HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Today is my day to SHINE! It is MY BIRTHDAY YALL! I've learned to call this new place, Baltimore, my home. So here's a few fun shots with some balloons and downtown Baltimore, enjoy! I know I will!

Hope y'all have a great weekend! Don't forget to spread some joy and cheer!
ps, don't forget to =)

Read More

OOTD:: Faux Fur and Plaid

Today's outfit is inspired by warming up and looking great yet still having fun! It's been snowing here for about two weeks and the snow has definitely piled up.  As you can see, my booties are almost all covered! Snowy weather can definitely be cold, and while this outfit may look great, make sure you have a peacoat and gloves and the whole shebang for your outings! This is just the base layers (funny, because I'm wearing 3 layers!)

The winter season is definitely meant for layering up.  I decided to mix this plaid green shirt, a casual item, with the faux fur, a more classier, upscale look.  The two mixed perfectly! I must say, I am LOVING this outfit combo these days; pair it with a statement necklace and bang! You have a great chic and inspired outfit!

Check it out along with some fun in the snow!

Stay warm and have fun!

I am leaving for Vegas, (whoooo!) today so this week won't have a Friday's fav.  

Check back next week for Mani Mondays and also what I did in Vegas!

ps, don't forget to =)

Read More

OOTD:: Business Formal Part 1:: Polka Dots

Polka Dots and Blazers

Hey y'all! Hope your week has been great so far! It's almost TGIF! Are you guys as excited as I am??! 

Well, earlier this week on my trip back up from Georgia, I stopped in Highpoint, NC to visit my Dad and brothers for the International Home Furnishing Center (IHFC) where my Dad had a show market representing this rugs line at Chandra Rugs. There's a couple of these show markets that go on yearly in Las Vegas, Atlanta, Tupelo, New York, and of course, High Point. I like to go and check out how my Dad and brother designed their showrooms each year and for family support as well. Plus, there's a lot of shopping and fun things going on as well!

There is no specific dress code; people come in T-shirts, sweats, suits, dresses, boots, flats, heels, you name it.  I like to dress business formal when I go because I am usually representing my Dad when I'm there, plus you all know I just love dressing up! :)

My outfit of the day consists of playful polka dots turned business. Who says you have to wear a boring suit to work? I found this pink polka dotted blazer at a local thrift shop and paired with a simple white blouse and these cute polka dotted trousers from Forever 21.  I love these trousers! They are the perfect mix between formal and casual! Usually you are on your feet all day and walking around a lot, so I opted for some nude flats to finish the ensemble.  Up north it is definitely a lot colder than back in Georgia, so the blazer, along with a peacoat, helped a lot, but what I love about layering is that you can easily take off the blazer and wear your blouse and look just as great. Check out some of my looks around my Dad's showroom below!

Entrance to Chandra Rugs

Chandra Rug's Bar Area

I absolutely love this chalk wall behind me, with the question, "What is Modern?" where customers are free to come up and write what they feel is modern.

Close-up details

The face behind Chandra Rugs, and my lovely parents :)

Be sure to check back in a few days for Part 2 of the OOTD! And there won't be a Friday Favorites this week due to insanity of a weekend!

Also, if you are interested in my Dad's AMAZING, well-priced rugs, go to 

http://ShopChandra.com/

ps, don't forget to =)

Read More

OOTD:: Trip to the Winery!

Virginia Winery Hopping!

This past weekend I went up to Virginia for a full day of wine tasting; it is my second time ever going and I forgot how much fun it can be! It is the perfect girls day out or getting together with friends and just relaxing but also expanding your palette and just getting to try samples of different wines! I definitely recommend it to everyone and for everyone to do it at least 1-2 times a year!

Twin Oaks Tavern Winery

  I started off this cute little place up high which had a beautiful view overlooking the whole Bluemont city!  My two favorites had to be their 2012 Raspberry Wine and also their signature Bordeaux-style 2012 Raven Rocks Red.

 Cheers from Twin Oaks!

Breaux Vineyards

The second place has a gorgeous background view! This was a more popular and bigger winery. My favorite was probably  the 2011 Jolie Blond.  Here we also decided to have a picnic and enjoy the view and weather. As much as I liked the area, the wines for me weren't the best. I wouldn't recommend this one too much.

 More of my friends decided to join this time, cheers from Breaux!

North Gate Vineyard

This was the final stop for the day and may I add, the perfect ending! It was my most favorite of the three! It even came with chocolate truffle pairings which were mouth-watering goodness! I pretty much liked all the wines here.  The host we had was hilarious and friendly, and we even ended up buying a few wines from here and staying here for a while, taking the gorgeous weather and day in.

 Cheers from North Gate!

 Now onto the outfit of the day! That day was breezy but gorgeous weather.  It was actually the first day of Fall! I decided to still embrace the summer clothes and mix in some bright colors while I still can.  A nice flowy dress with a statement necklace is the route I chose.  Since there was a lot of walking and most of it was on grass, I opted to fun flat sandals.  Paired it with a brown clutch to match shoes and blend in with my dress to complete the look!

Thanks for checking out my experience at the different wineries and check back sometime this week or next for a new recipe!

ps, don't forget to =)

Read More

OOTD:: Street Style

Dresses, Jean Jackets, Chunky Necklaces, and Combat Boots

This outfit of the day was a very fun one to plan and wear!  It is very different than what I am used to but sometimes it's nice getting to play dress up.  I felt a sense of power and like I could take on anything! Well, anything on the streets, haha. I researched a bit about street-wear because I honestly didn't know too much about it and found out that street wear is simply taking two different styles and compiling them together.  It is more of an edgier look, more bold.  

I feel as if sometimes we all get scared to go out of the norm and what is trendy or acceptable.  But what you wear does make a statement.  It almost is as if your body is a canvas and your clothes are the paintings.  Don't be afraid to mix prints, mix styles, and change up your normal look for something a little outside of your comfort box.  I did and this outfit really grew on my and made me even feel a tad different on the inside!  Always have fun with what you wear while making a statement!

Hope your week is starting off great! Remember last week's Thoughtful Thursday in case you get stressed or upset!  Just take a few breaths, "oooohhh-saaaa."
Check back later this week for the famous spicy harissa spread!
ps, don't forget to =)

Read More

OOTD:: Stripes

So sorry for y'all who waited for the outfit of the day last week! I ended up leaving to go to upstate New York and didn't have time! BUT today is your lucky day because here it is!
This outfit of the day was inspired by my black shirt which became a tad too short for the day, and for you ladies who have this problem, just add a pair of leggings to it! This black and white striped legging is beyond soft and comfy and makes the outfit 5x cuter!  Dare to start a trend :)

Check back tomorrow for my Friday Favorites for this week and this weekend for another ootd post! :) Have a great rest of the week!
ps, don't forget to =)

Read More

OOTD:: Boho Chic

Free People/Boho Chic Inspired

I feel as if summertime, you can get away with almost any trend! I went to a drive-in movie the other night and decided since I was going to be outdoors, why not do a free people inspired, boho chic outfit?  A long native skirt would be perfect for sitting, paired with a cropped jean jacket and tank, accessorized with my favorite, an elephant necklace, and finished off with loose natural looking curls and easy slip off sandals!

Try out a  bohemian look yourself and see if you like it!
Yayyy! Almost friday!!
ps, don't forget to =)

Read More