By Mercedes Sanchez

On Saturday, I delivered the keynote address at my alma mater, Le Moyne College, in Syracuse New York.

It was my first speech — ever– and I was a little nervous but excited to talk to the students. I’m so honored that El Progreso, a student organization, asked me to participate.

I focused on what it means to embrace your heritage, how your culture can benefit you in the workplace post-college, and what it takes to make it, all while sharing my story.

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Take a look at the speech on the video below:

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- Thanks so much!

Mercedes

By Mercedes Sanchez

Being a fashion blogger, correspondent and spokesperson often requires dressing up for a fashion show, red carpet, television segment and hosting events. And as much as I love to dress up, I also look forward to days when I can dress casually.

This past Sunday, I wore this outfit to the San Gennaro Feast in Little Italy.

The denim top is from H&M, white pants from Express and black flats from DSW.

BTW: Until further notice, I am posting my fashion and beauty posts on MercedesSanchez.com while BeChicMag .com is down due to a virus.

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By Mercedes Sanchez

If you’ve followed by beauty blog over at BeChicMag.com for the past six years, then you know I’m not much of a gloss girl, I prefer a lipstick. But finding a smooth lipstick isn’t always so easy.

This morning I wanted a soft pink color instead of a dark berry since I’m already wearing a burgundy, long sleeve top to the office.

I found Bobbi Brown’s Uber Pink lipstick in my beauty bin and I fell in love with it.  It’s easy to apply, moisturizing, has SPF 12, and still has a glossy feeling to it without all the goo.

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Tell us, are you a lip gloss or lipstick girl?

By Mercedes Sanchez

During Fashion Week, we spoke to Brazilian model Renata Zandonadi who just moved to New York from Paris two weeks ago. Here are the five quick and quirky questions we asked her:

1. How do you prepare for Fashion Week?

Yoga and Pilates. I also use a hair treatment — a mask to be exact.

2. How many shows do you have a day?

Between two and four.

3. What’s your favorite food?

Fish

4. What’s your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate

5. What if you don’t like the clothes a designer puts you in? What do you do?

Just do the best I can.

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BTW: I will be posting on MercedesSanchez.com until BeChicMag.com is back up– it’s temporarily down due to a virus. 

Now that Fashion Week is over, I just took a minute to watch the new DKNY Be Delicious Intense video. And I have three words to describe it: sultry, sexy and fresh.

How you can inspire the next DKNY ad

Shots of a speeding taxi, train and flashing lights reminded me of what a busy day in New York looks and sounds like. Speaking of which, take a listen to the music on the video. It would make for a perfect track for a runway show or even your very own catwalk as you head to the office, shopping or an event.

Watch the video on the DKNY Youtube channel here.

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This post is a collaboration with DKNY. 

BTW: I will be posting on MercedesSanchez.com until BeChicMag.com is back up– it’s temporarily down due to a virus. 

By Mercedes Sanchez

If you’re seeing an increase in tall, thin women walking the streets of New York and riding the subway, it’s a sign that we’re just days away from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Starting this Thursday, high end designers such as Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta and local designers like Raúl Peñaranda and Edwing D’Angelo will present their Spring 2013 collections. We’re expecting to see plenty of silk fabrics, some classic dresses, over the top outfits and gowns, interesting textures and fun prints and colors.

Read my Spanish-language article in today’s El Diaro/La Prensa.

Sure we’re there to see the trends for the upcoming season, but much of fashion week is about what’s taking place off the runway. Lincoln Center will be surrounded by celebrities and fashionistas in their most attention-grabbing attire. Ever wanted to make it to a page in the newspaper or on a fashion blog? Just wear your most interesting outfit, a pair of funky shoes or bright colors and there’s a good chance you’d get the attention of a street style photographer.

Fashion’s Night Out
The fashion shows are geared towards members of the press and guests of the designers, and unfortunately, not the public. But no need to worry. Fashion’s Night Out is an evening dedicated to a night of beauty, music, fashion and plenty of sales for everyone. It’s taking place on Thursday, September 6—worldwide! To find out of events in your area, visit FashionsNightOut.com.

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When it was my turn to create a digital, original artwork piece for the DKNY ‘Be Delicious, Be Creative,’ campaign I was a little nervous.  Why? Well, because I’m no artist. But that’s what I love about the app— you don’t have to be a ‘professional artist’ to submit your artwork.

The Be Creative app allows you to submit an original piece– that’s your chance to show off! Or, you can create a fun digital collage from one of your personal photos from Facebook or use an image from DKNY’s gallery.

How you can inspire the next DKNY ad campaign

For me, the entire process took under two minutes! Now, go ahead and submit your photos or artwork on the new DKNY Eau so Intense Facebook App.

This post is a collaboration with DKNY. 

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By Mercedes Sanchez

I’m not proud to admit that I don’t exercise much. But as a native New Yorker, I sure do walk a lot! If you’re like me and prefer untraditional exercise, take a look at some ways you can keep moving and living holistically without hitting the gym.

5 ways to stay fit

1. Leave the car behind

For the most part, walking to work is not practical. However, if you’re heading to a location that’s walking distance, consider leaving your car parked and walk instead.

I strongly recommend applying a light moisturizer with sun protection such as Simple’s Vital Vitamin Day Cream SPF 15– even if you’re just running an errand or going for a long walk.

2. Go shopping

What’s the longest amount of time you’ve spent searching for that perfect dress, a new pair of shoes or beauty products?

Shopping often requires comfortable flats and patience (at least for me). Think about all the walking you do going from store to store, whether you’re in a mall setting or shopping in the streets of SoHo or Madison Avenue.

3. Say no to elevators

…well, not really. My office is located on the 15th floor, and I won’t suggest you walk up 15 flights every morning. Instead, take the elevator and get off one or two floors before your stop, and take the stairs to your floor.

4. Go bike riding

Hit the park for some traditional power walking, jogging or bike riding. (If you don’t own a bike, try renting one).

Upon arriving home, wash the sweat off your face with your favorite cleanser. Get a head start by wiping off the dirt on your way home with Simple’s Cleansing Facial Wipes.

5. Go on an outdoor date

Ask your boyfriend or partner if you can plan an outdoor game of touch football, catch, soccer –heck, even tag– and get your heart pumping.

For the past couple of months, women have been sporting nail art. There are so many styles that come with a variety of accessories, decorations and feathers!

Feathered nails is a popular trend this summer because it’s different and daring, and they’re not so hard to do (if you’re the arts and crafts kind of girl).

DIY Feathered Nails:

* First, paint each nail and then make sure they’re completely dry.

* Apply top coat to nail

*Gently apply feather while top coat is wet

*Lightly pat the top of your feather all across the nail

* Apply another base of top coat on top of the feather

* Give it 10 – 15 minutes to dry

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Tell me, would you try feathered nails?