Pretty Wrapped Up!!!

Pretty Wrapped Up!!! by retailjourneys featuring wool coats

A Coated Tale

Okay so this year I am really going to do it!!  I am going to update my coat closet or lack there of.
As cold as it was outside the past 3 years I have managed to get by with layering big chunky sweaters
and turtlenecks.  My turtleneck and sweater collection is to die for might I add.
I guess you can call it a coming of age moment but I can feel my mind set shifting into classic yet
funky mode as I turn another chapter in the book of life.  Okay so I know seeing all of these fabulous
coats in the magazines have sparked this zest of life into my thinking, but I gonna bite this time and really
invest in myself.  So of course I have done plenty of research and budgeted out what I was going to spend.
I have a couple of ideas that I want to share with you!!
Let me know what you think!
Until Next Time...May All Your Outfits Match

Wrapping Presents

Hmmm, Coats are like wrapping paper. They should be so pretty you almost don't want to take them off. Over the past couple of years, I can admit that I have neglected my coat inventory. I found myself every winter season just getting something to get by with. Which in the end was not smart at all because I found myself not having a coat for every occassion. All this talk brings me to my point. This year is the year that I am going to invest in 3 coats. I would like to have 3 functional coats that will not only keep me warm but keep me cute!!! What are you adding to your closet this season?
Until the next time...May All Your Outfits Match

White Chocolate Coated

White Chocolate Coated by retailjourneys featuring a fitted jacket

Butterfly Days

Butterfly Days by Retail Journeys featuring satin shoes

Spring is here!!!! How r u going to fly this season?!

Pink Power!

Pink Power! by Retail Journeys featuring a pink tee

I love Spring!!!

Spring Wishes

Spring Wishes by Retail Journeys on Polyvore.com

These items are all I need to get ready for Spring!!! I will invest this season and get some key pieces that will pop some items I already own in my closet!! I can't wait! What are you adding to your wardrobe this Spring?!

Spring Fever!!

Spring Fever!! by Retail Journeys on Polyvore.com

I am super hyped and ready for Spring!!! I luv the soft pastels colors that Spring represents!!!

Chambray!!!

Chambray!!! by Retail Journeys featuring maxi dresses

Chambray is a light and airy denim that I just luv!!! Spring is here!!!!

Lilac Love!!

Lilac Love!! by Retail Journeys featuring converse shoes

Spring 2011 is all about Lilac!! Update your Spring wardrobe instantly by adding a piece Lilac!!!

Denim Splash!!

Denim Splash!! by Retail Journeys featuring leather flats

I have stepped outside of my comfort zone and decided to try the next trend "Colored Denim!"
So as I get ready for spring here is a couple of my
keys looks!
This is not your late 80"s colored denim!

Oscar Buzz!!!

Oscar Buzz!!! by Retail Journeys featuring a leather dress

The Oscars have me feeling like dressing up in the
most beautiful dresses I could find!!!

Waist-Ful

Waist-Ful by Retail Journeys featuring a shirt dress

I am embracing my waistline this week!
Check out my go to pieces for work and play
this week!!

Solid Gold!!!

Solid Gold!!! by Retail Journeys featuring gold bracelets

Hip Holiday Hues!!!!

Holiday Cream!

Holiday Cream! by Retail Journeys featuring a knit hat

I Luv, Luv, Luv Winter White! How will u wear it this
Holiday Season!

All-New for 2010: 10 Hairstyles That Will Make You Look 10 Years Younger: allure.com

All-New for 2010: 10 Hairstyles That Will Make You Look 10 Years Younger: allure.com

Body Talk

Body Talk by Retail Journeys featuring sequined tops

What are you wearing underneath?
Are u prepared for emergencies?

Autumn Finally?!!

Every year I cannot wait until a season ends and a new one starts. Tomorrow marks the first day of fall and once again I find myself excited about the break in the weather. I am also excited because I am able to wear all my Fall sweaters and boots and at least be in season. Enjoy your start of Fall and break out your favorite fall pieces. Until the next time... May All Your Outfits Match!!!!!

Autumn Blues!

Autumn Blues! by Retail Journeys featuring going out tops

A great alternative to all the fall jewel tones and cheetah prints!

Match Your Lips to Your Dress - 10 New Style Rules to Try - Get Star Style - Fashion - InStyle

Match Your Lips to Your Dress - 10 New Style Rules to Try - Get Star Style - Fashion - InStyle

Rent a Runway Look - Big Night, Small Budget: 11 Ways to Make it Work - Get Star Style - Fashion - InStyle

Rent a Runway Look - Big Night, Small Budget: 11 Ways to Make it Work - Get Star Style - Fashion - InStyle

Chic Piece of the Week - Get Star Style - Fashion - InStyle

Take your look up a notch with some fabulous earrings!

Chic Piece of the Week - Get Star Style - Fashion - InStyle

Chic Piece of the Week - Get Star Style - Fashion - InStyle

Chic Piece of the Week - Get Star Style - Fashion - InStyle

Boots and Leggings Fall 2010

Boots and Leggings Fall 2010 by Retail Journeys featuring all saints boots

Stepping out with the season's most comfortable trend!!
Legging/Jeggings, how will you be wearing them this season!

News - Jet Blue's Steven Slater to Undergo Mental Health Tests - Celebrity News - UsMagazine.com

News - Jet Blue's Steven Slater to Undergo Mental Health Tests - Celebrity News - UsMagazine.com

Fall Shoes !!!

Fall Shoes !!! by Retail Journeys featuring ankle booties

This set is for all my shoe lovers!!!!
How are you stepping up your shoe game this Fall!!

Mixed Madness

Mixed Madness by Retail Journeys featuring a floral sweater

Now this is how you mix prints!!!
Have fun this Fall with your prints!
Happy September!

Fall Metrics

Fall Metrics by Retail Journeys featuring a stripe tunic

Getting in the Mod Mood for Fall!!!

Fall Fashion: the DOs and DON'Ts of Transitioning Your Wardrobe From Summer to Fall Fashion: glamour.com

Fall Fashion: the DOs and DON'Ts of Transitioning Your Wardrobe From Summer to Fall Fashion: glamour.com

Photos - Emmys: Worst Dressed of all Time! - Tina Yothers - UsMagazine.com

Photos - Emmys: Worst Dressed of all Time! - Tina Yothers - UsMagazine.com

If You Like Skinny Trousers, Try Tapered Pants - Shake Up Your Work Look with Fall's Top Trends - Fall Fashion Trends 2010 - Fashion - InStyle

If You Like Skinny Trousers, Try Tapered Pants - Shake Up Your Work Look with Fall's Top Trends - Fall Fashion Trends 2010 - Fashion - InStyle

Shop the Leather Jackets Trend - Fall Style Guide - Fall Fashion Trends 2010 - Fashion - InStyle

Shop the Leather Jackets Trend - Fall Style Guide - Fall Fashion Trends 2010 - Fashion - InStyle

Hot and Cold!

Ladies!!! It's that time of year when the temperature gets unpredictable. One day it's 60 degrees and the next it 90 degrees. Now is the time when layers are essential to your everyday attire. Twin sets are my favorite layering piece especially for those days when the mornings are brisk and in the early evenings the sun seems as though it is sitting in my lap.

How will you be adding layers to your wardrobe during the gradual change of seasons?!

Send in your favorite fall pic! Check out my favorite pieces for fall!

Until the next time...May All Your Outfits Match!!

Tippi

Denim Days!!!!

Jeans, Jeans Galore!!!!

I luv denim, whether it is a tailored jacket that I dress down slacks with, or my denim dress that I wear when I walk around Georgetown while shopping with friends. To my favorite denim shoes that I pair with my favorite khaki Gap dress. What does denim mean to you?!

Check out my long over due radio show this Thursday, August 19 @ 11pm est, we talk about everything Denim! How to shop for them, How to care for them, how to wear them to work or play. Please feel free to call in with all your questions/comments/concerns and my co-host and I will answer. Until then May All Your Outfits Match!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sex in MY City!!!!!!

It is that time again! The Gods have blessed us with another installment of our favorite Sex in the City girlfriends on the big screen looking FASHIONABLY FABULOUS!

What is the big hype u non-followers might ask? It is as simple as this Sex in the City was an outlet for women to express who they are sexually, professionally, emotionally, and physically. What this movie means to me is why I moved to a big city. I swear when this show came on HBO I was already living a similar life just in a small college town kinda way. I was coming into my own, having just left home. For the first time in my life I was able to make my own decisions without having to run it by someone else.

I am blessed to have been one of those individuals that grew up watching and observing life around me. Thanks to cable TV (cinemax after dark), Black Love magazines and my mother's Harold Robbins books, I knew what sex was at an early age and I experimented with sex throughout life on my terms. I was responsible with it and understood the consequences of every act from the very beginning.

Along the way there were your typical judgements. Mostly by the men who go through life thinking with their pee-pees and others by the females who didn't understand or maybe who weren't comfortable in their own skin.

I believe from the beginning the title alone turned off many of fans because it was so provocative especially with for women as leads in the early ninties. I think the fashion was too wacky for those who didn't understand fashion as an art form. Not to mention there were no people of color or whatever else turned u off about the show. At any rate I thank these four special ladies who have touched my life in so many different ways.

I thank Carrie for being that fashion muse and using fashion as an art form. She has no limits when it comes to glamour and glitz. She made city life hype in my eyes and shaped my view of just how special great friends really are (sniffle)!

Thank you Miranda for sprucing up corporate America. Thank you for tastefully bringing color and chic into the work place. I also loved how you showed how juggling work, motherhood and coupledom is not easy. Through it all your friends always had your back (sniffle, sniffle)!

Thank you Charlotte for being classic chic. She can wear a plaid or a cardigan like no other, and can also turn a neutral into a work of art. She shows us Moms of the world how you can stay at home and remain stylish. She also showed us how you don't have to be trendy but you can still be fashionable.

Last but not least thank you Samantha you really and truly defined the term cougar for me. You have showed me that the whole mid-life crisis is only what you make it. You are truly a survivor. She got women comfortably talking about sex at the table. Her freedom of sexual expression can be felt from the way she handles business to the way she walks down the street. She taught me truly to believe that 40 was the new 20 and you can tastefully dress sexy and still rule the world.

I will not lie all of these women's lives are contagious.

All the bright lights and big the city was where I wanted to land and conquer. I thank all the ladies collectively for really truly showing me that I really wasn't crazy just ahead of my time sexually and being different is what life is all about. As a woman it was okay to talk about sex openly and life experiences with your girlfriends. Life was all about experiences and what you learn from them all while being Fabulous.

You shouldn't have to sacrifice who you are just because somebody else has a problem with it-

Carrie Bradshaw

: glamour.com

: glamour.com

Reconstructing Ourselves!!!!!!

Hello my friends!! Last month we talked about hot trends for Fall 09 and how we were going to translate them into our wardrobes. It was still a little warm to really fully transition into Fall, so we were able to sneak in some of our summer favorites. But with the turn of the weather, in the last couple of weeks, we have all been summons to pull out our Fall jackets.

I want to dedicate the month of October to RECONSTRUCTING ourselves. What I mean by reconstructing is disassembling, modifying, and putting back together our whole outlook on our most beautiful selves!! I have met with several women in my professional career and in one way or another each woman has had a tendency to over-shop or under-shop. They are either impulse shoppers or budget shoppers, they are either comfortable in their skin or they are not. The point is that a lot of women are not stepping out into the world with the most beautiful self.

Just recently I went to a friends' house to clean out her closet. While we were digging, we found some of her favorite fall pieces from last year. she was also sad to see some of the same pieces that needed to be replenished from last year. She mentioned to me that she was unemployed last year at this exact same time. Shamefully she admitted to be holding on some black boots that needed to be thrown away two years ago.

Thankfully things have turned out good for her this year and she is ready to update her look with some great fall pieces. She even talked about getting a great haircut and trying some different make-up looks. Which brings me to my point about Reconstructing ourselves. Here we have a woman who has been riddled by unemployment and the stresses that go along with that. She knew she needed to reconstruct her whole thought process when it came to her wardrobe and make-up and beauty routine, but she did nothing she continued to go with the flow. She mentioned that people constantly asked her was she feeling okay or were offering her clothes that they no longer wore and she couldn't figure out why.

I decided to use her as my muse. It occurred to me that most everyday women tend to go with the flow of what is easiest and comfortable for them. It is all about routine almost to the point to where you don't even realize you have been doing the same routine for the last ten to fifteen years. Which means not much has changed on you or about you.

Over the past years, I have had the opportunity to go on a retail journey with all my readers. I have talked about organzining your closet, caring for your clothes and how to shop smart. I have touched upon make-up and hair tips. I have also talked about how to translate what you see in the magazines into your closet.

Now it is time to incorporate all those topics into one big action for fall. The best thing about Fall is that is the best time to start getting into good Fashion habits for the New Year. October is all about Reconstructing yourself from the outside in. The new focus is going to be on beauty and fashion from head to toe. For the month of October I have committed to starting over fashionably. I am going to go back to the basics and pull out my most beautiful self. This month join me as Retail Journeys takes a journeys down the beauty aisle and introducing a new segment called UnderNeath It All. This segment is all about the beauty side of fashion, I will talk about the latest in make-up, accessories, and under garments that will add zest to your wardrobe!! Check Syn and I out this Tuesday, October 21, @ 1pm, est. Until then May All Your Outfits Match!!!!!

Teal - How to Work Fall's Best Colors - Fall Fashion 2009 - Fashion - In Style

Teal - How to Work Fall's Best Colors - Fall Fashion 2009 - Fashion - In Style

Shared via AddThis

Accessories 101: What to Buy the Fashionista Who Has Everything!: glamour.com

Accessories 101: What to Buy the Fashionista Who Has Everything!: glamour.com

Shared via AddThis

Fall Accessory Trends: glamour.com

Fall Accessory Trends: glamour.com

Shared via AddThis

Red Hot Sale Alert: Half Off Christian Louboutin

Red Hot Sale Alert: Half Off Christian Louboutin
- This Week - What's Right Now - Fashion - In Style

Shared via AddThis

As the last bit of summer seems as though it will never end, and many of us get away from the heat by going to the mall, Don't caught up with the Fall merchandise that flowers the shelves and racks.  Some of the pieces that are in stores at this time of year are transitional pieces that will get one through the end of the summer heat.   Try to stay away from getting pieces that are way to hot to even think about wearing but focusing on things to add to what you already have in your closet and to refresh your favorite summer pieces.  So I repeat Do not waste your precious dollars on items that are not wear now items.  

 Personally this is my favorite time of year.  The transition means to me that the end of the heat and humidity is almost over and the we can start bundling up and getting cozy again.  

The Fall season is almost near, and I am so excited!!  There is something about the rich jewel tones, and layering piece after piece to create a fabulous look.  I will say that the time is near to hang up the linen fabrics and your other summer fabrics so wear them out in style.  Now is the time to shop for some great summer sales everyone has a clearance section going on.  It may be very picked over and small but it is definitely worth the look.  

The key to shopping this time of year is not to get caught up in all the Fall sweaters and other clothing items that are going to make you sweat just by looking at them.  But to find a great pair of jeans or two, some key accessories and some t-shirts that can be worn now and later on in the season.  It won't be too difficult to get off task because jeans is what stores are pushing right about now.  As for accessories the stores are always stocked with accessories the key is to find ones that fit into your wardrobe and will transition easily from one season to the next.  This week's pic is all about my favorite pieces this summer and how I am transitioning into one season to the next.  I am hyped about what this Fall season brings and I cannot wait to wear my rich jewel tones and long sleeve turtlenecks.  I also will miss wearing my comfortable linen pants and my sandals so at least until labor day I am going to get the last wear of my favorite summer pieces!!  Check out what I love and am going to miss about Summer, all while I show you my key accessories for transitioning from one season to the next!!!!  

Until the next time May All Your Outfits Match!!!!!

Beautiful World!!!

I am on my way!!  Vacation time is here and I am traveling to a place like no other!

Vacation means to me, being able to kick back and relax amongst the most beautiful scenery 

imaginable.  I pack up two of my favorite books, load up on my gossip magazines, and pack ready to enjoy my time.  

My luggage is generally consists of a small carry suitcase, my laptop bag, and my purse. At best for a seven day trip I am able to get every thing I need into a carry-on bag, especially since airlines are starting to charge for bags now!!  For the most part I tend to pack light airy clothes 

that can be rolled into a small ball.  Linen, cotton and silk are the best packing fabrics.  I am selective with the types of shoes that I bring as well.  I can usually fit two pairs of heels, two pairs of sandals, some flip flops, and my toiletries all into my suitcase.  

The key to packing effectively is planning.  After you have selected your location check out 

the weather, the night life, and the activities you plan to attend while you are vacationing.  Then you can choose your outfits.  Choose fabrics that you are going to be comfortable in all day long.  Also choose a color palette can easily be mixed and matched with. During the trip try and stay away from shopping at stores that you can find in your hometown.  Even still be careful when you shop at boutiques, the stuff might be pretty but they are usually at a tourist rate.  

Have a great time while traveling this summer, promise me you will plan accordingly so that you can spend your vacationing and not hunting for items you forgot to pack.  Until the next time May all Your Outfits Match!

Tippi  

When I get to be a size... This is my gift to myself!!!!!

Okay, so I had a moment the other day when I opened up one of my fashion magazines and I saw some famous star wearing a great pair of shoes, they were over $500 so that cut out the idea to run out and get a pair, but I still had a sparkle of hope and a vision of me walking down the street in those heels.  That made me start to think about body image and the responsibility I play in not letting the images I see overtake who I am.  When I saw this star in her great pair of shoes, I immediately looked at her outfit and her hair and thought damn I need to get my hair done.   I pictured myself walking down the streets of DC with the camera flashing at me screaming my name... okay I am taking it over board but you get the picture.  Having the slightest insecurity about your body image will allow you to be sucked into the madness. Getting sucked into the madness could be at the slightest moment to take your mind off of the reality of what you really look like in the mirror. 

I often ask myself to what standard is too fat or too thin?  This allows me to come to terms of what matters most and that is my opinion and what's comfortable for me.  One of the main reasons I am able to walk into any store and just shop is because I am able to relax and let go of my insecurities.  

My profession allows me to see the insecurities come in the door in masses and also from a different perspective.  In the retail industry, I see it everyday how women of all ages come into clothing stores feeling a certain kind of way and using shopping as an excuse to, "enjoy their day".  I get a mixture of women who stand in the mirror for hours looking at their bodies from every angle damning themselves for eating so much.  One of two things happen to these types of ladies (again no box), she either overspends her money on things she will probably never wear, or she will end up with nothing and continue to wear clothes that are way too big for her and add 10 pounds to her frame.  I will admit that I have been her,  I let her go though.  So I encourage you to embrace who you are and what size you are today.  If you go to your favorite store this week, treat yourself to something special, you deserve it!  Just make sure it is your size and it fits you like a glove.  Be sure to check out my weekly radio show, this June, 23, Tuesday at 1p.m., est.  

Until the next time May All Your Outfits Match!!!! 

 

Wow! Do I love my Body?

To be honest I almost hate too look in the mirror sometimes.  If I stand there too long I can see where my skin is breaking out.  My hair is dry, and my teeth... you pretty much get the idea.  But for the most part when I stand in the mirror and I am dressed ready to go.  I am the Lioness and I am ready to conquer the world.  Because I work in the retail fashion industry I will say that almost 85% of the women are uncomfortable in the skin.  I've seen it in every race, age and size.  The skinny ladies wish they could snatch some pounds off the thick women and the thick woman wish they could slap some of there extra rolls onto thin women everywhere.  At any rate we all have some sort of distorted view of what we see in the mirror.  Now I am not putting all women in a box and trying to say that how we view ourselves as women is mostly negative, but I will say that maintaining a positive out look on how we view ourselves and our body affects more of us than you think.  I have worked with and serviced many women.  Some of who may just have had babies, going through menopause, or just getting over some sort of illness so these cases are dealing with the adjustment of your body changing.  Then there are the other women who are for what ever reason struggling with their bodies and their weight.

 It is interesting because when I was doing my research for the upcoming Body Image radio show, I came across articles talking about how the media is a huge factor in how we view ourselves.  The images we see in the magazines and on TV somehow affects us even if we feel good about ourselves.    As a child I knew that I could never look like the women I saw in these mediums but it didn't stop me from yearning to have blond hair and blue eyes or even my brown skin and big brown eyes from being on the cover of my favorite magazine.  There are many different issues that play into why we see the types of images we do on magazine covers.  As time changes though the media must respond to and represent the typical woman, and she isn't your typical blond hair blue eyed girl next door.  She is who you see in the White House, owing her own television network as well as hosting her own daytime television store, and let's not forget the mother of three holding it down in  your town.  

So as I look at all sides of the circle, it gets pretty sticky when dealing with the whole subject of Body Images.  As a society we need to get better at understanding that we may not see ourselves on television and on magazine covers, but that doesn't mean that we won't ever. 

I will probably never ever be on the cover of Vogue and I am okay with that. ( I know that I could be on the cover of The Hottest Mom in the DC area if there ever was one!).  

I have more to say with my fashion debate but I will ask you to tune into my radio show this Tuesday June 16,  I am going to dig a little deeper about the whole Body Image debate and the interesting tidbits of info that I found while researching this topic.  In the meantime, since summer is less than three weeks away I decided to put up a couple of dresses that I will be wearing this summer as I party it up and enjoy the weather.  And to be honest, it is hard for me to accept some aspects of my body, but god willing I am able to hide it beautifully and still look good and be the life of the party!!  I encourage you to do the same!  Until next time May All Your Outfits Match

Tippi

Summer Chic 09'

It's that time of year again!!!  The summer heat!  Skin is everywhere and,  I love it.  I love to look at all the beautiful bodies that paint the city streets on a daily basis.  In my city life I have seen it all!  I have learned in my wise years to embrace the heat and be ready for it.  To be honest I used to dread the summertime, I live in an area where the humidity is unbearable, and I am usually always shiny and sweaty.  I remember growing up and always trying to combat the huge sweat stains that would succumb me when I got nervous or when I was playing basketball, dancing, and the smothering heat.  Let's not get into how many articles of clothing I ruined by stains and smells (I know it's gross but true).  Anyway, as I got older I learned ways to aid in minimizing the amount of sweat pouring from my glands.  The techniques actually work and now the skies is the limit as to how I go about my day comfortably.  Some of the techniques that worked for me were as simple as me eliminating scented products such as soaps, lotions, detergents, and dryer sheets from my daily routine.  I also stayed hydrated with lots of water (and sweet teas!) especially during the summer months.  As I became a professional and It was important for me to dress up during those scorching days, I found myself finding it difficult to transition from one climate to the other.  I would walk out of the house in a black suit when it was over ninety degrees outside and then drive for thirty minutes in the heat.  Next I would have to park my car and walk five blocks to work.  By the time I arrived at the store I was soaked.  So then I decided to go casual to work and pack my clothes in a bag.  I had to give that up because my clothes got wrinkled and I looked as if I had rolled out of bed and went to work.  My last final try was when I thought about wearing a nice sleeveless shell and then bringing a light sweater or jacket with me to put over my shoulders for when I was cool.  The shell worked the best for me.  I found a light weight wrinkle free sweater fabric in all my favorite colors and I just rotated in with my nice summer pants, dresses and skirts.  I created a nice summer wardrobe for myself..

I challenge you to walk into your closet as soon as you get done reading and count the number of sleeveless tops you have that could easily transition under a sweater or suit jacket and still be called an outfit.  Start your lists, budget and plan accordingly you know how I like to do it.  There are some beautiful shells out there that have your name on it treat yourself to a couple!  Check out how I am rocking it this summer on my blog!  Good Luck and remember to check out my Radio Show Retail Journeys this Tuesday, May 26, 2009, @ 1pm.

Until Next time May all Your Outfits Match

Tippi

It's raining jeans!!!

I have jeans on the brain.  First and foremost, I am super hyped about the upcoming radio show that is dedicated to Jeans, secondly I just purchased a couple of pair for back to school.   This topic is really stirring some excitement in me, I was born in jeans they are so comfortable.  The denim fabric mixed with lycra and spandex is the best thing coming since... well you get it!  My new jeans were sent from up above, they hug my nice slender thighs like a piece of art.  I am in love! For the first time since I wore pleated Guess jeans, I bent down and I felt no air.  I was hooked and maybe took it over board by buying six pair, but the key is that my affair with jeans has been ongoing and it gives me great pleasure to walk out in a great pair that move when I move.  I know that still doesn't justify 6 pair!

My quest for jeans has been relatively easy because of my professional background but even still,  I have often gotten frustrated with the whole process, and bought many pairs of  jeans because of the price.  I ended up putting most effort in hiding the parts that didn't hit me right and figured out how to make the jean fit to my body.

Having worked in retail has allowed me to see over and over the frustration in most women's faces as they struggle to find the right pair of jeans.  The fashion side of me tells them that it is a process and you have to be ready to play the game but the empathy comes out and I know exactly how they feel. 

There is a couple of basic fundamentals that go down when shopping for jeans.  The first is, that it may take a couple of different trips to the fitting room or even to different stores to find the right pair of jean. When you find it get it because it might not be there tomorrow. 

Also know that not one pair of jeans will fit you the same, yes they may fit similar in the way they hug you, but please try on every pair that you plan to buy.  Buy doing this you are conquering two things one you will learn what styles of denim works for your body type and next time you shop for jeans you can narrow down your selections.  Remember to ask yourself how do you want to wear your jeans.  Are they to wear at night, to wear to work or with the kids, or for a nice polished look.  The reason for this is because it is so easy to get caught up, denim comes in all shapes and sizes and they are plastered everywhere in most women's retail shops.  So again as I always say do your research, check out what people are wearing and how they are wearing them, look online, window shop do what you do,  but create a look that is comfortable for you.  

That is all of the tips I have on this post, again it is time for me to plug in my radio show so please join me this Sunday Sept 8 @ 9 pm for my live radio show!  

Until the next time May all Your outfit Match!!!

Tippi

Summer Fun

Okay! I just had to post about the upcoming summer season and what you will see when you enter the mall this summer. The colors are going to be of gold jewel tones and animal prints.  You will see lots of browns, greens and blues in all shades so get ready! White is out there strong especially on the bottom.  The fabrics look and feel just as rich as they did the season before.   I am so excited about all the beautiful clothes that are out there. I go to the mall and feel the urge to get sucked in by the beautiful ways the merchandise is displayed in the windows and on the racks. The signs that scream sale don't help much either!
I know it has been a minute since I posted but if you need a refresher of what I live by just read my past posts. I will say that what I talk about and live by is Planning a trip to the mall being prepared to shop!  Know what you are looking for when you shop. This will cut out a lot of impulse shopping, a lot of hassle of returning and exchanging product, and last but not least a lot of chaos and clutter in your closet.
I will tell you this, having run a clothing store has helped me learn the in's and out's of the retail clothing business and how people get easily overwhelmed by the words sale and all the beautiful pieces of clothing they had not anticipated on seeing. They usually walk out of the store spending over 50% more than what they had anticipated. Then they take the clothes home and realize that they already have something just like it or they don't have anything to go with the items that they just purchased or it doesn't look the same way it did in the store. So back to the store they go only to either exchange it and spend more money or find out that they cannot receive their money back.
So my point in saying all of the above is to just plan out your shopping trip and buy pieces that you can incorporate into the things you already have. Think of it as though you are adding spice to something you already own.
I know for myself, I love flowers! Love them to death, so for this summer I wanted to look for some key pieces that would add that flower feel I wanted to incorporate into my wardrobe. I created a collage for all to see my vision check it out at the top of the blog. The items that I chose will easily fit into my clean closet and work well with what I already own. Everyone's budget will be different I understand but the key is get only what is on your list (written or mental I will not judge) make room for impulse if you can but don't get sucked in. This summer let's all have fun when we go and purchase our favorite items and let's not forget to make many beautiful memories in them!! Have fun and feel free to write in and let me know what your planning to buy yourself for the summer season!!!  Until the next time...May all Your Outfits Match!!

Top Blacks in Fashion

Top Blacks in Fashion

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Underneath It All!!!

All right again I have been kinda lagging on my blog! But the recession has hit home for the time being and I have felt as though I have hit a slump. As the election nears, I have felt a sense of hope I must say, which has brought me to my next topic, Underneath it all.
Have u ever peeled back the layers only to discover, a rack of a mess. I am not just talking about the underwear one wears under her clothes, but the bikini wax that is long overdue , the soap smell that needs to be upgraded to a nice floral scent, and last but least the toenails that haven't been touched up in god knows how long. We often overlook these things because we think no one will ever pay attention but as we look inside ourselves for the inner fashionista it is the difference between us dotting our I and crossing our T's. In the past couple of months I have been practicing paying attention to the little things that I thought no one would ever notice and I tell you once again it makes a difference. Think about it that bikini wax that has been dreaded for years, you have finally gotten it and now you are eager to get to your favorite lingerie store. Going to the spa to get your toes, nails, and eyebrows done suddenly means you are itching to get to the Mac counter. Whatever your hidden secret is I challenge you to make better this month and watch underneath it all, things will start to change!!!! Until the next time...May all Your Outfits Match.

Quality Shopping Vs. Quantity Shopping

Last week in Fall Fixers, I talked about how hot it was outside and looking at sweaters just made me sweat.  This week I have managed to do some virtual shopping and put together a couple of pieces that I would like to incorporate into my wardrobe when I go shopping in October.  I must say that besides it being really hard not to hit the checkout button when I created my wish lists at my favorite on-line stores, I pulled together some  awesome pieces for my fall wardrobe.  There is just one slight dilemma.  After pulling outfits together and putting together a budget for what I can spend on my fall collection,  I was faced with either getting one or two classic good quality items that could last for decades or getting several pieces that could potentially tide me over for the next 2-3 years.  This was going to be a difficult decision because I felt as if I needed so much but did I really need all those items or just simply want them, but at the end of the day I knew I had to make a decision.  My mind wandered back to me carrying several bags throughout the mall and then getting my clothes home trying them on one more time to make sure they fit and also look at them in a different light.  I started to sweat just thinking about it, so I decided to just put the whole shopping wish list down and pick it back up when the beginning of October rolls around.  Until then peep out my wish list and let me know what you think and what is on your fall wish list.  I'll label the quantity vs. quality so that you all can see my dilemma.    Peace out and until next time... May all your outfits match!

Fall Fashion Rocks in the Heat!!!!

It is hot as hell outside!! I decided to get out of the heat and take a spontaneous trip to the mall.
I was hesitant to go because I knew I was vulnerable, but I also knew that I had the strength to day no. As soon as I stepped into the first store I saw the most beautiful rich jewel tone sweaters and long sleeve shirts ever. I instantly forgot that it was 95 degrees outside, and started to try on some sweaters. I tried on lots of purples, golds, and emerald colored items. The colors and rich fabrics screamed warmth and a venti white hot chocolate from my favorite coffee shop. I continued browse the different stores and immediately came up with the top trends for Fall 08'.

Dresses, Boots, Trench Coats, Sweater Coats
Purples, Golds, Emerald Green, Reds.

The common denominator in the stores was that short list of items. As I savored my favorite cinnamon roll, I quickly assessed my closet and realized that I had some nice dresses and a beautiful trench coat that I purchased two years ago. I also have lots of jeweled tone shirts as well as black and white collared shirts in my closet. I started thinking of a list of things that I could buy started to feel the itch of wanting some sweaters. I headed to my favorite t-shirt store ready to buy some purple and gold t-shirts and sweaters. Damn! It was right when I entered the store I remembered that I had left my wallet in the car, so that I wouldn't be tempted to buy anything. At this point my mind is made up and I decide to go and get my wallet and come back to the store. Well to make a long story short, as soon as I walked out of the door and felt the sweltering heat. I decided that I would plan a trip out to the mall when it wasn't so hot and crowded. Peep out my collage of my Fall 08' Trend wish list! Until next time may all your outfits Match!!!

Life Changes

Well, I know my posts have been sporatic lately.  My focus has shifted these last couple of months.  I mentioned that in my earlier posts, but a month later I feel as though I must let my readers know my life journey.  When I started this blog, I had set out to take you on a journey with me, while I manage my clothing situation from the inside out.  And to be truthful, these past months have been so busy, I have not shopped in a long while.  Two months to be exact!  I do feel as though, I have worn the same outfit for weeks on end, and I am ready to throw out every black, and white piece of clothing I own.  I am tired of looking at them, and they are stale looking to me.  So today I broke the cycle.  I bought this beautiful yellow purse that I had been eyeing for almost two months, it was almost like I was obsessed with it.  I passed by the purse everyday on my way to work, and every time my favorite sales lady and I would meet up, we would have  5 to 10 minute conversations about the purse and it's matching wallet.  One day it disappeared and my sales lady friend saw the distress in my eyes.  She told me she would order another purse and it should come in one week.  One week turned into three, and then one day on my way to work she stopped me and told me she had my purse in.  I was so excited, but told her that it was not my time to buy it, and I would have to wait until next week.  Well, to make a long story short, next week is here and I picked up my bag, and even got a discount on it.  So as I sit here and write about my experience with my bag of the moment, I am truly giddy!   So anyway as I ramble on about my purse, It really is a reflection of how my life is starting to change.  This sassy purse is really me making a bold move in my life.  I won't go into much detail too soon, but just know that I am getting ready to shed my work clothes, and start to express my inner sassiness.  Check out my favorite purses of the moment!!  Until we chat again... May all your outfits match!!

Well Hello!!!!!!

It has been a whole season, since I last talked about my journey with clothes!!!!!!!  My, have I been off the bandwagon.  But to be honest the, best thing about getting off of the bandwagon is getting back on!  For a while I had shifted my life in a direction in which I thought I had wanted to get away from.  So I put my fashion sense down and went head on into building a business for someone else.  It was a great experience but it wasn't colorful and full of different fabrics, It wasn't telling people how beautiful and radiant they look in their outfits.  So anyway, I have shifted back the focus to what I love and then some.  Peep out my radio show tonight about Fashion Magazines, it is going to be fun, interactive and informative.  If you miss it tonight, you can hear it at a later date, I will keep it posted on my blog.  I must say it is good to be back and I cannot wait to give you more of my Retail Journeys!!!!!!!!!

Welcome Back

Well, I have been out of commission for a month and a couple of days, and I must say I do miss being able to write about how I have rejuvinated myself from the outside in.  I can admit that I have had a lot going on in the last month and my life has somewhat been moving at an even faster pace but in the midst of it I managed to look good.  So anyway my only sense of relief is when I look into the mirror and see just how damn good I look.

I have decided to post my favorite spring outfit, since spring is in the air.  I am so excited, I love all the spring colors and fabrics.  Peep out one of my favorite springs looks and I look forward to talking about warm season wear with you.  Until the next time... May all your outfits match.

Tippi

My Style, Defined

My Gosh, I think I got it.  I think I have found my style.  I was digging around polyvore, my favorite new website and I got to putting outfits together and I realized that every time I would pick out outfits they were all sporty, sexy and flirty.  When I placed my collages together I noticed that they all had the same look but yet they were different.  The difference was that when I picked a theme, It made me feel a certain way and then I chose the clothes that made feel romantic, or flirty, or sexy.  Hence, the sporty sexy outfit that was on my last post.  I think that that was my favorite get up yet, the color yellow is what makes me smile, and then to add the blue touch to it reminds me of the beach.  The part that I love was that I added those colors to a classic chic look. I always say I feel Gap best expresses how I would choose to dress everyday.  The Gap stores are always classic and chic, they do have some trendy pieces that one could add to their everyday attire, but for the most part I can always depend on my favorite T, every season, in many different colors.  So in a nutshell my style is sexy, flirty, romantic and sporty with a classic chic twist.  Peep out my romantic look.  Until the next time... May all your outfits match!

Tippi

Sporty Chic

The problem with shopping is that many of us look at outfits that are on the mannequins in the stores and then when we get home it doesn't look the same, or better yet fit the same.  I am sick and tired of having to take back clothes because they don't look right.  So my mission for the next couple of days is to find shops that best fit my style and figure.  Off the top of my head I can think of a couple of stores that I usually get great fitting stuff, but I would like to expand my labels to more than just two different brands.  Anyway through my quest to expand my labels, I found this great website that let's me create outfits and people can rate them.  The best part about the site is that it will tell me what stores carry the clothes I chose.  The name of the website is www.polyvore.com, and it is great.  Check out the outfit I put together on my blog called Sporty Chic.

Closet Connection, Again!

Okay so I am almost finished, I didn't get all the way through the washing like I had planned, but I did put a dent into the loads so now I have the clothes in hampers rather than on the floor. It' s funny because now that I am done I can see where I am going to have to schedule more days where I power wash and organize my clothing. I must admit it was quite the experience, I almost found it refreshing. To see my closet folded nice and neat really feels great, It's like stepping into my own clothing store. The one thing that I focused on this time was reading the care labels. Yes, it was timely but I noticed a difference in the way my clothes were hanging on the hangers. I found a wash chart that helped me to. I paid attention to what water temperature,  I used on different colors and also the types of detergents I used with different fabrics was crutical as well. I can really tell in how my clothes were laying and hanging when I folded them. Another key factor was in the wrinkles, when I folded my clothes immediately out of the dryer there was almost no wrinkles in any of my t-shirts, jeans, and sweaters. I must say having these 36 hours to catch up and manage my laundry situation made me realize again how important my closet space is to me. Managing my laundry and my closet space only added to the confidence I carry daily.  Last night for the first time in a long time I picked out and ironed my clothes for the next day, and it took me half the time to get ready the next morning. 

Thanks for going on this closet connection journey with me, I am sure I will have plenty more stories to tell in the future. In the meantime, let me know if you decide to have your own closet connection, I would love to find out what you discover. I challenge all of you to schedule a day where you can power wash, I will tell you, you may come out a different woman after it is all said and done.

Closet Reconnection

Okay so I am almost 24 hours into organizing my clothes, and I have literally washed 10 loads today.  Now mind you I am not just organizing my clothes it is everyone in my households' clothes that I am folding as well, so I think I may have a little more loads then my average reader. But at any rate, I have spent my day slowly but surely chipping away at the piles that cover my floor.  I have around 8 more loads to do, and I can finish some tonight and some tomorrow afternoon.  Whew!  This is tiring, but I will say it looks good being able to look at all the beautiful colors of T-shirts, pants and  sweaters that I own.  It really makes me want to go by some more colors.  I have all my jeans washed and folded and just seeing them piled up, it makes me want to put them on.  Anyway the piles are slowly but surely deminishing and it feels good.  I will be done with this task by tomorrow night, so that when the Oscars come on I can relax and enjoy the night of beauty.  Well my dryer is calling me, thanks again for listening, until tomorrow... May all your outfits match!

Tippi 

Closet Disconnection

Well, it has truly been a minute and I apologize again for not connecting with you.  There has been a lot going on in my life and I must say while my life has become more hectic, I still managed to look cute and maintain it together from the outside looking in.  I will be honest in saying that my closet has shifted from this small tiny room that has many compartments to various piles spread out around my room .  I have lost control, and I am okay with that, I know that organizing my closet space again will just need some attention that I haven't been able to give in the past couple of weeks.  So my game plan is to take a weekend off from work and spend 36 hours on getting the job done.  This will be a breeze, I have my cappuccino maker, some of my favorite shows TiVo, and plenty of snacks.  I can admit that I have fallen off the bandwagon and it is time to get back on.  And speaking of on, I can truly admit that I have managed to work with what I have and incorporate my new boots, purse and wallet.  My game has stepped up in the way I walk and handle business.  I  am so looking forward to continuing on this journey of outer beauty.  I will keep you posted on how my weekend goes with re- organizing my closet.  Until the next time... May all your outfits match

Tippi

Wallet Woes!!!

Okay so I wish this was my wallet.  I am embarrassed to say that my wallet looks like my dog has been chewing on it, and I can't even close it, it is so stuffed with receipts that need to be thrown away.  I was cool with my wallet until a sales woman laughed about the mess I threw out on the counter.  I was also cool about her calling me out on my mess,  but it got me to thinking about my whole re-organizing my life and I wondered maybe if I tried to re-organize my wallet it would help me better organize my financial situation.  I know it sounded crazy in the beginning but it actually motivated me to clean out my wallet which in turn made me take care of some financial issues that were lingering and not to mention be able to close my wallet.   Once I cleaned out my wallet and had all my cards laid out.  I decided it was time to go shopping for a new wallet.  I needed something that was going to hold all my cards, change, checkbook, cash and receipts.  This was going to be fun.  I had found something else that needed to be upgraded from the outside in, and that was my money management.  It started with simply laying out everything so that I could see what I owned and store them in a way that was easy to see and easy to access.  I was on my way to the mall to shop for a wallet.  I had some money saved up and some extra left over from my shoe fund so I was set to find a good quality wallet.  After about three hours in the mall, I found a nice affordable wallet and a matching black bag.  All within budget, I might add.  I couldn't wait to get home and get in my magic mirror.  This transformation that I have started is getting better by the day.  I am truly seeing a difference in my life and I do not want it too end.  As I danced around my house the next morning I was excited about my day.    I smiled and thought to myself as I walk out the door, and threw my new purse over my shoulder,  I can't wait to see what is next for me and my transformation process. Until the next transformation.  May all your outfits match!

Tippi

Mirror, Mirror

Okay, so I went to the mall to purchase some shoes, and I found a great pair of boots for a great price.  I bought them at a store that promises comfort without losing your style.  The boots were your simple black boot that I could wear with a basic cut pant or jean.  I was ready to go.  I felt that now that I had the right shoe, I could finally wear about five outfits that I had been dying to wear.  I made an impulse buy and went to my favorite jewelry store and picked up a couple of pieces to add some spark to my other outfits.  When I stepped into my closet I pulled out a couple of pairs of pants and some tops and played in the mirror with my new boots for about an hour.  I was so excited, I had made a good investment and the return showed in how I stood tall and beautiful in the mirror.  The next day as I entered my workplace, I started my day in confidence, and I stood tall and proud, and then it hit after about five hours I was in pain.  But you know what I sucked and up and told myself that that was my body's way of telling me to sit down stop trying to be seen.  Ha, Ha.  So I recommend to everyone tomorrow find that power outfit and go conquer that task that you have been putting off for weeks.  Until the next time may all your outfits match.

Missin You

Hello, I feel so bad that I have not written in a couple of weeks.  There has been a lot of changes in my life the last couple of days, and so I have been caught up.  My shoe shopping experience has been halted due to a shift in finances.  I won't boggle you down with all of the details until I can wrap my brain around it myself.   In the meantime feel free to listen to my radio show tonight at 10:30 pm.  

Shoes Galore

I was talking to a girlfriend of mine the other day about shoes.  The conversation was typical, women having love affairs with shoes.  The urging desire to buy shoes, especially when they are on sale.  I know for me I have been hesitant to purchase shoes because I have yet to find shoes that don't hurt my feet.  But I still fall into the trap of maybe these won't hurt.  Hence my lack of a basic black pump.  I am a victum of wearing ugly shoes for comfort rather than fashion.  So imagine my face when I had an important event to attend and nothing but flip-flops and house shoes to wear.  I immediatley went into my closet to see if I was mistaken and sure enough, nothing.  So what does that mean to a woman who is creating a better life for herself and her overall well being?  A trip to the mall.  First I surfed the internet for shoes stores that sold comfortable shoes.  I found a couple of stores that had some cute shoes that were affordable.   Then I promised myself, that I would do some research before I just started shopping.  I needed to know what kind of shoes I needed.  I looked at my pants and noticed that a majority of them where black and they were all different lengths.    So your basic black pumps may not work with every style.  Okay back to the drawing board.  I needed to really figure this one out.  So I wrote down all the pants I owned and cateorgized them by style.  I was trying to find out what pant style I had the most of and what type of shoe could I wear the with the pants.

I went back on the internet and looked stores wear I bought the pants so I could see what type of shoes they showed with the pants I owned.  After hours of research I had the shoes styles I needed to jump start my wardrobe.  I am hyped, I am finally going to walk in style and in confidence.  I'll you keep you posted on my shoe shopping experience.  In the meantime... May all your outfits match!

Wire Hangers, Really?

So my closet is still in good shape.  I am taking my time with this organization thing.  Don't get me wrong I am all for order and everything having its place, but I don't want to be too compulsive about it.  I want to make sure understand the importance of a organized closet.   I am starting to pay more attention to hanging up my clothes and folding my clothes.  Well in doing this I must admit that I have committed to getting rid of all wire hangers in my closet.  Okay I am embarrassed to admit that I have wire hangers in my closet.  I am forever cursed by the movie Mommy Dearest, where the child gets beat with a wire hanger for having them in her closet.  Every time I use a wire hanger I can see the pain in the girls face.  I must say though, it feels good to walk in to a closet that just flows from top to bottom and smells so damn good.  It is just refreshing and it makes me want to keep it up and continue to better organize my closet space.  It only made sense for me to look at how I was hanging the clothes.  I noticed many times when removing the clothes from the hangers that the hanger had reshaped my pieces.  That is when it hit me, my next trip to the mall was going to be about looking out for how clothes are hung on hangers.  With my next mall excursion, I set out to do some on hand research, and get me some Chick-fil-A.  The first store I went to I noticed that all the slacks, pants, and skirts were attached to hangers that had 2 clips on the side.  All the jackets, were on hangers shaped like a triangle but the hanger itself was a thick plastic.  The next hanger I saw was like the jacket hanger but it was thinner in width and it had shirts and tank tops on it.  I went into a couple of more stores where all the clothes were pretty much hung the same way.  The only difference I noticed was the quality of hangers the stores used.  It seems like the higher end stores used wooden or satin types of hangers.  Once I got in the groove of what to expect, I started looking for a much needed pack of black socks.  As I was checking out, I asked the sales lady if she had any extra hangers, she mentioned that she was trying to get rid of hangers and she proceeded to hand me three large shopping bags full of hangers.  I thanked her and ask her if they always gave out hangers and she told me not all the time but usually right before summer most stores give away hangers since most of the spring and summer clothes do not need to be hung up.  But since they had a huge after Christmas sale they just happen to have an excess of hangers.  Great, I thought to myself.  I cannot wait to go home and organize my closet space.  Once I was home I immediatly started changing out the hangers. My pants where hung up nicely at the waistline.  They hung at a height so perfect the wrinkles couldn't hold on to the material anymore and they just fell out.  My button-down shirts hung so smoothly the collars stood erect and the shoulders stood at attention.  As I put my new socks in the basket I looked around and smiled to myself.  I have the to power to improve on anything I put my mind to. The journey continues to move along as I can check off one more obstacle in this quest for loving myself from the outside in.  Until the next time...  May all your outfits match!

Closet Connection

How connected am I to my closet?  I asked myself that as I stepped into my new beautiful walk in closet.  I had prayed for a closet that had shelves and drawers.  Now as I look around I see that everything is on the floor and in baskets.  What is the disconnect?  I finally get what I want as far as space and then I don't even take advantage of it.  So at that point, I made up in my mind that it would be beneficial for me to organize my closet so that I will know what I have and what I don't have as far as building up my wardrobe.  So after a deep breathe and a committment of finishing this project to the end.  First I decided to wash all my clothes.  From there I was going to fold and categorize my clothes, (t-shirts, jeans, slacks, button down shirts), Next, I placed some nice beautiful smelly goods along the sides of the closet.  I hung up some pictures and then I added some nice baskets that contained my socks and underwear.  Then I added all my clothes from lightest to darkest into the closet.  I bought some beautiful boxes and laid out my jewelry in them and placed them in some of the drawers.  After I was done organizing my closet I put up a dry erase board along with some cork board (painted yellow), and made a list of what I needed to add to my closet the next time I went to the mall.  What was also great was that I had five bags of clothes to give away to the salvation army.  I had finally felt as though I was ready to move on out with the old and start living for what new things were ready to come into my life!  Until the next time may all your outfits match!

Technical Difficulties

I want to apologize to all the listeners who were waiting to hear my live talk show last night!

The site was having technical difficulties so I couldn't log on.  So let's try it again next week.

I'll post the date and time when I get it.  In other fashion news.  I haven't posted in a while and I am sorry, I was busy getting ready for the radio show.  So I promise, you will hear from me this weekend as I touch on closet connection and how your closet is connected to your everyday life more than what you think.  So everyone open up that closet door and get ready to move out with old and in with the new.  In the meantime, take a listen to the show that I had after everyone hung up, answer the poll question, and continue to read my blog.  Until the next time remember to love your body from the outside in and last but not least,

May all your outfits match

Tippi

Educating Myself

Okay, so I have been scrolling thru the magazines that I recently purchased and I noticed that everything was way over the top.  I was so overwhelmed with what I saw.  There were lots of beautiful clothes that were in colors that represented the upcoming seasons, but lots of the clothes were way too expensive and the stores were not located near me.  So the magazines I picked up only made me feel like there was no hope.  That is when I decided to tear out pictures of clothing that I liked in the different magazines.  From there I glued all the clothes on a poster board along with strips of colors that I like for the upcoming season.  I figured I could use the board as a guide so that I know what to look for when I went shopping.  After I posted the board to the wall, I stepped back and access what I saw.  I saw lots of yellow, stripes (vertical and horizontal), I saw bold big flowers, and lots of casual canvas tennis shoes.  Just looking at all those clothes gave me a burst of energy.  This is it, I am ready to look for these colors and patterns the next time I go to the mall.  From there I scheduled a day when I was going to stroll around the mall and look at what was new in stores for the spring and how it compared to the pictures that I cut out.  I wanted to compare the different styles and variations that saw from store to store.  I wanted to look at the prices to compare and budget for future purchases.  I'm going to feel funny walking around the mall and not buying anything.  But I could see this being a great thing.  The mall is something I usually avoid because time it takes to find something in my size and my price.  And I don't have the time or the patience to do either.  Well to make a long story short, I went to the mall and immediately identified the items that I chose on my board.  Matter of fact, I saw the same color patterns in almost every store that I went into.  Each store was priced differently and most of them had sales going on.  I noticed it was all winter stuff and it was dirt cheap.  I noticed that the spring stuff was out and it was so colorful, just like in the magazines.  As I continued my walk, I took it all in.  It was a beautiful day and I spent it at the mall.  I really enjoyed myself.  I ended the trip after three hours and when I sat in my car with no packages.  I hugged myself and praised myself on not giving up on loving myself and almost thought about going to the gym in my community.  Then reality hit and I knew damn well I wasn't hitting the gym.

Oh well... until the next time 

May all your outfits match!

You Gotta Believe!

Life is crazy,  all you have to do is ask for it and with a little patience and work on your end, you shall receive.  Today is a day where I had a couple of Ah ha moments and with those moments, at least for me, things start to make sense.  So anyway, my whole point is that since I started to pay attention to my body.  Every ache and pain that I have ever had seemed to have resurfaced.  The difference this time is that I was able to pinpoint what was happening and why.  Well, it's funny how life works because after I found the perfect pant and wore them for the first day, it was almost infectious.  I wanted to run out and buy three or four more.  I found myself going out and buying a much needed pair of boots for under $30 bucks.  With the credit card in hand the world was mine and I had just realize that I could take it over, just by buying clothes.  I walked around ready to spend my saving on a whole new wardrobe, and then I walked by a huge mirror and saw the most poised beautiful woman I had seen.  I walked up to the mirror and realized that it was me.  I hardly recognized the woman looking back at me.  I smiled real big and also realized that I might need to slow down and get to know this woman a little better before I spend all my money on someone I hardly know.  At that moment I turned around and went to the bookstore and decided to buy a book on style and a couple of fashion magazines.  Knowing who you are and what you want your fashion style to be is a calculated process that a lot of woman tend to take for granted.  We have so many fashion magazines telling us what is in style what we should wear for all seasons of the year and no one is telling us how we should wear them.  So I decided that at this point for my next purchase I was going to take my time buy only what was needed and only what fit my body.  So as I continue to take care of my body and pay attention to the things it needs not so much to the things it wants.  I know that the little aches and pains will be a thing of the past.  Until we meet again...

May all your outfits match 

Tippi 

Body Reality

 

 

Well the holidays are over, the New Year has begun and it's back to the hustle and bustle of life.  And as I continue to pull myself out of my fashion rut I realized that it had been a long time since I had looked in the mirror.   I have pretty much been stuck to the same routine for the last five months, the reality is, is that my life has become robotic.  So, as I start to get to know my body again, I take a long hard look at the beautiful person in the mirror and decide at that moment to love her no matter what size she is.  Once I had my moment, I decided to go and by a pair of pants that fit.  I took my tape measure and headed back to the mirror.  With the measuring  tape wrapped loosely around my waist, I marked the point at which the tape met up.  I wrote down the number of inches my waist measured out to be and headed to my favorite store.  First I just walked around and took everything in.  There were so many different pants that I almost got overwhelmed.  Then I remembered that I was going in to get sized and just try on pants.  I immediately found a helpful salesperson and told her that I was on a mission to find the perfect pair of pants.  I added that I was unsure of my size but I had measured my waist and was trying to figure out what my jeans size was.  She quickly pulled out a size conversion chart.  I asked her what was she looking it at and she said that most retailers have size conversion charts that will tell you what your waist size in inches convert to in store sizes.  She told me to ask the sales reps most stores have them and would be happy to share them with you, but usually have to ask for them.  Nice to know, I told her to let's do this, and we then proceeded to find the perfect pant.  I must say after it was all said and done (a short 45 min. later), I came out with two of the greatest pairs of pants I had owned in a long time.  Whew!  That wasn't so bad.  I must say it was very freeing to shop with no issues about my body.  I am not going to lie.  It was really hard not to get into the funk I was so used to being into, but I worked through it and came out with newfound confidence.  So moving forward, I am going to purchase a couple of tape measures, keep them near and dear and continue my quest to love my fine beautiful self from the outside in!

Body Image

How nice it would be if we all had the same shape.  We wouldn't have too worry about different sizes, we could all borrow each others clothes and we wouldn't have too worry about having the biggest (or the smallest) ass in the room.  The grass always looks greener on the side that we are not on.  The reality of it is, if we were all the same size there would not be much left to the imagination.  There would be less creativity.  All men would either have muscles or they wouldn't.  There would be one size bra and panty. There are pros and cons to the ideal, but the reality of it is were are not one size.  It's important the before you shop you remember the reality is, that the outfits that are found on mannequinns in stores are only guides as to how you should coordinate their clothes.  So those of you who look at the outfits that stores have on their body forms please stop immediately.  More than likely they are not the same size

as you and what looks good on them will not look good on you.  When shopping for clothes there are so many factors that must take into consideration before spending your money.

• Know your measurements. Every store size range is different convert the numbers while you are shopping. 
  
• Know what you are shopping for.  If is three pair of jeans make sure you don't come out with five.
• Shop smart not hard.  If you are strategic about it you could come up with a great pair of pants for 50% off.

So the journey continues, I continue to shop through my hard transition in life, and as I do I remember to love my body even though my sisters got all the chi-chis and left me with none. My brother has the pretty smooth and creamy texture skin, and my friends... well you know.

Until the next time...

May all your outfits match!

Tippi

My issues with fashion at this point in my life are as follows:

• I am conformed to wearing specific colors to work everyday.
  
• I have to wear an apron around my outfit while I am at work.
  
• All I do is work. (I know that is not fashion related).

Anyway my dilemma comes from freedom of expression.  I feel powerless sort of, I  feel that conforming to a daily attire hinders me from really truly expressing myself through clothes.
I have always been outgoing, when it comes to clothes and don't  get me wrong, I still am, but at the end of the day I noticed a grey cloud that looms over my head when I am at work.
So as I continue my quest for beauty I am going to challenge myself to add a little touch of something to that dull black and white uniform and see what that does for my attitude. Yellow is my favorite color, it looks great against my skin, and I always get compliments when I wear it.  So maybe I will add a yellow necklace or bracelet. I'll let you know what transpires.

In the meantime, I shall not be lazy when it comes to making myself beautiful. I will not be a baby and pout about having to wear black and white, (I know there are some people would just appreciate having a job).
I will look at my issues with clothes as a journey and move through it gently.
What are your moments with fashion and clothes. 

Let me know.  This journey is not only about me it's your journey too. So what is your dilemma, when it comes to clothes?  Let's trade stories and come up with more ways to make ourselves radiate beauty.

May all your outfits match

Tippi