Grateful!!

All day the word grateful has been swirling in my spirt. 

So here are some things I am grateful for lately...

NINE WEST Indira Heels found here 

1. I am grateful to celebrate my 5th year wedding anniversary this week! Can you believe it! It's been 5 years! 

2. I am grateful that we will be enjoying a much anticipated anniversary vacation near a beach! 

3. I am grateful that I don't look like what I have been through in the last year, especially the last month! 

4. I am grateful that I serve a God that does not keep a running tab of all the things he has done for me or how many times I have let him down. I would be in trouble if he did. 

5. I am grateful that my little baby boy is about to celebrate his first birthday in a few days!

What are you grateful for?

Set: Grassfields (here) 

Truth Zone: I ordered this two piece set from Grassfields. They specialize in African print modern pieces. You know I'm the queen of alterations so I took it to "my people" to get a few adjustments done. I had to almost re-design the top because I am soooooo top heavy. So my tailor and I decided to rouche the top and make it into a bikini top. Also, I am a shorty and I felt that the print was too overwhelming for my height so I had it turned into a midi skirt to show a little skin. I bought it for my anniversary trip to (Cancun) so it is the perfect piece to bring with me. (My 5 year wedding anniversary is this Saturday:)  Overall, I do enjoy Grassfields for their price points. Nothing a little visit to my favorite tailor can't fix. 

(Don't forget to Pin any of the looks you like from the blog on Pinterest!)

Quick! Help Me Decide!

Update: I wore the black dress to the wedding. I know, I know...Everyone chose the blueish/greenish one but I felt better in the black dress. A little more zexy and the temperature dropped at night:)

The bride even called me the next morning to tell me I looked beautiful...(hey, I'm supposed to call her to say that!)...so all is well! Thanks for the votes. I promise to listen to you next time. (I did wear the blue dress to work with black tights though, so all is not lost:) Thanks again!

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Quick! Help me choose a dress! I am going to a wedding tomorrow and I can't decide which one I want to wear! The stats of the wedding are that it's at 5pm and there will be alot of Salsa and Merengue going on at the reception:) Which one should I wear?

Dress: H&M Philly (seen here) I got this long time ago. Basically it was a free dress.

Belts: Thrifted (I'm totally obsessed w/ gold belts these days)

Dress: Goodwill (but altered...seen here)

Jewelry: My Late Aunt's Vintage Chanel Earring (on necklace) and Purse!

Belt: Thrifted

"Boyfriend" Blazer: Donna Karen Jacket (thrifted $3)

(by the way I am totally into "boyfriend jackets"...may do a post later about them)

Chanel Sunglasses: FOUND IN THE GROCERY STORE THE OTHER DAY...( found as in they were just laying there at the meat counter. I asked the deli guy if they were anyone's and he said "Take em' child"...THey're totally real!)
Shoes: Jessica Simpson vis Marshall's

WHICH ONE DO I WEAR? The Green Dress or Black? Hurry...Leave a comment and help me! I have 23 hours from this very second to decide!

My camera work is not that great...sorry

One Hot Summer's Night...

I was out frolicking today. I decided to break out this vintage dress I got from Atlanta's Little Five Points area last year. I paid next to nothing for this dress. I had the hem and the shortened (of course) and the sleeves taken in a little bit but I could never find the right belt to go with it. I think I also didn't wear it because I thought I would melt in the polyester material but I survived!

I decided to whip it out today as I frolicked, and I loved it to pieces.

The belt I found at a thrift store for 50 cent and it was perfect. I have made the executive decision to look for unique belt buckles from now on. This belt totally fit the bill.

I also found that fan for 75 cent because it was a cloth oriental fan...why would I pass that up? I ended up getting 4 colors.

If you are wondering if I wore the fan for the sake of pictures only....ummm...NO...I straight up walked around with it for a trip to the ice cream parlor after dinner. It's hot in Texas! A certain somebody rolled his eyes but that just made me fan harder!

At any rate, this is just a quick post until I can get a few ideas together. I am thinking about having a challenge for my readers but you won't win anything lol! Because I don't have it like that but it would be fun nonetheless...I'll get back to you on that.

In the above pictures I am wearing my Bollywood inspired sandals by Steve Madden. Below I am wearing some thrifted gold ballet flats by Jeffrey Campbell...umm yeah...2 bucks! Score...I'm not ashamed!

I know it seems like I am only talking about thrifting lately but don't you know me by now...I'll be over it and have a new obsession by next week. That's the way it goes:)

... a certain somebody also wonders why I am telling people that I thrift? What does he know?

The Other Pop Icon

Yes, I'm still soaking up all things Michael Jackson and I have become mildly obsessed with playing my favorite MJ song "Butterflies".

Yet, I wanted to flip the script slightly and show you pics of me rocking my Prince T-shirt that I mentioned here.

I ordered this shirt three months ago and I just recently got it. I guess the fact that Beyonce' rocked the shirt publicly started a production frenzy. By the time, I got it...I was pretty much over it and now I wish I had a Michael Jackson T-shirt. I am sure there won't be a shortage of those though:)

At any rate, here I am with Prince all over me:) Cute shirt. Great fit...just ridiculously late. I am totally into shopping in my own closet so this ensemble was a mixture of that. Nothing spectacular but thought I would show you what the tshirt looked like. Enjoy.

Top-Chaser Tee "Prince's Life is A Parade" tshirt

Belt-Vintage (meaning I bought it years ago and have no clue where I got it)

Skinny Jeans-Urban Outfitters (earlier this year)

Silver Platforms-Calvin Klein via Ross Stores

Red Clutch-a gift for babysitting my friend's baby...I have a great bartering system going:)

Chandelier Earrings- Forever 21

I wish I cared enough to want to photoshop myself but in these days when everybody is dying every other day, I am just grateful to be alive...extra thickness and all. So here I am in my fabulous natural glory...definitely looks better with a belt. Yes, it seems that I only have one pose...the hand on the hip:)

*Now allow me to get back to singing Butterflies off key*

Toodles and Amen:)

We All Have A Little Diana In Us!

Today is going to be a good day...I woke up and caught one of my favorite movies from the beginning.

Mahogany.

I love that movie...The clothes, LOVE IT!. Billy Dee Williams (I know most are too young to even know who he is...heck I am too to be honest)...but love him!

I love the end.
Brian: "Do you want me to help you with your landlord, lady?"

Tracy: "Hell, no! I want you to get me my old man back."

Brian: "Madam, if you really want your old man back, are you prepared to stand by him when the going's getting rough?

Tracy: "Yes!"

Brian: "Madam, would you be willing to put your imagination to work on behalf of the cause he's fighting for?"

Tracy: "Yes!"

Brian: "Madam, would you love and cherish him for the rest of your life?"

Tracy: "Yes!"

Brian: "Madam--"

Tracy: "Yes?"

Brian: "If you're willing to do all that, I guarantee you I'll get you your old man back."

Tracy: "Then, mister, you've got my vote."

Love it!! Is the movie cheesy? Yes? Could it have been a better production? Probably but I still love it so:)

This feels like this is about to be a random post so I will just leave you with a clip of the movie.

THAT CLUTCH AND HAT AND CAPE in the first part of the clip...I WOULD SO ROCK THAT TO DEATH! That ensemble gives me the chills. I would wear it to go to the grocery store and look at people stupid if they stared at me!

Now sing with me...Do you know where you're going to...







Come to think of it...I dress with a little Diana Ross influence...I love big sleeves and fitted bodices. We all have a little Diana in us don't we?

And I would SOOOOO wear this striped caftan in the following clip! I SO WOULD!



**update** It's 10:14pm and I am flipping the channels... WHY AM I WATCHING the video Mirror, Mirror by Diana Ross! Weird...and I am jamming too!! Love the big hair and the big sleeves!**

I Am Good! Part 2)

This was a busy weekend. There was my friend's wedding and my future mother in law's birthday. There was a common theme among both of them...I helped style both of them. Well, I sort of did...keep reading.

Let me start by saying that the older I get, I realize that I can do more than just teach ungrateful high students how to understand Romeo and Juliet...I actually like personal shopping for others and I enjoy the creative side of weddings.
First, my future mom n' law...aka "Mrs. Ball State University".

She turned the big 5-0 this weekend and looked fabulous doing so. A few months ago...well, alot of months ago, she had me tag along while she went shopping.

I encouraged her to enjoy the splendid treasures of Club Tar-Jay (Target) and she came out with a few cute pieces.

We found this beautiful Isaac Mizrahi Shirtdress under thirty bucks and she finally wore it on her birthday. She paired it with same strappy sandals and this bad azz blue/turquoise (never been that good with naming colors) handbag. Of course, I had something to do with forcing her hand to buy the purse.

Doesn't she look fab! Granted the handbag cost more than the dress but that's the beauty of fashion...to mix and match!

Whenever she gets tired of this look, she could have the sleeves taken off by a tailor, pop the collar tall and wide and throw on yellow accessories...BAM! A whole new outfit!

Also this weekend, a friend of mine got married. You may recall me saving the day by finding her wedding shoes for $40 at Nordstrom's. Well, the big day arrived and she looked FABULOUS in my creation (lol at "my creation).

She rocked the Apple Kiwi Green shoes with her wedding dress and it matched perfectly. I was the hostess and wore the green dress from the previous post. Of course, I forced her to showcase the shoes for my own personal gratification and selfish reasons. (insert evil laugh here) She wore her own dangling gold earrings and green bangles to give it a modern/eclectic look.

I also wanted to share with you her dress that she wore to her rehearsal the day before. We went to Marshalls's (of course) to pick out a dress for her bridesmaid. T, that's what we will call her...wanted to incorporate green into every aspect of her wedding.

We grabbed this beautiful green, silky dress off the rack for under $49. The goal was for the bridesmaid to wear the dress for the weddng but somehow it never made it past T. Go figure. T claims the dress belonged on her body thus she kept it.

She rocked the dress at the wedding rehearsal with a black braided belt from Urban Outfitters, pewter heels and of course her Mantilla Wedding veil. Hey...why not...get as much wear you can out of it right?

This dress actually wasn't the exact green she needed which also contributed to the bride wearing the dress for herself. I believe the dress was made by Donna Ricco, I will check with her and update if that is not correct.

Still a cute look. Simple, classy, flattering, chic and can be worn over and over again. This is how you have a chic and affordable wedding.

You need a personal stylist? A personal shopper? Hire me! You would be helping the economy and by "economy", I mean ME!

Lastly, I wanted to share this one photo of a guest at the wedding. I had to take a picture of Ms. Tonya because she rocked her curves to death! I love it when women aren't afraid to celebrate their shape and do it with confidence. Two things drew me to this outfit...The neckline she created with the bolero and the belt! Perfect! Don't be afraid of patterns, solid colors can be boring.

I am practicing what I preach by wearing more patterns this summer:) I kind of feel like Wulona from Good Times in this dress but the colors make me happy:)

Enjoy....Oh, Don't steal my pictures. If you must reference a photo, please reference my site or link back to this post. It's the right thing to do. Plus, I have a pact with God...let's just say you don't want to go that route:)

Drop and Give Me TWENTY, You MAGGOTS!

I joined a month long Work Out Boot Camp to shed some summer pounds...Is it normal to want to puke the entire work out? Hope so.

I had a fear that the trainer was going to be some uber hostile Army guy but it was this really nice lady who closely resembled Vera from In Living Color.

I didn't do great, hence the urge to projectile vomit during the sit ups but I made it through the end. I expected to be the slowest person there but there was this one woman there that was just plain ridiculous. She was barely lifting her legs off the ground to just walk, and she was smaller than me. Maybe, she has some pre-existing health conditions, so I won't mock her. But I will mock the fact that she wore a swimsuit and a swim cover up to work out in. What was she thinking?

But who am I to judge? She wasn't the one about to haul azz in the opposite direction of the class...I was! So the joke is really on me isn't it?

Anywho...not much to post right now...oh except that I found a cute Tracy Reese dress on sale and it is the official last purchase for a while...okay...until after Boot camp (let's be realistic). I am wearing this to a wedding on Sunday. I am a hostess for the wedding and the colors are green and black...This was my way of fitting into the color scheme.

The dress criss crosses in the back as well. This is worn without Spanx...That won't be the case at the wedding. I have on flats in the pic but when I wear my heels, I am sure to look longer...aka leaner.

Toodles...Must go pray before Boot Camp

Call Me Crazy?

You might have to call me a little crazy after this post. I am thinking about having my bridesmaids walk down the aisle with cute clutch purses in lieu of flowers. (proceed to lookout the side of your eye...it's okay...I expect it)

But if a wedding is supposed to reflect the couple's style, clutches would certainly be categorized as something that I love. Who says that you have to walk down the aisle with flowers anyway? Is that in a handbook somewhere?

Will I be shunned by my guest if they see beautiful clutch purses coming down the aisle instead of flowers? Will they stand immediately up and walk out of the room? Will they stone me? I think not.

I am an eclectic girl and I like eclectic things. This actually makes my soul sing happy songs. I love the details matching too...a clutch with a bow will get a matching shoe with the bow. I clutch with a flower would get a shoe with a flower...it's all in the details.

Just a thought. I am pretty sure I will get some opposition on this one but what would be the big deal? We walk around all day with purses on a regular day...how unnatural would it be for one to rock a bad clutch down the aisle....15 minutes TOPS!

I love it? Am I going too far? My planning juices are flowing and it takes someone like me to actually execute such a thought...but in my head it's quite "clessy" (spelled incorrectly purposely:)

Picture it. Black cocktail dresses, clutch and red sexy shoes. How fabulous! This is my version of "going green"...making sure all elements of the wedding can be used again...sounds good anyway!

I'm not going out of my way to be different but I don't want to go out of my way to be boring either:)

What do you think? Just an idea I am throwing around in my head...who knows, they may just walk down the aisle with some soulful eighth grade carnations after all!

***The clutch purses from the pictures above both come from Etsy.com. The shoes with the bows are Nina Electra shoes. The flower shoes I believe I found on Zappos.com***

P.S. I promise not to make this into a wedding blog...this is just a great place to bounce ideas around. I am going to the Anthony Hamilton concert tomorrow...hopefully I will come back with some fabulous Real People Street Style pictures!

...oh...and Amen!

Signed...Sealed...Delivered (almost)....

So, I went dress shopping out of the blue again. I went last year and picked my dress and for the most part, I made peace with my decision. I would randomly peek at a dress here and there on the internet but felt pretty confident that the search was over. That doesn't ever stop us from looking, does it:)

I made a trip back to the bridal shop where I was pretty intent on putting down a deposit to order my dress....of course, I had to see what was new while I was there.

I am not a huge fan on trying on clothes in general but I have definitely learned that with bridal shopping, it's a whole new ballgame. So I picked about six new dresses that caught my eye and of course I brought along the one that I was just seconds away from ordering.

On the way to the fitting room, with six dresses over my shoulder, I walk past the bridesmaid dress aisle and see this ivory little frock hanging out of place. It immediately caught my eye! I thought to myself..."Self, grab that dress because that looks like it might be cute."

So, I threw that dress over my shoulder and proceeded to the fitting rooms. I tried on a few pretty dresses but none that trumped my "original" dress...the dress that was the sole reason of my trip to the bridal ship in the first place.

I took a few pictures but didn't feel too connected to any of them because the dresses were ridiculously priced...even for me...and everyone who knows me know that I will forfeit a week's meal for a cute dress.

So, right before I tried on my "original" dress just to make sure that it still made me squeal, I threw on the bridesmaid....and HOLD THE PRESSES!!! I freaking loved it! LOVED IT! LOVED IT! It was so totally me! It embodied my attitude completely and I felt all at once absolutely myself but waaaaaaaayyyyyy better looking!

Was I about to really throw my "wedding dress" to the side for something a little less traditional? Surely not right?

So, I pranced and danced and strutted across the bridal floor and took pictures. I had to try on the "original baby" on. I couldn't very well give my attention to something else. WRONG. I put on the dress and granted I still loved it...but it didn't express completely who I am as a person....so long story short...I went with my first mind and changed dresses officially.

I could not be any happier! It is super fabulous and I can't wait to wear it! Therefore, I can share with you the original dress that almost made the cut.

The saleslady took my measurements for the NEW IT dress and of course pressured me to make a deposit. I almost did, but decided to wait one more day....and I am sssssssooooooo glad that I didn't!

I went online last night to just find a picture of the new IT dress and low behold what did I find? I found the same dress literally about 80 bucks cheaper if I ordered online. What is this? My wedding dress will be under 200 bucks and not get charged all those bridal shop fees...SAY WHAT!?!

So, this makes me happier than a jitterbug (I'm from the south:) So, I have purchased my dress and have alot more cash to play with for some fab shoes...my dress is short, so shoes must be off the hook! This means I officially have a dress for a fraction of the price and I feel like I am not compromising anything at all! That's a win, win situation if you ask me. This was literally first purchase or action made toward the wedding. It was a commitment but one that I will not lose one momen of sleep debating.

And the fact that I get to be a sassy bride for a fraction of the price makes my heart sing Jesus songs! Plus, I never really wanted to feed into the "wedding machine" where I am walking around in a million dollar frilly dress that I will never wear again.

(Don't get me started on the "big business" of weddings...do you really need a program at the wedding? Must I waste your time watching me poor sand in a bottle to signify our union? Why can't the bridesmaids walk down the aisle with a fabulous clutch purse in their hands instead of some flowers that will die? Do you really feel I am less than a bride if we don't do the whole "get the garter off my leg" bit? I think not...but that's a post for another day...possibly for another blogsite....I digress...)

With that said, I can officially reveal THE DRESS that is no LONGER THE DRESS. It is the larger picture in the 4 framed box. It was an Allure dress with the black sash that was a little over 600 bucks I think. TSK TSK...now that I got an even better dress for alot less. I threw in a few other pics of my dress fittings for fun. I won't post pictures of THE NEW WINNER Dress for obvious reasons but just know that I am so channeling the Carrie Bradshaw in me!

P.S...I even found the exact dress that I longed for in a previous post...didn't feel as great on me but it did confirm my love for the bolero.

It's Me Under Here Darrrrrling!

This will be a quick one...I have fallen in love with hats again! Houston is getting too hot for sunglasses alone...you need back up to survive the heat. I have been rocking a cute little Sunday's Best hat on Saturdays...and I love it!

Only problem, I can't see the people I am talking to...which isn't all bad:) I was even able to block out the view of the guy wearing a mullet at my mom's church!

Check out Urban Outfitters...they have great beach hats that with the right outfit, you can wear anywhere!

Dear Bridesmaids,

Dear Bridesmaids,

I know you have been worried that I will put you in pink tafetta or puffy sleeves or a long gown. Please put your minds at ease. I pray that you know that I want you to be sexy and comfortable for my wedding. Does this mean you will have a free for all? Not exactly. Will you get to wear something that makes you feel pretty? Absolutely!

I envision a chic black cocktail dress vibe and my utmost concern is that you are able to wear your dress again and again. Trust me, I have 4 bridesmaids dresses in my closet that have never been worn again and it burns me up to know that I was willing to purchase a royal blue gown at the age of 20 when I know that I would never have a chance to wear it again.

So with that said, God and I have come to an agreement to allow you the freedom to choose your dress with the following inspiration board in mind. Should you purchase before emailing a picture first? Of course not, but if it's black, sexy, fitted and chic, chances are I will say yes.

I have no intentions of making you looking like evil stepsisters. I don't even want you to all wear the same exact dress. That can't be fun. As long as I have final say, the dress is black and the shoes are red, I say go for it! You all know that I must have a pop of color in everything I do. Just pick a pair of red God's Favorite Shoes and be happy!

With that said, enjoy this inspiration board. This just serves as a little guide to follow as you shop or sift through countless websites and bridesmaid catalogs. I had you in mind...not completely true...I had my wedding pictures in mind. I know you all personally and I know that you all could use another LBD (little black dress) in your closet. By all means, don't spend all your duckets on your dress...you have to save that to buy us a wedding gift!

Enjoy...feel free to ask questions. Oh, a word of advice...don't even think about going to one of those cookie cutter bridal shops that have a section just for bridesmaids. I rebuke that in the name of Jesus. Think chic, cocktail, sexy and comfortable.

*** update...I found these great alternatives to the above bridesmaids dress. These are BCBG dresses from Nordstroms. I love the fact that they complement each other. LOVE LOVE LOVE...Dreams do come true:)

Amen!

Oh...MISTER, mother dear and mother n' law dear...God has a special word for you coming soon too:)

P.S....Dyeable shoes are a no no...A real shoe please! Go all the way Sex and the City with the shoes please...Just make sure it's not a shoe that I will wear, I will win that battle. Toodles!

I Want to Be a Rapper...

Well, that's not completely accurate. I want to be a Wrapper as in the owner of all things that wrap my body...as in Wrap dresses.

I am a supporter, endorser and all around believer in the wrap dress. The wrap dress in general is so forgiving of all of our imperfections while accentuating the positives...if we wear them right.

I have been seeing these One Size Fits All/Can be Worn in a zillion ways Wrap dresses for a while and I have finally come to the conclusion that I love them. Do I own one? Of course not...not one like these...but we are in a recession, right? *snicker,snicker*

Would I love one? Certainly.

I have just discovered this wonderful website called Etsy where crafty people sell anything from wrap dresses to custom doormats (if you are into that kind of thing). These sellers put items they make with their own hands on the website and cut out the "middle man" from making a profit.

*Disclaimer: I don't really know if there is a "the man" when trying to create a business but in my head there is...and because this is an equal oppurtunity blog from my brain..the man can be green, purple, yellow...heck "the man" can be a woman for all I care). I had to throw this disclaimer in there...people are TOUCHY about certain stuff. Ay' carumba!*

I digress. (again).

We all know someone who makes their own cake toppers, dresses, hats...heck even their own curtains and pillow cases. We say to that person "you should really think about selling that"...well Etsy is for that type of person.

Anywho, as I was looking for wedding dresses...who am I kidding?

I already know where my wedding dress is at. I should say I was surfing for cute dresses and I stumbled upon the Wrap dress that can be worn in multiple ways. I immediately thought about all of us who have hips and curves galore and want to be sexy and comfortable. Well this is the dress, all WRAPPED up in one.

I love the multiple ways these dresses can be worn and can be dressed up or down. The possibilities are endless. And doesn't this just make our hearts feel like we are buying "smart." Instead of buying one dress, buy a dress that can be worn 10 different ways. Throw on a blazer, add a belt and just be.

I want to be a wrapper...doesn't everybody these days:)

....While I was perusing Etsy, I discovered that they have one of my desires...a KIMONO ROBE!

I'm talking about a real one. I have been longing for one of these every since I saw Carrie Bradshaw rocking one on Sex and the City years ago. Every since then I have been looking for an authentic Kimono with an obi sash. Yes, I am serious too. MISTER (as in the Color Purple; as in my fiance') questioned me endlessly about where would I wear it...doesn't he know by now that I MULTI-PURPOSE everything? It's main function would be a robe...but don't think I won't shorten it to knee length and where it as a cocktail dress or throw some skinny jeans on. Don't you tempt me...I will do it!

So, now I just have to wait for a holiday to roll around to beg for one...do people get gifts for Memorial Day? I think I am going to start a new tradition in my household!

*I didn't put a direct link to each item, well because I am lazy. But you can just go to Etsy.com and put in key words like wrap dress or kimono robe and it will direct you to the correct link. While you are on there...buy me something:) Anything.