The Diva Chronicles

Goodbye Resolutions! Hello, Real Change!

2011-12-29T15:36:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year to everyone! I pray everybody had a blessed Christmas and is ready to get New Years underway. Personally, I can't believe that another year has now past. I mean I just now got over the fact that it was December. (geesh) Anyhow now we are all prepping for a new year to come and with that comes the New Years Resolutions. Honestly I can't stand them. Usually because it's just another way for us to set ourselves up to not meet our own high expectations. I suggest instead of making a laundry list of things you will never do or vow to stop doing, think about the changes you want to see in 2012. If it helps right them down. Then make a realistic plan with milestones and dates to help you get there.The thing to do here is to be REALISTIC! I mean is it realistic that you are never going to eat chocolate cake between now and December 2013 so you can lose 20lbs. Not probable. Come up with some realistic goals to help you get there. For example drink a certain amount of water everyday, exercise at least 30 minutes twice a week, or up your fruit and veggie servings. Remember you have to be the change you want to see. So with that said have a very and prosperous New Year!

-Vix

My Introduction to MAC Cosmetics

2011-12-12T22:34:00.001-05:00

So fellow divas and the like, I finally did it. I took the MAC Makeup plunge. One of my besties Alicia, a Make-up Professional and Artist, has been trying to get me to try MAC for years (approx 4). However, I just wasn't feeling it. That was until I saw my other best friend Shani get her make up done at the MAC counter. About a week later I was back with the charge card in hand and Alica leading the way!!! I saw they used this concealer on Shani and I just knew I needed it in my life. So with Alicia's help and a MAC specialist they were able to match me right on up. By the end of everything I ended up with the Studio Finish Concealer, the Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, and their signature "OH BABY" lip glass (gloss). I finally got to wear the concealer and foundation for the first time Sunday night at my church's Christmas dinner. I have to say it felt very light and breathable. I wasn't afraid of smearing my make up by accidentally touching it or hugging someone. It almost felt natural. Now the only thing I wasn't used to was applying it.

It is VERY concentrated so only a dab will do. Needless to say I went a little over board at first but I was able to get it on the second try. I absolutely love it and can't wait to try other products. Now don't get me wrong I am still going to shop around at other counters. However for right now I am going to focus on getting to know MAC's products a little better.

Now I thought it would be great to get Alicia to help out others that may be new to MAC, or new to make up. Below is an interview Alicia did with me to help everybody out. Take a look!

1. What is your favorite MAC Product and why?

I actually have two: Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation and Lipglass. I love the Studio Fix because it does just what the name indicates - it provides coverage of a foundation and powder all in one! For someone like me that is always on the go, I don't have time to dab on foundation then put a separate powder finish over it. Sometimes that method causes heavy blotching and it does not look good. With the Studio Fix, all I have to do is moisturize my skin, put it on, and go. It is silky smooth and provides the perfect level of coverage. Lipglass is just one word: amazing! It provides rich color and a high-gloss shine that remains unmatched. There is a shade for everyone!

2. I wear makeup pretty regularly but I have never worn MAC. What is the best product for a MAC Newbie to try?

MAC is known for their bold, highly pigmented colors! This proves true with their eyeshadows. Eyes are the windows to one's soul, so definitely start here! I recommend buying a basic set of eyeshadow colors accompanied by their amazing brushes, all tailored for the eye.

3. I am new to makeup period and the MAC counter looks very intimidating. What should I start with?

Grab a MAC specialist and have them give you a makeover! That is your time to play around with colors and find out which shades and products work best for you and your skin. Have the specialist write the product names down on cards so that you will know what to purchase when you are ready. The specialists are specifically trained to help customers of all types!

4. What general advice do you have when it comes to MAC products period.

I may sound biased, but MAC is the only make-up I will ever use. I've been using their products on myself and others for over a decade. Their colors will always stay true to shade, no matter how long you have them. Also, start small! Buy a basic set of neutral, every day colors (lipglass, lipstick, blush, foundation, eyeshadow, liner, mascara) and build your collection a few pieces at a time. MAC always has new lines that come out each year so visit those make-up counters regularly and don't be afraid to try new products and colors. Once you go MAC, you won't go back!

Being the Change I Want to See

2011-12-05T12:04:00.001-05:00

When I came home yesterday evening I decided to share with my mom an idea I had for the image consulting business I want to start in the future. I told her I was thinking about trying my hand at helping people make over there closets. I explained that it wold be apart of the services I would provide as an image consultant.Her overall response was that she doesn't see me doing that type of work because she doesn't see me actually doing it in my everyday life. Now my natural reaction was to get defensive and adamantly give all the reasons on why I could be perfect in this line of work. I mean after all don't mechanics have the worst running cars?! After taking in everything my mom had to say I realized she was right. I want to own my own business bad and I want to help people improve how they see themselves. So in order to do that I have to be the change I want.

Many of us find ourselves in a rut with an "anywhere but here" mindset but have no idea how to get out of it. The only way is to commit to being the change that you want to see. It starts with setting a series of mini measurable goals that will lead you to your overall goal. Also make sure your mini goals are realistic and that you go back and re-evaluate them regularly. To help keep track of your goals try writing them in this format...

At the bottom of a piece of paper right down what your current situation is. At the top of the same page right where you want to be in a certain amount of time. Finally in between those two sentences right a few measurable goals that would help you reach your overall goal.

My inspiration for this format actually came from a business site that discusses how to develop a strategy. So you can think of this goal setting exercise as a strategy for your personal life. Hope y'all find this helpful andI will keep y'all updated on my goal setting progress! Till then

-Vix

UpdateClinque Results

2011-11-30T22:09:00.001-05:00

Soo the results are in!! And overall they look positive. I can still see where I have hyper pigmentation, but I have to say they aren't as visible. I think the best thing about the product was the way it made my skin feel. I have to say my skin has never felt so smooth.

Now the downside of the product is that you only get 1.7oz. That means if you plan on using it twice a day plan to enroll in Clinque's automatic shipment program. One last thing is that is smells kind of like silicon. But it's not overwhelming.

I used the product as apart of my daily and nightly ritual. Also I used it along side with my regular acne products (Proactive). So over all what's my rating? I say it's worth the investment over all. Like I said it made my skin feel great.

Here is an updated picture of me after using the product:

Here is a link to my Before post: My Before

Perfume Faux Pas

2011-11-17T09:19:00.000-05:00

Hey Y'all

I know it's been alittle while! I've been ultra busy with working and church activities so please forgive me. Now on to today's topic, perfume! As the Fall is slowly turning into Winter I know we are ready to try some new winter fragrances. However, we have to remember that just because it smells good in the bottle doesn't mean it's going to smell good on you! Sometimes we get caught up in a designer name or sometimes the packaging we don't take the time to find out if this is really something we should be rocking. So below I have some tips for you to take on your next perfume run.

Perfume fragrances have cycles. What I have learned is that as much as I love the way a perfume smells when I first put it on, I really want to know what it smells like over time. When at the counter use the paper strips to spray the perfume and wave it vigorously back and forth. This will cause the perfume cycle to go more rapidly and give you a sense for what it really smells like.
One perfume at a time. If you want to know how a perfume smells on you then only spray on one a visit. Mixing multiple perfumes will give you and the person your with the largest headache you have ever had. Also how are you going to really know what you really like if you have 5 perfumes on.
Take an honest friend. Most people from day to day probably don't know what they smell like. They just figure that if they can't smell themselves then no one else can either. So take someone with you that maybe able to smell the things you can't.

I hope these few tip help! Happy shopping!!!

-Vix

Daily Affirmation

2011-10-27T09:46:00.000-04:00

Most of us are our own worst enemy. We are harder on ourselves than we are on anybody else. But where do we learn this behavior? It certainly doesn't come from God! He loves us unconditionally, faults and all. How wonderful it would be if we could all love ourselves and each other that way! "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves". If we did that, the world would be a much better place! Be Blessed!!!

Romans 12:9-10

It's a Macy's Monday

2011-10-23T21:21:00.000-04:00

So it looks like Macy's has some great finds online. I found some accessories that may help get your week off to a great start. Take a look...

First up is this very practical and cute DKNY Handbag. It's available in both red and black. Personally, I would go with the red just because it adds a little bit of attitude to just about wardrobe. Additionally, it's perfect as an everyday bag or for additional color to you outfit. Now the best thing about this bag is it's price. It's price was $245.00 but now it's a cool $182.99.

Next is my one of my favorites. This gorgeous necklace by Guess. I fell in love with it immediately. Now you all should know by now that I love things that I can have multiple uses for and with this is a you can dress up or dress down. This piece is on sale for $14.99. That's about half off from it's original price of $30.00

Now last but not least is this Style & Co Boot for $76.50 (down from $109). These boots come to your calf so you could give a little spice to your favorite knee length skirt. This boot is definitely a get great find, and sexy.

Hope y'all enjoyed and Happy Monday!!!!

-Vix

Same Look for Less

2011-10-19T17:09:00.001-04:00

So anyone who knows me knows that VERY seldom do I like to pay full retail price for many things. I mean think about it, when someone pays you a compliment on something do they take it back when they find out you paid half off for it. NOPE! So you know I was excited when I found out ZLondon of Payless (39.99) has a great replica of the Mojo Moxy Poppy Platform from DSW(79.95). Both are cute and definitely compliment worthy. However between you and I, I would either spring for the replica or just wait for it to go on sale. Well check them out and happy saving!

-Vix

Mojo Moxy (DSW)

ZLondon

Daily Affirmation

2011-10-17T09:32:00.000-04:00

Good Morning Everyone! Every now and again I get these daily affirmations at work that I like to share. They are just words of encouragement that remind us that God is here for and with us. I pray you enjoy this one below.

Be Blessed!

-Vix

Oftentimes we get worked up and stressed out over situations, when all we have to do is rest in Him. “Yes, my soul, finds rest in God; my hope comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge”. It can’t get any plainer than that! Be Blessed!!!

Psalm 62:5-8

Flat Monday

2011-10-16T17:16:00.000-04:00

Welcome back to Monday everybody. (*huff). Time to get back to work, but don't let that get your feet down. Here are some of my picks that may bring some sunshine to your Monday. Tell me what y'all think?

Pick #1:

Just a pop of color with this blush patent leather flat by Mossimo Supply Company. I love the little personality on the top and the pink is the perfect pop of color. This shoe is really about bringing a little added personality. I would wear this with probably a skinny leg pant just to give the ruffle the attention it needs.

Pick #2

For a more casual Monday try this red hot flat from ALDO Shoes. I like these mainly because they are red and look pretty comfy. Great for a Monday off from the office to run errands, or if your office is pretty hip you could where them there. I would throw these on with my favorite medium wash jeans and go.

Pick #3

Nothing like these easy red flats from Fergalicious to get through your Monday. They are kind of playful but still say "business" at the same time. Also I like these because they can easily transitioned from a business pant to nice pair of jeans.

Well I've done my good deed of the day. I hope these shoes helped to get your day off to a good start!

-Vix

High Heel Friday!

2011-10-12T09:36:00.000-04:00

OMG TGIF! (*doing dance). The day we have all been waiting for. The end to another work week. So now you can let your feet be just as excited as you are. Here are my picks to celebrate my favorite day of the week. Happy Friday y'all!

My choice today is this pump by Qupid at DSW. Now I'm not a big animal print person but I couldn't help myself with this one. Now the one thing I do like about animal print is that you only need a splash of it to make your point. Last thing I like about this shoe is that it's good for day to night attire so you can be sexy in the office and at happy hour.

-Vix

Clinique Dark Spot Remover

2011-10-10T14:16:00.000-04:00

I'm sure everybody has seen the commercials for Clinique's new dark spot remover. I have been going back and forth on if I really want to bite the bullet and purchase it. While I don't have severe acne, I do have some large scars that I'm am no longer interested in seeing. So today I stopped squeezing my dollars long enough to order a $50.00 1.7 oz bottle of the stuff from Cliniques site (definitely less than Macy's $70 "holy mark up batman!"). So I am hoping that it will help enhance my skin and remove these unsightly spots (see above) and get my money's worth. I will keep all of y'all updated and let you know if I it's worth the buy or not. Till then love much, and live well.

-Vix

Purse Hunt

2009-06-01T09:35:00.000-04:00

I have a confession to make. I am pretty good at picking out clothes, and I am even better at picking out shoes(my passion) but I absolutely suck, I mean SUCK, at picking out hand bags. I don't know why. I just fall short when it comes to the hand bag game. To be honest, I usually try to find a handbag that I can use for everyday until it is wore out and is time to replace it. Tragic flaw right. I know what your thinking. What kind of fashionista doesn't have her whole hook up together? So like every young professional fashionista should do, I am trying to make myself better. So I have officially started my search for a new purse. After being clowned,repeatedly by my friends and family, I have finally decided to throw out all of my old purses and work on my purse game. Now that I have gotten out my confession, I now have another hurdle. That is finding a fabolous purse for a decent price. That is going to be super hard. A great purse will more than likely be priced anywhere between $50- 120. Trust me I am not lying, those purse lovers out there know what I am talkin' about. But they don't call me thrifty for nothing. I am going to have to elicit some help from my trusty shopping partner Mar, and my purse addict sister Licia. She has a purse, bag, tote (what ever you need) in just about every color and size, so I think she would be perfect for the job. My challenge is going to start this week, and I will probably be doing alot of online looking so stay tuned for more. Till then...

Vix

2009-05-29T17:22:00.001-04:00

Okay so I'm back here are the shoes I got while I was in Williamsburg.

The first is a little tan number. About four inches. I wore it to work and was strutin' fast and free.

The second is a cute espadrille with some real funky zigzags on the wedge.

Well that's all I have for today, till next time...

Vix

Shopping with 'Mar and Vix Vol. 1: The Outlet Edition

2009-05-18T19:57:00.000-04:00

Alright so my shopping partner ('Mar) and I went shopping this past Friday at the Williamsburg Prime Outlets. We had an absolutely great time (as usual). Now one thing you need to know about 'Mar is that he is always these three things: Honest, Sharp, and on top of his game. So it should be no surprise that he keeps me on my toes when looking for quality items, at a qualified price. Now on to the fun we had!

Nine West: Buy one Get one
Our first stop was Nine West (the best store in the world). Now I don't know if any of you have been to a Nine West store, but you should know that finding a "deal" on a hot pair of shoes is hard to find in the retail store. However lucky for us (well me anyways) they had a BOGO going on (Hint: this is usually the case at this store). So you needn't be surprised that I was able to get 2 pairs of shoes for the price of one. I got two pairs of shoes for the grand total of 83.99. Now my fellow nine wester's you have to admit that is a nice deal ANY day.

Factory Brand Shoes: Surprised, but Not Overwhelmed

So after stopping in one unmemorable store that said they sold Sperry's (They only had 2 pairs, the rest was kids shoes :-0) we stopped into Factory Brand Shoes. It was actually not too bad. I was able to get my mom some shoes for $20 that was valued at I about $40. The only minus was that my mom's size was ship only. So my mom will be getting her shoes in about 3 days. But all in all the store is worth a breeze through.

BCBGMAXAZRIA: Nice deal

So our next stop was BCBGMAXAZRIA. This was interesting visit because of the layout of the store. Well in the front of the store is the regularly priced items (ugh!) and then towards the back is the reduced priced items. Well me being the thrifty diva I am I went all the way to the BACK of the store. There are items for $39-29 (and maybe a little less). Now these are items that was once marked at triple digit prices. Now 'Mar found me this beautiful teal sillk wrap blouse for only 39.00! Then 'Mar and I found another silk blouse but this one wasn't on sale (I didn't find that out till I got to the register) but it was worth it. Now the lesson to be learned here is be careful of lazy shoppers! They will mess you up something terrible. Altogether I dropped 113 in the store. Hey that's not bad considering that was equivalent to one dress.

ALDO's - Wasn't impressed

Now you can call me picky but I was not that impressed with this ALDO's. This maybe because the ALDO's at Regency Square ALWAYS has a bangin' sale going on (additonal 50% can't get any better than that). I saw a pair of sandals for about $50. I was about to blow my lid! Let me tell you I could find similar shoes at Payless for less money. Now 'Mar was lucky enough find some nice shoes at a decent price, and I bought some earrings for $12. But other than that, ALDO's was a dud price wise.

Banana Republic and Gap- Curvy aint in :-(

This was disappointing for both me and 'Mar. He got into the store and his fashion senses were going crazy. He found pants for half priced (in Banana Republic) and some stylish shirts for really good prices. Also, I found a really cute blouse with a few pairs of cute slacks. So we went to the fitting room and tried on our selections. Well let me tell you I am a curvy chick with alittle bit of hip, and 'Mar got alittle booty with him as well. Apparently Banana Republic clothes don't really like curves. And we only ended up with like 3 out of the 5 selections we had collectively.

Gap was alittle better to us in the end (despite them being a parent company to Banana Republic). 'Mar was able to pick up a couple shirts and a pair of pants.

So by the end of our trip we were well worn but excited about all of our picks. I think collectively I spent alittle less that $300 in Williamsburg. 'Mar I know spent less than me (hey I'mma shoe fiend). Even with $300 coming out my pocket among 4 stores, I don't think ya gurl did too bad. Well I will have pics for yall soon. Till then PEACE!

The Diva Chronicles

Goodbye Resolutions! Hello, Real Change!

My Introduction to MAC Cosmetics

Being the Change I Want to See

**Update**Clinque Results

Perfume Faux Pas

Daily Affirmation

It's a Macy's Monday

Same Look for Less

Daily Affirmation

Flat Monday

High Heel Friday!

Clinique Dark Spot Remover

Purse Hunt

Shopping with 'Mar and Vix Vol. 1: The Outlet Edition

UpdateClinque Results