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....

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!!!

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! :-)

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 Finale, Part V: First Lady Style, Democratic Price

Well Honeeyz, we have reached our 5th and final look in the Target Challenge series and I have to say, I had so much fun doing it that I'm kinda sad to see it go (TEARS...well not really, but again, the drama)!  However, don't fret because in prepping and getting into this challenge I realized that I have way more fabulous pieces from Target than I even knew about! So although we are done with this particular challenge, we aren't done with the fab finds from Target! You will definitely see them incorporated in future looks to come.  Anyways, we decided to close this series out with a bang and some class.  I honestly don't know anyone in my current peripheral view with the class, finesse, grace and style like our First Lady, Michelle O.!  I mean that woman is fly and regal and guess what....she shops at Target too! :-) One of her go to looks is a sheath dress, and it happens to be a Milk and Honeeyz staple piece (hint, hint ladies...you should at least 2 of these in your closets).  So it should come to no surprise that I have several and one of my favorites is this super cute purple number that I paid $22 for from Target!!! 

I love this dress for so many reasons, including the great price!  It is totally diverse and takes on a different look every time you wear it.   You can add a cardigan, a blazer, pull over sweater, belt (skinny or thick), rock it with boots, pumps, flats (I'm allergic so this is not an option for me...sorry flats), or sandals and most importantly for slacker procrastinators like me, it takes 2 minutes tops to put on! You are always appropriate and even after work super cute.  This dress used to be much more fitted but I've lost 10lbs and its much looser these days, to the extent that wearing a belt was not an option! Anyways, what do you honeeyz think of this look? What pieces do you own and consider to be very Michelle O.? And is she the flyest First Lady or what (sorry Jackie O., you've been knocked to number 2 as far as I'm concerned)!!!???

Photo Courtesy: Google Image via cbsnews.com

P.S. In case you haven't noticed, my hair is all weaved up and flowing past my shoulders these days! I now go by the name, Lee'yonce, if you are wondering. Carrying on.  :-) Ok, I'm just joking about the name change but I did switch the hair up.  It's getting rather humid and sweaty out and I like to keep my hair in more protective styles when that is happening so I thought no better way than to braid it up and buy somebody else's hair to accomplish all of that... ya like?? I do! Diversity and options with hair are always a plus! 

**Click Below for the Rest of the First Lady Style Pics and details of what I'm wearing!!! 

The Art of Multitasking

The truth is I didn't really put a lot of thought into this outfit. I saw that mother nature's bipolar mood was on an even to manic swing and we were gonna get some good weather and I wanted to wear a fun dress.  That's wear everything started and evolved. Knowing mother nature and her mental impairment, I was fully aware that she was capable of having a depressed swing and ushering in a cold front so I knew I'd have to do some layering.  Not to mention that the dress I decided on had a vented back (surprise, surprise...at this point I don't think I own any dresses or tops without missing fabric in the back in some way).  I had to make things office appropriate so I decided on this short sleeved blazer that I've only had the pleasure of wearing once this past fall and was dying to get another go at it.  I also have always loved the pairing of grey, especially tweed greys, with soft pinks so it came together perfectly... to me.  I added the wedges b/c like the blazer, I've missed them and haven't had a chance to wear them since last year.  By the time I was all dressed and ready to go (like 15 minutes tops b/c in my ordinary fashion, I woke up about 15 minutes before I had to head out for work to avoid being late) I realized this outfit was totally diverse and perfectly capable of multitasking to the fullest!!! I love it when things come together by accident! LOL

Not only is this dress a perfect take on the traditional shirt dress, but it is slightly upgraded and modernized with the addition of the pockets, the belt, and the cut out back!! So this worked perfectly for a casual relaxed look (think lunch with friends, museum with the kids, shopping for your self), but I could take the blazer off and head out to a happy hour and show a little skin without being overly provocative.  And although I wasn't conservatively dressed, I was appropriate enough for work (remember, relaxed government office that doesn't require suits and button ups all day) with the added jacket.  So this one outfit turned out to be great for work, nightlife, and relaxed socializing. In addition to multitasking in terms of settings, this outfit was also perfect for varying weather... I could take the jacket off when mother nature was on her best behavior giving me the sun and warmth I was begging for, and when her medication wore off (which of course it did), the jacket made the cooler and clearly less desirable weather more tolerable. All in all, this is what you would call multitasking!!  What items do you honeeyz gravitate towards to take you from A to Z without having to change a thing?? Do share!

Short sleeve, double breasted Blazer/Shirt Dress: BCBGeneration; Wedges: Dolce Vita; Bag: L.A.M.B.; Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Bracelets: BCBG, White gold/yellow gold necklace worn as bracelet 

**Click below for more pics from the "shoot" :-)

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...