Atlanta Content Creator Inspiring [life] style

Monday, June 30, 2014

Lookbook: White Stripes

A couple weekends ago I went to a This Is Oakland event that showcased local artisans and shops from the city. It was a very cool way to highlight local talent. After the event we had some delish Cambodian food for lunch, which is where I ate yummy fried banana and coconut ice cream. It was a true cheat day. Will be wearing a lot of Zara this coming month. I went and had a "cheat" day on their website too. Pretty much bought it all! Summer whites, y'all!

On the Muse: | Zara organic cotton t-shirt (similar) | Zara ripped skinny trousers | 6ks camel coat | Forever 21 heartbreaker loafers | Target leather tie hat |
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Friday, June 27, 2014

Photojojo Smart Phone Lens Review

If you recall, back in my What I'm Loving in May post I mentioned a site called Photojojo. It's just a great site for all things photo, from a portable photo studio to a tripod mount for your phone. Honestly, they have so many awesome products on their site that it would take me a month of blogging to get through everything I liked. So let's just start with the items that were sent to me that I'm most excited about using right now: the lens set! These pro-quality Photojojo lenses can be used on either Android or iPhones so you're good to go.
Wide Angle/Macro Lens: The wide angle lens packs in more scenery in one shot. Then simply unscrew the top of that lens to reveal the macro lens beneath. A macro lens shows you up close, detailed images. It is--by far--my favorite lens in the set. It takes the most incredible images of the tiniest things. I used it on this too!
Telephoto Lens: A telephoto lens lets you capture images at a distance while still maintaining a crisp, sharp photo. This is the perfect lens attachment if you have nosebleed seats at a concert or event. You don't have to worry about zooming in and getting grainy images any longer.
Fisheye Lens: So a fisheye lens is a lot like a wide angle lens, except it provides panoramic distortion. It's that Missy Elliot video for The Rain with a 180-degree distorted image. Not for all images, but supa dupa cool.
I would also recommend that you try the polarizer or super fisheye lenses. So what do you think of these lenses from Photojojo? Just another fun excuse to take better photos with your phone this summer!

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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Inspiring Style: 9th&Elm


Did you like my outfit from the I Have Nothing to Wear post? Well both the tee and the palazzo pants were from a great online store called 9thandElm. The purpose of the store is to connect you with fab items from handmade and independent designers with exclusive deals. The tee was on sale for 40% off! You can shop by categories like monogram, vintage and otherwise cool. Or you can search the Featured Events for designer spotlights.

Remember this beautiful Sugarlips dress too? Well you can find pieces like this at 9thandElm and much more. These are just some of my favorite items from this store that you should look into (especially the accessories)!

I don't know why, but I've always been into nautical pieces from sailor style dresses to anchor jewelry, so this pendant is calling my name. And even though I don't need a flask, I think something as cute as this personalized bicycle one would make for a great gift. And the iPad sleeve is yet another fun way to make tech look fashionable. The tee speaks the truth because some days coffee (caramel latte) and wine (Riesling) are all you need, lol. There is even something for the parents out there! Add cute decor to your children's rooms with fun animal wall prints. Lastly, skirts with these floral crochet designs are trendy this season so give this oopsy daisy piece a go!

What do you think of these 9thandElm items?

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Monday, June 23, 2014

Lookbook: Truth or Dare

Soon I'll be going on a little trip and it's going to be cold there. Although I'm looking forward to this trip, I have no desire to be cold. I don't enjoy vacations to cold places. Is that weird? When I think vacation, I think strolling around a city in shorts; lounging poolside in a cute one piece; sitting out in the sun at a local cafe. It's hard for me to imagine doing these things in weather below 75 degrees. But maybe I'm just being weird, right?

Anyhoo, this dare you jumpsuit by Tobi is the closest I'm ever getting to bringing back the overalls trend. I haven't worn actual overalls since I was 13 (baggy with only one strap), and I don't plan on wearing them again. But I do love jumpsuits and I find this one with its fun mesh detail in the middle to be the best of both worlds.

On the Muse: | Tobi Dare You jumpsuit | Forever 21 posh faux suede pumps | Guess top | Max & Chloe pisces necklace | Target hat |
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Friday, June 20, 2014

Musings of a Muse - Part 6

Some of you might have realized something different on the Muse recently. You might have noticed that I've chosen to disable comments on a post by post basis. This was something that I wanted to do for a while now. Disabling comments was always in the back of my head--I just didn't know when I would take the plunge.

Also, I wanted to disable comments entirely, but decided that doing it on a post by post basis made more sense for me. I've been extremely busy lately and haven't had enough time to visit and comment on all of your great blogs like I used to. So one reason why I've disabled comments is because I don't want to feel the pressure of having to reply to comments.

Don't get me wrong. I love receiving comments and I love visiting your blogs. But I simply don't have the time I used to have before. And I actually quite enjoy interacting with you via Twitter and Facebook. I don't find it to be a cop out or anything. Social commenting is more efficient because it's more immediate, which I truly appreciate. And as I'm sure each of you have experienced, some comments are just blah. No substance or anything. I'm not really a fan of that brand of commenting.

If you couldn't ever imagine disabling comments, then that's perfectly OK. I think each blogger has to do what's right for them. This is my blog and it's what works for me at this time. I don't expect everyone to follow suit, or to agree or to understand.

But I do appreciate those of you who have taken the time to chat with me on social. I honestly feel like it's not about where you comment. It's about maintaining blogger interaction. Interaction is what will keep blogs relevant, no matter which medium it comes from. And that's all I gotta say about that!

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Wednesday, June 18, 2014

What I'm Loving in June 2014

Before last month I would have never guessed that I would find myself eating things like chia seeds and flax seeds. But since I started added them to my smoothies, I've found that they're actually not too bad. Eating flax seeds raw are even tasty, if I do say so myself. Yay to fiber and omega-3 fatty acids! (I'm getting so weird).

As I stated in last month's Musings of a Muse post, I've been working out to get fit, healthy and ready for a tattoo. This includes a lot of ab workouts that I actually enjoy--well, not when I'm doing them--including this one for a flat belly. It's not about thigh gap, people! It's about excruciating rib cage tattoo pain.

I used to listen to a lot of pop and hip hop music when I exercised, but now I find reading magazines to be more entertaining. I read one article on Summer Skin S.O.S. or Generation Debt and before I know it, I've already done 15 minutes of cardio, which is like three miles on the exercise bike.

Remember how I was really into avocado boba tea in March and April? Well I've modified my love of that for a healthy version--less carbs, more veggies. Now I'm really diggin' the avocado, banana, kale smoothie that the hubs makes with our Ninja.

OK, there are other things that I'm loving this June that have absolutely nothing to do with fitness--just fashion. Cue these Jessica Simpson Cecerre black leather heels. Cut-out, strappy shoes are my go-to summer heels.

And I can't forget about Phantogram. I've been listening to them for years now and they are quite possibly the closest thing to my favorite band. Was fortunate enough to see them live, but you have to just give them a quick listen. I'm sure you'll find something you'll love (like Black Out Days, Fall In Love, Don't Move, Mouthful of Diamonds, When I'm Small...)

What are you loving this June?


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Monday, June 16, 2014

Lookbook: Bloom Eternal


Are you guys into the World Cup? Well, I'm not a soccer fan so it doesn't do anything for me. But it's nice to see all the futbol madness. But on to things that do matter to me: these Jessica Simpson cecerre heels. They are just the cutest new edition to my closet and they look great from every angle. And how about the organza panels both in the front and the back of this Sugarlips dress? Can't. Get. Enough. I wish I could tell you that I wore this lovely dress to some super fancy event, but I took it out for dinner and a movie. What did you wear this weekend?

On the Muse: | Ray-Ban wayfarers | Sugarlips eternal white dress c/o 9th&Elm (get here) | Jessica Simpson Cecerre heels (Zappos) | The Zoe bouquet c/o BloomThat |
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Friday, June 13, 2014

Inspiring Style: Father's Day Gift Guide

Around this time of year, you're up to your eyeballs with Father's Day Gift Guide posts. But in all my years of blogging, I've never done one before. So I wanted this one to be pretty special. This is a gift guide featuring items that my father--who died 12 years ago--would truly love. Maybe you'll find something fun for your dad too!
| Domino Set - because he never played cards, but he could school you with a double blank | Left-Handed Mug - instead of coffee, this mug would be filled with tea. He was a lefty so it made sense that I married a lefty too |
| Lefty Smudge Guard - have you ever seen a left-handed person write cursive? Yes, cursive. It's either really awesome or really bad. My dad had the best cursive handwriting in existence. With this, he could write letters (yes, actual letters) without worrying about the lefty smudge | Bible iPad Cover - so iPads weren't even around when my dad was alive, but I'm sure he'd appreciate reading the Bible on the iPad, especially with a cover like this |

| Jamaican Support - being from Jamaica, I think my dad would have loved seeing Kingston-born Tessanne Chin win The Voice this year | VoiceJam App - Papa was a rolling stone. Well, really he was a guy who sang in the choir as a hobby. I think he'd like this app, which allows him to sing into a phone and instantly record his voice. I think I want this app too! |

And if you're local to the Bay Area (San Francisco, Palo Alto, East Bay, etc) and looking for a great Father's Day gift, then take advantage of this yummy offer from BloomThat and Bacon Bacon. We always get the best stuff first! The BloomThat Bacon Day promotion goes until June 15 where you can order 5 slices of bacon with the 6th slice covered in chocolate! I got this (and a bouquet) for the hubs and he loved it (who doesn't love bacon?).

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Wednesday, June 11, 2014

East vs. West: Florida vs. California

Now that I've lived on the West Coast for three years, I've truly come to realize some of the differences between West Coast living and East Coast living. There are simply certain things that California does better. But on the other hand, there are a few things that Florida can do that are unmatched. Some things here might be broad coastal generalizations, while others are more accurate to the two states I've lived in for almost 30 years.
Hella vs. Y'all
In California everyone says hella. Everything is hella cool, hella hot, hella hella. I've even started saying it! And every now and then I catch myself referring to people as y'all. That's just what you say in Florida. Y'all would be hella crazy if you think I'd stop saying that! And another interesting thing with words? West coasters say freeways, but I don't think I'll ever stop calling them highways.

Atlantic vs. Pacific
Want to know the best part of a California beach? The mountain range that curves alongside it. Want to know the worst part? The cold ass Pacific Ocean that doesn't let you get in without a wet suit. Since Florida has the Atlantic Ocean as its backdrop, you can swim in the water practically year round...in an actual swimsuit. It's warm, sunny and the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico have the best sand. But alas, everything in Florida is flat, so no mountains in the distance. Just decide if you're into wet suit surfing or beach lounging.

Hipster vs. Beach Bum
Let me say that I'm comparing California with Florida, not California with New York. Since they're both well-known beach states, the fashion game is not too different. But the biggest separation would have to be that you'll find more hipster style in Cali and more beach bum in Flo-rida.
Wine vs. Mojito
If you want a delicious mojito, then order it on the East coast. That was my signature drink in Florida because the state has access to actual mint leaves. I tried ordering one in Arizona once and it tasted like soap. But if you think you have more of a sophisticated palette (you wino), then a robust red wine might be to your liking. I go for white wine here in California, which you know is always on point with Napa and Sonoma just steps away.

Nature vs. Disney
Granted, California also is home to theme parks, but the most well-known theme park in the country is Walt Disney World, which is in Orlando, Florida. If you're bored in the peninsula state and want to do something fun over the weekend, chances are you're going to Disney. Or possibly to a sandbar in The Keys. In Cali, you have a few more options like mountain biking/climbing, surfing or skiing. You can surf in Big Sur at 7 a.m. and then find yourself snowboarding in Tahoe by 3 p.m. that same day. That simply can't be beat.

Farmer's Markets vs. Publix
Out in the west, you'd probably be shunned if you didn't like farmers' markets. Where I live, I think there's one just about every day of the week in some city in the Bay. Floridians, on the other hand, are just starting to embrace farmers' markets. You know where people from Florida get their veggies? From a delightfully yummy Publix sub. It's the stuff dreams are made of.

Do you notice any interesting differences between East Coast and West Coast living?
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Monday, June 9, 2014

Lookbook: I Have Nothing to Wear Santana Row Fashion Show

Santana Row hooked me up with a couple tickets to the annual Summer Fashion Show. The poolside catwalk featured some of the season's best fashion for both men and women from Free People to Diesel. I really enjoyed a lot of the pieces worn by the models, including the showcase by C. Wonder, H&M and Beau Bijou. There was also a beauty lounge, free champagne, hor d'oeuvres, free green juice from Jamba and more. Oh, and San Francisco 49er Vernon Davis (last photo) strutted the catwalk since proceeds were donated to his art foundation. I've gone to a few events at Santana Row before--including the Beauty Bash and FNO--and this was definitely a great experience. With all the hot male models it was safe to say the cougars were out!

Since the fashion show ended at 6, I spent the rest of the night with friends for dinner and a movie (Edge of Tomorrow) in Oakland. Because of this long day, I wanted to wear something comfortable and cool, so this fun tee and these palazzo pants from 9th&Elm were the perfect pairing. Recently I've looked in my closet and felt like I had nothing to wear so this shirt is really appropriate, especially at a fashion show, right?

On the Muse: I Have Nothing to Wear tee c/o 9th&Elm | Palazzo Pants c/o 9th&Elm | 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target satchel | Parisa G by Guess wedges (not shown) | Target Mossimo leather tie hat |
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Friday, June 6, 2014

Inspiring Style: The 12 Best One-Piece Swimsuits for Summer

I've mentioned my love of one-piece swimsuits in the past on this blog, and that love hasn't changed. No disrespect to the two-piece bikinis. I just happen to be a fan of monokinis, maillots, tankinis and the like. They have more of a vintage flair and can actually accentuate your curves in ways that you didn't think possible. Come check out my picks for the 12 best one-piece swimsuits for the summer, from mesh to cutouts.
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What I love most about mesh one-piece swimsuits is the illusion. They leave something to the imagination that bikinis just throw in your face. Why buy the milk, right? (I hope you get that reference). You can also hide whatever areas you want to hide while still showing parts that you want to flaunt.

Need a little boobage? Try bustier one-piece swimsuits. They're a great way to add more shape to your upper body when wearing a one piece. Choose a strapless bustier for more allure or wear the straps for more support.
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Most of these one-piece swimsuits are maillot style, but there's just something quite awesome about these belted versions. The golden accents make these maillot one-piece swimsuits look strong. You feel comfortable wearing these both on the beach and strolling around the shops at a beach side town.

When it comes to swimsuits, a lot of people are fans of the cutout. These cutout one-piece swimsuits are a classic favorite of mine because, like the mesh, they add some sex appeal to a traditionally conservative style. Oh, and you can actually wear #10 in about four different ways to switch up your cutout look.
//10//11//12//Check out other swimsuits on my list and then let me know your swimsuit style. Are you into one pieces?
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Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Movie Reviews: Maleficent & X-Men

Maleficent
I appreciate a re-telling of a traditional story, especially when the story is so well known. And casting Angelina Jolie as the lead role was definitely a perfect match. She dazzles from start to finish, with her high cheekbones, strong wings and piercing eyes. She really does make the movie. Because without her powerful acting, I'm not sure this movie would have been very memorable (or even very dark).

Maleficent is a pretty movie with a great premise, but you don't get much greatness from the King, Aurora or other secondary cast members. But honestly, that was fine by me because I couldn't take my eyes off Angie (or the cameos made by her kids Pax, Zahara and Vivienne). Thoughts?

Rating: 

X-Men: Days of Future Past
When I was a kid, I used to think that Sentinels were outside my window. I loved the X-Men cartoons, but the Sentinels always freaked me out. Now, I'm a huge fan of robots, so my fear of Sentinels has turned into total love. So you can imagine my excitement to watch X-Men: Days of Future Past--so much so that I saw the Thursday night showing. Let me tell you a few things that I really enjoyed about the movie and a couple other things that I didn't like as much. But before that, check out my review of X-Men: First Class.

In the future, the world has become a very dark place. Many mutants have been imprisoned and many others have been killed. Sentinels--who were first created to destroy mutants--are now also targeting non-mutants as well. The few X-Men that are left find it difficult to fight against Sentinels as their powers adapt to fight against mutants. Magneto and Professor X feel that the only way to fight the Sentinels is to stop them from becoming government weapons. Because of his power to heal quickly, Wolverine's consciousness is sent back in time.

What I loved most about this movie was the comedic elements provided by the younger X-Men and the action scenes. There were a lot of great battles with the Sentinels. Oh, and did I mention that Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister) is in this movie? But what I didn't like as much was how different the Sentinels looked. They weren't as terrifying as the cartoons because they were sleeker. But let me know what you thought of X-Men?

Rating: ♥
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Monday, June 2, 2014

Lookbook: Black Out Days

Would you believe me if I told you I ironed these shorts an hour before these photos? I wouldn't either. They're super comfortable and I love the sailor themed belt, but they're prone to wrinkles. How about the top? It's got a cool scribble detail that instantly caught my eye. Anyway, I took these photos in Santana Row before heading to dinner and Maleficent. I'll share my thoughts on the movie in the next post so stay tuned.

Sunday we went to Live BFD--an all day music festival. When I went last year I fell in love with Of Monsters and Men. This year I mainly went to see Phantogram and M.I.A. In fact, the title of this post is a Phantogram song--and my current obsession. Listen here. But I also really loved Fitz and the Tantrums. They are killer performers. Didn't stay for the headliners--Foster the People--as it was Sunday night and Game of Thrones was on. So...you know, lol.

On the Muse: Target hat | TrendyBlendy scribble me chic blouse c/o ShopLately | TrendyBlendy sail away shorts c/o ShopLately | Shop Suey Amber sunglasses c/o ShopLately | Simply Vera Vera Wang wedges |

How did you spend your weekend? ♥

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