Purple Dress on Nia

When I saw Nia Long wearing this Tucker NYC dress by Gaby Basora, I thought, "Wow, I need that dress!"  The color is amazing, and on Nia, the dress is absolutely beautiful.  So naturally, I visited Tucker's website to find out more about the flattering purple dress with dots.

Nia Long wearing Tucker's Abigail Party Dress

Model wearing XS Abigail Party Dress

Needless to say, when I found Nia's dress, my excitement immediately waned because the dress was not as appealing on the model as it was on Nia. I mean honestly, which woman makes you want to buy this dress? Nia or the model?

While it is not my intent to hurt anyone's feelings, it is in all honesty that I say the "curve-less" model makes me want to leave the dress exactly where it is, and it is Nia who makes the same purple dress one that I would consider owning. 

What's the difference?  For me, it is obvious. The model simply has no curves for the dress to hug. She does not bring the vibrance of the dress to life. While Nia, on the other hand, looks like the dress was designed with her in mind.  As a consumer with curves, Nia, a curvaceous woman, is the type of model I would like to see wearing the clothes that I would consider purchasing.  For far too long have I seen figure-less women model the clothes that women with curves have to buy, and then those same women, who are size 8 or 10, are forced to compare how they look in their clothes to women who are a size 0 or a 2.  That is an unrealistic comparison.  In fact, had I only seen the dress on the model, I would not have given it a second look.  It is because I saw Nia wearing the dress first, that I can actually envision myself wearing it.  

Thank you Nia for sharing your picture of you rocking the Tucker dress because you did her a favor, and to the designers like Gaby Basora, I demand to see more curvy women wearing your clothes because those women make your clothes beautiful.  

Hayden Williams

What is not to love about art such as this?  I have no words to express how absolutely talented I think Hayden Williams is.  And starting right now, I have but one mission, and that is to find Hayden Williams and beg him to take the time to immortalize "little ole me" the way he has done for so many others.  If you are looking to be inspired or awed, then allow Hayden Williams to WOW you, and trust me, you will be wowed!

Happy November!

Stylishly Grateful! by whileiwasbusythinking featuring a shift dress

shift in seasons

It's fall y'all!

Outfit Details: Cardigan (old, but others here and here), Old Navy Shift Dress (here and here) Seychelles Gamble Sandals (here)

I am pretty sure that I have mentioned how much I love a shift dress, but just in case I haven't done so, let me tell you now, "I love a shift dress!" Known to be a blank canvass for accessories, these dresses have the most versatility when it comes to going from the work desk to a dinner date, and what's more, they look fabulous on. It is quite simple to get ready for work when this dress is hanging in your closet. I have actually been wanting to wear this dress ever since I brought it home from Old Navy, but I decided to wait until after Labor Day to wear my fall colors. The army green with the cognac sandals simply scream "Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall", and that is all right with me. This dress feels great on, and like one reviewer said, "you get to dress up your wardrobe without compromising comfort" or (I might add) your budget. I also like the idea of adding a longer light knit cardigan with the dress and a pair of booties for the cooler fall mornings. But to truly take the look from teacher to diva, just add a few accessories and a sexy heel and transform the look from casual to chic. 

People have been complimenting me all morning, and I have to admit the saying is true: "When you look good, you feel good!" 

work of heaART! "graphically speaking"

Graphic Cocoon Top

LOCATION: RALEIGH. AUGUST 15, 2015

Outfit Details:

Text Graphic Cocoon Top, Boyfriend Jeans, Booties 

It's hard to say what my favorite clothing item is, but this year, I have really been feeling graphic tees. Usually shirts or tops with sayings, or really any kind of embellishment, don't appeal to me, but as of late, something about graphic tops has been quite appealing to me. That's why when I saw this cocoon graphic top in Old Navy, I did not hesitate to snatch it up so that I could have some fun with it.

A pair of boyfriend jeans (old but similar here) and a black booties (here) was all I needed to complement this comfortable top and to create a street style for the fall. See below for more of me "graphically" speaking.

thanks for stopping by!

Photos by Sarah of Sarah Michelle Photos

Currently Crushing: Skirt and Pumps

DOWNTOWN RALEIGH, AUGUST 15, 2015

Photos by Sarah of Sarah Michelle Photos - a lovely young lady 

who is making a difference in the lives of everyone she photographs. 

Outfit Details: 

Old Navy Linen Blend Tank (sold out, similar here), Old Navy Boyfriend Chambray Shirt (here), Forever 21 Skirt (here), Steve Madden Pumps (sold out, similar here and here)

It's been a while since I have had someone take my picture. I meant to have it done for my 40th b-day, but you and I both know what they say about "the best laid plans...". At any rate, I thought it was time for me to have someone else capture me feeling really good about myself, so Sarah (my photographer) and I hit the streets of Raleigh one beautiful Saturday morning, and I'll let the 

pictures tell the story! 

 

I love the contrast of the blue stairs with the burnt orange skirt.  

Gorgeous pops of color!

I love to pop my collar just as much as I love this chambray shirt.

Outfit Details: 

Old Navy Linen Blend Tank (sold out), Old Navy Boyfriend Chambray Shirt (here), Forever 21 Skirt (here), Steve Madden Pumps (sold out, similar here and here).

Currently Crushing: Express Jeans

  

When I was growing up, back to school shopping meant getting new jeans. A fresh pair of jeans for the new school year was the must have item, just as important as notebook paper and pencils. While even though the paper and pencils are necessities, my clothing necessities have changed. As a teacher, any new article of clothing has to be teacher-appropriate, which I admit can be a little boring. So this year when I go shopping, I am going to be sure to add items that can take me from Teacher to Diva with ease, so I am looking to purchase some jeans that fit the bill, and Express was the first store that came to my mind. They claim to have the best jeans in America, so why not check them out to see if there is any truth to their claim. My only dilemma going in is finding the right fit of jeans to complement my body shape. Express offers so many styles, so finding the perfect jeans for me should be easy right? Let's see...
I called my best friend in to assist me with my hunt, and we met up at Express to explore their jeans. Here are the ones I tried. First of all every pair I tried, had awesome stretch-ability which means if you have curves, these jeans will find them and hug them! See for yourself.

The Bell Flare 

+I love the sailor detail jeans, they feel great on 

-They are too long for the petite diva. I am 5'3, and I am wearing at least a 4 inch heel here. My shoe is completely covered under the bell flare. So Nah to these, but perfect for the 5'6 diva!

                      

The Mid Rise Legging

+These jeans feel great on, they offer great coverage (no tummy issues or gap in the back), hug the hips

-They are too long therefore they gather at the knee and ankle

*length can be remedied with a visit to a tailor

                  

The High Rise Legging

+Wow, look at my butt! These jeans really cover my not so flattering area, and hug all of my curves, they make me feel like a woman

-same as the mid-rise legging, they are too long for the petite diva, but again that is an easy fix 

                   

The Slim Flare

+These jeans are PERFECT! They hit my heel perfectly and my shoe is not hidden underneath the flare. They hug the hips, and cover the dips.

- NONE

                    

None of the jeans restrict your movement in any way. They really feel like you have nothing on- free! Check out how much stretch the jeans have! 
You can move with ease, not discomfort or fear of showing too much!

                           

                                     Lift up your legs 
                                 when you dance, lol!

   Bend down to pick something up,
 or drop it low on the dance floor!

Express jeans really are great (and I received nothing for saying that), they are true to size (because of the stretch factor), and they are nicely priced at the mid point for denim these days. But don't let price come between you and the perfect pair of jeans. Get yours here! 

Currently Craving: The Date Night Edition

I am a teacher, and school's out, so that means that I should get to enjoy at least one romantic night out with my husband, right? Well, sadly, that hasn't been able to happen for us yet. With him working odd hours, and me with my part-time summer gig, we have been like two ships passing in the night. But in the event we are able to get in sync, I know just what I'll wear (of course) and just what we'll do. My Date Night Plan: Get dressed up and hang out in Downtown Raleigh, something the two of us never do. I have planned a low-key night out that promises lots of ambiance and romance, I can't wait! But if you need an idea for a night out with your S/O, use this one, I'm sure it's going to be a hit!

My After- Hours Look

The Shift Dress: I love the shift dress because it shifts the attention from areas (like my tummy) that I don't want to be seen, to the areas I want to accentuate (like me legs) that I love showing off. In college, my look was a short dress and high heels, and you know how the saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"! Check out these short shift dresses. Too sassy!

            

The shift dress paired with any of these heels will bring the look together. I particularly love the two-toned Cole Haans, I love the block heels; appropriate for walking down Glenwood Ave. and Fayetteville St. 

                             

The Restaurant

I have a confession to make. I can cook, but prepare seafood, I cannot. First of all, I don't like to clean seafood, nor do I really like to touch it, but I do like to eat seafood. In fact, it's my husband's all-around favorite, and since he really has no chance of getting seafood at home, we'll be going to Shuckers Grill and Oyster Bar. My BFF has been raving about this place for over a month now, so we're going to check it out. The menu looks delicious. I like fried seafood, but they prepare it in a number of ways.

The Bar

After dinner, we'll head over to check out Foundation, the place everyone is raving about for making the best cocktails. I love the character and chic look of the place, and the fact that you actually have to be an adult to enter. Plus any bar with Rhetoric on the menu is a place worth visiting. I can't wait to try one of their handcrafted cocktails! 

Members ONLY!

 

Enjoy the summer nights with that someone special!

thoughtfully,

Five on Friday: 5 Fall Faves (Nordstrom Anniversary Sale)

Back to school shopping always has me looking ahead from summer to fall, and since Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale a.k.a. the Sale of All Sales is still going strong (til Aug. 2nd), there's no better time to get some of those Fall items you've been crushing for a while! Here are 5 of mine!

1. Statement Necklace

Not sure how to wear one, check the guide!

2. Fabulous Flare Jeans

Do you know the best fit of jeans for your body type? I'm a pear shape! 

(Sir Mix-a-lot would love me)

 

3. Chic Stripes

Wear them however you'd like; there is no wrong way!

4. Flat-Out Cute Shoes

Too many styles not to find something for you!

5. Dress with Versatility

When buying dresses, make sure they can go from work to play, and are perfect with any shoe you feel like wearing. Just buy the dresses that are both comfortable and flattering!

The most important thing to remember is to shop with a purpose, and versatility should be a requirement. One piece in multiple ways. 

All opinions are my own, but I have as you know, put some extra thought into each of the items I have included. Be purposeful and stay on budget, and you'll be fabulous this Fall!

thoughtfully,

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