A Year in Natural Hair

I was clicking through the photos on the Chic Mommy, Cool Kid Facebook fan page recently (which you should totally check out if you haven't already), and noticed how much my hair has grown in the past year! In December of 2008, I made the decision to "go natural" and stop chemically relaxing my hair (you can read more about that decision here). Since then my hair has really thrived--it's become healthier and stronger as well as longer. 

hair length April 2011 versus May 2012

During the cool weather I generally get my hair blown out every couple of weeks and wear it straight. But in the summer, humidity and workouts don't really allow for that so I wear it straightened and in buns; or curly and in ponytails or buns. Last summer my care routine consisted of various shampoos and conditioners along with daily staples that included:


- Curls curl creme brule (for moisture)
- Shea Moisture curl enhancing smoothie (for stretching)
- Twisted Sista curl activator and 30 second curl refresher spray (for dry styling on days that I didn't shampoo or condition)
- Eco Styler olive oil styling gel (for my edges)


This year, I think I'll be switching up those products--particularly because I've fallen in love with the Shea Radiance line of products (you can read my review here). I'll be posting a hair products wish list next week, but in the meantime do you have any favorites you'd like to share with me? I heart suggestions!

In My Closet: Organization

I love organizing things--in particular, my closet; everything has to be neatly arranged so that I'm able to see exactly what's there (and so that it's pretty to look at, of course).

Gotta love sunglasses for summer!

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been shifting my winter clothing (heavier sweaters, sweater dresses, suede, etc) out of my closet and making room for lighter spring appropriate items; moving my shoes around so that the peep toes, sandals and wedges are at the forefront; as well as purging a few final pairs of shoes that I never wear.

most of these have now been traded out for more spring/summer like versions

I've finally finished making all the hangers uniform (read more here about why that's important), which makes a world of difference in space. I've become of fan of these hangers from Bed Bath and Beyond because of the hook in the front that allows them to be layered in front of each other so that only one out of every 3 or 4 hangers has to physically be on the rack. Layering hangers has made so much more room for my tops! I also grabbed these tiered skirt hangers for my skirts and strapless dresses and they work in the same way.

uniform hangers / winter shoes and most handbags on the shelves / super cute little polka
dot basket from Target for storing summer scarves and a pink bin for housing belts so
they're not falling all over the place

I’ve gotten mostly to the level of organization I’m aiming for with the exception of still needing to purge a few pair of boots (I’ll save that for the winter closet clean up), and wanting proper storage for my bags and purses—which I finally took out of the plastic bin they’d been in since I moved a year ago. For now they’re flattened and stacked on a shelf, but eventually I want to stuff them and display them in a way that saves their shape. I will probably also need to add additional shoe racks along the floor at some point, but for now every pair has a home. 

Do you rearrange your closet each season? What's your favorite way to organize?

Style Savvy Memorial Day Holiday

“Best. Weekend. Ever.” That’s the phrase I would use to describe my Memorial Day holiday weekend. The honey and I managed to balance lots of quality snuggle time alone with loads of fun with family and friends. 

Friday - Dress: Asos / necklace: NY & Co (also seen here)  / sunglasses: Nordstrom

On Saturday, we headed to the shore for a family cookout at my dad’s house where we would fill up on the grilled goodness my dad was preparing, along with my mom’s amazing potato salad and deviled eggs.  On the way there, we made a quick detour to the outlets so the honey could grab a pair of shorts. Somehow, the kid and I ended up with several bags full of items, while the honey left with—you guessed it—the pair of shorts he came for. Weird… Noteworthy to mention, I snagged a super cute romper from Banana Republic--my second in two summer seasons. I had given up on shorts years ago because they were uncomfortable and I didn't feel they flattered my shape; rompers, however, have restored my faith in shorts. I hope the trend sticks around for awhile!

snagged, clockwise from top left: striped maxi dress, patterned romper and hot pink
nail color: Banana Republic / bracelets: Kate Spade and Ralph Lauren / bright orange hobo:
Banana Republic / a rainbow of basketball shorts for the kid: Nike / shorts and fitted tees
 for the kid: Banana Republic; v-neck tee: Polo by Ralph Lauren

Since we were traveling, I kept my dress simple in a fitted striped number from Loft, with a bronze wedge and a great statement necklace I picked up last week for a pop of color.

Saturday - dress: Loft / necklace and rings: Francesca's / wedges: Nine West

Sunday found honey and I hanging with friends at the Caribbean Wine Festival at Linganore Winecellars. It was ridiculously hot, but huge tents for shade, lots of food and of course—the wine, made the heat much easier to bear. With the weather in mind, I went with a short, flirty orange dress from Asos that has a cute back cut out (also seen here), and orange flowered flats. Sunday evening, we hung out with the honey’s brother, SIL and their babies—a more relaxed (and much cooler) endeavor.

Sunday - dress: Asos / sandals: Nine West / sunglasses and earrings:
Nordstrom / bracelets: Ralph Lauren, Cruzan hook from St. Thomas /
watch: Rotary / necklace: Tiffany 

On my nails this weekend: two shades of purple; a pastel lilac and then a darker sparkly violet.

on thumb and ring finger: Sally Hansen Insta-Dry nail color in 'vigorous violet' / on remaining nails: OPI 'Do You Lilac It?' 

I like to think of Memorial Day weekend as the kick-off to the summer season so this one was the perfect lead-in to summer fun! 

What to Wear: Festivals

Coachella may have ended, but festival season is just kicking into high gear here on the east coast. With a plethora of wine festivals, annual music fests like Rock the Bells, and newer events like this year's JayZ fest in Philly--there are still plenty of reasons to get festival fab this summer. Wondering what to wear?

There are certain staples--like maxi dresses, flat sandals, crossbody bags and great sunglasses--that will always be the perfect items to wear to a festival event (click here to find out why these pieces always work); but you can always update them by incorporating things that speak to the current season’s trends.

Here are a few trends you’ll want to try this year:

Short flirty skirts

Maxi dresses rule the summer when it comes to comfort, but why not try a shorter flirty skirt to play in? Asos has a plethora that fit the bill, like the skater skirt in check print and this gorgeous color block number.

Prints

Floral, gingham, chevron, scarf, Aztec—prints are all over this year, so why not give them a whirl? This Vero Moda palm print skirt and Anthropologie shape swirled skirt are great ways to get started with this trend.

Straw fedora

Block those harsh sun rays in style with a straw fedora. White House Black Market has a gorgeous white one with black ribbon trim, and Urban Outfitters gives their ‘pins and needles frayed’ version a girly touch with an adorable bow.

Chambray / Denim

Chambray is always on trend, and there are so many great styles to choose from if you want to insert it into your summer outfit lineup. Go sophisticated in this Bellatrix Chambray Shirtdress from Nordstrom, or pair a chambray top—like this Tommy Hilfiger button down--with your favorite pair of colored jeans.


*photos via Refinery 29

Ruffled and Racerback | Style Savvy Weekend Rewind

I inhaled so much great food this weekend that I couldn't WAIT to get up this morning and get in a workout. LOL. But it was totally worth it. My sweet cousin Tionah graduated on Saturday from Morgan State University--my alma mater, so I was doubly proud--and her graduation dinner was held at Houlihan's. I've eaten at Houlihan's before, but had never tried the dishes I tried on Saturday, and boy was I missing out! If you ever decide to dine there, I highly recommend the goat cheese and artichoke poppers with fresh thyme and lemon zest; the Parmesan frites (fancy french fries); and the seared scallops with lemon asparagus risotto and baby greens. All were absolutely delightful. I literally could NOT stop eating the lemon asparagus risotto and ended up stuffing myself silly.

photos, clockwise from top left: goat cheese and artichoke poppers / scallops w/lemon asparagus risotto / Houlihan's skinny superfruit martini and the grad's tasty celebratory cake / Sunday breakfast on the balcony: homemade oatmeal cooked from steel cut oats and fresh brewed coffee--with a little Glamour on the side

We enjoyed perfect dress weather this weekend! For Tionah's graduation ceremony I went with this striped number with ruffled top and racer back from Francesca's. I belted with my wide black patent leather belt from White House Black Market, slipped into my polka dot peep toe pumps and topped it all off with my favorite yellow cardigan (which I swear I must wear once a week, but I just love it so, and it goes with so many things in my wardrobe!). On Sunday I attended an awesome private, ladies only vision board tea, hosted by the fabulous Cylia Lowe of From Theory To Practice, a boutique consulting firm dedicated to "empowering you with the tools you need to unlock your potential." I think it's really important to know what you want, to set actionable goals, and to have someone to help you be accountable for all the little steps it takes to achieve said goals; so working on a vision board in a group environment sounded like a fantastic idea. Food, supplies, great energy, sound encouragement, a raffle and parting gifts made this an all around awesome event.

photos, clockwise from top left: headed out to the graduation ceremony / with the lovely graduate / this weekend's nails: a light pink from Urban Outfitters, topped at the tips with 'Not Your Average Turquoise' from the Sephora by OPI collection / the white pleated dress, bronze belt and bronze Nine West wedges I wore to Sunday's event / the same Nine West wedges in tan and white as well as pink, red and orange; I wanted to snag one of these in addition to the bronze (which I picked up on Saturday), but they didn't have my size. *sadness* / a cool kid arm party that T snuck in with my photos

**For more photos of what I wore or what's in my closet, be sure to follow me on Instagram, @PishPoshPerf or like the Pish Posh Perfect Facebook page and check out the Instagram feed.

Drool Worthy: Standout Shoes

My obsession with high high heels was fed via Pinterest this week, while I fawned over these amazing high end shoes. They're all so unique--whether in color, design or fabric--and all are guaranteed to make those calves look amazing (as evidenced by the last pic). When it comes to drool-worthy footwear, you can always count on Zanotti, Louboutin and Choo!

Hope you all have amazing plans to enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend!

xo

Images via Pinterest (1) satin Giuseppe Zanottis / (2) CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN 20th Anniversary Armadillo Bride 120 leather pumps / (3) Jimmy Choo Siskin Ankle Strap Pumps

Color Struck: Black and White

Color is bountiful for spring, and it marks wonderfully the change in the season and the chance for a  new beginning. As enamored as I am with color, I continue to be inspired by the combination of black and white. It is classic, clean and appropriate all year round--I am always struck by the many different ways in which these colors can be structured and worn.

Black and white works for decor just as well as clothing; You can add a pop of color or a bit of sparkle; it can be the basis for your entire room or outfit, or it can be the accent that pulls together your color story.

As you finish the remainder of your week, remember to take a break from your busy schedule, so you can breathe and get inspired!

Photos: (1) Where Did U Get That / (2) Girl About Town / (3) Pinterest via Glitter Guide / (4) Pinterest / (5) Pinterest

Posh Tip: Host a Swap Party

Want to get new clothing items, shoes, accessories or products without having to spend a ton of money (or any at all)? Why not host a swap party?

Here is an opportunity to get your best girlfriends together, along with any items they no longer want, can’t fit or can’t use. Just organize everything together in appropriate groupings, and then trade away! Obviously everything should be new or in good condition—and even if items don’t still have the tags, they will be new to your closet and you’ll put a whole new spin on them. Plus, your friends are people whose taste and opinions you trust, so what better closet to shop than theirs? Add light fare and cocktails for a complete “girls’ night in” style affair.

My friends and I are planning a product swap party for this summer. We’re (almost) all natural girls and all product junkies—but since everyone’s hair, skin and nails differ, not all products work for each of us. Instead of having things go to waste or just sitting around in our bathrooms, we’re going to gather everything together and swap! Another fun girls’ day to get excited about!


Photo via Pinterest

Sunny and Stripes | Style Savvy Weekend Rewind

This weekend was chock full of love, and though exhausting, I had a wonderful time with family and friends, snagged a few new items, and wore a couple of super cute dresses.

Snagged

I needed to restock on a brush and cleanser for my Clarisonic MIA, so I made a quick Sephora run for those items, and ended up getting 2 new polishes as well: “Cartwheels on the Catwalk”, a gorgeous light blue from the Betsey Johnson for Sephora by OPI collection; and “Not Your Average Turquoise”, a glitter polish, also from the Sephora by OPI collection.

Every time I visit my mom, I spend some time browsing her jewelry; and almost every one of those times, I snag something from her jewelry box. Everything just feels more special when it belongs to her so I spend a lot of time ‘borrowing’ pieces. After watching her parade around in a fabulous layered necklace with her suit on Mother’s Day, I decided that I needed it. It’s going to work perfectly with something that I wear this week…I just don’t know what yet. Stay tuned.

Wore

congrats AB!

Love the pleating on the back of this tuxedo style blazer. dress: Banana Republic / bag: Target / shoes: GUESS by Marciano

On Saturday I got to see AB graduate with her Master’s of Science in Marketing--such a proud friend moment! And for the occasion, I brought an oldie but goodie out of the closet: this yellow and white patterned Banana Republic dress; and topped it with a white tuxedo style blazer.

rings: GLITTERRINGS / watch: gifted / chain link bracelet: Etsy / necklace: Tiffany & Co. (gifted)

Saturday evening was spent running errands, so I opted for jeans, the blouse with the horses that I snagged from Francesca’s a couple of weeks ago, a black wedge and silver jewelry.

dress, belt: White House Black Market / shoes: Shoe Dazzle / sunglasses: Nordstrom

On Mother’s Day, I attended church and brunch with the family in the black and white striped dress I wore last Sunday to the Day at the Races event—but this time I changed up the accessories, wearing it with the fuchsia belt that came with the dress, and my shoe dazzle t-strap pumps with a hint of hot pink. Mom was uber stylish in her purple suit with white hat, gloves and bag that she got when we took T to NYC last month for his birthday. Doesn’t she look gorgeous??!!!

on fingers: 'Cartwheels on the Catwalk', 'Not Your Average Turquoise' accent, both Sephora for OPI / on toes: OPI 'Alpine Snow'

And of course, I couldn’t wait to try out my new polishes, so my nails got the blues with a little bit of sparkle. Glitter polishes and accent nails are pretty much my favorite things right now.

Hope you had a fantastic Mother’s Day weekend as well!

For more peeks at what I'm wearing, you can follow me on Instagram @chicmommy1 or fan my Facebook page and follow the feed from there.

Posh Event: A Day at the Races

Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of visiting the race track for the very first time, when I attended A Day at the Races – A Hat and Glove Affair, hosted by The Epsilon Omega Foundation of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

dress, belt and shoes: White House Black Market / hat: Banana Republic / bag: DSW / rings: GLITTERRINGS

Though Pimlico race track is in my backyard here in Baltimore and Preakness is a huge event every May, I’ve never actually gone. However, the opportunity to get dressed up in my grown lady best, don a hat and enjoy brunch with unlimited mimosas just seemed too good to resist! And with Mrs. E. and Mrs. H. as my companions, I knew it would be the best time.

Brunch was held in the second floor ballroom area with access to the races via screens all around the room, as well as windows that directly over looked the track. Guests were treated to eggs, bacon, sausage, French toast, fresh fruit, potato salad, pasta salad, tossed salad, cheesecake and more from the buffet, or one could customize a Belgian waffle or an omelet at one of the chef-manned stations. Afterwards we had the opportunity to bid on silent auction items, participate in the raffle and browse and shop items from the vendors (all of whom were African American females!), including the gorgeous jewelry that was beautifully displayed by Jewelz of Love and Traci Lynn Jewelry consultant, Camille Butler.

Jewelz of Love display table

Traci Lynn Jewelry display table

One of the most fun parts of the event was contest time. There was a “Hatitude” contest, where 21 female contestants got to strut their stuff--runway style--showing off why their hat was the most fashionable of them all; followed by a “Dapper Gentleman” contest, where the men attending the event got to make their ladies proud while showing off how sharp they were in their suits. In fact, everyone looked fantastic—in a society where hardly anyone gets dressed up for anything anymore, it was great to be in a room where everyone was putting their best stiletto (or Stacy Adams shoe) forward.

All proceeds from this fabulous first year event (which sold out!) benefit the group’s scholarship program. There’s no better feeling than knowing you’re having a great time—but that ultimately you’re giving back to the community.

Post-event, I got an opportunity to speak with Cylia E. Lowe, Esq.—one of the event’s organizers—to get her thoughts on the success of the day:

Cylia, far right, with members of
The Epsilon Omega and Iota Lambda Omega Chapters of
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

How many years have you been sponsoring and planning the A Day at the Races event?

This was the first year!

What sparked the initial conception of such a unique fundraiser?

Our sorors/sorority sisters in Brooklyn, New York--Delta Rho Omega chapter--have been doing an event entitled “Rosa T. Weatherless Day at the Races” for several years at Belmont. The pictures always looked so interesting and it was such a unique idea. I am good friends with one of the committee members and spoke with her about it; since our organization was founded in Baltimore city over 90 years ago (it's the oldest graduate chapter in the organization's North Atlantic region) it made perfect sense to have a similar event to not only expose our members to the fun of horse racing and Derby activities (like dressing up in hats and gloves) but to also boost the local economy by supporting a Baltimore institution like Pimlico Race course, which is in our "backyard."

Proceeds from this event benefit the recipients of your scholarship foundation; were you able to meet your goal for this year?

We actually did not set an ultimate goal for the silent auction since it was our first year but we did raise close to $1,000.00 and it gave us an opportunity to see if that type of fundraising effort would be successful.

What is the most important takeaway you hoped attendees would have when they left A Day at the Races?

I think the most important takeaway is that Baltimore is a wonderful city and we have a unique culture that should be celebrated! Also, a partnership like the one established between Pimlico Race course and the Epsilon Omega Foundation, Inc. is a fun and unique way to support our community, and to help enrich the lives of the citizens of our city while having a great time! Fundraising in tough economic times is difficult for any non profit so being creative is the key. This event allowed both members and non members of all ages and stages to come together as one and have a good time. Wearing "crowns" or church hats also is a unique cultural identifier of the African American community; this event celebrates that and allows us an opportunity to shine and feel good about our heritage. The staff at Pimlico told us we are the largest group to ever come to their establishment and even the other guest were having a grand time watching us. That's a win/win!

Photo by Terri Brown Powell

Towards the conclusion of the event, your event staff distributed surveys soliciting feedback about what they liked, or would like to see changed about the event. This is a fantastic strategy for gauging ROI, and improving events year over year. Off the top of your head, what new and exciting things might people be able to look forward to seeing at next year's A Day at the Races?

To be honest I was not sure how this event would turn out. I was cautiously optimistic that it would go over well and ticket sales went very well in a short period of time so in all honesty, I have not thought about next year yet. Based on the feedback from the surveys, more silent auction items will be secured from more generous local businesses for sure! In terms of the event I think that maybe we will enlarge the Hatitude categories from four to six, perhaps add a fascinator category and possibly have a shoe contest to add to the drama! You know women love their shoes!

It was great to see so many beautiful women dressed to the nines and sporting their hats; what was your favorite part of the day?

The "Hatitude" contest

The Hatitude contest for sure! The women looked so lovely! There were some show stoppers and there was so much positive energy and we just had so much fun! Oh--and the unlimited mimosas :-).

How can people get more information about your upcoming public events, or other ways to support the foundation?

They can visit our website at http://www.epsilonomega.org/.

Epsilon Omega Chapter. Photo by Omar Davis of OMD Images

*Photos included in interview portion, courtesy of Cylia Lowe. All others are my own.

5 Things I Want to Add to My Spring Wardrobe

With the sun peeking out only briefly a few days per week, it hasn’t felt quite right to go with the full on bright color and fun prints indicative of a spring wardrobe. But while waiting for the warmth to settle in, I’ve been keeping a watchful eye for 5 pieces that I know I want to add to my spring wardrobe.

Neon or pastel jeans

I’m not a huge jeans girl, but they are such a practical basic and this season’s neon and pastel styles are making me want to snag a pair. Adding a great print blouse--or even a white tee and scarf—along with a great heel makes this ideal for the season.

An envelope clutch

Envelope clutches are the perfect in-between bag: small enough to carry under your arm, but large enough to hold more than keys and a lipstick. Adoring this style.

Sandals

For the past few years I’ve opted for peep-toe pumps and sling backs. I have really wide feet, so the task of trying on dozens of sandals to find the right fit can be daunting. But I think that this year, I’m getting back in the game.

I’ve been drooling over this Zara basic sandal for weeks on Instagram, but I need to head into a store and try them on before purchasing. I have to be careful about ankle straps, making sure they don’t cut off my legs and make them look even shorter than they already are. 

A pastel pump

I mentioned wanting to snag a pair of these here. And they just keep showing up everywhere—on Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr—you name it. I searched for a great yellow pair I’d seen on Instagram at Cusp.com; but they were no longer available.

Pastel cardigans

What better way to fight the chill and look darling while doing it, than to wear a pastel cardigan? I have a few in my closet, but I could do with a few more since lately every day calls for layering.

What great pieces are you still trying to snag for spring?

Photos via: (1) The Blonde Salad / (2) Wendy's Look Book / (3) Pursuit of Shoes / (4) Zara / (5) Pinterest / (6) Cupcakes and Cashmere

Currently Inspired By…

I moved into my current space just about a year ago this month. When my son and I were first getting settled, I was very into nesting and pulling everything together the way I was envisioning in my mind’s eye. But as winter and cold settled in, my enthusiasm waned. Now, with spring in the air, and the natural inclination it brings to want to refresh and make things feel new and bright, I am reinvigorated in my quest to make my home more beautiful. Here are some of the things I am currently inspired by for this endeavor…

Stripes and Chevron

Pretty but Functional Closets
(and other multi-functional storage)

Ultra-Feminine Office Spaces

Elegant Mirrors

Do you feel the urge to update your home in the spring?

What are you currently inspired by?

All photos via Pinterest