MY LifeStyle Mude

MYLM Style: Brunch with the Girls

2012-02-21T14:31:00.000-05:00

So Miranda and I went out again to help Monica celebrate her actual birthday. She had a weekend full of fun activities and Saturday afternoon we all went to have brunch in DC at Creme Cafe and Lounge.

Chicken & Waffles were sooo yummy!

Shrimp & Grits

We both loooooved Monica's burnt orange flowy skirt. Snag it for yourself at Forever 21 for $27.80!

My gold metallic sweater is from H&M.. Got it for about 10 bucks!

Celebrity Style: Rihanna in Forest Green Giorgio Armani

2012-02-21T13:28:00.000-05:00

Rhi Rhi is looking smoking HOT again! Her birthday was over the weekend, and it seems as if she is really feeling herself lol! She was seen in London attending the Stella McCartney special presentation during Fall 2012 London Fashion Week, wearing another Giorgio Armani sexy collaborative creation in forest green complete with thigh high slit. She is definitely going for the sexy minimal silhouette with these gowns. I'M LOVING IT!

I love that she kept everything neutral with makeup, gold strappy Gucci sandals and jewelry, which included Susan Caplan vintage gold chokers and bracelets, and Annoushka diamond rings.

KILLIN' IT!!!!

MYLM Style: Return of the Mack!

2012-02-18T18:52:00.000-05:00

For the true devoted MYLM readers, I know you guys will truly appreciate this post!

MYLM Style is BACK!

Reintroducing Kristen! She is our guest blogger and our very good friend who does special posts for us every Friday! Isn't she lovely?!

We were out beginning Monica's 26th Birthday celebration! She did a fab job mixing zebra and houndstooth prints! Love it! *cues Rihanna's 'Cake'*

Smootches! Now get use to seeing us, because we're back!!!!!!!

Fashion Discussion: Celebrities vs Supermodels

2012-02-17T11:50:00.002-05:00

Earlier this week, I’m sitting at home flipping through this month’s Vogue, admiring this beautiful photo shoot of Adele. And with the Grammy’s wrapping up, it makes perfect sense for her to be on the cover for this month. But I’ve realized over time, it seems like celebrities, actors/actresses and music artists are all over magazine covers and ad campaigns.

Adele, Vogue 2012

Twiggy, Vogue 1967

If you look at all of the magazines you’re currently subscribing to; Marie Claire, Glamour, Cosmo, etc, majority of them have a celebrity cover. There used to be a time when the supermodels of the world were covering those same magazines.

Alec Weck, Elle 1997

Over the years, luxury brands like Gucci, Dior, and Chanel, have sought out celebrity women to be ambassadors for their collections. Rihanna and Emporio Armani have paired up for a lingerie line and also a clothing line in which she is also taking part in some of the designing. Solange Knowles just landed a modeling contract with Next Model Management and was spotted all over the runways of Milan Fashion Week. And Sofia Vergara is this year’s new Cover Girl.

Sofia Vergara, CoverGirl

Blake Lively for Chanel

From my understanding, it seemed like landing a job with a major brand or ending up on somebody’s magazine cover was the ultimate goal for models.

So my question is this, what does this mean for models?. Do you think these companies are using celebrities because they believe it will help them sell more? Do you think celebrities are hired because they look more like the average person compared to super models with itty-bitty waistlines? Is this making it harder for models to find jobs? Comment and let me know what you think.

{photos courtesy of S2s magazine, fashionbomb, klothezminded, backseatcuddler.com, fashionmodel.mtx5.com, popcrunch}

Celebrity Style: Top Looks this Week

2012-02-17T11:50:00.000-05:00

It's Fashion Week so the Celebrities have been out showcasing their fashionable style! Here is my roundup of my favorites this week, plus some paparazzi sightings from Celebs doing what they do best, being fab!

Model Eva Pigford looked cute in this black/white number. It's different but it works!

Jessica Alba's dress was super cute! Love the color!

LaLa stepped out in this black jumpsuit and I love the yellow blazer!

Solange out during Fashion Week. I like how she mixed the floral with the yellow pumps. Super cute!

Zoe Saldana rocked Prabal Gurung from head to toe. I love the pastel colors and the floral!

Amber Heard looked stunning in this white dress!

I didn't really like the dress on Selita but the color is gorge!

Leighton Meester attended the Vera Wang show, and again rocking yellow sandals and a cute graphic print dress!

Nicki Minaj was at the NYC Mac Store in this colorful number, I would rock this look! I love the yellow! Lol!

Turn Your Passion Into Profit!!

2012-02-15T17:54:00.000-05:00

"Do what you love and the rewards will come."

Got a day job that you're not really feeling...it's just a paycheck that's getting you by? Need some extra cash in this crazy economy? Got some side hustle ideas that you could easily turn into profit? Well, put them to use and get the ball rolling!!
Turning your passion into profit is an EXCELLENT way to made a little side money, while still keeping your sanity at your day job. I've come up with some great ways to set up your side job and possibly turn it into a business.

Firstly, you should find what makes you the most happy and take advantage of this passion. Some common, but fun and fabulous ideas:

makeup artist
bartender
jewelry designer
styling consultant
hairdresser
real estate agent

They always say that if you "what you love, the rewards will follow" and this is most often true. If you put your all into something and do it naturally, it doesn't become a chore because you are actually having fun making it happen. The sometimes difficult part about having a side hustle is the time you put into it -- you will get what you put into it. My suggestion is that if you have a busy schedule, devote some weekend time to your craft and build on it. This way, your passion is a masterpiece and not just a painting.

Once you have established your passion and depending on how serious you are in making it possible employment, ask yourself a couple of questions to see if you have the brain power and dedication to turn it into a small business.

Some great sites on how to get started:
Success E-zine:
5 Questions to Help Turn Your Passion into Profit:

Live Bold & Bloom:
The Secrets to Turning Your Passion into Profit:

There are thousands of books on this topic, so do a Google search and see what you can find. But just know there is light at the end of your tunnel, as long as you put your mind and heart into it!

Spring 2012 Trend: Pastel Colors

2012-02-15T17:36:00.001-05:00

During New York Fashion Week this year many Spring 2012 collections have incorporated pastel colors into their designs. Bright colors like neon yellows and even darker tones have been the trend but this season light and airy hues of blue, pink, yellow, and green were popular in the ready-to-wear collections. Take some inspirations from the designers!

Pastel colors are perfect for the ultra feminine girly girl! So on your next shopping trip, look out for those Easter egg colors like icy blue, lavender, apricot, mint, and bubble gum pink. Use these colors in your outfits, accessories, and even nails!

Beauty: Who Rocked the Side Braid Better?

2012-02-14T22:03:00.000-05:00

Both Angela Simmons and Gabrielle Union rocked the side french braid look. Angela was out during NYFW and Gabby attended Clive Davis' pre-Grammy bash...

side note: This gives me some inspiration to try something different with my hair while I have my ~~weave~~ in...lol

Who rocked the side braid better?

Miranda's Vintage Jewelry Haul

2012-02-14T13:51:00.001-05:00

Hola Chicas!
So I hit up some flea markets, thrift stores, and consignment shops a few weeks ago just to browse, but of course I found all types of baubles and eye-popping goodies!!! Jewelry and leopard print are 2 major things I can't do without LOL...and I have a serious thing for big chunky, statement necklaces. They are such a fun way to play up your outfit without being overdone. When you don't feel like dressing up outfit too much, just throw on a statement necklace and you are instantly put together and dressed up! Funky, bold jewelry should always be the talking piece...leave everything else neutral.

You wouldn't believe how much I paid for some of these pieces....literally. Some of the best jewelry is in thrift and flea markets...just make sure you clean all pieces with alcohol before wearing. The pieces are great, but the prices are even better!! I paid $2 for the patterned earrings!

My FAVORITE piece! $25 at Pretty People Vintage

$3 at Value Village

$6 at Pretty People Vintage

$10 at Pretty People Vintage

$8 at Flea Market in Clinton, MD

$2 at Georgia Ave Flea Market!

A gift from Bintu HoneyB

This isn't anywhere near the amount of jewelry I have in my collection..just a few fun pieces I thought I'd share with you guys. Feel free to visit any of the above mentioned stores to grab some fabulous finds!

Enjoy!

Elizabeth Taylor: Her Life In Style

2012-02-13T22:43:00.000-05:00

Elizabeth Taylor....the beautiful woman with the violet eyes who shined like a diamond (literally), was one of the world's most iconic figures in Hollywood. I recently picked up this coffee table book and fell in love with this woman's beauty. She was the beauty and brains behind the sparkling jewels and on-screen cameras. She was the woman who married 8 times and with each married received fascinating jewels. She was the femme-fatale who stole hearts with her beauty and who was appointed Dame of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II. Wow! Her legacy will live on, as she is a beloved style icon and bombshell.

Some of my favorite pictures in the book:

Simply Stunning...

New Music: Melanie Fiona's "Wrong Side of a Love Song"

2012-02-13T21:34:00.000-05:00

Melanie Fiona is such an unsung artist who needs more shine for her vocal talents. I love her voice and her music because it's real and comes from the heart. I just had to post this beautiful melody, "Wrong Song of a Love Song," from Melanie's new cd which hasn't yet been released. I love Melanie's soulful vocals and her lyrics are so passionate and beautiful...and my gawwddd this girl can SANG! I'm not sure if she was ever hurt or done wrong in her day, but from the way she sings from her soul, I'm sure any girl who is going through tough times can relate. Love this song, Melanie!

The song is about a relationship gone wrong, but she tries to be move on and play it cool. In the end, she ends up playing herself and realizing that she can't move on because she still loves her partner and needs him back in her life. So she is stuck wondering why she is the one singing the love song...

Sing it girl!!!

Adele for Vogue March 2012

2012-02-13T15:38:00.000-05:00

Photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott

Adele, who took home 6 Grammy's last night, is on March 2012's cover of Vogue and looks STUNNING!

“Even though my emotions aren’t with my ex at all anymore,” she says, “it’s still like stepping back into that really painful time. So every show is pretty emotional. It takes a toll.”

No words, she's beautiful! I love everything about Adele! Read her complete interview here

Street Style spotted during NYFW

2012-02-13T14:38:00.003-05:00

Soo.. I've been bummed that I couldn't attend NYFW but trust and believe you will catch me there next time! Kristen will hold me down to it!

Anywho, check out some street style spotted during NYFW.

Love the combinations of fur and color! I bet it was freezing outside but these ladies sure kept it fashionable!

P.S. MYLM Style will be back really really soon! Promise :-)

sources: Fashionologie, Bullet Media, Vouge.IT

The Best Dressed at the 2012 Grammy Awards

2012-02-13T11:15:00.003-05:00

Ow! Rihanna kept it ultra sexy in this Giorgio Armani gown and ankle strap Christian Louboutin's! Can't hate on RiRi, I love this and that blonde hair!

Fergie went bold in a sheer lace Jean Paul Gaultier Couture gown.

Katy Perry wore an Elie Saab blue gown to match her hair. I'm not really loving this on her but she looks beautiful!

Gwyneth Paltrow in Stella McCartney. I see the trend so far is black and gold!

Kelly Rowland in an elegant Alberta Ferretti gown.

Taylor Swift in Zuhair Murad. I love this look on her!

Alicia Keys in a black Alexandre Vauthier dress and ankle strap Christian Louboutin pumps. More black and gold.. I'm not hating.

Jessie J. opted for a sparkling Juilen Macdonald embellished dress.

Mega winner Adele wore her staple color black. She looked gorge in this embellished Giorgio Armani gown and red lipstick!
Carrie Underwood looked absolutely stunning in this Gomez-Garcia sparkly gown.

Nicki Minaj went for extra drama in this red Versace robe. I don't know...I'm still trying to figure it out too.

Amber Rose in a gorgeous lemon Versace gown. I love this color!

Paris Hilton in Basil Soda.

Lady Gaga wore a custom sheer Versace gown, metallic bustier, and a sheer netted mask. Hmm..

Change Up Your Valentine Flower Choice!

2012-02-11T19:40:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, which means all the flower shops will be bombarded with orders, calls, deliveries and walk-ins. Everyone knows roses are the most popular flower on Valentine's Day, so why not change it up and present her with a bouquet of unique flowers? There are so many options, ranging in colors, patterns, and sizes. If you decide to buy flowers other than roses, make sure they are still colorful, romantic and elegant, and smell pretty. There is nothing like an ugly bouquet on this special day lol.

ProFlowers.com has beautifully arranged unique flowers and they can all be ordered online just in time for your special someone to receive them. You can even pick a special vase for the flowers. Be creative with tour flower arrangement; do some research on favorite flowers for women and tell the florist which flowers you want in your bouquet.

100 Blooms of Love

Deluxe Greatest Love Lilies

Valentine's Day Spectacular

Your special someone will surely be pleased with your arrangement...Guaranteed!

Nicki Minaj for PAPER Magazine

2012-02-10T19:34:00.002-05:00

Rapper Nicki Minaj went green and girly for PAPER magazine's February 2012 issue. Check out the full spread below..

On handling her fame:

“Success came and now that so many eyes are on me, I feel I have to deliver. And it’s a business. No joke. I guess I am stressing more than I should be, and I think I am becoming more guarded.”

On the new album:

“The album is like a collage of all my emotions. I am not sticking to any particular style. I am doing what I feel without restrictions. So it’s very free and very me.”

I love the colors in the shoot. Gotta find a yellow blazer now! I like it when Nicki isn't overly done up for shoots too!

source

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

2012-02-10T11:27:00.004-05:00

Sometimes planning the perfect Valentine's day can be a huge task. So here are some unique tips and gift ideas for him or her to make your day more special.

Valentine's Day is really to celebrate love and friendship so why not spend the day or evening doing something fun with a loved one. Instead of the traditional dinner reservations, why not try something new like a cooking class. You can make that romantic Italian dinner together or you can learn how to make a sweet dessert for your sweatheart. Or if cooking really isn't your thing try to take a salsa dance class, then later on you have some new skills to show off to your friends.
You could plan a couple's massage and have them come to your home/apt, etc.

They say diamonds are a girl's best-friend, so jewelry is always a given on this special day. Depending on how involved you are with the person will help you gauge which piece of jewelry would be more appropriate. Something as simple as heart shaped earrings, a new watch or a pretty necklace.

More Marc by Marc Jacobs...

Lastly, ladies we can't forget to take care of our men on Valentine's day. I'm sure they would like to feel special every once in awhile. I've learned that practical, useful things are good ideas for gifts when it comes to men. Trying giving something like a leather watch case, that new gadget he's been eyeing for the last couple months and have it engraved, or something nice for the house like a bartending set equipped with a shaker and personalized glasses.

Celebrity Style: Top Looks this Week

2012-02-10T10:45:00.002-05:00

Celebs were OUT this week showing off their good looks and sense of style...
Check out my favorites below!

Ashanti looked hott at the movie premiere of Safe House, Mama Bey is KILLING it in the black Monique Lhuillier dress, and actress Rachel McAdams looked gorge in the mint Vivienne Westwood dress and nude pumps.

Rachel Roy looked cute in her mustard colored pumps and nude dress, sometimes she doesn't seem so well put together but I like this look! Terrence J. and Selita Ebanks are my new favorite best dressed couple! They look GREAT together, and I'm loving her white Loubs! Solange looked radiant in the Vera Wang dress and Giuseppe Zanotti ankle strap pumps!

LaToya Luckett looked cute in her tuxedo blazer and mini skirt combo, this is almost my favorite look to wear whenever I go out. The bib statement necklace is cute too! Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams both looked gorge at the 3rd annual ESSENCE Black Women in Music. Loves Kelly's skin, hair, and gown. Michelle looked surprisingly hott in that dress too! I love Angela Simmons' tuxedo suit but why did she have to wear that damn leather bustier and necklace tho? See how the little things can mess up an entire look?

Solange in Vera Wang

2012-02-08T13:34:00.001-05:00

Miss Solange stepped out for the Runway to Win party in a spring 2012 blue printed Vera Wang dress with leg-grazing open slit and blue suede Giuseppe Zanotti ankle strap pumps. She killed this whole look from the bold orange lip to the matching blue shoes...get it Solo!! I love how she mixed her own vintage, shabby-chic style with her signature afro. Solange is a true trend-setter because she's comfortable in her own skin and will wear whatever the hell she wants! LOVE IT

Fierce!

Beyonce Spotted Again!!

2012-02-08T13:06:00.002-05:00

Mrs. Carter is one sexy mama!!! To follow up on Yvonne's "Beyonce is Back" post, Bey was seen again on Tuesday for Jay’s Carnegie Hall encore show, sporting a sexy, skintight black sequin cocktail dress by Monique Lhuillier, shoes by Gucci, and purse by Chanel. She looks extremely radiant and happy. If i had the world at my disposal, with a good man, a beautiful new family, and a humble spirit...I would too! Note her Blue accessories!

*DAMN* is all I have to say

LOVES how she wears the color Blue so subtly in honor of her new baby girl! :-)

Ummm...I'll just pick my chin up off the floor now. LOL

Real vs. Steal: Christian Louboutin Daffodile Crystal Encrusted Platform Pumps

2012-02-08T12:31:00.000-05:00

Hey ladies! So we all love Christian Louboutin heels, who doesn't? But with the price tag some (~~raises hand~~) wonder how will I ever be able to rock them. The real Louboutin Daffodile crystal encrusted platform pumps go for $6,395.. gasps!!! Don't worry get the look from Chinese laundry for only $129.95.

No red bottoms, but hey.. the pumps are still cute! Grab the Chinese Laundry “Dazed and Confused” Sparkling Pumps here.

Valentine's Day Date Style!

2012-02-08T12:00:00.002-05:00

Hey ladies, so Valentine's Day is slowly approaching and if you have plans with the boo or your girls, it's always fun to get dolled up for the special occasion!

Check out some cute outfit ideas below..

The Little Red Dress is always the biggest hit on Valentine's Day! Keep it traditional in my favorite color!

Or be different and wear a pink dress!

Spice up your LBD with statement heels!

Lace or Leopard?! You pick!

Extra Tips: Add a red lip to spice up your look! Learn how to apply here.

This is one of the cutest day's to dress up!! If you're single, grab all your favorite girl friend's and go out, look cute while you're at it!

Beyonce is BACK!!!

2012-02-07T09:21:00.002-05:00

Yes!!! My boo Bey is back from giving birth to baby Blue and killing it!! She was spotted supporting hubby Jay who was performing at his benefit concerts at Carnegie Hall.

Watch her work!

Bey's is rocking a red Alice Temperly dress

She wore Christian Louboutin heels, Blue cocktail ring/nails, and a gold Alexander McQueen clutch.

Yes!! She looks GOOOOOOOD! Stan mode is definitely out in full effect :)

Sally Hansen Salon Effects for Valentine's Day

2012-02-06T17:09:00.002-05:00

Hey ladies! So Sally Hansen is out with a new Salon Effects collection just in time for Valentine's Day!

This special VDay Collection comes in five fun strips: Speed Dating (multi-sized pink hearts against a white background), Are You Single? (a pink swirl of hearts and arabesques), Love Always (love phrases and hearts), How Romantic! (pink, purple and red plaid) and Cross My Heart (pink X’s and hearts). Cauute!!

They are on sale at Ulta for $8.99 each! Or you can grab them at your drugstore or Target!

I wanna try them.. hmm! Not sure which one yet tho!

Vintage: KHADIJA for Yves Saint Laurent Editorial - 1985

2012-02-05T12:16:00.001-05:00