NYE Scouting

It's that time of year when sequins, studs and sparkles are trending! New Years Eve is just two days away and I, like hundreds of other women, am scouting for that perfect ensemble to bring in 2015. This week is always one of my favs for shopping because you can catch outstanding deals. Like Fashion To Figure's 40% off dresses and 50% of clearance sale which is happening right now. Can you say steal!!! So needless to say...that's where I started my hunt! Checkout the add below and a super cute #ftf dress I selfied from the fitting room! Happy Hunting...oh, and...Happy New Year

I Love My City

Regardless of the season, Washington DC has so much to offer for singles, families, the elderly, international tourist and even co-workers. My colleagues and I recently visited the US Botanical  Gardens for their "Seasons of Greening" exhibit and it was amazing. Besides the thousands of beautiful plants, flowers, trees and other greenery from around the globe, the exhibit featured special mini replicas of some of Washington's most famous buildings and monuments. Ohhh... Hold-up... Did I mention it was FREE!?!?!  I digress :)

The occasion is ideal for those of all ages. Especially the kiddies. The adventures available include a model train, scavenger activities, touch and smell exhibit and more.  So if you live in or visiting my neck of the woods check it out. You'll love it too!

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (my favorite holiday)

 

 

Protest Gear

Ask and you shall receive! Believe it or not my protest gear consisted of an odd bunch of my warmest pieces...haha! Nonetheless, here's the rundown.

P.S. - Don't mind my "mean mug" ... It was a heavy occasion.

Poncho - Forever 21 Plus

Scarf - Old Navy

Leggings - Ashley Stewart

Boots - Marshalls

Social Action

I would never consider myself an activist and this blog is definitely not a platform for social action. However the things I wear are BIG, the things I do are BOLD and the things I love are BEAUTIFUL. Well yeaterday, December 13, was a BOLD and BEAUTIFUL day. I participated in the National March Against Police Violence held in DC by the Nation Action Network. My linesisters and I marched alongside thousands of Black, White, Latino and Asian Americans from Freedom Plaza to the Capitol Building.  I can't say that our efforts will bring about change today or tomorrow but I'm optimistic for our future sons, grandsons and great-grandsons that they won't have to march for the same cause because we've already done so for them. We heard awesome words of motivation to keep the momentum going from Rev. Al Sharpton, Sybrina Fulton (Trayvon Martin's mom), Esaw Garner (Eric Garner's wife) and more. Respected celebrities such as Spike Lee and Judge Mathis even marched alongside us (not to mention a few politicians and tons of journalists).  It was definitely POWERFUL and a day I'll never forget. #blacklivesmatter #bluelivesmatter alllivesmatter

Natural Hair Craze

I know, it's cliche to be "black and natural" these days.  However, in my defense, I did it before it was popular and for very good reason. That reason being the blisters that appeared throughout my scalp after receiving a relaxer that was too stronger. Ever since that day, I vowed to leave the creamy crack in the jar. However, I debate about relapsing every time I have to wash my mop. So even-though I'm not really on a natural hair journey, Ive been fully natural for years now, I still recognize the constantly evolving relationship that I have with my hair. After a recent discussion with my cousin about the pros and cons of natural hair, I feel the need to encourage women to be free. Free to be natural, free to be relaxed, free to be curly, free to be pressed or free to just be whatever the he** you want to be. I'm natural because that's free for me but sometimes I'm curly, sometimes I'm straight, sometimes I'm just lazy and weaved or braided out. For BBBThink, this is a NO judgement zone so be your kind of FREE!!!  Oh and excuse or enjoy my many duck faces. :)

Origami Owl

Whenever I fall in love with something new, it's ineveitable...I have to share the good news. So a couple of posts back I had a brief tangent about my preference to gold over silver. My newest gold piece is by Orgami Owl and it is an absolute winner. Origami Owl is a jewelry line of charm bracelets and necklaces. The company sells gold and silver plated (costume jewelry) but great quality stuff. You can order various types of chains, lockets and charms. I love the overall concept, creativity and the customability of this product. Orgami Owl is a great gift for friends and family. My grandmother ordered a bracelet and all of the charms that she selected are memorial pieces to honor my deceased grandfather. So in the future I will definitely be treating her to additional charms that commemorate her LOVE. In addition to variety, quality and creativity...Origami Owl has unique packaging and I am a sucker for wrapped boxes, bows and more. It's the girly-girl in me. Well without further ado, checkout my Origami Owl Toggle Necklace with charms: "R" jeweled initial,  pink clutch purse, cross, and elephant!!!

Fallarizing continued...

Just another example of me living in the past. This Fashion To Figure skirt (pictured below) is perfect with a printed sweater, tights and your fav pointy toe flat for casual occasions. That's what I did!  Or stunt during a night owt with a tank, blazer, bare legs and a fabulous high heel bootie. Regardless of how you rock it be proud. You're maximizing on all your summer favs. So live a little past September and fallarize on.

Sweet Nectar

As promised...I have finally tried "sweet nectar" by Milani and it's not my fav but I can definitely say it's growing on me. I find that it pairs well with my fall browns, greens and even my gold jewelry. Side note...I prefer gold to silver and rose gold is my sh**!! I know its a little 1980's but there's just something about the way gold pops on my skin that wins me over every time (my necklace in this photo is by origami owl...staytuned for more info). Anyway...I digress. So without further ado, here's "sweet nectar"! 

Fallarizing

We all have favorite seasonal pieces that we wish could be worn year-round. Well, I'm no exception to the rule. I can't get away with fallarizing with every piece but certain things just work well. Okay, I know you're wondering - "What is Fallarizing?". Well besides one of my made-up words like fabulatastic or heartastroke it is the act of making summer/spring clothing fall worthy.  The easiest way to do this is by adding a cardigan, pair of boots or blazer to the look. However this doesnt always workout. The fabric has to be season appropriate, the textures have to match and it simply cant look awkward. So here's a great example (in my opinion) of Fallarizing...try it out!

Romper - Fashion to Figure

Sweater - Kholes

A Little Goth Never Hurt Anyone-Continued....

Soooooo everything in my world right now (or at least my favorite things) are Goth approved!  Nails, clothes, hair and now makeup!  I recently picked up "Black Cherry" lipstick by Milani and I'm in love.  I was concerned about how it would look on me considering it's black cherry in color and well...I'm black cherry in color but it actually looks great.  I'm just getting into Milani cosmetics and so far I'm a fan.  I've always been a bit boojie when it comes to makeup...rocking primarily Mac and Mary Kay but those don't fancy my pockets the same as Milani.  Granted I'm still quite boojie when it comes to my foundation and mascara but I'm loving my new lip colors.  Anyway, I think "Black Cherry" is a great color for ladies of all skin tones and a great addition for the fall.  Right now, CVS is running a BOGO Milani Cosmetics sale.  By one Milani product, get the second one half off.  So I got both "Black Cherry" and "Sweet Nectar" for only $9.43.  Don't you just love a good bargain!!  I haven't tried "Sweet Nectar" yet...but when I do I'll let you know.

Happy Tuesday!

 

Little Black Fall

Every fall I add some of the best seasonal dresses to my line-up...minis, flares, pencils and more.  So in order to stay in trend with my newest personal motto "A Little Goth Never Hurt Anyone", I am adding some essential pieces to my wardrobe that fit the theme.  Some of these I'll rock with tights and some bare leg free.  But they're all perfect for the fall and even better if you're Gothing like me! 
Here are my top picks ... let me know what made your top.

Lane Bryant - Dolman Mini - $109.00

Monif C - "Jenna" Asymmetrical Draped - $189.00

Torrid - Mesh Illusion Bodycon - $68.50

Jibri - Mock Neck Pencil - $230.00

Eloquii - Studio Faux Leather Mesh Mix - $118.00

Ashley Stewart - Textured Cutout - $54.50

 

Favorite Things

My newest obsession ... I'm positively  smitten over LA Colors "NP 412".  Typically, black is not my color.  I'm more of a purple, pink, red kind of girl.  Yes, I know what you're thinking....BORING!  Hence why I'm trying to mix it up a bit.  On to my new motto....adding a little Goth never hurt anyone.  :)

Update: Fashion of Goodwill

Rember those fabulous buys I snagged at the Goodwill of Fashion Runway Show. We'll here are two of them...$4 shirt and $10 clutch

The Truth Doesn't Hurt

Anyone who truly knows me can testify that I am not one for sugar coating. I just don't believe in it because my reality is to tell it like it is. The truth, in my opinion, is always  the best option. I might change my tone of voice but words remain. This post might seem a bit out of character for me but I choose to write about what I care about. Sugar coating is like diabetes, it does nothing for the mind, body or soul of either party. You can always be tactful even if the news is harsh. That's what I practice for others and myself.

Happy Weekend - How's this for truth😜

 

Favorite Things

Happy Tuesday!!!! Just a quick note to brag about my favorite new things. You win some, you lose some. Occassionally I buy a product that I'm dissapointed with but when I'm highly pleased it comes with praises. These three new favs are very inexpensive and available at CVS and beauty supply stores. 

1. Milani "Violet" Lipstick

2. "Bella Ivory" Eyeshadow by Milani

3. "Brights Have More Fun" gel nail polish by Gelish

Goodwill Fashion Runway Show

Last night I attended the Fabulous vintage and 2nd Hand Fashion event of the season!!! Goodwill brought their baddest items to the brand new Marriott Marquis Hotel in Washington. This event was true inspiration for the vintagistas and thrifty chicas! When I say "I love a great deal", I'm not exaggerating. I call it fashion naseau...you get so excited that your stomach hurts. Anyway, last night I had super fashion naseau. The deals were so insane! Just a small example...I purchased a Calvin Klein blouse for $4.88!!!! In addition to great deals, the Runway Show coordinated by Tu-anh was wonderful, the food was delicious and the open bar was ________...well you know how open bar feels. Definitely an event that I look forward to attending again next year. Goodwill has helped so many in the Washington area with job training and placement it's only fair that I shop to help them continue the greater good (wink)!!

Summer Favorites

Summer is nearing end...just two weeks left and this is one of my favorite seasons for shopping. In fact, all season ends are my favorite. The best steals are always obtained during the end of the season so I do most of my shopping during those times. So now through September 30th I'll be hitting the stores hard and picking up all my favs for next summer. So shop away...especially for those pieces that you're sure will still be hot in 2015! Here are some of my favs from this summer...

Laugh Now, Cry Later

It's no secret, weight loss is tough!  Being overweight can be embarrassing, depressing and uncomfortable.  When you've tried every diet, exercising just isn't your thing and blah blah blah...then what?!?! Ok, I know what you're thinking:

"Make a lifestyle change"
"Exercise for health not weight-loss"
"No pain, no gain"
"Give it 110%"

I've heard them all and as much as I and the other 68.8% of Americans who are overweight have tried, I think it's safe to say that the most important cliché of them all is ...  "It's easier said than done"!

So what do you do?  Laugh Now, Cry Later!

Today, Madame Noire released the "15 Things 'Big Girls' Are Tired of Hearing".  This list is so unbelievably true that it will make you laugh so hard you might cry.  So when you've done all you can...JUST laugh. Here are the ones on the TOP of my list...to checkout the full list click here.

1. Own Your Body
2. You Have A Pretty Face
3. Just Don't Eat So Much
4. You Should Exercise
5. Have You Tried This Diet



My face when I hear any of these phrases...LOL!