Body Wrap Sale on Ideeli!!!

Just a really quick post... last week when I wore my sea green Max & Cleo sheath dress I mentioned that had to throw on a blazer to cover up my ummm... bra strap induced rolls!! (I tried to think of a more discreet name, but what the hell! It is what it is)... So I asked you all how you felt about body shapers like Spanx and Body Magic.  Thanks to you all for the great feedback. I have generally been against shape wear because they seem hot, constrictive, and quite frankly they just look unnatural to me. I feel like I can see them under people's clothes.  My other fear has been that someone would give me a hug and feel the darn thing! I know, silly, right! 

Anyway, I logged on to Ideeli this morning, and they are having a Body Wrap Sale! Woohoo! Body wrap shape wear retails at Macy's and Nordstrom for about $30 - $80 depending on the garment, but if you are a member of Ideeli you can give shape wear a try for prices as low as $10 - $40!!! Woohoo! These prices are perfect for a shape wear novice like myself. If I don't like them, I won't be kicking myself for spending $80!

If you're not a member of Ideeli, join today! You've got one more day to take advantage of this sale, and there are a bunch of other fabulous exclusive sales going on right now, too... Proenza Schouler sunglasses, 7 for All Mankind, Pure Sugar dresses...It's definitely worth checking out, and joining is  FREE!!! You've got nothing to lose!

Thanks for stopping by!

H&M Off-the-Shoulder Peasant Dress

I've really re-embraced summer over the last few days, and what girl doesn't love a good frilly summer dress, right?  Last week I was over it...this week...ehhh... I have to confess that the catalyst for this shift in my fashion mindset is the SEVEN taped up boxes of fall clothes lining the hall outside of my room.  Fabrice informed me that it is SWELTERING in Atlanta.  I am checking two bags, and carrying one bag on my flight and everything else has to be packed up and shipped.  That being said I was forced to make some practical decisions about what would be in the suitcases, and what would be in the boxes.  Obviously, anything resembling fall had to go into the boxes, and all things summer went into the suitcases.  So here I am back in my summer groove rocking a summer dress, and smiling...

When I saw this dress on the clearance rack at H&M for only $15, I had to have it and of course it has been sitting in the closet on the hanger ever since! I have a thing for off-the-shoulder tops and dresses, but the are less than functional.  If the construction and fabrication aren't just right, every time you lift your arms you're having to fuss with your sleeves and pull them back down. It's a pain! But when it's done right, they fall right back into place and the sleeves on this dress are perfect!

Dress: H&M | Shoes: Nine West (ancient) | Necklace: Forever 21 "Ethnic Emblem" | Earrings: Forever 21| Sunnies: H&M | Bag: thrifted (Goodwill)

I kept the accessories pretty simple... my Forever 21 "Ethnic Emblem Necklace" (not sure how i feel about that name..LOL!), my Forever 21 giant hoop earrings, and a couple silver bracelets (including the H&M bangle), and simple black strappy sandals...OH!!!! and my latest thrift store bag.

The style of the bag is very simple, but the leather is like BUTTER, and the color is fabulous. It looks more like a true white in this picture, but it's actually more of an oyster color, which means it will transition to Fall quite well...trust me... it will! It is also nice and roomy inside. I can slide my laptop right in, which is great. I hate having to carry a separate bag for my laptop. Gotta love when fashion meets function! I could also slide a few magazines in there including my 600 PAGE SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF IN STYLE!!!! Just got it today, and I can't wait to curl up in the bed with it tonight!

If you look closely, you will notice that one of the little dangly things on the bottom of my necklace has fallen off. I guess that explains the $6.80 price tag. Oh well! I thing I am just going to remove all the rest of them and keep on truckin!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

I Heart My Rachel Roy "Oma" Wedges

As I am sure you guys have already figured out, when I love something I tend to wear it over and over again. Last Friday's outfit repeats two of my current faves -- 1) the cutoffs and 2) the Rachel Roy wedges!!! Love and LOVE!

I am so glad that I finally worked up the nerve to wear cutoffs to work because I am LOVING this look!

Blazer: Up Against The Wall | Top: Target ($17.99) | Shorts: DIY | Shoes:  Rachel Roy "Oma" | Necklace: Forever 21 ($6.80) | Bangle: H&M ($3.95) | Bag: Thrifted | Sunnies: H&M (2 for $10)

This look was totally inspired by my friend Megan over at The Frugalista Diaries, but wouldn't you know it, I got my Look of the Day email from InStyle yesterday and Rihanna was spotted in NYC rocking cutoffs and a blazer too...great minds think alike?

photo credit

The Blazer:  A black blazer has to be #2 on my list of fashion must haves. I have SEVERAL black blazers actually, and they are all slightly different... this one is "the boyfriend" black blazer...I also have a black tuxedo blazer, a double breasted black blazer, one with gold buttons, one with fancy lining in the sleeves (looks fab with the sleeves rolled), a classic Kasper black blazer...hmmm is that it?  Maybe... I doubt it, but of all my black blazers this "boyfriend" blazer gets the most wear because it compliments everything so well. It is just dressy enough to jazz up jeans, (or cutoffs) but casual enough to throw on over a dress that you wanna bring down a notch or two.  True to the "boyfriend" look it has an over-sized fit through the body, but it also has great fitted 3/4 length, ruched sleeves that gives the illusion of pushed up sleeves without the extra bulk and the hassle of rolling and fussing with your sleeves all day. I love it, and the best part is I got it on the clearance rack at Up Against The Wall for about $30.  That was many months ago, but I did find this great option on online at Dillard's for $49.50 (click image to buy).




The Top: I went a little top crazy at Target a couple days ago. They have SO many cute basics right now for $20 or less.  This top was only $17.99.  Now here's the thing about shopping at Target...we all know that in like 1 - 2 weeks the price on this top is gonna drop to $13.13 or $10.80 or something ridiculous. I usually hesitate to buy anything at full price, but I made an exception for this top, and a couple others that I really liked. Anyway, they have them online too if you're interested. It's very sheer so I layered it over a black silk cami.  I love the look of black under light colored sheer fabrics. I think it's sexy! What do you think?

The Shoes: I have searched high and low on the web for these Rachel Roy "Oma" wedges online for you guys and they are truly no where to be found...unless I just suck at googling...which is always a possibility.  I did get them on clearance at Macy's and they didn't even have them online, so my thought is that they are truly gone for good, which is rare in this age of online shopping. I am pretty sure they'll pop up on eBay soon.

The Necklace: I bought this at Forever 21 a couple weeks ago.  Of course, it was super cheap at $6.80 and I just LOVE it.  I know I've said this before, but I am seriously the worst when it comes to keeping up with accessories, so I tend to stick with really cheap costume jewelry.  If I lose it, so what...I'll go buy another one. Forever 21 has the best prices on cheap and trendy accessories by far.  H&M also has some great buys sometimes, but I've noticed that some stuff is overpriced, when compared to similar pieces at Forever 21, and I am not sure the quality is that much better.  What do you guys thing? Do you buy accessories from either of these places? If so, do you think there is a difference in quality that would account for the price difference?

Thanks for Stopping By!!!

Old Navy Giveaway Winners!!!

Drumroll please...

I am pleased to announce the winners of our three Old Navy Gift Cards for one pair of FREE jeans!!!

I totally forgot to get screen shots of the random.org results so you guys have to trust me on these! I'm an honest person, I promise :)

The 1st Winner is...

Tairalyn

of LahTeaDah, a blog about all the joys of tea!

...and the 2nd winner is...

Kimberly

...and the 3rd winner is...

Jodi 

Congratulations to Tairalyn, Jody, and Kimberly!!!  I will be emailing you to get your mailing address so I can mail your gift cards!!!! I can't wait to hear which jeans you decide to buy with your gift card!

Thanks to all who participated in my little giveaway! Until next time....thanks for stopping by!!

Kimberly Parris: Beyond the Page

I am very excited to share a really cool interview with model Kimberlyn Parris!  I recently met Kimberlyn here in LA, and I just had to walk up to her and tell her how beautiful she was! I mean seriously ladies, her skin is like BUTTER and her smile could light up a room!!! and as it turns out she was not only beautiful on the outside, but she had a beautiful spirit and she was very excited to tell me about her 3rd Annual God Has a Plan For Me! Talent Show; an event that she has organized in honor of her father, which is coming up in October.

You may recognize Kimberlyn's beautiful face from all of your favorite fashion magazines.  She has graced the pages of Vogue, Elle, and Marie Claire just to name a few. You may have also seen her in ads for GAP, L'oreal, and Payless...

Kimberlyn was so kind to answer a few questions about her modeling career and her wonderful event which began in Hamilton, Ontario and is now broadening it's horizons with it's first show right here in Beverly Hills!

Q: Before we get into the talent show, tell us a little bit about you. When did you start modeling?
A: I was born in Canada of Barbadian descent. International model scout Elmer Olsen discovered me. He insisted I enter the Elite Model Look modeling competition that was taking place that day. I won and advanced to two competitions, and was chosen second place to represent Canada in the international Elite Model Look in Nice, France two months later.

Q: Is there one job in particular that you would say has impacted your career the most?
A: Placing top 30 and winning for best runway walk, in the Elite Model Look in Nice, France while competing with 300 girls from all over the world-helped jumpstart my modeling career.

Q: Do you have a fashion icon? If so, who?
A: For many years, my fashion icon was Grace Jones, because of her powerful presence, her ability to command the audience and her strong features. Early in my career, photographers would shoot me depicting Grace’s fierceness and dynamism.

photo credit

photo credit

 
Q: If you had to pick only one designer to work with for the rest of your career, who would it be?
A: In the fashion world, you have to have more than one designer I love Valentino and Roberto Cavalli.

Q: What are your favorite brands?
A: Definitely Valentino and Cavalli.

Q: How would you describe your personal style?
A: Fun, Sexy, glamorous, and polished. With signature earrings designed by Lorraine West Jewelry. www.tashawest.com.

Q: You have gorgeous skin! What is your beauty regimen?
A: Stay hydrated from the inside out, always stay moisturized. Get rest; always respect your body and skin.

Q: Do you have any advice for aspiring models out there?
A: Always keep your integrity and have a fearless attitude towards life. Remember to believe in yourself.

Q: Now let’s hear about this wonderful event you’ve spearheaded – the God Has a Plan for Me Talent Show. Tell us a little bit more about what inspired the event?
A: My father was a loving family man who always made a difference in his communities by assisting others and bringing happiness to all people. He was a driving force that ignited a powerful movement of leadership, friendship, stability, trust, and celebrating the delicacies of food. In honour of my father, I created an event that makes a difference in the world, brings people together to celebrate their God given talents while encouraging the youth of the future to be passionate about their talents and education.

Q: What can people expect to see at the talent show?
A: God Has A Plan For Me! Is filled with passionate artists ranging from Singers, Kung fu champions, Actors, Musicians, Poets, comedians, dancers. Every show has an overflow of excitement, interest and is unique.

Q: This is the 3rd event for you, and you’re taking the show on the road… to Beverly Hills! Wow! That has to be very exciting. Tell us how that happened.
A: God Has A Plan For Me! Debuted in Hamilton, Ontario in 2008, one year after my father passed. Now in it’s third year in Canada on Saturday November 6, 2010 at 4 pm, and we are expanding by bringing a new show to Beverly Hills, CA on October 23, 2010 at 4 pm. This positive uplifting show has great fan support. People love the message and want to be a part of this show. People realize that God Has a Plan for them and this event showcases that. We encourage the up and coming generations to express their GOD given talents while gaining confidence, knowledge and education thru this inspirational show. The past two shows modeling agent Norwayne Anderson www.nammodels.com and commercial agent Carlos Hicks www.hickstalent.com scouted for new talent. We are looking forward for more agents and scouts to take this opportunity to find their next star.

Q: You also have a scholarship program, right? Tell us about that.
A: The Adelbert Parris Scholarship created to assist in furthering education for the next generations. Tickets Sales from each show enables us to award an Adelbert Parris Scholarship to a Trade, Academic or Performing Arts graduating student. The first Adelbert Parris Scholarship awarded to a trade skilled student in Barbados. The second recipient was an academic student in Canada. We are looking forward to awarding our first American Scholarship next year. Just another positive way God Has A Plan for Me! Continues to inspire.

Q: What are you long term goals for God Has a Plan for Me?
A: We plan to expand globally while continuing to create successful shows in Canada and Los Angeles. We will be starting our global tour in Barbados next year.

Q: How can people get involved?
A: We are always excited to bring awareness to our shows you can logon to our website at www.kimberlynparris.com/talent and follow us on facebook.com/God Has A Plan For Me! Talent show for up to date news.

We are holding an audition on Thursday August 19, 2010 in Hollywood at International Dance Academy located at 6755 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028 from 11 am ~ 2 pm. All talented stars who wish to audition please email Kimberlyn at talent@kimbelrynparris.com to reserve your audition.

Tickets for both events go on sale on online at www.kimberlynparris.com/talent in September. This show is a great investment opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to advertise and reach a new market/clientele from our upcoming shows please email Kimberlyn for more information. We welcome all talent agents and scouts to come to the show, find their next star, and be a part of making the talents dreams come true. God Has A Plan For all of us we just have to open to accept his greatness!


Wowza! Isn't she amazing? It is always a beautiful thing to see someone parlay their personal success into something bigger...something that is beneficial to others...something that will enable others to also achieve success. I really hope that you'll take some time to learn a little bit more about what Kimberlyn is doing with God Has a Plan For Me! and if you are interested in auditioning or know a talented individual who would love to take advantage of this great opportunity, please do spread the word!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Sand & Sea

You guys know how I love my "ladylike" outfits, and what's more ladylike than a classic sheath dress.  This morning, I channeled my inner Michelle Obama and whipped out this sea green Max & Cleo sheath that I purchased at the BCBG Factory Store in Orlando, FL way back in 2008.

I have only worn it one time for a few hours...to a baby shower.  I am not sure why, but it never seems to make its way out of the closet.  Hmmmm, actually I think I do know why.  It's one of the many dresses I own that I'm always waiting for an "occasion" to wear.  As I'm packing to move, I am rediscovering the many, many, many articles of clothing buried in my closet waiting for the right occasion to be worn.  It really is a shame! I have got to start wearing this stuff!!!

Blazer: random | Dress: Max & Cleo | Shoes: Joey | Handbag: Vintage (passed down from grandma) | Necklace: Forever 21 | Sunnies: Mossimo

Now, let's move on to the accessories...actually, let's talk about THEE accessory...THEE purse, which was passed down from my grandmother.  I had my eye on this purse when I first got to college, and my grandma told me that when I graduated from college I could have it.  She thought I'd forget, but noooooo buddy. Graduation day came, I went to collect my purse which is made of toad skin.  The color is still pretty light, but it gets darker as it ages. My grandma hadn't worn this one much, but she has another one (i'm still trying to get my hands on it) that is a gorgeous cognac color.  The color that mine is now is a great match for these gold croc Joey sandals...a pair of shoes that I had to have when I bought them, but have only worn twice. Go figure!

As I was walking out the door I realized that the material of this dress was so thin that you could literally see the full imprint of my underwear, and all my lovely bra strap back fat...yeah, I said it! So, the blazer was actually a last minute addition as I ran out the door.

 If I wear this dress again, I am thinking I will need to invest in full body Spanx....The Slimpicity Lingerie-strap Slip would be perfect under this dress...

All's well that ends well and I ended up LOVING the blazer with the dress.  The colors look fab together... I think the whole look conjures up memories of sand and sea... just when I thought I was completely over summer and ready for fall, this look came and reminded me how fabulous summer dressing can be...

Did I mention this dress has pockets? Love.

Has anyone out there ever tried Spanx?

What about Body Magic?

How do you feel about body shapers in general?

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Friend Friday: Does Size Matter?

I am very excited to be participating in my first Friend Friday.  To learn more about Friend Friday, or to participate check out our friend Katy's blog, Modly Chic.  Katy came up with Friend Friday as a way to give fashion and beauty bloggers a forum to share their thoughts on a variety of topics and get to know each other a little better!

This weeks topic is... SIZE!  Katy asks...


Q. Should someone's size stop them from fashion blogging or having a voice in the community?
A. HECK NO!!! In fact, I feel strongly that there is a need for curvy, plus-sized, full figured (or whatever name they prefer) fashion bloggers. Unfortunately, plus-sized women have traditionally been ignored by the fashion industry at large when it comes to representation in magazines, on the runway, etc.. One of my favorite things about fashion blogs is the diverse group of women they represent... and inspire.

Q. In your opinion, can the term "curvy" and "plus-sized" be used interchangeably when it comes to fashion?
A. Honestly, since I am not plus-sized or curvy, I guess I don't feel qualified to answer this question.  I guess women should be called what they want to be called (that is if they like these titles at all).  I might have said yes, if you'd asked me a couple months ago; however, our friend over at Curvatude recently wrote a post after conducting a poll where she asked what description plus-sized women prefer... curvy, full-figured, large, or plus-sized.  Check out the full post to see the results, but here is what Miss Curvatude says about her preference...

"Personally I call myself Plus Size.   Why? Because I have just owned the phrase for myself for years now! My old blog was called The Plus Size Diva, so for me the phrase Plus Size has always been this really positive description that I applied to myself  It described my body AND my life!." -- Curvatude

 
Q. Many people make the argument that catering to plus sized women would promote being overweight as "okay". What do you think? Should more designers be catering to plus size women?
 A. This is just ridiculous. I could really go on and on and on this one, but I won't. Seriously, it would be like an essay.  I won't bore you... I'll just say this is bullsh*t, and designers should DEFINITELY be catering to plus-sized women.


Q. Should the mainstream fashion industry be showcasing more plus size models?
A. Absolutely! It's almost as if they assume that plus-sized women don't care about fashion, or worse that plus sized women can't be fashionable, or some other lame ridiculous assumption.  Plus-sized women should definitely be represented more in ads, and editorials, etc.  There are so many gorgeous, fabulous, fashion forward plus-sized women looking for the perfect pair of jeans for their figure, or the perfect dress to wear to that cocktail party, or whatever.



Q. For you personally, how do you view your size, the struggle with it through the years, your ideal size, etc...
A. I have always had some body image issues, but I am on the other side of the fence, or rather I was on the other side of the fence.  Growing up I was actually pretty skinny, I guess. I didn't have ANY curves whatsoever, and in black culture, curves are a must. When I got to high school, there were even some boys that said I was "cute, but I didn't have any ass" or I was too skinny.  All I ever wanted was some hips and a little booty.  After gaining weight in college, apparently the word spread back home that I went off and "got a body." Whatever that means.  Looking at my body now, I am still not the curviest girl, but I do have some hip action, and maybe a half of a booty. Lol!  The crazy part is that when I finally got some slight curves, I didn't want them anymore.  My jeans didn't fit, my teeny mini skirts now looked trashy instead of sexy, and in my mind I was now "fat" so I hit the gym hard and lost 25 pounds after college.  I got all the way back down to a size 2, and tried my hardest to replace my new found curves with muscle.  That lasted about 2 years, and I slowly started to gain the weight back.  I only recently came to terms with the fact that I am a woman, and I now have the body of a woman.

I'd love to hear your opinion on any of these questions... what do you think?

Thanks for stopping by!!! (and stay tuned for Goofy Pics!)