I don’t make New Years resolutions. I actually have a slight fear of making plans more than a month ahead. The funny thing is that I almost always must have a plan, even if it’s thrown together at the 11th hour—an oxymoron I know, but it’s just one of those quirky things about me. So as the New Year approached and everyone began asking the inevitable question about resolutions, I decided to take a baby step in overcoming my fear of commitment and make one. Surprisingly, almost a full month in (not a long time, but a big step in my world), I have been able to stick to it.

The goal seems simple enough—pull off an entire year of being “on”. I’ll explain in a minute. I think my lack of effort in the glamour department had to do with the fact that for the most part I found 2008 to be a bit of a bore. I had so many high expectations for the year, but as things panned out and the year progressed, the excitement faded. No one really seemed to care much about anything (except the election of course!) and I think I allowed my appearance to reflect that. Don’t get me wrong I didn’t let my looks go completely to the wayside—I just got lazy.

By December I had a short list of items in my closet that required no ironing, matched with just about everything, and that with little effort and much comfort I could wear on a daily basis. I rotated them in two-week intervals and hoped that no one noticed. What I found was that my lack of effort in making wardrobe and makeup decisions, contributed to my overall humdrum feelings toward everything else around me.

So as the New Year approached, I resolved to not be lazy in 2009, at least not with my looks. It has meant getting up earlier to iron and spending a time rearranging my closet so that I can actually see all of the options that I have available. It is all in an effort to the make myself feel better, look the part at work, and take advantage of the wardrobe that I am trying to build up.

So, word on the street is the Atlanta housewife we love to hate, Sheree, has decided that it would be a good idea to show her clothing line–or lack thereof–at New York Fashion Week next month. (Feel free to take a moment to pick your jaw up off the floor!) Read the full story

Once every two to three years or so I get the urge to cut bangs. The problem is that after about a week my forhead starts breaking out and I can’t find a flattering way to brush them to the side. Also, if not done correctly, bangs have the potential to transport me back to my tweenage years, which as a working professional  I don’t really need to revisit.  So, as the urge to cut wells up once again I’m deciding to do a little research before my next salon visit. I need a style that says both autumn and ease. Bang styles can speak volumes about someone’s personality, but at that root of it there are some basic guidelines the must be followed. Read the full story

I have been hanging on to this little glass bottle of goop for a good two years now. The expiration date has long passed and the tinged color and odd smell are what’s left to show for it. But, it doesn’t matter, I just can’t bring myself to toss it. It is by far my savior when it comes to unexpected blemishes. No matter how great our skin cleansing routine we are all bound to get an unexpected visitors every once in while. Read the full story

Nothing says feminine more than ruffles. It’s an accent that is truly a girlie girl’s dream, which is probably why I love it so much. Maybe I’m going a bit overboard right now but I feel like you can’t have too many ruffles in your wardrobe. Blouses and dresses are instantly dazzled up when a little frill is added on and jeans and shorts don’t look casual when you pair them with a ruffled top. Even though it’s everywhere right now, I don’t really see ruffles going away for a while. Here’s my proof… 

About two years ago I bought a white button down blouse that had ruffles down the front. Okay so it is a little Prince in Purple Rain but I loved it then and two years later, even with ruffle overload, I love it even more. It’s a trend that has brought back a lady like quality to clothes and that will never grow old.     

Have you given in to the ruffle mania trend?

Total inappropriateness, whether spoken or done, makes me want to crawl under a table. I just don’t handle train-wrecks very well. Unfortunately too many people do. The shocking truth is that as time passes the idea of basic etiquette floats farther and farther out the window–this goes for everything from table manners to addressing elders respectfully. Sadly, too many of us either don’t get it or never learned it.
So here’s lesson number one, fashion etiquette. I’m not talking about the right outfit for the right setting, that’s a whole other beast that I’ll address another time. I’m talking about way too common questions that should never be uttered to a fashionista:

Where did you get that? Okay so I admit, this is a tough one. The odds of these words spilling off your tongue are high, it’s almost like a natural reflex–but use all restraint necessary and don’t ask. Most of the time people will volunteer the info without you having to, if they don’t, then they probably don’t want to share. First off, if you love it just looking at it, imagine how much that person loved it when they first saw it and decided to buy it. Give them the satisfaction of having it to enjoy for themselves, no one wants to see a copycat with the same pair of shoes. Secondly, are you really going to go out and buy the exact item that you saw on someone else? Probably not, so just pay the compliment and keep it moving.

How much was it? Ladies seriously, this is like asking a woman her age. Plain and simple it’s rude and it’s her business.

Is that real? Oh gosh, I cringe just thinking about it. Unless she’s your “sista from another motha” and ya’ll just have an understanding about these types of questions, never ever ask. Plus, chances are if you have to ask, it probably is.

Can I try it on? There is just an awkwardness about watching someone else slide their foot into your shoe or slide on your favorite ring. Admiration from a distance is the safest bet for all parties involved.

What are your fashion etiquette do’s and don’t?

I recently attended a conference for African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American journalists. The conference itself was great, I did however get a laugh out of the fact that the different “sects” of journalists (magazine, newspaper, and television) each defined their respective cultures with their style of dress. As somewhat expected the magazine writers and editors were the fashionistas, the newsroom crew were way more conservative and traditional, and the t.v. personalities knew how rock a skirt suit like it was nobody’s business. 

One look that I was totally feeling was worn by one of the t.v. girls. It was a modern take on the traditional skirt suit. Her fitted pencil skirt was accented with a cute and crisp short sleeved button down shirt, and instead of a bulky blazer in 85 degree weather she opted for a vest that matched the skirt. It is the perfect summer alternative to a skirt suit that screamed both classy and fresh. This version with a little revision I think can be the new standard for professional women. In the cooler months switch out the short sleeved button down for a full length or 3/4 length shirt. No matter what your profession, it’s a look that says professional but not corporate.  

What are you thoughts on the new skirt suit?     

We’ve just officially hit summer but it’s already clear what this season’s fashion winner is–the gladiator sandal. Last year I couldn’t walk two steps without seeing a Tory Burch flat, but those have since fallen to the wayside. Which leads me to wonder if this new trend (which I call the Roman Redux) is worth buying into? I must say, my first thought was that these were pretty hideous, I couldn’t shake the mental images of the twelve disciples. Then I began seeing different versions of the shoe that were more my style, and there I found myself, sucked in. The key to keeping this style around for more one summer, is versatility. Read the full story

That unforgettable image of Meryl Streep exiting the elevator in “The Devil Wears Prada”, may not have had the same umph were it not for those over-sized shades she wore. They seriously took her look to the next level of divadom.

Read the full story

They made their debut in the 60’s, then bell bottoms stole the spotlight in the 70’s; a comeback in the 80’s, and went on a hiatus in the 90’s. Finally they’re back, skinny jeans, the epitome of casual femininity. The reappearance of these booty-hugging pants, are worth hanging onto. Denim, twill, or bold colors, skinnies add a young flirtiness to any outfit. What makes these fitted pants so popular, is that they both accentuate the female shape and they take the guesswork out of choosing a shoe to wear with them. Read the full story