Summer White

When asked what my favorite color is I always respond white.  Some would debate whether white is a color at all, but I love it because its calming, classic and very sexy when done right.

This past weekend I pulled out my crochet dress and straw hat.  I found the dress in Daffy's one summer but it didn't have a slip-dress attached.  I wonder if it was meant to be a bathing suit cover-up??  Anyway, I decided it was a dress and recently found a basic black cotton t-shirt dress from H&M to wear underneath.  I could of punched it up with some color but I kept it neutral.  Sometimes it's so hot you just want to keep your look cool...  Enjoy!

Dress ~ DAFFYS similar here

Shoes ~ DSW here

Clutch ~ STEVE MADDEN similar here

Hat ~ GAP similar here

Parents Just Dont Understand

One of the biggest arguments I've ever had with my Mom was about my career choice.  She didn't agree with my decision to leave my corporate job and become a floral designer.  I understand that it was out of love and her OWN fears that she did not want me to pursue my dreams, but it hurt nonetheless.  When it comes down to it we all want our parents to be proud of us.  We desire their approval, but my desire to live a life without regrets was greater.

I came across this awesome woman Marie Forleo this morning.  Her delivery style, her down to earth manner, her mantra, everything about her resonated with me.  She's a business and life coach and the white bestfriend I never had.  When you have 30 minutes PLEASE view her interview with Mastin Kipp, founder of TheDailyLove.Com.  He gives the story of his amazing life thus far but midway through the interview he talks about a conversation he had with his Mom about his choices. 

If your parents just don't understand, copy his response verbatim and have a heart to heart convo. with them.  Even if their behavior never changes atleast you've expressed yourself clearly and can move on.

International Luxury Shopping

Whenever I plan an international vacation, I also mark a shopping budget for 1 luxury item.  You can save hundreds of dollars when you purchase duty free.  But make sure you are in a country where the US$ is equal to or more than the local currency.  My favorite is Nassau, Bahamas.  A lot of cruise ships stop there.  Over the years I've gotten this Fendi shoulder bag in Nassau:

Saved $300 off retail plus duty free!

This Fendi clutch/crossbody in Mexico:

What can you get from Fendi for $200 nowadays? a key chain??

This Gucci fanny pack is from Nassau too.

 (Don't judge me, it was an impulse purchase).

In my personal opinion, it makes absolutely no sense to pay full price for luxury items.  Especially since the quality of some have deteriorated over the years (I'm talking to you Gucci). Now if your income is substantially in direct proportion to their retail costs, by all means.  But that's not my testimony.

Luxury items are a good investment.  If you keep them in good condition you can sell them at consignment years after purchase.  As a matter of fact some vintage items retail for more than the original cost.  Most of these companies have done an excellent job keeping their brand relevant over the years.  So for that I say, luxury accessories.... TIMELESS.

70's Vintage

I love to vintage shop.  Mostly because you can find unique pieces without the costly price tag.
I grabbed this piece off the rack when I spotted the funky print and it was only $15.00. HA! I love a steal..

Dress~Beacons Closet
Leather Sash~Victoria's Secret similar here
Clutch~H&M similar here
Nautical Brooch~H&M similar here
Shoes~Michael Kors similar here
Sunglasses~D&G similar here

How to set a Buffet Table

I get this question alot so I keep this diagram on hand to refresh my own memory.

There are many different and creative ways to set up your buffet.  My favorite is NOT a table against the wall but a free standing buffet.  It's two 6 ft-8ft tables side by side, creating one larger table that sits in the center of the room.  This allows for more guests to reach the items at one time.  I prefer it because you're less likely to have that long welfare cheese line (sorry coming from my own point of reference hahaha).

Use this diagram for your summer backyard barbecues or inside on a large dining room table.  Don't forget to add a "gorg" centerpiece to impress, but most of all don't forget to have fun entertaining this summer!

How Bad Do You Really Want It?

I sucked the middle fingers on my left hand until I was 14 years old.  My fingers and a soft pillow were all I needed to believe life was good.  My Mom would ask me to give up the habit, tried taping my fingers at night, nothing worked.  She started sending me to spend the summer with my cousins in Canada.  Since my ego hated getting teased I gave up my habit while I was with my cousins.  The desire not be teased was GREATER than my desire for my bad habit. When I returned home the first year I picked up my pillow and fell right back in.  But after my second summer a voice within said "Rochelle you don't miss it during the summer so why not just keep it going while your home dummy!"

We all need to apply this concept to our dreams and goals.  Is the desire for your own home greater than the desire to shop and travel?  What about your own business versus the security of a weekly paycheck?  Your target weight versus hating exercise?  How bad do you really want your dream fulfilled?  Do you really, really want it?  With every tear, sweat drop, beat of your heart?  We all say YES, YES, YES!  But if we really did, shouldn't it be as easy as dropping my "suck finga" habit?

Let's be honest with ourselves today and everyday. Let's trade in our bad habits for the things we really want (and deserve) out of life.  I want the abundant life Jesus died for me to have.  Let's Go!

Head Wraps

I love wearing head wraps.  I used to rock them in the 90's (a la Erica Badu) the first time I went natural.  More recently, June Ambrose and Solange Knowles have inspired me to wear them again.  It's a great way to accessorize and hide bad hair days.  Even though it's in fashion currently it's really more of a cultural beauty statement that has never gone away.  My loc wearing brother and sisters never stopped wrapping their heads.  So in essence, it really is TIMELESS.

There are many different ways to wrap, from the extravagant Nigerian Gele to a Indian Turban.  A lot of people ask me how I create them and honestly, I just play with an extra large scarf or one yard of material until it looks like something.  If I had a video camera (add me to your prayer list please) I'd create a video for you guys.  But until then, here's one by Destiny Godley that will help. LUV her creativity!