Fabulous Find: Celine Bag "Look a Like"

The French luxury brand, Celine, has some of the hottest handbags in the market right now.  If you're like me, sometimes you want the luxury brands for less.  You want to look the part without paying the part. The most popular Celine bag is the Phantom...it has protruding side details and can run anywhere between $2,400.00 to $3,000.00.

(Dakota Fanning carrying a Celine Phantom handbag)

I had already decided that I was going to purchase a smaller version of the Celine Phantom handbag roughly two weeks ago.  So imagine my surprise as I go into DSW for a last-minute Easter shoe run today, to see a Celine look-a-like handbag made by London Fog.  The handbag retails at $150.00 and I got it for $75.00!!!!

(Available at DSW Stores, appears to be only in-store and not online)



It looks fabulous, feels fabulous and I'm not out of $3,000.00.  Just wanted to share this secret with you guys especially since I saw one woman walking out with this London Fog handbag in both cherry and mustard colors.  According to the salesgirl, these bags are going fast!  Keep plugged in for more of my fabulous fashion finds!

Testosterone Overload: Maroon 5, Adam Levine and "that guy" Tyler from Neon Trees

Dallas welcomed Owl City, Neon Trees and Maroon 5 to the American Airlines Center on March 21, 2013.  I'll be honest, when the announcement came out for this concert, I wasn't too thrilled about the line-up leading up to Maroon 5.  I only knew about that annoying "Fireflies" song by Owl City and the few songs of Neon Trees that I had heard on the radio.  I just knew for a fact that I was going to die of boredom waiting on Maroon 5 to take the stage.

(Photo Credit: Leah Frazier)

I was beyond impressed by Owl City and after a couple of Texas brand jumbo beers (Ziegenbock to be exact), I was completely obsessed with Neon Trees and the lead singer Tyler.  Being an 80's baby myself, I was taken over by Tyler's glittery jacket and pants and his attempt to perfect his awkward Michael Jackson-esque dance moves.  But you know what?  I totally dug it.  It fit his personality and his fan base.  I can't say that I will go so far as buy the CD, but they are definitely a must-see for a live performance.  Throw in a cover of Human League's "Don't You Want Me"....and I'm all in, dancing and waving my arms like a maniac!

(Photo Credit: Leah Frazier / Any reproduction or use of this photo must be obtained by authorization of the photographer.)

And then my boo, Adam Levine, and the rest of Maroon 5 took the stage and did their standard mix of songs from previous albums.  No disrespect to my boo or his band, but I think that all of Dallas was happy that they kept performances from the new album, "OverExposed", to a minimum.  This album was definitely not one of the better Maroon 5 albums and I'm sure they recognized it...so thank you for mixing in the few radio hits from "OverExposed" with previous chart-topping hits for another unforgettable Maroon 5 concert experience.  Overall, Maroon 5 rocked the house, introduced a new artist (can't remember her name) and featured one bad (bad in a good way) guitarist.  Maroon 5.....Dallas loves you!

And then....no Maroon 5 wrap-up would be complete without a drool-fest over Adam Levine.  I think Sweet Brown (above) said it perfectly.  "Every one has time for that!"

Mix me, Match me

Spring is almost here and I'm loving the time of year where I can mix and match prints, textures, fabrics, everything!  I'm still going to go for more gold accessories for spring this year along with my signature pop of color.  While jade green is the color of the year for 2013, I'm still mesmerized by shades of coral.  Add in a funky fro-hawk and statement shades, and I'm ready for the warmer weather!

(Shades: Tom Ford, Hi Lo striped tee: Express)

(Black Jeggings: Express, Gold-Plated Bow Sandals: Vince Camuto)

Pin-spiration

I (like many other social media fanatics) am addicted to Pinterest. From outfit ideas to recipes to make-up demonstrations, Pinterest is one of my favorite social media apps right now. So one morning at 3:30AM, I woke up out of a dead sleep and couldn't fall back to sleep and of course got on Pinterest and found my outfit for the next day. What do you guys think??? I'm on the right and the Pinterest pin is on the left. I highly suggest that if you need inspiration for anything: home, travel, fashion, etc....check Pinterest out!

New Year: Living a Life of Abundance

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

(From top to bottom...shades: Dolce and Gabbana, Necklace: Loehmann's, Sweater: AnnaLee + Rose, Jeggings: Express, Shoes: Bandalino from DSW, Handbag: Brahmin, Nails: OPI Russian Navy)

I hope that everyone will have a great and abundant 2013.  While we have entered a new year, it is never too late today or tomorrow to get on the right track if you falter.  We shouldn't wait for the New Year to adopt resolutions as this should be something that is continuous and ongoing as we mature.

A big shoutout goes out to my lil' sis Ashleigh Ray (again) for the awesome photos!

In 2013, I will continue to smile and to instill a beacon of hope to those who feel hopeless. In doing this...I will continue to put God first. I may not be the "conventional" fashion blogger, but even in fashion God will go first.

In 2013, I will continue to become a better me in Christ.

CHEERS TO A FULFILLING AND PROSPEROUS 2013!!!!

Christmas Giveaway

"So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." ~2 Corinthians 9:7~

'Tis the season for fantastic giveaways and pampering sessions!  One lucky follower will receive a complimentary hair blowout at the newly opened Hair Bar in Dallas AND another lucky follower will receive a complimentary micro-dermabrasion treatment ($89 value) OR dermaplane treatment ($69 value) at Facelogic Skincare and Spa.

All you have to do to be eligible to win is leave a comment with your email address and fill in the blank.  "All I want for Christmas is ________."  

Winners will be chosen at random and notified by 12/23/2012.  Cheers!

Free Hair Blowouts and Make-up Applications This Week

It's the holidays and if you're as busy socializing like I am, you have multiple holiday parties scheduled.  Who has time to get a different outfit, hairstyle and make-up for each occasion?  Well lucky for you guys, the newest and hottest in hair salons (The Hair Bar Dallas) is offering free hair blowouts and make-up applications for this entire week!  All you have to do is set up an appointment online and show up....it's that easy!  (Sign up for a date and time of your choosing at www.dropinblowout.com.)  Not only does The Hair Bar offer child care services while you're getting pampered but guests will also get to relax and browse the web on a complimentary iPad while receiving the best in hair and makeup services.

The Hair Bar is located in Dallas' Preston Royal Village and Southlake Town Square.

Pause for Reflection

So often we get consumed with life and everything that we have going on.  I myself am guilty...guilty of letting my mind continuously wander as to what all I have to do for the day while someone is talking to me.  Guilty of taking on too much at one time.  Guilty of perfectionism (is that a word?).  But when you take the time to pause....what is God really trying to show you?  On my recent trip to DC, I saw this pic of JFK and wondered what exactly was going on in his mind as he posed for this portrait.  A man deeply blessed, with deep responsibilities, paused for what I can only imagine as deep reflection...

December 2012 White House Tour - Portrait of JFK - Washington, DC
"I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord; therefore, I obey your instructions." ~Psalms 119:55~

If I would only take the time to get outside of myself and my crazy life, I would reflect on the Lord, the path he has paved for my life and truly come into grips as to what life is really about.  As I sat on the Supreme Court steps (below) and watched as my mom beamed as she took my photo I realized (in reflection) that life doesn't get any better than this.  29 years of age, three licenses to practice law...two licenses received in one year...one before the highest Court in the states...man God is good!  To have my mother travel to D.C. with me to get sworn into the Supreme Court was a blessing in itself.  We had the time of our life...and because I was able to put everything aside and to be in that moment with her...it made the experience that much sweeter.

December 2012 - Supreme Court Steps - Washington, DC; Photo Credit: my mama :)

December 2012 - Library of Congress - Washington, DC; Photo Credit: Leah Frazier

So in the midst of life...no matter how crazy it gets, no matter how wrapped up in the "little things" we consume ourselves with...pause for reflection and realize just how blessed you are.  Relish in the smiles of your loved ones...in their laughter...in their joy...and leave tomorrow to take care of the everyday tasks that can wait.