A Diva State of Mind

2009 was a tough year for a lot of us.  So it’s only natural that after a rough year like that, 2010 can only get better.  And so far it has!!! Most of us are entering the prime of our mid-twenties, so we are starting to think about what is we want to do in life and what moves we want to make.  I say go for the gold.  If you have an idea, GO FOR IT!! We only have one life to live, so why not chase your dreams?!

For me, I started out with a list of 5 things I hope to accomplish and now my list has grown to 23. What can I say, there are a lot of things I want to do!! And guess what, I’m going to work on one goal at a time until I complete all 23 this year.  I’m excited about 2010 and feel like it’s going to be a great year.  The energy has given me the confidence to set out and work on all the things I hope to complete this year!

Here are the things I look forward accomplishing in 2010:

1. Get a new job (DONE)
2. Finish reading the bible
3. Volunteer with an event planner
4. Fashion contracting jobs
5. Image consulting
6. Participate in a mentor program
7. Community service
8. Buy a condo or townhouse
9. Find a second job
10. Go on dates
11. Trip to Miami
12. Modeling/Walk in a fashion show
13. Have a more positive attitude
14. Devote time for meditation and reflection
15. Always remind myself, God is in control
16. Invest in stocks and bonds
17. Join a gym and work out
18. Become active in NBMBAA
19. Run in a marathon
20. Work on starting a company with mom
21. Expand blog readership
22. Contract marketing services
23. Go to a different restaurant/lounge at least every other week in DC

What do you hope to accomplish this year?

Regardless of our financial situations, we should all have the opportunity to dress and feel fabulous, even if for only one night.

You can easily wear a designer dress for as low as $50….I’m sure you’re wondering, how is it possible to get a designer dress for $50: RENT THE RUNWAY!!!

RENT THE RUNWAY allows you to rent designer dresses for a special occasion for as low as $50 and as high as $200.  It works in 3 easy steps:

1. Browse through our array of A-list designers and find a dress you love. Or two

2.  Schedule a delivery date, and your dress will appear on your doorstep. Next-day and even same-day delivery (if you live in NYC) is available, for last-minute wardrobe crises. And we’ll send you a second, back-up size—just to be safe.

3. Put your dress in our handy pre-paid packaging and drop in the nearest mailbox (we take care of the dry cleaning!).

I haven’t personally used this service YET, but I will definitely use it in the future.  It’s a great idea and a great way to look fabulous for less! And when you don’t want to spend a lot of $$ on finding the “perfect dress,” this is definitely a great option!

Check out www.renttherunway.com to join and start renting your favorite designer dresses today!

Why is it that guys will go through the trouble of talking to you and getting your number only to not follow through? I met a guy in Georgetown a couple of months ago. We chatted for a little bit and we exchanged numbers.  We talked every once in a while through text message and he even suggested we go out for lunch or dinner.  I told him that sounded great, just let me know! I have yet to go out for lunch or dinner, but I’ll receive a message from him talking about “haven’t heard from you in a while” or “you’re so busy.” Obviously I’m not that busy b/c I told you we could definitely hang out.  I’m just waiting for you!! Where is the follow thru?

On a second occasion, I saw a friend from high school who suggested that we hang out.  We exchanged numbers and again texted often. He asked me last week when I was available to hang out.  I told him when I was free, he said “that’s what I like to hear.” I haven’t heard from him since so of course we didn’t hang out last week.

What’s the point of you guys going through the trouble of getting a female’s number and hitting her up only to not make moves.  I’m not saying you have to make me your girlfriend, but if you’re going to make an effort to seem interested in going on a date, them be about it make that movement.  I mean be about the business or don’t be about it at all. But don’t waste my text messages and minutes (if you don’t have Verizon) if you aren’t going to be a man about it and go ahead and make plans to go out.  Just saying….

Last season on Making the Band, there was a lot of drama between Que and his group members. In the end they seemed to work everything out and came out with a second album.

But now it looks like the group is going in a new direction that doesn’t involve Que.  The group sent Que a letter announcing they would no longer like to work with him. Based on how they got along on the show last season, are we really surprised? (They could’ve at least sat down with the brother and told him to his face though!) Good luck Que in all your future endeavors.

Que reads the letter he received from the group & management http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/3235648

We’re in the middle of the holiday season and that means PARTIES!!! But when that invitation comes, will you be ready?

Here are some key pieces to help upgrade your cocktail/party dresses:

1.  Bold accessories – Turn that simple black cocktail dress into an amazing outfit.  Use bold accessories like brooches, large rings and big statement piece necklaces to transform any dress from drab to fab!

 2. Fierce shoes – booties, satin peep toes, tall boots. See Put Your Best Foot Forward for more holiday shoe ideas. 

 3. Patterned tights – I love patterned tights. They add a little edge to any outfit.  Partner tights with booties or pumps and you’ll be sure to be a show stopper!

  4. Nails & Makeup – During the fall and winter, we should transition from pink to dark reds & purple nail polish.  This time of year also means we should update our make.  Use darker shades like purple, grey and navy to create a great smokey eye.

 5. Wool Coat – You may feel out-of-place wearing a fabulous cocktail dress and a Northface to a holiday party, so trade that bomber coat for a nice wool coat instead (just keep it in your closet when you’re going out for a night on the town.  It’s too cold to actually trade it in!)  A longer wool coat definitely gives you a more sophisticated and professional look.

 These 5 holiday pieces will definitely carry you through the holiday season and beyond; you’ll be ready to enter the new year in style

Ok I have to talk about a pet-peeve of mine. Many people think it’s ok to wear tights when they wear shirts and tunics.  But it’s NOT ok, especially if your tights are sheer!  I don’t what to see your baby thigh or butt when you happen to bend over to pick up something.

So to help those of you who may not know the difference between the two, and when it’s appropriate to wear tights vs. leggings, I thought I would explain it for you.

Tights are thinner than leggings.  If you are going to wear tights, they should be worn with a pencil skirt, dresses or shorts.  But if you are wearing them with a dress, the dress must be longer than tunic length; this means it hits above the knee or longer.  You SHOULD NOT wear tights if you are wearing a tunic.  Why?? Because when you wear sheer tights with tunics or shirts, a little too much is exposed.  I’ve seen way too much so far this season!

Leggings on the other hand, are a thicker fabric and should be worn with tunics/long shirts; shirts or “dresses” that hit mid-thigh or shorter. Do not wear leggings if you have on a knee-length skirt or dress.  That’s too much and it’ll look like you were trying to bundle up.

See, the difference is that simple.   Now I know most of you reading this are fashionistas, so this isn’t anything you don’t already know.  But if you know someone who isn’t aware of what’s appropriate, please pass along this blog so they too can be on the right track to wearing tights and leggings appropriately!!!

How soon is too soon to get into a relationship? A close friend of mine had been dating a guy for 2 weeks and on day number 15, she told us that the guy she has been seeing is now her boyfriend. Excuse me, did you say BOYFRIEND??? You do realize, you’ve only known this person for 15 days.  Do you even know his last name??  I’m just saying…..

Most people usually talk, date (whatever you want to call it) for about 3-4 months before they decide to take things to the next level. Can you really say that you’ve connected with a personal on a deep enough level to make them your boyfriend or girlfriend after 2 weeks? How do you know after such a short period of time that you really want to make things long-term.  Yes at our age, when we enter into a relationship, we are ultimately saying  we want to be in that relationship long-term.

Is the saying really true, “when it’s right, you just know.” I mean we hear about people all the time getting married after 6 or less months of dating.  All I can say in this situation is that I really do hope it works out…

As for me, someone’s going to have to date me for at least 3 months before I decide to make you my boo! You aren’t going to know enough about me after 15 days to decide if you can really stand to be around me and I’m sure as hell not going to know if I want to really be in a committed relationship after such a short period of time.  You’ll be lucky if I remember your name after 2 weeks!

This holiday season, it’s not only about the dress and accessories, it’s also about the shoes!!!! A pair of shoes can make or break an outfit.  I know we all dream of wearing a pair of Christina Louboutin shoes one day, but until we reach that level of fabulosity with our footwear, here are some Nine West styles that are essential for the holiday season; they are definitely affordable and FIERCE, helping you put your best foot forward throught the holidays.

I like to call these my “Sex in the City” inspired shoes.  A satin shoe is essential for the holidays.  These satin Bowtie shoes from Nine West are FIERCE!  Compliment the shoes with a sexy black satin dress and you’ll be sure to stand out at any holiday party.  I’m waiting for my holiday party invites so I can show these beauties off! Currently 30% off at www.ninewest.com or in store.  Available in Black, Purple and Red.

Can’t go wrong with a bootie and suede! Dress these up with a dress or skirt, dress then down with skinny jeans or leggings.  Either way you can’t go wrong with the Phantom peep toe suede bootie!  They are great for fall; wear the peep toe out on cool nights and rock them with tights in the winter.  Currently 30% off at www.ninewest.com or in store. Available in Black or Purple.

As we all know we are in a recession and money is tight for many of us (well money was tight for a lot of us before the recession, especially if you just got out of college).  At the same time, being in our mid-twenties, many of us strive to stay fashion forward and on top of the trends.  But how do you do that without spending a lot of money???

Well I know I have a shopping problem (yes I’ll admit it). And it doesn’t help that I work at a retail store with a great discount!  But most of us don’t work in a retail store, so what can we do to stay fashion forward without going broke??

1.  Research the sales – Many stores are having sales because inventory isn’t moving as fast as they thought they would due to the recession. Many stores take an additional % off current sale prices.  Always compare sales at different retailers to make sure you’re getting a great deal.

2. Search for Coupons – You could save sooo much $$ if you had coupons. The store I currently work for sends coupons out every month; when one ends, another one begins.  Along with researching sales, sign up to receive email alerts from retailers and search for coupons in the mail.  You will receive great savings by doing so!

3. Check out new online “personal shopping sites” – I know many of us are starting our first jobs and are looking for more “grown up” attire to wear to work. Usually that equates to higher end clothing.  Companies such as Ideeli and William B + Friends will sell designer products at DEEP discounted prices. We’re talking 70-85% off the original price.  So if you ever want that designer bag or blouse, check out these websites.  Other sites like Shop It To Me, will send you alerts when your favorite designers have sales at certain retailers such as Nordstrom.

4. Save $$ for shopping – This is some advice I need to follow because like many females, I can sometimes get carried away.  To have a handle on your spending habits, I would suggest you create a budget for shopping.  Set aside an amount you will use for shopping and DO NOT spend over this amount.  That means you shouldn’t transfer $$ from one account to another just because you think you have to have those pair of boots!

5.  Purchase alternatives – Many retailers are not spending the money on expensive pieces like leather.  Instead, they are opting for faux leather which gives the illusion of being real, but at a less expensive price.  It reduces the cost for retailers and it gives you the opportunity to be fashionable without spending a lot of money.  In the case of the leather, I like to call it “recession proof.” Check out Express.com for the “recession proof” leather jackets ranging from $98 – $118.  Please keep in mind, last year’s real leather jackets were $300!!!  Check out The 80′s Are Back blog post for more information on alternatives this season.

6.  Invest only in essentials – Trends come and go in less than a year so if you are going to make an investment,  only invest in staple pieces.   Don’t spend a lot of $$ on trends.  Please check out the What’s In Your Closet? blog post for the male and women wardrobe essentials. 

7.  Get a part-time job in retail - Another way to save money on your favorite brands is to get a part-time job working at your favorite store(s).  Associates receive great discounts on clothes!! (Believe me, I know lol!)

Follow these tips and you too can become the fashionista you want to be! I’m continuously working to reach my fashionista potential, one shopping trip at a time!

Picture by http://media.photobucket.com/image/fashionista/natrinac/fashionista2.png

Now I know with this current album, Beyonce has been a little more “creative” with her music; black & white videos, three dancer or less and a little more edge to her style.   But I’m not sure how I feel about this new Video Phone video.  What do you think??

Here is the video again.  I’m not sure how long it’ll last until it is removed from the YouTube website.