The Lady and the Dancing Pink Elephants

Have you ever walked in a room or been in the company of someone and it's uncomfortably obvious that there is something going on that's not being addressed? Like there is a big pink dancing elephant in the room and everyone is pretending that all is well and normal? Well there's usually a negative connotation to that phrase because those types of scenarios generally require some level of confrontation or discourse in order to resolve. In my case, the pink elephant is not only patterned on my shirt (how cute right??!!!) but all over my lips!!! Lol. So luckily for me, to address the pink elephant in my room requires no uncomfortable confrontation but just some acknowledgment and explaining on my part. Here goes...

I am sooooo not a makeup girl. By any stretch of the imagination. In the past, all attempts at wearing makeup have made me feel, and in my eyes, look like RuPaul or some other glorious drag queen. And while that is somewhat complimentary I'm not necessarily trying to look like a drag queen. So I, like many black women, have shyed away from makeup. A pretty nude gloss (MAC's Spite is my favorite), a perfect strong brow and a little mascara (I die for Lancôme Definicils) with some good skin (love Clarins Hydraquench moisturizer and serum, as well as Clinique's MoistureSurge gel cream) and that's it for me. Pretty lips, bold brows, long, natural lashes and healthy, dewy skin. However, this past year I've managed to work foundation and a bit of concealer into my routine, particularly when going out on the town. The days of my RuPaul insecurity are behind me and the feeling that a little makeup is unnatural are so immature to me now. But the issue with my lips have remained unchanged, until just recently. I was still pretty hung up on pretty Nudes and clear glosses b/c color scared me. So that brings me to my biggest pink dancing elephant debacle and that is overcoming my insecurity about my lips and forcing myself to add a little color on my lips.

For a long time (until recently) I was foolish enough to think that my lips were too full and awkward... just problematic and no need to highlight them. But after being told how ridiculous and silly that is by anyone who heard my complaint, I've started to like them more. And with liking them more I've started to get bold enough to experiment with colors. I've tried the new wine color lip trend and I love it but it's so über vampire sexy that I'll reserve that one for evenings, but certainly a new favorite. Maybe I'll wear it when the new twilight movie is released. Lol. So to not look like a vampire during the day I decided to turn it up and try a bold red alternative (the dancing pink elephant in my room). :-) I'm kinda liking it! It sort of makes me feel and look like a grown up but it's bright and playful enough to not take me too serious. I thought it was a perfect combination for this lady-like retro pinup girl inspired look. What do you Honeeyz think? What's your take on women of color and makeup??

Pleated Skirt: BCBGeneration; Elephant Top (new) and Clutch (old): Gap; Heels: L.A.M.B.; Earrings: UrbanOutfitters; Bracelet: H&M; Lipstick: Rimmel Kate (as in Kate Moss) #01

Click below for more pics, and be sure to COMMENT!!!

Make LOVE Not War

I'm a huge fan of cargo pants. I love the challenge of making them look feminine, sexy and fashionable all at the same time. This camouflage pair are a favorite of mine but create a little more of a challenge than a traditional cargo because this is straight up military wear, meaning you typically should have an Ak-47 assault rifle in your hand and in the course of war while wearing these and NOT a pair of stilettos on.  However, I like a good challenge! But of course. Lol!! I quickly learned that the best way to make these pants work is to really kinda forget about them and focus on the other pieces of the outfit instead. I personally like to focus on the top piece.  Anywhere from extra flowy, floral, glitter, glitz, cut outs to super skimpy and slinky silhouettes for the top are certainly favorites of mine to turn a pair of cargos into the sexiest thing happening! In fact, I have a really good guy friend that always says "won't you wear those cargo pants" every time I complain of not knowing what to wear...I mean of everything he sees me in, these are his favorite??  According to him, they are super sexy but in a relaxed kinda way... something guys apparently prefer.  I couldn't agree more.  I say, grab your sexy top of choice, throw a super sexy heel on, have a great time, accessorize and have fun! 

And while we are on the topic of love war, here's a little MILK for my honeeyz:

Life is inherently complex and unfortunately war, strife and plight is a part of the world we live in. And with that being said, I can not for the life of me understand how grown people can create unnecessary drama and conflict about trivial things in life. There is so much to be grateful for and there are at times, preferably few, legitimate occasions that require some level of conflict which is NEVER fun or desirable.  So why one would want to make something out of nothing all the time and pull out the theatrics for all circumstances is so ridiculous and unnecessary. Learn to enjoy life, learn to tap into love as much as possible, stop taking everything so serious and so personal and pick and choose your battles wisely. Life is too short and love is always sweeter than conflict! 

Cargo Pants: Abercrombie & Fitch; Jersey CutOutTop: UrbanOutfitters; Heels: BCBGMaxAzria; Bag: L.A.M.B.; Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Necklace: Tilly's

More Pics After the Break! Click Below and Be Sure to Comment!!!

Never Again, Once More?

As they always say in fashion, everything old becomes new again.  Trends are constantly being recycled and sometimes the second and third time around is the charm and other times you feel like it should've never ever been created and therefore, has no good business coming back yet again! And that brings me to the purpose of this post, and that is to get your honest feedback on a returning trend that I decided to give another go...  only about 2 decades later... the revolutionary M.C. Hammer pant!!! 

A few days ago I posted these pics to Milk and Honeeyz's Instagram (@milkandhoneeyz) and Facebook page and asked my audience this very question and got a mix of replies that had me cracking up and prompting me to come right here to get my hardcore honeeyz's opinion as well!  Don't everyone reply at once, but do these pants get a warm welcome back into the 21st century or a swift kick back into the 90s?? Do tell! I'd love to hear your specific thoughts and reasonings as to why this trend is welcome to return or can't leave fast enough.  For the record, I personally love these pants and despite any feedback, I plan to rotate them throughout my wardrobe like nobody's business; but hey that's the beauty of fashion and style... individual preference and taste.  If you have confidence and an eye for what works for you and how to put things together, anything can work, even if it's not the next persons particular choice. I was attracted first to the print, color and fabric of these pants.  And the shape and cut just made them that much more interesting.  There is little room for creativity with pants (2 legs, a zipper and a button...that's it) so I happily welcomed a switch up in the silhouette.  Besides, I distinctly remember rocking the crap out of these pants when they first came out and doing a mean impression of M.C. Hammer's all girl protege group, 3-5-7! So I figured, why not make that happen again (minus the 3-5-7 impression)??!  Besides, fashion is the best place to take a risk! :-)

Harem Pant: Zara; Open Back Top: UrbanOutfitters; Cutout Booties: L.A.M.B.; Necklace: Forever21; Bracelets: BCBG, Anthropologie; Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Click Below for More Shots....

Romping Around in Style

This past weekend it was me and the Princess again running around DC having tons of fun...shopping, eating out, sightseeing, meeting up with friends, etc.  By the way, with my son's repeated absences I've officially come to terms with the fact that my son is a mini adult who only needs my presence for making sneaker purchases and discussing the latest hip hop collaborations, but otherwise he can do with out... I'm so totally cool with it. I understand that this is an inherent phase for a parent of a teenage boy.  Anyways, back to the issue at hand... this romper, my Princess and this past weekend... I absolutely love this piece.  It's three years old and from my design favorite, BCBG MaxAzria.  I gifted it to myself as one of many birthday gifts three years ago and I try to wear it at least once every summer b/c I love it sooooo much.  It just works for so many reasons!!  It's versatile, stylish and luxurious but it's super easy to wear and can be really practical all at the same time.  Very much an example of the popular term, casual chic. It's also great for transition from summer into early fall because it's shorts but long sleeved in a dark navy color.  More importantly, this is a perfect piece for an on the go mom, like me.  

I've said it many times and I'll say it many more, just because you are a busy parent does not mean you have to compromise your style or taste!  You will NEVER, EVER catch me in some mom jeans, frumpy sweats or Kmart like coordinates, I don't care how many kids I have or what is going on! While you do at times have to be more practical, b/c I do understand it can't always be glitz, glamour and 5-inch heels, it never has to be bad taste and fashion! This is one of those pieces that allow me to be cute, stylish and hip but comfortable and reasonable for romping around (pun intended) and fun misadventures with the kiddies!  For all the mommy honeeyz and daddy gentz, what pieces do you migrate to for comfort without compromising your style and swag?? Do share! 

The Princess, scrolling through her iPhone, as usual.  She's been training seriously for track so she's super buff this summer! Look at those guns! LOL.  She's still a cutie pie sweetheart though! Love her. 

We went to Sticky Rice on the popular and evolving H Street in DC. The food is delicious..this particular dish, "Sticky Balls," is my hands down favorite!

And you can't go to Sticky Rice and not order some kinda roll...this was delicious

Sesame Chicken with noodles...yummy

Romper: BCBG MaxAzria; Flat Python Print Sandals: Dolce Vita; Bag: L.A.M.B.; Necklace: F21; Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Gold Bamboo Earrings: My Own

Click Below for more pics of food and the Princess and I romping around! And don't forget to COMMENT and if you haven't already, follow us on INSTAGRAM @milkandhoneeyz ....

Who Wears the Pants? Honeeyz Do!

Can you believe there was once a world where women were not allowed to wear pants or frowned upon if they tried? Praise God we are above and beyond those days because I'd probably be in a whole bunch of trouble had I lived back in that day. Lord Knows!!!! Ironically though, my profession still frowns upon women wearing pants, particularly in certain  enviromnents (i.e. COURT...If you don't wear a skirt suit in black, navy, or dark grey while before the court then you are totally out of place and inappropriate... sighhhh... starting to think I'm in the wrong field).   Anyways, because I know better and in knowing better, I know that a woman (or should I say, honeey) suited in a fine fitting pair of strong, tailored, yet sexy pants, is almost EVERYthing! In short, that whole women in pants not being feminine enough rule/standard does not apply in Lee's world.  Case and point, these fitted, peach brocade cropped pants I'm wearing and loving! They are super sexy and femine but strong too because of the tailoring and definitive creases. 

I broke my boycott of ASOS and bought these a few weeks ago.  But to my credit it was kinda accidental (here comes the drama and extra...). I got an email from another source (Refinery29 to be exact) with a perfect pair of cropped pants and when I hit the link of where I could buy them, it took me to ASOS and while the featured cropped pants weren't available these little mommas came up as an alternative and let's just say they were purchased in record time. :-)  Anyways, to keep up with the strong menswear type theme I paired the sexy hawwttt pants (yessssss) with a simple, over sized boyfriend like blue oxford (there is some subtle blue in the print in the pants, which is hard to see in the pics but so cute) not completely buttoned up with my collar popped.  I added gold accesories, including my old school bamboo earrings (boy do I miss the 90's) and the classic nude pumps to keep things strong, sexy, feminine, professional and fun all at the same d@mn time!!!

Now for the Milk: For a strong and powerful look, add some element of menswear to your wardrobe, whether it's a pair of tailored pants, a strong blazer, boyfriend jeans, a classic button up, cuff links, a big face men's watch or even a super masculine hat, with something feminine, and you are bound to exude the ultimate of sexxxxxyyyy! Guaranteed!

 

Click below for more pics from this shoot! :0) And Be sure to Comment Honeeyz!!!

Committed!

I wore this dress last weekend to my younger cousin's wedding.  It is an oldie but goodie from BCBG MaxAzria that I purchased in 2004 for my law school graduation party.  I have only worn it one other time in the 8 years that I've owned it and that was to another wedding back in 2005.  I absolutely love when you have a piece that keeps on giving and every time it gives it gives big...this dress is the epitome of the that notion!  At first, I wasn't sure if I was gonna wear this particular dress to the wedding because it's so open in the back and sides that you almost feel like it's impossible for this to be appropriate up in the church (for the actual ceremony).  But I tried this on, along with 2 other dresses, and my mom and daughter vetoed the others and this little number won hands down.  In the end, I'm glad I picked it b/c it turned out perfectly for a young, fun, hip, evening wedding and most importantly, I didn't get the impression that Jesus was rolling his eyes at me while I was sitting in the pew at His house (church)... LOL.  Initially, I wasn't sure about which shoes to wear with the dress and was torn between the black strappy sandal and the taupe and metallic MaxAzria sandal (you guys will see me in either shoe in the pics).  Ultimately, I decided on keeping it simple since the dress and jewelry is so extra and I went with the black Manolos for the wedding.  I was completely satisfied and comfortable with the look! What do you honeeyz think? What pieces do you have in your closet that gives you life every time you slip it on?? 

The MILK of it is, I was so happy to see my cousin marry his best friend and make a huge commitment to love her forever.  There is nothing like a man who knows when it's time to be a real man and make a commitment to his family in front of others and before God.  I know in this crazy world we live in now we don't see it often. Far too frequently we see men treating women like crap, juggling an array of women at one time and just being messy and immature...(i.e. Sleazy J. of Love and Hip Hop ATL...you know who I'm talking about, unfortunately).  We see women settling for designer shoes and handbags and accepting that as an alternative to true commitment.  It's unfortunate.  I know it's hard to stick to your guns and standards when the world seems to be cultivating new expectations and standards but I say don't give in and don't give up.  Self respect, integrity and love is the most important thing you can have, and even if that means being alone then so be it.  If someone is not mature, selfless and intelligent enough to make some level of commitment to you or your relationship then that's their issue not yours. 

Click Below for MORE Photos and a change in shoes...let me know which you prefer with the dress...the black or the taupe??!! :-)

MIXED Chick!

I'm sure you guys know by now that I'm a big fan of mixing.... that would be mixing colors, patterns, textures, and even price points! I say mixing is an absolute DO! If you buy great pieces that you love and that fit you great, no matter who made it, what it goes with or how much it cost you will always come out on top! Live a little and just go for what you are attracted to without any concern about what it will and won't go with...  use a little imagination and creativity later down the line when working fun pieces into an outfit...that's fashion, style and fun! I do caution that when mixing patterns and colors to try to be authentic with it.  Don't do it for the sole purpose of shock value, but for style and individuality. 

 

I also caution that when you are buying less expensive things not to compromise the quality (to a certain extent).  Obviously, there is some truth to you get what you pay for but not necessarily.  Look for reasonably well put together construction, cuts, sewing, etc. and you will be fine. I did a whole series on finding affordable clothing at Target and some of those pieces I have had for many years without any issue.  And at the same time, I have some very pricey pieces that haven't held up like you would expect them to. That's the Milk of it! Now for the honeey....

This skirt was a recent find at Forever21 and was only $24.50! The graphic pattern, ruching detail at the waistline and faux wrap design can easily be mistaken for a $300+ Diane Von Furstenberg piece.  I paired it with a much more expensive silk top with button detail in the back from Juicy and my new fav asymmetric suede pumps.  You'd never know (or even care) that one item cost significantly less than the rest b/c the skirt is so cute and everything just goes together. That's the benefit to mixing high end and lower end pieces, its like the pricer/quality pieces help to make the less expensive pieces look just as rich (or that's how i see it...like the average of the pieces together is high thanks to the higher piece.... crazy mind of mine...lol)  Anyways, what tips and thoughts do you honeeyz have when it comes to mixing (price points, colors, patterns, textures)?  BTW: Please excuse my hair, the humidity was so thick I could barely breathe and you're lucky that I didn't have a full blown afro going on!!

Silk Striped Top: Juicy Couture; Graphic Skirt: Forever21; Orange Suede Pump: L.A.M.B.; Leather Clutch: Gap; Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Bracelets: Anthropologie and BCBGeneration; Glass Blown Necklace: Siglo Jewelry

See More Pics With Details Below and Let Me Know What You Think of the Picture Quality...I Used My New Camera (Still Don't Know What the Heck I'm Doing, So Bare with Me)!!!

The Blues

Hello Honeeyz and Gentz.  It's been awhile, well one month to be exact, since we last talked. I took a much needed and sort of forced break.  First of all, I broke the camera on my phone, then I took forever to figure out a new and "real" camera purchase and when that was delivered last week, it was faulty and less than desirable so to be honest, I'm still without a camera but that should be resolved this week because I've finally found the one I really want.  :-) Secondly, I was finding myself distressed and unmotivated...almost down and blue (hint, hint) about blogging.  It was becoming not fun anymore, and not because of anything anyone else had done but because I was just overwhelmed and doing a poor job of balancing my responsibilities and interests.  It was feeling more like work, unpaid work to be exact and that was completely contrary to why I started Milk and Honeeyz.  So in the past month I just took a break from a lot of things but I have to say I missed you guys tremendously and some of you have been so sweet, encouraging, and loyal that it made it so much easier for me to get it together and start posting again.  Thank you guys so much for all the love and getting on me about posting.  I love you for that. Everybody needs a swift kick in the behind and a little reminder that they are appreciated and loved. :-) 

The MILK of it is don't allow for your own overambitious wants to drain you out, to bring you down and take away the fun.  It's ok to take time to break from things, even the things you love, if it will allow you to do it the right way and with as much enthusiasm as you can.  Sometimes we are just doing too much.  It's really that simple and it's not a concession or failure to say I need some time for just me to do nothing or very little.  :-)

The HONEEY is that this jumpsuit is something else ain't it!! LOL.  I love the color more than I love the piece and mixing it with the bright suede orange shoes and belt just made it all complete! I picked this baby up from Bloomies onsale and it was the only one so it's too big but the baggy look works so well for this silhouette. What do you honeeyz think? 

Jumpsuit: Aqua via Bloomingdales; Asymmetric Suede Pumps: L.A.M.B.; Bag and Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Necklace and Belt: Forever21; Bracelet: BCBGeneration

MORE PICS AFTER THE BREAK!! CLICK BELOW FOR THE REST! IT'S PHOTO HEAVY AS A WAY OF APOLOGIZING FOR THE LONG OVERDUE POST! :-)

Conservative Fun

I like to think I've done a decent enough job here at Milk and Honeeyz showing you guys clever ways to get away with some otherwise inappropriate looks up on the job, including how to rock sheer and open back pieces at work! Lol.  I really do want to be a good example and a positive influence, so I figure the least I could do is prove to you guys that I can follow the rules (some of the times). :-) So here goes....

This completely work appropriate outfit actually came together in the midst of my devising yet another otherwise scandalous look.  The temperature outside was projected to reach 100 degrees, which it most certainly did. As such, I wanted to wear shorts so bad (yes, shorts to work...lol).  So I started out with a dressy pair of Bermuda shorts that came to my knees. I reasoned that they were no different than a knee length skirt and I'd make it work with a good blazer, shoe and all the conservative bells and whistles I could find. However, I couldn't even get my rebellious self to do it.  I came to my senses and I decided to save the shorts for a Friday or Saturday and keep my job and dignity. Lol.  Despite of, I wasn't completely done with the idea of shorts which totally brought me to these cropped pants, which by the way are super old... I'd say circa 2003 or maybe older.  Anyways, cropped pants are hardly the same as shorts but sort of along the same vein, yet totally work appropriate.  BINGO!!!  This particular pair also happen to be super fun girly because of the color, cut and light weight material.  I paired them with this tie neck shirt I was dying to give a second go since I purchased it.... And this is where my rebellious side got some satisfaction.  It's a tie neck shirt, yet I refused to tie the neck and it's actually a long sleeve shirt but I cuffed the sleeves instead and most importantly, it's actually a little sheer!  My rebellious old me got my kicks totally off anyway!! :-)  I added the grey pointy shoes to add a layer of conservativeness and stick with the muted color palette. So there you have it. Conservative (at least a little) yet super fun and not so uptight. What do you guys think? Did I finally find the balance in showing a little bit of conservative while still having a lot of fun??


Tip: Play with colors, fabrics, lengths and colors to add a little fun in your wardrobe, and don't be afraid to make a piece your own.  Just because it's designed to be worn a certain way, doesn't mean you have to wear it that way.  Just because a piece comes with a certain accessory (a belt or pin for instance) doesn't mean you have to wear it that way either.  

Blouse: L.K. Bennett London; Cropped Pant: Old Navy (super old); Bag: L.A.M.B.; Pumps: Nine West (old); Leather and Metal Bracelet: H&M (old); Earrings: Urban Outfitters (old); Watch: Gucci 

 ***Click below for pics from the rest of the "shoot" and a fun fact about this outfit! Also be sure to comment and let me know what you think!! :-)

Jump!

I really want to say that a great jumpsuit is a staple but I think I'm taking things too far (as usual).  Instead, I will just say that adding a great jumpsuit or romper is sort of one of the best things you can do for your wardrobe. Is that better or still a little too dramatic? I tried.  Anyways, I have a few of these pieces and I love them all in their own little way.  They are so easy to wear and good on the wallet, b/c no matter how much you spend you get everything you need in one piece. You can justify splurging by telling yourself that it's an entire outfit, top and bottom, in one shot. Also, they remind me of the sexiness and swag of the 70s... It could just be my crazy little extra mind but I sort of feel like Pam Grier, but in this decade, when I pull on a jumpsuit/romper??!!  For whatever reason, the fashion world is falling in love with jumpsuits again but they have never really gone anywhere.  In fact,  I bought the one I'm wearing here from ASOS over a year ago and it's the most recent of the few that I own. So there is really nothing new about them but I will admit that they do feel fresh and different with each wear and each new twist. :-) 

I wore this outfit to a happy hour to celebrate my favorite co-workers nomination as one of the top 40 under 40 advocates in the nation! I decided to keep things simple and muted in this look. I added a belt that I picked up from Forever21 last summer for $5 b/c without it then I'd be swimming in this jumpsuit.  The clutch and sandals are new favorites and I need no excuse to wear them so they were a no brainer.  The black jacket (see below) is super cute in person...the pics do it no justice. It's a quilted cotton motorcycle jacket and it's kinda contrasting to the simple, sophisticated look of the jumpsuit.  

Pleated Jumpsuit: ASOS; Motorcycle Jacket and Tribal Clutch: BCBGeneration; Belt: Forever21; Strappy Sandals: Manolo Blahnik; Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Bracelet: Anthropologie

**Fun Fact:  I paid $120 for this jumpsuit and Valentino has a new similar jumpsuit that several different personalities jumped on (Jada Pinket, Jennifer Williams (BBW), etc.) but it cost nearly $3,000.00!!! Would you even consider spending that kinda money for this....

Photo Courtesy: www.lynettejoselly.com

Click below for more pics of this look!!! ***