Short North Gallery Hop weekend part 2: Spotlight on Style, IvyHill clothing boutique

I have to say that the highlight of my shopping trip was going to Ivy Hill. Ivy Hill is a retail boutique that sits between Rowe, another high end retail boutique (whom I also love but can't afford) and Jeni's Ice Creams.

Ivy Hill offers a selection of designer clothing, but, specializes in its accessories. This boutique in particular impressed me because the clothing and accessories are geared towards the young professional. Although it's still on the pricey side, you can find something there that what will fit your budget and style. I like to visit stores where you can tell that the owner took time in selecting the items that are sold at the store. I can almost assure you that you won't have to worry about anyone rockin the same piece as you if you shop here.

As I was taking a look at the selection of their velvety clutch bags and candy colored tops, I noticed a section of Spanx slimwear. My friends and I started talking about shapewear and the best type of slimwear for your shape. I have always wanted to purchase a pair of Spanx. However, I am apple shaped girl (yea it's pretty sad, but I'm working on it) and most of the girdles I buy just roll right on down my back. Shutup it's not funny, it's traumatizing actually. I was telling my friends that I read some reviews on Spanx and that was one of the main complaints that people who share my body type complain of. Anyway, the owner of the store told me about a new slimwear product called Yummie Tummie. Yummie Tummie is the next revolution in shapewear. Yummie Tummie combines a layering of cotton tank, with a slimming microfiber panel. It's long enough to tuck into pants or a skirt, or wear out as an added layer and according to the owner it completely eliminates "muffin top" when worn with low rise jeans.

What's muffin top? Oh you know what "muffin top" is! That's when a girl who is big on the top and skinny on the bottom (arms and legs) wears low rise jeans ( a BIG NO NO) and her stomach spills over the sides of the jeans, just like a muffin. (Take a look at the top photo). As a matter of fact, I won't even get into that right now. Just know that a story is developing right now. Ladies we just have to discuss the right jeans for our size. It's getting really bad out here. I'm sorry someone has to address it. I guess it will be me.

Anyway, the owner went on to tell me that this item is an Oprah favorite and that she is going to showcase it on her show this week. Oprah was a long time supporter of Spanx so that's big news and of course that made me happy cause if Oprah can fit it......lol. Now, the only thing I have to do is buy a pair of those Tummy Tuck Jeans and I won't even have to go on a diet (again). Oh you haven't heard of those? Another story, another day!!

Intertested in Yummie Tummie? Well, Ivy Hill is the ONLY store in Columbus that sells them. So go check them out at 716 North High Street.

Fabulous Gallery Hop Weekend

Believe it or not, this past weekend was my first time going to the Short North Gallery Hop. I know it's unbelievable. I had a very nice time there hanging out with my friends, and checking out all the unique boutiques and vendors the hop had to offer.

I do have to be honest and say that I didn't do much shopping. Not because I couldn't find anything cute, but because it was too damn expensive. I don't know if it's just me, but, do I have to keep shopping at Forever 21 & Bebe to buy the trendy clothes that I like. I hate that. Don't get me wrong, I like shopping at both places, but, don't act like I am the only one who prays in the dressing room that no one else has your outfit on. Seriously, you know that if you purchase something cute from one of those stores, chances are........................... lol

The good thing about shopping at the hop is that it is a good source of inspiration. You can look at the high end stuff to get an idea of the kind of style you want. Also, the vendors usually sell items at a cheaper cost. I purchased some beautiful costume jewelry from an older lady, who was selling jewelry outside of Substance (a clothing store - I'll talk about them later) and even though it was a little more expensive it's so unique, its worth the price.

The dresses and tops shown above are some of the items that I WISH I could have bought. They are sold at Jinny a high end retail boutique www.shopjinny.com/ that sells contemporary women's fashion. Although I loved all of the items sold there because it really is a store for those who consider themselves trendsetters, again, couldn't buy a damn thing. All of the items shown above sell for over $600. If you can afford to shop there, you will find some really cute items. They also sell CC Skye which is one of my favorite jewelry lines.

One of the other boutiques that I liked is Substance. Substance has some nice stylish clothing. It's a bit expensive too, not as expensive as Jinny, but they sell some really nice clothing. It's also different in the fact that their clothing seem to be geared towards women who really are trying to get their grown woman on. It's kind of hip, but for the thirty something audience. I also like the fact that it's environmentally friendly. The racks at Substance hold elegant dresses, skirts, cotton, or cashmere sweaters and jewelry from local designers. They also carry their own line for Fashion Conscious People, which offers short-and long-sleeved pima cotton T-shirts and drawstring pants, and Design Lab (tees, dresses, and more). Don't be surprised if you hear the whir of a sewing machine from the upstairs lofted area, it's just the designers creating one-of-a-kind pieces. Pretty cool store! www.shopsubstance.com/

The top 4 makeup brushes you REALLY need

We hate to pay for them, but we know we need them. Especially me. Every time I go to the MAC counter (or any other makeup counter) the makeup artists always emphasize the important of having good brushes. It makes me cringe every time because I know I can't afford to buy 20 different brushes that cost $20 bucks and up per brush. I probably wouldn't even use them all. Seriously! So, I went online to research the top makeup brushes you really need and recommendations for good brushes.

The brushes you need:

(1) A concealer brush to camouflage hard-to-reach spots like the inner corners of your eyes. Look for square head to tapered corners, ideal for blending (under eye -square; blemishes-tapered). Long handle, good weight, great for application precision.

(2) A blush brush--its wide, rounded shape deposits the perfect dose of powder blush. Look for full, large head with slight tapering (not as large as powder brush) designed for even distribution and natural looking definition across the cheeks and cheekbone.

(3) An angled brush with a stiff head for applying eyeliner so the line isn't too thick or thin. You can also use this brush to apply a soft coat of brow powder to shape and fill in arches. Look for a small, narrow, angled, flat brush head with soft but firm bristles. This brush is designed for application of fine lines such as close to your lash line, blending and softening color edges. It also is used for applying powder to brows.

(4) A shadow brush helps you add definition to droopy lids. Look for square head, medium to large sized (just under 1/2 an inch width), with slight taper at corners, flat, a bristle head that is firm but soft for the delicate eye area. This brush is designed for sweeping color across eye lids and blending. By using its edge, it can be used for defining eyelid crease

Choose brushes that feel comfortable in your hand--that way, you can wield them like a pro.

So what are the best brushes on the market? Particularly, those aren't that expensive. I researched the web for the top rated brushes and here are the results (drum roll please):

Foundation brush: M.A.C #190, and Paula Dorf 's to apply liquid foundation, then blend with sponge (best sponges come from Alcone in New York city)
Concealer brush: Shu Uemura #12, and Bobbi Brown Concealer brush

Powder Brush: to set foundation with translucent or pressed powder; Kevyn Aucoin powder brush, or Sonia Kashuk powder brush
Blush brush: Kevyn Aucoin for a round flat cut; Sonia Kashuk #2 for a tapered cut brush. Depends which angle you want to apply on

Eye brushes: M.A.C. #21 to highlight under brow bone Eyelid application: Sonia Kashuk #9

Eye crease: M.A.C #217 (they call it a blender and would be good for both) or Kevyn Aucoin for a smaller stiffer brush-both are amazing: for precision crease work, M.A.C. #219 is superb

Eye-powder smudge brush to smudge eyeliner pencil with powder-Sonia Kashuk #5, or Trish McEvoy #41 or #6 for larger areas

All in all the best rated makeup brush brands are: M.A.C., Trish McEvoy, Sonia Kashuk & Essence of Beauty. Sonia Kashuk can be found at Target and Essence of Beauty can be found at CVS.

Please leave comments and let us know what your favorite brushes are and why!!!

Red Carpet Ready - How to look good in photos

The simple truth: the camera is a fickle lover. Even in a day and age where we adore snapping away at ourselves like never before, many of us could definitely use some tips when it comes to putting our best foot forward. (Including celebs: for every shot of the “new” Britney Spears looking beautiful and back to normal, there are a dozen of her looking bloated and patchy faced.) In the interest of research, we spent one afternoon perusing celeb magazines, fashion magazines and art books, surfing online, and analyzing the Facebook photos of the most très photogenic women we know, to get the scoop on the top ways to look good in photos.

How to look good in photos, tip 1: Practice, practice, practice.

Two gorgeous former colleagues, both beautiful women who work in the magazine industry, seem to burn through a memory card in one weekend. And wouldn’t you know it: from the first amateurish shots of themselves, where both of them, though rail thin, looked disconcertingly “real life” though they have always been anything but, to the poised and celeb-mag worthy pics they post on their Facebook pages today, practice does make perfect.

TIP: Spend a couple of hours having a friend or loved one take snaps of you with a digital camera so you can get immediate feedback on what looks hot and whats…not. Put a big mirror on the wall so you’re not winging it “blind.” Once you find a pose that works, make it your trademark (read on for tips on striking that winning pose).

How to look good in photos, tip 2: Find your game face.

This goes back to practicing. Every time you’re in front of the mirror (alone), test out some smiles and different head positions. Find the side of your face that flatters you more, so you can try to show that side to your photographer for posed (non-candid) shots. Practice a natural-looking smile, as opposed to ye olde “Cheese!” grimace. (This goes for me. I don't know what else to do but smile hard and my friends tease me about it all the time) Apparently, it’s all in the eyes, so go for the glow from there. Also, if you look slightly up at the camera, that’s a flattering angle for most women. Found the right look? Keep practicing it whenever you pass the mirror, until it feels – and therefore will look – natural.

How to look good in photos, tip 3: Wear the right colours

Even a casual brunch with the girls can end up with snapshots being posted on Facebook, so be proactive about purging your wardrobe of clothes in unflattering colours. Get rid of anything that’s not “your” hue, even if trendy, so you won’t leave the house wearing – and get snapped in – a sweater that makes you look jaundiced. When shopping, pick up pieces in colours that make the most of your features.

How to look good in photos, tip 4: Get your makeup right

Have you ever been shocked by how splotchy faced or plain looking even a beautiful actress can look when she’s not wearing makeup? (If not, Google “celebs without makeup” and see how Cameron Diaz, Renee Zellweger and J-Lo look in the morning; you’ll be less hard on yourself.) It’s incredible what cosmetics can do. If you know you’re going to be photographed – assume you are at any weekend brunch or night out with the girls, party, group dinner or corporate “Away Day” – wear more than just a tinted moisturizer and gloss. Use concealer and heavier coverage foundation, eye makeup, lipstick and blush, and escape to the ladies' room to “powder your nose” with blotting papers every hour or so. This is something that I truly believe in. Every time I go somewhere everyone asks me - why do you look so dressed up? That's because I can't afford to have a picture that looks a mess.

How to look good in photos, tip 5: Strike a pose

For full-body shots try the classic Red Carpet Pose: angle your body three-quarters towards the camera, one shoulder closer towards the photographer, and one foot in front of the other and your weight on the back leg. A disarmingly natural smile will detract from the contrived element of this pose (see tip #2).

How to look good in photos, tip 6: Look thinner

If you’re expecting to be photographed on a certain date or at a certain event, avoid carbs and water-retaining high-sodium foods, to avoid bloat. If you’re being shot full body, feel free to contract your abs to give the appearance of a sleeker midsection, but don’t aggressively suck in your gut, as your ribs will jut out, plus you’re more likely to look pained. If you’re being shot torso-up, tense your arms to give them more definition, as long as you can maintain a smile. If you can arrange for the camera to be a bit above you so you’re looking up, that’ll slim your face. For those of who aren't that small or have a bulge in the belly, (like me) invest in a good pair of Spanx. It can make you appear at least ten pounds smaller. That will help to even out the extra ten pounds the camera adds.

How to look good in photos, tip 7: Look taller If you need to

If you’re petite and are being shot with your tall friend, stand on something (seriously) or sit down together so you won’t look like a dwarf standing next to a gazelle.

How to look good in photos, tip 8: Get the light right

Bright, diffused light as in a photo studio is flattering; outdoor high-noon conditions are not. Flash is also not ideal in most settings, as it’ll bring out shiny skin like nothing else. A cloudy outdoor day is perfect for making you look good, even if the weather is dreary. See if you can postpone the office picnic to an overcast day. Just kidding. (Or not.)

How to look good in photos, tip 9: Hide the evidence of bad

tagged in a Facebook photo where you look… not your best? While you can’t wow in every shot, you can bury the evidence of less-than-stellar pics. Just click on your tagged name and “Untag” yourself. It won’t delete the shot since the photo isn’t yours, but it will hide the trail by getting your name out of people’s Mini-Feed updates.

source: Canadian Living

Tanning for black women

Dear Pink Diamond,

First let me say that I am glad that you are back. I was wondering what happened to you!!!

Anyway, I am a black woman who is fairly light skinned. Lately, I have been looking at some slimming tips for the summer and I found that tanning is a good way to appear slimmer. Besides slimming, I think the whole bronze and golden look is so pretty. As a black woman, how can I achieve this look? I am too nervous about using tanning beds. I am thinking about using those self tanner products or going to use mystic tan for an airbrush tan. Could you please give me some advice? I've looked up information on the Internet for reviews and stuff, the problem is, the tanning products may work differently for other races than for our own.

Please help!!

Tanaya Henderson

Pittsburgh, PA

Hi Tanaya,

Thanks for writing! I completely understand your frustration with tanning. I am a black woman myself and I absolutely love the bronzed look on me. I am fairly light skinned, a caramel color to be exact and when I achieve the perfect bronzed look - I feel super sexy.

I have to admit that I have never used the Mystic Tan - but a good friend of mine swears by it.

She said that in order to be successful with the Mystic Tan Spray Airbrush you have to make sure that your hair is pulled up and that you don't wear any glasses or anything on your face because it will leave it patchy. She also said that you need to exfoliate and shave before you get the spray tan. She also notes that it's important to moisturize your knees, elbows and all those places that won't be getting sprayed.

If you are going to go the self tanning route, she suggests the Loreal Sublime Bronzer. She said that it is excellent, however, you will need to start applying at least a week in advance and use gloves.

Personally, I have used the Dove Energy Glow Self Tanner and I really liked it. It smells good and it was easy to apply. The only thing that I didn't like was that it started fading after a few days, and rubbed off on my towels. I checked other reviews and some people say that they really like Dove, others complained that it made them look yellow. I guess it depends on your skin tone and how the tanner is applied.

Other reviews say that Jergens, Clinique & Neutrogena have good self tanning products. You might have to experiment a bit.

Hope this helps!

What are your thoughts on good tanning products for black women? I am interested to hear your feedback!

Pink Diamond It bags

Yes these are my favorite bags of the season! All costly I know - but hey the good thing about loving expensive bags is that you can always find one that looks similar for a cheaper cost. Or you can just do like I do and go to T.J. Maxx or Marshalls and find your bags there. I've found some of the most expensive bags that are normally sold at Nordstrom's or other high end department stores at T.J. Maxx from $60 - $150 bucks. I like to spend a little more $$ on more bags because they last longer and they fit my personality.

From top to bottom:

L.A.M.B. Camel Checkerboard Bag

Marc Jacobs Clutch

Zac Posen Shoulder Bag

Brahmin Tri Color Satchel

Elliott Lucca Leather Tote

Francesco Biasca Eectra Bag

Juicy Couture MD Satchel Bag

Juicy Couture Fluffy Bag

G&Co Spring Fashion Show - Columbus, Ohio

We're back and bringing you ANOTHER great Fashion Show by G & Co!As always..being on the list gets you::: all NEW $2 drinks! ::$1 Drinks all nightNo CoverFree ShuttleWant to throw your own party at Sugar? Ask me how and get free drinks all night!!SKYY is back! Miss getting a free bottle every time you roll to Sugar with a crew? Contact me for free tables! Act fast as they will be gone soon!See you all there! ♥ Melissa ♥

Event Info
::: G&Co Fashion Show @ Sugar Bar! :::
Exclusive List for the VIP Mezzanine
Sugar Bar
Time and Place
Start Time:
Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 10:00pm
End Time:
Friday, May 2, 2008 at 3:00am
Location:
Sugar Bar VIP Mezzanine
Street:
525 Park St.
City/Town:
Columbus, OH
Contact Info
Email:
melhamptonvip@gmail.com

I'm diggin..........

From top to bottom:

Bebe Bow Dress - http://www.bebe.com/ - $139.00

Arden B Silk Tube Maxi Dress - http://www.ardenb.com/ - $168.00

Arden B Tye Dye Smock Dress - http://www.aredenb.com/ - $98.00

Glamlist Sample Sales

Lately, I have been getting very frustrated with the shopping scene here in Columbus. I can't ever seem to put a decent outfit together, or find a trendy dress that I'd like to rock. Since I am an apple shaped gal, it makes shopping even more difficult.

I received an email from one of my fellow blogger friends inviting me to a new website called Glamlist.

Glamlist is a members-only fashion community with online access to private couture sales at sample sale prices (up to 80% off). To access the private sales, you must be invited by a trusted member of the existing Glamlist community. Membership is restricted. There is no cost to join Glamlist.

I joined a couple of weeks ago and today I received my first sample sale notification. I logged on and found so many cute tops and dresses that I would like to purchase!!! Today is payday and I am already broke.

If anyone out there is interested in being invited to Glamlist, please let me know and I can send an invitation to you.

"My Black is Beautiful" Defining Our Own beauty - Join the movement

Decades after the feminist movement, society still judges females on the basis of physical appearance. Women are often their own harshest critics, the result of being bombarded from girlhood with messages telling them they need to pluck this, straighten that and conceal those. It is a reality that will probably never be fully eradicated. Black women as a group particularly feel the effects of these messages on their self-image. A poll of black women’s attitudes conducted by Procter & Gamble (P&G) and Essence magazine reported 71 percent of respondents stating that the media portrays black women worse than other racial groups. In an age where image and appearance seem to be everything, P&G and black women’s advocates have teamed up to use the power of image for self-empowerment and expanding the standards of beauty in our society.At the 2007 BET Awards, P&G unveiled the “My Black is Beautiful” campaign, designed to celebrate the inner and outer beauty of black women. While consumers often associate P&G with housekeeping products, it is also the parent company of the CoverGirl®, Pantene® and Olay® family of cosmetics, hair care and skin care products, respectively. The campaign homepage at http://www.myblackisbeautiful.com/ lists an extensive fact sheet for these brands, focusing on products that enhance black women’s unique skin and hair features. “My Black is Beautiful” initiatives are making rounds throughout the country, including an appearance at the recent National Association of Black Journalists Convention in Las Vegas and the ongoing awarding of action grants to benefit community-based organizations. Future campaign plans include a conversation tour and releasing a related discussion guide to facilitate grassroots activities in various cities. So keep on the lookout, and tell a friend to do so as well. “My Black is Beautiful” may be coming your way in the near future.

SkinScan Announces the Completion of Its ``Almost Invisible'' Line of Urban Chic Clothing

Invisible Fashion is a Patented Process Which Creates Sensual Clothing Through the Capture and Transfer of an Individual's Skin Tone to Fabric
(BLACK PR WIRE) WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 28, 2008--SkinScan, http://www.skinscan.net/, announced today the completion of its "Almost Invisible" line of urban chic clothing. With the motto "My Color is My Sensuality," Jerold Kritchman, founder of SkinScan, speaks to his belief that there are exotic colors inherent in women's skin that are glamorous. Jerold can be reached at jerold@SkinScan.net in Palm Beach County, Florida.Using new digital micro-chip image sensors, new coloring chemistry and printer design, aided by computers and propriety software, it is now possible to record a person's skin-tone and reproduce it on fabric. This creates an illusion that there is no fabric there.Mixing Computer Graphics Technology with Specific Coloring Technology allows for the production of clothing that looks invisible when worn and opens whole new worlds for clothing designers to work within. Structural design elements that are invisible allows the designer new freedom of fabric construction. Patterns that were impossible become easy.SkinScan Seeks Joint Venture PartnerSkinScan also announced today that the company is seeking a joint venture partner with experience in fashion merchandising and with interest in expanding their current line(s).

Carol's Daughter Teams Up With the Lupus Foundation of America!

Hey everyone - I know I haven't posted any thing in a while. I have been so busy with the new position, I hardly ever have a chance to write. Nevertheless, I received some information from one of my readers that truly excites me.

For those of you who don't know, I suffer from a condition called Sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis (pronounced SAR-COY-DOE-SIS) is an inflammatory disease that can affect almost any organ in the body. It causes heightened immunity, which means that a person’s immune system, which normally protects the body from infection and disease, overreacts, resulting in damage to the body’s own tissues. Because of this illness, I have to be very careful about the products that I use. Well I just received information that Carol's Daughter is coming out with a new lip gloss called Candy Paint that is all natural.

Please read:

Carol's Daughter provides the all-natural solution to reassure your health concerns with their new lip gloss range called Candy Paint – color is a new category recently added to this sought after skincare body and bath brand. This dual-purpose lip gloss, "where color meets therapy," glides on smoothly for an ultra-shine, while working as a treatment to moisturize, condition and soothe the lips. Infused with an all-star, all-natural formula, Candy paint contains Castor Oil, Shea Butter and Aloe Vera to moisturize, protect and heal the fragile skin around the lips and Grape Seed Oil, rich in antioxidants and vitamins, to soothe and regenerate. This non-sticky formula contains NO lead, petroleum, mineral oil or artificial colors and absolutely NO parabens. These vibrant glosses not only replenish, protect and hydrate lips all day, but they also impart a delightful and unexpected hint of peppermint flavor. Candy Paint also benefits a greater cause; with each purchase of Candy Paint, Carol´s Daughter has committed to donate a portion of its profits to the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA).

If any one out there has tried this product, please let me know! I am interested in hearing your feedback.

Spring is near..... GET READY!!!

I know I am. I get so excited whenever spring comes around!! Especially since I live in Ohio and we just had a blizzard here last week. :( I am ready to buy some beautiful spring dresses, sandals, bags and of course sunglasses.

Pink Diamond Update - New Focus

Hey everyone! I know it's been a really looooooong time since I have posted anything on the site. My life has taken me in many different directions, and now, I am ready to conquer the blogging world again.
Everyone knows that I started this blog to talk about my obsession with fashion, my passion for beauty and my journey into public relations. Well, over the past few months I had to take some time off to focus on my dreams and goals, and so, finally I have landed a position in my field that I absolutely LOVE! I want to thank everyone for supporting my blog and sending encouraging words to me. It means so much to me that people enjoy reading my thoughts. As you can see, I am still working on redesigning Pink Diamond and my goal is to have it launched by spring. I have so many cool ideas that I can't sleep at night thinking about them.

Thanks again for all your support!

Please stay tuned!!!!!!!!!

Stay TUNED! Relaunch of Pink Diamond Coming soon!!

LAMB Silk Ruffle Blouse

This blouse is really cute and kinda funky..... very different.

Have you seen?

The new open toe boots at Arden B. They are absolutely adorable. It's a cute twist to peep toe pumps. Too bad I live in Ohio and I would only be able to wear them for another month before it's too cold.

What I want now!

I absolutely adore this silk chiffon & tweed dress by Black Halo. It is exclusively sold at Saks Fifth Avenue and was featured in this month's issue of Lucky Magazine.

Of course, it comes with a stiff price tag of $350 - so I will just have to wait a long time for it to go on sale or completely recreate the look with cheaper items.
In my opinion, even though it's extremely cute - it's still a bit too simple for my taste, I would have to hook it up with some cute accessories.

Take a look:

I'm Diggin.........

The Belted Wool Trench Coat from Victoria Secret. I love the big bold buttons, and the bright gold color. I think it's the perfect coat to make you stand out in the winter. I am purchasing this coat today - on sale for $148.00 at www.victoriassecret.com.

Venus Williams launches fashion collection

Tennis superstar Venus Williams and retailer Steve & Barry’s® announced today they are creating the largest fashion collection ever launched by a female athlete. The collection, called EleVen™ by Venus Williams, features a wide assortment of classic, active lifestyle and performance looks, on-court as well as casual footwear, accessories, and more. The signature item in the line is the “V-Court,” a high performance, on-court sneaker. Williams, the four-time Wimbledon Champion (including 2007) and two-time U.S. Open Champion, will debut the V-Court during her matches at the U.S. Open next week. Hitting store shelves in time for the Holiday Season this November, EleVen will be sold exclusively at Steve & Barry's stores nationwide. The launch of EleVen includes over 120 pieces, including nine styles of athletic footwear in a wide variety of color ways, track suits, fleece outerwear, street active apparel, graphic t-shirts, puffy down jackets with removable sleeves, denim jackets and jeans, velour items, tote and gym bags, jewelry, sports socks and bras, and more.

EleVen marks Williams’ first-ever fashion line created with an exclusive retailer. Collaborating with a dedicated team of Steve & Barry’s designers, Williams has immersed herself in the creation of every piece. Having spent much of her personal time over the past several years receiving a formal education in fashion design, Williams is drawing upon her learning to create a collection that represents her confidence and energy on the court, and her personal style, femininity and fun personality off of it. “I love fashion and the idea that I am using my design education to actually create clothing and footwear that I will wear on and off the tennis court is a dream come true for me,” said Williams. “The vision has been to create a collection that will allow women to easily transition throughout their active lifestyles and still look fashionable. I’m thrilled with everything we’ve created to launch EleVen.” Williams said the name EleVen comes from the address of the home where she first lived in California, together with her sister Serena and the rest of her family. “We are excited to welcome Venus Williams to the Steve & Barry’s family,” said Steve & Barry’s President Andy Todd. “Venus represents such fantastic qualities – achievement, fun, style – and she worked hard with our design team to ensure EleVen genuinely represents those attributes in the EleVen collection. Our shoppers are going to love this line.” Everything in EleVen will be priced at $19.98 and under, including the V-Court sneaker, which will retail for $14.98. While the price point is affordable, the quality of the V-Court is high-end, offering similar construction and styling as many of the most expensive tennis sneakers on the market.

EleVen by Venus Williams will be sold exclusively at Steve & Barry’s stores nationwide beginning mid-November. It will be merchandised in a store-within-store environment featuring specially designed fixtures and signage beginning this November. More information about EleVen and Steve & Barry's is available online at www.elevenbyvenus.com.

Source: Black PR Wire

Work wear

What are you wearing to work?

If you are in a corporate atmosphere, or even somewhere that you are supposed to be wearing business casual attire, I hope that you are doing just that.

Just like everyone else, I have a 9-5 job at a bank. Everyday except fridays, we are expected to dress business casual. Everyday I come into work and see people who are seriously pushing the dress code and I wonder if these people don't know any better, or do they just not care about their job. You would not believe some of the stuff that I see everyday. I am all for being different, but sometimes I think we take it a little too far.

So for those of you women (you know who you are) who wear tops that are too low, blouses and dresses that are see through, patent leather shoes with 4 inch heels and straps, and mini-skirts - I am going to show you how to dress for work. Each week, I will hand pick some of my favorite style options for those of us in business casual jobs.

This week I am in love with Victoria's Secrets career wear. I really like the stylish high waist suspender pants, the trendy puff sleeve tops, tailored cut vests and seasonless stretch skirts.

High waisted plaid skirt - $78.00

Pencil skirt in seasonless stretch - $59.50

High Waist suspender pants - $98.00

Pinstripe 5 button vest - clearance - $24.99

Prices too high? Check out www.mjrsales.com where you can find Victoria Secret and VS brand items for less.What are you wearing to work?

Trend Watch: Colored Denim

Is it just me? Or is it taking a little while for everyone to jump on the band wagon for the colored denim trend. I have been paying attention to this trend for a while, but I am slowly starting to like it more and more. At first, I thought we were bringing back the old school style of colored denim. Like these:
Then I was watching an episode of 106 & Park, and Rocsi had on a VERY sexy pair of black denim. That's when I decided that I do like the colored denim, but I am not in love with them yet.

What do you think?