#TBT Edition: First Lady... Ready or Not!

It was a Saturday afternoon... about seven years ago, while riding on a train in NYC, a musician was playing a beautiful song in my train car. I don't remember which instrument he was playing, but I do remember enjoying it! I remember feeling as though he were one of the most talented subway musicians around. As he walked throughout the train car to collect donations for his 'performance', he stopped in front of me. Unfortunately, I did not have anything for him, but he apparently had something for me. He began to speak to my spirit, words of encouragement and validation. 

-Now, under normal circumstances, great performance or not, there's NO WAY that I would have been comfortable with it, nor would I have received any type of message from a stranger on the train in NYC... Certainly not a pan-handler! I'd learned, after moving to Bed-Stuy several years prior, to rock my 'NYC grill'... Especially for these types of situations! You know, that expression that anyone moving to NYC must must adopt in order to fit in, because God forbid you're actually caught smiling in the streets and speaking to strangers! ...lol! The expression that says what true New Yorkers say so effortlessly, "I am NOT approachable; leave me alone!"-

However, the peace that came upon me through his words confirmed that it was, indeed, a message sent from God... An on-time one at that! He confirmed many things for me, as if he were able to see through my 'grill'... straight to my heart. He ended the prophecy with, "You are a First Lady... You hear me? A First Lady!"

Well, I received that prophecy. Although the messenger wasn't typical, I was still able to identify the spirit from which the message came. Funny thing is I knew I wasn't ready to be a First Lady, so I began questioning if maybe he meant it metaphorically. Now... seven years later and still single, I'm realizing that God also knew I wasn't ready, and DUH, that's exactly why I'm still single! As much as I've wanted to join the marriage ranks and circles of some of my besties, I understand that He is still working on me! My trials, my tests, my droughts... It's all for my making! 

I am grateful and so excited to see what the future holds, because I know that GREATER is coming! And as far as that First Lady hat... I think I'm juussstt about ready to wear it! I guess we'll soon see the context of that Word that was brought to me that Saturday afternoon... and the blessings that it will bring. Either way, you already know...

I will do it with Style, and seal it with a Kiss!!

In Honor of TBT... Here's a REPOST...

When There's More in His Closet Than Suits and Ties... (A Little Thursday Humor...lol)

More and more we're finding that our men, our friends' men, or just men we happen to know as otherwise HETERO... are GAY!!! OMG!!! WTF!!!

Have you ever been in a situation that was a bit uncomfortable for you accept? Has your man ever done or said something that was an automatic RED FLAG... but either in denial, OR an effort to not humiliate him, OR in respect of his E.G.O... OR just total shock, you let it slide??

Have you ever wondered... even for a half-second... if your man was GAY? Worried that what your friends keep saying about him being too pretty to be STRAIGHT, may actually be TRUE!! Does it totally freak you out to think that his "Feminine Touch" may come from something other than growing up w/a house full of gals? ...Because after all, "Can't Nobody... Love You Better... Make You Happy... Make You Feel This WA-AYYY!!"

Well ladies, it's time to Open Up His Closet Doors... and really take a look inside! Here are a few things to look for... lol!! (Insert Wendy's sound effects for the ultimate hilarious experience!) FYI...While some of the signs seem obvious, many women are blinded by LOVE!

1) He listens to Wendy Williams everyday at work, and has officially begun to say "How U Doin'??" on a regular basis!! ("Aurriight!!")

2) His eyes are absolutely gorgeous... always have been, but you actually start to think that you see mascara on them tonight!!! (...GASP!!! ...now BREATHE!!!) No way!!! So you pretend to remove something from the corner of his eye, and almost faint when you see a trace of black on your finger tip!! ("I like boys")

3) His mani-pedi routine has become more regular than yours, and he even agrees to getting a WAX with you!! ("How U doin'??")

4) His fashion sense is better than yours! ...and I don't just mean that he has great taste!! ("Aurriight!")

5) The two of you are out to dinner, and after a few drinks you find his eyes wandering. You decide, after the second time, to turn around and see this sexy chick that's got your drunk man's attention... ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT IT"S ANOTHER MAN!!!!! ("I-I-I-I-I-I-I... I'm GAY!!!")

6) One or more of his closest male friends is GAY!! ("I like boys!")

7) He has EVER referred to you as, or started a sentence with, "Gurrll..." or "Chillle..."!! (Aurriight!")

8) You go out to a karaoke bar, and after you have just finished belting out your own rendition of I Am Telling You, your man comes behind you... kisses you on the neck and takes the mic away from you. You're so excited that he's actually agreed to sing this time, but when the music starts to play, you can't help but think that they've got the wrong song. UNTIL HE STARTS TO SING!!! Why is your man singing Aretha's version of I Will Survive!! "At first I was afraid, I was petrified..." is definitely what's going on in your head RIGHT NOW!!! ("How U Doin'?")

9) He's been spending more time with TYRONE!!! ...and unless, or shall I say even if Tyrone is really Tiffany, you've got yourself a bit of a situation here!! New sound effect required for this one... ("To the Left, To the Left!!")

10) You've agreed to bring some freak into the bedroom and to role-play his secret fantasy... only you don't know what it is yet. It can't be that bad though, because you told him that you were only down if it didn't involve a third party. SUPRIIISSE!!!!! He came home with a sexy fire girl costume, and (DRUMROLL!!!) ...a STRAP-ON!! ("I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I'm GAY!!!")


OK... now what do you do if you realize that the signs are CLEAR... the flags are IN YOUR FACE... and you're suddenly HEARTBROKEN??? Unfortunately, there's not much that you can do... there's no "Working this out!" ...You can't put it on him any better, and expect him to CHANGE!! You have to GET OUT! ...NOW! ...I SAID NOW!!!

This may be one of the ONLY situations where you two can truly benefit from 'just being friends'!

(shout-out to Wendy Williams... friend in my head!! ...even though I can totally see us having a love/hate relationship!! Gotta love her...lol!) 

**...BTW, This original post was written during her WBLS radio show days... you'd need to be familiar to fully understand the sound effects!**

Quote of the Day...

The hardest job kids face today is learning good manners without seeing any.

-Fred Astaire

Something to think about! Are you doing your part to ensure that you are setting a positive example for the children in your family and community?! Even when you don't realize it... they're watching you!

Do it with Style, and Seal it with a Kiss!

Natural Hair Chronicles...

So I was recently asked about my 'Big Chop' and transition to having natural, unrelaxed, unprocessed black girl hair... 

However, I wouldn't call what I did the 'big chop', since I continually cut my permed ends off over a period of time. 

It took me about 11 months to grow out my relaxer while maintaining a decent length of hair (chin length bob). I found that my hair grew much faster without a relaxer than it ever did with one. Luckily for me, since I really had ZERO interest in cutting all of my hair off! The real big chop was not an option for me. I did, however, wear a half wig for most of those 11 months while in transition. It was a great way for me to allow my hair to have a break, as I only kept the front bang out to blend while the rest stayed braided. It also allowed me to stay 'corporate' and 'comfortable' during the transition stage where I had absolutely no clue what to do with my hair!  When I wasn't wearing the half wig, I did a braid-set... cornrowing my hair back while wet (one of my favorite styles with and without a relaxer). 

I continued to use the same products that I used when I had a relaxer - Creme of Nature Moisturizing shampoo, Pantene conditioner, and Moroccan oil - and I had a single stylist and washer at the salon, since I found it really difficult to wash my hair by myself. I might also add that although I made the decision to go natural (aka without a relaxer or any other chemicals in my hair), I still loved my straight hair, and I really didn't know what to do with it otherwise. Needless to say, I was a 'natural who straightens' for the first four years, only really allowing my hair to 'just be' in the summertime... Curly ponytails and messy up-do's forced by humidity. Otherwise, I would get a wash and blow, and my hair would be just as straight as when I had a perm, so that was perfect for me. The problem came when I wanted to start doing the 'wash-and-go' that so many other natural divas were doing. I quickly noticed that my curl patterns were all over the place because I had been straightening!

So one day, I just decided to allow my hair to be free... Let it 'do what it do'! Since I was free-lancing and working mostly from home at the time, that decision came easily. I didn't need my hair straightened as often, nor could I afford it as often anyway. Although the back of my hair was still more tightly coiled than the rest of my hair, I began to see more of a consistency in my curl pattern when I stopped straightening it... and I loved it! I still straighten my hair about 3-4 times a year, so that I can trim it, but I can finally say that I'm actually beginning to EMBRACE my natural 'do! Curly, frizzy, big, or straight... Braided, twisted, or slicked into a neat bun... There is no way I'd be able to enjoy this versatility with relaxed hair. It's amazing!

Even at 7 years, it's still a journey! I go to Youtube to view all of the podcasts available for style and product tips, and I'm always looking for a new 'do! I'll be getting Senegalese twists as a 'protective style' to give my hair a winter break. I don't have any pics posted on here, but feel free to hit me up if you have any questions. Maybe I'll post pics in a later entry...

Btw... my fave products now are...

-Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Sulfate-free Shampoo... I've just come to realize that 'sulfate-free' shampoos are the best!

-TRESemme Conditioner Flawless Curls

-Pantene 'truly Natural hair' CoWash

-Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioning Cream... Great for my twist-outs

-Moroccan Oil Treatment (the original brand is the best and smells lovely, but it's rather expensive) Garnier Fructis and Organix also have great versions of the oil

-Coconut Oil... Any organic or all natural brand

-Ecco Olive Oil gel (green tinted)

If you're considering going natural, I say DO IT!! Unless you do a 'big chop', that transitional period can be extremely discouraging. Two different textures are not easy to deal with! You may even find yourself ready to get that relaxer touch-up again. Trust me I know!! I actually had three failed attempts before I made the full commitment! But gurrrrlllll, am I so glad I did (and so is my scalp, by the way)!! 

Keep in mind, that the decision to go natural does not have to be about Afros and Black Power, although ain't nothin' wrong with either! It is, however, as much of a lifestyle change as becoming a vegetarian... Or deciding to eat healthy, in general. When we eliminate toxins from our bodies, both inside and out, we are allowing our bodies to thrive in ways that can improve our overall health, beauty, and confidence! Be good to your body and your hair, and they will be good to you!!

However you choose to rock your 'do, just make sure that it's clean and healthy!! And please remember this...

Do it with STYLE, and seal it with a KISS!

Nail it Every Time!

OK, so we're Super Busy Superwomen... does that really excuse us from missing the mark on beauty? Absolutely NOT!! We're still fabulous, and must maintain a certain level of 'fabulosity' and class at all times!

I'm going to have to say that there are not too many things that I hate more than to see a well put-together, beautiful, professional woman with obviously chipped nail polish!!! URGHH! ...and to say that it's in the name of fashion is a complete insult and total beauty faux-pas!! Unless you're in costume, on a runway, or just going for the "I'm a nervous, irresponsible, immature wreck who picks at her nail polish and thinks that it's OK... AND I couldn't care less about my image nor what you think about what my image is portraying" -look,  there is no real-life trend that warrants a chipped nail! So fine... that might be a bit extreme, but really, if you're over 21 and would like to be taken seriously as a lady (in life, work, dating, fashion, etc...) then you should really not act oblivious to the big deals that the simple details carry! 

As women, we're naturally ready for the normal beauty slip-ups. We carry our most beautiful bag of tricks, fully equipped for that unfortunate moment. "Oh no, my hair is a mess... My make-up needs a refresh... Ugh, I have food in my teeth... Damn, those onions were delish in my salad, but my breath, UGHHH... My lips are chapped... My hands are in serious need of moisture..."

So why slip up when it comes to our nails? That moment is bound to come around when we can least afford it, "OMG... my nail polish has chipped, and I don't have an extra minute to waste"  

With work, school, interviews, motherhood, cooking, laundry, cleaning, gym, da-ta-da-da-da, the list goes on... even if you're on your way to get your mani-pedi... there's no reason that you have to be caught out there! Along with your brush, floss, lip balm mints, and lotion, you absolutely MUST pick up a pack of nail polish remover pads. Throw them in your cosmetic bag, or have one stashed in each purse, but please... 

Never leave home without 'em! Unless you're carrying your nail polish for touch-ups or a quick fix, a clean bare nail is always better than a tacky chipped nail! 

But that's just my opinion... Lol!

I say a lady should always be classy and stay polished...

But please remember this...

Do it with Style, and Seal it with a Kiss!

Happy New Year to all!!

Wishing you all the best this coming year!

 It's time for a "Shift"!! Let's move into gear, and 

make it happen y'all! 

Focus, Success, and nothing less than the best!

...Do it with Style, and Seal it with a Kiss!

So excited... this year I made a wreath!!!

Yay!!! So I was inspired to make a wreath from scratch this year... something I've never done before. A little overwhelmed by all of the leftover branches that were cut from my Christmas tree, and absolutely no clue where to start, it took me about two weeks to begin this project. Thank God it only took me about two hours to complete it! 

I used two wire hangers and formed them into circles... this was the base. Since I waited two weeks to begin this project, I had some pretty dry branches sitting in the living room, so we started out by moistening the branches. After allowing them to sit in a bucket of water for a few minutes, I took them out one-by-one, and began to wrap (weave) them around the hangers and each other. Since I didn't have any floral wires, I used twist ties from the storage baggies. I used them to connect the branches, as needed. I added a few decorations once that was done... and VOILA! My homemade wreath!

Try it yourself! It was simple, and didn't take long at all!
...Do it with Style, and Seal it with a Kiss!

In Our Prayers...

I would like to take a moment to send my deepest condolences and prayers to all of the families who suffered a loss at the Sandy Hook Elementary School Massacre in Connecticut! I also wanted to share this t-shirt that I came across (on Facebook)... the irony is saddening! As a mother, it pains me to know that such violence is alive, and there's often times nothing that we can do about it! If the schools don't want to incorporate God in prayer, then you have to be sure to send Him with your children... give them His covering. This tragedy could have hit anywhere, but when it hits sooo close to home it definitely brings a new perspective. I know this vicious event is arousing conversations of absolutely necessary gun law changes, but it goes so much deeper than that! A sick individual slaughtered 28 people (an entire class of 6 and 7 yr. old first graders - 20 children and 8 adults including himself)  for no logical reason. Gun laws would not have healed him! We need to get back to basics...

1. Know your children... the signs of this young man needing help or attention were there way before this incident! As parents and guardians, we can not ignore or overlook these signs... they are merely a small part of the bigger picture, and in this case, that lead to extreme tragedy! Mothers, use your intuition, and listen to what others may be saying. This does not mean that you have to believe everything that you hear, but be AWARE! Fathers, be present! ...In the conversation, in the moment, in the picture! Don't be such a disciplinarian that your children don't want to (or know how to) speak to you!

2. Love your children... Invite and Ignite LOVE!! Let them know that they are loved! Be active in their lives, override their negativity and rebelliousness with love. Converse with them and spend time with them! Understand and relate to the way your child gives and receives love. Parents, educators, and anyone dealing with children should pick up the book, The 5 Love Languages of Children, by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell. Own it, read it, and apply it! Be the best friend that your children can confide in!

3. Instill in them the fear of God! If you expect your children to love, respect, honor, and obey you, they first must know what true love is... what true sacrifice is, and the gift of love that God gave the world...      

No one said that parenting is easy! Unfortunately, we can not protect our children every step of the way. All we can do is our best... but there are no copouts in parenting... no excuses... we can't let the ball drop so often that we don't even know what game is being played anymore! We have to be involved, we have to be committed, we have to genuinely care, and always continue to pray!

Once again, my heart and prayers go out to the parents and families of those lost, and to the nation of those touched as a result of this violence! We can only hope that gun laws will be put in place to make the process of obtaining these type of assault weapons nearly impossible, especially for mentally ill or 'mentally bruised' individuals. However, we have the power to make changes in our children, families, and future! We are obligated to impart this change. Be the parents that our children need us to be... that this nation needs us to be... and don't stop in your own home... Spread the Love! -Please remember this... Do it with Style, and Seal it with a Kiss!

"I believe the children are our future. Teach them well, and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride to make it easier..." -Whitney Houston

Newness!!

Getting ready for the new year can bring forth mixed emotions... An anticipated sense of closure, and an anxious yearning for new beginnings. Try not to overwhelm yourself!! Be kind to yourself, and don't place outlandish and unrealistic goals on yourself! Do make plans and stay focused! Make decisions, and make things happen! If you want to turn over a new leaf, turn it over... If not, then don't! But either way, move forward in confidence and purpose! And as always, please remember this...

Do it with STYLE, and Seal it with a KISS!!

FASHION LIVES... In spite of...

NY Fashion Week is here, and the addicts are knocking down her door! Recession?? Ummm... I'm sorry I don't understand! The state of our union will hardly impact the state of our wardrobe. Fashion is about EXPRESSION, and as any true fashionista knows... that definitely comes from within! Beauty that lives on the inside will at all times be reflected on the outside. So regardless... even if she's just been laid off, her sense of style will never be severed!

This week every one is a super diva fashionista, and will be flaunting their newly purchased spring '09 trends fresh off of the racks of Madison or Fifth to prove it! For many, Fashion Week is an open opportunity to express their own personal sense of style, and although under normal circumstances some of these outbursts would be COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE, this week it's honored! In fact, if it's unique enough or fab enough, it may even be featured in the next morning's Daily! The fashion show is clearly ON and OFF of the runways! So while some will merely be affected by the chaotic fabulousness of Fashion this week, totally oblivious to the Tents, the after-parties, wondering why there are so many celebs and models in town, etc... the True Fashionista LIVES for it!

Of course, this year we'll see much smaller shows with a lot more exclusivity... less seats, more celebrities, more socialites, and TOP-PAYING CUSTOMERS. Designers are following the lead of the retailers that they are partnering with... they're realizing that if buyers and marketing professionals are dropping like flies, then it's definitely time to reach out to the 'spenders' directly! So if you're not in the industry, or don't already have your invites and seat assignments, you'll probably just want to make sure you tune in online. Check out style.com (among many others) for daily updates of all of the Fall '09 runway shows!

Either way... flaunt your style, and express your fashion! ...and not just next week... but LET IT LIVE! Whether your garbs come from H&M or Oscar de la Renta, allow your inner-beauty to shine through. She knows how to define the real you!

but please remember this...
Do it with STYLE, and seal it with a KISS!

photo by style.com - Peter Som runway show Fall 09

My Love, My Love

It's been a long time since I've felt LOVE... seen LOVE... known LOVE

His smell, his kiss, his touch... such a distant LOVE

Missing LOVE... wanting LOVE... needing LOVE

TO SURVIVE!

So what do you do... how do you react when this 'stranger' begins to intrude in your life unexpectedly?

I mean really, we all want love... regardless of whether we choose to admit it or not. For some of us it's about companionship and security... for some superficial minds, it's only about a wedding... but in almost all cases, we expect this love to come with a commitment. A commitment of honesty and open communication, trust and loyalty, respect and exclusivity... you know the basic relationship staples. Is this too much to ask? Seriously... is that too much to ask???

Of course it's easy to blame men, after all, they're the ones doing all of the cheating and lying... destroying our trust, and ruining us for the next man... ruining us for real LOVE, right? WRONG!! (OK, OK... hear me out!)

Ladies, it's time to look deeply within. Certainly, there may be times when we will give our heart to LOVE. We will trust our souls with LOVE, and we will be betrayed by, or even denied LOVE! But it's our LOVE that makes us unique... its' our LOVE that makes us special, and it's the willingness to renew, refresh, and revive this LOVE that not only keeps us going but defines us as women!!!

So while there may often be jerks who try to take advantage of our LOVE or abuse our LOVE, we must never make the mistake of being the ones to take our own LOVE for granted! Our LOVE is our own... it is to be cherished and protected, yet still allowed to have a mind of it's own. And damn, don't we know it has a mind of it's own. Our heart definitely loves without permission, but why not let it? As long as we are not being poisoned by a toxic man or relationship (i.e. the mental, physical, or verbal abuser; the overly jealous and insecure; the self-obsessed; the chronic gambler; the alcoholic; the drug-abuser and the free-loader... all topics of a separate blog! ...lol) we can not over-indulge in LOVE... and that's our super power. Our LOVE is rechargeable... with an unlimited supply!

The problem comes when we forget LOVE. When we forget that we live and breathe LOVE, and we don't have to look for LOVE or wait for LOVE to survive. We are LOVE!! Once we realize and understand that our LOVE regenerates and is fueled only by self-love, then we have the ability to tap into that unlimited supply! We have found the key to LOVE!

So ladies, don't lose your key! Men do not control how, when, or why we LOVE... nor do they control how, when, or why we refuse to LOVE! They only wish they had that much power... but only you have the key!

So feel LOVE... See LOVE... Know LOVE... and he'll need you... TO SURVIVE!

...and please remember this,
Do it with STYLE, and seal it with a KISS!!

PRETTY IN PINK!!

Check out the new Nano iPod!



Apple has invited a new color into their spectrum... and with such great timing! Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and it's a perfect opportunity for an upgrade! Whether you're sending a few hints out to the boo, or purchasing this one for yourself, this pretty pink Nano is a great addition to boost the techno-fashionista in you!!

Check it out at your nearest Apple store,
or go to www.apple.com

...do it with STYLE, and seal it with a KISS!!

Grab Green!

Trends of today...

Over-sized Designer Handbags
Big Knit Hats
Starbucks Coffee
Black Opaque Tights
Fashionable Outerwear
Patent Leather
Wide Leg Jeans
Skinny Jeans
Scarves, Scarves, Scarves
Interracial Dating
Foreign Adoptions
Reality TV
Myspace
Face Book
Speed Dating
Christian Louboutin Pumps
Tory Burch Flats
Louis Vuitton
DVF wrap dresses
Celebrity Gossip
Blogs
Bangs
Asymmetrical Bobs
Big Untamed Hair
Colorful Prints
Grandpa Sweaters
iPods
eBay
Bargain Shopping
and going GREEN!!


www.saks.com $45



www.envirosax.com $22



Kennith Cole $20


It's stylishly easy to do your part in saving the environment! These great ECO-Friendly bags are made of 100% cotton, and are perfect for shopping, toting the detergent, or just taking a stand to make a statement! Like Anya Hindmarch proved last spring with the ever so popular "I am not a plastic bag"... being environmentally conscious can always be fashionable!

...do it with Style, and seal it with a Kiss!

It's time for change!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

So as we step into the new year, there are many things that we begin to consider... and then what usually happens is we overwhelm ourselves with this collage of ideas and things that we feel require change in our lives.

We go through the motions of setting goals... making plans... and even beginning routines toward accomplishing them. And suddenly, it's the end of the year, and we're lucky if we've done 50% of what we set out to do. Typical New Year Resolution.

This year, 2008, we need to truly enforce change in our lives. This is the year of New Beginnings, and we must to treat ourselves to a fresh start. It's time to make a Revolution in our lives, a necessary radical change!

The first change will be to break the bad habit of failed resolutions... FOLLOW THROUGH!

Don't be afraid of change... Be open to new things!

Remember that the possibilities are limitless!

Embrace the new year as an opportunity to become a new you!

Don't overwhelm yourself, take it step by step, but Make it Happen!


And please remember this... do it with Style, and seal it with a Kiss!

Oh NO!! That's a Camel Toe!

Marc Jacobs certainly knows how to throw a PAR-TAY!!! He hosted one of the biggest holiday parties of the season at the Rainbow Room Wednesday night, and the theme was Arabian Nights! Certainly not your average holiday party... not a sequin red sweater in sight! Instead, an exotic combination of costumes, nudity, liquor and more than enough 'camel toes' made for an oh so exciting atmosphere that only Marc Jacobs could produce on a cold winter night!

See more pictures on style.com!

Pre-Fall Preview

As this year is ending with a fashion bang, designers are gearing us for more hot fashions to keep us warm next year this time! Check out a peak of some of my favorite Pre-Fall '08 looks, and a few of the trends that I picked up from veiwing the collections...


VALENTINO shows Facchinetti's Freshness






CHANEL is Funky Femme







CAROLINA HERRERA is Lady-Like






ZAC POSEN is Flirty-Girly!





OSCAR is Colorful Couture






More to come...

...do it with STYLE, and seal it with a KISS!

Bye Bye Blues...

This just in!

According to FishbowlNY... "Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia has killed Blueprint. The magazine was billed as a "fresh, fun guide to personal style"... but staffers were told that MSLO (Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc.) had "misjudged the market." Instead, Blueprint is being folded back into Martha Stewart Weddings."

"Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. today announced strategic plans for two of its publications for 2008. Going forward, the company will produce Blueprint as focused special interest issues within the home category, which it will introduce to brides-to-be through its established Martha Stewart Weddings magazine. Bluelines, the Blueprint blog, will continue and the company anticipates growing Blueprint digital content across its websites. Blueprint magazine will discontinue publishing on a stand-alone basis after the January/February 2008 issue."

Express Yourself!

We've barely reached the first week of December, and surprisingly, I've almost completed my shopping list! Now that's a huge deal for an extreme holiday procrastinator like myself. Usually, I'm the one you'll see making 'day-of' purchases! But of course, we all have that one person in our lives (sometimes two) who we get totally stumped with. I mean really... she either has everything that you can think of, or if she's made mention that she wants it, you have only two days to buy it before she does! That sucks when Christmas is 22 days away! What to do? What to do?

This Christmas is all about expression! Stuff her stocking with a Jessica Kagan Cushman bangle! These oh so cute and trendy bangles are the perfect gifts, and certainly say 'Holiday Holidays' with style! These fossilized woolly mammoth ivory bracelets engraved in scrimshaw with phrases from movies, literature, and even graffiti can be found online, or at specialty retailers such as Barney's and Neiman Marcus. The average price of these bangles are $125.



Wear them alone or stack 'em on! But quite honestly, I love the $10 Stack 'em girl, Stack'em prices that Laila Rowe offers for their equally fashionable version of the bangle! Though I'm not typically one to stand by a knock-off... I say what Laila says, "Redefine the Impossible!" ...lol!



www.jessicacushman.com
www.lailarowe.com

Whichever you decide...do it with STYLE, and seal it with a KISS!

Bridal Sample Sale

Now through Wednesday Dec. 5th, Enjoy savings of up to 70% OFF of retail prices on your favorite Designer Bridal Gowns!!!

Vera Wang, Reem Acra, Monique Lhuillier, Ulla-Maija and more... With so many styles to choose from, you might want to make this an all day adventure! ...But do it quickly... there are only a few days left!

Saks Fifth Avenue
Third Floor - NY Store

...do it with STYLE, and seal it with a KISS!!

Fashion is No Compromise!

'Tis the season to be jolly, while certainly staying fashionably warm!! Though we're well into the Holiday season, it seems the temperatures are just catching up! ...or shall I say, Falling Down! Thankfully, we no longer have to compromise our fashion to battle the winter weather! Now is the best time to stock up on all of the great fall pieces that will take you through the rest of the season! Wear Now Pieces at Buy Now Prices!!






Get Your Shop On with the bests sales of the season at Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks.com... along with several other retailers who are dropping their prices as the temps drop!

...do it with Style, and seal it with a Kiss!!