de cuero siempre ha sido un elemento básico en mi guardarropa de otoño, son muy fáciles de combinar. Tengo tres, 2 en negro y una en marrón. No puedo decirte cuántos conjuntos he creado, desde casuales hasta elegantes.

The leather skirt is a fierce staple for fall. Just like I mentioned above, you can dress it up or dress it down… the list goes on and on.

La falda de cuero es un elemento básico feroz para el otoño. Tal como lo mencioné anteriormente, puedes combinarlo casual o elegente … la lista sigue y sigue.

TIP: If you’re petite like I am, opt for something more full-coverage and a bit oversized to keep things all in proportion.

SUGERENCIA: Si eres pequeña como yo, opta por un top con más de cobertura completa y un poco más grande para mantener las cosas en proporción.

I styled my black leather skirt with a chic blouse and black heels. The look is simple to pull off yet sophisticated and edgy. With a leather skirt the styling possibilities are endless!

Combine mi falda de cuero negro con una blusa elegante y tacones negros. El look es simple de lograr, pero sofisticado y vanguardista. ¡Con una falda de cuero, las posibilidades de combinaciones son infinitas!

All the pieces worn in this look came straight out of my closet except the purse which was a recent purchase. Currently I’ve been minimizing my shopping with fast fashion and reusing pieces in my wardrobe. I own a lot of clothes and during quarantine I cleaned out my closets separating clothes to donate or sell. A friend and I also traded a few outfit pieces. I made myself a promise to make the most of the clothes I own. I have a huge compromise in doing my part to stop global warming and to take care of our planet.

Todas las piezas usadas en este look salieron directamente de mi armario, excepto el bolso, que fue una compra reciente. Actualmente he estado minimizando mis compras con moda rápida y reutilizando piezas en mi guardarropa. Tengo mucha ropa y durante la cuarentena limpié mis armarios separando la ropa para donar o vender. Una amiga y yo también intercambiamos algunas prendas. Me hice la promesa de aprovechar al máximo la ropa que tengo. Tengo un gran compromise en hacer mi parte para detener el calentamiento global y cuidar nuestro planeta.

Fast fashion is one of the biggest problems the world faces. Honestly, I love shopping but we all must be smart with our purchases. It’s also very important to make the most of the clothes you already own. If there’s something you have no use for donate or sell it. There’s also nothing wrong with buying clothes from thrift shops on the contrary. You can always find great pieces and your helping our planet. It’s up to all of us to do our best in protecting the home we live on, earth.

La moda rápida es uno de los mayores problemas que enfrenta el mundo. Honestamente, me encanta ir de compras, pero todos debemos ser inteligentes con nuestras compras. También es muy importante aprovechar al máximo la ropa que ya tienes. Si hay algo que no utilizas puedes donarlo o venderlo. Tampoco hay nada de malo en comprar ropa en tiendas de segunda mano, al contrario. Siempre puedes encontrar piezas chulas, ademas ayudas a nuestro planeta. Depende de todos nosotros hacer nuestro mejor esfuerzo para proteger la casa en la que vivimos, la tierra.

Be You, Be Lovely
Charlene Gonzalez

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By Charlene Gonzalez

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Blog Series Part 2: Choosing A Blog Name and Domain

August 10, 2020August 11, 2020

I’m assuming that if you’re here you are officially ready to begin your journey in creating a blog or website. Everyday thousands of websites and blogs are launched. With so much active content online one of the biggest struggle’s bloggers encounter is standing out and driving traffic to their site.

If there’s something I want, you remember is that in order to be a successful blogger you must have passion for the topic you’re going to cover. Before you begin your process choose a topic you know you’re going to be 200% passionate about. Writing about topics you love will automatically shine through with passion keeping your readers present and bringing in more audience.

So, before going live with your website or blog you must choose your main focus and topics. Choose a topic your passionate about than niche down your content focus as much as possible. There are many niches to choose from fashion, travel, food, lifestyle, finance, health, entertainment, tech, beauty, sports and more. You can choose one or cover a variety just as I do.

After your sure about the topic and niche your going to cover your next challenge is to pick a blog name. It’s important to put some time and effort into this because the name you choose will be your domain and brand.

Coming up with ideas for a blog name can be a bit stressful. Choosing my blogs name was a struggle for me. At first my idea was to name my blog after myself, but I didn’t want it to be fully centered on me and besides the domain with my name wasn’t available because it was already in use by someone else. It took me months to come up with a name. I wanted something unique and meaningful that not only represented me but that many other women could relate too. Since I was gringa I did have the idea of mixing languages and adding a Spanglish touch.

To help you choose the perfect blog name here are a few steps and guides that helped me:

Brainstorm: Make a checklist of various keywords to consider.
Grab a dictionary or thesaurus to find interesting words.
Take inspiration from books
Consider other languages
Use a blog name generator like wordoid.com
Play around with words and phrases
Make sure your choices are easy to spell and memorize.
Use your name (This is the least stressful option and using your name can give you more flexibility, if you ever decide to rebrand and switch your niche.)

Take time choosing your name and weigh your options. Get feedback before deciding and most importantly when you have a few clear ideas verify their availability online. Since your blog name will be used for your domain and branding it is important to check that no other brand name exist under your choice. To verify if your domain name is available checkout Hostgator. If it is available, you can not only purchase the domain but hosting as well. HostGator provides Lovely Chicas hosting with tons of great perks.

In our next post in this series I will be covering the variety of platforms available to create your website or blog.

Be You, Be Lovely

Charlene Gonzalez

By Charlene Gonzalez

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Denim Shorts You’ll Live In All Summer

August 9, 2020

I love a good pair of denim shorts but when it comes to finding the perfect fit I’m extremely picky.

Me encanta un buen par de mahones cortos, pero cuando se trata de encontrar el ajuste perfecto, soy extremadamente exigente.

The older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve learned to love my body and actually dress for it.

Entre más edad tengo, más he aprendido a amar mi cuerpo y a vestirme para él.

After much trial and error, I’ve found that shorts with a high waste tend to be the most flattering for my body (and leg-lengthening because you know I’m a petite lady).

Después de mucha práctica y error, descubrí que los pantalones cortos con cintura alta tienden a ser los más favorecedores para mi cuerpo (y alargan mis piernas porque saben que soy una mujer pequeña).

These Guess high waisted “Kady Paperbag Denim Shorts” are the dream! These may be my favorite shorts purchase of the summer. I actually wear them with confidence without having to worry about my butt cheeks peeking out;) The best part is that they fit so nicely around the leg and hip area AND still have room to breath on the waist.

¡Estos pantalones cortos “Kady Paperbag-cintura alta de Guess” son el sueño! Pueden ser mi compra favorita de pantalones cortos del verano. De hecho, los uso con confianza sin tener que preocuparme de que mis nalgas se asomen;) La mejor parte es que se ajustan muy bien alrededor del área de las piernas y la cadera y todavía tienen espacio para respirar en la cintura.

Another detail I’m a fan of is the paperbag waist. Give me anything with a paperbag waist and I guarantee I’ll love it. Trust me when I tell you anything with a paperbag waist will make your waist look extra tiny.

Otro detalle del que soy fan es la cintura paperbag (bolsa de papel). Dame cualquier cosa con cintura de bolsa de papel y te garantizo que me encantará. Créame cuando le digo que cualquier cosa con una cintura de bolsa de papel hará que su cintura se vea más delgada.

It’s easy to style these shorts because they go with anything. You can dress them down casually like I did with a black bodysuit and vans sneakers or you can style them up with heels and a chic oversized blazer. I personally can’t get enough of these Guess shorts which I’m sure will soon to be sold out.

Es fácil vestir estos pantalones cortos porque combinan con cualquier cosa. Puedes vestirlos casualmente como yo lo hice con un body negro y tenis vans o puedes estilizarlos con tacones y un elegante blazer. Personalmente, no puedo tener suficientes de estos pantalones cortos Guess, y estoy segura de que pronto se agotarán.

I’ll definitely be wearing them a lot this summer. If you want your own pair visit https://www.guessfactory.com

Definitivamente los usaré mucho este verano. Si quieres tu propia pareja visita ttps://www.guessfactory.com

Be You, Be Lovely,
Charlene Gonzalez

By Charlene Gonzalez

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Blog Series Part 1: How To Start A Blog Or Website

July 27, 2020August 19, 2022

Are you desiring to create something meaningful? Are you interested in starting a blog and becoming a blogger? Creating this blog is one of the best decisions I ever made. Thanks to this blog is how I earn a living. More importantly, it’s how I can inspire or add value to peoples lives.

So you’re thinking about starting a blog, but you don’t have any idea where to start, right? Guess what—neither did I!

If your clueless or confused with all the choices, trust me I had no idea how to start a blog or how to be a blogger and I began Lovely Chicas when blogs where just beginning to become known.

If your wondering…How do I even start? How do I register a domain name? What is hosting? Which blogging platform should I use? How do I choose a blog theme? What is a plugin? What should I even write about? Don’t worry, starting a blog is much easier than you think. If I did it at a time where not much information existed, you can do it when you now have all the resources available.

During this special series I’m going to cover everything you need to know if you want to launch your own blog or website. If you’ve been thinking about the idea, maybe this post will be that final push of inspiration you need.

In this series we are going to cover everything as stated in this important source, from how to start a blog, hosting, website platforms, branding, social media, content creation, monetizing, working with brands, email marketing, learning web designs from https://www.10xwhitelabel.com/white-label-graphic-design/white-label-web-design/, writing the perfect email pitch, proposals, media kit creations, terms, policies, legal aspects and so much more. It doesn’t matter if you desire to be a full-time blogger or if you want to start an online business or if you’re a model, actress, stylist, athlete, musician, physical trainer, artist, teacher or stay at home mom this series is for you.

First of all, I want to begin this series with a warning. Blogging is public; regardless of the fact that you have 2 or 20,000 people reading your blog.

Blogging or posting on social media comes with the cost of your privacy.

When you have a peek at these guys, you will understand that everything you post on this massive online community goes on record. It’s amazing to have an audience. I remember when I first began I would receive messages and emails from followers in parts of the world I would of never imagined read my blog. Though I’m very genuine with what I share online I use to share more personal content than I do now. It’s very important to keep certain things private especially in this massive social media era we live in where no one has a filter, and everyone has an opinion which they share without caring who they hurt. I’m especially careful with what I talk about and don’t talk about although a few people do still consider me controversial. Just in case I’ve protected myself with tons of legal policies and disclosures. Most importantly I keep in mind that my dad and sister read my blog. If I wouldn’t feel comfortable having the conversation with my family in person, I’m not putting it on the internet.

Having an online platform gives you exposure. Make sure you’re ready for that. While I don’t mind getting stopped at the mall or at a restaurant for a photo, I absolutely love meeting my followers. Meeting you all in person is so special to me. It absolutely motivates me even more.

Quick storytime: On one of my visits to my parents house we were going out for a quick Walgreens stop but before leaving I insisted on getting dolled up and wearing makeup. My mom found it ridiculous and I told her, “Mom I always get stopped by a follower when I look like crap and that’s not happening again. She laughed and said, “Oh please no one knows you around this area.” Let it be known that the Walgreens cashier was a follower and in front of my parents said she was a huge fan. Now I was the one laughing at mom. My parents were pretty shook with that experience. They kind of still don’t understand what it is I do online, lol.

On the other side of digital exposure, it can be really upsetting to read negative, hateful and untrue things about you online. This territory also comes with a lot including envy, unloyal, backstabbing, opportunist people who pretend to be friends. I’ve learned to take the good with the bad. The positive ALWAYS outweighs the negative. What always helps me get through the negative is to remember why I began blogging. Knowing my intentions and that I have a bigger purpose in life always helps me overcome the negative aspects.

Before going any further take a moment to think about that.

Are you starting your blog or website with the right intentions?

To me blogging has been an amazing experience and has brought incredible opportunities, but its been a long process which has required a lot of work, sacrifice, effort, dedication, consistency and patience. For some it may be a frustrating process. I began Lovely Chicas as a creative outlet to share my thoughts and experiences in hopes of inspiring others. In a world full of superficiality and struggles it was my special place with no rules and no pressure. It was exactly what I needed at the time to pull me out of a deep depression I was in. Launching Lovely Chicas transformed me from a shy insecure girl to a fearless empowered woman.

If you want to find success in this digital world start with the right goal. Don’t make becoming famous or rich your goal because you’ll be disappointed.

Though it’s possible, but not too likely. Go into this with the idea that you want a creative space, an online business, to build a portfolio or you just want to have fun, there I can surely guarantee you full success. If blogging is your passion and you truly love it you’ve already become a successful blogger.

Now we are onto the first and most important step which is, just start. Whether it’s an online business, promotional webpage or blog you want to launch just start. Don’t overthink it, don’t wait for the perfect moment, just go for it and learn along the way. I began Lovely Chicas 8 years ago when blogging wasn’t a huge trend and social media was just beginning to rise. I spent almost 2 years waiting for the right time, learning and wondering If I should launch my blog. The fear of what others would think and failure consumed me. If I would have known everything I would accomplish I wouldn’t of wasted time or doubted myself. Besides you all have it so much easier today. There are is so much help online, many user friendly website platforms are available and of course you have me to help.

Your probably wondering….Is starting a blog or webpage even worth it because I have an Instagram and facebook account?

Creating and maintaining a blog does require a lot of work and dedication. Instagram is an already made platform with no work to truly put into it but creating good content. Instagram and Facebook are great but you should have a blog or webpage behind it.

First of all, it’s going to be a creative space that you can completely control because it’s yours. What you can do, and how you perform on social media is entirely dictated and controlled by someone else. Let me give you an example, Vine. So many people became instantly popular on Vine, made successful careers and then boom, vine was shutdown. This will eventually happen with all social media platforms. We see it now with facebook and instagram undergoing constant changes and horrible algorithm.

With a blog or website, you don’t have to worry about algorithms or any changes because you’re in absolute control. Social media should only be used to complement your blog or website. I consider my blog my main priority it is what has brought true success, recognition and has made me a digital influencer.

While we are at it, let’s make something clear.

If you only have an Instagram with no blog you are NOT a blogger you are an instagrammer.

Do not confuse the definitions of those terms, I get very offended when an instagrammer is referred to as a blogger and I have no shame in correcting that misinformation. Sorry, I get very bitchy about that especially knowing all the hard work and sacrifice that goes into being a blogger.

A blog allows you to really express yourself beyond one photo you post on Instagram or Facebook. With a blog you have the power to inject your personality and stand out. It’s like an online diary where you share what you’re all about. In no way do I mean you have to disclose every private detail of your life, this isn’t a reality show but yes open up. Though it may seem scary because your being vulnerable in a public platform it will be extremely rewarding because it will allow you to connect with others on a whole new level.

Now if you are officially ready and fully decided to create your blog or webpage it’s time to go all in. This means choosing your blog name, getting a domain, choosing a hosting and platform, picking a blog theme, creating content your readers will love and more. Sneak peak information, for hosting I have always used Hostgator. I’ve never had an issue with them plus they offer 24/7 customer service and their support team is extremely helpful and friendly.

We are actually going to cover all that and more in our next part of this series which will be on Monday, August 10th. Make sure you’re subscribed to my blog so you’ll receive a direct email notification. Hope this first part motivated you to begin you blogging journey.

Be You, Be Lovely
Charlene Gonzalez

By Charlene Gonzalez

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Taking Fashion To Bed in Stylish Sleepwear

July 20, 2020July 27, 2020

Let’s talk about sleepwear options because we are going to give ‘sleep tight’ a whole new meaning. Just as our wardrobes need decluttering and renewal our sleep-wear drawers need an update. Chicas, you know what I’m talking about, those old, raggy and stained pjs and tees have got to go. No judgement here but it is time to let them go and add new nightwear options.

Hablemos de las opciones de ropa para dormir porque le daremos a ‘dulces sueños’ un significado completamente nuevo. De la misma manera que nuestros armarios necesitan ser ordenados y renovados, nuestros ropa para dormir necesita una actualización. Chicas, ya sabes de lo que estoy hablando, esas viejas y manchados pjs o camisetas tienen que irse. No hay juicio aquí, pero es hora de dejarlos ir y agregar nuevas opciones de ropa de dormir.

Choosing the right sleepwear isn’t just about choosing something stylish and sexy it also has a lot to do with comfort because what you decide to wear to bed highly impacts the quality of your sleep. After a long day of hard work, the quality of your rest should be of high importance.

Elegir la ropa de dormir adecuada no se trata solo de elegir algo elegante y sexy, sino que también tiene mucho que ver con la comodidad, porque lo que decides llevar a la cama tiene un gran impacto en la calidad de tu sueño. Después de un largo día de arduo trabajo, la calidad de tu descanso debe ser de gran importancia.

My sleepwear options are sleeping in panties or with chic satin or lace pjs though I sometimes love an oversized tee as well. After a few earthquakes in Puerto Rico I’ve left sleeping in panties behind because in an emergency imagine running outside in that state. I’d definitely give a few neighbors a heart attack. I love wearing feminine, elegant silk or lace sleepwear not only are they fashionable, but they boost my confidence. Not to mention they are extremely comfortable because yes sleepwear can be both sexy and comfy.

Mis opciones de ropa de dormir son panties o con elegantes pijamas de satén o encaje, aunque a veces también me encanta una camiseta de gran tamaño. Después de algunos terremotos en Puerto Rico, deje de dormir en panties porque, en caso de emergencia, imagina correr afuera en ese estado. Definitivamente les daría un ataque cardíaco a algunos vecinos. Me encanta usar ropa de dormir femenina, elegante de seda o encaje, no solo están de moda, sino que aumentan mi confianza. Sin mencionar que son extremadamente cómodas porque sí, la ropa de dormir puede ser sexy y cómoda.

After a great night’s sleep, every morning when I wake up and have coffee in this cute black pj set from Shein or in my other trendy pj options I feel like an empowered queen ready to accomplish my goals.

Después de una buena noche de sueño, todas las mañanas cuando me levanto y tomo café en este hermosa pijama set negro de Shein o en mis otras opciones de pijamas, me siento como una reina empoderada lista para lograr mis objetivos.

Though talking about sleepwear trends may be a bit funny I’m sure you’re all fans of a certain pajama style.

Aunque hablar sobre las tendencias de la ropa de dormir puede ser un poco chistoso, estoy segura de que todos son fanáticas de cierto estilo de pijama.

I love silky pajamas, lace, regardless of styles but sometimes… I also wouldn’t trade an oversized tee for nothing in the world.

Me encanta el pijama sedoso, el encaje, independientemente de los estilos, pero a veces … tampoco cambiaría una camiseta por nada en el mundo.

What do you prefer to sleep in? Whatever it may be remember it does not matter as long as you feel comfy and confident wearing it. Sleep tight chicas!

¿En qué prefieres dormir? Sea lo que sea, recuerde que no importa mientras te sientas cómods y segura luciéndolo. ¡Que duerman bien chicas!

Be You, Be Lovely

Charlene Gonzalez

By Charlene Gonzalez

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Let The Good Times Roll

July 17, 2020

Here’s a secret I’ve never shared roller skating, roller blading and ice skating have always been my passions. I use to dream of being a top skater but due to various circumstances life took my down a different path. Since you’re never to old to accomplish goals and in honor of living my life to the fullest doing everything I love, I’m reclaiming my passions. Roller skates bring back the best and happiest childhood memories. It’s been a while since I’ve skated so I’m practicing again.

Les cuento un secreto que nunca he compartido el patinaje sobre ruedas y el patinaje sobre hielo siempre han sido mis pasiones. Solía soñar con ser un gran patinadora, pero debido a varias circunstancias, la vida me llevó por un camino diferente. Como nunca eres vieja para lograr objetivos y en honor de vivir mi vida al máximo haciendo todo lo que amo, estoy reclamando mis pasiones. Los patines traen los mejores y más felices recuerdos de mi infancia. Ha pasado un tiempo desde que he patinado, así que estoy practicando nuevamente.

Roller skates are not only a great way to keep in shape they are also an eco-friendly way of transportation. With so many restrictions in our current lifestyle and more lockdowns due to covid19 roller skating is a sport you can do from the safety and comfort of your home.

Los patines no solo son una excelente manera de mantenerse en forma, sino que también son una forma de transporte ecológica. Con tantas restricciones en nuestro estilo de vida actual y más bloqueos debido al covid19 el patinaje sobre ruedas un deporte que puedes hacer desde la seguridad y la comodidad de tu hogar.

I’m in love with my new skates. Not only are they stylish but they’re extremely comfortable. Protective gear is also super important, trust me. Not even for trendy pictures would I dare take them off.

Estoy enamorado de mis nuevos patines. No solo son elegantes sino que son extremadamente cómodos. El equipo de protección también es muy importante, confía en mí. Ni siquiera para las fotos de moda me atrevería a quitármelas.

These roller skates are the highlight of my summer. Coronavirus won’t stop me from enjoying fun days in the sun. I’m actually turning 35 this year. Yes I know it’s a big number but I honestly feel like I’m 25. Plus age is just a number, right?! My birthday plans were to travel to Cancun, Mexico but that’s obviously changed. Now I’m planning on having a roller skating party.

Estos patines son lo más destacado de mi verano. El coronavirus no me impedirá disfrutar de días divertidos al sol. A finales de este año estaré cumpliendo 35 alos. Sí, sé que es un gran número, pero honestamente siento que tengo 25 años. Además, la edad es solo un número, ¿verdad? Mis planes de cumpleaños eran viajar a Cancún, México, pero eso obviamente cambió. Ahora estoy planeando tener una fiesta de patinaje sobre ruedas.

If any of you are interested in getting a pair of skates like mine be sure to visit The Rolers Skating Shop in Puerto Rico. Not only do they offer all types of skating equipment but they also give exclusive workshops and have tons fun events. For more info follow them on Instagram @rolersskatingshop

Si alguno de ustedes les interesa comprar un par de patines como el mío, asegúrese de visitar The Rolers Skating Shop en Puerto Rico. No solo ofrecen todo tipo de equipos de patinaje, sino que también ofrecen talleres exclusivos y tienen muchos eventos divertidos. Para obtener más información, sígalos en Instagram @rolersskatingshop

Be You, Be Lovely

Charlene Gonzalez

Photos by: Nomar Rodriguez