I am not a big tennis shoe fan. I only own about 5 pair that I hardly wear. One of the recent pair that I added to my shoe collection are these Lacoste tennis shoes.

I decided to break them out this weekend, because of one of the lovely post over at Princess Dominique's. I rocked them with my pink lacoste tee and a random pair of jeans. My basic weekend uniform!

Putting my weekend garb aside, here is a little online boutique that deserves a good glance: The Coolest Shop. Perfect name! They offer some pretty dope items that I would love in my posession. Check it out!

Stay Stylish!

While I am checking one of my three different mailboxes and what hits me over the head with a Prada shoe, but an ad for another shoe sale over at Bluefly.

Beautiful designer shoes and good prices. Unfortunately, I don't have the monetary means to splurge there, but I will be doing a little window shopping or should I say monitor shopping! See ya there!

Stay Stylish!

I can't speak for the rest of the country, but the heatwave doesn't seem to be heading out anytime soon here in Memphis. Therefore, I still have the pleasure of shopping for more sandals and shoes that will allow me show off my fresh slathered pink toenails!

Macy's is having a shoe clearance with an extra 25% off! Lovely! I spent a couple of hours trying on shoes in person, but they didn't have my size in the pair that I had my heart set on. They did online, so they should be taking up shop in my closet by the beginning of next week. They don't look that cute online, but they look hot in person. Trust!

I thought these were hot, but my shopping buddy of the day said otherwise. I love things, especially accessories and shoes, that have a little something different/extra. Those wooden dangles make them look unique. The only problem I really had with the shoe is the buckle on the side. It cheapens the look of the shoe to me! I prefer it in bone, BTW!

I saw these Nine West shoes on one of the gazillion shopping channels at 2 o'clock in the morning a couple of weeks ago and I instantly fell in love with the red patent leather ones. Red, 3 in. stilts, and open toe! Enough said! Slutty, but sexy! I tried them on today and was so high I thought a nose bleed was in my near future. They did pinch my pinky toe for a second, but that disappeared as soon as I saw how hot they looked on my feet. Love'em!

Last, but definitely not last are these adorable beaded strappy sandals that I did not see at the Macy's I went to, but I would have loved to get these. These are not meant to be worn with long pants, because it covers up the beautiful beaded detail. Muy perfecto por dresses, skirts, capris, y shorts. No pants allowed!

I suggest that you take Macy's up on their offer to fill up your shoe space with more sandals. If its too hot outside for you to go, then you can always go to my favorite place: ONLINE!

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Although most of us are still in the midst of this crazy heat wave, us aspiring fashionistas still need to beware that colder days are right around the corner and that means we get to pull out our fav and fab coats, scarves, and my favorite: BOOTS!

Here are some boots that have me clicking my heels hoping for winter weather to hit tommorrow. These are called Qajon2 and brought to us by the incredible people over at Nine West. Can you believe that they are well under a $100?! I do believe that we are witnessing a steal!

That color is sick! Sick in the good way. After I have "collected" my fair share of black and brown shoes, I can really appreciate a different color. This turquoise would look so good paired with this brown wrap dress that has been living in my closet for over a year with tags still in it.

Don't let the heat wave interupt your search for your fall fashions, chicas! Plus, alot of clothing and accessories that fit well with your fall wardrobe are now on sale. Get it together!

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As if Bare Escentuals needed to release another product to keep my love of them going, but they have done it anyway. Introducing "Go Bare, Baby!" Loving the name!

This latest future arrival to my beauty basket comes with three powders that will allow you to boost your complexion all year round: Amber Nude, Warm Rose, and Soft Chestnut. Soft Chestnut is calling my name! Plus, you get one of their soft to touch brushes.

However, if you are forced to only own one piece from the Bare Escentual line, I suggest that its the Mineral Veil. Although it is meant to be the "finishing touch" for their all over powders, I have used it when I just toss on a nice soft pink blush and dolled up eyes! It gives you that airbrushed look! It buffs away the appearance of lines and my enemy, pores! This is one of my make-up essentials. I need this stuff like good moisturizing products need water!

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I am so happy to annouce that I am part the wonderful world of Coutorture!

I took chance, requested, and holy crapolla, mama got in! Thought, I should let you all know!

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I have been letting my personal inbox bubble over with messages. While I was cleaning up all the mess, I noticed that they are quite a bit of sales and offers floating online and your local department stores.

The first inbox note that made a twinkle in my brown eyes is from the people over at Old Navy. I love Old Navy because they offer some of the trendiest clothes but without breaking the snap off your wallet. They are now releasing to the public new washes and fits in jeans, including my fashion nemesis: Skinny Jeans! A few pair that immediately grabbed my attention include this pair of jeans with a flower embellishment over the left knee. I love the fit and slight flare, although that seam going down thhe right side is starting to raise my freshly tweezed eyebrows!

The next message was one of the daily messages I recieve from BlueFly.com. This particular notice is to promote the numerous items they have for sale by Prada. As if Prada needed more promotion after the release of "The Devil Wears Prada", which I loved! Prada is one of those labels that will undoubtly never go out of style and be perceived forever as a sophisticated and classy for men and women.

Therefore, I clicked over to Bluefly to gawk at all the precious Prada pieces that I wished were in my possesion. I need another wallet and preferable in a nice red and believe that I have found the wallet of my current dream. BTW, I am not sure that I am feeling all the items stamped with "Prada". It seems to cheapen the beauty and semi-exclusiveness of the label, but to each its own.

Last, but defintely not least, E.L.F has free shipping on orders of $25 or more (COUPOON CODE: shipping25). They really do offer good make-up at incredible prices. Don't let the $1 price tag fool you. I love their eyeshadows! Brown beauty fiends, I suggest you snatch up the butternut and/or nouveau neutrals palettes! Great for your skintones!

Well, I am off to hit the A/C and eat. I woke up this morning with a stuffy nose and haven't eaten anything, except 2 tall glasses of ice water! Now my stomach is protesting!

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Kooba makes the best large totes, especially for us big bag loving beauties! I only own one that a ex-boyfriend bought me a couple of years ago. Currently, I brought it off the bench a.k.a the large plastic crates holding my mega collection of bags. I'm using it as my everyday bag! Thanx Marcus! Yeah right, like he even knows about this site!

Anyway, while I was spending thousands of imaginary dollars online, I was stopped by this gorgeous Kooba bag over at Eluxury.com. Large, brown, fab details, and buckles; yep I just died and went to the accessory department of shopping heaven!

I have this Ecko red top that would go incredibly perfect with this bag. Oh, to dream!

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Stained Seconds:

• Denimology- A site that talks about my favorite clothing addiction; DENIM!
• Lavish Mag- A really lovely site to read!
• Leave it to Bravo to give me give me a new show to watch religiously: Tabloid Wars!

I am sorry for the lack of posts, but I have been unnaturally busy. But now, mamacita's back!

I changed my mind about cutting my hair into that cute wavy bob that Ms. Union has been rocking! Now I am continuing my mission of growing my hair longer. To achieve this mission, I have transformed my bathroom into a Garnier Fructis display showing mostly all the products from the Long and Strong collection.

I wash and condition my hair at least once a week with Garnier Fructis Fortifying Shampoo and conditioner for color-treated or permed hair. Before I colored my hair, I used another one of their numerous shampoos and conditioners offered, but this has been hititng the spot. If it wasn't for my colored hair, I would use the shampoo and condition in long and strong.

Now, the most important product I have that is somehow making my hair grow long long and strong is the Fructis Leave-In Weightless Anti-Split Ends treatment. I love this stuff. I bought three bottles in one visit. Its hard to find sometimes. I can only seem to find this at the Walgreens in Germantown or Cordova, but its worth the ride! What really has my heart is the fact that it also helps in preventing split ends. What more could I want right now!

Here are a couple of honorable mention products from the gorgeous Garnier line:

Fortifying Deep Conditioner/Sleek and Shine masque. Very good for that quick slick look you and your hair so desire. Plus, it works just as well on straight and curly hair. Knocks the frizz right out!

This goes right along with the masque, except you can use this without having to wash your hair first. Kills frizz while shining and nourishing your strands and smoothing your situation.

If you want long, strong, and healthy hair, then I suggest you start filling up your baskets with Garnier products from their long and strong line. They really help!

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I love Mariah Carey like negative pregnancy test results and lemonade and Sky vodka, but her wardrobe choices makes me rethink my love of her sometimes! My love of Mariah Carey albums go all the way back to the 4th grade and I was stumbling around Fairley Elementary humming "Vision of Love" on a daily basis.

Although she and her 4 inch stilletos have tripped over a few bumps in the road, she somehow finds a way to get right back up and continue strutting along. Unfortunately, that strut includes her wearing some of the most god awful clothing choices.

Mimi and fam are currently on the road and pictures are starting to surface of her "costume" changes. Can we really call these costumes considering she has been seen walking around the streets of Manhattan in less!

There are sooooo many rules to follow when wearing daisy dukes, but one the most important ones is to make sure you have the legs and backside on point! Some might argue this, but Mimi does have great legs, but she doesn't have the butt to wear daisies this short. With all her money, she should at least had the sense to get some of those daisy dukes that lift and add a little something extra back there. Plus, that rinse of denim makes her butt look wider and flatter.  

While we are on the subject of Miss Mimi, we are all aware that she has those big ole silicone structures on her chest, but that does not take notice from her "pancake butt" syndrome. If anything, it makes her look flatter. Ladies, if you have a flat back and front, do not make your breast bigger. This will just make people think you are about to tip over! Think, chicas!

Just My Opinion!

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To me mascara is like a double edge sword. It tops of your eyes and make-up in general, but I can never find a mascara that just glides and doesn't clumb my lashes together.

I have a found a couple that lived up to my high demands out of a mascara, but my wallet wouldn't allow me to purchase those as frequently as I desire. Therefore, I have been dabbling in almost every drugstore brand within reach to find one that works well with me and my wallet.

The one that has seem to compliment both is Cover Girl's Fantastic Lash High Volume. I love it! I was so shocked to actually see my lashes separated and thick looking.  The one thing to examine carefully when finding the right mascara is the brush. The more space between the bristles, the more clumps on your lashes! Trust me!

If you want long, separated, and luscious lashes without squeezing your wallet dry, then I highly recommend you pick up this mascara.

Stay Stylish!

Stained Seconds:

• While watching the Cover Girl commercial advertising the afforementioned mascara, my mom suggested that Cover Girl should have picked someone else other that Queen Latifah. What do you think and who else should have been asked!
• This site is truly addictive, but I also could have picked out the same stuff myself!

Ms. Milian is not letting the little issue of being dropped from Def Jam interfer with her always fresh glowing face. Chica needs to drop a couple of makeup tips, because her make-up always looks flawless, to say the least. Sidebar, I think that headband needs to be a little wider and I love the earrings and the necklace, but not together. A simple pair of pearl stud earrings would do a better job at maintaining her lovely style.

My favorite almost under the fab radar chick is Kelly Rowland. She and all her fresh fab were at the premiere of "Miami Vice", which I am not planning to ever see! I never thought I would see the day were I would be envious of her style. Thank goodness, she got rid of that bright red hair Mama Tina would make her wear. She looks so much better. Black hair at this lenght suits her! Never don the red tresses again Kelly, please!!!!!

I have been loving me some Mary J. Blige since fifth grade and her "What's the 411?" album, that crazy ass relationship with crackhead K-Ci, and even those infamous druken interviews she use to give (my fav is the one she had with Veronica Webb for 'Interview magazine' years ago). While I was getting one of my many daily doses of Crunktastical Juice, I was vitually stung by a Brooklyn bee dressed as Mary.

Imagine my surprise to find out it was really Mary dressed as an urban bee. She was doing a appearance for my fab and fav Carol's Daughter products. Ouch, check out the way she is standing while sporting her Polo jeans! I have a picture of me doing that same pose except I was standing with friends in front of our tacky brown lockers in high school sporting my Hilfiger jeans and bright yellow top. At least my jeans were a deep blue and not black! Come to think, the reason I opted for blue instead of black is the fashionable fear that I would be called a bee!

On the contrary, I am feeling these yellow jeans, but with a tight white tee instead. The cornrows, I wish I had the desire to discuss them! The glasses, I would totally rock!

Needless to say, she would have to probably kill me or someone I love for me to stop being a fan! Even then, it depends on which family member. Just jokes, chicas! Anyway, not only does she release good music, but hocks some of the best beauty products in the world! What more could I want from her?!

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This is for my fellow curly gurls! This is another one of Carol Daughter's fab products called Hair Milk. Its so superb, especially if you are always on the mission to find a product that helps define your curls and add that element of shine to make all the other chicks on your block jealous.

I was introduced to this last summer when and my hair were at dry ends, literally! It hydrates the hell out your hair and you notice almost immediately! Bonus Beauty: The smell of lemon and cocoan is crazy! There is nothing like a beauty product that works and smell dreamy!

Curly gurls unite and try this out! BTW, my straight tress chica, you can use this too!

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My has has been totally kissing my ass, because I have introduced it to Phytodefrisant. My hair is colored, thick, curly, and prone to frizz, therefore my hair and I are prime candidates for this.

My hair is super shiny and soft after only a couple of days of using this. Also, it smells quite lovely!

I should have known that I would love this, because I have always enjoyed Phyto products. Unfortunately, they are little pricey for my budget, but worth the rubbing of the nickels to get. Trust Me!

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What has happened at my Fendi that would allow them to think that this bag deserves to be sold. Let alone, have the audacity to charge over $1,000!

It not just the horrendous leopard print that has my arm twitching with fury, but the style and shape. They offer it in the zucco print a.k.a their logo. I am a slut for anything covered with the Fendi logo, but not in this case. Well, the logo covered one is only $925......I'm still not interested!

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I am so thrilled to see Monica back on the radio. I am still not feeling that "Everytime the Beat Drop" track, but I'm glad to see the chick back and looking good after having a baby.

She was seen spending the day mixing business with pleasure up in New York.  She spent her day juggling interviews and shopping at the oh so lovely place of Yves St. Laurent. (scooped @ C+D)

Although Mo's is so skinny, she manages to stay near the top of the fab factor! I am ssooo feeling that Yves Saint Laurent bag, but I prefer it in the white that J.Lo has been rocking(scroll down some to see)!

Here's to a dope album from a dope chick! Her last album was pretty hot, but I am upset that it didn't get the spins that it should have. Hopefully, she won't procrastinate this album to the point where she prolongs to the point where it is basically leaked to the streets, entirely!

Also, I am willing to overlook that madness of H.A.M that went down at her man's birthday party last year! Let by-gones be by-gones! BTW, I hope see got these glasses!

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The NAACP has just put a major fork in the road of my desire to lead a fab life. They have released the names of five corporations that did not respond to a survey that they sent out about the way they support the african american community via hiring and advertising in the black community.

The companies that did not respond landed on the list of companies that the NAACP are now discouraging blacks from spending their money there until the surveys are complete.

Bruce Gordan, president of the NAACP, said that "If corporations spend there money on us, we'll spend on money with those corporations."

I totally agreed, until I saw some of the stores and companies on that list.

Unfortunately, for us black fashionistas on a budget, the one and only Target is on the shit list. To save face, Target released a statement explaining how they did not respond to the survey because they believe that your should not view diversity as in one specific group.

I agree with Target's stand in a way, so I might let them by! The other companies on the list include Dilliard's, Khol's, Sears, and Excel (which I've never heard of!).

A sistah is glad she decided to stick with Bellsouth right about now!

Read more here!

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In less than 5 hours, the Jada Pinkett-Smith that my closet and I grew to be envious of has just been spotted in the new issue of RedBook @Foxxology! Does she ever age? It's Lena! I just had another Deja Vu moment!

I am always on the look for a product that allows me to achieve the straight and conditioned tresses I so desire. Therefore, I really want to try this blow dryer by Conair. The cabinet under my sink is full of various curling iron, flat irons, and couple of blow dryers by Conair, which includes my favorite ceramic flat iron.

Anyway, this blow dryer is called the Infinti Hair Designer and the commercials have me hooked and lined to buy this. If only my wallet felt the same way right now! It combines the function of a blow dryer without the need of a brush. It dries the hair faster, eliminates that hideous frizz! BEAUTY BONUS ALERT: Like with all infomercial-esque products, Conair throws in for free a touramaline brush and a mini gaggle of clips and elastics. That should help the blow to wallet!

I want my hair like this! LOVING IT!Yet another reason of me to be jealous of Miss Union! First Darren Sharper and now this! I just spent almost a year growing out my hair to were it know hits my mid back! Now, I want a cute shoulder length bob that allows me to toss it around! I can't wait to tell my beautician this!

Long time no hear from Mrs. Marc Anthony a.k.a Jennifer Lopez. She was recently seen leaving the upscale fred segal and looking quite unfab, in my opinion! Since I am not a member of PETA or ever plan to be, I miss the fab fur wearing, blinged, and Versace-d out J.LO! Where fore art my J.LO! Hiding her curves, say it ain't so! I will say that I am glad that since she married Marc, she has opted to stay out of the tabloid limelight and live a much more normal life that papo' will allow.

Speaking of fashion icons gone wrong, the one and only Jada Pinkett-Smith has really did a crazy twist for the bad. Where is that Jada who use to put some the best to rest on the red carpet and special appearances. Ever since she started that god awful band, her fab status had plumetted into the bottom of the clearance sections at K-Mart. While I was indulging in my daily serving of cake and ice cream, I started to weep at the photos of her at the recent press junket for the CW network. Check out the shoes, and I don't mean that in a good way. Oh my, let's move on!

My computer has given me clearance to discuss my opinion of the B-Day cover for Beyonce's upcoming album. Thanx CPU! I am almost slightly ashamed to admit it, but I actually like it! It would look a hell of a lot better if her hair wasn't in that high ponyail/beehive, which I use to sport in junior high with the help of half a jar of ampro hard gel, Rave hairspray, and a curling iron. I really love her eyes in the photo. I gotta try to figure out to get my eyes like that!

Over these horrendous hot summer days, some people opt to bulk up in weight or knowledge via books, but I am currently in the process up bulking up my beauty basket with all the different conditioner and/or split end solutions I can find. My current find is one I have never heard of, but I am anxious to try it out. Its Korres Natural Serum for preventing split ends. I don't have a split ends problem currently, praise my pucci scarf, but I am on the constant hunt for them. I spotted this little tube and snatched the remainder of it out of my good friend's bathroom. Since there wasn't much left in my friend's little tube, I have to order some myself to fully fall head over heels for it. 

Here's to crossed fingers and not split ends!

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Today, I decided to dig deep down in my pink argyle socks where I keep some spare "change" and rush to the mall to purchase Bobbi Brown's Apricot Shimmer Brick compact. To tell you all about the delicious glow that this little compact has smacked all over my face is to start foaming glitter and shimmer out my mouth!

When I got back to my chilling cold apartment, there was a package waiting on my bed. My aunt had FedEx'ed these lovely brushes(sans case, but I already have about 10 different brush cases) by Bobbi Brown to me and I am sssooooo in beauty bliss right now! They are the deluxe ones, nino! Its pure kismet how I just purchased a Bobbi Brown compact to now have the matching brushes. I love you auntie!!!!!

My aunt and a couple of beauty and fashion obsessed cousins are the only handful of relatives that I have allowed to know about my blog. I owe it to my aunt since she is the chick that let me use and play around in her make-up behind my daddy's back.

Back to brushes! I have said before that Bobbi Brown not only makes some of the best make-up around, but also the most superb and plush brushes on this colorful world of ours. They are so soft, but at the same time blend and apply make-up so precise even the most shaky handed vixen can do a good job. I'm not sure I want to use them daily, only on special occasions! Yeah right, I am gonna test them out tommorrow even though I am not going anywhere. IT'S 100 DAMN DEGRESS OUTSIDE! I'm staying put for a few days. My hair and skin deserve it. They have been very good to me for the past couple of days!

Now I'm off to suck up all the cool air condition I can get and swallow it down with a tall glass of homemade lemonade! Buenos noches, chicas!

Stay Stylish!

STAINED SECONDS:

• My temple area is looking very nice thanx to a new member of my daily hair care regimen. "Miracle"s can happen!

The one and only fab Miss Berry was recently in Tokyo for the premiere of 'X-Men 3: The Final Stand' looking superbly stunning. She is sporting a new 'do that looks quite lovely! Its a nice change from the big curly hair, which I loved, but change is always good!

Ever since Halle has been in the limelight of Hollywood, I have never read or heard anyone talk about her body in negative way. She's almost 40 and still making us 20 something year olds stand back and look at her in awe!

Also, I am so loving the dress! Its perfect for summer, but could very much carry you into the hellish heat of the first few days of autumn. Boy, do my hair and I dread those days! That reminds me, I need to start gathering up a gaggle of leave-in conditioner!

I have always loved Halle Berry! All those crack-addict roles, the hit and runs, and the horrible relationships have only seemed to make her stronger and fiercer! Plus, I'm not hating her for that scrumptious piece of white chocolate she has been having on her arm. He look delicious!

Halle is such a natural beauty, even when she's been dipped twice in a pound or two of make-up!She will always be fab and fantastic, in my brown eyes!

Stay Stylish!

A well stocked kitchen can be not only useful to person who loves to cook, but also a person who thrives to find new beauty tips and tricks. like yours truly! There are so many things and so many uses so I have decided to start posting some here and there!

My first one involves one of the greates food and beauty ingredients ever: Olive Oil! Not only is it a good source of healthy fat in food, but an incredible conditioner in the world of beauty. One of my favorite and quickest uses for olive oil is to use it as a cuticle oil in a manicure. Here's what to do:

• Take the polish off your nails with a non-acetone polish remover and paper towels or cotton pads.
• Fill up a bowl with warm water and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Dunk your nails in the bowl and soak them for 10 minutes.
• Pat dry your nails with a dry towel
• Gently push back your cuticles with a wooden cuticle pusher
• Shape your nails with a fine grain file. No sawing motion or metal files, people!
• Slather on your favorite lotion or hand cream to moisturize your nails and hands.
• Apply a layer of basecoat. Dry.
• Apply two coats of your fav polish. Dry.
• Finish with a nice and dependable top coat
• Finally, go strut yourself and your nails off to nearest person with envy!

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It's very hard for women of color to find a nice product that allows us to have the appearance of spending the weekend on a lovely beach somewhere, when really we were just lounging around the house deciding on which shade of pink polish to slather on our nails and goes perfectly with our outfit du jour.

You all might not believe this, but sometimes its really hard for us bi-racial beauty fiends to find products to enhance the color of our complexion without a few complications. Its either too dark as if we fell asleep in the gutter or does nothing at all. There is no "too light" because it just fades away in the skin.

After all the shaking fits I have had in the past, I have actually round up some great finds, but a recent find that has stumbled into my beauty basket is by the lovely folks over at Dove. Its Dove Energy Glow Daily Moisturizer with Subtle Self-Tanners. Long title, but worth the read!

I have been using it for well over a week and have to come the conclusion that I might never look back or for another self-tanner. It gave me the greatest hue of a golden tan, without the obvious appearance of a fake tan. No orange glow syndrome here, chicas!

Muy perfecto por mi latina lovlies, tambien!  Porque soy half mexicana!  Did you all like my spanglish! Yeah, me neither!

Anyway, this self-tanner will keep you looking perfectly "toasty" all year round without those horrific streaks! It also holds up its end of the bargain with its promise of moisturizing, because I have found that some self-tanners give you the tan, but through in some dry skin to boot. You won't have to worry about that with this self-tanner.

I give this a solid A! Treat your self to a tan and let your soul glow! Of course "soul glow" was ripped from a faux commercial about jherri curl juice, but it also fits into this current lifestyle of obtaining the perfect glowing skin!

Stay Stylish!

STAINED SECONDS:

• I promised my computer that I wouldn't give it any "Beyonce" posts for a few days, so if you want to see the new ads for her line H.O.D, then click here! I still wouldn't wear the stuff and I am kind of sick of the same dark ads and the airbrushed Mrs. Knowles. Her hips are not that small, I've seen them up close!

Way before there was Becca, CoverGirl's The Queen Collection, and that gaudy KLS(Kimmora Lee Simmons) line, there was Fashion Fair cosmetics and there those marble pink containers.

I remember when my favorite aunt still lived here in Memphis, I would ride shotgun with her to the Mall of Memphis and watch her snatch up almost every shade of lipstick from the Fashion Fair counter, including a deep purple that she swore by! I was so jealous, because I was only seven or eight and my dad damn near had an adult fit every time I played in my mom's make-up let alone tried to wear some around the house.

Yesterday, while I was shoe gazing at Macy's, I had to stop at the FF counter and try something from there. I am almost ashamed to admit that I have never owned anything from Fashion Fair or tried anything other than lipstick, but that was almost two decades ago. Although they have traded in the pink tubes and compacts for tan ones, the make-up still looks and smells the same.

In ode to my fashion fair addicted aunt, I decided to purchase and test out the Cover Tone in Honey Glow and the matching Loose Powder in Fair. Funny how in this line I can qualify for "fair", but next time I'm going for the medium.

Talk about deja vu and nostalgia! First Pee-Wee's Playhouse and now Fashion Fair! I feel like the happiest 24/8 year old in the world!

Stay Stylish!

Stained Seconds:

• I am almost through with my new layout, I just have to fix a couple of things. Nothing fancy, TRUST!
• FAB SITE ALERT: I am loving her site and I am adding it to my blogroll! Check it out for yourself! ( Did I insert a link to her site enough or what?!)

I know that I recently posted on my new love affair with lipsticks behind my mega collection of lip glosses' back, but I can't resist telling you about this product!

I have had this lovely pencil in my possession for a quick minute and just realized that I never got around to telling you all about it. Its Cargo's The Reverse Lipliner and its created for lip gloss lovers and to stop that nasty case of the mundane melting lip gloss. I must say that it works and if you have lip gloss on you that this should be snuggled up right next to it. I never thought that I would find another summer essential, but here is another one!

Another place to use this is on your lower inner eyelids to widen your eyes, but I will continue to use my white liner to achieve the widen eye look I crave. I have a policy to never use the same pencil on my lips and near my eyes. Can you say "Bacteria"!

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• Am I the only one experiencing a hearty dose of nostalgia thanks to the Cartoon Network showing old episode's of Pee-Wee's Playhouse.
• VH1's World Series of Pop Culture makes me feel smart. I am junkie for trivia!
• Project Runway's new season looks to be good. You should all know that I am on team Michael. Young, black, talent is great to watch in progress!

Once again, I am becoming a guinea pig for those of you who read this blog. Someone sent moi an e-mail asking if I've tried Olay Dual Action Cleaner + Toner, because she wanted to try it but a little apprehensive to waste money on something that sucks.

Enter your personal glam guinea pig! I had to run to Wal-Mart early this morning so I spent a little over 6 bucks for this product.

I've learned to never trust what they say on a bottle, but the words sound so promising and has me more than happy to try it!

Its best to evaluate skin care products after at least a week, so here's to a good review.

Stay Stylish!

I see nothing but gyrating hips and thigh grazing skirts...Bee must be preparing to drop an album!

Yep, we are in the midst of Bee fever and hold on to your ridiculously exspensive handbag and arm full of bangles, because I predict we are going to experience turbulence for about a year. 

It started with her "Crazy in Love" part duex  performance for her new single Deja Vu at last months BET awards and now we are caught up in the world wind of coutured styled magazine covers and videos bubbling over with siezure-esque dance moves. BTW, I'm still not feeling those glittery things running down her leg!

Everytime a singer comes out with a new album they attempt to reinvent themselves with not only a new sound, but a new look and the female half of Bey-Z has decided to reconstruct Madonna's look of wrist length gloves topped with bangles. I hate to say this, but I am not liking it at all!

I know the idea is to have a new look that hopefully everyone follows and or love, but Bee shouldn't hold her breath. I didn't duplicate it when Cellie & Co. did it in The Color Purple, so there is no need for me to make more room in my closet or drawer for some gloves.

I didn't even keep my gloves from my senior prom. I dropped one on Beale Street late that night and was kinda tipsy and threw the other one away in one of the garbage cans lining the street and bubbling over with empty beer bottles and liquor lacquered cups. 

I will probably be a Beyonce fan for the rest of my life and I continue to love most of her fashion choices. She is the queen of street couture to me, but this look kind of makes her look like she "works" on the street. She should go back to her creative crew and rework! I'm just saying!

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(pics from BW!)

I am obsessed with lip glosses and admit that I have overlooked lipsticks most of my make-up obsessed life. The only time I really have lived for lipstick is when I was not suppose to and use to sneak my mom's Fashion Fair lipstick in this hideous deep pink. All that "lipstickless" life has changed! Now, I actually have a few tubes tumbling around in my make-up bag.

Recently, I have seen the light and have found myself trying on lipstick more and more. My fav lipstick of the moment is Clinique's Colour Splurge Butter Shine lipstick in Pink-a-Boo!  The name alone had my eyes twinkling with delusions of glamour. Its creamy and smooth and gave the impression that I was wearing a light gloss. The best of both worlds: shine without the obvious wet look. Perfectly moisturized smackers, ladies! Perfect for you glossed up dames who have a hard time dropping those tubes of gloss. Give it a try!

I chose pink-a-boo because its the shade closet to my natural lip color. One of the most important shades of lipstick you should own is one closet to your natural lip color. A shade closet to your natural color allows you to pull off the natural look fast and fab. Another trick in wearing lipstick while pulling off the natural look is to rub/ smear the lipstick on your lips. Trust me it works! I saw it on Tyra months ago and tried it myself. Hot damn Memphis weather, it works! Always remember what your kindergarten teacher use to verbally beat you with, "Don't go outside the line!"

Another lipstick that my fingers have occasionally pulled out my bright red make-up bag is Max Factor's Color Perfection lipstick in Bronzed. Its deep mauve with a nice hint of brown, which perfectly goes with my current summer bronzed face. Sunkissed lips are so lovely!

My fav trick for my lips is the good old toothbrush and Vaseline. Rub a nice layer of Vaseline on your lips and take that toothbrush and exfoliate the hell out of your lips. I predict soft, smooth, and slightly plumped lips in your future!

When all is said and done or maybe I should say before all is said, you should have in your possesion a superb lip balm/moisturizer loaded with enough SPF to carry you throughout a hectic and fab day, because all the chemicals and that icky sun can dry up your lips quicker than a pimple slathered with salicylic acid. The perfect product is Fresh Sugar Lip Balm with that oh so fav SPF 15. Might I add, this stuff smells devine! Even too devine to cover with a lipstick, so you shouldn't be afraid to wear this alone!

Now ladies, I am off to work some calories and dust off this treadmill that I have been ignoring although its right by my bed. I hit my knee on it, so I guess it was trying to get my attention.

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I am feenin' for a fresh pair of Bamboo hoop earrings. I can't take repressing my love and desire for a pair. They are making a comeback like Mariah Carey fresh out of rehab!

When I was around eight years old, I had a mini diva pair of bamboo doorknockers with little "L"s inside. The "L" is the first letter of my government, for those of you wondering! Anyway, I would strut to the candy lady and toss them upside my head along with the bazillion beads coloring my hair. Yep, I was fresh to def at a young age! Ya'll better fall back and take a chill pill! I promise, that's my last corny ass '80s slang!

Back to bamboo!  I've seen everyone from Meagan Good to NuNu from ATL rocking these B-Girl staples from the past. Now Ms. Luckett has a pair dangling from her ears. I have to get a lovely pair for my lobes.

I just refuse to buy anything else for my closet or jewelry box until I am once again beating myself upside the head with some bamboo earrings. Well, my birthday is in September and these are at the top of my list!

I think I need to drop a note to my daddy! You think its bad I call him to ask for a birthday gift considering his was yesterday and I didn't even call. Come to think of it, maybe I should e-mail this request to my mom instead!

For those of you looking for a pair yourself, click here and here! WARNING: these are real gold, therefore, real pricey!

Stay Stylish!

Disclaimer: pics from Ebay and Sandra Rose via C+D

Luckily for me I am one of those bi-racial girls with "good" hair! Easy to comb and style. Shiny and soft. Very happy with it except for a my temple and sometimes my nape area, but mostly my temple.

The hair at my temple is very dry looking and hard to keep smooth. It looks like a small patch of split ends which has semi-forced me to only part my hair down the middle so people can only see my thick, shiny, soft, and wavy hair. Its very easy for me to say that "I hate the hair on my temples!"

I have tried some products that I have had somewhat good results, but nothing that made them a constant staple in my hair regimen. One of the better products was a temple balm by ORS (Organic Root Stimulator), because I do adore their Hair Mayo! I used it and was happy, but only for a couple of months. I had to apply alot for me to achieve the look and texture that I desired, but I might dabble my fingers in the jar in the future.

ORS is just one of a couple I've tried, but I recently found a new one that has caught the attention of my eye and temple. If you have watched BET or TVOne in recent days, then you have probably seen the bootleg/infomercial looking commercials for Dr. Miracles hair products.

After seeing three of those commercials while watching reruns of "Martin", I decided to visit the company's website. I was in awe of the products that were offered and wanted to try all of them, except for the relaxers. I'm perm free, baby!

Anyway, I ordered the Nape & Temple balm in regular. I was tempted to throw the super formula in my virtual cart, but I decided to start slightly slow with regular. You have to use it twice a day for 30 days and then digest your results. Knowing me, I will probably look for results everyday. I dunno, but you know that I will let you lovely people know the results!

Now I am off to switch between The 4400 and The lost season of Dave Chappelle and program my DVR for the premeire of the new season of Project Runway. What would I do without my DVR?!

Stay Stylish!

I am a junkie for Carol's Daughter products. I am always twitching in the mall or in front of my computer when I see products from that line. They are just luxe without the need for luxe pockets. Although the line was created by and with an african-american mind, the products are meant to be bought, used, and loved by everyone. Men, women, and children are encouraged to apply!

Recently, I was greeted by my fav and cute UPS man at my front door. He handed me a box that was shipped from New York City by my best friend, Nicole. I love those boxes! Inside the box was Carol's Daughter Love Butter. I was shocked to find that there was actually a product from her that I hadn't tried yet.

Needless to say,I couldn't wait to crack that sucka wide open. The smell that comes from this little tin is incredible. I was tempted to lick it, but I then would have had to hand back my diploma to the Memphis City School system and walk up to the street to toss my degree into to the water fountain at the University of Memphis.

I slathered on a huge a glob of butter love last night and actually thought I was melting into my sheets. It felt just like butter. Call me crazy,this one time, but it actually added a glowing and fresh look to my face. I actually looked innocent! That should be your proof not to judge a book by its cover!

If you haven't tried anything from this line, I don't know what to tell you. Is something you have to experience for yourself to fully love! 

Stay Stylish!

This going to be a really quick post because I have a lot of crap to do today! Gotta love Saturdays!

So many women overlook the importance of base coats for their nail polish regimen. I understand that in todays lifestyle of "always on the go", but this is a step that you don't want to miss in the long run.

Base coats fill in the natural ridge of your nails so that your polish and nails look lucious and smooth without all the constant buffing that goes into it. Perfect for you dames and divas on the run and can't get your booty into a chair at your fav nail salon.

The most important thing that base coats do for your nails is the fact that it protects your nails from being stained. Really important considering that the color choices for the season are deep jewel tones which would love to stain your lovely tips. Those are stains you don't want!

While your at it, don't forget a dope top coat. Not only does it add a shine that looks like your nails are constantly wet, but it also helps to protect your nails from UV rays that causes yellowing and fading to your nails. Yep, your nails are prone to damage from those intense UV rays, also! Hot damn, you just learned something! Well,some of you did!

Now I am off to save the world, well, maybe not! Just alot of cleaning and writing/work to catch up on!

Stay Stylish!

I have read on a blog from a fab Memphian about her make-up and noticed that she used Laura Mercier. So, I decided to scrape my change together and put my Clinique foundation to the back of my make-up case for a minute and try a foundation by Laura Mercier.

After testing out a couple via samples I requested from a connection, my skin requested the Foundation Primer-oil free and the matching Oil-Free Foundation in Golden Biege. I have only been using it for a couple of days, but I really love it!  I even tried it without the primer and it still lived up.

Personally, I have found it hard to find a good foundation for a honey complextion woman of color with combination skin and acne appearances every now and then. Its also really rare to find a good foundation that aids in all that from a line that is not aimed at african-american women. Trust me! I am sure I'm not alone in that observation!

I will say that the next time my wallet and I gather enough (80 something bucks) to splurge, we will pick this foundation and primer up again. Who knows, we might even save up enough to try the Loose Setting powder, but don't hold your fresh breath!

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I hope my readers from the U.S.A had a fab and fun fourth celebration. I also hope you didn't get too many BBQ stains and headaches from the fireworks. Felt weird celebrating a holiday on a Tuesday, but life goes on!

I know that this is a fashion and beauty blog, but personl hygiene can definitely fall under beauty. Trust me when I say this that the most attractive person can lose some "cute" points if they have bad hygiene, especially in the mouth region of their body.

Recently, I have been brushing my teeth more frequently. I always brush twice a day, but now I use my toothbrush three to five times a day. Is it bad to brush your teeth that much? I dunno!

Anyway, my favorite toothpaste of the moment is from those wonderful people who brought us those oh so fabolous whitening strips,Crest! The tooth paste is their Whitening Expressions in Cinnamon Rush. Its like brushing your teeth with a foaming version of Big Red gum and I love it! Its not too tingly, cleans your teeth, fight against those awful cavities, and gives the impression that you have been chewing gum for the day without the sore jaws. Perfectimo!

I will warn you to not be too scared when you spit, because there will be pink in the sink. Its the toothpaste! It took me a few seconds of searching my gumline for blood to realize that. I know, I'm slightly stupid at times! I was so scared, because I thought I was brushing my teeth too hard. Crest should put a warning on the side.

I highly recommend this, because there are times when you should break free from the normal mints and enjoy a little splash of cinammon! Treat your teeth to something new!

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When I was a little girl, like most girls, I dressed up in my mom's closet. That also included me rummaging through her collection of colorful bangles, hoop earrings, and any other piece of jewelry within my reach. It was the 80s, what else do expect!(She kept the exspensive stuff out my sight. Smart woman!)

Anyway, over the past couple of months I've noticed that an outfit is not an outfit until you slip on some jewelry. Preferably, the jewelry needs to add a little splash of color to your ensemble. The right big beaded turquoise necklace can pull  a pair of jeans and a basic tee together like nobody's business. Pair it with a pair of fab shoes and equally fab bag....Lawd, help me now!

The most jewelry I usually wear are my two diamond rings, my gold cross necklace, and a random pair of earrings, but all that has changed. Now I find myself sliding on colorful cocktail rings and kabuki style necklaces with everything. For some reason, jewelry gives the impression that you actually planned your outfit instead of just throwing something on.

In my new found desire for different and colorful jewerly, I ran across a collection of tattoo art jewelry by Karyn Cantor. As you can see, the pieces are somewhat of conversation pieces and I am fan of conversation pieces. That really applies when I am talking about fashion. I don't care who you ask, no fashionista wants to look like someone else!

These pieces would go perfect with a pair of jeans or for those of you who would love to embrace the jewelry explosion, but without all the large beads. There's something out there for everyone! I woulg, however, advise you not to pair these jewelry with those tattoo style tops. That's a little too mch!

To see a few more pieces from this line, click your heels to land over here!

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Since this summer seems to be intense all over the wonderful U.S of A, lotion is one of the things that you love to indulge in to calm the warmth on your skin. Therefore, I have bombard my beauty basket with about five new brands/types of lotions.

One of those lotions is from the moisturizing fanatics over at Vaseline's Intensive Care line. Its their Aloe Cool & Fresh light moisturizing lotion. Its engulfed with aloe vera and cucumber extract, which helps in adding a level of refreshing and cooling effects. 

I have only been using this particular lotion for a little over a week, but I have used it enough to gather enough info to give my last two cents.

The bottle says light, but I say otherwise. Its not creamy heavy, but its not light. The lotion tends to leave a slighty greasy afterthought on your skin, but that soon takes flight. Its takes a minute for your skin to absorb, so I advise you to wait a minute before you rest your skin on anything, especially your clothes! 

For those of you who turn your nose up at lotions that are infused with perfumes and scents, then this lotion is calling your name. I occasionally purchase a lotion based on smell opposed to effect, but not in this case. The smell of the aloe and cucumber is only super noticable for a few minutes until your skin decides to embrace it. Afterwards, the only time you can really smell it is if you press your nose on your  skin and take a deep breath. I don't know why someone would do that, but to each her own!

After all is said and done, I give this particular lotion a solid B! I am really not a big fan of the greasy feel, but it does what all lotions are suppose to do; moisturize! It does a great job at that and gives you a cooling effect in the process. Its perfect fit for the summer and the hot weather beaming outside.

BTW, Thanks Bree and Megan for the encouraging words and the knowledge! Mucho gracias, chicas!

Stay Stylish!

I have been very stressed lately because of various reason and it is showing on me from head to toe.

My hair is breaking up more that celebs after 3 weeks of marriage.  I have been conditioning like crazy, but to no avail.

My face is so red and bumpy, that I actually on the search for a nice spring veil. Yeah, that sounds reasonable in this Memphis heat.

I cut back on sugary substance and adding heat to my hair, but it finally dawned on me that my level of stress was making me look rough. I have decided to take a little me time and live life casually and nonchalantly.

Here's to a stress free life!

Stay Stylish! (BTW, new month, new achives addition, and maybe a new layout!)