Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Naturally Chic in Neutrals

Hey loves, long time no post. My work schedule has been nuts lately and trying to catch up has been tough. This weather doesn't help either, one minute theres snow, flurries, snowmergeddon then oh wait...sunshine...for a moment....then snow AGAIN. I will tell you one thing, I'm officially OVER IT! I'm ready for sunshine, warm weather, open-toe shoes and a golden tan.

This weekend we had a glimpse of spring before retreating back to 30 degrees and it was nice. Didn't need to wear a coat nor snow boots so that was a bonus. I threw this look together to do some shopping and run other errands. It was chic yet super neutral, especially for me, not to mention comfy. I was very comfortable in my oversized silk blouse I recently thrifted for about 6 bucks! I love a good thrift store score. I added some funk to the look with this gorge tribal inspired necklace and new leopard shoedazzle beauties. I have a sad confession dolls. I remember seeing this necklace in BCBG about 3 years ago and instantly fell in love with it. I had to have it and knew I would be physically sick if I didn't leave the store with it that day....I even paid full price for it. To my recollection, this is the first time I've actually worn this piece....if I'm wrong it's been no more than 3. 

It's pretty interesting that 3 years ago I considered this a MUST-HAVE piece and sad I didn't find the same urgency to WEAR the piece as I had to BUY it. Thank GOD I'm not that impulsive about shopping these days.
Cursing this collar for filth after I snapped these photos. Collar be all funny acting in front of the camera! ugggh 
The FIT:
Blouse: Thrifted; Jeans: GAP; Vest: Forever 21; Heels: Shoedazzle.com; Necklace: BCBG; Bag: Thrifted Coach;

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Sunday, February 16, 2014

The Washington Post Feature

Hey dolls, I'm coming to you today to share some very exciting news. I am just so blessed and thankful right now at all the accomplishments and recognition I've had this year so far. Earlier in February I was featured in this month's issue of InStyle magazine (on newstands NOW) and also featured as their InStyle Reader of the Day

I'm also super grateful to have recently been featured in the Thursday issue The Washington Post. Yes, that's right I said The Washington Post, OMG!! The full article can be found in The Gazette 'Local Living' section of the paper. A reporter contacted me after discovering my blog and wanted to know more about my story and blog. I think she did a pretty good job on the story and the article can be found online HERE. Please read it if you dolls get a chance I am pretty proud of it and certainly a dream come true. I started off the year creating a vision board for the very first time and on it was having my OWN feature in a major publication. This full page story surely fulfills this dream. I have so many more goals and things to accomplish dolls and this is only the beginning.  Thank you dolls for being on this journey with me, without your support none of this would be possible. xoxo

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Friday, February 14, 2014

Love Yourself First

Happy Valentine's Day dolls! I hope your having a fabulous day today. Here on the East Coast we are smack in the middle of a snow storm so I will be spending the day loving on myself and staying warm with my sweet puppy and hot cocoa.

I have been on a self-love mission here lately. I have gained some weight and been very hard on myself and not being very positive to by body lately. I have never had such body image issues until now. Don't get me wrong, I have had my fair share of body image issues like any other woman but at the end of the day I always knew I was still cute and looked good. When I get to a point where I barely even recognize myself and the negative self-talk is at an all time high something needs to be done. ASAP.

On thing is for sure, body image can affect so many aspects of your life. I have found myself not feeling comfortable enough to go to events, get dressed up, go shopping like I used to or even date for real. I decided to take some time to focus on me and my happiness. I hired a trainer, have been eating much healthier, been more active socially and doing the things I love more often. I let myself get into a funk about my weight but then realized that is the one factor of my life that I control completely.....so take control damn it! I have lost about 5 pounds so far with about 25 to go but I must say I feel great. Good enough to post these pics today. Taking these pics was one step closer to Loving My Shape!

I wanted to put together a sexy look perfect for V-day but in my current state the proper undergarments are critical. I have been loving the Ginger Body Shaping Thong Bodysuit from d/Mondaine. d/Mondaine is Luxury Shapewear Lingerie for the modern woman. They have many gorgeous pieces to help you stay sucked in and sexy at the same time. When I say this thing is amaze balls, I do mean amaze balls! It is built with ResultWear Technology that lifts, shapes, and enhances in all the right places while smoothing out problem areas. This thing is perfect under a business suit or bodycon dress, can be worn with a bra or without and sucks in everything that needs to be kept right and tight.

My only complaint is it is a little long for my torso. I am wearing a Large in these photos and at my current weight I don't think I would have been comfortable with anything smaller but perhaps a small would not be so long. It still held me in nicely but if you were about 5'6" or taller it would be perfect for you. You can check out more products by d/Mondaine HERE!

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Thursday, February 13, 2014

Sweet & Sultry Valentine's Day Makeup Tutorial

Hey dolls, I wanted to share this Valentine's Day makeup look with you I created. It's sweet & sultry and perfect for any date night, party night out or even to hit the grocery store. I love this look and show you how to achieve it in the video below. Check it out loves and leave your makeup requests in the comments below. I plan on doing a LOT more makeup looks soon so let me know what you would like me to film. 

Hope you enjoy! xoxo 
Happy V-Day!!

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Sunday, February 9, 2014

Sheer Appeal

Not every outfit comes out in photos how you wish they would. Seriously, one minute the sun was out and the next it was gone. With the sun hiding you don't see how sheer this skirt is which is something I loved about it when I thrifted it back in Florida and put this outfit together. With the sun out it would have made these photos so much better. I was clearly feeling risky cause I wore a pair of black boy shorts underneath for a slight sex appeal. Topped off with my new fav red lippie from E.L.F.....best 3 bucks  EVER! Seriously, if you dolls get a chance to try out the E.L.F Matte Lip Crayons do so and quickly you will thank me for sure.

The FIT:
Jacket {old,BCBG} Skirt {Thrifted, sequins version HERE, dress version HERE} Crop Top {ASOS} Booties {Shoedazzle, similiar HERE and HERE} Necklace {Forever 21}

Totally loving my new mesh booties from Shoedazzle, I can't wait for the weather to get nicer so I can rock the hell outta these babies. They are comfortable and super stylish and the black goes with everything. You will be seeing more of these in the Spring time loves. 
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Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Naja Needs: 2014 Edition

Looking around my closet I find myself a bit disappointed. After the fire in 2010 where I lost everything I went on a bit of a buying binge. I got so caught up in buying STUFF that I wasn't buying the right stuff. When that happens you end up like me in a situation where you have quantity over quality. I have a whole lot of stuff that was cute last season or last year but not enough classic 'forever' pieces. The thought of dropping 600 bucks on a pair of classic pumps as opposed to 7 or 8 pairs of Just Fab 'of the moment' pumps has always given me pause. These of the moment pumps will be worn once or twice then need to be replaced soon. As I get older I now understand the importance of quality, you buy quality pieces you won't need to replace them so quickly. I decided to compile a list of important items that are missing from my wardrobe that I will be purchasing this year.
Top 14 Must Haves in 2014
Part 2

1. Leopard coat: I mean everyone I need a statement coat in my wardrobe. This leopard beauty is PERFECT!
2. CL Pigalle Pumps: Classic Pumps in black and nude. I prefer the CL Pigalle, I have been crushing on these for months and a MUST-HAVE in my opinion.
3. Rebecca Minkoff cross-body bag in Navy and Black. I love this Navy one and feel I would wear it lots. It's that perfect piece to add a perfect amount cool to any outfit.
4. The Forever Bag: Since I'm not a fan of tacky designer logos but this gorgeous Philip Lim bag I've been lusting after for ages.
5. Super Chic Rainboots: What's chic-er then these Valentino Studded beauties. I am in LOVE.
6. Opera gloves just say glamour and opulence. I NEED a pair to give any look that perfect amount of grandeur.
7. Wide Brim Floppy Hat: Such a stylish topper
8. The perfect cocktail dress. Yes, I said it...I do not own a suitable cocktail dress in my wardrobe. I'm talking that last minute invite to an amazing party, no time to hit the mall type of dress. I owned several before the fire but I haven't seemed to get around to replacing them.
9. A Classic Leather Jacket. Yes I have one but it's an awkward shape and is very old and in need of replacing ASAP.
10. Quality Jewelry. I'm talking the won't fade after 5 wears because you bought it from Forever 21. I will be stocking up on stackable rings, beautiful bangles and perfect gold hoops.
11. Oversized White Vest: I get so much wear from my Navy oversized vest I must get it in white. I have so many outfit ideas dancing around in my head for this baby.
12. Sexy Black Strappy Heels: I still can't believe I don't own a pair of these yet.
13. Oversized Wool Coat: I actually have a few but they aren't the right color and don't fit quite well.
14. A dope pair of thigh high boots and killer riding boots. I have huge calves but onestop.com has tons of boots for us big calf gals HERE.


What are some of your MUST HAVE items you will be adding in 2014? 
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