Photos by: Amy Nelson Photography
Category: chicago
The Recap: Altiro Latin Fusion
The moment I walked in, I knew that I was going to have a great night! The warm and inviting decor and the friendly staff set the vibe for a great evening at Altiro Latin Fusion newest location in Downtown Aurora!
I was so ready to dig into this Ala papa Brava + Ala Pina drink! ( this drink had a spicy +sweet flavor which was super yummy)
My server, Jessica was amazing at recommending all the favorites and must haves! Food is Tapas style and great for sharing! (perfect for date nights or A girl’s night out)
Do you all see THIS spread! (SO GOOD)
This dish, the Ala Paella was top on my favorite dishes, so flavorful and had all of my favorite seafood with each bite!
The owners are Erika and Roberto who are husband and wife dream team and every bit of #goals! Roberto is the executive chef and Erika is behind the beautiful decor throughout the restaurant! (can you say Power Couple?!)
And of course I couldn’t leave without dessert and it was plantains with a chocolate sauce and sprinkles!! ( I love sprinkles,how did they know?)
If you are coming to Downtown Aurora make sure you check out Altiro Latin Fusion’s newest location!
Tell them I sent you when you go! Thank you so much to everyone at Altiro Aurora for their hospitality!
I will be back very soon!
All photos by: Amy Nelson Photography
XOXO, Arella
Graphic Tees+ Prints
The best advice on mixing prints and graphic tee’s is to have fun and don’t be afraid to mix up looks that normally wouldn’t go! Play around with your white and colored tees and see how they look with leopard prints, cheetah, snake etc. Using a plain shoe will also help bring out the look and not become to “busy”.
I paired a black graphic tee from She knows her worth with a pair of stretchy knit paints from my fave place, Discovery Clothing Company! They were 5.99 and I wear them all the time!
Do you mix prints? How do you mix them? Let me know!!
XOXO,Arella
Neon Lights
The Recap: House of Beetle Pop Up Bar
Last week I was invited to the opening night of the House of Beetle Pop-up bar located at Bassline in Chicago.
The popup bar is inspired by the Tim Burton classic movie, Beetlejuice and features a interactive experience with remnants of the movie all over the venue!
Carefully curated cocktails and food were served and movie characters were roaming around taking photos with guests. I met BeetleJuice YA’LL.
I don’t do “Scary” stuff so this was just the right amount of scary for me. Fun fact: When I went to Disneyworld as a kid I always went to the BeetleJuice Graveyard review event. 😂 it has since closed but it was very popular back in the day.
I enjoyed the whole ambiance of the popup and to top it all off my favorite cupcake truck, A Sweets Girl has exclusive cupcakes available for purchase outside of the bar that are all themed.
Did you like the movie Beetlejuice? If your in Chicago you gotta go and check it out!
Tickets can be purchased here and It is selling out so fast!
XOXO,Arella
The Recap: African Festival of the Arts
Every year The African Festival of the arts puts on a amazing mix of fashion, food and live music during the weekend of Labor Day and it holds a special place in my heart as a summertime Chicago staple.
I go to find unique pieces for my closet and I love supporting the local artists from all over. Some of the best items to get at the fest, Art Work ( Mind Blowing) and Accessories ( I always grab earrings).
With foods from all over you can try lots of amazing traditional foods and also some cool new options. I’ve been going to the African Festival of the Arts for years and I always opt for trying something new, that didn’t change this year.
Along with seeing the culture, seeing the look and enjoying the #blackgirlmagic and #blackboyjoy energy you can always count on a dope musical lineup.
This year had headliners Wale and Rotimi (If you follow my Instagram you know Rotimi and I go together. Just Kidding.🤪
Connect with The African Festival of the arts and head out next year!
Have you been?
XOXO, Arella
The Recap: Currency of Confidence Podcast Taping
Have you ever wondered why people who are successful have confidence around themselves? It’s because they have figured “IT” out. Not the “IT” of getting rich quick or scheming but how to successfully grow their business and also confidently manage all the aspects, number one would be currency, that money, those coins.
Lawyer bae, Ashley Nicole is letting everyone in on the gems she learned to help her grow her business, Mobile General Counsel and lead others the information she has to help you not only manage the business side of creating a business but also being confident in who you are as a person. I had to opportunity to attend the live taping of Ashley Nicole’s podcast and I left with gems for days!
Let’s get into them!
- Being there for your children and showing them confidence allows them to understand how much they are worth. (These Gems came from Ashley Nicole’s parents who talked in depth about how confidence plays a big part in raising confident children)
The beautiful clothing from one of the vendors! House of Divahs!
2. Check up on yourself and take care of your mental health! Let’s keep tabs on our mental health concerns and address them. It’s okay sis, you have to take care of you FIRST.
3. Setting Goals and making plans help your business run smoothly which in turn make you confident in your business and hitting each goal you set! This gem was given from Kim Lewis who is the founder of a brand called, Curl Mix! Her story was so amazing!
4. Charmaine J, for Black Ink Chicago, discussed how confidence and honesty plays a huge role in maintaining her relationship with her boyfriend despite all the pressures and criticisms of being on Reality Tv!
Ashley gave us information to move forward with and also left us with things to do to complete our “WORK”. In addition, Ashley is also available to help with legal advice, trademark questions etc! When you get a chance check out her Podcast for all of this and more!
Connect with Ashley Here:
How are you working on your confidence in your life/ work this year? Let’s chat about it!
XOXO, Arella
DIY:Christmas & Cocoa
Every year I spend Christmas Eve with my grandmother and this year was no different except it was just here and I. Usually it’s my two to other cousins but this year I had my grandmother all to myself!
We usually bake something to eat for the Christmas Festivities but this year I wanted to try a Hot Chocolate bar. Needless to say, it was a hit! I got items from Trader Joes, Dollar Tree, and Marshalls and it was extremely affordable! 
Vanilla extract from Marshalls and glass saucers from Dollar Tree.
Cinnamon and, candy canes all from Dollar Tree. In the glass bowls, I crushed up some green candy canes for toppings. I also put honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg in the glass bowls as well. I didn’t do the typical marshmallows because I don’t eat them. (I’m Pescatarian) 
Mugs from Dollar Tree
Organic Hot Cocoa mix from Trader Joes!
The decor was some leftover garland from last year and some unused ornaments. The snowman bowl was a gift and came right in handy for this “project”.
What traditions do you celebrate this time of year?
XOXO, ARELLA
Red Dresses & Heels
Finding a good dress is hard and making sure the fit is right is also important! For me, a Bardot style dress shows off just enough without being too much! I found this cute red dress from River Island and paired it with a fun pearl detailed black pump.
You can always swap out a red dress for another dress in another bold color like yellow, royal blue and add a cool heel to make it stand out!
Here are a few alternative dresses that you can still achieve my look for a very affordable remix. Also, let’s give a shoutout to the beautiful Kenwood Neighborhood for the beautiful background, located in Hyde Park this is one of my favorite places in the city!
If you try this look out let me know and show me how you styled it!
Make-up: Amber Birch; amberbirch11@gmail.com
Photos: @mrsescottmua
XOXO,Arella
Love &Happiness
On November 24th,2017 my family and friends came together to surprise me for my 30th birthday! My actual birthday wasn’t until December 7th, but they still managed to get me! EVERYONE knows that I’ve always wanted a surprise party and I never got it. My family didn’t know that I was in the research process of putting it together myself! (When I want something, I do it)
My sister was the one who got me to the venue by telling me that I was helping her with a photo job and that I needed to dress up? I was like why do I have to dress up if it’s your event? I was lowkey pissed that I really had to dress up. We get to the venue, and all my family and friends were there, and my mom had put this thing altogether! (Mommy is the real MVP) I was shocked, overwhelmed and full of Joy!
