A Diva State of Mind

Pantone is the world-renowned authority on color. They provide the color systems and leading technology for the selection and accurate communication of color across a variety of industries. In essence, Pantone decides what the “it” color will be each year.

Radiant Orchid is the 2014 Color of the Year.  But how did Pantone decides that the harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones would be the color for 2014? “While the 2013 color of the year, PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald, served as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity, Radiant Orchid reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”

So where can you expect to see radiant orchid this year? In fashion of course! Designers incorporated this color in their spring runway presentations so expect to see that influence trickle down to major retailers and their spring offerings. We can also expect to see radiant orchid as a color for many beauty products including lipsticks, eye shadows and nail polish.

What do you think of the 2014 Color of the Year? Will you be incorporating it into your wardrobe this year?

Not only do I create shopping list for my clients, but I also create them for myself! Last year, I listed camo cargo pants on my shopping list. Although skinny pants and jeans have become the norm, I wanted a pair of camo cargo pants that weren’t tight. A pair I could dress up with heels and booties or dress down with sneakers. I had heard that checking the men’s section of stores was a great place to look. So after searching for months, I finally found a pair online from Hot Topic; and they were available in a men’s size that was comparable to the size I wear in womens. YES!

When I wore my camo cargo pants to Brunch For A Cause, my client Celia commented that she needed to find a pair. And I already know that when one or two people comment about needing an item, there are many more looking for the same thing. That means, it’s time to provide the masses with the info! If you are still searching for a slim or loose fit pair of camo cargo pants, check out these retailers below. P.S. they are all from the men’s section! Click on the photo for more info on the pants.

Urban Outfitters

Hot Topic

Levi’s (also available at L&T and Macy’s)

Old Navy

Hollister

Other options include eBay and army uniform stores.

Ladies, when it comes to determining your size equivalent, there are a few ways to figure it out. I’ve seen some suggest adding 21 to your current size. For example, if you wear a woman’s 12 in pants, you’d wear a men’s 33.  If you’re like me, that logic won’t work. The most accurate option is to measure your waist and try a men’s pair in that size.  From there, you may have to go up or down a size depending on how much room you have in the pants. Remember, men’s pants are not cut for women. Generally, women’s pants are cut fuller in the hips. You can also equate the smallest men’s size to the smallest women’s size and go from there. For example 0 = 26; 2 = 27; 4 = 28; 6 = 29; 8 = 30, etc.  Like women’s clothing, each brand is different so it will take some trial and error to find the closest men’s size. And if you just can’t find a pair that fits perfectly in the waist, you know the rule. Have them taken in at the waist by a tailor!

Tamron Hall is another black woman making history this month!  She became the first black woman first black woman to co-anchor TODAY on NBC.

It was announced today during the show’s taping that Hall was promoted to co-anchor for the 9 o’clock hour with Al Roker, Natalie Morales and Willie Geist.  ”I’m excited, I’m nervous. I’m like the sitcom character that keeps popping up behind the sofa and now I’m finally on the sofa,” said Hall.

The show has been on air for 62 years and has never had a black woman co-anchor until now. Hall spoke to Essence about this milestone:

“Oh yes! How could I not be walking on cloud nine? Just the other day I was reading about Meredith Vieira being the first woman to host the primetime Olympic shows. Of course, I knew what was happening with my negotiations behind the scenes and I thought, wow, these big moments at NBC News and now I’m a part of this for women, for Black women, for all of us. And I’m just taken aback by it. I can’t even describe to you how it feels.”

Along with co-anchoring TODAY on NBC, Tamron Hall will continue her NewsNation show on MSNBC and Deadline: Crime with Tamron Hall on Investigation Discovery.

Congratulations Tamron!

Check out her full interview at Essence.com

The sun was out and the temperature was expected to be in the high 50s/low 60s, which meant it was the perfect day to check out the Fashion for a Fraction warehouse sale hosted by Washington City Paper and The Yards.

Local boutiques filled the Ideaspace warehouse located in SE DC (a block away from Nationals Stadium) to offer fashionistas their best in apparel, shoes, accessories and jewelry. I had never been to a warehouse sale before so it was interesting to see how this was set up. On each side of the space, each vendor had a table (some also had clothing racks) displaying their merchandise.  Some vendors were offering discounts while others were selling at regular price. There was also a makeshift dressing room so ladies could try on garments before making a final purchase decision.

During the first shopping session, attendees enjoyed Red Velvet cupcakes and mimosas while shopping (don’t judge, it was 5 o’clock somewhere)! I hadn’t planned on buying more than one thing, but I know I was fooling myself by making that decision before arriving.  After checking out most of the vendors, I ended up purchasing Mercy Earrings, a sweater from Carnelian Boutique and a scarf from Nepali by TDM Designs. The Nepali by TDM Designs scarves were being sold for more than 50% off the online retail price.

With music playing the background and a mimosa in my hand, I had a great time checking out Fashion For A Fraction. It was nice to get out of the house, check out a different area of town and support local businesses.

Track star turned bobsledder Lauryn Williams has become the first U.S. woman and fifth person to win a medal at both the Summer and Winter Olympics! 

Williams and her partner Elana Meyers won silver in the two-man bobsled on Wednesday at the Sochi Olympics. When I tuned in on Tuesday, Williams and Meyers had won all of their heats, so I was surprised to hear that they ended up coming in second. According to Yahoo Sports, the two lead the first three of four heats. They missed the gold medal by a split second!

Regardless if the medal was gold, silver or bronze, it is a huge accomplishment to be able to medal at both a Summer and Winter Olympics. She didn’t take up bobsledding until last August 2013. Williams also won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. relay team at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Americans Jamie Greubel and Aja Evans won bronze during the two-man bobsled on Wednesday. This is the first time the U.S. has won two medals in the event.

These ladies are out there making history. Boss! Congratulations to Lauryn Williams and Team USA!

When we were kids in elementary school, we used to exchange Valentine’s Day cards and candy with our classmates. In high school, girls may have walked around with balloons they received from their boyfriends. Under the age of 21, Valentine’s Day was fun and cute.

But once you become an adult, it’s a different ball game (for some).

Over the past few days, I have seen a lot of chatter online about Valentine’s Day. Single women complain about being single on that day. Women in relationships stress about what they should get for their boo. After all, men are more simple creatures when it comes to gifts. Guys scramble to make last minute dinner plans since Valentine’s Day is such a big deal for their lady. I have contributed to the online chatter by writing three blog posts over the past couple years related to the day: 1) Valentine’s Day Ideas: Singles & Couples 2) Valentine’s Day Is Not About The Gift 3) Ask Keri: What Should I Wear For Valentine’s Day?

But when I sit back and think about it, I wonder “why is Valentine’s Day such a big deal?”

Valentine’s Day is not a religious holiday like Easter or Christmas.  It’s not a holiday that brings family and friends together under one room to spend precious time together like Thanksgiving. Instead, February 14^th has become the one day out of the year where people spend too much money on flowers and candy and stress about giving the perfect romantic gift.

While I understand it is important to show love and appreciation, shouldn’t people be doing that all year?  I know I’m different than most; but I much rather have a significant other take me out for a romantic dinner or shower me with roses on a day I’d least expect it. We have been conditioned to think that February 14^th is the day that we all must go above and beyond. And if you’re single on that day, well then you might as well go hide under a rock.

Why not switch things up and do special things on a day that has not been so commercialized?

Although I don’t get the hype surrounding Valentine’s Day, I did make plans to hang out with my favorite girlfriends tonight.  I mean, if everyone else is going to DO the most on this day, the least we can do is get together and go out for dinner and a movie (weather permitting of course).

If you’re single, don’t beat yourself up over this “holiday.” It’ll pass before you know and we’ll go back to living like we were before Feb 14^th. If you’re in a relationship, don’t stress yourself out about finding the “perfect” gift. If anything, use the day to take a break from life and spend time together, especially if your schedules have caused you and your boo to miss having some much needed quality time.

At the end of the day, Valentine’s Day is just another day on the calendar.

*Goes back to eating chocolate and sipping a glass of wine*

Love Life Media invites you to join them for the 4P Social Networking Event. The social mixer will benefit the advancement of young entrepreneurs in the DMV.

Love Life Media focuses on positive media and projects that provide a platform for emerging business leaders to expand their brands and build connections that foster positive growth. 4P Social will highlight some of today’s “Positive Projects & Positive People” and present a special opportunity exclusive to business owners.

Guest will enjoy free food, swag bags, speed networking, contest and more!

Date: Saturday, February 22, 2014

Location: Eggspectation (923 Ellsworth Dr Silver Spring, MD 20910)

Time: 6:00 - 9:00pm

Ticket: $25

Last year I participated in the Love Life Media 4P Social twitter chat so I’ll definitely be in attendance for this networking event. I hope to see you there!  Click HERE to purchase your ticket.

While it’s great to shop and save at mass retailers, we should support our local business too! Small boutiques are where you are most likely to find some really nice unique pieces.

Washington City Paper and The Yards are hosting Fashion for a Fraction, a warehouse boutique sale  that will feature DC’s top boutiques in one place! Attendees will shop local boutiques who will have plenty of deeply discounted items including denim, dresses, handbags, jewelry and more! The sale goes down at Ideaspace on Saturday, February 22, 2014.

If you’re in the DC area, it’s your lucky day! I am giving away VIP tickets for you and a friend to attend the warehouse sale. VIPs will enjoy champagne while shopping first between 9-11am.  Complete one or all of the options below in the Rafflecopter widget to enter the giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Can’t make the 9-11am time slot or don’t want to enter the giveaway? Click HERE to purchase a ticket to attend.

Contest ends Wed, Feb 19, 2014. Good luck!

Valentine’s Day is this Friday! Whether you’re making it a date night with your boo or hanging out with your best girlfriends, you’re probably wondering “what should I wear?”

Below are four looks to serve as inspiration as you prepare to celebrate love and friendship this Friday.  Since there are so many different things you can do on Valentine ’s Day, hopefully these looks will work for any occasion you have planned.

Let’s dive in shall we?

While this look can be worn if you’re hanging out with friends, slip on a skater dress and fur coat for a night out on the town with your significant other.  This style of dress is one of my favorites because it is flattering for a variety of body types.  The empire waist of the dress will conceal the tummy and create a waist. The a-line silhouette will skim the curves of a woman who is bigger on bottom and add flattering volume for a woman who doesn’t have curves. The cap sleeves also help balance the bottom half of the body, creating an hourglass shape.

Accessorize a red skater dress with your favorite black booties, a printed clutch and gold jewelry. Of course, if you don’t want to walk around with your legs exposed, you can add black tights (solid or textured). Complete the look with a cat eye and nude lip. 

Shop red skater dresses:

 

Although Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday, there will many women who have to go to work that day. If you know you won’t have time to go home and change before a romantic dinner date, add some edge to your work outfit by pairing a pussy bow blouse with a leather pencil skirt.  Switch things up by pairing the outfit with pumps in a fun print instead of black. The pencil skirt will nicely show off your figure while of course leaving something to the imagination.  Use the color of the blouse and the bow to add visual interest. Seal the look with red lipstick. Yes you can wear a red shirt AND red lipstick at the same time.

 

Shop a tweed coats and blouses:

 

I envision the last two looks being for those who have more casual plans or are hanging out with their girl friends. I know I plan on having a girls night out; we’re having dinner and then going to see About Last Night.  I don’t want to wear a dress, so the plan is to wear leather pants or jeans. If you’re not a fan of wearing red, opt for a pink or fuschia sweater and pair it with leather pants or printed pants. Printed pants are great for women who are bigger on top. It adds visual interest to the lower half of the  body. It also helps create shape for women who may have a boyish frame. The shape of the purple sweater will work for a variety of body types including those who have a little extra in the middle; given the sweater skim the midsection, it will camouflage the midsection. 

Whether you’re pairing a sweater with printed or leather pants, add a pair of black pumps, a statement necklace and texture clutch to bring the outfit together. You know accessories take outfits to the next level! Complete the look with a smokey eye and dark nail polish.

 

Shop printed pants:

 

The final look is for the woman who loves wearing jeans. She does not want to be bothered wearing a dress. She is the type that likes to use heels to upgrade what would normally be a causal outfit.  If your ankles won’t be cold, pair a white or cream sweater with your favorite boyfriend jeans. To my fuller leg ladies, baggy boyfriend jeans will make your legs look larger; opt for straight leg boyfriend jeans.

If you’re not a fan of boyfriend jeans, you can pair a sweater with your favorite skinny or straight leg jeans. That’ll really elongate your legs. Use accessories to add pops of color. Instead of wearing red attire, opt for red heels and lipstick. Complete the look with a bold color coat.

 

Shop the look:

Will any of these look work for your Valentine’s Day plans?

Last Friday, I attended the grand opening event for Pinstripes, a new 4,000 square foot dining and entertainment venue in Georgetown. Pinstripes provides Italian/American cuisine, bowling and bocce and a year-round outdoor patio and fire pit.  The venue is large enough to host events and parties for up to 600 people (weddings, birthdays parties, corporate events, etc).

Upon arrival, guests were greeted at the door to a glass of champagne or a bottle of Stella. We enjoyed various food stations throughout the venue that featured shrimp, Parmesan chicken sandwiches, pastas, pizza and more. Did I mention all of this was free??

  

In the back of the restaurant, there is a gaming section where guests can play bocce or enjoy bowling with family and friends. I didn’t get a chance to go bowling during the grand opening; it was packed! However, I do want to come back and bowl on one of the 14 lanes. The price of bowling is VERY reasonable, ranging from $5-$7 per game per person, depending on the day of the week. Bocce is $5-$10 per hour.

I had  a great time checking out this new Georgetown restaurant and definitely want to visit again. I can tell Pinstripes is going to be a new “go to” destination for food, drinks and games. Visit www.pinstripes.com to learn more about the venue and click HERE to view the weekly specials.