A Diva State of Mind

Have you struggled with finding the right hair salon for you in the Washington, DC area? If so, BlowDryNow might be the site for you!

BlowDryNow is a FREE online reservation system for blow dry and blow out appointments.  BlowDryNow makes it easy and fast to find a salon and book your perfect blow dry or blowout.  The site not only includes a list of salons in your neighborhood, but it also lists the price points and reviews of the salons featured, which is very helpful when looking for hair care services at a new salon.

You will be required to create an account before booking an appointment. But once appointments are made via the site, members will earn points for each appointment booked.  Accumulate enough points and site members will receive a rewards card that can be used at any salon.

But free online salon bookings and reward cards aren’t the only thing BlowDryNow is offering. It hasn’t been announced when it will happen, but BlowDryNow is gearing up to host a platform to offer exclusive online deals, similar to what we see from sites like Gilt, Rue La La and Fab.com. In honor of the new exclusive program, BlowDryNow is giving away a free blowout at Nival Salon & Spa located in Chevy Chase.

You can enter for your chance to win a FREE blowout at Nival Salon & Spa by completing the widget below.

Good luck!

I was debating if I wanted to blog about this topic, but this needs to be addressed because folks really have too much time on their hands! This post might as well be called I Am Not My Hair 2.0.

I’m not sure what comes to mind when you hear the word stylist, but just in case you are one of the many that believe only rich people or celebrities hire 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 works best for their body type and lifestyle, provide personal shopping services and more. 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.

Along with being a lifestyle blogger, I am also a personal stylist.  I decided to expand A Diva State of Mind into a styling business years ago 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 standing at the register.  It’s satisfying to know that I played a part in someone looking and feeling fabulous!

If you are in need of a stylist or THINK you may need one, please don’t hesitate to contact me for a consultation. Consults are free; they are a great way to determine what your specific styling need(s) may be and so much more. It’s a 30 minute conversation (sometimes longer) breaking down ways a stylist can help you elevate your current wardrobe or prepare you for a special occasion. If you know someone who can benefit from working with a stylist, please don’t hesitate to pass along my information to them as well. Visit www.styledbykeri.com for more information on styling services available and to view my portfolio!

Contact me at [email protected] or 301-836-1451.

The entertaining cast of Think Like A Man returns this summer!

In the highly anticipated sequel, which was inspired by Steve Harvey’s best-selling book Act Like a Lady, Think Like A Man, all the couples are back for a wedding in Las Vegas. But plans for a romantic weekend go awry when their various misadventures get them into some compromising situations that threaten to derail the big event.

I attended a screening for Think Like A Man Too last month and I must say it is HILARIOUS!  There’s always a 50/50 chance a movie sequel is going to be as good as the first one; this movie does not disappoint!

Think Like A Man Too hits theaters Friday, June 20th; if you can’t wait until then, I am giving away passes to an advanced screening of the movie on Tuesday, June 17th at AMC Mazza Gallerie (5300 Wisconsin Ave., NW Washington DC, 20015) at 7:30pm. Each pass admits one (1).

To enter the giveaway, sign up for the A Diva State of Mind newsletter HERE.  You will receive an email THIS FRIDAY at 10am with a link to the movie passes. There are ONLY 40 passes available, so this is first come first serve! 

Good luck!

While many of us were first introduced to Audra McDonald when she played Dr. Naomi Bennett on Shonda Rhimes’ Private Practice, McDonald has been on the Broadway scene for years. This past Sunday, she made history by winning the Lead Actress in a Play category, her sixth Tony Award for portraying jazz singer Billie Holiday in Lanie Robertson’s musical play Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. 

Not only did she win her sixth Tony, but McDonald also became the first person to win in all four acting categories. She also won Tony awards for the following: Best Featured Actress in a Play (A Raisin in the Sun and Master Class), Best Lead Actress in a Musical (The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess. I gave away tickets to this play on the blog  a couple years ago!) and Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Ragtime and Carousel).

Having trained at Juilliard School, Audra McDonald has worked for over 15 years in theatre and television. She received Emmy nominations for her roles on the HBO film version of the Pulitzer-Prize winning play, Wit, and made-for television movie adaption of A Raisin in the Sun (that was a good adaption by the way).   Oh yea, she also has two Grammys under her belt. BOSS!

Along with years on television and the stage, McDonald has also received the following awards for her work in the arts:  four Drama Desk Awards, three Outer Critics Circle Awards, four NAACP Image Awards nominations, an Ovation Award, a Theatre World Award, and the Drama League’s 2000 Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre and 2012 Distinguished Performance Award. 

Whew! Talk about accomplishments! Congratulations to Audra McDonald not only on her 6th Tony Award, but for being a trailblazer in theatre!

Anyone else feel like they need to take a trip to NYC to see her on Broadway??

Source: http://audramcdonald.net/

Brunch For A Cause combines my love of brunch and passion for giving back to the community. We are TWO WEEKS away from the summer edition (read about the inaugural Brunch For A Cause in February here)!

This event won’t be a success without you! If you love attending brunch and are interested in giving back to the community OR want to learn more about organizations in the DC area that are serving the community so you can become more involved, then I PROMISE Brunch For A Cause is just for you!

You will have the opportunity to network, discuss ways we can serve the homeless community in DC, sip unlimited mimosas or champagne and enjoy a three-course menu. I’ll be giving away raffle prizes and you’ll also go home with a gift Although the ticket price is a little more than you may normally spend on brunch, it covers your brunch meal, drinks, tax/gratuity AND a donation to Miriam’s Kitchen, an organization focused on combating chronic homelessness in DC.

Tickets can be purchased at the link below. You can also make a donation at the same link if you are unable to attend but would like to support the cause.

http://brunchforacausesummer14.eventbrite.com

THANK YOU to those that have already purchased your ticket. I guarantee we’re going to have a great time! I look forward to seeing everyone on June 22nd!

Le Bustiere Boutique and Michelle Peters of the fashion blog of Eat. Style. Play invite you to Big, Busty and Beautiful Sip and Shop!

Show your assets that you care and come to Le Bustiere for sips, lite bites and a complimentary bra fitting. Browse through European inspired lingerie, bras, corsets, swimwear, hosiery and intimate apparel.

Date: June 19, 2014

Time: 6:00 - 9:00pm

Location: Le Bustiere (1744 Columbia Rd NW #2 Washington, DC)

Street parking is available after 6:30pm. You can also park at the Colonial Parking Inc on 2328 Champlain St NW.

The event is FREE to attend! RSVP at www.bbblebustiere.eventbrite.com

Beyoncé wasn’t the only Knowles sister at the Chime for Change one year anniversary party who shut it down in Gucci. Solange stepped out in an orange slit sleeve blouse and cream wide leg trousers. Seriously, I love this look! Between her CFDA red carpet outfit and this look, she’s been serving us some serious 70s glamour and I’m here for all of it!

White (or cream) is one of this season’s most popular colors. And since Solange is known for wearing color and print, it is no surprise she paired the trousers with a bright top which looks great against her skin tone. This look is perfect for an after five party. And as we know, wide leg pants are very flattering because they help elongate the body.

I couldn’t find a split sleeve blouse, but I did find a few orange blouses that will put you on the right path to recreating this look like one from Alice & Olivia and Farfetch.

Alice & Olivia

Farfetch

If you want to recreate a similar look for the next after five party you plan on attending, check out these selections below which includes blouses, pants, sandals and clutches:

More Wallis…

 

I want a pair of cream/white trouser pants!

Photos: YBF/Getty Images

Beyoncé stepped out for the Chime for Change one year anniversary party last night in a fabulous all white Gucci jumpsuit. The jumpsuit features a deep v-neck, banded waist and straight leg pant with pleaded pockets. She paired the look with platform ankle strap sandals and a gold box clutch.

You all have heard the phrase “less is more” and this is a prime example of that statement! Given the color and cut of the jumpsuit, jewelry isn’t really needed.  The look is fresh, simple yet chic. Since we are headed into the summer season, a jumpsuit similar to this would be perfect for an all-white party; especially for those who want to shy away from wearing a white dress. As I’ve mentioned before, jumpsuits are a great alternative to dresses and are becoming more and more popular!

I couldn’t find a DEEP v-neck white jumpsuit like this Gucci one online, but you can recreate this look with the jumpsuits below. Asos offers a v-neck Warehouse Jumpsuit. They only have a size 10 is the only size left.  Other brands to try for a v-neck silhouette include Rachel Zoe and Trina Turk.

ASOS

Rachel Zoe

If you want to add an all white ensemble to your wardrobe this season, recreate Beyoncé’s look with the jumpsuit, sandals and clutch selections below!

More Rachel Zoe…

Feeling inspired to try a white jumpsuit this season? I love Solange’s look too. Another look for less coming soon…

Photos: YBF/Getty Images

This weekend’s weather forecast calls for a great day of shopping outside!

The Yards hosts its first ever shopping pop-up market, Fashion Yards, on Saturday, June 7, from 11AM to 5PM. The DC-area’s top fashion trucks (Street Boutique, Style Ride) will line Water Street alongside pop-up shops by some of the best local boutiques, (Charm Georgetown, Lettie Gooch), offering everything from $10-and-under dresses to men’s and children’s clothing, to vintage jewels.

Along with shopping, attendees will enjoy a DJ set, live styling sessions, snacks from Takorean, Jubilee Ice Cream, and Honest Tea, cocktails by Morini Osteria and receive complementary spa treatments from Aura Spa and Vida Fitness.

PARTICIPATING FASHION TRUCKS

Arden Reed, The G Truck, Nollypop Boutique, Pichardo Boutique, Saivita – the Flower Truck, Street Boutique, Style Ride Boutique, The Thread Truck, Tin Lizzy, Urban Pearl

BOUTIQUES & BRANDS

Carnelian Boutique, Charm Georgetown, Duo DC, Handmade Habitat, Hypp Gyps, Knot by Tiffa, Lettie Gooch, Reddz Trading, Rockerz and Rosies, Solsak, Soyini Baby

WHERE: Yards Park | 355 Water Street SE | Washington, DC 20003. Directions here: www.TheYardsDC.com/explore/map

The event is open to the public and free to attend. Guests can RSVP on Gilt City as well as register to win a $500 shopping spree at all participating boutiques.