Sunday, December 12, 2010

Crack Kills

As young ladies blossoming into the beautiful women we are now, the elders in our lives showed us the way.  Small but important lessons that taught us how important and special we are as ladies. Instructions like don't put your elbow on the table, close your mouth when you're chewing, sit correctly and last but not least pull your shirt down. As I think back to the last instruction, I often wonder what my Grandmothers would say now in a time when the tops are shorter and the pants are lower. Now don't get me wrong I love my skinny jeans but not the disclosure of the crack of my bottom-side, please be mindful of exposing your tail. Pull your pants up, shirt down, put on a belt, do whatever just be aware of yourself at all times.  Believe me no one is interested in that view.  PZI Jeans are an alternative to avoid chair cleavage, the pants slippage, and worst of all the embarrassment.
PZI Jeans










Here's some locations where you can locate PZI Jeans (only listed areas most populated by readers):

Chicago:
Fashionable Addictions
22 S Western Chicago, IL 60612

Bronzeville Boutique
4259 S. King Drive
Chicago, IL 60653
  
Atlanta:
Check your local Macy's






Quick note to the men (we know you're reading too) the sagging of the pants began in prison as a way to let others know you were available, YES available for the other MEN to have their way with you.  Look it up. 


Chat Later :)

Ladies lets not forget we are ladies and when you think of a us these words should come to mind: alluring, nurturing, sophisticated, sensual, independent but relying and reliable. 

Sunday, December 5, 2010

The Three Cs'

Hi All :) Lately, I've noticed a lot of discussions centered around Crossroads, Confusion & Controversy.  Usually, the three Cs' are thought to be negative but if you take a closer look at each of these words it's really a wake up, an awareness and epiphany that tells us something needs to change. I've always wondered why some allow themselves to be locked at the three Cs', instead of a simple leap to see whats on the other side - why wonder? So you ask, how does this relate to fashion?  Take risk, try on clothes, a new color won't hurt, cleavage isn't bad and legs are beautiful.  We women for a reason, that's just my opinion. That might sound bad, but love your beauty.  If you don't, who will. As you blossom those Cs' will change to Courageous, Confident, Cutie.

Just a quick thought. 

Have a fab day, next topic cracks kills :)

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Cyber Monday, Great Deals for Everyone!!!

Tomorrow, November 29th is Cyber Monday and I wanted to give you the heads up on some great specials we might have missed because everyone isn't a big box store. Listed below are fantastic designers, hardworking entrepeneurs, fashion forward boutiques as well as some other websites offering great merchandise at amazing prices with great quality and customer service.
  • Pairadeyes is offering a $30 special for makeup application, any look. Contact teresaluvmakeuponu@yahoo.com or 773-552-2680. 
  • OLashay Strategic Marketing Solutions is offering discount eblasts to the database of 16,000 for $75 (reg $100). Eblast must be entrepreneurial or an event. We will also post it on our website and share with our facebook network for no additional charge. No club parties. www.olashay.com
 
 
  • SHOP 71JULES BLACK FRIDAY ONLINE SALE THROUGH CYBER MONDAY...ALL 71JULES MULTIFACETED DRESSES IN BLACK 40% OFF. Enter Coupon Code: BLACKFRIDAY at checkout.Original price $250…SALE PRICE $150...LIMITED TIME ONLY
 

  • Taylor Made Invites is offering an eFlyer design + eBlast for $75 or Logo Design for $55. orders@taylormadeinvites.com | 773.809.4864
 
  • On Cyber Monday, Fashion Fetish will offer significant markdowns on merchandise ranging from size small to 2X.

  • Special Request Entertainment has an awesome deal for new photos to prepare for the new year. One look $80, 15 pictures on CD with a Makeup Artist. Call 630-886-7603 or email sprepromo@gmail.com
    More Deals

  • Express $40 off promotion code 8658
  • Staples has major price cuts today and tomorrow on all your office supplies and more.
  • DSW 25% off your entire purchase

Friday, November 26, 2010

Black Tie Doesn't Always Equal Buy


Classics are always key pieces to have in our closets and when dealing with black tie it's always best to buy separates.  Separates offer versatility allowing maximum wear out of your garments. Another bonus is when you shop, less money is spent because most times all that is needed is a top or some jewelry to rework the look.
Trends are going to change or we might just get tired of one piece, but its actually a smaller bite to the pocketbook because you aren't buying an entire look. When choosing separates it is imperative to check fit, you know what we say when see someone at a black tie affair with an ill fitting garment. We're not happy with them and wish they would've taken a few seconds to look their best. Let me say now I'm not the excuse person I just believe in improvements that's all. I understand we all have responsibilities but if we don't invest in ourselves then who will. My point is, most times black tie garments needs to see the tailor, just because we want our clothes to look like they were made just for us not from a template on draft paper. Okay, I found some pretty neat separates and I kept things pretty classic, you'll find I'm very eclectic so sometimes classic is difficult for me, but I have to say those are the pieces I continue to wear year after year.

CLASSIC SEPARATES:
A woman's tux is always a great starting point - a true classic.

The cigarette pant has been around for ages, once called pegs and drainpipes. We currently call it the skinny, with the bonus of spandex the cigarette pant now gives us a slimmer fit. This form flattering pant is a perfect separate to add to the wardrobe.



 FYI - LOVE the boutiques online, but please let us know the fabric and median measurements (chest, waist and hips) of one consistent size, it takes time but if it isn't done it can definitely kill my sale and I'm a shopoholic. Think of the skeptical shopper, there looking for any reason to keep their money - don't give them one :)
Sorry fellow shoppers, we gotta keep them in business, right???

Thank for reading, looked at my stats today couldn't believe the tremendous support. :-)

Look out for Saturday's post plan to run down a few of the deals I spotted for the anticipated Cyber Monday.

Stay fab :)

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Can "they" really relate to the REAL Woman???

Hi All, so lately - I've been completely perplexed by the style experts and style channels advice. Most give advice and tips on what to wear and sometimes I must say, did they look in the mirror or take a picture before they allowed that model to look like Boo Boo the Fool.
The most recent advice has been about coats and boots for the winter, okay great let me listen I always love to learn new things about fashion. Well ladies, the "experts" put a short thick beautiful woman in a boot that stop mid calf that also had fur.  This boot instantly made her shorter and wider.  Ladies, as I say all the time I'm passionate about finding the beauty in us all, when we realize what Mom, Grandma, and Auntie taught us were and still are the fundamentals of style because all it is confidence (okay went off on a tangent). Back to the boots, there are key components I want us all to remember when we shop.
1. The entire outfit on the mannequin isn't for me.  Having a degree in fashion allowed me to be behind the scenes quite a bit and finally realize everything is a sales tactic. My first intern was at a very upscale designer boutique, and let me tell you now if I have the opportunity to dress anything I'm super excited - LOVE IT!!!! My first opportunity in this boutique, I dressed the mannequin from head to toe...SHARP!!! Manager comes along, she loves it but tells me we can't use any of last seasons collection on the mannequin.  Why not???? It looks perfect!!! The manager finally ended by saying we have to display what's new to generate cash.  Long story, but I said all of this to say, some of this season's pieces might just be found on the sale rack with a slight difference such as the neckline, threading, color, etc. Before Christmas, I'm gonna do a fashion haul - just so you can save money and still look fab for the holidays without buying your holiday attire off the mannequin.
2. Ask yourself, if the garment lengthens your body.  Garments, that cut you off such as a pair of boots that stop mid-calf or capris takes the eye to too many places on your body because there isn't a continuous flow. The mid-calf boot was originally created to go under the trouser and offer support to the ankle (something like a high top).  As trends change, we must realize they aren't all for us. This mid-calf boot with a skirt takes the eye three different places (1) to the skirt (2) then to the little section of leg showing (3) and finally to the boot (take a moment and picture that). If you have purchased your mid-calf boot for the winter, I have an easy solution - rock it monochromatically which means tights, boot and skirts are all one color or a variation of that one color. Pair the mid-calf boots with jeggings/leggings, that are of similar color. I am so glad the balloon generation has died for dresses, tops and skirts, I couldn't figure out what designer or retailer thought this look was aesthetically appealing to a woman's body.  When we add more fabric we allow others to think it's more body underneath, now don't get me wrong but we all are ladies for a reason and should rock our curves. If you still own some of the balloon pieces and want to rock them this season, add a belt around the waist, thrown on a fitted blazer (that's been tailored in the shoulders and the sleeves) with some type of neckpiece depending on the neckline or get creative, take it to the tailor and create a new look.
3. Will the piece compliment what's already in my closet? So many times clients, as well as friends say I've had this item forever but don't know what to wear with it - then why buy it???  If in the store you don't know what to do with it, leave it there because it's wasted money that could've been used on a versatile piece that would mix well with your current wardrobe. Of course there are exceptions for special events or occasions where you need that fab garment.
4. I already have ten thousand BLACK ones another one won't hurt. Dress up was the funnest (is that a word??? LOL) thing ever, we get grown and think it's not okay to have fun.  Play dress up, this will teach you SO much about what works and doesn't work for your body -  colors, shapes, fit, length, proportion besides all that it's FUN!!! Black is great, but the the world consist of other colors, right??? Explore.

Chat later, stay Fab :)

Monday, November 8, 2010

Hourglass: Is it really all it's caked up to be???


Good Morning, Good day, Fab Evening - hope everyone had a fab weekend, I missed writing the blog the last couple of days, but glad to be back :) .Over the past week, I received a few messages curious about the hourglass shape and what would look best. This figure has always been perceived one way, but never respected in the fashion world. I say this because so many times ladies shaped like an hourglass are faced with alterations, spandex and/or pricey garments.  Okay, so constantly we hear the sayings "girl, you shaped like a coca-cola bottle" or "I love the way you work that". Well, if they working it and have an hourglass figure without wearing all spandex - they truly took time and effort to create their fab ensemble. Typically, the fashion industry doesn't cater to the hourglass shape, which creates problems in the waistlines of this timeless shape.  Most times skirts as well as pants have to be purchased a size up for the hips and thighs leaving a tremendous gap in the waist area of your garments. Tailoring is key for the hourglass figure, it cuts down on the frustration of never finding that great outfit.  However, we all have the last minute event, spontaneous date, or change of plans that requires something quick with no time for alterations.  A few key pieces, will accentuate your best features and always have you prepared for any occasion.

  • Belts - define the waistline and are the fast food of tailoring, LOL.  Quickly the garment has been modified to slim the body.



  • Wrap Dress - this dress is great for any figure, especially women with a smaller waist.  It allows for instant tailoring, adjusting and fitting the waist to your specific size.



  • T-shirts bodysuits - this essential is great, these bodysuits aren't like our ballet outfits. LOL. Modern bodysuits offers the convenience of a top/shirt without all the gathering or unwanted fabric creating a neat silhouette that accentuates the waist.

  • Jeggings (Jean/Jogging/Legging) - This modern trend is great for a small waist because most of these slacks have an elastic waistband that fits to your body like a glove. Jeggings offer comfort, fit, most times affordability and style.
 

I hope these suggestions help, you feel comfortable and fab in your clothes.  Remember, they don't notice the clothes - they feel the confidence that radiates from you loving yourself. We'll chat tomorrow. :)







Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Fab for Fall

Hello everyone, yesterday topic was 10 essentials for Fall.  I want to add a few more suggestions on how to switch the 10 pieces up, expand your wardrobe and look fab for the fall.

The trends for fall include lace, animal print, fur (faux and real),  the color purple, gray is the new black, the clunky shoes (can you tell I'm not a fan. LOL) and big jewelry.  Let's do a collabo with this season's trends and our 10 essentials, the collaboration will create a vast amount of options.

**Sidenote - Trends are only gonna be around for a season or two, so don't break the bank on them because they probably won't be hot by next fall. Below you'll find pictures of a few of this season trends, all are under $30.

Animal Print
This trend is fab, only in small doses (only one animal print at a time)

Depending on the color of your blazer and cardigan this tank would accent any monochromatic look with just a touch of flavor. Also, pair with your jeans or trouser for a night on the town - add a cocktail ring, a bracelet or two and a clutch.  
FYI - I LOVE pumps they lengthen the leg, are classic, can be worn with everything and pretty darn sexy (that's what "they" say). This animal print pump would look great with any of the essentials. Pair it with a simple dress and tights or use them as a dash of fun with your trousers. If paired with jeans, remember denim is actually another color (blue)- your top needs to be simple and a neutral.

The belt, tights and scarf would add a bit of spice to all of your essentials.  Play with them, learn to look at your body - we know and feel what looks good.
 Fur
The boots HOT but a little tricky, because this boot can make your legs look short and frumpy (like the clunky shoes I'm not fond of :) ) . Pair these boots with your short sweater dress and tights - this is definitely a monochromatic look (if the dress is black, the tights as well as the faux fur boots should be black). The fur messenger bag, have fun with it throw it on with all your essentials.
 Lace


 

I've always loved lace, so is very difficult for me to not be bias towards this trend. The black lace leggings have already seen plenty of legs this season, if you must have the lace leggings - think out the box, do a metallic or color lace.
 Colors of the Season





Have fun with the color, it can change a simple look drastically.
Sorry this post is kind of late tonight, Miki Howard Radio on Pandora had me dancing in my chair quite a bit tonight :) and also my date last night was fantastic, we'll see...

We'll catch up tomorrow, thanks everyone for your encouragement and support.