A Diva State of Mind

Throughout the summer, there were various events in DC that gave away all expense paid trips to Miami for the 4th Annual Miami Takeover, a weekend full of celebrity parties and community service.  This year’s Miami Takeover event took place July 22 -24^th.  Approximately 1,500 residents from Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, Philadelphia and Charlotte attended.

Attendees enjoyed a registration reception hosted by Shelborne Beach Resort, Royal Palm and Barefoot Wine & Bubbly.  The reception was followed by a sold-out kick-off celebration, the All-White Affair, at Dream Night Club with Dee Jay Capser and Host Crown Royal.

Hip Hop Pioneer Doug E. Fresh hosted a celebrity event that Saturday with Bad Boys Official Great Show DJ SNS. The highlight of the weekend was the Miami Takeover Beach Cleanup that took place on July 24^th.  Approximately 40 weekend attendees learned about he damage of plastics, trash and other debris to the Miami beaches and wildlife.  Several vacationers on the beach expressed their gratitude and some even joined in the cleanup!

The fun-filled weekend ended with a Mardi Gras Miami soiree at Club Play on Sunday evening hosted by DJ SNS and Doug E. Fresh.

Throughout the weekend, Miami Takeover poured over $500,000 into the local economy and made an amazing impact on venues, hotels and the City of Miami Beach. Next year, Miami Takeover will return to South Beach for its fifth year anniversary. Visit www.MiamiTakeover2012.com to stay updated.

Check out the recap video below:

It’s that time of year again! The Fall 2011 Trend Report is here to help you get ready for the upcoming Fall/Winter season. 

Per usual, every season there are so many trends it’s hard to keep up. So I have picked out the “most popular” trends you can expect to see this fall. These are trends you can easily incorporate into your wardrobe.

1.  70s Glam

The 70s are back! Yea Baby!!  Flared pants, high waisted wide leg pants (love it!!), bow-blouses and tops made of silk and satin make up this year’s 70s glam trend. Bold accessories will also help achieve this look including long pendant necklaces, bangles and bold stones. 

2.  Animal Print 

Animal print is here to stay! This is a great trend to rock via accessories. Scarves, shoes, clutches and belts come in a variety of animal print patterns and will give any outfit a little edge. If you dare, stand out in the crowd with a leopard print dress.  Personally I am determined to find a fabulous leopard print blouse to wear with a pair of red pants!

3.  Bright Colors (Specifically Pants)

Rich bright colors are not just popular during the spring and summer months.  This fall expect to see rich colors like red, mustard yellow, green and fuchsia.  More specifically, bright color pants are everywhere this fall.  Great places to shop for an inexpensive pair of bright color jeans include Forever 21, Asos and Top Shop and Delias. If you’re interested in a bold pair of dress pants, check out trendy stores like H&M, Zara and Express. I fell in love with a pair of red wide leg pants and ordered them yesterday!

4.  Leather Skirts 

Leather (or faux leather) is always in! It’s a fall staple. This year leather skirts can be added to the list of leather pieces that are in for the season. If you think you can’t wear leather skirts to work, think again!  Pair your leather skirt with a more conservative top. You’ll have the perfect day to evening outfit.

 5.  The Chic Poncho 

This trend was seen all over the runway during New York Fashion Week. I can’t wait to get my hands on one for the season! They are available in a variety of colors.  This is a trend is one that really won’t go out of style. Find a quality made poncho and it will last you for years.

6. Tuxedo Style 

Talk about a sharp look! Not only can you find Tuxedo jackets, but this trend has spread to pants and shirts as well.  Look for jackets with wide lapels and high waisted wide leg/flair paints.  For a masculine touch, accessorize using bow ties, chiffon neck ties or suspenders. Want the ultimate sexy look? Go shirtless underneath your tuxedo jacket

 7.  Fur 

Fur (and faux fur) isn’t going anywhere this season either.  Did we really expect it to?! Not at all! Fur can be seen anywhere and everywhere from coats, vest, and accessories. To play on old school looks, rock a fur (faux fur) belted coat or vest with a pair of wide leg pants/flare pants or a leather skirt or pants.

 8.  Plaid and Stripes 

I couldn’t tell you the last time I wore plaid! But like all trends, it’s making its way back this season.  Personally I think I will stick with stripes. No matter your preference, these are two patterns you can expect to see in a variety of forms including paints, tops, and coats. Remember, it is ok to mix patterns!

 9.  The Color Blue 

My new favorite color for the season! This rich blue hue has been seen everywhere! I love blue shoes and dresses.    This blue is absolutely gorgeous and is one that will look great on anyone. Check out the Diva Must Have post if you are interested in finding a pair of blue suede shoes.

  10.  Full A-Line Skirts  

The full a-line skirt is another trend that carries over into fall.  This silhouette is one that looks great on all body types and won’t ever go out of style.

Remember, if you’re going to splurge, do so on pieces that will last for years (i.e. Poncho, leather jackets).

If you’d like assistance incorporating these trends into your wardrobe please contact me at [email protected] or (301) 836-1451 to schedule an appointment.

Beyonce recently shot a video for her favorite song “1+1” from her new album 4.   According to Columbia, “1+1” is not an official single but it is the first of many videos which will be released to visually tell the story of 4.

This time around, she kept it simple but artistic. No choreography, no dancers and no leotards or short dresses. The video uses interesting visual to focus on the sensual side of Beyonce.

Despite other reviews, I liked the video. I thought it was beautiful.  I know many expected a storyline or something more because after all, it IS Beyonce.  However, due to the nature of the song and the live performances I’ve seen, I think this video is appropriate. With all of that being said, I do agree with one critique of the video though; it does look like an extended version of her Heat commercials!!

What do you think of Beyonce’s new video? Which song would you like to see a video for next?

On August 29, 2011, The Diva Lounge is back!

The Diva Lounge is a multi-media brand designed to connect female tastemakers, while introducing them to premium lifestyle brands. Founded and hosted by media personality Shayna D, The Diva Lounge produces exclusive events which provide attendees the unique opportunity to strengthen rolodexes and resources with like-minded women in and out of their respected fields. An organic environment conducive to such networking is created as attendees are introduced to the premium product of Diva Lounge brand partners. 

I attended the event last month and had a good time.  The event featured free cocktails, cupcakes, makeup consultations and samples of from Tea and Honey Blends Haircare.  Check out a full recap of last month’s Divas In The District event by The Seventh District HERE.

RSVP to [email protected]

Prior to the dedication of the historic Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, DC Dream Roof, an upscale fundraising and networking event will be held to support the MLK Jr. Foundation and the UN Refugee Agency. Presented by The DDM Group, DJ Premonition, Anwaa Kong Enterprises and Burrrr Entertainment, DC Dream Roof is the weekend’s premier fundraising event to support the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. The event is sponsored by Courvoisier Rose’ and Monarch Magazine. 

WHEN: Saturday, August 27, 2011

WHERE: Liaison Rooftop Pool, 415 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC

 TIME: 4 to 10 p.m.; Attendees will enjoy open bar from 4 to 5 p.m.

General admission is $30, and VIP admission is $50. Take part in history by registering in advance at http://dcdreamroof.eventbrite.com/.  All  are encouraged to bring business cards for networking purposes. VIP tickets include succulent gourmet dishes along with hors d’oeuvres. Bottle service is also available. Contact 202-556-4336 for VIP, cabana or daybed service.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Dedication is on Sunday, August 28th.  Click HERE for all information relating to the dedication ceremony.

Thursday, August 25, 2011 marks the 10 year anniversary of Aaliyah Dana Haughton’s tragic death.  BET will pay tribute to the talented R&B star with a tribute entitled Aaliyah: One In A Million.  The one hour special will highlight her life and career with intimate conversations with family and close friends and feature never before seen behind-the-scenes footage.

The special will include interviews with Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Ginuwine, Damon Dash, Swizz Beatz, Lala Anthony, and Patti LaBelle.

“With ‘Aaliyah: One In A Million,’ we celebrate her life, her music and what she meant to so many,” BET’s President of Music Programming and Specials Stephen Hill said in a statement. “Aaliyah was a beautiful angel and we’re so glad that we were able to assemble her friends and loved ones for this unique special.”

I, like so many other fans, were devastated when I heard about Aaliyah’s death. She was only 22 years old.  She had a beautiful voice, was an excellent dancer and had her own signature style.  I have often wondered, what would the female R&B singer scene be like if she were still here?

The one-hour special airs Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 8pm on BET. Don’t miss it!!!

I’m not sure what comes to mind when you hear stylist (speaking in terms of wardrobe), but just in case you are one of the many that believe only rich people or celebrities have them, I’m here to debunk that myth.

Anyone, man or woman, can hire a stylist.  A stylist helps individuals organize their wardrobe, understand the type of clothing that will best suit their frame and lifestyle and provide personal shopping services. Personal shopping services may include shopping for a specific event or updating one’s wardrobe from season to season.  The duties of a stylist are endless. These are services anyone can benefit from, not just the rich & famous.

If you follow the blog regularly, I’m sure you have noticed the Personal Styling Page, the My Lookbook Page and the post on offering a special during August.  I decided to expand A Diva State of Mind into a styling business because I love helping others look and feel their best. While working in retail, I preferred to be in the fitting room helping a woman find the perfect outfit for an interview or her birthday, rather than stand at the register and ring customers.  It’s satisfying to know that I played a part in someone looking fabulous!

If you are in need of a stylist or THINK you may need one, please don’t hesitate to contact me. The first consultation is free; the consultation is a great way what your specific need may be.  If you know someone who can benefit from styling services, please don’t hesitate to share my website with them.

I appreciate your continued support of A Diva State of Mind as the brand continues to grow! To learn more about A Diva State of Mind and my background, please click HERE.

Tamara Mowry recently teamed up with REGARD Magazine for an interview and photoshoot.  She looks fabulous!!  I love her hair and makeup by Valerie Noble.  In the August 2011 issue, Tamara talks about life as a new women and a wife.

Tamara is currently starring her reality show with her sister Tia entitled “Tia & Tamara” Sundays at 9pm on the Style Network (love their show)!

Photographer Dimitry Loiseau

Source: The YBF

Maybe I am having a quarter life crisis.  I don’t know, but what I do know is that lately, I’ve been feeling like I’m just going through the motions.  Maybe this is my mind and body’s reaction to being overwhelmed. With a recent 2 week job furlough (yes I was one of the 4,000 furloughed that was talked about all over the news), anxiously wanting my business to take off, housing stuff, the desire to continue to work on maintaining strong positive friendships and now car issues resulting from an event this past weekend, this girl is emotionally spent.

I, like so many others, have a daily routine. I wake up in the morning, go to work for 9 hours, maybe attend an after work event and then go home. By Thursday, I’m trying to figure out what I will be doing for the weekend and once that’s decided, I just go with it. It’s hard to describe, but it feels like I have lost a true connection with the people and things around me.

Referencing to the car event I mentioned earlier. This past weekend I was driving down in the rain and I end up sliding literally across all 6 lanes of the road, meaning I jumped the median and ended up facing ongoing traffic. This has  resulted in my car needing a lot of work in order to be repaired.  Thankfully no traffic was coming in that direction and no one was standing on the median, otherwise I or someone else may not be here today. 

As you can imagine I was completely frightened and I’m still frightened at the thought of how Saturday could’ve turned out.  At the same time, I also feel like that was a wakeup call; God was trying to get my attention. I still haven’t figured exactly what He was trying to tell me.  Was that His way of letting me know that there is more to life than just doing? Is it time to change some things so I can really feel because my heart is longing for more?

I rarely write an extremely personal post, so I don’t sit here and write this one for sympathy. Instead I write it because someone else may be feeling the way I feel or someone may have experienced what I am feeling and provide some insight.  I don’t know what the best solution is to “cure” oneself of going through the motions.  How I feel is something I’m not sure I have ever felt before. No worries; this doesn’t mean I’m going to isolate myself from the world.  It just means I am seeking for more and hope through prayer and patience I can find out what that is.  I look forward to the day where I no longer feel like I am just doing and not being because I know when I reach that place, it will be a wonderful feeling.

Every month, Washington Life Magazine features a story on an attractive single in the DC area.  This time around, the magazine would like to compile a list of the ultimate twenty something singles in the DMV. They will be the top 20 singles of the year.

Ursula Lauriston, the author of Twenty Something, is seeking super attractive, smart, fun-loving, goodhearted and outgoing people. In order to be considered for the list, you must be under 30 years old, SINGLE and currently living in the DMV. 

If you (or someone you know) are interested in being considered, email Ursula at [email protected] with a photo of yourself, your age and a few facts about yourself.  All information must be submitted by Monday, August 29^th at 12pm.

Are you a top 20 single of the year?

Twenty Something is a social diary where she sounds off weekly on dating, D.C nightlife and events, career etiquette, and more. You can follow Ursula on twitter at @urdiggy.