By Katrice
If you've been anywhere in my vicinity over the past 77 days, you know that I've been on a shopping fast. I use the word fast because it moved beyond both challenge and hiatus to feeling like more of a religious observance at times. Remember, I'm dramatic. Nevertheless, I am glad that I've been able to maintain. I'll admit, I had some doubts that I'd make it to the end.
In the first 30 days, it felt as if the days were increasing instead of winding down. I had to take a step away from my favorite blog sites. I rarely clicked pinterest or other links on Twitter that I believed would lead to some magnificent retail find that may knock me off the wagon. I describe such instances as shopping twinges.
My friends and family have helped. They've actually been rather amazing. I've been counting down on facebook and Twitter, and every few days someone pops by to encourage me to keep on keepin' on. Friend Tasha {the owner of Imperfect Concepts online boutique ... a whole lot of retail goodness right at her fingertips} actually gave up shopping for 30 days in support. Love that. And so finally yesterday began the final 14-day descent.
On Day 31, I started a Day 91 list — fresh flowers, translucent powder ... pink suede platforms. Before the hiatus, I said I wasn't much a shoe person ... easily more inclined to shop for handbags. Well, as soon as this thing got underway good, none of the shoes in my closet sufficed. Listen, this type of undertaking will draw out all of your {style} idiosyncrasies. lol Over the weekend, the Day 91 list took a complete turn towards shoes.
Since I was out with a friend who was actually making purchases at Nordstrom Rack, I decided to do a little window shopping. Here's what I was loving.
If you've been anywhere in my vicinity over the past 77 days, you know that I've been on a shopping fast. I use the word fast because it moved beyond both challenge and hiatus to feeling like more of a religious observance at times. Remember, I'm dramatic. Nevertheless, I am glad that I've been able to maintain. I'll admit, I had some doubts that I'd make it to the end.
In the first 30 days, it felt as if the days were increasing instead of winding down. I had to take a step away from my favorite blog sites. I rarely clicked pinterest or other links on Twitter that I believed would lead to some magnificent retail find that may knock me off the wagon. I describe such instances as shopping twinges.
My friends and family have helped. They've actually been rather amazing. I've been counting down on facebook and Twitter, and every few days someone pops by to encourage me to keep on keepin' on. Friend Tasha {the owner of Imperfect Concepts online boutique ... a whole lot of retail goodness right at her fingertips} actually gave up shopping for 30 days in support. Love that. And so finally yesterday began the final 14-day descent.
On Day 31, I started a Day 91 list — fresh flowers, translucent powder ... pink suede platforms. Before the hiatus, I said I wasn't much a shoe person ... easily more inclined to shop for handbags. Well, as soon as this thing got underway good, none of the shoes in my closet sufficed. Listen, this type of undertaking will draw out all of your {style} idiosyncrasies. lol Over the weekend, the Day 91 list took a complete turn towards shoes.
Since I was out with a friend who was actually making purchases at Nordstrom Rack, I decided to do a little window shopping. Here's what I was loving.
Sam Edelman
Jeffrey Campbell
Marco Santi
Sam Edelman
Sam Edelman
By Katrice
I enjoyed the spoils of early access to C. Wonder at Lenox Mall in Atlanta on Thursday as the store opened the doors of it's first location in the south to select media. And my first experience with the brand was absolutely kid in a candy store delectable. My shopping hiatus countdown has taken on new fervor.
{Brunch. Easily the best parfait I've ever tasted. I'll be attempting to recreate.}
I enjoyed the spoils of early access to C. Wonder at Lenox Mall in Atlanta on Thursday as the store opened the doors of it's first location in the south to select media. And my first experience with the brand was absolutely kid in a candy store delectable. My shopping hiatus countdown has taken on new fervor.
From apparel to accessories, home décor to personal electronics, and a myriad of unusual gifts in every category, each and every product is designed to reflect and enhance all elements of a woman’s life. C. Wonder blends classic designs with refreshing twists, whimsical prints and an unlimited dose of breathtaking colors. I couldn't help but feel like I'd stepped into a Kate Spade boutique — an affect synonymous with throwing caution and your shopping budget to the wind. Animal prints, paisleys, stripes, monograms, eye-catching solids, polka dots ... everything a girl loves. I chatted with a store associate who assured me that this brilliance is year-round. Colors and {for the south} layering pieces, essentials in our mild climate, will be a mainstay.
Amy Shecter, president of the company, believes this, in fact, is what C. Wonder does best.
"We created C. Wonder to appeal to a wide range of women — those that are shopping for themselves or looking for a gift or both. We are a one-stop retail destination for her," she says.
And what the Atlanta woman is looking for has already been noted: "Our jewelry, colored skinny jeans, silk blouses, nylon pouches that can be monogrammed and our decorative pillows have all been flying off the shelves at our Atlanta location."
For fall, we can expect an abundance of sweaters, and some of the brand's favorite fall knits like Intarsia Sweaters and a striped turtleneck, Shecter dishes. In outerwear, be on the lookout for a coat with a fabulous faux fur collar.
Amy Shecter, president of the company, believes this, in fact, is what C. Wonder does best.
"We created C. Wonder to appeal to a wide range of women — those that are shopping for themselves or looking for a gift or both. We are a one-stop retail destination for her," she says.
And what the Atlanta woman is looking for has already been noted: "Our jewelry, colored skinny jeans, silk blouses, nylon pouches that can be monogrammed and our decorative pillows have all been flying off the shelves at our Atlanta location."
For fall, we can expect an abundance of sweaters, and some of the brand's favorite fall knits like Intarsia Sweaters and a striped turtleneck, Shecter dishes. In outerwear, be on the lookout for a coat with a fabulous faux fur collar.
According to the brand, the average C. Wonder product is under $40. Of the pieces that I cataloged on a mental {and pictorial} wish list, the prices ranged between $30 {colored stud earrings} and $80 {a hot pink iPad case with a keyboard}. Not bad at all.
{Brunch. Easily the best parfait I've ever tasted. I'll be attempting to recreate.}
And so, a pictorial {and video, thanks to my trusty Droid Incredible} tour of everything I'll be back for.
More C. Wonder goodness here.
By Katrice
Forever 21 | Guess | Banana Republic
By Katrice
Exciting news! I'm thrilled to share that I've been asked by Verizon Wireless to be one of its Ambassadors for the next few months. Almost a partnership that didn't happen, I was a little nervous when approached about participating because I was worried about chatting it up on MVL about something I wasn't in love with {especially since I've synced most of my life up on my iPhone}. Verizon's reply: We want you to be completely transparent. Me: Perfect! I'm all about bottom lines, even when they're not warm and fuzzy.
Exciting news! I'm thrilled to share that I've been asked by Verizon Wireless to be one of its Ambassadors for the next few months. Almost a partnership that didn't happen, I was a little nervous when approached about participating because I was worried about chatting it up on MVL about something I wasn't in love with {especially since I've synced most of my life up on my iPhone}. Verizon's reply: We want you to be completely transparent. Me: Perfect! I'm all about bottom lines, even when they're not warm and fuzzy.
So, I was in.
As part of the {Verizon Wireless Ambassador} program, I received a HTC Droid Incredible 4G and a test-my-heart out service plan for use in my power and leisure time, and will share my opinions with you about the device and how it fits into my hustle and bustle. I've told you before that I'm a bit of a techie, so this is somewhat of a match made in blogger heaven. Since I try to do as much on my phone as possible, I've hit the ground running surveying its features and capabilities, and of course -- syncing my email and social media accounts.
I'm actually really excited to test its capacity while traipsing the streets on New York City in a couple of weeks. To get things started, however, I've already discovered my favorite features so far: Automatic weather updates waiting on the screen each morning and video messaging. Two thumbs up!
I'm actually really excited to test its capacity while traipsing the streets on New York City in a couple of weeks. To get things started, however, I've already discovered my favorite features so far: Automatic weather updates waiting on the screen each morning and video messaging. Two thumbs up!
By Katrice
I love a good chunky afro puff, but you probably already know that if you're here often or follow me on instagram {MyVicariousLyfe}. I can dress it up or down, and change the look of the style by its positioning. People always ask me what I'm using to hold it up and to smooth my edges. So, I'm overdue for a how-to.
What I use: Organic Root Stimulator Smooth-n-Hold Pudding or Beautiful Textures Moisture Butter {I discovered BT Moisture Butter because I ran out of ORS Pudding and had to use the products I already have since I'm on a shopping hiatus. Good things have come of this! lol}, a medium bristle brush, cloth stretch headband.
What I do: The best afro puffs are after I've had a twist out for a few days {sleeping with it covered by a satin bonnet} and my hair has volumized into a chunky afro. The bigger my afro, the better the poof.
Apply just enough ORS Smoothing Pudding or BT Moisture Butter to the edges of your hairline to brush them to the smoothness you desire. Neither of these products harden or remain greasy, which is a plus for if you like it to look natural.
Even if you can't find stretchy multi-strand cloth headbands like the ones I have from Goody, you can use a pair of pantyhose that has been fashioned into a headband. You need one that's just large enough to wrap place around your neck and twice, so that it's tight but not too tight to push up over your face and onto your hair.
Tip: As you get the band to the edge of your hair and start to push it up, pushing it up in the back versus too far back from the front will allow a more full puff and not put so much pressure on the crown of your head. You shouldn't have a headache with this style. {smile}
By Katrice
I love the Olympics. Part of it involves the glimpse into the many world cultures and another is the sheer spirit of it. Something about whole nations cheering for their athletes sends a chill down my spine. It's just simply exciting. This year, however, social media has opened up a whole new world of commentary and reaction to the competition and participants. And in the past week, I have been doubly inspired by what we're all experiencing from miles away as if we were right there in the stands. The first night I watched 17-year-old Missy Franklin earn a gold medal in the Women's 100-meter Backstroke, I was literally speechless. As well, like everyone else — Gabrielle Douglas' story has moved me like experiencing someone close to me achieve a phenomenal feat. And from their triumphs, I have been taking notes.
5. Sincerity, by itself, can produce.
All of the talk about Gabrielle's hair left me thinking of what it is about her that brought her to her pinnacle moment of success, thus far. I knew that she, like all of her competitors, practiced hard and that she was focused. She had to be to be separated from her family for her art at such a young age. And what I concluded is that it was her sincerity. I was talking with a colleague recently and said to him, not many of us would be willing to lay aside our cares about our outer appearance for the sake of being the best. Sincerity about being not just the best but the best in the world will do that.
4. Study. Practice. Believe. Execute.
You can't sidestep anyone of these in your pursuit of greatness.
3. Work.
So many times, we observe a person's success and we want that. It could be their toned physique, acclaimed career or notoriety of expertise ... It's normal. But, we should always consider their back story. If we look into their back story, one thing will always be consistent: Their willingness to work without fainting. Endurance, as well as a willingness to endure, is key.
2."Overnight success" usually follows years of quiet sacrifice.
It takes a great deal of commitment to the process of seasoning. And with each level of sacrifice, there is a reward. I always say there is power in finishing. Finish what you start. It's like fuel. You believe a little bit more with every level you succeed. Sacrifice increases your capacity.
1. Sometimes, all of your hard work can be tested in one defining moment.
Stay ready.
I love the Olympics. Part of it involves the glimpse into the many world cultures and another is the sheer spirit of it. Something about whole nations cheering for their athletes sends a chill down my spine. It's just simply exciting. This year, however, social media has opened up a whole new world of commentary and reaction to the competition and participants. And in the past week, I have been doubly inspired by what we're all experiencing from miles away as if we were right there in the stands. The first night I watched 17-year-old Missy Franklin earn a gold medal in the Women's 100-meter Backstroke, I was literally speechless. As well, like everyone else — Gabrielle Douglas' story has moved me like experiencing someone close to me achieve a phenomenal feat. And from their triumphs, I have been taking notes.
5. Sincerity, by itself, can produce.
All of the talk about Gabrielle's hair left me thinking of what it is about her that brought her to her pinnacle moment of success, thus far. I knew that she, like all of her competitors, practiced hard and that she was focused. She had to be to be separated from her family for her art at such a young age. And what I concluded is that it was her sincerity. I was talking with a colleague recently and said to him, not many of us would be willing to lay aside our cares about our outer appearance for the sake of being the best. Sincerity about being not just the best but the best in the world will do that.
4. Study. Practice. Believe. Execute.
You can't sidestep anyone of these in your pursuit of greatness.
3. Work.
So many times, we observe a person's success and we want that. It could be their toned physique, acclaimed career or notoriety of expertise ... It's normal. But, we should always consider their back story. If we look into their back story, one thing will always be consistent: Their willingness to work without fainting. Endurance, as well as a willingness to endure, is key.
2."Overnight success" usually follows years of quiet sacrifice.
It takes a great deal of commitment to the process of seasoning. And with each level of sacrifice, there is a reward. I always say there is power in finishing. Finish what you start. It's like fuel. You believe a little bit more with every level you succeed. Sacrifice increases your capacity.
1. Sometimes, all of your hard work can be tested in one defining moment.
Stay ready.
By Katrice
