Designer to Watch: RUE 114

I have to admit I have been watching this clothing line.  Rue 114, to me, is Afrocentric meets Victoria Beckham.  The line is extremely tailored with beautiful prints and vibrant colors.  At Rue 114 sizes are offered in all options from a 2 to a 24. Prices range from $120 - $240.  This line really defines Afro Chic.  

"The collection is a homage to and celebration of the female form at all its sizes. Beauty is too mysterious, too coy, too “Saturday night” to be confined to a size 6." ~ from the Rue 114 website

Just from the pictures it looks like the garments are nicely tailored.  I haven't seen any of these pieces in person, so I cannot comment on the quality.  What do you think? 

STOP! Now make that mofo Hammer Time like...

Tonight, I attended the Poshmark launch party.  Poshmark has created a fun and simple way to buy and sell fashion - right from your iPhone.  It connects you to people who’s style you adore, allowing you to shop their closets, anytime you’d like.  I haven't joined yet, because I am an android girl.  I do, however, hope to rig up the husband's old iphone, so I can use the app.  

Oh yes! I have brought the hammer pants back.  I bought this black jumpsuit, so it could act as a fun replacement for the little black dress and yes I do have it pink also.  I used to be the girl that bought something that fit great in every color.  Although I have come a long way since then every now and again the bug bites me.  Eek! Oh and to the hammer pants critics, eat your heart out!

Outfit:  Jumpsuit - JIBRI $250, Jacket - Archive Dallas (vintage) $40, Necklace - Gifted, Shoes - Payless $20, Clutch - Christian Siriano for Payless $30 (bought 2 yrs ago)

Check out these new bloggers I met - Organic Beauty Talk, Luri & Wilma, Chic Modern Vintage, & Get it Girl Style 

Life's a Peach

Today I had a lunch with a friend to Rock Fish. The home of my favorite fish tacos.  I went casual, comfy, & chic. Sometimes this is a look that I can actually pull off, since casual always is challenging for me.  I thought this peach colored uneven hem top from the Asos was the ticket.  

Outfit:  Top - Asos $44, Jeggings - Ashely Stewart $30, Clutch - Jason Wu for Target $30, Necklace - Gifted from my sister, Bracelet - Target $25, Glasses - Ted Lapidus Vintage, Nude Flats - Nordstrom Rack, Lip Color - MAC Ruby Woo

My sister gifted me the necklace I was wearing above.  I wanted to change the color of the large beads, so I changed it with some figure nail polish.  It was quick DIY project that took me all of 15 minutes.  This necklace can be so much fun, because I can change the color anytime the mood strikes.  

♥Happy Valentine's Day from Mrs. Valentine♥

As the new Mrs. Valentine, I couldn't think of a more perfect dress to post. 

My husband & I are defrosting the top tier of our wedding cake to celebrate our 6 months on Valentine's Day (for fear that it may not be edible in a year).  I am a little filled with LOVE right now, excuse my mushiness. 

Outfit: Dress - JIBRI $220, Sunglasses - Chanel $271, Shoes - ShoeDazzle - $39, Belt - Target $13, Jacket - Asos $68, Tights - Spanx $40, Clutch - H&M $24, Lip - MAC Red, Nails - Shellac Big Apple Red

I know yall are tired of my red shoes.

Photo Credit:  My awesome wedding photographer Stephanie Brazzle Photography

Oh and please take a moment and vote for me as the Refinery 29 Style Style Blogger.  If you click on popular contestants and scroll down to the people with votes in the 30s you should see me.  Thanks a bunch.  Click here to vote. 

My Own Blue Ivy

My husband and I are having a little pre-Valentine's Day celebration dinner at our favorite seafood restaurant here in Dallas.  I thought I take a picture of tonight's look.  Please excuse my hair, the wind is terrible.  As you can see I am wearing it natural.  

I slipped in to this Ivy Green silk dress and color blocked it with a blue belt.  Beyonce isn't one with a little Blue & Ivy in her life.  Since I have channeled my inner Beyonce this week, I can't think of a post more appropriate.  

Outfit:  Dress Nordstrom $180 (bought in 2009), Belt - Forever 21, Shoes - Beverly Feldman at Neimans Last Call $100, Bracelet - Target $24

I can't talk about the colors Blue & Ivy without sharing a quick picture of Miss Blue Ivy Carter.  I don't know why I am excited about this baby, but I am.  She's so cute.  She looks just like her mom and has her daddy's nose.  Good job Bey! Why does this kind of make me want a little one of my own.  Fight the power!!!

Channeling My Inner Beyonce

Beyonce was photographed today post baby bump in a figure hugging ruched dress and she looked flawless.  Ruched anything (swimsuits, dresses, etc) is almost always super flattering. The look translates very easily for the 14+ girl with the Betsey Ruched Dress by Kiyonna.  I paired with a red lip & red shoes.  I say if you are gonna do a sexy red, go all the way.  

I am recently became apart of the Kiyonna Blogger Brigade. I'll be featuring a look from the brand once a month, so stay tuned. 

Outfit:  Dress - Kiyonna $128, Shoes - ShoeDazzle $39, Belt - Michael Kors $48, Necklace - Banana Republic (purchased in 2009), Lipstick - MAC Red, Lipgloss $14,  MAC LustreGlass Spring Bean - $14

In addition to getting my Sasha Fierce on, I also was dying to try the slick down hairstyle that I have been seeing everywhere.  Finally, I have hair to do it.  This hair style makes me want to go a tad bit shorter with mine to get the ultimate "slick."  We will see what happens next month when I go for a trim.

This is kind of off subject, but I've been reading the article on the Karl Lagerfeld comments about Adele.  I was just thinking to myself, "wasn't Karl himself a little too fat all of 5 minutes ago." Oh how quickly some get amnesia.  He is so impertinent, but nothing he says surprises me.  He is known for his rude commentary. 

Oh and please take a moment and vote for me as the Refinery 29 Style Style Blogger.  If you click on popular contestants and scroll down to the people with votes in the 20s you should see me.  Thanks a bunch.  Click here to vote. 

Color Blocking & Sandal Hibernation

Every year sandals become scarce, especially in a size 11, as the temperatures warm up and every year my friends call and ask me where to get some hot sandals.  I always buy up clearance sandals at the end of the summer, I also call up friends and tell them where they can find adorable super cheap sandals for next spring.  Do they listen to me?  No, they do not.  So this spring, I know I will be getting phone calls again.  I thought I would share what has been hibernating in my closet all winter long.  I have approximately 24 days until March.  I can justify wearing them then, weather permitting.  

Talbots Orange Thong Sandals  - $16, Steve Madden Neon Yellow Flats (Nordstrom Rack) - $16, Kate Spade Hot Pink Sandals $90, Talbots - $16, Payless Bow Canvas Shoe - $12

(The Jessica Simpson bangs are baaaacccckkkkk.)

You I couldn't leave you guys with an outfit post.   I decided to have a little color blocking fun.  Color blocking is always a little tricky to me because I feel that there is always a chance of going to far (kind of similar to over accessorizing), but I couldn't resist the chance to sport a pair of pink skinny jeans.  

Blazer - Pierre Cardin (I have had it since I was 19 years old), Peplum Top - Asos $40, Pin - Pixel Pixel $5, Colored Denim - Ashley Stewart $36, Wedges - Payless $12, Belt - Forever 21 $3, Lip Color - MAC St Germain, Gloss - Revlon Hot Pink $6, Bangs - Jessica Simpson $30

Oh and please take a moment and vote for me as the Refinery 29 Style Style Blogger.  If you click on popular contestants and scroll down to the people with votes in the 20s you should see me.  Thanks a bunch.  Click here to vote. 

Pink Friday at the Jean Paul Gaultier Exhibit

I attended Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit of the Dallas Museum of Art.  It was like nothing I have ever encountered before.  The best way I can put it is that this artist has no boundaries and sexuality is his barrier-less playground.  Through this exhibit, I felt the power of sexuality and the possibilities when you take it to the beyond the limits.  I left the  exhibition  inspired me to really look deeper in the power of fashion & style.  (The exhibit will be here through February 12 - It's a must see.  The second and only other stop will be in San Francisco)

Outfit:  Top - H&M $19, Skirt - Talbots $129, Belt - Ann Taylor $50, Shoes - Gap $50, Sunglasses - Chanel $271 Neiman Marcus (splurge), Clear Glasses - Juicy Couture $120 (similar - I changed the lenses out to my perscriptions)

I glided through the exhibit in these comfy little numbers.  My outfit was super casual and comfy, but these shoes took it up a notch.  If I wasn't married already...I would marry these shoes...LOL.  

Designer to Watch - Ashley Nell Tipton

I just came across this new designer, Ashley Nell.  She definitely caught my eye with these fresh, playful, and funky designs.  From what I could dig up on the emerging designer is that she maybe planning to show at Full Figured Fashion Week.  Her line is not available for sale yet.  I, personally, am eyeing the sheer leopard top and the sheer cream skirt.  As you know, any designer who uses an ample amount of leopard had a good chance of finding a place in my heart.  

  

Here is how you can find Ashley Nell

http://www.facebook.com/byashleynell
http://ashleynelltipton.blogspot.com/
http://lookbook.nu/byashleynellfd

Not knowing a lot about this line also gives her a little mystery and also intrigues me a little more.  Let me know what you think of this new designer.