TABS ON FASHION

My Closet-The New Way To Dress Up While Dressing Down

2013-06-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

This summer, I've noticed a bit of contrast between dressing up and down and I kinda love it. It's the idea that single parts of an outfit can completely change that outfit. When replaced, it's a totally different look. I wanted to give it a go.

The single parts of this outfit that I thought made it completely different were the shoes and the shorts. If I wore sandals with the outfit, it would be a total day-at-the-park look. If I wore the heels with the shirt and a pencil skirt, I'd be ready for the office.

Shirt-Guess Jeans Authentic (mens)

Shorts-Levi's

Shoes-Steve Madden

Paper beaded bracelets-Mexico

Blue bracelet-NYC based line, Jade and Jasper (click here to see this bracelet)

Earrings-street vendor

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My Birthday Present To Myself-A Semi Door Knob

2013-06-11T07:00:00.000-04:00

Last week was my birthday and I decided to treat myself to a little jewelry. It's no secret that I'm obsessed with all things chunky and gold.

Don't ask why.

My inner pimp daddy is rearing its head. I'm gravitating to anything that is threatening to take over my outfit. Case in point, this necklace. It really looks like a gigantic door knob but I saw it and fell in love. I paired it with some Project Have Hope bracelets (click here to learn more about the organization), skipped the earrings and called it a day. The blue ring is a gift from Paris from my fiance and the wooden ring is my engagement ring.

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My Surprise Wedding Present to My Fiance- Flint and Tinder Shorts @flintandtinder

2013-06-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

So, apparently, you're supposed to give your future hubby a gift for them to open the morning of the wedding. I'm going to resist the joke about his gift being me for the rest of his life because, honestly, that's a whole other job that he's taking on. I went to a wedding last year where the bride gave the groom an iPad. A freakin' iPad! The reality is that if I gave my fiance a tech gift, it would be giving it to myself because I'd steal it half the time. I wanted to find something that would be exclusively his. He's the most no-fuss dude ever but it makes it so hard to shop for him. I was about to settle for an American Express gift card (that would end up in my pocket) when I happened upon Flint and Tinder's All Summer Board Short. I bet you a million dollars (okay, maybe just one dollar) that your male counterpart does not own a pair of shorts quite like these.

Flint and Tinder's All Summer Board Shorts are your regular shorts all year round. They come with belt loops, pockets front and back, draw-cord waist with a working button fly front, and they're unlined so you can wear them with underwear (please do!!).

BUT, they also double as swimming shorts. They're 100% water resistant and made out of fast-drying micro-fiber. It's part of their BUY LESS, GET MORE campaign. One of my fave parts about this is that they're made right here in the U S of A. You know how I feel about supporting the local fashion industry. This can also minimize packing when going on vacation. Think one pair of shorts for the entire weekend.

If you're in the market for a gift for that dude who has everything, click here to check out Flint and Tinder's All Summer Board Shorts.

Now, let's hope my fiance doesn't read my blog because this is so what he is getting for our wedding.

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Summer Must-Have: Printed Maxi Dress

2013-06-09T00:03:00.005-04:00

Summer is all about easy clothing that doesn't make you feel uncomfortable in the heat but that still makes a statement. The minute I saw the mark Exotic Ease Maxi Dress, I fell in love. Maxi dresses are a must-have in my wardrobe for summer and this dress just made its way to the top of my list.

I'm a huge prints person so I love prints that stand out. I am obsessed with the mixture of browns and turquoises in this dress. It says summer vaca without the literal palm trees. I love that this dress is ankle-length. There are some days when I simply don't have the time to shave my legs. Enter long dresses that are breezy and gorgeous without letting the world know that I'm lapsing on my lady duties. Another thing I love about this dress is that you can wear it 5 ways. I love when you can create different outfits out of one item. It gives that item longevity in your wardrobe and it also gives you a new look without having to go out and purchase something new every time you get bored.

This dress is also so beautiful, it doesn't need tons of accessories. I am a chronic over-accessorizer. You know that rule about taking off one thing before you leave the house? I do the opposite. With this dress, though, I didn't feel the need to. The print brought all the colors and drama I wanted.

The mark Exotic Ease Maxi Dress is a perfect addition to your wardrobe this summer. Click here to check out the jaw-dropping price tag on this beauty.

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Dear Diary: The Things You Learn In Your 30's

2013-06-07T00:28:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was my 31st birthday. It was a really special day for me for a few reasons.

Chase The Blues Necklace: mark (click here to check it out)

Blue Me In Earrings: mark (click here to check them out)

Firstly, I was supposed to be in Mexico but Hurricane Barbara happened so I unexpectedly got to spend it with my friends and fiance, which was AWESOME.

Secondly, it was the end of such a tremendous year for me. I launched Tabii Just AND I got engaged.

Thirdly, I took everyone's perspective out of my life and maintained a no-contact rule with the people who raised me. I did what was best for me.

Each year keeps getting better. I keep learning and growing and expanding my horizons. I also encourage myself to fall in love with me daily. I think that's so important. The best thing about getting older is not giving a ***. I care less and less about what others think of me. I invest more time in the people I love and less time in people who aren't supportive and loving. I spend more time doing what I love doing and in turn stress out less. On this the beginning of my 32nd year of life, I chose to wear something that really gave life to who I am. It was about comfort and my favorite color, turquoise.

Blush pink blouse-Monteau

Black skinny pants-Ambiance

Shoes.....okay, honestly, I stuck some Dr. Scholls in there a few years ago and can't see the label. Just being honest....

I LOVE my rings!! I pile on as many as I can every day. They're from assorted street vendors.

Are you loving getting older? What's the best thing about it for you?

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Sailing to Bermuda with Celebrity Cruises for Lady And The Blog

2013-06-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

I LOVE travelling so any excuse I can get to head out, I do. Last week, I reviewed a cruise for Lady And The Blog to Bermuda. I took the Celebrity Summit and sailed for 2 days to Bermuda, stayed there for 3 days and sailed back to New Jersey. It was my first cruise and it was so much fun! Click here to read my Top 5 Reasons to Visit Bermuda With Celebrity.

Here are some of my fave pics from the trip.

With the bus and ferry day pass at the port.

All the fun things to do.

The Crystal Caves, discovered by 2 teens tons of years ago. It was so stunningly beautiful.

John Smith's Bay...white sands, clear water...paradise.

Martini tasting on the Celebrity Summit.

Getting a bit slushed at 6pm.

I had such a wonderful time in Bermuda. Major major thanks to everyone who made this possible.

My travel expenses and other amenities were covered by Celebrity. All opinions are 100% my own.

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My Day With Straight Hair Changed How I View Black Hair

2013-06-01T21:36:00.003-04:00

I recently went to Bermuda on a blogging trip and decided to straighten my hair on the cruise. Someone should have told me that that was the worst idea ever. The humidity meant it didn't last long. My sister and I thought it would be a fun bonding experience for us to do. Instead, it gave me a candid look at what life is maybe like for black women with permed hair.

BEFORE

I'm half black, half Indian so my hair is curly and very manageable. My sister's hair is thicker than mine but still curly. I've blown my hair straight before but never while on vacation. Having my hair straight changed the day completely.

DURING

I wanted to go to the pool but I was worried my hair would get wet and curl up. When I realized that I was robbing myself of some fun over hair, I decided whatevs. I changed into my bathing suit and went in the water. But you know what? The thought that I just spent $40 to blow my hair straight and I would be 'wasting' it by getting it wet nagged me throughout. I held my head clearly above the water. If anyone splashed around me, I was ready to beat a bitch. It was so not relaxed fun.

AFTER

After the pool, I decided to take a shower and get ready for dinner. I had to put on a shower cap and ensure all my strands were securely in. Even in the shower, I found myself freaking out about the steam in the bathroom that I was sure was seeping into my shower cap.

During dinner, I LOVED my hair. Straight hair usually looks blah on me but I loved it side-swept.

When I was ready for bed, I was ready to leave it out and hit sack. Usually, I like to sleep with my hair out to give it space to breathe and also release the pressure on my scalp. My sister mentioned I might want to wrap it to preserve the wave. She wrapped it for me and secured it with pins. Then, I went on the hunt for a scarf to tie my hair, since I didn't pack any. I ended up wrapping some shorts around my head and pulling it tight with a rubber band. I fell asleep feeling very self-conscious about rolling, least I push the scarf off.\

My sister and I discussed my hair the next day. Her attitude was like, big deal. This is what women with permed hair have to deal with. She often skipped the gym for fear that perspiration would cause her hair to frizz. It made me realize that pride in one's natural hair texture is not just about self-identity. It's also freedom from the rituals that come with maintaining permed hair. It's hard for anyone who doesn't have to deal with these issues to understand. It may seem trivial but it can change one's approach to regular daytime activities in a significant way.

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Chrissy Teigen's Bridal Shower hosted by Gillette Venus

2013-05-16T11:44:00.001-04:00

I had the pleasure of attending Chrissy Teigen's Bridal Shower hosted by Gillette Venus.

Do you follow Chrissy on Twitter?

If you do, the answer is yes. She is every bit as feisty and cray cray as she is on Twitter. I went on Twitter later in the day to tell her how fun it was to meet her and caught her in the midst of an all-out battle with fans over comments she made concerning that Teen Mom sex tape. She is ballsy and I love that. Such a cool chic.

She was game to some typical bridal shower games which were so fun.

Click here to read my full write-up on the shower.

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Product Review: Philosophy's Full Of Promise Serum

2013-05-16T11:35:00.000-04:00

Anything that's called Full Of Promise is bound to be great for me.
At least, that's my theory.
A few months ago, I attended CEW's Product Demo and wanted to take the time to test out all the fabulous new products that are up for awards (happening May 17th). All the top beauty brands vie for the chance to win the coveted titles from CEW but I don't write about all of them.
I only write about products I love. This one definitely made the cut.

Click here to read my full review of Philosophy's Full of Promise.

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Makeup How-To: Anne Hathaway at the Met Gala

2013-05-07T11:06:00.001-04:00

I LOVED Anne Hathaway's look at the Met Gala last night. I think very few people got the punk look right and Anne nailed it. Makeup Artist Adam Breuchaud from Laura Mercier was the mastermind behind her makeup look. Here are the detailed tips on achieving the exact look with links to the products used.

Breuchaud gave a subtle nod to the event’s punk theme by creating a bold, “soft purple” smoky eye to complement Anne Hathaway’s flawless, porcelain skin.

FLAWLESS FACE: A flawless, “clean” face was the perfect canvas for the look

Breuchaud first applied Laura Mercier Foundation Primer ($32), to give Hathaway’s skin an “even, lasting finish.”
Then, he used a damp sponge to apply Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 in Porcelain ($43) to even out her skin tone and give the skin an “amazingly sheer veil of color.”
Lastly, he lightly dusted on Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder ($22) to set the Tinted Moisturizer and ensure the skin kept its “dewy finish” throughout the night.

EYES: Breuchaud was inspired by the electric blue eye shadow worn by “punk icon, Debbie Harry”

First, Breuchaud mixed Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Orchid ($24) with Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour in Deep Night ($23).
In order to deepen the look, he applied Laura Mercier Crème Eye Liner in Noir ($22) to her lash line and blended the eye liner throughout the corner of her eye using the Laura Mercier Corner Eye Colour Brush ($25).
Breuchaud added the final touch of glamour by applying multiple coats of Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara in Black ($24) to the top and bottom lashes.

LIPS: Fresh, natural lips complemented the dramatic eye

Breuchaud applied Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Pink Blush ($26), which he described as a “beautiful soft pink” to Hathaway’s lips

Try it at home and send me pics of how it looks.

Aerosoles Soft Touch- A Real Nude Shoe For Darker-Skinned Gals @Aerosoles

2013-05-05T22:23:00.001-04:00

Today, I tested out Aerosoles' Soft Touch flats and fell in love. The thing that stood out for me the most was that it actually matched my skin tone. The nude shoe trend has been around for a few years now. Women have been enjoying that leg-lengthening effect in pumps, strappy sandals and flats. I, on the other hand, was left on the side lines. I just couldn't find a nude that actually looked nude with my skin. They all looked...well....pink.

Well, I'm here to tell you that, if you have a deeper skin tone, check out Aerosoles' Soft Touch flats. The benefit of the nude shoe is also that it matches with EVERYTHING. It's a super easy slip-on shoe.
They're comfy.
They're cute.
AND they're nude.

I reviewed them for Lady and the Blog. Read the full review here.

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My Wedding: Picking a Venue

2013-05-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

Adam and I are getting married and we're pretty psyched about it. We've been having a major problem, though.

We have very little time to plan the wedding.

We originally planned for it to happen in May but we just simply didn't have the time to plan it. We pushed it back to August and have been trying super hard to get everything together. One of the hardest things is finding time to go look at venues. We visited the Fire Museum, the Brooklyn Navy Yard and Woodmont Day Camp. We LOVED the Fire Museum. The only issue is that we both love nature and would so prefer some fresh air. The Brooklyn Navy Yard was awesome. They really support local businesses, which we both have. It wasn't within our budget, though. We finally decided on Woodmont Day Camp for 3 reasons.

1) There is tons of space. There's a lake, pools, many buildings, and so much green! I also loved that there were options for an indoor or outdoor wedding, without having to get a tent.



2) It's a day camp. Adam runs Kids Creative and they have a summer camp every year. It is kinda cute that we will be paying homage to what has been consuming his last 13 years.
3) The price was really good. It's out of the city but only by 35 minutes. This meant that the price dropped significantly.

Now that we've picked a place, it's on top EVERYTHING else! Any volunteers to plan this for me?


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How To: Florence Welch in Laura Mercier at The Great Gatsby Premiere

2013-05-03T07:01:00.000-04:00

Makeup artist Lisa Aharon did Florence Welch's makeup with Laura Mercier products for the New York City premiere of The Great Gatsby. Her goal was to achieve a balanced, pretty look. She didn't want anything to be too overpowering. Here is a detailed how-to guide on how to achieve this look.

EYES: Aharon kept the eyes simple, but gave the outer edges a “natural kick” with faux eyelashes

First, Aharon applied Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Sugar Frost ($24) from the lash line to the crease, using the Laura Mercier Finishing Eye Brush ($32).
She then used a combination of the new Laura Mercier Illuminating Eye Colours, part of the Folklore Collection, to create the golden eye. She first patted Laura Mercier Illuminating Eye Colour in Sun Glow($24) onto the top of the lid and then applied Laura Mercier Illuminating Eye Colour in Earth Glow($24) to Welch’s lash line.
Aharon added the final touch of glamour by curling Welch’s lashes and applying Laura Mercier Corner Faux Eyelashes ($18) to her top lashes.

FLAWLESS FACE: Welch’s skin looked luminous and natural

Aharon first prepped the skin with RéVive Tonique Préparatif ($52) and then applied RéVive Sensitif Day ($195) all over the face.
She applied Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 in Nude ($43) to Welch’s face to even out her skin tone.
She then used Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-1 ($30) to conceal imperfections and brushed Laura Mercier Secret Concealer in #1($22).
Next, she dusted Laura Mercier Mineral Finishing Powder ($32) to Welch’s T-Zone to set the singer’s makeup.
Lastly, Aharon applied Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour in Rosebud ($24) onto the apples of the cheeks, keeping the blush very sheer, and finished the look by applying Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder in Highlight ($36) to the tops of Welch’s cheekbones.

LIPS: Aharon kept the lips soft, using a rose colored shade

Aharon first applied Laura Mercier Shimmer Lip Colour in Sandcastle ($24) onto Welch’s lips and then set the colour by applying Laura Mercier Lip Pencil in Praline ($22) to the center of her lips and blending outwards.

Have fun trying it out!

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May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month-Shop For A Cause

2013-05-02T10:00:00.000-04:00

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and Project Have Hope is making a difference. Hope Cures is their collection of vibrant cancer awareness bracelets. When you purchase one of these, you help raise funds for impoverished Ugandan children living with cancer. The bracelets are super affordable and oh-so-cute. Buy a bunch and pair with spiked bracelets for a full-on accessorized look this summer.

Click here to learn more about what Project Have Hope is doing for Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

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Taking Time Out To Enjoy Moments: New York Edition

2013-05-01T18:38:00.004-04:00

I have a tendency to rush through life. I'm not the best at stopping to smell the roses. I try my bestest to make a conscious effort to do that.

Today, I was on my way to a meeting in Williamsburg and realized that the fastest way was with the Water Taxi. I jumped on it and it literally changed my day. The breeze was blowing lightly, the water crashed gently against the boat and the view of the city was breathtaking.
Life in New York can really suck you in and before you know it, you've been here 10 years. I'm now learning to enjoy moments in life. I took a moment to take in the view and feel grateful for the fact that I get to be on a ferry in the middle of a workday.

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My Line Is Now Listed On Ecofashionworld.com!!

2013-04-27T07:00:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited to announce that my line, Tabii Just, is now listed on ecofashionworld.com!!

Click HERE to check it out!

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Meeting Martha Stewart

2013-04-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

I love Amorepacific! I had a facial at their spa once and it was beyond incredible. I visited the spa again for the launch of their CC cream (read about it here). Guess who else is a fan of the skincare line? Martha Stewart's makeup artist told us about how much she loves the line. Then, Martha herself stopped by. Such a great moment for me. She's such a force in business and I admire that.

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Melissa Rycroft & Clearblue

2013-04-25T22:49:00.000-04:00

I had the pleasure of meeting Melissa Rycroft at a Clearblue event to launch their Advanced Digital Ovulation Test. It's a bit early for me for that but I learnt so much. Click here to read my post on Lady and the Blog.

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Confessions Of An Independent Designer-A Low Moment

2013-04-20T00:28:00.002-04:00

Most of the time, having my own line is pretty awesome. I set my own hours and get to see my vision come to life. Sometimes, though, the other side of it hits me. The problem with setting my own hours is that I never stop working. The problem with bringing my vision to life is that I am the only one with this vision in my head.

Sometimes, it gets pretty lonely. Yesterday was one of those days. I had a meeting that went well for the most part except for one thing. I, as usual, focused on the one part that didn't go well. I was pretty bummed about it even today when I went to a meeting in Red Hook with a fashion incubator.

Let me tell you.

There is nothing like hanging out with fellow artists and business owners that gets my spirits up. I bitched a bit about my issues and they knew exactly what I was talking about. It felt good to know that I wasn't the only one going through this.

Sometimes, it's good to reach out to other designers. Stay away from the people that feel they need to compete for resources and steal ideas to succeed. That shit is bad karma. There are so many visionaries that just want each other to succeed.

Find them and stick with them.

It'll all be okay in the end.

Eco-Fashion Summer Obsession-DELICIAS

2013-04-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

I've been making a huge effort to shop more consciously. That means seeking out brands with a more eco-conscious approach and taking time to make each purchase. In the past, I literally would get in the mood to shop and just shop. Now, I try to only shop when I need something and I put thought into my purchase. That way, it's not an impulsive decision and it's more likely to be well-researched.

For summer, I'm looking for a strappy sandal. I'm OBSESSED with the ankle-strappery of this season and I so badly want a sandal with ankle straps. I found this perfect one, that's sold right here in Brooklyn.

This shoe is labelled as the Delicias from Nisolo. It's handmade in Peru and comes with double straps at the ankle and toe area. That means a bit more support. With a tiny wedge heel, this leaves room for added support in the sole. The truth is, I can't wear cheap shoes anymore even if I wanted to. My feet protest sharply. Yes, people, old age is catching up with me at the tender age of 30. The brown color also makes it super versatile with many other colors, so you can get a ton of wear out of them.

These babies are available at Kaight, in Brooklyn.

Click here to check it out.

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It's Just Boobs, People!

2013-04-06T17:34:00.002-04:00

I saw Robin Thicke, T.I. and Pharell's latest video for "Blurred Lines" and.....

I LOVED IT!

It's really hard to do nudity in a chic, sexy, fun, lighthearted manner. They did just that, with this video. There's been a huge mess over it. Youtube pulled the video down but Vevo still has it up. The drama?

Boobies.

Yes, people. The girls were clad in skin-tone thongs and looked like they were having fun, dancing and playing around with the guys. I've seen many a music video with girls scantily dressed and objectified. This video was just lighthearted fun. Take a look here and try to relax. Most of us used to be very acquainted with boobs, as babies so they can't be all that scandalous, if babies were into them. Right?!

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Lenay Dunn in the Tabii Just Sarah Dress

2013-04-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

Lenay Dunn, host of MTV's 10 On Top and the face of Macy's American Rag, in the Tabii Just Sarah Dress at the afterparty of "The Company You Keep" in New York City. Check out the post on Style Bistro.

She wisely pairs with it with hot red pumps and long flowy locks.

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Twitterazzi!

2013-04-05T22:37:00.000-04:00

Just a little something that made me smile :)

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My Official Pic!

2013-04-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

I'm been using random Facebook pics for all official Tabii Just biz and it's been getting a little tack de tack. I decided to suck it up and get some professional pics done. I met this super talented photographer, King, who did the images for our online store. He did some personal shots for me, as well. Check it out!!

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Lenay Dunn rocks Tabii Just

2013-04-04T22:00:00.002-04:00

Lenay Dunn (Host of MTV's 10 on Top and the face of Macy's American Rag) rocked the Tabii Just Maayan Top to the Simon Killer premiere in New York City. She paired it with a basic black pencil skirt and minimal jewelry, keeping the focus on the vibrant top.

Shots of Lenay in the Tabii Just top were featured on

Yahoo News

Getty Images

Zimbio

The Examiner

Style Bistro

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