Today's Nutritional Facts!!

I love fruit because it's the best of both worlds. Healthy and it tastes great!

Recently I was eating some Kiwi, which is one of my faves, and I found out that it's a super food! 1 serving of Kiwi (2 kiwis) has more potassium than a banana, more vitamin C than 2 oranges, and more fiber than a bowl of bran cereal!! Isn't that great!!!! Maybe I'm just excited because I love the fruit so much! I get mine in bulk from Sam's Club, however, I purchase organic whenever I can from Earthfare.

One other fruit you should keep an eye on is the pomegranate. They are full of antioxidants and other nutrients to boost your immune system!! There is a rumor that the phrase "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" was originally about pomegranates... not apples. Blueberries are also high in antioxidants. I personally think blackberries are the best tasting berry.

Yum!!

Eat right, and be well!

Fanny Packs....Ewwww. Or not?

So I guess fanny packs are back.

OMGoodness. I just cringe when I hear or say fanny pack. Such an embarrassing trend of the 90's. As a matter of fact the 90's were just HORRIBLE when it comes to fashion. When people think about the 80's, they may be embarrassed about what they actually wore, but there was some true and daring fashion in the 80's. I love it personally. But the 90's... a mess! The 90's were a time when American style went truly casual. That's when casual Friday's began to really catch on in the workplace. Jeans were everything. American style really lost it's formality.

Back 2 fanny packs...are they back?

Well Louis Vuitton sure thinks so! I don't know how hard this trend is gonna hit, but I hope not too hard. I always flash back to the 90's when my parents took my brother and I to Disney World/Land...the one in Florida! It was a great trip! Every child should have the opportunity to go! However, my memories are tarnished with the thought of my mother wearing her fanny pack in the park. UGHHhhh! LOL. I love her, but that was just embarrassing. Not at the time, but looking back in pictures. I hate it!

Rihanna is rockin it tho. Leave it to her to pull this off, and the LV logo does hurt either! Ri-ri has great style in my opinion. I love that she isn't afraid to take risks. I think she looks great in the photo below. Shoulder pads + fanny pack + Rihanna= great look! Kinda makes me want one, I DARE say!

I just don't know about this. It kinda frightens me. I would hate it if middle-aged women see this trend arising again, and decide that it's ok to bring out their old fanny pack (circa 1993). That would be horrible. We'll see what happens!

On da streetz

Baby Phat edition

IDK what Ms. Amber is wearing. It's also LV. I don't care for it.

Looks convenient tho!

Feeling BLOGGERIFIC!!!

Hello All!

I've been absent for a while, and wanted you all to know that I'm still alive (lol) and I missed my blog ;(!

I've been super busy moving across town. It's a huge job, but I'm glad that I'm finally settling into my new place!

Most of my clothes have been in storage over the summer, and I finally have all my clothes in one spot. GEEZ LOUISE, I never thought about how much STUFF I have!! I got rid of alot before I moved, but now I giving more of my clothes away. It's sooo hard. Even though I wouldn't be seen in some of my old clothes again, I'm emotionally attached. My clothes, shoes, purses, and jewelry...those are my BABIES!!

None the less, I gotta get rid of da old to make room 4 da NEW!! You know I have a shopping addiction, right? ;) I'm gonna sell what I can 2 a second hand shop, and give the rest 2 the Salvation Army or Goodwill.

SIDEBAR- Don't you just hate it when you sell something, that you've never worn, to a second hand shop, and they give you like $5 for it... Maybe that's just me, but I have a few pieces that I've never even worn and apparently am never gonna wear. Paid good money for it, can't return it, now gotta give it away or trade it in for whatever they'll give me... the pits!

Anyway, I've been doing some soul searching and constructing a master plan for my life. However, I'm back! Expect more from me, cause I'm expecting more from myself!

ttyl!

Does anybody miss Daria like I do??

Daria was one of my fave cartoons back in the day, and I miss it.

I was just thinking of all the shows I miss. There was Doug, Rocko's modern life, Daria, the dinosaurs and probably some others I can't remember.

Those were the good old days!!



Here's the theme song with the distorted characters! Man this use to be my favorite part of the show!


La-la-la-la-la....LOL I miss it!

WORK=PLEASURE???

I just realized that, when you are passionate about something, working at it is pleasure.

Soo, I got a new side gig!

I am a writer for the Examiner!! Title: Charlotte Fashion Examiner!! It's not like I'm writing for Elle Magazine or even the local newspaper, however it is good industry experience for me.

I just completed my first article, and I'm so excited. A little too excited, don't know why!!

I got home from the event I was reporting on, and got right to work! I just realized I've been sitting here for hours without the TV on. That never happens. I always have TV, at least in the background. Just goes to prove that FASHION = MY PASSION. I was also really inspired because I made some great industry contacts tonight!

I really need your help in making this a successful venture! Please visit http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-27629-Charlotte-Fashion-News-Examiner~y2009m10d24-Simon-Fashion-Now-KickOff

Please leave comments, and subscribe if you can/will.

I'm sending lots of LOVE into the universe!!

Be blessed my friends!

-Peace

Wheww!

I definitely had a moment of weakness last night (aka this morning). Good 'ole human nature!

Now that I've had some sleep, I'm back.

Fear is out the window, and I'm back to FEARLESSLY pursuing my PASSION(s)!

; )

I need HELP!!!

Dear blogger friends,

It is now 4:15 AM, and I am WIDE awake....AGAIN :(

I've always had issues with sleeping, but it seems pretty bad these days.

I'm under sooooo much pressure to succeed; its all I can think about. My mind pops from one idea to the next, and on to the next. Always wondering and trying to figure out how I'm gonna do this, and how I'm gonna do that. GEEZ LOUISE. I NEED SLEEP!!

And the pressure (to succeed) I speak of is coming from no one but myself. I just feel like I can't stay here. I HAVE to grow and progress. I must prove myself beyond the imagination of all those who doubt(ed) me. This life is so short, and how horrible would it be to reach the end and not have accomplished any of your DREAMS. Then sometimes I get scared that I won't succeed. That I will allow fear and/or laziness, or even lack of money, to hold me back from what I want. I guess it's true that the only thing to fear is fear itself. I mean WOW. I just gotta make something happen....MAN.

Now I gotta stress over sleep too. Does anybody have ideas about easing the mind and/or sleep remedy? Don't want to get into a cycle of taking sleeping pills. I really want to try acupuncture, but then again I feel like I should invest that money into my future... Who knows if it will work anyway. I will probably try it eventually though. Been thinking about it for a while.

Well... yea, I'm sounding like a definite 'head case' right now, but I feel a little better getting my thoughts out into the universe!

Thanks 4 reading all!! MAYBE, I'll get some sleep before work. LOL

Peace & Love

Fashion Icon: Dita Von Teese

I love the 1940's, pin-up, sultry, classy style of Dita Von Teese (born Heather Renee Sweet). Makeup is always perfect. She rarely, if ever, caught looking bad. Unlike some celebs, who will remain nameless (Katie Holmes), Dita doesn't leave the house looking a hot mess. She keeps the elegance flowing. So today, I'm honoring Ms. Dita with the IvyLi Fashion Award for consistent personal style!

She is popular for being an exquisite burlesque entertainer, and for being married to Marilyn Manson (UGH). Now, she has some racy photos out there, and I'm not promoting nudity or adult entertainment, but WHEN she dresses, she dresses with great style!

This is classic 'old Hollywood' glamour with a modern touch.

I love that Dita embraces her porcelain-white skin. So many women torture their skin, tanning every week, and it's just not worth it. PSA: THE SUN (tanning in general) IS THE #1 CAUSE OF SKIN AGEING. Having golden brown skin today isn't worth looking 50 when you're 40. Ladies, take care of your bodies. Love yourself fully. I you are Caucasian/white, you should NOT have the same complexion as me. And YES I have seen this....

Back to Dita!

I've always wanted to wear one of those 'old school,' 'organ smashing!' corsets. I LOVE the looks it gives....but I don't see how breathing is attainable!!! Yikes.

Elegant Temptress. I am living vicariously through her right now!!

Perfection! The bold color, the mix of hard and soft (military sleeves with the soft chiffon draping material) LOVE it!

Re-visit: http://rareindulgence.blogspot.com/2009/07/fashion-icon-kerry-washington.html

My NEW Obsession

So, I was walking through the mall the other day, and decided to stop in Sephora (just to play)!!

Didn't think I was gonna see anything new, but I was wrong.

Make up Forever has come out with some new an AMAZING color palette. Honestly, it's probably not new, but I've never seen it before.

I'm speaking of the flash color case. It's got 12 in bright and brilliant FLASH colors that can be used in a variety of ways on the eyes, lips, or cheeks (the colors are in the form of cream). I'm going through a phase right now, where I'm really into color. I sooooo want this Flash palette, but it's $100. I'm not being cheap but GEEZ LOUISE!!! I just don't think it would be smart for me to pay $100 for some color. I really don't even know if I would use all the colors.

Sephora also sells the colors separately, and they have some DOPE colors that aren't in the case. Those are $18 each. I'm thinking I'll buy the individuals until I get all the colors I like. Its tough though. I really want the palette. What to do, What to do. Welp, I've added a DONATE section! Feel free to donate to the cause. I NEED MAKE UP....FOREVER!!! LOL

I have to get those pastels in the bottom right corner. The purple, periwinkle, and aqua (blue/green) are amazing!!! Those will be the first one's I get if I don't get the palette.

PRETTY!!!!

A Make Up Forever look that I LOVE!

Wish more people walked the streets with this type of look!!

The world would be such a better place!!! LOL

WoWzers

Alexander McQueen is THE best for sending these lovlies down the runway.

Some call it torture, I call it LOVE!

I wanna walk somewhere in these babies. Where you ask? To the grocery store, maybe?  Who cares, WE (me and the shoes) need a moment together!

*Paris FW Spring/Summer 2010

Fallen Princesses

This is an AMAZING exhibit by Dina Goldstein. Goldstein said, "I began to imagine Disney's perfect Princesses juxtaposed with real issues that were affecting women around me, such as illness, addiction and self-image issues."

She is one of the brilliant minds of our time!

Snow White's prince isn't so charming anymore.

Get it? Jasmine in the war over there....WOW
The fatigue threw me off at first.

Sleeping beauty's prince is still waiting.

If she wakes up, will she still want him? Doubt it!!

Guess Cinderella got kicked out the castle...LOL

Goldie Locks....Yikes

Saved the best for last!

Can't you imagine this happening if there 'really were' an Arielle?

I can...Well maybe not!

Overall perspective: SAD, SICK and TWISTED but AMAZING!!!

Wait a minute...or Choo!

I can't believe it, but Jimmy Choo is doing a line for H&M. Actually, I can believe it! We're a recession and these BIG-WIG designers are beginning to cater to the more frugal crowd...like me, LOL!

Let me start by saying I ♥ H&M because they have affordable FASHION. It's bitter sweet though, (my relationship with H&M) I am not happy that there isn't a location in my state, however, I'm glad because I would drop too much cash their if it were so easily accessible!

Back to the point! I am so happy that Jimmy Choo is bringing more style and design to one of my favorite stores. Here are some of my favorite pieces from the line...

Love the boots. Hmmm, when would I wear them?

Who cares...I need them!

I would do the dress w/o that belt!

Don't like that combo, but LOVE the dress!

I wonder is my ankles are to skinny for these....

probably not

Really like this purse, but I have a feeling it looks different in person.

I'll need to see it first!

"Yeee HAaaWWww!!!" says Chanel

The Spring/Summer 2010 Chanel show was anything but average.

My dear, Karl Lagerfeld, took Chanel on a hayride, and this was the result....


Umm..Yeah...OK. Ordinarily Chanel does a sleek white runway with ultra-chic designs. Now I'm not saying that Chanel shows are ever ordinary, because we all know that Chanel is one of the HIGHLIGHTS of Paris fashion week.

However, this was very different. I've been reading reviews, and I've come to the realization that Karl Lagerfeld can do no wrong in some people's eyes. I'll admit, he is a fashion genius. However, this didn't really add up to me. The only part of the collection that was connected to the barnyard were the clogs, and I think they only added the clogs to be able to use this theme. I feel Chanel was really reaching for a ways to out-do itself this year. None the less, I LOVED the clothing. LOVED those white jeans on that really skinny model. LOVED the jacket on the first model. Even with the forced theme, I thought the show was fun and exciting...wish I was there...SIGH

Hmmm, now that I think about it, maybe Karl was trying to relay the idea that fashion isn't to be taken SO serious. Fashion is fun, exciting, and different. It doesn't follow the rules. It's whatever you want it to be! Ah-Ha... my revelation!

Rachel Zoe is HILARIOUS!!

If you watch the Rachel Zoe Project (reality show) on Bravo, then you know about her funny sayings and mannerisms.

Chelsea Handler's talk show, Chelsea lately, did a hilarious skit mocking Rachel Zoe and her assistants. Watch it!! They have Rachel's, Brad's, and Taylor's personas down to a T. It's BANANAS!!!



HAHAHA....

I LOVE both of their shows (Rachel & Chelsea)!!

NPR on FASHION

So, I was riding in the car with my dad today, and he ALWAYS listens to NPR (National Public Radio).

Amidst listening to the boring BLAH, BLAH, BLAH of today's news, my ears perked up when I heard the word FASHION! The reporter even sounded surprised to be speaking on the subject!

The report was very interesting. Apparently, Germany's top fashion magazine, Brigitte, has planned to cease all use of professional models, and will only use 'REAL' women in the magazine's photo spreads next year. Brigitte chose to do this to separate itself from the 'rail-thin' image of beauty that we have all become accustom to seeing in every outlet of fashion. The magazine's readers have 'reportedly' been writing in to express that they are tired of seeing bones popping out of the size 0 models used in the photos....

If you've been reading my blog, you know that I don't like the phrase 'real women' because it can be discriminatory in my eyes, however, I will back NPR up in reference to this saying because Brigitte plans to use ACTUAL real women. Not necessarily 'plus size,' but the magazine plans to use it's regular readers and other prominent women in next year's photo spreads. Kudos to you: Brigitte Magazine!

SIDE NOTE: (Directed to Brigitte) PICK ME!! I want to model. ☻LOL
But seriously, if you happen to live in Germany and read the magazine regularly, you should send your picture in with a short bio. They might use you in a spread!

To all my fashionistas, the industry is changing ladies/gents. I predict a real paradigm shift in the next few years in regards to size and body image. Lots of magazines are moving towards the 'plus size' or 'real women' trend. If this trend persists, designers will follow.

Maybe sz. 8 will be the new 2! Who knows what the 2012 runways will look like. Imagine all size 8 models!!! Well let's not push it, I think couture designers would rather slit their wrists! J/K!!

FUN FACTS!

*"In 2007, the U.S. Council of Fashion of Designers of America issued voluntary guidelines to curb the use of overly thin models." -NPR.com

*"Fashion officials in Madrid set a minimum body-mass index, and those in Milan tightened restrictions. Efforts gained urgency after 21-year-old Brazilian model Ana Carolina Reston died of anorexia in November 2006, weighing 88 pounds (40 kilos)." -NPR.com

P.S.
Louisa von Minckwitz, who owns the German-based Louisa Models agency, told The Associated Press she believed the ban on models was a marketing gag that would not last for long.
"Women want to see clothes on a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing person," von Minckwitz said.

Sounds like Brigitte has a HATER!! Understandably though. German modeling agencies will lose business.

WELL, it's gonna be some broke skinny models in Germany next year!! Or either they'll be fleeing the country!! I guess we'll be seeing the NEW Heidi Klum in America soon... LOL

SHE by Sheree

Well, I'm a little late... as usual, but if you didn't know, Sheree from the 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' debuted her clothing line at New York Fashion Week last month.

After all the time she's had, I wasn't WOWed by it. For those of you who don't watch the show, Sheree tried to produce a show about two years ago, and it was a FLOP because she had NO clue what SHE was doing! ANYWAYS, she did a little more research this time and was able to show her garments.

Like Mychael Knight said; I'm tired of these NBA wives coming out with clothing lines and having fashion shows. Its just another way for them to get attention. These ladies just don't understand that a fashion line doesn't just happen. You have to do the research and you HAVE to put in work, time, and SERIOUS effort. Sheree was the classic example of how failure can and WILL happen. I'm over it.

Smh...Here are the clothes.
The jumpsuit was the highlight...

Boring...

That jacket is kinda interesting...

The middle look is cute

The dress on the right is pretty

The best piece of the line

And Sheree looking a HOT mess. The shoes would be dope on someone else, but they just don't work for me here...

For me, it was just OK. IDK, good first effort. But then again this IS the second go round!

Guess I'll wait for next season before I really start judging... ; )

Real Woman?

So I was watching TV the other day (a talk show), and they had people from the studio audience modeling some clothes. One model came out and she was "plus size" but not HUGE... just not thin. So the host says, this is Holly... She's a real woman, with real curves.

This sort-of thing irks me. It kinda gets under my skin when big girls are labeled "real women." What does that make me...FAKE? Umm, I think not. I'm as real as it gets.

I don't have huge curvy hips or a stomach billowing out of my pants. I just have a high metabolism. This is the way I am naturally. Just because I'm thin, it doesn't mean I'm plastic. I eat just as much as an overweight girl, maybe even more, cause I can get away with it. SIDEBAR: I am tryna eat healthier now-a-days tho. Tryna stay diabetes free!

But back to my rage: I AM A REAL WOMAN. Women of all sizes should feel comfortable in their skin, but let's not categorize ourselves. I dream of a day when women are judged, NOT by the size of their jeans, but by the content of their character!!!! MLK reference there. Hahaha, I needed to laugh and get this off my chest.

Thanks for listening!

P.S. Did you know that after all her ranting and raving about SKINNY BITCHES; Monique is losing weight. She says she is doing it for her husband, who is concerned about her health, but WHATEVER. I still love her tho. No matter how much she was against ladies of a thin stature. No matter how much of a hypocrite she seems to be now. She is still funny as all get out!

Before

40 lbs. lighter

P.S.S her hubby is cute!

Reach Magazine TV

So its been a while, but I met a lot of people at the MAGIC tradeshow in Vegas....

These are some pretty cool people that will be hosting an up-and-coming TV show. Reach Magazine TV is a mix between pop culture and religion in my words. The hosts described the purpose of the show as "to "touch one life" with our show and to inspire youth that with God you are capable of Greatness!" James "J" Love is to the left; Sherrie-Marlene in the middle; and J.O. is on the right. Me; didn't look so hot in this pic. Wasn't really ready, but its OK! Anyway, they are each individual artists. J-Love has recorded some of mixtapes and Sherrie is an up and coming gospel/ r & b singer.

I like the concept of this show, particularly because of the message it provides. I think that we (in general society) get so caught up on material things and peer perceptions that we lose focus on our religion, and our spiritual lives and goals. These are things we should hold precedent to getting the latest clothes, 'chillin' with friends, or going to the hottest parties. One of the main things I am focusing on in my 'O so busy life' is growing in faith and gaining a stronger sense of spirituality. Life is so busy, and I sometimes forget to focus on GOD. Watching this show will help keep me focus on what is really important, while entertaining me with the latest in pop culture (music, celebrity interviews, etc.)!!

The show premiers November 2nd on JCTV. Catch it every Mondays at 7 p.m!
If you would like to hear more about Reach Magazine TV, visit the website: reachmagazinetv.com

They were a friendly bunch so I decided to shout them out on my blog. Wish you guys the best of luck in your budding careers!

Fall Fashion

If u didn't know....today is the first day of Fall.

I'm so happy. I love fall fashion. It's soooo HOT in summer. I hardly want to wear clothes at all!! LOL.

But now I can wear my boots and jackets; I love layering!

Anyway, I thought I'd post a Fall fashion alert! Here are some of the trends of the season...

Houndstooth: It's back AGAIN

Draping: From clothes to SHOES to jewelry!!

BIG bows: Hmm, I'm kinda over the whole bow-thing, but I'll probably buy something with a bow on it...ain't gonna lie!

80's rocker look:

Kisses...Yeah, actual kisses or lips:

Menswear (for women): Nothing new, we've been doing that:

Royalty & Opulence (which, by the way, is my new favorite word!):

FUR!!! (PETA, don't get me):

Leopard print. OMG, I just bought a leopard print skirt while in NYC!:

Buckles:

Well, that was a lot of pictures. I'm pooped!

Enjoy Fall fashion friends!

P.S. Guys can follow these trends too. Just in GUY clothes! Actually, if you like to dress up in women's fashion... enjoy that too!! I don't discriminate.