Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Date Day: Black on Black

My best days are spent with my husband. We're entering our 17th year of date nights and date days, and yet I still look forward to each and every single one.

For a day of fun, I opted for all black ensemble. I could not help but think of the looming controversy of the day: yet another public figure has stated nasty sentiments toward Black people. I purposely steer clear of racially charged remarks made toward Black people, because they infuriate me. It causes me to feel things that I ought not. To me, this was yet another occurrence, another reminder of how many people degrade, disrespect, and betray people of my race.

Yet, I am still standing, and I am smiling. I refuse to give my joy away to anyone. I am forever honored to be B LA C K.














Black is more to me than just a color . It has meaning. It means that each time I enter a department store, at least one sales person will think that I'm there to steal. It means that every time I happen to talk to another black person at the office, someone will stare at us, as if we're doing something wrong. It means that I am one of few brown faces in whatever corporate environment I find myself in. It means that people make assumptions about my character, values, and priorities. It means that people will try to shame me.

Despite the ignorance that I feel surronds me, I refuse to be ashamed of who I am. I love being B L A C K, and even more so, a B L A C K WOMAN!

 

Hat: Borrowed from my husband, also worn here
Sunnies: Betsey Johnson
Peplum jacket: Bar III
Earrings: Vintage
Necklace: TJMaxx, also worn here
Top: Nordstrom
Leggings: Macy's
Gladiator sandals: Jessica Simpson
Clutch: Vintage

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Sunday Best: Chocolate Tartan

Today's look features one of my wardrobe veterans, a silk tartan skirt.






Generally speaking, I don't gravitate toward long dresses and skirts. A handful have slyly made their way into my closet, for various reasons. This skirt resonated with me because of the easy flow of the silk, and the layered detail at the bottom.





This time around I paired it with a ruffled faux leather jacket and southern style wide brim hat.






 I hope you're enjoying your weekend lovlies!


Hat: DSW
Faux leather jacket: INC International Concepts
Silk skirt: Ralph Lauren
Suede Mary Jane's: Victoria's Secret Catalog

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Thrift Store Score: Chambray by Day

Today's Thrift Store Score features this classic chambray shirtdress that I scored at a shop just outside of Hollywood.

I love that it fits a little large on me, because that ups the coolness and comfort factor. 
It's 100% cotton, and has one of my favorite features on dresses: 3 quarter inch sleeves!

I added a classic blue paper fedora, because at times, I like to follow the rule: Wear Hat When Possible
This enables me to utilize the 365 hats in my personal collection (sarcasm reigns-LOL)! I'm totally kidding- but no, I do have  a lot of hats...
Actually, hats provide an excellent accessory for my protective hair styles. I have worn my hair naturally (without a relaxer) for over a decade. 
Oftentimes I lather it up with my favorite oils/butters, put it in a low bun, and pop on a hat.



The white vintage doctor's bag that I'm carrying is another fantastic #ThriftStoreScore ! It was in pristine condition, and is just the perfect size to hold all of my stuff. For close up shots, go here.

For a hint of fun and color, I went with a pair of printed wedge sandals.


 And that my friends, concludes today's edition of Thrift Store Score!

Hat/fedora: Nordstrom
Jewelry: Vintage, thrifted (also worn here)
Chambray dress: Merona, thrifted 
Handbag: Vintage, thrifted (detailed here)
Wedge sandals: Steve Maddan

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Melon Wedge










I really like the bright melon hue of this dress. I scored it for about 10 bucks at one of Macy's sales. I decided to pair it with my lemon colored boxy vest, you know, to switch it up a bit. My hair has been most unruly lately! It might be time to straighten it for a bit, but in the meantime these two pigtails will do.

Dress: NY Collection
Vest: Tildon, also worn here
Booties: Levity, worn here too
Handbag: Coach

Until next time!
X

Friday, April 18, 2014

A New Love: Black & White

I reluctantly typed the words to today's post. I almost felt like I was cheating on the love of my life, you know: Color! I have worn saturating colors for as far back as I can remember. When I was a little girl, red was my favorite color, and my uncles used to call me Blood (long before that had a street meaning). I almost hate to admit it, but it is undeniably true: I now find myself drawn to black and white color palettes. 



There is something refreshing to me about wearing black and white together. I kept asking myself, why am I drawn to black & white?


I finally realized the answer: black & white clears my palate.What do I mean?


A palate cleanser generally introduces a neutral element that enables one to clear the palate from one flavor to another. I believe that black & white clears my palate and prepares me for my next color combo. 


I won't be giving up colors anytime soon, but I'm happy to add a new element into regular rotation.


Have a great weekend everyone and thank you for stopping by & commenting!












Sunnies: Betsey Johnson

Floral top: Jones New York

Pleat skirt: Talbots

Booties: Chinese Laundry

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Draped in Eggplant, Trimmed in Mint





Hey there! 

I can't believe that its been one week since my last blog post. Did you happen to catch that one? It was another #30PlusStyle Production: Tutu the Curvy Woman's Way! Tutu goodness was served across the board. 

I've missed you all! What have I been up to? Well, I had some down time and enjoyed a wonderful vacation with my husband and some friends. I sunbathed, I slept, I shopped, and I ate- what more can a gal ask for? LOL! BTW, I can totally see my tan in these pictures.  That's right, you heard it here: Black chicks tan too ;)

















Amidst my total relaxation, I didn't feel like taking pictures. I actually didn't feel like writing, or thinking- so I didn't. That seems to work well for me, because I tell ya, when I returned home, my head was overflowing with ideas and inspiration.












































On to today's look:
This dress is a total closet staple. It drapes perfectly, its made of yielding fabric, and it gifts you with a rich hue and fab fit all at the same time. In my mind, deep purple is a neutral color of sorts. If you've seen the other shades that I step out in (like here and here), you'll understand why I feel this way.













I decided to pop out the neutral (purple) with a contrasting cami, and mint colored accessories. 





















Sunnies: Betsey Johnson
Necklace: H&M
Dress: Suzi Chin
Shoes: Jessica Simpson
Handbag: Kate Spade


Until next time!
X


Wednesday, April 9, 2014

30PlusStyle: Tutu the Curvy Woman’s Way





The day has finally arrived when I can share with you a post that I have seriously been bubbling over about!  
Warning- This just may be the most picture heavy blog post that I have ever published! LOL! ;)



As announced last month, I have partnered with five gorgeous plus size bloggers for a 30+ Style Collaboration: PepperNefferth, Georgette, Jeniese, and Delilah.



For the second part of our style series, we bring you:
#30PlusStyle Tutu the Curvy Woman’s Way

This month we are showcasing how to design a look around a tutu/tulle skirt. Being the lover of vintage that I am, I incorporated elements that are authentic to my personal style. 


Wearing a tulle skirt/tutu is ultra fun and feminine, and there are endless possibilities when it comes to styling it! 

Check out how all of the #30PlusStyle beauties styled their tutus:


Earrings: Jessica Simpson
Mink collar: Vintage, thrifted
Floral shirt: Ralph Lauren
Tutu: Made by PrincessDoodleBeans via Etsy
Sandals: Tildon
Clutch: Vintage, thrifted

Monday, April 7, 2014

Thrift Store Score: Cropped Black Jumpsuit with a Vintage Topper


Today's #thriftstorescore features several thrifted pieces. One of the many reasons that I love thrifting is that it gives me the opportunity to try out pieces that I normally wouldn't. Take as an example this jumpsuit. I would not gravitate toward this piece in a department store. I'm always unsure of how the suit will look on my body, and I steer clear of cropped pants. Under retail circumstances I would not try it on just to see how it looks. Neither would I give this brand a second glance. By thrifting I am able to discover different styles and brands that I like, which probably would be a "miss" otherwise.

Straw hat: Vintage, thrifted
Jumpsuit: Bisou Bisou, thrifted
Booties: Steve Madden (worn here)
Clutch(vintage)/belt/earrings(vintage)/necklace: Thrifted
Bangles: World Market


Stay tuned for an ultra fun post coming in a couple of days; I am so excited to share it with you! {:o)

Sunday, April 6, 2014

LEB Workshop Assignment 5: Stomach/Waist

Hey there!
I’m getting back on track with the LEB (Love Every Body) Workshop :) This month's (April) assignment #5 is up: Stomach/Waist (previous assignment also posted here). How do I feel about my stomach/waist?
(Original photos posted here)

Well in short, we have an on and off again relationship *o* Sometimes I love it, and other times not so much. My stomach is one of the smallest measurements on my body. I like my waist to hip ratio. I have excess skin (IMO) around my stomach from weight fluctuations. Depending on the fit of my clothing, I can look quite pregnant or like I have an extremely flat tummy. My stomach has stretch marks. I have a pooch. It only seems to go away when I am on my best behavior, which apparently, is not often enough. LOL! Can you tell that I am full of laughs today?! Seriously though, my stomach is not drastically different than it was in years past. I’ve had a pooch all of my adult life. 
Overall I appreciate my tummy. I’m thankful that I don't go to bed without enough food to eat, that I don't have a painful disease (cancer comes to mind) tearing away at my insides, and that my tummy can kinda be molded into whatever I want it to be. I’ve never had an operation on it, and it bears no scars or permanent marks with the exception of a small birthmark. I have much to be grateful for.

How do you feel about your tummy?

Check out my blogmates linkups here.
Xx