Breaking All the Rules
Over the years, I’ve heard of so many fashion rules of how to wear or how not to wear this item or that item.  In breaking these rules, you’d garner a look that let you know that you’ve stepped out of fashion bounds and you have to step back in. For me, I don’t really have many rules. The only rule I’d adhere to is that the items I’m wearing look good on me and my body shape. Other than that, I don’t really pay attention to “You shouldn’t wear color with this color” or “You can’t wear this color after this holiday.”
I think one of the biggest unspoken rules I’ve broken is wearing flat shoes with dresses. Especially dresses that are made for heels.  And I love heels. I really do. But I love my flats and sometimes, I love feeling comfortable as well.  I admit feeling a little vindicated once I started seeing photos of Michelle Obama wearing flats and/or kitten heels to her much more important events:
I also used the wonderful Looklet.com to put together some other outfits that break some rules that I’ve heard of.
Wearing blue and black together in an outfit.
Wearing beige and black together.
Mixing Prints
Wearing boots in the summer
Should some of these rules be “enforced” or can they work given the person wears them right and with confidence?
Source: TFS
It’s the Little Things
Although I’ve been on my self-inflicted shopping ban for awhile, I have allowed myself to indulge in a couple of goodies other than Swifter Sweeper pads. No big purchases, but just small things that put a smile on my face when I bought them.  And sometimes, that’s all you need.
Vanilla Meringues from Whole Foods. Still in the bag, but I can’t wait to devour and then go back to being a good girl on a diet.
This Marc by Marc Jacobs wallet that I picked up at his store. The print isn’t even my style, but it I decided to think outside of my own box. Plus, I really, really needed a new wallet and for $20, this would serve its purpose.
Have you made any small purchases that have made you smile lately?
All I Want for Fall
Not sure about you, but I really can’t believe that it’s the end of July already. August will be here shortly and that means that Fall is right around the corner. Fall is actually my favorite season. Not too cool and not too warm and it’s the perfect timing to start wearing boots again.  In anticipation of Fall, I’ve picked out a few items I’m dying to pick up and start wearing once the season hits.
1. I Heart Norwegian Wood Elastic Harness: For me, this elastic harness is a cross between a belt and suspenders and perfect for dressing up a T-shirt or button down. I was at first contemplating a pair of suspenders, but I think this harness will be so much better.
2. Babooska Harem Jodphur Leggings: I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not sure how these will look on me, but I’m definitely willing to find out. I can see wearing these with a cute pair of boots/booties and a nice, slouchy sweater. Or heels and and a plain T.  So many options.
3. Schwing Schwing Kinga Hood Dress: I found the website through Princess Imp’s blog and found some great pieces for some great, phenomenal prices. This dress is a take on Complex Geometries hood dress, but for a mere fraction of the price. I probably won’t be wearing this as a dress rather as a top and layering piece, but I think it’ll be a great add to any closet.
4. Complex Geometries Women’s Wrap Collar T: Truth is, if I could buy most of my pieces from Complex Geometries, I would. So many great and versatile pieces for some great prices. Loving the wrap collar and the 3/4 sleeves. Great for dressing up and dressing down.
5. Dr. Marten’s Women’s 1914 Black: For the life of me, I don’t remember why I threw away my old pair of Dr. Martens. Perhaps because they were finally getting worn down from all of the slush and snow I’d dragged them through.  But I miss them.  They were a wardrobe staple and so easy to throw on in the Fall/Winter months. Time to bring them back.
I really, really tried to pick more colors than just black, but I just couldn’t.  I promise, it’s something that I will work on.
Image Sources: I Heart Norwegian Wood, Babooska Boutique, Schwing, Schwing, Complex Geometries, Dr. Martens.
Chic Chicago
Being the consistent procrastinator that I am, I waited until the last minute to visit the Chic Chicago exhibit at the Chicago History Museum.  The exhibit has been showing since last year and it will be ending on Monday, so I thought right about now would be a perfect time to take my butt down there before it’s gone forever.  And yes, I’m glad that I went because I was able to take a few pictures before I was politely asked not to take anymore. So that meant I was unable to take a picture of an awesome Comme De Garcons gown that was absolutely breathtaking. Honestly, take my word for it.
An Issey Miyake gown
This 60′s YSL dress
Balenciaga
And this beautiful Charles James gown. Honestly, the picture doesn’t even do this gown justice.
It was really a great exhibit and I’m glad I was able to see it before everything was taken down.  I also visited an exhibit, Chicago: Crossroads of America, which featured the many innovations created in Chicago. One section focused on retail and a small section was dedicated to stylish hat maker, the “Mad Hatter” Bes-Ben.
Overall, I’d say it wasn’t a bad way to spend a portion of my Saturday. Hope everyone has had a good weekend so far!
Vogue Paris August Issue: 64 Looks, 64 Brands
If you haven’t seen it already, Vogue Paris has created a very impressive 64-page spread in their August issue featuring 64 looks from 64 brands. Each of the looks represents what the brand embodies and in my opinion, they do it quite well.  Shot by Inez and Vinoodh, the brands range from Balmain to Chloe to Lanvin. Here are a few of my favorites:
Comme de Garcons
Azzedine Alaia
Dries Van Noten
Jil Sander
And there are lots more. Go on over to Paper Mode to see more looks.
Source: Paper Mode
Sometimes Beauty Doesn’t Cost a Fortune: Mario Badescu
Who said that good beauty products have to cost a fortune?  For me, it doesn’t when using Mario Badescu products. I posted awhile ago about skincare products I was using and Mario Badescu’s Chamomille Night Cream was on my list.  Recently, I bought a few more products and I’ve been using them to find some great results! Plus, it helps that I could get three-four products for the price of one of the more expensive creams on the market.  Here are my picks:
I always dread whenever I feel my face is about to suffer from a mini breakout. I can feel the oily skin and the itchiness along along with an emerging bump that will subsequently become a pimple. This drying lotion has worked wonders for taming the redness and reducing the size of the pimple overnight. I apply to a clean face before I go to bed only on affected areas.
At first, I wasn’t sure of the purpose of the buffering lotion if I’d already bought the drying lotion. The sales clerk kept trying to convince me that they were two separate entities and had different purposes, but I wasn’t buying it. She gave me a sample to take home and told me to use the buffering lotion in the day if I used the drying lotion at night. Now I understand her when she says that they are separate. I use the buffering lotion during the day on areas that are affected instead of night like the drying lotion. It has a more calming and soothing effect than the drying lotion while still working at getting rid of the breakout.
Healing and Soothing Mask: $20
I also use this mask once a week when my face is in breakout mode for the soothing and calming aspects. Even when my face isn’t breaking out, I use this mask because it’s pretty light and great for sensitive skin. Especially if your skin is just recovering from a breakout, it’s a great mask that won’t feel like it’s clogging up your pores again.
I use this Aloe Moisturizer everyday under makeup or alone and it does a great job. It blends in well and it’s it’s not greasy at all, while my skin feels hydrated and moisturized. It has also worked really well with all of the above products. The only thing I don’t like is the SPF 15 since I usually try to wear a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30.
If you’re looking for some great skin care products that wont’ necessarily break the bank and are effective, I’d say Mario Badescu products are pretty good.  Especially if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, you will definitely find something for you.
Sources: Mario Badescu
Fall Anticipation: Bebaroque Tights
One of the items I look most forward to wearing in the fall are tights. I know you can wear them in the summer, but I’ve never really felt comfortable doing so or I’ve never felt like I really knew how .
Once fall rolls around and the leaves start hitting the ground, the chilly weather forces me to wear tights and stockings under my skirts and dresses.  I’m already doing my annual stock-up in summer in anticipation, and a pair or two of the Bebaroque tights are on my list.
Bebaroque was started in 2007 and the label won the Scottish Accessory Designer of the Year award at the Scottish Fashion awards in 2008. The products are designed in Scotland and the designs are hand embroidered or printed on.  If you’re in the US, you can buy the their products at Nasty Gal or My Tights online. The price can be a bit steep ranging from about $40-60 for a pair, but I’ve heard only good things about the quality so far. I was at first a bit skeptical about the fit, because they are one size, but they supposedly adjust well to the range of sizes.
Here are the two pairs I’m eyeing:
A bit eye catching?  Yes! These are definitely tights that will make a statement when you wear them.
Image Sources: MyTights.com
A Few Words from a Product Junkie
Sofia Coppola’s medicine cabinet. Source: TFS
I’ve always been interested in the contents of one’s medicine or beauty cabinet.  I’m always curious to know what products someone uses on their hair, skin, and face.  When I first saw this picture of Sofia Coppola’s medicine cabinet in French Vogue, I thought, “Whoa”. But then again, who am I to talk?
I took this picture after cleaning out my my drawer of hair products. Mind you, these are just the styling/leave-in products. The shampoo and washing conditioner stay next to my shower.  For some reason, I couldn’t bare to throw any of these products away. For myself, and probably plenty of other women, a product promises dramatic results if you use it and you are automatically stuck on the idea. Even if it doesn’t initially work, you still keep it around in hopes of what might happen someday. That is the true essence of successful advertising and the reason why the hair/beauty industry–especially for women of color–is booming. Here I am, keeping it alive and well.
Do I really need all of these products? Nope. I should only be keeping about 3-4 at the most. Most of the products have the same functions, but on any given day, I might decide to switch it up with another product. I kept them because they are so far my “tried and true” items, but I’m thinking I can still stand to lose a few if I’m not in love with them.
And I’m not even going to start on my beauty/makeup case…
Dream Fantasy: Jewelry
A bit of a new beginning for me all together. Still a work in progress, but I’ve changed the look up a little bit. There might be some more changes here and there in the next couple of weeks as I get “settled in”, so I’m please excuse the
This summer has been somewhat of a sleeper for me so far. Nothing spectacular, but at the same time, nothing disappointing, either. I’d say that my summer wardrobe has been that way as well.  I’ve been more thrifty and cautious with what I’ve been buying.
I’ve mostly been browsing for those items that I would like to have, but can’t afford.  Jewelry has been a big hit on my list since I’ve never spent a large amount on jewelry in comparison to other items.  French jewelry designer Aurelie Bidermann’s exquisite jewelry has kept me clicking back for more in my little web browser.
Aurelie Biderman Large Vintage Cuff
Aurelie Bidermann Pyrite Osiris Necklace
Wonderful items, but if you click the links, a bit out of my price range. However, since I’m just browsing and “dream shopping”, it doesn’t really matter, right?
And throw in this Delfina Delettrez skull ring:
It’s true that none of these items are within my reach right now, but every now and then you just have to dream.
Another R.I.P: Vibe Magazine Folds
Photo from Concrete Loop, Obama Magazine
As many people know, Vibe magazine, which was launched by Quincy Jones in 1993, shut down immediately on Tuesday. There was a statement from Vibe Editor-in-Cheif Danyel Smith that was released about the closing of the magazine:
On behalf the VIBE CONTENT staff (the best in this business), it is with great sadness, and with heads held high, that we leave the building today. We were assigning and editing a Michael Jackson tribute issue when we got the news. It’s a tragic week in overall, but as the doors of VIBE Media Group close, on the eve of the magazine’s sixteenth anniversary, it’s a sad day for music, for hip hop in particular, and for the millions of readers and users who have loved and who continue to love the VIBE brand. We thank you, we have served you with joy, pride and excellence, and we will miss you.
Danyel Smith
the former Chief Content Officer VIBE Media Group
& Editor in Chief, VIBE
And this article by the New York times explains the history and the prominence of Vibe magazine over the years.
I’ll admit that I haven’t picked up an issue of Vibe magazine in a long time myself. I found other sources for my urban music and gossip fixes online. However, when I was younger, Vibe was definitely on my list of “must buy” magazines every month, and I was always anxious to read about what was going on in the urban music/gossip/fashion world.
As I got older, I started looking at other sources for my urban media fix and my interest in Vibe waned I read a couple of issues of Vibe Vixen during its short tenure, but I wasn’t surprised when it folded. I was used to magazines targeted towards young, professional women of color such as Honey and Suede.
However, I never thought Vibe would fold. I’d heard about the shortened hours of their staff and other cutbacks.  But I thought they’d stay around or worst case scenario, publish online only.
Now, as the New York Times also points out, the only large circulation magazines to represent the Hip-Hop and R&B culture are The Source and XXL.  However, they didn’t have the same cross-over appeal as Vibe.
I think the gap that Vibe magazine will be leaving is huge for the artists, publishing industry and staff. It is definitely a sign of changing times for print publishing.  Whether Quincy Jones buys the magazine back and puts the magazine online or not, the the state of the print magazine industry continues in its downward spiral with this latest casualty.
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