Dyme Divas give it to me!

FASHION TAG

2012-01-15T19:47:00.000-08:00

I seen this tag on youtube and decided to join in on the fun! Learn more about your favorite blogger's style...enjoy!

DYME BODY 101: BODY INSPIRATION

2012-01-14T11:00:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been eating crap on crap on crap. I actually have some leftover pizza and sprite I have to tend to today, because I don't waste food. So to inspire me to get my eating habits back on track I save pictures of ladies on my laptop whose bodies inspire me to hit the gym and eat right. And today I shall share with you all! These women usually have body types somewhat like mine. This gives me a realistic view of my goals. So here goes...

1. Ciara, singer @Ciara

Ciara went from being a little on the soft side in 2006 to hard body in 2009. I can tell she's been passing on the bread. How else would her abs appear so well sculpted.

Ciara is one of my top workout inspirations, because she is always hitting the gym. I'm surprised she hasn't come out with a workout dvd yet. Check out the muscled thighs (above) sure evidence of many squats and lunges.

This pic (above) is from a Rocawear event when Ciara was modeling for them. Taken a few years ago this is definitely during her body transformation. She slimmed up for rocawear, but still has some babyphat. Pun so intended.

Here (above pic) Ciara has now slimmed up even more from the Rocawear days and still managed to keep a nice bum! Go girl!

2. Draya Michele, video vixen/model/swimwear designer/reality tv star, @Drayaface

This chick is not only fit, she has gifts. Apparently the stripping she used to do in Philly was a good workout. Draya has managed to keep a flat belly even after having a son.

She admitted via Ustream that she doesn't workout religiously. So genes have blessed her with the curves in all the right places.

Draya is workout inspiration for me because like Ciara she is repping for us long leggers. I get tired of seeing super thick chicks in the videos. She reps for the athletic boyish body type yet still curvy chicks.

And she happens to have a nice bum as well.

3. Jessica Biel, actress

Jessica Biel takes the award for Arms I'd like to have. They're sculpted just right. Not too much bulk. I'd like to get my arms here then stop building.

I'm not too hung up on having a huge butt. As long as there is some curve and it's visible in a dress...

Not sure why Jessica's butt looks ghetto big in this dress.

And of course the abs are always on deck with J Biel. She is a known health/fitness fanatic so I'm sure these won't be going anywhere anytime soon.

4. Keyshia Cole, singer @KeyshiaCole

Keyshia like myself is on the busty side. There's not too many busty chicks repping in the entertainment industry so the fact that she's out there and fit...I give Kudos.

5. Rosa Acosta, model/video vixen @RosaAcosta

She just gets fitter and fitter. Rosa has definitely become a health nut and fitness pro. She blogs on rosaacosta.com about her workout goals.

Rosa takes the award for my dream butt for sure.

6. Tanyka Renee, model, Lingerie Football Player, blogger, fitness expert @JockinTanyka

Ok I'm just now getting hip to Tanyka. The first thing I noticed about her was her abs and long legs. The abs are legit, and the legs are to die for. She has the perfect butt and is just all around inspiration. She plays for the lingerie football league so the girl is constantly working out hard.

7. Teyana Taylor, singer/rapper, actress, blogger, model @Teyanataylor

Being a tomboy pays off...I'll take Teyana's abs, butt, boobs, and legs please! I got hip to Teyana's fit ways a long time ago. Still a fan, still inspired.

I suggest making a little inspiration collage as well...anything to get you moving! Who is your fitness icon?

Winter Coat Trend: Long Puffer Coats

2012-01-12T21:43:00.000-08:00

This coat may just be the "it" coat for this winter. I'm seeing it everywhere. Girls are wearing them with their duck boots, leather riding boots, uggs, combat boots...This sporty yet chic coat goes with just about any shoe or look you can imagine. Definitely on my coat to-get-now list. The snow is here (in ohio) and the coats are on sale. Must. Stock. Up.

Coats (L to R): Black Bloomingdale's Coat $151, White Calvin Klein $114, Maroon North Face $231, Grey Tahari $139

OFF THE CARPET

2012-01-11T20:42:00.000-08:00

Most fashion followers are interested in what designer a celeb is wearing on the red carpet. I'm more intrigued with what styles they wear to go to the store. Putting together a cute everyday look while still remaining somewhat casual is a real task. These looks inspire me more because I can actually wear something like it. So far this new year the following celebs have kept it fly on and off the red carpet.

1. Keri Hilson at the Airport in a denim top, grey leopard scarf, grey tee, white denim, and flat combat boots.

2. Rihanna at a basketball game in rocker graphic tee, spikey gold necklace, torn jean shorts, berry lip, ring chain, and pointy nails.

3. Beyonce in a black blazer, printed scarf, skinny jeans, large cocktail ring, and metallic shoes.

4. Angela on the beach in Miami in black cateye sunglasses, weaved leather bag, striped halter bikini, and white net cover up.

DYME ATTITUDE 101: 6 THINGS THAT ARE PLAYED OUT

2012-01-10T21:48:00.000-08:00

Sometimes people just don't know. They need a NO person. I'll be that person today.

Signatures on the end of your text messages. Especially ones that tell all your business. They usually look a little like this:

                                   ~He'll never find another like me~ or ~I can sleep when I die~

                         2. Ringtones. They had their moment. However now if you're in your 20's it's looking a little attention-seeking and hood. Unless its a festive instrumental or a classic song...it's ghetto.

                          3. Myspace and Bebo. Duh. There is no reason why you should be logging in to these sites.

   4. Pictures of your cash laid or fanned out on the internet. If you do this you might as well put up a poster in the background reading "NEVER HAD S***!!!", because that's what you're telling us.

                         5. Quoting/Tweeting about love on a daily basis. There is more to life than who you're gonna end up marrying. You'll find love when you stop putting your energy into thinking and worrying about it anyway.

                          6. Rollerwraps. This is the style where some of a chicks hair is straight while a small portion was rolled on top. The finished look is straight hair with curls on top. Not sure how this was ever popular, but it is as country as a style can get. No Ma'am.
                         Note: These are my opinions if you disagree feel free to leave a comment or if you agree leave a comment.

DYME ATTITUDE 101: PRESERVING KNOWLEDGE

2012-01-09T21:00:00.000-08:00

I didn't complete one book last year for my personal enjoyment. With that observation it is safe to say that I actually got dumber last year. With the constant attention we give to twitter, facebook, and other social media outlets we forget simple things like how common words are spelled. This generation cares more about what one rapper said to another in a diss song than we do about the quality of education we're receiving in America or any other topic that should matter.

It's truly sad, but I seen this coming. When CNN starting taking breaks from war coverage to discuss a celeb's baby bump, I knew we were doomed.

However it's never to late to reclaim our brain and clean out the trash we've been feeding it.

Here's some steps to preserving the knowledge we have and learning more.

Limit social network visits. Especially when you have a dumb network. Me and one of my closest girlfriends go back and forth about getting rid of our social networks all the time. I actually deleted my twitter and facebook last year. It became something I checked daily only to get empty, nonsense, mispelled info on nothing. And reading nothing everyday internalizes whether you want it to or not. Reading "Eff wit it" at the end of a fb friend's status daily will unintentionally inject "Eff wit it" into your vocabulary. I eventually returned to social networking, but now it is something that I enjoy STRICTLY OCCASIONALLY.
ASK WHY...Stop believing every doggone thing you hear. We've relied on experts and politicians to figure out the world for us. It's ok to listen but get your own understanding of things. When Barack announces a policy, ask yourself why he made whatever decision. Do your own research. THINK for yourself.
READ, READ, AND READ. It'll broaden your vocabulary and you'll obviously know more after reading a book than you did before you opened it.
WATCH THE NEWS EVERYDAY. It's important to know what's going on in the world and with our government. We're expected to vote in favor of the candidate that we believe will best improve and protect our communities. Educating ourselves on current events is the only way we can make an informed vote/decision.
PLAY GAMES that exercise the brain. Remember back in elementary school when we learned those multiplication problems. We exercised our brain so much that we could beat the speed of light answering a math problem. We must continue challenging our brains. Games like scrabble, sudoku, and crossword puzzles all aid in this area.
LEARN THE BASICS AGAIN. Yes again. I hazily remember learning about airplanes in 5th grade and how they remain in the sky. However my dumb butt was on a flight a few days ago questioning what's really keeping this plane in the sky (the details). The more important question is why is my black tail on it if I don't know this. I still help my grandma shell peas and descale fish because these are valuable basic skills that should never be forgotten no matter how many packaged, canned foods they want to sell.

So there you have it... a little guide for us to get our brains back working. Time to put our brain membranes to work figuring out the world's problems and living happy, productive lives.

DYME BODY 101: KELLY ROWLAND'S AB VIDEO

2012-01-08T21:11:00.000-08:00

Just in time for Spring Break. Like many of you I've been glaring at Kelly's tight core muscles while simultaneously stuffing my face with barbecue chips. Now that the new year is here we can get that clean slate motivation we needed to get off our behinds.

Part of me didn't wanna order it out of fear that celebrity trainer Jeanette Jenkins may not go as hard on us as she should being that the dvd's title doesn't state the level of the workout. After reading the reviews on Amazon.com I'm convinced it's an intermediate level workout and worth a try.

About the dvd (from Amazon reviews):

No equipment needed. The exercises can be done on a mat/floor.
Not for beginners. Some beginners said they couldn't even finish the workout.
Meal plan suggestions included.
The video is shot in black and white. (umm why?)
30 minute ab workout
Includes a love handle section...
$20

So I'm thinking once I receive this workout I'll take some ab before and after photos and give you all a review. If you've been on an ab-craving journey with no results it's time to try something different hun.

AND WHEN WE'RE DONE.....I DON'T WANNA FEEL MY.....ABS. Sorry couldn't resist.

BODY CHAIN

2011-12-01T07:42:00.000-08:00

I want a Body Chain...Rachel Roy lives in them...

Peep the simple body chain...

Rachel Roy is as raw as it gets for me...she's definitely inspired my search for a dainty, simple body chain. It gives that "mysterious sexy vibe" I strive to have.

Are you only attracting black men?

2011-10-06T05:53:00.000-07:00

This post was inspired by an article I read this morning in the newspaper about author Ralph Richard Banks who wrote a book called "Is Marriage for White People?". He did a study on black marriage and came to the conclusions that black women are saving themselves for black men while the pool of black men continues to shrink. Thanks to the incarceration levels and black men marrying outside their race, black women have become most likely to be single.

So I ask myself...One. Am I truly open to dating outside my race? Two. Are other races open to dating me?

When I look at interracial marriages involving black women, she's usually not what you would see in the hood. This black woman is universally attractive. She's every woman. She gets looks from men of all races.

Now there's no real recipe to what will attract men of all races, but I think it's safe to say being a classy, educated woman is a start.

Not the most information-filled post. I just wanted you dymeintheruffs to ponder.

Also check out a post I did on my cousin Felecia's Wedding...includes stats on marriage : ) Click below.

Click Here!

FALL 2011 NAIL COLOR TRENDS

2011-09-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

I've come to the conclusion that nail color trends pretty much stay the same for at least 2 years. This season's colors are last year's colors with more greys added in. Just because it's gonna start to get gloomy outside doesn't mean you have to have dark nails. White is in more than ever this winter. I have not even attempted to put my white denim in the back of the closet.

My favorite colors for nails are always nude-y's and pastel grey-out versions of colors, but this winter I will try more dark colors.

I really like the pumpkin, cinnamon-y colors above. You can't get any closer to fall themed nails than that.

The above colors are speaking to me. I am so drawn to these soft, girly colors : ).

What colors will you dymeintheruffs try this fall?

DYME ATTITUDE 101: Loose ALL of that Baby Weight

2011-09-23T05:39:00.000-07:00

Tia Mowry
Anytime I can get some type of inspiration to workout I'm willing to share it. I can get inspired by any pics of anyone working out, but it really makes me stop in my tracks seeing a sista' working out. Why? Because we have become the poster child for the race that doesn't work out if we are not athletes.

It's as simple as it looks people. Push the baby out, rest, then grab your baby daddy as your workout buddy. Yes him! He's the one that did this to you. He should have no issues helping you get fine again.

It's really just a must to get back in shape. For the ones of you that don't have the support of your baby's father, grab your best friend for the gym. I'm sure she'll be extra delighted to help you look good for a new man.

Tia's on it! These pics were taking early August and she had Cree in June! She definitely widened out, but Tia is a dyme so she will definitely return to her "original" shape if not in better shape with the help of her personal trainer Jeanette Jenkins.

So let's get off our bootys. We may not be on tv, but that is no excuse. We can do it like the celebs!

My observations of dyme celeb pregnancies:

-They gain the Minimum amount of baby weight. Some dymeintheruffs didn't get the memo that you are eating for two mouths; however not two ADULT mouths. So you shouldn't be gaining 80 pounds from a pregnancy. How much you should gain is based on whether you're underweight or overweight pre-pregnancy and your height/weight chart. So don't overdo it.

Paula Patton at her heaviest weight. (March 2011)

-They do not sit around enjoying their new baby weight. As soon as they pop em out, these ladies are already dieting. The doctor says 6 weeks til you can hit the gym, NOT 6 weeks to stuff your face and just be all around fat.

Paula with hubby Robin Thicke in July 2011.

-They don't quit until they've reached their goal. If they gained 50 lbs, they lose every one of those 50 lbs. Too many times I witness mothers losing a few pounds then chilling like they are done. Um you still have that lil kangaroo pouch. You ARE NOT done HUNTY!

Paula Patton (September 17, 2011)

-Just gon' get a Personal trainer and a delivery meal plan. Some people need an army. Actually most people. It's an expensive investment, but this is your body that YOU have to live with EVERYDAY. It's very safe to say it is worth it.

My Favorite Men of Style

2011-09-08T19:35:00.000-07:00

Chad Ochocinco

My number one fave when it comes to Men's Fashion. Chad has mastered being high fashion without looking too feminine. He is the best at taking elements from women's fashion and making it totally masculine.

Love this look!! I could wear this!! Chad gets extra points because he even dresses his woman Evelyn Lozada from Basketball Wives.

Chris Brown

Ignore Bow Wow lol. He is currently getting pooped on in this pic...in height and style. Wow that was mean...anywho. Chris is another male style icon who has really come up with his own look.

I love plaid!!! Only so many men can pull it off and Chris gets five stars for this pairing with converse sneakers and some nice fitted jeans.

Now Kanye is clearly a KNOWN style icon...but Ladies seriously would you holler at any regular Joe if he came up to you dressed like Kanye is in the above Or below pic?

My answer: NO! Kanye just looks smelly to me lately. I like Kanye in a blazer or full suit. I'm gon need him to get Chris Brown skinny before he tries any of these looks again.

Lebron James and Dwayne Wade

Two of my fave basketball players just so happen to be the best dressing ones as well. I don't have much to say about their casual wear, but I know both sure can hang a suit pre-game!!!

Trey Songz

This is a prime example of a man wearing his clothes and not letting them wear him. Trey beefed up his muscles and has been filling out this tight tees for a while now. He would be my number one pick for the most down to earth dresser for celebrity black men. He doesn't go over the top with the trends; he keeps it classy, and it always works.

Scott Disick

My dude is on another level. Scott's wearing threads the above men don't know none about. And he's sticking true to his style. He has his loafers, italian suits, and 70's inspired swagger that is actually "in" so it works!

Who are your favorite men style icons?

BACK 2 SCHOOL LOOK #3

2011-08-18T09:39:00.000-07:00

Tees by Old Navy
Sandals by Urban Outfitters

This look is for those lazy days when you roll out of bed wondering where you're at. A scarf-tee combo is usually my go-to look for fall semesters. You stock up on tees, and you stock up on scarves to make this work. Since this look is so incredibly simple it's great to pair with that watch that you splurged on, that way you don't look like a total bum. Hair up in a bun suits this effortless kind of day so stock up on some sporty bands to control those edges and you're on your way!

BACK 2 SCHOOL LOOK #2

2011-08-18T08:49:00.000-07:00

Cropped Denim by Levi's
Flats by Toms

Crochet tops, boyfriend jeans, and toms donning the faces of african kids...there's no way this look can go wrong. Add feather extensions and an orange lip and you're set to give off that whole "i'm natural and effortlessly hot" look.

BACK 2 SCHOOL LOOK #1

2011-08-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

Skinny Denim by Genetic Denim
Flats by Asos

I'm starting a series of back to school look posts...excited much? I am! It's time to think about those fly fall looks without going overboard and wearing your coat in 70 degree weather.

Open knit sweaters were everywhere for summer and they will remain a hot piece for fall. Pair your tan or pastel colored tops with white denim and forget all about that "no white after labor day" rule this fall. Summer white is now Winter white!

A Black Man's Proposal...

2011-07-26T10:25:00.001-07:00

I felt it was totally necessary to post this on my blog because it is a rare action these days...Soo happy for Toya!

Songs That Make Me Feel Like I'm the Shhh...

2011-07-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

Call it conceited, but every now and then you want that playlist to hype you up. You know when you want some theme songs for getting dressed in the morning, getting ready to head out with the girls for a night on the town, going in for that first real job interview, getting cute to see the boo, or maybe you just wanna dance in the mirror or around your room. Either way these are songs I like to play while I pregame...(some old, some new)

1. Oh My - DJ Drama feat. Fabolous, Roscoe Dash, and Wiz Khalifa
2. I'm On One - DJ Khaled feat. Drake, Rick Ross, and Lil Wayne
3. Muah - Electrik Red (FAVE)
4. Blow - Ke$ha
5. Your Heels - Day 26
6. Fancy - Drake
7. Party - Beyonce
8. Fresh - Remy Ma
9. Feelin Myself - Yo Gotti
10. That's Her - Lil' Scrappy
11. You Don't Know - Travis Porter
12. Did it On Em - Nicki Minaj
13. That's My Attitude - Trina
14. You Got It - J Cole feat. Wale
15. Fly Like Me - Chingy feat. Amerie
16. Fancy - Dream
17. Pretty Girl Rock - Keri Hilson
18. Suddenly I See - KT Tunstall
19. So Beautiful - Musiq Soulchild
20. Halle Berry (she's fine) - Hurricane Chris

Summer 2011 Trend: Oversized Silk Blouses

2011-07-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

This is definitely one of my favorite trends for the summer. I think this is a good look for us 20-somethings transitioning from teen dressing to dressing like a grown woman.

Kim Kardashian wears her blouse untucked with white denim and a nice watch...a more casual approach.

Lauren Conrad and Keri Hilson go for the tucked in style; perfect for high waisted bottoms.

L'Agence - Camel 100% Silk Blouse - $295
Joie - 100% White Silk Blouse - $185
Jet by John Eshaya - 100% Green Silk blouse - $138

Tip: Since Fall is coming it's smart to start thinking how this can fit in your fall wardrobe. A classic look for college students to soccer moms will be an untucked silk blouse with black leggings stuffed in tall flat boots.

Nexx - Grey Roll Sleeve Silk Blouse - $89
Trouve - White Back Button Silk Blouse - $49.90
Equipment - White Brett Silk Blouse - $99.90

Tip: For the woman who has to wear suits to work these work great under blazers and paired with coordinating pencil skirts or pants.

I know you all are like I know this heffa ain't spending a 100 on some silk shirt...uhh duh...Alot of my favorite stores have their version of the oversized silk blouse. Some stores are blending silk with cotton, but you still get that "look". Others are using rayon (a manufactured fiber) to give their garment a silk like drape.

So for this look for less you wanna check out these stores:

Forever 21 has 100% Rayon tops in this style...looks like silk.
H&M has some look-alikes as well.
Express has some 100% silk ones for a really good price. (around $50)

Yesterday In the Mirror

2011-07-11T22:22:00.000-07:00

I'm loving the blue, white, and brown belt combo lately...but Hey it works. And yes I sneak away from my work to take pics of my outfits...normal fashionista ways.

My Look:

White Linen Blazer - Michael Michael Kors

Blue Silk Dress - Michael Michael Kors

Sandals - Gabriel Bros. (store) (forgot brand)

Watch - Michael Kors

"THANK GOD I FOUND THE GOOD IN GOODBYE"

2011-07-09T19:57:00.000-07:00

In Love with this video...I was sure Bey would do an anger-filled video showing a guy effing a relationship all the way up...but instead I got Beyonce showing how a GROWN woman handles Jerks...which is without losing her dignity and staying calm, strong, and mature about breakups. The fact that you've realized a certain guy isn't the one for you is truly a blessing. And once "The One" comes you'll finally realize that the breakup was for the Best.

Yesterday In the Mirror

2011-07-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a min...it's probably been so long that I'm talking to myself. Anywho I felt semi-cute yesterday at my internship...soo why not add this to my lookbook.

Brown belts are my bestfriend these days. They add that extra something that just completes the look. And I'm all about my white denim this summer...went from not wearing them at all to pulling them at least once a week!

What I wore:

Oversized Blouse - Forever 21

Belt - Michael Michael Kors

White Skinnys - Rue 21

Tribal Sandals - My Favorite Shoes (store)

Watch - Michael Kors

OutNAboutFit: SAFE AT NIGHT IN WHITE

2011-04-13T22:12:00.000-07:00

I felt like I was wearing too much black with spring arriving almost a month ago. I'm in a serious battle to stop buying black goods. Yea Yea it's slimming...but I think I forget the fact that I'm already slim, so a White Out moment was called for! Not only did this ensemble brighten up my day, but I was also not worried about anyone missing me at night in all that white (hence the title...i'm corny).

White Blazers are definitely a goodie for spring as well as khaki blazers or trenches....now to the breakdown:

Blazer: Michael Michael Kors

Burnout Tank: Hot Kiss

Skinny Jeans: Rue 21

Wedge Booties: Aldo

Clutch: Lane Bryant

Leather Bracelet: PacSun

Photographs by: Dwayne Yates

SPRING 2011 COLOR TREND: HOT ORANGE

2011-04-12T07:46:00.000-07:00

SPRING's Hottest Color HOT ORANGE!!! It didn't hit me that orange could be chic until I saw this:

She has me on a hunt for a clean hot orange dress just like this! Orange is not only hot for clothing. This spring and summer orange is great for Nails, Blush, Lips, maybe even hair if you're feeling like Nicki Minaj!

Here is Olivia Palermo in a chic orange blouse--->

Amazingly she made it okay to wear that orange top with black pants without looking Halloween-y.

And of course everyone remembers Rihanna's orange nails here:

If you're a bold lip person (like myself) then orange lips is definitely your trend this spring.

So spruce up!!!

Fly as Hell. Swagger Right. Brown Skin Poppin.

2011-03-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

So I am back on Chris Breezy's team. Anytime I actually look at the details of a guy's outfit...someone's doing something right.

Parkas are an "in" jacket for men this spring so to throw a hot item with basics that should be in any guy's closet is a #Win in my book!

Loving the attention to details...the Spartan New Era Cap works with the green in CB's Buzz Lightyear chain. The silver buttons on the camel parka call for the grey denim, and of course the black and white Retro Jordan 13s can go with almost any look.

Chris finishes off the look with what I believe is a customized Movado Red Label watch...which will run you $5,000 and up.

I am a watch lover and I respect a man with good watch taste! I believe if a guy doesn't wear any jewelry at all he should at least invest in a timepiece.

More Movado...

GoodBye Fall Look...

2011-03-30T08:57:00.001-07:00

Just one of my planned looks...