And the winner is....

So I have a couple of things.  I'll get to the good stuff first.  

1.  The winner of the ShoeDazzle contest Constance (fabnsassy@gamil.com)!!! Congrats!  I will be sending a email shortly. PLEASE RESPOND QUICKLY with your address!  The shoes are a January special and we only have a few more days to order them.    Thanks to all who entered!!!  So many people really hearted these shoes...I wish I could have given everyone a pair. I will be having more contest coming and more chances to win.    

2,  I entered the Refinery29.com Bloggers contest.  I thought it would be fun.  You need votes in order to win, so if you can find it in your heart to vote for me that was grand! Vote here http://styleblogger.refinery29.com/ under Chastity from Dallas.

1st Giveaway of 2011: ShoeDazzle

I'm excited to give out the first giveaway of the year.  I picked up these shoes from ShoeDazzle and thought they were so cute that I wanted to share them with my readers.  ShoeDazzle now goes up to a size 11, so don't fret my size 11 ladies.  Here are the details on the Monet shoe:  Satin Platform Pump, 4.25 heel w/ a 1.5 platform --- which actually makes it easier on the feet.  

Let's get to the good part.  How to enter:

Entrants must be a follower of the blog and must comment their email address and shoe size.  Additional entries can be had by following @garnerstyle on twitter and RT 1st Giveaway of 2011: ShoeDazzle http://garnerstyle.blogspot.com.  You may also like the Garner Style page on Facebook and sharing on your wall 1st Giveaway of 2011: ShoeDazzle http://garnerstyle.blogspot.com.  (If you share on your wall please comment on my GarnerStyle page that you did so to be sure you entry get counted. 

Entries must be in by 11:59pm on 1/28/11.  The winner will be announced on 1/29.  This is gonna be a short one because the ShoeDazzle changes their shoes every month.  Please note:  In the case that your size is not available, you may choose another shoe  in your size up to $39.95 in value.  This will be a raffle style drawing in which I always have my fiance' pull a name out of a bowl...lol...he is so helpful.

I love this cute little shoe bag this shoes come with.  I am a sucker for extra packaging.

No, you can't have mine! LOL  But I will help one of you get a pair of your own.  Good Luck!!

Outfit of the Day: Plus Academy Dallas

So this weekend I attended PA Dallas as a guest.  It was really nice to see how the academy worked since I have heard so much buzz about the project.  In attendance was Ms. Gwen Devoe (CEO of FFF Week), Ms. Sharon Quinn, and Tiffany from PA Charlotte.  Needless to say I had an great time.  And the venue was decorated so chicly (I think I just made up a word).  Chandra, Director of PA Dallas, did a beautiful job as hostess and Director of the program.   

Here the rundown on Plus Academy:  Its a 8 semester of courses such as:  Runway Walking, Posing, Skincare, Make-Up Applications, Style, Foundations, Hair Care, the Business of Modeling (Accounting), Health and Wellness, Plus Modeling 101 and much more.   They really go in depth on the every aspect of modeling.  I, personally, thought the courses were also  great for women working towards personal improvement.  There are Plus Academy's in Charlotte, Dallas, NYC, Little Rock, San Francisco, Chicago, Baltimore, Virginia, the Bahamas, and locations are getting added all the time. 

(I definitely did not mean to match the event colors...lol.)

The event was during the day, so I decided to go with chic casual daytime look.  I wore leggings from Speigal's Shape Fx collection.   Underneath I wore my new leggings foundation from Avenue that is ridiculously fabulous (and only $14).   It serves two purposes:  keeping me smooth and warm.  My top is from AbbyZ (right before they closed their doors, org. $200 I got it for $50).  I have had this shirt FOOOOORRRREEEVVVER at least three years. I got so many compliments on the shirt (thanks guys).   I have on my Lane Bryant blazer that I bought last year.   The belt is from Club Monaco.  

My shoes came from Evans in purple suede.  Please note -- Evans shoes run about a 1/2 size bigger and very wide.   I should have ordered one size down.  

Tiffany from Plus Academy Charlotte & Ms. Sharon Quinn both looked fabulous at the event.  Tiffany even shared the details of  her outfit with me.  

Blazer & Skirt - Thrifted

Top - OldNavy

If you like this post, stay tuned.  As pictures from the event circulate I hope to add more.  

Tiffany, me, and National Director, Gwen Devoe

Pretty Cupcakes!

Chandra, the director of PA Dallas

Blogger's Editor Pick of the Day

I now some of you may seen me tweet this, but I wanted to share this on my blog with everyone.  Bloggers chose me as one of the three bloggers of the day (well yesterday).  I was super honored and excited.  

I would just like to thank the readers...you guys are always so super supportive and you keep me going!  Have a good one!!!!

Golden Globes & New Hair for 2011?

So I have been growing my hair out for my wedding.  Just so that whatever style I get I can do something fantastic with it.  But with the growing out of my it seems hard to keep a style that is sassy like many of the short cuts that I see around.  With any great outfit, you need great hair to top it off and hair that you can keep on a day to day basis.  I am, personally, trying to figure out the hair I will have pre-wedding (to save length), during the wedding, and after the wedding (can you say HAIRCUT!).  I thought this would be a great segway in the 2011 hairstyles and the trends for the upcoming year.   

First I wanted to look at the Golden Globes.  They had a lot of fabulous 2011 hairstyles on the red carpet. 

Now you know ever since I found my clip on bangs I haven't been the same.  I really love the bangs look because it can take you from day to evening.  I am thinking this will be my go to hair because it is so darn easy. I really like Amber Riley's hair --- I hope to try that look.  I plan to buy another bang and have them cut professionally. 

(A reader actually took my picture and did a little editing --- doesn't it look fab!  Visit him at http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1141781894 - Martin)

You can never go wrong with the classic french twist.  Its classy, sophisticated, and weather resistant.  It's one of those hairstyles, in which you can always keep your hairs in place.

Another vintage great!  I love the soft waves.  I really want to work on getting my vintage waves down.  I'm thinking  my hair for my wedding will be something like this. 

I may work this style with my bangs. I may also get a ponytail from Jessica Simpson too.  I know I don't usually talk about hair, but the Golden Globe hair was so pretty. 

Sidenote:  I was so excited to see Jennifer Lopez back to her glamourous self! 

I really love this style for a day to day.  Its wash and wear for me.  But I need to go to a salon and see if they can teach me how to shape my fro (to keep it round) and how to keep it from getting knotted up.  It can be a nightmare to comb out. 

I love this cut on the character "Anna" from "V."  This is my fantasy cut.  I know Halle has been wearing this for years, but I feel like "Anna" just gave this do even more life.   I think you have a really good bone structure to rock this cut.

Lastly,  I am thinking of going with this look for my wedding.  It has the vintage wave.  Now Rihanna hasn't been on the top of my list with hair since the KoolAid Red hair, but I really love this hair.  It looks so pretty and I think would be great for a wedding.  What do you guys think about this hair on me for the wedding?  What new hairstyles do you have for 2011?

Blogger Conference

I thought I would share this with you guys since I know I have a few readers/bloggers in Texas.  God's Favorite Shoes invited me to go to this Bloggers Conference in Austin, TX.  

***Side note:  So I am a little ashamed that I just found out the capital of Texas is Austin.  I really need to talk to the capital making people in Texas it obviously should be Houston or Dallas...lol.  I really just can't imagine why it isn't.  

Anyways, moving right along,  this conference looks super fun and if you register before March 1 the cost is $45.  The conference is March 12-13th.  They have some great speakers from fantastic blogs, fabulous events, and even great classes for blog improvement.   

Sounds fun right!  Anyways, I just thought I would share.  You can find out more information at http://texasstylecouncil.com/.   Let me know if any of you decide to go.

Dancing Queen - Spring 2011 Trends

70s Glamour is running rampant through the designer collections for this Spring.  My favorite glamour goddesses of that era would have to be Diana Ross as Tracey in Mahagony & Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface.  Both effortlessly displaying glamour, poise, and the side boob...lol.  Although I may be leaving out the side boob (b/c I wasn't blessed with great side boob), I want to draw my inspiration from these ladies.for the upcoming season

So every year I love looking up the trend report to see what will be on trend for the upcoming season.  For the month of January I want to do reports on the trends of the upcoming season and where you can find fabulous curvy women's clothing.  I would like to tip my hat off to the U.K., because their curvy women's clothing retailers are right on trend with mainstream.  It seems like it takes a year for the American plus retailers to catch up, but it used to be like 2 or 3 years so it is getting better.  I put together a few wish list pieces for Spring.  You guys know I get Spring fever early.   Anways I found a lot of cute pieces "on trend" at Very.

1.  70s Paisley Maxi Dress

2.  Waterfall Sleeve Waisted Top

3.  French Connection Gold & Black Triple Row Box Chain

4.  Two Tone Layered Stone Cocktail Ring

5.  Retro Trench

6.  Pleated Jumpsuit

7.  Print Strapless Dress

Quick Question:  I really love wearing rings, but since I got my engagement ring that is the only ring I have been wearing.  Does anyone know the etiquette on wearing rings with or besides your engagement ring?.  I have googled it and come up with nothing.  Or I would like to know what some of you other ladies that are married/engaged do when it comes to wearing your statement jewelry? 

boost your CARMA - Spring/Summer 2011

One of the most consistent plus size clothing lines out there.  Carmakoma delivers again for Spring/Summer 2011 with all black ensembles and tops it off with a little light here and there.  I am personally loving this blazer.  This collection just screams jet setter to me.  These are definitely some pieces that I want to travel with.  

I also love the editorial video.  The videography is beautiful and it tells such a lovely story.  There are also some lovely pieces to consider for Spring.

Outfit of the Day Kinda: Randomness and more Randomness

So I don't know if you can really call this an outfit of the day because everything is really random that I have on (even my crazy hair), but I just had one of those random night so I thought I would share.  Honestly, I just started trying on stuff I bought when I got home.  

The hair is experimental --- honestly its just my hair combed out and frizzy with the Jessica Simpson bangs on top.  I've seen this hair style done before in more of an editorial kind of way, but what the hay I figured I'd try.  I tell you one thing, my ears sure are warm.  I would love your honest opinion about the hair, I, personally, think it is cute, but I wonder if I went one stop too far.  It is just too much of a contrast of hair types --- meaning straight bangs and what looks to be a curly/frizzy blow out.  

Second, I would like to talk about my purchases.  I went to a vendor event and picked up this jacket for $10 (it was sample so that it explains why the portion on the inside seems to be unraveling -- see below). Samples are not always in the best of shape, but I will fix the little seam issue.  Other than that the jacket was kind of perfect.  The jacket was by Simply Original Design.  I think it was just one of those random fabulous finds.  

Then, "old happy day." my wonderful sister gave me this MAC Lipstick for Christmas and I LOVE IT!!!! The color is Saint Germain and it makes me want to click my heels and sing "These are few of my favorite things."

Quick tidbit:  This is actually my first MAC lipstick.  I have used the eye shadows for years, but until a year ago I just got back into the lipsticks.  Can I just tell you that lipstick is so glorious!!! It is so pigmented.  I have been buying the supermarket lipsticks from CoverGirl, Loreal, etc, but none have been as deep in color as this one.  If there is one time where you should buy the more expensive version of something this is definitely that time.  Go MAC Go!

Then at the same place I picked up this hand-knitted scarf for $1.  It's nice and warm, but I didn't pick up the lady's information that sold them.   All of this is really random...right?  Anyways, thats what I got for today.

Bye Bye Miss American Pie

Happy New Years Day all!  If you woke up this morning then thank God or whoever your higher power may be.  I've always rolled with God so Im going to keep rolling with him.  I wanted to share my resolutions for 2011.  

1.  Make an effort to like Dallas better - I've been quite the crab about leaving my beloved Atlanta.  I miss my friends, family, fashion, and my overall fabulous life I had in Atlanta. I honestly have not given Dallas a fighting chance. At this point with the economy going down in flames it looks like my future hubby and I going to be here for a few years at least.   So this has to be home and I have to start thinking like it is.  

2.  Work Out - I know this is a resolution everyone makes, but I used to be a regular at the gym and since my knee injury (over 2 years ago) I DETEST the gym.  I ache, I hurt...I feel like my body has aged 10 years since that injury.  

3.  Blog More - Another thing since I left Atlanta is that I don't attend the fabulous events that I used to.  This makes it a little hard to blog if you don't go anywhere.  So I in keeping with my #1 resolution I will get out more and therefore blog more.  

Now let's move into to things that I am excited about for 2011. 

1. I'm getting MARRIED!!!   I am truly marrying the perfect person for me.  I'm sending God a shout out...Thank you!

2.  Honeymooning in Europe & Cairo.  I have never been to either place and I am so excited to be going. Brian and I found a deal where we can visit cities and Europe and go to Cairo.  Cairo is Brian's pick --- I think my pick will be Paris.  Then I think we will visit a beach in Greece.  I'm excited!  We found a cool site to book a city to city visits.  

3. Working with Fashion101Plus.   Owner of Scarlett Boutique in Charlotte brought me on as a stylist to help with his new website that sends women tutorial videos and monthly clothing picks for their particular body type.  He targets women over 40, which is awesome for me, because I've generally styled women 25-35.  It definitely gets me thinking outside of my comfort zone.  His website launches today 1:30 ET....Check it out.  www.fashion101plus.com.  Joining fee is $7.95 per month.  

4.  Bachelorette Party in Vegas - Nuff said. 

A lot of my happy times are wedding oriented, but aren't they supposed to be.  My wedding date is set for Aug. 19th.  

And finally,  here are some of my favorite looks from 2010

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Well I am off to go eat some black eyed peas.  I'm not sure if they are good luck or not, but I would rather not leave anything to chance.  Happy New Year's all.  I love you!