Dear Girlfriends -

Did you see the sun this morning?  Wow, isn’t it welcomed and beautiful?  I’m sure we are all looking forward to the official start of Spring (March 20th) but before we get to that day … spring over to the My Black is Beautiful event happening this Friday!

Calling all my fashionsitas, if you can fit this into your busy schedules the My Black is Beautiful LIVE! event is happening on Friday, this Friday March 12th.

Washington, D.C.

Friday March 12, 2010

3pm-9pm

Wardman Park Marriott
Exhibit Hall C
2660 Woodley Road Northwest
Washington, D.C. 20008

Live Entertainment • Mini-Makeovers • Product Samples

Come celebrate your beauty and spirit at a taping of My Black is Beautiful LIVE! for season two of the TV show. Join us for this exclusive experience — all for free!

Hope to see you there …

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Get Twisted!

Dear Girlfriends

I recently discovered Pantene Pro-V Relaxed & Natural hair care for Women of Color and being a women of color myself, I was excited to try this product out!  

Have you ever had a time when you got excited about trying a new product?  Well this past weekend, it was my time!  I discovered fabulous haircare beauty by Pantene in a bottle.

I must say over the past weekend I was looking forward to the Intensive Moisturizing Shampoo that I would soon give to my hair.  It actually was an oil-enriched feeling I had after lathering it up a few times through the whole shampoo wash I was able to exhale the cleaniness of it all.

Pantene Relaxed & Natural Women of Color Moisturizing Shampoo

Adding the Pantene Pro-V Relaxed & Natural for Women of Color Intensive Moisturizing Conditioner was the icing on the cake!   With me having natural hair, sometimes it can be unmanageable.  After using the conditioner, it feels great to the touch and easy to comb through.

Pantene Relaxed & Natural Women of Color Moisturizing Conditioner

On the following day, I was tempted to tray the deep conditioning mask for my hair.  It was intense … in a good way.  It allowed all the deep penetration to flow through my natural hair and kept my hair smooth, manageable and well-balanced.  As a woman of color, I can’t say more about the Pantene Pro-V Relaxed & Natural for Women of Color Breakage Defense Deep Conditioning Mask … from my first experience it was the best deep conditioning product around.  You really don’t have to keep it on long … it is truly a deep conditioning mask.  Pantene has outdone themselves with this one!  

Pantene Deep Conditioning Mask

Overall, I love that Pantene has made a line for women of color. I’ve used Pantene products before the relaxed and natural line came out and they worked well but this is perfect for me and my natural hair type.  Its a lifestyle!

Hey fabulous women of color … what more can I say than to try it yourself?

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends -

With Thanksgiving around the corner, we are officially in what I call “sparkle territory.” It starts to seem like we have some party, event or function every other day…family gatherings, holiday parties, fundraisers, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and more.

And for each of those, we always want to feel a little extra festive, a little more “dressed,” and be a little over-the-top with our sparkly jewelry.  It’s easy to get caught up in doing one of two things (or even both!) without intending to.

Girlfriends, oversize earrings add instant glamour to any party dress. Get noticed this season by trading your daintier chandeliers for strong sparkly hoops for a bold and modern look.  Statement chandelier earring feature pearl, disc, and bead drop detail. Earring falls 5 inches from hook closure.

WA Studios Silver Treasure

Pearl Drop Chandelier Earrings

Statement cuff features multi rhinestone front and metal cast hinged back.  Short mesh bib necklace features sequin, bead, and stone detail. Necklace falls 17 inches from adjustable clasp closure.

Embellished Hinged Cuff

Embellished Mesh Bib Necklace

Multicolor resin stones are bold and dramatic adorning the front of this goldtone statement necklace. 17″ long, with toggle closure.

NY Damiana Statement Necklace

We’ve been known to go overboard in decorating. Take, for instance, the holiday bow. More than just a topper to the perfect present, it’s a delightful decoration we’re wearing everywhere. Case in point, this statement necklace, featuring three tiers of brilliant bows, anchored together with shiny gold-plated hardware.

Bow Triple Strand Necklace

Girlfriends, we heart this statement ring. Large acrylic and metal flower ring with rhinestones at center.  The perfect statement cocktail ring for the winter. The light weight acrylic glass is coated with an ebony effect. Glittering multi-coloured crystals set using the Pointiage® technique create an eye-catching contrast.

Ginseng Ebony Ring

Swell Heart Ring

I have of course compiled some ideas as “do’s” for your holiday jewelry purchases. These also make spectacular gifts that’s a lot of sparkle for very little money. So check out these bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings…and a few styling tips to go with them!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Sophistication!

On Sunday August 23, 2009 at promptly 2:30 in the afternoon we dined on key lime cupcakes, green passion tea, custom-designed butter cookies, roasted red peppers sandwiches met with a taste of sophistication for the High Tea Party held at the Mandarin Oriental created by Lerkia Tidball of Savvy Soirees.  

An afternoon tea party is suitable for many celebrations!  At the High Tea Party, we had plenty of time to relax and enjoy each others style and able to share intimate conversations.  It didn’t matter what time, we were in the moment, this afternoon tea was a lovely event designed for women to shine.  Savvy socialites included Lerkia Lee-Tidball, Glam Stephens, Monica Byrd, Charys Williams, Aniya Dunkley, Alesha Armstrong, Pamela Adams, Bianka Adams, Tara Anderson, Monisha Harris, Terria Northern, Sonja Chase, Titilayo Ogunmakinwa, Marisa Dunmore, Lisa Gardner, Mercedes Fraizer, Alyssia McCain, Crystal Little and Aileen Vaughn. When these savvy socialites RSVP’d for the High Tea Party I am sure we all had the same style inspirations! 

High Tea Party

When planning your defined style for the tea party; the sophistication started with deciding on a dress.  Don’t be afraid to wear a dress in solid prints or colorful hues.  If you’re not sure about the temperatures indoors at the hotel grab your cropped jacket or light sweater as a coverlet in case its chilly inside the hotel.  When looking for the “other” pieces adding color is a must.  Hot pink, mustard yellow or red pumps would help give the outfit a little “kick” for a girly tea party.

Amazing bites at High Tea Party

Savvy Socialites

A finishing touch!

Chic cupcakes

Chic and fun!

Besides getting the dress you need to consider shoes, accessories and of course the hat. Have you always wanted a feminine touch and a finish just for you, you and you?  Don’t look any further.  A few key pieces that will add just a bit of innocence and chic attitude to your wardrobe is all you need.  Pieces such as pearl necklaces, your grandmother’s rhinestone and pearl brooch, a cocktail ring and crystal lucite bangles.  Ensure that you will be in style by combining your love for vintage, chic or a floral look with a modern twist!

All-in-all we had a tea time for this record books honored with tradition, refinement and elegance. 

Whatever your reason for attending your next tea party, enjoy a cup for me!

All the Savvy Socialites at Mandarin Oriental

 

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Dear Girlfriends ~

A friend asked me about the color yellow for her summer wedding and I said of course!  Each year, yellow makes an appearance, brightening up a look here or there but rarely getting the center-stage attention it deserves.

I told her this season, that’s all changing because the sunny hue is a must-have in its own right. I told her to consider a jersey wrap dress which ties together a sexy, sunny look with a plunging v-neck, sleeveless, ties at waist and fit-and-flare ($65.00 sale). Or a breezy dress with flirtation from front to back ..fit-and-flare shape ($49.99 sale).

Convertible Dress

Yellow is the perfect complement to sun-kissed skin, but if you prefer to ease into this color trend, start small in the world of accessories. Throw a sunny tote over your shoulder for brunch with the girls, or pair that flirty little dress with yellow sandals or flats. 

Jersey Wrap Dress

Breezy Back Tie Dress

I even challenge you to be different and consider this tie dyed strapless jersey dress. Banded bodice with tie back, uneven hemline and it can be worn as a skirt or a dress ($108.00).

I’ve loved the look of this blouse for a long time.  It brings some pop to your everyday pencil skirt! A sumptuous silk goes bold this Spring in a range of bright hues. Inject color into your wardrobe with our Monogram blouse ($59.99 sale). Wear under a blazer for work or top off a Spring skirt for weekend engagements.  I’ve found an even more affordable blouse.  A lovely sheer chiffon blouse ($19.80) featuring a sleeveless construction with a ruffle trim, self neck-tie sash, an 8-button placket, and a finished bottom hem.

Silk Blouse

Once you’ve had a taste, branch out. Top crisp white denim with an airy yellow blouse, or dive into a goldenrod sundress. I think you’ll like it. 

Spring Floral Chiffon Blouse

And I can’t forget about the shoes!  Sandals this season are stylish and unique and yellow-inspired footwear is even more interesting.  Triple your luck with these rhinestone studded thongs by Charles David.  Or consider a wedge sandal with faux tortoise shell chainlink by Bandolino and their on sale! ($59.99)

Charles David Thong Sandals

Bandolino Wedge Sandal

This guarantee that all eyes are on us. Silk maxi dress with shirred bodice and bias overlay at bust featuring ruching at empire waist and smocked elastic banding at back.

Alice & Olivia Bodice Dress

Girls, the lemon tint has been neglected long enough. Charm Chat loves it in every shade, so find your favorite and add a little sunshine to your life.

 Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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If you’re on the East Coast, though today had a overcast, next week the sun will reappear!  Are you ready for some …. SUN?

My best advice to you is to look for ultra-refined sunglasses, look for an oversized pair of sunglasses, look for a sophisticated yet distinctive pair of sunglasses, look for vintage glamour with a certain sophistication!  I’ve also noticed that “rocker chic” sunglasses are in this Spring, and the swagger is back to the forefront this Spring.  When picking out a pair you may want to think vintage-inspired shapes punctuated by sharp-edged metals!

Leyla Sunglasses

Oversized Sunglasses

Oversized translucent square frames with tapered bands and graduated lens tint.  Fabulously chic oversized sunglasses featuring translucent frames, animal print temples, and a gradated lens tint.  Classic style with a hint of glamour: you’ll love these sunglasses by Armani Exchange.

Rhinestone Zebra Sunglasses

Rhinestone Skull Sunglasses

The ladies black sunglasses is a great gift to yourself or your friends. Rhinestone sunglasses with man-made diamond in the black frame; suitable for city, sports, night club and many other activities.  Large plastic frame featuring screen print on arms including flowers and skulls with rhinestone details.

Gretta Sunglasses

Rhinestone Sunglasses

Fun in the sun. You’ll love the look and feel of these women’s sunglasses.  Featuring rhinestone accents offer dazzling style, rectangle frames provide timeless appeal and plastic construction ensures long-lasting wear.  Go glam in these rhinestone zebra sunglasses featuring plastic frames, solid contrast sides with zebra print, rhinestone accents.

Chelsea Sunglasses

Sofaine Sunglasses

Though the weather is unpredictable, the sun will make an appearance soon!  I was thinking of you all to be sure my chic fashionistas have their glam sunglasses in tow! Did you put them in your bag? Are they in your car? In your clutch?

Pick up your sunglasses today, the sun awaits.

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends:

An instant style look for the season are piled-on necklaces.  From fashionistas to celebrities are getting their pile on to make instant outfit-makers! 

Fashionistas, the newest take on the statement necklace is a dream – an attention-grabbing strands of fabulousness!  Don’t be afraid to pair ropes of pearls or gold long necklaces together with a floral choker.  You can also do a tangle of chains with a simple or structured dress.

Here are a few options to consider when piling on the necklaces.  This multi-strand, mixed-metal necklace features placed faux pearls for a fresh, modern twist on ladylike style. Features cable and curb-link chains. Faux pearls measure 6-12 mm. Necklace measures 33 inches. Lobster clasp with 3 inch extender chain. (Sale $2.99).  Long necklace features multi layers of pearl strands and removable asymmetrical chiffon rosette. Necklace falls 20 inches from adjustable clasp closure ($28.00 final sale).

City Style Multi-Strand Necklace

Chiffon Rosette Necklace

This necklace has length!  A black long necklace featuring small beads, wraps around multiple times and is 112″ long ($10.50).  Look fashion savvy with this posh long beaded necklace from Catherine Stein, featuring allover clear faceted beads in ascending varieted sizes on a black ribbon necklace ($35.00).

Black Long Strand Bead Necklace

Clear Bauble Necklace

Girlfriends, go for bold!

Gold tone long necklace with orange beaded embellishment throughout. Kenneth Jay Lane necklace has a hook fastening and logo-embossed plaque at back of neck ($65.00).  Rachel Reinhardt designs jewelry for the woman who fancies glamour every day, not just on special occasions ($118.00 sale).

A long pearl chain fleur de lis necklace can only be described as phenomenal. This beautiful piece features a 60 inch yellow gold plated chain. Tiny, dainty white pearls are spaced along the entire length of the necklace. A yellow fleur de lis pendant dangles from the bottom to make it extra trendy.

Rachel Reinhardt Resin Necklace

Kenneth Jay Lane

Dereon Fleur de Lis Necklace

No matter what mood you are in, pile on some necklaces (short and long) and it will take you from drab to fab in less than five seconds!

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Dear Fashionistas ~

Last evening, I learned of this FABULOUS EVENT and I wanted to pass onto my Charm Chat readers; its a chic event to attend if you dare!

This Thursday, July 10, from 6-8 p.m., join Jay Manuel, stylist and judge of “America’s Next Top Model” at Lord & Taylor Tysons for a fashion show of Calvin Klein Underwear’s latest looks. Along with Manuel dishing undercover survival tips, there’ll be complimentary bra fittings with expert undergarment fitters, cocktails and music and a drawing to win the looks seen on the models during the runway show.

Head to Tysons Corner this Thursday!

Until the next adventure,
Monica the Urbanista

Location details:
Lord & Taylor – Tysons Corner / 7950 Tysons Corner Center / McLean, VA 22102

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