The Lady and the Dancing Pink Elephants

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

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

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

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

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

Make LOVE Not War

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

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

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

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

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

Never Again, Once More?

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

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

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

Click Below for More Shots....

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!! :-)

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 Target Challenge Part II: Trendy Pieces 4 Less

Hello my loves!! I'm sooooo sorry for the delay in this post!! Last week was another unexpectedly crazy one and before I knew it an entire week has past since I last talked to you Honeeyz.  Forgive me? Please! Anyways, I'm picking up where we last left off and that's with my Target Style Challenge!! Yaayy!! You guys gave such good feedback on the last post so I hope we can keep it going!  Now let's get right to it, shall we!?! As you know, this series will include inexpensive pieces from my fav place, Target, as a way to show all my honeeyz that style is not dependent upon the cost or the brand but more so on the eye and the attitude.  In this post, I decided to grab what would be considered a trendy piece and build an outfit around it.  No matter how many of us try to pretend we don't follow trends, we do... even when we don't think we do or want to admit it.  Trends are just an integral part of fashion... sometimes they are great and stay, and other times we can't wait for them to go and to never ever come back! For that reason, I think acquiring trendy pieces or testing them out for less is a great way to go! It's a win win people!! 

As most of my honeeyz and fly guyz know, pastels and bright pieces are a big deal this season (for the record, they have always been a fav of mine but whatevs).  I happened to luck up on this perfect silk and nylon blend blouse from the Isaac Mizrahi for Target line in a pretty lilac/pinky pastel several years ago. Like many of my other fab Target pieces, I found this top on a clearance rack for $4 and some change! Yup....Isaac Mizrahi, silk, trendy, classic piece...$4!!!! Digest alllll of that!!! I originally bought it for the purpose of wearing under my conservative suits and spicing things up with a pop of color and it worked perfectly that way! But I really haven't worn it outside of that until being forced to examine all my Target pieces for this challenge and put together some outfits. It turns out this piece is so versatile, so pretty, and so on trend despite being about 5 years old. For this challenge, I paired the top with another trendy item of the season...polka dots and b/c I wore this to work (on a Saturday but work even still), I added a blazer to keep things a little more tailored and sophisticated.  What do you honeeyz think of this piece and look? 

Silk blend Blouse: Isaac Mizrahi for Target (old); Polka Dot Skinny Jeans: BDG; Patent Leather Platform Pumps: Kelsi Dagger; White Blazer: ASOS Black Collection; Black Leather Bag: Juicy Couture (circa 2004); Watch: Gucci; Bracelets: BCBGeneration; Earrings: Siglo Jewelry

 **Click below for the rest of the pics and be sure to comment!!! I love to hear from you guys!! :-)

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... 

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!

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

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