Shoes by Yves Saint Laurent S/S 2012
Well ladies, it’s Monday again, so what we’re going to do is put our beautiful heels forward and do what we do best. Have faith in you and the things you do!
Our anthem for this week is by Sister Sledge – We are Family: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBpYgpF1bqQ
…And remember “Don’t Let Nobody Hold You Down” as sung by LJ Reynolds: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6eQibN9jD4
Wishing you a beautiful, glorious and blessed week!
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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 original 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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I took a stroll yesterday and ended up in Macy’s because I was bored. This particular Macy’s had a really crappy shoe department, but I spotted these beauties in fuchsia suede by Jessica Simpson; and thought that they were quite nice. Macy’s really isn’t my store of choice, the only purpose Macy’s serves for me is the Clinque counter. (though depending on which Macy’s you go to outside of New York, you can find some of the more upscale cosmetic and perfume houses, which do interest me.) I’m a huge fan of Clinique‘s Clarifying Lotion #2 and their Dramatically Different Moisturizer, which I’ve been using for over 20 years now.
I’m on deadline for a huge project, so this post is going to be short and sweet. Have a beautiful and blessed Wednesday.
Bye Dahhlings!
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Happy Monday to you! It’s was a rainy and chilly weekend, that’s what you get for a freaky 85 degrees in March on Friday. Everyone was stripped naked, I saw some strange sights which burned my eyes!!! I wonder who has a cold right now? And yes, we are already 86 days into the new year! Hasn’t time gone by fast? Have you accomplished any of your new year resolutions or promises to yourself? So far I’m quite happy with myself, I’m a little behind, but I’m not going to be too hard on myself and neither should you, after all it’s only March. I did get a lot done this weekend though. I started my spring blossom pin collection (more colours to come), and completed a couple of orders for my iPad 2 case ( go to www.maylana.com to view item). Blooming Flower pins will be available on the website very soon.
I’m really pleased with my 2 volume Alice Walker book, which I purchased at Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe . This volume contains The Colour Purple and The Temple of My Familiar, 2 books I’ve wanted to reread for some time; what better way then to read them in a beautifully bound edition.
The other 2 books Chanel and Model, were purchased at Kultura Second Hand Books & Sort of Vintage Clothing (love that title). I have a passion for fashion books, vintage and otherwise. Kultura is a quaint little shop where you have no idea what surprises are going to be in store for you, if you love second-hand book stores, you’ll love this little gem. I found a little surprise when I opened a book and found this very old, torn postcard inside:
A lover's note
It reads: To Caulor, my fiery latin matator ami. OOH-LA-LA! Am having a most delightful time here in surf country and am never coming home. How romantic! at least I hope it’s romantic, that last line ” and am never coming home” could mean a couple of things, but since I’m an Aquarian, I’ll take the romantic route.
I also love Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe. Kramerbooks is a store you can spend the whole day in. it’s a bookstore, restaurant and bar. Really nice food for Sunday brunch and has a fantastic book selection. They are a little overpriced, but you can find some hard to come by titles there. I grabbed the Alice Walker book for $22, which wasn’t bad, plus it was the only copy, and it was mine!!!
Here's Cherkita in Kramerbooks reading "How To Be Black" I haven't researched this book, nor do I know who the target audience is, so I will withhold comment. I thought it was a great photo op. Do you get the irony?
I didn’t get a chance to go down to the Tidal Basin to take photos of the cherry blossoms, it was too chilly for me, plus I was busy with my own crochet blossoms. Only God knows what condition they’re in after the rain. If the weather warms up again soon, I’d like to take a trip down there before they all disappear.
Here’s my song of the day:
I love this song!!!
Listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gFXjSFID5w
I’d like to wish you all a fabulous and blessed Monday, don’t get too stressed, before you know it, Friday will be here and it’ll be the weekend all over again.
Bye Dahhlings!
A pop of colour.
It took me over four hours to complete this post today, due to computer glitches and all sorts of other gremlins, so the title of my post is very appropriate. I need a cocktail now. Here you go…
There are some really gorgeous blues out there right now, from neon, to turquoise, to teal, to azure; there’s a whole Crayola box of blues out there. I will be incorporating some form of vivid blue into my own spring/summer wardrobe, you should give one or more of these blues a try too. Get some colour in your life.
Burberry Leather Trench - I love this entire look. The little red bag just seals it!
If you’re not quite ready to take the leap and commit to a blue polish on your fingernails, how about applying it to your pedicure? This blue would look stunning peeking out of a pair of high-heeled strappy sandals.
Essie Nail Polish in Aruba Blue
For those chilly spring evenings, wear your Maylana's Closet Mega Cowl. Go to http://www.maylana.com for details.
The author's own shoes.
Burberry Clutch
Yes ladies, Kanye West has teamed up with Giuseppe Zanotti, to create these beyond gorgeous shoes. Covered in an extravagant array of embroidered pearls, with calf velvet leather, they truly are the ultimate luxury. These beauties will be part of his DONDA Line, his new design venture named after his late mother. The little darlings are selling exclusively through French retailer Colette for $5,800… Yes I said $5,800!!! I’ll take 2 pairs after I go to the bank to take out a mortgage. I’m sure my bank manager will approve. A girl can dream can’t she?
They should be entered into the Diva Shoe Hall of Fame and will definitely go onto the Maylana’s Dream List.
Browsing through my favourite shopping site, Etsy, I came across this darling little shop by the name of Quistt. Quistt sells a wonderful array of adorable clutch bags and small accessories. The owner, Patricia Quist -Therson, a native of Ghana studied Architecture at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. However, her passion for fashion, moved her to design her own line of accessories. You can see her African influence and architectural training shining through her designs. I’m loving her wooden handled striped clutch which is in line with the bold print themes floating around this year.
Wooden Handled Clutch - $50.00
Red Clutch - $40.00
Visit Patricia’s Etsy shop @ http://www.etsy.com/shop/Quistt?ref=seller_info I think you’ll love what you see.
As a small business owner myself, I am all about supporting and promoting women-owned businesses. Ladies, let’s get out there and support each other, we have no problem buying from our favourite high-end fashion stores; and there is nothing wrong with that, but take a look at what your small independently owned boutique has to offer, you’d be amazed at the quality workmanship you’ll find there. Every Saturday is “Small Business Saturday” where you should go out and buy at least 1 item from an independently owned business. We need you.
Happy Friday Dahhlings!
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I don’t think I will ever stop wearing wedges, the higher the better. The wedge seems to have been around since time began, there has always been some variation of it throughout the ages. Also, wedges provide the perfect balance and are much more comfortable to walk around in instead of a pair of stilettos. Though I do love my stilettos they just don’t work for me for every day wear as often, my feet can’t take it after 20+ years of wearing 4″ heels. 😉
I just found Jeffrey Campbell’s Rockette Wedge in this gorgeous shade of blue suede at Urban Outfitters. Jeffrey Campbell seems to be the “It” go to guy for gorgeous, well-made and unusual shoes under $200.
Available at Urban Outfitters and other stores – $175.00
Those of you who know me, know that I am a huge Mad Men fan (See my January 17 post); therefore, you already know I watch it mostly for the clothes. Dressing was an art back then, where women looked truly feminine. I’ve just received a flyer from Banana Republic who have jumped on the Mad Men wagon and designed a line around the show. This is their second “Mad Men” collection. My favourite is the “Joan dress“, which is the cream and bold floral print dresses seen below, I’ve ordered the print. Remember ladies its bold prints for 2012. For those of you who watch the show; you know Joan is a true bombshell, probably a US 10/12 with her red hair and Jessica Rabbit curves to match. The Joan Holloway character with her sultry style can truly wear a wiggle dress, she’s a woman who would still turn heads today.
The new season starts March 25, on AMC.
Christina Hendricks as Joan Holloway
The perfect shoe for this dress is: 
Remember To Have:
Always:
… And Wear Colourfully:
Lots of prints for 2012 - Wear big bold prints this year!
And Most Importantly… Put Your Best Foot Forward!
Busy day today, huge project to complete and a birthday party later on at Oya‘s, which is a Contemporary Asia-French fusion restaurant/lounge; one of my favourite places for drinks/dinner. Check them out @ http://oyadc.com/
See You Later Dahhlings!
Maylana's Chronicles 