soulae

Are you a "Taker"?

Next Friday is the much anticipated (by me at least) release of "Takers". I have been waiting to see this flick for at least seven months now. August 27th this movie opens in theaters all across the country. 

Humm, why so much anticipation?

Shoes, the fifth and necessary element!

To me shoes are the fifth and necessary element. The shoes you wear say a lot about you. We all want to look our best and be notices (I know I do). It feels good when people admire my shoe game because I feel like I am doing something right. It is tough when times are tight to buy new shoes just for the heck of it. So there are certain rules that I follow to make sure that my feet always look there best and money stays in my pocket. 

Save a sole, Repair!

Instead of throwing out that worn down pair of heels, grab it and make an assessment of how bad the actually damage due to wear and tear is. Is it just the heel that may need to be replaced? Can those scuff marks be buffed out? Take your shoes to the local repair shop, for just a few bucks you can get new soles or get your scuffs buffed. 

Get your shine on!

Instead of buying that shiny new pair of shoes you see in the window, visit your local shoe shine guy and let him hook you up. Your shoes will look like new and you would have helped someone out during this rough economic time. 

If you must shop, do so wisely.

If you just have to have those shoes that you have been dying for shop around. You may not need to buy that expensive shoe when you can find the exact shoe or something really similar at a cheaper price. If you want that designer look for prices that fall within your budget check out stores like Aldo, Steve Madden, Bakers and Pay less. You will be able to find those designer looks for a whole lot less than what you would pay and you may even be able to get a couple pairs with that extra cash you will be saving. 

For a peak at what Aldo and Steve Madden have to offer check out this article in Essence magazine. 

Until next times Dyva's and Divo's!

Nine West Spoils me "Rotten"

via www.zappos.com

One thing you will learn about me is that when it comes to shoes, Nine West can never go wrong (if they do it is very rare). They have me spoiled "Rotten" with their styles and colors. No matter what the occasion I can always find the shoes that I need at Nine West.

Anyway, I found this lovely pair on sale at www.zappos.com and love them. I must say that I prefer the tan color but brown is screaming my name since it is on sale. Anyway this can be considered a deal of the day because these and many other Nine West (and other brand shoes) are on sale now.

So check them out and Happy shopping!

Vintage Bamboo Hoop Earrings, Vibe!

via www.girlprops.com

At the start of the summer I talked about wanted to take it back and get some bambo earrings. Well I have found the ones I want and don't have to break the bank. These are exactly like the ones I had back in the 80's, early 90's. When I got to high-school I could finally buy my own with my name in the middle!

Ah, this reminds me of the good-ole days!!! Ladies take a gander, you may find something you like at this site too. www.girlprops.com

Bohemian Rhapsody: Fall Fashion Trends

I have been on the lookout for some fun fall fashions to share with you all. Here are a few that I found from Dots. Let me just say that I am all about being fashionable as longa s it does not break the bank. The right combination of clothing, shoes and accessories can really turn a lack luster outfit into something eye catching.  So check out these combinations and tell me which one you like best!

Yours Truly, 

nykki's blues

Guys, I am jones-en for these haute blue heels that I found. These are my must-haves at the moment in preparation for my arrival next month in the Big Apple (home). I am not normally fond of blue and do not have much of it in my closet but when I saw these shoes I knew they were worth me building an outfit around them. Somestimes I am just in the mood to make a statement and these would definately do just that. 

For the ladies that are avid blue lovers here are a few other blue pics that I have found just for you! This time it may be ok to let the blues get you!

For more true blue must-haves check out these sites:

www.torrid.com

www.piperlime.com

www.payless.com

www.bakersshoes.com

Until next time!

Yours Truely, 

Great Skincare Finds: St. Ives

We are all familiar with the St. Ives brand and have probably used it at one time or another. For me, I have used the apricot scrub for years and love the way it gives my face that clean feeling. With a little effort it even helps to eliminate the appearance of those stubborn blackheads around my nose. On one of my many trips to the Walgreens in search of yet another product to try for my new hair regimen I stumble across some new St. Ives products and also noticed that they have a new look (which I like!).

The first thing that I found was the Oatmeal and Shea Butter Body Wash. Anything that has the word Shea in it is an instant magnet for me. Lately I have been using shea butter in everything (un-refined of course) and it has helped with the dryness of my skin as well as with my hair. Anyway I grabbed a bottle of the body wash and must say that despite the $8 price tag, it has been three months now and I have not missed my dove essential moisture body wash at all. The smell of the Oatmeal and Shea Butter body wash is great, it is a smell that attracts, not repels. For a person like me with dry and itchy skin, it gives me just the right amount of moisture and keeps my skin soft. 

The second thing that I found and I must say I really like is the Oatmeal Shea Body Polish. I was not sure at first what a body polish was exactly, I soon discovered that it is a gentle exfoliating scrub that leaves my skin clean, soft and radiant. At first I was addicted and used the Body Polish daily, but with a price tag close to $7 I decided that I would use it twice a week. The body polish add some extra moisture to the mix when you use it with your Oatmeal and Shea Butter body wash. The lather that you get from it makes you feel great and the smell is wonderful. 

A lot of ladies have been putting the focus on sulfate-free products and I can understand the reasoning behind it. However I have yet to find something without sulfates that makes my skin feel as soft  as this, also leaving me with moisture during the day. The Oatmeal and Shea Butter combinations are not the only ones that St. Ives is offering. You can also try these combinations to see which one you like best:

Mineral Therapy

Collagen Elastin

Also, just to make it easy for you, here are the most popular items from St. Ives:

Facial Cleansers

Hand and Body Lotions

Let us know which one you decide to try and what your thoughts are!

The Essential Little Black Dress

My closet is about to be home to one of my best purchases yet. The Marilyn Convertible Dress is a dress for any occasion. I just happened to be browsing the plus sized net and found this dress that could be converted into numerous styles. Imagine having one dress that you can wear to every occasion and still have people saying "Wow". 

With just a little manipulation you can have 20 different dresses only taking up a little hanger space in your closet. Now my only decision is where to get it from, I can get it from this place for $89.99, or I can splurge on Monif C for $195. To me they look exactly the same so I may just take the first route for now, even though I advise you all to check out the other dresses in Monif C's collection, she has some hautness. 

You may be wondering why you even need to own a little black dress? Its simple, diversity. Owning a nice fitting, polished black dress can save you time, money, and closet space. Instead of always having to step out and shop for something new for each church event, business function or glamorous evening you plan to attend you can just spice up this one essential piece with little effort. 

Accessories are the key to making it work. The right shoes, handbag, scarf, broach or jewelry can change the appearance of even the simplest of things to something eye catching. You can use accessories to make your black dress the focal point of your outfit or you can choose accessories that demand all the attention for themselves. Any way you go, you can not go wrong with owning a black dress, even if it is just for the knowledge that black makes every ones curves look good. 

So on your next shopping adventure consider adding a black dress to your closet, you will not regret it. 

The Little Black Dress is Essential!