Macy's Spring 2011

By Katrice

Here's a sampling of the Macy's Spring 2011 collection -- available in stores from now until April. This season's hottest looks were heavily inspired by reflections mirroring the ocean’s multi-hued surface. Watery tones of aqua, turquoise, teal and marine mix with the vibrancy of bolder shades, injecting new life into classic patterns this season. Look forward to soft constructed sport coats, slim suits, fitted dress shirts, bow ties, narrow neckwear, linen, tropical weight wools and printed wovens. I can't wait to shop the Rachel Rachel Roy accessories. Think -- paradise found! 

Getting Caught Up {In Pictures}

By Katrice

I love Sunday afternoons. It's prime time for me to prop my feet up and flip through the magazines I've stacked and pages I've bookmarked online throughout the week. I've been so busy that I have mags from December that I've barely cracked open! It's a good thing fashion news is never old news for me. This weekend: Marie Claire. 

Dreamy hues, bathing suits, wooden accessories... I'm fantasizing about spring. 

{This ethereal color scheme is a must for this summer. December 2010}

{An eclectic mix of fine diamonds and family heirlooms. #Love}

{Rainbow Skulls by M Style Lab, Macy's, $25. January 2011}

{Spotted: Moroccanoil is one of Carrie Underwood's essentials. It really can be used for all hair types.} 

{Mix and Match}

{Quickie} H&M To Have Online Shopping

By Katrice

According to H&M sources, the ultra popular Swedish fashion retailer will have online shopping in the United States at the turn of the year 2011/2012. 

Now, that's the kind of fashion news you want to wake up to!

Turn Your Winter Blues Magenta

By Katrice

This week, the weather in Atlanta has been so dismal that it seems like winter will never come to an end. I miss the lush greenery and riding with my windows down. Ahhh ... I was born to live in a tropical climate. One day, perhaps. But, until then, I have my carefully curated list of cure-alls to stave off the winter doldrums. Try one or all of them, and tell me what you think!

{You're welcome.}


1. Keep your tootsies pampered. 
Of course, summertime is when most women flock to salons to pamper their feet, but it shouldn't be the only time. Keep the same schedule with your pedicurist that you have when it's warm or save a few bucks and devise your own at-home treatment, and you just may be surprised at how the sight of neatly primped toes lighten your mood. 

Kaliko Tailored Pea Coat, $99; Leather Ring Detail Buckle Satchel, $105; Missoni Crochet-knit Zigzag Scarf, $800; Beauty Is Life Lipstick, $28; Not Too Coy Strappy Boot, $111; Red Cocktail Ring, $8

2. Add a splash of color.

Sometimes, I get the urge to check into a hotel with an indoor pool and jacuzzi, and enjoy a few nights away from home {even if I am just a block away}. 

4. Give yourself or your home/work space a makeover.
It could be as simple as a new lip gloss or as elaborate as going from carpet to hardwood floors. Changing things up is one of my favorite pick me ups. #Love

5. When the days are long, we enjoy the outdoors. When they're short, why not enjoy what's happening indoors around your town? 
Commit to finding something to do to that stimulates your senses every Friday or Saturday. After a couple weeks, you won't even think of staying home. 

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater comes to The Fox Theatre in Atlanta Feb. 10-13, 2011

Tickets start at $20

{Quickie} First Lady Obama Stunning in Rachel Roy

By Katrice

{Sneak Peek} Trumpet Awards Look

By Katrice

{I'll be wearing this taffeta number by Isaac Mizrahi in navy blue. 

You can't see it very well, but there is a belt with a bow.}

{*Look for Less* I'll be wearing the Dollhouse open-toe pumps similar to these by Miu Miu.}

{Bejeweled hinge cuff from Forever 21}

{ABS Chunky Crystal Cocktail Ring from Max & Chloe}

I'm still searching for the perfect earrings and clutch as well as makeup looks. 

Feel free to post ideas on the MVL facebook fan page. I'd love your opinion.

Christian Louboutin Swag

By Katrice

Christian Louboutin 140mm Stud Heel Ankle Wrap

Christian Louboutin Studio 120 Peep-toe Pumps

Christian Louboutin Calypso Pump

Christian Louboutin Velvet Calypso

Christian Louboutin Star Prive Studs Slingbacks

Christian Louboutin Pigalle 120 Studded Denim Pumps

Christian Louboutin Rollerball Spiked Velvet Flats

Christian Louboutin Studded Bow Heels

Christian Louboutin Pik Pik Pik 120 Studded Slingback

Christian Louboutin Clou Noeud Spikes

Yes, catch your breath. 

Baglovin', High and Low

By Katrice

I spent my afternoon handbag window shopping today and ended up in such a wonderful mood from the beautiful designs on display. {If you follow me on twitter, I plixi-ed a couple.} I was in such handbag euphoria that I came home and continued it online. Here's a few of my high and low favorites. 

3.1 Phillip Lim Leather and Silk Flower Clutch, $475

Cyphert by Aldo, $45
*Look for Less* Hermes Kelly Bag

Fendi No. 5 Classico Tote, $1520

Asos Portfolio Envelope Clutch, $32

Miu Miu Sequin-Embellished Leather Bag, $1,350

Nine West Best Look Tote, $50

Givenchy Medium Leopard Nightingale, $2,190

Afro Bliss: The Big Trim

By Katrice

If you're following me via facebook, you may know that yesterday I had my ends trimmed for the first time since October 2008. Wooh ... I was a nervous wreck; even though my mom, who is a master stylist, was the one trimming it. lol But, I made it through. 

My pre- and post-trim process:

I washed my hair with nuNAAT's Karite Special Creamy Shampoo and coated it with Qhemet Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee (my favorite leave-in conditioner) and then used Karite Special Anti-Frizz Therma Active (this will be my new best friend). 

I combed through it to make sure it was well detangled, and then my mom braided it in about 6-8 sections and blew dry it with a brush to get a better view of my ends.

After the trim, I put a bit of Taliah Waajid African Healing Oyl through it and twisted it as I usually would. As you can see from the photo below, I couldn't keep the twists in with clean ends. So, I had to use small rubber bands. I slept in a satin bonnet.

The rest of my process, you can see in the photos. It didn't come out as it normally would, full and textured because of the blow drying yesterday. So, a headband will be necessary today. 

{P.S. This is one of the verrrry few times you'll get bathroom pics of me.}

Friend Friday: The One and Only MVL

By Katrice

{My dream team, Tania Calderon and Londyn Juelz}

1. Most readers and fellow fashion bloggers value authenticity in the blogs they read. How would you describe blog/blogger authenticity?

I always say that I hope people leave my blog feeling as if they have met me or at least have an impression of my zest for life. I want all of the impressions that I make, whether people meet me through my day job as an editor, on the train or through my blog, to be the same. I love my life, I love people and I love handbags (in that order). I blog about the things that bring me joy (which could be any number of things) and hope that I'm effectively inspiring anyone who comes across my blog to go out and LIVE!  

{Behind the scenes of my last photo shoot with the most amazing makeup artist and photographer}

2. When it comes to your blog how do you infuse it with that true/authentic feeling?

I am random but also extremely precise. And if you talk to any of my friends or family, they will tell you that you almost never know what you're going to get from me, while they find me laughably predictable. But, even with all of my quirkiness, I like for things to be done in excellence. So, when I plan posts, I make sure that I will have time to provide engaging content and great photos thanks to Calderón Foto and The Artistry Londyn. And above all else ... I am completely uncensored here, which has been one of the best things, for me personally, about blogging. It has allowed me to become my most authentic self. 

3. Have you stopped following a blog in the last three months? What made you lose interest? 

The only blog I stopped following was one that was no longer active. However, interestingly, that blogger reached out to me last night, and I raced back and happily found that she's back. 

4. We can't communicate effectively on our blogs, something we don't live in real life ... what are some ways you try to live an authentic life?

I am an information seeker and I am interested in everything. I'm also completely decided about the direction I want for my life. So, I do what I want and I do NOT do what I don't want to do. I recently heard my cousin say that this life isn't meant to come around twice, so we should make every effort to get it right the first time. That could be my mantra. In life and in my writing, I am careful to present as if a second draft is not an option.

5. Give a shout-out ... Which bloggers do you think are truly genuine and why?

Shout out to my girl Fajr Muhammad of Stylish Thought. I learn something new every time I visit her blog and am completely enamored with the amount of attention she pays to making sure her blog is better than good. What I most enjoy, however, is that I felt like I'd met her face-to-face after my first visit and would have probably scheduled lunch with her if we lived in the same city. lol

Shout out to Stephanie Taylor of Blashionista. Simply put, she grinds out information like no other blogger I know.

Shout out to Joshua Kissi and Travis Gumbs of Street Etiquette. Their perspective on menswear is well-thought and fresh. In a word, a-mazing! 

FOR THE LOVE OF COLOR, a Celebration of Eunice Johnson

By Katrice 

Macy’s Department Stores and Johnson Publishing Company are partnering to present a beauty, fashion and lifestyle tribute to the life of legendary style maven, Eunice Johnson.  The "Ebony, Fashion Fair Cosmetics and Macy’s Celebrate Eunice Johnson" retrospective will be at Macy’s Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta from February 24-28th. Atlanta is one of 10 Macy’s locations across the country to host the exhibit during the month of February. 

In partnership with Ebony and Fashion Fair Cosmetics, Macy’s will showcase some of the haute couture designs from Mrs. Johnson’s private collection that were featured in the famed Ebony Fashion Fair shows. The month-long exhibit will feature designs by some of the world’s most renowned and critically acclaimed designers, including Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent, Vivienne Westwood, Carolina Herrera, Stephen Burrows and B. Michael. 

Each exhibit location will feature approximately 10 to 30 signature looks with information about the designer, the model who wore the look and the season in which the design first appeared. 

“It is a sign of my mother’s determination, confidence and creativity that more than 50 years after launching the renowned Ebony Fashion Fair show, her timeless sense of style endures as a guidepost for today’s fashion loving women. We are honored that Macy’s, a 30-year retail partner of Fashion Fair Cosmetics, selected Eunice Johnson as the anchor for these exciting exhibits,” said Linda Johnson Rice, Johnson Publishing Company chairman.

I'm so there! Anyone want to join me?

In addition to Atlanta, the retrospective will be shown at the following locations:

·        Macy’s Herald Square, New York City, NY; January 27^th - February 1^st
·        Macy’s State Street, Chicago, IL; February 2^nd - 7^th
·        Macy’s Galleria at Hidalgo, Houston, TX; February 3^rd - 8^th
·        Macy’s Center City, Philadelphia, PA; February 9^th - 14^th
·        Macy’s Aventura, Aventura, FL; February 10^th – 14^th
·        Macy’s Lakeside, Metarie, LA; February 17^th – 21^st
·        Macy’s Metro Center, Washington, DC; February 17^th – 21^st
·        Macy’s Beverly Center, Los Angeles, CA; February 22^nd – 28^th
·        Macy’s Union Square, San Francisco, CA; February 24^th – 28^th 

Rainbow Tresses ... Stylin' or Stuntin'?

By Katrice