Coming Soon...

I will be making an announcement/joint venture in the coming weeks...

Hint #1... Look at the pics (the mannequins names are Cheetarah and Jem)

Hint #2...Click here

Any guess what it might be!?!?

Make sure you stay "in touch"...You won't wanna miss this announcement!

FB me here...

Twitter me here...

Make sure you are a follower of this blog...

And I will be at the Style Council in Austin in March!!

GFS Diva Style Advice...The Inaugural Edition

From one of my paid  loyal followers Karla...

Reiko, this Diva needs fashion advice. I demand that you add a new feature to your blog. I need you to answer fashion questions from your loyal subjects.  I found some high-waisted pants slacks in the back of my closet. Are we still still doing the high-waisted thing?

Can you puhleez devote one post a week to answering questions? I will even be so kind to submit photos.

One of my followers, friends  "follower friends"  in Jersey suggested I do a  feature for those who have style questions.  So, thanks to Karla (that's her in the above pics), here is my first ever "GFS Diva Style Advice" Series!

On with it...High Waisted pants...I think that they still are fashionable...but it's all in how you wear it. I think the key is to jazz it up or down without looking like you stepped off the Jefferson Starship:) I have no idea what size Karla wears but I am betting that she wears size  "evil" because this chick has popped out a baby and has a flat stomach!

So here are a few of MY ideas...

*Try finding a floral/printed blouse to add a little "umph"*

One of my blog obsessions is Vintage Valley where Alyce rocks the best vintage style ever. She was kind enough to grant me permission to use her photos of  her rocking some High Waist pants to death...she totally  looks like a model, doesn't she?

All in all, I hate to give "rules". It's all about your style, what works for you may not work for me....that doesn't mean you shouldn't rock your own style! Play with the Not So Obvious ways to rock old clothes! I hope this helps...and Karla, your next assignment is to send me pics of you rocking the pants for real!

ASOS Pants (click here)

I would like to say that I am not an expert, far from it...I like what I like. That's it. That's the extent of my expertise. With that said, if LL Cool J and Miley Cyrus can have fashion lines...I can have a Style Advice feature on my blog!  If you would like to send me "style questions" to be in the next edition of GFS Diva Style Advice...shoot me an email with pics. If nothing else, it'll keep me busy.

GFS Diva Style Advice Rule: Whatever you do, shop in your closet...or your friend's closet when you are taking my advice! We are in a recession...atleast I am!

oh...Don't you love it when your friend tells you about a sale going on? Well, Shop it Me does just that! All you have to do is subscribe and tell them what name brands you have your eye on...and you will get daily updates on sales! That's better than your friend telling you about a sale AFTER she has already cleared out the shoe department!

I Saved You The Trouble:)

Out of sheer boredom, I went to browse in Macy's Saturday. I had no intentions on buying anything but that never stops me from trying things on every once in a while.

I found some Calvin Klein boots that were uber sexy and different but kind of naughty all at the same time. I am always on a quest for boots so I thought I should try these. I don't really know how to feel about them. As I tried them, I immediately had an urge to hold a whip...don't know why? Hmph.

I felt very much like a video vixen, which is not a bad thing, if that's what one aspires to be. Several people came up to me and ooohed and aaahed over the boots...I replied by whispering, "I kind of feel like a fluzy". I used another word but you may be reading this post at work:)

They weren't in my budget...well because I am poor...but I couldn't rationalize wearing them that often. I wouldn't be able to wear them to school because they would probably change the teacher dress code in honor of these boots! Not that I would be entirely against that but I'm not trying to make any waves. I also don't go out to clubs which is where these boots would outshine the boppers, so these Matrix meets Video Vixen remained in the Macy's Shoe Department.

Allow me to digress for a hot second....

I did randomly meet this awesome chick as I sheepishly pranced around in these boots. We gabbed about our big hair and jobs and those Video Vixen boots I was wearing. She shared how she left a job that she didn't like for a career that matches her personality. I got inspired in the whole approximate six minutes of that exchange. She then commented that I seemed very "cultured" and wondered if I was from around these parts.

I told her that people ask me that all the time...but the truth is that I am as southern as you can get:) I will admit that when I travel to the east coast that I feel like I am more in my element though:) At any rate, THAT was an AWESOME compliment. I felt very proud to have been considered cultured and "cool" on some level! It's amazing how people pick up on your spirit/energy within a few seconds! If you are reading this Arianne, Thank you! Our short conversation was inspiring and your compliments made my day! *

Okay, back to the mockery of my Macy's experience...

I also tried on the jumpsuit by Rachel Roy's "affordable" line in Macy's. The model looks cute in it and I am starting to like the romper look on others.....but it was a big HELL to the NO on my body. HID.E.OUS! I think I am too short to pull off this look or not skinny enough or something...I couldn't figure it out. The crouch hung too low and the rear end view was not flattering at all. So I am posting the pics just for you...to show you WHAT NOT TO WEAR...Go ahead...and laugh at my expense...I did it in the name of fashion:)

I'm still having mixed feelings about the boots. I feel like if I wore them, the whole day I would be explaining how I am really a good girl but just like the boot because it's different and edgy. I can't have those types of conversations with strangers! lol

All in all...I walked out empty handed...which was the point anyway, wasn't it?

...I secretly kinda like the boots but I would have to buy a leather jacket and a gun to go with it....the gun is not in my budget this year though:(

...please excuse the camera phone photo shoot...:(

What do you think about the boots?

Oh My Goodness! I just had a visual of me going to my sister's ultra conservative church with these boots!! They would lead me straight to the altar for prayer!! LOL!

Let Thy Will Be Good!

Let thy will be good...forget it...all Hail to Goodwill!

Occassionally I am a "thrifter" but usually I have to be in that specific mood or have a specific treasure I am trying to find.

Well, I stumbled into the almighty Good Will Thrift store this weekend and straight up lost my mind! I found so many fabulous treasures that I literally had to convince myself to walk out of the door and not look for another thing.

I actually went out of boredom and came out with great finds. First of all, there is something to be said about a Goodwill that is neatly organized and doesn't smell like old people's feet. If I walk into a store and it smells like refried vomit, chances are I will get right back in my car and go straight home to take a shower. But this Goodwill was better than any Marshall's or TJ Maxx anyday.

First of all, how long have I been wanting a Kimono Robe. Like forever! Remember this post? Guess what! I found one! For $6.99! And it is beautiful. I literally squealed and held it close to me as if it were going to run away! And it was reversible! What what what!!!!

Then since I was back in the "robe" section, I found a cute little floral nightie that I am so going to rock as a Kimono Top. I wish you can really see the sleeves...they narrow around the wrist rather than flare. $4.99!
Then it just snowballed from there. I found this cute little dress made by Neiman Marcus for 9.99! You know I am the queen of alterations so I am going to shorten this and all of the dresses I thrifted! I would so pick the dress out if I was in a high end boutique so imagine how I felt when I saw the price! I am going to just shorten the dress to above the knee because that's just what I do! Throw on a wide belt and BAM! Oh yeah...it's 100% SILK!
Then I ran across this Mexican dress. When I was little, my mother used to buy me these dresses and I wore them with Jellie Sandals...I bought it for 6.99 and it might be my favorite summer dress. The idea was to throw a belt over it but it was just so comfortable, I decided to rock it as is. (sandals by Steve Madden...aren't they fabulous, they are very "Bollywood")I ran across a Nurse's Uniform. YES. YOU READ THAT RIGHT. On the tag, it literally says "Hospital Nurse Uniform by Vanderbilt Co." That would be Gloria Vanderbilt. It was so Vintage, I couldn't pass it up. Since it is stark white, I can only wear it a few times before the summer is up...but I am straight up jazzing that baby up with a short hem and a big purse and belt and dare anybody to ask me if I am rocking a Nurse's outfit. YES I AM! 6.99!

(I know the belt is crooked but my photographer was tripping so I had to keep the picture as is:)

Then the ultimate JACKPOT! JUST LOOK AT THIS BAD AZZ Purse! It's a KOOBA purse...not that I know what that means but it had to mean something for the purse to be 40 bucks. I just grabbed it because of the soft leather and the color.

Of course I had to do a little research on the purse because I suffer from a rare strain of OCD called "I gotta know everything". I googled KOOBA handbags and my my my, I must say this GOODWILL did me justice! Kooba brands can range anywhere from 100 bucks to $700...yeah...Mine was $40!

I can't write enough about it. THIS IS A GOODWILL PURSE!! I can't tell you how many times I have stroked it since I got it! The condition of the leather is impeccable and the gold details are perfect. Trust that I am going to wear this baby out!

Can you believe it? GOODWILL. I think when one shops there, one must have an eye for the potential in what could be considered strange choices. My alterations Lady will be happy to see me walk through the door with these babies. I plan on Nipping and Tucking all the dresses to make them more my style but I couldn't be happier. I will post the "AFTER" pictures once I make the alterations to each dress:)

This is what shopping within your means is all about. Find some vintage items and make them your own.

By the way, I am slipping! My blog made it's first Birthday on July 2nd and today is July 27th and I just realized it! I'm a bad mommy:(

So Happy Blirthday (get it? Blog + Birthday) to God's Favorite Shoes!

***please excuse all lame poses and wild hair moments...my photographers (fiance' and nephews) were being temperamental and impatient so I had to work in a fury before they staged a walk out***

Speaking of my darling Nephews. As I was taking pictures, one of them asked why was I doing this? Here is a taste of that conversation...

Nephew: Why are you doing this? Just taking pictures of yourself in somebody's old clothes?

Me: I have a blog about clothes...

Nephew: You take pictures of clothes of dead people's clothes?

Me: No, It's kind of like a fashion blog. I give people ideas and I tell people what I think is cute.

Nephew: YOU? FASHION?

Me: ____________Flat line_____________________________

Photo session ended. LOL. He is such a brat!

What Have I Done?

So, I am playing with my dolls...not really...I am on Looklet.com, styling Sanaa and I had to leave the room for a second.

When I came back in the room and picked up the laptop, Sanaa was dressed from head to toe...but not by me.

My fiance' somehow got sucked into styling Sanaa! LOL

Now, mind you that he gives me the *side eye* anytime I am on Looklet.com. His words are literally "Are you serious? You should be ashamed of yourself." I usually roll my eyes and continue to cyber-style:)

I am not sure how I feel about this but I will say this...I do like the outfit! He says that it is something that I would totally wear and I can't deny it.

I'm not sure if I am proud that he knows my style or concerned that he is playing with my dolls!

Here is Sanaa, designed by my fiance'...he says that this look is called the "Sexy School Girl" Look. Supposedly Sanaa is on her way to take finals. What finals? I don't know. But he says that he would totally "hit" that. Incredible.

What do you think? Should I be concerned or impressed that he actually did a good job?!? LOL. He is SO going to kill me for this post...but he's a man, he can take it! It's all in fun!

p.s....I am a little proud that he understands the art of "layering" clothes...apparently he does listen to me when I am babbling about clothes after all!

Totally Inappropriate...I Know.

So this is totally inappropriate. Here I am watching the Michael Jackson Memorial...which was BEAUTIFUL by the way.

I'm soaking it all in and then I see it...LaToya Jackson's hat! WHAT! Just perfection. Then I catch a glimpse of Janet's "mourning" ensemble...WHAT!

Everyone knows that I am a fan of Janet...remember this post? Right...so you know.

But that dress, that beret, those gloves, that clutch...if you are going to mourn in front of the world...That's how you do it. I would wear that to go check the mail!

Like I said, I am totally wrong for focusing on such a frivolous issue but it could not be helped. Those sleeves on that dress and the gloves made it real to me. So what if it's summer time...wear leather gloves Janet...you are a Jackson...there are no rules. Look at the back of Janet's dress below...what what what! Rebbie's hat was on point too.

I admit. I am wrong for this. But it had to be acknowledge. Now let me get back to Lionel Richie singing the ultimate church song...JESUS IS LOVE...!!!

Tell em Lionel!

Oh...I am going to officially bring back wearing short gloves when I go to church. First church, then I am just going to start having lunch dates and show up with short gloves and berets with my ensembles. LOL. Janet has inspired me! Just watch and see! You dare me? Don't dare me!

.....totally inappropriate....I know. RIP MJ...but your sisters distracted me!

The Pleasure Principle

Anyone who knows me...I mean really...knows that I am a Reformed Die Hard Janet Jackson Fan.

The Janet Jackson Rhythm Nation Tour of 1989 was my FIRST concert ever! My dad paid for the ticket but I could only go if my sister took me. Needless to say, she wasn't pleased to be forced to go but she went.

I went dressed in the Janet Jackson Uniform...all black from head to toe...with a key ear ring. Yes, I put my house key on a pair of dollar hoop earrings and embraced the essence of Janet.

Now I was the fan that was obsessed with videos so of course I had each video dance routine programmed in my arsenal. The point is...I was a Janet fan until ...well I got older and realized that she really can't sing.

Fast forward, 19 years and a free ticket later and I am right back at a Janet Jackson concert. My friend called me yesterday and asked if I wanted to go to the JJ concert for free. I wasn't that enthusiastic so I took my time to confirm that I would go.

Long story short, I decided to go. Being that I am 33 years old, I no longer have "club" clothes so I just threw on jeans, a t shirt and a cap and some chandelier earrings. I tried to find the least "teachery" outfit that I owned. I truly didn't care how I looked so I didn't bother putting any effort into going. Granted, I could have pulled out one of my zillion cute dresses but for some reason, I didn't want to stress about what I wore. The fact that the concert was on a TUESDAY may have something to do with it though...(Dang, I sound old?!)

Remember those days when you would get your hair "done"...wait, wait, wait....Remember when you once would CALL IN to work to get your hair "done"! LOL. New hair, new shoes, and new clothes was prerequisite back in the day. Remember when you would buy a new outfit to go to a concert, or the club...or heck...even the grocery store.

Yeah, that was a long time ago:)

I figured I could kill a few hours laughing at other grown people screaming for Janet...because I am clearly too old for that.

Ummmmmm....yeah...I was cool until Janet hit the stage. Before I knew it, I was standing in the middle aisle performing every boom-boom kat move (those of us who watch Making the Band know what Boom Boom Kat is about).

With the single line "when I was 17, I did what people told me"...and I had instantly regressed back to eighth grade. It's amazing what your brain will remember. My friend was laughing at me because I was really trying to do the dance moves...successfully I might add.

It was a great concert...especially since it was free. Granted, Janet is a little thicker now and moving a little slower now, but it did my heart good.

I thought I had suppressed the 13 year old in me that practiced the whole summer learning her dance moves but it all came rushing back. What can I say? Old fans are true fans!

Oh yeah, we saw her man Jermaine Dupri in the VIP box. He was there for the first of half of the concert...the whole time texting...and disappeared during the second half.

All in all...it was a great night and I am glad that I missed The Housewives of Atlanta to go! Now I must find that old Rhythm Nation album and remember the good old days:)

I tried to take pics of the concert with my camera phone but they didn't come out so great since I couldn't snap and do the Five, Four, Three, Two, One dance from the Rhythm Nation video at the same time. Don't act like you don't know what I am talking about either:)

I dare you to challenge me. I will have a Janet Jackson Dance Off on the drop of a dime! Ask my mom, she will tell ya! Just name the video...Escapade? Control? Alright? Miss You Much? Come Back to Me?

Yes, I know Come Back To Me was a slow song but you have to practice looking out of the window while you sing it. That should prove that I am a TRUE Janet fan:)

Ask my mom, she will tell you. (Tell them mama, I know you are reading this:)

Take a moment to relive your Inner Janet! This was a classic...and if you wonder if I remember every single step in this video...the answer would be "DUH!"...Of course I do:) I might look a hot mess doing it now but the point is that I can still remember the routine!!



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In completely random, unrelated news, I would like to share a pic of what one of my students wore to school today! A sweet kid. When I asked him to let me see the shirt, he responded by saying, "Oh, I don't do any of this stuff!"

I asked him why was he wearing it if it didn't represent who he was. What parent lets their 9th grade son out wearing a shirt that glorifies Pimping and Smoking WEED!?! Uggh...I could have had a heart to heart with him about being a man of honor but I figured his momma probably bought the shirt so it must be okay with her. That is usually the case when I question my students on clothes that reveal T & A or are just plain offensive. But, who am I to judge her parenting skills? But I do..and her skills suck!

My people, my people. When is a change going to come?? Yes We Can. This shirt is an accurate representation of the mentality we have to fight everyday as teachers to get them to learn how to use a comma splice or simple punctuation! There is probably more I can say but I will let you do it for me:)

Why work for a regular diploma when the Ghetto Diploma (per the shirt) reaps so many benefits? Heck, I might need to get a Master's in Chillin or Clubbin.

Too late for that, I am already in debt for one degree already.
Aaaah...I digress...back to happier times...I am breaking out into a Janet dance right now!!!