What I Wore: tip to toe

Spot On

2012-03-01T06:31:00.013-05:00

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!
coat- J.Crew
sweater- Target
dress- Vintage
belt- J.Crew
stockings- Zara
shoes- Nine West

Shop-Til-You-Drop

2012-02-28T15:16:00.000-05:00

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS (Spring 2012)
I promised myself a few things this year...
1. No Caffeine
2. No synthetic fibers

I may have to make an exception to rule #2 and make a quick mall run!

Scalloped Lace Dress $59.50

Eyelet Trim Corset Dress $49.50

Drape Skort $29.50

White Blazer (100% cotton!) $69.50

Sweetheart Crop Corset (100% cotton!) $24.50

DV by Dolce Vita for American Eagle

1. Dora Sandal $59

2. Taiga Cork Sandal $79

3. Mini Suede Oxford $79

Minnetonka Belize Sandal $54.50

Coral Chronograph Watch $29.50

Octopus Ring $15.50

Casual Friday

2012-02-10T08:51:00.000-05:00

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

earrings- Ralph Lauren

top- Loft

jacket- Target

jeans- Levi's

shoes- Shoe Dazzle

Featured (New York Times)

2012-02-07T09:33:00.000-05:00

I was so excited to find out that one of my "tip to toe" outfits was featured in the online version of the New York Times Style section.

To find out what else I'm wearing, visit the original blog post here.

Blue Blood

2012-02-03T08:55:00.003-05:00

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

The Boston Review

2012-02-01T09:12:00.001-05:00

Over the weekend I took a mini vaca to Beantown!

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

To view photos from my trip click "read more"

Wheels up...BOSTON bound!

I briefly considered becoming a baseball wife...

But thought better of it and headed to the hotel...

Freshened up a bit before dinner...

Had drinks inside of a Butcher shop...

Rode the train and tried to blend in with the natives...

Took a tour of Fenway Park...

And tried some amazing food near the ballpark...

Then the real fun began when we headed to the Celtics game!

Finally it was time to head back to DC...

A Heady Tale

2012-01-29T09:15:00.001-05:00

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

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Remember when I used to take my outfit photos while walking my dog?

I've started doing that again and I think my puppy is mocking me...

Who me? I'm innocent I swear!

You know you love me...

XOXO,

Bradley Superstar

Two Lies and a Truth

2012-01-26T12:46:00.000-05:00

February CapFabb Meetup

Madewell, Georgetown

Anyone mind if I get a little honest with you today?

Below are photos of my outfit for the February CapFabb meetup and i would like to confess that I purchased this outfit (dress and vest) minutes before the meetup and changed into it in the Zara dressing room, then hid my bag behind the Madewell register. I hadn't planned to attend the meetup, because it seemed like basically a shopping party and Madewell hosts their Denim After Dark event the first Thursday of every month (next one is Feb 2) so I didnt see the point.

When "Franky J" tweeted to ask if I was coming to the meetup it occurred to me that I had worn my rail straight cords and grey silk top, both from Madewell, to work because I sort of did want to attend; so I got all of my work done and jetted out of the office on time. I actually got to Georgetown a little early, found parking right away and took it as a sign that I should do a little window shopping first.

I remembered someone tweeting that Zara's sale was still going on so I decided to give them a second chance...remember the first thing I ever purchased from Zara was my NYE outfit, which I ordered online and when it arrived NOTHING FIT! Anywho I had much better luck in-store. I purchased these amazing leatherette pants in deep green, the vest and dress I'm wearing in the photos and saw tons of other items I need in my life...or at least my closet.

I told the very cute man who rung me up that I'd be changing into my purchases because they were much cuter than what I had on and he agreed....RUDE, but honest. Even the fitting room attendant gave me the thumbs up after I changed, so with my previous outfit folded neatly in my Zara bag I high tailed it directly across the street and joined the CapFabb meetup.

I had a great time at Madewell, it was fun to see my blogger friends, and my sales associate Megan (great hair by the way) convinced me to try on a soon-to-be-discontinued style of jean called the High Riser...swoon! I'm a convert! I love love love the Rail Straight style, but the High Riser is my new favorite. Perfect for my hourglass figure, I wouldn't call myself curvy, but my waist is definitely smaller than my hips and the High Riser has got every inch of me covered!

Anyways, just thought I'd tell the truth and shame the devil, as they say...WHAT IS YOUR TRUTH?

photo credit: Chellbellz

photo credit: Chain Strap Purse

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

dress- Zara

vest- Zara

socks- Target

boots- Steve Madden

clutch- J.Crew

Virginia Wine Country

2012-01-17T16:14:00.000-05:00

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

hat- J.Crew

scarf- random NYC street vendor

fur- random market Turkey

coat- J.Crew

jeans- J.Brand

shoes- DSW

bag- Sisley

Dry Mill Vineyard & Winery

18195 Dry Mill Road
Leesburg, VA 20175
Winery: 703-737-3930

How-To: Holiday Hair

2012-01-04T09:55:00.002-05:00

A dramatic New Year's Eve ballerina bun

1. Flat iron your hair and add some clip-ins for length and volume

2. Pull everything into a high ponytail

3. Wrap and pin the long pieces around the ponytail holder

4. Add more clip-ins to create a dramatic bun

5. Thank your stylist because now your bun is picture perfect!

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Stylist: Cherrelle

Salon: Tracy & Co.

428 8th St SE Washington, DC 20003 [Capitol Hill]

202-546-4887

New Year's Eve

2012-01-03T12:50:00.000-05:00

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WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

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Visit my FACEBOOK page to view more photos
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(Like my fun holiday hair-do? Stay tuned to my next post!)

Wrapping Up 2011

2011-12-22T15:40:00.003-05:00

After the success of my "Candy Corn Manicure" I couldn't wait to see what nail stylist Indigo Smith had up her sleeve for the holidays. This festive Shellac & foil manicure did not disappoint.

Last year I made it my New Year's Resolution to begin my own beauty regimen and it has been so rewarding! Check out my other fancy manicures by Indigo...here and here.

Schedule an appointment at Indigo's Capital Hill salon today!

Have a Happy Holiday & a Beauty-full New Year!

Grey Area

2011-12-19T09:33:00.001-05:00

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!earrings- Lauren by RLdress- Targetcardigan- J.Crewstockings- H&Mshoes- c/o Shoe Dazzleclutch- Old Navy

Artaya for Art's Sake

2011-12-16T22:47:00.000-05:00

I had so much fun the other night at Bloomingdale's for Bloggers NIght Out! I'd forgotten how amazing the selection is at the Chevy Chase location. This weekend a local jewelry designer is having a trunk show featuring her holiday collection of eco-friendly designs.

Designer Dana Greaves of ARTAYA to appear at Bloomingdale's Chevy Chase for Holiday Trunk Show Dec 16-18

What:

Local jewelry designer Dana Greaves of ARTAYA will showcase her holiday collection at the Chevy Chase Bloomingdale's. Greaves is best known for her jewelry designs that featured fine and recycled papers, precious metals, and other eco-friendly components. The 2011 ARTAYA Holiday collection is inspired by the exotic Crimson Rosella bird. The color palette plays up crimson red, lightning purple, blush, sand, and a boss black. “whimsically sophisticated” line has caught the attention of numerous celebrities including, Jennifer Hudson, Erykah Badu, and June Ambrose who are all fans of the line.

Pieces at the trunk show will range from $60-$338 and the show will feature pieces from her new collection in addition to signature pieces.

When:

Saturday, Dec 17 10-8pm

Sunday, Dec 18 11-8pm

Where:

Bloomingdale's Chevy Chase 5300 Western Avenue Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Visit ARTAYA Online

WEBSITE │ TWITTER │ FACEBOOK

Peeling Back the Layers

2011-12-16T18:48:00.007-05:00

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

*wrist riot*

wide yellow bangle- J.Crew | thin pink bangle- J.Crew | charm bracelet- Marc Jacobs | bling yellow bracelet- LOFT

Bloggers Night Out (DC)

2011-12-15T10:27:00.002-05:00

What an amazing event, held Wednesday December 14 at Bloomingdale's.

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

scarf (worn as headband)~ Pucci

necklace~ Anthropologie

jacket~ Madness NYC

(p)leather jacket~ H&M

dress~ Luella Bartley for Target

boots~ DV by Dolce Vita

bag~ Dooney&Bourke

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As for the "fashions" at Bloggers Night Out...

SPARKLE BABY

photo credit: CommeCoco.com

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To see MORE PHOTOS from this event visit my Facebook Page

www.facebook.com/whatiworetiptotoe

Holiday Happy Hour

2011-12-11T16:03:00.000-05:00

...a Blogger Happy Hour hosted by Krystin of the blog Be Loud Be You

I hear Krystin has recently become a full-time blogger and her former co-workers were on hand at this event to support her. Krystin was humble and gracious, greeting each guest as they arrived.

Sorry there aren't more pictures, I spent most of the night chatting. I was happy to meet recording artist (and fashion junkie) Deborah Bond, whose video is currently featured on VH1 soul; it was nice to attend spend time with other bloggers, but also meet other creative people. There were more stylish men at this event than I'm used to (at first I thought they were accountants, but their suits were far too fly!) but it was a welcome change.

Overall it was a great meetup in the name of fashion and I look forward to more of Krystin's events!

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[Venue] Barcode: 1101 17th Street, NW (entrance on L St)

photo credit: DC MetroMix

(l to r.) Recording Artists, Deborah Bond and Blogger, Brea Ellis

photo credit: DC MetroMix

(standing) Blogger, Jen of Comme Coco; (seated l to r) Blogger, Brea of WHAT I WORE: tip to toe! and Stylist & Blogger Chyanne of The Yuppie Lady

photo credit: Deanna of THRU THESE EYES

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

sweater- Ted Baker

blouse- Ann Taylor

necklace- Anthropologie

earrings- Miriam Haskell (vintage)

pants- LOFT

shoes- Shoe Dazzle

bag- Dooney&Bourke

Red All Over

2011-11-22T09:40:00.000-05:00

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

hat- Target (men's)

coat- W.D.N.Y.

sweater- Ted Baker

blouse- LOFT

skirt- LOFT

tights- H&M

shoes- Rockport

ReCap Fabb (Fitness)

2011-11-21T09:34:00.003-05:00

Hope you enjoyed my recap of last month's CapFabb meetup of DC area Fashion&Beauty Bloggers; it was all about BEAUTY! This month our meetup was all about FITNESS! I love that CapFabb is incorporating our MIND, BODY, and SPIRIT into these monthly events.

[EQUINOX Front Desk; photo credit: MoCoScene]

[EQUINOX Stairwell; photo credit: MoCoScene]

I arrived a bit early to this event so I locked up Miss Ivy and headed upstairs to get in a quick workout...and when I say upstairs I mean 3 flights of steep, dizzying stairs. I figured after that I wouldn't need to do too much cardio! When I finally arrived on the top floor I needed a sip of water and a towel, luckily a ~~butler~~ employee strolled by with a hand held high with folded towels...he offered me one and I obliged. I also helped myself to a magazine from the well-stocked rack, I chose W mag with Nicki Minaj on the cover...the whole place was so Spa-like I almost forget I was at a gym!

[EQUINOX Interior; photo credit: Express Night Out]

I finally got on the elliptical machine with my towel, my water and my fashion mag only to realize the TV above my machine was showing the Kardashians and I was positioned at the edge of an overhang that overlooked the ~~men's floor~~ free weights, which meant excellent eye candy! After watching a full episode of Kardashians and flipping through the entire W magazine I realized I'd been on the machine twice as long as I usually stay on a my gym...SUCCESS! I returned the mag, wiped off my machine and discarded my towel then went snooping around where I spotted an amazing pilates reformer machine room. (Sorry no picture available)

[EQUINOX Spa; photo credit: Express Night Out]

I made the trek down 4 flights of stairs to the SPA in the basement where the CapFabb meetup had begun. The reps from Brandlink DC were so sweet (and quite fashionable), there was limited seating in the Spa area so they gave up their seats to let bloggers sit and mingle. They also encouraged us to partake in the delicious spread of deli meats and cheeses they provided and to have a glass of wine.

Later a masseuse from the spa introduced himself and offered me a FREE 5minute massage...it was AMAZING! You wouldnt believe how relaxed you can get in just 5 minutes. My favorite part of the SPA were the massage tables...they were low to the ground, which is great if you're planning to gift a massage to an older person in your life or someone pregnant, and the beds were HEATED! I definitely plan on treating someone to an Equinox massage this holiday season!

I'm always surprised that at every meetup I meet bloggers I don't know yet. I was happy to see Robrette from the blog Weight A Minute have you seen her videos on YouTube? I also met Kristin, a blogger and fellow card carrying sorority girl! We bonded over our similar Pink and Green sorority colors, she's an AKA and I'm a DZ.

(left: moi of WHAT I WORE: tip to toe! and Kristen of Handbags, Hair and Heels)

See you next month CapFabb!

Work Your Wardrobe

2011-11-18T10:23:00.002-05:00

w/ The Yuppie Lady

Thursday night I headed to upper Wisconsin Ave in Georgetown to attend the Work Your Wardrobe event at Urban Chic boutique organized by stylist and blogger Chyanne of The Yuppie Lady.

Style bloggers were encouraged to attend and customers were asked to look in their closets for gently worn suits and business shoes to donate to Dress for Success; an organization, which promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

Chyanne's goal was to make the largest donation of clothes and/or money the organization's local office has ever received and boy did she succeed! I can't wait to see if she styles some of the Dress for Success clients!

Katie (PR & Events Director for Urban Chic Boutique) and Chyanne (host of the event) pose with a rack of clothing from the Georgetown store handpicked by The Yuppie Lady

Inside the Georgetown location of Urban Chic Boutique, they also have locations in Bethesda, Baltimore and Fairfax

Bloggers drop off their donations; check out her blog 9toFly

Style Bloggers (l to r ) Jennifer of Comme Coco // Vivy of Heart | Print | Style // moi of WHAT I WORE: tip to toe! // Chyanne of The Yuppie Lady (in the awesome gold pants!) // Meredith Liberty, Fashion Consultant and Stylist Someone email me (theesocialite@gmail.com)

My favorite dress in the store, look at that dramatic back! It also comes in printed black!

Preppy Preppy Princess

2011-11-17T09:54:00.000-05:00

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

scarf- NYC Street Vendor

polo- Old Navy

blazer- Banana Republic

belt- J.Crew

pants- LOFT

shoes- Rockport

bag- Dooney&Bourke

Black Magic Woman (Giveaway)

2011-11-14T10:59:00.002-05:00

Ever since Madame CJ Walker blessed us with the pressing comb, black women have been searching for the next best thing to straighten our hair. These days getting our hair done is an international affair...we can go to the Dominican Republic or for a blowout, travel to Morocco to source argan oil, or Brazil for a Keratin Treatment.

This summer I chose the latter and made an appointment at Flawless Hair by Derek to get the Keratin Treatment. My hair is extremely fine so it didn't require the strongest level of the treatment; Derek used La Brasiliana products, the same use at the Ted Gibson salon in NYC. My hair texture only required the Dieci and the cost of the service was at the lower end of the spectrum (FYI my sister, whose hair is thicker and longer also required only the Veloce and paid the same at Flawless Hair by Derek) and although it was pricey I found it worth the cost and effort mainly because I can go longer without rebooking at the salon.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

[Flawless Hair by Derek~ (Inside of Natural Motions Salon) 5332 Georgia Ave, Washington, DC 20011]

The treatment lasts for 2-3 months and you can extend the life of the treatment by following up with Keratin-friendly products in between salon visits. I have been washing/conditioning my hair with the La Brasiliana shampoo and conditioner and using the all-in-one before blow drying. The biggest difference I noticed was that my kitchen (the hair at the nape of my neck) straightened easier and stayed straight longer, and any black woman will tell you that alone is a miracle! I also noticed my hair got straighter after simply blowdrying it; I got the treatment sometime in August and now almost 3 months later my hair is still easy to manage...seriously that's all I wanted for Christmas!

I was recently approached by a company that is making products to extend the life of your Keratin Treatment. They sent me a bottle of their Simply Smooth Xtend Keratin Repairative Magic Potion...do you not love that name!?! I was going to wait until my appointment with Derek later this month so that I could use it under the supervision of a professional, but I washed my hair over the weekend and couldn't find my All-In-One La Brasiliana product so I decided to give the Magic Potion a try.

Simply Smooth Xtend Keratin Repairative Magic Potion available at Amazon and SleekHair.com

Helps protect hair from thermal abuse
Locks in hair color
Controls frizzing
Adds incredible shine and volume
Hydrates, smooths and detangles leaving hair silky and free from split ends

(I prefer the All-In-One La Brasiliana product as a detangler, but everything else it promises it delivers!)

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After deep conditioning my hair for a few hours with a mixture of 1 raw egg yolk and 2 tbsp of mayonnaise I rinsed my hair with cool water, washed out the mixture with Carol's Daughter Monoi Shampoo, since it was sulfate-free and someone had left it the shower I decided to give it a try, it smelled amazing, but seemed a bit drying; next I washed and conditioned my hair with my La Brasiliana shampoo and conditioner and lightly towel-dryed my hair. Then I sprayed the Magic Potion generously throughout my damp hair.

The product smelled so good! Like a Hawaiian vacation in a bottle!!! After the product settled on my hair it seemed to leave a coating on my strands...I wasn't sure how I felt about that, but I will say that this is the first time, since I got the Keratin Treatment, that I've flat ironed my hair and only needed to pass the iron through once to get my hair straight...that in itself is worth the price of the product! A product that reduces the amount of heat needed to straighten my hair...MAGIC!

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

sweater- Ted Baker

blouse- LOFT (in stores now)

jeans- J.Crew

boots- Rockport

earrings- Lord and Taylor

necklace- VintageBrook (seen here)

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::GIVEAWAY::

(ends 11/25/11)

To win a full-size bottle of Simply Smooth Xtend Keratin Repairative Magic Potion follow these steps:

1. "LIKE" the WHAT I WORE: tip to toe! page on FACEBOOK

2. FOLLOW @breaellis on TWITTER

3. LEAVE a comment below telling me your favorite Keratin-friendly hair product

[Be sure to include your Facebook name, Twitter name and email address in your comment]

You must do ALL THREE in order to win!

Contest will close Friday, November 25 2011.

Red Hot

2011-11-11T10:41:00.017-05:00

On a random Wednesday night I found myself with not one but THREE events to attend, luckily they had staggered start times and were all relatively close to one another so I lugged an extra(fabulous)outfit to work that day, did a quick change in our ladies lounge at quittin' time and headed to the DC. First up...Washingtonian Magazine's fete at Lost Society welcoming the New ANN to the neighborhood and celebrating the brand's partnership with Vital Voices. Let me just say the party was SO CHIC that I didn't make it to the other two events!

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

jacket- Zara

top- Ann Taylor LOFT

pants- H&M

shoes- Nine West

bag- Dooney & Bourke

Rep from Vital Voices talking about her first suit...which she purchased from Ann Taylor of course!

Washingtonian magazine Fashion Editor Jill Hudson, she was tearing it up to female

DJ crew The Broads as they spun Jay-Z, Beyonce, and Kanye West.

A stylish party goer!

BLOGGERS: (left to right)

Naseya Minor, The Seventh District

Moi!, WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

Vivi, Heart | Print | Style

Dana James, The Diary of Franky J

Jennifer Jean-Pierre, Comme Coco

Elle, Chell Bellz

For pictures of the Ann Taylor clothing on display at the event check out the FACEBOOK page for my blog!

ReCap Fabb (Beauty)

2011-11-10T10:18:00.000-05:00

(October Meetup: Beauty)

NECTAR SKIN BAR

Moving back to DC has been great for so many reasons, not the least of which has been finding a like-minded group of fashionable women to network with. CapFABB (formerly DCFABB) is a network of Fashion and Beauty bloggers in the Washington DC area; the group was founded by Liz Fassbender of the blog So Much to Smile About and Lacey Maffettone of the blog A Lacey Perspective. The group meets once a month over cocktails and clothing...and last month over beauty products!
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The October meetup was co-sponsored by fabulous husband and wife spa owners Brian and Amy Thomas at their Georgetown oasis Nectar Skin Bar.

There was some serious fashion in the house...including some rather large handbags! This gorgeous cheese tray was sacrificed to the fashion gods when a bump from someone's purse sent it crashing to the ground!

Excellent swag, including a mini bottle of low calorie Voli vodka!

Shift in Seasons

2011-11-09T09:01:00.001-05:00

Thanks to the snow we got Halloween weekend, followed by todays' forecast of 68 degrees in Washington, DC, it's safe to say it is officially AUTUMN; The season that defines the transition from summer to winter, or as I like to call it...THE TIME OF YEAR WHEN LAYERING HAPPENS!

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

jacket- Zara

scarf- NYC street vendor

dress- vintage

blouse- LOFT