My Vicarious Life: May 2010

MVL Style Icon: Tawanna Aimiuwu

afro May 27, 2010

By Katrice

I certified Tawanna quintessentially natural at the first sight of her afro. Her hair was everything I envisioned when I set out to transition my own coif -- earthy, regal ... unapologetically fierce and I've been following her every move since.

I feel like I learned to be natural from her.~

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MVL Style Icons

fashion May 26, 2010

By Katrice

Everyday I see someone or something that inspires and informs my immutable fascination with style. Sometimes it is as simple as a change to my perspective on color while other times an epiphany-like impression that straightaway becomes standard in my canon of personal fashion principles. The color pink, a velvety day-to-evening smokey eye ... the impeccable distinction of a sensational handbag. And then, there is the icon -- a literal rendering of all those things in one.

Over the years, there have been many who impacted my style worldview. So, I've decided to pay homage to them in a special series of posts. Stay tuned.

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DIY: Treat Yourself

blended coffee May 25, 2010

By Katrice

I think if I was one of my neighbors, I'd be looking for a creative excuse to pop over to my apartment and see what's cooking. So many recipes, so little time. But, once the summer hits, I start looking for options that keep me from needing to turn on the oven. And main meals aside, one treat that monopolizes my attention is blended drinks. Though I'm not very big on desserts, I am a bit of a smoothie and icy coffee drink addict. So, it only makes sense that a DIY type of girl like myself would have a few recipes to share. Not only will you save a little change, you may just find mixing to your taste a refreshing break from the norm.

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In Translation

downtown Atlanta May 23, 2010

By Katrice

Every time I think I've found Atlanta's finest, another occasion arises and I'm falling in love all over again. Last night, I spent the evening with my friend Allison and a group of birthday party-ers in her honor at Hotel Palomar's Pacci Ristorante in downtown Atlanta. Its rep revolves around a very specific posturing -- that "The universal language spoken at Pacci is 'food.'” They're being modest. Fashioned as a modern translation of the classic Italian steakhouse, Pacci's savory menu is traditional, but sensible enough for even the pickiest of palates. The real treat, however, sits atop a winding staircase just off its main dining area.

The AltoRex Rooftop Lounge is a coolly styled open-air rooftop destination true to its urban Midtown roots. If you like to kick back and unwind in the warm night air, head straight to AltoRex for lush landscaping with al fresco seating around fire pits, the bar and private cabanas - and a scenic view of the Atlanta skyline.

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The Cork Has It

cognac May 19, 2010

By Katrice

I was sure my alternative to the gladiator wedge of my earlier post would be a similarly styled stand-in. That was then. This is now. Enter: My favorite new cognac-colored suede platforms. I'm usually more the invisible platform type but these may have just changed that.

What do you think?

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On to the Next One

Cynthia May 15, 2010

By Katrice

Okay, so I was planning to rock the Cynthia Vincent Gladiator Wedge as my sandal of this summer. My first sight of it in the May 2010 issue of Lucky Magazine had me immediately dialing a friend with specific instructions on when and where to pick them up on the day they were hitting the shelves (only because I was traveling). I tried to express the urgency of being at Target when the doors opened that Sunday morning but it was to no avail. Needless to say, when I ventured out myself, fresh from the airport the very next day, they were already sold out -- in EVERY size. And to my dismay, a month later, my hopes of finding this dreamy 4-inch wedge with goldtone hardware are waning.

So, I have resigned to a few other equally stylish alternatives. But, I need help deciding which one.

Please share your thoughts.

Aldo, Claudle

Old Navy, Cage

Aldo, Stenn

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Love at First Sight

Chloe May 12, 2010

More Looks...

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Her Day

May 09, 2010

By Katrice

There's so much beauty in motherhood ... so much that it would be impossible to completely reflect in words. So, I decided to spend today capturing it all around me.

xoxo

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It's Rachel Rachel Roy

May 08, 2010

By Katrice

To say I was excited about being invited to the special preview of designer Rachel Roy's Rachel Rachel Roy Spring 2010 Collection at Macy's this afternoon would be an understatement. And by the first peek of models taking their positions, it was evident that my anticipation was well founded. Macy's at Lenox Square Mall presented an opportunity to meet the style icon and hear about the inspiration behind the designs in her Rachel Rachel Roy line, available exclusively at Macy's, macys.com and rachelroy.com.

Offering designer-infused fashion at affordable prices, Roy designed the Rachel Rachel Roy line to be the younger sister of her designer brand, expressing a fresh version of glamour and youthfulness that reflects today's urban sophistication. Elements of downtown cool and uptown chic are blended -- pattern mixing, pairing of opposites, and individualism.

Roy's is a sensationally mastered blend of perfect tailoring with delicate draping ... edgy and vivid, luxuriously accessible. Rachel Rachel Roy Spring 2010 is a truly effortless immix and the fit of my fantasies.

Lots of pics!

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Special Treatment

cuisine May 07, 2010

By Katrice

It's official: the Dogwood Restaurant in downtown Atlanta is my new favorite place to dine (at least, this week ... *wink*). A private dinner invite from Gail Johnson and Hester Parks of Wedding Soiree was my introduction to delicious cuisine, cozily chic decor (à la Wedding Soiree) and an evening of sumptuous conversation. What a perfect lead-in to the weekend.

xoxo

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Kinky Hair Love

hair May 03, 2010

By Katrice

"So, is your new style going to be Afrocentric?" That was the first question I got about my newly kinky hair in 2008. My reply: 'Nope. I'm still going to be pretty much the same Katrice that I've always been ... minus the permed hair.' I'd be lying if I said I wasn't annoyed by the initial response to my having an afro. But, almost two years later, I am prepared for just about any commentary in reference to it because I'm resolved.

Natural is sometimes a state of mind. But, not always. Sometimes the decision is about trend and other times about rejuvenation. No matter what takes a natural woman down the road to kinky, some degree of reconciliation with her self and the hair on her head is a must. And to be clear, it is just about her and her hair. My afro doesn't make me any more enlightened than the next woman except about me and my perceptions of beauty. That's all. So, if you're at a (natural hair) crossroads and need some encouragement, I've found that a healthy dose of my kinky hair love can make your transition a lot easier.

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On the Boulevard

May 02, 2010

By Katrice

A live DJ was spinning at the corner of Boulevard and Edgewood this afternoon. It was that kind of day.

~ Yep. I love Atlanta.

(My camera had people thinking I was a legit photog)

I couldn't resist ... he looked like Usher

Good style is good even from behind

(Note to self: Always be ready to document it head on)

The way home

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Goodbye and Hello

May 01, 2010

By Katrice

I suddenly found myself without plans today, so I figured it as good a time as any to finally bid my winter duds farewell. I've been putting it off for the past couple weeks as the weather has shifted between feeling like summer one day and fall the next. But, one sight of my metallic flip flops this morning and I couldn't resist. There's always something about catching a glimpse of one of my seasonal favorites that makes the task of switching my closet over seem less daunting (if you come from a four-season locale, you know what I mean).

~ Goodbye winter!