So...Sunday I Watched "The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz"

When I was growing up, the fashion world always appeared to me as this magical far away land, which would bring me self fulfillment and bliss. This world, painted to be so glamorous and luxurious, proved to be driven by creative engines and masterminds, was a place I wanted to call home. Oh... but getting to this far away land would prove to be one of the hardest tasks in my life, and I’m most certain that once there, staying in this land would be even harder. Since I first laid my big brown eyes on this world, via a Vogue magazine on my Aunt’s center table, I have done nothing but work hard to reach this place.

This past Sunday I watched The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and oh how it reminded me of myself and my quest to follow the “Yellow Brick Road” and enter the doors of “Emerald City” (the fashion industry). I believe my quest began at age 13 when I entered one of those national model searches, and I got selected in the first

round… but of course my father thought that my dreams to become a model was idiotic and that I should focus on becoming a doctor or something. Becoming a doctor or anything else of that matter was crazy to me. I loved fashion; dressing up everyday (in what my friends thought was a crazy style), changing my hairstyle everyday, and even knowing how to do make-up by age 15, surely let me know that fashion was my true calling. But how would I make it there?...To this wonderful place that I dreamed of being in every night. As I got older I continued with different model searches and modeling in college fashion shows, I also worked at some of the major fashion department stores/clothing stores to expand on my knowledge of the fashion industry; and I also became a make-up artist at one of the leading cosmetics lines. Now, still on my quest to “Emerald City”, I noticed that I’ve met similar characters as those in the movie, such as Scarecrow, Tin Man, and The Lion. What’s strange is, the characters that I met were all within me! I’ve brought out characteristics on this journey that are very similar to fear, lack of courage, and lack of heart. On this yellow brick road I have submit myself to fear of failing, at some points I lost my heart and love for the industry, and gave up my courage to succeed. But these characteristics never overcame the one characteristic that stand strong within me, natural talent. I know I have the talent to succeed in the fashion industry and once you recognize that, nothing else can stray you away from what you want to become! The Mauve Society has been the best GPS system that God has provided me with to quickly navigate my way to Emerald City…and you know what else?...I have many spare tires in my trunk that will get me there just as fast! …And once I officially enter those gates to “Emerald City”…there’s no going back to Kansas!

SO...YESTERDAY I TOOK A BREAK

Yesterday at work I found myself bored, with plenty to do. So I took a break from my tasks and decided to sit in the lobby with the receptionist. She and I usually like to have round table discussions on different topics, but mainly guys and relationships. Now during our conversation my coworker (a guy) came into the lobby and was inquiring about what we were giggling about. I told him we we talking about how guys are picky about females appearances. We told him that some guys could be very particular about the way a female wears their hair, how much make up they wear, and most importantly the way they dress. Now me personally, I love to hear what a man has to say about women and relationships. It gives me a glimpse into the crazy world in which they operate. He started by saying that he had no problem if a "chick" wears hair extensions or not, as long as her hair is nicely kept. Which is a general statement for most men, but what caught my attention is when he continued on by saying how he couldn't stand for a girl that was "too trendy". He shared a story about a past girlfriend that he said, "over dressed on every occasion", and it drove him crazy so he eventually stopped taking her places. He ranted, "I remember one time we were gonna go see a football game and she came dressed in a short mini skirt, a tight shirt, boots, and way too many accessories."

He argued that none of that was really needed to go watch football. He also said that he was into the trends, but that when you overdue it, the outcome could be a catastrophe. I completely agree with my coworker. Being trendy takes a lot of skill and it should be noted to everyone that just because you go into a Gucci store and by out the whole boutique, you can still come out looking like a nightmare! There are ways to incorporate your way of fashion into the trends, without looking like a walking mannequin from a department store. You want to be able to dress appropriately for every different occasion, while still maintaining the trend. For example, if I were going to a basketball/football game with a guy there's nothing wrong with putting on a nice pair of Seven jeans, a crisp white v-neck t-shirt (American Apparel), and some comfortable flat boots (depending on the weather).

Now with this outfit, you've achieved a nice comfortable look that still makes you look sexy, because if you've chosen the correct Seven jeans, they are sure to hug your curves just right; and that v-neck t-shirt will draw attention to the chest area without trying so hard to do so. So ladies, when you are going out on dates, or out with your boyfriend, fit the trend... but make sure the trend doesn't out do you! The guys are watching!!! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

So...I Was In A Nordstrom Restroom

This past weekend I had to go to Nordstrom with my close friend to help her pick out an outfit for an event (it has actually come to my attention that more and more each day I have become a personal stylist/shopper for some of my friends, which I honestly don't mind doing because as you all know...fashion is my passion! So if anyone is in desperate need of assistance don't be afraid to contact me for help)! This particular trip to Nordstrom was very different for me, very touching, and heart warming and it allowed me to think about myself, my character, and how I present myself on the outside and on the inside. As my friend was trying on shoes, I kindly dismissed myself and told her that I had to use the restroom. When I got to the restroom, the line stretched as far into the women's lounge area! So I stood in line behind this young girl, maybe the age of twelve or thirteen. As we moved our way up through the line there was this huge mirror opposite of us. I turned to it and began to look at this very large, full-length mirror that showed a reflection of everyone waiting in the line. As I was staring at myself, I began to think about all my imperfections. My weight, my hair, everything was being questioned in my mind, and although I am a confident women, I have my moments where I sometimes question the beauty on the outside. As I was staring at the mirror, wondering if there's a special potion I could drink to get rid of my back fat, the young girl turned to me and said, "Hey, you are very pretty!" I was so shocked and I looked to her and said "well young lady, you are very beautiful!" She had the biggest smile filled with shiny braces one could ever dream of having. This young girl had beauty inside and out, and her comment made me forget about all of my imperfections and made me think to embrace them. This young girl may not have been the glamorous, beauty queen, typical thirteen year old; but she was beautiful indeed...for recognizing the beauty in others takes having confidence in oneself. I have worked in the fashion and beauty industries for quite some time, and I have encountered many people with different issues that spend thousands of dollars to buy the things to correct them. But the lessoned learned inside the Nordstrom bathroom was, aside from having all the beauty on the outside...the real beauty always shows brighter from within.

Peace

Madam Shai

So... Saturday I Went To New York City

My alarm went off around 5:30 am and I rolled over and hit the snooze button. Then twenty minutes later my phone rang, causing me to jump out of my dream. It was my cousin telling me to wake up and start getting ready, she would be leaving in the next 30 to 45 minutes to pick me up for our Saturday trip to New York City. Initially I was excited about our trip, but when I got up I felt so tired and weak that all the enthusiasm left my body. Now, in the front of my mind I know that NYC is the fashion capital; but in the back of my mind I really felt like dressing as comfortable as possible. When I left the house I decided on wearing my D&G skinny jeans, paired with a black and white stripped hooded shirt. I also wore my black, patent leather, t-strap, low-heel wedges; but never fret Mauve…I threw a pair of black flip flops inside my Bulga bag for added comfort! So as we made are way up 295N, my cousin and I were engaged in humorous talks about popular culture from music to fashion, we covered the whole realm of things. We discussed the disastorous “Curt-Curt” (50 Cents) and how he went from wearing bullet proof vests to trying to wear tailored suit jackets and skinny jeans. Horrific! After arriving in New York we spent a couple of hours handling the business that we went up there for and after that was completed, I came across the Alice & Olivia boutique. When we walked in, it was as if we stepped into a scene from Alice in Wonderland. Overly exaggerated furniture, large ceramic mushrooms sprung up from green grass carpets, and opened closets were set around the bright lit store. I began to look through the collection and was very impressed with the pieces they had to offer. Alice & Olivia is the brainchild of Stacy Bendet and was launched in 2002. She started by creating low rise pants which caught the eyes of many celebrities. She now has full contemporary collection line and operates three boutiques. In the store some pieces had much glitz and shine, the look resembled the Hamptons’ princesses and Hollywood starlet staples—bright floaty dresses, flirty tops, short shorts, and low-rise pants galore! After we visited the boutique it was time to pack it up and head home. Now, I’m a person that pays close attention to every detail in my surroundings; so I always notice the smallest things. As we were about to enter the Lincoln tunnel, I noticed one of the hottest billboard campaigns I’ve seen in a while! There was a guy dressed in a sharp tailored suit; but it was the essence of the way the suit was worn that initially caught my attention. Any man can wear a suit…I mean look at “Curt-Curt”, but it is the essence of the man wearing the suit that gives life to it. The billboard was a campaign for Hugo Boss Men and the suits worn were classic but spun a bit of edge. The bold colors of the shirt and tie matched flawlessly with the suit jacket and pant; which brought effervescence to the campaign. Hugo Boss has been a winning leader in providing elegant menswear and women’s wear. The Fall 2007 collection for all the Hugo Boss lines (Boss Orange, Boss Green, Boss Black, Hugo, and Boss Selection) reflects the mission of the brand: “creating a brand world of extraordinary fashion diversity at a constantly high level of quality.” Please check out these designer websites: Alice & Olivia- http://www.aliceandolivia.com/ (The site is under construction…shop online at http://www.bleuclothing.com/ Hugo Boss- http://www.hugoboss.com/ (View complete collections for all Hugo Boss Brands)