A Moment of Reflection

Friends, Sistahs, all y'all... As most of us enjoy the fact that we don't have to be at work today, let us not forget the reason why. Dr. King worked tirelessly for the rights of all people and eventually had his life stolen from him as a result. If you're taking today as a day of rest (which you have every right to do), please at least spend a few minutes reflecting on what contributions you're making to the greater good. Whether it's a random act of kindness, community service or charitable donation, remember that good deeds, like smiles, are contagious. OK, now I'm off my soapbox. Back to your regularly scheduled activities. Smile.

Five, Six, Pick Up... (Fashion... in Living Color)

Cold, Goin' Mad...

I don't know about you, but I've got a case of the "Can't-wait-for-spring" blues. Yeah, Yeah, it's been a relatively mild winter, but everywhere I look, there are reminders of warmer weather. Stores are bringing in spring inventory, and all the fash-rags are telling us how to transition into the next season (the really high sedity ones are reporting on resort attire for those who can afford to escape to more temperate climes... uh huh I will one day when my pockets get right). The rest of us (especially those in windowless cubicles) have to do something to shake this S.A.D (Seasonal Affective Disorder, duh) monkey off our back, though. I say we add a little brightness to our days with pops of color, whether it's a little accessory or an article of apparel. Here are five ideas I found that should help us all get a sunnier disposition.

Just a Touch ($)

A little goes a long way with punchy pigments, so if you're on the conservative side a belt or piece of jewelry may be enough for you. Added to neutral basics, they take you from hum-drum to hotness (and often without diving too far into your pockets). Try this "opposites attract" belt ($7.00) from Lulu's Fashion Lounge (or a bright skinny belt like this Gap one) with a khaki shirtdress, or pair Urban Outfitters' pink agate charm necklace ($38.00) with a white button-up and almost any bottom.
















For the Cool in Hue ($$)

For those who are a little more daring, a key accessory in a vivid shade should do the trick. Let Boutique 9's $135 "U and Me" pumps in dark pink patent perk up gray pants, or get carried away by a bright bag, like Steven by Steve Madden's $195 "Mosaic" in fuchsia.













All Bright with Me ($$$)

Some of us are just plain bold and enjoy standing out. If that's you, go for a simple shift in a stand-out shade, like this $460 indigo "Katen" sweater dress from Diane Von Furstenberg.



***P.S. - What song inspired today's title? Who was it by? Big props to the firs one with the right answer!

The Ooooooo-Weee! (More intense than a normal fashion fix, here's what has me feenin')

Pump up the Volume!

Hey style sistas! I hope you had happy holidays and are planning to make a great '08. I've decided this year not to make any real resolutions other than to live my life the way I'm supposed to (yep, that means to enjoy the hell out of it and do what I can to help others enjoy too)... oh, and cop these $180 color-banded "Chelsea" pumps by Betsey Johnson. I came across them during my quest for the quintessential NYE get-up. Amazingly, my dress was the one color that didn't get a stripe on these shoes, so they're still in the store calling my name (very loudly!). If you're bold enough to go to these bright heights and beat me to Lord & Taylor or to DJ Premium, you have to swear not to wear them at the same place and time as me. (I saw them first, so girlfriend rule #20 gives me dibs). Oh, please wear them with something simple (but not plain) so you don't look like a Studio 54 reject in an NYE runner-up outfit.

Five, Six, Pick Up... (Gifts for Your Guy)

Santa, Baby

The fireside is blazing bright, and you've decided he's worth rolling your heart's dice. He knows when to be naughty and when to be nice. One thing, though, you can't figure out what gift he'd like. He said all he wants is you, but you know better. You've gotta get him something good- it's your first Christmas together. Plus, his last girlfriend always gave him ties, cologne and such, so you refuse to go there. Don't fret, my pets, I'm here to help you make "Ronny Romance" do his happy dance. Here are five great guy-approved "Love, Your Girl" gifts I found that'll keep the kisses coming (mistletoe or not).

Deep heart, shallow pockets ($)

My homegirl's guy had the nerve to act up a week and a half before Christmas. He's in the process of making up for it, but he's not all the way out the doghouse yet. Another friend is really into her guy, but she's got a big family and can't afford to blow the bank on her beau. If you're in either situation, this $69.99 Kraftware Deluxe Bar-in-a-Box from Target is perfect for you. You'll earn extra points if you give him a bottle of "brown" to go with it. (I'm talking Henny or Remy... none of that cheap crap.)


Money Ain't Tight, But it Ain't Quite Right ($$)

He's crossed his T's and dotted the I's, so he deserves a gift that costs a lil sumthin' sumthin'. These limited edition Lacoste for Kid Robot sneakers will have him steppin' out in style for $175, or fork over $179.99 for a Flip Video Ultra Camcorder to catch all the memories you'll make.

Baby got Bank! ($$$)

If you got a big bonus this year and you're in the mood to share, put a little luxury under the tree with a $200 Hennessy XO Limited Collector's Edition gift set. If you're tired of that raggedy sack he totes to and from your crib, spend the $390 to upgrade him to a sophisticated Samsonite Black Label duffel.

I Wish I May, I Wish I Might (I Will One Day when My Pockets get Right!)

Let's pretend I won the lottery, had a visit from my fairy godparent (he or she's out there somewhere, I just know it) or found some other way into a whole lotta chedda. If said fantasy were to come true, please believe a MAJOR shopping spree would be very close to the top of my to-do list. 'Til that happens, let's play a little game of "that's my bag."

Picture Me Rollin...

In a couple of weeks I'll be rolling through the airport with my little DVF luggage set, A-Town bound. As much as I love my second home, if I was a rich girl (na nana nana nana... you know the rest), I'd be headed to somebody's foreign "clearport" with this Louis Vuitton "Ultimate Travel Bag" in tow. It's up for bid on London's CLIC Sargent children's Cancer charity website from December 10-18, and with bids starting at £10,000 (about $20,500), I'd need damn near "all the money in the world" to make it mine. A collaboration between the LV special order workshop and Times of London fashion editor, Lisa Armstrong, the purple calfskin-trimmed one-of-a-kind roller is carry-on compliant and comes with a bunch of bonuses. In case the image is too small for you to identify, they are:

• a passport cover in MONOGRAM canvas
  
• oversized cashmere eyeshades and blanket
  
• laptop case
• a transparent detachable toiletries kit
  
• a foldable jewellery kit
  
• an evening clutch in MONOGRAM Vernis leather
  
• a laundry pouch.

OK, right now, everybody close your eyes, cross your fingers and pray i win the Mega Millions this Friday. Thanks!!!

Five, Six, Pick Up... (Gifts for Coworker Claus)

Because Sometimes Secret Santa Sucks

You've picked the name from the hat and realized that a) you don't know the person you're supposed to gift, or b) you know the person and can't stand him or her. Hell, maybe you even like the person a little bit. Regardless, who wants to spend a bunch of hard-earned dough on a co-worker when you have real friends and family to buy presents for? Thank goodness there's a price limit for your office's holiday grab bag. Before you cop the cheesy reindeer socks or contemplate a $10 gift card (c'mon now), try getting something that's actually cool and has some personality. At least this way it'll be easy to re-gift. Here are five gifts I found fall under usual limits of $10-20. BTW, I'll gladly accept any of these if you want to be my Secret Santa :-).

Poppin' Bottles (10 Bucks or Below) For Wendy or Wendel Winelover, little friendly "Carlo" stoppers are a fun "welcome back" to unfinished bottles of vino. A set of two costs $8.50 at Retromodern.com. If your giftee is Mindy Manicure, this $9.95 Essie Winter '07 mini pack from Enailsupply.com is sure to make the "keeper" pile.











Fun & Yummy ($15 is Far Enough) Super Mario 'Shrooms take the mind back to simpler times. Pop of the top and take Sam Sweettooth's taste buds on a tart adventure. $15 at Fredflare.com gets your giftee a set of three. The J.R. Watkins Apothecary Sampler keeps skin butter-smooth and smelling sweet (I swear by this stuff, straight up). Carry-on friendly and made with natural ingredients, it's only $14.99 at Drugstore.com.













Treat your Nose ($20's the Top) Inhale, Exhale let good vibes flow. Ilio Nectaire Diffuser Duos from Target are great for gifting. For $19.99 choose from vanilla bean/ berry cinnamon bark or lavender/ cucumber. If the recipient isn't fond of one scent, there's another choice. Bigger than that, he or she can keep one home and put another in the office. Ain't no fun if the homies can't haaaave none, right?

I Wish I May, I Wish I Might... (I Will One Day, When My Pockets Get Right!)

Let's pretend I won the lottery, had a visit from my fairy godparent (he or she's out there somewhere, I just know it) or found some other way into a whole lotta chedda. If said fantasy were to come true, please believe a MAJOR shopping spree would be very close to the top of my to-do list. 'Til that happens, let's play a little game of "that's my coat."

Cold Chillin...

Baby, it's cold outside, but don't stay in and hide! I'm a summer bunny, so I'll take camisoles and sandals over coats and scarves any day. I live in the Northeast, though, and I've got bills to pay. Like most of you, my paper chase requires I brave the blustering winds. No matter how drab the weather, who wants to blend in? This weathered metallic leather anorak I found on Vivre.com would be a great way to stand out if I had an extra $695 laying around. By no means am I saying that's a bad price, but my family's too big for me to splurge with only a couple of weeks left til Santa visits.