Essence Magazine and Fabulous Fur Toppers!

There are those phone calls and emails I loathe receiving. It's either a client that can't afford my services but earnestly wants to work me down, or a last minute writing assignment in which case I have to drop everything I'm doing and make my deadline. 

But then there are those phone calls that are always welcome. No matter what time of day. And those special emails that are always welcome, too. No matter what time of day.

I get them quite a bit and every time I do, I find myself experiencing a new reaction. 

But, when a friend tweeted "Girl, I see you is January's Essence issue," I was confused. Essence had called me last month and requested a picture and some other information, but I didn't know that picture would take up 1/3 (or 1/4???) of of a page in the Style section.

BOOM! What a sweet and fashionable surprise. She tweeted a picture of Pg. 28. I hopped in my car and sped to the bookstore. Nada. A 2nd bookstore. Nada. Drats. Only subscribers were getting the mag. I had to wait for it to hit newsstands and finally, it did a few days ago and I couldn't resist but to take a picture of the cover and said page!

Queen Latifah and all her majesty graces the cover, while fashionistas get a lovely plug in the center. I think I can get used to this. I've seen my name in magazines, but as a writer and mostly about food. Seeing it as a feature in fashion is a whole other giddy feeling. So much, I'm framing it and plastering it everywhere in my place. That's until others come calling---b/c yes, I've put that out there! All the other mags we subscribe to.

So this is from a photo shoot I did last winter with my former photog intern, Nicki. I blogged about it at that time in a post appropriately called "Faux Get Me Not." Having the image snatched up by Essence is an honor. I never thought in a million years, any of my pics would get printed. And let me tell you, it feels goooooooooooood! It's even fancier that my fur hat got a mention in the story--happens to be one of my faves.

Thank you Essence! You've tickled me so and helped start the year on a fabulous note!

Here's to more fashion print features!

xo.

http://instagr.am/p/aGYaB/

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Green & Orange & Turbans

Some things just happen naturally when getting dressed. Other ensembles and looks need inspiration. It's seldom the case that I call on someone else to help put an outfit together. But when it's an exclusive look for a online or print feature, I like two opinions better than just my own.

I recently shared two looks I love and would wear over and over again... they represent timeless chic to me. Plus, every piece has special significance. The  black super studded Minnie Mouse look and the fabulous DIY tutu skirt were both for a feature that's yet to be published in The Atlanta Journal Constitution--so yeah, I took liberty of publishing the pictures here.

They were just too fabulous to hold in my pictures folder. Curating them here would be almost as exciting as seeing them in the paper.

The entire shoot back in March was beyond exciting and the energy I got from the ever so flexible and patient Alison Church ( I kinda want to hire her to follow me around!) helped ease me into a place of sexiness and confidence.

Especially with the 3rd and final look we shot...This one didn't come as easy and so natural to me. Individually, the pieces are stunning and are mainstays in my wardrobe. I mean look at the emerald pleated skirt! Gorg. The turban is a vintage staple from the 70s, found in a whole in the wall, but one of the best "catch all" stores I've ever stepped foot into. And, the romper is just that--a lovely silk piece that flows and touches the body so romantically that wearing it to bead wouldn't be a bad idea. But it's too pretty not to be showcased in public.

This one came together as a result of prancing in my dressing room with 1/4 of my fashionable posse,  Melanie of Capitol d'Beaute, Vanessa of Bonen Bonnets and their diva friend Daniel of Heel My Soul. It was really Daniel's vision. Me... I just wanted to wear the turban and the uber fab coral necklace which my lovely mother made for me. This was a classic case of girls gone wild at 3 am in a room full of plumes, shoes, jewelry, hierlooms, hats, furs and crystals-- magic occurs. Obviously this is a spring look, but one that works in other parts of the world and inspired by travels to culturally rich places -- the patterns, textures, mix of fabrics, animalistic fetishes, etc...

Was it a bit convoluted and over the top? Yes! Do I love it? Yes! Would I wear it again in the same fashion? No.... though it all felt so right and looked amazing! And, that's what it's really all about.

WEARING:


Max Azria skirt
Haquen silk romper
Vintage silk turban
Aldo shoes
C.B. Herrera Jewelry coral necklace
Vintage glass and panther necklace
Vintage brooch worn on turban
ABS and leather cuffs; YSL bone cuff; ABS bee ring
Vintage crystal necklace as worn by SJP in SATC.

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Protect Yo Self Before You Wreck Yo Self.... BedSider Brings Sexy To Protection

I remember watching an episode of Rachel Zoe where she was debating getting pregnant. Blogs and tabloids rumored she didn't want to get pregnant because of fear of losing her "shape." I was stunned...shape??? That’s a whole other story chicas, as you can imagine. Regardless, true or not, I've always been floored at the notion of not wanting to get pregnant because that hard earned 4 or 6 pack would turn to a big pudgy bubble of love.

As I get older, still single and having recently lost some weight (initially by accident and now a concerted effort), I think I kind of understand wanting to keep my shape… I mean, if I had to cut out a lot of my go-to yumminess from my diet to shed 2” and flaunt my abs and toned legs, getting pregnant is not on my priority list right now… at least not on most days.

Though I’m old enough to be a mother, I’m conscious of all the responsibilities that are inherent in being one, too! For me, it has to be done right… you know, the perfect proposal, the fairytale wedding, at least 4 years of globetrotting with the hubs and then the big reveal of being preggers. I realized how important it is to do it right when my 17 year old niece got pregnant two years ago.

Talk about a shocker. I didn’t even know she was having sex.  She was so coy and seemed so shy. But I guess it just takes that one moment of emotional vulnerability and it’s a wrap. Aside from that, my niece had the perfect little body that should have stayed fit and super sexy until she was married and ready for all that comes with being a mommy… A single madre at that.

I was so disappointed and then concerned for her. Did she not know about birth control? Or that it was readily available to her? Was she afraid to let us know she was sexually active for fear of retribution? With all the options out there to avoid pregnancy, we were all floored. Had her older sister (a 23 y/o virgin), my sister and I not set a good example? I know I had openly talked about being on birth control and which ones I liked best; how I wanted to enjoy my life as a single woman without such a huge responsibility, no matter how beautiful a child is. 

Interestingly, when I was my niece’s age, the plethora of information and resources was just not out there. The Internet was not saturated with sites dishing out charts, schedules, tips, reminders, health centers, stories, and real options for prevention. My best friend was my resource. She seemed to know it all. She’s the one that broke down the ovulation process to me. If I thought I had run the risk of being pregnant (you guessed it, irresponsible practice), she’d be on speed dial with that anxious question: “Girl, do you think I could be pregnant?”

That’s changed. I’ve recently come across Bedsider.org, a sexy chic site offering all that information I wish my niece would have considered when deciding to have sex. I spent some time browsing the site and was impressed at the clean layout of different topics ranging from all those things that help us young (single) women navigate the options in birth control. Real gals share stories from their experiences using birth control, having healthy sex, and other topics stemming from being active. Vid pod casts are also great in demystifying untruths about contraception and pregnancy. Though a bit elementary, I liked best the pictorial chart of the different types of birth control with a roll over feature that briefly describes how each one works.

I’ll be coy and not disclose my preferred method of birth control, but having Bedsider as a tool is handy when I have questions. With an interactive site like that, there’s no reason why we should be left wondering about a missed period or even where to get free birth control! You’ll walk away knowing you can enjoy a healthy, sexy, intimate life once you have a place that answers all your questions and helps you make smart decisions.

You’ll be hooked and hopefully not be afraid to find out. It’s your life and body. Protect Yo' Self! 


Feel free to visit them on Facebook and Twitter for updates, info and tips on the go! 

*I was selected by Latina Bloggers Connect to support in bringing awareness to this effort.  All opinions and stories are my very own, always.

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Heart of Haiti Cuffs

I'm a lover of any thing relating to handmade art. Beyond appreciating the final piece, the skill, passion and talent that goes into making something unique by an artisan is dear to my heart. Often time, there's a story behind the art work.

With every new travel adventure, a corner in my home is occupied with a sculpture, a figurine, a painting, etc... representing the culture and life from that place. One of my favorite pieces happens to be a hand carved wood owl I picked up in Mexico, not too long ago. Prior to that trip, I did snatch up a lovely Murano glass ring made by local glass maker  in Monaco.

But, when I came to learn a bit about Heart of Haiti, I was more in love. While local art from other countries are attractive and a mainstay in my place, if the piece has a special purpose, I'm that more intent on supporting it.

Having done a culinary fundraiser for Haiti Relief in early 2010, shortly after the earthquake, I'm sensitive to efforts that bring cash and awareness to their suffering and restoration. Through Macy's, the Heart of Haiti initiative has scouted some of the island's most talented artists, sometimes young boys and girls, to create one-of-a-kind pieces that appeal to the American market. After having perused the extensive collection, I particularly loved these two horn cuffs that I found flexible enough to wear year-round and not just in summer. The "Warrior," on my left arm, is my fave and completely personifies my spirit!

Paired with my new ruana by Missoni (for Target) and a wood ring I picked up in St. Maarten and yellow jade chunky ring from Lohehmann's, I went for a 70s vibe that is comfy, attractive and ultimately serves a purpose!

No better shopping than that for me. Following is some neat information about Heart of Haiti and what the fashionable campaign is all about! Consider visiting Macy's website to see the entire Fall 2011 collection. You'll be inspired to pick up a piece or two this season.

I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post, but was given the two cuffs above. However, the feelings and sentiments expressed are authentically my own, always. 

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·        Heart of Haiti is a “Trade, Not Aid” initiative launched by artist and social entrepreneur, Willa Shalit, The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and Macy’s. 

·        Each item is a one-of-a-kind design and handmade by a Haitian master artisan from raw materials such as recycled oil drums, wrought iron, papier-mâché and stone.

·        Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and despite the devastating earthquake, people there are filled with hope and a desire to improve their lives through employment. Options are very limited in this country.  The Heart of Haiti initiative is one that espouses “Trade, Not Aid.”  In other words, it provides artists with an opportunity to make a living feed their families and pay their children’s school fees. School in Haiti is not free.

·        Already, The Heart of Haiti collection has led to employment of 450 artists in Haiti providing financial benefits for an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 people in the country.

·        The collection features more than 40 home decor items including quilts, metalwork, ceramics, and paintings. Accessories include vases, candleholders, serving trays, picture frames, mirrors, coasters, necklaces, clutch purses and more! The craftsmanship and technique behind these works of art, ranging from papier-mâché vases to hand cut metal frames & wall hangings, is truly remarkable.  The collection is made almost entirely from recycled and sustainable items such as old cement bags, cardboard, oil drums & local gommier wood.  

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