Stella & Dot's Passport to Style

ast Thursday I went to Stella & Dot's Passport to Style Event at the very hip Dana Hotel. I love jewelry so this event had my name written all over it.

The event was a great introduction to Stella & Dot and I had the opportunity to chat with Liz Opie, a Stella & Dot Stylist based right here in Chicago. Bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and rings from Stella & Dot's latest collection were on display. The Palm Beach and Sayulita Mexico collections were my favorites which I believe is because I am long overdue for a vacation, lol!

Here are some of the pieces I was drooling over:

Pretty huh?

For more information and to place an order: www.stelladot.com/Liz

Haute Bag Lady Bag of The Week

From the classic Burberry print to the patent leather handles and trim, this is an all around chic tote. I have a really cute outfit in mind that would go perfectly with this bag. I especially like the attached small zippered case to hold loose change, bus and train passes, candy, and other random items that end up lining the bottom of our bags.

I love a well made tote that is both stylish and functional. I think the Burberry Nova Check Tote Bag is a perfect representation of both. My life is carried around in my bag and I need it to look good, hold its shape, and be prepared to get used... A lot!


The Nova Check tote retails for $595.

What do you think of this week's bag?

Haute Bag Lady Bag of The Week

This week's Haute Bag is a purple sequin clutch by Jessica McClintock. Lately, I find myself obsessed with sequins - the sparklier an accessory is, the more I want it. The flower detail is a lovely touch without being "cutesy".

This clutch would be perfect with a pair of skinny jeans, fitted black blazer, a camisole or halter, and a great pair of pumps. Let the clutch work its magic. I have quite a few clutches but not a sequined one. Just may have to add this haute item to my collection.

It's $58 on Nordstrom's website.

picture courtesy of Nordstrom.com

Shoe-gasm

Bags are my weakness but every once in a while I come across a shoe that causes my heart rate to speed up a little and I relish in a moment of sheer enjoyment... A shoe-gasm.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Gansevoort Platform Sandal (shown above in Pumice) just sent me over the edge. It's a little plain in style but I love the color and the platform heel. I'm only 5'3" so I need a little additional height. I was on Nordstrom's website looking for something to spend my birthday gift card on when I came across these shoes. I think I'll stalk them for a while to see if they go on sale.

I have a couple of cute shirtdresses that would look great with these sandals. Add a fresh pedicure with a couple of coats of Essie Mint Candy Apple and I'll be walking down the Chicago streets as if I have my own theme music playing.






picture courtesy of Nordstrom.com

My New (Simple) Skin Care Regimen

Nothing annoys me more than the fact that I am well past my teen years and still suffer from the occasional breakout. I have tried to maintain my stress as best as I can but it hasn't been easy. Unfortunately, whatever I am going through acts out on my face. The past few months the breakouts have been crazy. Nothing I have tried has worked so I had to schedule an appointment with my dermatologist. I took all the products I had been using on my face and subjected myself to her gentle scolding.

My derm informed me that I was using way too much on my face and was probably making the situation worse. She suggested that I stop using all the cleansers and of course told me Cetaphil was the only cleanser I needed. Honestly, Cetaphil just doesn't cut it for my skin anymore. She prescribed Tretinoin Cream and a 60 day oral antibiotic, Doxycycline.

I tweaked the regimen a little, I know, I know, I should follow doctor's orders but I know that Cetaphil does nothing for my skin. It doesn't clean particularly well. While looking for a gentle cleanser with zero bells, whistles, and empty promises, I decided on Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash. I've been on this regimen for almost two weeks. I'll let you guys know how its working for me in a few weeks.

What's your current skin care routine? I'd love to know so please leave a comment!

Farewell Mr. McQueen...

I'm a Bag Balm Believer Baby

Bag. Balm. Not exactly words that would have you anxious to grab the huge green tin off the drugstore shelf. I've seen Bag Balm for years at various stores and always turned my nose up at it, as I reached for some other heavy duty moisturizer.

For whatever reason the heavy duty moisturizers I normally use on my heels have all turned against my tootsies.

After a week of use, I'm a Bag Balm believer! This ointment is amazing!! My heels have never been smoother (not that they were rough to begin with, can't have the world thinking I have gross feet, lol). Wearing thick wool socks and heavy boots during the winter takes all the moisture out of your feet, but Bag Balm is some kind of wonderful. I slather it on after showering and slip into white socks and wake up to perfectly smooth soft heels. I've even started wearing a light layer of the balm during the day. It really has helped a lot.

I won't lie, the pungent medicinal scent didn't exactly woo me, but now I hardly notice the smell. Bag Balm will be a staple in my winter skin care kit going forward.

Haute Vintage Fab

My fellow blogger, ChiTown Fashionista, posted this picture on her blog yesterday. The picture of six African American women (Howard University students) was taken by famed photographer, Addison Scurlock. I just had to share this with you guys.

EVERYTHING about this picture is talking to me. In a past life, I imagine I lived during this period of time because I've always loved cloche hats, pearls, broaches, dainty gloves, and having a fox (faux) stole has been my lifelong dream. Everyone looks so elegant and they're at a college football game! I wish dressing up like this was still in style. I wonder what the ladies were gabbing about as they intently watched the game... Cute players? Debating on what to wear to the dance later that evening?

This picture has given me some much needed style inspiration because I love to dress up but I rarely do anymore. Its okay to get a little jazzy with your attire even if the occasion really doesn't warrant such fancy threads. Stand out among the rest and own that style moment.

What do you think of the picture?

For more information:

http://www.blackhistoryalbum.com/

Addison Scurlock Exhibit

Addison Scurlock Article







picture courtesy of Black History Album

Haute Bag Lady Bag of the Week

True confession, I have been lusting after the Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Lil' Riz hobo for a nice long time. Its pictured above in dark portobello (gorgeous color), which I think is a pretty versatile neutral that can go with many outfits. I'm so over the basic leather bags in black and brown. I'm always on the hunt for other neutral options.

Marc Jacobs has created several versions of the Dr. Q Lil' Riz. Its availabe in nylon, has pleats, a twisted handle, and there are several colors including a vibrant purple, bold orange, kelly green, pale pink, ivory and the list goes on.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Lil' Riz hobo is a great bag to add to your collection if you have an extra $400+ laying around ;)

Alek Wek & Diptyque (RED)

Chic supermodel and author, Alek Wek joined in the (RED) campaign awareness in support of the new (diptyque) RED Special Edition candle. The limited edition candle is a unique blend of rose-scented African Rooibos Tea and Madagascar Vanilla. I can just imagine how heavenly it smells.

Ten percent of the sale of each candle will go to support Africans living with HIV.

Click here to purchase Diptyque (RED)

Join (RED) Blog

Go Red For Women

Today (February 5th) is National Wear Red Day. In support of my Twitter buddy, www.twitter.com/raijean I'll be wearing a cute red tee underneath a gray cardi later today.

Let's not only 'go red' in support of the cause, let's get educated about heart disease and learn how to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.


For more information:

Go Red For Women

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2010 Collections Schedule