MARCH Makeover MADNESS: 5 Steps to Your 2012 look!

Women! Awesome as we are, we are the most self auditing, reinventing, newness craving beasts that ever roamed the earth!So while the boys gear up for March Madness, in our own way, we do too! Makeover Mayhem! Magazines will soon be sprouting new colors, makeup and accessories that call to us from the checkout aisle… "Makeoverrrrrrr….. you know you waaaannnt toooo!" Lol Cmon! Lets give our self esteem a boost, and have some fun getting out of that winter frump. 

Step 1: BRAINSTORM!

- Flip thru the television stations, Get LAST year’s spring magazine, or this year’s hot-or-not gossip Hollywood online article and make a list of what you WISH you looked like. No holds barred. Have at it. Bombard your fairy god mama with all your hearts desires.

- Now. Get the red pen. Circle all the POSSIBLE stuff. Be creative though – wishing you were taller may just mean you could wear heels and elongating outfits that can create the illusion of height! #keepthat !


Step 2: NARROW IT DOWN!


- Pick a few celebrities, a hair blogger, a cooking show host, someone in the public eye who’s style you just LOVE, and jot down some things about them that makes them awesome to you. Make a collage of their pictures if you want, just for a visual “map” of what you are looking for.

- Don’t forget Hair styles, body types and style types.

o For example, Erykah Badu has a very stand-out, unique style. She wears nude lips and dark liners to emphasize her flawless brown skin, thick brows and green eyes. She has natural hair that she usually will wear in a stand out, statement-making way. She’s confident, and not afraid to wear a dashiki, or a mini skirt. Or both!

- Here are my celeb Inspriations!:



 

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Curly Nikki, and below - Tracee Ellis Ross

 

Step 3: PLAN!

- Find out your Body type and what is flattering on you. Now there are a ton of articles that will tell you a ton of different things. Best bet? Find an article and actually try out the different styles you seem them comparing. If you like it on you – then to heck with the contrary/popular belief in the mag! But if you find you agree, then follow the directions on what to wear and what to .. .not.  Either way, you will have guidelines as to what brings out the best in your shape.

- If a change in weight is your goal to happiness, get serious about what its going to take. Start planning your meals to eat better and exercise. Regardless of what your goals are, they probably don’t include a pizza face and grungy nails, so take extra care to well… take care! Drink plenty of water ( ugh! I know!) and veggies and fruits and cut out the french fries. Yada Yada.. you know the deal!

- Try out the new hairstyle on a Saturday, when you’ve got NO where to go. Usually styles turn out awesome when there’s no pressure ( and no one to see it. Lol ) If it’s a dramatic cut – PLEASE consult a trusted professional first!! They will know how to either coach you on how to gradually achieve the style and length you want, as well as (carefully!) chopping it off and giving you the coif you desire. The key great hair is PATIENCE and RESEARCH.



Step 4: PRACTICE!

- Go shopping, but don’t buy out the whole zebra section of Charming Charlie’s JUST yet. Lol Pick up a few items that you really like, and that reflect this new style you want to have.

o For example, I loooovve Joan from GF’s . Fly style and classic beauty. I can’t dress like Joan all the time, her stuff is designer! I aint balling like that yet! Lol But I can pick up a blazer, pleated skinny pants and a long pendant necklace like Joan wears. Just to try it out on myself. I can buy some statement-making shoes that I really love, but make sure they are work apropos, and comfy so they are practical. Just trying out a few things helps me be sure I like the style, and not spend a fortune on stuff I will never wear, or have to take back.

- Makeup! Remember the celeb look you loved? Bring a pic to the MAC counter! ( Or any other good makeup counter! Lol ) A professional will be able to guide you through how to make your daily makeup face, party face, and date face look the way you want, without looking like the king of Pop…. Tarts.



Step 5: REVEAL AND MAINTAIN

- Well, if you’ve practiced your accessories, hair and outfits, and you think you’re ready for the world.. Go on and shine! Don’t forget to be constantly improving and personalizing the look. Now that you know what colors, styles and enhancements to look for, you will naturally begin to make the style your own.

- One last detail – I cannot stress enough the importance of keeping yourself up! The point of a makeover is not to look different for a few days, its to boost your confidence, reinvent your self image, create a fresh NEW look for yourself, and hopefully shed the icky little habits that led you to want a makeover in the first place. Fun little extras:

o Create a beauty regimen and Reward yourself with little “look-related” gifts when you succeed!
o  Dont forget the accessories! Purses, bracelets, earrings... they can turn a blah outfit into a Carrie Bradshaw, ok? lol
o At least be fly. No matter if it’s a work day and your swag is on Newlook3000 or if its Sunday and you’re rocking the sweats.. your makeover should be about your attitude and presentation as well. If you love this new look and its really you - slowly Incorporate your new style in EVERYTHING you own by gradually changing out everything from your socks to your outerwear. Raincoats, Undies, club dress jackets, car accessories, work sweaters and even umbrellas are part of your overall look. I’m not saying throw away all your old comfies, but I am saying, one day when you decide to get your mail in your cute sweats instead of the raggedy “old you” ones with the hole in the thigh… and your shirtless, beamer driving neighbor wanders over to say hi… you will thank me. 

Amazing Little Stocking Stuffers for the Giiiirrrl Friends!!

For your Brown Eyed Girl: Heres something I learned on my own but didnt realize it was already an established fact: Purple, Green and Black Eyeliners REALLY bring out the brown in Brown eyes! Get poppin, and find yourself a good liner! I suggest Almay Intense Color, because the crayon-like pencil goes on really smoothly, no sharpening needed - so dont be scared you'll "Put your eye out!!" :) 



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http://www.sockdreams.com/

 

These were a SUPER cute upgrade of the regular

old sock-ings stocking stuffer idea (say that 3x eating peanuts) -

 Toe Sox! Arent they cute! Love'em! Stay warm! 

Is she an Organic/Handmade - Natural product Diva? Wrap up a "Snack Pack" from Oyin Handmade products! "The 4-piece "Snack Pack" body care sampler contains generously sized 2 ounce containers of HoneyWater Hydrating Body Spray (in original honey fragrance), Whipped Pudding Dense Cream (which can also be used as a hair dressing), HoneyWash Head-to-Toe cleanser, original honey fragrance (which can also be used as a shampoo!), and AfterBath Blended Body Oil (which can also be used as a massage oil, or as a preshampoo/hot oil treatment!) Yay! Snack Pack is also TSA-friendly, wonderful for traveling, and great as a gift to introduce a friend or loved one to the world of Oyin!"

Not exactly the samples you want? Make your own Snack Pack a la carte!

Shopaholic Confessions!

Since my birthday has just passed... I gave myself a pass to shop!!! I went to Arundel Mills, and Tysons Corner! I’ve added some flirty 30 to my wardrobe! Operation: Wardrobe Upgrade has happened as a bday present to myself, and MAN was it a blast! I hit Arundel Mills and Tyson’s corner like we were fighting, and I may still have some more to do! Lol I think I need a shoe upgrade! So far here are some of the items I purchased:

Black Wedge over-the-knee boots AND Brown Suede Wedge booties from Bakers!
Leopard ( YEP!) print High heeled dress boots from Charlotte Russe!

Purple Amethyst collar shirt and a pale pink v-neck sweater from NY&Co! Lots of gold/brown bangles and earrings with pink in them! Grey Plaid, b/w houndstooth and black pin striped work pants from NY&Co! Yay former employee!

Lol This killer awesome houndstooth grey blazer with ruche ¾ length sleeves that I L-O-V-E from Charlotte Russe!!

I am now an OYIN girl! I love the burnt sugar pomade my cousin just gave me for my bday! It smells so yummy and really does give a soft smooth, supple hold to curly ends and baby hairs. Yay!

Advice for my Little Sister: DIVA101

So my little sister, who is 26 and gorgeous, said to me the other day: I dont know how to be sexy! Im tired of being "Cute". I'm a grown woman!" I felt like my response to her was noteworthy... or at least my-own-blog-worthy! lol Here is my version of DIVA101

A DIVA has a "Polished" complete look.
How to "Polish" your look.

Always wear SOME thing on your face. You can keep thinking that "lip gloss and earrings" are all you need to be "naturally pretty" if you wanna. Its cool, do you. But if you want to look like a grown up, or at least older than 14, OR you can LEARN your everyday made-up ( not cake-face! We aren't saying slop on a drag queen mask! ) face. Take Della here, for example:

my cousin Della :)


Her “everyday glam” face is black eyeliner, brown eyebrow liner, foundation and mascara. Clear or tinted lip gloss. No colors. Just “look at me I’m naturally pretty”. She uses a bit of pinky blush but doesn’t need a lot, at least not for the everyday look. That’s Simple Diva 101. Now.. if you want Della's simple glam look:

Della Prom

You would need to wear more foundation and heavier black liner and mascara, slightly darker-lined eyebrows. On her is STILL looks like minimal makeup because it lacks color. Its called the Basic Smoky Eye look. ( At least I call it that, lol.) Any skin tone/color can do that, the darker and more even the skin tone, the less foundation you need. Just a little goes a long way, or none at all, just a bit of moisturizer on the cheeks works for us ‘ cinnamon bown to dark chocolate chicas’.

See me do it too:

My "everyday glam" face.

A DIVA Never leaves the house with a "bare face"..
Basic Essentials:

Eyebrows are the MOST important face framing attribute on a woman's head. She could rock a fade or a fro and any thing in between on its worst day, and still be fly with her brows done! Some people have to draw some on, and some are blessed with naturally thick eyebrows. Either way, commit to be getting them done weekly MA’AM, since you wanna stop looking like you’re 12 and cute. You wanna be grown up pretty? Do them brows! Nothing huge, just a clean up of strays and slight arch on the bottom side. And though you don’t need MUCH brow liner. It DOES finish the look off.

Learn to LINE your eyes. At first I was not an advocate of eyeliner because it makes my eyes red and I never did it right. I still don’t do the whole eye. You can create the illusion of almond shaped eyes or the “sexy eye” by using the Brittany spears trick: Line only the OUTSIDE CORNERS, more on top lid than the bottom. Like a Jessica rabbit Eye. Watching my girl Shanica, it DOES make brown eyes look lighter. Gives them that Beyonce “I might have hazel eyes, kinda in my dreams when I’m sleep” lookin Eyes. Lol It REALLY does brighten them. Blue liner is VERY dramatic and dainty and pretty. Especially by the end of the day when its smudged a bit or darkened with black liner mixed. Using a good crayon waxy pencil is best. Those regular dry pencils suck. Color Pot and angled wand work WONDERS for both the eyes and brows.

You MUST wear mascara. Although I put this after the brows and liner, It is Rule #1 when dressing up like a woman, not a girl. Don’t leave the house without it. A woman's lashes are her "eye curtains" so to speak. You put curtains on windows and viola! They are fabulous, and no longer plain. You are doing a disservice by NOT wearing mascara to show them off! For beginnger buyers, I'd advise NOT to go out and get the plumpy-est, thickener that promises to never wash off and babysit your kids. Something easy to start with is a water resistant, anti clumping 'scara that is tried (and true and doesnt cost $65.)

My personal fav: Victoria's Secret, Beauty Rush $5

SMELL. ALWAYS ALWAYS AWLAYS have a yummy smell. None of this “Irish spring sport deodorant mess”. lol Perfume. Something that you REALLY love. Wear it 24/7. Or switch up. But a consistent smell I always thought was better, I just can never stick to one. Wear something you like but make it classy, not too sweet or too fruity like a teenager. Also... make sure you wear enough not to kill a small bear, but enough so people know when you’ve been around and when you haven’t. Diva. Lol

My FAV soft, winter scent. Prominent Notes: Caramel popcorn, Strawberries $60

A Diva has a "pop" accessory.
Maybe, try Shoes or Clutch bags.

If not the shoes, pick an accessory that you ALWAYS have better than most people around you. This is a funny statement, but it is TRUE. Shoes are a dead giveaway for signs of true Diva-ness. Be it 6 inch pumps or smackahoe boots, make sure your shoe/purse/jewelry/hair game is ON point. These are the facts maam, the way I see it. Chicks that don’t do these things are what Diva’s eat for brunch with mimosa and 2 advil, honey. Lol

BONUS!
A DIVA's purse ALWAYS contains anything needed to pull together an "emergency look":
Start carrying a purse, little boy. Or a cute little clutch that holds your makeup essentials which are:

• Masacara 
• liner that can double for both eyes and brows 
• body spray 
• lip gloss 
• Stud or hoop earrings 

Not too much, right? :)

Love ya chula,

`Maya

Next Email I will write to her on this topic… POISE and POSE. How to position your body to look naturally camera ready at all times!

More Swimsuit obsessions - Body issues SOLVED!! Just need to find the suit now...:P

Ok so my body type is complicated right? So I've come to the conclusion ( After trying them on ) That Halters look good on me. I can do a Bandeau, as long as its colorfull and flattering. Small top = distracting top. Ruching, Colors, and wide straps. Got it.
The tummy Issue: Full coverage. No cut outs except for a maillot. ( Shoulder blades out)
The Booty issue: I have a LOT of bootay, and thick thighs. Solution? Skirty booty bottoms or LOOSE FITTING boy cut bottoms.
Skin tone/Tanning Tone issue: I need something that is earthy and muted toned, so that my natural orangy-brown can shine without looking washed out and dull after tanning. Neon colors OUT. Gold details, white or soft teal/pink suits are a plus. NO BLACK.
OK.

What the hell kind of swimsuit is that??
Well... It can be one of these:
A Bandeau one peice with a skirty booty separate bought to match.
A Bandeau one peice with a sarong. ( Bleh.)
A Halter One piece with a skirty bottom.
A Boy Leg Halter One piece.

So far I've narrowed it down to these. Black will be my ultimate save money-last minute-no other choice pick. I really dont want a black suit though!!
I have a Japanese butterfly bandeau that I'm considering buying a black or pink skirty bottom to wear with. (Which so far the skirty bottoms are costing WAY too much at Gap and VSecrets. $37 is too much for a teeny little bottom. HmPh)
I also have the Kenny Cole still on my list, the Halter ruffle bottom swimdress. I'm just not feeling the colors. They have ONE color I'd get, and its teal. Plain and boring. If I can find a teal bottom for the Juicy butterfly one... but then the risk that the colors wont match is too big. I may as well just get the pink one. Its easier to match pinks than teals. Ugh.

3 months til July.

BSuit of the WEEK! - for the sexy MILFs [with a lil baby tummage.. ;) ]

I skipped a day. I'm trying to get into the habit of writing in a blog at least once everyday, and already, I'm slipping. lol Well I'm not gonna beat myself up about it. So oh well. Anyway, I said the other day I was bsuit shopping for my trip to PR - well here are the winners for this week!!!

The white suit, shirred halter with the booty skirt, is killer. I love it and want to have its children. But its $$180 EEEK!! I might still get it. *SIGH*. The black and mint bandeau, is sooo beautiful on darker skin, so, naturally, I'm getting that as a definite. Just need a sarong possibly. The Pink KCole is what I'll get if I cant stomach the 173. WHY cant it come in White!!?!?! DARN you Kenny Cole. The 3rd Kenneth in my life to confuse me and break my heart. And lastly, the ShapeFX white swimdress will probably look much better on me, as it is tummy proof, and will look good on my curves too... Just hope it doesnt look preggo, or I'll just pass out holding my tummy in. Enjoy!

Pink Eye, and my new bathing suit choice. ( sorry Chevs)

The baby has a red spot in his eye that has been there since yesterday. It's not leaky, and he only rubs it when he cries, but nonetheless, I will take him to the doc's today. I scheduled him for .. well for right now... but I changed it to 1:30 so I could go to work and pass the docs trip off to the man. He's getting off early!
I have a tendency to feel guilty, as if I dont do as much as he does. He takes the kids to school, works and then brings them home. When he gets home, I'm JUST signing off my computer from work ( I work at home) and I jump up to help him with dinner, the baby and getting the kids to bed. I "jump" up because I dont want him to feel like he's doing all the work. I'd like to take a breather, just 10 min or so after work, but I feel like, well what do I do thats so hard really? Other than stare at a computer screen for 8 hours talking to people with computer issues? It gets to be gruelling at times, but it probably isnt as taxing as his day. Ew. I sound like I'm from the 40's.

Anyway, I changed my mind with the bathing suit thing. I stayed up till 1 am last night searching for a WHITE HALTER one peice with a RUFFLE skirt bottom. Do you know on the whole damn world wide web, there is only ONE suit like this? All the rest have skirt bottoms with no ruffles. And its 173 dollars at that!! Juicy Couture makes the suit I want. Go Figure. And while I can afford it, something in me does not WANT to pay $200 for a bathing suit. A bathing suit that says, by the way, in the care instructions: Not for Hot Tub or SAUNA use. WHAT??!! THe other one I love is in a dark unflattering color. ONLY ONE COLOR. And it has the nerve to be $140.

Nervousness and Self Esteem Issues are all present and accounted for, thank you very much.

Ok so... I feel like its time that I stop procrastinating, and time that I start getting back on my writing game. Its getting ridiculous. I do have the time. I have from 7 am to 9 am every morning, and I know, I shouldnt try to push myself to create habits I'll hate, or wont keep... so maybe the mornings not the greatest. But it seems like it could be so much fun to make myself a cup of chai tea, and sit outside ( given its a nice morning), or sit in my living room and write. It could be fun. It really could. I'd feel so artsy... Maybe if I make it a once a week thing, and start slow.. maybe I can make getting up ealier a real habit. Jeez thats scary. Embarking on a new me. One that likes mornings... and meets deadlines... ooooohhh.

Another thing is I need a writing schedule. Like times where I'm supposed to be writing on certain projects. Maybe then I could build up to getting into odesk or elance... I'm growing.

Today I was feeling really un-confident. I dont want the bathing suit I fell so hard for, because I dont think it will look good on me. I was hating myself for how I get lost every damn where, and how I cant ever just drive somewhere without being anxious about getting lost or calling JAson for directions. I have a Magellan for crap's sake. Not to mention a blackberry with gps. Then I go to try on a suit that I saw online at Target and I find out my tummy is just not gonna behave in any suit I pick. That was a bummer too.

On the flip side, I found I at least look decent in a skirted suit, preferably one with ruffles looks at least flattering on me. I thought that with my body type, (Athletic, petite, curvy bottom, small top [mommy tummy :( ]) I would look better with a high cut thigh. Not so. The skirty ruffle bottom is much better. And a halter top is good for my athletic arms and shoulders, and small bust. So the KCole suit looks like its gonna be the prototype or the winner. I'm looking for something in an earthy color, white, tan, burnt orange or olive, to really bring out my skin tone.

Thinking of things that compliment me, and let me be the best ME I can be, really brought me full circle. I began to think of what I'm really trying to accomplish in life, the little things like feeling good about my appearance, and the huge things, like writing and getting somewhere and having the confidence to try. I need to stop comparing myself with others, and love me for who I am - and be greatful I'm already paired up with my match so I dont HAVE to care too much about sex appeal. ( Even tho its fun to have a little every now and then). I need to focus on the assets I have.
- I've lost the weight and kept it off, going from 140 to a steady 126-7.
- I've published at least 8 articles!!
- I've pitched Essence!!
- I have two healthy, beautiful kids.
- My husband loves me, for real!
- I'm embarking on a friendship where, at age 27, for the first time I think I might be able say the "BF" word. :O
- We make a good living, my hub and I. We are truly blessed.
- I got my "own office" before I was 27, my goal was 30! I work from home!

I've got more, I wont bore you. But I'm working on this theme. Its a constant job. Loving oneself.

Swimwear for the 09!

So I'm planning this trip with my girl and her hubby to Puerto Rico!! Yayyyy!! I go surfing for stuff to wear, and realize, all I really need is a good suit. Something for the mommy tummy, something to compliment my skin tone, and sexy enough for the hubby. So I go surfing and find that Retro is the way to go this summer. Here are the swimsuits that are sooo in right now: Enjoy!





Wanna surf more? May I also suggest:
Nordstroms : Juicy Couture, Kenneth Cole
www.PinupGirlClothing.com ( small sizes check www.pinupcouture.com )
www.Kaboodle.com search: PinUp Halter Swimwear
www.amazon.com search : Retro Halter swimwear

MUST HAVE - list

so I've decided I must have these items. Or I will perish. lol I'm so into browns and oranges lately. Ooh and dusty rose.