Jessica and Ashlee Simpson Head to Belk Galleria Dallas November 22

Mark your calendars fashionistas, Jessica Simpson and Ashlee Simpson are coming to town! The sisterly duo will make the trek to Belk Galleria Dallas on Saturday, November 22 to celebrate the launch of Jessica's new bedding line under her latest venture of "Jessica Simpson Home."

Both sisters will be making a personal appearance at the mega-retailer from 1-4 p.m. and invite guests to come out for the special meet and greet. For a purchase of $50 or more under the Jessica Simpson or Jessica Simpson Girls line, receive a free gift bag and an autographed photo!

Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the native Texan sisters being "Home for the Holidays"!

Jouer Cosmetics Review: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Jouer Cosmetics touched down in Dallas on September 24, 2014 at Blushington Makeup and Beauty Lounge and I decided to attend the French Fete soiree to get the scoop. Myself and my newest beauty contributor, Meagan Frazier, attended the "Girl's Night Out" event to see if this line of cosmetics could fare with some of our all-time favorites (i.e. Nars, Urban Decay, MakeUp Forever, etc.).

Beauty Contributor Meagan Frazier receiving her Jouer touch-up

As we tend to review things from the "women of color" point of view, I reached out to my newest contributor and beauty junkie sister, Meagan, to give me her complete and honest opinion of the newest launch of the French award-winning cosmetics company. After receiving a complimentary touch-up and getting up close and personal with Blushington professionals, here's our newest resident expert's opinion on Jouer.

Likes:  

• Super light texture, non-clogging, natural, easy to apply and in love with the year-round colors
• The blush lends itself to a myriad of skin types 
• Great selection of tinted moisturizers with SPF in illuminizing as well as matte
• Absolutely LOVED the lipsticks, tints and glosses...the BEST SELLERS of this brand!  A definite MUST HAVE! They are super light, non-sticky and last all day.

Dislikes: 

• There was not enough color for the woman of color. Specifically, there were no base colors that would work in most light settings for a woman of medium to darker skin or the woman who has spent too long in natural light or artificial light
• Many of the blushes and base colors as well as the tints had a red undertone which is not good for many African-American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian-American, or Pacific Islander women who need more of a golden undertone--lest it makes us look gray and chalky
• The only brow definer was in blond. (We're secretly hoping that we overlooked the darker brow definers.) 
• May not be enough coverage for someone wishing to cover blemishes or skin imperfections

The overall premise for this brand is that we will definitely be buying the lip products but will need to see vast improvement on the foundation products (tinted moisturizers, base colors, etc.).  We're still on the hunt for the best products for women of color.  Think you know the brand? Shoot us an email and we're more than happy to review!

Dallas Launch of Jouer Cosmetics at Blushington: Giveaway Included

Join me on September 24, 2014 from 6-8 p.m., as I venture off to Blushington MakeUp & Beauty Lounge for the official launch of Jouer Cosmetics in Dallas. This top French makeup brand has some of the best makeup products out on the market currently and they are going to be offered exclusively at Blushington. 

Come join me for this French Fete and enjoy sips of complimentary French Rose' cocktails, petit fours, makeup touch-ups with Jouer Cosmetics professionals and photo booth fun! The best part--guests will also receive a gift bag, which will include a selection of full-sized makeup products! RSVP for this fantastic event today. (See info above)

Giveaway for my faithful readers:

For the first three of my readers to show up at Blushington on September 24th, you will receive a Joeur Leopard IT bag, valued at $28.








For one lucky reader, I'll be giving away a full set of Long Wear Creme Mouse Eyeshadows as part of Jouer's new Fall 2014 collection, valued at $180 (includes 6 eyeshadows at $30 each). All you have to do is comment on this post with your email address for a chance to win!  It's that easy!  The winner will be notified on September 24th!






Mark your calendars and come out to Blushington on September 24th and celebrate with me! This will be an event you don't want to miss!

Famed Fashion Designer Michael Costello Heads to Dallas to host The Crowned Brunch

Michael Costello, famed fashion designer and Project Runway alum will be headed to Dallas on September 28, 2014 to host an exclusive afternoon tea and champagne event for The Crowned Brunch entitled "Deeper than the Dress: An Intimate Conversation with Michael Costello" at the historical Dallas Adolphus Hotel. 

Couture fashion designer, Michael Costello

Costello, a highly sought after name in the fashion industry is most notorious for his recent work with Beyonce' and the designs he especially curated for the top-ranking musician for her On the Run Tour. Costello has also worked with the likes of A-list Hollywood celebs Paris Hilton, Selma Hayek, The Kardashians, Mary J. Blige, Britney Spears, Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan and Celine Dion just to name a few.

Khloe Kardashian in Michael Costello

Beyonce in Michael Costello

This event will be interactive between its guests and Costello as well as an invitation for both media professionals and guests to discuss everything from fashion to style with the designer in addition to gaining insight into Costello's journey as one of the top designers to the stars to date.

The Adolphus Hotel

The Crowned Brunch series, originally introduced and cultivated in Houston, is making its way to Dallas to inspire and empower attendees. Past hosts have included Massy "Mankofit" Arias and digital marketing manager for Beats by Dre, Karen Civil.

The brunch will be from 1:00pm to 5:00pm and tickets are available to purchase at www.thecrownedbrunch.com.  For more information, visit the site. This is an event you will not want to miss!

Making a Crop Top Work For You: How I Conquered My Fear of Belly Exposure

Every woman has insecurities about their bodies, and mine is and always will be my mid-section.  No matter how hard I work out or how many diets I do, I just can't seem to find that happy medium for my belly. (See my Eat Clean Challenge post for more deets on how despite my insecurities, I slimmed my mid-section down) So lately, the crop top trend has made a fierce comeback and they are being spotted everywhere. I would always see them on everybody and think, "That looks cute for them...but not for me."

Standing with my girl Mindy Loll, top luxury consignment seller for Ebay (left) / Photography by Crystal Chatmon

So fancy this...I'm in H&M browsing and I spot this really cute and flowy crop top in white.  My brain starts to go 90 miles a minute on how to style it. So I pick up a pair of high-waisted shorts and head to the fitting room to see how this "trend" would fare on my taller frame and wider mid-section area. The high-waisted look was definitely key. It covered just enough of my belly to keep my most secure lower belly covered but revealed just enough to make the trend work for me. It was sexy and classy all in one...not revealing too much.

Photography by Crystal Chatmon

The next night, I head out to the Ese Azenabor fashion show with some of Dallas' most stylish...and I decide to try the darn thing out.  I ended up pairing it with my striped Limited high-waisted skirt and pops of coral with my necklace by Stella and Dot. It was a hit!  I received so many compliments.  Now I'm rummaging through my closet to find more high-waisted shorts, pants, etc. so that I can wear it again. (Check out my write-up of the Ese Azenabor fashion show here...amazing!)  

Me and Dallas media personality, Vanna Collins / Photography by Crystal Chatmon

All that being said...take a risk!  You may find yourself thoroughly surprised.  Make the trend work for you! For most of us, all we will need to do is pair the crop top with a high-waisted bottom...and for those who have bodies like Jillian Michaels...well, you can definitely sport a low-waisted bottom and expose the entire mid-section. Not me!  All that to say, I've conquered the crop top...I wonder what I can conquer next...the body con dress????  Hmmm......

Mindy Loll and I

Come Fly With Me: FlyWheel Plano Introduces Community Appreciation Weekend and New Pricing

As many of you know, I love to eat but I completely despise working out. I only work out because I have pool parties to bask at and fellas to see. Recently, I tried out FlyWheel at the Plano location and was completely impressed. I was able to choose my instructor and my seat all online! And...the most important part for me, was seeing ahead of time what type of music I would be riding to because nothing is worse than working out and not feeling energized.

Photo Credit: Leah Frazier

I really enjoyed the indoor cycling studio at FlyWheel because they provide the shoes (all clip-ins) and they incorporate lifting weights for arms during the last 10 or so minutes of the ride (the weights are actually attached to the bike.)

Photo Credit: Leah Frazier / Sign-In via Laptop Computers and if you reserve early, your shoes will be available in a cubby once you arrive.

FlyWheel Plano is now rolling out a community appreciation weekend from June 7-8th to roll out a new pricing schedule, fun partnerships and special classes like the JayZ vs. Beyonce FlyBarre Class to bring in the summer months with a bang.

Individual classes which were originally $25 per class will now be $20 per class if purchased individually and as low as $15 per class if purchased in a package. The first class is always free--and new members can try their first month as an unlimited FlyWheel and FlyBarre member for $99 if purchased from June 7-13th.

So here's what I'm excited about: there's going to be a black light GLOW ride on June 7th at 9:30AM and need I mention again, the JayZ vs. Beyonce FlyBarre class on June 7th at 3:00PM where pulsers can bring their guy for free by emailing an RSVP to plano@flywheelsports.com.

There's more in store at FlyWheel Plano and I'm super pumped. With giveaways and promotions from community partners such as Eatzi's, Vita Coco, Legends Popcorn, DryBar and Blue Mesa Grill--this weekend and this summer is sure to be a blast.

To sign up for your free introductory FlyWheel or FlyBarre class, go online to texas.flywheelsports.com or email plano@flywheelsports.com. FlyWheel Plano is located at W. Parker and the Tollway 5964 W. Parker Road.

*COME FLY WITH ME!  I EAT, THEREFORE I FLY!*

Alice and Olivia Trunk Show at Tootsies May 29 - 31

Starting today through May 31st, one of my favorite brands Alice + Olivia will be debuting their summer trunk show at Tootsies in the Preston Center. The collection features everything from sheer hi-lo silhouettes to the increasingly popular nude palettes for this spring and summer. My favorites are definitely the maxi print dresses bursting in either bold orange and yellow florals to basic black and whites--all a slated must-have for your wardrobe as seen on the runways in New York for the Spring/Summer presentations for Fashion Week!

Noted as one of my favorite brands available at Tootsies, this summer trunk show will be available through May 31st. Click here for a quick look at what's in store as well as some of my faves from the collection below. Happy shopping!

Two-Toned Dress

Paint Splatter Dress

"All I Ever Wanted" boxy tank with Arthur Pant sans cuff

Stace face tank and two-tone mini

Flamingo pattern top and Khaki mini

All images used courtesy of Tootsies and Alice + Olivia through francisco+co

Suburbia Music Festival: Where Dallas Fashion and Festival Style Collided

Suburbia Music Festival took over Oak Point Nature Preserve in Plano, Texas from May 3 - 4, 2014. Line-ups included my personal friend and local musician, Larry g(EE), all the way to mega artists J. Cole and the awesomely talented David Guetta.  

This was my first festival experience and I must say that I had the time of my life. Suburbia was like the Dallas form of Coachella so everyone came out in floral prints, flower headbands, crop tops and everything to channel their inner boho style.  As for me, I knew it was going to be hot as heck, so instead of going naked, I just threw on some cut-off shorts, a bandeau top and a sheer floral print hi-lo tank for comfort.

When I wasn't sipping on Dos Equis and completely rocking out, I was able to capture some really cool and stylish Dallas folks reppin' their festival chic attire.  Check it out!

Festival Hair - Amber LaFrance of Culture-Hype PR

High-waisted shorts, crop top and booties...it's a "yes"!

For festival-goers Christie and Megan, it was all about crop tops, maxi dresses and prints!

Singer Larry g(EE) flanked by festival goers showing their crop tops, high-waisted shorts and let's not forget..fabulous accessories!

Tall girls rock! Dallas fashion bloggers Leah Frazier and Madison Hunnicutt

It's all about comfort when it's 90 degrees out and you're standing on your feet all day!

What?  You're not sick of us yet?  Me and my girl Amber posing one last time for ya'll!

BET's Let's Stay Together Love Tour Hits Dallas: Massages, Men and More

The BET Let's Stay Together Love Tour hit Dallas at the West End Event Center on March 31st and was hosted by celebrity matchmaker Paul Brunson.  My expectations were exceedingly low for this event as I expressed in my earlier blog post, just because I've been here and dating on the Dallas scene for awhile and the type of man that I'm looking for is definitely slim pickings. However, I tried to stay open-minded and decided that hey, I have nothing to lose!

I did like any other female would do in this situation.  I put on my flirtiest dress, my sexiest pair of heels and attempted to put on the most amazingly "beat" make-up face that I could do--all the while listening to Klymaxx's "The Men All Pause" while I was getting ready...because evidently that's what I wanted to happen once I walked into the room, right?  Well that's not exactly what happened...the mend didn't pause...in fact, they kept on talking.

Icebreaker cards with questions to ask participants placed at each table

 So I arrive at the venue to be seated in VIP. (Thanks Hamilton!) I had my own bottles of Ciroc, my own waitress and my own little table tucked away to the side. While it was great...because I always love special treatment...I think it made the men intimidated because not one guy came and talked to me and the other women who were seated in VIP.  To make matters worse, the organizers didn't account for the VIP women, so we weren't able to get matched up...we couldn't participate in the speed or excuse me "flow" dating experience. But that was okay by me...I was determined to have a good time no matter what.

The VIP Set-Up

The event kicked off and it was a little alarming.  The first hour was solely a "cocktail and conversations" environment but the men were in groups among themselves and not really interacting with the ladies.  We were all looking good, so I'm not sure what the problem was. Of course, we could have just as easily talked to them but therein lies the problem.  I'm a woman.  I want to be pursued and I want a man to have the guts to come up to me.  As usual...I digress. *sigh*

So before the event kicked off, Paul was such a gentleman.  He came over to the VIP's and introduced himself, assuring us that we would nonetheless be entertained even though we were sans a match to participate....kinda crazy because that was the whole reason we were there. But from witnessing participants giving each other a massage to a couples dance-off, I was really entertained..and a tad jealous. Candid questions were asked like "After how many dates would you expect to have sex?", "Is Kanye West crazy or a genius (genius of course)", etc. etc.

Sorry for the blurry pic ya'll.  The lighting was bad.  Here are two participants giving each other a massage during the "flow" dating experience. I could've used a massage....I'm just sayin'. LOL But within the picture lies my point...why is the guy looking off waaaayyyy at the other end of the bar and not paying attention to the woman he is massaging?  C'mon Dallas fellas!!!!

During the event, Paul's friend and co-host (who shall remain nameless) talked to me for a bit and said that he would be over to chat with me after he got done making announcements...and I'll admit I was a little excited.  He was REALLY handsome, very well-spoken and my type.  But wouldn't you know it...due to the fact that the male to female ratio was off for the event, my bubble was burst because "cutie" had to go participate in speed dating to even out the number of men.  Yay for him, but bummer for me.  Another one bites the dust.

All in all, I was really impressed by the organization of the event and the twist on speed dating. It actually seemed like a lot of fun and I'm kinda bummed I didn't get to participate. All in all, I grew to have much respect for Paul Brunson because he was super friendly, stayed afterwards to take pictures with everyone and was just extremely down to earth. 

Celebrity matchmaker Paul Brunson and me

While I don't have any juicy stories to tell, I'm sure my dating dilemmas in Dallas will continue for all of you guys' entertainment. And as for "cutie", he disappeared after the event like Cinderella at the stroke of midnight---completely ghost...nowhere to be found. Sheesh.

Oh well, until the next date....

BET's Let's Stay Together Love Tour to Come to Dallas

So...my luck with dating has been sub par at best.  At this point, what's left for me in the dating pool has been comical.  From being approached by the over-sexed atheist ("clearly he doesn't read my blog") to dating the hot model with B.O.--I've had my fair share of CRAZY experiences here in Dallas.  One thing I have always wanted to do but have NEVER done is something similar to speed dating.

Welp, BET is bringing their Let's Stay Together Love Tour to Dallas with celebrity matchmaker Paul Brunson...and yours truly *drumroll please*...has signed up to attend. Now, my socialite Dallas buddy, Hamilton Sneed of HAS Events wanted me to help promote the event saying they needed more men...which already sounds like a recipe for disaster.  The women to men ratio is already off.  But hopefully the good, non cray-cray, employed, automobile driving men of Dallas will show up for this "flow" dating experience.

Here's to hoping and um....I'll definitely be writing a blog post about it afterwards. Here's the info for those wanting to attend and make sure you put "HAS" in the field, when they ask you how you've heard about the event.

*UPDATE* - This event is at capacity for women. Men are invited to register!!!!

St. Patty's Day Dallas Style: Greenville Greatness and Ludacris Craziness

So this was my first St. Patty's Day parade and concert in Dallas and I see now why it is nationally recognized and why Mark Cuban shelled out $50,000 last year to save the parade when it was threatened to get cancelled. This is an ULTIMATE Dallas staple and I will never miss a parade again.

Oscar-like selfies with the people of Dallas..my hair included...it's its own person. I think this was after me and my friend Karen had about 3 jello shots from the random "jello shot vendor" on Greenville Ave.

I've done some great (*cough cough* *wink wink*) St. Patty's Day celebrations in my hay day back in college but um....I thought I had matured since then.  Clearly not.

Just give me my beer (in a koozie) and I'm a-okay! I think this pic was when I was telling my friend that I was happy my hair was natural...I didn't give two flips that it was raining.  NATURAL GIRLS ROCK! Oh yeah, and check out the green beer bottle cap earrings...made by 12 year old Brandon Belanger.  His company is Urban Art 12.  I got SOOO many compliments on my earrings...and yes, they were sober...I think.

Anyways, everyone's inhibitions were thrown to the wind and just there to have an all out good time. My hair seemed to be the icebreaker for everyone who came up to talk to me but I don't mind it...it usually is.

Me and friend Karen...so glad she came out to experience Greenville Ave. craziness with me!

After the parade was greatness.  The Ludacris concert...for all of only $15.  Dallas Observer....you did that.  And for the people who cheated the system and stood in the parking garage next to the concert (for free) and then had the nerve to complain that they felt the concert was wack...ummmm...you got to see Ludacris perform all of his top hits (FOR FREE) and in a "COVERED" parking garage while the rest of us GOT OUR LIFE...in the rain jammin to all of Luda's hits.  Take several seats...cheap Dallas people! I digress.

The carefree people of Dallas jammin' to Luda.  As for me...I was standing on a wet picnic table rappin and dancin my life away.

I was SO happy to be a Dallas-ite that day.  We came and PACKED out the sold out show...and danced and rapped in the pouring rain and it was seriously so much fun. I didn't realize how cold I was until I got home and it took 2 hours for me to warm up...but oh well. C'EST LA VIE!

This was my first St. Patty's Day Dallas experience and it will definitely not be my last. If you missed it...well...so sorry for you. There's always next year.

Sarah Jessica Parker is Now My Homegirl and Other Shenanigans

Sarah Jessica Parker, or "SJP" as I would call her, came to Dallas on Sunday March 9th and this was something that was on my calendar for months.  I was doing the write-up for DFW Style Daily and just thought that I would show up, get my pics of SJP, interview a couple of SJP groupies and then bounce.  I was sadly mistaken.

See...what had happened was....(when you hear that, you know it's all going downhill)...I had a date the night before...and not just any date, a date with a hot guy and to see comedian Katt Williams.  And Katt didn't take the stage until SUPER late and I didn't get home until about 1:00 AMish but only because I had to stop by In and Out Burger to get a late night snack.  Anyways, I digress.

So the last thing on my mind was waking up at the crack of dawn to see SJP.  I honestly thought that I could just stroll into Nordstrom, get my info for my article in about an hour and bounce. WRONG!

SJP was scheduled to be in Nordstrom's from 12:30 to 1:30PM.  Something in my gut told me to climb out of bed at 9:30AM to get to Nordstrom's early and thank God I did. I literally rolled out of bed, put some jeans on, fluffed my fro and threw on some lip gloss.  I arrived to Nordstrom at 10:30AM to a line of fashionably clad gals waiting in line.

Met these three ladies in line.  The woman on the right was from CBS in Tyler and her mother is on her left and in her late 70's.  GTFOH!  Loved these women!

Again, stupid me...I'm thinking that I'm just gonna...stroll into Nordstrom's, get my pics of SJP, interview the groupies and leave. *Sigh*  So I get in line, only to have Nordstrom sales associates come by at  11:00AM saying..."If you don't have shoes or something purchased from SJP's collection, then you can't meet her."  (Insert a few expletive words here)

I just HAVE to get the scoop.  I HAVE to report on this.  There are no if, ands or buts about it.  So the Nordstrom sales associate comes back...and then I end up being the "groupie" that I was thinking that I was going to interview. LOL  I ordered a random pair of shoes off of the sales associate's iPAD, gave him my credit card...all so that I could have a "purchased item" in order to meet SJP and keep my spot in line.  There were a TON of people in line to meet Sarah...so I can only imagine the amount of $$$ that Nordstrom made at their impromptu sidewalk sale. However, I doubt that they were as smart as me...because I later took the shoes back ($270 pair of shoes) but yet I got both the scoop AND an autograph by SJP!

The impromptu sidewalk sale.  Everyone was desperate to get shoes in order to be able to meet SJP.  This is Dallas fashion blogger, My Fashion Juice, trying on shoes from the SJP collection. Noone wanted to lose their spot in line!

Fast forward to once we get inside at 11:30AM, I stay in line for an hour and finally get to meet the woman who inspired many of my fashion dreams. I tell Sarah of how I want to be the "Carrie Bradshaw of Dallas" which is in my by-line for DFW Style Daily and she goes on to tell me that I shouldn't wait to be "the Carrie Bradshaw of Dallas" but to anoint myself in the present tense that I AM what or who I want to be and just go for it!  She was so inspiring...so sweet and I will never forget this experience.  Watching Sex and the City will NEVER be the same again!

Click here for my post-event scoop published on DFW Style Daily!

And there I stood once inside..for 3 hours waiting to meet SJP and to get "the scoop." Noone said being a fashion journalist allows the red carpet to get rolled out for me EVERY single time. *sigh* So I waited....

The crowd

Sarah Jessica Parker doing an autograph for a fan

SJP!  Hey Giiiirrrllllll!!!!!!!!! lol

My moment with SJP...I wasn't nervous or anything.  Moreso surprised that she actually cared enough to speak positive affirmations to a complete stranger who she didn't even know.  How inspiring!

ALL PHOTO CREDITS: Leah Frazier

Breaking the Guinness World Record with TangoTab Terrell Owens and Mike Modano

I must admit that I had an ulterior motive in going to this event being hosted by TangoTab. Although I have an extremely charitable heart, I was really pulled into this event to see if Dallas could break the Guinness World Record for the most number of people making sandwiches at one time.

Yeah, that pile of bread over there...only the tip of the iceberg my friends.  Over 1,300 Dallas volunteers showed up for this event....so imagine how much bread, bologna and cheese was actually piled up!

However, after piling into the Hilton Anatole and really getting into the spirit of the event, I'm so glad that I went.  I really enjoyed slapping some bologna and cheese between two pieces of bread and meeting other Dallas volunteers.  My sister and I made 80 sandwiches to be delivered to the North Texas Food Bank, Soup Mobile and Metro Relief.

Me and my beautiful sister, Meagan...ready to break the world record and make these sandwiches...fashionably of course!

TeamWork!

Oh yeah, and we got to see Terrell Owens who I so desperately wanted to get the scoop on his two-week marriage and now divorce to a "random" unknown gal and then there was Mike Modano who looked ever so hot in his casual get-up.

Hey T.O.!  Hey Mike (on the far left)! I must admit...I'm liking the style that T.O. is sporting...very handsome!

Overall, over 136,000 local citizens were fed because of this event and in the end WE BROKE THE WORLD RECORD! My wheels are definitely turning on how I can add this to my resume...no seriously.

Volunteers making sandwiches.  However, I was completely baffled as to why people would not make sandwiches in an "assembly line" process rather than one by one.  Like, "le duh!"

Me and my sis made 80 sandwiches using the assembly line method..this is a box of 40.

Me and the current reigning Mrs. Dallas doing it BIG for charity!