fashion nette-work

In The Fashionista's Closet: Possibilities

2012-01-27T09:14:00.000-06:00

“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” - Steve Jobs

All you need in the world is love and laughter. That's all anybody needs. To have love in one hand and laughter in the other.” -August Wilson

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” -Epicurus

“There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle.”

-Albert Einstein

Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let the pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.” -Hazrat Inayat Khan

Earrings: Aldo

Jacket: Target

Dress: H&M

"I really don't think life is about the I-could-have-beens. Life is only about the I-tried-to-do. I don't mind the failure but I can't imagine that I'd forgive myself if I didn't try." -Nikki Giovanni

In The Fashionista's Closet: Kids Say the Darndest Things

2012-01-20T17:33:00.002-06:00

One of my students said that he was trying to figure out what middle age is. He said that he thinks it's 32 because his mom is 32. Then he asked if I was 36...

My students had a History Fair Project and the theme was Revolution, Reaction and Reform.

One of my students chose Tupac. I respect that....

Another student told me not to take it the wrong way but that I looked like I go to the club and have a GOOD time!

Whaaaaaaa?!?!?!?

I told him that I don't need to go to the club, it's a party wherever I show up!

I haven't been this happy to see a Friday in a loooonnnnggggggg time...

Jacket: Marshalls (Shoutout to my little sis for giving me the gift card to purchase this jacket!)

Sweater: Marshalls

Skirt: Target

Boots: Target

Have an amazing weekend!

In The Fashionista's Closet: Roll, Bounce

2012-01-17T18:01:00.001-06:00

My "color explosion" continues with my fave colors all jammed into one outfit.

I went rollerskating on Sunday night.

I KNOW!

It was THE most fun but these people were serious, SI-REE-US about their rollerskating, you hear me??? Tee shirts that said "Roll Model", personalized skates that lit up and skate dancing routines (Skancing?)

Sweater: Old Navy

Shirt: Thrifted

Skirt: ASOS

Bag: Kooba

Boots: Juicy Couture

It was a good time. But three and half hours of rollerskating will make your bones mad at you the next day.

I'm gonna do it again soon.

In The Fashionista's Closet: Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You

2012-01-11T17:36:00.002-06:00

You know that feeling...when you first meet someone..you know that there's an attraction there..you flirt, they flirt back.....and you keep making eye contact? You know that there's something there...

"Looking them in the face" is what I like to call it when you're making that good-good eye contact.

That's how I feel about these shoes.....

They were calling me...I went to them...a match made in heaven. Shoe heaven, lol.

I keep looking at them....

I have been eyeing them for a while on the Steve Madden website and found them at T.J. Maxx in Houston thirty dollars cheaper! Whoop whoop! *Picture me dancing to a Big Daddy Kane song here.* Don't know Big Daddy Kane? Watch "Unsung" on TVOne (I'm so addicted to that series.)

Earrings: Body Central (I had never heard of this store but I saw a cashier at Walmart with similar earrings that I got from Aldo and she got them from there. They were about 5 bucks cheaper at Body Central.)

Sweater: H&M

Men's Shirt: Thrifted

Jeans: Ross

Shoes: Steve Madden Pammy

Still "looking them in the face"......

I'm trying to update more frequently so please bear with my lack of "sexy" backgrounds until I figure out how to leave work before dusk....

Make it a great day!

In The Fashionista's Closet: Yellow And Blue Make Green

2012-01-08T21:06:00.000-06:00

I was doing some organizing of my closet and I laughed at the realization that I always gravitate towards these same primary colors. I adore yellow and green (think Sprite) and I like to add blue as an accent color. I used to have the hardest time finding anything green a couple of years ago, now it's everywhere. I have to stop myself from buying anything else green but sometimes I just can't help myself. (I will buy green shoes if I come across them though. Sorry.)

Bright colors make me happy, I'm definitely not afraid to throw some color in the mix.

Yellow with anything makes me a happy camper!

What's funny is that I wore this same sweater and a checked shirt for Nerd Day at school with khakis and tape on my glasses.

I found these earrings at the beauty supply store when I tagged along with a friend of mine. Who knew they had such cute earrings? Everyone but me I guess....

Scarf/belt: American Apparel

Men's Shirt: Thrifted

Men's Izod Sweater: Thrifted

Jeggings: Target

Boots: Juicy Couture

I watched Crazy, Stupid, Love over the weekend and it was the cutest movie! I enjoy Steve Carrell in general but that Ryan Gosselin was funny and yummy in that movie. Definitely made my weekend a little brighter.

It's time for new glasses and I snapped some pics while selecting frames and used the Picplz app for Android to play around with the photos.

I knew that wanted some Ray Bans but I loved all of them!

I couldn't decide...

The tortoise are a safe bet but I think that I want something a little edgier...

These last two are the same frames....

What say you? Which frames are your fave?

Countdown: Year in Review

2011-12-31T18:36:00.000-06:00

As I reflect on the challenges and triumphs of 2011, I feel so blessed and excited about the possibilities in store for 2012. I refuse to dwell in the past and will instead focus on a fabulous and propserous New Year!

Any goals for the new year ahead?

Here's a little something to help you "Countdown" to the New Year! Stay blessed...

In The Fashionista's Closet: Kriss Kross

2011-12-30T11:42:00.002-06:00

Remember the rap duo, Kriss Kross known for wearing their clothes backwards in the early 90's? Yeah that's me (and the kid from Reed Between the Lines, he always wears his jeans inside out.) I wore this cardigan look for the first time when I was in Houston, here are a couple of pics that were taken then:

Me with Reiko's little fashionista stepdaughter (she says that she's not stylish but she will definitely give her opinion on what she doesn't like, lol!)

Cardigan (Worn Backwards): Forever 21

Clutch: DSW

Pants: Diane vonFurstenburg

Shoes: Michael Kors

Me with my ace, God's Favorite Shoes.

I wore the look again when I ventured out to the Dallas Museum of Art with a couple of friends to see the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art. It was surreal, a little creepy and....breathtaking. I literally gasped when I went into the last room of the exhibition.

No photographs were allowed and they were watching us like hawks to make sure that we didn't take any either. The jewelry that they used to style the looks was Ba-na-nas *in Rachel Zoe voice.*

I wanted to cry at the fact that I couldn't take pics, it was so inspiring.

BUT I couldn't have taken pics even if I wanted to because when it was time for me to take these pics, my camera battery was...dead. Thanks to Bethany for doing me a solid and using her camera phone to take my photos.

Conversation with a friend about my cardi:

Him: Is your sweater on backwards?

Me: Yep.

Him: You did that on purpose?

Me: Yeah. You don't like it?

Him: It's definitely....different....it's you.

Me: Ummm hmmm.

Him: Can guys do that or is this just for women?

Me: I don't want ANY dude doing this...

Him: 'Cept maybe Kanye.

Me: LOL! Yeah Kanye can rock it....

Earrings: Aldo

Jeans: Mango

Clutch: Rummage Sale

Shoes: Jessica Simpson Waleo

If you have a minute, check out the video of JPG at the DMA. The exhibition, "From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk" runs until February 12, 2012.

In The Fashionista's Closet: Auspicious Behavior

2011-12-27T21:56:00.001-06:00

Ummmm hmmmm....I know what you're thinking. I have on...tennis shoes. Yes maam (or sir) I can rock Chucks or platforms with the best of'em.

I had a wonderful dinner last night with a new friend and we were talking about hair, careers and men (and not necessarily in that order.)

My friend told me that she still believes in love. In monogamy. In finding that man who is right for her. I thought about what she said on my drive home as I was listening to Roberta Flack "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face."

I agree with her.

I've always joked that I am a realist. That people just can't handle my truth.

But I'm really not. I'm a gushy optimist. There. I said it.

Trench: Thrifted

Sweater: Old Navy

Men's Shirt: Thrifted

~~Jeggings~~ (ugh) Pants: Target

A realist is defined as one who is inclined to literal truth and pragmatism.

I am pragmatic in some regards. But not when it comes to matters of the heart. Pragmatism goes out the window.

Reasons that I know that I'm an optimist:

1. I'm a teacher. That in itself speaks to optimism. Unless of course, you hate it. And the kids will know that you hate what you do and respond accordingly.

2. I always bet on the underdog.

3. I cry at weddings and root for the marriages.

4. I believe that people are inherently good. I've been disappointed by this a time or two but I still believe it.

5. A motivational quote gets me every time.

Birthday Chucks gifted by Reiko

I talked to a male friend who told me that he isn't sure that he wants to be married because he thinks that all women cheat. He doesn't want to run the risk so he would rather not do it all. I felt sad to hear him say that.

I've tried to reassure him that not all women are the same. That not all women bring the drama and try to manipulate people and situations. I hope he listens......

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." - Maria Robinson

In The Fashionista's Closet: Biscuits

2011-12-22T19:14:00.000-06:00

I mean that literally and figuratively. I almost didn't post these pics because I felt very "bootylicious" in this outfit and not in a good way. Too many biscuits and no workouts....

I also call flaky people "biscuits" who never show up to events or are always constantly changing their minds about things.

I have a friend who will call me and suggest that we get together and it NEVER fails, we always have to adjust the date, time or location because she forgot she had to bake a cake, attend a baby shower, or has to get a colonic. Seriously. No, really. Seriously......

It.burns.me.up.

I've tried to accept her as she is but I feel as though she has no respect for my time and just won't commit to what she says.

So now when I meet other Pillsbury People I have to tell them that I already have one flaky friend, I can't afford two....

Shirt: Thrifted

Sweater: Zara

Clutch: DSW

Skirt: Target

Boots: Nine West

Do you know any "Biscuits"? How do you deal with them?

In The Fashionista's Closet: The Day After

2011-12-15T15:02:00.001-06:00

I know that I promised a birthday outfit post but when I went to take my photos at a park, a random man walked across the street to where I was and posted up on a bench. I didn't want to become a story on Dateline or a Lifetime movie, "Blogger Butchered on Birthday" so I packed up my gear and left.

So this is what I wore the day AFTER my birthday...

I got this dress on my visit to Atlanta and have been itching to wear it work but it's a halter and I somehow felt that me wearing a halter to work wouldn't be quite right. So I lucked up and found this cute leather (-ish, lol) jacket and VOILA, a work-worthy outfit was born.

Thank you to everyone who left me well wishes for my birthday, I appreciate it sooo much!
I don't mind telling anyone that I'm 40 because I don't feel 40. Age is a state of mind and my state of mind hasn't wandered off too far yet, lol.

Jacket: Papaya

Men's white shirt: Thrifted

Dress: H&M

Boots: Juicy Couture

You Say It's Your Birthday!

2011-12-13T13:02:00.000-06:00

Happy 40th Birthday to ME!

So blessed and happy for all of the gifts that I've been given (metaphorically speaking.) Outfit post coming soon.....

My students made this for me, I enjoy them so much!

No One on the Corner Has Swagger Like Us...

2011-12-04T21:37:00.001-06:00

A special post to say Happy 42nd Birthday to Shawn Carter aka Jay-Z! What did I do to commemorate the day? Wear timbs and a Yankees cap? Alas, no. I played All Jigga All Day today! Whoop whoop!

My fave songs by Hov:

"Big Pimpin'" - For obvious reasons, lol

"I Know" - Best verse

"Who helped you immediately? How speedy of me.

How could you deny me so vehemently?"

"'03 Bonnie and Clyde" - "

"And I don't have to worry, only worry is him

She do anything necessary for him

And I do anything necessary for her

so don't let the necessary occur, yep!"

"Jocking Jay-Z" - "No that's not Pilates, her body just thick"

"Lost Ones" - "Lose one, let go to get one

Let one, lose some to win some"

"Threat" - "And I'm serious about mine, I'm so sin-surr" Hilarious!

I can't explain it. Besides being a lyrical genius Jay-Z has that something, that intelligence and swagger that no one else can duplicate. And I likes it.

Scarf: Gap

Earrings: Can't remember

Sweater: Zara

“Remind yourself. Nobody built like you, you design yourself.” – lyric from "A Dream" by Jay-Z.

In The Fashionista's Closet: Berry Good

2011-11-23T11:20:00.001-06:00

I.love.these.pants.

The end. That's all I have to say.

Ok, you know that's not ALL I have to say. These pants are long and fit in the waist, two things I hardly ever find straight off the rack. If I could have gotten them in all colors I ~~should~~ would have. Also the fabric is fluid so they move when I walk and I find many places to walk while wearing these. And they came from one of my fave places to shop, Zara.

I think that people don't realize my love for all things Zara. If I had a daughter, I would name her Zara. After the store. Maybe with an h on the end to make it classy.

(Ha! I told yall I hate when people say something is "classy" because it's usually so not.)

But at least her name won't be Cristal, like the Champagne , Alize or White Zinfandel.

Top: H&M

Scarf: Random store in the mall

Pants: ZARA (You can now order online!)

Shoes: Michael Kors

Have a safe and beautiful Thanksgiving Holiday!

In The Fashionista's Closet: Green with Gratitude

2011-11-20T09:44:00.000-06:00

I attended church with Reiko last Sunday and it was a good time. Can I say that? The men's choir sang a song that had me swaying in my seat, it was a cross between Bobby Blue Bland (look him up) and a (clean) version of Clarence Carter (look him up too.)

Dress: H&M (one of my fave buys from my Atlanta trip)

Tights: Target (last year, I want some more but can't find them)

Clutch: DSW

Shoes: Michael Kors

Sunday's service was about being a good steward over little things and God will continue to bless you with more. I can definitely relate to this because I used to think that I never made enough money.

Whatever position I held was more money than the last (except subbing, that was a lesson in penny pinching) but it was never enough. But I realized that it wasn't the amount of money that I made, it was what I was choosing to do with what I had.

If you're not being responsible over what you currently have, then you'll never have enough or make enough to ever be satisfied.

So I hope to never lose sight of that even though I ALWAYS want new shoes, lol.

“He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much." Luke 16:10

I want to always be grateful....

In The Fashionista's Closet: Twinkies

2011-11-17T20:32:00.002-06:00

Reiko and I went to dinner and only after we were dressed did we realize that we were dressed in the same silhouette and opposite colors! Great minds think alike....

But we wore it anyway....

Other people think that it's strange that we have this ability to read each other's style minds (her hubby) but this is how we became friends in the first place! We have some weird fashion e.s.p. that is uncanny.

Mutt and Jeff

But there are still elements of our personality in each of our outfits.....

Sweater: H&M

Scarf: H&M

Skirt: Zara

Bag: Kooba

Boots: Juicy Couture

(I kinda hate that my bag matches my boots, I hate looking too "matchy".)

Me being me

The.best.lemon.martini.ever.

I never liked martinis until I tasted this one...

Please be sure to check out my feature over at Styled By U, thanks Elisa!

Also, Reiko's wedding photos are up! Check out the photos of her big day HERE!

In The Fashionista's Closet: "Check" Me Out

2011-11-15T17:58:00.001-06:00

I moseyed my way to Houston this past weekend to laugh and hug on my SFAM Reiko. Last week was a hectic, difficult week at work and there's nothing like knowing you can get away and have a good time with one (or two) of your favorite people!

We laughed, we styled, we conquered!

Sunglasses: Pitaya

Blue plaid shirts: one thrifted and gifted from Reiko, one thrifted by me

Skirt: Arden B

Bag: Kooba

Have you ever known someone who pushed you out of your comfort zone (in a good way)? That's Reiko.

She looked at the (many) items I brought with me and put this outfit together. And I enjoyed it.

And now because of her, I have a new appreciation for lemondrop martinis (OMG I'm in love) and pork chop parmigiana!

Who says you can't meet great people on the internet? Lol!

In The Fashionista's Closet: Ahoy Matey

2011-11-11T14:28:00.004-06:00

I went out to dinner and this is what I wore. I had twisted my hair earlier in the day, hence the scarf and felt like a pirate or a fortune teller but I rocked it anyway...

Monday I was feeling lower than a snail's stomach and went to the store with a co-worker on my lunch break. There was the cutest little girl in the store running around with her mother. I heard the little girl telling her mom "She beautiful! She beautiful!" but I kept on moping along. The little girl rounded the corner looked up at me and said "You're beautiful!" Now I believe that someone had just told the little girl SHE was beautiful and she was repeating it but it brightened up my day.

Thanks little girl!

“One word or a pleasing smile is often enough to raise up a saddened and wounded soul.”

I am currently working on forgiveness. It has always been difficult for me, to truly forgive someone if I feel that it is a major offense. If I tell someone don't ever call me again, that is not just for effect. I means that. Once I reach that point of no return, it's a wrap for me. We could be in line next to one another at the grocery store and I won't say a word to you.

And if you do call, our conversation may go something like this:

You: Hey!

Me: Ummm hmmm....

You (nervous now): I was calling to see how you were doing.

Me: Oh for reals? Has hell frozen over? Did you hear through the grapevine that I had amnesia or something? Because I distinctly remember our last conversation and I did not authorize this communication.

You: (hangs up.)

I said I'm working on it, yall!

scarf: Zara

sweater: H&M

skirt: Target

bag: gifted

boots: Ross or Marshalls

In The Fashionista's Closet: Pants on Fire

2011-11-01T20:57:00.001-05:00

I'm a liar. I swore I'd never wear jeggings. One, because I hate the word. It's so stupid. This also sums up how I feel about the concept of pajama jeans.

But if you recall, the first jeggings were just leggings done in a denim-ish looking way. Stretchy blue leggings that stretched out and showed the white parts when they were too tight. I've witnessed this many times, usually at my neighborhood Walmart so I know.

But this was before they made these new jeggings that actually look like jeans! Done with buttons and pockets and perfect for wearing with knee high boots! So yes I'm a convert. But I WON'T call them jeggings...

Earrings gifted from Sooo Chic Accessories.

Sweater: Zara

Tank: Forever 21

~~Jeggings~~ Denim Pants: Target

Boots: Juicy Couture

Can we talk about how much I love this little chica from "Reed Between the Lines"? I actually prefer her hair here more than on the show, it looks very "done" onscreen, here it's a little wilder which I love.

This is 9 year old Zoe Hendrix who portrays character Alexis Reed on the show.

My friend Sonya said that Zoe looked like she could be my daughter in this pic. I <3!!!

Read the interview that little Zoe did with Curly Nikki here.

In The Fashionista's Closet: The Light of Day

2011-10-24T21:28:00.000-05:00

Yay! I made it outside! In the daytime!

My days consist of me going to school while it's dark outside and coming home when it's dark outside. And everyone acts as though this is normal. "Yeah, my first year teaching was like that too." But this is NOT normal, people. They should tell you these things before you sign on the dotted line.

"You will forfeit all semblance of your life for at least one year except the weekends where your only respite will be to engage in drinking alcoholic beverages and drunk texting."

Just kidding. *But not really.*

But don't cry for me Argentina because I'm thinking of birthday plans that I hope will make up for my endless hours at work.

Sunglasses: Pitaya

Jacket: Thrifted
Dress: Gap

Scarf: Random store in the mall

Earrings: Forever 21

I feel like a vampire. And not a cool, True Blood one either....(Isn't that the one with the vampires?)

In The Fashionista's Closet: My Life in Pictures

2011-10-16T16:13:00.000-05:00

.....and songs

Songs that are in heavy rotation for me right now:

(Mimicking Jay-Z on Otis ) "I Guess I Got my Swagger Back"

"Everything" Michael Buble

"Holla at Me" Chris Brown

"Baby I'ma be Your Motivation" Kelly Rowland

"Moves Like Jagger" - Maroon 5

"Best Thing I Never Had" Beyonce

Jacket: Thrifted (Gap)

Bag: Chloe

Top: Zara

Skirt: H&M

Shoes: Steve Madden

Enjoy your day!

In the Fashionista's Closet: In Between Time

2011-10-05T17:30:00.000-05:00

The mornings and evenings are getting cooler in D-Town but the days are in the 80s which is great when you're used to 100 degree temperatures. It brings about what I call "tweener" weather. It flummoxes me (hey, I'll use that for my students spelling test next week!) as to shoe options though. I can always add a blazer to my summer-y outfits but shoes....hmmm I don't know. I need cute shoe options that are

Fall-ish that I can wear all day.

But in the meantime, here's my last hurrah to summer in my on-sale, $10 H&M skirt. (It's really not my last hurrah, I am sure I'll wear it again soon, I love the longness of it.)

Sunglasses: Pitaya

Earrings: Nappy Rutz

Shirt: Zara

Skirt: H&M

Bag: Kooba

Bangles: H&M, Forever 21

This has been a long hard week for me, not sure that I care to share right now, still mulling things over...

I'm just a really tired little chica....

"By the yard life is hard but by the inch, life's a cinch."

I just need a litle peace...and rest. Lots and lots of rest...

Adventures In the A: Part 5 *Is This the End?

2011-10-01T09:13:00.001-05:00

Post Title refers to a New Edition song, they were my first concert .*shut up*

Our time in ATL came to a close but we had to get a little more Georgia fun thrown in before we flew back!

Me with Cherie of Nappy Rutz

We went to brunch at Highland Bakery where we had the shrimp and grits, if you go please get the jalepeno focaccia bread that comes with it, it is delish!

Yall know I wanted to throw up the peace sign but I was trying to do right....

...it didn't work....

dancing me....

I'm sorry if you come to my blog expecting model-esque poses, I try to do right.

Sometimes...


Sunglasses: Pitaya (Dallas store); Necklaces: Assorted; Top: H&M; Jeans: Marshalls; Shoes: Michael Kors; Bag: Prada

We went to the Atlanta Arts Festival at Piedmont Park checked out the artists wares and saw THE most beautiful dude. I'm serious... He was, well...beautiful is the best word that I can use to describe him. He had a whole "I'm so unaffected by my beautiful self, starving artist, poet, just got out of jail" type vibe. I threw in the "just got out of jail" thing because that made me giggle...

WHY is this woman laughing? Because she knows that I am taking a picture of the beautiful dude!

Don't leave me comments asking why didn't I talk to him, he was with a chick. Who was....ummmmm...let's just say she could have spruced herself up if she was gonna be hanging out with a beautiful dude. But she's probably real nice though.

THIS is what happens when you overpack and have to open up your bag at the airport after trying to stuff your recent purchases into an already overstuffed bag. Niiiiiiiccccceeeeeee, huh?

And on top of that, there were storms in Dallas and my flight couldn't land so we had to fly to Houston to refuel and then fly back to Dallas and I got home at 1:15 am and get up at 5 am to go to work the next day.

I survived Atlanta, it was interesting, fun and with a little adventure thrown in, just like me!

Adventures In The A: Part 4 Thrifting Adventures

2011-09-27T16:41:00.001-05:00

I know, I know, WHEN will the pics ever stop from Atlanta, huh? Later in the day after chowing down at Gladys Knight Chicken & Waffles, we went thrifting at a couple of spots.

First we hit up the Clothing Warehouse in Little Five Points but that place was higher than Snoop Dogg on April 20th (Someone told me about the significance of that day, that's the only reason I am familiar. I SWEAR!) I was in there for all of ten minutes and I was over it. I don't mind paying more for some vintage items but they were about double what I would normally pay at a similar spot and they didn't have anything that was so unique that I would have forked over that kind of cash.

Sooooo......we took a Tasty Adult Beverage break.....

Do you see Reiko's cousin? He was in high heaven surrounded by all of the ladies. But now that I think about it, probably not because he was our photographer/gopher/chauffeur/tour guide the entire weekend! But he didn't complain once....He's a real charmer but do not, I repeat DO NOT look him the eye, he'll put a spell on you! For real! I mean it! #iwarnedyou

(Cherie of Nappy Rutz, Reiko, Reiko's cousin Messa, me, my sis Kandi, and Antonia of Passions On Top of Passions)

Me, random guys who said they dressed to "fit in" at Little Five Points and a random chick thrown in.

Headed to a "real" thrift spot....

We finally relieved Reiko's cousin from our care while we thrifted and ~~forced~~ persuaded him to go to a nearby strip club where he was sorely disappointed by the "talent" and the abundance of #tigerclaws visible on the, ahem, "ladies." I think he had a five dollar bill and still came back with change!

Trying on a kids denim shirt that Reiko found. I didn't get it but I've thought of at least two outfits that I could have put together with this.

Once he returned, we found Reiko's cousin this fab sports jacket with elbow patches for ten bucks. I thought ten dollars was steep but he snapped it up no problem. After seeing him with it on, it was well worth it!

Me "fluffing" my sis, as with everything I believe in pushing up the sleeves and popping the collar! Reiko is the believer of belting all things. My sis found some items and made plans to go thrifting the following day. I hope I haven't created a monster!

My ultimate score: A Marc Jacobs dress for FOUR freaking bucks! Whoop whoop!

P.S. Those are the kinds of thrift stores I like, when they don't know or care who Marc Jacobs is, lol.

One last post about Atl and stick a fork in me I'm done!

Adventures In The A: Part 3 Waffles, Wedges and Earrings

2011-09-25T20:17:00.002-05:00

What do you do when there is a 45 minute wait at Gladys Knight Chicken & Waffles and you're a blogger? Why, take pictures of course!

When putting together this outfit I knew I wanted to let my earrings and wedges be the focal points so I kept everything else simple. I'm so glad I was able to ~~stuff~~ pack this jacket in my carry-on since it was a tad cooler in Atlanta than I thought it would be. It's been a great addition to my wardrobe.

Earrings: Nappy Rútz (These designs should be up shortly, just email Cherie and she'll hook you up!)

I was stopped and asked about my earrings on the way to the car and we sold 4 pair.

*WAIT! Where's my cut?!?!*

Jacket: Thrifted by Reiko

Tank: Forever 21

Skirt: H&M (A.S.S. another short skirt, lol!)

Bag: Prada

Shoes: Aldo (Ultimate score at half off!)

I'm not sure what I was doing here, mixing and scratching maybe? I do fancy myself as a dj some days...

Check out Antonia of Passions On Top of Passions we ~~kidnapped~~

coerced her into hanging out with us all day! We talked fashion, music (She actually saw Turquoise Jeep in action, I'm so jealous, lol!) and semi-planned our next girl trip destination! And she smells good too!

I met another fellow blogger, Lynn of L.A. Lynn and she was kind and thoughtful enough to bestow us with gifts. Isn't that sweet??? She had to leave early to go help feed the homeless. I tried to be on my best behavior around her, I think I saw a halo in her back pocket!

(Me, Antonia, Reiko, Lynn, and Cherie of Nappy Rútz.)

You can get Lynn's viewpoint from the visit on her blog, be sure to check her out!

I finally got me some chicken and waffles and my new signature drink, the Uptown! Half lemonade and half sweet tea and oh so yummy. *Trying to figure out how to add liquor to it and still have it taste good...*

Adventures in The A: Part 2 Rascals at Paschal's

2011-09-22T22:51:00.002-05:00

After being out at Atlantic Station all day like I worked there, I was dead tired when it was time to go to dinner. I probably could have had a sandwich and called it a night and after my experience that night I would have been much better off...

Jacket: Borrowed from Reiko

Skirt (Worn as dress): Target

Belt: Borrowed from Reiko

Bag: Prada

Shoes: Bebe

We asked people in Atlanta where to go for dinner and two or three of them recommended Paschal's (they pronounced it Pass-kulls), they said that they are a good soul food spot. So we made reservations and met my sister and nephews and Reiko's in-laws for a night of eating, drinking and fun.

After waiting for our drinks, then waiting for our our not-hot-bread and then waiting for our meal, I start looking around like maybe Andre 3000 is in the place and they are short staffed because they are waiting on him hand and foot. Nope. No Andre. In fact the place wasn't crowded at all. Ummmm hmmmm....*sucks teeth in disgust*

He was not there.

So of course this means the food is gonna be slap-yo-mama-good, right? Nope. The food arrived lukewarm and needing some Lawry's Seasoning Salt. I asked the waitress to please get the manager because waiting an hour to get our food and it arriving cold was unacceptable to me. The manager arrives looking like Big Red from The Five Heartbeats, minus the red hair but equally as slimy. I tell the manager that we are unhappy with our food and he offers to bring us out fresh food. Shouldn't that be the goal THE FIRST TIME? #I'm just saying. But I tell him no, that it was already late (it was around 10:45, reservations were at 8:30, seated at 8:45) and because we were a party of 9 it was going to take longer to do that for everyone's dinner. So his big gesture that will make us satisfied customers???

*Drumroll please*

A fruit and dessert tray....

Ummmm hmmm again.....*sucks teeth even harder*

A tray of four desserts arrive along with some scoops of ice cream. You DID read that I wrote that there were 9 people, correct? I don't teach math but I do know that that does not add up. And the manager NEVER came back! I asked for him AGAIN before we left and I told him that I was very dissatisfied with my whole ~~Punk~~-~~sal's~~ experience. That I expected better and the fact that he never came back to check on us knowing that we did not have a pleasant experience spoke to their level of customer service. I told him that I expected to be treated the best whether I was their first customer of the day or their last. His solution? He asked us to come back for Sunday brunch...IWANW...I would sooner be punched in the face like Mayweather did Ortiz and forced to watch episodes of "Homeboys in Outer Space" than willingly go back there and waste any more of my time. And I DID note that he did not say that it would be a complimentary visit.

I have since sent an email to the corporate office about my visit, I just thought it was important for them to know what "the voice of the people" are saying....that they suckthemost.com

Adventures in the A: Part 1

2011-09-19T22:22:00.000-05:00

THIS is the sight that greeted me on the morning of my first full day in Atlanta. Beautiful view isn't it?
Merci beaucoup to our gracious host!

Cooler weather also met me on the trip and THIS is the particular time that I chose to wear short skirts. In Dallas I'm dressed like a schoolmarm and then in a city with a large Black gay male population all of a sudden I turn into Christina Aguilera during her Dirrty Phase. ('Member that???)

We met for brunch at The Flying Biscuit, it was THE best meal I had while I was in the A.

I had the Pasta, sausage and eggs...so yummy!

I also had great hair days during the trip I am happy to report.

Earrings: Aldo
Jacket: Borrowed from Reiko
Top: Thrifted
Skirt: Borrowed from Reiko

Other Deets:
Bangles: Assorted
Bag: Prada
Shoes: DSW

Me with Shandy, the talented artist who created Reiko's wedding portrait (she's a real sweetheart) and Reiko

Finally got to see my ace Cherie, the talented creative force behind Nappy Rútz earrings and tees! Cherie and I met in a vintage store (imagine that!) when she lived in Dallas and since then she has started a now booming business, gotten engaged and moved to Atlanta. I remember when she told me that she wanted to make earrings, I was as excited about it as she was! (Of course I was thinking of what earrings she was going to make ME, lol.) I miss my goofy, tall-drink-of-water friend! She is wearing her own designs and you'll see more in upcoming posts. Check out her site here.

Moral of the story: Don't let anyone try and diminish what you do. I am not only a teacher, people are multi-faceted and talented in all areas, you don't have to focus on one thing in order to be successful.

We Are On The Way!!!!

2011-09-15T08:18:00.001-05:00

Headed to ATL in a few hours! Hoping I can finish packing before my flight, my packing skills are atrocious, I like to have options!

The official meet up for SFAM will be at the Gladys Knight Chicken and Waffles in Atlanta!

We've never been and when isn't it a good time to have Chicken and Waffles?

Since we aren't from ATL...we figured we could get a good idea of the best thrift shop to go to from there!

Sounds like a plan?? GOOD!

Time: 12:30, Saturday, September 17

Place: Gladys Knight Chicken and Waffles

529 Peachtree Street NE

Atlanta, GA 30308

Just look for us...we'll be the chicks laughing loudly!

Thrift with SFAM right after lunch!

Tweet me for whereabouts and updates!

@fashionnettewrk

If I get a tasty adult beverage I may have a couple of stories to tell!

In The Fashionista's Closet: So Fresh & So Clean

2011-09-12T00:05:00.012-05:00

Move over Outkast, there's a new crew coming into town! God's Favorite Shoes and I will be bringing our Southern charms to the city of Atlanta THIS WEEKEND (September 16-18)!

We're calling all of our readers, bloggers, friends and fam to show us a great time to celebrate Reiko's birthday! (And she's got the greatest hubby EVAH, people. Shout out to my Brother from Another Mother!)

The pressure is on you!

We are organizing a lunch / blogger meetup / thrifting excursion / whatever else strikes our fancy day on Saturday so email, tweet or leave me a comment if your interested in attending or have any suggestions of places we HAVE to visit!

We need good eatings, good shopping and the events going on in the city this weekend. Are you down???

I loved this scarf look, I spied it on Ashiek1118's blog and promptly ~~stole~~ borrowed it. See her video tutorial of how she tied it here. (P.S. her hair is fab.) She does her headwrap style while her hair is in a twistout, I did this while my hair is in a wash and go.

Scarf: Thrifted

Top: H&M

Dress (worn as skirt): Forever 21

Bracelets: H&M

Bag: Prada

Give us the goods, Atlantans and show us how you do it!

In The Fashionista's Closet: Lessons Learned

2011-09-09T09:00:00.012-05:00

Thing I've learned this week....

1. I was talking to a guy friend and found out that guys have lists of what they want in a woman and some of their "requirements" are stupid. It's not like "Must be emotionally mature" (that's on my list) but like "Gotta know how to weld." That's not on the person's list but what WAS on the list was equally as absurd. I'm thinking "THAT'S what you're taking a stand on?" I'm re-evaluating my list to add "Not date stupid guys." (That should have BEEN on the list, might have saved me some trouble.)

2. I have been making my new job my life. I wake up in the morning and I'm thinking, "Didn't I just do this??? What day is it? Didn't I just leave school???" Gotta get some "Me Time" in this weekend.

3. Attraction does not equal respect. Let me repeat that, more for myself than anyone else:

Attraction

Respect

Top: Zara

Skirt: Zara

Shoes: Steve Madden Luxe

4. Kids see what you show them. One of my students asked me today if I ever cry. I told him yes and he said he cannot imagine me crying because I am always smiling. I liked that.

In The Fashionista's Closet: Let No Man Tear Asunder

2011-09-06T19:47:00.001-05:00

I didn't consider my outfit to be particularly earthshattering but I did enjoy my hair today. It was supposed to be a twistout but it wasn't quite dry yet so I put on a headband and pulled it up in the back and pulled the front pieces down like a bang.

Top: Thrifted

Earrings: Forever 21

Skirt: Thrifted

Cuff: H&M

Shoes: Michael Kors

Bag: Kooba

What is the craziest thing that you have ever done to meet or date a guy? Take cooking classes? Perm/dye your hair? Learn to play Xbox 360? Take up an activity that would normally never do?

It was such a beautiful day yesterday, I'm so glad that the temps are coming down so now I can go on a leisurely birdwatching tour......

*.....crickets....*

Shut up. It could happen. Yall don't know everything about me....I might want to do that one day....just because...okay?

I know one thing I will never EVER under NO circumstances do and that is give up Jay-Z. Nuh unh, no sir, not for no man....unless it's my husband. Then that changes things, lol.

In The Fashionista's Closet: Sir Mix-A-Lot

2011-09-01T10:11:00.002-05:00

I sent Reiko a pic of me in this outfit and she texted me back to stop playing in my closet and put on what I was really going to wear. I told her I was wearing it and had in fact already left the house. I went to a friend's surprise birthday party and my friend was surprised...to see me in something form fitting. I'm trying to change it up a little...

Tank: Forever 21

Necklaces: Chain belts, vintage pendant necklace

Skirt: Forever 21 (It was six bucks!)

Bangles: H&M

Clutch: DSW

Shoes: Steve Madden Luxe

I attended a pool party on Saturday night and there was a drunk guy who kept trying to get my number.

Every other sentence was peppered with "Know what I'm saying?" but came out sounding like "Naah im sayen?" and no, I really didn't know what he was saying.

We had the following exchange:

Him: Yeah, you look real classy. Like superstar status. I think we on the same level, naah im sayen?

Me: Ummmm kaaaayyy....

Him: I ain't trying to brag or nuthin but this hat cost a hunnad fitty dollars. It's called a buck fitty.

Me: Does it DO something? (There was a big face watch on the hat with rhinestones around it.) Does the watch WORK?

Him: Naw, it's a Chi-town thang, naah im sayen?
*awkward silence*

*And an extra side eye to the people who always want to point out that "they ain't from here."

Me: "Ok, well we're about to go..."

Him: You go to church?

Me: Yes.

Him: I KNEW there was a glow around you, naah im sayen?

*Insert another awkward silence*

WHO KNEW that there was a glow around you when you attended church??? Did yall know that? Maybe it's common knowledge and you get the glow with Communion. I told my friend that I should have told him that I was glowing because I was pregnant....

I added this pic because I was dared to...

In The Fashionista's Closet: The Color of Gratitude

2011-08-24T05:59:00.016-05:00

So....school has started. And I am exhausted. I feel as though I've been in a fight. AND I lost.

(I know that's hard to believe but bear with me.)

But I am so grateful.

This past week I have made sure to take a moment out of my day and say a prayer of gratitude for all that I have gone through to get me here.

I have had to learn (and use) patience, endurance, and rely on strength I didn't know I had over this past year and a half. To be still and listen to that voice in my head. And to be grateful....

Even in the midst of things.

Dress: Thrifted and gifted by Reiko

Earrings: Forever 21

Shoes: Guess

I want to thank everyone who has been there for me, encouraged me and been a listening ear when I have needed it.

And in other news:

I had to go over some parts of the student handbook with my students and in the electronic devices section it said no pagers were allowed. I read it and had to explain what pagers were to the kids and one of them said they saw one on a movie that they watched, lol. Then someone asked, "Well how did you know people's phone numbers?" I laughed really hard at having to explain that yes there was a time when people actually MEMORIZED phone numbers and people didn't have cell phones. They were stunned...

In The Fashionista's Closet: Classroom Cutup

2011-08-19T05:51:00.000-05:00

I debated about doing a post, nothing too inspiring going on with my outfit and location but I figured something was better than nothing.

Trying to get everything ready for school has left me time for little else but decorating my room and lesson plans.

I never thought about how much work goes into decorating to create an inviting learning environment but I'll never look at a classroom the same way again. My co-workers laugh as they see me put up something and stand back an inspect my work. I must admit that I am anal in my execution but I approach this in the same way that I decorate my home.

I have been watching the first two seasons of Mad Men in between cutting out items for my room. I started watching last season and fell in love with the fashions as well as the storylines. Who knew that they were doing so much back in the 60's and that scoundrel Don Draper is SO dashing!

Now I have to go. I've been dreaming of butcher paper, wall border and stenciled letters all night....

Shirt: Zara

Nceklace: Aldo

Jeans: 7 For All Mankind

Bag: Marshalls

Shoes: Michael Kors

In The Fashionista's Closet: Friends With Benefits

2011-08-15T19:29:00.001-05:00

I am finally able to enjoy my weekends since I've quit my part time job and it has been such a blessing at the right time. I want to be able to concentrate on getting ready for the school year and this is just what I need, TIME! I have to say that this has been a wonderful weekend filled with lots of laughs, sangria and late nights.

I have been able to hang out with lots of my friends lately and I have a hearty laugh when I think about the types of friends that I have...

The Hype Man - Your "hype man" is the friend that no matter the situation they are gonna hype you up and get your adrenaline pumping. "Girl, YES you look hot in that dress!" even when you've gained a few pounds. But be wary of the hype man, because sometimes they are so busy hyping you up, they aren't telling you the truth. "You SHOULD wear those leggings as pants with a short top, everybody's doing it!" I know one girl whose hype man goaded her into getting into a fight while at a club and when she turned around, the hype man was nowhere to be found. Ummm hmmmm.....

The Cheerleader -The cheerleader is different from the hype man because they really want what's in your best interest. They will show up to cheer you on as you run the marathon and hold you up when you get a cramp and have to stop.They will pick you up from the airport with flowers in hand after a failed attempt to join the circus or pick you up when your car's been towed (that really happened) and never say "I told you so."

The Angel - The angel is the friend who holds you accountable. They will tell you when you are wrong in no uncertain terms and you can't seem to be able to keep "the dirt" from them because you forgot you didn't tell them the whole story of your weekend ratchetness. The Angel will normally tell you to pray for the person who is giving you the biggest headache because they are damaged and you do and you feel better. Angels are definitely good to keep around to keep you in check.

The Comedian - The comedian might not be able to bail you out of jail but will make you laugh when you call them collect and then you'll chuckle afterward as they remind you about the episode of The Boondocks when Tom was afraid of going to jail. (I was going to link it but I just can't, you'll have to look it up on your own but I wwwwaaarrrrnnneeeeddd you.) Comedians remind us not to take life too seriously and will usually do anything for a laugh.

Sunglasses: Forever 21

Dress: Gifted by Reiko

Belt: Thrifted

Bangles: Assorted

Sandals: Target

The Loyalist - The Loyalist is your friend since 3rd grade, your road dog you met in college, or your Sister From Another Mister who will swear on a stack of Bibles that you were together when the robbery took place and that is NOT you on the surveillance tape, it's just someone who looks like you who got into a car that looks just like yours with your specific license plate. Loyalists are truly your ride or die friends, who will sneak out of bed to hear your latest escapade instead of waiting til morning for the whole story. Please get a Loyalist if you don't already have one.

Which friend are you?

Babies and Weddings Not necessarily in that order!

2011-08-03T16:32:00.000-05:00

Just a quick update from the weekend and week so far....

Reiko's wedding was so...her. Non-traditional, ultra-chic, and lots of fun!

I did not take not one single outfit pic but was told that I looked stunning (his word not mine) so I'm hoping to snag and post a couple of pics with me and Reiko once they're ready. In the meantime, here are a couple of candid shots:

The bride and groom. He in custom Chuck Taylors and her in leopard print of course!

I swooned over this custom made artwork by Shanda Ferguson, isn't it gorgeous? She is SOOOO talented, her work has also been seen on the show "Single Ladies" on VH1.

Reiko and I getting our dance on, unsure why I was laughing so hard but there were many moments like this.

I drove in from Houston on Monday morning, came in to work and then drove to my mom's that night (a two hour drive) to get ready for my sister's delivery. I am exhausted but it was all worth it!

Meet my niece Aiyana, she made her appearance yesterday and has melted all hearts that have laid eyes on her (kinda lke her aunt.)

I'm hoping to do a quick outfit post tomorrow but I'm not making any promises!

Check out a couple of fabulous ladies blogs that I met at Reiko's wedding, they gave me a shoutout so I wanted to return the favor. They are both super funny and we're planning a girl's nite on my next trip to H-Town! *Hear that Reiko??*

Ro Gets Fit

Ah...Me So Hongry - I photobombed her pic with Reiko!

In The Fashionista's Closet: Big Things Popping...

2011-07-29T00:19:00.001-05:00

Ummmm hmmm.....Yeah I know. I'm still out on the balcony. But what do you want from me, its 157 degrees outside and I don't think that you want to see pictures of me "out in the elements" sweating in my pics. Unless you're into that kind of thing...

There are events taking place soon that are making me super excited. My sister should be delivering my niece next week (even though she didn't choose any of my FABULOUS baby name choices) and I'll be attending a wedding celebration over the weekend of a couple of my favorite people.

Hint, the bride's name begins with R and ends in O and she has a blog.

Oh yeah. I got a job. A teaching job. I start next week.

WHOOP WHOOP!

If you've been following my blog then you know that I have been a substitute teacher for the past year and a half in addition to working second (and sometimes even third) jobs so the fact that I'll be doing something that I enjoy and not getting paid lowly slave wages (yes, lower than a teacher's salary, umm hmmm) makes me really really REALLY happy.

Top: Zara

Shorts: Marshalls

Belt: Target

Bangles: Assorted

Clutch: Rummage Sale

Shoes: Ross

If you want to know more info about my hairstyle, please visit Fashion Nette-work's Facebook page.

Allow Me to Re-Introduce Myself....

2011-07-26T18:26:00.000-05:00

....Hi.....My name is Juanette and this is my blog.....I've been away for a bit. But I'm bbbbaaaaaaccccckkkkk baby!!!!!! I'd like to say that I've been on a cruise or finding the cure for cancer but no such luck. I've just been...tired.

There's been no real reason for my hiatus, I just haven't really felt up to blogging. I've been pretty uninspired by my outfits this summer since it's been so freaking hot (it was 106 yesterday) and working a retail job doesn't help since I have to wear "work appropriate" attire.

I did venture down to Houston a couple of weekends ago to surprise my ace, my dawg, my Sister From Another Mister, Reiko for her bridal shower. I had the greatest time filled with lots of shenanigans, about 6 hours of total sleep and P.G. 13 ratchetness (on her part, not mine, yall know ~~I'm not telling~~, I'm a lady.)

Key words from the weekend: loins, bacon and Frenchy's!

On Reiko: Necklaces: Assorted belts, vintage necklace

Dress: Dillards (It's got pockets!)

Shoes: Betsey Johnson

On me: Earrings: Aldo (Borrowed from Reiko)

Top: Ross

Bangles: Assorted

Skirt: Gifted from Reiko

Shoes: Steve Madden Luxe

We had so much fun getting ready and both of our outfits are a mesh of each other's wardrobes. We would truly be a force to be reckoned with if we both lived in the same city!

Shout out to Tiffany who saw me in the mall and told me I needed to update and the other commenters inquiring about me, thanks yall!

In The Fashionista's Closet: The Hulk

2011-07-01T19:52:00.013-05:00

People get on my nerves.dot com

Earrings: Forever 21

Crop top: Ross

Skirt: Arden B (My fave skirt ever, it's so old but I refuse to part with it until it's in shreds.)

Bag: Kooba

Sandals: Target

I used to consider myself kinda like The Incredible Hulk. (The tv show, not the movie, I loved Bill Bixby.) Dr. Bruce Banner was always minding his own business when someone would always start harassing him, torture an innocent soul, or otherwise be an a**hole and then he would have to tell them,

"Don't make me angry You wouldn't like me when I'm angry."

Once that happened, all hell broke loose......

I know that feeling. Of going from 0 to 60. Used to do it all the time.

I don't like liars or bs. If something or someone is aggravating me I tell them what I think and don't deal with them anymore and live my life in peace. I won't hold it against you (ok yes I will) but things won't ever be the same once you betray my trust. But do not mistake my ability to be forgiving as weakness.

I don't live on that street anymore, at the corner of Wrath and Fury, I prefer my little brick house on Tranquility Lane.

But that doesn't mean I won't go visit...

This is the photo you get when Reiko is taking pics and I'm doing the "get it girl dance" out on the sidewalk.

In The Fashionista's Closet: Fresh Eyes

2011-06-27T23:08:00.002-05:00

I got a chance to hang out with my partner in crime, my ace, my Sister From Another Mister, Reiko aka God's Favorite Shoes this weekend which wasn't really enough time for all of our hijinks and we took NO photos together *insert sad face* so there's no evidence of us even being together except for random Facebook posts and tweets. But we did go to ~~her~~ our family reunion and bonded over raiding my closet.

Remember this crop top? Well I found the skirt to it recently at the thrift store and showed it to Reiko. The skirt was waaaaaayyyyy too small but I figured I could do something with the fabric. Reiko looked at it and immediately said, "Wear it as a top. With a belt." I don't know what her standardized test scores were but I'm pretty sure this girl's a genius.

So I did.

I pinned the skirt-as-top and added this elephant belt and paired it with some cutoffs. I KNOW! I'm officially a shorts wearer. Stop asking yourself "WHEN is she gonna stop taking pics on her balcony?" It's really Hades hot outside and I just can't muster up the strength to take my setup to a more appealing location in this heat. I'll do better, I promise!

Earrings: Forever 21

Skirt (worn as a top): Thrifted

Elephant head belt: Thrifted

Cut offs: Levi's button fly (Old)

Bag: Kooba

Wedges: Dolce Vita for Target

Sometimes it takes a pair of fresh eyes to give new life to an item...

In The Fashionista's Closet: Miss Crazypants

2011-06-22T11:10:00.003-05:00

I was out on my balcony yesterday morning, ~~really~~ kinda feeling sorry for myself and getting ready to have a five minute cry when I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye. There is a dumpster behind a Vietnamese restaurant on the corner and I watched as the top of the dumpster flew open. A person (I later determined it was a small man with a long ponytail and floppy hat) hopped out of the dumpster with a bag in his hand. After getting out of the dumpster, he carefully closed the top of it, I guess he didn't want anyone coming to his "house" while he wasn't there and walked down the street, calm and cool as you please and began to look in the trash can near the bus stop at the corner.

Earrings: Thrifted

Blazer: Thrifted

Shirt: Banana Republic

Pants: Thrifted

Shoes: Target

Bag: Either Marshalls or TJ Maxx, I can't recall

After I giggled because I always seem to luck up on random strange sights like this, I took this as God's way of telling me to stop feeling sorry for myself....I could literally be "down in the dumps." Get it? Because the dude was in the....oh never mind...

Feeling sorry for yourself, and your present condition, is not only a waste of energy but the worst habit you could possibly have. -Dale Carnegie

In The Fashionista's Closet: Mama's Gun

2011-06-14T22:27:00.001-05:00

Sorry I don't have a more exciting outfit post for you but I am living in short dresses, flats and with my hair up most days to beat this 100 degree Texas heat. The heat is also to blame to for my recent photos on my balcony, it's too hot to schlep my tripod out and stand in the heat to take pics. And going to my part-time, now temporarily full-time job isn't helping my outfit posts because I don't wear heels there and my outfits aren't very inspired.

Speaking of my part time job, a customer came in and asked if we had handbags that came with a pocket for concealed handguns. The salesgirl, dumbfounded, said "Excuse me?" and the woman repeated it reeeeeaaaallllyyyy slow like the salesgirl was stupid.

"Do...you...have...any...bags...that...have...a...pocket...for...a...
concealed...handgun?"

As if we have people who come in all the time and ask for bags equipped to hide deadly weapons.

"This is our selection to conceal guns and to your right are the bags designed to hide knives and hand grenades."

Dress: Zara

Earrings: Aldo

Bag; Prada

Bracelets: Assorted

Shoes: Target

Sorry maam, I know this is Texas and all but I guess the retailers haven't made those great strides in handbag design yet...

*Post title inspired by Erykah Badu

In The Fashionista's Closet: Baby in a Bar

2011-06-10T20:20:00.001-05:00

I wore this ensemble to an open mic night on Wednesday but there was still no open mic at around 11:30 that night so I left and missed the whole thing and I got a parking ticket in the meantime because my meter ran out.
*Le sigh*

I felt that this was the waste of a perfectly good top so I'll be wearing it again hopefully to a more
"Cute Top" worthy spot.

(This is the same top that I'm wearing in my profile photo on the left side of the page with the bangles.)

Top: Zara

Earrings: Forever 21

Clutch: DSW

Jeans: Calvin Klein

Shoes: Steve Madden Luxe

I met a friend at a pool hall (pool hall sounds kind of seedy, it was actually a bar) to watch the Dallas Mavericks/Miami Heat game last night and a kid walks up to me. "Hi Miss B!"

*insert incredulous look here*

It was one of the students from school.

In a bar.

At 11 o'clock at night.

Where they do that at?!?

Apparently in Dallas, Texas, people.

"What are you doing here?" I asked him. "I'm with my aunt" he replied nonchalantly.

"Where is she?"

"Playing pool" he said looking at me like I'm stupid for asking why else would him and his aunt be in a pool hall at 11 o'clock at night.

"Ummmmmkay, well you have a good summer" I stammered as I tried to shield him from looking at the Tasty Adult Beverage in my hand.

This is why I think people should be required to pass a test before having kids and I guess I should amend that to include all family members as well....

Post title inspired by this scene in Sweet Home Alabama:

Fashion Nette-work "Inspired By" Notecards Feature!

2011-06-10T14:24:00.000-05:00

I was SO super duper excited to be contacted by Dana at Olive Paperie about featuring me in her "Inspired by" series of notecards and she did not disappoint. She is so talented and I am honored to be included in the ladies that she's featured so far (including Reiko over at God's Favorite Shoes) and I can't wait to order my notecards!

See her work below and check out the feature HERE

In The Fashionista's Closet: He Likes It, Hey Mikey!

2011-06-08T20:59:00.001-05:00

Yes. Take a good look. I have on...shorts.

Long time readers know of my hate hate relationship with shorts, I didn't consider them flattering on me and the only shorts I used to own were to the knee or not for outside viewing.

But I am trying new things these days and wearing shorter than usual shorts is one of those things.

I began my workouts again so this may be a sign of things to come!

Lions and tigers and...elephants? Oh my! I found this bag while thrifting, I think it's really a storage bag, it has lots of clear compartments with zippers but of course I envisioned it as a clutch so that is what it is.

Do you have anything that you didn't want to try and ended up liking? Date a younger guy, try cous cous, wear a romper?

Do tell....

Denim blazer: Thrifted

Top: Forever 21
Necklaces: Forever 21

Shorts: Marshalls

Men's belt: Thrifted

Clutch: Thrifted

Shoes: Dolce Vita for Target

In The Fashionista's Closet: Gifts and Presence

2011-06-05T00:19:00.008-05:00

I have recently been having the conversation with friends about using our talents to their fullest. I am reminded about a Bible study lesson about "Using what is in your hand" meaning use your God given gifts to fulfill your life and God's purpose.

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us." Romans 12:6

I know that there are areas that I excel but I really want to maximize my potential.

Dashiki: Thrifted
Men's belt: Thrifted
Sunglasses: Bluebird Vintage - Austin
Bag: Prada
Wedges: Steve Madden

I sometimes lament that I should have stayed at my job working with truant kids because it was reliable and steady but I know that the path that I am on was the path that was chosen for me. That I would not have realized my love for teaching or even stepped out to begin my styling/personal shopping career if I hadn't tried something new.

I think that now the challenge is to consistently grow and build on the gifts that I have received and cultivate other gifts that I have neglected. I used to think that I had to concentrate solely on one thing but I know that God bestows many gifts to us and it is our responsibility to recognize and maximize those gifts. (Recognize and maximize- I had a Jessie Jackson moment there for a minute.)

Do you know your gifts? Are you using them to their full potential?

P.S. Check out my feature over at Queen of the Burbs, go over and say hi to Lynaya and tell her I sent you!

P.S.S. I got new Moo cards!

In The Fashionista's Closet: Agent Orange

2011-05-31T09:35:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a safe and wonderful weekend!

I wore this outfit to lunch with a friend.

I went to see Erykah Badu aka DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown at a local club here in Dallas on Sunday night and it was a memorable night to say the least.

Dress: Thrifted

Belt: Zara

Clutch: Rummage sale

Shoes: Michael Kors

I have never been to that club before but I heard it was a ghetto oasis (I want to start using this phrase in everyday conversation) and it did not disappoint. I thought the vibe would be different since Erykah Badu was deejaying but obviously not. The music was great but I felt like I was back in 1986 and I think that's being generous. I guess I don't get out much because I didn't know that guys still wore sunglasses inside the club, maybe that won't ever go out of style? And I kid you not, there was a guy with one of these shirts on:

But maybe I'm not up on men's fashions and this is still in style but I remember buying my brother in law one of these back in the early 90's. Not to mention that Muscle Shirt Guy had on a black and white checked belt and black and white shoes.

I wore this dress backwards.

And now I know why the $7.99 shoe store is still in business because apparently all of the women at the club shop there frequently. I saw a woman with a velvet minidress on.
And I could honestly ask the question, "What is that? Velvet?"

But the music was awesome and I danced all night. Literally. I danced so much that I wanted to take my shoes off on the walk back to the car which would have been in keeping with the vibe of the club but ~~I was told not to~~ I'm a lady so I didn't.

It.was.the.most.fun. and now my legs are sore.

Yeah, it's official. I'm old.

Happy Monday!

In The Fashionista's Closet: Flashdance

2011-05-25T10:10:00.001-05:00

I wore this ensemble to the launch of Tha After Party radio show at Vapiano's in Mockingbird station. I felt like a cross between Jennifer Beals' character in Flashdance and my fave girl, Carrie Bradshaw but Carrie would have probably added a big flower pin but I didn't think of that until just this very minute.

I felt very "me" in this outfit.

Earrings: Forever 21

Crop tee: Ross

Silk skirt: Thrifted

Clutch: Rummage sale

Shoes: Steve Madden Luxe via DSW

Is it weird that a kid in the thrift store was blowing incessantly into one of those little flute/recorder things and I found him in the store and had him give it to his dad so he would give me some peace and the kid did it?

The kid was screeching it up for about ten minutes while I was there until I found ~~the culprit~~ the kid and his dad and asked him if the kid could stop making noise and the dad said he totally understood.

The kid walked up to me as I was talking to his dad and told me his name was Isaiah. I said hi and asked Isaiah if his dad was going to buy him the toy. He said yes and I told him he should give it to his dad until they left the store. The kid said "Ok" and gave it up without a fight.

I think I'm gonna call myself "The Kid Whisperer".

I told this incident to some other people and they couldn't believe that the dad didn't get angry or that the kid didn't balk at not being able to play with the toy. I think it was because I was nice to the kid and the dad but still got my point across.

It is a weird thing but kids, especially small children, are always drawn to me. I don't think it's because I think I'm particularly fun-loving, I consider myself firm but I will engage them and interact with them. And it doesn't matter where I go, kids will look at me, smile at me and talk to me. I don't know what that is, maybe they sense that I'm a big kid at heart.

About four years ago I was having a terrible morning, like crying, had an argument with my boyfriend, running late, didn't like my outfit kind of morning. I worked at a court at that time and I was going into my office I saw the cutest little girl, who looked to be about two years old there with her mom.

The little girl smiled at me. I smiled back. She reached out to me with her arms outstretched and said

"Give me a hug!" just as bold and proud as you please.

I looked at her mom who nodded her consent and that little girl gave me the sweetest little hug. She made my

day a whole lot brighter. I truly believe that she was placed in my path on that day to give me that hug.

The Kid Whisperer. I should have my own show on OWN.

In The Fashionista's Closet: Miss Manners

2011-05-23T12:00:00.003-05:00

I think that I've mentioned before that I have a class of all fifth grade boys. Since the school year is winding down and testing is over, we are discussing manners and etiquette.

Earrings: Aldo

Top: Zara

Cargo pants: J.C. Penney

Wedges: Dolce Vita for Target

I gave them a pre-test to see how much they know.

One question was "When should you hold the door open for a woman?"

Answer choices were A. Never B. When she asks you to C. Always D. Only on dates when you pay

Most of them chose D.

I think I might have dated a couple of their dads....

Parents, please teach good manners to your children.

I am super excited and honored to be featured on Stylepantry's Over 30 Stylish Blogger Series!

Check out my interview HERE

I am also Fabsugar's Look of the Day today! See it HERE

Big thanks to Fashionista Next Door Eboni and Consider Me Lovely's Rocquelle for letting me know!

In The Fashionista's Closet: Bow and Arrow

2011-05-20T11:32:00.004-05:00

(click photo to enlarge)

Things I want to add to my resume:

1. Professional Googler - If I can't find it, it CAN'T BE FOUND! Test me, go ahead.

2. Master Penny Pincher - I'm a pro at making a dollar stttrrrreeeetttcccchhhhh these days.

3. Freelance Contortionist - I'm not but it sounds fun, doesn't it?

Tee: Zara (Disclaimer: This is about a year old)

Skirt: Thrifted

Bangles: Forever 21

Shoes: Steve Madden Luxe

It's the end of the school year and the students are so out of control right now, I can't begin to tell you.

I need a Reisling drip to get me through these last two weeks.

Have a fab Friday!

DFW Blogger Meetup: The Body Shop

2011-05-17T23:00:00.002-05:00

I think of this event as a continuation of our DFW Blogger Meetup from two weeks ago, besides our visit to West Village, Elissa from Dress With Courage set up a visit for us at The Body Shop in Northpark Mall.

They were kind enough to gift us with goody bags and coupons and allowed us to invade their space with squeals, lots of hugs and our cameras.

(I stole this pic from Jessica at Splendiferous Inclinations)

One of the highlights? Catered by Chick-Fil-A! I wanted to put some chicken minis in my purse for later but yall know ~~I forgot~~ I'm a lady so I didn't.

(I stole this pic from Elissa)

I spun the wheel and won a free Chick-Fil-A sandwich so I was a happy camper.

I had never been to The Body Shop before and was pleasantly surprised that they are such a socially conscious company and that their ingredients are all natural. They also have a campaign to Stop Sex Trafficking, I signed the petition and you can participate here.

Elissa from Dress With Courage and Erin from Work With What You've Got

Chastity from The Curvy Girl's Guide to Style talked about the bronzer that she has from The Body Shop on Twitter and because I'm out of bronzer, I was excited to try it out.

District manager of The Body Shop and Jessica of Splendiferous Inclinations

After some waiting and confusion I was put into the capable hands of Keeks (I don't know if this is how she spells it, I'm guessing) and she told me that she was all about the bronzer because she's from Jersey.

While I had visions of (unfortunately) looking like Snookie, Keeks was hooking me up and did a phenomenal job! I am happy to announce that I am now the proud owner of the Baked to Last bronzer and Baked to Last blush. The blush and bronzer add definition and a touch of color to my cheeks and I am so excited about my semi-new look.

Me, London from Fashionably L8, LaShawnda from Pop Culture Fashionista and Chastity from The Curvy's Girl Guide to Style

Off the shoulder top: Zara

Skirt: Target

Clutch: DSW

Sandals: Guess

Here is Reiko's comment to my post below regarding my nosy co-worker:

*sigh*

Dear Fashionnette-work readers:

Please excuse my dear friend Juanette. Sometimes she gets like this and there's no stopping her. I apologize if she caught you off guard. She does that to me daily. DAILY! Most times she is okay...but she probably ran out of candy. This is what happens when she runs out of candy.

I'm sorry. I will keep her under control as best I can although we live in different cities.

Thank you,

Reiko

JuaNETTE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stop it!

Gotta love it....

In The Fashionista's Closet: Mrs. Kravitz

2011-05-16T13:30:00.001-05:00

If you missed it, check out What I'm Bagging over at Get It Girl Style!

I was told that I looked like the tropics while wearing this outfit but I think that I look like a pack of Starburst, and I happen to love the Tropical flavor so it fits the theme.

I know that I am not the most patient person, (more on that later) but I am honest if nothing else. People don't always appreciate my brand of honesty though.

I had to tell my new co-worker that she is nosy. (I HAD TO.)

Now wait. Before you say "Jua-NETTE" in your Reiko tone of voice, let me explain. She IS nosy.

Necklace: Thrifted
Top: Thrifted
Pants: Zara

I have only known her less than a week. If I am on the computer she will come over (with no regard for personal space either) and say "Oh you're on the computer? What are you looking at? What website is that?" or (peering over my shoulder) "Oh, you're eating lunch? What is that? Where do you get that from?" No Captain Obvious, I'm knitting myself some earplugs to use so I won't have to hear you.

And I get that she's the new kid on the block so she is trying to be friendly but I need her to tone it down a notch. My patience isn't that evolved and I'm told that everything shows on my face so I'm trying to stay neutral but I'm not a great actress even though I was in Thespians in high school.

Shoes: Ross

The funny part about the whole thing was that after I told her that she was nosy, she didn't even flinch. She said the vivid colors from the computer attracted her to the screen so she had to see what I was doing.

*insert GTFOHWTBS face here*

For those of you too young to know who Mrs. Kravitz is, see HERE.

In The Fashionista's Closet: All that Jazz

2011-05-13T12:19:00.007-05:00

I found this fun Aztec-y skirt while thrfiting and it's a little big but I wore it anyway. I should have worn a more substantial belt to cinch it but of course I didn't think of it until after I saw my photos.

Jacket: DKNY thrifted

T Shirt: Forever 21

Belt: Forever 21

Skirt: Thrifted

Shoes: MIA

I attended Jazz Under the Stars at the Dallas Museum of Art last night and it was such a great time! This is exactly the types of events that I like to participate in with grown ups who know more than the latest rap song on the radio. Last night's featured group was Havana NRG and I really wished I knew how to salsa while listening to them and seat dancing.

You can bring food and drinks and TABs (Tasty Adult Beverages) and enjoy the music. One way to know that I have had a couple of cocktails: my eyes get glassy and really really small.

Exhibit A:

I laughed after seeing these pics and decided to share them anyway even though I didn't think they were "blogworthy".

Jacket: Thrifted

Dress: Marshalls

If you get the opportunity, go out to Jazz Under the Stars and don't forget the TABs!

Happy Friday!

In The Fashionista's Closet: Gumballs

2011-05-09T12:18:00.001-05:00

Gumballs is what my mom called this dress so this is what it is.

Dress: Vintage
Belt: Came from another dress

Clutch: Gifted from sister

Shoes: Nine West

I love bright colors (as if you didn't already know) and I don't know if I'm in a good place because of the bright colors I'm wearing or if I'm gravitating to the bright colors because I'm in a good place but I'm taking everything in stride right about now.

Life happens, setbacks happen, people happen, but you just gotta keep it moving.

I have the love and support of my friends and family and that's what matters to me.

“Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.”

In The Fashionista's Closet: Rainbow Brite

2011-05-06T20:45:00.001-05:00

This has been such a hectic week, I almost had a fistfight with a crazy woman (but ~~she is old~~ I'm a lady so I didn't), I got to hang out with some real grownups and drink some great wine and I'm still working two jobs like a mad woman.

I'm headed out to visit my mom for Mother's Day and I'm already late getting started (as usual)
so this will be a quick post.

This will be my youngest sister's first 'almost a mother's day, she is having a girl (much to my ten year old nephew's chagrin, he was hoping for a boy to play with.) But we are all thrilled about a new addition, even though my sis doesn't like any of the baby names I like. I've named two of my friends children before so I consider myself the "Official Baby Namer" and she is vetoing my picks!

Parker, Kameron, Kennedy, and Kelby were some of my suggestions and she says no.

I've wanted the name Kameron for a girl ever since I worked at a bank in college and I had a customer named Cameron and I thought it was the coolest name for a girl.

So my customer Cameron comes into the bank and I tell her "I just love your name, I think it's such a cool name for a girl."

Necklaces: Forever 21, chain belts (Aldo, gifted). Bracelets: Assorted

She replied, "Thank you. My name was supposed to be Camaro but they spelled it wrong on my birth certificate."

Jacket: Banana Republic (thrifted)

*Insert stunned silence here.* Camaro??? Like, the car?

Tank: Zara

Jeans: 7 For All Mankind

Bag: Vintage

Wedges: BCBG

Big thank you to whomever changed Camaro to Cameron. Sometimes you just gotta stop stupidity in its tracks...

To all of the moms, thanks for all that you do and to my mom, I love you, you're the absolute best!

In The Fashionista's Closet: Sprite

2011-05-05T18:16:00.000-05:00

Top: Zara
Belt: Thrifted
Bag: Vintage
Skirt: Arden B
Shoes: Guess

In The Fashionista's Closet: Can You Dig It?

2011-05-02T22:15:00.002-05:00

Saturday I attended our monthly DFW Blogger meetup at West Village. It was loads of fun but I had to dash out early to go to my part time job.

Isabel, Stephanie, Nekiah, Tina, moi, Charis, Chastity, Katie, Julie, Elissa, and Janell

I had an opportunity to meet Nekiah from the blog "From the Rez to the City", isn't she gorgeous? And funny to boot!

We met at Ann Taylor Loft who opened up early for lil ole us and had 40% off everything in the store. We then had brunch at The Lemon Bar and while the ladies had bottomless mimosas, I was a good little girl and abstained since I had to go to work.

*Note to self, next time get the chicken and waffles from the Lemon Bar, I tasted Kiah's and it was delish!

Earrings: c/o Nappy Rutz

Dress: Vintage

Belt: old (can't remember)

Clutch: Vintage

Wedges: Dolce Vita for Target

I had a great time with the ladies, can't wait to see them next month!

In The Fashionista's Closet: Neutral Territory

2011-04-29T00:12:00.006-05:00

Yesterday I had to be easy breezy (i.e. relaxed and comfy) because the kids were testing and I needed to walk around a lot. I pulled out my Dolce Vitas that I got from Target and they were comfy...until I got to my second job! I think all of the walking during the day did me in...

Someone commented on my last post that I got a haircut but I didn't get it cut, my hair is twisted and I pinned up the twists. Hope you can see it better here.

Earrings: Can't remember but I love them
Bracelets: Assorted

Ralph Lauren jacket: Thrifted by Reiko

Men's Bill Blass shirt: Rummage Sale

Cargos: J.C. Penney

Wedges: Dolce Vita for Target

Bag: Shopping party

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." - Oprah Winfrey

In The Fashionista's Closet: Short and Sweet

2011-04-27T23:46:00.002-05:00

I am working a second job again so I have been super busy and I really relish my time off these days. Which means I am not wasting my time with foolishness. People have been doing some shady things and think that I don't pick up on it but I'm not stupid, I'm just choosing to overlook it and will still treat them the same way. Someone told me that you move people around in your life according to what kind of friend they are to you but the trick is that they never know they have been moved to another area of your life. That's the hard part for me....

I was so tired today I considered taking a nap in the parking lot at McDonald's before I went to my second job. (I didn't want to take a nap in the parking garage, that would just be weird.)

Crop top: Thrifted

Pants: Diane von Furstenberg

Bag: Shopping party

Shoes: Nine West

In The Fashionista's Closet: Uptown Saturday Night

2011-04-25T10:45:00.000-05:00

I atttended a birthday soiree on Saturday that was described as a "lounge" but was actually a bar and it was a really good time. I met up with Chastity of The Curvy Girl's Guide to Style and we had fun laughing it up and dancing. She is a dance machine and don't let her tell you any different!

Anyone who knows all of the dance moves to Salt & Pepa's "Push It" gets an auomatic A+ in my book...

There was a girl at the bar who was breaking it down like the girl from the Sun Drop commercial, I wanted to take her photo so bad. She was oh so serious and I suspect had taken a hip hop dance class and wanted to show everyone that she could break it down like the best of'em. Incidentally the dj played the song "Drop it Like It's Hot" by Snoop Dogg (I think especially for her) and she was in high heaven.

Happy (belated) Birthday Shannon!

Shirt: Thrifted by Reiko

Skirt: Target

Clutch: DSW

Shoes: Betsey Johnson

I Won (AGAIN!)

2011-04-25T09:52:00.000-05:00

I won a $100 gift card to Vintage Martini courtesy of Elissa from Dress with Courage! Can't wait to go there, Elissa and I will plan a visit and I'll show you what I score!

You know I love those bags, don't you?

I just received my booties that I won from Leslie over at Fashion du Jour and they are so cute! I may plan an outfit strictly to show you how I will rock them in the fall because it's a little warm to wear suede booties around now.

Thanks ladies!

In The Fashionista's Closet: Long and Short of It

2011-04-21T11:01:00.001-05:00

Showing off my new specs from Coastal Contacts, the best thing about them? They were FREE! Apparently they run a promotion from time to time for the first 10,000 people if you like them on Facebook you get a code, pick out your frames, add your prescription and only pay shipping and handling.

Thanks to The Limerick Lane and God's Favorite Shoes for letting me know about the promotion!

Update on Job Fair Dude:

I know there were a couple of questions about Job Fair Dude (JFD) after my previous post. He wasn't doing the hiring at the job fair, he was an attendee. He began talking to me and my colleagues and we were heading to a second job fair and he asked if he could follow us and that he wasn't from the area. We agreed and I gave him my card and told him he could call if he got lost. He seemed harmless enough, all of us went to lunch together and he called me after the job fair to ask about my interview. Until he called that night...

Soooooo.....

I was talking to a friend and I was telling her about JFD and she then proceeded to describe him to me and said that he tried the same thing with her!!!!!

She met him online and said that he asked her the same thing even though she had never even met him! To come over and style his daughter's hair for church!

I am thinking that line must have worked somewhere because he keeps trying to use it....It's sad really, I am thinking that if you have to resort to these tactics then 'something in the milk ain't clean.' (I've been watching reruns of The Game.) Hopefully other women will stay far away from these shenanigans....

My aunt said that she had this same bag when she was in high school!

I wish she would have saved it for me...

Jacket: Talbot's

Top: Zara

Bag: Vintage

Jeans: Gap Long and Lean

Wedges: Steve Madden

SFAM Series "We Are Family!": Eboni

2011-04-20T10:41:00.000-05:00

When Reiko and I came up with the idea for Sisters From Another Mister, I knew that we had a great idea brewing. We have each received inquiries about our clothing in the past so we decided that our plan of action was just to shop for the business as if we were shopping for oursleves. We don't sell anything that we wouldn't wear.

Sometimes things don't make it to SFAM because we fall in love with the things that we're supposed to sell, most often I love the things that Reiko buys and vice versa. But we've decided that for the good of our customers (and because we need the money) we're gonna bite the bullet and give you an opportunity to purchase it first. (But if we don't sell it in a week, then all bets are off!)

One of the items that slipped through my grasp were these to die for culottes that Eboni from The Fashionista Next Door bought from SFAM. She totally rocked the colorblocking look and we couldn't be prouder!

Send us photos of your items that you bought from SFAM and we'll showcase you styling and profiling your look!

Bought an item and unsure how to style it? Email us, we'll help you! After all, We Are Family, related by our style DNA!

Shop SFAM HERE

The Follicle Chronicles: Product Review: Taliah Waajid Curl Sealer

2011-04-19T21:54:00.001-05:00

I was in the beauty supply getting more Eco-Styler gel when I spotted the Taliah Waajid products and noticed that they had some new products out. I forgot to mention in my 'Products" post that I have the Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier that I use as a moisturizer when my hair is feeling dry.

I bought the Clean-N-Curly Hydrating Shampoo and the Curl Sealer which says "Stops frizz, Adds shine, Shapes and seals in curls, Leave-in conditioning, No build-up." It said to use the Curl Sealer in conjunction with the Clean-N-Curly Shampoo so that is why I bought both.

The shampoo was okay, you don't need a lot and it lathers right up. I think I get more slip and need less detangling when I use my Aussie Moist Conditioner as a co-wash but I was trying to follow instructions!

First I raked/shingled a small amount through each section and then let it semi air dry. I did not use a lot of product and a little went a long way. It smells really light and wasn't greasy at all and I noticed that it elongated my twists. I then braided the root of my hair and twisted the ends in medium size braids/twists. This is what it looked like:

(Yall know we are friends if I am letting you see me in my ratty robe and my hair twisted up.)

I left it until the next morning and this is what it looked like after the takedown:

My hair was defined but not crunchy or flaky and I only left my twists in overnight. Normally I will let them "set" for about two to three days.

The Results: My hair was elongated and fluffy but yall know I like BIG hair so I re-twisted my hair into big braids for another hour and VOILA!

(BTW it is a pet peeve of mine to see people spell this phonetically, i.e.WAH-LA. Sounds stupid but I've seen it. Several times in fact.)

I lightened this photo up so that you can see the hair better....

Product Rating: A

What it lacked: Shine! I added grapeseed oil to my hair after taking it down because it looked rather dull to me. I also didn't have a lot of definition on the second day but I think that was because I took my hair down the next day instead of leaving it up for several days like normal.

Price was $7.49 each for the Curl Sealer and shampoo. If you're in Dallas, I bought them at Gold 7 Beauty Supply off of Forest Lane, here is the link to the Taliah Waajid online shop HERE.

Product ingredients: Soft water, (Aqua) glycerine, polyquaternium 10 and peg 14, polyquaternium 37, dmdm hydantoin, yarrow extract (achilea millefolium), jua extract (zizyphus Joazerio bark), lemon extract (citrus medic limonum fruit), wild mint extract (mentha avensis leaf), soap bark extract (quillaja sapponaria bark), polysorbate 20, fragrance.

All in all, I give this an A, I really enjoyed the definition that it gave and the fact that my hair wasn't hard or flaky. Has anyone else tried this? Gonna try?

In The Fashionista's Closet: Risky Business

2011-04-17T18:20:00.004-05:00

This dress looks innocent enough, right? I've had it since January but finally brought it out on a warm Sunday morning to go to church.

I didn't look at the weather report and today was a windy day here in Dallas. And the ruffles on the dress are not sewn to each other so I was afraid of exposing myself while walking from the parking lot into church.

But thankfully the shuttle was there to transport me to the front of the church and I didn't have to walk. I didn't want to chance it and rode the shuttle back to my car as well.

Right after church I stopped at the little corner store in the neighborhood to buy me some old school Now & Laters. (Now Laters is actually what I say.)

As I was walking into the store, the wind blew my dress up.

Not just a little bit either. It was like a tornado, every ruffle was going every which way and of course I screamed and was trying to hold the ruffles down down but by then everyone in and around the store was looking at me.

Dress: Vintage
Sash belt: Gap
Bracelets: Assorted
Clutch: Cannot remember (I think Aldo)
Shoes: Guess

I thank God for Spanx...

I loved loved my hair today, full and fluffy! Product Review hair post coming soon....

In The Fashionista's Closet: Dressing In The Dark

2011-04-16T23:19:00.001-05:00

I literally had to get dressed in the dark because the electricity was off in my building when I got home. Although it was still light out it was dark in my closet so I found my trusty flashlight and searched for an outfit to piece together.

It was very windy out today so I think that was the cause of the power outage.

My building is the red-headed stepchild of my complex, whenever there is a burst pipe or no heat, ours is one of the few buildings affected.

To quote Gen321, "That's bejank."

(I am going to start using this phrase in my everyday life.)

A dude that I met at a job fair today called me and asked me if I could come over and fix his daughter's hair for church on Sunday. A dude that I met today. And he called at 9 P.M. AND wanted me to drive to them which is about twenty minutes away.

Say it with me, class "WHERE THEY DO THAT AT?!"

I consider myself a charitable person but that's taking this whole southern hospitality thing a wee bit too far.

His daughter's hair didn't need to be done, at say 5 o'clock?

He has never met me before today and thus has no clue about my 'hair doing' skills.

I can see this unfolding like a Lifetime Movie and I would be the one yelling at the t.v. "WHY did you go to the house?? You don't know that man!"

I don't even know if he has a daughter. That could be the line he tells poor unsuspecting job fair attendess...

Skirt: (Worn as dress) Thrifted

Jacket: Thrifted

Belt: Vintage

Earrings/bracelets: Forever 21

Clutch (making another appearance): Vintage

Shoes: Steve Madden Luxe

Ummmmmm hmmmmmmm.........I can't make this stuff up people.

In The Fashionista's Closet: Double Duty

2011-04-15T09:00:00.002-05:00

I wore this skirt to work as a skirt and added a mens shirt and leopard belt.

ap·pre·ci·a·tion: an expression of admiration, approval, or gratitude

Bill Blass shirt: rummage sale

Striped skirt: Target

Leopard belt: Gifted from Reiko

Bag: Thrifted

Wedges: BCBG

After work I pulled it up as a dress, opened the shirt and kept the same accessories.

dis·re·spect·ful - exhibiting lack of respect; rude and discourteous; insulting

Just a little vocabulary lesson for those who don't know the difference....

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

2011-04-13T11:52:00.003-05:00

I'm super excited that I won a pair of Colin Stuart booties from Leslie at Fashion du Jour! I love what she did with my photo, I had to post it!

Thanks Leslie, can't wait to get my booties!

Don't forget to shop SFAM:

"Lady Kaleidoscope" Dress

In The Fashionista's Closet: Lazy Sunday

2011-04-10T22:11:00.002-05:00

I went to run errands and this is what I wore....

I would have to say that this outfit is the epitome of me on the weekends. I tend to gravitate to long dresses with bold colors, add lots of bangles, big earrings and call it a day. No ironing involved and yet I still feel pulled together.

Sunglasses: Armani

Earrings: Forever 21

Bracelets/watches: Assorted

Jacket: Thrifted

Dress: Marshalls

Clutch: Vintage

Shoes: Payless (Can someone please start a shoe fund for me, I am in desperate need of some new shoes for summer. Thank you very much.)

I went to a housewarming party on Saturday that turned into a Girls Nite In and lasted well into the wee hours. My girlfriends made me try on some outfits that I wouldn't normally wear and took pics that I won't share here. One was waaaayyy tooo short and skimpy but I actually really enjoyed the other look even though I might not have chosen it for me at first glance.

The general consensus among the ladies was that I don't "show off my shape"

(even though I feel as though I do but apparently I'm in the minority)

and someone asked if it was because I didn't want negative attention from men. I have to admit that that is a part of it, I don't want to be labeled or treated a certain way because I am wearing something fitted, I want a man to be attracted to more than just my physical appearance. I have also had some negative experiences with the way that men have approached me and treated me and I think that I "cover up" as a defense mechanism so that I won't be seen as just a piece of meat. I know that I have more to offer than just my physical self and I do not want to be diminished by what I am wearing.

But it did get me thinking about how I am not challenging myself to think outside of the box sometimes because I always choose to wear something loose or long, or both. I want my style to be ever evolving and feel as though I could stand to be a little less "buttoned up" so to speak.

So I will begin to try some new things and maybe opt to tuck my shirt in sometimes and let people see that I'm NOT an 83 year old grandma trapped in a 39 year old's body. I always tend to try larger sizes so that things won't be too tight but maybe next time I'll get the medium instead of the large.
(Shut up Reiko, I said next time.)

But I still like this outfit....

Spring Things Part Deaux!

2011-04-10T14:14:00.001-05:00

New items just added to SFAM:

It's a dress...

OR a blouse! You decide.

"Cotton Candy" skirt

Check out SFAM HERE

In The Fashionista's Closet: Soul Train Line

2011-04-09T09:20:00.001-05:00

I deliberately put this outfit together and laughed so hard when I saw these pics because I look SOOOO 70's it was ridic! One of the teacher's aides told me that I looked like I belonged on Soul Train and I gleefully replied "Thank you!"

Hair: Old twistout in a side puff

Sunglasses: Bluebird Vintage

Shirt: Zara

Belt: Target

Clutch: Vintage

Bracelets: Assorted

Jeans: MNG by Mango (before they were in JC Penney)

Wedges: Steve Madden

(same pic in black and white)

This looks like my yearbook photo from Cooley High.

"Grooviest Chick from Class of '75"

I wasn't going to use this pic because my butt looks huge but this is indeed what it looks like.

Baby got back...

A little pre-k kid has it out for me.
He told me last week "What's wrong with your hair? You're hair looks like you didn't fix it today." I was kinda speechless. I laughed and told him to go to class. I saw him in the hallway yesterday and he said "That's not your hair!" I wanted to tell him, "Kid, just because you see your mom take her hair off at night doesn't mean that everyone wears fake hair." But I didn't. BUT I wanted to.
He's bullying me, what do you want me to do?

I was on the phone with Reiko when I saw this photo and began laughing so hard I couldn't talk.

I'm only missing the big wicker chair in the background...

Like so...

Check out some recent blog love I've gotten from around the web:

Minister of Style (I meant to post this eons ago, I forgot!)

Yvonne 4 Eyes Don't forget her Etsy shop! (I want those Eye Love Louis No.1 hang tags)

Dress with Courage She named me as one of her favorite thrifting personal style blogs (and no money exchanged hands!)

I want to thank everyone for their support of my little space in this big world of bloggers as I maneuver and misadventure through life and outfits, it really does mean a lot.

Spring Things! Shop SFAM!!

2011-04-08T09:29:00.002-05:00

Check out our new Spring Things from Sisters From Another Mister:

"Pollyanna" Blouse (Love the sunshine yellow!)

~~"Skirting the Issue" skirt (Can also be worn as a dress!~~) SOLD!

~~"Swing into Spring" Sundress (Reiko is taunting me with this dress.)~~
SOLD!

Please don't buy this dress. PLEASE. If you don't buy this dress I can keep it and twirl around in it and feel pretty. But mama has bills to pay so I guess I do need you to buy this dress. But if you buy it you have to promise to send pictures in the dress so that I can replace your head with mine and dream.

Thanks....

Shop SFAM HERE.

If you follow me on Twitter and Facebook

you get sneak peeks into SFAM's closet so make sure you sign up!

fashion nette-work

In The Fashionista's Closet: Possibilities

In The Fashionista's Closet: Kids Say the Darndest Things

In The Fashionista's Closet: Roll, Bounce

In The Fashionista's Closet: Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You

In The Fashionista's Closet: Yellow And Blue Make Green

Countdown: Year in Review

In The Fashionista's Closet: Kriss Kross

In The Fashionista's Closet: Auspicious Behavior

In The Fashionista's Closet: Biscuits

In The Fashionista's Closet: The Day After

You Say It's Your Birthday!

No One on the Corner Has Swagger Like Us...

In The Fashionista's Closet: Berry Good

In The Fashionista's Closet: Green with Gratitude

In The Fashionista's Closet: Twinkies

In The Fashionista's Closet: "Check" Me Out

In The Fashionista's Closet: Ahoy Matey

In The Fashionista's Closet: Pants on Fire

In The Fashionista's Closet: The Light of Day

In The Fashionista's Closet: My Life in Pictures

In the Fashionista's Closet: In Between Time

Adventures In the A: Part 5 *Is This the End?

Adventures In The A: Part 4 Thrifting Adventures

Adventures In The A: Part 3 Waffles, Wedges and Earrings

Adventures in The A: Part 2 Rascals at Paschal's

Adventures in the A: Part 1

We Are On The Way!!!!

In The Fashionista's Closet: So Fresh & So Clean

In The Fashionista's Closet: Lessons Learned

In The Fashionista's Closet: Let No Man Tear Asunder

In The Fashionista's Closet: Sir Mix-A-Lot

In The Fashionista's Closet: The Color of Gratitude

In The Fashionista's Closet: Classroom Cutup

In The Fashionista's Closet: Friends With Benefits

Babies and Weddings *Not necessarily in that order!*

In The Fashionista's Closet: Big Things Popping...

Allow Me to Re-Introduce Myself....

In The Fashionista's Closet: The Hulk

In The Fashionista's Closet: Fresh Eyes

In The Fashionista's Closet: Miss Crazypants

In The Fashionista's Closet: Mama's Gun

In The Fashionista's Closet: Baby in a Bar

Fashion Nette-work "Inspired By" Notecards Feature!

In The Fashionista's Closet: He Likes It, Hey Mikey!

In The Fashionista's Closet: Gifts and Presence

In The Fashionista's Closet: Agent Orange

In The Fashionista's Closet: Flashdance

In The Fashionista's Closet: Miss Manners

In The Fashionista's Closet: Bow and Arrow

DFW Blogger Meetup: The Body Shop

In The Fashionista's Closet: Mrs. Kravitz

In The Fashionista's Closet: All that Jazz

In The Fashionista's Closet: Gumballs

“Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.”

In The Fashionista's Closet: Rainbow Brite

In The Fashionista's Closet: Sprite

In The Fashionista's Closet: Can You Dig It?

In The Fashionista's Closet: Neutral Territory

In The Fashionista's Closet: Short and Sweet

In The Fashionista's Closet: Uptown Saturday Night

I Won (AGAIN!)

In The Fashionista's Closet: Long and Short of It

SFAM Series "We Are Family!": Eboni

The Follicle Chronicles: Product Review: Taliah Waajid Curl Sealer

In The Fashionista's Closet: Risky Business

In The Fashionista's Closet: Dressing In The Dark

In The Fashionista's Closet: Double Duty

ap·pre·ci·a·tion: an expression of admiration, approval, or gratitude

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

In The Fashionista's Closet: Lazy Sunday

Spring Things Part Deaux!

In The Fashionista's Closet: Soul Train Line

Spring Things! Shop SFAM!!

Babies and Weddings Not necessarily in that order!