For my fellow Aquarius gang…

I’m an Aquarius girl, and that’s who I am. I dislike mundane, basic, and uninspired individuals. I seem to embody all the clichés associated with my zodiac sign: unique, with a touch of a god complex, original, and fiercely loyal to my friends.

Since childhood, I’ve been captivated not by brands, but by the individual style of people—the colors, shapes of their clothes, and every distinctive detail, be it an accessory, a fragrance, or simply an attitude. I consider myself a sort of flâneur among those who surround me, which is why, strolling downtown in my city is a joy. I love observing the textures, fabrics, colors of the streets, and the living fashion palette.

As I matured and involved with the fashion world, I discovered one of the most influential fashion icons of all time, Iris Apfel, who stated, ‘Fashion you can buy, but style you possess.’ It’s a thought that often crosses my mind: Is style innate or acquired?

I’ve delved into numerous books and articles on the topic of ‘good or bad taste,’ yet I find myself questioning how one can judge another based on their preferences in food, clothing, literature, manners, cinema, or even home décor. I’ll admit, that I’m guilty of constantly assessing everyone around me. While I try to stop this, this tendency seems part of my subjective mind.

From a young age, I’ve understood the significance of standing out of the crowd. My father, another Aquarius, is a Panama Hat lover who made the hat an indispensable part of his daily outfit. He gave me much of his knowledge about hats, and he always instantly recognized new trends and even designed some fantastic models and ribbons. So, what defines my aesthetic?

What are my thoughts on style? For me, wearing a hat gives me a sense of security and empowerment. There’s something about wearing a hat that boosts my confidence; I can’t quite explain it, but it’s an integral part of my life. While certain shapes or styles make me feel particularly good, I think I embody the role of an ambassador for hats wherever I go. So today, I want to make a sort of collage about the last colors I have used during the last months, as a signal of my different moods! Which one do you like most?

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My last week on Cuenca

My time in Cuenca has come to an end. I lived there for about 5 years, had the most beautiful days in this cold city, and made some good friends. Something that I learned was to leave the impostor syndrome that I had since university. I started to believe in my writing and the positive impact I have with my voice. As a copy editor and also a journalist, life surprises me with interviews of very interesting and game-changing people: some of them were writers, other architects, chefs, designers, biologists, etc. I learned to understand other perspectives and put some order to the immense river of words I had inside me.

During my last week in Cuenca, I decided to visit one of the most important events of the year: The XVI Art Biennale. All along the city, there were different headquarters with expositions and creations of various artists from around the world. At each venue, there was the opportunity to intervene in certain works and also play with the exhibition space. For this edition, more than 25 national and international artists participated with works that highlighted the various social problems affecting Latin America. Illustrations, sculptures, videos, photos, and various artistic creations proposed a sensory approach to the different points of view.

2023

A day in my chaotic and beloved city Guayaquil

There is a peculiar and undeniable bond between my friends and me because I feel I can´t live without them. I’m currently living in Cuenca, and most of them live in another city or other countries. Nowadays I’m used to talking through messages or video calls, but every time we meet, I think that I instantly live again. Two weeks ago, my best friend Leira came to Ecuador, and I knew it was a special time to walk through Guayaquil and visit the best spots.

So, we went to Panama street (one of the most tourist places there) and ate at the Central Restaurant, then we visited the Biblioteca de las Artes, a huge library with many books. As we were both Literature students, you will understand the fascination behind getting lost in that place. I must confess that in this building you will find undoubtedly one of the best views of the city and it is a very aesthetic place to take some photos.

After that, I visited with my dad two expositions at MAAC, one about the art developed in Guayaquil through one century and the other about some photos of the World Press Photo. We both have serious doubts about contemporary art, but at least we learned something new, we laughed and enjoy to look the different sculptures, paintings, and photos.

For this occasion, I wore my timeless classic Panama Hat with a special ribbon made in collab with a Japanese brand and a black dress with vans, I don´t think it was the right choice because the weather was very warm, but never mind it was a wonderful day. In the next few months, I will have to take different decisions, so you will receive very soon, exciting news about my future!

2023

I´m excited for the next year, so let´s keep moving forward!

Audre Lorde, a writer I love, says that you need to transform your silence into language and actions because if you keep your words inside, they will leave you dry and feeling worst. For the last two weeks, I have been thinking about grief, loss, and death.

I have not written anything since last year, because I was trying to process a lot of different situations that happened in December. I lost my German Shepherd, Princesa, due to her age, and this was extremely painful for my family and me. She was a vital member and during the 12 years we spent together, she was a therapist for my sister, a great company for my mother and father, a strong protector of my sisters, and the most beloved dog.

I didn´t want to make this article a sort of obituary, but when the idea of releasing something keeps popping into your head, you know you need to put your pain in words.

Princesa, we will remember your constantly moving radar ears, your long pink tongue, your brown eyes, your Cheetos-scented ducks, your white hairs over time, and all the love and protection that overflowed for us for more than a decade. ❤️ Thank you for teaching us how to love.

Above all, I learned many things in 2022. ❤️‍✨️ The last year split in two, I changed from a job that was draining me, I met wonderful people, I gave a small conference at a university here in Cuenca, I read a lot, and above all, I lived. Thanks to everyone who supported me when I cried (because I did cry a lot) with hugs, words, memes, podcasts, songs, or dancing with me. I allowed myself to be vulnerable and I don’t regret it.

PLACES

Hello, how have you been?

In Cuenca, I had some cold days, but the last Saturday we had a sunny day, so I explored the city with my sister, who visited me this weekend.

We walked near the Tomebamba river, passed over the bridge «Vivas nos queremos» and went to the park «la Madre».

I love this city, because of the great number of places you can visit. You will find in Cuenca many parks and a lot of places to rest. I had a lot of work lately, so as a way of self-care I decided to disconnect from everything on the weekends.

Some activities that I enjoy are reading, writing, going out for a breath of fresh air in the parks, buying myself a dessert, drinking a matcha latte, going out with friends, dancing, or doing anything else. I only try to respect my time and how I spent it because there is always the sense of being productive and having no rest.

Soon we will be in the last month of the year, and I´m really excited about all that I have achieved this year. I have many plans for the next year, but I believe you have to live one day at a time.

I also have been a little nervous, because I will have to make a conference about Literature in one of the most well-known universities here in Cuenca, but I´m feeling very confortable with the research that I make. Hope everything goes well!

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That time of the year…

Hello!

The red is definitely one the colors you will probably not find in any of my posts…I´m a natural blue lover, with a particular liking for the black and white color. But we are finally in that time of the year where the sparkle and the twinkling lights begin to appear and a lot of simultaneous things in green and red color flood the shelves. So I get this wonderful hat and think: why not? The anti-holiday mood should not be an impediment for me!

Yes, the plants behind me are the toquilla palms….

Most of The Grinch people or the Advent haters succumb to the paraphernalia of the Christmas. In Ecuador, as a nation with a Judeo-Christian view, the holidays are celebrated with a lot of excitement and a huge sense of solidarity for the ones who at Christmas Eve would not have any presents or a “decent dinner”.

I don´t like to show my entire face and smile, but nevermind…

This year is almost ending and I will take important resolutions that without doubt are going to affect the entire perspective of my blog, thanks for reading me and stay tuned for the news…

Leave me any comment about your Christmas impressions,

Andrea

PANAMAHOLIC

A booklover writing about Panama Hats

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