Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts

3/1/13

My Wardrobe Essentials

So I’m going shopping soon and was trying to compose a list of the absolute essentials that I need to have in my wardrobe which can both, take me from day to evening, as well as remain staple pieces throughout the various seasons.
 
I’m sure that there are tons of articles and posts about “what every woman should have in her wardrobe” commentaries throughout the internet, so I’m just going to share with you all some of the things that have made my list (and that may or may not be popular choices!).
If you have any tips or suggestions please feel free to leave a comment below letting me know what your favorite place to shop is. (I’m always looking for a new place online or a trendy boutique to check out!)
My Essential Pieces

Blazer –You can throw a blazer on just about anything and instantly glam it up!

Nice Pair of Fitted Trousers –A tailor can do wonders for your wardrobe. Even if your budget for clothing is small, if you can spare a few dollars on tailoring and get the item fitted for your body, it can make all the difference.

Crisp White Shirt- Just like a blazer, I think that you can pair a crisp white shirt with almost anything and make it feel more fabulous.

Pencil Skirt- To me pencil skirts just scream sophistication.

Artsy/Creative Skirt- I like stepping outside of the box and having fun with my clothes. Every once in a while I’ll find a really great skirt that is my “go-to” piece for those days that I just don’t have anything to wear. (Which after living in a developing country for a while these types of days should be few and far between, but I still have those moments where I can’t find anything in my closet that suits my cravings for that particular day).

Pair of Jeans- I’m not really a jean person but I do wear them and think that they are essential for those days where you just want to be comfortable and casual. I usually reach for a darker wash or even a black jean when I’m searching for the right pair.

Red Dress - Red is my favorite color…for me it’s the new black. (Who says that you have to have a “little black dress in your closet right?!?!... Actually a lot of people say that, and I agree too, but I say wear what makes you feel fabulous and red just makes me feel fearless and glamorous).

Nice Pair of Pumps or Heels- Black for me is essential, but anything else changes with the seasons and trends. I love having fun with shoes, bags, and accessories if I’m keeping everything else classic.

Comfy Pair of Flats - As much as I would like to walk around in heels 24/7, it’s not going to happen. I have no idea how some women can wear platform shoes ALL DAY…it’s amazing really!

Nice Warm Coat- I love pea coats, but I may be on the look out for a new style come fall. (I have a pea coat that I bought in London back in 05’ and I’ve been wearing it every winter so it might be a little hard for me to separate from it this year…we’ll have to revisit this then).

Classic Watch- Honestly, I have NEVER worn a watch in the past, (I’m one of those “I’m not late, I’ fashionably late” people), but I like the way they look….and I’m tired of being late to things!

An Eye Catching Scarf- Have fun…Be as bright or as muted as you like. I think that scarves add extra jazz to an outfit.

A Smile -Ok….you can’t buy this at a store, but it’s free and it makes ANY outfit look better J

P.S. My motto is to try not to get caught up in the hype of the latest trends and fads. Wear what makes you feel good and you’ll be setting your own trends. Dare to be original!

 

1/25/13

Everything Girly


I’m not going to pretend to be a fashion guru, (even though I do love me some fierce fashions), but I told ya’ll last month that I wanted to start including some fashion posts on the site (maybe like once a month or so).
For me, expressing myself through my clothing is something that I really enjoy doing, so I felt like that was a part of me that was missing from this site. (Even though I may come across as a bit serious in some of the things that I write, I’m really a kid at heart…who loves laughing, playing dress up, and having a good time)!
I think I might have mentioned this before as well, but I'm also a BIG saver. I would rather put money away for emergencies, savings, or those moments when I need to treat myself to something extra special, than I would enjoy making random purchases or buying a bunch of stuff just because.
That said, recently I decided that my wardrobe is in SERIOUS NEED of an update. Not in the ‘I’m still wearing stuff from the 90’s and early 00’s’, not that anything is wrong with that, but more so in the ‘I want to buy more classic pieces that I may have to spend a little more money on but will last longer and I will get more use out of’.
So in classic me form, I've been trying to save money on the side for my anticipated upcoming shopping extravaganza (I’m thinking this will happen sometime around July or August).
In the meantime, I have been creating a list of everything that I'm going to need. (I’m literally going to get rid of EVERYTHING that is in my closet at the moment. Me and thrift shops, or trash cans, are going to become the best of buddies). I've also been eyeing several of the styles/pieces below for inspiration and created this lookbook via Polyvore to get a feel for what I'll be searching for. (I'm really into skirts and dresses at the moment). What do you think? What is your own style like???

***P.S. I’m working on next month’s fashion post with the working title “Essential Items That Every Woman Should Have In Her Wardrobe” and for March, “How Short Is TOO Short???”
Let me know if you like these sort of posts. And if you’re wondering what does clothing and appearance have to do with dating, self-esteem, or knowing one’s worth, when you look good you feel better. Plus I just enjoy being girly! ©

 

11/10/12

What Is Beauty?

Why do we hate on each other? What does another person’s success have to do with our own? Why do we dislike someone else because they are attractive, wealthy, have a family, or for whatever other reasons that seem to make sense in our heads?

We have no idea what they go home to at night or how their “ideal life” might not be that ideal at a deeper glance. But even if it is a good situation, and they really are blessed and walking in favor, why does that bother us?
Why are we secretly envious or disheartened that its not us? Why can’t we come together and love each other as a group of women? We are all beautiful in our own rights. We each have something unique and incredible to offer the world; we are all special and worthy.
In spite of this truth, we have allowed “society” to tell us that if we looked liked, acted liked, or were so and so, then we would be more successful or possibly have a better life. Who are other people to tear you down or make you feel less than you are worth?
Before you read any further, I sincerely want you to grasp how special you are because it’s going to change your life. When you take away the comparisons and don’t have to measure up to someone else’s standards, you are left with you and you are enough. You are AMAZING!
The moment that we allowed our standard of beauty to be defined by an unrealistic image of an airbrushed simulation of a woman, the moment that we set a bar for ourselves that was out of reach. We can’t celebrate our own beauty, because we have been told so many times what beauty should look like and we look different than that….Of course we look different than that.
We are individuals who form a collective group of people, and normality is only normal because a wider range of people share some of the same characteristics. Just because a group of people look alike, and you don’t fit into that image doesn’t make you abnormal or unattractive, it makes them general and typical.
You weren’t created to fit in though, you were created to stand out and to love yourself regardless of the physical attributes that you possess.
Don’t hate who you are, and you will find yourself beginning to love and support other people for who they are. When you love and respect yourself, you celebrate you for every aspect of who you are; your flaws and your assets.
You are beautiful.
Beauty is more than a size, body shape, or facial characteristic. Beauty is a distinctive attribute that attracts the world to you. It is your character. Your identity. Your confidence. Your attitude. Your personality.  Your intelligence. Your swagger. Beauty is you J.
What’s makes you beautiful? Your journey.
You are living life, you have experienced some things, you are ever evolving, but most importantly you are you.
Beauty is relative. No one can define that for you, but you.
Stop comparing yourself to the girl next door (whoever she is), and start celebrating you. You will never look like, act like, or be her so stop trying to do so. Be you and be you well.
Imitation is not flattering; it’s robbing you of your identity.
What does your life amount to if you have lived it trying to fill someone else’s shoes or emulate their identity? In the end, your life would not have been your own, but a weak attempt at someone else’s.
Let’s stop tearing each other down and decide today that no matter what the person beside us is doing: whether she just got a huge raise, just started her own business, is always getting complimented on her appearance, or whatever else, that we will put the strife and feeling of not measuring up aside, and love her.
Just because she is living her dreams, doesn’t mean that you can’t live yours. The two can coexist, but it starts with you taking your eyes off of her, and looking at and loving yourself.
We will no longer compare ourselves to one another, but we will love each other for our differences and our unique experiences. What a bland world it would be if everyone looked, acted, and dressed the same.
You are beautiful. You are an individual. Love yourself.

-Virgin Monologuez

 

6/19/12

Monologue Monday: Dress to Impress


So today’s Monologue Monday post concludes the end of the three week series that we were doing. You can find the other two: Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lady and What I Wished My Mother Would Have Told Me: DatingChronicles here.

To wrap everything up we have some fashion tips from Ms. Kionica Tolbert. She has a crazy nice jewelry line that will leave you wanting more. I recently saw some of her pieces and I was in awe at her creativity and exceptional eye for detail. Seriously if you aren’t wearing a piece from her jewelry line then your wardrobe is missing that extra something and I’m not just saying that; I genuinely believe in her product and her style!

She’s still in the process of developing her website, but as soon as she gets it up and running I will make sure to come back and up date you with her information. In the meantime, check out this post she wrote to help you stay fabulous while you are learning to love yourself and waiting for that special someone.

-Stay amazing and enjoy life J
Dress to Impress

As many of us know, it’s a joy to shop and look our best. While we are waiting and dating however, we should always keep in mind our bodies and try not to give off the wrong impression. It’s highly important to dress to impress God. Yes, God!

Ultimately we want to please God with our daily walk. Our relationship with God comes before any other relationship that we could ever have, therefore it is the most important. Our relationship with God will last longer and take us further than any other relationship we will ever commit to.

As we wait and date (or just wait), we should consider how God sees us: a gorgeous woman, made in his image. G- Grateful O- Original R- Radical for Christ G-Gifted E- Elevated O- Obedient U- Unique S- Spiritual.

With that in mind, the way we present ourselves is a reflection of what we think about ourselves… it’s a reflection of our relationship with our creator.

Dressing to Impress starts from the inside out.

1) Take care of your INSIDE BEAUTY!
We must watch what we are putting into our bodies. What we place into our bodies will eventually show up through our skin, hair nails, eyes etc. We should make sure that we are taking our daily vitamins, getting exercise, and eating well enough to stay strong and keep our organs functioning. A well kept inside will reflect a well kept outside, which produces a great smile, good looking skin, shinning hair, etc.

2) We must PAMPER OURSELVES!
Regular mani/pedi’s are good for the soul J. Rest and relaxation is a must- massages and hair appointments are all a part of pampering yourself. Facials are the ultimate way to feel like a queen. Keeping your skin looking as good as possible with great skin care products, will keep you glowing. Skin care on the outside goes hand in hand with maintaining your inside routine: taking our vitamins, exercise and eating well.

3) We must keep in mind What to WEAR!!!
Yes, finally we get to what to wear. Every part of our body was created by the creator himself. He made us gorgeous, he made us strong, and he made us perfectly perfect in his eyes. It’s never ok to expose the parts of your body, God intended only for your husband. As stated above God made us delicate and he wants to show us as a present to the man who deserves us. We are a gift waiting to be opened and cherished. J

Let’s be purposely fashionable, that way it won’t be a hassle to put something together when God presents you as a gift to your husband.

Some key clothing suggestions to have in your closet for dates or just to wear when hanging out with friends and family:

#1) Tan Pumps (goes great with any color outfit).




#2) Nice Blazers to add a touch of class to your look.




#3) A great pair of jeans.




#4) A fabulous pair of flats for those casual days or a cute wedge heel (if you like a little height but cant wear heels).





#5) Casual maxi dress… Can dress it up or down.


#6) Nice sheath dress in any color (it’s a great classy look for any woman).


#7) And a lady can never have too many accessories to choose from!


 
-Live Life Gorgeous!!! Happy Dressing…

2/28/12

Date Night- What’s In Your Closet???

Here’s a random fact about me: I interned in London for one of the top fashion designers in the world…yep- I fashion (ironically I’m not really into labels or brands though- I wear it all)!

That said, to me fashion is about expressing one’s self, so what I think is cute you might think isn’t really your style. So do what works for you- but have fun!

Sorry…I’m getting off track... I said all of that to say this: Today I decided to post some really cute date outfits that I would wear for various types of dates. Hopefully you’ll be inspired.

In my opinion, the secret to any great outfit is to be intriguing and fun while adding a dash of mystery, without showing too much or looking like you’re trying too hard.

So here’s my take on being sexy without being too revealing; your beauty should come from within- your clothes are just an extension/expression of that.

Let you light shine- - but look good while you are at it Winking smile

 

Outfit 1Casual Night Out

Rose Holdall Envelope Bag (Coming Soon)Peep Toes Lace Black Shoes

Bottoms: Black leggings (www.bangonthetrends.co.uk)

Shoes: Peep toe lace black shoes (www.romwe.com)

Top: Bird by Juicy Couture (www.stylecompare.co.uk)

Necklace: Leopard eyeglasses (www.forever21.com)

Purse: Rose envelope bag (www.romwe.com)

Earrings: Rose studs (www.forever21.com)

 

Outfit 2 - Meet the Parents     

          

   Petites Tutti Fruity DressSam Edelman Kellan Leather Lace-Up Wedge Shoes With Cut-Out Detail

Dress: Tutti Frutti Dress (www.missselfridges.com)

Shoes: Lace up wedges (www.stylecompare.co.uk)

Necklace: Gold figure w/ turquoise (www.forever21.com)

 

Outfit 3Reservations Only Date

 

PYRUS Mono Blouse - Retro Daze                                      

 

Miss Selfridge Gold Fireball EarringsL'Wren Scott Lace-trimmed silk-satin wide-leg pantsNew Look Exclusive Leopard Print Purse

New Look Limited Edition Metallic Heel Platform Shoes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blouse: Retro printed silk blouse (www.donnaida.com)

Pants: Cream silk-satin trousers (www.stylecompare.co.uk)

Shoes: Metallic heel platforms (www.stylecompare.co.uk)

Earrings: Gold fireball spikes (www.missselfridges.com)

Purse: Leopard coin purse (www.newlook.com)

 

*What do you think? What do you usually wear for dates (whether it’s a casual night out, meeting the parents, or a fancy dinner date)?