Judging it All

Back in April I was asked to be a celeb judge at a culinary battle between two chefs in Atlanta. I was all about being able to take a break from cooking from my own clients, writing food columns and thoroughly enjoying other chef's food... and it was at an uber sexy lounge. 

In addition to being able to chow down on yummy food, I got to dress up. There's nothing more blissful than being treated like VIP, eating as that VIP and all dolled up without worrying about being too dressed up; after all, we were "working"-- but in a sexy kinda way. 

I loved the bonnet that was especially made for me, but had I allotted a bit more time to getting dressed, I wold have preferred to wear my hair down. And since then, I've my color done so those roots are treated and ultra pretty! 

By the end of the night, I had eaten plenty but left sufficient room for dessert. Life over here is just so sweet! I'd love for you to check out my post on the event on my food blog, Flanboyant Eats. Lots of deliciousness over there! And a video interview of me discussing my excitement over participating in the quasi celeb studded event. 

Wearing: leather leggings; Hannah Jo silk blouse; BR blazer; Custom-made bonnet by Bonen Bonets; C.B. Herrera necklaces, LV Alma bag; Fendi sunglasses; jewelry from Loehmann's; L.A.M.B shoes, originally worn here.


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A Good Goodwill in Myrtle Beach

A few weeks ago I was in Myrtle Beach hanging out with some fab chicks from a PR agency that represents the beach authority. I was actually there for their 2nd annual Food & Wine Food Festival. It was pretty laid back, chill and full of southern-style food.

Sure I was there to grub, but I asked my itinerary include an afternoon of thrifting. I think they were a bit confused at my request but when I insisted my host drive me 20 minutes out to an area where thrift and vintage stores laced the avenue, she was intrigued. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon and every place I had scouted out on my iPhone were, er, closed!

I was relentless in my search of some serious finds and so in my determination we drove a few more miles and came across the biggest Goodwilll Retail I've ever stepped foot in. A good 11k square feet of goodness!

I spent all of 45 minutes and walked out with 12 uber fabulous, timeless pieces. The best one: this STUNNING peach beaded and sequin short blazer (almost bolero-style) with fully attached new tags, MY size (the most important element) and all for $3.75!  Clearly it was worth every dime of about $300 when it was on the market. It fits me like a silk glove needing nil a touch of fixing! What more can a girl ask for? Swoon!

The white knotted blazer in cream was also $3-something, which I'd been looking for.  And I love the burnt orange butterfly collar poly shirt. Fab. $2-something and though a marked Large, I can rock it with bell bottoms.

The other finds were just as amazing, needing little alteration and modification. All in all, I walked out with 12 pieces and only spent $30. Now that's what I'm talking about being a GOOD GoodWill!

Next time you're in Myrtle Beach, you must, must stop at the Goodwill I stormed through!

Goodwill Retail Store
127 Loyola Dr.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588


*I'll share the other pieces when I get back to Atlanta. I'm traveling right now... wait til you lay your eyes on those lovelies! Like a silk green floral print dress with awesome puff sleeves!


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SWINGING PINK.

nothing better than a short vacay at my parents' home, my childhood home where no matters in the world are relevant. this swing has been hanging on that lovely tree since I was 10 or so. yeah, we've changed and upgraded it as its been suffered intense weather. but its purpose still serves us all well: peaceful afternoons, swinging back and forth, taking in the sun; a great stage for a family portrait; a romantic coversastion with your beau; or a simple moment with a child from the neighborhood that's fascinated by the rocking.

From a couple of weeks ago while visiting my parents. Dave, my awesome photographer spent an afternoon with me and captured a moment of stillness.

the skirt is one of my all-time favorites. it's silk and drapes beautifully. and it's even better b/c it so easily pairs with a basic tank. I've dressed it up with a cropped jacket and a fancier fedora and still the skirt spoke volumes. <3 it.

Wearing:

Designer silk maxi skirt; Old Navy tank; street fedora purchased in Adams Morgan, D.C.; Donna Karan shades; Mexican and Peruvian silver jewelry; Max Azria amber cuff; vintage belt from childhood


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Sunny Whites

A look from a few weeks ago before an early evening meeting with some fabulous ladies to discuss beauty and fashion fetes.  The sun was getting ready to set but it was still blazing hot, nearing 90 that day so the white pieces were perfect. The skirt was a super steal I picked up at a thrift store last summer and finally pulled it out to wear. The detail of the scalloped lace makes it so beautiful, especially paired with the high-waist--which I'm a fan of. I also found the ultra fabulous wind up watch at the same shop for $3!!!! It works, it's leather, it's brass chain, it's mine! 

The booties? Well let's just say 6" is what I'm about but not the most comfortable I own. After 3 hours I was done. I love them though! Pure hotness. 

Skirt: thrifted; Tank: BR: White Cardigan: F21: Shoes: Aldo: Shades: vintage Christian Dior; Clutch: vintage: Watch: vintage Timex; Ring: from Havana, Cuba; Coin bracelet: thrifted; Earrings: from C.B. Herrera Jewelry collection.

Photography by Will Wills; Makeup by Shalawn Willis of Lamik Beauty

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Don't forget to enter the Suave Naturals hair and body giveaway which ends June 10th! 

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How I Rock My Curls! {SUAVE Hair & Body Prod Giveaway!}

During a recent video shoot for the socially conscious and politically charged (and well-kwon) hip-hop group Dead Prez, I had to rock my natural hair --the premise of the song titled "Beautiful Thing." It was a miserably hot and humid day and all I could do was wish I had a scarf to pull my hair back with.

But, I was called out precisely because of the world of curls on my head so I had to bear the grunt of the sweat and no breeze. It all worked out and had a blast enjoying all the lovely natural hair the other women were showing off. I particularly love everything about this incredible shot captured by one of the photographers on set.

And the video trailer shows me whipping my hair (at :29) which was even more fun and allowed me to get my "Chelsea on!"

In the quest to maintain the curls looking fabulous when I do wear them out, I've come across a few select products that I can afford still keep the locks looking fresh. 

One of them is the deliciously smelling shampoo and conditioner by Suave Naturals^® . Suave, right!?  What a throwback to the days of disco ball decked-out roller skating rinks and super high hair. It's been a mainstay in my bathroom, so when they launched their Juicy Green Apple line, I had to try it. Plus I'm a full-time chef and food writer, so anything food related tickles my fancy.

For my hair, I use a dollop of the conditioner to leave in followed by their Healthy Curls Crunchy Mousse. Looove.

Works like wonders for every day use, especially on humid a$$ days when wearing it straight is not even a thought -- all it'd do is get frizzy anyway.

To help celebrate the excitement of wrapping up the video shoot and in anticipation of a long summer of hot days, Suave and I are giving away a set of the yummy Juicy Green Apple shampoo and conditioner! Lather your lovely mane and show it off... even if you're a hat queen!

That's not it! With affordable hair care to tote to all your fetes, there's also creamy body wash and lotion that helps our mood and keeps us feeling ooh wee fresh throughout the day. Suave's Creamy Milk & Honey body wash and their Sweet Pea & Violet body lotion have made it to my overnight and large carry alls for the mini-vacay's and work trips I've been taking lately (because we all know hotel goodies seem to be watered down -- unless you're at the W ;).

And, I want you to have a full-sized set a of that, too!

Here are some deetz about the products for you to know.

What to do? 

1. Leave a comment telling me what your biggest hair challenge is

2. Follow on FB and Twitter

3. Come back and let me know you did no. 2! :)

That's all! I'll select one lucky winner on June 10th to enjoy all 4 prods. Please make sure to include your email so I know where to reach you for your goodies.

Suave Naturals^®  Juicy Green Apple Shampoo and Conditioner - The crisp scent of orchard-grown apples, combined with gentle cleansers and conditioners, help bring out the natural beauty of hair.  Both the shampoo and conditioner contain vitamin E and apple extracts. 

    NEW! Suave Naturals^® Creamy Milk & Honey Splash Body Wash - Enriched with moisturizing milk proteins     and the fresh scent of honey, this body wash will leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and delightfully fragrant. $

    NEW! Suave Naturals^® Sweet Pea & Violet Body Lotion - This lotion has a fresh, uplifting fragrance and leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and delightfully fragrant.

• Provides long-lasting fragrance
• Unique, silky smooth formula glides on easily and absorbs quickly
• Pair with Suave Naturals^®  Sweet Pea & Violet Indulgent Body Wash for the ultimate fragrance experience

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*I was not compensated for this post, but was provided some samples to write this review. Every opinion is my own, honest and authentic. 

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