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!!!

Finally, Geometry Makes Sense (Fashion Sense)

Before I even get into the wonderfulness of this dress, let me first address the nonsense of this day, Monday. In typical Lee fashion, I woke up 5 seconds before I was supposed to be out the door and on my way to work (I gotta do better... at this rate, I will be late to my funeral for sure).  Considering the limited time I had and the cooperating weather (clearly mother nature is off her period this week), this dress was an easy pick.  I hadn't wore it since last summer and it requires no effort to wear b/c the print works the whole thing by itself. DONE. Anyways, I almost always commute to work via the Metro (DCs subway/rail line) which is about a 10 minute walk from my apartment so I often wear flats or a pair of Converse Chuck Taylors and I carry my work shoes (heels, but of course) in my work bag.  So far everything is making sense and falling into place, right? Right, until I get to work and find that I packed two mismatched shoes.  Sweet baby Jesus. How that happen is still a mystery to me b/c the picking of the shoes happened in clear daylight and these two shoes were not even slightly similar.  They were different colors, shapes and styles (I swear I gotta do better...SMH).  With that, I was stuck in a dress, with my Chuck Taylors at the work.  Ironically (or not), it turned out to be the cutest little fun little unexpected outfit (nevermind the fact that it's so ridiculous to walk around the office in Chucks all day but whatever, sh#t happens...I got my work done regardless)! It even put me in the most carefree relaxed mood and I survived Monday!! Yaayyy! :-) 

The Milk and Honeeyz of it: 'When life gives you lemons, make the bestest strongest strawberry lemonade margarita you can find and have yourself a good ole' time!!!

I not only love the geometric print (which is trending big time in the fashion world) and colors, but I also love the shape of the dress, the tie neck, the 3/4 bishop sleeves and the flirty length (it's a little on the shorter side but it's not tight or clingy so it works).  More importantly, this was another fabulous find from Forever 21 that I happened upon for $30 tops! :-)  I swear things are just looking up!! LOL. 

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

For Pleats Sake...Can A Girl Get A Break??!

Pleated Skirt: Calvin Klein; Peplum Shirt: French Connection; Small Hobo Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Cut-out Booties: L.A.M.B.; Sunglasses: Balenciaga; Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs

I've been working like an absolute crazy woman this week so my dress attire has been relatively subdued, as it is taking the back seat to being a grown up in a professionally demanding world.  The reality is, even with a relaxed work environment and all the creativity in the world, you can only go but so far with the fashions during business hours (not to mention that it becomes even more difficult when all your hours seemingly are business hours and there's no time to play or think too hard about what to wear!!) Anyways, I promise this weekend I'll take some time to dip back into the fun play world, including playing dress up, and I'll have some new fun posts for you Honeeyz next week!  For now, see how I called on some accordion pleats (and bright colors) to bring just a little bit of action in the work day... I mean for pleats sake...can't a girl have just a little fun??!! :-) 

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. 

When Tragedy Strikes

Super cute, lovable and innocent right? Well think again....

You honeeyz may have gathered from previous posts that I have a younger son, a 3.5-year-old shih tzu named Benjamin Fitzgerald Hamilton (yes, very regal and presidential).  He is as cute as a button and frequently poses in pics with me.  However, he recently committed the ultimate crime and I'm having a very difficult time forgiving him and moving past his most recent transgression... 

The Tragedy

A few days ago I discovered him in the living room chowing down on a pair of shoes I paid several hundred dollars for and  that I have come to love.  Why he decided to do this when he has rarely ever chewed on anything in the past 3.5 years he's been in our household is beyond me.  In any event, my shoes are just about ruined and my  relationship with Benji seems irreparable (I have not had the desire to even look his way). I'm planning to send my shoes out to this awesome cobbler/shoe repair phenomenon in New York City, Mina's, who has previously restored a pair of shoes I nearly destroyed back to better than brand new.  

The biggest issue here is leather and pony hair has been chewed away so I don't know if it's even possible to make them wearable again with missing material.  My thoughts are if I can find someone who can even out the edges, add the black piping to seal the edges that they could be better again but in that case it won't be identical to the other shoe bc the edges will be shorter than the unscathed shoe.  Or maybe I just give up and start over...who doesn't need an excuse to purchase a replacement shoe? But the thing is I don't think I can "replace" this particular shoe. I can find an animal print pony hair shoe, yes but I liked this shoe for so many reasons...the print is not a traditional leopard, it's giraffe, the shape isn't a round toe, point toe or traditional square toe, it sort of has a shape of it's own.  It's a unique shoe in many ways but a the same time very much a staple (animal print and pony hair will never leave us) and very much classic that I could've had forever.  Or maybe I just put Benji's destructive @ss on craigslist!!! Sigghhhhhhh..... What do you honeeyz suggest? Check out the damage below and let me know...

The culprit

The end result... salvageable???

He's sorry (I don't care)

Looks perfectly fine from the top front... shouldn't give up right??

A hot mess from the back side with an entire chunk missing...what to do???

Dear Philly: I Miss You

Fur and Wool Coat: Andrew Marc; Heeled Hiking Boots: Tory Burch; Black Jeans: Mossimo; City, PHILLY

I'm a hardcore city girl to heart.  I thrive off the energy, the crowds, the busy-ness, the grit and the diversity.  DC is great in that regard and that's part of the reason I'm enjoying myself down here, but the reality is there is nothing like Philly. I was back in Center City Philly with my kiddies this past weekend to shop around for my son's 15th birthday gift (sneakers that cost too much darn money) and as soon as I set foot back in the city, I realized how much I miss it.  I miss everything about it... almost being ran over by a cab or the Septa buses; the smell of cheesesteak in the air; the universities and the students at every corner; the fashion...Philly has it for days; the culture; the hoods; the old money; the history; the architecture; the graffiti; the shopping selections; restaurants; masses of people and all that good stuff... I'm one of those people that needs a little bit of too much, a little bit of chaos, a little bit of disorganization and little bit of hectic in order to function and thrive. It's sort of like my drug and motivation...the City. Philly.

My big baby... 

This post is photo heavy...just me, the kids and the city....

"Mommy Luxe" Version of Kim K.'s Fab Look

I spent much of this past fall and winter, probably like many of you honeeyz, hunting for a fabulous fur vest.  A fur vest is always a great piece to have, and this past season they were in high demand (see my Style Crush HERE rocking various fur vests in the flyest ways possible).  I searched high and low for the perfect vest for weeks at a time and I thought I'd never find one.  For some reason every vest that I saw and sort of liked just wasn't fitting me right or working the way I envisioned.  But then a few weeks ago I finally came across a long faux fur vest by French Connection that I instantly was loving but was a little unsure about it because of the length (and partly bc I really wanted real fur... I know, shameful).  

Photo Courtesy: www.zimbio.com

While I was contemplating the purchase (I actually left the vest and came back for it a few days later), I recalled a picture of Kim Kardashian rocking a similar style vest and looking hawwt as usual.  I know she's a short little cutie like me so I figured if she could pull it off I could pull it off (yea, I just concluded without much reasoning at all that whatever Kim K. can do I can do just as well...yup)! Not only did Kim convince me, unbeknownst to her, that I should get the vest I also decided that I'd pair the vest similarly to how Kim rocked it.  The only difference is I happen to be a very busy woman, mom to two demanding brats (and I have a slightly more restrictive bank account than Kim has...lol) and therefore, can't be screaming out fabulosity and high end fashion all day every day (although I wouldn't mind being about that life at some point...lol).  So I decided to rock the look this weekend while running around with my Princess and I put a comfy, chic, mommy spin on it and came up with what I dubbed, "The Mommy Luxe" version of this Kim K inspired look. What do you honeeyz think of my toned down, kid friendly version of Kim's look? How do you busy honeeyz or mommy honeeyz stay chic and fabulous while maintaining all your many roles and responsibilities? 

Faux Fur Vest, French Connection; Long sleeve white tee (staple item), BCBGeneration; Suede Pointy Toe Wedges, Sam Edleman; Pouch/handbag, Gucci; Sunglasses, Balenciaga; Gold Ball Charm Necklace, H&M

Photo Courtesy: www.x17online.com. *How Fab does she look??!! Did it on em!

Strong Brows, Sexy Curls & A Hint of Mint!!

This past weekend was my get it all the way right weekend... hair, nails and brows done...yaayy! However, I switched it up a little and I'm happy I did.  I usually get my nails and brows done at Hollywood Nails in Wilmington, DE every 3-4 weeks by my favorite nail tech, Trinny; but it has become more and more apparent that I was gonna need a replacement or at least a backup.  I don't live in the Philly area anymore and although I'm up there bi-weekly to pick up my babies, my time is still really limited and beyond PRECIOUS (time is money, time is yours and you don't get it back)! The wait and the nonsense at Hollywood is at an all time high lately and I can't deal...(as Jay says, I'm impatient and I hate waiting).  The dilemma I faced in finding a replacement tech, is that I'm beyond particular about my brows and my nails...it's kinda mental.  LOL. But the reality is there is not only one place and one person from VA to PA that can do what I need them to do and do it right.  The only way I would find that person, is by trying someone else.  And that's where I lucked up at this weekend!!

As usual I was in one of my favorite establishments, Bliss Elements Salon and Spa, Friday afternoon getting my hair all the way done (praise the Lord, b/c after I got my hair done the Friday before last, I took my Princess to the spa for the day in celebration of her 13th birthday (ummm yea, 13 at the darn spa...I didn't get there til I was in college but that's a whole other story!!) and I spent a little too much time in the sauna and clearly forgot I'm relaxer free b/c when I came up out of that joint my hair was all the way over before it ever even started)!  While I was there getting my hair all cute (how cute are those curls), my stylist kept suggesting I let the new aesthetician do my brows.  I was resistant at first (NOOOO!!), but he convinced me enough and she was such a sweetie pie and professional it wasn't that hard.  Well much to my surprise, she did the thang and I think I got myself a new brow girl!!!  Not only did she produce good results, but this experience was beyond expectation! It was straight up spa quality...I honestly felt like I was getting a lux facial when I was really only getting my brows..that good.  I say its an absolute do!! So check out Ms. JoVanna Butler, licensed aesthetician and new edition to the Bliss family. You pay a little more but you get a whole lot (including the convenience and value of my time) and you support black professionals and black business.  That's what I call Milk AND Honeey!! What do you honeeyz think about my fab brows? 

After I got my brows and hair all Blissed up, I was still left with the dilemma of getting these nails done.  They were looking a hot mess and the whole Valentine's Day theme I was rocking was sooooo beat down and over but again, Trinny was out of commission.  So I decided to give the nail salon across from my house here in the DMV another try.  I used them one other time last summer and I was less than happy, but the reality is everyone in even the best places aren't qualified to do nails (or at least mine!! lol).  So I went back and I went to a different person and I watched and directed her like a hawk...told u I was crazy.  And it all worked out just fine.  I went with a mint color and a splash of gold (you know I need that little extra).  I think they turned out awesome! Mint is the color of the moment and I'm still debating on a few clothing pieces to add to my wardrobe so i figured I could be in the moment by putting it on my nails.  This choice is an OPI color and I totally forgot the name but it had "grandma" and "apple" in the name somewhere.  :-)) 

For more candid pics of my curls, brows and nails click below!! :-)))

Happy 15th Birthday Mr. Brycen!!!

Yesterday my oldest baby and only son, Brycen Koran, turned 15!! Yea this little dude is trynna make momma look like she’s getting old but it ain’t gonna happen.  Anyways, its only right that he gets his own post and special little shout out like I did for his sister, my Princess Cierra (read about it here).  So here goes….

      

The long and short of it is that Brycen has been driving me absolutely insane for the past 15 years.  Unlike his sister, he is a royal pain in my butt b/c he is way too opinionated, independent, expensive (please somebody hire this little embezzler) and smart for his own darn good.  To give you some background, his name means “well spoken gift” and I can promise you that he lives up to every aspect of that definition. I want so bad for him to be an attorney (make some money off that mouth of his). He will argue, propose, defend, and justify you into oblivion…and his perspective is usually dead on! He is probably the best prospective criminal defense attorney out there (Johnnie Cochran has nothing on this man-child) but he thinks that is the most boring profession ever and would rather be an engineer (that’ll work too).   He’s been doing this whole thing that makes him who he is since forever.  His first words were "stop," "no," "mine," "give me," "leave me alone,"and "get off"…in that order.  As you can imagine, this is where the perpetual headache originated.  The funny thing though, is he is essentially just the boy version of me but with all the added testosterone, male pride and ego.  Sweet Baby Jesus!!  

Despite of it all, this boy is my favorite guy in the whole world!!!  I love him to no end, and he knows that and that’s probably why he continues to push all my buttons and jump up and down on the nerves I have left.  What I love the most about him (besides the fact that he's mine) and in spite of his smart mouth, hard head and ego for days, is that he is such a great kid.  I’m extremely proud of him and consistently impressed by his day to day nonsense.  LOL. But honestly, he is an extremely well balanced, hardworking, independent and ambitious little thing.  He is a distinguished honors student (4.0 this marking period) in the honors program in his 1^st year of high school, a star athlete, an artistic talent and an absolute cutie pie (the one dimple gets me all the time just like his sisters lashes do).  His personality and confidence is off the chain and his swagg is on a hundred (this is something ridiculous he would say)!!!  LOL.  I love the little monster and I'm grateful that he has kept me on my toes over the past 15 years. Happy Birthday to my Pumpkin, Brycen Koran, aka Mr. Fresh aka Rough Top aka Chunk aka Bryce aka B aka Young Money aka Man-child (LOL)!!!! 

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);