New Polishes!

So when I came home, my mom and sister surprised me with THESE! Sally Hensen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color in Sonic Bloom and Rapid Red.

Forever 21 Haul (featuring Charlotte Russe)

So I went shopping today! I needed (and still do) need clothes BAD! Thank you Royal Court =]
In the video above, you can see the items I purchased. I will be doing this more often because I do NOT want to bore you all with pictures and slideshows. Click HERE to subscribe to my channel (which I will also be discussing my natural hair in).
Now, lets get to the good stuff!
Coral Patent Purse: $22.80 (full price)
Orange Dress: (full price)
Sheer Chiffon Blouse: $13.50 (full price)
Tribal Print Shirt: $16.99 (Marked $24.80)
Men's "Fancy Me" Screen Tee: $9.99 (Marked $13.90)
Blue & Army Green Pocketed Tees: $5.99 (Marked $8.90)
Charlotte Russe Faux Snakeskin Platform Heels: $6.99 (Originally Marked $30.00 with a previous markdown of $19.99)
Xoxo, Dej

Hooters Fringe Tank UpdateI

I finally added beads to my DIY tank earlier this month! Ya like?
Xoxo, Dej

OOTD 9/16/11

"Boyfriend" Blazer: Free.99 (Career Closet @ my University)
Shirt: Old, but def under $10
Jeans: $16.99 F21+
Wedges: $28 Tar-jhay (Target)
This was an EXTREMELY comfortable outfit! Safe to say those are my new fave shoes.

Opinion on Trends

For those of you who may not have noticed; I like fashion. On this blog, I try to make looks that I love in conjunction with today's trends and timeless looks. For the sake of budgeting, I WILL buy a "knockoff" of something trendy at the moment that I know within a year from now the likelihood of me wearing it or it remaining a part of my ever evolving style will be slim to none and I find it ridiculous to splurge on an item that may not last. I have books to pay for, as well as other necessities on top of my academic responsibilities. Its not what you wear it, but how ;-] Look like a million, spend less than a hundred is pretty much a code I live by. It is EXTREMELY rare I wear an outfit that costs more than $150. Main reason being many items in my wardrobe being thrifted or gifted. Style comes from within, not your wallet or a name brand! Check out this article for another perspective.That's my piece for today. Xoxo, Dej

For those of you who may not have noticed; I like fashion. On this blog, I try to make looks that I love in conjunction with today's trends and timeless looks. For the sake of budgeting, I WILL buy a "knockoff" of something trendy at the moment that I know within a year from now the likelihood of me wearing it or it remaining a part of my ever evolving style will be slim to none and I find it ridiculous to splurge on an item that may not last. I have books to pay for, as well as other necessities on top of my academic responsibilities. Its not what you wear it, but how ;-]Look like a million, spend whooole lot less

New Lipsticks

I went to Rite Aid yesterday (it was my 21st birthday!) I got hair skin and nails and flaxseed oil pills (rich in omega 3's and omega 9's), an Eco Tools eyeshadow brush, and a pair of eyelashes. Reviews on the rest coming soon. <Br>
First thing's first: the lipsticks are from wet n' wild. The colors are C901B (Think Pink) and 903C (Just Peachy). Both colors are matte, which is great for me because I have been searching for lipsticks without shimmer! They glide on great and give good shine. It won't break the bank, and Rite Aid had a special where you buy one, get another half price.
Xoxo, Dej

Shoe Post

Jeffrey Campbell ankle booties (see more wedge high heels)
This is a design from Jeffrey Campbell. I am not sure which season or year they are from but they are flippin GORGE!
The Design is called "The One O One Fur". I love the designs that Jeffrey Campbell has. They inspire my creativity and imagination. They. Are. Fashion.

DIY Denim Necklace

Just strung some strips of denim together with some beading wire. May string some beads into some of the strip, but it'd have to be a neutral color so it won't clash with any outfits I'd like to pair it with!

OOTD

Hey guys!
Today has a high of a whopping 99degrees! Sooo, I decided to "get sexy on 'em" *Kelis voice* hehe
I got the dress about a week ago from HandM for only 12.95 (they have various prints available! I have to go back for more).
Shoes: Shoe Carnival (last summer) Gold Hoops: Forever21 1.50 Purse: Thrifted Anklet: Handmade

Revamped HOOTERS tee

I'm not done yet, I cut and hemmed it into a tank and fringed it. I plan to add beads or some other accent. Stay tuned! =}
Xoxo, D

Frugal Finds

Today I went shopping with my friends and long story short I found THESE beauties waiting for me! I've been dying for something cheetah print, and this is a perfect unexpected pop to any outfit. I will definitely have some fun with these skimmers this summer! =}

The Look for Less

Look familiar? These boat shoes are made by a brand named White Mountain. From afar, I thought they were Sperry Topsider! They look exactly the same, minus the label of course. This just goes to show, you can get the look for less. I spotted these in a Marshall's and they were at least half price of a pair of Sperry's. Say it with me please: FRUGAL! ;-}
-D

Wet'N Wild Mega Eyes Creme Eyeliner (Review)

I purchased this for $3.99 at my local RiteAid while taking a day trip on foot with my girlfriends today.
Wet'N Wild Mega Eyes Creme Eyeliner: Line and Define with eye-popping drama!
Color: 886/ Black
Package says:
Versatile alternative to pencils and liquid liners/Blendable formula lines, shades and contours eyes/Precision of a liquid liner with a silkier softer finish that lasts
"Create beautifully defined lines with this rich, creamy formula. Applies effortlessly as it delivers long-lasting drama with a velvety finish. Comes with an easy to use, conveniently sized brush."
I love this liner. I put some on to test drive it and it glided effortlessly. However, I used my own brush and not the one provided because it was too short for me ( though my hands are small) and I also found it a little rough when I brushed it along my hand. My brush also has a longer handle, and is from EcoTools. The satiny finish looks great and looks as if it will last all day, which is exactly what I was looking for.

Icing 72 Color Shimmer Palette

This is the palette I have been using to create my makeup looks as of late. I felt the pressing need to get a palette to save money as opposed to continuing to buy separate eyeshadows.
I got this from Icing by Claire's when I was at home on Easter Break. It was a steal at only $20.00! More expensive lines would cost MUCH more for a palette of not as wide an assortment. I didn't notice it was a shimmer palette until I tore the plastic off that was protecting the product. I do not mind at all because at such a bargain price, I can afford to eventually attain a matte palette to mix with the more flamboyant shimmery shadows.
-D

MAC Pink Eyeshadow Duo

Pink split I believe it is named. My friend owns this and I decieded to swatch it to see what it looked like on my skintone. I may have to purchase this myself. I don't like to splurge on many things because I am enrolled in a private University, but this summer may change things. =}
-D

More waist beads

I just got finished making these. I used the stretchy cord to make it and it hits higher, about 3 inches above my belly button.

Springtime Nails

-D

Orange Eyeshadow&Nude Lip

In the top Pic I used primer before applying my lipstick&gloss. Top I lightly brushed and used gloss. I like the top better, doesn't look too crazy. I'm a bit heavyhanded and the lipstick got applied a little heavy =/ Once I did it over, I got the results in the larger picture.
I used my NYX lipstick in Echo, and Lipgloss in Cafe Latte. Liquid eyeliner and the orange if off a palette I got from Icing on top of my NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skintone.

Going Back to my African Roots: Wearing Waist Beads (Long Post)

Waist beads I made =}
1 Blue Bead, 2 Green Beads, 2 Orange Beads, 9 Red Beads, & I didn’t count the White & Black Beads!
The reasons for wearing waistbeads and the colors I used for mine can represent MANY things. The following is just a few why I chose to do mine! =}


Waist Beads- The Yoruba word for waist bead is Ileke Idi. They are worn for many reasons. They are used to ward off evil spirits when used with the colors of their deity, birth control (as well as encouraging multiple births), and medicinal purposes like fighting menstrual cramps. A popular reason is to "keep" their husband, or entice the one they desire. Typically, they are soaked in oil for fragrance (mentioned with the medicinal purposes). It also depends on the wearers purpose. Personally, I wear them FOR ME, to be hidden under my clothing. My own personal secret and reminder of my femininity.
Black-also a very powerful color that also portrays one of class elegance and wealth (i.e. Black tie events, LBD); combined with other colors can have a very strong statement.
White- often associated with being pure, clean, fresh and good; usually associated with being heavenly. In Hollywood, the good characters are usually clothes in white (i.e. Gandalf the White Wizard from LOTR)
Red- a hot color that evokes a powerful emotion of passion, lust, sex, energy, blood and war. Also a symbol of pride & strength (the reason why many nations have it in their flags), and a ROYAL color.
Orange- a bright and warm color representing fire, the sun, fun, warmth. Considered a fun light color, which also increases oxygen supply to the brain and stimulates mental activity. My zodiac sign is LEO which is a fire sign.
Green- the color of nature and health. It represents growth, nature, money, fertility and safety. Darker shades represent military, finance, and banking . However it can also be associated with being new or inexperienced as being green or a "green horn"
Blue- a cool calming color that shows creativity and intelligence. It is a color of loyalty, strength, wisdom and trust. Also known for having a calming effect on the psyche
Key- I am chaste and it is symbolic to me as being the only holder of the key to my treasure.
Check out the sources where I found my information:
Why Yoruba Women Wear WaistBeads

Color Psychology

Ikele Idi

Forum on WaistBeads

Power Suits

While out shopping, I saw this display in Nordstrom and I just HAD to snap a photo! I am currently in my 3rd year of undergrad majoring in marketing and minoring in business management, and this display of professional outfits took my breath away. Specifically the mannequin in the center. I pictured that outfit on me as I called shots in the office =}
Everything about it, she material and design of the shirt, wide leg trousers, ans the shoes. Oh!, those shoes! *drools* The nude color with the black heel. It just helped me picture myself at my ultimate career goal.
-D

NYX Haul

I purchased a few NYX items from a local beauty supply store. All items cost me only 1.99 each, way cheaper than the retail value listed on their webpage.
Two lipsticks in shades in Echo/510 (the nude shade), and Narcissus/509 (the bright pink shade). Two lipglosses in Pink/03, and Cafe Latte/24.
The lipglosses have a shimmer to it, and the pink has a slight shimmer as well. The nude lipstick is similar to a foundation color as my friend put it.
I love my purchases and be on the lookout for the update with pics and swatches!
-D

OOTD 3-24-11

Boots- WetSeal Hair Bows-Forever21 Tights-Betsey Johnson Skirt-Thrifted Bag-Thrifted Tank-Target (Clearance!) Sweater-OldNavy

Plus Size Models

Collegefashion.net has a feature on plus size models. Shows that you don't have to be a size 0-6 to be a great model.
-D

End of season find (Long Post)

Hey out there! When I came home this past weekend for spring break,my mom surprised me with a few things. A pair of boots (not like those pictured above) was one of the things, but she had also realized too late that she got the wrong size. It's ok, Mom's are busy and complex I love mine for thinking of me! =}
So, I went to the store to exchange the boots, I also didn't fancy the style too much. I happened to see other pairs of boots in black and nude ankle height! So cute, but as I tried them on, thanks to my wandering niece (tiny feet pictured at left) helping me pick out shoes (she picked out a pair of brown heels for me, cute too! I have a 3 yr old fashionista!), my eye caught some calf height boots! Now even better than that was a glorious sign that read "buy one, get one for a penny". (Gotta love WetSeal)
'Haaaa' is what my mind said as the fashion angels opened the clouds and I saw the light! I found these pair in my size (the pair on the left is a perfect 8.5, and on the right is a 9) and what you see in the right corner is another pair of boots I tried on. Cute, but I wasn't totally in love with them..then I noticed the pair on the right was a 9 and not a 7.5 like the clamp said. Gotta dig for those finds ladies (and gents)!
I don't mind wearing a size 9, and typically most shoes I purchase are that size anyway because my feet are a little wide.
My absolute favorite part is that I have not one, but TWO pairs of neutral colored boots now, both have a different accent on them (the pair on the right also has the circle buckle on the inside while the pair on the left just simply have the double buckle accent on the outside ankle. The best part is, both pair combined only cost me $20.00! I know, major gasp! It gets better, the boots my mother purchases were 32.80 for the one pair, so I received a store credit card of 12.80, and it NEVER expires! I nearly fainted with excitement inside, couldn't physically because I had my baby with me. My niece would have bombarded me with questions like, why'd you fall down lol.
My mother even congratulated me on my finds. She noticed those pair in the store because they have a similar look to a black leatherette pair I have from Forever21, just with a smaller heel.
This just proves waiting until the end of season to pay for something really pays by saving you money! I will be wearing these boots into spring/summer with skirts/dresses/leggings! BE-YOU-tiful! (That was on a tee I plan to get from Forever ;-} haha). Until next time, smooches!
-D

NYX Purchases

I bought some eyeshadow today! It's a NYX single shadow and the shade is Atlantic. I also purchased eyeshadow base in skin tone. Although I felt like I might as well had the white because it came on looking as such. It definitely helped the blue hue and shimmer in the shadow pop on my lids, although you can't really tell from the second picture. I think this will look great with those blue tights from a few posts ago...hmm *thinking*.
I paid 4.99 for the base, and 3.99 for the shadow at one of my local beauty supply stores. On the NYXcosmetics.com website, the suggested retail price is 6.00 for the base 5.50 for the shadow. The site described the skin tone base as helping to "hold, intensify, and make eyeshadow last longer". What I'm looking for when I wear eyeshadow all day. It was defintiely worth it to me by taking a short ride in my car as opposed to paying more PLUS s&h. Can you say frugal? =}
-D

Old pic. Sweater was my Nana's. Leggings, Boots, and Bag Forever 21. -D

Another pic from my night out the 1st friday of March 2011. I took this snapshot myself when I got back into my room. I loved my outfit so much! It was one of those outfits I didn't want to take off!
Ever have that feeling?
-D

Night out: First Friday of March!

I wore this to the club 2nite. Shirt & Skirt from Forever21, Tights a gift from my lovely roomie, and My shoes were black suede platform heels from Charlotte Russe.
Even though this pic is blurry, I LOVE it! My best poses always come out blurry for some odd reason! Guess that's life lol
-D

Biker Chic

-D

Nude lipstick. Mascara. White eyeliner.

& a sequin bow! =}

-D

Photo Haul!

Ok, so this comes as fair warning:
I have a LOT of pics I have yet to post and they will be coming soon.
Pics of nails/outfits/etc that I think are cool.
That's all folks! =}
-D

Today I did my nails. I learned this pretty cool trick (I had to alter) to put newspaper on my nails. All ten would've been too much for me, so I put it on my wring fingers and paired it with this cool money green shade I borrowed from a friend.
How do you like? Pretty chic huh?
-D

Destroyed Jeans Project

I started to rip my jeans this morning. As you can see, I used a regular razor like you would use to shave your legs. I put the jeans over one of the legs of my bed and proceeded to rub back and forth to get the frayed look that store bought destroyed jeans.
I did this at the knee, and did this again on the edge of the front pockets as well as the back pockets. To make sure I ripped the jeans in the spot I wanted, I took a permanent marker while I had the jeans over my knees and marked where I wanted to tear. I bleached the knee and a little on the back and front pockets. I plan to sew on some daisies I crocheted myself. My friend said I'd look like a hippie, but that just made me more excited to do it! [lol] I am going to wash and dry the jeans so the washing machine can do its thing! I'll do another post with the results! I am SUPER excited to wear them!
Note: You can also DIY this look yourself with a pair of your favorite old jeans as I did! They will have a natural wear and tear and will already be uber comfy and broken in. It will also be cheaper. Another option is to go to a thrift store or goodwill for cheap jeans that won't hurt your wallet! You can also hit stores like walmart or kmart for some cheap jeans that may be easier to DIY destroy. Purchase a pack of razors and bleach from the dollar store if not already available, and destroy away!
-D

Today's outfit

Something simple. Very comfortable. Driving home today so that's anywhere from a 4-6 hour trip. *sigh*
-D

New Lipstick

I have another new lipstick! It's by the brand Wet 'n Wild and the color is 549A. Another name for it is Java. Very easy to find at your local drug store or beauty aisle of your favorite retailer. Its a cheapie, but pretty good quality for the price! Its not as nude as I'd have wanted it, but it does it's job. Unfortunately, you can hardly tell when I wear it. It just makes my lips look funny. I'll post later with a photo!
-D

Harem Pants pt 2

Hey guys, its me again!
Lol So in my adventures adding some items to my virtual cart, I came across a pair of graphic print harem pants for only $15.80!
I will most likely pick them up when I head back to school so I can go in the store and try them on since there aren't any stores where I'm from.
I'll probably pair em with a blazer or my faux leather bomber jacket. If I had a fur vest, I'd wear it with that. Hmm *adds faux fur vest to my list of fashion challenges* lol
Look out for another follow up post on operation harem pants! XOXO
-D