SHOPPING: Black Friday Finds

I scored in a major way this Black Friday, with a mix of vintage and new items (hello, Queen of High-Low here!).  I wanted to share the damage...

This amazing bomber jacket is going to be a major staple for me. Wish I had a big, black fur vest to cover this up with for Winter. The search begins...

My buddy Olu put me onto Superdry not too long ago and I'm hooked. I love mixing streetwear with feminine pieces, or honestly just being a tomboy from time-to-time. The ribbed sides are just the touch of flair I need. Please get me in this sweater with a skirt and some moto boots!

I've been going full prep this season, and realized I didn't have a cardigan. This beauty is a mix of lambswool and angora. It's so soft and super warm. 

Absolutely one of my favorite finds is this tweed blazer. The rounded collar will hopefully lend itself to some bib/collar action before the season is through. I'm not usually a girl for green, so this is a fun addition to my wardrobe. 

How sophisticated is this linen jacket? White, navy blue, and gold is a classic combo, and I can imagine this with virtually any color slacks, pencil skirt, or denim. 

Did you think my leather obsession ended with jackets? Motorcycle boots need love too! These were on MEGA SALE at a Nine West Outlet in Woodbury Commons - $40!

I've been dying to covet a Michael Kors watch for months now. I opted for the not-so-fashion-bloggery choice with the Michael Kors Horn watch, and I couldn't be happier. This is such a great day-to-night statement. Again, I'm classing it up!

Adding to my prep, I had no choice but to get these Tory Burch penny loafers.

I'm an old soul and have a deep appreciation for a lady-scarf. Can't wait to hang them off handbags, tie around my neck, and rock as turbans.

What did you get your hands on this Black Friday/Cyber Monday?

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OUTFIT: No nonsense.

I am currently in the process of gathering items from my closet to sell. While digging through piles of threads, I found this tuxedo jacket that I was in love with months ago. I don't think I've ever worn it outside; I am very guilty of buying clothes and forgetting I own them, hence disappearing into my black hole of a wardrobe. 

Anyway, still in transition weather so I figured I could get away with this blazer/corduroy/leather jacket (not shown). I've been feeling extra menswear lately so I get a pass, k?

Okay, so No nonsense makes these leggings that literally can be worn as pants. The tights/leggings struggle is a major bummer most winters, so it's nice to have a pair that are thick and don't tear easily (again, that thigh-rubbing is a mood killer!). Not to mention the grey corduroy totally spiced up this 'fit. 

I bought these loafer 2-for-20 something with a friend from Target. You know, in typical NY fashion, muted outfits with a pop of color (I think this is becoming my look for Fall)...

(meh. weird collar.)  I've been getting lots of questions about my hair, mayhaps a tutorial soon? (Check out my YouTube, I do lots of tutorials and reviews there!)

Outfit Deets:

Tuxedo Jacket - Thrifted (I've got you! similar here)

Black Shirt - 17 Sundays (get her here)

Corduroy Leggings - No nonsense tights and leggings (love these! get them here)

Necklace - H&M (sold out, but there's this in gold)

Tassel Loafer - Mossimo for Target (these far exceed their $25 price tag)

Find your pair of affordable No nonsense tights and leggings here. I was sponsored by No nonsense for this opportunity. All opinions are my own.

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RANDOM FUNNY: Minnie Mouse Outfit Inspiration

Unless you've been under a rock the past two days, you've seen this Minnie Mouse video circulating the internet. I'm a straight down-home fool, so things like this tickle my fancy (Kellie will publicly scorn me later for posting this video, but I just have to. We all need a good laugh!).

(http://youtu.be/xx84UsrKrDI)

In the spirit of good fun, I've gathered my favorite Minnie Mouse inspired pieces around the web including one very hot dress Kim Kardashian was spotted wearing from the Kardashian Kollection for Dorothy Perkins. 

Simply Be Red Polka Dot Dress, $65.00

Kardashion Kollection for Dorothy Perkins, $69.00

Luichiny Van Essa, Yellow Suede, $89.99

Michael Antonio Louie, $50.00

Johnny Loves Rosie Floral Sequin Headband, $52.77

Am I the only one cracking up over this video?!

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OUTFIT: Weekend Chill (iPhone Edition)

This past weekend was chill central - I hibernated Saturday night while all my friends partied, and came out of the cave on Sunday to hang with one of my best partners in crime, Izzy. We stopped in one of the parks by Yankee Stadium to snap some flicks. It's so beautiful around there, especially with the transition in seasons (okay seriously? from Hurricane Sandy to snow to torrential downpour to 60 degrees all in a week? tell me you don't believe in our warming planet!)

During the summer, I'm not one for shorts - the one time I did wear them this year was hanging with Jasifer Lions Club. I was crazy excited when I realized I could get away with throwing them on with a pair of tights. No thigh rubbing, yay! (c'mon, don't act like your thighs don't rub girl lol). I got this pair from No nonsense in black and I LIVE for them. 

Styling tip: Tights are a very easy way to transition spring and summer pieces. Shorts and miniskirts get a face-lift with hosiery in a bevy of colors and textures. Easy outfit transformation with a simple fix.

Can we quickly, for one second, talk about how much I adore 17 Sundays? This Australian powerhouse is taking the plus-size industry by storm, see The Iconic and Mamamia. Their high-quality, comfortable, city chic pieces have been incorporated into my wardrobe heavily since I've gotten it in my hands. My favorite are the razor shirts that I almost always pair with a statement necklace, but this knit cardigan slipped its way into my heart. 

I have a knack for turning things backwards and upside down and really not even caring. I love this cardigan but wanted to funk it up with a gold chain connector. Done!

Outfit Deets:

Cardigan (worn backwards, like a BOSS) - 17 Sundays (get her here)

Shorts - Liz Claiborne (similar here)

Tights - No nonsense tights and leggings (love these! get them here)

Shoes - Isabel Toledo for Payless Sliver Bootie (from Fall 2010, sorryyyyy)

How do you transition your spring/summer pieces?



Find your pair of affordable No nonsense tights and leggings here. I was sponsored by No nonsense for this opportunity. All opinions are my own.

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HEALTHY BODY: Lady Gaga's "Weight Gain"

 

I am so lucky to have friends that share their values and opinions with me at all times. One of my besties, Stephanie (who did the Catherine's photo shoot with me), sent me this shot of Lady Gaga looking radiant and waving to fans in Brazil. She shares her opinion about the media's handling of Lady Gaga's "weight gain":

 

It’s really nothing new but for some reason yesterday’s photo of Gaga waving to fans, bikini-clad, and being described as flaunting a “fuller figure” REALLY got me.

Dislike.

The media has got to stop. Honestly, we all know how influential images of icons and celebrities can be, especially to women and especially to young girls. It’s amazing how in one breath, the media insists on the masses embracing a healthy and positive self-image and the next, they’re contributing to the insecurities women can have by giving the impression that someone like Gaga is full figured because you can’t see her bones anymore. This latter commentary only continues to feed into the negative self and other criticisms for those of us who are not rail thin….cuz if she’s full-figured, what does that make the rest of us. Worse over, Lady Gaga has admitted to having had trouble with eating disorders in the past, so why articulate her natural, healthy looking figure with being “full,” which is just code for heavy.

Before reading the caption of the photo, all I thought was “Wow, she looks great and happy.” Yes, she’s gained some weight. However, having come onto the scene as a slim and toned pop-star, it’s not as if she’s coming across as having any substantialgain.  She looks like a grown ass woman. So please, ladies, eat. Be happy. And healthy. And ignore the media’s general interpretation of “full figured.”

 

So, how are you feeling about the media's portrayal of Lady Gaga's healthier figure? I personally think the photo above is the happiest I've EVER seen her. She is glowing and radiant and look so incredibly content. I'm happy she's in her groove.

 

Sound off!

 

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HAIR: Homemade Deep Conditioner

I've resolved to take better care of my hair. With protective styles for well over six months, I have made no efforts to maintain a healthy head of hair. I'm promising to not continue down this dry, brittle road. No mas!

Having been confined to my home while on Hurricane Sandy watch, I decided to reach into my fridge and make a deep conditioner. I ran out of liquid conditioner and all the stores in my area were closed, so I honestly didn't have much of a choice.

Ingredients:

Olive Oil - penetrates the hair follicle and is a well-known moisturizer

Egg - rich in protein, which rebuilds hair follicles. Strong hair follicles lead to less split ends

Avocado - chock full of fatty acids, much like olive oil. Known to make hair shiny and healthy

Banana - minimizes shrinkage, stretches hair, softens AND provides slip for styling

Mayonnaise - contains L-cysteine, an amino acid that makes up 18% of hair that aids in hair shaft strength and density

When creating this conditioner, make sure the banana and avocado are extra ripe so the mash easily. I also recommend throwing all the ingredients in a food processor/small blender if available - the hardest part of this was making sure there were no chunks!

Once the conditioner is made and applied to hair, cover with a shower cap (or a plastic bag like I did) and a warm towel for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Wash out and proceed as usual. 

What are some of your homemade conditioner tricks? 

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NYC: East Village Eats Tasting Tour 2012

Last weekend, a few friends and I gathered up for the East Village Eats Tasting Tour as our last "hoorah" before the bad weather hit. Fourth Arts Block (FAB) was gracious enough to invite me out to their fantastic food journey, and I can't say no to an organization that has dedicated itself to tirelessly developing and preserving the East 4th Street Cultural District. Uptown has my heart, but most nights if I'm not in Harlem I'm down in the East Village.To be honest, the bars are a lot less pretentious and there's definitely a better food selection -which leads to this Tasting Tour.

Check below for more pics of our satiating stops....

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OUTFIT: Do It Like A Dude

FALL, MAMA LOVES YOU. This season has released my inner leather-lover (in the past month, I've purchased three different leather jackets, don't judge me). The versatility of a leather jacket is uncanny, to be paired with anything from cocktail dresses to maxi skirts and printed harem pants.

I last wore these pants during a trip to Atlantic City during the summer and totally forgot I had them. Thank goodness for fall cleaning, they would have disappeared into the abyss that is my closet! I'll touch on this a bit later, but transitioning pieces from summer to fall is SO EASY - especially with a jacket. 

Tineey, a friend from High School, and I embarked on the East Village Eats Tasting Tour and stopped to snap some flicks. I will be posting about the Tasting Tour later this weekend, but let me tell you this city is so lucky to be blessed with such good food!

  

Outfit Deets:

Sweater - Kenneth Cole (similar here)

Harem Pants - H&M (similar here)

Leather Jacket - H&M (similar here)

Shoes - CARLOS by Carlos Santana (in sandal form here)

Necklace - Jewelry Bar Boutique (kind of similar here?)

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