Sometimes working at home can be depressing. I'm indoors all day and my usual uniform is sweats. There is nothing like a pair of sweats to make you feel like you are supposed to relax or have the flu. I decided that I need to start "dressing for work" as if I were going to a real job. That's so funny, because I am always defending myself that what I do is a real job. Anyway, I have found that how you dress can really affect how you feel. For instance, if I am tired and/or not feeling so hot, I like to dress up so I will feel better. If I am nervous, I will wear my favorite outfit to boost my confidence. Today was the best day to start! In the midst of the several on and off weeks of rain, this week has been up to 80 degrees warm! So today was the first day that my arms and toes have been seen since at least October. This Spring my goal is to not buy anything new. So, I will be sharing some outfits with you that incorporate previous seasons trends with items I have found in my salvaging excursions. Today's outfit is a blouse I bought last spring on sale at Urban Outfitters and a pair of Levi's skinny jeans from Anthropologie (this is going to be a hard store to resist). Accessories include a pair of thrifted gladiator sandals which are a must have this season if you don't already own some, a flea market gold chain and bead necklace wrapped twice, and vintage sunglasses. Oh, I almost forgot my favorite bag...a vintage snakeskin bag that makes me feel like Mary Poppins...it's amazing how much I can fit in there. Unfortunately, the straps are slowly breaking. :)

Ok, I am going to give the blog thing another try. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the latest Salvage Life photo shoot. Big props to Nathan and Katie for making such sweet photos. I especially love the one in the road with the green dress!

I Like Their Style!: The Get ‘Em Girls…

Curious to know what men look for in women? Wonder no more. Three southern-gals, Shakara Bridgers, Jeniece Isley, and Joan Davis, set out to find out exactly what makes men tick simply by asking them. Their discovery led to “The Get ‘Em Girl's Guide To Unlocking the Power of Cuisine,” the first in the series of books penned to help any city diva find and keep a man. Although it's an old-fashioned cliché, the way to a man's heart is still through his stomach. From the first date to the wedding reception, good food plays an important role in relationships and in life. The Get 'Em Girl's Guide To Unlocking the Power Of Cuisine is filled with helpful advice from stocking your pantry and shopping for basic kitchen tools to tips on proper table settings and wine selections. Each chapter is preceded with laugh-out-loud advice on impressing your special someone and tried and true comfort food recipes.

Although the book is filled with tips to help you get your man, the authors forewarn, that the book is not intended to send women back into the kitchen. "When we first decided to write this book, it was solely based on our love of three things, food, fun, and men. Being three single career-oriented women living in New York, we didn't need (or want) to cook. There's a restaurant, deli, and take-out place on every block. We knew that in order to keep a man in a place as big as New York City, with so many beautiful women to choose from, we had to step up our game and ask ourselves what are we bringing to the table that separates us from the others? Yes, we're all beautiful, intelligent, and educated, but so are the millions of other women waiting to take our places." Never were truer words spoken.

If you like what you see here, head over to the Get ‘Em Girls three official sites. The main site (launching soon) will feature regular articles on everything ranging from food, business, fashion, beauty, technology and health. Their MySpace page keeps you up to date on all the Get ‘Em Girl happenings and finally their blog, updated daily, offers the latest musings on life, entertainment and culture. See below for how to find out about their future events including the Girls Bite Out 2008!
Authors Joan Davis, Shakara Bridgers and Jeniece Isley.

Go Get ‘Em!

Join the ladies for their official book launch this weekend in New York. Look forward to cooking demonstrations, cooking tips, menus, and recipe ideas that will guarantee to have your husband (or husband-to-be!) worshipping the ground you to work on. These three sassy ladies have got you covered. Whether it’s a sophisticated meal for two or a traditional Sunday dinner like Mama used to make, the Get ‘Em Girls will show you how it’s done. Be sure to get there early! For more info on future events click here.

When: Saturday, March 1st, 2008
Time: 1pm – 2pm
Where: The Cellar Kitchen @ Macy’s Herald Square, 151 W 34th Street, New York

Style Inspiration: Good Girl Gone Bad

Rihanna Eats Outside of Da Silvano in New York City on June 19, 2007.

Mya and Cassie channel their bad side with leather and patant respectively.

Turtkeneck: Thalia Top, $19.80, www.forever21.com; Necklace: Mingled Half Moon Necklace, $7.80, www.forever21.com; Hobo Bag: Crescent Ring Brass Studded Hobo, $129.99, www.shoplush.com; Studded Bangle: Studded Bangle, $4, www.charloterusse.com; Belt: Wide Spot Elastic Belt, $50, www.topshop.com; Leather Jacket: Nappa Leather Jacket $3270, www.net-a-porter.com; Red Bangle: Leather And Rivet Wristband, $24, www.topshop.com; Platform Shoes: Trippin, $119.95, www.stevemadden.com; Shorts: Linen High Waist Short, $22.50, www.wetseal.com; Skinny Pants: Piper Embroidered Pocket Pant, $32.50, www.alloy.com; Gloves: Wrist Length Stretch Fishnet Gloves with Dot Pattern, $9.99, www.greatglovesonline.com; Black Vest: Filippa Sequin Top by K Karl Lagerfeld, $290, www.net-a-porter.com; Thigh-High Boots: Black Thigh High Boots, $59.99, www.buycostumes.com; Ruffle Shirt: Chiffon Ruffle Top, $25.50, www.wetseal.com; Ankle Boots: Wrap Bootie, $29.63, www.alloy.com; Clutch: Oversized Distressed Bordeaux Clutch, $46, www.amiciaccessories.com; Chain Bracelet: Brass Knuckle Bracelet, $9.99, www.girlprops.com; Black Bangle: Ruby Panther Bangle by Mawi, $466, www.my-wardrobe.com; White Vest: StarLogoTank, $62, www.blackgirlsrockinc.com

Every girl has a bad side. Yes, even you. Dig deep. It’s in there somewhere! Every now and again we need to mix it up a little wardrobe-wise and nothing does that more than bad ass style. If you need a little help bringing out your wild side, just try throwing on some leather, strap on gravity defying boots, draw on some Amy Winehouse-esque eyeliner and strut like it’s your birthday! Take style tips from the three ladies above. Mya dared to take on leather pants – we all know how unforgiving they can be. She softened the look a little by teaming leather with black, chiffon frills. Cassie walked the red carpet in daring thigh-high, patant boots. And Ms. Rihanna, the undisputed princess of darkness, kept it simple with a black vest and skinny jeans, however her brass knuckle boots by Dsquared² took this look to the next level (the real brass knuckles on her hands didn’t hurt the look either). If this is all a bit too vampish for you, try an alternative take on the “good girl gone bad” theme. This Party dress by the theUrbanCollection.com screams “I’m a non-conformist but I don’t take myself too seriously.” After all, being bad should be fun.

AmberMag.com

AmberMag.com is the premiere destination for African-American and Hispanic women who want the latest information on trends in the beauty world. Founded by Marcia A. Cole (editorial director), who also acted as the Deputy Editor of Lifestyle and Features for Suede magazine, this online publication offers comprehensive and honest reviews on products that we can actually use. I particular love their Salon and Spa locator because Lord knows it’s hard to find a good hairstylist and waxer! Also check out their video library which contains up-to-the-minute beauty and hair tips you can do yourself. You may have also noticed that the Iman video feature below was by AmberMag.com. Visit the site and let me know what you think.

Think Pink!

Accessories available at the Pink Hibiscus Boutique.

Inside Pink Hibiscus Boutique.

Can Washington DC handle another hip, trendy and effortlessly stylish boutique? Silly question, huh? Well pull your pocket books and blackberrys out, this one’s worth noting. With new shipments arriving daily, Pink Hibiscus Boutique never fails to impress. Even the most disciplined fashionista would have a hard time resisting the labels on offer. Nicole Miller, Prada, Fendi, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Michael Kors, Trina Turk, Kitchen Orange, BCBG and Missoni being just a few. Whether it’s a business suit, cocktail dress or evening gown your after, Pink Hibiscus can provide. Sylvia Pool, who launched the boutique just over three months ago after 21 years in the real estate business says, “many pieces that you find at Pink Hibiscus are sexy, classy and rich in color, fabric and design. You had better have the confidence to wear them!” Confidence isn't the problem, fighting temptation however is an ongoing struggle. I dare you to test your will...

Address:
Pink Hibiscus Boutique

2604 Georgia Ave, NW

2nd Floor

Washington, DC 20009

Store inquiries: 202 332 3333

Products I’m Lovin’

Left to right: Monoi Body Glow II, $59, www.sephora.com; Miss Jessies Rapid Recovery Treatment, $48 for 12oz, www.missjessies.com; Elizabeth Arden Intervene Makeup SPF 15 in Soft Cocoa, $36, www.shop.elizabetharden.com; Yes to Volume by Bourjois Paris, $14, www.bourjoisusa.com

Blogging at the best of times ain’t easy, but once in a while the mailman will ring the doorbell and what he has in his hands reminds me why I love it so much. Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been receiving some goodies from various beauty companies. So it’s that time again for another “Products I’m Lovin’” feature – these are the items I’ll continue buying long after the freebies run out! NARS has added the “Monoi Body Glow II” oil to their beauty line. Native to the South Pacific and France, Monoi de Tahiti oil is the result of macerating the native tiare flower (Tahitian gardenia) in refined coconut extract for at least ten days, slowly infusing the oil with nutrients as well as a delicate, natural fragrance. Available at Sephora.com for $59, this oil leaves my skin silky smooth and smelling so sweet. It’s great for skin that dries easily as it locks in the moisture from your shower/bath. Also use as a massage oil for post-Valentine’s day fun! ;)

My hair has found a new best friend in Miss Jessie’s “Rapid Recovery” treatment. I’ve been using it once every week for the last 3 weeks as a deep conditioner and my hair loves it! My hair is so soft and bouncy after each use and my hair seems shinier than ever. The 12oz tub costs $48 but if you’re weary about making such an expensive commitment, try the sample 2oz tub for just $9.

Elizabeth Arden has launched a new foundation. “Intervene Makeup SPF 15” is a new liquid makeup with Biodormin™ - helps prevent skin aging and evens skin tone. Though they don’t have this foundation in a variety of colors for black skin (the darkest they go is Soft Cocoa), I like how light it feels after application. At $36, this isn’t the cheapest foundation out there but is does offer excellent finish. Let the intervention begin!

Hands up all of you who are fed up of mascara that clumps together your eyelashes. This mascara by Bourjois Paris has been around for awhile but I’ve only just discovered it. Unlike typical mascaras that have brush applicators the “Yes to Volume,” has a comb applicator that does a good job of separating the lashes while it elongates. I use it to supplement my regular mascaras. It finishes up my lashes nicely! It costs $14, but I think it’s totally worth it.

Another Day, Another Empire to Build…

…that’s the mantra Iman lives by. As if running a worldwide cosmetics line and penning books that sell millions wasn’t enough, the 52-year-old wife and mother recently launched her own fashion line called “IMAN Global Chic.” Inspired by her glamorous adventures around the world and her personal collection of unique pieces, the line aims to provide everyday women with eye-catching accessories. According to Iman a woman is “never fully dressed without an accessory.” And with nothing in her line costing more than $130, no woman has an excuse for not rocking a little bling! The line is available exclusively on HSN.com so click here to start shopping. See Iman talk about her new creations in the video below.

Left to right: Amber-Inspired Bold Bangle Duo, $59.95; Ribbed Vintage-Inspired Cuff, $59.95; Florentine Proposal Ring, $54.95; Venetian-Style 7-1/4” Faceted Bracelet, $49.95 all available on www.hsn.com

Left to right: City Tote Signature Handbag in Black Patent, $124.95; Vintage-inspired Evening Bag in Zebra, $69.95; Hollywood Envelope Clutch in Black, $59.95; City Tote Signature Handbag in Caramel all available on www.hsn.com

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson arrives to The New Pink BlackBerryr Pearl Smartphone Launch Party at A+D Studio on January 31,2008 in Los Angeles,California.

Ok, ok. So after numerous emails I decided to just do a "steal style" on this dress rather than attempt to answer you all individually. Sometimes it just isn't possible to get back to all of you so don't be offended if you don't hear from me :)

I couldn't locate Rosario's exact dress but I found some pretty cute alternatives. Rosario looks best when she dresses down as opposed to up. I love the simple accessories and natural make up and hair. Dressing up doesn't always mean sequins and skin-tight clothing *side eyes Beyonce.*

Steal Rosario's Style...

Dress: UO Villanelle Dress, $58, www.urbanoutftters.com

Bracelet: Gucci-licious Bracelet with Toggle in Gold, $12.99, www.girlprops.com

Pumps: Steve Madden Luvvy Pumps, $69.96, www.endless.com

Necklace: Hammered Coin Necklace, $22, www.rimistyle.com

If you prefer to accentuate your waist, add a thin brown suede belt to this look. Keep it loose though as you don't want to ruin the natural shape of the dress. This type of dress looks great with flip flops so hang on to it for summer!

Best of the Rest...

Left to right: Navy Stretch Jersey Bubble Dress by ABS $93.49, www.bluefly.com; Lauren Conrad Sophia Dress, $145, www.shopintuition.com; Draped Tunic Dress by 3.1 by Phillip Lim, $364, www.bigdropnyc.com

The best thing about these dresses are that they can pass for tops as well - double the value! Either way, these jersey dresses make the perfect lazy Sunday get-up. Throw on some statement jewelry to stand out from the crowd and to stop this look getting plain.

Introducing Ally Marie…

Allyson Leak, the designer and founder of Ally Marie.
Left to right: 1805 Pocket Book Necklace; Antique-inspired Brooches; Crystal Moon Earrings

Left to right: Charm Earrings; Little Woman Earrings; Bamboo Necklace; Antique Earrings

Ever heard of the saying “wearable art”? Ally Marie Couture Jewelry embodies just that! Spear headed by up-and-coming designer Allyson Leak, Ally Marie’s pieces have all the charm of vintage jewelry but none of the pretension. If you like your accessories subtle yet unique, contemporary yet mature this line is perfect for you. Ally Marie is for the woman who values that one perfect piece that can take her from a day at the office to a night on the town. Key features of the line include the 1805 Pocket Book Necklace – a 14k gold purse with a string of brass chains; and the Pearl Necklace – a mix of antique sterling silver beads, freshwater pearls and a sterling chain along the back. Allyson makes all her pieces by hand. She says of her work, “Fashionistas, if it’s quality you’re looking for, be assured that every creation is handmade to perfection. Divas, if its exclusivity you crave, hit me up for an Ally Marie one-of-a-kind!” With that said there's nothing left to do but visit www.allymarie.com.

Tracy Reese Fall 2008

Look up the word “eclectic” in the dictionary and Tracy Reese’s latest collection will be right under it. If you’re a girl that literally likes to mix things up this collection was screaming your name. She had all the ingredients for a style rebel in the making. Animal print skirts paired with frilly tops. Check. Satin draped over plaid pencil skirts. No problem. Knitwear teamed with ornate brocade dresses. Absolutely! Tracy wasn’t afraid to take different colors and textures and throw them together. But there was a method to the madness. The collection had an effortless cohesion and although I would not wear the outfits exactly as she presented them, I definitely saw pieces I’d want to buy to fit into my existing wardrobe. Tracy took it “all the way there” with her latest offering and I LOVE IT!

Rachel Roy Fall 2008

I don’t know ladies. Rachel Roy’s collections usually have me tickled but I wasn’t sure where her and her team were going with this one. The theme was clearly Native-Americans meet your colonial incarcerators! Slightly odd. While I applaud the use of different textures from tweed to satin, I’m confused by some of the silhouettes namely look 10, 14 and 17. I do however love look number 4 (pictured right). Everything from the color, to the proportion of the dress is perfect. I also love the accessories she used for each piece, they added nice touches to the entire collection. All in all I appreciate where Rachel Roy was trying to achieve but it wasn’t always successful.

Baby Phat Fall 2008

Kimora and the rest of the Baby Phat team did what they do best. Put on a high profile, star studded runway show filled with clothes most of us will never see again. While I don’t knock her hustle, I increasingly find myself frustrated with the fact that none of these items will ever be mass produced. This is not Chanel or Alexander McQueen. Baby Phat should consider reaching a wider market by distributing some of these pieces. Some really cute outfits were on display. Ok, so let me get off my high horse and talk about the collection for a minute. Things didn’t really get interesting until look 34 – a gorgeous, flirty, purple dress that would flatter most figures. Baby Phat didn’t really seem to push a cohesive theme, there were just a few cute outfits scattered here and there. The mustard yellows and deep playful violets were a welcome reprise from the otherwise bland color palette. Though the clothes were definitely more wearable than seasons past, I wasn’t really inspired. I doubt Baby Phay really care to inspire, they’ll get the headlines regardless.

Leona Lewis covers Harper's Bazaar UK...

British singer Leona Lewis is on the February cover of the UK Harper's Bazaar. With a voice to rival Mariah Carey and the looks of a supermodel, get ready for Leona fever. She's had great success over in the UK and is starting to make waves here in the States. As a fellow Brit I'm rooting for her all the way. See more from this photo shoot here.

Style on the Go…

Dania Ramirez attends the new Pink BlackBerry Pearl Smartphone launch party on January 31, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

Kerry Washington attends the CNN, LA Times, POLITICO Democratic Debate after party at the Roosevelt Hotel on January 31, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

Rosario Dawson arrives to The New Pink BlackBerryr Pearl Smartphone launch party at A+D Studio on January 31, 2008 in LA.

Golden Brooks attends the launch party for Verizon's BlackBerry Pearl 8130 at the A+D Studio on January 31, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

Rising star Dania Ramierez has been catching my eye lately. Never failing to look perfectly polished, she wowed me with her choice of heels at the Pink BlackBerry Pearl Smartphone launch party. I would never have thought to pair a black mini dress with leather, tan colored toeless boots. Bravo Dania, bravo!

Kerry Washington kept it conservative at the CNN, LA Times, POLITICO Democratic Debate after party. This bell-shaped, pin stripped suit is nothing short of classy but she lightened things up with a bright red clutch and big, cute gold earrings. Loves it!

Rosario Dawson can be a hit or miss with her fashion choices. This time was a major hit. This is one of those dresses every girl should have in their wardrobe for when they feel like dressing up but want to be comfortable. Sometimes a girl just doesn’t want to deal with fidgeting all night. Oh and the long pendant is a nice touch.

Finally, Golden Brooks was oh so close with this outfit. The dress is tres cute but the heels?! Golden please explain yourself. Well, from the ankles up I think she looks nice. I’m sure many of you will disagree but I just love the frilly sleeves on her dress. I could totally rock it!

Trash & Luxury Trunk Show

Meet the genius behind Trash & Luxury, the new line designed by up-and-coming designer Hushi Mortezaie. He used to work with Patricia Field on the set of Sex & the City, so you can already imagine how bold his style philosphy is. Mortezaie is having a trunk show this weekend in Costa Mesa, California. Celebrities such as Rihanna, Kim Catrrall, Natasha Bedingfield and Juno star Ellen Page wear their shirts, not just on camera, but in their real lives too. Kim Cattrall will be sporting one of his shirts in the upcoming Sex & the City movie. Be sure to drop in on the event if you live in the Cali area. See below for details. The rest of us can purchase his shirts at Patricia Field Online.


When: Saturday February 2, 2008
Time: 1pm – 4pm
Where: Nordstrom Savvy Department, South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
More info: 714 549 8300

Photos from Trash & Luxury's latest campaign.