Trend Report: NYFW Ballroom Skirt

Ballroom skirts? So you thought that these were only for weddings or for ballrooms? In Fall 2014 fashion has taken the ballroom skirt out of the ballroom and to the runway. Ever wanted to feel like a princess well it is in style now. Dress up your ballroom skirt with avant garde neck statement pieces or dress it down with a casual top for a more simple yet still dressy look.

(right: Adeam center: Anna Sui left: Creatures of the Wind)
photos from NYFW 2014 (source)

The photo shoot was based of the Book of Esther in the Bible. Esther is a prime example of what it means to be a queen, to be so beautiful on the outside yet still remain humble on the inside even when you are exalted to great power. Ballroom skirts can add some style to the queen that you already are.

Peter Pilotto Floral it up

With Spring on its way what better way to transition than not only wear lighter clothing but brighter clothing. As the flowers come out into full bloom ladies lets bloom color wise as well. This is why we love the "Peter Pilotto" target collection.




"Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos are the designers behind the PETER PILOTTO label. Pilotto is half-Austrian, half-Italian and De Vos is half-Belgian, half-Peruvian" (source). The layering effect of the dresses adds a modern look to the floral aesthetic. Often times when we se floral we think vintage. All items are priced at less than $80, which considering the fact that Pilotto's items run for way more, is a bargain. Pilloto's merchandise usually ranges from about $1,000 to $4,000. You can purchase the collection at target which is known for offering modern and up to date stylish items. Target is like a designer lover's secret every season they offer a high fashion designer's merchandise at an affordable price.

Dressed For The Weather

This is a  perfect combination of an olive green fur jacket complimenting a classic grey A- line skirt. This chic look is fit for the weather and the chilly days of the winter.

Icy Retreats

Vacation was amazing!  I try to get as much rest as possible during these times but on the way back I couldn't help but get a few pics with the scenic views.  I mean, you don't get these opportunities every day!  C'mon!

Absolutely gorgeous and restful.  There's nothing like the beauty of God's Creation, a Natural Spa and mind resting retreat.

Even if you can't get a full vacation, don't forget to spend some BR&R time (Beauty, Rest, and Relaxation).  You deserve it!

Much Love Beautifuls,

Jade Lee

Winter Silvers

I have been extremely busy with life and the holidays.  We just did a beautiful wedding on New Years Day, celebrated our 9 Year Anniversary, and we are enjoying the rest of our vacation from work.  

Today I was able to slip in a few pics in the midst of everything going on!  And by the way...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!  To you and your family!

Silvers, blacks, greys, and a soft cream rabbit hair scarf.  It was freezing in ATL today!

The silvers remind me of a Winter Wonderland.  And the top is actually a dress I turned into a top with a tweed skirt and a leathery (pleather) belt- which blends perfectly with my leather Aigner Boots.  I also wore this with my Burberry purse.  Warm, cozy and cute look.

The Vince Camuto Heel

Recently, I have been very fond of Vince Camuto shoes and I actually purchased a Vince Camuto jacket that I got for sale at Nordstrom Rack for $49, which was an AMAZING price!

SUPER CUTE...As soon as I saw it on the rack I had to try it on and it was the PERFECT size for me.  XS.

Here's a pic of me wearing my new jacket...(Coming Soon)

And here's some of my fave Vince Camuto shoes:

This red ankle boot can be worn with a cute skirt (pencil or a-line) and a blouse or t-shirt.  It can be dressed up or down and is perfect as a winder suede shoe with a bit of a hedge and a pretty heel.

The Elvin Shoe, $89.99
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Or you can try this sleek black ankle boot with gold buckle.  Match it up with a skirt to create the same effect as the red ankle boot, toned down and possibly a bit more classic.

VC Signature Evalina, $239.99
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And for a more summery approach, but still sleek, casual and elegant, you can try the Golden VC Signature Greta Shoe.  I absolutely love this version of VC.  So beautiful with a pop of gold, almost sporting an urban feel.

VC Signature Greta, $250.00
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This is a beautiful VC Bootie, resembling a sharp, gold buttoned suit jacket.  And I would be remiss to add the gold plated feature on the bottom of the shoe:

Huxley, On Sale for $99.99 (was $149.00)
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These are so lady-like, made of lace and bows.  Gorgeous:

VC Signature Rosabel, On Sale for $149.99 (was $295.00)
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And finally, look at this gold plated bootie/heel to live for!  Lovely.  Imagine all this shine and glisten of gold from 3 different directions when you walk into a room.  Such great attention to detail:

Louise et cie Vivah, On Sale for $124.99 (was $179.00)
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And this is just a sampling of what Vince Camuto has to offer.  Enjoy!

What's your favorite shoe?

By the way, you can save money by outlet shopping at a Vince Camuto Outlet store or buy directly online by clicking the links above.

The Beauty of Africa

African Inspired Chic-Beauty
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I've been to Africa a few times now and I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience.  I love traveling from time to time.  I enjoyed the people, I enjoyed their joy and contentment in life.  Sometimes we in the Western World miss out on the simplicities of life do to our own busyness but the Africans I met didn't seem to have this problem.  With little they loved much, lived much, prayed much and were more happy than many with 3 x's their income.

Africa was such a fresh and touching experience.  I felt like I was home away from home and found a piece of myself that I needed to redeem as an African American.  I was walking back through my own history.

But as a fashion-lover one of the aspects I love most about Africa is the unique pieces of material that I cannot find in the U.S. and how the distinct African looks can be brought into my current life as an American.

This is my Africa:

I love shopping in the markets and walking through the busy city streets full of beautiful brown faces!

Street Life through the Streets
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Nairobi, Kenya
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And the ethnic clothes of Africa take us to another world:

Asymmetrical Dress in Bold Vibrant Colors
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The elegance we cherish dearly as ladies is exuberant in African attire:

Dazzling African Gown with Bold Blue Pumps
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The Beautiful Bold Blue Reflects the Colors of Africa's Sweeping Shores:

Mombassa, Kenya
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And you can Americanize it by using African Print with American Cuts:

Fresh & Cute, Light Colors
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Or go for the super-traditional look:

African Wedding Gown
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Bright & Fab
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Ashanti Heels

Buy Here

36 Ways to Wear Head Wrap
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I will always carry a piece of Africa in my heart, never forgetting the tears that gently flowed down my face as I drove away from the beauty of this life changing experience.

What's your favorite dress?

My Natural Hair Journey

Hey ladies!

This is me over the summer!

I wanted to share with you my natural hair journey thus far...It's been a really fun but challenging process as I am attempting to continue in keeping my natural hair.  Just in case you are wondering, my hair is currently being transitioned from permed hair to natural hair and to tell you the truth I do not have the exact date of when I started going natural.  It just kind of gradually happened as I was going to the hair salon.  My stylist started straightening my hair- perming it less and less.

Summer 2013

Before you knew it, I was getting used to the process!  I stopped wanting perms and the damaging effect they were having on my hair.  I started to become interested in growing my natural hair back and after much deliberation decided to go for it.

So today I wanted to show you how long my hair has grown from the summer (around July of this year) until now.  Yesterday when I got another straw set (the perfect transitioning style for me) I realized how long my hair had truly grown and I am LOVING it!


My Growth from Summer 2013-December 2013

Hopefully this will encourage somebody to continue in the Journey.  It's worth it in the end!  Let's be patient and wait for our desired goals beautifuls.

Much Love,

JADE

Let's Encourage One Another:

Are You Natural?  What Was/Is the Hardest Part of Transitioning for You?  How Did you Make it through it?

Equestrian Inspiration: The Horseback Riding Skirt

Paris Fashion Week 2012
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I am going on vacation this winter and plan to go horseback riding, one of my favorite activities.  I am absolutely fascinated with the culture of horseback riding and wearing skirts.  No, I will not be riding sidesaddle, but I would love to ride a horse with a skirt on for the first time.  Here are a few Equestrian Inspired looks.

This is sidesaddle:

The sidesaddle skirt:

There is such an eloquence and grace that comes with a lady riding a horse in a beautiful skirt.  But it does present its problems, such as burning your legs from rubbing on the horse.  See the video below for a wonderful skirt that will protect your legs and keep you warm- made specifically for horseback riding!

Horse Riding Inspired Looks:

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This saddle skirt has been specialized for all weather terrains:

You can buy it here: www.happyhorseriders.com