Vibrant Thang!

I must admit when I saw this skirt in the store, I thought it was ridiculously LOUD...

I was intrigued, but how would I even style it ... especially for work?

I passed this skirt up twice in-store but finally bought it on an online clearance sale for a buck more than 10!

For that price, I'd think of a way to wear it.

I'm glad I did too!

I just love the pleats in this skirt and how this piece moved so gracefully today...

I initially wanted to put this skirt with an ivory and white top...

Although I hadn't given up on that dream just yet, I opted for a gray tee to give some contrast to my pallet & tone the brightness down in the skirt.

To give it some sophistication, I topped the outfit off with my denim blazer...

And to add some variation, I toted around my snake-print bag...

I absolutely LOVE how this outfit came out...

The only thing I would change is wearing some leather biker-inspired booties instead of my suedette ones...

I might be one of those divas that wear boots all year 'round...

Boots, in my opinion, add an "in your face" edge to some of my outfits that I can't get with loafers, oxfords, or other flats that will grace my blog no doubt...

Off-Black Watch & Matching Hoops: New York & Company

Charcoal Gray Tee: American Eagle Outfitters ($10 tee and tank sale)

Off Black Bangle: It's Fashion

Snake Print Bag: Guess via Ross

Black Belt: Wal-Mart

Vibrant Neon Chiffon Pleated Skirt: Old Navy

Sudette Boots: Wet Seal

 I always surprise myself when my natural tastes are right on trend with what's in this season.

Word on the street is Neon is what's HOT for the warmer months...

Feelin Da Funk...

My poor coworkers...I leave over the weekend & they don't know what I'm going to look like when I come back on Monday.

When I decided to go to sew-ins, I was out for Thanksgiving break.

Ya'll knew because I made it part of an outfit post.

The people I work with noticed a difference, but couldn't put a finger on what had changed.

That's why it's important to me to deal with those that do quality work when it comes to my hair.

People who don't know you aren't supposed to be able to look at your sew-in and tell it's a weave.

Unless, of course, they work in the profession.

And even then I want them to be impressed.

I must admit I was trying something new with this hairstyle.

I didn't like it at first.

But once I cut off the extra length to a one-lengthed bob, for the exception of my bangs of course, it grew on me.

My hair is crimped with the ends slightly bumped under.

I told myself for a different look, I'd wear it straight.

But I like the freedom of not having to flat iron hair in the mornings.

Another element of this look, as a whole, I had to get used to was the length of my pants.

My tailor butchered me...

They were way too long and now they are flooding.

But, I was NOT about to change just because of that...

I made them work even if the length of my pants tell on my true height...5'3

Large Gold Hoops: Beauty Supply

Gold Watch: New York and Company

Navy Blazer & Gray Tee: Forever 21

Burgundy Beaded Necklace: Dot's Fashions (FOREVER Ago)

Burgundy Loafers: London Rebel via ASOS

Burgundy Bag: Steve Madden

Nail Color: Snappy Sorbet   

My Date with Alvin ...

Since I wrote this list, what seems like many moons ago, I've done some of the things on my list... The Ones underlined are missions I've accomplished.

1. Go to Bay Area Fellowship for Church

2. Go to the S.S. Lexington, Art Museum, Aquarium and Botanical Gardens

3. Go see a movie alone

4. Take a mini Staycation to Houston or San Antonio and engage in their nightlife

5. Go to a night club alone

6. Go to at least 3 events going on in town:

I've done 2:

The High Heels for hope charity event,

& The Ailey II Ballet

7. Eat at a restaurant on the Bayfront

8. Go to the "Island"

9. Document my Happenings on my Blog...[Duh!]

Last night I did something I had wanted to do for a while.

I went out on a date.

[what I wore to run my earrands]

I spent all day primping...

First getting my hair done,

Then getting a polish change on my nails and toes,

And getting my brows cleaned up.

[Let me just say that over the years I've learned the VALUE of using the same person to do your brows...Time and time again I've gotten them done different places out of convenience and got them butchered...]

I was running late so I quickly got dressed.

I even threw on a little make-up; Sephora's/Photo Finish Primer & Tinted Moisturizer.

I kept my lips simple as I always do, just with some clear lip gloss to add a little shine.

I missed the first two pieces of Alvin II, but the rest was good.

My favorite was the last few pieces.

[I used to want to be a dancer for most of my life. But I came to the realization last night I could NEVER have that dream, it just wasn't meant]

I REALLY wanted to get some better shots, but I stupidly let my camera's flash fire during the performance and got caught...I was too scared to do so after that.

Got some good ones after the performance though...


  This was shot in front of the dancer's tour bus!

I ended my night at the Olive Garden where I partook in their three course meal for $12.95 special.

Complimentary Moscato...

The Olive Garden has such a peaceful ambiance that's conducive to romance in my book.

I enjoyed it, right down to my young waiters singing "I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T do you know what that means!"...LOL!

They got a kick out of me having the audacity to have a meal alone.

I will most definitely date myself more...I enjoy it.

Gold Earrings: Cato's Fashions

Black Blazer: JC Penny

Blue Dress: Old Navy

Gold Belt: Old Navy

Black Fish Net Stockings: Target

Gold Peep-Toe Heels: Steve Madden

Nails: Snappy Sorbet by Sally Hansen Insta Dry

Here's one with my hair after I got home and cut the extra length off to make it fuller...Much BETTER in my book.

My Day in Pictures...

Let me just say...I MISS THIS!

I took a break from lugging my camera everywhere.

Life, especially work, got in the way of me doing what I needed to do for me.

It left me feeling cheated.

Today I got back to doing something I loved.

And looked at the beautiful, amazing woman staring back at me.

That's why ... I MISS THIS...

And will preserve this time with myself...

 

I also got some pics of a training we had at work.

 

I I thought it was going to be corny.

But it wasn't...

It was a good way to start out the day...

And this... (A REAL orange tree...)

Had to Capture It!!!

Gold Watch and Matching Hoops: New York & Company

Salmon-Colored Blouse:  Forever 21

Tan Belt: Stolen ... {let's just say he was good for something}

Dark Denim Flares: Old Navy High-Waisted Jeans

Mustard Loafers: Old Navy

Large Color-Blocked Tote: Forever 21

"Now go take on your day..." 

-Dr Laura Schlessinger

Edgy...

Last week I got sent home [to change] for wearing boots that were 1/2 inch above the 1 inch mandated heel height.

I think that's when the rebellion started in my mind...

And that's probably what made me go a little edgy with this outfit.

I played by their rules today.

But toed the line with my figure hugging silhouette,

And fishnet hosiery...

Unhuh...

This probably will be the first and last time I wear this complete ensemble.

But it was so worth it to let my inner DIVA take center stage.

Sometimes you gotta play by THEIR rules, but still show them whose the boss...

Trademark Zig-Zag Print Blouse: Missoni for Target

Belt: Random

Magenta Pencil Skirt: Worthington Via J.C. Penny

Black Fishnets: Target

Black Faux Suede Boots: Wet Seal...

El Fin...