Stand Out

Red by shakiyla on polyvore.com

Stand out red lips are definitely one of the many things that I will be sporting this fall and winter. All variations from rusty reds to maroons, to gloss to mattes, I'm game for it all. Although this attention grabbing look is classified as more of a night time look wearing it in the day is not unheard of. Achieving a bold red lip for the daytime is quite simple. The key is to keep the eyes neutral. A bit of concealer, eyeliner, mascara and a neutral eyeshadow is all you'll need to play down those eyes. Last week I played in my face (yes I still play in my makeup) and practiced stand out look using Inglot's Matte Collection AMC Lip Pencil in #34. Click inside to see what I came up with

Birthday Wishes

Back Row Left to Right: Grandma Lila,  Aunt Dottie,  Aunt Ann,  Aunt Selena,  Uncle Pete,  Family Friend

Front Row Left to Right: Unlce Curtis,  Family Friend

Yesterday evening, In the newly opened Neely’s BBQ Parlor, My grandmother  and I sat ,ate, laughed and reminisced as we celebrated her birthday a day early.  We often get to share a good ol' chit chat over a hot cooked meal but typically one she has prepared for Sunday Dinner.  Never without accessories and with no garment misplaced, she came dressed for the occasion in a light grey cowl neck sweater paired with dark crisp denim jeans and a blazer.  An outfit that was no fuss and all chic at the same time.  No surprise to me as I have always known my Grandma Lila ( as my siblings and I call her) to be quite the trendsetter.  One of  my earliest memories were of her making weekend family visits to Brooklyn.  She would saunter into our apartment with the fragrance of White Linen  following directly behind her and leaving a lovely presence when she left. Draped in threads that seemed royal like, neighbors off course looked on.  In amazement and awe I also gawked as she carried herself with such grace.  It was a model of inspiration that I often now mimic as I have grown into womanhood.  In present day she continues to be a great example of  how a lady should carry herself in the world and I am forever grateful for all of the life lessons she has shared. So on her special day I not only want to wish her a happy birthday but I'd like to celebrate her positive influence.  Happy Birthday Grandma Lila!  Thank you for all that you do and all that you'll continue to do.  Your work never goes unnoticed.  I love you!

* Grandma Lila  pictured above in the polka dot sweater. 

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Bloggers Do it Better: Animal Instincts

It's that time again kiddo's. Another Bloggers do it better challenge has arrived.  This time around Kristina of Pretty Shiny Sparkly  challenged followers to incorporate animal print in their ensembles.  No problem for little ol' me, since I recently picked up these leopard booties from Burlington Coat Factory at such an amazing price.  Join in the fun by clicking  here.  The challenge closes next Tuesday. 

Jacket: Kmart  Shirt: Macy's  Jeans: Forever 21 Belt: Thrifted Shoes: Burlington Coat Factory Earrings: Vendor     Glasses: Ray Bans

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Copy Cat

After seeing the amazingly beautiful Brittany from Pockets and Bows rock out her Old Navy striped dress I ran right on over to Old Navy and grabbed up that bad boy. I went for a rocker look pairing this color block goodness with silver accessories, a leather jacket and some booties.  I love it when I can get inspiration from other bloggers.  Who are some bloggers that have inspired you recently?

 Jacket: Target Dress: Old Navy Shades: Ray Ban Necklace: H&M Bracelets: Assorted Vendors Shoes: Nine West

Buy the Bag

Last Saturday I took off to Queens to share in Housing Works much talked about Buy the Bag event.  After a minor address mix up and an unneeded tour of Queens I finally made it to the warehouse where the buying frenzy was held.  For those of you who are unfamiliar, Buy the Bag is a thrifting event sponsored by Housing Works where attendees can purchase clothing and accessories by the bag,  priced at $25 per bag load.  I was able to walk away with some cool stuff but will say that it was quite the experience. I walked in to the warehouse only to see swarms of people and clothing just about everywhere  but the ceiling.  With only about hour to do my shopping I had no time to take in the crazy scene.  I jumped in  thrifter mode and went sailing for some wardrobe treasures.  Click inside to see what  I picked up .

Get The Look: KJ Rose

 

Last Thursday night I hightailed it on over to the Royalton Hotel to check out the talented KJ Rose's showcase.  If you missed my feature I did on Rose a few posts back you can check out her Spotlight here.  With recent musical mentions from BET Music Matters and Elle Magazine under her  belt the stylish songstress continues to make her mark on the industry.  Last week Rose took to the stage at the Royalton draped in a beautiful Parker dress partnered with edgy accessories.  Her look was captivating and electrifying just as her performance.  She stood strong and confident at the mic belting out songs off her album "All Heart, No Regrets".  Rose even served the crowd a bit of old school as she closed the show with "Young Hearts Run Free".  Go inside to see pics of the show and an outfit I put together inspired by her look of the night.

Zombie Collection

Hot off the beauty presses.  Ricky's NYC and Mattese Elite present their brand spanking new nail polish line, The Zombie Collection.  The collection of six muted colors debuted in  stores this week.  Although I am a vibrant hue kind of girl I was surprised at how these pale tones stood strong on their own.  During a quick visit to Ricky's  I sampled the colors and I have to say Dead Punk Rocker, Decaying Green and Living Dead are my picks for this line.  But if you like you can take a closer look for yourself by visiting the  Ricky's website.

The Mattese Elite Zombie Collection includes:

-UNDEAD PINK, a light pink with a subtle purple iridescence.

-DEAD PUNK ROCKER, a shiny gunmetal packed with shimmer.

-DECAYING GREEN, a slightly decomposed olive green. 

-LIVING DEAD, a perfect ghoulish green.

-ZOMBIE SURVIVAL, a fleshy, sheer pink.

-WALKING DEAD, a shiny, pale pearl.

Left to Right: Decaying Green,  Dead Punk Rocker,  Living Dead