A Single Black Female Addicted To Retail

You Got To Be Happy In Life

Well, a single black male addicted to retail. Like Azealia said “You got to spend a lot for this behavior…” An addiction to retail is not going to kill you like other addictions will but still admitting that your powerless and that you want to “kick the habit” no pun intended is just as hard. Let’s break it down in some simple steps to change our retail addiction ways. Ready?

Steps For The Sneaker Addiction:

1. 1.If you can’t fight the addiction of plastic in your wallet, keep it in the safe deposit box and pay in cash. Maintaining a high balance, followed by paying the bare minimum,basically is setting yourself to stay in a  never-ending debt cycle.
2. Admit you have a problem to your retail addiction. Mine is shoes, particularly sneakers. Denying that you have a problem is going to keep you further from returning to a normal life. Tell a friend, parent, God, somebody who you think is going to care.
3. Make a list of what you have. Honestly, ask yourself when was the last time you took the time to at the box on the bottom of the shelf.  You’ll probably think twice about purchasing a new pair and in the midst of it all find a new home for the ones you already have.

   

   These are like something amazing!!

4. I buy shoes to match outfits. Gotta cut it out. Once the shoes go, the other stuff should probably do the same.
5. Having an addiction to sneakers has probably caused hurt to the ones you love. Oprah has to apologize. You can too.
6. Give it to the Salvation Army. There’s Goodwill too. You’ll giveaway half. It’ll help you appreciate what you can live without while bringing joy into someone’s life.
7. Buy a pair of Crocs. Crocs will show you who your real friends. Real friends will stay with you thru “The Good, The Bad & The Ugly!”
8. Ask yourself “Why do I need this shoe?” if you understand the reason behind it, maybe you’ll stop yourself
9. Go get yourself a pair of kicks!!! You went through all that hard work! Now reward yourself!!!

Jeremy Scott x Adidas Originals “Bears” in Gold and Silver!!!!!! OH EM GEE!!!!

The holidays may be over but these will be my next and final pair……before having to get a normal pair of shoes. I’m pretty sure, I’ve said that before………

 

 

Shoe Addiction: New Year’s Eve

Inside the FW 2010/11 Lookbook that came with the shoes

As far as I’m concerned, I truly don’t need another pair of shoes for a while. Today, I was going to through and organize all of my shoes and clothes that I don’t wear anymore to get ready for donation. I got distracted after talking with my Grandmother this morning, so then I just decided to put it off until tomorrow.

New Year’s Eve will be interesting. I never like to really go out on NYE, because it’s just an unnecessary hassle. This year, I’m going out by myself too, which is just another anxiety provoking thought because I have to really pay attention to people around me. So for Christmas, I really wanted a new pair of winter boots. I typically wear moonboots, despite the name behind the brand, I feel as though the quality is rather inferior to what the standard is. This year, as I was searching for boots, I remembered Lil Wayne had a pair in the music video for “The Motto“, being able to remember the brand, I immediately started searching.

Fall Winter Campaign 2010-2011

I don’t know why but I love it

A simpler version of the Space Boot

Upon their arrival, I immediately knew that I couldn’t wear them out on NYE as much as I want to. I’m just afraid that someone is going to spill a drink and then trying to find someone to clean them…DISASTER! Unbeknownst to me, it came with the FW 2010/2011 lookbook campaign. I really got lucky finding these because they were brand new, not even taken out of the box once. Amazing!!They’re insanely comfortable feel as though I’m walking on the moon. So cool. Definitely going in the books as one of my favorite pair of shoes, if not my favorite pair.

Space Boots. Walking On Air.

Weezy, how do you keep them clean?

Somehow, I feel as though this might be a bitch much to wear on NYE.

In all honesty, except for two pairs of Y.R.U. and the teddy bears, I’m all set on shoes. I guess the question that I never asked “What should I wear with them?” I was almost thinking grey or silver denim and probably just  a white or black shirt. Keep it cute and simple. What is everyone doing for New Years?

WHERE TO FIND:  There are multiple shoe sites that I follow that carry the brand but these are ones that I pay attention to.

Yoox is now having  a sale on Forfex. Great prices. Great choice.

ASOS also carries the brand as well and they have nice sales as well.

DROOLOVER is the official website and online store of the Forfex brand which is now closed until Jan 02, 2014.

 

 

Jeffrey Campbell: Popp Urban Outfitters Edition

The note inside the lid

Over the weekend while in Los Angeles, I was contemplating getting the Jeffrey Campbell’s that I mentioned in the last post. I couldn’t decide between the Urban Outfitters  version because their version is different from the Karmaloop version. This edition has “Love” & “Hate” on the left and right shoe. The other version is just the metal lines.

I believe I ordered them Saturday and splurged for the next day arrival.Well, I didn’t get home from L.A. until Monday and sure enough there were my shoes awaiting for me. Everything about this is interesting. The box is vibrant but the usage of color is simple. Inside the box there’s a note on lined paper. Cute.

The shoes are unique because they glow in the dark. They are all white. Black soles. Silver non-lace. It’s a curved metal band. There’s no ties at all. It’s tighter fit but I knew it might be. If I had gone with the Karmaloop, I could have ordered size 11 but Urban doesn’t have that. Anyways…….

Love. Hate.

I decided to take the shoe out of the box last night to try it on when I got home from the day. I stick my foot and sa I go to zip up. What happens? Tell me what happens? Yup….it ripped at the seam near the zipper. I had to double take to make sure that I wasn’t mistaken. WTF?! Jeffrey Campbell, we just got married last week and you want a divorce already?!?! I couldn’t believe it was happen. I thought I could get away with wearing. Being dramatic and upset, I called Urban’s customer care line as if my life was over. It isn’t ruined but damn sure my outfit for Friday night is ruined. I’ve seriously worn every shoe in my closet I think? I have one more option which would be these amazing Cole Haan’s that I haven’t actually worn yet but I don’t want those for Friday I want my Jeffrey’s!!!!

Urban Outfitters has awesome customer service

So anyways, Urban Outfitters is amazing. They were so helpful, we were able to get the new pair shipped off. Although, I assumed it was going to happen to both pairs and I noticed that they have another pair, “Krakle”, it’s not a high top like” Popp” which is actually better. They unfortunately couldn’t make the switch since they are two different items and I have a defective pair. Ugh. I just want my shoes for Friday night. Whatever, I’ll survive. If anybody has any tips or tricks on how I can wear it and make it okay, let me know because the shoes actually fit.

Overall, I love the shoe so far. I can’t wait to see it actually glow in the dark more. Unfortunately, I wish it were a bit sturdier to where something like this doesn’t happen. Krakle is cute too. If it didn’t say the same words, I’d probably entertain the idea of getting them as well. Oh well,I am just really thankful that the situation is being resolved.

Krakle

See the rip!!

Cute.

Still cute.

Jeffrey Campbell, Will You Marry Me?

He has won my heart. He has made me complete. Jeffrey Campbell, let’s elope! Aside from my other shoe designer obsession with Cinzia Araia which unfortunately I am not able to fit her designs(at least The Rabbit), Jeffrey Campbell is the only brand I want to wear forever.

Such Beauty

Vintage. Fashion forward. Runway. Boho. Glam. Futuristic. Impractical. Functional. Are words that describe the brand and it’s truly becoming one of the brands to know around the world. There’s truly a shoe for everyone, woman or man. You can find a shoe that’s out of this world and rock star or you can find a shoe that you can wear to the office that sets you apart from the woman with the kitten heel. The shoes look great whether it’s dressed down or dressed up. Each shoe gives the wearer the ability to find a way to showcase their personality. The Jeffrey Campbell Girl(Boy) is a confident person who marches to the beat of their own drum.

GLOW

As if I should be shopping at this moment in life but whatever. So Jeffrey has decided to torture me this Fall/Winter season and make available for sale either on Karmaloop or UrbanOutfitters…..GLOW IN THE DARK SNEAKERS!!! Honestly, that’s so cool! There are multiple types of sneakers, heels, platforms and more available from this collection. I really need (want) a pair.

Popp(Love Hate Edition) Glow in The Dark Urban Outfitters

Jeffrey Campbell, I ask you to marry me. It’ll be a great union. I’ll wear amazing shoes. You’ll have inspiration. It’ll beautiful. Think about it. In all honesty, you are so talented and your shoes bring joy to many people. Thank you!!!

 

Dre

www.jeffreycampbellshoes.com

 

Obsession Confession: Studded Thangs

Only at Patricia Field’s

Ever since I bought my Christian Louboutins studded loafers, I’ve been hooked on studs! Studded clothing is great. Studs give a little bit of edge without going overboard. However, you are entitled to go overboard and that’s ok too. Nobody’s judging!

Right now, I’m wearing studded items such as shoes. In particular sneakers, I think it’s super fun on sneakers and who doesn’t want to have a slight bit of edge in their style?!

Here We Go:

Elevation In Denim by YRU

Obsession: 

YRU Elevation Denim

Why? What’s So Great?:

Aside from the fact that it’s denim that’s slightly destroyed. It’s a 2 inch platform that is styling and profiling. NO, really though it’s amazing. I love the fact that I have some height but not too much. It’s a super comfortable and controlled walk except that when I wore them home, I literally fell as I walking from the train. OH DRE!

One Minor Flaw:

Since I’m used to walking in a wedge, a flat platform is a little bit more difficult to navigate but whatever. You live and let learn. Right?

I like this brand so much that I am keeping it to myself!!!!

Where To Buy: 

Karmaloop.com, Solestruck.com, Net-a-portor.com, patriciafield.com

You Can’t Just Tell Someone They Have A Boston Accent….

Truer statements couldn’t have been made.EVER!

“You can’t just tell someone they have a Boston accent. That’s the rules of feminism!”-Gretchen Weiners

I just can’t believe that I have a Boston accent….WTF?!

So I’m sitting at Club Cafe hosting a pity party for myself and the conversation at the other end of the bar isn’t all that intriguing right away. However, someone needed directions and the directions they were all wrong so I decided to chime in. Chime in, was probably the wrong to do. He asked me where to go “I said 9 Newbury St”….to which he plugged into his GPS on his phone. I looked at him and said that he was spelling it wrong. I said “Not Berry, Bury.” He looked at me puzzled and confused. That’s when another person at the bar chimed in and said “Welcome To Boston!”…..THE SHOCK THAT CAME OVER MY FACE! I looked at the boy who was from Savannah, GA and asked him “Do I talk like a Bostonian?”…..not answering right away he looked at me and then said with a nice smile “Yes you do sweetie. It’s ok. Your hair is fierce though!”

All my life I’ve tried not to talk like a Bostonian but what ended up happening…Anyways….the point of this blog was something else but I had to share this since it was freshly happening as I was writing the main focal point.

LuisaViaRoma Fall 2013 Collection

I like to think of myself as a Chameleon in some ways. I like to change it up & shake it up. Spice is the variety of life and keeps us interesting characters. So I always tell myself I’m going to reinvent myself into something fabulous. I used to have a daring edge and have a bit more of an edge when I was younger. So I thought.

Givenchy Wool Paneled Men’s Skirt

Alexander McQueen Trousers

Ripped Wool/Viscose Gauze Trousers by Julius

I know better than to get my hopes up with Cinzia Araia

$1188 and this Rick Owens can be on your soles

I know it’s normal to feel in a style rut sometimes. It’s normal and happens to everyone. This is my inspiration for the fall though. I think that incorporating some of these themes and elements into my Style Renovation for the fall will give me an edge. The edge that I miss about myself. The edgiest I get now is blonde hair and my new-found love for black eyebrows. That’s rather disappointing and boring.

Why Fit In When You Were Born To Stand Out?

I’d like to know what you do when you get into a fashion rut? How do you pull yourself out? Do you go through your closet and reinvent yourself that way? Feel free to share your thoughts. I will respond to everyone that leaves a comment.

Dre

 

Where To Find Items:

LuisaViaRoma

 

It Was Meant To Be, You Were Meant For Me…..

So That Means We Gotta Make It Work

Wrapped High Top Sneaker aka Rabbit from CA by Cinzia

Everybody that knows me knows that I am a freak for shoes. I love shoes because of the way that can transform the outfit that a person is wearing and allow that user to stand out or blend into the crowd. I believe in standing out with my footwear and basing my outfits off my footwear. It’s easier than having to plan the outfit and then having to worry about the shoes. Start from the bottom up, am I right?

Anyways, in a earlier blog I had written about this interesting luxurious but casual sneaker that I saw on Barneys.com . To recap what the details that were mentioned, the parent brand is Cinzia Araia and this was her offshoot brand CA by Cinzia Araia. Which is the more street wear inspired footwear line and at a bit lower of a prince point then the parent Cinzia Araia. This shoe is just amazing and in doing research for my marketing class about the brand, I learned a lot about the shoe and the concept and not just adding this too my closet.

Cinzia Araia started in 2010 and in 2011 introduced us to CA by Cinzia Araia. With this new label underneath her still new label, she developed the Wrapped High Top Sneaker.

Wrapped High Top Sneaker in Black

The really amazing thing that keeps drawing me back to these shoes are how versatile they are. You can always be funky fresh dressed ready to party or you can wear it a little more rock star subtle. Perfect for the office fashionista who is afraid to really be edgy but still right for the mom picking up her kids from school. By the way, did I mention that they are actually unisex so for the metrosexual who is feeling comfortable in his sexuality he can purchase a pair and look ever so good! This particular style runs from about $315-$345 depending on what site you buy from.

So the reason the particular style of sneakers is also known as The Rabbit is because of the long laces that are inspired by the ears of a rabbit. The laces are long because it gives the wearer the ability to create a few different looks. Another amazing thing was that Cinzia had her shoes internationally patented so that particular model type can become synonymous with her brand as her signature piece. Smart thinking from a wise gal!

I mentioned a little earlier about the cost of the shoes, however, Yoox.com has other CA by Cinzia shoes on their website. Worth a shot to see if you like something else. They have a pair of The Rabbits from the fall in a size 10 for about $98!!! WHAT A STEAL!!!

I really cannot wait to search a little more and find a pair. I say search a little more because I’m terribly indecisive when it comes to things like that and have to analyze every little detail. Goodness Gracious Golly Me, What Am I Going To Do With Myself?”

 

Where To Purchase:

www.cinziaaraia.com

www.barneys.com

www.yoox.com

www.luisaviaroma.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paub1Jm35v0

 

Silver White Winters That Melt Into Spring……

All Eyez On Us We Took The Night

Tis the season to get out and enjoy that holiday party honey! I truly must say the holidays are a great time of year when you can get together and enjoy it with friends as well as family. Here’s a quote for you: “Ain’t No Party Like  A Holiday Party Cause A Holiday Party Don’t Stop!”  

Every year I dread the holiday parties, I dread the constant back and forth and let’s be cheerful and merry. I just don’t want to go, BLECH. I had fun at last years holiday party and maybe because I noticed a lot of growth in myself this year but this year was even more fun! The night before I went to a holiday party which was just as crazy, arguing with a drag queen, an Irish girl, and some other chick, turns out that was rather interesting. Naturally, I won the music choice.

So the holiday party was on the Odyssey Boat Cruises, which I’ve taken before in the past and it was fun. The music eh but it’s really hard to keep me actually happy to music because I find that a lot of DJs’s are inconsistent. Like my IPOD makes me happy because I choose the music but regardless this isn’t about the music.

Naturally, of course, we all wanted to go out dancing afterwards. Well, if you know me, you know that any chance I get I can I would love to make an outfit change of some sorts. Well not tonight, the only thing I wanted to change my shoes because everything else was perfect from the salon holiday party but for the nightclub, had to change shoes. Say Hello To My Friend:

Studdin’ On ‘Em

I saw these shoes and said “Oh My God!” tried them on and they were a little tight but that’s ok….you can stretch a shoe, right? They are pretty fierce though I must say. It’s a high maintenance shoe but at the same time it’s simple.

If there is one trend that everyone should fall into in my honest opinion is the studded trend. So amazing all the things that you can do with them. There’s a brand that I follow based out of NYC called “Stud Muffin” it’s really amazing, how they take studs and make even sweatpants look good!!

Then again time to get back to the story at hand which is…that I love this time of year. It’s a time to be with those that you love, those that you hate and share and make memories. There is always too little time and too many parties to go to but that’s the fabulousness of it all. It’s like summer in New England, ya know.

Christmas is here sooner than we are going to realize. Hope you all have a safe and happy rest of your holiday season.

WHAT AM I WEARING?

www.stevemadden.com Sacrifice Studded Ankle Boots

www.bobblesandlace.com Flying Monkey Silver Print Pants (AMAZING by the way) and the clutch

www.rescueboston.com Vintage Red Christian Dior Blazer (very helpful staff as well)

Style Is Primarily A Matter Of Instinct….

I couldn’t agree with that statement anymore. Style is really all about knowing your personality, your body and what works for you. If you know something doesn’t work for you, it’s about finding a way to make it work for you! Gathering your ideas on how to recreate something that gave you inspiration is vital to making yourself stylish and trendy, yet still be an individual and not looking as if you are a follower of the trend.

I find that it’s equally important to stand out in whatever city you live in. Yes, it’s easy to run off to another city and find a connection there and call it a day. What’s the challenge in that? Isn’t a bigger challenge to standout and create a buzz for your own style in the city that you live in at the moment? Why take the easy road and blend in when you can challenge yourself to standout and be heard in your city now? Well, that’s what Rachè Miller the owner of  http://www.shopadrionnedanielle.com did.

I stumbled upon the site because of twitter but if you google you definitely see a lot of information about her. In fact, even Diamond from the now defunct Crime Mob was spotted wearing when one of her pieces. Realizing that she destined  for fashion at the early age of 12, she was watching the older kids in her school set themselves apart from each other with their style. Grasping that concept she realized that she needed  to set the trends.

Moving to the Nashville area from North Carolina was the first step that was  to begin this evolution in style. What I really like about the site is that the pieces are unique and  pieced together to show that individual’s personal sense of style. If you notice on the site there are pieces such as the studded wedge ankle boots…

I really think that this girl has a good thing going and with more and more pieces coming through, it’s pretty clear that she knows what she is doing. Definitely check out www.shopadrionnedanielle.com. Items do change quickly be sure to act fast. I took a look just a few minutes ago and there is a really cool “Brass Knuckle iPhone Case” just in time for a small holiday gift!!

Studs for Your Wedges