Weekend Wrap Up--Thank you Lord!

And fun was had by all....
This weekend was chock full of Christian loving and style. I had the unique opportunity to assist with wardrobe styling with the Dr. Bobby Jones Gospel show at the BET studios in Washington, DC (thanks to Genevieve Nixon, uber producer!). I had the pleasure of meeting premiere gospel artists (Tonex, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Wess Morgan, Ricky Dillard, Canton Jones, Shirley Murdock, Lexi, Shirley Ceaser, Karen Clark-Sheard, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, to name a few) and Dr. Bobby himself. His choir, the Nashville Super Choir, was an awesome group of vocalists who hailed from the great gospel families of legend (Pace sisters, etc.) Not much too commentary---it was a wonderful weekend and I was able to learn from some great wardrobe stylists (Tanya Bailey of BET and Shelly of Image 7 Studio),meet the gospel greats, and network, network, network! You can find some photo ops below (please don't mind the sweaty version of me....they had me working like a field slave...my name might have well been Kizzy)

The famous Dr. Bobby Jones himself (with me looking like I just came from a sweatfest with my youngest youngin' on my hips--yes, no makeup, no glam...)



The unstoppable Tonex


Broadway star, actress, and singer D'Atra Hicks



Ricky Dillard of Ricky Dillard and New G


The fabulous Lexi, co-host of the show and also has her own show on The Word Network


More stylish lifestyle tips on tomorrow. Until then, keep it strictly stylish!

Date Doctor Edition (for men only, but ladies, please pass along!)

I have had a few requests to give some dating tips to the menfolk (actually, I was accused of being bias because I am married). I am really still a newlywed in my mind, so I still feel a bit in touch. To be fair to all, here is some fruit from the tree of life for the men in your lives:

1. Women do care about how much money you make and your credit score (regardless of what they tell you), but they don't want you to splash them with dollar-dollar bills or rain on them when you first meet. Not only is it super duper pretentious, but it makes it look like you think the woman is a gold digger. If she turns you down, don't be surprised. If she takes up an offer, I'm not saying she's a gold digger, but she don't mess with no broke...

2. Please, please, please check your hygiene before you high step it over to us. Funky breath, body odor, or cologne does not sit well with us. If we lurch forward because your funky self has come close, it's not so we can get closer...we are trying to prevent the throw up in our mouths from getting on you.

3. Do not touch, I repeat, do not touch privileged parts of our body without permission, especially when we don't know you or have never met before. Let me define this for you: face, neck, thighs, buttocks, legs, arms, elbows, knees...get the picture? We hate for men to touch us like they know us. Now if we are on a pole dropping it like it's hot, that's a wholly different story. Otherwise, don't try to molest us unless we touch you first.

4. Please keep your money if you think it will get you invited back to our place or another date. You might as well give us the money as a love offering and say a little prayer. If you think it works, think again. We can pay for our own drinks, and really only want a drink if it has no strings attached. It will be just you and your hand tonight...

5. At least try to look presentable when you approach us...inspect us carefully. Check our style, our hair, our nails, and our make up. Make sure that your style matches ours. If you even have a scintilla of doubt that we might turn you down, we probably will. Just walk away...

I'm at the hairdresser's getting my fab on. Have to run down to BET to help with some wardrobe styling. Keep it strictly stylish!

THE LOOK: Grey top, white pants and the summer tunic

Source

Long thought to be only a fall or early spring fashion, the summer tunic will definitely distuinguish you ladies from the standard sundresse or tank tops/cute blouse/skinny (or the dreaded high-waisted) jeans combo.


Gray top/White bottom
Take a stroll down any of your city's trendy hot spots and you will find this summer/spring/fall look in abundance on your hippest socialites, trendsetters, and celebs. Which category do you fit in? The gray counterbalances the white for a nice, soft muted effect. Also, fuller tunics hide everthing that needs to be hidden (pooches, turkey arms, muffin tops, baby bellies, etc.)


Well, if you want to belong, you better get the look:








Free people tiered lace pullover










Free people party pocket jumper




























Marc Jacobs


The bottom














Rich and Skinny
















Seven Jeans
















Tufi Duek
















BCBG






For my fuller size fabulites:






















Silhouettes



Avenue (a multitude of selections!)



If you want to buck the gray/white color trend like Amerie and simply don a tunic-inspired look, you may find the following appealing:

The top














Diane Von Furstenberg

BCBG

Cynthia Vincent



and to keep it casual chic, pair with jeans or leggings (I still refuse to give in to leggings--use your imagination for pics)















Sass and bide


For my fuller ladies,














Jessica London



Enjoy and keep it strictly stylish!

First Date Look 101

The Basics : How to look sexy all the time!

Note: I was up all night preparing for a huge upcoming project--gotta pay the bills and private school tuition (these kids need some jobs...), so please enjoy this date guide from clikdate.com...I will do an original post once I can pry my eyes to half-open...

When you're on a date, you're out to make an impression.

Needless to say, its a good impression that you're trying to make. So you want to look your best, but looking your best (without actually looking like you've been trying to hard to look your best) isn't always the easiest thing to do. You've got grooming, accessorising, clothing, etc. There are actually some simple basics that you can always fall back on, no matter what the occasion and where the venue.

The Basics

Basics are the staple of any wardrobe. They are the clothes that you add on to, to build a whole new look. Usually, these items are timeless, so all a person has to do is buy the occasional new and trendy item to make an outfit look more current. The amount of basics you have should depend on where you live, what your interests are, etc. For instance, if where you live is always warm, there's not much point in having a wool coat, not unless you travel to colder climates. And a vast array of shorts and tank tops are useless if most of the year is spent under 25 degrees celcius. I'm going to make two different lists of closet staples; one for men and the other for women. And even though I say staples, by no means does this actually make for a short list. in fact, its pretty long.

Men

Men actually have an easier time when it comes to the basics. So long as the items are easy enough to co-ordinate, most of the clothes will be able to be mixed and matched for both day and night wear, dressy and casual. no male wardrobe should be without:

• A few good T-shirts, either with prints or in a solid colour. These can't be too baggy or too loose.



• A few polo T-shirts (the ones with a collar and 2 or 3 buttons at the top) and the fit is the same as with regular T-shirts.



• At least 2 or 3 white cotton dress shirts (that's work shirts) and some in other colours/patterns. These should not be too long at the sleeves and too 'slopppy' at the shoulders.



• Trousers in black, khaki/beige, cream/white/off-white. Any fabric is fine, just avoid full polyester and chunky corduroys. Cotton or linen is good, expecially for summer.



• Dark and light jeans. Avoid the 80's stone-washed and acid-washed jeans. Vintage-washes suit most guys. Also, keep in mind that leg-hugging 'drainpipe' jeans will never, EVER look good on a man.



• Knee-length shorts (boardies in Australia) are always good for hot days. Have a few pairs for swimming and some in cotton/linen for going out during the day. Good colours to have are mainly neutrals though a pair of bright-coloured shorts can look good with a plain top.



• A good suit. At least one, if nothing else. Cuts, colours and fabric may vary, that depends on what you like. The jacket can be worn as a blazer with jeans or trousers and the suit pants can be worn more casually without the jacket.



• A denim jacket. Or even a leather one. The more worn, the better.



• A coat, preferably in wool or a wool-mix for winter.



• A selection of ties



• A few belts. Leather ones for work/dressier occasions and cloth/canves belts for casual wear. You can be creative with your casual belts, they're a good way of injecting some colour into an outfit.



• White socks for sports and black/dark ones for dressing up.



• A good pair of sports shoes. Choose one that's made for the sport you do as they all offer different types and degrees of suppport.



• Dressy black leather shoes. These are the sort you can wear to work and for formal occasions.



• Smart loafers. Brown or tan are popular colours and will go with practically anything. Suede loafers are particularly nice but its not an easy fabric to take care of.



• Sandals are practical for hot days and when you need to be a little dressed up. You can go for the conventional leather type or the funky sporty designs.



• Slip-ons or flip-flops (thongs to the Aussies) are a staple. Excellent for the beach or dressing down an outfit.

Women

Needless to say, a woman's closet will always be more extensive than that of her male counterpart. After all, you've got all the skirts, dresses, jewelery, tops, etc. For all of these mentioned, the very basic of colours are black, white and beige/cream. These are the foundations that you build on and add more colour, texture and patterns. Tht doesn't mean your basic wardrobe can't contain any colour. by all means, have as much colour as you want. Just make sure it suits you and avoid flouros. And now, to get down to the nitty-gritty. As any self-respecting woman, you'll need:

• Fitted T-shirts, singlets, strappy tops, strapless tops, halter tops, polo T-shirts in your basic 3 colours, along with other colours and patterns that will easily match up with other items in your closet. Some of these will have a V-neck and some a round neck. Either one is alright, it depends on what you like. V-necks do generally emphasize your bust so if you want attention drawn to that area, V's the way to go.



• A few good sweaters (for the cold season); a fine knit or bulky cable look great with nearly everything.



• A pretty camisole top that you can dress up or down. Good details to have are lace, satin, beading or sequins. not all at once of course.



• A glam top for nights out on the town. Perfect for jazzing up a pair of jeans.



• Jeans are the news girl's best friend. Not just for lazing around, these are a MUST have. Choose a wash you like but keep in mind that darker shades will flatter women on the heavier side. Getting the right cut is also important. Tall slim women can pretty much get away with any cut, though the cool-again skinny-leg jeans will make their legs look like they go on forever. The boot-cut is good for women who want to draw attention away from their hips. The regular straight-cut suits most shapes. Always try on jeans before buying them and make sure they are neither too short nor too long. You want to be able to wear heels or flats with them.



• Structured or tailored shorts can look smart with the right top.



• Denim or cotton shorts for very casual wear.



• Trousers. Any fabric will do, so long as they fit well. This will be good for both warm and cool seasons. A few pairs should have a corporate, office look and another 1 or 2 can be casual. Again, these 3 basic colours apply.



• A denim mini will see you through anything. The length is up to you. Don't go too short as it just looks cheap but try keep it at least an inch or so above your knee.



• A pencil skirt in a nice fabric can work for the office, for chilling with friends in the daytime or dressed up for a hot date.



• A longer skirt that falls in soft folds. Cotton is a good option for this. You could also have a darker-coloured one in a more 'dressed up' fabric for night-wear. Details that makes this special are pleats, beading, embroidery and assymetrical lines.



• The timeless LBD, or little black dress.



• A casual day dress that can double for night with proper accessorising.



• A denim jacket it in style that suits you.



• A blazer that will work for day and night.



• A coat for the cold. Double or single-breasted is up to you. These can be in whatever colour you wish, but a good basic is black as it doesn't show up the dirt.



• A pair of proper sports shoes



• A pair of covered high-heels in your basic colours.



• Sandals in a lighter shade though again, the basic colours appply here. Red is a good way to inject some colour as it doesn't 'date'.



• A pair of kitten heels; ideal for when you don't want too much height.



• Slip-ons and flip-flops (or thongs).



• Boots for winter. Ankle boots may sometimes be trendy but stay clear if you're legs are not on the longer side. Also try not to go too high up. Anything above the knee just screams hooker.



• Belts, handbags, scarves, hats, brooches, necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets/bangles are all good for dressing up an outfit and for changing your entire look. Just don't go too crazy and wear them all at once.
  

MAN DAY--Survivor Mode

MAN SURVIVAL KIT

I always get EXTREMELY irritated when I meet a man and one of the following happens:

1. He has bad breath..like a small pet just up and died in his mouth
2. His off-the-rack clothes fit very poorly (either he has on smedium or double double XXL)
3. His odor overpowers my sense of smell and nearly renders me unconscious
4. He has stains on the most vital parts of his clothing...what was HE doing before?
5. He has the "ashy Larry " syndrome--meaning white knuckles, chapped hands, dry face, cracked skin, unforgiveable ash on legs, etc.

As according to my hubby, this is your MAN survival kit (keep it with you at all times--car, briefcase, manbag, i.e. wherever it is handy and accessible):
Keep in mind that I am referring to small containers of the following items... (my hubby says keep it in the armrest or glove compartment of car)

small mouth wash
floss
cologne
small toothbrush and paste (have you ever heard of Brush-Ups?)
small lotion
gum or altoids
chapstick--NO VASELINE, PLEASE!
Tide stick (no, you are not a girly-man if you care about keeping your outfit clean...)

For the upgrade:
Business men "should" keep extra white shirt, tie, and cufflinks.

For the EXTRA upgrade:
Wear bespoke clothing, i.e. custom made, hire a stylist, and keep it moving...

For more man essentials and style tips, check out Be Better Guys.

Man day has officially ended. Men take note and keep it stylish!

"I want a girl with extensions in her hair; bamboo earrings, at least two pair"

THE LOOK: BAMBOO EARRINGS

I am an 80s baby, so I remember all these revolving trends coming back to haunt us. Unlike the pure disdain that I have for high-waisted mom jeans, I am loving the return of the doorknocker earrings (as immortalized in the classic "Round the Way Girl" by LL Cool J). Celebs like Hilary Duff, Rihanna, Bey, Cassie, and Fergie have become addictive fans of the look. You can glam up or glam down most outfits with these fun, decorative hoops. I have a few pair myself--peep the profile pic below!

See how your favorite celebs rocked the look:

Hillary Duff








Rihanna






Cassie





Lily Allen





Beyonce




You can buy Hilary's pair from CC Skye here or a pair like Rihanna's here or like Fergie's here
OR
you just go to your neighborhood flea market (like I did) and purchase them for $7.99! To stay fab, you need to keep moolah IN your pockets...take note....


I just got from Vegas, so I have a lot of catching up to do today...stay strictly stylish!

Date Doctor Weekend Update

I cannot begin to tell you how many women need to read the prior Date Doctor post. When I was out in Sin City this weekend, all of the advice that I gave was reaffirmed. After the after-after party, me and some very new friends had a very early breakfast. Picture this: one man surrounded by 3 women. He proceeded to ask the ladies if they had seen any attractive men (I was excluded---I guess married women go blind after jumping the broom), and they couldn't give a straight answer. I heard:

"No one focused on me."
"You mean attractive or marriage-attractive?
"What do you mean by attractive?"

After about 30 minutes of these types of questions with no real answer, our male host was so not into his female guests. Finally, about 45 minutes into it, he finally received an answer, to which he replied: "You could have said that about 45 minutes ago. Why must every thing a man asks a woman be a debate?"

So, instead of waiting a week or two, here is an IMMEDIATE update for my ladies:

1. Don't complicate a simple question. For example, when asked by a man, "What color is the sky?," men expect to hear, "Blue," not "Blue with a hint of amber and teal." Keep it very simple, please.

2. Most men stop listening to you after the first 2 or 3 sentences if they realize that you are rambling and ranting (read vignette below). They can easily detect a rambler...

3. Shut up and listen! I happened to run across our host the next day and his major complaint was that the women were not listening to him and they wouldn't stop talking. They kept repeating the same concepts over and over again, but in a different way each time. Believe me, I could immediately discern that he stopped listening after the first two or three sentences....

4. This is an age old adage, but it's definitely true: You never get a second chance to make a first impression. After this disastrous meeting and the oversaturation of female angst, I happened to catch up with our male host the very next day and he told me that when he later saw one of the other female guests, he literally tried to run in the other direction. But, he had already made eye contact and had to at least greet her...at which point, she then
tried to recover from the prior disaster but made it worse by trying to explain herself--all he heard was WONK-WONK-WONK (think Charlie Brown's teacher). If she EVER had a chance with this dude, it was now most certainly over....

5. Basically, ladies, stop overthinking simple chit chat--that's how men weed you out. Upgrade your conversation skills and instead of reliving your awful romances through venting, start with something fresh and new. WE CAN DO IT!

It's All About the Kids (Party Time!)--GIVE BACK

This weekend, I spent the weekend in Vegas attending the Chris Webber Bada Bling Celebrity Bash Weekend. It was chock full of celebrities--and celebrities that I can appreciate--basically meaning my generation celebs. Nas, Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, Gabrielle Union, Biz Markie, Spinderella, Raphael Saadiq, and on and on. It was a completely "grown and sexy" event (this will be the only time that I use this term in the post--I think it has become overused and overextended, but you get the gist of it.) Think luxury, old school celebrity hotness, and really long money.

I had the extreme pleasure of spending time with some celebrity and non-celebrity friends, new and old, all the while basking in the glow of all that is fine and strictly fabulous. Set in Las Vegas, the Bada Bling Weekend is a fundraiser for the Chris Webber Foundation. The foundation's primary goal is to provide educational and recreational opportunities for underprivileged and disadvantaged children. Since I am a former teacher, any person, place, or thing that supports literacy and education has my vote. Many celebrities have the opportunity, means, and network of connections to give back; but, for some odd reason, do not outwardly give back to those who support them. Let's keep it very real, most of the population who idolize stars, specifically basketball and football stars, are underprivileged and underserved in some way or another. No matter the race, color, ethnicity or gender, we all need to do better and give back to OUR community. Living fabulously also requires giving generously. The essential core of fabulousness is character--actually have an upstanding one that others can admire, adore, and emulate. After attending the event and having an opportunity to speak to Chris about the event and foundation, I have a new level of respect for him and what he does. Take note, people....


Anyhoo, we had a great time raising money for the kiddies! Take a look....
Here are some photos of moi and my new and old friends:


The man himself, Chris Webber




Nas


Regina King





Carl Payne




Sway


Finesse Mitchell

Omarosa


Big Boy


Spinderella and friends (me included!)

And on the last day, we had to give back to ourselves...the girls and I traipsed over to the Mandalay Bay hotel and lounged poolside. We had planned on taking in a Broadway show, Mamma Mia, but the nonstop, socially conscious partying took a toll on our weary bodies and we were quickly reminded our of ages....



The gist of this post: give back. As you can see from above, you can give back and have a fabulous time while doing so. You don't have to have loads of money to give back. For example, I volunteered to go to New Orleans on my own dime (about $400 total) with a group of law students to help Katrina victims (see article here). If you don't have the thousands of dollars that it takes to attend and support celebrity fundraisers , at least start at home for free. Let me give you some examples:

Volunteer in your own community.
Join an organization that performs community service in areas that appeal to you (art, youth, environment, literacy, etc.)
Offer your expertise and advice to groups that can't afford to hire those type of services.

BASICALLY...just do something...we are all responsible for the fate of our global community and can only blame ourselves if we are disappointed with the outcome.
Check out these sites to find volunteer opportunities:
Do Something
Idealist (Action without Borders)
One Brick
Network for Good


Well, we are still in Vegas...meaning that we still have time to party (after some rest!) before our flight leaves...if you want more pics from the weekend, check out Young, Black, and Fabulous. Keep it strictly fab!

THE DATE DOCTOR EDITION

So, I was watching the local news last night, and they had a segment with "The Love Doctor." He was a real live version of Hitch. After watching, it gave me an inspiration--Thursday will be my fabulous lifestyles day! Today, you will find juicy hints and tips about how to get a mate:

Let's start with the ladies:
We ladies, especially those of us in our mid-20s to early 40s, tend to become desperate missiles of futile and misplaced love and devotion during our quest for the perfect partner. We all have the infamous "list" whether it be strictly in our heads or in our secret diaries. Here are few tips to advance you in the dating game:

NOTE: These are not my words of advice. They are words of encouragement from men themselves. They have come straight from the horse's mouth.....

1. A man is always looking for his mommy, or rather, the comforts of a mother. He wants someone to keep him in line, work with him, and make him want do right BY HIMSELF (he doesn't need your help in this area---especially the nagging type). He doesn't need another supervisor, he needs a companion. [He WILL NEVER tell you this!]

2. Always be presentable. Don't ever leave your house with rollers in your hair, chipped manicures, or half-done makeup. Men want you look fabulously casually, at minimum, at all times, i.e. don't come out the house in sweats or gym shorts. If you have to come out in sweats, at least wear the Juicy Couture 2-piece warm-up...

3. Don't overcommit your dress code. A man likes a woman who is well put together, but don't look you spent 5 hours in the bathroom getting ready. Keep it simple and sexy chic.

4. Tone down the vamp in you. A man wants a woman that gives him just enough to whet his appetite to make him want more. Though you may think the Striperella outfit is completely necessary to find the man of your dreams, it will only attract the man of the wee hours of the morning (i.e. booty call).

5. Be nice. Be a lady. Leave your aggressive bulldog attitude at work. It may have pushed you towards the glass ceiling, but if used in the improper setting (i.e. around men that you want), it only push towards a rocking chair with attendants attending to you 'cause you annihilated all of your potential partners in your "good years.
----in words of my dear husband, with the bulldog attitude, you may as well be a mime--the men will all see you but will not hear the words coming out of your mouth (think Chris Tucker in Rush Hour).

More advice to follow...
Create a fabulous day for yourselves!

Strictly for the Men

I decided to make every Wednesday MAN DAY--meaning that if I haven't address a so-called male subject, I will dedicate myself to the stronger sex (ladies. don't groan, just go along for going's sake) during the mid-week. This week on MAN DAY, I will be discussing sleek and upscale accessories...i.e. phones and TVs. In the future, look forward to posts about watches, jewelry, men's clothing, and, (take a deep breath fellas) male grooming products...

The new must-have Bluetooth











Jawbone
I absolutely adore this earpiece! It is sleek and very fashionable for both sexes. Not only does it force others to stare in awe, it also blocks the noise that is coming out of their mouths when they try to speak to you (can't they see your're on the phone?). Just turn on the noise shield and you will be amazed by the clarity you now have in your ear canal. It is made of medical grade plastic and is designed to feel smooth against your skin--imagine your lovey love gently caressing your face and whispering into your ear--that's what you're supposed to experience. Clink on the link above for more info....


Bang and Olufsen madness...

BeoVision 7
















This TV is the TV of my husband's dreams. I imagine that when I glance at his sleeping, smiling face, he is having candy gumdrop dreams of watching this TV, savoring the juicy remote in his manly man hands, flipping through all of the various ESPN stations...

I am certainly not a tekkie, but I really like fabulous sleek devices, so this information is heavily borrowed from Tech Digest. Hell, let's keep it real---here's the link to the site. If you would rather not click it up, feel free to read below:

"Back in 2004 we showed you the classy BeoVision 7 widescreen telly from Bang & Olufsen. Now, they've brought the range squarely (ahem) into the high definition market with their BeoVision 9 HDTV (no, I don't know why there wasn't an 8 either...)

Its frame is diamond cut and almost square. Yes, it's widescreen - 50 inch widescreen with 1366x768 resolution to be precise - but underneath that screen is a built-in Acoustic Lens Technology mono centre speaker, pumping out a whopping 2 x 250W. According to B&O, Acoustic Lens Technology gives '180-degree horizontal dispersion with controlled vertical directivity' (is that even a word?). In other words, it should produce the same sound quality wherever you're sat in relation to the speakers. You wouldn't expect B&O to skimp on the audio, would you?"

BeoCom 1











The home phone is another story...for my husband, that is. While all I need is a dial tone at home and the ability to dial the number, he needs (I emphasize, he needs) to have this phone (along with the iPhone--see below). It was solidified after he watched What Women Want with Mel Gibson's playboy character gently caressing and speaking into this magnificent phone as he played the game of love. He just had to have it then....

THe phone itself is fabulous, I cannot tell a lie. The design is meant to convey simplicity, innovation, and luxury. The digital phone system has a single base that supports up to 8 cordless handsets. It has a $600 price tag, meaning that if we purchaed it, I would have to explain to my 7-year-old why he couldn't go to school for next two weeks. Seeing that I can't deprive my child of a quality education (it better be, at the college tuition-like rates!), we had to forego it and purchase the much desired Panasonic fax/phone combo. Not very fabulous nor very sexy, but it gets the job done.

Serene mobile phone



















The B&O Serene mobile phone is a weird combination of a male compact (yes, they do exist) and a phone dialing pad. I am not too sure that I will ever call home from one, but, since I am on a Bang & Olufsen kick, here goes....

Again, I am no tekkie, so here's some info from I4U.com (thank God!):

"Bang & Olufson partnered with Samsung to develop what they call Serene Mobile. The B&O mobile phone looks like a black wallet. It features a 240x320 pixel color TFT screen and Bluetooth. Other features include GPRS,WAP 2.0 browser, MMS, VGA Camera and Email. That is pretty much it. The serene phone is very focused, which I actually like. It features also a thumb-operated wheel to navigate the functions on the screen. The number buttons are arranged in a circle. Not sure if that is great. Bang & Olufsen wants you to have their new mobile phone for Christmas and will start selling it still in Q4 2005. The price is supposed to be around 1,200 USD (1,000 Euros) without a contract."

BeoSound 6



















B&O even has an audio MP3 player--not your typical iPod like device---but for my male fabulites who can afford the hefty $800 price tag--you will be the envy of your upscale peers. Kinda like when the guy who has the Maserati GranSport Spyder pulls up next to the guy in Mercedes Benz C-class...

No tekkie writer here (I think you get the point), so here's the info from Engadget.com

"Style-maven Bang & Olufsen has introduced a new DAP into the mix, called the Beosound 6. Breaking from typical B&O design convention -- which can often be a little absurd (see the Beosound 2 and 3) -- the Beosound 6 is a strikingly simple design; a silver, candy-bar shaped audio player with stripped-down controls and a thin LCD display. Specs are light at the moment, but it looks like standard MP3 / WMA playback, 4GB of flash memory (jettisoning the company's previous SD storage scheme), a 65K color LCD screen, and USB connectivity. The player will also be accompanied by a leather case and the company's A8 earphones, and will retail for around £400 ($812 US)."

Now, we do own the headsets and some of our childless friends own the home theater and stereo systems. Hmmm, college fund or B&O....these kids need to get some jobs or get in somebody's movies....
But, we are planning to give ourselves a Christmas gift from B&O--we deserve it! (I have a very, very strong feeling that it will be the TV...)

You can get more info (pricing, store locator, technical specs, etc.) from the links below:
Bang and Olufsen official site
BeoWorld

Apple

The iPhone....(sigh)
I have had enough of the iPhone. As predicted, it still has kinks and Apple will come out with a smaller, cheaper version in the fall. I...AM...SO...OVER...IT. Just in case you watch absolutely no TV whatsoever, here's a pic and a link:





























So, there , I talked about the coveted iPhone. Now when Apple creates a method by which I can sync my iPod to someone else's computer without completely erasing my entire library or importing songs manually, only then I will be screaming, very loudly, the praises of Apple. And, once EVERYTHING (all attachments and programs) opens on my MacBook, I will again drop to my knees and thank God for Apple. Until then, a pic and link is all they get from me.

Make a fabulous day for yourselves gents!

PS...for my ladies, here's a very cool site that has all the femme tech gadgets that appeal to us:
Shiny Shiny. I absolutely love it!

High Waisted Jeans--Hot or Not?

Jennifer Lopez







Ok, I'm old enough to actually remember high-waisted jeans--and when I heard that they were coming back to haunt the fashion world, I absolutely cringed. I had had enough of the leggings, big bangles, and doorknocker earrings (Can leggings PUL-LEASE go back to the fashion crypt?). But, when I saw some of the celebs rocking them, I had to take a second look and revamp my feelings. Although they can create a fierce and fabulous outfit, there are a few do's and don'ts:

1. Do wear them with a fitted top, otherwise you will look like a giant muffin. Tuck in your shirt!
2. Do have a somewhat flat tummy. If you want to look like you are wearing maternity pants, just go to Pea in a Pod and purchase them.
3. Don't go overboard with the trends and think that you can wear them--no matter the style outcome (see Eve below).
4. Don't select a pair that has extra fabric in the pocket area. The goal of high-waist is to create a flatter tummy than you actually have, although you need a flat tummy in the first place (kind of ironic, isn't it?) Extra fabric just creates the potbelly effect (see Jessica Simpson below).

STYLE VERDICT: If you decide to rock a pair, take a very, very good look in the mirror. You must be absolutely comfortable with your look and it MUST enhance/flatter your silhouette. Here are some things to consider:
1. If no flat tummy, NO.
2. If you have to suck in immensely, NO.
3. If you are only shopping solo with no real constructive criticism from a true friend, NO.
4. If you only want to look like JLo, Fergie, or Bey for only a day, NO.

If the skinny, high waisted denim isn't cut for your body type, try those cut with a with fullness or flare (see Jessica Alba below). These denims are only for those who have the necessary requirements (see above), sizes 0-8 (with either a perfect silhouette or virtually no hips) and a fearless and fabulous attitude. Nothing more, nothing less.....























Ciara--she's young and fit enough for a cute and youthful look.





















Eve--there is something about Eve's outfit...that I don't like. I don't care how much tambourine shaking you do, no magic amount of shaking will change this don't into a do. The pants are WAY too tight and she is suffering from camel toe. Not a good look, Eve...






















Gwen Stefani and Fergie--why oh why?


















J.Lo can simply do no wrong---from sexy chic to casual chic--there are no words....to find the jeans on the left, check here.






















Jessica Simpson--there are no words for this...but if I had to speak, it would be, "What the hell?"





















Jessica Alba--I actually really like this look. The fullness of the pants counterbalance the high waist, creates a nice silhoutte, and is flattering to her shape. I could do this....






















And Victoria Beckham has mothers all over the globe taking their maternal sexy up a notch--the pants work on her. When you are a size -2, most things will fit....


And Fergie and Bey try to spice it up with a pair of suspenders. It's a cute look, but if you have anything bigger than a B-cup, it's not gonna work well at all.....


































Fergie in "Big Girls Don't Cry" video






























Where to find the denim jeans:
Grey Ant
Citizens of Humanity
Seven Jeans
Just Cavalli
J Brand

For more on high waisted denim, also check out I Like Her Her Style! and The Fashion Bomb.

I do suggest, if you insist on keeping in line with this ridiculous trend, wearing high waisted trousers. They are much more forgiving than the denims and can be transformed from a day to night look (perfect for those after work happy hours and cocktail parties!)





















Keira Knightley



















The Olsen twins




















Classy yet casual....I love the red clutch!

Where to find the trousers:
Top Shop
Rick Owens
Alexander McQueen
Chloe

Now there are other high waisted options for those of you who just can't get enough: skirts, shorts, and even bikinis (Chanel has a HOT one). This trend will likely carry over into the fall (as seen in a few of the Fall/Winter collections already), so now my female fabulites will be absolutely prepared!

Holiday--La Vida Dolce Edition--the Amalfi Coast, Italy

It's that time again--- to go on holiday. Although I never grow tired of going to Miami (I find any beach with bright sand and clear blue water amazingly relaxing) and will soon spend time in Vegas, occasionally I have to bring out the good ol' pasaporte and go beyond the borders of US Immigration and Naturalization services. From time to time, we fabulites will explore opulent destination vacation spots all over the globe. Consider this a completely epicurean experience!

The Amalfi Coast













Not just a line in a Jay-Z rhyme in one of his songbird lovergirl's hits, the Amalfi coast is home to a luscious coastline that is the envy of all highways well-traveled.

I don't pretend to be a travel writer, so here is a great synopsis found on Wayfaring travel guide:

"The Amalfi Coast, Italy (la Costiera Amalfitana) is a beautiful 50 kilometer stretch of mountainous coastline situated on the Sorrento peninsula between Sorrento and Salerno, just south of Naples, in the region of Campania. This coastline is dotted with small picturesque villages and towns stacked precariously on steep, pale rocky cliffs plunging sheer into the the Mediterranean Sea. The famous islands of Capri and Ischia are nearby, both of stunning natural beauty.

Legend has it that Hercules loved a nymph called Amalfi and when she died, Hercules buried her in the world’s most beautiful place and, in her honor, he gave the place her name.

The Amalfi Coast has been one of Italy’s major tourist attractions for decades. It is regarded by many as Europe’s most beautiful stretch of coast.

For those who like to drive, one of the highlights of a trip to this area is the romantic coastal road itself. The narrow serpentine road clings to the coastal cliffs, soaring and plunging and winding around the towering cliffs that fall sheer into the sea. By car or bus, this road offers some dramatic and breathtaking scenery. At some places it is so narrow that two vehicles can hardly pass and have to back up to yield way to each other.

Amalfi is the largest town on this stretch of coast and a good place to base yourself when visiting the area. This small and picturesque seaside resort, famous for its glorious history as a maritime republic, has some spectacular scenery, and great weather conditions. The white, pink and yellow cottages are surrounded by whitewashed courtyards and winding alleys that makes a walking tour a pleasant experience. Amalfi also has several historical monuments that are worth visiting, such as the Cathedral, the old dockyards and the old Paper Mills where the famous paper of Amalfi was made in the past. Many buildings in the town are surrounded by immaculately kept gardens and terraces, lemon trees, and grape and olive vines.

In the town’s harbor you can find the Piazza Flavio Gioia. One of its sides reaches directly into the ocean. This is a lively area with age-old workshops and a chapel of St. Ann. At one of the many bars on the harbour, you can have a glass of superb wine and sample a delicious antipasto. Ships to Positano, Salerno and the island of Capri leave from this harbor. Some boats also offer to take you on a day-trip tour of the famous Grotta Smeralda (the green grotto)."



I would absolutely love to live the gilded life of a well-worn traveler... sauntering off to the most sumptuous spots in the world...but somehow...being a working mother of two and a dutiful wife, I just can't find the time to drop everything and go....but, of course, I still find time to go to fabulous places ev'ry now and then!

I plan to visit the Amalfi coast in '08, so if any of you fabulites have been and can give me a first hand experience or traveling tips, email me and give me the ultimate scoop! I may weep openly in a jealous fit, but I can deal....

Personal Branding Seminar

For those of you in the Washington DC Metro area, I invite you to come out to learn the tips and tricks of creating your very own personal brand. Learn how to make distinctive impressions and get noticed (on purpose!) I am presenting a seminar for Professionals in the City on Thursday, July 12 from 7-9pm. Visit Professionals in the City for more information and to sign up. Or, if you are short on time or cash, check out my article Mission Possible: Five Quick Ways to Make a Dynamic Impression.
Toodles!

SHOES, SHOES, AND MORE SHOES!

Christian Louboutin Platforms

It's always the perfect time to talk about shoes, my fabulous ones....

The hot trends of Summer o7 have followed the path of the shoes that blazed Summer 06. The wedges continued to lead the pack, followed closely by platforms, espadrilles, and sexy sandals. The thong sandals, like their ubiquitous counterpart undies, are always a must!


PLATFORM HEELS

The platform heel elongates your legs for a sexy and feminine appeal. Heels naturally elongate your legs by giving height and shaping your calf muscles. I consulted my quasi-expert, my hubby, and he, as a self-proclaimed leg and derriere man, loudly asserted that heels can do what God can't. So, ladies, get your heel game on and pump up those calves for a lean sexy look!

Feel free to glow in these platforms:

J.Lo



















And because I love most things patent leather....

Tribeca







FOR THE FABU-LUX SET ONLY!!!




















For my ultra fabulous fabulites, the Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Platform Heel. This extravagant heel can be secured in two heel heights and in rainbow colors. Even though they were the "it" shoe of Spring 07, they are still hot for summer wear. Check out your favorite celebs strutting their stuff:




























Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, Posh Spice aka Victoria Beckham


They can be found at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Neiman Marcus, Barneys, etc...if you have no luck in any of these stores, you can always play "name that shoe" on Ebay for a fabulous prize...

***I guess J.Lo really likes them--notice how the platform pumps from her line look 'remarkably' similar....

Style tip: Platforms are the best type of heels to wear--since your heel is supremely arched in relation to your toes, your feet do suffer with prolonged wear--sorry ladies---but the platform brings your toes closer to the place they should be (parallel to your heels), so they cause less wear and tear. In no way am I being bias (*says the owner of more than 20 pairs of platform heels*)



WEDGES

And for my fellow fabulites (yes, I made it up) who like the urban brand with the ginormous logo on display...

Baby Phat





And for those who dare to be different:

BCBG

I would be remiss not to mention the hazards of wearing heels. Because heels create an unnatural stance, overusage can cause long term damage. Check out the Wikipedia entry for high-heeled shoe for more information.

Hint: If you can't get into your favorite pair of ultra designer shoes (think Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin), check out this article for permanent, i.e. surgical, solutions.

THONGS
Basic tip: you can't normally go wrong in a thong unless you select some garish or horrid color that clearly does not compliment your outfit. How will you know? When people either sneer, snicker, or look away in horror when they peep your feet.

FOR MEN ONLY:

And for the gents...yes, you can wear sandals, too...(unfortunately, the only summer trend in men's summer shoewear is clean, well-maintained shoes, so let's take a look at some sandals and man thongs)

Rip Curl

Ralph Lauren

Gucci

Hermes

Cole Haan

Mark Nason