How to Celebrate the Holidays Alone

 

With all the season of giving and cheer in full swing, it might be hard to be "merry" when you're solo this holiday season. Don't get down about it though because there is plenty you can do to still enjoy yourself.

1) Go to holiday parties! Make sure that you mix and mingle at social gatherings. It's possible that you'll meet other singles there who are looking to meet someone like you. Just watch out for that mistletoe :)

2) Enjoy spending time with loved ones and dear friends! You don't have to be alone on the holidays if you don't want to. Make your rounds in visiting those you who care about you the most. As long as there is hot coco, movies and food, you're bound to have a good time! Don't forget to take pictures!

3) Host a Friendsmas! You may not be the only one alone on the holidays so if you have friends or close coworkers who aren't going home for the holidays, why not create some memories with them. Make it fun too! You can have an ugly Christmas sweater party and/or white elephant gift exchange. Bake cookies, drink yummy booze and dine on some delish dishes potluck style and you're sure to have a blast.

4) Travel! Why not travel to an exotic place for a change? Nothing says "me" time like a warm and tropical environment to just decompress from your day to day hustle and bustle. Splurge a bit too! Book an appointment for a mini-makeover, a massage on the beach and enjoy paradise. If not tropical, try Europe! I've always heard one of the best times to travel to Europe is during the winter months.

I hope these ideas lifted your spirits! Xo

Photo Courtesy of Flickr.com/By Dave Smith

And the 2015 Color of the Year is....

MARSALA!

In case you missed it, Pantone the makers of living fashionably in color, has declared this THE color of 2015. It's a warm color, slightly "seductive" yet classic at the same time. While this color is a cousin of the red family, it has hints of a more warm berry tone if you ask me. Hmmm...the crazy thing is I recently purchased a pair of heels that matches this color without even knowing that this would be THE color. I've never been a fan of the color red but it's not red red (no typo!) so I'm confident I can rock this color.

What do you guys think?

Photo Courtesy of Pantone.com via Flickr.com by Scott Lewis

Beyonce + Topshop Join Forces for an Activewear Line

Hooooorayyyyy!!!

We all know Beyonce' has "been the number one diva in the game for a minute" but now she has set her royal sights on taking the activewear industry by storm.

KING Bey has inked a 50/50 partnership with the British based retailer, Topshop to create her new line, Parkwood Topshop Athletic, Ltd. Anything Beyonce' touches literally turns into honey gold so I know that we can expect a high-quality fashionable line. If you follow King Bey than you know she's a big fan of the Topshop brand so it just makes sense that she would put this collection out with them.

According to Vogue (UK), the line will include "clothing, footwear and accessories across dance, fitness and sports." This is exciting news considering most activewear today gets lost in giving off a sporty-look but she's thinking of versatility (and longevity) because fitness is forever. Plus, she is also probably the best muse for her own line considering she'll be designing with the Beyhive (her fans) in mind who comes in all shapes and sizes. I bet Miss. Tina and Solange will be right by her side giving her creative input! Hey, Mama Tina, hey! Hey, Solange girl! You know designing runs in their lineage!

Furthermore, Beyonce' is an expert in branding (I mean she's made herself a household name...WORLDWIDE) and now her new line will be seen as a global lifestyle brand. I'm excited to see what Beyonce' and Topshop cook up. This collection will surely sell out!

Ok so what has Beyonce' not done? Perfumes (check), clothing line (check), movies (check), documentaries (check), sold out shows WORLDWIDE (check), covers of top magazines (check), performed for world leaders and major events (check), philanthropist (check) and the list goes on....hmmm I wonder if she would ever do Broadway or a Vegas set? How about a cookbook?

Go Bey, go!

Rest Fashionably Oscar de la Renta

The fashion world and fans of the art grieve around the world today as we lost overnight a legendary fashion couturier, Oscar de la Renta. The Dominican Republic born designer is hands down one of the few designers that had the honor of dressing First Lady’s to your favorite celebrity today! He was known for his stylish one-kind gowns (I'd like to affectionately call him the "Godfather of Gowns") that have truly transformed fashion for the last four decades! I’ve always been a fan of his work and I’ve always dreamed of wearing or owning one of my very own Oscar de la Renta originals and it saddens me that I won’t have that experience! While his fashion legacy will live on, we will never ever forget his contribution to the fashion world. Thank you Oscar for sharing your magic with the world! RIP Xo

Lights, Camera, NY FASHION WEEK!

Who is ready for fashion week? From the backstage mayhem to the catwalks, New York Fashion Week celebrates the incoming of a new fashion season. By far Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week has been known to draw the attention of many for its eclectic vibes of lush garments, dynamic catwalk design, vibrant textiles and one-of-a kind concepts. Sitting on the front row of shows has got to be the hottest tickets to get in town right now and the thought of making any fashion faux pas is simply not acceptable this week (correction, fashion faux pas should never happen…period!). Even if you can’t make a show, then gallivant outside of shows, you are sure to see some head-turning street chic looks in the vicinity—oh and don’t forget the festive after-parties!

 What designer(s) are you looking forward to seeing at NY Fashion Week?

#130009373 / gettyimages.com

Valentine’s Day is for Men Too!

I hear so many ladies get excited for Valentine’s Day but what about the guys? Who died and declared Valentine’s Day another women’s holiday? Whether guys admit it or not, they do like to feel appreciated, needed and loved too so make sure he genuinely feels that from you.While you may be expecting flowers, candy (maybe jewels) and dinner, do the unexpected for HIM. Everyone says Valentine’s Day should be everyday (which I agree) but that also requires you to step it up just a bit on Valentine’s Day. There is no need to break your pockets either! In fact there are plenty of romantic things you can plan for your sweetie, here are four ideas:

1. Cook/Bake his favorite food/sweets. If you don’t know how to do either, please try to learn one day but V day is NOT the day! LOL For now, stick to take out of his favorite meal or pick up cupcakes from bakery.
2. Send him flowers at work with a sexy note. Just like he found his way to your heart, make him find his way to you on Valentine’s Day. A good ole romantic scavenger hunt to find you is so fun! You know your guy best so you’ve got to get creative with clues.  If not flowers, send a fruit arrangement instead!
3. Leave him love notes. Take it back to the old school days of writing your lover notes. There is still something so romantic and sweet of really writing out how you feel. Now, if your handwriting is chicken scratch, then type it! LOL (he’ll understand why).  They don’t have to be long notes but just short snippets of how you feel about him and leave them in creative places for him to discover randomly (i.e. stick one inside his laptop, in his coat pocket, in his wallet, near his keys etc.)
4. Get him a gift too. Yes, get him a gift too! LOL Depending where you are in your relationship and how you feel, buy him something that you think he will love---not something that will attract dust. Thinking about gifting something memorable! Whether it’s a watch, a nice wallet, tickets to a game/concert., a collector’s item, a weekend getaway, etc get something special for him too.

I have more ideas but I can’t drop all my gems on you guys LOL!  Enjoy your V-day loves! Xo

Photo Courtesy of Flickr.com/By Jan

New York Fashion Week is Here!

It's one of my favorite times of the year! I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week, February 6-13, 2014. Although, I won't be present at a show (one day I'll get there), I am looking forward to seeing what designers will be debuting on the catwalks of NYC. It's like watching a live art show come to life! I wonder what trends will be reported in the next couple of days...stay tuned.

Photo Courtesy of Flickr.com/By Cuba Gallery

Why January is National Break Up Month

The other day I read a relationship article about how January has been coined the National Break Up Month for most couples. In particular, the article was referring to divorced couples as it is the month that many people want to start the New Year off on a fresh split. This actually makes perfect sense to me; however, I feel like an exit can happen at any time of the year in any relationship but something about New Year and new rules for love makes it easy to comprehend. Furthermore, it is also this time of year where people are itching to get out of their relationship prior to Valentine’s Day! 

Believe it or not, there are still some people who flee before this day because they realize A) They don’t really care about this person as much as they thought they did, B) They don’t want to buy any gifts, C) They don’t love their partner nor should they feel pressured too on V-day, D) They are just completely against the day so you might see a change in your partner’s mood.  Regardless of where you stand in your relationship, just remember to keep the lines of communication open!

Photo Courtesy of Flickr.com By Kris O'Neal

Trend Alert: Paint 2014 Radiant Orchid

There is a new color coming into town in 2014 and it’s called Radiant Orchid. The creative minds of Pantone have selected this year’s color highlighting that it “blooms with confidence and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination.” I absolutely love the color and it truly is a color that could work for anybody.  

How do you think you’ll rock this color? Pantone is leading a huge social media effort right now where they want avid followers to post their pics or tweets on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter using the hashtag #ColoroftheYear to collage the sightings of this plush purple.  Join the fun!

To jumpstart your colorful spring wardrobe, check out Pantone’s Spring 2014 Color Report.

Photo Courtesy of Pantone & Flickr.com/By Kayla DeBriyn

One minute impression...

One minute impressions may seem unrealistic but it happens everyday. Specifically in the dating world, one minute impressions are critical in the event you are interested in pursuing someone or meeting someone for the first time so bring your "A" game!

The reality is hell dates are real and the people we meet along our life paths don't always have our best interest at heart so it's imperative that we stay alert. So as a time saver, I've found the one minute impression strategy to be quite effective and most definitely an efficient way to prevent everyone's time from being wasted.

Whenever I meet someone, I tend to stick to my guns with the one impression strategy. I've always been pretty good at reading people or uncovering the BS so I thought I would share with you all my strategy.

In one minute of meeting someone new, you should be able to categorize this person in at least four categories:

1. Potential boyfriend/girlfriend (this can be tough to read sometimes but you KNOW)
2. Potential friend
3. Potential network contact
4. No connection

It may seem shallow but I think everyone does this in their own way! I've heard all types of crazy categories from my peers when they meet someone new. For the purpose of this post, I think these broad categories capture how everyone should classify someone within one minute of meeting them.

Call me shallow but appearance is everything! If the connection isn't there when your eyes meet, it's a possibility that things aren't going to take off. Just be mindful that presentation is everything and while you may not indicate how you think or feel at that very moment that person should definitely know by the end of the night where things stand.

Sometimes it takes two or three dates to be absolutely certain of where you stand with someone but don't count that little voice inside of you out. If your gut isn't with it, then strut but if you see stars, moons and clouds, then one can definitely dream.

Hope this makes your dating life a breeze!

Dating a Friend’s Family Member

When it comes to dating, they say you should “cast out a wide net for options;” however, what do you do when that “net” happens to catch the eye of your friend’s family member (in this case a sibling)? This can be tricky and from personal experience it is best that you approach this situation with EXTREME caution. Whether you are the person pursuing or your friend’s family member is trying to pursue you, both of you should talk about it to see if this is something you both really want (if all you or they want is a fling, don’t risk it!).  

Surprisingly, it isn’t unusual for a sibling of your friend(s) to try to talk to you that level because you are around them often and over time, the attraction grows (it just happens sometimes!). In my own personal experience, I tried to be open to a situation like this but deep down inside I never felt comfortable with it and at the end of the day, I had to be true to myself and my feelings-- the spark just didn’t exist! 

The good thing is my situation didn’t get deep but I’ve heard worse stories of where people tried to date their friend’s sibling and till this day have lost not only a relationship but a friendship at the same damn time! The best thing you can do is to try to keep your friendship with your friend SEPARATE from your relationship with their family member.  As much as you want to confide in your friend about things, it could bring on stress for them because they may feel like they’re in the “middle” and that’s never a good feeling.

Now don’t get me wrong! I’ve also heard positive love connections from dating a friend’s sibling but that’s because deep down inside they BOTH wanted it and the intentions were pure & genuine.

Whatever you decide, just make sure it’s really what you want! If your gut tells you otherwise, listen to it. There is always other fish in the sea!

Photo Courtesy of Flickr.com/By Hathuyana

Love Memo: It’s Engagement Season!

From Reality TV star, Kim Kardashian to sultry singer, Ciara, it seems like many girls are acquiring new best friends this season- DIAMONDS. Engagement diamonds that is! I absolutely love LOVE and I love even more when I see two people madly in it and can’t seem to see their selves without their better half. So what’s going on? You don’t have to be a celeb to snag a ring this season, in fact, I’m finding more of my friends are taking “the plunge” and this time of year seems to be desirable time for guys getting on bended knee to snag their sweetheart. 

I still believe that any time of year is perfect to become engaged but I do believe something about the holidays puts everyone in a happy mood because it is a time of togetherness.  I think it’s safe to say that Christmas is still the most popular day for couples to get engaged (New Years and Valentine’s Day are close behind).

Now don’t get all jittery and expect a ring after this post! LOL Just go with the flow and let things happen naturally (the unexpected engagements are the best!). When the time is right for you, it will happen!

Congrats to those of you who are engaged now or will be in the future! Cheers!

Photo Courtesy of Flickr.com/By Velvet

Love is...

My 2013 Holiday Gift Guide Suggestions

November is here and that means that the holiday season is near! Can you believe it? With that being said, it is also this time of year where some of us struggle finding gifts for the one we are with or planning to be with for the holidays. The key to any gift is that it is coming from the heart-no matter how much it cost (yep, I said it)! Sometimes when you are in a relationship, partners feel obligated to spend a certain amount on their partner to show how much they mean to them but if it’s a REAL relationship, then you know that money holds no value over the heart.  

Also, get creative! For example, if you want surprise your main squeeze with a trip, package the gift in a travel tote and include things that hint where you all will be traveling to THEN finally reveal the destination! The reaction you’ll get will be priceless!! 

Note: In this guide you will see similar gifts noted but a slight change in what I think would be appropriate at this phase in the relationship.

If you have been with someone for:

0-3 Months

Her: Hat/scarf/gloves set, clutch, fragrance set (small lotion/fragrance package), CDs or iTunes gift card, movies, books

Him: Cologne set/ grooming set (i.e. starter shaving kit), hat/gloves/ scarf set, CDs or iTunes gift card, movies, books

4-7 Months

Her: Fragrance set/make up set, CDs or iTunes gift card, movies, books, gift certificate to do a fun activity together (i.e. painting pottery, cooking class, or couples dance class), dinner cruise (local), tickets to a comedy show

Him: Cologne set/ grooming set (i.e. shaving kit), CDs or iTunes gift card, movies, books, gift certificate to do a fun activity together (i.e. painting pottery, cooking class, or couples dance class), dinner cruise (local), tickets to a comedy show

8-11 Months

Her: Spa package (i.e. massage and mani/pedi), staycation/weekend getaway, tickets to a game/concert/play, jewelry (earrings or bracelet), dinner cruise, clothes/shoes, gift certificate to do a fun activity together (i.e. painting pottery, cooking class, couples dance class etc.)

Him: Staycation/weekend getaway, tickets to a game/concert/play, jewelry (i.e. cuff links), dinner cruise, clothes/shoes, gift certificate to do a fun activity together (i.e. painting pottery, cooking class, couples dance class etc.)

1 -2 + years

Her: Jewelry (i.e. watch, bracelet, earrings), spa package (the works), weekend getaway package/staycation/international trip, tickets to a game/concert/play, gym membership, gift certificate to do a fun activity together (i.e. painting pottery, cooking class, couples dance class etc.)

Him: Jewelry (i.e. watch, bracelet, ID tags), high-tech gadgets, weekend getaway package/staycation international trip, spa package (the works), tickets to a game/concert/play, gym membership, gift certificate to do a fun activity together (i.e. painting pottery, cooking class, couples dance class etc.)

By far the safest and simplest gift you can give someone is a gift card! The cash value is up to you though…good luck! 

Photo Courtesy of Flickr.com/By Cassia

Workplace Romance...Is it for you or nah?

I'm not so sure but I've heard and read stories all the time that hook-ups are happening in the working world. So what's the catch? Dating someone you meet off the street is a completely different situation than dating someone in your office. They both are tricky situations but dating your coworker can be EXTRA tricky.

Personally, I have never been a fan of mixing business and pleasure but for some, it works for them! So how do they manage it? Hear is what I've learned: 

1. Make sure that your company doesn't have a policy in place that frowns upon this type of behavior. Believe it or not, some companies have zero-tolerance for "fraternizing" and it could cost you your job if you do engage in this type of behavior. In some cases, people have quit their jobs just so they can date their coworker!
2. If you are interested in dating your co-worker, make sure that you all have "the talk." This type of talk isn't the ordinary talk but this type of talk needs to clearly define your boundaries at work and at home. Don't bring your relationship to work, that's not cute, it's messy. Communication is key...
3. Make sure this is something you truly want and are doing it for the right reason. If you are feeling pressured in any way, then make sure that you see your HR department immediately. This isn't appropriate! 
4. If it is love and if it's worth it, then by all means go for it! As long as you both are happy, respectful and communicate, this could work. Take things slow though but have fun! 

Do any of you believe in work place romance and if so, how did this work out for you? 

Photo Courtesy of Flickr.com/By Sean MacEntee

Must Have Fall Finds: Infinity Scarves

Who doesn't love a good scarf for the fall? Scarves continue to be a must have accessory in every woman and man closet. Not only do they keep you neck warm on those chilly days, scarves can tie a complete look together. They continue to serve as great stylish accents whether you looking to add a pop of color, edgy touch or a casual day look, it's simple to add this accessory to any ensemble. 

Infinity scarves have been all the latest rave because they are easy to throw on and if you are feeling creative, you can manipulate the scarf to wear it different ways. The best part about a scarf is they tend to be affordable so you won't feel guilty when you splurge on these things!

DC Fashion Week is Coming!

With so much fashion energy buzzing from the Big Apple after another successful fashion week, it's only right that some of that energy trickles down to the Nation's Capital.  DC Fashion Week is underway and there are some exciting events coming to the DMV (DC, Maryland and Virginia area). The best part is some of these events are absolutely FREE!

DC Fashion Week official dates are September 23-29; however, no fashion show or red carper for that matter is complete without a pre-show! The official pre-show event begins on September 21st!

So if you are a fashionista, blogger, upcoming designer etc. you won't want to miss this week of fun-fill fashion opportunities!

Video Courtesy of YouTube.com by Shy Magazine, "DC Fashion Week-17th International Couture Collections 2012"

Fall, Fashion Week & Football...

As the season begins to change, I’m getting so excited for these three things! Fall is my absolute favorite time of year! I enjoy watching the leaves change, the cool crisp evenings and of course rocking beautiful boots. Nothing says fall like hot spiced apple cider, crackling wood in the fireplace, apple picking, fairs/festivals, juicy apple pies oh and scrumptious candy apples (Yeah I have a HUGE obsession with apples!).  It’s also during this time of year where I reflect and make changes in my own life-reevaluate my personal goals and put together a plan to make them happen!

Fashion Week…O M G…I cannot wait to see what these designers have for their upcoming shows. From Alexander McQueen to Chanel to Versace to Rag & Bone and many others, it’s always a treat to take in new trends. It’s still my dream to attend a few shows in NY and it would be extra delicious to be a blogger correspondent!

Finally, FOOTBALL rounds out my list. The first game of the season was yesterday between the defending 2012 NFL Superbowl Champs, Baltimore Ravens v. Denver Broncos! Broncos pretty much slaughtered the Ravens...smh I’m a cowgirl at heart (whoo hoo go Cowboys!) but it’s still exciting to see the sport back on TV. Cowboys v. Giants on Sunday! 

Let the FUN begin!

Congrats! Pantone Celebrating 50 Years of Living in Color

To view this infographic in it's original size, visit this link. 

Infographic created by Pantone

My Academy Awards Top Picks for Best Dressed

Unfortunately, I didn't watch the Academy Awards last night but I ALWAYS make sure I watch the red carpet! For those of us fashionistas/nistos, it's exciting time of year to catch all the Hollywood glam-glam take place on that plush red carpet.

With that said, here are my top picks (in no particular order because it was definitely hard to choose):

1. Jessica Chastain
2. Charlize Theron
3. Halle Berry
4. Reese Witherspoon
5. Jennifer Aniston
6. Jennifer Lawrence
7. Kerry Washington
8. Amy Adams
9. Jennifer (JHud) Hudson
10. Kelly Rowland
11. Catherine Zeta-Jones
12. Kimora Lee Simmons

Check out my top picks photos and other red carpet fashion hit or misses via Yahoo.

Photo Courtesy of Flickr.com/By Ebbandflowphotography