Dear Girlfriends ~

Faviana Bohemian

A summer dress isn’t a dress without the chic chiffon.  A summer dress featuring a halter neckline and low v-cut back; asymmetrical hem is the solution to an evening out on the National Harbour.  Bohemian flair takes on an elegant touch in a long Empire-waist silk maxi dress with mix-and-match prints.

Halter Dress

Tibi Halter Maxi Dress

Something as simple as this printed dress which blooms with bohemian charm.

Gauzy Dress

What can be better than being comfortable and chic?

Bohemian Gypsy Dress

Strapless Printed Dress

The bohemian-gypsy inspired pieces give off a playful, colorful, vibrant look. You will not want to take this piece off. It takes comfy to another level, while boosting your confidence to fun and flirty. These flowy gauzy dresses drape the body and make it look sexy and sultry, yet soft and feminine at the same time.  Or even this gauzy dress  which is very easy to travel with. Tie them in knots and they will come out of your suitcase in perfect condition!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends ~

A friend asked me about the color yellow for a spring soiree 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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Fashionistas on those days when I want to just say “rain, rain go away come back another day!” my mind wonders and I decide I want to be stylish while walking and talking but my umbrella gear is not in check or in chic!

Its like for me craving an umbrella that is so jaw-droppingly attractive you’ll never leave it in your car, cubicle, or the movie theater floor! I want to be in that place and I am sure you do too.

Through my own search for myself, I was able to also find some amazing designs so chic that I look forward to April showers.

Don’t believe me … just take a look.

As a long-time student and collector of umbrellas, Seattle’s Jodell Egbert’s vintage collections were the nucleus around which she began Bella Umbrella. Her venture is now the largest source of vintage and vintage-styled umbrellas in the world!  Like this stylish ladies stick umbrella for rain or sun.

Mint Green Pagoda Umbrella

Designer umbrellas from Pare Umbrella make chic compliments to any outfit. Their full-length fashion umbrellas are inspired by the unique, fun and colorful umbrellas of Tokyo, Japan.  Even this rock star umbrella has lots of cool details like polka dot and black lace trim, glittery graffiti prints and a black and silver alligator skin like handle. You Rock! Beautiful Woman!

Rock It Woman Umbrella

Tray 6 umbrellas are equal parts fashion and function. This SoCal company is committed to creating high-quality, high design products–no more plain black and boring plaid, enough with shoddy spokes and sharp metal parts!   Look at this red umbrella with silver floral print is both modern and feminine. The elegant floral sketch stretches onto two panels.

Red Umbrella Stylish Flower

And  here are more and more rain-style options!

Purple Orange Accent Umbrella

Joi Umbrella

Pink Orange Umbrella

Yellow Spring Umbrella

My search for the perfect umbrellas is now over and I’ve discovered they are many options for me (and you) to remain stylish in the rain!

Until the next style adventure,
Monica

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If you’re on the East Coast, though today has a overcast, this week the sun appeared in the early mornings.  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 and it’ll stay for awhile (smile)!  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 -

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:

Go for black & gold accessories and no not because my hometown New Orleans Saints won their first Super Bowl ever … go for black and gold because gilded accents keep your fall/winter neutrals from fading into the background of fashion.

Let’s look at some winning combinations of black and gold accessories ….  use these styles as options for your look and shop around for bargains and frugalista finds today and this weekend!

These distressed suede sandals feature antiqued studs. 2 buckled straps at side. 1.5″ leather-covered platform and 4.75″ leather-covered wedge heel.

Ash Lovely Suede Wedge Sandals

Luxury with a bohemian flair, this suede handbag features black and gold chain and suede fringe at the front and a logo plate at the back. Seam detail at top. Gold hardware. Studs at double handles and magnetic-snap closure at main compartment. Lined interior features zip and 2 patch pockets.

Rich Hippie Tote

This 24k gold-plated ring features snake-embossed leather detail at the domed disc. 1.25″ wide.

Stamped Python Ring

This leather bracelet features gold-plated cone studs. Ring-and-toggle clasp. 1.5″ wide. 7.25″ long.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Cuff

This pebbled leather handbag features an oversized logo medallion at the front flap. Zip pocket under flap. Gold hardware. Detachable resin chain strap.

Bijou Clutch

These electroplated 22k gold earrings feature Swarovski crystals and resin cabochons at the teardrop details. Post closure. 2.75″ long.

Kenneth Lane Black Cabochon Earrings

This 4-strand necklace features metallic wooden beads. Contrast grosgrain tie closure. 28″ long.

Gold Wood Bead Necklace

Girlfriends, remember to go for GOLD … that is black and gold!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends,

I discovered that its never to late for wearing white … you just have to pair it with black and contrasting is a BIG part of the story! 

Styiling tips for wearing black and white are here, fashionistas we can start here!  This strapless polka-dot silk jumpsuit features a sweetheart neckline and gathered elastic banding at the top hem and empire waist. On-seam hip pockets.

DVF Marron Jumpsuit

Let’s consider some of these options:

This double-breasted stretch-wool tuxedo jacket features a 2-button closure and a satin shawl collar. Welt bust pocket and welt hip pockets. Pointed hem at front and tuxedo tails at back. Satin trim at cuff slit.

Conductor's Jacket by Haute Hippie

Girlfriends, this draped, star-print top features a V neck and racer back. Inverted front pleat.  This necklace features distressed gold-plated, silver-plated, and black discs. Assorted gold-plated beads at lobster-claw clasp.

Sao Paolo Tank

Elastic Belt Skirt

This silk skirt features a wrap detail and an asymmetrical hem. Contrast elastic banding and pleating at waist.  A timeless style in an on-trend animal print, these zebra-print haircalf booties feature a covered elastic inset at the inner side and vertical suede banding at the back.

Zebra Pipe Cover Pumps

A street-chic version of a functional style, this oversized, print PVC handbag features a resin logo plate and snap side gussets. Enameled hardware.

LAMB Tote

Again don’t be afraid to try this pairing … simply black and white!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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