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

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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)!!!

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 :-)

Simply Not

I'll be the first to admit that as much as I love art and fashion I can be very much a classic girl with some spunk here and there....I'd say 70% Joan Clayton (Girlfriends) and 30% Carrie Bradshaw (Sex and the City) would describe it! This outfit is a perfect example. It's really simple and uncomplicated but actually not! The classic white cotton button up, which is a Milk and Honeeyz staple piece (hint, hint), paired with a simple cut skirt seems so simple and easy except for the shirt has a trendy hi-low silhouette with huge cut outs in the back and the skirt is a leather flesh tone mini! Those little elements take it from being very classic and simple to modern, sexy, fun, trendy and unexpected chic.

If you are looking for ways to balance the conservative, simple or formal aspects of your life with the fun, youthful, exciting parts of your life, I say look for classic pieces but with the unexpected surprise whether that's in terms of color, patterns, texture, cuts, length, etc.  And remember the accessories (jewelry, shoes, bags), makeup, and hairstyles also are part of the styling process that can take an otherwise simple look to a fun look.  Layer on some confidence and comfort and you are good to go!!! :-)

Shirt: BCBG; Leather Mini Skirt: Gap; Sunglasses: Christian Dior; Bracelet/Earrings/Necklace: H&M; Watch: Gucci

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The Verdict Is In: The Good Girl Finishes On Top

While I had fun being a bad girl and didn't look too bad doing it, I have to say that I've had more fun being good, and not to mention the boys seemed to really like the sexy little good girl outfit (there were quite a few boys playing around with the ruffles and asking to touch)! No matter how much fun it might seem like the bad girl is having, the truth is that it's so difficult and unnecessary to be bad.  I've found that the good girl, especially the one with the bad girl streak (duh, hello, did someone just call??), always ends up on top. 

Being bad requires you to be in such a mental space that it can be pretty draining to keep up with it.  I'm pretty no nonsense and bad azz when it comes to my kids and family and my career and my livelihood, but as I've matured and had a lot of varying experiences and what not I've grown to love being in a good and positive space. Now don't get me wrong, homie still don't play that, but I can walk away a lot quicker and easier than I could when I was growing up.  I may be rebellious in the sense that I make my own way and don't allow for different challenges to prevent me from getting to where I want to be, but I do understand that there is a way to go about getting to where you need to be and being bad can make things way more difficult than it really has to be.  And as much as I would agree that one can't be concerned with what other people think, I do strongly believe that it's important for you to be considerate of what you are putting out there... remember, your reputation is what other people think, while your character is who you are so be conscious that you don't allow your reputation to interfere with your character.  :-) 

Dress: BCBGeneration; Leather Clutch: Gap; Nude Pumps: Christian Louboutin; Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Silver Bangles and heart earrings: My mommy's

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Peaches and Cream with Lace Trim

Pants and Lace Blazer/Shirt: BCBGeneration; Cut Out Booties: L.A.M.B.; Belt: Urban Outfitters; Clutch: Gap; Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Bracelets: BCBGeneration, My Mom's Jewelry Box; Earrings: Gifted from Mom

Spring 4ward!!

I'm guessing that it's officially Spring considering an hour of my free time that I didn't have to spare was snatched away from me without my permission this past Sunday the warm weather is starting to break! Just last weekend I was bundled up in wool and fur and as much as I love me some fur, I'm looking forward to the nicer weather and the outfits to match. To transition from the colder weather to the warmer weather without diving knee deep (hold off on the booty shorts people), particularly considering the weather on the east coast has some type of chemical imbalance (snow one day; 80 degrees the next), I usually start out slow by balancing my outfits with some pieces that cater to both warm and cooler temperatures. I call these my transition pieces.  You can do that easily with your color and fabric choices; using pieces that can be layered easily to keep you warm or that can be peeled off to keep you cool; wearing open toes and cut out shoes, cropped cut pants and sleeveless dresses.  Here, I paired a top that was designed to mimic the silhouette of a large scarf.  It's extremely light, a little sheer and a golden yellow so perfect for warm weather.  I added a bright white simple tank and paired it with a pair of navy trousers and cutout/peep toe oxfords to keep things nice and balanced.  Looks like I'm transitioning!!!  What wardrobe rules and pet peeves do you Honeeyz have for transitioning from cooler to warmer weather and vice versa? 

Scarf Top and Scarf: BCBGeneration; Navy Trousers: F21; Cut out Oxford Pumps: Marc Fisher; Leather Clutch: Gap; Sunglasses: Christian Dior; Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs

I love that the color of the scarf is simply just an inverted color pattern of the top...it pulls everything together

These Marc Fisher Oxfords are perfect for transition b/c they are more of a shoe with cutouts/peep toes than they are sandals so the work in warm temperatures and reasonably cooler temperatures as well. 

Monochromatic Dramatic

Typically when you think of a monochromatic look you often associate that with plain, basic, simple and even boring.  However, that doesn't have to be the case.  Some of the most stylish, sophisticated and well put together looks are made of a monochromatic color scheme.  I've found that the best way to pull this off is by mixing textures and shapes and adding just a pop of color or umph via your accessory or your shoes so that although the color palette is similar from top to bottom, the look is nothing near boring or plain!  And with that I must digress (bare with me...this is a necessary digression so keep on reading....).  

In my new found love of blogging, which includes reading other blogs, I've noticed that a lot of honeeyz seem to be misconstruing the concept of fashion forward, savvy, unique and stylish with thrown together yet contrived looks of mixed patterns and colors.  Grabbing a plaid shirt, polka dot top, striped shoe, and layering it with an animal print jacket simply b/c these patterns and colors are not the same does not make it stylish per se.  Even Carrie Bradshaw, in all her unexpected and unique style, had a method to her madness and was able to put together some of the most memorable yet gorgeous looks with mixed patterns but it was authentic and there was a story and a concept behind the looks she put together. There was still a flow and consistency. That's the difference between looking like a clown and looking like a fly chick.  And I'm not saying there is only one way to be stylish.  I truly believe that style is original to each person and what they make of it and there is an individual art to it.  I am a huge fan of mixing patterns and textures but in an authentic way.  What I'm trying to say is I don't believe that merely mixing up unexpected non-matching patterns just bc they don't match is necessarily stylish; and at the same time, wearing classic cuts and pieces of subtle or neutral color tones is not inconsistent with being fly and stylish.  Some of the most trusted Style Stars, including Halle Berry, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Miranda Kerr, Gwen Stefani, Kim Kardashian, Olivia Palermo, Jessica Alba and the likes keep things very tailored, classic, and subtle but with a stylish twist that makes them the Style Stars that they are.  And even those who are more eclectic and daring like Solange Knowles (lovveeee this chick's style) and Rihanna, also do what they do with taste and strategy but have some of the best looks when they are simple and clean.  I just thought that was important to put out there and at the end of the day, you do what is natural to you and what you can wear comfortably. Don't feel bullied to be "unique" by putting together a bunch of stuff for the sake of being deemed fashionable and don't feel confined to the expected b/c you are afraid to be too daring.  

Now back to where I started... a dramatic yet monochromatic look... Here, I paired a leather A-line skirt of a plum/brown/maroon color with a more plum button down top of a polyester like material (yes, freaking polyester) and for that little piece of unexpected to add the drama I paired the look with some leopard pony hair knee boots and a navy and yellow scarf for outdoors layering.  I loved this look. Is anyone getting a Diana Ross in Mahogany vibe?? B/c I am and I'm loving it! 

A funny fact is that this leather is skirt is from the Gap. I purchased in the early 2000s during that magical era when the Gap put out phenomenon pieces.  It's a size 1 (yea I was nice and svelte back in the day) and I have to put it on over my head b/c this thing is not going over my butt! LOL.  

Sorbet Anyone?

Sorbet ( /sɔrˈbeɪ/) is a frozen dessert made from sweetened water flavored with fruit (typically juice or puree), wine, and/or liqueur. The origin of sorbet is variously explained as either a Roman invention, or a Middle Eastern drink charbet, made of sweetened fruit juice and water. The name comes from the Latin verb "sorbere" and the modern Italian verb sorbire, meaning to eat and drink at the same time. The noun form, sorbetto, is a mixture of a solid and liquid food. Probably the Arabs take the word from Byzantine or from Sassanid Empire when they arrived from the desert of the Arabic peninsula. The term sherbet or charbet is derived from the Turkish şerbet, "sorbet", from the Persian sharbat, which in turn comes from the Arabic شربات sharbāt meaning "drink(s)" or "juice."^[1] Sorbet is sometimes served between courses as a way to cleanse the palate before the main course. -Wikipedia

Sorbet ( /sɔrˈbeɪ/) is a color palette that consists of brights, soft and pastel colors such as demonstrated below.  It's also a better alternative to ice cream when you're looking for a healthy dessert choice and perfect for Vday attire. - Milk and Honeeyz

Shorts, H&M; Cardigan and Oxford Shirt, Old Navy; Invisible Platform Pumps, Kelsi Dagger; Leather Clutch, Gap; 14k Bamboo Earrings and Nameplate Necklace, My own; Hot Pink Diamond Watch, AquaMaster; Rosegold Bangle, BCBGeneration

More pics after the break!!! Click Below