Chic Friday Looks

By Day. This cool and casual day look features a summery white top with chic details like a crocheted boatneck, elasticized waist, and fluttery hem. The top is layered under a black cardigan and worn with denim straight leg jeans. Fuschia flats add a pop of color.

Top—Old Navy
Cardigan—Ann Taylor
Jeans—Banana Republic Factory Store
Shoes—SE Boutique via DSW











By night. A sleeveless khaki and black dress with black button accents around the collar anchors the evening look. The dress is worn with red peep-toe pumps and a red folding clutch with edgy, gold hardware.

Dress—Banana Republic Factory Store via eBay
Shoes—Tahari via Smartbargains
Bag—Linea Pelle via LP Collection

Goddess Appeal

Divine inspiration. This yellow empire dress exudes Grecian goddess appeal. It has a neckline adorned with a silk braided twist trim, soft shirring at the bodice, and a beautiful drape. A vintage floral bag provides the perfect accent. Tan d’Orsay pumps add a final touch.

I must add that this dress was a steal at $17.97, a price reflecting a $75.03 saving. In addition, as a Shop It To Me reader, the purchase decision was made even sweeter since we get free site wide shipping on SmartBargains until August, 2009.

Dress—Matty M via SmartBargains
Bag—Women’s Closet Exchange
Shoes—Tahari via Nordstrom

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Summer remake. You may remember this sophisticated number from the Right Shift post. Today’s look is a casually chic summer remix of that outfit. The tights are tossed. Magenta reptile embossed leather, pointed-toe flats replace the black pumps. A white oversized clutch adds a finishing touch.

Dress—Banana Republic
Shoes—SE Boutique via DSW
Bag—Vintage via Rag-O-Rama

Hair Story Pt. II

Alright y’all. My hair has changed a lot since my last hair story. I must first apologize for this late reply to all the questions I received since changing my profile picture over on the right. But, here goes. After an 8-year lock journey, I wanted a new look, so I returned to my fro! Big change, right?



As shown above, there are several styles that can be achieved with locks (photos snapped in 2008). But, this time around, I wanted hair that was big. I wanted hair that was full. So, I unleashed my fro by cutting and loosing out my locks.



To manage the new mane, I sought the expertise of the YouTube Naturals, frequenting the channels of Rustic Beauty, BrownfaceTV, Naturally Scandalous, and many others. I also morphed into a product junkie, sampling every hair product line from Karen's Body Beautiful to Miss Jessie's. Those expensive product testing days are over, for I have found what my hair needs in the Komaza Care line.

Here’s an updated favorite haircare products list.



Favorite shampoo—Carol’s Daughter Rosemary Mint Shampoo. It leaves my scalp clean without stripping my hair of moisture. I’ve also become a fan of the Khoret Amen Herbal Shampoo after finding it in Marshalls for $4.99.

Favorite Conditioner—Komaza Care Califa Care Conditioner. My tangles surrender to this conditioner. And, it smells amazing.

Favorite Moisturizer—Komaza Care Shea Butter Lotion. This light and non-greasy lotion penetrates my hair leaving it soft and shiny.

Favorite Moisturizing Spray—Komaza Care Califa Care Spray. This is not your watered down conditioning spray. It is thick and rich with conditioners. It is so thick that I usually dilute it thereby stretching one bottle.

Favorite Stylers—Komaza Care Coconut Curl Lotion and Coconut Hair Pudding. Both of these products are moisturizers in their own right. So, when I want well-defined curls, I just use these products, either the curl lotion alone or both the curl lotion and the hair pudding.

Peace

The Simple Black Dress

Hey peeps. I was lured into the Gap by a recent sale, 40% of already marked down items. I am glad I was because I found this simply chic black dress for about $25. While we don’t pay full price for anything, wouldn’t this versatile poplin cotton dress be worth it, with its sleeveless bodice, crew neckline, voluminous skirt, and hidden pockets?

The dress is worn today with a yellow croc belt. Giraffe print, mary jane style peep-toe pumps elevate the look to new fashion heights.

Dress—Gap
Belt—Banana Republic Factory Store
Shoes—Nine West via 6pm

The Right Shift

Ageless style. Who doesn’t love the classic silhouette of a shift dress? This version of the timeless classic is just right with its modern print and feminine cowl neck details. Black opaque tights and black booties complete the look.

Dress—Banana Republic
Tights—Merona for Target
Shoes—Nine West via Marshalls

Back in Black

True. This look does not quite exude spring freshness. But, I could not resist the delicate details—three quarter puff sleeves, flirty ruffles, and perfectly placed pleats—on this black shirtdress. The dress is worn with black tights and black booties. A yellow croc belt adds a splash of color while accentuating the waist.

Dress—Banana Republic Factory Store
Belt—Banana Republic Factory Store
Tights—Merona for Target
Shoes—Nine West via Marshalls

Spring Sensibility

Ok. Ok. So, it is still cold outside. But, one sure way to shake off the winter blues is by embracing the fresh colors of spring. I have been excited about this spring too because according to Pantone’s Fashion Color Report for Spring 2009, some of my favorite colors are going to be widely available.

Today’s casual look features a salmon colored ruched tank paired with a classic v-neck cardigan in the freshest shade of blue, a color the Gap is calling 'autumn sky.' The tops are worn with dark rinse wide leg denim trousers. Orange leather flats and a burgundy pleated leather bag add chic finishing touches.

Tank—Tahari via Marshalls
Cardigan—Gap
Pants—Banana Republic Factory Store
Shoes—MICHAEL Michael Kors via Macy’s
Bag—Francesco Biasia via eBay

P.S. Thanks so much for continuing to stop by and for your comments/emails of concern. I am hoping to get back to my regular posting routine very shortly. Much love and style (on a budget of course).

Chic Winter Dressing

So yes. It is so hard to get dressed when the temperature is below 10 degrees F. Today’s chic sweater dress from BR makes it a little easier with its warming wool/cashmere blend, “red carpet” color, swing silhouette, and feminine cowl neckline. The dress is paired with black leggings and knee-high pull-on boots. A studded belt completes the look.

Dress—Banana Republic
Belt—Destination Style NY by Patricia Field via HSN
Boots—Banana Republic

Staying Warm in Style

Brrr…Cold days make you want to pull out the velour sweat suit and Uggs. Just kidding. Admittedly though, style can become a low priority when bundling up for the worst wintery days. But, with a few key winter accessories like a fabulous coat or the perfect pair of boots, staying stylish and warm can be easy.

Today’s outfits features basic straight leg jeans worn with a cable knit sweater (not shown) and a standout check patterned coat. Perfectly slouched brown boots, tan leather gloves, a yellow scarf, and a tan handbag add finishing touches.


Coat—Ann Taylor Loft
Jeans—Banana Republic Factory Store
Scarf—Jones New York via Marshalls
Gloves—Etienne Aigner via Marshalls
Boots—Jeffrey Campbell via Solestruck