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??!! :-)

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!!!!"