It's Been A Long Time!

It's been a while, hasn't it?

I have good excuses reasons but I'll save them for another time.

Let's blame it on Blogger being down for a couple of days.

What?

It's TRUE.

Blogger was down!

So that's my reason.

(Target Tank/Vintage Skirt*/Random Belt, Thrifted clutch)

The pockets on this skirt are fabulous!

My school year is winding down and wedding planning is in high gear.

I never really mention that I'm planning a wedding because I don't want to turn this into a wedding blog.

Like we need another one of those!

But I will give great highlites because you won't believe the gifted people that have come through this blog that will have a heavy influence on that day:)

I will say this...it won't be one of those "awww look at her skip on fake rose petals down the yellow brick road then watch them stuff cake in each other's face and everybody laughs because he got cake in her hair" type of events.

I don't have time for all of that foolishness and HOMIE DON'T PLAY THAT!

And my wedding shoes are leopard print for goodness sake.

I wouldn't have it any other way...but you knew that:)

It'll be lowkey but fun. Emphasis on fun.

 I'll share bits and pieces after it's all said and done.

 Today, I had the pleasure of meeting Yvette, owner of Belle Curve Boutique in Houston.

Chastity from The Curvy Girl's Guide to Style introduced us. (She knows everybody!)

I got to see some of the latest Spring items and I even got to play with the dolls style a few of the newer pieces!

I had great fun and the pieces are fab, affordable and I even taught Yvette that leopard print is neutral.

My work on earth is done!

Bella Curve Dress/Necklace

Belt & 2nd necklace (my own)

If you're in Houston, drop by Belle Curve and check out some of the goodies!

Yvette told me she started her boutique because she got so frustrated with the sizing of online stores and wanted to make fashion accessible to curvy women! Tell her I sent you and give her a big hug for me:)

Belle Curve Boutique

10350 South Post Oak

Suite 100

Houston, Texas

Belle Curve Top/Harem Pants

(These pics don't do the pants justice...the sequin band is part of the pants)

My personal bag by DIY RAVEN

P.S...These pictures SUCK hot boiled eggs! I'm working on getting my real camera back in operation.

*The vintage skirt I'm wearing is technically supposed to go to SFAM but I threatened encouraged Juanette to let me try it...for business purposes of course! (kinda loving it & keeping it) We are each other's personal shoppers so it's hard giving up goodies! *hangs head*

Don't Worry, Be Happy...I'm Trying!

My summer officially comes to an end at midnight and I must get back into teacher mode...I literally have knots in my stomach realizing that the summer is over but what are ya gonna do? I am grateful that I have a job in these days.

At any rate, I have a few more wedding dress trial pictures that didn't make the cut and because I am a) avoiding banging my head against an old, tainted, hot sharp piece of glass because I have to go back to work tomorrow and b) trying not to swallow a sharp object...here are a few for your viewing or comedic pleasure.

( I know, I know. God loves me and provides for me. I know...I just wanted to sulk for about half a second...by tomorrow I will be back in action. Hey I'm human:)

The first one was a ball gown... I went in with the mindset to be open to all possibilities. It was actually cute in person but it does sort of have a moo-moo effect going on. And my ummm...shall we say...oh forget it...BOOBS... look a little larger than normal...that's never good. But maybe you were out there and you have big hair and a body shape like me...I just saved you the trouble! Oh, and it was around $1200 which meant that it NEVER EVER EVER had a chance of being purchased or even considered by me! These people are crazy with these prices!

The second was pretty, just not as pretty as the one I chose:) So I was willing to torture myself and try on the dresses, I figured somebody should see them. The lucky person is you!

Again, YOU HAVE NOT SEEN the actual dres or even close to it...so I'm not spoiling anything for those superstitious bees!

**Please DO NOTcopy or reproduce my pictures, I am torturing myself enough by exposing these on the wonderful wide web***

**Per usual, I didn't wear any makeup or wear jazzy earrings or even bring the correct undergarments so ease up on the critcism...I am looking to hire a permanent photoshopper to follow me around...so until then...be nice..But I must say that this second dress below does compliment my jelly quite well...double snaps!)

Notice how the cut of a dress makes a tremoundous difference. Thick women (that's what I call myself), must find the most slimming silhouettes to look their best! I'm just saying...and doesn't it look like atleast 2 "little people" are hiding under that first gown...(using the word midget is totally inappropriate... little people don't like it. I digress.)

God Would Approve

This post is strictly for "oooohing and aaaahing" purposes. All shoes found at Nordstrom.com.

Do I have any of these? No. Would I like a pair? Sure. Will I get them? No. Do I love them? YES YES YES!

As, Miranda from The Devil Wears Prada would say..."THAT'S ALL."

Proceed with your day:)

I Am Good! Part 2)

This was a busy weekend. There was my friend's wedding and my future mother in law's birthday. There was a common theme among both of them...I helped style both of them. Well, I sort of did...keep reading.

Let me start by saying that the older I get, I realize that I can do more than just teach ungrateful high students how to understand Romeo and Juliet...I actually like personal shopping for others and I enjoy the creative side of weddings.
First, my future mom n' law...aka "Mrs. Ball State University".

She turned the big 5-0 this weekend and looked fabulous doing so. A few months ago...well, alot of months ago, she had me tag along while she went shopping.

I encouraged her to enjoy the splendid treasures of Club Tar-Jay (Target) and she came out with a few cute pieces.

We found this beautiful Isaac Mizrahi Shirtdress under thirty bucks and she finally wore it on her birthday. She paired it with same strappy sandals and this bad azz blue/turquoise (never been that good with naming colors) handbag. Of course, I had something to do with forcing her hand to buy the purse.

Doesn't she look fab! Granted the handbag cost more than the dress but that's the beauty of fashion...to mix and match!

Whenever she gets tired of this look, she could have the sleeves taken off by a tailor, pop the collar tall and wide and throw on yellow accessories...BAM! A whole new outfit!

Also this weekend, a friend of mine got married. You may recall me saving the day by finding her wedding shoes for $40 at Nordstrom's. Well, the big day arrived and she looked FABULOUS in my creation (lol at "my creation).

She rocked the Apple Kiwi Green shoes with her wedding dress and it matched perfectly. I was the hostess and wore the green dress from the previous post. Of course, I forced her to showcase the shoes for my own personal gratification and selfish reasons. (insert evil laugh here) She wore her own dangling gold earrings and green bangles to give it a modern/eclectic look.

I also wanted to share with you her dress that she wore to her rehearsal the day before. We went to Marshalls's (of course) to pick out a dress for her bridesmaid. T, that's what we will call her...wanted to incorporate green into every aspect of her wedding.

We grabbed this beautiful green, silky dress off the rack for under $49. The goal was for the bridesmaid to wear the dress for the weddng but somehow it never made it past T. Go figure. T claims the dress belonged on her body thus she kept it.

She rocked the dress at the wedding rehearsal with a black braided belt from Urban Outfitters, pewter heels and of course her Mantilla Wedding veil. Hey...why not...get as much wear you can out of it right?

This dress actually wasn't the exact green she needed which also contributed to the bride wearing the dress for herself. I believe the dress was made by Donna Ricco, I will check with her and update if that is not correct.

Still a cute look. Simple, classy, flattering, chic and can be worn over and over again. This is how you have a chic and affordable wedding.

You need a personal stylist? A personal shopper? Hire me! You would be helping the economy and by "economy", I mean ME!

Lastly, I wanted to share this one photo of a guest at the wedding. I had to take a picture of Ms. Tonya because she rocked her curves to death! I love it when women aren't afraid to celebrate their shape and do it with confidence. Two things drew me to this outfit...The neckline she created with the bolero and the belt! Perfect! Don't be afraid of patterns, solid colors can be boring.

I am practicing what I preach by wearing more patterns this summer:) I kind of feel like Wulona from Good Times in this dress but the colors make me happy:)

Enjoy....Oh, Don't steal my pictures. If you must reference a photo, please reference my site or link back to this post. It's the right thing to do. Plus, I have a pact with God...let's just say you don't want to go that route:)

Call Me Crazy?

You might have to call me a little crazy after this post. I am thinking about having my bridesmaids walk down the aisle with cute clutch purses in lieu of flowers. (proceed to lookout the side of your eye...it's okay...I expect it)

But if a wedding is supposed to reflect the couple's style, clutches would certainly be categorized as something that I love. Who says that you have to walk down the aisle with flowers anyway? Is that in a handbook somewhere?

Will I be shunned by my guest if they see beautiful clutch purses coming down the aisle instead of flowers? Will they stand immediately up and walk out of the room? Will they stone me? I think not.

I am an eclectic girl and I like eclectic things. This actually makes my soul sing happy songs. I love the details matching too...a clutch with a bow will get a matching shoe with the bow. I clutch with a flower would get a shoe with a flower...it's all in the details.

Just a thought. I am pretty sure I will get some opposition on this one but what would be the big deal? We walk around all day with purses on a regular day...how unnatural would it be for one to rock a bad clutch down the aisle....15 minutes TOPS!

I love it? Am I going too far? My planning juices are flowing and it takes someone like me to actually execute such a thought...but in my head it's quite "clessy" (spelled incorrectly purposely:)

Picture it. Black cocktail dresses, clutch and red sexy shoes. How fabulous! This is my version of "going green"...making sure all elements of the wedding can be used again...sounds good anyway!

I'm not going out of my way to be different but I don't want to go out of my way to be boring either:)

What do you think? Just an idea I am throwing around in my head...who knows, they may just walk down the aisle with some soulful eighth grade carnations after all!

***The clutch purses from the pictures above both come from Etsy.com. The shoes with the bows are Nina Electra shoes. The flower shoes I believe I found on Zappos.com***

P.S. I promise not to make this into a wedding blog...this is just a great place to bounce ideas around. I am going to the Anthony Hamilton concert tomorrow...hopefully I will come back with some fabulous Real People Street Style pictures!

...oh...and Amen!

I. AM. GOOD.

Okay. I am GOOD!

My friend is getting married in a few weeks and needed a pair of fabulous green shoes. They weren't just any kind of green...they were this lemon-y green that couldn't be found or possibly never existed.

She would call me from store to store and tell me that she hadn't found any luck yet. She almost settled on some cute pointed toe green something or others. The wedding is just in two weeks and I think she just wanted the process over with.

So, insert me into this story. I have a bad habit of becoming obsessed with a vision coming to life once I get involved. All week, I have been sending her pictures of shoes that she and her bridesmaid could wear. They were all just ideas...and quite frankly, it gave me something constructive to do while I count down the last nine days until my summer vacation. (Yay Teachers!)

Fast forward to yesterday, and I decide to get fitted for bras in Nordstrom's.

Long story short: Macy's is/was having a great sale and I needed new fabulous undergarments. When I got to Macy's, there was literally one sales associate working the whole floor and it didn't look like she was about to stop what she was doing to measure me. So, I got the bright idea to go to Nordstrom's to get "fitted and sized" and then come back to Macy's. I KNOW...SO scandalous but Nordstrom's wasn't having a great bra sale!

I thought the idea was pretty nifty personally:)

So, after I got my "drive-by" fitting, of course I had to browse the shoe department...WHO KNEW they were having the Sale of the year up in there! It was all kinds of mayhem going on. And I got sucked in. Since I now have my wedding dress, it's only right that I just browse or shall I say "look", that sounds alot less calculating.

So, I am browsing and walking and dreaming...and behold I came across this Delicious Green shoe! It stopped my heart like it was for my wedding and it clearly wasn't. I grabbed that baby and immediately called my friend to tell her about the shoe....of course she didn't answer...(just like in the movies).

I flipped the shoe over and WHAT, WHAT, WHAT?!?? Only $39.90 for this shoe. I had all sorts of excitement run through me (yes they have medication for that). I had never seen the exact green that my friend wanted yet. The only frame of reference I had was the color of her wedding invitation. It was the only pair in the entire store and it just so happened to be in her size, not that I really remembered her size but in a perfect world, she could fit it:)

So, I figured, I'll get the $40 shoes and if she doesn't like it...I can take it back. I bought the shoe and finally got in touch with her and had her meet me immediately...AND SHE LOVED IT!

When I say Love, I really mean Worship. Loved it as in she gasped and proceeded to prance in them right there in the middle of Marshall's (which was our meeting place...isn't it everyone's meeting place?)

I don't know why I got joy of that moment but I did. Maybe it's the inner stylist in me rearing it's ugly, conceited head. I KNEW THAT WOULD BE THE SHOE! I just knew...I felt like I single handedly gave her wedding the shoe it deserved. I am going too far with this, aren't I? (Forgive me, since I am done with graduate school, I find all kinds of things to fill the void).

Anyway...enough of the long story...I present to you THE GREEN SHOE THAT SAVED THE DAY (great book title).

These BP Enlightment Slingbacks are no longer available at Nordstrom's because of me and I take a little pride in that! I hope to find some kitten heeled versions in the future for my mom to wear at my wedding. She is already tall enough but something along these lines will suit her just swell.

...oh, and I may or may not have ordered the Red version for my wedding:) I am thinking about wearing two different shoes for the ceremony and reception...These are certainly more budget friendly than the LOUBOUTIN'S in the post below. I KNOW MY LIMITS...OR DO I??

(I feel a little wedding planner bug buzzing around in me...does being a Master of Googling and having a penchant for finding the right shade of green qualify me as such...I shall ponder)

Toodles.

....One more thing, I MOST CERTAINLY DID MARCH RIGHT BACK TO MACY'S AND SHOPPED FOR UNDERGARMENTS WITH MY HEAD HELD HIGH. FOUR CUTE BRA'S FOR UNDER 60 BUCKS...WHAT WHAT WHAT!!

Thank you Dear Fiance' for your Magic Macy's Card...I DID GOOD! (bad grammarintentional here:)

***P.S.*** Why did I just talk to my sister (Maid of Honor) and she informed me that she wants a red shoe with a RED SOLE...as in some CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN'S ?...IS SHE CRAZY!!

Here I am about to order our wedding reception dinner from Church's Chicken and she wants some RED SOLES?!? NOBODY AND I MEAN NOBODY WILL BE ROCKING RED SOLED SHOES AT MY WEDDING UNLESS IT IS ME OR Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada movie coming to personally attend my wedding!

SO unless you are going to buy some Louboutin's to PRESENT them to me as a surprise wedding gift...Back to MARSHALL'S you go dear sister!

1. But in the event that you are trying to surprise me...focus on the Black/White Christian Louboutin Bouqet shoes in the below post or even these...INCREDIBLE!

HE-HE-HE......I Kid. I Kid...No Church's Chicken either...It will be Houston's finest...Frenchy's Chicken! LOL

Will Work for Shoes!

If you wonder what my wedding dress looks like now that I've ordered it but can't post a picture yet. Jjust imagine the dress you think would go with these Fabulous Slices of Holiness and you will probably be right!

I won't dare post the price of this shoe. I would be too shame to even type the numbers knowing that I survive on a teacher's salary. Put it this way, these shoes are about 8 times more than my beautiful wedding dress. Better yet, the guests at the wedding will each have to take turns taking a picture WITH the shoe because there would be no food there to feed them to cover the cost of the shoe!

But, oh...how they would make me happy on my wedding day!! And would most definitely complete the whole ensemble. Simply beautiful!

The teacher in me will send you on a little scavenger instead. The shoes are Christian Louboutin's Bouqet Platforms. I can't very well post a link to everything...that would make you lazy...and make me feel a little less guilty about having to subject you to such an astronomically priced shoes!

Do you think Marshall's has the knock-offs of these? Probably not. Back to Zappos.com I go!

What I can post is the inspiration for my dress. This is from the now defunct tv show THE GAME. I got my dress before I saw this but let's just say, this picture makes me happy.

It is not the dress...I repeat...NOT the dress but definitely in the same family:) The search is officially over. The dress is ordered and on it's way:)

Signed...Sealed...Delivered (almost)....

So, I went dress shopping out of the blue again. I went last year and picked my dress and for the most part, I made peace with my decision. I would randomly peek at a dress here and there on the internet but felt pretty confident that the search was over. That doesn't ever stop us from looking, does it:)

I made a trip back to the bridal shop where I was pretty intent on putting down a deposit to order my dress....of course, I had to see what was new while I was there.

I am not a huge fan on trying on clothes in general but I have definitely learned that with bridal shopping, it's a whole new ballgame. So I picked about six new dresses that caught my eye and of course I brought along the one that I was just seconds away from ordering.

On the way to the fitting room, with six dresses over my shoulder, I walk past the bridesmaid dress aisle and see this ivory little frock hanging out of place. It immediately caught my eye! I thought to myself..."Self, grab that dress because that looks like it might be cute."

So, I threw that dress over my shoulder and proceeded to the fitting rooms. I tried on a few pretty dresses but none that trumped my "original" dress...the dress that was the sole reason of my trip to the bridal ship in the first place.

I took a few pictures but didn't feel too connected to any of them because the dresses were ridiculously priced...even for me...and everyone who knows me know that I will forfeit a week's meal for a cute dress.

So, right before I tried on my "original" dress just to make sure that it still made me squeal, I threw on the bridesmaid....and HOLD THE PRESSES!!! I freaking loved it! LOVED IT! LOVED IT! It was so totally me! It embodied my attitude completely and I felt all at once absolutely myself but waaaaaaaayyyyyy better looking!

Was I about to really throw my "wedding dress" to the side for something a little less traditional? Surely not right?

So, I pranced and danced and strutted across the bridal floor and took pictures. I had to try on the "original baby" on. I couldn't very well give my attention to something else. WRONG. I put on the dress and granted I still loved it...but it didn't express completely who I am as a person....so long story short...I went with my first mind and changed dresses officially.

I could not be any happier! It is super fabulous and I can't wait to wear it! Therefore, I can share with you the original dress that almost made the cut.

The saleslady took my measurements for the NEW IT dress and of course pressured me to make a deposit. I almost did, but decided to wait one more day....and I am sssssssooooooo glad that I didn't!

I went online last night to just find a picture of the new IT dress and low behold what did I find? I found the same dress literally about 80 bucks cheaper if I ordered online. What is this? My wedding dress will be under 200 bucks and not get charged all those bridal shop fees...SAY WHAT!?!

So, this makes me happier than a jitterbug (I'm from the south:) So, I have purchased my dress and have alot more cash to play with for some fab shoes...my dress is short, so shoes must be off the hook! This means I officially have a dress for a fraction of the price and I feel like I am not compromising anything at all! That's a win, win situation if you ask me. This was literally first purchase or action made toward the wedding. It was a commitment but one that I will not lose one momen of sleep debating.

And the fact that I get to be a sassy bride for a fraction of the price makes my heart sing Jesus songs! Plus, I never really wanted to feed into the "wedding machine" where I am walking around in a million dollar frilly dress that I will never wear again.

(Don't get me started on the "big business" of weddings...do you really need a program at the wedding? Must I waste your time watching me poor sand in a bottle to signify our union? Why can't the bridesmaids walk down the aisle with a fabulous clutch purse in their hands instead of some flowers that will die? Do you really feel I am less than a bride if we don't do the whole "get the garter off my leg" bit? I think not...but that's a post for another day...possibly for another blogsite....I digress...)

With that said, I can officially reveal THE DRESS that is no LONGER THE DRESS. It is the larger picture in the 4 framed box. It was an Allure dress with the black sash that was a little over 600 bucks I think. TSK TSK...now that I got an even better dress for alot less. I threw in a few other pics of my dress fittings for fun. I won't post pictures of THE NEW WINNER Dress for obvious reasons but just know that I am so channeling the Carrie Bradshaw in me!

P.S...I even found the exact dress that I longed for in a previous post...didn't feel as great on me but it did confirm my love for the bolero.

Dear Bridesmaids,

Dear Bridesmaids,

I know you have been worried that I will put you in pink tafetta or puffy sleeves or a long gown. Please put your minds at ease. I pray that you know that I want you to be sexy and comfortable for my wedding. Does this mean you will have a free for all? Not exactly. Will you get to wear something that makes you feel pretty? Absolutely!

I envision a chic black cocktail dress vibe and my utmost concern is that you are able to wear your dress again and again. Trust me, I have 4 bridesmaids dresses in my closet that have never been worn again and it burns me up to know that I was willing to purchase a royal blue gown at the age of 20 when I know that I would never have a chance to wear it again.

So with that said, God and I have come to an agreement to allow you the freedom to choose your dress with the following inspiration board in mind. Should you purchase before emailing a picture first? Of course not, but if it's black, sexy, fitted and chic, chances are I will say yes.

I have no intentions of making you looking like evil stepsisters. I don't even want you to all wear the same exact dress. That can't be fun. As long as I have final say, the dress is black and the shoes are red, I say go for it! You all know that I must have a pop of color in everything I do. Just pick a pair of red God's Favorite Shoes and be happy!

With that said, enjoy this inspiration board. This just serves as a little guide to follow as you shop or sift through countless websites and bridesmaid catalogs. I had you in mind...not completely true...I had my wedding pictures in mind. I know you all personally and I know that you all could use another LBD (little black dress) in your closet. By all means, don't spend all your duckets on your dress...you have to save that to buy us a wedding gift!

Enjoy...feel free to ask questions. Oh, a word of advice...don't even think about going to one of those cookie cutter bridal shops that have a section just for bridesmaids. I rebuke that in the name of Jesus. Think chic, cocktail, sexy and comfortable.

*** update...I found these great alternatives to the above bridesmaids dress. These are BCBG dresses from Nordstroms. I love the fact that they complement each other. LOVE LOVE LOVE...Dreams do come true:)

Amen!

Oh...MISTER, mother dear and mother n' law dear...God has a special word for you coming soon too:)

P.S....Dyeable shoes are a no no...A real shoe please! Go all the way Sex and the City with the shoes please...Just make sure it's not a shoe that I will wear, I will win that battle. Toodles!

Losing My Head!

I have really been into accessories as of late...especially headbands. I have a new hairstyle for Spring Break and needed something to jazz it up. I have been in the habit of finding cute headbands for a while for Small Fry but never for myself...that is until I needed an head upgrade myself.

The best places to buy cheap accessories is hands down Forever 21. Don't be scared to bump the teenagers out of the way to grab a cute pair of cheap earrings or scarves. I stumbled upon a few headbands and decided to indulge myself. Another great place is Urban Outfitters for the more quirky accessories but sometimes they lose their minds with their prices.

At any rate, as my Spring Break winds down...enjoy a few cute finds and a pic of me rocking a rose headband and a scarf (don't mind my eyes being closed...I was trying to practice putting eye shadow on).

Oh I have the one with the leaves too...love love love. While I was at it, I found some pics of wedding headbands/accessories for weddings from this site. I definitely think it's a possiblity for my bridal look:)

The very last pic with the black headband and birdcage veil is actually from Urban Outiftters. I have to keep that in mind when I'm shopping for bridal headgear!

I'll be back with something worthy of posting when I stumble upon it:)

Mortgage Crisis!

These shoes could possibly be the reason why so many people are suffering with their mortgages. Women are risking their mortgage just to slide their feet into these delightful slices of heaven. They are b.e.a.u.t.i....ah, yeah you get the picture!!
These are so pretty that I wouldn't even put them in the closet...they would sit smack dab on my dresser for me to wake-up and worship every morning...(just kidding...I know who my God is:)



I haven't been super inspired by anything lately and haven't been anywhere as of late that was worth bragging about but these Louboutin's do the trick for me.


I won't even rant and rave about them...just look at them! I would SO wear these babies to my wedding with a knee length dress but of course judging from the price, I would be homeless after I purchased them.


So instead, I will just ogle these beauties and ask this crafty chick to get her trusty glue gun and left over rose petals from somewhere and make them for me! Lol!

.....A girl can wish can't she? Just look at them!