Street Style: Meet Patricia Cortes & Laura Hoyos
Photography: Sarah Marcella Creative
Styled by: Kiskadee
ABOUT YOU
How do you spend your time? [Patricia] I love to cook and spend time with my friends and family. [Laura] I love to travel and take day trips with my husband and kids, especially in nature.
Neighborhood: Del Ray
How long have you lived in Alexandria: Three years
What is your hometown? We are originally from Medellin, Colombia - South America!
What brought you to Alexandria? [Patricia] To share life with like-minded friends, who are like sisters. [Laura] I come to Alexandria from South America to visit my mother at least once a year for a few months. I did Yoga Teacher Training at Mind the Mat in 2017.
What would surprise people about you? [Patricia] I am an amazing multi-tasker and usually have many projects and activities going on at once. I am able to accomplish a lot in one day. [Laura] My age! I'm 28 years old but many people tell me that I am an old soul and am very clear about what I want in my life. Most of my friends, and my husband, are older, although I am able to relate well with all people.
You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? [Patricia] People. I love connecting with people at the heart level and making deep connections. [Laura] I am very efficient. I got that from my mom. When I set my mind to do something, I am able to do it quickly and well.
Favorite cocktail: [Patricia] Mojitos. [Laura] Pina Colada, although honestly I rarely drink cocktails.
Last book read or movie seen: [Patricia] Movie: Roma. Book: Acupuncture Is Like Noodles. [Laura] The Silence of the Heart by Paul Ferrini. It's a wonderful book!
Guilty Pleasure: [Patricia] Ice cream. I love it, but don't consume it often. When I do, I do not feel guilty! [Laura] Ice cream. I don't feel guilty at all when I indulge. I have learned to enjoy the things I like and not overdo anything. These small pleasures are what life is all about.
Phrase you overuse: [Patricia] Amazing. [Laura] One word: Awesome.
Facebook or Instagram? [Patricia] I am just getting into social media. I would say I use Facebook more. [Laura] Instagram.
Latest binge-watch: [Patricia] I do not watch a TV series or TV in general. I would love to follow a good one but usually decide to spend my time doing other stuff. [Laura] Does my phone count? lol.
Bucket list travel destination: [Patricia] Italy, to know the land my boyfriend is from. [Laura] Greece. I have dreamed of going since I was a little girl.
If you could only have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? [Both] Wine
FASHION
Define your style in three words or less: [Patricia] Stylish, casual, and comfortable. [Laura] Comfortable, cute, and Bohemian.
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: [Patricia] Pants with a nice blouse and high heels, or stylish shoes. [Laura] When in doubt, leggings and boots.
Favorite trend ever: [Patricia] Modern hippy. [Laura] Bohemian
Favorite current trend: [Patricia] Classic and romantic at the same time. [Laura] Modern hippy.
Beauty product you can’t live without: [Patricia] Argan Oil. [Laura] I don’t know if this counts but coconut oil. I use it on my skin, my hair, as make up remover and on my kid's booty, LOL.
Favorite fragrance: [Patricia] My natural smell, or Grace body cream. [Laura] Essential oils of all kinds.
Heels or flats? [Patricia] Heels. [Laura] Flats.
HOME
Favorite room in your home: [Patricia] My bedroom. [Laura] Living room
Antiques, modern, or a mix? [Both] Mix. We love the combination of rustic and modern.
Last item bought for your home: [Patricia] Textile wall hanging. [Laura] We are collecting all clay and handmade dishes, mugs, and bowls. Whenever we see one, we add to the collection.
Next planned purchase: [Patricia] Rugs for my acupuncture practice. [Laura] A new laptop.
Favorite way to entertain: [Both] Good music, delicious food, and lots of jokes.
Clutter-free or well lived-in? [Patricia] Clutter-free. I cannot function if things are messy. [Laura] After encountering Marie Kondo, my perspective on cleanliness will never be the same. Definitely clutter-free.
Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: [Patricia] There are some modern ones that look good, but I prefer something very original hanging on my walls. [Laura] I have not decided. My husband is an artist/painter and loves to do murals. Anytime I see a nice wallpaper he tells me, "I can just paint that."
FITNESS
Your go-to work-out: [Patricia] The perfect combination is yoga and Pilates at Mind the Mat! [Laura] Crunches and squats. It’s hard to get a full workout in these days with a 3-year-old and a 7-month-old.
Most fun way to exercise: [Both] Dancing.
Group exercise or solo: [Both] Group
Fitness goal: [Patricia] Flexibility, strength, cardiovascular endurance. [Laura] Feeling strong, energized and in balance. My goal is to be able to devote time to myself and my physical health at least three times a week.
Proudest fitness achievement: [Patricia] Keeping myself in balance is a constant process that requires discipline and good habits. I do a good job of this in general. [Laura] Does giving birth naturally to two babies count? LOL.
ALEXANDRIA
Favorite spot in Alexandria: [Both] Del Ray!
Last purchase in Alexandria: [Patricia] The gorgeous dress that I am wearing in the photos at Kiskadee. [Laura] A Mind the Mat tank top.
Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: [Both] Del Ray Cafe
Favorite charity: [Both] Tenants & Workers United
Favorite annual Alexandria event: [Both] Del Ray Festival