Gingham Style For Women and Men

Hey Fashionistas! See what's hot this 2015 season...throw away the picnic tablecloths and aprons. They are now worn and seen as fashion-wear. The gingham prints are everywhere! Below are great ways to style these prints and are a must-have for everyone!

This print can be seen in large or small. A great way to wear gingham is- plazzo pants with a nice clean white button up. To give it a pop of color add accessories or a nice golden purse as seen above.

Loving the mixture of patterns! Polka dots and gingham. No matter if its a pencil skirt or a nice pair of trousers, you will definitely make a statement.

Whether you are petite or voluptuous, this style is for everyone! I particularly love this one...for my curvy girls opt for a fit and flare option or a pencil skirt. The fit and flare is very flirty and fun. Pair this look with an open toe wedged heel and this look is effortless. 

Men too, can also achieve this look! Here are a few ways men can get in on this gingham style...

Go for this causal wear gingham blazer with jeans and a t-shirt. Very nice and casual!

These colors are very bright, and ready for summer. 

Going for a business casual feel? Reach for a the button down and a pair of dark trousers and your favorite round tip lace ups and your set!

These are my favorite picks for this 2015 Spring/Summer Fashion.

10 Reasons Why You Should Be Happy With You

                                                          courtesy of KaRo_M

This fashion blog is a little different from my usual. I felt propelled to write about happiness because so many men and women put happiness in so many different things rather than simply what makes them unique in who they are. Here are 10 reasons why you should be happy with you.

1. Happiness is a priority level! Happiness is a state of mind we place value on as positive emotions. So how you feel about yourself is directly tied to how, or what you think about you. It is normal for negative thoughts to come, but by immediately recognizing those thoughts and re-creating new positive ones will affect your mood.

2. You matter! Place "emphasis" on who you are vs. what you do! What that means is pay special importance, value, or give prominence to. You are a number one priority. What you do one day may be gone the next, who you put before yourself may be gone the next. It is important to hold yourself in high regards with humility.  Know that we are all connected to life (source) and that God is our connection to meaning in life not material things or substance on earth.

3. Life has meaning! Keep things in proper perspective. Create a space of gratitude and awareness.

4. You were made to give! The golden rule has always been a true path and is a principle that remains. "Do unto other's as you want done unto you." Giving can mean so many different things for so many different people, however, the jest is to concern yourself with others and connect.

5. Other's depend on you! "No man is an island to himself." Pressure comes from every angle, and secluding yourself from others only makes things worse. Share what you have overcome; what you're going through helps others to put things into proper perspective and gain insight.

6. There is nobody like you! You have what other's need. Sharing is caring and the more you see yourself as, "there is enough of me" to give to others, others will begin to see their value in the world.

7. Your life is important! Value, Value, Value. What do you see as important? Is it money, houses, and cars (the tangible things that will go), or is it people, making a difference in the world and changing lives (the intangible things)? Seeing things as permanent status vs. "like" status can make a world of difference in knowing who you are.

8. Time is of the essence! The world as you know it has changed and is changing for the worse. Just turn on the news and look around, its present. What little time,  or "a lot" of time do you have? What difference does arguing or being upset about things that you may or may not have any control over matter? FORGIVENESS is the KEY for YOU to UNLOCK the door for FREEDOM and success, not for others to do. You are in CONTROL of your DESTINY and often times we give our power away waiting on someone else to do. Gain control over your life by taking responsibility for how you feel, act, and do!

9. Your life affects others! Whether you actively participate or inactively engage , you are always affecting someone else's life. You are living for someone else or for your generation even if the generation of your seed is not visible or present now. Just as your generation before you has done- will always have a trickling effect into your generation and so on. It is vital to live in the now, be aware, and be intentional about living.

10. You are loved! Know that you are loved. You were created and brought here for a purpose. It doesn't matter how you got here and what you have been through, you are loved by God! Fill your life with positivity and good because God is good, and Jesus died because He loves you. Spread love and love will return.

The "Look" Every Curvy Girl Looks Good In

Knowing your shape is the first step to loving your curves. No one curvy girl is alike. We all come in different shapes and proportions. While some are shaped as" hourglass shapes," others are shaped as apples and  pears. Nonetheless, I have a few pairings that would look great for women who seem to have difficult time with the upper portions or the lower portions of their body.

The floral skirt, paired with a solid color top works perfectly for the ladies whose top portion is larger than the bottom portion; or for ladies who want to show off their great curves!This look makes a statement yet in a subtle way.

Emerald green is in this spring. Go for the lean midi dress. This pairing looks gorgeous on any shape and gives an illusion of curves. Throw on a sleek white spring coat and floral heels and bring some attention to those legs! 

 The "checkard" look gives an impression of sophistication and authority. The vertical stripes brings the elongation and the black or muted color gives just the right amount of attention. This style works well for those who love prints but does not want too much drama. Throw on a crossover peplum top and create that great "eye illusion" of symmetry.

Casual wear is a must-have in every closet. Throw out those skinny jeans and mixed it up with a good pair of slightly flared jeans and a good pair of flats. Remember! Have fun with prints and color but creating balance is the key


*Pairings can be found at Asos (Curves), Lane Bryant, Aldo, and Macy's

Get the look: Fashion Savvy Men over 50

Men in their prime are laid back, with not a whole lot of fuss and like to have a good time. If you are looking for ways to freshen up your wardrobe while looking sleek and in good posture, go for these looks! The great thing about these picks are you can mix and match just about anyone of them and still achieve the look without spending a whole lot of money. These pairings can be found in Dillard's, JCPenney-or if you like the looks posted feel free to shop ASOS online.

Go for the nice shiny deep plum trousers, pairing it with a blue button down and blazer. Don't be afraid to mix it up a bit by adding a different texture blazer. If you want a little more casual flare opt for jeans instead.

Plaid is in this season and is a spring must have! Giving it just the right amount of patterns topping it off with a plain black or white t-shirt brings balance to the outfit. Don't forget the tan shoes and belt bringing in a little brightness to the fitting

Every man needs at least a few casual wear. Opt for jeans a button up vest and suede round tip shoes.

Need I say more! Loving this whole attire. Feel free to be as casual or as snazzy as posible, this outfit is layered and can be paired with a t-shirt, a vest and denim. Or you can wear the trousers with a white t-shirt and some suede tab loafers.

Perfect look for Sophisticated Women Over 50

This is a really great season for women in their mid years of life! I call these women confident, bold and carefree. Women in their seasoned years of life know what they like and are classic, minimalist, and yet are youthful in many ways. Here is the look for women who want to keep their style clean, sleek yet age appropriate. These looks can be found on ASOS with accessories and shoes from Aldo. Happy Findings!

Go for bold prints balancing it out with a sleek, pressed button down top. Pair it with kitten heel pumps and your look is complete.

Although this pairing looks good on any age, my fabulous 50+ ladies can pull off this outfit while looking fresh, vibrant and full of life!

The classic cape blazer coat works seamlessly on seasoned women. Pair this look with a simple pair of jeans and a nice crossover draped blouse. Complete the outfit with a pair of cheetah print tab flats and a chunky necklace.

One last thing! Whether you are going out to run errands or out around town, don't forget a little makeup. Here are a few picks women over 50 look great in. Remember, less is more, don't overdue the makeup with harsh contouring and shimmers as this enhances the fine lines and wrinkles in aged skin.

As the skin ages it becomes more dry and lack the elasticity it use to have. Before putting on foundation use a moisturizer and skin renewal cream-or if you are lucky opt for a foundation that has all three-moisturizer, SPF and has skin rejuvenation ingredients. Also you don't want to forget a good primer as well, and if your skin tends to be on the oily side-a foundation that is specific to your skin type.

One of the mistakes I see women over 50 make while applying makeup is the type of blush they apply to the cheeks. When using blush, if your skin tends to be dry, go for creme blushes as this appears more subtle on the cheeks and give an illusion of smaller pores. If your skin type secretes more oils you want to make sure your skin is properly moisturized and hydrated as this brings balance to the skin. Also when using powdered blush, opt for non-shimmering blushes and powders. The shimmer in any makeup product only enhances the pores and fine lines or wrinkles. 

Eye makeup is a must! As the eyes begin to age, dark circles and creases set in. To create a more youthful and awaken look grab neutral matte eyeshadows. Stay tuned for the next blog posting for more specifics on what colors and makeup look best on skin tones!

Although we all love bright lipsticks from time to time, women of certain age should be careful when applying colorful lipsticks. Bright Hues look great when applying it to younger aged women, however, when applying the same shade of lipstick, can sometimes be aging and bring out the flaws around the lips of women that are older. Instead pick natural toned lipsticks that have a slight tint which gives off a natural yet youthful appearance.

This completes the perfect look for any sophisticated woman over 50! You can find all of these great looks at Asos, Aldo, MAC makeup department store, and Ulta beauty. Happy Shopping! Please feel free to comment, like and post pics of what you find, if this has been helpful to you.

10 Common Mistakes Women Make Wearing Undergarments And How to Fit Your Shape Properly

I see so many woman make mistakes in the type of undergarments they purchase and wear. About majority of women have either never been properly fitted for a bra or have been fitted years ago. Or, you may be the one who has been fitted, and know the proper ways to wear undergarments, but have simply become "too busy" to update your bra to fit properly. Nonetheless, here are 10 commonly made mistakes, and ways that best work for your body shape!

1.  Choosing a bra based on cup size.

Picking a bra based on cup size alone is a no no. Start with the numerical band, which is the measurements just below the fullest part of your breast (the band width). Cup size is directly correlated to band size. Cup size is irrelevant without knowing first what band measurement you are. So ladies, let go of what size cup you think you are and explore the amazing possibilities of the best-fitting bra that works great on your shape! which leads us to...

2. Wearing Bras that are too tight or small.

Women are sometimes reluctant to change because they either hold on to the cup size they think they are, or they refuse to accept their shape. Refusing to accept the shape they truly are prevents them from going up in cup size and down in band size to reach their ideal fit. Your increase in cup size is not a character flaw! It just means that you will have great fitting, making you appear leaner as "the girls" will be sitting up and in line as they should!

3. Latching your bra on the tightest hook.

When wearing your bra, it should be secured on the outermost hook rather than the innermost. This prevents the bra from stretching and loosing it elasticity. You want to get the most wears out of your bra and should fit snugly. When the bra stretches a bit then are you able to increase hooks accordingly for a more secure fit.

4. Wearing the band positioning up the back.

The band should be sitting evenly positioned with the rest of your bra. The band size should never be higher than the under-wire. This causes the breast to sag in a downward position not allowing for proper fitting.

5. Allowing the under-wire of the bra to sit above the breast.

If the under band of the bra is sitting just above the breast and not covering the whole breast, then you are not properly wearing your bra. The band of your bra should rest just below the chest as the cup size should provide full coverage. The gore of you bra (the middle portion) should sit on your body and directly between the rib cage.

6. Insisting you need a contour-style instead of full coverage or fully lined bra. 

Contour shape bras are those that hold their shape and are molded into a certain shape. These bras are usually found at Victoria Secrets. The fully lined, full coverage bras are those that are molded to the form of your breast and gives full coverage. Contour shaped bras such as gel or foamed bra; or the classic push up or demi bra look great on pear and rectangle shaped women. These women are usually smaller in their upper body. For the hourglass and apple shaped women; who are lager in size or more broader in the back and chest area, go for the full coverage bra or fully lined bra. Also, look for a bra that is thicker or wider in band size as this will help eliminate or lessen the extra skin from spilling out the sides of the bra. 

 7. Pairing one bra with every type of outfit.

Ladies! This is just not going to work. Pairing one bra with any type of outfit just isn't functional. Some dresses may require more of a lift, while a shirt may require less of a lift and more of a smoothing affect. Knowing when to wear a certain type of bra is just as important as knowing your band size and cup size. If you are unsure of what bras look best in certain clothing don't be afraid to ask a bra specialist in a department store or walk into your nearest Victoria Secret Store and ask an associate.

8. Wearing a bra for two or more days in a row.

Now if you are like me, and like to wear your bra at least two times before changing them because you absolutely love them, this is a common mistake. Bra elasticity is worn over time because it's not given the proper rest between wears. So women, including myself...let's put away those favorite bras and reach for another one. Hand washing your bra in cold water is a proper way of taken care of the bra and keeping the elastic band from stretching too soon.

9. Keeping the bra way too long.

A bra should last at least eight months. By taking care of it properly and hand-washing them you can extend the use and should be rotated between at least seven to eight different ones making them last longer.

10. Settling for an ill-fitted bra.

All too often women get fed up with trying on bras that don't fit or having to go back every six months to a year to get re-fitted so they just settle. A kinda, sorta bra isn't the best bra for you. Get back out there, fall back in love with all of your body, and reacquaint yourself with a measuring tape and bras the fit you perfectly! 

Here are proper ways to wear your undergarments

the cup should be fitted to the bust, the lining of the bra should not show any gaps or spacing.

(pic by biggerbras.com)

straps should fit securely, while the band shouldn't dig into your skin creating bulging. Hooks should be on the first hook.
(pic by biggerbras.com)

For the hourglass or pear shaped and some apple shaped women opt for full coverage briefs or boy-shorts. When wearing thin layer linens or dresses go for the seamless underwear as this will create a seamless more flawless look to you overall outfit.

Apple shaped women with narrow hips and smaller back area or rectangle shaped women can wear hi cut bikini, boy-shorts, or thong underwear. The hi-cut bikini along with the others mentioned above gives an illusion of a higher tush as the seams of the undergarment rises.








Looking good starts from the inside out. Wearing the proper underwear gives the illusion of a more leaner and more lifted you, when you start with these basic tools, adding clothing on becomes an enhancement to the properly fitted you and is a sure way of feeling good! Try the comfort that best suits you.

Five Ways to Look Your Best with Confidence

Looking your very best is all about how you feel, and how you feel on the inside usually reflects what you put out to others. Every now and then you may get a little down and out and the way you dress sometimes reflects just that. Well today, let's get on the fast track and become more aware of what you send out  into the universe. There are five self-reflecting ways that will help get you looking your best with confidence and poise.

1. Exercise! This gets your blood circulating and decreases tension, Try going for a 20 minute walk, or take up a new dancing class.
2. Meditation increases your serotonin levels, which in-turn improves your mood and behavior. It also decreases your stress levels and boost your immune system. Try to meditate at least twice a day to get your day started on the right track and feeling refreshed. And, again just before bed-time to calm you after a long day.
3. Tap into your feelings. After a long day and hectic schedules, your mind is like you are on auto-pilot where you just do-do, and go this place and that place and think and feel later. Allow  yourself to live in the moment and capture how you feel. This will allow you to release stress, improve your mood, and become less resentful towards others.
4. Become humble. Showing humility is putting yourself in others position and showing that you are grateful. Not taking anything for granted but taking each day as a counted blessing. Coming from a place of gratitude opens the law of attraction for prosperity and good to come your way.
5. Be kind and gentle to yourself. Take time out of your busy day, or week and take care of you! After all, you are only as good and useful to others as you treat yourself. If you want love, you must first be love, if you want time, take time. The world is all about what you make it and confidence is just that! when you focus on what you have on the inside and what beauty it is, the more you will look your best with confidence.