Red Bottoms, Loubous, Chrissy Lous....the names go on

But the red sole has stayed the same. I loved CNN's look at Christian Louboutin and his design inspiration. The man observed a spider who was high and went on from there. The coveted "red bottoms" aren't just shoes, they are art. Quite possibly a masterpiece. Take a look!

Show me some skin!

I know, it's cold outside and I'm pretty sure like 49 of the

50 states have a piece of snow on the ground. So who can even THINK about swimwear?

iCan. The 2011 Swim lines are out, and since ILYT and I are getting the party started a little early this year...it's time to dive in.

Swimwear can seem so blah to the untrained eye. I mean you have one pieces, bikinis, and tankinis. But designers are doing fun stuff with each of these styles. They've got everyone covered. What I am loving is the one pieces with cut out or deep v detail for those not quite ready to bare it all in a bikini. Really, it's all in the mind. Put it on and be free! Anyway here are some of my piKs from swim 2011. my ode to the sexy one-piece

The Metro Jungle Mix Halter by Dorit International. Super Sexy and covering for that problem tummy. The deep neckline let's you show off the girls while not having EVERYTHING out.

Another FAB Dorit International piece. I love the detail with the jewels and of course that high waist to cover the tummy. It's like wearing a bikini really.

Get all criss-cross applesauce with this Vitamin A one piece. So the problem with many monokinis is that if your abs aren't kind of cut, it doesn't look GREAT (good maybe, but not GREAT). Vitamin A solves this problem with the extra coverage.

Confession: Some of these below may not be 2011 but are very cute nonetheless. All are available at Asos.

Pink, fun, and flirty. Kinda pin-up ish but iLike it.

Diesel is bring all the sex-appeal with the deep V. Its super cute, but probably not the most flattering on all body types.

This suit is called "body conscious". It offers peek-a-boo features without revealing anything really.

This twist-cut out one piece is super cute. It has the feel of a tankini but it pulls up just like a leotard.

fall love: Les Khakis de Chanel

I'm holding on to summer for dear life. I want a do over. Not that I didn't love it, because personally it was a great summer with incredible accomplishment, but I crave sun, warm weather, patio dining, and margaritas.

But since I don't control the seasons, I've decided to embrace the fall with the new fall nail colors. I was in Ulta the other day and fell in love (just a little) with the Essie "Sew Psyched", a very cute camo green. BUT I saw these cutie colors online yesterday over at ALU (go to blog for nail trends).


This is the Les Khakis de Chanel limited edition line perfect for fall. I'm in looooove!

I wonder if OPI plans to follow suit or if they are gonna roll with the Swiss Collection (which I'm not loving) for a while.

iLike: KJL Peacock

Style has little to do with money and expensive possessions. Attitude and flair make all the difference.~ KJL

Dear Kenneth Jay Lane,

Marry Me. I promise I won't fake it.

Sincerely,

LMS

I'm in love, once again with something that's come out of the KJL camp. It seems that someone told him about my love of peacocks and he decided to design something special just for me #nolye. And since purchasing Mr. Barrington is out of the question (for now at least), perhaps these will do.

I give you....the KJL peacock earrings

The earrings cost a pretty penny but are available at a few places online.

and necklace...

I go hard for a blingy necklace. It's the perfect accessory at all times. This part of the two piece collection is on sale and available at The Outnet for way cheap. This might be my little congratulatory gift to myself.

iLike: MIXBOOK.COM

I'm a procrastinator by nature, sad but true. I am just now getting started on my "25 Things I Know For Sure" book that I'm doing for my birthday. After realizing how much time I would spend in Michael's and AC Moore agonizing over scrapbook paper-I decided to turn to the internet and just do a photo book. To my dismay, the photo books weren't really giving me what I needed but alas I found MIXBOOK.

Mixbook allows you to make a scrapbook online and then share it virtually and/or order an actual book of your own. I'm loving the backgrounds and add-ons.

Try it out at www.mixbook.com

Every B-Day Deserves a Dress!

My 25th is quickly approaching and since I honestly can't remember the last birthday when I didn't wear a dress....the hunt is on. Of course I love over the top but it might be a bit too much for this year's go 'round. But never-the-less...here are my finds thus far...

The Lyndsey Dress by French Connection is totally fab! I tried the dress on and it's HAWT...but more approp for a party...le sigh.

Then yesterday I discovered Asos which has a lot of fab dresses for decent prices. Here are my Asos piKs...

TFNC Scatter Sequined Dress with the open back...fitting for my personality, but maybe not the method of celebration. I'll keep it in the back of my mind anyway.

One Shoulder Cross Front Dress. LOVE IT IN WHITE (no Lisa Raye). Simple but very cute!

I'm always down for a pink dress! The ASOS Heavy Ruffle Dress is simple with a little attitude...

Vero Moda Ruched Dress...not for the Bday but a nice little closet addition.

Another Ode to KJL

I'm sure y'all are over my Kenneth Jay Lane obsession by now...but it's my blog I don't care :P. I feel like the designers at KJL sit in a room and say "let's design something that Little Miss will fall in love with!" And then they just deliver.

New Obsession: The Coral Ring

Perfect for the beach in summer, this enamel and crystal ring is just the perfect little addition to your beach garb. Available from Max & Chloe in red, black, and white-this is one that I will be sure to keep my eye on.

Pair any of these beauties with the red enamel cuff and a gold bikini and you're pretty much set for a fabulous beach da te y.

iLOVE: Paperless Post

I love sending hand-written notes, but let's just be real...sometimes you just don't have time to do all that. I discovered Paperless Post a while ago and it has been an awesome alternative to sending out hand-written notes. I've used it for invites and thank you's and people have really LOVED them. They are delivered into email boxes with a cute little envelope and offer great personalization options such as envelope liners and personal logos. There is a fee for the service, but its minimal.


Just thought I'd share something that makes my life a little easier with you. Visit Paperless Post for more info or to sign up.

iLike: Snake Rings

The fact is that I abhor actual snakes. They are squirmy and slimy and what not and I just can't. BUT iLove the snake ring trend that I've seen in stores like BCBG and from designers like Kenneth Jay Lane. Since they range so much in price, I decided to do a Shopstyle my secret EVERYTHING finder search to see what's out there.

Like any trend, everyone has used their own creativity to make their interpretation of the trend. Here are a few of my favorites...

We'll start with Rachel Roy's take on the situation. This minimalist worn gold snake ring is the least costly on my list and is available from Rachel Roy for under $40. Too bad it's not actually available until July 7th.

This chunky black resin beauty designed by ABS for Allen Schwartz is available at Lord & Taylor for a mere $75. This one is perfect for that laid back, white v-tee and jeans kind of day.

And now onto my loves...by KJL (naturally)

iLove the pink and white pave bling on this piece. This little charmer was designed by KJL was apparently available for around $136 at Macy's but was so popular that it is no longer available...le sigh.

I'm personally wear more bling than stones, but I really like the turquoise member of the KJL snake line. The red eyes make it a little sinister, but it definitely commands attention. The open mouth lets us all know that you are on the prowl and ready to attack for all my panther (or Cougar-In-Training) friends . A little on the pricey side, this one is actually available at Macy's for just under $250.

This is probably my favorite of them all. It's simple, but again the red eyes on the snake, command your attention. The neutral colors make it great for just about anything. Find this one at ShopBop for $220. Actually, upon closer look. This is the same ring as the one above...just in another color...

It's Here: iPhone 4

I don't always get excited about Apple's new releases, but I just read the release on the new iPhone and I must say I think I want one. I didn't jump with the 3Gs release because I had really just purchased mine a few months before so I couldn't fathom buying another so soon. But now...my phone is old, cracked, and out of warranty. So I think I'm gonna add this (in Black) to the Bday wish list since closed mouths don't get fed . This phone might even lead me to Skype again!

For all you nerds , the specs are available at Apple's website

Open Toe Obsession of the Day: L.A.M.B. DALVA Sandal

iSpied these cuties in Macy's on 34th Street, but of course didn't write down the name.

Never fear, SHOP STYLE is here! Sidenote: if you are ever looking for anything...go to shopstyle. If they don't yield the exact item, they will probably get you very, very close.

Back to the shoe: I think the metal ring detail is what really makes the shoe. I'd pair with one of those tiered mini skirts, endless legs and a really cute shoe always= pefection...unless you have cankles in which case you should always wear pants and high top shoes .

iLove: Elizabeth Cole Earrings

As I've been perusing the world of accessories, I came across these little gems at Gilt.

Elizabeth Cole's fiesty jewelry line is quite hot! I'm loving all of the animal and tribal representations in her line too!

The Bacall Earring. Super Sexy..SUPER HOT! Perfect date night, little black dress earring.

Crystal Snake Earring. Yep, I'd pair with a v-tee and jeans. Sha-POW!

Turquoise Mohawk Earring. I think I'd feel like a chief in these!!!!

For More Elizabeth Cole Goodness Click Here

iLove: Kenneth Jay Lane Octopus Ring

I'm really in a sharing mood today with the things that iLove. Here's a FAB ring from Kenneth Jay Lane. I can't get enough of really HOT accessories. ILYT is a clothes freak...but I'm more a shoe,ring, necklace, earring (in that order) kind of girl. I believe that all things can be worn with a white v-neck and appropriate jeans, so I don't really sweat the clothes as much.

This is probably one of my newest obsessions (in a few colors that I'm loving)...

Feel Good MusiK

I recently became re-acquainted with Tamia's "Between Friends". Since so much of my music from my old iPod and old hard drive was lost in the fire, this little gem was long forgotten until last week sometime. I won't let this one go again, nope.

Take a Listen Here

Swim'fits

How did I miss this little gem back when I posted about how new swimwear for 2010? Too bad its already sold out...but you know me...I.WILL.FIND.IT.

I found this one over at Rue La La, one of my favorite websites for cute must haves at a less-insane price. I'm pretty sure I love the bandini more than the cut-out one piece which Serena so graciously murdered, let's thank her later . Is it me or is there something awfully orangutan-y about that pic?

What do you think? Am I over-obsessing?

I'm having a "Calgon take me away moment" wishing that someone would just kidnap me and take me to the sand...I guess I can (day)dream...right?

HI-larious!

As much as I love reality TV shows...I love parodies even more...peep this Tiny & Toya parody. SMH @ the fact that it's pretty much dead on...

Great Read

I was perusing my usual blog-reads a little while ago (behind regular schedule because of morning meetings) and I found this gem on www.verysmartbrothas.com called "Diva Dudes".

iDied in laughter reading the entire thing because living in DC i've seen these guys all over. But what really sent me in was that descriptions 3 and 9 were particularly applicable to one guy... Ahhh...diva dudes..

Excerpt from the post:

"an epidemic unique to the black community, the “diva dude” describes the mindset created in certain faulty brothas, developed after reading and hearing about the “good black male shortage” supposedly sweeping through the country at a pandemic rate."

"3. they’ve been the proverbial ugly duckling until very recently

This is important because the fact that they weren't getting any rhythm before they got "hot" creates an inherent b*tch*ssness that permeates everything they do."

"9. they pledged a graduate chapter of a fraternity

trust me. "

Both of these are just particularly true for some guys. Sooo you pledged grad and wear 'nalia like its the Fall 2010 gucci line , someone told you that you matured into your face, and suddenly you're too good? Do you boo....but know that it's not the best look.

Read the rest of the post over at VSB for a good but sad laugh. Seriously...how many dudes like this do you know?

Wonderful Weekend Obsessions

I had the first weekend off in a long time and spent all day yesterday adventuring around the city with him. Since most of the day was spent on foot...I had the opportunity to pop into a few shops around the city and have found two new obsessions (sigh). Wanna see 'em? Here they are...

BCBG Max Azria Lanolia

SUPER SUPER Cute cut out bootie that I feel in love with at first sight on the website. I saw them in the store today and they lived up to my expectations. I was full from brunch and wasn't in the try-on mood..but yea...loving them! This would be my ideal summer black bootie...might have to hit that 5&K corner pretty soon (iKid).

BCBG Max Azria Haze

Totally fell in love with this one in Georgetown yesterday. I tried to downplay my affection at first...but we had to loop back around so I could try it on. Yep, it's hot! The python embossing adds enough detail to catch any eye! Love the nude color which makes it versatile for spring and summer. Apparently they looked great on...and like a shoe I could run in?

Ahh...new open toe obsessions....

Open Toe Obsession of the Day: PLV Jillanna

Since we are already over at PLV for our open toe obsessions...I give you "Jillanna". This shoe has a lot of character. I LOVE heel detail. This shoe delivers in that area and then some. Its the perfect shoe for a light an airy summer dress. Love the coral and the mustard yellow (available at Shop The Shoe Box).

Open Toe Obsession Of the Day: Pour La Victoire Divia

This hottie is from the PLV 2010 Bridal Collection. It comes in black, white, and blue satin. I've been reading the shoe adventures of my soon-to-be wed linesister and finding the right shoe is apparenlty NOT.A.Game.

While searing for today's pick, I came across the PLV Bridal Collection. I think this shoe is just perfect for the bride looking to say something head-t0-toe. The blue is actually a really pretty color and would easily check off at least two of the four things that every bride must have at the wedding. Plus the price isn't too steep ($170) and if bought in an alternate color (read: black) then it could be worn again and again.

What do you think? Too much?