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!!!

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??!! :-)

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!!! ***

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!!

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

Click Below for More Pics!!  

Independence Babe

Am I the only chick who sees red, white, blue and stripes and instantly thinks about Independence, as in Independence Day, but specific to one's status?  Probably so, and I guess that just has to be ok.  I've told you that I already know that I'm crazy so I'm totally ok with it.  Anywho...moving on from my admitted craziness... 

I like to think that I'm what you would call an independent babe and I'm sure you honeeyz have noticed that the independent woman movement has been at an all time high this past decade and I think it's great.  However, I think it's important to note that independence is not about being single and it's not about rejecting relationships, partnerships, collaborations, or making good use of available resources and opportunities.  I like to think of it as a state of mind whereby an individual is innovative, self-motivated, and self sufficient.  You can be all those things and simultaneously be in a committed and healthy relationship. In fact, I think when it's well balanced it makes for a more attractive and productive relationship! I just thought it was important to put out there because I think some honeeyz make the mistake of holding onto this ill conceived concept of independence and in turn sabotaging relationships or turning prospects off by screaming out I'm independent and refusing to compromise and learn how to be in a relationship while still being miss independent! It can definitely be done! Do you honeeyz agree? 

Anyways, this little number (the wrap dress) is a Banana Republic oldie but goodie and I love it every time I wear it. I love the simplicity and easiness of this dress.  I can throw it on and look totally pulled together without any effort.  And the contrasting stripe pattern and inverted colors on the underside of the collar and cuffs.  I almost always add a scarf to my outfits and wanted something contrasting to break up the monotony of the dress so I grabbed this scarf b/c it was the same striped pattern but in a different color.  I think it made the look a little more interesting and less uptight.  This day was particularly windy and it made for a sexy little photo shoot up at the work place...totally unintentional! There were a bunch of Marilyn Monroe moments where my dress was flying up all over the place, my leg was all out having it's own little Angelina Jolie type party going on, and my hair was flying all over the place.  See for ya self.... :-) 

 **Click below for more pics

The Bad Chick

Why is being bad always more attractive? LOL.  I can't tell you why but I think the more riskier it is the more difficult it is for us to just walk away right?  I'm generally a good, little, wholesome, Christian girl (hahahaha) but every now and again I just have to act a good fool and totally show out.  And when I saw this dress, I thought 'this is a good way to act up without getting into too much trouble!'  Nevertheless, there's always trouble when a woman puts on a hot number and goes out in public.  I definitely had a little issue with one particular stalker (he really liked the dress, so he said 1785 times...sighhh) but otherwise I sure did have a lot of fun! My girls and I ended up having a great night eating good food, chatting, laughing and posing for flicks.  There's nothing like good friends to share your bad chick day with and to create memorable moments, almost more memorable than the dress.  Almost...

So I was a little reluctant to purchase this dress at first because I thought the style was a little too young for me with all the cutouts and carrying on, but I figured 1) I didn't look half bad in it, 2) it was my birthday, therefore, I could do whatever I wanted and 3) the cut outs were strategically placed to keep me from looking totally skank (and yes, there is a difference from a skank and a bad chick...not bad meaning bad but bad meaning good, as Run D.M.C. would say). Additionally, black always helps to keep things sophisticated and the longer hemline in the back kept the class.  By the way, this cut is very trend right now with the whole "hi-lo" concept which, is really not a new phenomenon as far as I'm concerned bc I've always loved it and rocked it but just referred to it by a different term... asymmetric cut from front to back. But I get it, fashion is about reinventing and remixing everything over and over.  :-)  These shoes are liked 3 years old and I swear I wore them 2 times total and then forgot about them but funny how they instantly came to mind when I was at the register buying the dress. Overall, I think the look worked! And you'd never know that I was turning 21 (for the 14th time) and I'm mom to 2 teenage brats...right?? Right (everyone say it together...lol)!  Stay tuned for the good girl look and the final verdict as to whether or not good girls finish first or if bad girls have all the fun.... 

Dress: Reverse; Shoe: Aldo; Jewelry: H&M, Mom's jewelry box; Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Click below for more photos from the "shoot" with my photographer/son, Brycen and the evening out with my honeeyz after the break!!! It's pretty photo heavy but whatever... we just having a little fun!

Resurrected!

Hello my loves!!! Today is Easter Sunday or Resurrection Sunday, depending on whom you're talking to but the point of the matter is, this is the day the Lord has truly made!! I hope all you honeeyz and guys had a wonderful holiday and a great weekend! We surely did over here (birthday celebration has officially begun and Friday night was super awesome)! Anyways, what I love about holidays and days of significance is it gives me an opportunity to really get deep into reflection.  Not that I don't reflect, brainstorm and evaluate on a day to day, because I do, but it's days like this when you really take your thoughts further.  Today the message at church got me to thinking long and hard about how, through God's grace and the Lord's sacrifice, I too have been resurrected in many different ways and at many different times, particularly over the past few years.  I thought back to where I was just this time last year and how the Lord has truly blessed me and once again, elevated me to the next level. I honestly feel like the enemy and certain people were gunning for me this time last year and to think of how I not only survived all of that but came out better than I could've ever thought, it's so awesome and can't be blamed on anybody but God (don't you just love when He does it like that!!).  I'm not perfect in Christ, and I know that I have a lot of work to do, but Lord knows that I love Him and I'm better than I could be.  I'm grateful for everything He has brought me out of and everything He has blessed me with, despite the efforts of the enemy and his little helper. I hope you honeeyz and guys took advantage of the significance of today, putting the Easter Bunny, Easter clothes, and extra to the side, to really reflect on how Christ's sacrifice and God's love has been a blessing in your life and what you can do to better serve Him and elevate yourself.  :-)  

The MILK of it is, self reflection and evaluation is necessary for growth and success. Be sure to take some time out on a regular basis to evaluate where you are, what you came out of, where you want to be and where God expects for you to be! 

Now, to the honeey...this little outfit.  I actually didn't wear this on Easter Sunday but it could've easily worked with the pastel peachy  chiffon top and lighter colors.  I got this top last year for my birthday from ASOS (I've told you guys before that I don't shop there anymore b/c their customer service sucks and I just can't give people my money when they can't give me service in return...I don't care how awesome their selection is or prices are).  Even still, you can't deny the fact that it's so nicely made and has a lot of great details (click after the break to see it all). These cargo pants were purchased about 8 years ago from H&M before people were even really rocking cargo (ahead of the trend?? yupp!) and they have been a staple in my closet.  I love to wear more feminine girly pieces with them to soften them up a little and I love that they are still one of he hottest and most versatile items in my closet 8 years later.  This gold cuff has to be the best $8 I spent in a while! And I swear it really gives me Wonder Woman superhero powers...or at least that's what I believe. LOL.

Pants: H&M (old...from 2004ish); Top: ASOS; Camisole: L.K. Bennett London; Shoes: BCBG Max Azria; Earrings and gold chain and ball necklacce; H&M; 14K Gold nameplate necklace: My own; Cuff Bracelet: Forever21; Wallet: Mac & Jac (TJ Maxx find); Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Red Gold Bracelet; BCBGeneration

 More pics after the break!!!! Click below to see all the details!!!

Channeling Wonder Woman

Hey Honeeyz!!!! I've missed you boys and girls terribly this past week that I've been M.I.A.!! My sincere apologies but last week was one of those where I had to literally pull out my superhero cape and gold magic cuffs and do the d@mn thing. I worked 70 hours last week, Monday through Sunday, took a Zumba class and a boxing class (my left hand knuckles are now totally scabbed from bleeding...don't let the fashion fool you), cleaned my place from top to bottom and worked on some major personal tasks (some of which I will share with you honeeyz on later posts).  I survived on about 4 hours of sleep each night and had almost no time to come up for air but somehow I managed to get it all done.  I guess it was in fact those super hero powers?? Wonder Woman like to be exact! Duhh!!! 

And there is no better outfit than this one, which includes a vibrant power-red pant and lacy blue peplum top with gold accessories, including the cuff bracelet, to call on Wonder Woman herself and look as sexy and fun as she did while doing it! :-) 

But really I sit back sometimes and try to figure out how the heck, what the heck and when the heck I was able to accomplish some of the things I accomplish just on a day to day. I think that when I'm in motion and have these goals and tasks that have to get done, I don't take the time to fret over the details...I just kick into gear and start working on how to get it done. Often times people ask me how I managed to get through college with two babies and then through law school with two toddlers hanging from the ceiling fans, cutting up and wrecking havoc (they were a piece of work) or how I manage to maintain all my current responsibilities (mom, lawyer, blogger, single-woman).  First, I will say that God keeps me through everything I go through...good, bad and indifferent.  I'm not perfect but I do realize that there is no way on this earth that I could keep up or accomplish 1/2 of what I've been blessed to accomplish without His grace and mercy.  In addition, I'm just an extremely ambitious, relentless and determined (aka stubborn and competitive) person...Aries anyone??!!  Instead of looking at obstacles wondering if I can do it, I always look at the situation from the perspective of what do I need to do to get it done.  There is no option for me as to whether or not it will get done when it comes to something I want or need.  It just has to get done and is merely a matter of how I will tackle it. I think that sort of thought process and perspective is the difference between being successful and unsuccessful.  From there, I immediately go into planning, prepping and organizing mode. In a perfect world everything goes as I planned, in an imperfect world you run into obstacles and you act quickly to figure out how to resolve challenges as they come without losing sight of the end goal.  I try not to get frazzled and hung up when I have to make adjustment to original plans, I always try to have an alternative scenario, I write everything down and check it off as I go, and I'm not afraid to use my resources (friends and family) to help effectuate certain tasks.  I encourage all my honeeyz to set ambitious and reasonable goals, stay motivated no matter what, and never give up or allow for someone or some thing to totally knock you off your square.  You can be and do as much as you want; no matter what it is or how challenging it may be. Sometimes you need a cape and sometimes you don't but you can do it! 

Sincerely,

Wonder Woman 

  

Red Linen Pants: United Colors of Benetton; Peplum Lace Shirt: Isaac Mizrahi for Target; Gold Jewelry: All H&M; Clutch/Laptop Case: Urban Outfitters

Take Some Time to Smell the Flowers

The weather projections for today were mid 70s and sunny.  In actuality, the weather turned out to be closer to mid 60s, cloudy, cool and misty.  Total opposite.  In preparation for what the weatherman originally predicted, I decided to wear this floral skirt I picked up from H&M this past weekend (only $18 by the way). Everyone is going bonkers for floral print these days and I’m always in love with a great pattern and bright contrasting colors so this skirt fit the bill. Anywho, back to taking time to smell the flowers… on a very small scale of things I could’ve been easily frustrated with the inaccurate weather predictions or allowed for the gloomy day to put me in an equally gloomy mood, and of course that would’ve been so ridiculous b/c that’s such a trivial issue.  But people do it all the time with even more substantive things.  They often allow for frustrating and unpredictable circumstances to negatively color their mood and their feelings...

 

Life can be complicated and no one said it would be a perpetual cakewalk, but there are also so many opportunities and situations where you can be much more appreciative, much more reflective and much more grateful b/c on the other side, things can always be way worse.  There is something or someone out there experiencing things beyond your comprehension and no matter what is happening to you, you have the opportunity and choice to stop and smell the flowers.  Flowers don’t stop blooming just bc of what is going on in your life.  They even say a rose can grow out of a crack in a sidewalk.  Of course, I’m speaking mostly metaphorically when I’m talking about 'smelling flowers'… I’m really just saying that there’s always a brighter side; there’s always a miracle before you and there’s always beauty around you, no matter what you are going through.  Take the time to tap into that, particularly when things are less than desirable.  Some days may be more irritating, more complicated and more challenging than others.  Some days seemingly don’t work from start to finish but try to keep things in perspective and remember that you have the option to smell the roses, pick the flowers, and play in the garden no matter what else is going on.  

Lately, I’ve been constantly thinking about Trayvon Martin and his family since hearing about his murder and how senseless and meaningless it was; how devastating it must be to lose a child and for no reason at all... and then to be mistreated by the same system that you rely on for justice and protection is unbearable.  I think of that and there is nothing, not one single thing, going on in my life that could be worse than what I imagine that child experienced in the last moments of his life and what his parents and family are enduring now.  It breaks my heart everyday and with that tragedy, I’m reminded (particularly as a mother to a young black boy that’s no different than Trayvon and as an attorney who knows that the case is not being handled properly), I have no reason…not one single reason…to complain. I CAN see the flowers blooming. RIP Trayvon Martin. 

Flower Pencil Skirt: H&M; Cardigan: Old Navy; Belt: Forever21; Black Scalloped Pumps: Prada; Pink Diamond Watch: AquaMaster; Studded Bracelet: BCBGeneration; Beaded Turquoise Necklace: Forever 21; Bag: Juicy Couture; Earrings: Gifted from Mom; Short Trench; H&M

 CLICK BELOW FOR MORE PICS AND DETAILS OF THIS LOOK!!!

Brand New Vintage

Surprisingly, I haven’t yet hopped on the thrifting trend that everyone has been going crazy over.   I say surprisingly b/c I do love a lot of retro and vintage designs... the details, fabrics, bells and whistles can be so beautiful and intricately done.  I have a lot of pieces in my wardrobe that is very reminiscent of decades ago in terms of the colors, structure, patterns, and materials (to hammer this point home, I typically dream of everything Diana Ross is wearing in "Mahogany" and "Lady Sings the Blues").   I probably haven't completely jumped on the boat mostly because I’m so darn impatient.  I don’t like combing through racks and examining things in that kind of way that makes an official and effective thrifter.  I did give it a go a time or two… well sort of.  One time my BFF, Shan, and I made it to a consignment shop but I left with a pair of Rock and Republic jeans and a very current Covet dress…totally modern, totally nowhere near thrifting or vintage hunting, totally missed the point.  LOL.  Anyways, I’ll give it another go one day soon but for now I love finding retro pieces from today that remind me of the good old days of yesteryears, even though it's brand spanking new and made within the most recent season.  

In this look, I did exactly that (I also did it HERE too), I wore current items that are an ode to back in the day.  This dress is from the Isaac Mizrahi for Target line and it was originally priced at $70 and I got it for….drum rolls please.... $7!! That’s right!!  It was stuck on a clearance rack somewhere and I stumbled on it by accident, and aside from the fact that it cost only $7, I was immediately attracted to the fabric, the way the dress moved, the pleating, tie waisted detail, the color, and the length (all of which screams Diana Ross as Billie Holiday).  Only issue is that it's actually too big. It's a medium and I really need a small but again, it cost $7 so I was not walking away from that thing!  Never mind the fact that I was likely in Target for laundry detergent, soap and lotion and managed to leave with a bunch of crap, including a cart full of clothes...does anyone ever make it out of Target with just the necessities? I never do.  Anyways, I figured with the tie waist and buttons down the middle I could manipulate it down to my size. This go around I paired the dress with giraffe print pony hair booties (animal print and pony hair is very vintage inspired).  Those shoes give the look that edge and kick I’m always needing.  And to go totally eclectic retro (and to keep warm), I added the navy blue polka dot and print scarf and a blazer, both from H&M.  The scarf is screaming vintage Hermes or Etro, except it cost me $10 and I bought it this past summer rather than in the 60's. LOL. The blazer helps to streamline the dress considering it's still really too big for me. What do you honeeyz think?  What tips do you honeeyz have for a modern chick trying to experience some thrifting bonuses?? What do you honeeyz gravitate to when you are trying to get an eclectic or retro look popping off?

Giraffe Print Pony Hair Booties, Luxury Rebel; Sunglasses, Christian Dior; Watch, Marc by Marc Jacobs; Rosegold Bracelet, BCBGeneration; Necklace, Tilly's; Leather Wallet, Mac and Jac ($20 at TJ Maxx);