A Diva State of Mind

I am participating in the South Moon Under & Refinery29 “Let’s Holiday” styling challenge.  Contestants are competing for the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place prizes. Those participating submitted head-to-toe styles using items from the South Moon Under Collection.

Last Saturday, I headed over to the South Moon Under Bethesda location with DC fashion blogger Krystin of Be Loud Be You.  We literally ran around the store for 2 hours creating our fabulous holiday inspired looks.  I struggled to determine which of the four looks I created to submit because I’d wear all of them to a holiday party. In the end, I decided on this one:

The 5 photos with the most “Likes” on Facebook between now and Monday, December 12^th  will be in the running to beome the 3 styles chosen by editors of Refinery 29 and stylist from South Moon Under. I need your help in being one of those top 5 photos!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, click HERE to “Like” my photos on Facebook.  In order to like the photo, you will have to Log in on Facebook. Be sure to “Like” Krystin’s photos too!

Here are the other three looks that are great outfits for the holiday season:

If you’re heading to holiday parties this month and need some (sequins) outfit inspiration, click HERE.  If you are interested in learning more about styling services available to meet all of your fashion needs, please click HERE.

This past summer, Modern Day Matchmaker Paul Carrick Brunson issued a summer dating challenge for women. He’s back with a similar challenge this holiday season.  By January 1st, 2012, us single ladies are challenged to ask and go out on at least 10 dates with 10 different men! I know you’re probably wondering, “how are we going to do that?!” Well, it looks like we have to be big girls and take the initiative to ask 10 men out on a date.

Known as the #PCBChallenge on twitter, there are 10 reasons women should participate according to Brunson:

1. Men Are Open To Being Asked Out

2. It’s Not Emasculating

3. You Don’t Really Have To Pay

4. It’s a confidence booster

5. Increase Your Social Skills

6. Comparison Investing Is The Way To Go

7. It’s Time To Do Things Differently

8. Nothing Just Happens

9. Brunson has seen It Work

10.  If Brunson Is Wrong, He’ll Owe You

Over the summer, one of my friends encouraged me to take this similar challenge but I failed miserably! I don’t think I went on one single date because I did not take the initiative to ask. I haven’t decided if I’m going to try the holiday challenge, but I guess I should decide soon since we literally have 5 weeks left in 2011.  I mean I may not find 10 guys to ask on a date between now and January 1st, but one is better than none right?  Plus who wouldn’t want to gain some of the benefits Brunson listed above?

Ladies, are you up for the Modern Day Matchmaker Holiday Dating Challenge? To officially enter, Go to www.facebook.com/PaulCBrunson and post on the wall or tweet @PaulCBrunson stating “I take the #PCBchallenge.” Then identify 10 men and go on dates.  The final step is to report to Brunson on January 2nd with an overview of your process and results.

For more information on the 10 reasons you should participate in the challenge, click HERE.

“Back in the day” I wasn’t a big fan of sequin. Over the years, I’ve eased my way into liking sequin.   I have a black sequin top from Express that I absolutely love. However, this year, I am in LOVE.  I, like so many others, patiently waited for blogger Cortnie to finish creating her new sequin clutch.   I recently purchased a cute grey sequin top that I plan on wearing for New Year’s Eve and I have had my eye on a gold sequin jacket for quite a while (still trying to justify that purchase in my head before actually going through with it).

Sequin doesn’t really start to pop up on most people’s radar until the holiday season. Some people love it and others hate it. But if you’re somewhere in the middle; meaning you want to wear sequin but you’re just not sure how without looking like a walking disco ball, here are few ways you can incorporate sequin into your holiday looks this year:

•Petites Rose Gold Sequin Dress
•Rupert Sanderson Harper Platform Suede Pumps
•Poppie Jones Leopard Clutch - Brown
•Stella mccartney jewellery GOLD
•Sandie’s Large Red Enamel Chandelier Earrings - Final Sale

•GRYPHON Sequin Tank
•bright blue blazer - blazers - coats / jackets - women - River Island
•Rich & Skinny Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans
•ZiGi Black Label Shiny Pump - Black
•Purple gathered satin clutch handbag
•Effy Collection Sterling Silver Blue Sapphire & Topaz Ring
•Rhinestone Bauble Ring Silver
•Gypsy Soule Textured Hoop Earrings

•Alexander Wang Asymmetric Ribbed Cotton Sweater
•IRO Metallic Viliana Sequin Pant
•Giuseppe Zanotti Platform suede bootie
•Lodis ‘Astor Edith’ Clutch Nude One Size
•Asos Dream Catcher Feather Drop Earrings
•Madilynn’s Extra Long Red Stone Oval Shape Fashion Ring
•Black Rectangular Crystal Cocktail Ring

For suggestions on how to wear a sequin blazer or shorts, check out last year’s holiday looks here. If you are interested in scheduling a consultation to discuss your styling needs, please contact me at [email protected] or (301) 836-1451.

This holiday season, it’s not only about the dress and accessories, it’s also about the shoes!!!! A pair of shoes can make or break an outfit.  I know we all dream of wearing a pair of Christina Louboutin shoes one day, but until we reach that level of fabulosity with our footwear, here are some Nine West styles that are essential for the holiday season; they are definitely affordable and FIERCE, helping you put your best foot forward throught the holidays.

I like to call these my “Sex in the City” inspired shoes.  A satin shoe is essential for the holidays.  These satin Bowtie shoes from Nine West are FIERCE!  Compliment the shoes with a sexy black satin dress and you’ll be sure to stand out at any holiday party.  I’m waiting for my holiday party invites so I can show these beauties off! Currently 30% off at www.ninewest.com or in store.  Available in Black, Purple and Red.

Can’t go wrong with a bootie and suede! Dress these up with a dress or skirt, dress then down with skinny jeans or leggings.  Either way you can’t go wrong with the Phantom peep toe suede bootie!  They are great for fall; wear the peep toe out on cool nights and rock them with tights in the winter.  Currently 30% off at www.ninewest.com or in store. Available in Black or Purple.