Twinkle, Sparkle and Bling

It's no secret that I am a little bit obsessed with jewelry. My heart skips a beat when I see beautiful sparkly, shiny jewels. As I was clicking through the internet, I was surprised to find an article in The Wall Street Journal's Personal Journal front page about the return of the yellow diamond. My love of jewelry is a hereditary trait, and my mom indulges in gifting me with beautiful pieces. For my birthday this year, I received the most beautiful citrine and diamond earrings -- not yellow diamonds but hey, I'm still blinging! Check out the yellow rocks below. Two words: I DIE!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

She's Crafty

As the days get colder, I'm starting to look for those items that will keep me warm while having a level of style. I found a great turban headband for those cold winter days. Living in Chicago teaches you how to dress warmly or else...you will freeze. So, when I saw this I thought why buy it when I can make it. Then, I thought why make it when  my awesomely crafty friend Lauren at She's Crafty  is an expert at all things DIY. Above is my inspiration from Eugina Kim collection...and below is the DIY from Lauren. (She made a two!)

Check out SHE'S CRAFTY...so many good DIY ideas! Thanks, LL!! Can't wait to wear it!

Hosting a Harvest Cocktail Party

October is the perfect time of year to host a Harvest cocktail party for your friends and family.  This is a great excuse to gather everyone before the holidays. To make the party planning a little easier, keep the ingredients simple and the drinks plentiful. Making creative use of the oven with classic autumn ingredients like pumpkin, caramel, and apples will leave your hands free so that you can enjoy a cocktail and the party! 

To create the warm autumn feeling for your gathering burn pumpkin or cinnamon scented candles, and create a beautiful but simple table top with season produce like acorns, hazelnuts, and seasonal pumpkins. You can do most the food recipes the night before and focus on decorating your party space the day of your event.

Check out my Pinterest for more ideas and links.

To Drink: 

Kissed Caramel Appletini

·         2 oz. SMIRNOFF® Kissed Caramel Flavored Vodka

·         1.5 oz. apple juice

·         .25 oz. lemon juice

·         .25 oz. simple syrup

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
Shake well. Strain into martini glass. Garnish with thin apple slices and a caramel rim.

Iced Strawberry Shortcake Martini

·         2 oz. SMIRNOFF® Iced Cake Flavored Vodka

·         3 fresh strawberriew

2 oz. lemonade

.5 oz. amaretto liqueur

Directions:

Muddle strawberries and vodka in a shaker.  Add other ingredients. Shake well with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a strawberry and a lemon twist.

Dessert Cocktail

 Iced Cake & Coffee

·         1.5 oz. SMIRNOFF® Iced Cake Flavored Vodka

·         3 oz. brewed coffee  (regular or decaf)

       1 oz. milk or half & half

   .5 oz. simple syrup

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well. Pour into a double rocks glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

To Eat:

Sweet Potato & Beef Shepherd's Pies

Pumpkin Sage and Spicy Sausage Pizza Recipe

Roasted Asparagus Wrapped in Prosciutto

*This is a client

Good Girl Gone Bad

Hola Hola!

I wore this outfit last weekend for a night out. It's a twist on good girl gone bad. The details on sheer shirt and studded pencil skirt make all the difference!! Top it off with cool/funky hair, classic black pumps and voila! Sassy Friday night!

What do you guys think?

Glam Rock

My friend Z Money had the cutest outfit for #SundayFunday. Total Glam rock!

Five Fall Trends to Update your Look

Its official, the Fall Fashion season has started. It is that time of year when you are ready pile on the layers, pull up the boots and bring out the tights. Below is a list of the five key pieces you will need to update your fall look. No need to break the bank, you can find all the items for under $100.

 

 

1.      Peplum – The ruffle at the hip is what makes this shape wearable and flattering on almost everyone. It accentuates the waist and creates beautiful lady like curves. Peplum style is versatile, as you can wear it as a dress, skirt or shirt. There is no risk in this style, just reward.

Get The Look: http://www.lulus.com/products/marian-black-and-grey-dress/59178.html

 

2.      Leather – Mixing and matching leather into any outfit will guarantee cool points. The trick to leather is to try it with in unexpected style and mix with different fabrics.  There is no better  time year, than the fall to wear leather leggings. Yes, you read right.If that is too much, try layering it with a fur vest for a cool look.

Get the Look: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/frenchi-faux-leather-panel-leggings-juniors/3307926?origin=related-3307926-0-0-1-1&recommendationAttribute=IO

3.      Dark Floral – Flowers? For fall? YES! The key to pulling off this trend is to make sure the flower print is set to a dark background. Pretty pastels and whites are reserved for spring and summer. Autumn flowers are moody and full of attitude. My advice is to try this trend in an accessory, like a scarf or a wrap.

Get the Look  http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/aqua-poppy-flower-scarf?ID=646970&CategoryID=21314#fn=spp%3D66%26ppp%3D96%26sp%3D1%26rid%3D28

4.      Moto – The motorcycle trend is here to stay and we couldn’t agree more. Wear a cool pair of boots or leather jacket and you will be instantly cool. Remember, moto doesn’t have to mean black, leather and studs. You can play with colors and textures.

Get the Look:  http://www.freepeople.com/studded-vintage-combat-boot/
 

5.      Collar Necklace – If can only upgrade your look with once accessory, we recommend getting a fantastic collar necklace. It will add an upgrade to your look and will put you in the “IN” crowd!

Get the Look: http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/zbrandskiosk/jewelry/apt_9/necklaces_pendants/PRD~1092642/Apt+9+Silver+Tone+Snakeskin+Collar+Necklace.jsp

Stranger Danger

Hola Hola!

It's been a while since my last post and during this time I've been gallivanting through Chicago, kicking ass and taking names. Anyway, It's still a (dating) jungle out there and this particular blog post is a warning for stranger danger. Here it goes:

The Background
A couple of weeks ago, while on my way out of Starbucks (grande coffee, skim, 1 Splenda w/ a straw) I was stopped on the street by semi ok guy. He gave me a compliment and a line about knowing each other from NBC in NY ("Nope. Sorry, I've never worked at 30 Rock"). I appreciated the courage and confidence so we exchanged numbers. A week later we met up for sushi and during the meal, he kept referring to everything as "real talk" while splaying his hands out in a feminine manner. I, for sure, thought he went both ways. I'm personally into manly men so "real talk" wasn't my kind of guy -- but I thought, OK maybe a new friend.

During the weekend "real talk" kept insisting on meeting up again -- at my apt. When I replied that my apartment wasn't suitable to host anyone he suggested to get a room at the W!! -- Hold up. What?! I was thinking about grabbing a drink -- not a room!

So, after MUCH consideration and hesitation (and placing a safety call to my homeboy) I had "real talk" over for a brief Sunday night drink. In his very feminine manner he kept saying how connected he felt. "We are, like, so connected in friendship level, a creative level and on a sexual level."
Say what, now?! With the most Queens attitude, I said "Listen, let me make this very clear. We are not connected on any level. Specially NOT sexually. I do not think you are attractive. We will never get it on. End of story, please leave." After the Queens Girl came out of me...he left. I thought that was weird! I erased his number and moved on with my life.

The Aftermath
Weeks later, I'm at work on a conference call and my iPhone starts blowing up with a NY area code number. I get off my call and think, "oh, shit. Somethings wrong at home" and without hesitation call back. To my surprise a woman answer and starts going off on me with a list of questions.
"Who are you? Why are you txting my fiance "real talk"? What is your relationship with him."

WHOA!!! (1. I thought he was gay, or at least bi; 2. Why is this crazy woman calling me? 3.Wow, my gaydar is really off!) When she finally stops, I give her The Background and tell her that her fiance was not acting like a committed man...and to save the drama for her mama. I'm out of this.

The Lesson
I hope this story has taught all of us a lesson. Stranger danger is alive and well. I think we have a sugar-coated view on love -- that it can be found anywhere -- but this is a scenario that has taught me to never take candy a phone number from a total stranger. Moving forward, all my interactions with guys need to have a third party involved. So, with that said...Does anyone know a handsome, successful, college educated brother/cousin/co-worker who might be a good fit?

xo
QQ