Stilettos and the Southern Belle

Wonder Woman Fresh

2013-05-10T09:13:00.001-04:00

I've mentioned my love of the Amazonian princess several times here, even dressing up as her Halloween this past year...

But it's Friday. And sometimes I wanna dress like a teenager trapped in a 30 something year old.

Shirt: Walmart

Jeans: NY and Co gray jeggings

Cardigan: NY and Co

Shoes: DC comics exclusive Wonder Woman Converse All Stars

Ink done by Casey of Black Cat Tattoos,Decatur Georgia

Showing my Stripes

2013-05-09T10:11:00.001-04:00

Hey everyone! Guys and Dolls!

Spring has finale sprung in Atlanta and I have the allergy meds I prove it! In all seriousness, I am so glad the weather is getting warmer and I am able to rock cute frocks! Winter was far too long!

So in an ode to spring and striped and all things nautical, I thought is put on this easy, breezy fit and flair striped old navy tank dress, flats by me too (via Zappos) and a red NY and Co cardigan. I paired it with some thrifted red bead necklace and my signature red lip courtesy of Red Dynasty by Sam Fine for fashion fair (can you tell I love that lipstick???) spring also signaled me pulling out my fav white watch from Juicy Couture and red bead bracelets.

I love this look. For work or even the 4th , this is a really simple look. Besides, stripes look good on everyone!

Enjoy Spring folks!

Sunshine-y Day

2013-04-27T20:17:00.001-04:00

Sunshine-y Day by themochapeach featuring floral jewelry

Dress
eshakti.com

Daytrip
buckle.com

Seychelles strappy wedge sandals
zappos.com

J by Jasper Conran stud earrings
$50 - debenhams.com

Accessorize floral jewelry
accessorize.com

H M h m
$7.72 - hm.com

Black Hair: GOOGLE IT!

2013-04-18T08:56:00.000-04:00

(That's me in my "faux hawk" locs)

My number one pet peeve beyond pet peeves, is when non-black people (esp our white cousins), want to ask me 10000 and 12 questions about my hair. Normally..I wear my hair loc'ed. It is all my hair and almost waist length.

Just a few weeks ago...I was in a casual meeting w/ a white colleague and she abruptly goes.

Her: "Your hair..you normally wear it up right?"
Me: "Uhm yeah..."
Her: What is it? Braids? Extensions
Me: *audble sigh* No. It's locs
Her: Oh..ok..I figured it was all your hair
Me: *thinking* (so why did you ask........)
Her: How long is it?
Me: To my waist......
Her: WOW!!!!
Me: *rolls eyes*

I get so tired of it. I really do. My ex boss..was just rude about it. Saying she "preferred" that my hair was up (I guess because it was less threatening).... and she even went on to talk about an old co-worker who had the "shortest nappiest hair" (her words)...and always kept it in braids. She thought my hair, for four years, was braids. I've had locs for 10 years........... and I really feel liek it wasn't her place to discuss her co-worker's hair unless she was her supervisor and she had lice or something. smh. (which I am sure she didn't).

I wore an Afro wig at a costume party and the girl here thought that I had taken my "braids" down. WTF....

When I worked in another department, I wore a wig as I transitioned. A white woman blatantly touched my hair and goes "Oh I thought that wasn't your hair.........." Oh you thought huh?

*sigh*

I get tired of educating them on stuff they CLEARLY can Google. Black hair is pretty cool..but it isn't my job to educate you.

We wash our hair the same way you all do. (Just with different products). We may not wash as often because we do not have to....All our hair is different textures. And it grows..just not like yours. Sometimes it can be super long too.
We do not like to be touched w/o provocation or reason. Hair is a highly personal thing. Always has been a symbol of adornment and beauty since the days of African tribes, kings and queens.

(Me in a Wig which is over my locs)

Whether I wear a wig over my locs....or my locs up or down...twisted or coil. If I decided to wake up one morning and shave my head bald, then I would have that right. Natural hair isn't a choice or "lifestyle". It's the way my hair grows out my head. Period.

While I find that some black folks have a serious self hate issue with their hair, white people feign ignorance in order to "learn". My job isn't to teach you about black culture. That is what Google and stuff is for. Wasn't things about standards of Eurocentric beauty not DRILLED into my head by media, popular culture and history? You can do me the courtesy and research for yourself.

I am not your personal Sophisticated Black Hair. smh

/EndRant :)

Here Comes The (Affordable) Bride: A Review of Betsey Johnson's "Blue" Bridal Line

2013-04-17T08:33:00.002-04:00

So I had to return a few items at the mall and I decided to take a quick peek into Nordstrom to look at the Betsey Johnson "Blue" Bridal line. I had been hearing about it via a few shoe and fashion sites so I had to check it out!

Let me say...I was impressed. The Nordstrom near me had almost every shoe. I tried on a few pair and they seemed pretty comfy (albeit some were super high).... They were not expensive. And some were VERY close dupes to popular Jimmy Choo shoes and Louboutin "Daffodiles'. I loved it. The bottoms of the shoes are a "Tiffany" blue and def an added touch that I loved. I kinda just wished she had more flat options as well as heels. Because we all know, feet will get tired on your big day

(Pics courtesy of Betsey Johnsons' Facebook Page)

Here are a few of my favs.......

"Wish" $169.99

"Elope" $169.00

"Ring" $199.99

"The Knot" $99.00

"Bells" (comes in 4 colors) $99.00

"Honor" (in Silver) $149.00

"Veil" (which has lace detailing..so pretty!) $149.00

And here is an example of the bottom of the shoes (In both a heel and flat)

Aren't these the cutest shoes? None over $200!! That is great for the Bride on a budget and we all could use a break in shoe department (often those run a close second to the most expensive thing a bride will wear on her big day!)

(Her shoes are available at Nordstrom, Macy's, Zappos, Heels.com and on Betsey Johnson's website)

So what do you think Guys and Dolls??? Cute or Not so Cute??

"Something Blue" Photo Shoot Fresh

2013-04-09T13:44:00.001-04:00

"Something Blue" Photo Shoot Fresh by themochapeach featuring shine shoes

Colourblock dress
eshakti.com

Manolo Blahnik shine shoes
bergdorfgoodman.com

Scully scully
scullyandscully.com

Kenneth Cole pink gold jewelry
kennethcole.com

Carolee bracelet
$22 - johnlewis.com

Hair accessory
etsy.com

Sam Fine for Fashion Fair Collection: A Review

2013-03-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

I am such a Sam Fine groupie. His book, Fine Beauty, stays in my bathroom....covered in dusty, powder foundation fingerprints...and dog-eared on certain pages. I LIVE for his vision of beauty. I mean live for him. He is my makeup idol.

I was really REALLY jealous of my friend Yakini over at RealityTVFashion.com who got to meet Sam Fine at an event....

*insert my saltiness...lmao*

So when I heard that he was the new creative director for the classic line, Fashion Fair, I was really geeked. Fashion Fair was undoubtedly one of the first makeup lines of color. Founded by Ebony/Jet co-founder Eunice Johnson it is an iconic line in the black community. I remember turning 16 and my mother finally let me wear FULL on makeup: foundation, shadows, etc. We took a little trip down to Rich's Department Store in South Dekalb Mall, and I got a makeover from a Fashion Fair consultant. I wore "Mocha" foundation and "Brown Sugar" lipstick (Oh...I remember!) You couldn't tell me nothing when I was 16, carrying my pink compacts and touching up in between class in the school halls.

Granted, my penchant for Fashion Fair faded as the years grew. The foundations weren't doing it for me...and companies like MAC, Bobby Brown and other mainstream folks started to cater to us brownie gals. Not to mention, IMAN came out with her collection and I was HOOKED from the jump.

But Sam has decided to now take the helm of Fashion Fair and I was so excited to see the iconic line get a much needed revamp. Sam def wants to appeal to a younger clientele who wants vibrant and bold high pigmented shadows and lipsticks.

The small launch consists of two shadow pallets (Amalfi Coast and Tunisian Nights), 8 semi-matte lipsticks, (Champagne Toast, Whispering Rose, Deep Suede, Moroccan Spice, Pink Parfait, Dynasty Red, Cognac, and African Violet) and one shimmer gloss (Canary Diamond)

Here is Mr. Fine's word on the collection:

The week of the launch, I ran to my nearest Macy's and tried out all the shades. and I do mean ALL of them. I loved them all but couldn't decide. I settled on the Amalfi Coast pallet (the more neutral of the two) and the Dynasty Red lipstick (because Red lips are kinda my thing).

I tried them on when I went out later that night on the town w/ my beau!!

That red lasted almost all night and hardly faded. The shadows really popped on me. I did add a little Urban Decay"Foxy" shadow under my brow...but otherwise..it was all FF on the eyes. The blush and foundations were IMAN however.

I can't wait until Sam launches some more to the line. I am sure he will add foundations, blushes, and other things. I mean I was so geeked. If he brings out reformulated powders and foundations, I may have to leap right back to Fashion Fair. Besides..supporting a black business is kinda important.

So what do you dolls and beaus think???

June Ambrose: Maven of Style launches Shoe Collection

2013-03-20T13:52:00.003-04:00

I love me some June Ambrose. I loved her show on VH1 entitled "Styled by June":..and she always dresses funky and fierce. I might even say she is the person who single-handletly brought the turban back into fashion. I am also a HUGE fan (and re-pinner) of her Pinterest Board. So needless to say I was a bit beyond GEEKED to find out that she has a new shoe line!! WHAT!!!

(Photo courtesy of Looking Fly on a Dime)

Her shoes will be available on HSN and will start at $59! That is a total steal and it is a super affordable shoe line. I already have my eye on a few heels. Thank GOD she is bringing back the chunky heel. I am so over stilettos..truly I am.

GO ahead and click >> HERE<<<< To take a look at June's funky and fresh new shoe line!!

Pantone's Color of the Year is...

2013-03-15T09:30:00.000-04:00

EMERALD!!!

Emerald...the birthstone of May...is the color of the year for 2013.

For me, emerald signifies a very "spring" like feeling...very feminine, soft, and carefree. And given that St. Patty's Day is right around the corner..get your green on!

I personally do not look that great in green, however, I am willing to embrace some change, shop my closet and wear more emerald Green in 2013! Especially this summer.

Here are some of my favorite shoes in Emerald for 2013.....that signal spring!

(pic from YourNextShoe.com)

Pictured: (middle)Alice + Olivia Steffie Wedges, $325, Seychelles “Edge of Your Seat” Wedges, $109.99,( far right)

Here are some more shoes I love from 6pm, Zappos, Amazon, and other spots.....

Naya "Eternal" $82.99

Fergalicious "Naples" $50.99

Michael Antonio "Marquez" $19.99

Nine West "Danee" $68.99

Guess "Ashmere" $64.99

Nine West "FreeWill" $49.99

Steven "Jesssy" $119/99

RSVP "Avril" $35.55

Juicy Couture "Elise" $126.99

Seychelles "Flex Your Muscle" $90.99

Nine West "MisFitz" Sandal $89.00

Cole Haan "Vivian" Air $178.80

Nina "Electra" $69.00

UGG "Lucianna Jade" $150

Steve Madden "Adin" $99.95

************

And on the Casual Side....

Nine West "Widgeon" $59.99

Diba "Ar Cade" $69.00

Adidas Originals "Samoa" $51.99

Romantic Soles "Geneva" $69.00

Get your green on this 2013!!! :I promise to come back w/ my interpretation of Pantone's Emerald shade)

Product Review: eShakti Custom Dresses

2013-03-07T21:03:00.001-05:00

I had the pleasure of getting a sample dress from a wonderful new company called, EShakti.com. Based out of India, eShakti allows women to put in their custom measurements to get fabulous dresses made to their specifications. They have a variety of colors and styles and fabrics. You can go long or short...sleeveless or with sleeves. Pockets or no pockets.

Perfect for a garden party or a special event, Eshakti has some great options. They even have bridesmaids dresses.

I ordered the following sample:

Shawl collar large check dresses w/ pockets.

It came in a super timely manner (less than 2 weeks).

It felt soft and very feminine. Like i was ready to either be a housewife or go on a picnic. Very retro

I paired this dress with a classic pair of Jimmy Choo pumps

I LOVE eShakti and will be ordering from them again. This dress fit like a glove and I have absolutely no complaints! Check them out! They are great for ladies who have a hard time finding that dress that is a custom fit.

**Dress was provided by Eshakti.com for review. No other compensation was given for this review**

A Few Outfits: Pinterest Inspiration

2013-03-06T08:30:00.000-05:00

Hey Guys and Dolls:

Lately I've been "shopping my closet' (as I've declared in 2013) and to help me do that, I've been relying on the wonderful world of Pinterest, which is basically fashion fantasy football for women. LOL. Nevertheless, it has been an awesome tool to revamp my date and work wardrobe. Here are some Pinterest inspired looks I've put together:

(Shirt: CocoaBabies.com (now out of business) Skirt: Express. Shoes: Nine West)

(Denim Jacket: Levis. Dress: PiperLime. Bag: Target)

(Dress: Go Jane. Boots: Naughty Monkey)

(Dress: BeBe. Clutch: Piperlime. Boots: NineWest. Wig (lol): Beshe)

I promise I wont be away too long. I have birthday outfits and things to review....

Toodles

A Night Out

2013-02-09T14:27:00.001-05:00

A Night Out by themochapeach featuring leather boots

Stella McCartney long sleeve mini dress
$990 - farfetch.com

H m
$47 - hm.com

Sergio Rossi leather boots
theoutnet.com

Flower handbag
purseboutique.com

FCUK and Me :)

2013-02-07T16:36:00.001-05:00

FCUK and Me :) by themochapeach featuring yellow gold earrings

Nine West leather pumps
piperlime.gap.com

Anya Hindmarch zippered tote bag
$1,560 - net-a-porter.com

Lord & Taylor yellow gold earrings
lordandtaylor.com

Roman numeral watch
macys.com

Kara ross
$140 - theoutnet.com

Bracelets jewelry
baublebar.com

Shoe Dupes: Revisiting "Something Blue"

2013-02-05T08:10:00.000-05:00

Remember I had a post a while ago about shoe dupes for the Manolo Blahnik Hangisi "Something Blue"...made famous by Sarah Jessica Parker in the "Sex and the City" Movie???

Oh..well..if you don't remember..here is the post! (LOL)

The details:

Cobalt blue satin. Silvertone hardware. Crystal broach detail on vamp. 4 1/4" covered heel. Made in Italy

Pricetag: $945 at both Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman

Nevertheless...I struck out on finding the Manolo on Ebay for a reasonable price. And I was leery of buying "dupes" from Chinese manufacturers who really didn't want to take PayPal. (Yeah..never do business with those folks).

Instead...I looked all around and found this one from DSW.com from Audrey Brooke.

The "Sarah" pump

(Get it...Sarah? As in SJP..they think they are so clever! LMAO!)

Anyway...it is quite similar. Granted the broach isn't as magnificent as the one on the Manolo "Hangisi"...but this shoe has a sensible heel...is also satin and about 4"inches . Unlike the Manolo, it has a synthetic sole rather than leather.... (but really..who is looking at your soles that hard? A hater that is who! LOL).

Anyway...get on the shoe. I turned a few friends on to it and they def ordered it. It is a DSW.com online exclusive which means it isn't sold in stores. And while I lamented that I was on a debt diet..I did order these shoes. Who knows when I will be able to get a sensible and affordable dupe for my dream shoe.......

Get you some! Wedding Season is fast approaching and you will def need a "something blue!"

My Shoes, My Style: His Birthday Bash

2013-01-21T09:11:00.001-05:00

Hey you all!!

I'm back posting a pic of what I wore for my bf's 32nd birthday dinner. After going to the NFC championship, we headed to a local steak house. And after glasses of Rose' and La Crema, steak and lobster, we enjoyed his birthday.

The dress was this Kardashian Kollection for Dorothy Perkins Red Bar Dress

(Kim Kardashian in Red Bar Dress from the Kardashian Kollection for Dorothy Perkins)

I kept the makeup simple with the Urban Decay Naked and Naked 2 palettes. Lips were NYX "Rue" nude lipstick. (Unforutnately, honey didn't get a FULL body shot....smh)

OOTN: Dress ( a Christmas gift of a Kardashian for Dorothy Perkins), Shoes (Guess) Clutch (gift) Arm Candy (Express)

Debt Diet 2013 and Losing the "Shopping Bug"

2013-01-05T19:03:00.000-05:00

Hello All!!

*waves*

I know I haven't blogged in forever but life has truly gotten in the way. And as 2013 gets underway, I realize that I have sort of lost my "zeal" for shopping. It's like "Ok..what is there truly ELSE to buy??" And the answer is nothing. I have just about every style I like..and every shoe I need and for every season...in my price range. I just got tired of shopping. I know...it's blasphemy as a women. I have, however, had fun styling my BF who declared he needed a makeover. HE was pleasantly surprised with things I picked out from Old Navy's Big and Tall line. The man has a new look....very nice :)

Not to mention...2013 is going to be a BIG year for me. I am having to buckle down and really handle some things financially and physically, and shopping just doesn't factor into those plans. So...I plan on challenging myself to "shop my closet". Not to mention, my bf just shakes his head when I dig through my closet to pull out something new that has tags. It is a daggone shame...(well at least that is what he says....).

In the meantime...enjoy a few pics of me and my outfits I've worn and paired with shoes in my existing collection.

My shoes, my style: Winterized Faux

2012-12-09T12:09:00.001-05:00

A nice casual Friday look featuring my favorite Riding boots by Timberland. The Earthkeepers in natural (or as the homies call it.."butter" lol)
My faux fur jacket/sweater is from NY and Co. Last season.
Hat: my fav floppy joint from the beauty supply
Jeans: Levi jeggings

My lipstick is a new fav: haute berry by Revlon. Paired with a deep purple lip pencil by Milani (actually it's an eye pencil I am using as a lip pencil)

My Shoes, My Style: Night on the Town

2012-12-09T12:01:00.001-05:00

Hey you all!! *waves*

It's been forever since I posted but now that I have a break from school I can do a little blogging.

I posted last season about my Nine West haul from Zappos/6pm and I've been wearing some cute looks based of those boots.

Last night I went out to celebrate one if my fab friend's birthday. I wore a skater fit and flare dress by ASOS. Pony-hair leopard booties by NINE WEST and a bag which was from Piperlime.
I also tried an awesome tutorial from Tatiana Ward of beatfacehoney.com. Not sure if I totally pulled it off but I tried :).

Weeks before, honey and I went out to dinner w: another couple. I wore a tan/red shirt from NY and CO. Rolled cuff jeans from Joe's Jeans and taupe colored Nine West Booties. I also beat my face like I stole LIFE (another UD Naked palette tutorial from beatfacehoney.com )

Let me know what you think of the looks :) I will post some more things I've put together his fall/winter season.

It's Halloween: Hot 2012 Costume and Shoe Review

2012-10-30T21:43:00.001-04:00

Halloween IS my favorite holiday. The costumes. The fun. The endless supply of Kit-Kats. LOL. Yes..Halloween isn't for kids. This year I had a last-minute party to go to. So I turned to my favorite costume supplier Wholesale Costume Club.

So many awesome choices this year!!! I was stumped. I had no idea what I wanted to be this year. So I ordered a LOT of things....

Playboy Bunny! In my white tails :)

A Nice Sailor Salute from a Sexy Sailor Girl.....I LOVE this costume. So cute and short and sassy!!

But the piece-de-resistance......

Oh yes.... I got to fulfill my childhood dream of being Wonder Woman!! Everyone knows my addiction to Wonder Woman is real. I even have a tattoo for goodness sakes...

This is an authentic DC Comics authorized costume.

(The wig is from my mother actually....LOL)

THe boots are by a company called FunTasma. They have replica Wonder Woman Boots! WHAT!! But you can get other replica Wonder Woman Boots from WholesaleCostumeClub as well.

I'm digging the gauntlets!

It is not too late! You can find all these costumes and accessories at Wholesale Costume Club and have them shipped OVERNIGHT!! Not to mention, it is a wholesale club. For a nominal membership fee, you can get all the costumes at a discount price! I LOVE IT and highly recommend it. Esp for families on a budget!!!

I hope you all take the time and get into Halloween safely and responsibly!!

Smooches!!

OOTD: Office Blues

2012-10-30T07:17:00.001-04:00

cardigan, belt, shirt, necklace,and bracelet ( NY and CO). pants (Express).

Date Night: Into the Wild

2012-10-29T09:51:00.001-04:00

Date Night: Into the Wild by themochapeach featuring set of bangles

Carlos by Carlos Santana platform shoes
heels.com

Ted Baker leather clutch purse
tedbaker-london.com

Hervé Van Der Straeten 24 karat gold jewelry
net-a-porter.com

Amrita Singh set of bangle
amritasingh.com

Betsey Ruched Dress | Catherines
catherines.lanebryant.com

OOTD: Browns and Pearls

2012-10-29T09:05:00.002-04:00

OOTD: belt, necklace and sweater (ny and co), bracelet and watch (Ann Taylor). Shirt (Tahari). skirt (Cato and thrifted)

My Shoes, My Style: Denim and Date Night

2012-10-28T21:25:00.001-04:00

Saturday I had a great night out with my beau. We decided to head out for a nice night of drinks and dancing. I wanted to look cool, casual and sexy. I featured my Sam Edelman Roza heels in crushed black velvet and gold hardware. I love them. So sexy and cute.

Shirt: old navy denim
Leggings: ASOS faux leather leggings
bra: lane Bryant
Necklace: NY and Company.

Makeup: Naked II palettes, NYX glitter. MAC blush in LoveRush. Iman Blush in Sable. MAC Bronzer in Refined Beyond Bronze and Chanel Rouge Lipstick in Lover. Stila eyeliner in carbon. Rimmel London Mascara

Winter Aesthetic with Mango and That's Chic

2012-10-28T19:33:00.001-04:00

Winter Aesthetic with Mango and That's Chic by themochapeach featuring leather pumps

Mango longsleeve dress
$115 - mango.com

Mango crop top
$97 - mango.com

Mango leather pumps
mango.com

Mango zip bag
mango.com

Mango vintage crystal necklace
mango.com

Date Night: Into the Woods

2012-10-28T19:25:00.001-04:00

Date Night: Into the Woods by themochapeach featuring seiko

Seiko
$315 - debenhams.com

Kenneth Cole Reaction Key Note Extended Sizes Slip On Dress Loafers
piperlime.gap.com

Old Navy Mens Lightweight V Neck Sweaters
oldnavy.gap.com

Old Navy Mens Everyday Classic Fit Khakis
oldnavy.gap.com

Men's Patterned Flannel Shirts
oldnavy.gap.com

Plaid silk tie | Banana Republic
bananarepublic.gap.com