DezineDiva

Me Saturday night

2011-06-27T12:14:00.002-04:00

Here's how i looked Saturday night when I went out with my sister and homegirl. I wore a teal/turq. ruffle mini dress with a wide camel belt and camel colored wedges. I was very chic Boho. Loved it, especially with the hair!

Bobraz Hair

2011-06-27T12:08:00.000-04:00

So I did a sew in with some edges out and a closure. Here's some pics:

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2010-09-02T19:58:00.000-04:00

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The Diva desperately needs to lose weight!

2010-08-23T16:48:00.000-04:00

Dear Internet world:
I am sad. I am sad because I feel fat. I feel fat, and I am not losing weight. I am being lazy. I work out a few times a week (okay 4-6x per week) and generally eat pretty health fully since joining Weight Watchers, but I haven't lost any weight. Well correction. I lost some weight, but then gained it back. In about 3 weeks I lost a total of 1.4lbs, but the very next week I gained it RIGHT BACK! WTF (F stands for freak guys, chill out). What is the problem?

I was so excited to go to the ball and then I saw these fat pictures! Horrible!

Of course if I am honest with myself, maybe its because I have not yet learned the art of non-gluttonous eating. I go wild on the weekends. I do tell myself, no don't eat that cookie, no don't eat that pizza, etc, but then I think its okay to do the BLT (bites, licks, tastes). Years ago I created a system for eating where I would "punish" myself for overeating or overindulging, which usually meant crunches, or extra cardio. But I don't believe that that is exactly healthy, and I don't believe that this is exactly effective. I need to figure out my hunger cues, why I overeat, and stop this! Once and for all.

I feel like I am constantly trying the next big thing: P90x, FLOPTASTIC! Weight Watchers, no results, Fat Smash, Deprivation city!

So my newest endeavor is YOUTUBE weight challenge. I am also going to do mini goals and big goals.

Gabrielle Union looks amazing. I am tryna look even better!

Years ago i worked for LA Weight Loss, and one thing I liked was that the members lost a lot of weight because they were constantly accountable for what they were eating. Three times a week you went into a center, got weighed and had to have your food diary checked. Well, the issue is with WW you only go in once a week and no one checks your tracker. With LA, you were accountable sooner because of the increased weigh ins. Some people are against it, some are not, but the only "diet" that helped me keep off the weight was LA, and I only put it back on when I had my daughter. I joined LA after her birth and lost some weight but I was living in NYC at the time, I had a demanding job as a Designer of a new line, and I just couldn't make it into the center 3x a week. So internet world. You are my LA weight loss-esque counselor. Three days a week I will do a short video giving my weight, and talking a LITTLE bit about what I ate, and my workouts. I am going to make at least 3 YouTube short vids per week, and be accountable at LEAST to the camera! Okay!

I am also doing a one month challenge that starts today. I got it off of exercisetv.tv. Its the 10lbs slim down, and the plan is just to stick to my workouts. I have a hard time doing consistent workouts meaning some weeks I forget to do the 3 strength routines, or I get tired and do a light workout.

Beyonce always looks great, she looks happy, oh yeah cus her body is bangin!

Last year after my sis did a makeup look on me, look one chin!

A few months ago (okay aprox. 6 mos ago) I was down to my slimmest since my daughter was born, at aprox. 141lbs. I was having a hard time getting down past 140, and that was like the most difficult thing for me. Since I remember clearly being 141, my goal was kinda lofty for now when I am 160/61, and I keep telling myself, I want to be back there, and even smaller. Instead, I am focusing on at least getting to 155lbs, and at 150, I will treat myself to a nice piece of clothes, like a great dress. I am also NOT BUYING ANY MORE CLOTHES PERIOD!

This was just over a year ago on my 28th bday. I had a waist! I was lookin right!

I forgot to add something, last year, around this time, I was maybe 152lbs. I was in a 8, and I wanted to buy a winter coat, but i DID NOT WANT THE LARGER SIZE. So I worked out like a crazed person, went vegetarian, and just really was SUPER dedicated. By the time November came around not only was I in that coat, but I was toned and looking great. My only gripe was my tummy! So, that being said I KNOW I can do this. It's a matter of working hard and figuring out what is working and what is not!

Me in my workout clothes, I was way smaller this was last year!

Anyway, thanks for reading, check out my first video tonight, its gonna be after I leave the gym tonight. I am also going to work fun workouts back into my schedule again. I been MIA from Zumba, save for the happy bday class I took on 8/14.

Luv and hugs
Dani!

NEW BLOG

2010-08-03T16:53:00.001-04:00

Please visit me at divasguidetodiyweddings.wordpress.com. I will be updating that blog for all things having to do with fashion, weddings, etc. This blog is dedicated to fashion, weight loss, family stuff, etc.
Check it out!

I want a better blog

2010-07-15T17:34:00.001-04:00

I started this blog some time ago with the intent of chronicling my rise to fame. JK, no I actually just started it as a way to kind of network, get my thoughts out there, follow my line creation, and really just broaden my web presence. These days, an entrepreneur is only as important as their presence on the web. If you google Danielle Cicero, Danielle Martin, Danielle Martin-Cicero, or dezinediva you are going to get a variety of articles, vids and comments that point all back to ME. The thing is though, what is that content really saying??? My blog was supposed to effectively be the voice of me, of my passion.

The issue i face is low readership. I want to increase my readership, which can then increase people's interest in me as a designer, stylist, mom, entrepreneur, writer, etc. I am blogging for my big break, but I feel like (candidly speaking), it's just not working. I have a low amount of subscriptions, and hardly any comments. It pains me to write all this content, and take the time to upload all this info, and yet get nothing back from cyberspace. I am not tryna be the casual blogger, I am trying to be that person who you subscribe to, and check the status of daily. I am trying to the person that gets nominated for their OWN show because of interest in who I am. I am trying to be the person that fuels you to go out, and purchase a great outfit, pair of shoes, change your hair, etc, because I suggested it, blogged about it, or shared it from another site.

So, with all that said, I am doing lots of research on what creates a good blog. I don't live in NYC anymore (which seems like the catalyst for a lot of people checking out your blog), and I don't have a photographer following me around, nor do I have lots of money at my disposal to take fabulous pics all day, and upload them, I mean besides all the above things I am up to, I do have a full time job. I want basically to figure out how i can make the person that I am right now, with the things going on that i have going on in my life RIGHT NOW and my future plans to fuel this blog. I know a bunch of ways to drive traffic here, but not enough to retain subscriptions.

A Lot of people have cool blogs filled with glossy high quality photos, chronicling their hair, clothes, food, etc. My blog will now be geared towards my passions: fashion/style/how tos and article shares, thrifting and bargains, natural hair and skin care for those interested in that, DIY stuff like home decor, etc, Fitness and Diet, and my prepping for different projects in my life. I may need to figure out how to take this blog off of blogspot, and link it to my DanielleCicero webpage, to make all these things capable. That way, if you are interested in thrifting and DIY stuff, you can easily search and access those topics. If you are interested in fashion/style and how tos, or fitness and diet.... You get the point

I am also going to fix my YouTube page, to reflect these things. If you live in the GREATER HARTFORD area, or within the NYC/BOSTON area and you are interested in doing a makeover, closet overhaul, DIY stuff, etc, let me know. I would love to feature you on my upcoming shows. Obviously I cant pay you, but it will be fun, and informative and you will walk away with valuable knowledge.

Thank you for those who took the time to read this. I will not be posting for at least a week or two till i get all my stuff together, but expect me back with a vengeance!

Luv and hugs
Dani

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2010-07-13T14:41:00.000-04:00

My outfit yesterday
Striped assym top with grommets
Dark flare leg curvy fit jeans by Ariya
Red patent wedges by Guess
Red swirl dangly earrings

Tally is wearing Target girls stuff and a cheesy smile. Such a lil nut
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2010-07-11T15:14:00.000-04:00

In my quest for the natural me I was greeted by my nemesis: humidity. I decided instead of rockin a puffy fro that rebelled aginst the intended twist out, I should try a more natural style. Enter the kinky twist. Back in the day in college I used to braid my own hair in individual extensions as well as other girls. I figured doin kinky twists wld be similar however I was severely mistaken. I ended up trying to finish the other half of what my natural homegirl Paula started. Let's just say twistin and braiding aint the same. So my homegirl rushed to my aid and saved me from myself. This is the result. It looks almost like dreads and was done using 3 1/2 packs of model model Marley braid. I love it. Its really cute and versatile. She combined 1B and 4 and I am really diggin this afro centric style.

Love and hugs
Dani

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THE NO WEAVE PROJECT!

2010-06-25T21:26:00.001-04:00

Hey guys almost forgot to show you the real Dani.

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THE NO WEAVE PROJECT, join me on this journey, and if you want to , pull urs out too!

2010-06-25T21:22:00.002-04:00

Something is so striking about this look, the color the cut!

Hi guys, I am experiencing some identity crisis issues, and well, I am just gonna be real with you. I have called myself a wig connoisseur for a long time now. Well, not THAT long actually its been maybe since Oct. of 2008 since I started with full wigs, half wigs, and lace fronts. I have POURED hundreds of dollars into making my hair look what i thought to be acceptable to others. Before the wigs, I wore weaves, braids, phony ponies, you name it, I had it. I was on a show called Bank of Mom and Dad, where they talked about how I spent so much on wigs, and I hate to say it, I didn't TRULY learn. Jason Christopher, a stylist at the Oscar Blandi hair salon in NYC came all the way down to help me salvage a few wigs, and to teach me how to properly care for the ones i have, and he even gifted me with a beautiful Remi hair piece. I rocked the HELL out of that damn piece, and eventually cut it shorter when it started to get a bit old. He advised me to STOP spending money on synthetic pieces (he was HILARIOUS, one curly piece I had looked like Beyonce from GoldMember, but by the time he saw it, it looked like it had been ran over quite a few times, and he was like "you better not say Beyonce! That aint no Beyonce!"), and invest a quality human hair piece.

SO i went to Hairsisters.com and purchased a human hair lace front called Vanessa on sale for like $120. She was a great piece, but had a bit of issues with the lace. She also started to get crappy and shed, and also she was a 1b/30 but the way they put the 30s in was unrealistic. SO i went back to synthetic pieces. I have since decided to go shorter, and adopted a silky straight Rihanna/Victoria Beckham/Aeon Flux piece.

So this is the issue people. I feel that i look damn good. With my wig on. Soon as i take it off i get kinda IDK depressed? Feel like i am ugly, like my real hair isn't good enough. All my DezineDiva persona goes out the window. I secretly obsess that my husband thinks I am ugly, an ugly Afro bush baby. Mind you he never said as much, he has washed my nappy hair, removed matted braids, etc. He seems to like it. Its just me that is the problem. I went to counseling in college (I was an RA- Resident Assistant and as part of working for the school you could receive free counselling services). SO during that time, I met with a counsellor and i expressed my feelings about feeling ugly unattractive, etc. She said something to me, that is FINALLY starting to sink in. "But dont you have the same face?" I think i am pretty. Nice bone structure, nice big eyes, (someone told me once I have elegant eyes, hey I'll take it!), full sensual lips, a great smile, nice teeth, skin, a good hairline. Yet for the life of me, i can decide that i am ugly based on what my hair looks like. Or rather people, the TRUE issue, the length/texture.

I desperately wish i had curly hair. Thick full, silky roots. In other words: "good hair". I hate to say it but that is what i thought for so long. That my hair was bad, not good. When i was a kid my mom would fuss about my "horrible grade of hair". She tried relaxing it (first time i was 5) and it never truly took because i have a very sensitive scalp. Also when i was about six she let me get a jheri curl, and it ended up damaging my hair and caused embarrassing dandruff for about ten years. I have cycled back and forth between relaxers, and braids and weaves, etc. In high school i discovered weave glue, and was ecstatic, and ended up losing alot of my naturally thick hair. In college i went afro, but also did the texturizer. I liked going back and forth between straight and curly, but i couldn't sustain it, and went back to my old standby-braids.

It's a wig yall, dont be fooled.

Piece from Jason Christopher

Selena Wig- Freetress, my do i look fat! P90x here I come!

When i started the wigs, I decided to go natural again. The last time I had been completely natural was during my pregnancy (my daughter is 3 born 1/30/07) I was too afraid to relax so I just kept my hair braided. When Tally was about 3 months old I took out the braids and had all this thick long and natural hair. It was amazing. But it was DRY! So i ended up getting relaxers again! And promptly the hair started shedding like crazy and breaking and STAYED dry. SO I did the half wig, weaves and braids thing. Then I discovered full wigs. Perfect hair, all the time no matter the weather. I am a fitness junkie and enjoy working out at least 4 times per week and I really SWEAT. So i figured, wigs stay straight or silky curly with out messing with my hair, and transitioned to natural. I did a mini BC (big chop) in the beginning of 09. My hair has grown so much since then but I am still NOT happy. I am obsessed with many things and long hair is one of them.

So, after chatting with a good friend who is also natural I started to realize something. How can i truly say I am a diva, I am so cute, beautiful, whatever, but soon as that fake ish comes off, I am ugly??? WTF!

I have no idea how to take care of all this thick wild hair on my head. I am afraid people will think i am ugly, or Pro Black (which I am not, but i am no anti black either, dammit i am just black), people will think i am not stylish, I have lied so much about my hair, and I am afraid people will be like look at this ugly bitch. I know its extreme but seriously, its how i have felt. One thing that truly changed my attitude was recording a video for the My Own Show contest by Oprah. I want to host a show called Look Good Feel Good, which is a makeover show, and I was watching my video and I thought to myself, damn, that's how i truly feel, but then i am having all these insecurities wrapped up in my hair. Ridiculous. How can I, tell someone else to feel good about themselves when I have these stupid issues.

SO today, 6/2/10, I am getting rid of the weave, wigs, braids, and other fake hair, and just being me. This is gonna be SO HARD! I don't know how to do this hair! I don't know how to care for it. But you know what i am willing. I want to cry right now! I am checking out videos on Youtube, learning what products i should get, what tools i need, and trying to create a regimen. I am also waiting on my copy of The Diva's Journal for Whole Health, so I can get all my ish in order. I am going to record my weekly hair maintenance, plus daily hairstyles. Your girl bout to really do this. I am gonna get some flowers, put them bad boys in my hair, learn to twist out, get that Shea butter, and figure this out! I was born to have THIS hair. Now I just have to navigate it.

So everyone, (currently just six subscribers lol) please check out my blog for updates, and my YouTube channel so you can see my progress. I am going to address issues i am dealing with, gripes, concerns, achievements, etc. Please join me, encourage me, question me, challenge me. I am not at all political, or a Nappy Nazi, but I do feel that I been fake for too long. Its time to be a positive role model for all the other people out there struggling with being themselves. Thanks for listening

LUV and HUGS
Dani
xoxo

PS. The grand point is the blog is now gonna be different. Diff. format, focus, etc. Its going to be all about me learning to accept myself, also hair, makeup and product reviews, with fun sprinkled in. Let me know anything you want to hear.

PSP I plan also on sharing my P90x journey, and updating you with that. Remember this is about WHOLE HEALTH- body, mind, spirit, and oh yeah, hair!

This is Laura Izibor, trying to wear my hair like this Monday! She is so cute!

Yaya- love this style, gotta have it!

DezineDiva :)

The Diva's Journal for Whole Health

2010-06-24T10:17:00.000-04:00

I am a paper junkie. I love to write things down in notebooks and journals. I constantly search for journals that are pretty, helpful and that I will remember to write in. Enter my newest creation, THE DIVA'S JOURNAL FOR WHOLE HEALTH. This is a journal I designed that includes sections for recording your goals and accomplishments, your daily eating and vitamin/portions and water intake, your exercise, and your skin and hair regimen, AND your mental and emotional feelings, day to day. The journal also features a handy section for your weekly shopping, both food and health and beauty supplies. I already sold two in my first day on the web! Yippee. The journal comes in two forms, paperback with a basic purple cover and an Afrocentric print on a hardcover. The journal currently spans just one month, and has aprox. 188 pages, but look for another condensed version in the future, which will span 3 months at a time.

Also, please look out for more journals to come, such as The Diva's Journal for Savvy Style which will be a month long fashion focused journal, and The Diva's Journal for Getting a Life, which will be a month long journal to help you get up and out of the house and try new things! I am very excited about these projects, so please spread the word and pick up your copy today!

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2010-06-21T23:20:00.001-04:00

Maxwell was phenomenal! That man gave a show like no other! And he was funny too! Watching him and Jill made me wanna sing again. I also love their attitude they make music for the love of music not just to be makin hits and makin money. That show was so good and I lost my voice! Whoo! That's all I can say.
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2010-06-21T21:30:00.001-04:00

Jill scott at the concert. Yeah I took a pic of the screen. Check out the dancer's silouhette on the side. There were two of them and them broads was fierce!
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2010-06-21T20:08:00.000-04:00

I am right now at the Jill Scott and maxwell concert at Mohegan Sun! We are waiting for the Diva Jill to come on and hunny let me tell you these seats are no good! They are so high my sinuses are bout to start hurtin and its maddd scary up here but I am so excited anyway! Can't wait to see Jill and hear my jam Golden I'm livin my life like its Golden) and Maxwell do a little sumthin sumthin! Uh oh the lights just went low its on!
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2010-06-16T10:47:00.000-04:00

So I bought an uber expensive gift to myself just for being way fantastic and just a big deal. Chanel lipgloss in Pagoda. Its kinda nude with a bit of sparkle and was a purely decadent purchase since I could have bought like ten for the same price. But I will say this: the texture is amazing like the angels of Heaven stepped down and used their wings to moisturize my lips. It was 28 bucks well spent.
That's my story and I'm stickin to it!

Luv and hugs
Dani
Xoxo
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Hokey Croquis

2010-06-14T12:09:00.000-04:00

So I was perusing other people's blogs and came across one of the most ingenious invention for the fashion community of all time: Hokey Croquis! Weird name, totally useful product. Basically instead of me having to dig around my massive collection of fashion paraphernalia to find my various croquis, so that i can make flats and quick sketches to get my ideas out of my head and onto paper, I can use Hokey Croquis cool notebook filled with premade croquis, that disappear when you make copies or scan them into the computer. Check them out please! They are also available at M&J Trimmings in NYC.

New cat, new allergies?

2010-06-14T10:49:00.000-04:00

So, we got a cat. Well a kitten to be precise, named Princess. She is a long haired gray and white cat, not sure of the breed, but she is such a cutie. We got Princess on Thursday, and since that day, I have been progressively been getting sicker. Itchy throat, massive headache and sinus issues, some sneezing, etc. I already was feeling a bit ill, due to bad digestion issues I have had all my life, so I bought some Acidophillus pills for me and chewable ones for my little one, since I have heard/read many good things about those pills for people with digestion issues, but this is completely different. I am worried I may be allergic to the cat. I am also worried I may not be bonding with the cat, while she is freaking adorable, she is also a pouncer, who enjoys pouncing on toes, and on me. She runs around like a crazy person/cat, and cries if she is put in her kennel. I don't care much for the cat walking around my head while I lounge on the sofa, but I was just told by my coworker I could try catnip, and try Nasonex for the allergies. We shall see.

A Dress For Every Wedding Occasion - Style & Fashion Guide

2010-06-08T16:11:00.000-04:00

Check out the purpose, concept and idea behind DanielleCicero Bridal wear. I specialize in the modern bridal trousseau, with dresses and gowns that can take the bride to be from "Yes I will marry you" to "I do" and everywhere in between. I spotted an article on David's Bridal's website, which definitely explains the need for more informal wedding fashions and how to make it work for each individual bride. Check it out and let me know what you think.

A Dress For Every Wedding Occasion - Style & Fashion Guide

Byron Lars Is Fashion's Comeback Kid - Essence.com

2010-06-08T11:56:00.000-04:00

I just spotted this article on my fave designer, Byron Lars on Essence.com. If you remember I was on a show last October called Bank of Mom and Dad, which takes young women between 25 and 35, who are having financial difficulties and teaches them how to budget, save, and manage their money better, all with the help of their parents. I told the producers about my desire to be a designer (or rather to be a well known successful designer, since I have been designing since I was 9), and told them that my favorite designer of all time is Byron Lars, and as a special surprise, they had Mr. Lars come to see me in CT. It was an amazing experience, one that i will never forget, and it helped me to get my mind RIGHT! Since the show my life has been crazy changed as you can see. Take a read of the article on Byron Lars in essence, and check out his website http://byronlarsbeautymark.com/index.php to experience this amazing American Designer. Love you Byron!

Byron Lars Is Fashion's Comeback Kid - Essence.com

Office Obsession: Nars Orgasm Illuminator

2010-06-08T10:44:00.000-04:00

Going to have to cop this!
Office Obsession: Nars Orgasm Illuminator

The Egg: 7 Diet Facts - Weight Center - Everyday Health

2010-06-08T10:29:00.000-04:00

In preparation for my venture into P90X, I have to get my eating under control to REALLY see results. Because of this, I recognized a protein deficiency in my diet and found lots of helpful info for those trying to lose weight (and for overall health) on the incredible, edible eggs (remember those commercials). Here is an article that was email blasted to me this morning, I hope you will see that eggs do play an important role in health and nutrition. Oh, and why is the DezineDiva so focused on weight loss? Well right now, I feel that my body image is unhealthy and therefore, to increase my overall health its a great idea to lose some weight. That in turns feeling more confident and wearing anything I want to without the old "I'm so fat..." talk messing up my style. Smaller dress size equals no defensive dressing and really feeling confident in myself. Oh and the fact that i would love to fit my own sample size doesn't hurt either.

The Egg: 7 Diet Facts - Weight Center - Everyday Health
check it out!

Good Morning All

2010-06-07T11:17:00.001-04:00

Good morning everyone. I want to take a pic so you guys can see what I look like today, so wait for that everyone, you might not see it till tomorrow, but I can say I am looking kinda fly. I have on a cute 3/4 sleeve tee shirt dress with a scoop neck in a cream and navy abstract print by NY&Co, with pleating in front and back, a stretchy cream White House Black Market belt black patent wedges by Jessica Simpson, and silver hoops. Hair is my new signature bob, with cute short fringe bangs swooped slightly to the side, and black liner.

http://www.facebook.com/shopmandee#!/photo.php?pid=30467426&id=1030027324
My weekend was good, I bought some stuff for the kiddie (cute top with a necklace and crochet sweater attached in white and pink, it's kinda like a tunic), glittery pink flip flops (that have the nerve to have a little lift in them wedge style!, and some cute basic tees in bright turquoise, purple and pink with ruched sleeves and sparkly buttons. I also twisted her hair, and got a lot of compliments. I will also attach a pic of that. It's a great and easy style perfect for little kids, because as it starts to get a bit older and fuzzy around the edges it still looks nice, basically a really nice natural style.

So anyway, today I have to meet up with my boy Kola Kubair of Kozbyworld Fashions, who does some sample sewing and alteration work for me every once in a while. He is going to be taking part in Africa Fashion Week to be held in NYC in July, and needed some help coming up with a few more designs for his showcase. On Sunday I met up with him to help pick fabric for his collection, which is Afro-Centric. He has access to fabulous African fabrics straight from Nigeria, with really cool patterns and colors, so what I am doing is adding a bit of my Western/American flair to round out his collection. I am doing a few skirts with pleating/draping, some long caftan dresses, some structured gowns, and pants, jackets, etc. I will definitely give you all the pics on that collab once I get them.

In other news, as far as my line goes, I decided to go back to it, and work on sketches, so hopefully this weekend I will be able to hit up a few fabric stores and get supplies needed to have samples made. I have the ideas, I just need the actual fabric to get it done.

SO- I finally decided that it was time to get REALLY serious about my weight loss, and kick up my workouts up a notch. I currently am pretty active, I workout anywhere from 4-6 days a week, weight lifting, doing Zumba, and I was doing spinning but I kinda fell off with that a bit. However, I haven't been losing weight and actually since I returned to full time work in Feb. I actually gained weight, all the while NOT falling off with my workouts. There hasn't been a week that I haven't at least worked out at least 4x. So what gives? Basically my eating. I worked out a system that allowed me to eat whatever I want without gaining, but that would entail twice daily workouts, to burn off the offending food calories. However with being so busy my second workout of the day continuously suffers. I can stick to the AM workout but the PM has been the issue. So i have decided two things. One, that I can stick to a healthy eating regimen so long as I surround myself with lots of healthy snacks (I love fruit like apples, grapes, yogurt, homemade Kashi trail mix, veggies and hummus, etc.), so I am not tempted to eat the baddies, and 2. that I need a harder workout to keep me jazzed throughout the day. SO with all that, I bought P90x. Let's be clear, I love to go hard at my workouts, especially when other people are involved (i.e. I swear they are judging me) so I like to push harder. I first heard about P90x over two years ago, when i was first losing my baby weight, doing Slim in 6 also by BeachBody. At the time though I was SO out of shape that there was no way I would do P90X. Now I am in a much better position to be successful at P90X. I decided though that i wont start it until i have thoroughly read all the instructions and purchased most of the foods on the recommended food list, and also that i WILL NOT weigh myself more than once a week. I weigh myself nearly daily and it really derails my progress and my motivation. My weight tends to fluctuate with my water intake, sodium levels, hormones, etc, and I get all freaked out and doom and gloom and frankly i am SICK of it. Instead I will rely on how i FEEL, how my clothes FIT me, and whether or not i am sticking to the nutrition and workout aspect of the program. I will be posting on YOUTUBE my before and afters and kinda updating you on my progress. I really want to lose about 30lbs. I weigh 155lbs. Since starting my job I gained about 15lbs. SUCKS i know.

Anywho, holla at ya girl, let me know whats up, let me know you are out there.

XOXO
Love and hugs
Dani

My Fave sites

2010-06-03T15:24:00.001-04:00

I like to shop. A lot. I enjoy brick and mortar as well as virtual shopping, for various reasons. I shop constantly, but don't always buy (hello Bank of Mom and Dad!) I decided to compile a list of my fave online shops. Check them out and let a sista know what you think!

http://www.shopbop.com/
This is a great shop with lots of goodies for the savvy fashionista. The site is NOT cheap by a long shot, but they do have awesome sales, and if you sign up for their mailing list, you will be constantly in the know about sales and promotions, and also new designers or designers introducing their newest collections to the store. There is also a great lookbook to rival a Vogue spread, and they have a great comprehensive list of designers and trends to choose from.

http://www.buckle.com/
On the other side of the price spectrum is a great site I utilize daily at work called Buckle. They have brick and mortar stores as well, but for people like me who don't have the ability to get out there, you can check out their website. I kind of like to imagine Buckle to be like a way cooler version of Roxy or OP. Think oodles of graphic tees, great funky shoes, bags, and accessories, and a plethora of jeans. Customers can shop for jeans by color, rise, leg opening, and even back pocket styles. They feature all sorts of great names in denim AND also have great sales. I really love that for each item you click on there is an automatic suggestion on ways to complete your outfit, like say you choose a funky pair of jeans there will be a cool graphic tee, pumps and jewelery to completer your look. It helps take the guess work out for those of us who are either fashionably challenged or running out of ideas. Buckle also includes men's fashions so you spruce up your man too!

RueLaLa.com and Ideeli.com
These are just two of the many exclusive sale event websites, where basically you sign up to become a member, and then and ONLY then can you shop exclusive designer sales. Prices are slashed dramatically, and there is a time limit on when you can shop. Its on a first come first served basis and once something is gone, its gone for good, so when you see something you have to move fast! I just saw a great LBD by Lilla P that I desperately want, and silly me, I waited too long and now they only have XS left! Should I starve myself for a year to get into it? Hmmm, thinking thinking…
(Lilla P dress in black featured on RueLaLa.com)

GoJane.com

I just spied this on a FB friend’s page, and figured I should check it out, and boy am I glad I did. GoJane.com features cool and stylish shoes, apparel and accessories at affordable prices. I am so into cage peep toe booties and strappy sandals and wedges and this is definitely the place to find them and not break the bank. Here’s a few that I spy with my little eyes!

And for the design shoe junkie, please check out http://www.ourshoesbox.com/.
This site features ridiculously low prices on top designer shoes. I’m talking about Louboutin, Yves St. Laurent, Alexander McQueen, and my shoe lust Giuseppe Zanotti. Prices are out of this world, but be forewarned, there is a lot of presale going on, meaning don’t expect your shoes tomorrow. Here are a few of my feety faves!

Black patent Louboutin platform heels, classic chic never goes out of style

Sexy Giuseppe Zannotti chain sandals, sure to stop traffic.

You know these shoes! Manolo Blahnik blue satin rhinestone pumps.
SATC 1 Carrie's Wedding shoes, and soon to be my wedding shoes!

Thats all for now peeps. Please do comment, and share your fave stores!

Note- Please stay tuned for new blog content and Youtube series as well. It's gonna be hot so dont miss it!

SEX AND THE CITY 2

2010-06-01T12:26:00.002-04:00

Okay so the movie was hmm… searching for words to describe the decadence ,the fashion, the style, and the true lack of a moving plot. An fashion eye-gasm. If you are searching for a movie with substance, soul, and the desire to leave the theatre a changed person with a renewed purpose in life, please look elsewhere. Unless of course you want to leave the theater wishing you had a Carrie-esque closet, and an equally fab wardrobe to fill it with. I was not impressed with the writing in this movie, but at the same time I didn’t go to really watch the movie, so much as watch the clothes, accessories, oh yeah and the SHOES. The glorious shoes. Ms. Carrie was known mostly throughout SATC’s run as being a Manolo Blahnik wearing New Yorker, but this new, older, 2 years married Carrie is a Louboutin fan. There were one particular pair of gold Louboutin’s that my sister has been smitten with since seeing this feet fete. I personally loved the gowns and the opulence of beautiful fabrics, accessories, colors, and sheer unnecessary-ness of wearing jewel encrusted destroyed jeans while singing karaoke in Abu Dhabi, which is what the former Ms. Bradshaw, now Mrs Preston wore.

What the movie lacked in substance, it made up for in the wardrobe, which has been said to cost $10 million. I don’t want to spoil the movie for those who haven’t seen it, but for all you out there who haven’t seen it but know what its about, let’s just say Carrie runs into Aiden while on holiday with the girls in Abudabi, and starts to question the happiness of her marriage to Big/John. Samantha, who appeared botoxed and stretched to the limit, is trying to stave off the effects of menopause by popping numerous vitamins and supplements, but has them confiscated by customs once she arrives in Abudabi, and has to figure out how to get back her mojo. Let’s just say a collective YUCK. Charlotte is finally figuring out that having kids and husband and the perfect life is all a novelty until you actually HAVE it, and has to come to grips with admitting she is a. tired, b. stressed, and c. too thin. Oh wait, maybe that’s just me who thinks that. Ahh well… moving on to Miranda. Miranda is dealing with the aftermath of the realization that quitting your job because of dealing with upper management disrespect equals having to spend more time with the kiddo. That wouldn’t be so bad if Miranda wasn’t a career driven sort of woman who feels complete when she is not just a mom and ding ding ding, actually likes to work. Out of all the characters, Miranda has seen the most growth, I believe, and I feel like I am most like her. It’s great being a mom, but at the end of the day, or how about when my kid is 18, and moved out to go to college or gets married, or whatever, I don’t want to feel like, “Now what?” I seek purpose in my life besides the constant running after my baby, and making sure she can be all she can be, whilst I don’t do all I could’ve done. I enjoy work. Period, no apologies.

The movie showcased also the fact that the girls just ain’t girls no more. There was more Botox than you imagine, more face lifts and anti aging nips and tucks than I personally believe to be necessary. There was one scene when Carrie was lining her eyes with kohl liner, in preparation for her dinner date with the also married Aiden, and maybe the camera angle was off, or something but she just looked bad, scary, and old yet trying desperately not to look it. Its sad to see all the money in the world is not, in fact the key to the fountain of youth. Photoshop is.

I give this a movie an S for style, and a D for dull plot. Go see it, but be forewarned, you will want to go shopping. And you may not be able to afford your rent/mortgage for a few months afterwards.

Marc Jacobs- BANG

2010-06-01T12:22:00.000-04:00

So, listen (or rather read) this: Marc Jacobs is doing a campaign for his newest fragrance called MARC JACOBS BANG, in the buff. You read that right, he is posing nude with a huge bottle of BANG over his naughty bits. Not sure about you, but seeing Mr. Jacobs without clothes is not high on my list, but I am sure the new fragrance is going to be great as evidenced by his other fragrances. For a full article on the campaign please check out: http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/men-of-the-cloth-not-always-3091123?src=nl/newsAlert/20100601.