Look, Mom, I'm on TV! - My Today Show Experience

This week I had the immense pleasure of modeling on the Today Show in a fashion segment!

It was an awesome and unforgettable experience, to which I owe a humongous THANK YOU to blogger/author/designer and all around style diva extraordinaire - Shauna Miller of Penny Chic!

Well how in the world did that happen, you ask?!?

Shauna found me through my blog post that I'd done on one of her LBD dress designs and asked lil' ol' me to be one of her models. And of course, I said 'yes,' without the slightest bit of hesitation.

NYC Rockefeller Plaza here I come!


There were flights, car services, professional makeup applications, Kathie Lee sightings, frazzled nerves, lots of stairs, jewelry, shoes, and dresses (oh my!), little sleep, oodles of compliments, lightening bolts of excitement, lots of hugs, behind the scenes chaos, sore feet, tons of texts and a lunch with my bestie all smashed into a literal 24 hour period! I was gone and then I was home, almost like I was never there...

But luckily, there's VIDEO to remind me that I was!

Click image to view video

I also have to say a big THANK YOU to all of my family, friends and coworkers who have been encouraging supporters of my endeavors! *group hug*

For the Notorious Overpacker - PurseN to the Rescue!!

I should belong to Overpackers Anonymous, seriously. Because I have no idea how to just pack the essentials for any trip, not a weekend trip, not an overnight getaway, not a five day escape. Not apologetic, I'm just stating the facts. And for those of you who are like me, here's a little something that just might make your day - it certainly made mine!

Meet the PurseN! A nifty origami-like jewelry case to use when you travel:

I couldn't quite decide whether I needed the Vacationer size, which is intended for longer getaways, but decided to go with the Tiara size, which is considered a weekender case. Since ultimately I was looking for ways to satisfy, not feed my addiction, Aaaaand I'm kinda cheap...so I went with the little one.

The Tiara is intended for small to medium sized jewelry and has  6 attached pouches and 4 removable pouches, with clear view windows and zippered closures. There are 2 middle straps that snap in order to hold the removable pouches in places and a padded ring strap, that also secures with a snap. The overall quality feels very good and it is well put together.

Even with all the pockets, I was slightly concerned because I wear a lot of chunky jewels, necklaces especially. So I wasn't sure if I could get those types of things to fit.

I tried to pack it realistically, according to the types of things that I might actually take away with me. Here's what I was able to comfortably fit in:

6 necklaces - 2 which were quite chunky
4 bracelets - including a set of thicker bangles and one with oversized baubles
4 pairs of large size earrings
5 rings - which included one super big one

And I managed to get it all zipped up!

Plus, the bottom expands in order to accommodate your larger jewelry!

You could certainly pack more, depending upon the size and placement of pieces. For the purpose of this demonstration I went with the bigger stuff.

I feel I made the right choice with the Tiara and I love that they offer the cases in a variety of colors and prints, which speak to any diva's personality. I rate the PurseN Dazzling Diva Approved!



Please Note: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own and merchandise was purchased with my own funds.

Somebody Had a Birthday!

Hey y'all!! If you follow me on Instagram then you know my birthday was on Saturday. However, since my birthday is rather special to lil' ol' me, I usually try to make it a weekend event. So, Friday I took the day off work and treated myself a facial.

My loved ones and I headed over to Cleveland on Saturday to do some celebrating. To my disappointment, the weather was a bit cooler than I would have liked (considering Friday was a warm beautiful 75 degrees), but I soldiered on in my sleeveless birthday dress anyway. I found the chill to be tolerable...especially after a chocolate martini or two!

We had dinner at XO Prime Steaks, where I was treated to my first crème brulee. Mmmm! I was quite surprised that it was actually so tasty. The creamy mousse hidden under the layer of crunchy caramel was smooth and sweet, though not overly so. And the side of mixed berries created the perfect flavor compliment.

Dinner was followed up by a comedy show at the Improv, where I laughed until tears ran down my cheeks and my tummy ached. And my celebration weekend was capped off on Sunday as I spent some time cashing in a few of those gift cards! *smile*  Why wait?...

I hope you all had a weekend as enjoyable as I did and that your week is off to a fabulous start. And don't forget to head on back here on Thursday when I'll be kicking off my Fall Fabulous giveaway featuring a yellow Phillip Lim x Target mini satchel!



Summer Getaway - Memories of NYC

I'm a little late in getting pictures up from my NYC trip, but better late than never, right? I had a fabulous time and felt a tingle of joy when someone referred to me as a "real New Yorker." I mean, hey, who doesn't want to be considered one of those contemporary, chic, city types?!

While in the city, I stayed at Night Hotel Times Square (formerly Stay). It was close to all the action and had an extremely trendy décor, well at least in the lobby. I mean the rooms were nice, but nothing like the lobby. They were dark and not makeup application friendly. Though I didn't do much makeup, I still have to do my brows.

I got an awesome deal on Groupon to this uber fab spa on 5th Avenue, YeloSpa, where I had a relaxing massage and facial and a thirty minute nap in what they called their "zero gravity" chair. You might be thinking, 'a nap'?? Who in the heck wants to take a nap in the middle of NYC?? Apparently lots of folks do. And they pay a dollar a minute to do it.

And let me tell you, it was the best daggone thirty minute nap EVER.

My best friend and I took in the Legends of the Summer concert at Yankees Stadium starring Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake, with surprise appearances from Timbaland and Alicia Keys (the performance of Empire State of Mind was truly epic and unforgettable!)

It was sooooo super hot while I was in NY, so I went without much makeup for pretty much the entire trip minus wearing bit of Becca Beach Tint on my cheeks to bring a little color to my face. Though for the concert I did do my eyes in neutral shades and added teal blue liner underneath (a first for me) and popped on some lashes. (bottom right photo)

I stayed pretty busy for my three nights in town. In addition to the concert I also took in a show. I checked out Cinderella on Broadway and it was really, really good. Like Cindy's story with some twists and sarcasm. The most captivating parts were the costume changes, it's something you'd really have to see!

I didn't get to do quite as much shopping as I had intended, but I made sure to pick up some really pretty pieces and nice additions to my wardrobe from Forever 21. Unfortunately, nothing at the Zara sale seemed to fit me, so I picked up a pair of joggers from the Basics line, some scarves to use for headwraps and a pair of pumps. Shoes and wraps never fail me. I missed a few boutiques I wanted to stop at and my beloved H&M, but I'll make up for that in the upcoming weeks. *sly smile*

I always love visiting New York, and this trip made the perfect summer getaway!

DD's Style File - MAXImum Style (Airport Edition)

Traveling calls for comfortable clothing. Which for me, means something that's not restrictive, doesn't wrinkle easily....and is cute. Therefore, my go to travel uniform typically consists of some kind of maxi skirt.

On recent quick stop to Target, I grabbed this skirt in two colors, but I put one back. At the time I convinced myself that I wasn't there to shop for clothing (I needed boring household goods), therefore I could only permit myself one small purchase. So I chose the black one, considering it the investment that I would get the most wear out of. Since it was only $25 I use the term "investment" loosely...

 

And though I don't regret getting the black one (I love how it came together for this outfit), I'm totally bummed that I didn't talk myself into spending the $50 to get both colors (even though my wallet is still proud of me). The skirt fit well, was breathable and silky soft. Unfortunately, now I can only imagine the combinations I could've created with the coral since it's out of stock at my local store and online.

*insert droopy bottom lip here*

 

 

Multi color headwrap - Target
White ribbed tank - Express
Black maxi skirt - Target
Black rosette sandal - NY & Co.
Oversized oval hoop earrings -
Stately Steel for HSN

 

Double strand necklace - Express
Belt bracelet - Charlotte Russe
Black midi rings - Forever 21
Onyx & diamond eternity band - Silpada

 

I will say the fabric on this skirt is rather thin, not cheap feeling per se, but in the right light it's more sheer than I prefer because there is no lining. In my opinion, without a lining Target should have priced it at $19.99... However, I resolved that minor dilemma by wearing a half slip.

 

And while I'm on the subject, sometimes people make me think I sound like an old lady when I say that I wear a slip! It's like people totally think you have to be a member of the "Grandma's Club" to wear one! But I have a small collection from full slips to half slips and couldn't be without them. To me, they are a normal part of a ladies boudoir. Especially with today's fast fashion being made from such thin materials. And since I began my professional career in my early 20's, I find them essential and necessary in an office environment.

 

And let me tell you, I regularly reach for my "strapless mini slip," otherwise known as the knee length half slip I'm wearing under this skirt. In order to give more coverage to those two ply fabric Forever 21 dresses, I pull that half slip up over my bosom and voila! Modesty saved!

#getintoit

My assistant decided he needed a break...

Well, divas, I'm off to the Big Apple! I hope I get the chance to capture some vacation images while I'm away!

Have a great weekend!

The Work Travel Challenge - Outfit 3

Here we are, at my final post for the "work travel challenge," and I'm closing it out with a simple look. A magenta ruffled top and an inky blue pencil skirt (I know it looks black in my poorly taken pic), topped off with my white cardi from outfit one.

Today, I paired studs with the necklace, which I fastened a bit higher on the neckline, and a couple rings.

The Work Travel Challenge - Outfit 2

This morning I went for what I'd like to think of as "relaxed chic." Pairing a bold black and white dotted pencil skirt with the casual fabric of a chambray button up shirt.

To balance things out a bit I added the necklace with all the beaded baubles and the hoop earrings instead of studs, along with an abstract silver ring on each hand.

And with that, I'm on my way to another exciting day of class! (...sense the sarcasm?)

The Work Travel Challenge - Outfit 1

I had a little break, so it's a good a time as any to post what I wore from my travel bag today.

Instead of the cigarette pant, I went with a high waisted pencil skirt because the temps were going to be warmer than I initially thought. So I squeezed this skirt in right before zipping up my bag.

The Work Travel Challenge - Part 2

So I reached the final part of my packing challenge and had to tackle my plethora of beauty needs. It was definitely a challenge...trust me. But I have to tell ya, I was ashamed to post this pic showing all the stuff I use on the regular in order to make myself look presentable, but here goes...the "before":

These pictures include the majority of my items, running the gamut from products like body wash, hair conditioner and moisturizer to tools like blackhead removers, tweezers, and obviously, a gang of makeup brushes. Now, I will say that there's no way that I use all this stuff every day, but over a period of three days, the possibility is much more likely. Hence, the challenge. Even more than feeling almost too shame to post pics of all this stuff, is that I hate to say that it probably only covers ninety percent of the arsenal. Terrible, right? I know, but what's a girl to do.

So taking on the task at hand, I had to whittle down all the necessities I might need over this three day period and find a way to pack them in. Because the only thing I hate worst than packing, is getting to said destination and realizing that I forgot something.

Enter the "after":

The difference may not be as apparent between the two pictures initially, but upon closer inspection you'll notice that I have all my makeup compartmentalized in my orange makeup case ( on far right). The middle section of that bag is actually holding my little silver brow kit from the "before" photo. I have my body wash, shampoo, conditioner, face cleansers and whatnot rationed off and transferred into tiny bottles (at left of the makeup case). The remaining serums, lotions, potions and acne treatments that couldn't be sized down were tossed into my little zebra bag from Victoria's Secret. Finally, I took my daily used makeup brushes from my much larger BareEscentuals brush roll and  made use of that cheap, flimsy brush case from my e.l.f. studio brush set. Since it's smaller and more compact I can tuck it in the middle of my orange makeup bag. Whaddya know, it actually came in handy after all...

My Clarisonic, hair brush, etc. have found a home in one of the spare pockets of my travel bag.

So, I feel pretty confident that I have everything, but I won't get overly excited, since I won't know for certain that I was truly successful until I get there and know I haven't forgotten anything.

I hope that some of you get a few tips from my "challenge" posts, I will also try to update my blog with pics from the outfits I pull together while I'm away.

Let's make this Monday a happy one!

The Work Travel Challenge - Part 1

Ok, I tackled the first part of the Travel Challenge and started with my wardrobe. I switched up the goal to stick with black as my foundation color and added a print and an ink blue skirt. I'm also taking a basic cardigan that will work for two of the outfits. All the pieces I picked should travel with minimal wrinkling and iron quickly.

Since I'm going to a class and not some kind of conference, I decided to leave my blazers and white button ups at home. I was initially afraid that I was going to look like a stuffier version of myself, ending up with a palette of predominately blacks and neutrals with little color (and it truly started out like that...it was frightening). But I'm prit-tee happy with the end result, which are pieces that are stylish, yet professional. It's more or less like a mini version of my home wardrobe.

Ink blue pencil skirt - The Limited
B/W polka Dot pencil skirt - Alfani for Macy's
Black cigarette pant - NY&Co
Magenta ruffle front top - The Limited
Teal chiffon dot blouse - Papaya
Chambray button up - JCPenney
White cardigan - Merona for Target



The other high points were that I succeeded in my goal of taking one multipurpose pair of heels and minimal jewelry. Though instead of black, I settled on my camel Charles David's.

For accessories I chose one versatile statement necklace and for a little variety two pairs earrings - silver hoops and black studs. To keep things easy, I plan to carry my black B. Makowsky handbag.

So onward I go to muddle through my beauty goods, hoping to change a mountain into a molehill!

The Work Travel Challenge

Ok ladies, I'm preparing for my first work trip and I'm tasked with packing three days of work worthy fashions and my arsenal of beauty products into my compact cheetah print travel case.

It's a pretty decent sized bag, with plenty of space on the inside plus pockets for toiletries and whatnots - I just don't know if it's quite enough for me.

In order to make this a successful trip, my goals are:

1.  Pack black. Use black as my foundation color, so that I can easily mix pieces and maybe incorporate a statement top for a pinch of pizazz.

2.  Travel friendly. Pack mostly fabrics that are fold or iron friendly.

3.  Size down. When it comes to my products, I gotta have my stuff, but I'll be taking smaller bottles and travel sizes of my most essential beauty needs.

4.  Back to basics. I plan to rely on my palette of neutral shadows, basic jewelry pieces and black pumps, so that I can use them for all three days.


Can she do it, ladies and gentleman?!


Stayed tuned for my travel challenge posts to see how a notorious over packer makes out with one bag and a tote!