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)!!!

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!!! ***

Short and Sweet

Not only does the title of this post aptly describe this little outfit I’m working with but it also describes my weekend…short but sweet. It never seems like it's enough but I try to make the best out of my weekends no matter what. This past weekend I hung out with my little princess and any time with her, especially one on one is always the sweetest (my man child didn’t tag along b/c he has more important things to do than hang with his mom and sis *rolls eyes*)!  On Saturday, the Princess and I did some very necessary shopping, we rented some movies and had some bad/good Chinese food while watching (that was awesome).  On Sunday I had brunch in Philly with a group of fab ladies that I’ll be going to Italy with in October (can NOT wait for that trip) and then we were off to a BBQ in NJ on Sunday with some of my absolute favorite girls.  The food was delicious and the company was irreplaceable.  I love those ladies.  Lots of laughter, good times, and sweetness. :-)

 Anywho, is there anything sweeter than hot pink, red, pleats and polkadots all mashed together in one outfit? I think not!!  I initially was just gonna throw a white tank on with this but figured to go with red instead to make things extra sweet and a little unexpected.  Aside from Valentine’s day décor, we’ve been told that red and pink shouldn’t be mixed together but I actually think it’s a cute and sweet combination. Of course you honeeyz know that I like breaking rules just for the sake of breaking rules! :-) I paired the shorts and tanks with a new favorite, my strappy black snake skin sandal with corkscrew heels...the icing on the sweet cake! 

FUN FACT: The striped blazer is actually my daughter’s.  I bought it for her from Marshall’s this past fall and she was sweet enough to let momma borrow it. Don't you just love her?? The blazer fit in perfectly with the hot pink lining and contrasting stripes.   And Im kinda loving the fact that we can fit some of the same things, of course that’s until she starts trying to wear my heels. :-) 

Shorts: Forever21; Tank Top: BCBGeneration; Blazer: via Marshall's; Sandals: Manolo Blahnik; Bracelet: Anthropologie; Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Name Plate Gold Necklace and White and Yellow Gold Mesh Necklaces: My own 

**Click below for the rest of the pics from this weekend's "shoot!!!!"

Memorable

This past Memorial Day weekend the kids and I had a good time hanging out in downtown DC.  We did a little bit of everything....checked out the Holocaust Museum, took bike rides past the white house and various memorials, went shopping in Georgetown, ate outside at one of our favorite Thai restaurants, watched movies and had lots of fun creating memories...see for yourself.

But before you check out my memories I want you to know that positive memories can last a life time and not so pleasant memories can fade with time.  You just have to realize how much control you have over the effects and outcome of memories.  Don't get stuck on those memories and things of the past that bring about ill feelings and you wish hadn't happened.  Put forth your efforts in creating new memories that will overshadow the things you'd rather forget about and sooner than later those ugly memories will become a thing of the past, a lesson learned, a trial, a moment and the new and pleasant memories will be your motivation, your saving grace, your everything.  To that end, don't be deterred by those people who try their best to remind you of memories of the past and keep you from moving forward and being happy b/c they themselves refuse to let go and move away from the same hurt that you no longer want to be a part of.  Keep pressing, keep erasing, and keep creating where you see fit.  If they haven't figured out that they have the power to move on or can't deal with the fact that you are happy and moving forward, then that's on them.  Happy memories.

"MEMORABLE DRESS WITH A MEMORABLE PRINT": Aqua; Belt: Forever21; Wedges: Not Too Coy; Leather Clutch: Gap; Earrings: Urban Outfitters; Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs: Bracelets: Anthropologie, BCBGeneration

**CLICK BELOW FOR THE REST OF MY MEMORIES...KINDA PHOTO HEAVY B/C GOOD MEMORIES CAN JUST BE LIKE THAT SOMETIMES :-)

The Target Challenge Part IV: Relaxed Wear, Relaxed Budget, Good Food & Good Company

Trust me, nobody loves to be all extra with their outfit more than me but there are times that you gotta just throw it on and keep it moving. But that doesn't mean you have to look like a whole mess! There are great alternatives to sweats, tights and dowdy tee shirts, all of which are absolute M&H No Nos!  And more importantly, and relevant to this particular post, you can do the stylish relaxed look for a great price too!  I copped this maxi dress on the target clearance rack for....you guessed it, $5!  Again, this was an accidental find that turned out to be one of the best additions to my warddrobes.  As usual, I was at Target for household goods and walked past the clearance rack and glanced through it an discovered this beauty.  It's actually an old piece, I'd say about 5- years-old and right before the maxi dress trend started to take completely off.  

The thing that I love most about this piece is it's so comfy (like a jersey material) but very current, a little sexy and extremely versatile.  Here, I really kept it very minimum and relaxed, but i have worn it a little more dressed up with a great Fedora, jewelry, hair, etc.  You can also add a belt, add a blazer, and do a bunch of little things to get a totally different look each time you wear it.  On this day, I was simply trying to rush out the house with my favorite guy BFF for an impromptu dinner date in DC.  You know guys can be mad impatient with us and at the same time, have the expectation that we look decent (gosh that is such a task).  Anyways, this dress was perfect for all that... I threw it on in 2 minutes but still looked half decent.  I added the oversized cardigan, b/c as you guys should know by now, I always need a layering piece, and the weather was going from scorching hot to breezy off and on all day.  We ended up at a great DC restaurant, Circa Foggy Bottom, and the food was divine, the weather was great and the scenery was interesting!! It was perfect and so was my relaxed gear. I had a good time and didn't have to fuss with my clothes so that made it that much more perfect!! What do u guys usually grab as an easy, relaxed piece to get things done without looking undone??

Maxi Dress: Mossimo via Target; Cardigan: BCBGeneration; Bag: L.A.M.B.; Sunglasses: Balenciaga; Shoes: Not  Too Coy; Watch: Gucci; Bracelet: Anthropologie; Earrings: H&M

**Click below for more pics including food pics from Circa and my Restaurant Review!!

The Target Challenge Part I: Affordably Chic

I’m so excited to announce that Milk and Honeeyz has accepted a challenge to do a series of posts featuring affordable, yet awesome, fashion pieces from none other than my all time favorite, Target (prounced Tar’che, if you really want to get fly and fancy…which we do)!! This post is the first feature in what we are dubbing as "The Target Challenge!!!"

Let me be a little more accurate and take some of the drama out of it just for the sake of giving you guys some background.  I really wasn’t challenged or dared or given an ultimatum or anything remotely close (I'm just real extra).  What got my little brain to churning about this concept and pretending like I was being challenged to do something I welcomingly do on a day to day basis (rock fly pieces from Target), was a friendly (non-challenging) conversation with one of my fav coworkers, fellow fab bloggers, and consistent M&H fans, Jas of IAMMOMS (shameless plug for you to check out her awesome blog where real life issues effecting the ethnic community and minority cultures are discussed and dissected)! She was complimenting a certain post on M&H and mentioned she liked some of the fashions featured from Anthropologie but she didn’t like the prices (you got that right honeey!).  In addition to advising her to never buy anything full price from Anthro since everything goes on sale, I mentioned there are so many affordable alternatives with Target being one of my favorite options.  She then suggested I do a feature showing some of my fab Target finds (hence the thought of a challenge on my part) so that my readers/honeeyz can see how stylish affordable can look! I happily accepted! 

Skirt: Go International via Target; Sweater(see after the break): Merona via Target; Sheer Blouse: Forever 21: Oxford Cutout Heels: Marc Fisher; Watch: Gucci; Bracelets: Anthropologie, BCBG; Necklaces: BCBG, 14K white/yellow gold, my own; Bag: L.A.M.B..

Stay tuned for the rest of this 5-part challenge where I will post outfits built around a Target piece(s) as a way of proving to you honeeyz that fashion and style is not about designer brands and prices, but about confidence, creativity, and personality.  I can assure you of 2 things to prove up that point: 1) there are a lot of fools with designer and brand digs from head to toe that are running around looking like a darn controversy! 2) and there are a lot of pricey designer pieces that aren’t worth the paper tag put on them.  With that said, I hope you guys (and honeeyz) enjoy this series and get a little inspiration, knowing that being fashionable doesn’t require you to go hungry or in debt!  Happy reading and getting deep into this challenge honeeyz! Also, be sure to like us on FB, follow us on bloglovin, comment or check a comment box (too easy not to do) and tell your fellow honeeyz about us!  In the meantime what do you guys think of this affordable outfit, which features this fabulous statement skirt from Target??!!! I loves it and you'd never know I got it on sale for $5.50!! 

**Click below for the rest of the shoot with an additional key piece from Target!!!!!

Color OUTSIDE of the Lines

I'm sure you've been told at some point in your life (usually with regards to education, career, relationships and plain old adulthood) that there was a certain road to travel, a certain way things had to be done, and a particular order to do it; but I've been bucking the norm for a long time now so I'm here to say that if you stick to the script with every single thing you need to get done in life, you are bound to get stuck! The "script" generally covers one perfectly made up scenario and since life isn't kind enough to be a perfectly made scenario, that won't work in 99% of the situations you encounter. It's important to create your own path and not to be intimidated or dismayed when the perfectly made script isn't working.  Getting from point A to point B almost always requires backing up, turning right, taking a U-turn and hanging a quick left.  Driving straight to get to the next destination is barely ever an option... and even when it is, it's usually not quite the scenic route. :-) 

The MILK: Learn how to color outside of the lines...it usually makes for quite the masterpiece and quite the testimony. 

This outfit is a perfect example of coloring outside of the lines, but in a fun kinda non-get ya life kinda way! This skirt a birthday gift from my BFF, Shan, and I loves it.  The floral print with the random polka dots and the color pattern just makes my little heart skip a beat and also distinguishes this skirt from the other floral skirt I featured here.  I immediately thought to pair the skirt with this horizontal striped shirt I picked up from Urban Outfitters.  Although the patterns are totally different and traditionally unexpected, the colors in both pieces go perfectly (well at least to me they do).  And because I actually wore this to work (told you I was rebellious), I figured the nude, simple pump kinda calmed it down and tricked some people into believing I was totally normal...sort of.  All in all, I had fun totally coloring outside of the conservative, monochromatic, business lines and wearing something eclectic (shout out to Fly Won...insider), yet totally appropriate for work!  :-)

How do you honeeyz shake up the work place with your attire so that your good to go for work but haven't compromised your personal style? And what are some of the ways you organically mix patterns and colors so you don't look like a clown or totally contrived?

I love the slit open back of this shirt. It's soooo much fun! I added a skin tone camisole to keep from being over exposed but when I wear this shirt for play I definitely wear it out and open... sexxxxy!! LOL

I got these cute little glasses for free from BCBG as purchase giveaway. They kinda have that Ray Ban relaxed Cali feel.  I was going to give them to my daughter because they are not my usual sunglasses style, but in the course of coloring outside of the lines, I decided to rock them.  

Striped shirt: Urban Outfitters; Floral Pencil Skirt: Anthropologie; Nude Pumps: Christian Louboutin; Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Necklace worn as bracelet: My own (14K white gold mesh with yellow gold screw details); Earrings: H&M; Sunglasses: BCBGeneration; Wallet as Clutch: Mac and Jac

***Click below for more flicks and commentary...