The Best of MVL

By Katrice

It's hard to believe that I've been blogging for nearly a year (17 days until MVL's 1st birthday). And, as cliche as it may sound ... it has been one of the best experiences of my life. Not only have I learned more about my city, I've learned more about myself and you. I couldn't be happier.

As we're preparing to ring in a fabulous new year, I've been reminiscing on some of my favorite posts. 

Thanks for following!

5. 5 Essentials to being easily fabulous

4. MVL Style Icon: Tawanna Aimiuwu

3. Uniformed Approach

2. Sista' Please, Speak Life

1. 2011 {Style} Resolutions

{Spotted} Natural Hair Care Haul at Target

By Katrice

I consider this selection pretty exceptional since it was an endcap display at the Target in Alpharetta, and the prices were quite affordable. Very good.

MVL Radar: Atlanta Weddings for the Modern, Stylish, Chic Bride

By Katrice

Any time I'm in the company of Gail Johnson and Hester Parks, the duo that makes up Wedding Soiree, I start imagining weddings. I follow their tweets and imagine weddings. I read their blog and, yes, I think of what I'll want for my wedding. Meet them, and you'll understand it a natural reaction. They are wedding planners par excellence. Wedding Soiree and their events have been featured on Platinum Weddings, Get Married and CBS Better Mornings in Atlanta as well as in numerous publications, including: Martha Stewart Weddings and BRIDES. And now they've found a way to share their expertise with brides everywhere -- especially those orchestrating their own weddings in Atlanta. Their book, Atlanta Weddings for the Modern, Stylish, Chic Bride, will be released on amazon.com on Jan. 4th. This essential style manual is a step-by step guide to creating flawless weddings through how-to advice, insider's secrets and virtually every nugget a bride (and groom) should consider. 

Want a sneak peek? Keep reading ... 

MVL: How did this project arise? And how did you determine what would be covered in the book?

Hester: We were trying to figure out how we could set ourselves apart from the rest of the wedding industry in Atlanta … and there was no one else doing a book on planning a wedding specifically in Atlanta. We also wanted to put a different spin on it. [Atlanta Weddings] is not the traditional wedding book but a coffee table book that offers lots of tips specifically about Atlanta so that anybody could pick it up, and come to Atlanta and use it as a guide to plan their own wedding.

MVL: What type of how-to advice will someone who purchases the book will enjoy?

Hester: It varies. We cover all points of a wedding and how they relate to Atlanta. There are insider tips about the local weather and venues. For example, we tell you to think about the pollen count and your guest allergies when you consider having your wedding in Atlanta. That’s a very important influencing factor here. We give insights on the hotel districts, as well.

MVL: If you could choose one chapter of the book and expand it into a full project of it's own, what would that be?

Hester: That would definitely be the Atlanta local flavor chapter. We really focus on homegrown factors like transportation, where to get your marriage license, attractions and more.

MVL: What's in/out for weddings in 2011?

Hester: Incorporating your own personal style and your style as a couple into your wedding is in. Themes are out. 

MVL: Two hot wedding trends for 2011?

Hester: Belting the wedding dress and ladies doing dress changes.

Pre-order your copy of Atlanta Weddings for the Modern, Stylish, Chic Bride at amazon.com for just $25. 

Hair Envy ♥

By Katrice

I'm getting there!

The Best of 2010 Style

By Katrice

All I Want For Christmas

By Katrice

Interestingly, through all of my posting about the holidays and chatting with friends, when it came time to tell my brother what I wanted for Christmas ... I couldn't think of anything. How does that happen? I imagine it's because I want so many things that it's hard to narrow down. And on the flip side of that, I don't need anything! Ha. But, it's Christmas!! And though, there truly isn't anything I need. I do love to dream up a good wishlist.  

Leopard Handbags ... Stylin' or Stuntin'?

Copy That: Suede Shoe Ins

By Katrice

Harvey Nichols Suede Wedge Bootie, $435

Forever 21 Wedge Cuff Booties, $29.80

Olive Suede & Brown Catherine Boot, $330

Forever 21 Suedette Heeled Work Boot, $34.80

Proenza Schouler Suede Lace-up Bootie, $557

Forever 21 Folded Cuff Work Boot, $34.80

Asos Suede Pumpkin Pointed Court Shoe, $103

Forever 21 Suedette Platform Heels, $22.80

Red Valentino Blue Suede Acasra, $590

Forever 21 Stunning Mid-Calf Boots, $34.80

SWIIIITCH!!

By Katrice 

I'm always talking to friends who live in different cities about the things we're weeding out of our wardrobes. And more often than not, one of us wants something the other one is getting rid of. That gave me an idea to work on organizing a clothing swap amongst my friends. If you're game, e-mail me, and let's get it crackin'.

2011 {Fashion} Resolutions

By Katrice

I stopped making New Year's resolutions a long time ago. I'm always seeking balance and resolve in my life, and thus am prone to making changes when the need arises. It could be the next moment or the next day. It's probably the only area I could describe myself as spontaneous in. But, I'm going to try something different this year and make some resolutions that involve my wardrobe. This should be fun!

1. Do more with less. 
I made a pact with my bff that whenever I made a new purchase that I would get rid of something out of my closet. I held fast to that agreement for a few months, but then I fell off. Needless to say, I'm a tad over the limit of my closet space. So, I'm playing catch up with my trips to the consignment shop and thrift store, AND diversifying my use of a few fabulous and classic pieces.

3. New Natural Hair Rules.
My short list: Bantu knots. Faux hawk. Bun. Flat twists. I have mastered the old school fro. I'm pretty confident in my twist out. I'm ready to try some other styles. Fingers crossed. 

Every so often, I realize that I have accumulated a selection of pieces -- including accessories -- that I am saving for a certain kind of occasion. A year passes and I still have tags on things that I have either forgotten about them or categorized as too special. Well, I have decided to make a dedicated effort to wear everything in my closet. 


5. Get back to wearing the pants. 
I lost weight last year and my pants stopped fitting well. And then I started integrating jeans into my work attire more often. Between wearing dresses and jeans, I haven't worn a pair of slacks in so long that I almost shun the thought. But, I am headed to the tailor to have my fav slacks re-fitted. It's about versatility. 

My co-worker is fierce when it comes to mixing up prints. Polka dots and stripes. Plaids and tweed. Mesh and wool. Ahhh! It's fun and high fashion all at once.

Okay, so there's my fashion resolutions for the coming year. I'd love to hear some of yours.


Bold
Boudicca Chiffon Dress, $1,895, matchesfashion.com, Michael Kors Boucl, $1,495, net-a-porter.com, Lanvin Ruffle Trim Satin Dress, $2,265, brownsfashion.com
Super Glam
Prada 18IS Havana Shades, $280, sunglasses-shop.co.uk, 3.1 Philip Lim Organza and Leather Necklace, $275, net-a-porter.com, Erickson Beamon Great Expectations 24-karat-gold-plated bracelet, $755, net-a-porter.com, Fendi Medium Peekaboo, $2,390, barneys.com, Nicholas Kirkwood Lace Cut-Out Bootie, $755, kirnazabete.com
Mix It Up
Proenza Schuler Shibori Long Sleeve Tee, $375, lagarconne.com, Proenza Schuler Skirt, $1,210, colette.fr, Christian Louboutin Pump, $595, bergdorfgoodman.com, Etro Leopard Silk Blouse, $834, farfetch.com, Leopard Pencil Skirt, $960, kirnazabete.com, Christian Louboutin Bibi 140 Suede Pumps, $795, shopsavannahs.com, Paul Smith Red Interior Floral Bow Shirt, $231, my-wardrobe.com, See by Chloe Wool-Blend Tweed Skirt, $224, net-a-porter.com

On Holiday

By Katrice 

I'm counting down the days until my two-week vacation. So many plans and plenty of time to do everything I've been imagining with a little foresight. I have curated a list of restaurants to try, movies to see, makeup tricks to master, places to explore, sales to catch. (Yes, I will be shopping. I've already seen deals way too good to pass up.) I guess it's a fitting way to spend the weeks leading up to my blog's first birthday, considering that it was born out of my desire to get back to actively enjoying my city and the things I love most about life. It worked! If you're looking forward to something similar over the next week ... find me here.  

Sustenance
Souper Jenny
Okay, so I've already been to Souper Jenny but my first visit there was an impromptu lunch meetup, and I was not prepared to blog about the food. But the food (the Pasta Salad with sundried tomato pesto, artichoke hearts and spinach all by itself) warrants a blog all its own.  

Truffles Cafe
I'm pretty serious about my Southwestern salads. So any place with one on the menu is on radar for the near future. 

West Egg Cafe
I love a good brunch menu.

Farm Burger
I've never been but the promise of 100% grass-fed burgers has my attention.

My City
If you're free on Dec. 21st, stop by the Mansion on Peachtree between 6 and 9 p.m. for the The Black Latino Council's 2010 Power Players of the Year reception. They named me a Power Player! 

AFRICAN ORIGINS: Africa's History in a Name
Part of the African Origins Portal, rare photographs of Africans freed from slaving vessels, alongside nineteenth-century registers documenting liberated African's names. I'm really looking forward to this free exhibit at the Robert W. Woodruff Library - Emory University.

Ice Rink at Centennial Olympic Park
I'm a little nervous about this one, but I am going to try ice skating. Any pros out there who can show up and assist me? 

A Little Light Shopping
My mom will be here and we both love great consignment and thrift finds, so we'll make our rounds to a short list of shops.
Stylish Consignments 
Sugga's Thrift Boutique
Rag-O-Rama

Makeup Party!
I've been trying to recapture the look that brilliant MUA and friend Londyn (of The Artistry Londyn) created for my first MVL photoshoot. So, I'm hoping to bring you a tutorial and makeup shopping guide with Londyn very soon. In the meantime, I'll be working on my daytime smokey eye and false lash application as well as surfing youtube for some other handy tip and tricks. If you have any favorite channels, feel free to suggest!

What I'll Be Wearing

Image: H&M Magazine

From Jeffrey Campbell, With Love

By Katrice

Jeffrey Campbell LITA, in black glitter splendor

I couldn't resist. I see this shoe in my dreams. 

MVL Radar: Crux New York

By Katrice

In their words, a desire to share their vision and complex style with a broad audience propelled Crux New York creators, Sennie Clark and Ahyiana Angel, to expand their hobby of revamping pieces and experimenting with unique accessories into a fashion forward reality. In mine: Genius. Crux New York accessories are so many things ... all of them good. If you want soft. Crux New York has soft. If you love a splash of color. Crux New York has that too. Each piece is intricate and bold -- with a one-of-a kind flair. You know I'm all about the statement piece. These NYC-based designers have mastered that in a line of exacted offerings that will send a defining message about whomever is wearing one of their creations. And they communicate it quite well in the Crux slogan. "Crux, for the diva that does not follow the trends...she sets the trends." Sennie, Ahyiana and the rest of their team chatted with me -- about their show-stopping pieces -- just in time to make your wishlists for Christmas.

Your jewelry is fascinatingly delicate and edgy at the same time. Where do you look for inspiration?
Sennie: My inspiration comes from the energy and life swirling around me in the city. New York has so many unique things to experience that it constantly keeps your mind clicking about what’s next. Sometimes inspiration for a piece will hit me while I’m roaming the streets or in mid-conversation at a restaurant. It’s crazy that way but I love it!

Angel: I’ve always been the type to dream up fantasy outfits but I never really tried to make them a reality so when I started experimenting with making accessories I realized that the possibilities were endless with what materials I could use and how crazy I could get. Sometimes my inspiration comes from an outfit that I’m planning to wear, a funky piece of art that I may see at a gallery, or simply my mood. My mind can be all over the place sometimes so the city is the perfect setting for me to channel what I experience into my designs.

Weather It In Style

 By Katrice 

When the temperature drops to frigid, the need for warmth can easily shift your wardrobing priorities to more functional and less fashionable. To this I say, think -- layering. Pile on the chicness and you'll be able to weather it in style. These budget friendly finds for $10 or less should get you in the spirit. 

Faded Glory Boots, $10 (in-store), Walmart

Faux Fur Beret, $8.99, Target

Turtleneck Sweater, $10, Forever 21

Bongo Fingerless Sequined Gloves, $6

*Perfect for a chilly office.

Knit Snood, $8.80, Forever 21

Leg Warmers, $7.99, Payless

Velour Leggings, $6.48, Target

*Tip: Your leggings can double as tights. Equally as comfy, extra cozy.

Aero Thermal Graphic Tee, $8, Aeropostale

Winterize Your Skin

By Katrice 

My poor hands and feet have been taking a beating in this unusually chilly weather. I'm constantly gobbing extra moisturizer on my lips, face and elbows, and my skin is still begging for more. No more cutesy scented lotions and balms ... it's time to pull out the big guns. Enjoy a little tenderness with these tried and true hydrators.

Nivea Creme, $1, at your local drug store

Kiehl's Superbly Restorative Skin Salve, $25, Nordstrom

lime life 4ever oil, $22, iwifresh.com

Shea It Isn't So, $15, Bath & Bodyworks

Philosophy Hope in a Jar, $38, Sephora

Love Butter, $18, carolsdaughter.com