My Little Blue Obsession

My blue obsession continues with a Daniel Rainn studded blouse from Nordstrom Rack, jetsetter jewelry by Chelsea Bond and heels by Steve Madden.  I'm also particularly pleased with how my twist-out turned out this time around (Big thanks to my big sis Marquea for giving me a new way to twist my hair) using the L.O.C. method ("Leave-In, Oil and Creme Moisturizer). Love!

Lately, I've been trying a lot of layering with different shades of the same colors.  So...even if I'm wearing one shade of blue with my top, I might do a lighter or a variation of blue for my accessories.  I've received a lot of compliments when I do this with blues and corals.  I'll post my pics of this as I continue to do it.

I've got the blues

So clearly I have an obsession with blue accessories being paired with black and white outfits....I've got the blues.....

Necklace: Jetsetter Jewelry by Chelsea Bond, Top: H&M

Necklace: Lia Sophia, Chain Leather Bracelet: Jetsetter Jewelry by Chelsea Bond, Bottom Bracelet: H&M

Revlon Change Agents - Say It

I was so excited when Vogue sent me Revlon's Colorstay Ultimate Suede lipstick in the color "Socialite."  The mission was to encapsulate how beauty inspires strength.  Revlon wanted me to apply the lipstick and use my lips to make my voice heard.  As a part of Revlon's Change Agents campaign, I was instructed to take a photo that could go with how I wanted to give back to my community by showing a photo that went with the phrase "Say It."  Revlon's Change Agents campaign has four parts in order to facilitate change in the community.  If we "say it"....that thing that we want to change, in the end we will take the steps necessary to bring it to fruition.

Photo Credit: Amber LaFrance

So when I thought about the concept of what Revlon was wanting us bloggers to do...I thought of the picture above.  I purposely chose people of two different races in order to encourage unity.

So in line with the campaign, I would like to continue on my quest to know more about the Muslim community in Dallas...to encourage unity, to inspire and to create one whole thriving community of diverse individuals.  This starts with one person, one voice....and from person to person a transformation in our community will transpire.

My next challenge from Revlon will be "See It."  I'm assuming I'll have to take a photo showcasing a Revlon eyeshadow but I want you guys to be thinking of a photo concept that will go with the theme...I'm supposed to be capturing an experience that I witnessed that has inspired me.  (Hint: read my Fashion for Compassion blog entry as this is what has inspired me for this campaign).

When it's time for me to submit my next photo, if you guys give me the photo concept that I actually use, I'll do an amazing giveaway!!!

Fashion for Compassion - Love Thy Neighbor

Several days ago, I attended my first Muslim fashion show.  The title was called "Fashion for Compassion" and it was geared towards fashions for the modest and conservative woman.  As I got ready for this event, I ignorantly thought that this was going to be like all Dallas fashion events so I got dressed to the nines in high-waisted shorts from Urban Outfitters, a low v-necked blouse by The Limited and studded ankle-strapped heels from Nine West.  Little did I know, one of my many life lessons was lying ahead of me.

Medina Bib Necklace - Stella & Dot, V-Necked Black Blouse - The Limited, Polka Dot Pleated High Waisted Shorts - Urban Outfitters

Studded Ankle-Strapped Heels - Nine West

Upon arrival to the event, I exited my car and entered the event only to be one of the few with excess skin exposed.  Most women were adorned in embellished tunics and floor-length dresses with their heads covered by some of the most beautiful scarves I've ever seen.  Quickly my idea of what was "dressed to the nines" or what was "beautiful" began to change.

I have NEVER committed a fashion violation, as I always adhere to the recommended attire for the event so this was the first time that I needed to be apprehended by the fashion police.  Could it be that I was too self-absorbed to have actually thought that I would have needed to be more modest for this event?  Could it have been that I was too vain to think that at a Muslim fashion event there would still be American-influenced fashion principles, where at times the less clothes you wear the more beautiful or accepted we are?  In that moment, feeling embarrassed was an understatement.  I'm a fashion writer for SEVERAL publications, so committing a fashion violation is not something that I do...but in that moment I was forced to reflect.

Fashion for Compassion, Dallas Contemporary 6/1/2013; Photo Credit: Leah Frazier

Fashion for Compassion, Dallas Contemporary 6/1/2013; Photo Credit: Leah Frazier

As I watched the fashions come down the runway, I was moved to tears.  These women were the epitome of elegance and beauty.  They were confident, vibrant and shining from the inside out.  I wanted to be that woman.  How is it that they were covered from head to toe but some of the most beautiful women that I have ever seen?  They were being seen without being seen (if that makes since.) This is entirely backwards from everything that has been ingrained in my head for all of these years.

Fashion for Compassion taught me above all, compassion and respect for other cultures; that the old saying "Less is More" is so true.  These women were stunning--only showing the outlines of their faces and leaving much to be desired; but this in itself made them goddesses and some of the most gorgeous women I have encountered.

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous... ~1 Peter 3:8

This event started out as just another fashion event that I was covering but literally within hours changed my perception of beauty and what it meant to love my fellow sisters as we all look to achieve the same goals and aspirations for ourselves.  It taught me to step outside of myself, my culture, my spirituality and my lifestyle to embrace others and their quest for self-expression.  Now more than ever, the phrase "Love they neighbor" has taken on a whole new meaning and as I progress through life in this world of fashion and dating, I can rest easy knowing that modesty and conservative approaches with style can speak louder volumes than anything I could have ever imagined.

Polka Dot Paradise

Given everything that has happened with the recent tornadoes, I was thrilled to see gorgeous weather.  I was imagining a great vacay on a boat, with sparkling waters and a small breeze.  With these visions in my head, I quickly put on my Vince Camuto polka-dot romper and snapped some photos.  And wouldn't you know it....as soon as I got done, the clouds rolled in and the rain started to pour!  I knew my weather bliss couldn't last for long! 

Navy Polka Dot Romper by Vince Camuto, Steve Madden wedges, Tom Ford Shades, Handbag by C.N.C.

Black and Brown: Opposites Attract

I remember being told a long time ago never to mix black and brown.  I don't know why this is, but it was just one of those things you were forbidden to do.  Kind of like "no white after Labor Day."  Well, me being the "insubordinate" one...decided to start mixing and matching more black and brown outfits.  What do you guys think???

Brown sunnies by Kate Spade.  Natural Hairstyle: Wash n Go using Mizani Detangler and Olive Oil Eco-Styler Gel

Natural Hairstyle: Curlformers

Black Dress: Throwback from Macy's, Belt: Express, Gold Tassel Necklace: Lia Sophia

Black Maxi: White House Black Market, Denim Jacket: Gap, Belt: Banana Republic, DreamCatcher Necklace: Express

Keep Calm and TRUST GOD

So I've reached this point in my life where I thought EVERYTHING was going exactly how it should be. It wasn't perfect but it was in all of its ways comfortable and satisfying. Just two years prior my world was torn to pieces--shattered by a nasty, unexpected divorce between my mother and her ex-husband, a break-up with a guy I had been dating for almost a year and a lay-off from my job. Things couldn't have been worse and I went into a deep depression. These things brought me to my knees and to God. Now here I am...almost two years later where my world has been shook again and I'm at another set of crossroads.  Do you ever wonder..."God, can I have calmness for just a little bit?"  "Can't I just CHILL?"  But God says "no".  He doesn't want us to get comfortable, he doesn't want us to settle.  He wants us to MOVE.

(Taken at the Covenant Church Women's Flourish Conference 2013 

Photo Credit: Leah Frazier)

So now here I am.  My job that looked so promising before is now on the fence.  I had plans of moving up the ladder to being a managing attorney and maybe even one day partner! We laid off 70+ people a month ago... and by the grace of God, I survived. What to do? So I came to the women's conference this year at church hungry. Hungry for answers and starving for clarity. Just weeks before I had asked God after the recent earthquake of layoffs, what is it that YOU would have me do? God answered immediately and simply, "Move to California and start your own law practice."

"May He grant you according to your heart's desire, and fulfill all you purpose." ~Psalm 20:4~

Of course I'm like, "Nah...maybe I heard you wrong."  There is NO way, that I can afford to move to California AND go out on my own. I will be so broke and so homeless. Where would my clients come from?  Would I be financially stable?  Is this even possible???  But low and behold, it has always been my desire to move back to California since my short stint out in Los Angeles in 2007 clerking for a bankruptcy judge. I've always had an emotional and spiritual connection to California but never really knew why.  So okay, here's that whole God knows the desires of my heart thing...ok, ok.  And I know I've always wanted to be my own boss....let's face it.  I hate taking direction from other people...I'm sooooo insubordinate!  Most importantly, I love to serve people. I love being able to counsel people through their legal situations and have them look at me and say "Thank you."  This is my purpose and now God is saying, I've trained you up, you have 5 years of courtroom and legal practice under your belt...go forth and be great! So why am I afraid?

"The Lord IS my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?  The Lord IS the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" ~Psalm 27:1~

So imagine my surprise when I arrive at the Flourish Women's conference all confused, all shook up and seeing the sign above the stage saying "MOVE".  Of course me "the insubordinate one"...I'm thinking "Oh yeah, move as in move your bum and get down for Jesus!"  Cue the music!  No, for me...the one who kept asking for clarity and for God to speak, he spoke again by telling me to MOVE...of which now I will do at the end of next year. I will be headed to California, to the city of Angels. All of this so that I can LIVE (see below picture) in purpose and follow what God has put on my heart.

(Flourish Women's Conference 2013 at Covenant Church, Day 3 Photo Credit: Leah Frazier)

Alright, so I've made my decision to move and to open up my own law practice in California.  This morning as I did my devotional, I realized that over the past several years, God had been preparing me for this. I wrote down all the opportunities that I felt that I wasn't given however all of the things I had learned and wouldn't you know it...it was for me to do exactly what I am planning on doing.  I learned so many different areas of law this year and succeeded in helping people with their cases. Positions in the legal community that I felt I should have gotten, I didn't receive.  But now in hindsight I realize that I could not commit myself to another 2-3 years in Dallas because God was moving me on.  So during the times where I wasn't getting promoted or receiving leadership positions, it was all a part of his plan.  As I wrote down in my journal this morning: GOD HAS PREPARED ME FOR THIS MOMENT AND ALL DURING THAT TIME, I WASN'T EVEN AWARE.

Me, after church one lazy Sunday!

I found this picture that I had taken several months ago, but it comforts me because of the small halo above my head.  I feel like this is God shining down on me and letting me know...you were chosen for this, I am here with you and everything is going to be ok.  I've decided to blog and journal about this journey KNOWING that in the end I'm going to be victorious.  I'm going to be 100% transparent and tell you the pain, fears, joys and tears that I'm going to experience through this.  Are you ready? I am! LEGGO!

So here's the "keep calm" saying I created, just after thinking about all of this.  I'm going to put it on a shirt and a poster to remind myself of where my strength comes from and WHY I am making this drastic life changing decision.  By next September, I will be in California fulfilling the purpose, design and calling that God has on my life.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths." ~Proverbs 3:5-6~

Get naked!

Just recently at two events I have received more compliments on my eye make-up than at any other event I have attended.  I find it really flattering when people ask, "YOU did your own eye make-up?"  Ummmm yeah!

While I would LOVE to take all of the credit for my fabulous eye shades and blends lately, I just can't.  I'm not a genius...just a girl who loves her beauty products and make-up.

So to create a fabulous eye for the evening, I prime my eye with Urban Decay's eye primer potion.  This will ensure that my eye make-up stays put ALL day with no re-touches. For everyday I use the primer on the right and for a little shimmer I use the primer on the left.

The best primer ever!!!!!

Next I apply my eye shadow according to the layout on picture below.  This is the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette.  One of my most favorite palettes.  You can not go wrong with these eye shadow colors.  The palette is $50 but it literally lasts and you can create so many different looks that you get your money's worth immediately.

I apply "outer mid lid" first, then "mid lid." Then, I apply the "above crease shade" so that I can blend the other colors over it.  Next, I apply the "crease" and create my smokey eye with the "outer crease" color.  The diagram below leaves off that the inner eye lid color is the 4th from the right.  This is the color that tops everything off.  Blend all harsh lines with a blending brush and VOILA!  Last but not least, don't forget to apply the "brow bone" shade to highlight the arch of your brow.  And that's it!!!!!  This is my secret, hope you guys enjoy! (It helps to have a good set of brushes to achieve good blending and to have each color pop out on your eye.)