A Diva State of Mind

In December, I decided that I wasn’t going to have a 2013 dating challenge. Last year was fun and definitely a learning experience (you can read about last year’s dating challenge here). But I’ve been doing some thinking lately and with three months left in the year, I may want to put myself up to another challenge after all

I’m going to keep it real with y’all. I am very comfortable in my singleness but I want to date! And since I haven’t met anyone while being out and about this year, online dating may be the next option to try again.

In last year’s online dating post, I said “I am going to stick with trying to meet people by being out and about. If I don’t have any luck, I just may reconsider online dating.” Well ladies and gents, the time has come to reconsider!!

I had a very busy summer attending various concerts, conventions, going on vacation and hanging out in DC. These were great opportunities to meet new guys, yet that didn’t happen. I’m not complaining; I had a great summer! But now that we move into the fall season, I’ll go back to attending after work happy hour and social events that usually include the same people. I need to switch things up in order to be exposed to new people.

My friend Emily, who also signed up for online dating when I did last year, decided she was going to give it a try again this year. Her eagerness to try again plus the $5 Groupon deal I received in my inbox last month inspired me to try again too. After all, what do we really have to lose? If we go on dates and they don’t work out, we can at least say we tried it and we may even have interesting stories to tell!

When I signed up for online dating last year, for a number of reasons, I didn’t give it 100%.  I just couldn’t get into it. But this time around, I am approaching it with a more open mind and enthusiasm. When it comes to approaching guys in person, I’m the worst so don’t expect me to be any better online! Looks like I’ll be hitting up my friend Steph for some guidance. She’s done online dating in the past and has gone on a few dates with guys she’s met online. I could use some tips!

Emily and I plan on reactivating our accounts tonight. We’re going to sign up for 3 months and see how it goes.  I’ll keep you posted!

For those looking to switch things up, would you consider online dating? 2013 isn’t over yet, so there’s plenty of time to try it!

Earlier this year it was announced that Isabel Marant would be teaming up with H&M for a collection to be released November 14, 2013. Well it’s time to get excited folks! Photos from the collection have been released; you can now view 50+ pictures from the lookbook. Below are a few of my favorite pieces from the collection.

Visit vogue.co.uk to view the entire collection.

So who’s waiting in line on November 14th to get their hands on a few pieces?!

It’s always so hard to choose which trends to focus on for the trend report because there are so many! As you prepare to go shopping this fall season, here are a few trends you’ll want to consider incorporating into your wardrobe.

Luxe Sweatshirts & Graphic Sweaters

This is one of my favorite trends this fall season. Luxe sweatshirts are everywhere! The great thing about them is that they can be worn with so many different pieces. They are a bit more fitted than the traditional sweatshirts you would wear if in college.  They can be paired with skirts, printed pants, track pants (another fall trend) and jeans. Graphic sweaters aren’t just ones you’d see with polka dots or stripes. This season, you’ll see sweaters with various illustrations on them like this one from The Limited or this sweater from Old Navy. I purchased a sweatshirt from the Target x Neiman Marcus collection last winter and absolutely love it! I’m on the hunt to find more this year.

Prints, Especially Plaids

I purchased a plaid shawl from ASOS last year and never wore it. Looks like I can pull that out of the closet for fall this year! The key to wearing a pattern like plaid is to wear it in a modern way. Pair a plaid top with a pencil skirt or tailored pants for a chic look. You can also expect to see a new twist to your favorite fall/winter outerwear. Instead of a solid color, try a plaid one!

Track Pants

This trend became very popular during the spring season and it will carry over into fall. Another one of my favorite trends! We could all use a break from wearing tight skinny jeans sometimes. You’ll find these pants in a variety of fabrics and patterns. The most popular I have seen to date have been leather track pants and sweatpants that are tapered at the ankles. These pants take sport chic to another level!

Hints of Sheer

Don’t be afraid to show a little skin this fall season with hints of sheer. You can expect to see dresses and blouses with sheer details. This will be a great way to add a little sex appeal to your evening attire without showing too much.

Capes & Oversized Coats

Between the two types of coats, I prefer a cape. I think a nice cape or structured jacket looks better than an oversized coat. After all, the goal is to create an hourglass shape and show off your figure. Wearing the same wool coat can become mundane; a cape offers a sophisticated way to switch up your outerwear.

Colorful Coats

Have fun with color! This season, outerwear will be available in a variety of colors; you no longer have to stick with neutrals. You can color block, wearing a bright coat over a vibrant outfit or you can use your outerwear as the statement piece; pairing it with a more neutral outfit.

Black & White

Black and white is another trend that is continuing from previous seasons. This fall, expect to see more black and white graphic prints. This is a great trend because these colors are currently in your closet and can literally be worn with anything.  This combination is classic!

Over the Knee & Thigh High Boots

During the spring, tall gladiator sandals were on trend. It’s only right that during the fall season, over the knee and thigh high boots take center stage. They can be worn over skinny jeans/pants and paired with short skirts and/or dresses.

Rich Colors

When people  usually think of the fall/winter season, the first colors that come to mind are black, tan and grey. But don’t be afraid of color! Over the years, we’ve seen fall rich colors like samba (burgundy), acai (plum), kai (burnt orange) and shades of green, serve as the new fall neutrals. That won’t change this season!

Leather

Leather is always in for fall! Leather is really wardrobe staples. Last year, we were introduced to leather pieces other than jackets including skirts, pants and leather sleeves on jackets. The good thing about leather is that no matter what form, it is always in style and can be worn for a variety of occasions.  You can purchase a leather skirt today and still wear it two years from now. If you don’t want to make a huge investment in real leather pieces, check out thrift stores, eBay and consignment shops for real leather for less. You can also purchase faux leather options.

Fur

Fur is another fall/winter staple! Everyone should have a fur or faux fur piece in their closet. Like leather, fur (or faux fur) can be worn with anything. Fur vests can be worn with jeans or skirts. A fur coat will look elegant over an evening gown for a fancy night out. A fur scarf looks great paired with your favorite wool coat. This season, you can expect to see fur available in a variety of colors.

What trends are you looking forward to wearing this fall?

Last month I was invited to be a presenter for the National University’s Quantico Online Information Center’s Improve Your Groove Series. The first part of the series was titled “Presentation is Everything” which focused on enhancing and developing polished professionals.

This was my first time giving a presentation on style so I was definitely nervous. It’s one thing to work with clients one on one. It’s another to have to stand up in front of people and give a formal presentation!

My friend Lisa traveled with me to support and take a few pictures (thanks Lisa)!  Dress for Success began the evening presentation focusing on the dos and don’ts of the workplace. They also discussed why it is important to look professional. I followed the Dress for Success presentation, focusing on three areas: tips for building a professional wardrobe, complimentary styles for respective body types and day to night looks.  Although I was nervous, once I started my nerves eased a bit. It also helped that those in attendance seemed really engaged. It’s reassuring to see people nod their heads, smile or laugh at a funny moment. Following the presentations, everyone enjoyed a fashion show of business attire looks presented by Express.

I was gifted with a Certificate of Appreciation from the National University. It was weird being introduced as “the guest presenter” and receiving the certificate since I’ve always attended events that have guest speakers and presenters; I am usually the person watching, not the one giving the presentation! Who knows, maybe giving style presentations is something I should get used to doing

If you need a stylist to give a presentation at an upcoming event, please contact me at [email protected]

To view my work as a stylist, check out the Styled by Keri posts and my Portfolio Page.

My chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc is hosting its Annual 3-N-1 Community Impact Drive. For 6 weeks, we are collecting baby items, toiletries and school supplies to benefit four organizations that serve Montgomery County residents: Crossway Community, Helping Hands Shelter, Family Services, Inc. and Neediest Kids Fund. Once the items are collected, my chapter will assemble the items in gift baskets and deliver them to each organization.

Last year, I participated in assembling and distributing the baskets. The directors of these organizations were so grateful and appreciative of the donations they received. We were able to distribute 200 baskets, but I know with your help we’ll be able to surpass that number!

If you work and live in DC, Maryland or Virginia, than the entire DMV is your community. It’s important that we do what we can to support the community in which we work and play.

Donations can be dropped off at the four locations listed on the flyer. If you want to make a donation but are unable to drop them off at any of the sites listed, please contact me directly at [email protected] and we’ll make arrangements to have your donations collected.

 Please share this with any family, friends, co-workers, etc that live in the DMV area!!!

Idris Elba covers GQ October 2013 issue.  This man knows he can wear a suit!!  In the October issue, he talks about being on The Wire and more. Check it out!

On his role as Stringer Bell on HBO’s The Wire:

“That really is more about the writing of The Wire than it is the performance. You know, Stringer Bell is a great character that was written. I happened to play him, but it could’ve been anybody playing that role.”

GQ: You really feel like anybody could’ve played Stringer?
“Listen, I think I brought Stringer to life my way, but The Wire isn’t a classic because of Stringer Bell. The Sopranos was a classic because of Tony Soprano.”

On finding out he was not the father of a boy he was calling his own:

“You know, the truth is—like, even admitting it, I’ll probably get laughed at for the rest of my life. But it is just tragic, and it happened.” He looks directly at me when he says this. “But I wasn’t knocked out. I stood right the fuck back up, and I ain’t aiming to take another punch in the face ever again. Do you understand what I’m saying? It happened to me. I moved on.”

In a paradoxical way, he says, it was freeing. “I’ve not been an angel in my life, either—do you know what I’m saying? So to a certain extent, what goes around comes around. But for me in the future, I’m about being comfortable. That’s it.”

Photographed by Sebastian Kim. Read the entire interview at GQ.com

I wouldn’t date older men, but if I ever crossed paths with Idris Elba, I’d make an exception! *swoon*

Source: Fashion Bomb Daily

Instead of creating visuals that truly reflect the song, J. Cole pays tribute to Aiyana Stanley-Jones in his “Crooked Smile” video, the latest single from his album Born Sinner. In 2010, 7-year-old Aiyana was shot by a white police officer when the cops raided the home of a murder suspect.

In the video, J.Cole plays a drug dealer being watched by the DEA. One night with his family takes a turn for the worst when his home is raided by cops. I won’t give the entire video away, but I will say that it definitely feels like you’re watching a movie.

I was scrolling down my twitter timeline and saw this:

TJ Maxx is the latest retailer to offer online shopping! Women’s clothing, shoes and handbags are currently available online. There is a separate section titled “The Runway” which features designer pieces including Diane von Furtensburg, Rachel Zoe, Badgley Mischka and more! Like they do in-store, the prices vary depending on the designer.

Sometimes I just don’t feel like going to the store to search through the racks so it’s nice to know that online shopping is now an option. Hopefully TJ Maxx has just as many great deals online as they do in store.

I wonder if Marshall plans on offering online shopping in the future too.

I came across this list on Instagram a few weeks ago, but apparently it appeared on vogue.co.uk in 2012. My bad for being a year late!!  Tom Ford, one of the world’s most stylish men, provided his thoughts on what he thinks every guy needs.

I agree with this list however I will  give some flexibility to #3. Everyone isn’t good at playing sports so at least like sports and workout! And when it comes to #15, we’ll assume nice teeth = perfect teeth since we know no one is perfect

I could take the time to go into detail about each one and explain why they’re important, but I think it’s pretty self explanatory.  But if you need a little more info as to why these things are important, check out This Little Lady. She does a great job of breaking it all down.

What do you think about the list? I’m especially interested in hearing from the guys. Do you agree?

Last Friday morning, tweets scrolled down my timeline about nude pictures being leaked on twitter by a man scorned. Apparently the guy’s now ex-girlfriend cheated on him; before posting the nude photos, he posted a picture of her asking him not to leak the photos. His response ““b*tch get out of my inbox.”

Some said she got what she deserved because she cheated. Of course others disagreed. No matter how scorned you are, being upset does not give you the right to violate someone or their property. Now I know cheating is a huge violation of trust.  But he can end the relationship, deal with those emotions and move on. Dragging this woman through social media hell by leaking her pictures takes things to a whole different level.  I’m sure the pictures have been retweeted multiple times and those who agreed with the man’s actions called the ex-girlfriend every name but a child of God.  This woman is ultimately experiencing sexual harassment and will forever have to live with the fact someone can Google naked pictures of her.

“go sit somewhere and process your ish like an adult. You are not entitled to stalk, harass, assault others or damage property because you ‘re mad” - Demetrica Lucas

Call me old-fashioned or conservative when it comes to relationships, but this situation is why I would never send naked pictures to a significant other. Yes even if I was married. If you want to see what I look like naked, come see me at home! I know; we SHOULD trust our partners and believe that they wouldn’t do anything to violate us but you never know what people are capable of when things go left. I’m sure the ex-girlfriend in this situation never thought that the photos she shared would end up Twitter.  Don’t put crazy past anybody when they are scorned!

We live in a society where things are overshared on social media ALL THE TIME!  I’ve seen dissertations on Facebook (literally a play by play of a situation), pictures of people lying in bed in a “seductive” pose (which caught me off guard since the person had a boyfriend. Share that with him not your IG followers), screen shots of conversations and more!  We are a society that likes to share! So if we share so much during good times, what makes you think people aren’t going to share a lot during bad? Society as a whole lacks discretion so I wouldn’t put it past anyone to post something that was supposed to be sacred.

Is the guy who posted the leaked photos a jerk? Absolutely. Maybe he demonstrated these characteristics when he and his ex were together so she shouldn’t put it past him to leak photos.  If people in relationships want to send each other photos, they have the right to do so. It’s not a bad thing; just keep in mind you expose yourself to the possibility of your photos literally being shared with the world.

And to the guys that think posting nude pictures for revenge is ok, take some advice from Rich Jones:

*side eye to the women that agree with a man leaking pictures *

What do you think about sending your partner nude pictures? Have you ever had your pictures leaked?