FASHION du jour

www.FASHIONdujourdaily.wordpress.com

2010-08-23T21:30:00.000-07:00

PSSST....I'm Baaaack!!!!

2010-08-17T20:23:00.000-07:00

Hey Ladies!

So after this past week's blogging debacle, I decided to scoot on over to WORDPRESS. Well, in all honesty I had been planning to move for a while but wasn't exactly sure when. Blogger gave me the extra nudge I needed by disabling my blog since it was flagged as SPAM.

You know how it is when you move to a new place and you don't know where your couch looks best or where to place the TV or how to angle the coffee table? Well, that's kind of where I'm at with this. There are tons of templates on WORDPRESS but I haven't found the perfect one yet. Over the next few posts, I'll be testing a few of the templates to see which one we like most. Leave me a comment to let me know what you think.

I'd be remiss not to tell you how much I appreciate your patience with me as I waited for Blogger to turn my blog back on. I love you guys!

So here's the info:

www.fashiondujourdaily.wordpress.com

...and if you click on any of the images on this post you'll be directed to my new blog location.

Confessions of a Fashion Blogger

2010-08-09T21:45:00.000-07:00

top: sample sale . jeans: sample sale . shoes: Cathy Jean . purse: Louis Vuitton Speedy . watch: Michael Kors

I'm envious. I want what the bigger bloggers have. I want to be on a focus group panel of a big retailer and be given the glamor treatment. I want a Coach purse named after me. I want my opinion to count. I want random products to show up at my doorstep so that I can review them on my blog. These are the thoughts that I battle from time to time and this weekend was one of those times. I've always wanted to be the best at everything. I give 100% and nothing less. I go hard or don't go at all. So, when I spent my designated blogging hour laid out on my bed blog surfing, I began to get discouraged. Doubt began to creep in...look at Maegan...she's beautiful...she's crafty...everyone loves her just look at her blog name...Karla's style is sooo fierce...her body is perfect...is she even human....Delmy's blog is "bananas"...her hair has a mind of its own and it's genius...then there's me.

Do I even belong here? Am I cut out for this? Who am I kidding, I don't even have the time to keep up with these young girls. I have a husband and kids, not to mention work and my church life...I need to let it go. This blogging stuff is fun, but it's not for me. I'm discouraged.

Just then a DM tweet came to my cell phone from a blog follower we'll call Jen:

Just wanted to send u a private note 2 let you know that ur blog & openness abt ur faith encourages me in my walk w/God. I need to be more open about MY faith in my writing and your openness is inspiring. Blessings!

Her message was just a few sentences long but it meant more than she'll ever know. Let me be clear, my husband is my number one fan. He tells me all the time how great of a job he thinks I'm doing, but a part of me says he's supposed to say those kind and loving things to me. He loves me and will always have a biased opinion. So, what does the unbiased, objective person think. As a believer, I know that God uses people and situations around us to draw us closer to Him. I immediately stopped and rolled over. I stared at the ceiling, closed my eyes and thanked God. I'm not the biggest fashion blogger and I may not ever be...I'm okay with that. I might never be asked for my opinion by anyone that so-called "matters"...I'm okay with that. I may not even ever grow beyond my current readership ...I'm okay with that. The fact that I've made a small difference in one person's life and inspired her re-energized walk with God, is MORE than okay with me. That is my purpose for being here. I'm here for His purpose, not mine. Thank you Jen for serving your purpose which was to remind me of mine!

Before I go, I wanted to share something that I'm really excited about. After my episode this weekend, I was thrilled to receive a personal invitation from the owner of a local clothing company to sit on a focus group panel comprised of local business owners and well respected names in the fashion industry. I was honored to receive the invitation and can't wait to glean from the experience of those I'll be sitting with. What a cool opportunity, wouldn't you say? The bigger question is...WHAT TO WEAR?

Last, but DEFINITELY not least, here's a picture of the hugest bouquet ever. The Hubs hand- delivered 30 roses to my job. This custom bouquet is freakishly HUGE. I had to leave it at work because it won't fit in the back seat of my car. I love it and I love you, Jonathan!!!!

Here's a little more about today's outfit!

FASHION bites

2010-08-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick post of what I wore to church today.

shoes: Steve Madden
purse: Louis Vuitton
skirt/shirt/belt: sample sale
watch: Michael Kors

Jaxon begged for me to take a picture of him so I had to add it to my post. He's such a ham! Gosh, I love this guy!

FASHION bite

2010-08-07T17:58:00.000-07:00

. how could i not know about this gift from God that is Kincaids .

. i always have a taste for sparkling water with my seafood . and no that's not wine .

. pre-dinner game face .

. post-dinner glow .

. what's up with my eye . LOL .

. love the detail on the back of this vintage jacket .

. had a wonderful night with my wonderful man .

I had a FANTASTIC birthday! Those who know me well know I'm a pretty simple low maintenance girl and the Hubs made me feel like a queen. He hand-delivered a GI-NORMOUS bouquet of 30 roses to my job WITH 3 birthday cards (2 from him, one from the kiddos), he made sitter arrangements and reservations to the best restaurant that I've been to in quite some time. I couldn't have asked for anything more! Thank You, Babe!

Introducing "FASHION bites"

2010-08-07T17:30:00.000-07:00

I often have thoughts, ideas, pictures, outbursts, etc. that I want to share with you but because they're not fully thought through the type-A in me doesn't allow me to post them. However, after a little more thought, I figured Type-A will just have to get over it. Going forward, I'm going to post what I like to call "FASHION bites" at random. FASHION bites simply be a mini-post of a picture or some other form of randomness with a little explanation so that you know I haven't COMPLETELY lost it. Today will be the first installation.

I recently got a some more pictures from a couple of subscribers showing me their renditions of the skirt/shirt from my blog post titled DIY: How to Make a Skirt Into a Top. I can't tell you how big of a smile it puts on my face to see that people actually tried it out. I was even more impressed with how their renditions turned out. Take a look at this two lovely ladies and their skirt/shirt renditions:

Diva from California

Amanda from Ohio

Both of these ladies commented on how easy this was and how excited they were to be able to refashion some of their old skirts into new creations. How's that for going green!

So This is What 30 Feels Like?

2010-08-06T23:42:00.000-07:00

jeans: sample sale . jacket: sample sale . top: DIY tank . belt: sample sale . shoes: Bakers

I wanted to do something different today, so bear with me. Through a series of random questions, I thought I'd share with you 30 things that you might not know about me and might not ever suspect. I'm going to attempt not to get too deep, so forgive me if my responses are not more in depth. You are welcome to email me if you want to know more.

Give me the names of people you love most and why? Since Jesus is obvious, I'll leave Him out of this one. My husband, Jaxon and Julia.

Tell me about something you really care about? The positive socialization of young African American boys and girls.

Do you dream? Yes, but not very often.

How would you describe yourself? Simply put, I love God, I try to look at the glass as half full and I'm striving to improve myself every day for the betterment of those around me (namely my husband and children).

Give me 3 places you would like to go on a vacation? Lima, Peru (my mother's country origin), outer space (not necessarily to vacation but just to hang out for a few hours), Saint Lucia.

When was the year you were the most happy and why? Since the tie for first would be 2008 and 2009 when my children were born, I would have to say 2006, the year I got married.

What was your greatest period of personal growth and development? One of my greatest learning experiences is also one of my most humiliating. During my early 20s I was in a verbally and physically abusive relationship. I learned a lot about self love and self worth and how much I lacked both. It took a while for me to open my eyes and realize I could not live life this way. I still struggled with self love for a long time and it's honestly a daily walk.

What annoys you about people? When they are inconsiderate, closed-minded and/or boastful.

What scares you the most and why? Failing in my responsibilities as a wife and mother.

What do you do in your free time? If hubby and kids are away I blog, catch up on TiVo and read.

Do you like chocolate? on "certain days of the month"

Are you usually late, early or right on time? Early

Are you the kind of friend that you would want to have as a friend? No, I definitely lose touch with my friends far too much.

Would you give a homeless person CPR if they were dying? Of course and would hope they'd do the same for me.

Are you old fashioned? In a sense. I believe chivalry is NOT dead. I believe in the man taking out the garbage. I believe in the man being the head of the household. I believe in being a submissive wife...not to be confused with subservient. I guess you can call me a "Cater to You" wife as Beyonce would call it.

Whats your middle name? Allison

How big is your bed? Cal King

Do you like rainy days or snowy winter days more? I've never been in the snow so let's go with rainy days.

Name 3 things in nature you find most beautiful? Children, starry nights, clouds

Which is your favorite part of the human face and why? Eyes, they reveal so much about a person.

What makes you bored? I believe boredom is an insult to my intelligence

Which is your favorite four legged creature and why? Cats, because they're low maintenance.

Do you like spicy food and why? No, I like to taste my food and that's hard to do when your tongue is numb.

Do you like to shop? When there's a good sale, otherwise no. And definitely not at the mall.

How often do you go online? hourly...thanks iPhone

What was the last thing you ate? Crab stuffed sole with potatoes and greens from Kincaids.

Who was the last person you hugged? My husband

How is the weather right now? Cool.

Are you wearing socks right now? Nope

Coffee or Tea? Coke or Pepsi? Coffee and Coke...mixed

Enough about me! Tag, you're it! Leave me a comment with the answer to a couple of the questions above. I'd love to get to know you better.

"...I Can Cry if I Want To!"

2010-08-06T17:10:00.000-07:00

top: nightie from my bridal shower . jeans: sample sale . watch: Michael Kors . belt: Hubs . shoes: Michael Antonio . purse: thrifted

So, I don't really wanna cry, but I kinda do. I'm turning THIRTY tomorrow and the more I say it the less comfortable I am with it. The word "thirty" just sounds less attractive than "twenty", doesn't it? Say it. See how twenty just sweetly rolls off your tongue?

I think the real reason I'm bummed is that I didn't plan anything for my birthday. Last year, when I turned 29, I told myself that I wanted to do something really nice for my 30th. Believe it or not, I shy away from being the center of attention and so I've never done anything special for my birthdays, but being that 30 is so significant I really did want to do something memorable with my loved ones. If you don't mind, I'm gonna go sulk and feel sorry for myself until the kids and hubby get home and I am reminded of how thankful and grateful I am to be blessed with all that I have and how I'm really just need to get over it and stop acting like a 5 year old and more like a 30 year old. Yikes!

OOTD Video!

No Such Thing as Too Much Color

2010-08-04T18:35:00.000-07:00

bag: vintage find . shirt: vintage find . jeans: sample sale . cami: billion years old . shoes: classified . watch: Michael Kors

In recent years I've struggled with wearing a lot of color. I think since becoming a wife and mom, I've had the notion that I need to start dressing like a wife and mom. Not your Peggy Bundy mom, but more like the Carol Brady/Claire Huxtable kind of mom which translates to wearing colors like tan, neutral, nude, beige, blahhh. High-waisted everything and kitten heels no knock on kitten heels because they're actually making a comeback are just not for me. Maybe when I get into my golden years whenever that's supposed to be I'll turn into a grown up and begin dressing like one. But hey, I don't feel old so why look old? Dear Peter Pan, I totally understand!

It was love at first sight when I spotted the top I'm wearing tucked between a frumpy cable knit sweater and a random Tommy Bahama Hawaiian print shirt. It was almost like the feeling you get when you find money in your pocket or anywhere really. Exhilarating! Then to find it was under $5. That's less than I spend at Starbucks...although I'm getting better...don't judge me LOL!

Where was I? Oh yes, color. So, I've added some pops of color into my wardrobe and funny enough it makes me feel more fun...if that makes sense. I just feel more stress free. It's so true what they say about wardrobe affecting how you feel. If you go to work looking a hot mess, chances are you're going to feel like a hot mess and your productivity level and quality of work will be a hot mess. And if you look a hot mess long enough, you'll end up hot-messing yourself out of a job. Are you picking up what I'm putting down? Not to say that wardrobe is everything, because it's certainly not, but if we're being honest, I think we all feel better when we look better and what you wear is definitely a part of that. And can I just say I love that the phrase "hot mess" has become a household term. I think I even heard Jay Leno say it. Okay, so I might be making that up.

Just Call Me Dorothy

2010-08-03T18:10:00.000-07:00

shirt: Old Navy . cami: unknown . pants: sample sale unknown . shoes: Qupid - Alloy.com . bag: Coach . necklace & earrings: F21 . sunnies: random find in San Francisco

As cliche as it is, truly, there's no place like home! When I say I'm happy to be back home...I'm HAPPY to back home. If you don't know, I spent the last almost 10 days in hot, sweaty, humid, sweltering, did I say hot state of Alabama. I should say though that I LOVE the food. As they say, there's no other hospitality that can compare to southern hospitality. Not to mention how good it was to see my friends and church family in real life instead of on Facebook. I've got mad love for Alabama, but that yucky summer heat is for the birds!

Is it just me or does it ever seem to you like after a vacation you need another vacation from your vacation? Maybe it's just me. I should have requested the day off from work today. I'm a little jet lagged, hence the lack of creativity in today's post, and I've got so much clean up and laundry to do. Where do I begin. Ugh!

Well, I'm glad to be back! I won't complain. The week will be over before I know it. I've missed you guys, but I hope you had fun with Deva_Style's post. I love to share my blogging world with others and if sharing my page encourages someone then so be it!

Oh and here's my OOTD for today!

Guest Blogger: Deva_Style

2010-07-28T12:40:00.000-07:00

I was recently introduced to Deva_Style, a stylish diva from Jersey, via a friend of a friend of a friend on Twitter. She commented that she enjoyed my blog and had been considered starting one of her own for a long time, but she had some hesitations. Through the course of our tweets I realized that she was struggling with some of the same questions that most bloggers think about prior to starting their blogs, myself included. Questions like, what am I going to talk about? What if people think I'm lame? How much time can I/should I really dedicate to this? And worst of all, what if no one follows me? I encouraged my new friend to just go for it; people will love her "random/funny/quirky" style. I also encouraged her to write something up and if she was comfortable, I would post it to my blog and see what kind of response she got. So, without further a do...introducing....Deva_Style

No, your eyes aren't deceiving you. I AM wearing a satin tunic in the middle of Summer. And NO I'm not ashamed.

Since it is more of a darker hue made in Fall/Winter fabric, this forest green satin number would be considered a "no-no" by conventional rules...but rules were made to be BROKEN! ^_^

I paired this taboo top with chocolate leggings (an easy, go-to staple that should be in your closet. Yes YOU!) and a newly-acquired cork-colored linen blazer. Both add-ons were less than 50 dollars! (Yes I am one of THOSE girls that is loud and proud about finding frugal fashions. Don't look at me like that.)

I couldn't help but notice that you noticed my baby blue fingers and toes! I got plenty of compliments (and perplexed looks) today in my OPI "What's your Cattitude?" color choice. Definitely not for the faint of heart. But then again, rules are made...

Okay girls, because I value your opinions and feedback SO SO greatly, I'd love to hear what you think. Leave a comment with your constructive feedback and encouragement.

On another note, I'm still battling the horrific temps out here in Alabama. We'll be heading back home on Sunday, which is when I'll be back on my normal blogging schedule. I can't wait!

Decidedly Imperfect: Blogger Spotlight

2010-07-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

I recently got an email from this Southern cutie pie, Tiffany. She tried out my recent skirt/Shirt DIY and it worked beautifully for her. I love that her look is very simple but clearly she can wear this out to dinner, to a baby shower, to the mall, just about anywhere. You can see more of her look by visiting her blog, decidedlyimperfect.blogspot.com I really love how she's working her look. Cheers to you Tiffany!

If you have your own version of one of my DIYs feel free to email me. I'd love to feature you and your blog!

Alabama, Ready or Not Here We Come!

2010-07-26T14:56:00.000-07:00

vest: thrifted boys denim jacket . shirt: boys thermal long sleeve . pants: Union Bay cargos . shoes: Issac Mizrahi . bag/wristlet: random find

Here we are in the beautiful state of Alabama for our church's national convocation. We come every year and it's always a blessing. Alabama weather this time of year is muggy, hot and a randomly rainy. So, it's not abnormal to see folks walking around in the rain with shorts and flip flops on. Just for the short time I've been here, I can say with every fiber of my being that I'll NEVER live here if I have any choice in the matter. I'm sure the humidity is good for the skin and all but it's a nightmare for my hair and that's reason enough. Although, the people are very friendly. Nothing like that southern hospitality.

You might notice that I'm wearing the same cargo pants and jean vest that I had on in my last post and OOTD. I subbed out the black Jessica Simpson heels for leopard print flats, which I actually LOVE even though flats drive me crazy. Instead of the black tunic I'm wearing a gray thermal. The play on pattern and textures and print was fun.

If you haven't had an opportunity to see my OOTD video from my last post, check it out. I shared a recent purchase of some black heeled oxfords....DOPE! I cant wait to wear them. Tell me what you would wear them with.

Chuck E. Cheese Please!

2010-07-23T19:49:00.000-07:00

I cant even remember the last time I went to Chuck E. Cheese before today, but clearly whenever it was, it must have been a rather forgettable experience. About the only thing I do remember was that the pizza tasted like cardboard and everything smelled like sweaty socks. What brought me to Chuck E. Cheese today, you ask? My job. Today was FUN DAY so we carpooled to the nearby CEC and spent two hours running around like 3rd graders competing to win a prize for having the most tickets. Being that I'm going out of town tonight, all I could think of was my to-do list so I didn't commit myself to the competition, but I SO should have. The winner was surprised with a Burke Williams gift certificate. I need to take having fun more seriously!

Taking fun seriously is really something to think about. Did you know that Kindergartners laugh an average of 300 times per day? Did you know that adults laugh and average of 15 times per day? True story...Google it. That's a staggering statistic. It kinda makes me sad to realize I'm one of those adults. I need to laugh more. I need to smile more and I need to take more time for FUN! Don't you agree?

My funky little collage of sparkling mess on the front panel of my DIY vest is a combination of earrings and brooches. I just stuck the earrings in (backs and all) and arranged them in a FUN way. Likey? P.S. If you want to know the deets of what I'm wearing, watch today's OOTD video. It's short and sweet! P.S.S. I felt naked all day without my wedding ring. The hubs took it to get cleaned. P.S.S.S. What does "P.S." even stand for and why must I keep adding S after S? LOL

15 Minutes of Fame on Budgetnista.org

2010-07-22T21:17:00.000-07:00

Do you wanna hear something really cool? This little blog you're reading was featured on one of THE mega fashion blogs, www.Budgetnista.org. Take a look below...

First of all, if you’ve never been to this site, you’ll be floored by how fashion and budget friendly the site really is. It's clear that this Budgetnista babe is on her A game. Case in point, the dress below.

She got this number for $10 at a Jr. Store. TEN DOLLARS, PEOPLE! She also got one in fuschia. Such a no-brainer!

It's rare that I stumble across a blog that actually sticks to the budget. Being a wife, mother of two, and CEO of my household, keeping my spending down to a minimum is MAJOR. I don't shop a ton, but I've always got an ear open for a good deal and Budgetnista is all over it.

If you look closely you'll also notice my lunch buddy The Fashionista Next Door is featured as well. How cool is that? We love her!

With that said, bookmark her, add her to your favorites and dash on over to www.budgetnista.org. Tell 'em I sent ya!

RisQuE BuSiNess!

2010-07-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

So, today’s post is kind of a "non-post" and I’m actually SUPER BUMMED about it because the pictures I took turned out REALLY cool, but they were a little too hot for TV if you know what I mean. A little too much of the "landscape" was on display. So, instead of showing you more of me in the dress, I’ll show you the dress on a hanger.

Size Large

As-U-Wish dress

BUY ME!

I have to tell you that I absolutely L.O.V.E this dress. It’s the most comfortable thing I’ve put on in a very long time. Yes, even more comfy than my boyfriends and you know I LIVE in those things. It’s a very light weight cotton, comparable to any of your trusty lazy-day tees, but you dont look like a frumpelstiltskin. I think the best thing about it is this baby keeps it’s shape. You know how some cottons, or just items in general, tend to bag out or lose their shape throughout the day? Well, much to my surprise this little guy didn’t. I’m IN. LOVE. with the three blocks of colors, navy, royal blue and a skittle purple. Something you wouldn’t even guess, is that it’s got a hidden zipper in the back.

So, since I now realize that this treasure won't be a dress that I’ll be wearing, I’ve decided to offer it to someone who is a little more adventurous than I and who promises to take good care of this gem. This number can be yours for $20 + $7.50 shipping (UPS) if you live anywhere in the US. Just email me FASHIONdujourdaily@gmail.com and we’ll take it from there.

In other news, I created my first OOTD video for YouTube. It's kind of a joke. I did it at like 11:30 last night and so I sound like I'm half asleep, which I kinda was. For some reason my hair looks crazy. It looks like I have a bad weave, but it must be the YouTube voodoo because in real life it's FRESH (Thanks Jossy Poo). The more times I watch the video, the funnier it gets. I guess it's good when you can laugh at yourself though, right. Anyways, I hope you enjoy and as always leave me a comment letting me know much you liked it or how much you didn't, but be nice!

It's a three part series and the video below is Part 1. You can find the rest by clicking the subsequent links.

Part Two

Part Three

Jackpot

2010-07-21T17:53:00.000-07:00

top: JCP . cami: hanes . jeans: sample sale . purse: vintage boutique . wristband: LV (taken off of a piece of luggage) . watch: Fossil . bangles: Indian store in my hood . sunnies: random find in San Fran . earrings: Claires . necklace: F21

I'm still trying to decide what to do with my mop during the week that I'll be down South. My hair gets fro-matic when it gets anywhere near the slightest bit of humidity, so I'm hesitant to get it straightened, but at the same time it's SO manageable when it is. I don't have to do a thing to it. If I wear it in a wet look, I'll have to style it every morning and bring additional hair products with me, but it'll be cooler and I won't have to worry about the fro-factor. Not that there's anything wrong with a fro. I mean there are some very fierce sistas that can rock a fro like nobody's business. However, I'm not one of them. Plus The Hubs would put the smack down. He's not a fan. What do you think?

The top I'm wearing was another jackpot item I got at JCP. It was $7. I know! CRAZY, right! It makes me love the top even more. The clutch was another vintage boutique find. I think it was only $4. It's real leather. Such a gem!

I'm BIG on feedback. I admit that I am super sensitive more so depending on the time of the month and get a little bummed by some of the more critical feedback, but deep down inside it makes me go harder! It inspires me! One might even say I thrive off of it. It makes me push harder and do better in all areas of my life, not just this fashion stuff. With that said, I'd love for you to leave me some honest feedback on what you would change if you could change one thing about my blog. I'll promise not to hold it against you. LOL

Grandma's Crothet Mid-Drif Top

2010-07-20T17:16:00.000-07:00

Top: Target . purse: vintage boutique find . cami: old . belt: Levi . shoes: Joey . watch: Fossil . bangles: Indian store in my hood . jeans: old boyfriends . sunnies: randomly purchased in San Fran . earrings: POParrazzice

Thank goodness for a day off after a very tiring, yet successful, convention. I usually fill my off days with a weeks worth of "to-dos" and today was no different. First on the to-do list was to take a trip to one of my fave vintage boutiques. I walked in with the cash I had in my purse and intentionally leaving my credit card behind. My casual treasure hunt turned into a jackpot. I found a ton of stuff for under $30. I'm sure you'll be seeing some of these items in an upcoming post.

You might have noticed that in some of the pictures I am wearing small stud earrings and in others I am wearing big gigantic blinged-out bamboo earrings. Half way through my photo shoot it's so funny to call it a photoshoot because it's SO not I remembered that I had tucked my big earrings into my purse pocket. So, I busted them out and put them on. What do you think?

Are you guys tired of my brown belt yet? I LOVE it, but I'm really tired of seeing myself in it. Yes, I own other belts and for your information it's my husband's belt, so there! I never got around to that pedicure that was on my to-do list for today. I guess I'll need to take care of that tomorrow.

Oh! One last very important thing. The winner of our raffle is...
GIRLYGIRL!!!

Congratulations!

DIY: How to Make a Skirt into a Top

2010-07-19T16:34:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen well maybe not gentlemen. It's the time you've all been waiting for cue overly dramatic drumroll...*crickets* WHATEVER! lol

Okay, so I've had a number of requests for instructions on how to create the number below.

So, I created this DIY video to show you how absolutely easy it is. I showed you mine, now you show me yours. I'd love to see a picture of your Skirt Top! Email me!

Horse of a Different Color

2010-07-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

top: American Eagle . jeans: JC Penny's . shoes: Coach . purse: Louis Vuitton . belt: Levi . watch: Michael Kors . earrings: random F21 (?) . sunnies: San Fran random purchase

I had a roll-out-of- bed-put-on-the-first-thing-you-see kind of morning. I don’t know what it is about weekdays that makes it soo ridiculously hard to get up. Maybe it’s the uber obnoxious alarm clock or just the simple fact that I’m not a morning person. It’s true, my friends, I’m not a morning person. I want to be. I really do. It’s been a goal of mine to…wake up, but it’s the whole being awake when I would rather be asleep thing that just makes it impossible. You should see me cringe when I hear people talk about all the 10 million and one things they were able to accomplish in the wee hours of the day before the sun’s even out, while I was getting my Z’s.

Dear Early Birds,

Enjoy the worms!

Love,

ME!

Those of you who follow my tweets probably saw that I had an impromptu date with JC Penny’s the other day. I stopped at the mall and had to pass through JC Penny’s in order to get to my destination. First, let me just get this out of the way now, I never made it to my destination. When I entered JC Penny’s it was like Dorothy opening the doors to Emerald City, sans the horse of a different color. It was glorious. There were racks upon racks of clothes discounted up to 80% off. Yes, 80% off. Now hold on because I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking all the stuff was the nasty left over returns and all the irregularly sized freak items that no one wants. You’re wrong, my friends. They had the goods!!!! But you don’t have to take my word for it, in my Reading Rainbow Lamar Burton voice, take a visit. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Anyways, my top and jeans are a couple of my JC Penny’s finds that I tweeted about the other day. The top is highlighter neon yellow, although the pictures don’t do it justice. I was going for “blinding”. It was only $4. My jeans area boyfriend cut, of course, and they have a sweet stitched peace sign on the back pocket as well as some patchwork detail. They were under $10. Score! I love accidentally jackpots.

Don’t forget to enter the Jewelry Giveaway

DIY: How to Make a Fringe Necklace out of a T-Shirt

2010-07-15T07:07:00.000-07:00

I can finally get this monkey off my back. I've been promising to do another DIY and finally made time to do it. I have a few other DIY projects up my sleeve, but for now we'll stick with this fast and easy DIY accessory that can be made in less than 5 minutes. Don't believe me? Do it and time yourself.

Here are a couple of pictures to jog the noodle.

Now, here's my DIY video:

Let me know if this DIY was as easy as I said. AND don't forget to enter the JEWELRY GIVEAWAY

Surprises Galore!

2010-07-14T01:22:00.000-07:00

I was recently surprised again, but this time by the Hubs' beautiful cousin Sheritha. Sheritha lives in Chicago so when we all went there a few weeks ago, we got a chance to see her and some of our other Chicago family members. I must have made an impression during the short time we had to talk. I honestly don't even remember talking about popcorn but I guess I casually mentioned my ~~obsession~~ fondness of Garrett's Popcorn because shortly after we arrived back home, Sheritha send me a gallon of popcorn with a love note. It was such a completely unexpected and generouse gesture. I'm embarrassed to say I'm 3/4 of the way done with the tin and I'm NOT going to show you a picture of it nor am I going to show you my now perma-cheese fingers. Guilt is setting in!

I get so excited about things like this. It's just so awesome to know that someone thought enough of me to do something nice.

POParazzice

2010-07-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

The other day I shared with you that the Hubs had a surprise for me and how excited I was. Those of you who follow me on twitter already know what the surprise was and you agreed that the Hubs did well. For those who didn't see, here's what I got!

The funniest thing is I'm not even a big, obnoxious earring kinda girl, but these scream to be worn. My only dilemma is what to wear them with. You know my style. You've seen my looks. What do you think?

Interestingly enough Poparazzice jewelry is pretty well known in the celebrity world, from what I understand. Here are a couple of Kims you may recognize, wearing Poparazzice.

Kim Kardashian wearing Fade 2 Black $175

Kim Zolciak (Real Housewives of ATL) wearing Goldie Fade Bamboo Earrings $175

Have I Got a Treat For You!

2010-07-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

This week's going to be a wee bit crazy for me. My job is having a convention this week so I'll be on site. It should be a lot of fun. I cant wait to see the Fall 2010 fashion show. On the flip, this means I'll be living out of my suitcase in a hotel room until Saturday. I'm still planning to post my daily outfits so stay tuned.

Now, about that treat, Kayorcee Creations is partnering with me to offer a JEWELRY GIVEAWAY!!! One lucky winner will get to select any single piece from the Kayorcee website. This giveaway is open to all continental US residents only. Now, here are the rules to enter.

You must be a follower of my blog on Bloglovin' or Google Friend Connect.
You must leave a comment that includes your name and email address.

That's all! By following these 2 simple steps you will earn yourself one entry. You can enter multiple times using the methods below.

Follow me on Twitter @FASHIONdujour and tweet about this giveaway making sure to "mention" me. (5 tweets max)
Blog about my blog or the giveaway and email me the link. (FASHIONdujourdaily@gmail.com)

Here's a little bit about our dear and generous friend at Kayrocee Creations also known as Kris Coleman. Kris Coleman started making jewelry out of necessity more than anything. After one too many wild goose chases to find the perfect accessory, only to find that special piece did not exist, Kris decided it was time to step it up and create her own statement pieces. All of these pieces are handmade, detail by precious detail. The rest is history, and Kris has been designing ever since. Kris is also a published fiction author and her jewelry pieces are named after some of the characters in her novels and short stories. Here are just a few pictures from her jewelry line.

This fun giveaway begins today and ends on Monday, July 19th at 12am PST. The winner will be picked at random by Random.org and announced on Tuesday, July 20th. You know what that means ladies, you have a week to tweet, blog and comment and win!

BUENA SUERTE!

Hot & Spicy Night on the Town...

2010-07-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

top: dress worn as a top (messily pulled up and tucked into pants) also worn here . pants: vintage boutique find . belt: Aldo . purse: vintage boutique find . shoes: Rocket Dogg . watch: Michael Kors . bangles: random Indian store . earrings: accessory boutique

...is what I would title this post had we actually gone out for a HOT & SPICY NIGHT ON THE TOWN. Instead, I ended up taking these pictures when we returned home from vacation bible school, which might I add was a blast. I never knew the folks at Church had so much creative talent! But doesn't it look like I was actually headed out for a good time?

I don't know about you, but I've never been happier that someone has committed to playing for a team in my life. The whole Lebronathon ruckus over the past couple of days has worn me out. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the game of basketball betcha didn't know I played in high school - was I any good? that's a story for another time and sometimes the politics that come with it, but this has been a bit ridiculous. As it is, ESPN's M.O. is to loop the same snippets, the same highlights and the same commentary hour after Godforsaken hour. I can only take so much of Chris Broussard's Inglewood accent. It makes me laugh every time I hear it. The best part of it is, everyone's making such a big hoopla about this but the Heat still wont win the championship next year. Mark my words. And that's all I have to say about that.

P.S. Starting Monday, I'll be sharing with you the details of our next GIVEAWAY!!