An Almost Overwhelming Shopping Experience

Hello Fab Ones! How is the long weekend treating you so far? I hope you’re all relaxing and enjoying yourselves.

I just had to tell you guys about my Saturday which was spent at the Randolph Street Market. I’ve been on the Market’s mailing list for quite some time but never had the opportunity to go due to schedule conflicts. I was determined not to miss another one so I skipped out of class early so I could experience the market for myself. I met up with my girl Nikia from ChiTown Fashionista and two of her friends.

Those of you who know me, know that I love to shop. I love to browse. I love to buy. I can easily spend an entire day shopping. I. Love. To. Shop. The market was almost an overwhelming shopping venture for me, but like the trooper I am, I soldiered on ;) There was so much vintage clothing, jewelry, home decor items, vintage furniture, restored furniture, artwork, vases, designer handbags (I’m talking Hermès Birkin, Chanel, and Goyard steamer trunks). As a devout handbag lover, I was damn near faint at the sight of the vintage Louis Vuittion and Goyard luggage.

I was hoping to find some vintage sundresses but alas, it wasn’t meant to be. Many of the vintage pieces I found were too big. I was salivating over this green floor length Helen Roper-esque caftan that I was forced to leave behind *sad face* So what did I buy?


Silver leaf pin: $3.50, Gold plated money clip: $2.50, Silver & Gold cushion pin: $3

I just fell in love with both the pins and the money clip is for my brother’s birthday. I saw so much more that I wanted but I behaved myself. There will be other markets and I will be back.

If you’re in the Chicago area and have never been to the Randolph Street Market, I highly suggest you check it out. You won’t be disappointed. This is one market where you can find any and every thing you’re looking for and even items you didn’t know you wanted, lol!

Here are a few tips I learned for any future visits:

• Wear comfortable flats.
• Carry a small across the body bag so your hands are free.
• If it’s sunny wear your sunscreen.
• Bring cash (there was an ATM station but I believe in avoiding fees at all costs).
• Bring a bottle of water.
• Don’t forget your hand sanitizer (touching all the vintage items makes for some slightly unclean hands).

For more information:
Randolph Street Market

Supersize Me

via districtstock

You can never have enough Chanel.

xx.

M

Here Comes The Sun {Apply Sunscreen}

Nina Simone’s 1971 album cover ‘Here Comes The Sun’

Here comes the sun little darlin, here comes the sun I say, its all right, its all right! Little Darlin its been a long cold & lonely winter, little darlin it feels like years since you've been here!

Those are the lyrics to one of my favorite Nina Simone songs, Here Comes The Sun. I often find myself humming it when the sun and warm weather actually arrives in Chicago. The past few days the sun has been beaming and the temperatures have been in the middle to upper 80’s. Yes!!!!

I spent two days in the sun and can you believe I forgot to put on sunscreen? Yes, brown people need sunscreen too. Realizing I was all out of sunscreen, off to CVS I went to spend my $6 in Extra Care dollars towards the purchase of somebody’s sun shielding agent.

Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunblock was the first one I checked, but the $14.99 price tag made me pause. Luckily CVS has an identical version for $7.99 ($2+ for me once my Extra Care bucks were applied):

I won’t be going outside again on a hot, hot, hot day without misting myself with sunscreen. There are higher SPF levels if you need it but, SPF 45 will suffice for me.

Enjoy the sun but don’t forget your sunscreen!

My Natural Nails & I

 

Years ago I wore acrylic tips, acrylic overlays, and silk wraps over my natural nails. I really did not need those nail enhancements but back then airbrushed designs, rhinestones, and other designs were all the rage. Looking back I am more than a little embarrassed at my slightly around the way girl nails sans the bad attitude, extensions, and Fendi bag. I’ll chalk it up to youth and thank God there are no pictures of my unsightly bedazzled all to hell talons.

Now I’m a much more classy and refined woman who would never go there again. Spa manicures and pedicures are my favorite inexpensive pick me ups. My friends are always amazed at how I’m able to make my mani/pedis last longer than the typical one to two weeks.

Well to begin with I don’t do my own nails. My hands aren’t that steady and the end result would look crazy so to the nail salon I go. I always bring my own polish because I have seen some nail technicians thin their polish with acetone remover. Shady. I just feel better bringing my own. I also bring my China Glaze Self Adhesion Base Coat which grips the polish once its applied and last but not least my Seche Vite top coat. Most nail salons use Seche Vite or OPI’s top coat. I prefer Seche Vite though. My favorite polish brands are Essie, OPI, and Zoya. Using these products can make my pedicures last two weeks and a few days and my manis last up to ten days, which comes in handy when funds are low.

In between manis and pedis I apply Nailtiques Protein Formula 2 and a coat of Sally Hansen Natural Tint clear polish. To keep my cuticles moisturized I use Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream or Sally Hansen Maximum Growth Cuticle & Nail Pen, but Viamin E oil works just as well too.

So there you have it, my natural nail tips. If you use any of the products mentioned let me know. How do you care for & wear your nails?

Unofficial Start of Summer

Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of summer and this is just a mix of random pictures I found that remind me of the upcoming season.

Enjoy the holiday!

xx.

M

Miranda Morning

via knighttcat

Miranda Kerr looks perfect any time of day.

xx.

M

Fences

It was like a dream comes true, when I got to sit six rows back in the orchestra and watch an extraordinary revival of Fences on Broadway! It has been 23 years since this production has last seen the bright light of a Broadway stage. This production of this play was so well directed, and staged brilliantly! I might have changed some of the set design, being that I am from Pittsburgh, and have been to the Hill District many of times, and the set didn't feel like home to me! It was an extra nice experience for me, as I could envision the neighborhoods, and identify with the text when it spoke of different things, streets, and just plain Pittsburghese!!!! With that said, I need to give a large BRAVO shout out to the late August Wilson, who writing is so powerful, thought provoking, real, and timeless. This man was a genius, and gone way too soon. I'm not just saying that, because he is from my home town. LOL August Wilson was a true genius, and now as an older man, I can realize his talent even more.

To see the shows stars, and folks I idolize, (Denzel Washington and Viola Davis) on stage was so awesome for me. Did they live up to the hype? Oh yes they did and more. I now am a huge fan of both of these actors, and wouldn't miss a thing they do on stage and film. Viola Davis, is the real deal my friends, and her performance is honest, stunning, and magnificent! Some of the choices she made, were so off the wall, and worked so well, that I couldn't help but tear up! Denzel Washington, has a new take on his character Troy, and you don't just think of him as a butt hole. You realize that this man, truly does care about the people around him, although he has a harsh way of showing it! Denzel had some moments that reminded of me the great James Earl Jones, and I was thrilled to see the man in action up close. The other highlighted performance for me was Stephen Mckinley Henderson, who has such a heart in his simple, honest, beautiful performance. I also enjoyed Mykelti Willamson, who played the same character he played in Forrest Gump, however, he does it well. I also say if it ain't broke, then don't fix it! My two least favorite performances were that of Chris Chalk and Russell Hornsby! Although, I will say that Hornsby last moment in the show was beautifully done. Hornsby performance throughout the rest of the piece felt very contrived and not real to me. Which is unfortunate for a man with so many credits, and maybe I saw him on a bad night???? Chris Chalk on the other hand, lacked the passion needed to convince me that, his dad is crushing his dream of football! Chalk's performance was OK, but I would have done more homework, and dug deeper to find more moments. I will say this Chalk and Hornsby criticism by me, (just J.R.) wasn't that I thought they were horrible. They were just OK, and I am being nit picky and wanted different choices, and more honesty in the moment from both actors.

All in all Fences is a must see if you are New York City. For three reasons only: Denzel, August and Viola!!!!! This piece is probably the best acting I have ever seen on a stage, LIVE! RUN TO SEE FENCES! You have to see why this show is nominated for 11 Tony Awards!

Haute Bag Lady Bag of the Week

How adorable is Banana Republic's Cork Roll Clutch? This darling little bag also comes in Bronze but the silver appeals to me more. The bag is $60 but I plan to stalk it until I catch it marked down. Ya'll know I style stalk in my spare time.

Until next time! The Haute Bag Lady has left the handbag department...

Girl Hangs With Boy

via knighttcat & johnnysbird

Obsesssssed with her jacket.

xx.

M

Trend: Short Shorts

Short shorts are so on trend this season and if you dare to go so short here are a few options:


Top row: American Eagle Favorite shorts & American Eagle Frayed shorts
Bottom row: Delia’s Emily Sateen shorts & Target Mossimo Sateen Pleated shorts


Rocking short shorts takes confidence and the right top and shoe combo to balance it all out. A skimpy tank top and stilettos paired with short shorts says “Hello Hoochie Mama.”

Try options like these instead:

If you opt to wear shorts for a night out then a sexy cami worn under a lightweight fitted blazer would work well with the stilettos but make sure the shorts are satin or a less expensive sateen. Think glam and dressy not hoochie hot mama on the stroll, lol!

Summertime Smooth

Hot sunshine and summer like temps have arrived in Chicago and the time has come to get our skin nice and smooth to the touch. Sally Hansen’s Spray-On Shower-Off foam is my new favorite hair removal product. I use it on my arms. Yes, I have hairy arms and I’m sure I’m not the only woman in the world with this problem. Am I???? C'mon! Where my she-wolves at?

Just spray the foam onto your arms or gams, let it sit for a few minutes and spray off. Ta-da! Smooth and totally hair free arms and legs. Score!!

I follow up with Aveeno Positively Smooth Moisturizing Lotion. This lotion claims to help you shave less often. Stay tuned. A full review is coming soon.

Keep it smooth (and hair free) this summer ladies!


For more information:


Sally Hansen Spray On Shower Off

Aveeno Positively Smooth Lotion

Disclaimer: This review contains a product that was purchased with my own money.

Marrow for Farrow

No bones about it, these Jeremy Scott for Linda Farrow sunglasses are prrreeettty sweet.

See more bone-inspired fashion here.

To see more Jeremy Scott and to shop his collections, click here.

xx.

M

Monique Midgette

One of my dearest friends in the world, is Monique Midgette. She is a musical theater performer like no other, and a voice that is powerful and it will blow your hair back. I love to hear Monique sing, she is so talented, and I have never been more obsessed with someones vibratto. Her voice has a gospel sound, with a mix of Broadway swished all up and through it! She also has a knack for singing classic soul music, such as Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Anita Baker, and her favorite Darlene Love. She is also so present on stage, and her acting chops are raw, pure, and present! I have followed my friends theatrical career, and enjoy watching her on that big stage. Some of her credits include; Sessusical on Broadway, Civil War on Broadway, Marie Christine on Broadway, and currently in The Lion King! You might not know the name yet, oh, but you will, she will be a broadway star, and very soon. Monique will have Tony nominations, and all kinds of trophies on her mantal. She has been patient and silent, waiting for her starring break. I feel it in my bones, that it will be coming soon! Watch out world for Monique Midgette, Broadway's next big star.

High Hippie

Talk about some sky high clogs!

See more clogs here and here.

xx.

M

Obsessed with Sex And The City 2

This week I am ALL about my girls, Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte. How obsessed am I? let's see, I have two no make that three outfits planned. Yes I know I won't be walking the red carpet but one can't go see SATC and not represent in all her fashionista glory.

I have managed to remain blissfully ignorant of any spoilers and extended sneak previews. I know the girls will have an adventure in Dubai, Aidan returns, and I'm okay with suffering through Liza Minelli's rendition of Beyonce's "Single Ladies" (Ugh! I hate that song so much). The things we do for love, lol!

Wednesday night I will enjoy an advanced screening of SATC2 and I'll return with my review.

Until then!

From the Rooftops Shout It Out

What I wore: Picture 1: Dress by Revrossa Clarity (purchased in Tokyo,Japan), Fringe Vest by Ann Demulemeester, Shoes by Jeffery Campbell, Nail Polish by L.A.Girls FLARE

Picture 2: Leather Jacket by Veda, Rat Leggings by Sass&Bide, Biker Gloves by Carolina Amato,Fish Net Crop Top by See You Monday ,Zoe Boot by Sam Edelman

Photography by Jacqueline Iannacone Photography

Make-Up by Rashad Taylor

Styling/Modeling by Megan Averbuch

I had the honor to work with some pretty awesome talents including make-up artist Rashad Taylor (of YSL) and photographer Jacqueline Iannacone at this recent Brooklyn rooftop photo shoot. We entered the first picture in the REVOLVEclothing Fashion Spring Style + Chictopia: Fresh Looks, Fresh Faces Contest and were named a top entry as well as voted a top favorite! We were also awarded with a Revolve Spring Style Award: Best Suited for Everyday. Congrats and thanks to all that were involved!

Check out Chictopia and my ChicBlog here.

Check out REVOLVEclothing here.

Check out Jacqueline Iannacone Photography here and here.

Special Thanks to Ashely Torres for access to a great rooftop!

To work with any of the artists listed, please contact me.

xx.

M

Acne Armor & Fringe

It was already established here and here that Acne cannot do anything wrong. Clearly, these looks just further confirm what we already know.

Shop for Acne Spring/Summer 2010 Collection here.

xx.

M