Post the Selfie or Nah?

"The meaning of life is to find your gift,  The purpose of life is to give it away." Picasso

 When is the last time you took a selfie?  Before recently, it would have taken me quite some time to give an answer.  However, lately I have been in selfie overload.  Teamtoomuch?  Possibly.  Instead of sharing way too many pictures of my face on social media, I decided to bring it to my little bitty blog.  I consider my blog my personal space and I can post as many selfies, quotes and anything else to my heart's content.

With that being said, here is this week's today's selfie.  This picture is actually from yesterday.  I was headed to church and boy did I have a good time.  Usually, I have a little person and a medium person in tow.  Yesterday, my sister had both of my boys and I was able to fully enjoy service all alone.  As I sat there crying, the Lord really began to speak to me.  Here lately, I have found myself wrapped up in material and physical things.

How does my hair look?  Are these shoes cute?  Look at that new bag!  How can  I get it.

As I sat and listened to the choir sing, I heard the Lord speaking to me loud and clear.  What good is it to be cute if you are not serving a purpose?  That one question convicted me to the point I was ashamed.  When had I allowed myself to become so shallow?  I mean if I died tomorrow, what would people say in my memory?

 "She sure was cute!"  "Ton sure did have a nice red dress last Sunday..."  "That girl knows she had some pretty eye brows!"

I made a promise to myself that I would be just as concerned about how my life and existence affects others as I currently am about my appearance.  Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with taking pride in your appearance.  There is also nothing wrong with loving yourself and taking a million selfies....However, these things should not be your ALL.

Now, these are just my little thoughts.  Carry on with your day ya hear?  =)

Ton

Aztec and Ankle Boots

"Real style is never right or wrong. It's a matter of being yourself on purpose."

It's Thumping Thursday which means we are one day closer to the weekend. That along is reason enough to smile!  I've had a very busy and trying week but I decided to take a quick moment to snap a quick phone pic.  As you can see, I have not done a very good job maintaining my blog.  **insert look of shame**  Instead of making excuses, I will just make more of an effort to get here and get to posting!  If for nothing else to keep a journal of my personal style.

Today I wanted to be dressy yet comfortable so I decided to wear a dress.  I absolutely love wearing dresses.  I can't explain why but for some reason I just feel prettier in a dress....well...most dresses.  I snagged this cute little peplum hem dress from one of Ann Taylor's awesome 60 or 70 percent off sales.  My first thought was to pair it with a blazer but I went for comfort and threw on my aztec cardigan.  I was actually pretty pleased with the look.  I added a few minimal accessories and a pair of ankle boots and I was out the door.

Wearing:  Ann Taylor Sweater Dress|  Hue tights|  Random Aztec Cardigan| Jessica Simpson Denver Booties

Speaking of ankle books, let me just say, this time last year I would have never worn a pair of ankle boots.  I have always been a little self conscious about my legs.  I hated seeing a gap of any size between my legs/ankle and the boot.  As I viewed more fashion blogs and magazines, I decided to give it a try.  Now I can't stop buying booties!  I absolutely love this look.  When I think of all the cute booties I have left at the store over the years because of a silly insecurity, I could slap myself.

What about you?  Do you find a particular fashion trend appealing but are afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone?

Lipstick Anyone?

Before I had my son, it was nothing to get up in the morning and fix myself up before work.  After my son arrived, I could not figure out how on earth I had the time, energy or even desire to do that.  Soon I started just putting on clothes that were clean and wearing my hair in a ponytail.  I went from putting effort in my appearance to really not caring.  I don't know about you but when I look better I feel better.  After my son got a little older, I challenged myself to find my way back to Ton before she was too far gone.

One of the challenges I have given myself is to get back to wearing makeup.  Although I used to wear makeup often before my son, I have never had a nice variety of lipsticks.  I usually stick with a nude Mac lipglass such as Spite or C-Thru and wear that baby with everything.  Well lately, I have started stepping out of my comfort zone.  I will admit, when I first apply the lipstick, I feel like Homey the Clown.  I've had to force myself not to remove it on a few occasions.

Here are two of my recent experiences with lipstick.  I have had NYX Shocking Pink lipstick for quite sometime.  I believe I may have gotten it while I was expecting.  I believe I read somewhere that it is a dupe for some Mac lip color (don't make me lie). Any who, on Thanksgiving I was wearing dark colors with a colorful scarf.  I decided to give Shocking Pink a try.  I am glad I did!  I was very pleased with the results.

Today I decided to step WAY out of my comfort zone and try something totally different.  A few months ago I saw one of my fav IG chicks wearing a very pretty shade of brown.  I stalked and stalked but I could not find the particular shade and brand she was wearing.  My search lead me to my beloved Pinterest and I discovered another NYX lipstick Maison.  Apparently this shade is very popular, I was searching for Maison and two other shades for a little longer than I anticipated.  I am happy to have found Maison but I will be even happier to find the other two. But back to Maison, when I got home and tried on the lipstick, I felt foolish.  A brown lippie looks very different on people and mine certainly did NOT look like the inspiration picture.  I decided to try the lipstick again after applying a foundation and eyeliner.  I will admit that I am not head over heels for this color but the longer I wore it today the more I liked it!  Now how special is that? Any who, here is a pic of me this morning in my NYX Maison.

What about you?  Do you have a favorite lippie?  Who is it by?  Help this milady resurrect her swag style. 

Neon and Zebra Print: Styling my Favorite Skirt

Happy Sunday!

"A Sunday well spent is a week of content"

I don't know where this quote originated but I have found it to be true.  I got my week off to a great start by attending church with my children.  After a beautiful service, I ran a few errands and came home to enjoy my favorite shows.

I wore one of my favorite skirts today.  This zebra print full skirt is very forgiving in the hip and belly area.  What girl wouldn't appreciate that?!  I stalked these BCBG boots for a few months before coming up on a great sale while on vacation.  I could not check out quick enough.  I can think of several ways to style this skirt.  I have to admit this is definitely one of my favorite.

Another thing I am currently obsessing over is photography.  My husband gifted me a Nikon DSLR as a graduation gift a few years ago.  I have finally started seriously studying photography.  I hope to save some money and take our family holiday pictures this year.  I am going to admit...they will probably look a little bootleg because I still have so much to learn...but hey...it's just a little photo card right?

Well, it's time for me to prepare for the week!  Have a lovely Sunday evening!  I know I will **grabs the wine glass**

Update: Well Would You Look at That?

Oh my...I am ashamed to post here.  It's been almost three years since I have "shown my face" around these parts. It certainly wasn't intention but I am sure you can understand how life can sometimes just take over.  I am going to try to get back into the swing of things...and hopefully this time "life" stays in her lane.

Let's Get Reacquainted...

January of 2012, when I last posted here, I was loving my natural tresses.  While pregnancy (yes,I snuck a whole human in there) was very kind to my hair, postpartum was a nightmare.  Breastfeeding my son for 8 months postpartum did not make an already bad situation any better.  Just before my son turned one this past April, I cut my hair off and got a relaxer.  I can honestly say I have no regrets about cutting my hair.  IF I were to say I was sorry about anything it would be that I didn't cut it sooner.

Short hair is SO much easier.  If I am having a day when I am feeling frump, I can wash and curl my hair and feel like a million bucks a little over an hour later.  A friend of mine often says that it is not hard to make short hair look good.  I have to agree.  Whether I curl my hair over or under, it still looks chic.  The secret to pulling off a short cut is getting a GOOD cut.  A good cut looks good both curled and flat.

Just as I am still a hair fanatic, I am also still very "weight" conscious.  Notice I said weight and not health.  I am big enough (no pun intended) to admit that although I am very motivated in regard to my workouts, I struggle daily with my diet.  I am in a very passionate relationship with cookies, cake and wine!    In spite of my very persistent sweet tooth, I have managed to lose my baby weight and get a tad smaller than my pre pregnancy weight.  I make an effort to workout at least three times weekly.

Alright, I have provided a brief update of where I am and where I have been.  Let's move forward with fashion, home decorating, marriage, parenting and whatever else crosses my random little mind.

Purple Pencil Skirt and a "Blue" Mood :-/

I have been SO out of the loop lately. I have not been feeling my best. In addition to feeling a little under the weather, I just feel "unpretty". Ever had those days? Well it is time to snap out of it. I am taking action instead of sitting back feeling sorry for myself.

First...I made an appointment to get my hair done. One thing that has made this second round transitioning to natural hair a little easier is my sew in weaves. In effort to save a little money, I cut back. Well mama needs her mojo back and that I will get Saturday Morning at 9 am.

Second...I am planning to see a dermatologist. My skin reacted terribly to a product I tried in hopes of evening out my skin tone. Not only did the product cause me to break out but the breakouts left even MORE dark spots. So, I am done acting as a dermatologist...to the professionals I go.

Now the last will not be as easy. I terribly need to go shopping. I am in need of boots, slacks and blouses in bright and pretty patterns. I am still trying to create a nice cushion for my family so those shopping excursions are not high on the list anymore. I am not sure HOW I will fix this issue...but in time...I am sure I will be back where I need to be.

At any rate, here I am in my purple pencil skirt, satin floral jacket and favorite Steve Madden Boots. I promise to do better in my photos. I don't want to scare anyone! HA!

Happy New Year!

Happy New year!

I am Looking forward to a year of prosperity and greatness!

Gotta run, but wanted to leave you with this!
Fear less, hope more, eat less, chew more, whine less, breathe more, talk less, say more, hate less, love more, and good things will be yours.
Swedish Proverb

Love My Animal Print Pumps!

Since starting this plan to document my daily outfits in hopes of enhacing my style, I have noticed a few things. One I shared the other day, I am a little on the country side. HA! Two, animal prints really appeal to me. I hadn't noticed how many animal print pieces I own! The sad thing about this, I want more!

As I have mentioned in earlier posts, I am on a bit of a budget. Our wedding was a much larger expense than I realized. Although we did not incur any debt as a result of the wedding, I am STILL trying to bounce back financially. Which means....no shopping. Which TRULY hurts my heart because I am starting to really NEED things. For instance, I have two pair of boots I need repaired. I would really prefer new boots but I suppose I will settle for repairing the boots I own. I am really trying to identify other ways to cut back. I have a goal in mind. Once I reach that goal...I will be headed to the nearest outlet mall!

Fitness update:
I have one good thing to report. I have been consistent with my workouts! With my son out of school, I have been to the gym 2 times this week and I am going again today. The gym is closing early tomorrow..so I will either have to go earlier (if time allows) or settle for P90X when I get home. I do plan to eventually work in two workouts a day. One at home, with P90X, and the second at the gym here at the office. I have discovered that reading (multitasking!) while on the bike or treadmill makes the time..and calories...go by very quickly. I plan to try this on the eliptical today. Let's hope I do not fall off! Ha!

I eventually plan to incorporate weight training as I have gained great results in the past. I am just not sure at what point I want to add it. At any rate... for now...extreme...well for me...cardio to shock my body. I have avoided the scale because I do not want to get discouraged. I will definitely start weighing and measuring to track my progress.

Skin:
It SEEMS as if the new product is finally starting to work. I will update in a week or so.

Well, back to work I go. I am challenging myself to be super productive these days as I try to master time management. That has ALWAYS been a weakness of mine. :-)

Ton


What am I wearing:
Skirt: K&G YEARS ago...actually was a suit
Jacket: Steinmart
Pumps: Jessica Simpson
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Home Decor Inspiration: The Modern Vintage Bathroom

I am still working to develop a plan for the many redecorating projects in my future. Although DH and I were live in's before the marriage, I have not made too many changes to our home. For one, we do not plan to be in this house too much longer. Secondly, all of my time and money has been invested in others things like say..our wedding. :-)

With the wedding behind us, I am ready to dive head first into home decor projects. Yet, I have only found myself overwhelmed. So, I have decided to sit down and create an inspiration board, or sort, to paint a picture of the desired results. Our house is small and yet I am still unsure where to start. Part of this is because there are so many areas that require attention. Another factor in this is my tend to be easily distracted. Which further encourages a plan and visual guide for the overall project.

I have been searching the web for ideas and inspiration. Houzz.com has become a girl's best friend. Today, I stumbled upon some random niche blog with awesome pictures of homes decorated in contemporary and modern decor. DH is partial to the modern/contemporary look. I can go either way but I actually prefer the vintage or traditional look.

When I heard the term "modern vintage" I scratched my head. One would think the term was an oxymoron. However, when I saw these images, my heart skipped a beat.





This one is not modern vintage but simply vintage and it made my heart flutter! :-)


**images courtesy of beinteriordecorator.com**

Whew! What a Day!

Last night, I observed a post on facebook that deeply troubled me. A former classmate got married a month ago. Yesterday, she lost her husband after one short month of wedded bliss. I was moved to TEARS. So many times I get frustrated or irritated by my husband. After I saw that post, I decided to take a new approach to life. Later for all the silly stuff. Life is too short to be concerned with people and situations that are bring you down. I will also make sure I continue to appreciate my husband and not take him for granted.




Jacket: Old don't remember Dress: Dillards Tights:Target Shoes:Nine West

Today was a VERY busy day..but I did manage to get a picture in. :-)


I had a couple of meetings today so I tried to dress conservatively, yet add some style/funk. A little better than before. I am still working to enhance my personal style.

Well let me get to bed....another full day tomorrow!

So I had an Epiphany

First of all, sorry for the short time away. I have been quite busy. I graduated Saturday! YAY me! :-)
Other than that, it's just been work and caring for may family. I did however have an epiphany. While getting dressed for church this morning...I realized...My style SUCKS! HA! Let's just keep it real. I often get compliments on my style but I honestly do not see it! When I look in the mirror I see pure D COUNTRY. So...I am going to start a personal challenge to improve my personal style...so please...bear wit me..

Oh and also, I started using a new skin product last week. It is SUPPOSED to be really good for evening your skin tone and preventing breakouts. Well today my hubby was like "What is wrong with your face?!? I have never seen you break out like this!" Now granted, my husband is very blunt to say the least, but he is right, my skin looks horrid. I am hoping this is just the purging phase... I took a before picture to track my progress. You can rest assured that picture will NOT be shared unless I attain some AWESOME results...then I will share the results AND more information on the prodcut.

At any rate, here is my "country" pic of the day. I wore this AFTER church to run some errands and do a little christmas shopping. I kept pulling my cardigan closed... LOL so uncomfortable. :-/


Here is the first set I tried and decided...NAH I better not! Too much going on...




Let's see how my style evolves...

Wacky Wednesday

Today has been very interesting to say the least. I found out that a family friend passed away suddenly. My mood has just not been "right" since. :-/

I did manager to get pictures of my outfit yesterday but I have YET to upload it. I failed to get a pic today.... My mind is just RACING.

I had a few things I wanted to blog about. One being a new skincare product I am using in hopes of clearing up my skin and evening my skintone and another is The Real Housewives of Atlanta episode from last night...but again. I can not get into it.

Although I did not take pictures of what I wore today...here is a idea of what I wore.

12/2011 by carameldiva77 featuring a leather handbag

But at any rate, I am going to sit here, sip my Riesling and Listen to My Eric Roberson/Goapele mix.

Lucky Magazine January 2012: My review

My name is Ton and I am a fashion magazine junkie! Whenever I stop in the store, I make a special trip over to the magazine section to see if there are any magazines that I don't have yet. I SHOULD subscribe...I used to be subscribed to Lucky but I let it expire. I keep saying that I am going to subscribe again as well as to a couple of others...but you know...I am a procrastinator (hangs head in shame)

So anyway, yesterday I picked up the most recent Lucky Mag. I was a little dissappointed as it was very thin in comparison to other months...What's up with that? But at any rate, although it was not as much inspiration as prior months, I did find a few things to add to my must have list and learned a few things! Check it out:

Did you know there is a site that allows you to design your own shoes?! Maybe I am just late, but I had NO idea! Milk and Honey Shoes allows you to design your own shoe! How cool is that?! It also comes in extended sizes!

Nine West Uplifting Boot:
I LOVE this boot!!

Too bad everywhere I look online it is sold out. The pictures in the magazine is a cognac color and looks much better than the black version.

As I mentioned the other day...I am shopping for a faux fur vest, This one by Armani Exchange is HAWT!
(I actually like it better in black)

I totally ADORE this Sophia Coppola for Louis Vuitton bag. SUPER hot!


There were a few other items that caught my eye but these were by far the show stoppers!

Maxi Skirt Monday

As with most Mondays, I dragged my self out of bed. Going for comfort, I opted for ankle boots, maxi skirt, turtle neck and denim jacket. Oh... And my hair is in my beloved BUN!! :-)

Feature Friday: Cilla B of Fashberries!

Today I found major inspiration over at Fash Berries! Cilla B, the blogger, has amazing style and offers TONS of inspiration! Here are a few of her many fabulous looks that I plan to use as inspiration!
Fash Berries is a great blog if you need style inspiration! Cilla has great style and shops at a variety of shops/sites. Many of her pieces are quite affordable for the "everyday" budget fashionista like myself. Check her out! I sure was pleased!

Casual Friday 12/9/11

As you see, I love animal print anything. The Hubby teases me about it. As I mentioned earlier, my fashion challenge is balancing my "style" with professionslism. My career is on the rise and I do not want make any mistakes to hinder my growth. How do you mix the two?

Plain right? I am working on it. :-)

Things I Want: Faux Fur Vest

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Image courtesy of Moptopmaven.com

How hot is this vest? I particularly like how Kelly Rowland is wearing her vest. I have never been into the "furry" pieces but I think I just may have to take a chance on it! While I am SURE Kelly's is a "real" fur vest, I am considering a faux fur vest such as this one:



Check out blogger Tanya from Major Must Have's, her most recent post featured a black fur vest. How hot is that?!

Oscar de la Renta: Pre Fall 2012

If I am honest, for years when somone mentioned this designer, I instantly thought of a fragrance. A fragrance for a little frilly grandmother at that. Well that so isn't so. This designer has some really hot designs! Check out a few flicks the Oscar de la Renta Pre Fall Show! Oh how I love the textures, patterns, ruffles and POPS of color!