Atlanta Content Creator Inspiring [life] style

Friday, January 30, 2015

Musings of a Muse: So This Is the New Year

I'm not an excitable person. I don't get excited.

This is not a new thing I've discovered. I've pretty much been this way my entire life. And it doesn't mean that I don't enjoy things or even look forward to future endeavors. It's just that, when I hear good news or when I know something great is on the horizon, I'm more steadfast in my approach. I won't be the one jumping for joy, nor will I be the one who appears "super into it" -- ever. Where an excitable person might say "Wow, that's awesome," I would instead say "OK, sounds good." I think this is because I internalize.

But it continues even once I have actually been presented with something exciting. If I were to win a shopping spree (which would be fantabulous), I would be happy that I won and would even think about all the things I would purchase. But I wouldn't share it on the internet, and I certainly wouldn't use any exclamation marks.

My temperament is phlegmatic.

This type of personality is traditionally associated with water (makes sense as I'm a Pisces and I was born on an island), and these type of people are "inward, thoughtful, calm." I used to think that the fact that I don't really get excited was a bad thing. I used to think that it meant that there was nothing that I truly loved. But I know that's not the case. It might just mean that I love even deeper because everything I'm connected to--from my shoes to my dogs--is internalized and deep.


Things that I thoroughly enjoy, but don't get excited about:

  • The Denver Broncos
  • Charlie Hunnam
  • Horchata                     
  • A Well-Fitted Outfit
  • Vacations & Weekends
  • Blogging
  • Mac N Cheese
  • Natural Hair
  • The Perfect Playlist
  • The Perfect Movie
  • The Perfect Book
  • A Netflix Marathon
  • Brad Pitt
  • Interracial Couples/Biracial Children
  • Decor
  • Kahlua & Cream
  • Sleep
Now it's your turn. Do you get excited? What things do you thoroughly enjoy?
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Wednesday, January 28, 2015

My Athleisure with Target® C9 by Champion

I see reps. I C9.

Is it time to get my athleisure on? Athleisure is essentially a combination of athletics and leisure. When it comes to workout clothes, I'm looking for pieces that work for athleisure: athletic enough to go hard and do work at the gym, and leisurely enough for a quick stop for a smoothie afterward.

This is where C9 comes in. A lot of people make New Year's resolutions, and one of the most common ones is to get fit. I started my workout plan back in May of last year and did really well with it. Did I tell you I lost 15 pounds? Well, then the holidays hit and I gained back five of those pounds. So I'm back in the gym (and eating right) to do work. And there's no better way for me to do that (and keep resolutions) than with great fitting workout clothes. Target® C9 by Champion offers a line of workout gear that will help get you fit.

I don't know about you, but it's easiest for me to get into workout mode when I'm equipped with the proper gear, from headbands to footwear. Attending a Barre class or running on a treadmill in the wrong attire is just a setup for resolution failure. Instead, truly think about what you wear when you hit the gym. Look for clothes with Duo Dry stretch fabric to keep you comfortable. Get something that wicks away moisture while also providing a flattering waistband that conforms to your body. That's why I love C9 by Champion so much. This line of workout clothes and gear comes with everything you need to get in shape and look good while doing it.

My run leggings and seamless tee are the coolest workout pieces I own. The leggings have advanced high performance and a power core warm compression, which means it's easier to work out in colder weather. So no "it's January and cold out" excuses. I'm also wearing thin non-slip headbands and a compression sports bra. The bra has a knit mesh for breath-ability, a compression fit for support and removable cups. Target® C9 by Champion is currently on sale as part of the Get Fit event.

What do you like to wear to workout?


On the Muse: | Target® C9 by Champion women's run leggings c/o ($28) | Target® C9 by Champion women's medium support compression sports bra c/o ($17) | Target® C9 by Champion women's seamless tee c/o ($16) | Target® C9 by Champion thin headbands c/o ($5) |

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Target® through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Target® C9, all opinions are my own.

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Monday, January 26, 2015

Lookbook: Spaghetti Western

When I was in Mexico in December, I saw so many wonderful ponchos. I wasn't sure if I could pull them off, but I said what the hell and bought this one during Zara's big-ass sale. What do you think? I know the snow is coming down for a lot of you on the east coast this week, but it's actually getting a bit warm in Cali so I have to milk this poncho as much as I can before spring. Plus, I'm totally channeling Clint Eastwood in A Fistful of Dollars with this look, right? Hench, the "spaghetti western" post title.

And this dainty white chevron necklace from Urban Peach is a new favorite. So simple; so chic. Be sure to shop the site (link below) for great deals on fun jewelry (including all those double-sided earrings everyone is loving). Right now, you can get any two necklaces for $15 with code 2FOR15--sale ends 2/1.

Since the previous weekend was so busy, this was a much more relaxed two days. Sigh...two days. Why aren't all weekends three days? Why aren't work vacations seven weeks? Why don't we raise the minimum wage? Sorry--now I'm just getting all state of the union on here. Anyhoo, I cleaned out my old makeup and skin care products. I didn't realize I had hoards of items in the guest bathroom...just sitting there. Ugh. The trash man cometh.

Also, I went to the gym six days in a row last week, which I haven't done in months. And when I went to get my eyebrows done, the lady said to me, "you are so skinny." I don't know if that's because she could tell I've been going hard at the gym or if it's because of these awesome True Religion runway leggings. The twisted-seam construction creates the illusion of longer legs, so that's probably half the reason why I looked so fit in her mind. But, uh, thanks eyebrow lady (I write as I drink a totally not-at-all fattening Thai iced tea).

On the Muse: | True Religion runway leggings c/o | White chevron necklace c/o Urban Peach | Zara fringe poncho | Cynthia Rowley tee (TJMaxx find) | Forever 21 sandals | Target hat | 100% Pure tart nail polish c/o |

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Friday, January 23, 2015

Inspiring Style: Dining Room Decor

With what you've seen from my living room decor and bedroom decor posts from earlier this month, you can probably tell that I'm into a very specific color scheme. For 2015, I'm all about grays and whites with accents of blue and yellow. For the dining room, I added a banquette bench as partial seating as I've always enjoyed the way those look in home decor. What do you think of those benches along with hanging wine stem racks?

What do you think of the three rooms in my home decor edition on the Muse?
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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

What I'm Loving in January 2015

Long, colorful coats - Although I'm pretty much ready for winter to be over and done, I'm still liking the idea of layering. And one piece I want to continue layering with is a long, colorful coat. I'm loving thick ones in light blues, pinks, marsalas and camel, of course.
Loving these: green lapel | notch lapel

Coffee table books - Honestly, I need to add more books to my reading list in the next couple of months. But I also need some easy, light reading coffee table books to add to my home decor, like this Humans of New York book. If you're a fan of the Facebook page, then you'll love it in hardcover.
Loving this book as well: Dogs in Vogue: A Century of Canine Chic

Bucket Bags - As I'm sure you already know, I'm a big fan of bucket bags. I featured one in my outfit post last week and you've probably seen them on my Instagram too. Plus, you can enter my awesome giveaway to win a Mansur Gavriel bucket bag worth $495! 
Loving these: downing bucket | bucket in blue

Arugula & Pomegranate Salad - I'll admit. I'm not the biggest salad eater. It's bad, I know. But fortunately, I was able to get into arugula salads recently, especially ones with pomegranate, mandarin oranges, candied pecans, goat cheese and a vinaigrette sauce.
Loving this: epicurious salad

Frends Rose Gold Taylor Headphones - I tend to use headphones when I'm at work and when I'm at the gym. And these rose colored beauties with padded memory foam ear cushions are super sweet. Can't wait to get my hands on these!
Loving these too: gold black | studio wireless

Workout Gear - Usually I wear leggings and T-shirts to workout, but I'm really wanting to get a few coordinated sets that look more sporty. I think style actually makes a pretty big impact with gym gear. It actually makes me want to work out more when I feel like I look good.
Loving these: GapFit | C9 by Champion

What are you loving in January--the first month of the year?

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Monday, January 19, 2015

Lookbook: Midnight Blue + Giveaway

Happy Martin Luther King Day! I'm really happy to have this long weekend. I felt like I got so much done while also having time to sit back and relax. Why isn't every weekend a three-day weekend? So I did a little decorating, enjoyed a birthday dinner, watched some movies, went to the gym, and did an escape from the room event. Have you heard of one of those? You and some friends are stuck in a room for an hour and you have to put clues together to find a key to get out. Unfortunately, we didn't escape, but we came really close. We were told that we were about 90% of the way, so we probably would have escaped if we had about 10 more minutes. But no hard feelings, as only about 2.5% of teams make it out.

You like these Zara mules? Well, I'll be wearing them again in the spring when it gets a bit warmer out. Can't wait to rock them with a skirt.

On the Muse: | Zara high-heeled mules with bows | Zara drawstring bucket bag (sold out--enter the giveaway below for a great option) | Michael Kors cable knit zipped sweater (similar) | ApartStyle midnight shimmer blazer | GlassesShop Althea sunglasses |

My blog turned 6 this month (I only know this because of this post last year when I said my blog turned 5). And one of my blogger friends, Sandy of Sandy a la Mode, just celebrated her blog's 5-year anniversary last week. So a few of us teamed up to bring you this wonderful #GIVEAWAY to win a Mansur Gavriel bucket bag (worth $495). Bucket bags are everything right now, so you'll want to get your hands on this designer option! Plus a second winner will get a $100 gift card of their choice!
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To enter, simply complete the Rafflecopter below.
The giveaway is open until January 25. 2015 at 12AM MST. The more entries you complete, the more chances you have to win! This giveaway is open Internationally for all the fashion lovers around the world!

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Friday, January 16, 2015

Inspiring Style: Pantone's Marsala

Last week, I brought you some great luxe and less makeup picks for the 2015 Pantone color of the year: Marsala. Today I'm sharing with you some accessories that work in this deep brown/burgundy hue from satchel bags to watches. What do you think of these selections? Personally, I'm dying over both of the shoe choices.

Marsala Handbags
luxe - MICHAEL Michael Kors Hamilton Saffiano Leather Tote - $358
less - ASOS Scallop Trim Satchel Bag - $34.11

Marsala Gloves
luxe - Saks Fifth Avenue Leather Gloves - $105
less - Topshop Ribbed Leather Gloves - $40

Marsala Shoes
luxe - Charlotte Olympia The Lady Is A Vamp Pumps - $332
less - H&M Snakeskin Patterned Flats - $29.95

Marsala Watches
luxe - Burberry Check Stamped Round Dial Watch - $395
less - Timex Croc-Embossed Leather Strap Watch - $55

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Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Inspiring Style: Bedroom Decor


My bedroom living post from last year gave you a glimpse into my home life. I am still a fan of the styling, but I'd like to switch up the color combinations for this year. Much like what I said in my living room decor post from last week, I want to stay in this particular color scheme: grays, whites, blacks, blues and yellows. For the bedroom, I'm leaving the blues out, and instead accenting with yellow throws, pillows and lamps. Note: I don't want everything to have a chevron pattern. It just comes up a lot in a Google search for home decor.


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Monday, January 12, 2015

Lookbook: Bucket List

All I can say is, I can't believe this skirt is now on sale for $30! That is more than a steal. I happen to be dressed in head-to-toe Zara today. That wasn't entirely planned. But everything just went together so well--I couldn't resist. My it accessory right now is the bucket bag. And the best part is that pretty much everyone makes one at every price point. The shoes photograph purple/gray, but they're camel.

The hubs took these photos before we went up to Oakland to have one of my favorite dishes: mac 'n' cheese at a place called Homeroom (if you live in the bay, P.S. Eatery is better). Then we went over to Jack London to watch Taken 3 (I know! It was terrible) and out to some bar called Plank for late-night drinks. I realized that I'm getting too old for super loud music, club clothes and bad bar service. These are the things you understand when you get closer to 30. But getting out is how Saturdays are spent. Sundays are for football, the gym and lazing around. How was your weekend, muses? And are you a fan of this look? I'll let you in on a secret: I dig it.

On the Muse: | Zara perforated skirt | Zara Mao collar striped blouse (sold out: similar) | Zara pleated court shoes (sold out: sorry, too cute to have anything similar) | Zara zipped bucket bag | Bar III vest |

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Friday, January 9, 2015

Makeup and Muses: Pantone's Marsala

The 2015 Pantone color of the year is Marsala. It's a bit of a deep purplish brown. Last year we had Radiant Orchid, which was more vibrant. But the vibrancy of Radiant Orchid also made it a little difficult to pull off. That's not the case with Marsala. This deeper color is much richer, and also much more friendly to a variety of skin tones. Here are my makeup picks--both luxe and less--for Pantone's Marsala. What do you think of the color?

Marsala Nail Polish
luxe - Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Bordeaux Lust ~ $32 
less - Essie nail polish in Limited Addiction ~ $8.50

Marsala Lip Color
luxe - Lipstick Queen Sinner Opaque Lipstick in Scarlet Red ~ $22 
less - Rimmel London Lipstick in Bordeaux ~ $4.99

Marsala Blush
luxe - NARS Blush in Seduction Sangria ~ $30 
less - Make Up For Ever Artist Shadow in Burgundy ~ $21

Marsala Eye Shadow
luxe - NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow in Desdemona ~ $29
less - Stila Eyeshadow in Twig ~ $18

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Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Inspiring Style: Living Room Decor

In the fall of last year I got really into home decor. My accent color of choice was orange. In my home I added nice orange accent pillows, orange candles and orange ombre curtains from Tarjay. In 2015, I'm changing up my style a bit. I'm transitioning from browns, blacks, oranges and blues to grays, whites, yellows and blues. This minimalist look that I'm going for can only be completed with lighter colors and simple elegance. But I had to add the yellow as the hubs really wanted some color. I would add all of these pieces to my living room decor quick, fast and in a hurry. I think I'll start by staining my dark furniture white. Let me know if you have any tips!

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Monday, January 5, 2015

Lookbook: Every Day Until Whenever

On the Muse: | Boy Meets Girl 'Every Day' Sweatshirt c/o | H&M Striped Collared Shirt (similar) | TJ Maxx Steve Madden Coat | True Religion Moto Jeans c/o | Steve Madden Quilted Sneakers |

A few days ago I got my hair done by my go-to hairdresser. If you like my curls, want a new look and live in the Bay Area, then let me know and I'll give you her info. For the new year, I wanted to go with shorter tresses with some spiral curls. Spiral curls are my jam. If you have tips and tricks on how to get more defined spirals that last longer, please hook a sista up. I get lazy and tend to be done with a curling iron after about 5 minutes. So sad to say goodbye to the last weekend before going back to work, but you know--time flies. And time is not measured by clocks, but by moments so spending today complaining about yesterday won't make tomorrow any better.

This comfy sweatshirt from the Boy Meets Girl x Nordstrom collaboration was included in my Holiday Must Haves post from December. I wore this look to watch the hubs play tennis. Man, was I cold. The lows are in the 30s, people, and this island girl don't play that. I might have been born in the winter, but it was a winter in the Caribbean, so it doesn't count.

Anyhoo, I hope everyone enjoys this first real week of January 2015, and if you have some time, feel free to enter my $250 gift card giveaway (open to all, ends this Friday). See ya on Instagram!

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Friday, January 2, 2015

Giveaway: $250 for the New Year

Happy first post of the new year! I hope you all rang in 2015 with a bang and that you continue to enjoy your time off this weekend. To really lift your spirits and help with any resolutions, I've decided to give one lucky reader a chance to win this $250 gift card giveaway!

If You Liked This Post, Then You'll Love These...

I want to leave the choice open, so the winner will receive a $250 e-gift card from Amazon, Nordstrom, Sephora or Visa. It's up to you! To enter, just follow the simple instructions on the Rafflecopter below. Giveaway is open to U.S., Canada and International readers and ends 1/9/15.

*PLEASE NOTE: If you follow me on Instagram for this giveaway and then unfollow after the giveaway has ended, you'll be blocked from entering any more of my giveaways (I will use Iconosquare to see everyone who unfollows and then block them). Also, if you follow me on Instagram via a bot then I will check this before randomly picking a winner. If a bot account wins, it will be disqualified. Please only follow on Instagram if you plan to remain as a follower and if you are a real person/account. If you plan to unfollow after a winner is announced, then don't enter this giveaway, as this is a thank you to my followers! More giveaways will come!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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