Be so busy loving your life, you have no time for hate, regret or fear

Archive for 2012|Yearly archive page

Chuck Love…

In Daily Musings on May 24, 2012 at 8:44 pm

 

Update: 5/29 ~ They arrived this morning… Yay!

 

I’m thinking of getting a pair of Chucks in Iris, what do you think??

I already own these!

Available at www.zappos.com, www.piperlime.com and other stores

 

 

 

Walking In Flowers…

In Daily Musings on May 24, 2012 at 4:08 pm

5/ 24 Update: I just found out from fellow fashionista, Evy, that these are now on sale at Nordstroms for $59.00!! Get yours @ www.nordstrom.com limited sizes.  I’m sure they’re on sale at other websites too; I’ll let you know.

I’m just loving the Herena floral print shoe by Aldo. Very much in tune with this season’s bright colours floating around this spring and summer season.  For your outfit, I would suggest you pick a neutral colour as your base, pick one of the colours in the shoe if you like, this way you won’t look like a walking botanical garden.  Make these shoes the statement of your outfit.

Price: $90.00

Available at www.aldoshoes.com

A Great Feeling…

In Daily Musings on May 23, 2012 at 10:01 am

 

 

 

This is how I hope  you’re feeling today.  One more day to go (at least for me) and then it’s the start of  my 4 day weekend… Yay!!!

Happy Hump Day Dahhlings!!!

Before & After…

In Daily Musings on May 22, 2012 at 12:01 pm

 

I bought this vintage mirror a couple of years ago, with the intention of repainting it.  Alas it has moved around  my living room numerous times, before I finally relented and decided enough was enough.

I’ve always loved the blue of Tiffany boxes and I was determined to find the colour, which I did a couple of weeks ago in Home Depot.

Here is the finished product.  I won’t say it was a joy painting this mirror, As an Aquarian,  I love instant gratification, and this was NOT instant enough for me, but I persevered and I’m now the proud owner of a gorgeously painted mirror.

BTW: You may have noticed that there are now ads on my blog, I’ve been accepted as part of the WordPress AdWords Beta program.  AdWords is Google’s flagship advertising product, which can become a source of reveue (please click); so just in case you were wondering, there you are.

 

Bloom Where You’re Planted…

In Daily Musings on May 21, 2012 at 9:56 am

One of the original Fashionistas/Diva

Well here we are again Divas, it’s Monday, and another fresh start.  What are you going to do with this new week you’ve been blessed with?  How are you going to make it special?  Do something great, have something to show for it by Friday.  This is the lead up to the U.S. Memorial weekend; so it’s going to be a short week for most (myself included) Are you bikini ready?? I’ve still got 6lbs to go, but I’m good.

I had a lovely weekend.  Went to my favourite spot, Oya, to celebrate another Diva’s birthday, Ms. Donna, where we had a fabulous time with lots of sushi, cocktails and good conversation.  While there, we met Antoine Anderson, who owns a modeling agency; he walked in with about 13 male models (that in itself was a sight to see) who all looked absolutely gorgeous in Antoine’s line of bow ties and their 2 piece suits.  Antoine conducted a photo shoot and  left… That’s fabulousness for you.  Watch out for Antoine in a future post.  Happy Birthday Donna, we celebrated in style.

Model rocking his high top to maximum effect.
I haven’t seen one since the 90’s

Bloom Where You’re Planted… Make sure you constantly blossom, do something spectacular right where you’re standing.  Today is your day to shine.  SHINE ON DIVAS! Be the Bombshells you are!

Here is a track by Nuyorican Soul I had on repeat during my commute this  morning.  Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWSFllXLd4k

Have a fabulous, glorious and blessed Monday!

Really Inspiring article

  • Bloom (todaysanewday.wordpress.com)

{From The Archives} 10 Things…

In Daily Musings on May 18, 2012 at 9:17 am

 

This is a post I wrote back in May.  It’s very timely for me at the moment and I hope it is for you too.  It’s just a gentle reminder that we must always take care of ourselve. “Life Is A Song Worth Singing” This is the title from one of my favourite Teddy Pendergrass albums.  Life truly is worth singing! 

Happy Sunday to you… Mwah 🙂

It’s Friday!!!! Time to kick up your heels, and celebrate the weekend.

Here are a 10 things you should do for yourself this weekend.  Pick a few or better yet do them all. You’ve got 2 days!!

  1. Buy yourself some flowers or an orchid plant
  2. Treat yourself to a mani/pedi and if it’s not in the budget do it yourself.
  3. Give yourself a facial, your skin will love you for it. (click link for homemade recipe)
  4. Treat yourself to a quality glass of wine or better yet champagne and if you don’t drink pour some sparkling cider in your best champagne flute and toast yourself for being such a fantastic person.
  5. Go to Barnes & Noble or any bookstore and treat yourself to a good book; here’s one for you, Roots of Style” by Isabel Toledo
  6. Take a walk.  Just walk around the neighbourhood.  2 things will happen here; (a) you’ll get some exercise and (b) you may just notice something you never noticed before.  If you live in a boring neighbourhood, drive/walk somewhere, where there’s scenery and walk there (no excuses).
  7. Buy or download the Anthony Hamilton cd “Back to Love” you’ll be glad you did.
  8. Buy or download the new Estelle cd, “All of Me“, you’ll be glad you did that too.
  9. Instead of having breakfast at home on Sunday, get dressed, find somewhere cute and go out for brunch, let someone else cook for a change
  10. Sunday night take a luxurious bubble bath, with your glass of champagne/sparkling cider, and the book you bought, then relax and think about how wonderful you are, and how much you’re looking forward to the brilliant and blessed week ahead of you.

Have a fabulous weekend Chicas!

{Note: click on the links for sweet surprises}

 

LL

Oh Chanel….

In Daily Musings, Maylana's Dream List on May 17, 2012 at 9:13 pm

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I just found this gorgeous open-backed Chanel gown on Pinterest, and just had to post. It looks like an intricately beaded tattoo across your back. This dress commands attention! Only Chanel. Love it.

Another Star Dims…

In Daily Musings on May 17, 2012 at 1:08 pm

 

While going through my daily news feeds, there was the headline… Donna Summer died today from cancer… Wow!  With Chuck Brown just yesterday, and now Ms. Summer, I feel like all the true artists are passing away to sing in that glorious choir in the sky.  In my opinion, Donna Summer was one of the best singer/songwriters along with Ashford & Simpson; and many others of that era. 

I remember getting ready for  school and hearing MacArthur park on the radio in the mornings; that song may have been my first exposure to Donna Summer back home in England (so long ago, I don’t remember now :-))  Donna was given the crown and title “Queen of Disco” a very much deserved title in her heyday.  When you think of disco, you think of Donna Summer.  God bless her and may she rest in peace.

Below are a few of my favourite tracks.  

 

On The Radio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q33MM5JGzGM&feature=related

Bad Girls http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXgcbnmd6qg&feature=related (loved this one!)

Love To Love You Baby: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPXizlnS7go&feature=related

Women’s Anthem “She Works For The Money” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DsNn1NzxJ8&feature=related

MacArthur Park http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3rEzI0PtPA (I never understood who left the cake out in the rain… Why did they?)

 

Wear Do You Sika?? (Repost)

In Daily Musings on May 16, 2012 at 9:32 am

This is a repost of a previously writtien article.  Quite a few people on Twitter and Instagram loved this particular piece, and asked me to repost; so here it is.  Happy Hump Day to all my fabulous bombshells!

For my birthday a couple of years ago, my sister Althea, bought me the most gorgeous 1950’s style dress,with an African twist.  Designed by a wonderful designer named Phyllis Taylor in London, who is the owner of a beautiful little shop named Sika Designs in South London.  I have been hooked on Sika dresses ever since, I wish she had a store here (sigh).  Ms. Taylor  who is of Ghanaian heritage creates her designs in London, which are then beautifully constructed with couture worthy stitching in Ghana; using genuine African fabric.

The Daisy Dress – From the new Labyrinth Collection

 

Sika dresses are statement pieces onto themselves, with their full skirts and layered petticoats (purchased separately) worn underneath.  A wide sash belt tied into a bow is the finishing touch on most dresses, you can’t help but be noticed.  For me Sika dresses are  “Mad Men” comes to Africa!

While wearing a Sika dress, you look and feel like an exotic, beautifully wrapped gift.  My sister has purchased other items for me from the Sika collection which I love equally; and now that the weather is about to break, look out for that bright spark of African fabric  in sky-high heels walking down the street; that will be me. Say hello if you see me 🙂

I would post a pic of me in my dress, but the quality of the photo once uploaded was blurry and not blog worthy.  I’ll take another pic soon.

To view the new Labyrinth collection and the full Sika line please visit: http://www.sikadesigns.co.uk/

The designer – Ms. Phyllis Taylor

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A Gentleman Of Style…

In Daily Musings on May 15, 2012 at 9:50 am

Mr. James Williams II ~ President & CEO “A Stylish Way of Life”

At a recent photo shoot with the infamous Corey Landry, I had the pleasure of meeting James A. Williams, II  who is the  President & CEO of “A Stylish Way of Life”  Washington, D.C.’s premier style and image consulting firm.  During the photo shoot Mr. Williams cuts a dashing figure in his beautifully tailored peacock-blue linen jacket, smart trousers and custom made shoes, posing with his Louis Vuitton garment bag.  Each outfit for his shoot was carefully thought out and executed with great style.  When I met James, the first thing I said to him was “now this is how a man is supposed to dress”  In my opinion the young men of today could take a page out of  Mr. Williams’ finely tailored book. 

{Photo credit ~ Corey Landry of Landry Imagry, Inc.}

A Stylish Way of Life  has been in existence since 2009, they specialize in services that include, but are not limited to wardrobe & custom clothing consultations, personal shopping, closet management, corporate  seminars on professional dressing, and visual merchandising.  James got his start as child growing up in New Orleans, where his family owned a men’s haberdashery. 

It was through the family business in New Orleans, that James learned the difference between fashion and style.  To quote him, “At A Stylish Way of Life, we are in the business of style”.  Like myself, James believes “fashion comes and goes, but style is a way of life and is forever.   While based in Washington, D.C., James travels around the world attending to the sartorial needs of his numerous globe-trotting clients. 

Mr. Williams’ Inaugural Spring/Summer Style Event was a huge success with over 100 guests attending.  The event was put on with “our gentlemen clients in mind”.  Invited guests purchased items directly from vendors and were measured and fitted for custom garments.  Throughout the event, the vendors exhibited the latest styles in men’s clothing, shoes and accessories for the upcoming spring and summer season.  James is already in the process of working with vendors for his Fall/Winter Style Event which will be held in Washington, DC on September 28, at the City Club.

 Ladies we are not forgotten, A Stylish Way of Life  also caters to the discerning woman, looking for a chic and upscale way to revamp her wardrobe.

Visit www.astylishwayoflife.com where you can view past collections and collaborations.  You can also find James at his newly designed facebook page at: www.facebook.com/astylishwayoflife. Hit the “Like” button and show some elegant and stylish love.