the dress junkie

...and just like that i'm inspired!

2012-01-31T15:00:00.000-05:00

i really have been feeling so blah lately about fashion. maybe its the season or these 5 lbs that just hate me so much. whatever it is, it has had me in a real fashion funk these last few weeks. needless to say i needed a pick me up something serious. lo and behold my muse has saved the day. this amazing pic of the birthday girl, ms. kerry washington has me saying all types of "yessss" and "get it girl". she looks effortlessly chic in this bold and electifying blue. clearly 5 lbs do not hate her, because her body looks so hot (no homo). i just love her, and i love this pic and i doubly love that she has a new series coming to ABC in april!

so here's to you KW...
HAPPY BDAY DOLL!!

happy birthday to me!!

2011-12-12T17:06:00.002-05:00

i love birthdays!! i may not like to admit that i am actually turning another year older but i love the celebration of life nonetheless. yesterday was my 30-something birthday, yaay me!! this year i opted for a laid back and quiet weekend...i think this made the hubby a little nervous though. seemed like he wasn't sure if i was up to a jedi mind trick where i was saying laid back but i really wanted party party and was testing him to see what he would plan on his own LOL. naaaah not a chance, this time anyway!

so for the weekend we planned to deck the halls with our chosen holiday color scheme of teal and silver splashed with some zebra! sounds odd, and i even got a side eye from D when i mentioned that was the direction i wanted to go. the convo went a little like this:

me: babe, let's add a little zebra print to the holiday decorations this yr...what do you think?

him: umm, were there zebras at the first christmas?!

me: *rolls eyes* you'll see...it's going to be hot!

him: mmhmm

i figured starting with the handmade wreath was best so that i could get his buy-in before going full throttle on the tree. after a little shopping for ribbon...two youtube videos later i had perfection!! the wreath came out so amazing and D actually loved it! the zebra added some needed flair and uniqueness to my first homemade holiday project. and this iPhone instagram app just put the finishing touches on the pic.

my actual birthday was great...the hubs and i got dolled up, i spritzed some chanel no 5, we had dinner and ate lots and lots of coldstone ice cream cake. it was sinfully delicious and worth every calorie!!

how was everyone's weekend?

boots, frocks and lips...oh my!

2011-11-29T11:34:00.001-05:00

i'm almost embarrassed to say, but i did absolutely no black friday or cyber monday shopping *gasp*. i know, hard to believe right? it was just one of those weekends, you know? so what better way to redeem myself than with some good ole tuesday morning obsessions! today my little heart is doing back flips for the following items:

1. my new hunter wellies - totally love these durable boots and when i came across the pretty violet color i hurried and put them in my cart before i could think twice. i can't wait to also purchase my inserts and get some wear out of these beauties this winter. i foresee some puddle splashing in my future!

2. color blocking with cloud 9 - check out this pic of one of my favorite new frocks from cloud 9 boutique. excuse the crazy face...the hubby was confusing me lol.

3. funny face lip color by NARS - thanks to the associate at sephora last week i was introduced to this great new shade. i love how fun and playful it is!

what is making your heart jump this week?

as seen on t.v.

2011-11-27T16:32:00.001-05:00

the other day my help was solicited by one of my BFFs, the momo momma, to locate that fab black frock that santana rocked in the glee "adele mashup" episode that aired a few weeks ago. have a peek below:

enter kate spade's gala dress, retailing at 297 USD currently. the ruffle organza trim and cute shape make this number so adorable and an almost perfect match to the one from glee! this could be a great LBD option for upcoming holiday parties as well.

what other frocks have you seen on tv that you would love to have in your closet? message me!

more muppet news

2011-11-16T12:38:00.001-05:00

thanks to my friend kim r. for pointing out other reported sightings of the muppets. in style magazine so creatively named their feature Notorious P.I.G....haha, i absolutely love it!! and apparently OPI is gettin' "piggy" with it...they have 12 new muppet inspired shades this fall:

Animal-istic – This wild bright red cannot be tamed!

Meep-Meep-Meep – Missing out on this fuchsia would make you weep, weep, weep!

Wocka Wocka! – The popular deep berry makes everything fun and merry!

Pepe’s Purple Passion – This deep, decadent shade is the best purple ever, okay!

Designer, de Better! – And this light metallic bronze is ready for the runway.

Warm & Fozzie – A feel-good shade of metallic copper.

Rainbow Connection – The rainbow glitter of your dreams.

Excuse Moi! - Ahem! This pink glitter has something to say!

Gone Gonzo! – The aqua-blue glitter is taking over the world!

Fresh Frog of Bel Air – A glitter that prefers the greener things in life.

Divine Swine – The finest, most fabulous magenta glitter ever.

Gettin’ Miss Piggy With It! – Red glittery fun for everyone!

(source: all things pretty)

I think divine swine is my fave!! what about you?

miss piggy for mac

2011-11-16T11:19:00.001-05:00

i am too excited about the muppets making a comeback! i just loved kermit, miss piggy and the whole crew when i was growing up. and i am not ashamed to say that i will be seeing the new movie on the 23rd...and will not be taking any kids as a decoy! how's that for a true fan? needless to say, i am so thrilled that MAC is on board with a few miss piggy inspired products this season. not sure i will be purchasing the pretty pink shadow, but i am loving the 36 lash...just in time for my bday! they are even offering free shipping if you use the code MISSP at checkout.

happy shopping!!

cheaper than soup

2011-11-15T17:18:00.001-05:00

dear fellow dress junkies on a budget --

while its great to ~~drool over~~ dream of beautiful frocks...the reality is we have to find what works with our own budget, right? so as requested here is the what i am obsessing over this week: "cheaper than soup" holiday style version.

while that pamella roland dress was breathtaking and frankly i can't stop thinking about it...these similar versions are just as fun and won't break the bank or force me to liquidate my future kid's college fund for that matter. this sequin embellished shirt dress from asos is reasonably priced at 143.76 USD and this sparkly deal at mod cloth is perfection for under 100 USD. can't beat either of these looks!

purple is such a regal color for the holidays or any day really, pair it with black patent pumps and a blinged out clutch and this moderately priced max and cleo dress would be a hit in my book.

LBD bodycon style....add a pop of color to kick this dress up a notch. with rave reviews and priced below 100 USD, this number from top shop could be a winner!

what is your favorite "dress junkie on a budget" store to find a great frock, or two?

pumpkin cupcakes w/cream cheese icing

2011-11-14T22:53:00.001-05:00

for the last 6 weeks i have been attempting to get these pumpkin cupcakes made. tonight i finally had a little extra time and energy to whip them up. plus tomorrow being a friend's bday was added motivation.

they turned out so yummy! the cake itself is not too sweet, perfect balance to the sugar loaded icing.

(see full recipe here)

'tis the season

2011-11-14T10:15:00.001-05:00

in just a few weeks, calendars will be busting at the seams with holiday parties, cookie exchanges and festivities galore!! this is really the most wonderful time of the year. i adore just the mere spirit of the holidays...the cheerfulness, the joy, laughter, family and friends...and don't get me started on the yummy food! the sparkly dresses are just the icing on the cake. whether its a black tie function or cocktails in the city, having the perfect frock is a must. right now i am on the hunt for a few looks for this season's festivities. here's what i am obsessing over this week: holiday style!

the perfect mix of metallic sequins in this pamella roland dress is just absolutely gorgeous!

pair some sparkly accessories with this victoria beckham belted purple dress for a look of elegant perfection!

the sillouhette of this rachel roy LBD says it all!

who can deny this floral mod cloth shift dress?

this ink color alexia admor sheath has just the right amount of light reflecting shimmer!

these dresses have me ready to get my berry stained lip puckered up, grab my clutch and head to the first shin dig serving egg nog! what are you planning to rock this holiday season?

what i'm obsessing over

2011-11-08T10:38:00.001-05:00

channeling my inner andy cohen - here's what i'm obsessing over this week:

1. picture this - any given weekday, me dressed for work toting my lunch bag, school bag or tote bag (depending on the day and what mtg i have after work), purse, car keys and blackberry. ::queue ms. badu's bag lady:: overwhelmed yet? well that's how i felt and looked when i glanced at a reflection of myself going into work recently. it was just way too much going on and way too much to carry. so i decided to opt for one amazingly spacious, durable bag to be my staple accessory for the work week. enter - fossil's re-issue north/south tote. this bag saved my life!! seriously...its so roomy but not overly spacious where i will end up over packing it and then it becomes too heavy. but big enough to hold my laptop, school books or papers for a mtg, wallet and of course my lip gloss! and the buttery leather is to die for.

2. a classic trench has been on my must have list for quite some time, but i just have not made the time to go and get one. i randomly stumbled into a banana republic and came across this season's trench and had to have it in camel. i know its strange but i love when coats have a unique or contrasting lining. this one has a classic blue and white pinstripe which i love. the material has a softness to it but still crisp enough to look tailored. i'm sporting it today in this east coast fall weather and loving it!

3. everybody knows a grey boot is where its at lol!! (can you tell i've had too much RHOA this week?) the zippers are just he right detail this boot needs. these don't even need an explanation. i can't wait to wear them.

no dresses this week...but that's because i am in search of the perfect holiday party and NYE frocks! (maybe next week i'll be obsessing over the perfect one)

what are you obsessing over this week?

#blackgirlsrock...hot frocks!

2011-11-06T21:59:00.002-05:00

i could not wait to get home tonight to catch BET's second annual celebration of african american women...black girls rock! the show is chock full of iconic women who make amazing contributions to society. these extraordinary women are changing the world in major ways and looking flawless while doing it. i am literally drooling over the fabulousness...i really wish BET had aired the red carpet footage. i was able to ~~steal~~ borrow some flicks from bet.com, these are my faves:

melanie fiona

none (BET spokesperson)

tracee ellis ross

beverly bond

lala anthony

taraji p henson

jill scott

i am the dress junkie, and i am a black girl who rocks!

guess who's back!

2011-11-03T16:08:00.003-04:00

i have literally drafted this post about 10 times. whenever i take a break from blogging, the return post is always uber awkward. i feel like i'm on a torturous first date, sheesh! like what do i say that i haven't said before, right? but this lovely new redecorating i've done over here has me motivated to post!! i just needed to get the formalities out of the way. you know...the why haven't i been blogging, the crazy excuses i'll try to make, the promise to write daily lol. but who really wants to hear that anyway. so let's just pretend like i haven't been missing for a year +. cool? cool!

so this little piece of the world wide web is supposed to be about my random musings and the fab frocks that accompany it. i tend to crave set plans and order in my life, but for some reason i love that i really have no plan for this site. to kick things off, i decided i will share just a few of my favorite flicks of dresses from our wedding this summer. how's that? let's go!

first up is a pic from my bridal shower...i fell in love with this Alice & Trixie number as soon as I laid eyes on it. so summery and fun, and what was even better was that i unknowingly matched it perfectly to the shower decor!

oh here's a great one of the girls after the rehearsal dinner...
hot chicks rock!!

...and you know i have to show the back of that hot little one shoulder black organza Thread Social beauty.

here's one of my sister girls, matron and maid of honor with their chic Lynn Lugo designed dresses. major thanks to mia at Garnish Boutique in ruxton for all of her insight and help!

my two most favorite pics of my oh so anticipated bridal gown. i fell in love with this dress all over again after seeing these pics.

last but totally not least, the hubs and i all bronzy and snuggled up, post nuptials!

hope you enjoyed!!

Moving Thoughts

2010-09-01T10:17:00.008-04:00

1. hold the heck up...did someone really break into the u-Haul minutes after loading it? good thing nothing was stolen.

2. why didn't someone tell me that men do not know how to pack?!

3. i've said it before but this is really the last time i will move and not hire movers.

4. "ties, ties, & more ties" is not an acceptable label for your box.

5. ...and why is that box the heaviest one yet!

6. i'm thinking that a living room full of boxes and men carrying heavy mattresses is not exactly the safest place for a 2 year old to play with her doll baby.

7. "oh $%!&, i was wrong. my laptop was stolen from the truck after all" is not exactly what anyone wants to hear 3 days later.

8. wow, the insurance only covers accidents.

9. whoa, who authorized you to be in chill mode? there's unpacking to be done!

10. RIP to our casualties: 1 tv, 2 lamps, 3 paintings, 1 laptop

Out With the Old

2010-08-28T05:35:00.006-04:00

Today is the day, it's finally here. As I sit on my plush mattress in the middle of the floor of my bare apartment it's hard to believe that the official moving day has finally arrived. I'm staring at the empty closet and cupboards and the many many many (gosh you really have no idea) boxes full of my things and the reality is settling in nicely.

Six months ago when my honey took a job in DC and we decided that Maryland would be our chosen state of residence it felt like August would never get here. I used to ask him over and over to move sooner, to which he would just look at me and lovingly reply, "patience, my dear." Patience my arse! LOL I just wanted him here. I wanted to say good morning to him face to face instead of our normal phone calls before work, I wanted to zip through traffic rushing home to him in the evening after work, I wanted to sleep in with him on Saturday mornings and then force him to come to Target with me, I wanted to cook us a big Sunday night dinner and then snuggle up and watch some good tv. You know, normal every day regular folk type of things. But he was right, those 6 months flew by faster than my little mind could have imagined. And now, in less than 6 hours we will finally be in one state, under one roof!

Naturally, I'm nail biting nervous about a few things. Shallow to some, but uber serious to me. Like, what will I prepare for our first meal in the new house? What will I wear to bed tonight? Is he going to see that I have 5 boxes labeled 'toiletries' and 'hair' and want to kill me? Whoa, I seriously don't think he realizes I own THIS many dresses. Yikes! Going to have to devise a smuggling plan to get new ones into the house. How is this whole sharing of the closet thing really gonna shake out? But alas it's 6 a.m. and I suppose I should scurry along. The U-Haul will be arriving soon and there are still more dishes to be packed *sigh*

Signed,

the urban sophisticate becomes the dress junkie

p.s. After all this nail biting a manicure is in order for Monday morning!

Whatcha Think?

2010-08-11T14:16:00.005-04:00

This morning I was listening to the Steve Harvey Morning Show and the Essence topic of the day was about whether people in a relationship should disclose their password for their email, facebook, cell phone, twitter, blogger, shoot blackplanet account if you still got it to their spouse. Apparently this is the new suggestion that couples are receiving in their premarital counseling classes in light of the infidelity that has been occurring lately using these mediums.

Oddly, I'm quite conflicted on this topic. On one hand I have no problem handing over any passwords to my mate, nor do I take issue with him answering my cell if it rings and he is closer than I. There really is nothing to hide, except of course on the occasions that I am planning some sort of surprise. But I have to be honest here, if my mate were to request that I give him these passwords I am sure I would definitely feel as if he doesn't trust me. I'm not really sure how this topic can arise and avoid the "so you don't trust me" question following.

In fact I feel if someone wants to cheat they will find a way. It won't matter if I have every password, their SSN, mama's maiden name even!! Where there is the will or desire, the person will find a way. So to me having access to this information is quite pointless. It was funny this morning listening to the opinions; Steve made a comment that in the past he would have never supplied this information to his spouse. But now he has no problem allowing his wife to use his pc, or see his emails etc. His words were sometimes this can help a woman's "security"...hmm? Not sure I can agree with this though, kinda think it superficially makes you feel secure but the act of asking makes you look extremely insecure.

Maybe I'm wrong...what do you all think?

Whew...That was Rough!!

2010-08-07T11:28:00.000-04:00

Today's run was really hard...we decided to meet at the NCR trail here in MD around 6 a.m.. The trail is 13 miles in total and chock full of Baltimore Marathon trainees, who are quite intimidating for a newbie. There are mile markers along the way so it allows you to pace your distance, so we decided to do either 5 or 6 miles. I figured that 5 miles was a fair increase to the typical 3.5 that I do and I didn't want to overdo it. About a half mile into the trail I kind of drifted away from the group and ended up completing the course on my own. It was rough to say the least, I mean I can't even sugarcoat it LOL...it really took alot out of me. I'd say at about mile 3 I thought I wasn't going to make it any further. But I pressed further and made it to the end. When I got to the parking lot and met up with part of the group, my friend Randi asked if I had stretched? had I drank enough fluids? had I slept well? Unfortunately I had to give and honet no, no and hmm not really to those questions.

I started to realize that the "challenge" of the run wasn't all due to the extra miles I added on, but alot of it was due to my lack of preparation. Just like anything in life if we fail to plan we plan to fail. And I definitely knew in that moment that I hadn't given my body the fuel and rest it needed. Like many of us, I take sleep for granted. My mantra has been "sleep? who needs that?!" Even got me a lifetime subscription to the crazy notion called "I'll sleep when I'm dead." Who came up with that nonsense!? I am totally guilty of getting 5 hours of sleep on a normal night. And have become so accustomed to accepting this as the norm that it doesn't even sound odd to me. We pack our daily schedules to capacity and rarely consider the rest needed to complete all of those tasks. And let's not even talk about eating properly and hydrating. I could go on for days. But my lesson this week is that in life whether its running, or work, or school, or a fancy little dinner party...planning is essential! So with my committment, I am challenging myself to get proper rest and increase my fluid intake.

Signed,

where's the H2O

...and We're Off!

2010-08-06T10:25:00.004-04:00

Woke up this morning so super excited!! Today is exactly 1 year from the day that I will marry my very best friend and favorite guy. Words cannot really describe how overjoyed I am right now. I mean I don't even know what to type lol. But I do feel so amazingly blessed to have such a wonderful partner to have been placed in my life. And I feel blessed to have such great friends and family in our lives to experience this journey with. The feeling is truly indescribable.

And how fitting that today we are beginning our move, better known as Operation Two States Become One (finally)! This time around I am actually embracing all the boxes and packing and disorganization and purging. I love it! Because it truly marks the shedding of our lives as we know them and the beginning of our story together, literally. I have to admit though, I am going to miss the downtown high rise, catch a cab to dinner, stroll to the harbor, wine shop and grocery store in my courtyard type of good thing I had going over here. But it's all good, I am going to adore daily snuggles and having steps and an office and a deck and fireplace and all the closet space a girl could dream of!! Did I mention STEPS?!! It's so funny, when we were looking for a house, the Mr. kept asking me what things were non negotiable for me about where we lived...and all I could think of were STEPS! LOL I mean I knew that closet space was a no brainer, so that went without saying. But I guess apartment living has really gotten to me after all these years and I was just tired of elevators. Its a strange request, I know...but my honey made it happen. Four stories and all the steps in the world, too bad I didnt consider the intense work out running up and down the stairs would give me!

So I kind of have to run...someone is standing here staring at me wondering why I am typing away and not grabbing a box (hehehe)!

Signed,

365...and loving every day of it!

Let's Get It

2010-08-03T10:17:00.009-04:00

Last week I did pretty good with my running. I committed to three days with an average of 3.5 miles each day. On the first 2 days I ran with the girls and really enjoyed the motivation of the group. I noticed that I am not a talking type of person when I run, frankly I just don't have any extra energy to spare, but just having someone beside me helps a lot. I guess you kind of feel like someone else is in pain right along with you lol.

So fast forward to Friday night...I decided to hang out a tad, sip a little vino, chat it up with friends and next thing I knew it was 2:30 a.m. and I was supposed to be at the trail for a 6 a.m. run...uhhh. Needless to say I overslept until 9:30 and missed the group. When I woke up I was tempted to just get my day started since it was already so late and I had so much on the agenda. But I decided I would at least do a quick run alone. It was grueling!! Considering I had such a long night before it took everything in me to complete this run. But I was determined to finish what I had started and reminded myself that there was no room for excuses. I ended up doing a total of 3.4 miles to the Harbor over Federal Hill and back home. *get down gurl go 'head get down* (in my Kanye voice) I was SO proud of myself for actually getting out there alone and getting it done. The feeling of accomplishment alone was well worth the pain in my legs. Well...and the thought that I will look great in my bathing suit when we head to the beach in a month.

So my lesson applied last week is to remain committed. It's as simple as that...no matter what occurs or what roadblocks I face I am committing myself to seeing my goals actualized. I think it was important that this was an early lesson learned because I hate to admit that as I type this here post I am praying for some rain so that tonight's run will be cancelled lol. But no, I'm committed right?? RIGHT!

signed,

got my running shoes ready and I'll see you on the pavement

Running of the Bride

2010-07-28T16:51:00.006-04:00

Recently I have started running again (yaaay for me). Partly because I need to be more active in general and also because I have standards for this here body before it is allowed to rock the ultimate frock: a wedding gown. So a few friends and I have a running group, we meet 3 days a week and do about 3.5 miles. Its exactly what I need!! Having partners definitely motivates me, I am far from the type that can self motivate to exercise, it just gets boring after a while doing it alone. And to be honest, when someone calls you at 6 a.m. saying "I am outside your door, let's get it cracking" it kind of forces you to not be lazy and roll over for 30 more minutes of sleep. Right?

Last night as I was hitting that pavement, it came to me that there are so many life lessons to be gained from my runs. So I decided that weekly I will reflect on these nuggets and share them here. Hopefully this will inspire someone to share in this journey as well. Check back for weekly "Running of the Bride" posts.

Toodles!

Does Size Matter??

2010-07-26T11:55:00.007-04:00

This weekend the Mr. and I had the pleasure of attending one of the most touching wedding ceremonies ever! The groom (my fiancée's cousin) and his lovely bride invited us to their intimate ceremony at a quaint inn located in Lambertville, NJ. The ceremony location provided the perfect ambiance for a Sunday morning ceremony. We were seated on the shaded outdoor patio that overlooked a peaceful brook flowing behind the inn. As we waited for the bride to make her entrance, we swayed to the tunes of Stevie Wonder accompanied by 2 amazing violinists. Finally it was time for the ceremony to begin...two flower girls and ring bearers entered making way for the beautiful bride. I couldn't really describe her dress to you in much detail, and I barerly recall what color hydrangeas she used in her bouquet, but what I do remember is how her face beamed when she saw her groom awaiting her arrival at the alter. And I do recall the look of love on his face as he watched her slowly make her way to him. At that moment the first tear fell (I mean my tears of course lol). After the imam lead us in prayer in Arabic the bride and groom shared the most touching vows I have ever heard. There's something so special to me about a couple that declares their love and promises to each other in their own way/words. I just couldn't keep back the tears anymore, and of course the Mr. just looked and me and shook his head as if he just knew it was only a matter of time before the waterworks began lol.

After the ceremony and photos, we had a delicious brunch in one of the small ballrooms. There were many toasts to congratulate the happy couple and reflect on their journey of love. There was friendly chatter, there were laughs and of course there was cake. Very yummy and delicious cake I might add, three layer chocolate cake with a raspberry mousse filling selected by the groom. Oh my!! Now that was a little slice of heaven right there. But I digress.

On the ride home we reflected about how perfect the day had seemed. There was so much love in the room that I honestly never even noticed that there was no dance floor or bouquet & garter toss or any of the typical things that we associate with weddings. But the day was perfect nonetheless because it was such a uniquely perfect fit to this amazing couple. They hand selected the 30 people closest to them that they could not have imagined not sharing in this special day and they allowed love to lead the remainder of their decisions. They refused to get caught in wedding traditions and how things are "supposed to be"...they made sure to just keep the day simple yet grand, and I have to say I loved every minute of it. I even made a new facebook friend!

So it got me to thinking does the size of a wedding really matter? Do we need to have a huge bridal party? Is it possible that we sometimes get caught in the hype and carried away with how we think the day is "supposed" to be as opposed to remembering that it is about you and your mate? How many of us could limit our lists to just those that we couldn't imagine not being there? What do you guys think?

Rewind...

2010-07-22T12:39:00.005-04:00

...ok so i thought it would be ok to just kinda slip back into the groove with a quick short post and maybe no one would notice that I have been gone for *cough* 8 months *hides face*. It's downright shameful, no? I mean who does that?! And I'm even ruder because I accepted the 30 day blogging challenge posed by Ms. Miranda and here it is the 22nd day of the month and I.have.done.nothing. What can I say? I really gots no excuse here people. But I do offer my humble apologies. They say good friends can go for some time without speaking and then reconnect and pick up where they left off. Good thing for me, you guys love me!! (no pressure...but you all do love me right??)

I will just say my life has evolved into houses and marriage counseling and moving and family vacations (oh my) and joint checking accounts and selecting furniture, all sorta kinda overnight. Well not literally, but so so so much has changed since I was last here. Don't get me wrong I couldn't be more ecstatic and happy and excited about all that is happening, but it's kind of easy to put blogging on the back burner when you can barely fit everything else on the front burner. The sad part is that as I type I realize how much I need this...or need you I should say. Blogging is my free space to block out the rest of the world for a bit and just express lil ole me!

So I am back, I won't set you or myself up with promises of daily posts or anything crazy like that. But I realize that once I get over the hurdle of just "starting" the rest is easy and breezy...just like I like it!

Toodles!

The Summer of Femininity

2010-07-21T12:14:00.000-04:00

Typically the mall is kinda sickening to me, all of the clothing seems the same season after season, and after a while you just get down right bored. Blue jeans are taking over and everyone is clad in pants. Where are the frocks? Where is the beauty? Why isn't it cool to be feminine anymore? Maybe it's just me...I dunno.

But these past few months, the reemergence of pearls and ruffles and bows and pretty little red pumps and flowy dresses and tops have invigorated me!! As H&M would say, they have "awakened my inner femme fatale". I am in love once again. It gives me an "I am woman hear me roar" type of feel. You know what I mean?

So what about you guys? What styles/items are you loving this summer?

Promise Yourself...

2009-10-27T12:00:00.002-04:00

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature you meet.

To give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud word, but in great deeds.

To live in the faith that the whole world is on your side, so long as you are true to the best that is in you.

I really needed this, hopefully it blesses you all as well.

Is She the Reason

2009-10-14T20:45:00.006-04:00

In a throwback kinda mood..and I stumbled upon Destiny's Child last album Destiny Fulfilled.

The lyrics at the 1 minute 46 seconds mark take me way way back:

See I Know We Not Official (No)
But Us Being Official Ain't Never Been An Issue (No)
It Came Down To Us
Boy Remember We Were Different
We Said That We'd Talk
If We Ever Had Problems About Anything
I Was Cool With No Commitment (Wait)
Let Me Take That Back
It Was You, So I Was With It (See)

Excitement is Brewing

2009-10-14T14:49:00.007-04:00

Finally last week we booked our New Yrs trip to Paris and London and I am overflowing with excitement!! I can barely focus on anything besides what cuteness to pack and what suitcase will optimize my "this is for all the goodies I will bring home with me" space. You know? I mean the shopping in Paris is going to be soooo amazing! I can (or at least attempt to) fore go all American shopping just to save for those Parisian deals. But then that in itself makes me a tad nervous and all uncomfy thinking about how I have less than 3 months to be European skinny!! Right now I am trying to devise a plan to get a little fall "bug" so that my appetite just goes away for a few days and I will be well on my way to Euroskinny land! So needless to say, if any of you find yourself coughing and sneezing and sniffling in the next few days PLEASE call me, I will bring you soup and meds and all that good stuff as long as you get me sick first in return. I know it sounds all twisted and creepy, but my shopping experience in Paris depends on this. You understand right?

Signed,
Operation Euroskinny is on and Poppin'

...and my motivation is brought to you by The Devil Wears Prada:

"It's for Paris, I'm on this new diet. Well, I don't eat anything and when I feel like I'm about to faint I eat a cube of cheese. I'm just one stomach flu away from my goal weight."