All Black Everything and the Ballet

I'm very excited about this weekend because I will be attending the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater  show at the Kennedy Center! The Alvin Ailey Dance Theater was established in 1958 for the purposes of bringing African American cultural expression and American modern dance form to the forefront. The show encompasses a mix of ballet, jazz and a few other forms of modern dance.  This will be my first time attending a dance show of this magnitude.  I expect to be totally wowed for so many reasons.  I love the arts, I love new experiences and I love to be educated while entertained and I believe that it is extremely important to support African American initiatives to keep them coming and going.  From what I understand, every one and their mother and anybody who is somebody will be out for the show... including all the big wig politicians and the creams of the crop...possibly even my Black President.  Heyyyyy Barack!! :-)   

The Milk and Honeey Of It:

While  it's absolutely cool to kick it  and do the usual at times, it's equally as important to participate in things with substance and value and to expand your experiences.  Learn to operate outside of your comfort zone and expose yourself and children to new things. 

Bringing Sexy All the Way Back, literally. :-) 

Obviously, the question of what to wear to such an event was immediately on my brain after securing the tickets.  I decided that I wanted to wear something a little more sophisticated and dressed up than usual considering the occasion; however, I didn't want to compromise my sexy, comfort, and edge.  The first decision I made is that I would wear black b/c black makes it so hard to NOT be sexy, classy and sophisticated.  I ultimately decided on this BCBG black, jersey maxi-like dress.  The length makes it a little more formal than the usual dresses but the jersey keeps it fun and comfortable and adds more sexy (ask Donna Karan...jersey is the most forgiving and sexy material out there).  The added surprise in the back, the asymmetry of the cut at the bottom (shorter in the front and longer in the back) with the added slit in the front and back sealed the deal.  And to keep the edge, I paired it with a pair of rockin' booties as opposed to a classic pump or boot.  I think I got it! What do you honeeyz think of this look? 

Not Ya Momma's Jeans!

There is no question that Denim is probably the number ONE wardrobe staple.  I don't think it's even possible to have anything remotely close to a wardrobe without a perfect pair of jeans.  And that statement right there is what begs the ever pressing question, 'what is and how do you find the "perfect" jean?' My personal philosophy is the perfect pair of jeans come in so many shapes, colors, textures, and cuts that there is not  just only one perfect pair.  I own so many styles, brands and colors and find them all useful for different purposes and events.  I personally believe that every honeey should own at least one pair of versatile jeans that she can wear to work or after work or at your kid(s) school with a cute heel or boot and a fancy top or blazer and that fits her perfectly.  If you have to pick from one particular cut/style of jean that would suit you for work, parent friendly events, happy hour and lounging, I would suggest a perfect trouser cut jean or a boot cut.  These styles are professional, modern, and sexy all at the same time. What I will tell you is an absolute DON'T is the trauma we all know as "mom jeans!"  I do not care how old you are, how many kids you have, what type of activities you are involved in, there's no excuse for a frumpy, ill fitting, ridiculously sloppy pair of discolored jeans from 1984! Just take some time to visit a department store or Target where they carry several styles and colors of jeans at multiple price points and invest the effort and money into a perfect pair of jeans.  Even if you can only find or afford one pair of jeans in your pursuit, then please get just one great pair and wear them 5,000 different ways (including with a printed vibrant blouse like I did here).

Silk Shirt, Anthropologie; Jeans, Citizen of Humanity; Belt, F21; Sunglasses, Christian Dior; Bag, Louis Vuitton; Heels, Kelsi Dagger; 14K Bamboo Earrings and Nameplate Necklace; my own

Act Like a LADY; Think Like a WOMAN

Forget whatever foolishness that Steve Harvey is trying to sell. There's nothing more attractive than a young LADY who is behaving and dressing the part. And there is nothing sexier or more empowering than a confident, educated and experienced WOMAN.  If you know what you want, are attentive enough and mature enough to compromise and improve, when necessary then there is no reason for any girl to act like a boy for the sake of a relationship??  It's really that simple and that easy.  All these rules, tricks and games just make things more complicated and ridiculous!  Besides, no real man wants their lady thinking like a boy; and no real woman needs to play a different gender role to have a successful love life. Period!!

With that said, lets move on to the fun part ...this cute little outfit!!! Lol. Polka dots and ruffles are an instant way to scream,  'I'm a laaaaaaaddyy (in my Sheneneh voice)!!!'  It's the ultimate lady-like combination. And as you honeeyz can see, dressing like a lady doesn't mean that you have to look super conservative and frumpy!  All you have to remember is to keep all of your style and attitude in the look and you will be the sexiest lady-like chick out there and in my experience, that whole look typically drives the boys crazy! :-). What types of prints, silhouettes, combinations and pieces do you Honeeyz go to when dressing like a laddddyy? 

Cardigan worn as a shirt and Earrings, H&M; Shorts, Modcloth @ www.modcloth.com; Shoes and Bag, L.A.M.B.; Watch, Gucci; Rosegold Bracelet, BCBGeneration.

 I thought the shorts had so much personality that the top and shoe didn't have to be too loud so I paired them with a lightweight, 3/4 sleeve, nude colored cardigan. The ruffles on the cardigan shoulders were perfectly fitting for the lady like theme. 

See the rest of the story in the form of pics below!!! 

Taste the Rainbow...

I miss the summer miserably and just to prove it I decided to put together a kaleidoscope of dramatic colors and viola...Skittles don't even look this good! LOL.  One thing I've learned is that we control our outlook and feelings and as vain or sappy as it may sound, your attire is a great way of projecting and controlling your mood.  I mean do you think people wear all black to funerals to reflect that they are happy??  Doubt it.  So I say, if you are not feeling in the best of moods take control! If you aren't looking forward to a certain event, weather predictions, prospective company (uggghhh) or any type of interaction, then determine what it is you would rather feel, think or display and allow for your clothes to help put you in that place.  It's extremely difficult to walk around with a frown and a pout while wearing hot pink, neon orange, and bright yellow!  I can honestly say, after putting together this blast of colors I instantly felt warm and fuzzy inside and my attitude was cheery and bright to boot! Try it some time! :-)  What do you honeeyz do to help set your mood, control a raging attitude or turn your frown upside down?  

Silk Shirt, Anthropologie; Skirt and Shoes, BCBG MaxAzria; Leather Clutch, Gap (Circa 2000); Pink Diamond Watch, AquaMaster; Rosegold bangle, BCBGeneration; Colorful Hoop/Chain earrings, F21. 

Click below for the rest of the story, in the form of pictures, with commentary and a very special guest appearance!! And special shout out to my new photographer and part time stylist, my 12-year-old daughter, Cierra! She helped style this look ("wonderful mommy") and she took all of the pictures.  LOVE HER!!!!!