the classy turtle ♥

Miss Worst Blogger USA

2013-03-05T15:17:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone. It’s been a long time I know. I can’t apologize enough that I haven’t been around and active in the blog world. I miss it so much.

I have been beyond busy with my new job which requires me to constantly travel to the auto shows. I also have been busy being Miss Michigan US International. My national competition is in June so I have been training and preparing like crazy.

And to add to my busyness I am more than likely moving to Miami.

Whew…can you say exhaustion.

However I am going to try and blog along the way.

I am so sorry.

xoxo Miss Worst Blogger

a beauty queen

2012-12-10T19:40:00.001-05:00

Sorry I have been so busy lately. But I wanted to pop in and share with you all my new title I received last weekend. I am the new Miss Michigan U.S International!!!

More photos to come soon :)

Cost of Beauty

2012-12-03T17:37:00.001-05:00

I found these statistics on a website recently and I thought I would share.

I just thought it was so interesting!

Source: http://womenspersonalfinance.net/

Holiday/Party dress shopping

2012-11-27T02:42:00.001-05:00

I know with the holidays coming up I have all sorts of parties to attend so I thought I would do a little wrap up on choosing an outfit for the best occasion. Whether it is a night out with the girls, high school reunion party, office party or just a holiday dinner party…I’ve got you covered. And as usual I am going to be honest and say the things I know us girls are all thinking but never say aloud.

When shopping for a party dress there are a number of important considerations to keep in mind. Knowing who you want to dress for is a key place to start. Whether a killer outfit is desired so you are the one that everyone is looking at or to make all of the other girls jealous or a sexy dress to attract a particular guy, the requirements for each will be very different. Or maybe you just want to feel good for the night!

Even more parties are social occasions that bring together old friends as well as offer the change to make new connections. Making the right impression and maintaining expectations are therefore equally important. Some might try and make the biggest impact possible when they show up to a party, wearing bold shapes and cuts or, in some cases, not really wearing that much at all. Just make sure you feel comfortable with what you're wearing; always dress to impress but don’t go out of your way to shock if you're just going to worry about how you look all night.

Worrying is the last thing you want to associate with a party. That’s why its worth remembering that shopping for a party can be lots of fun. It’s a opportunity to indulge yourself, spend a little extra cash and treat yourself to the type of purchase you wouldn’t normally dream of buying in any other circumstance. Hook up with some friends who might also be looking for a party dress and make a day of it. After all, the more opinions you get, the more sure you'll feel on the night that you’ve picked the perfect choice.

Here are some of my favorite options!

Go for short, sassy and sexy to make a lasting impression. All of these are male approved ;)

1, 2, 3, 4

Bold numbers will turn heads and make people jealous!

1, 2, 3, 4

Simple, easy classic are always a perfect way to go!

1 , 2 , 3 , 4

Or classy and clean for more sophisticated or reserved parties.

1, 2, 3, 4

I certainly love them all :)

It’s also worth bearing in mind that if you get a credit card from American Express, you can take advantage of a number of reward and cashback schemes as you purchase, meaning you not only get your hands on a fabulous new look but plenty of other rewards as well. Visit American Express online for more details about the various cards and redeemable points initiatives on offer, so you can start shopping for the ideal party dress today.

blog feature

2012-11-08T16:03:00.001-05:00

Hi guys! Rachel over at Life Unsweetened has a super cute post up today all about Rachel bloggers and yours truly is featured. I highly suggest you jump on over and check it out!

Happy Halloween

2012-10-31T14:08:00.001-04:00

Hi kitties! Hope you have a very happy halloween!!

From Highball Halloween :)

Autumn Fashion Update

2012-10-29T15:26:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone! Happy Monday! As the cold fall days have set in here in Michigan, I thought it would be the perfect time to share the fall trends I am most excited about. Even though I don’t look forward to the cold…the fashion part makes me excited.

Yet another summer has come and gone, and with it went all of our favorite playsuits, gladiator sandals and floral flocks. The best of the summer festival fashion might be gone but not all hope is lost. This seasons styles include chic knits, elegant footwear and fabulous faux furs.

If you're looking for a season style update then I give you a look at the top trends that will dominate the high street and designer stores this season. Most are a simple and easy way to update your wardrobe for the season.

1. Fabulous faux fur

If there's one fabric that stage a huge revival at the 2012 Fashion Week runways it was the oh so controversial fur. Now, in its real form this stuff is the worst of all evils, so steer clear. But it it’s a good looking fake and you’re prepared to explain yourself to the odd PETA campaigner, then faux fur is the way to go. I also highly recommend vintage fur.

Nothing says old Hollywood glamour and style quite like a fabulous fur coat, not to mention the fact that they make incredibly warm and practical garments for the cooler months.

2. Killer boots

The boot has made a drastic change in the fashion world. No longer is it the footwear of Volvo driving soccer moms, the boot has been reborn and revamped for a younger crowd. Of course, they still keep your feet warm and dry – the staple concern of the traditional boot wearer – but this new hybrid also incorporates urban chic and edgy street style.

Some brands have nailed the look better than others but the latest line of ted baker shoes have been particularly good. The western inspired brown leather boots are ideal for wearing with skinny jeans and include a zip and tassel detail on the back. I simply love them.

3. Leather

Things are heating up a bit and it’s certainly not from the sunshine! Leather has made a huge comeback and has been spotted everywhere. Luxurious leather leggings create a popular, wet look design which is commonly paired with an oversized knit or cardigan.

Leather minis in a tight or pleated style have also been spotted in all of the high street stores. And of course, the ever-popular leather jacket is back – in both the grungy oversized biker style or as a chic and fitted jacket classic. Steer clear of pleather (plastic-leather) jackets however, as it’s one item that always leans towards cheap and tacky. Save up and spend the money on a good quality one, you won’t be disappointed and it will last forever.

4. Heritage and country chic

There is certainly a lot of old world glamour inspired pieces floating around this season. Think everything from understated tweed skirts, 1920s inspired headdresses and leather ankle boots.

Any of those items are sure to take your wardrobe right into the fall/winter season!

holy spots! a outfit post

2012-10-26T09:00:00.000-04:00

Craziness going on here! Can you believe I am doing an outfit post?! It’s been months since I’ve done one and I actually got ready yesterday so I figured why not! Plus I have been meaning to showcase this spot peplum top from H&M. I really just absolutely love it!

I featured Tucky in this post for a reason and I will tell you all about the adventure him and I have embarked on very soon!

top: h&m, jeans, belt, purse, bracelet: jcrew, shoes: zara, cuff: forever 21

Columbus Fashion Week

2012-10-22T15:57:00.001-04:00

Couldn’t have been more excited to take part in Columbus Fashion Week. I even was featured for one of my designers in the program book. Just a bit sureal!

Quintessa Dionne designs

Dirty Laser

Ryan Richmond designs

my life lately in instagram

2012-10-11T17:37:00.001-04:00

The summer went by too fast…I spent Labor Day weekend in Grand Haven and I literally was in heaven. Hard to believe it’s already October when I look at these photos.

My birthday came and I went. But it was filled with glorious presents and wonderful memories at afternoon tea at The Townsend Hotel.

I passed training and it’s official! The new job begins soon!

Tucky has been entertaining to say the least.

Some of my favorite fashion shows to be apart of have taken place and I have made great new friends.

Two quotes and sayings I am completely in love with!

I worked the Hollywood Casino VIP Premiere and Grand Opening

Football season is almost over and I have yet to go to a game :(

But the most exciting thing of all has been representing Ann Arbor in the 2013 Miss Michigan USA pageant and walking away with 2nd runner-up! I couldn’t be more honored and humbled by the whole experience! Photos to come soon!

two years

2012-10-02T23:58:00.001-04:00

I have been so busy and literally overwhelmed by my life lately that I failed to realize my blog pasted it’s two year anniversary yesterday.

So weird.

I think back to the girl I was two years ago when I started this little space here on the internet and the truth is…I don’t even know her anymore. I have changed almost completely and so has my life. It’s funny how much can change in a just a couple years. My career has finally started to take off and I am busier than ever. I started this blog as a way to express my creativity and showcase my talents, then it was a way to express my style and fashion, then it was my outlet and strength through my fight.

But now it’s not really any of those.

Sad to say I don’t have time for DIYs or baking anymore, I can’t share things I made off pinterest…I can barely look at pinterest anymore. I am not able to take outfit photos everyday…partially because I run out of time and also because my outfits consist of oversized sweaters and leggings. I have fallen out of touch with the blogging community and I don’t really feel like I have anything interesting to share.

So happy blog-anniversary to me and my little page. This is not the end of my page here…it is just the beginning. Thank you for sticking by me in all my times of need. I promise I will find your true person sooner than later.

shameless self promotion- on facebook

2012-09-26T12:17:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone. Detroit Fashion Week is in full swing here in Michigan and I have been swamped! Happy to be however.

I created a Facebook page where I will post photos from all my shows, shoots ,events. So if you want to follow along then check it out and “like” it for me!

Hope you are all have a great week!

love

2012-09-24T14:24:00.001-04:00

I know this is totally random but I couldn’t help but share. I love giraffes!

In our research, we found the stress-reducing conversation (aka the "how was your day, dear?" conversation) to be crucial to a relationship's long-term health. It helps each partner to manage the stress in their lives that is not caused by their relationship. Remember: understanding must precede advice! Oftentimes your partner isn't asking you to come up with a solution - just to be a good listener, or offer a ready shoulder to cry on.

-Photo and information from The Gottman Institute-

lately

2012-09-17T14:47:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone! Sorry I have been so MIA lately. I have been overwhelmed and busy with fashion shows and shoots. So I thought I would share some photos of events and shoots I have been apart of.

New headshot by Irene Mahmud

The Paper Dress Code shoot & runway events

F.A.S.H FEST FESTIVAL for Cyhthah Beamon and BFLY

F.A.S.H FEST Beauty Reveal at the Detroit Opera House, intimates by Bra-VO

There has been so much more but I just thought I would share these!

a birthday

2012-09-12T10:30:00.001-04:00

As I turn another year older today I can’t help but wish that I was the little girl in the photo. I mean look how sweet my cake was?!

Truth be told I am having a hard time getting older…my life has moved way too fast and it seems like it has happened right in front of me. Yes I know I am still young. But for the first time on my birthday…I actually feel older.

The Quarter-Life Crisis
by unknown

It is when you stop going along with the crowd and start realizing that there are a lot of things about yourself that you didn't know and may or may not like. You start feeling insecure and wonder where you will be in a year or two, but then get scared because you barely know where you are now.
You start realizing that people are selfish and that, maybe, those friends that you thought you were so close to aren't exactly the greatest people you have ever met and the people you have lost touch with are some of the most important ones. What you do not realize is that they are realizing that too and are not really cold or catty or mean or insincere, but that they are as confused as you.

You look at your job. It is not even close to what you thought you would be doing or maybe you are looking for one and realizing that you are going to have to start at the bottom and are scared.

You miss the comforts of college, of groups, of socializing with the same people on a constant basis. But then you realize that maybe they weren't so great after all.
You are beginning to understand yourself and what you want and do not want. Your opinions have gotten stronger. You see what others are doing and find yourself judging a bit more than usual because suddenly you realize that you have certain boundaries in your life and add things to your list of what is acceptable and what is not. You are insecure and then secure. You laugh and cry with the greatest force of your life. You feel alone and scared and confused. Suddenly change is the enemy and you try and cling on to the past with dear life but soon realize that the past is drifting further and further away and there is nothing to do but stay where you are or move forward.

You get your heart broken and wonder how someone you loved could do such damage to you or you lay in bed and wonder why you can't meet anyone decent enough to get to know better. You love someone but maybe love someone else too and cannot figure out why you are doing this because you are not a bad person.

One night stands and random hook ups start to look cheap and getting wasted and acting like an idiot starts to look pathetic. You go through the same emotions and questions over and over and talk with your friends about the same topics because you cannot seem to make a decision.

You worry about loans and money and the future and making a life for yourself and while wining the race would be great, right now you'd just like to be a contender!
What you may not realize is that everyone reading this relates to it. We are in our best of times and our worst of times, trying as hard as we can to figure this whole thing out.

Remembering 9/11

2012-09-11T12:39:00.001-04:00

September 11 2001 is one of those days that will forever seem like yesterday no matter how much time goes by. It also helps me remember what our country is fighting for. There are many people who lost friends and family, but for me 9-11 is a day that helps me remember that God is truly watching over me and my family.

My birthday is September 12th and in 2001 there was only one thing I wanted for my birthday. To go to New York. Even as a young girl I was always drawn to the city. The lights, the fashion, the theatre! That’s what I wanted when I was 14 for my birthday…to explore the city, go see a Broadway show and see my uncle who lived in the city.

And so my parents booked our trip. I still have a copy of our itinerary. DTW to NYC on September 10th, 2001. Flight leaving at 8:10pm. We were going to fly in that night, I was going to get up in the morning and surprise my uncle at his office. His office on one of the top floors of the World Trade Center.

The morning of the 11th came and I was furious at my parents. They had an work event in Ohio they couldn’t get out of and at 14 I thought my birthday was ruined. I wasn’t going to New York, I wasn’t going to see my uncle and my parents were going to be gone for my birthday. I left for school on the morning of the 11th so incredibly angry. When you are 14 it is so easy to tell your parents you hate them without thinking or feeling. Oh the things I wish I could take back.

I was late to class, when I walked in everyone was silent and the television was on. I can’t describe the feeling when I saw that plane crash into the building…when that plane crashed into my uncles office. All I remember is hitting the floor. I awoke to my teacher hovering over me and I screamed! “That’s my uncle!” My teacher let me call my mom from his classroom. No answer. I ran to the office. I managed to stammer out that I needed to go home and call my parents because the attack was on my uncles office.

I finally got a hold of my mom. My family was already in panic. They couldn’t contact my uncle and all we could do was sit and watch his building crumble to the ground. My stepfather started driving to the city to attempt to find him.

God was watching over my family that day in so many ways. He saved my life my ruining my birthday. He saved my parents by giving them a work meeting to go to. 9/11 and my birthday every year are a constant reminder of how grateful I am to turn another year older because I wasn’t suppose to.

My uncle just so happened to wake up late that morning. He got off the subway as the plane hit. He lost all his co-workers besides a secretary.

To the victims of 9/11: You will always be remembered!
To the service men and women who sacrificed their lives for this country: You will always be remembered!
To the US Armed Forces who keep our borders safe: You will always be remembered!
To all you terrorist out there: we haven't forgotten!

God Bless the U.S.A and thank you for watching over me.

vintage shorts

2012-08-29T11:00:00.000-04:00

If you have been following me for awhile you already know my obsession with my moms old clothes from the 80s-90s. Well these shorts are just another addition to my collection of her old things :) They are so super cool. They are way high waisted, they have a great cut and they are decked out in pearls! They are my kinda shorts!

shirt: old navy, shorts: vintage circa moms closet, cuff: bella mia

white eyelet dress & a puppy

2012-08-24T12:00:00.000-04:00

This dress is one of my summer staples…it’s funny how I don’t think I have ever shown it on the blog. I got it last summer and I totally regret not buying it in other colors. Oh well you live and you learn.

My poor Tucky is having an allergic reaction to something right now. I don’t know if you can tell but he’s all red and itchy :( Poor baby. I feel helpless.

vest: old navy, dress: ae, necklace: jcrew, watch: michael kors, wedges: forever 21

Hope you all have a great weekend!!

floral maxi

2012-08-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

Remember when you were a kid and your parent would buy you something just because? It was usually a toy or candy. From day one my mother has always bought me clothes or shoes as surprises…and I just so happen to be lucky enough to have a mother that still does <3 I couldn’t have been more excited when my mother surprised me with this floral maxi skirt. It is amazing!

skirt: laundry by shelly segal, tank: jcrew (old), necklace: jcrew, bag: tylie malibu via tjmaxx, sandals: target

what I wore to a fashion gala

2012-08-22T11:00:00.000-04:00

I thought I would share what I wore to the FASH Bash gala last week. FASH Bash isn’t your typical fashion show, it is an upscale fashion gala at the DIA so I went a little more sophisticated and dressy then I would for a usual fashion show.

dress: bcbg, heels: lulu townsend via dsw, necklace: vintage, purse: LV, bracelet: jcrew

The Paper Dress Code show

2012-08-21T15:54:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone!

I am very excited to share an event with all of you that live in Michigan this coming Sunday. Matthew Richmond of The Paper Dress Code will be showcasing his dressed Sunday at Cliff Bells in Detroit. The show starts at 8pm, $10 at the door and all proceeds benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. I couldn’t be happier to be modeling for Matthew!

So if you are in the area make sure to come by and check it out!

my weekend

2012-08-20T14:37:00.001-04:00

Charlevoix pier

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I had not one but two weddings this weekend…in the same day. One morning ceremony in Grand Haven and thankfully an evening wedding in Charlevoix. Sunday we relaxed and strolled through Charlevoix…such a cute little town. I have to say it was a nice little weekend soaking in the lasts of summer :)

just a lil bit busy

2012-08-17T12:55:00.001-04:00

Sorry for my lack of posting lately. I have been up to my ears busy. Fall is always a busy time because there is so much fashion events going on which means lots of auditions and castings and events. I promise to get some outfit posts up soon..truth be told I haven’t been getting ready lately. My daily outfits consist of shorts and sweaters or sweatshirts i.e not exciting. But here are some photos from Instagram of all the things I have been up to!

I was excited and thrilled to attend FASH Bash last night at DIA and it was such a wonderful evening. Fashion, art, fundraising= out to be a fantastic and elegant evening!

Live painted models. Auditions Columbus Fashion Week castings :)Bachelorette parties & I have TWO weddings this weekend!Monday night ballet class

But in the midst of all my busyness I have found relief in the small things…like:cute frames my mom surprises me with Sir King Fat Louie himselfDisney quotes on twitterFresh new manicuresChocolate chip cookies :) Nom nom nom after castingsPolka dots and bubble necklaces = staple for me morning latte :)

New look

2012-08-15T14:08:00.001-04:00

As you can tell The Classy Turtle got a fabulous makeover! I couldn't be more pleased about it. It's all compliments of Danielle over at Just Dandy! Check her out...she's simply wonderful!

old navy polka dot sweater

2012-08-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

I really couldn’t be more in love with this old navy polka dot sweater. In my opinion, it’s the perfect sweater. It’s light but not too thin, it’s cotton and it’s polka dot! And since the temps have dropped here in Michigan it was the perfect compliment to my boyfriend jeans. With a pop of color in the ‘blogger’ necklace plus my new favorite pumps and this could be my go to outfit for fall!

sweater: old navy, jeans: ae (old), pumps: aldo, necklace: jcrew, bracelets: mix of h&m, forever 21 & tjmaxx