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Fancy Things Friday

August 1, 2014

1. These precious Lori Cutout Flats by Restricted transition well from summer into fall. With a chambray top and a bright midi skirt, these rustic-inspired shoes would definitely pop. (shopruche.com)

2. I’ll admit it. I have long been a staunch naysayer of fedoras. That all changed when I saw Lack of Color’s collection of wide-brimmed fedoras. This Montana Hidden Shadows hat is super versatile with its deep grey brim, black bow detail ribbon and light marle grey crown. It gives me a certain film noir dame vibe. (lackofcolor.com.au)

3. With its daring cobalt blue hue, the sexy silk Caila Envelop Skirt has a regal air about it. Pair this wraparound skirt with an open-toe heel and your invisible crown, and they’ll be singing, “She’s your queeeeeeen tooo beeeee.” (shopdoll.com)

4. I’m always proud to rep for Team Natural. These Naturally Dope Hand Painted Earrings from Leather Candy Accessories make it easy. Plus, dopeness needs to be acknowledged and celebrated. (etsy.com)

5. Florals and polka dots join forces in this vintage-inspired Princess Rose One-Piece swimsuit. So much charm in one small package! (limericki.com)

Outfit of the Day: A Lighter Shade of Brown on a Sunday Afternoon

June 17, 2014

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1,2

I wore this casual get-up on a recent Sunday afternoon. I especially enjoyed how the various colors in the scarf are mirrored throughout the outfit, from the sweater to the shoulder bag to the shoes. If the purse looks familiar, it’s because it was featured in one of my thrifted Christmas hauls. Liz Claiborne never lets me down. Love that girl!

Sweater: H&M
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: Thrifted
Scarf: Thrifted
Purse: Thrifted
Earrings: Francesca’s (Gifted)

Photographer: Dash

Outfit of the Day: On the Scene in Green

May 27, 2014

“But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.” Psalm 52:8

A great creature by the name of Kermit the Frog once lamented, “It’s not easy being green,” but I must say this darling high-low top makes it pretty painless. I let the shirt do all the talking while my gold accents played the background. I personally like the statement necklace tucked in for a more subtle look. This bright little number also transitions well from day to night.

Top: Fenn Wright Manson
Jeans: C’est Toi Jeans
Flats: Old Navy
Earrings: Forever 21
Necklace: Thrifted
Cardigan: Frenchi (from Nordstrom)

Photographer: Ayesha

Outfit of the Day: Talk of the Town in Orange-ish Brown

April 14, 2014

“Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” Psalm 32:11

Does this sweater look familiar? Well, this is the piece found in my most recent Thrifted Thursday. Funny story: There wasn’t a tag with washing instructions so I erroneously assumed it was cotton. Boy, did I get a rude awakening when I pulled it from the dryer significantly shrunken. My plans for an oversized sweater went awry, and I was left instead with this fitted, crop-sleeve number. It’s quite all right though. When life gives you lemons … right? You’ll notice a leaf in my pocket. That was a gift picked especially for me by my nephew, Jordan.

I chose to wear the orange-ish brown sweater to last Saturday’s San Diego Padres vs. Detroit Tigers baseball game at PETCO Park, which was in my hometown, that I went to with my pal, Zita. I figured the color scheme could be applicable to either team. Also, I wore another item previously featured in my Christmas Haul, Part I post. Yes, that would be the ultra-fancy blue shoulder bag with stripes and gold hardware. Overall, I had a fantastic time at the game, complete with hot dogs, singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” and cheering for Detroit.

Sweater: Thrifted
Shirt: Urban Outfitters
Jeans: Old Navy
Purse: Gifted (Thrifted)
Sunglasses: Thrifted
Earrings: Forever 21
Necklace: Forever 21
Shoes: Old Navy

Photographers: Ayesha, Zita D.

They Call Us Mellow Yellow

March 25, 2014

Guess who started playing softball again. That would be me! Some of you may know that I used to play softball in a community league in high school (Shout out to The Ruff Ryders!). I’m a bit rusty, seeing how that was more than a decade ago, but I’m excited about playing intramural softball through Zog Sports LA. My first game with my “extremely casual” team, The Mellow Yellows, was this past Sunday. Aside from getting a gnarly bruise on my leg, I had a blast getting back in the swing of things and hanging out at the happy hour afterward. I look forward to spending Sunday nights with old friends (Zita and Shannon), making new ones, being active and possibly even getting a few “Ws” under our belt. Play ball!

Outfit of the Night: Werkin’ It at the Wedding

March 10, 2014

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.” Ecclesiastes 4:9

This past Saturday I was honored to attend the wedding of my friends Aileen and Jonathan. For this occasion, I decided to recycle a saucy evening outfit comprised mostly of great pieces from Forever 21. I added the sash to bring some drama and to coordinate with the black accessories I wore. I enjoy the pop of magenta on the skirt of the dress, and the grey up top helped tone down the piece. Overall, I had a lovely time celebrating Ai and Jon’s wedded bliss in style. Congrats, Mr. and Mrs. Garcia!

Overcoat: Gifted (Forever 21)
Dress: Forever 21
Sash: Added from an old Forever 21 skirt
Earrings: Forever 21
Heels: Anne Michelle
Purse: Thrifted

Photographer: Dash

Natural Hair Journey: Two-Year Anniversary

January 7, 2014

In all the excitement about the new year I totally forgot about this Jan. 1 being my two-year natural hair anniversary. Yes, two years ago I took the plunge and decided to wear my hair in all its kinky, coily glory, the way the good Lord gave it to me! What a journey it has been. The above collage is just a few snapshots of my favorite hair moments from 2012 and 2013. The largest picture was taken in January 2012 during a trip to the DMV area, about a week or so into joining Team Natural. I realize that the past two years have been about me embracing my natural texture and getting comfortable with styling it, and trying new things, including an array of products – some hits, some misses. I played with scarves, experimented with many an updo, dabbled with braids, and ran wild with Senegalese and Marley twists.

I can legitimately say that I’m nappy and happy! Yes, there were great days when I felt like a luxurious Nubian princess after turning heads and garnering compliments. And yes, there were difficult days when my tresses didn’t want to cooperate and I dreaded being seen in public. Either way, I took the good with the bad, toughed it out and learned a lot. Now that I’ve gotten acclimated with my natural hair, I’ll be focusing on growth and length retention this year. I’ll finally get an extremely overdue trim, try some Jamaican Black Castor Oil to even out my disproportionately shorter edges and commit to a results-driven regimen. Heck, I may even start doing length checks. I’m super excited to be at this juncture in my journey.

What are some things that have worked for you in growing your hair? Are there any hair products or supplements that have done the trick? I’d appreciate any recommendations in the comments section below. Thanks!

Outfit of the Night: A Rockin’ New Year’s Eve

January 2, 2014

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

This past New Year’s Eve I decided to stay inside with my boo wop. But just because we weren’t out at a club didn’t mean we couldn’t dress to impress. It was quite fun actually, wearing fancy clothes but being in the comforts of a warm home. I went with this spunky little party dress I scored for less than $15 from Fred Flare several months ago, and it was my first time wearing it. I love the mesh cutouts in the back. Overall, it was a perfect look to close out 2013.

Dress: Motel Rocks
Heels: Bonnibel
Clutch: Thrifted
Earrings: Forever 21
Lipstick: Revlon Super Lustrous “Wink for Pink”

Outfit of the Night: Classing It Up for the Card

December 24, 2013

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Earlier this month I got gussied up for my annual Christmas card with my co-star, Berkeley Buster DeVoe, so I decided to make it a full Outfit of the Night post. The first picture is the winning photo. I channeled one of my favorite style icons, Janelle Monae, for this year’s card, complete with the pompadour, tuxedo blouse and bowtie. This look comprises a majority of thrifted items, including the leopard-print blazer, which I previously featured in a Thrifted Thursday post. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Blazer: Thrifted
Blouse: Thrifted
Skinny Jeans: Forever 21
Heels: Thrifted (Forever 21)
Bowtie: eBay
Earrings: Forever 21

Outfit of the Day: Sweaters With Subtlety

December 19, 2013

“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

I relish the opportunities I get to spend with family. This is a casual outfit I rocked while grabbing dinner with my brother (pictured) and dad in Culver City. Pops bought me this ultra swagged out “Too Tuff” sweater featuring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy from a gift shop in Florida more than a decade ago. Vintage! I kept it pretty low key but jazzed it up with the subtle hints of gold around my neck and wrist. You can’t see it that clearly but the thrifted scarf tied around my purse has bits of gold and is lined in red, which accentuates my red lips. Sweater season is in full swing and I’m looking forward to spicing up some old pieces.

Sweater: Florida Gift Shop
Collared Shirt: Thrifted
Skinny Jeans: C. USA
Oxford Shoes: Miss Me?
Purse: Thrifted
Necklace: Thrifted
Watch: Target

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