Morning Cup of Style

It's Hump Day, Dolls!

2012-02-15T11:34:00.000-08:00

Style Profile: Kimberly Obaika

2012-02-15T11:32:00.000-08:00

Kimberly Obaika is an image and fashion consultant based in Nigeria. I really like her pencil skirt collection <--- one of my favorite articles of clothing :-)

I had a chance to dish with her about her style. Here are five things you need to know about Kimberly:

Her style is bold, flirtatious, and classic.
Cocktail rings are her FAV!
She likes to shop at ASOS, Lipsy and Dorothy Perkins, and Aldo.
Kimberly's style icons are Blake Lively and Audrey Hepburn.
If she could pick a closet to live in, it'd be Blake Lively. Kimberly loves her "Gossip Girl" character and all things she wears.

Learn more about Kimberly at Kim-fashion-blog.blogspot.com or follow her on Twitter @Rexyryme.

Five Reasons Why I Love Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T14:55:00.000-08:00

Enough said.

Happy Valentine's Day :)

Happy Friday, Dolls ;-)

2012-02-10T15:13:00.000-08:00

Photo: M. Griffin

BCBG Max Azria Offers a Smashing Start to NY Fashion Week

2012-02-09T14:09:00.000-08:00

BCBG Max Azria was the first major collection to give a glimpse of what to expect this fall on Wednesday night. I'm not in NYC, so I reached out to the web for full coverage.

Here are five things you need to know about the collection:

Lots of color blocking on dresses, jumpsuits, and furs
A major emphasis on geometric shapes
Patchwork-style pieces of recycled-but-real fur
Dresses with slim cuts
Lots of everyday pieces for work, school, or play

Photo: Lorenzo Ciniglio

Style Profile: Lisa Fifer

2012-02-08T10:37:00.000-08:00

Lisa Fifer has a fashion and interior design website called Lisafifer.com.

I had a chance to dish with her about her style. Here are five things you need to know about Lisa:

Her style is schizophrenic.
She absolutely can't live without her hair.
Her favorite place to shop is Ebay!
Lisa's style icons are her great aunts and mother (see picture below).
If she could live in someone's closet, it would be Rachel Zoe.

Super Bowl Halftime Show Fashion Recap

2012-02-08T09:51:00.000-08:00

Six reasons why the fashion world had a reason to smile during Madonna’s Super Bowl halftime show:

1. The opening number was “Vogue” and photos of the magazine were all over the place

2. Madonna wore Givenchy Couture

3. M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj wore Erickson Beamon headpieces

4. The Grease cheerleaders

5. The Viking themed outfits and the helmets with animal print

6. Last but not least…Cee Lo Green’s all black sequin robe

Fashion Chalet Balenciaga Bag Giveaway

2012-01-26T13:15:00.000-08:00

Fashion Chalet is hosting a Balenciaga Bag Giveaway.

In case you didn't know, this is my dream designer bag. I've lusted after this bag for a couple of years now and even wrote a blog post about it in 2010. See here.

If you're interested in entering, here are the deets:

You have to blog or post about the giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Tumblr, etc. you name it.
Leave a comment on her post: "Giveaway Balenciaga Arena Classic City" including the URL link of your post, tweet, blog post, etc. and your contact info.

It's just that easy! This isn't required but I'd definitely like to encourage you to follow her blog. She totally 'gets it' when it comes to fashion.

Good luck, dolls!

Style Profile: Itssa Bandicoot's Style Blogger Chic

2012-01-25T14:35:00.000-08:00

Meet Itssa Bandicoot of Je m'en fous. I love that she’s a total style chameleon! Recently, I got a chance to dish with her on her look and what she loves about style blogging in Hermosill, Mexico. Check out what she's rocking.

How did you get started with blogging?

"I started blogging in 2008. I was obsessed with fashion blogs, so in 2009 I realized that I needed a more personal space. I decided to move to Blogger and someone hacked it. It was so sad to see all my work vanish but I eventually opened another."

What are your greatest passions?

"I'd say fashion, photography, traveling, and my lovely ferret Dakota. "

If you had to describe your personal style/influences/inspiration you'd say:

"This is the million dollar question! I don't have a unique style. I'm like a chameleon...I take inspirations from everything that surrounds me: it can be a movie, a song, a person that I saw on the streets, fashion shows, blogs or whatever. I just dress the way I feel that morning, choosing the clothes and accessories. One day I can be a rocker girl and one day later I'm the nerdy one."

What fashion icons do you admire?

"I actually prefer looks from people on the streets or from other bloggers. My ultimate fashion icons are Hanna Beth and Edie Sedgwick... and most of the models in their catwalk outfits."

To learn more about Itssa, visit her site at http://jemenfousss.blogspot.com/.
Twitter: @jemenfousib

Week Recap

2012-01-20T10:15:00.000-08:00

It doesn't take much to please a simple gal like me. I woke up this morning looking for an easy, yet pleasing outfit to get me out the door. I had to be at work a little early to setup for an interview with the legendary Al Jarreau. I decided on a simple black cardigan (bought it in NYC in 2008), a striped tank, pencil legged pants ($13 at Target), and patent leather Steve Madden pumps for a little texture.

Here's a close-up shot of my Mayan Aztec inspired necklace. Only $8.

I stopped by a consignment shop that's near my house this week called Brooke's Boutique. In case you didn't know, I'm a huge fan of Coach accessories. Planners are definitely at the top of my list. I ran across an authentic Coach planner for $20.

And then...

I found a gorgeous Zoe vest at the same shop. $4. Brand new.

You typically see people wearing these types of vests with collar shirts. You can also rock this with a tee. More to come...

#FutureBlogPost

And finally this week...one of my colleagues introduced me to a little something I'd like to refer to as a lifesaver! Her relative recently patented a product that's created to help relieve an itchy scalp. It's not a liquid product that you apply. It's an object with a pointy tip for women that wear extensions braids, and wigs. Basically, if your finger can't do the job--this will do the trick. Talk about easy access!

Happy Friday!

Pictures + Convo

2012-01-13T14:20:00.000-08:00

Today was a super casual day at work. I decided to sport knee high boots, an oversized bat sleeved coat, jeans, and a turtle neck. I think I spent $30 on the entire outfit. Can you believe it?

I finally washed my hair this morning. I'm using a new product by Silk Elements. It's a product formulated for natural hair. I love it! It's $6 for the shampoo and the same cost for the leave-in conditioner.

I normally wear heels to work and once I sit down, I switch to my glitter slip-on Toms. I took a chance on Wednesday and wore my 4 inch wedges the entire day. It wasn't too bad. The real reason I'm sharing this picture is because I'm so in LOVE with animal print and these wedges are haute!

Check out this shoe. It's a simple pump but the color pops. Grammy award-winning gospel singer Yolanda Adams has a fabulous shoe game. She stopped by my job wearing these pair of royal blue pumps. After she gave the thumbs up, I snapped a picture and decided to blog about them. I thought the they were Christian Louboutin's but the shoes are from Bakers. #BlogWorthy

Number 200

2012-01-12T11:17:00.000-08:00

A couple of days ago, I shared with a colleague that I have an interest in taking a sewing class so that I can learn how to modify items that don’t fit well and restyle pieces for long-lasting wear.

I laughed because she gave me the most bizarre stare. She was so surprised that a 20-something fashionista would be interested in doing such a thing.

What’s the big fuss?

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind spending bucks on shoes, clothing, bags, and accessories. I’m not consumed by these precious items, however, I’m a thrifter by nature and always will be.

I like to create looks that can’t be replicated. Think about it…how would you feel if you spent hundreds of dollars on a Christian Dior dress and showed up to an event dressed like someone else?

I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and doing things that others get paid hundreds and thousands of dollars to do. I watched my mom do it for years with her clothes and makeup.

I digress…

So it’s official…my next step is sewing. I’m really looking forward to it. I can’t wait to create dresses, skirts, and shorts that you can’t buy at the store or online.

Here are a couple of things I have in store to get me started.

First, I need a sewing machine. I’ve checked a couple of ads on Craigslist and found at least two for under $100.

Second, I have to learn what and how to do!

There’s a sewing class that starts at the end of the month. I'm thinking about enrolling.

Or I could try to teach myself. Maybe? Not sure.

After watching YouTube videos, sewing looks rather easy. I say that now but we’ll see how things go.

Fingers crossed.

That’s my rant for the week.

Until the next time we meet…

The primary reason why I'd like to learn how to sew is so that I can alter my own clothes. It's so annoying having to buy stuff that I really want and it doesn't fit to my liking. I'm wearing a Whitney Eve dress that I got for an amazing price. It was two sizes too big. I paid to have it altered and voilà!

For my wedding, I bought a dress and had it restyled. That's just how I roll. I'm really big on creating what I want and what works for my body type. The dress is simple, classic, and chic. It's just what I wanted.

Kaitlyn Randolph is an up-and-coming designer. She takes recycled fabrics and crafts cutting edge designs. Her magic tool? A sewing machine!

The Peak of Winter

2012-01-11T09:27:00.000-08:00

Only in Houston could you have 60-degree weather throughout the winter.
Crazy, huh?
Though this sounds a little erratic, I can't argue with Mother Nature.
It’s the peak of winter and I decided to pull together three perfect winter outfits for a little inspiration.
There are a few other pictures sprinkled throughout.
I hope you're inspired.
Enjoy, Dolls :)

Bethann Hardison. 1969. Regal. One of the strongest modeling photos I've ever seen.

Fashion of the 1950s. Union Square. The second, third, and fourth dresses are my favs.

Fur Cape

Brown Drape Dress

Printed Leather Shoulder Bag

Gold & Diamond Bracelet

Orange Suede Pumps

Leopard Print Tights

Vogue. 1950

Knit Sweater

Leather Leggings

Lace Up Animal Print High Heel Ankle Boot

Gold Bracelet Watch

Chandelier Earrings

Cream Blazer

Animal Print Leggings

Zip Wedge Bootie

Chanel Quilted Bag

Diamond Cocktail Ring

African Sunshine.

My Week...The Longest Ever

2012-01-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

It's been a crazy week. For whatever reason, I found a piece of comfort in a men's dress shirt. I borrowed one from KB's side of the closet. I love the look.

This is what happens after a frazzled week. You go completely bonkers! So glad it's Friday :-)

Totally unexpected. I got a gift from the sweetest person :)

Did I mention that it came from my F-A-V-O-R-I-T-E cupcake company?

How did she know?! #RedVelvet #Sprinkles

I'm in the business of collecting fashion mags these days. To my surprise, there was one waiting at my desk Tuesday morning! There was a cute note attached. #People

One of the best photogs I know. African Sunshine.
Her hair is totally banging...

Every Thursday

2012-01-05T07:35:00.000-08:00

So, it’s finally 2012—out with the old, in with the new.

As I’ve sorted through tons of clothes trying to decide what should stay or what should go for 2012, I’ve been in deep thought about my wardrobe collection.

I get lots of compliments on my sense of style and how I put different pieces together to make an outfit come to life.

Sure, I can agree with the fact that I have a great eye for style.

However, I still have room for improvement for myself. At least that’s what I think.

If I could wear jeans, Patricia Field inspired pumps from “Sex and the City”, a tee, red lipstick, black polish, and a huge bag that’s big enough to tote a body inside—I’d totally dress like that each day!

Regrettably, my daily routine wouldn’t allow me to dress that way on a day-to-day basis.

So how do I create the perfect combo that’s comfortable, modish, effortless, and doesn’t require me to shortchange my closet for a cool, yet lazy look?

I’m still trying to figure that out.

Style is a form of self-expression and it’s designed to define who really resides inside.

In that case, I should be wearing a Jesus tee.

Meanwhile, I’ve come up with a couple of ways on how I plan to revolutionize my wardrobe for the year. Something that’s so “me” and something that keeps me in my element.

Big, bold colors are a M-U-S-T! I’m crazy about royal blue, mustard yellow, and heavy pink. Color blocking is the "in" thing and I must say, I’m so in love. It’s not easy mixing up a routine that slightly neglects the blacks that I’m so used to wearing.

Since my goal is to achieve a Jackie O. meets Victoria Beckham inspired style, I absolutely want to incorporate more dresses in my wardrobe.

No worries, I won’t look like Maude’s protégé. I definitely plan to funk it out. That’s just how I roll.

I’ll include plenty of pictures as often as I can provide them.

Back to sorting clothes. Until the next time we meet…

-Deeva Jean

I Love the Color

2012-01-04T07:59:00.000-08:00

The one thing that makes me a true journalist, even though I also classify myself as a blogger, is the fact that I love to learn about people. In this case, I’m learning about an actual person and the core of their personal style.

Natasha Fatah. Adventurous style. Journalist. Blogger. Locacted in Toronto. Bold color. Effortless approach.

Inspiration.

“My style icons are Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O. for their clean, simple, elegance. Frida Khalo for her fearless mix of prints and patterns. My mom for her sense of play and color. But the ultimate icon for me remains Carrie Bradshaw from ‘Sex and the City.’”

Must-have item.

“Red lipstick. I feel like it immediately brightens up my face and makes me feel feminine.”

Economical shopping.

“I always hit up Goodwill, Value Village and other second hand shops whenever I get a chance. And H&M is a great bet to find trendy, cute pieces at very reasonable prices – but I always go to the sale section.”

Dream closet.

“Carrie Bradshaw from ‘Sex and the City.’ It was limitless and bursting with possibilities.”

Learn more about Natasha at www.natashafatah.blogspot.com.

Twitter: @NatashaFatah

Stay tuned. I’ll be sharing more from others over the weeks.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T00:26:00.000-08:00

Simple. Polished. Chic. Ready for the New Year. Bill Cosby sweater. Jello pudding? $10 for the pants. CY gave me the boots and sweater.

The love of my life. We found a tiny little space on the train to snap our first 2012 pic.

Here's a picture of the crowd we endured. Great show. Downtown. Thousands of people.

Bringing in the New Year with a firework show. The best :)

This is the exact reason why I love H&M. It's the little things that count the most.

Full view. $7. Can you believe it?

It's me again...

What better way to cap off a night? Yes...it's hot cocoa with whipped cream. It's official...I'm hooked. Yummy :)

My Christmas

2011-12-29T10:10:00.000-08:00

Holiday shopping. It never fails.

Breakfast at Cafe Fleur de Lis.

Spinach Feta Omelette.

The reason for the season :)

Holiday nails. Shellac. My favorite.

Tall hot cocoa. So irresistible.

The perfect drink for a cold day.

Versace at H&M

2011-10-21T07:58:00.000-07:00

Here's another reason why my frustration has reached a record level...
H&M will NOW offer a Versace collection beginning November 19th!
The Versace for H&M line starts at $17.95 for boxer briefs and goes up to $299 for a studded leather dress.
Here's why I'm pissed...
Houston does NOT have an H&M!
Sucks, right?
When I lived in NYC, I shopped at the 5th Avenue location.
It was about a two minute walk from Rockefeller Plaza.
There's one in Dallas that just opened, which is over three hours away.
With these price tags, I'm bound to start visiting Dallas a whole lot more!
Dear H&M, PLEASE open a H&M store in Houston like ASAP. Thanks, Dee.

My Vintage Dress Paired w/Simple Blazer

2011-10-17T17:28:00.001-07:00

Little Clutches With Big Impact

2011-10-14T09:04:00.001-07:00

Vintage Recast sources unique vintage brooches to transform a wardrobe essential, the clutch bag, into a statement piece.
Chantelle Clough is the brains behind the eclectic mix of clutches.
I had a chance to chat with her and here's what I found out...
She's a recent law graduate from Durham University, lives in Yorkshire, and has only been designing the clutches since August.
Although Chantelle is only 21, she hopes that this is something that can turn into something big.
At Morning Cup of Style, you know that we're all about being fabulously frugal!
If you visit her site, you'll see that the clutch prices range from $37-$52.
That's not too bad for a handful of beauty!
Check it out for yourself at www.vintagerecast.tumblr.com.

Chantelle

Rachel Roy to Debut Eyeshadow Line in November

2011-10-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

I have exciting news for all you beauty lovers!
Rachel Roy is launching an eyeshadow line November 1 at Macy's.
The designer has done very well designing handbags, jewelry and clothing.
Now it's time for something different!
Before you freak out, the makeup pallete's are reasonably priced at $32.
More to come.

Five Reasons Why I Love the Jessica Simpson Shoe Collection

2011-10-13T06:42:00.000-07:00

Shoe stalking at the Galleria

The shoes are reasonably priced.
The line has one of the best collections that features a thick platform, along with a five inch heel.
You can always find a shoe for work, school, or play.
The color options are bananas!
The shoe styles are super sophisticated.

Wacoal Hosts Exclusive Event in Houston

2011-10-12T08:22:00.000-07:00

Interviewing Wacoal Rep

Wacoal hosted an exclusive event for bloggers at Hotel ZaZa on yesterday.

Oprah has raved about the intimate apparel on her show so I knew that I had to check it out.

What makes the products so special?

The bras are super comfortable and I felt at ease asking questions to the Wacoal representative.

I only shop from Victoria's Secret.

After my first-time experience with Wacoal, I was convinced to start investing in some of the products.

I really like the b.tempt’d line.

It's a line that's dedicated to the trendy shopper.

Here’s the best part about the company…Wacoal also gives back to breast cancer awareness initiatives!

The company is hosting a local Fi(GH)t for the Cure event on October 18th at Dillard’s in Pearland Town Center from 10AM-4PM.

For every fitting, Wacoal will donate $2 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

They will also donate an additional $2 for every Wacoal bra, shapewear piece or b.tempt'd bra purchased at these events.

Check out the video below for more information about the breast cancer initiative.

Side of Style & Morning Cup of Style

Sneak Peek w/Napoleon Part 2

2011-10-10T07:49:00.000-07:00

I had just arrived for the interview. Napoleon was in the middle of shooting a video for Target.com.

Interview

Another interview shot

Free items from the event

Sneak Peak w/Napoleon Perdis

2011-10-08T16:34:00.000-07:00

I had an awesome interview with Napoleon Perdis today.

He truly has a passion for the makeup industry.

To add, he's really nice.

Here's a picture that was snapped during my interview with him.

I'll post more pictures later.

One last thing...

Earlier this week, I blogged about the outfit that I'd planned to wear.

As you can see, I switched it up.

I decided to go more for a 1970s Jaclyn Smith look.

Fashion Designer Makes Clothes from Milk

2011-10-07T10:15:00.000-07:00

I thought milk was for cereal, cookies and for cooking baked goods?!
Apparently it's not.
Anke Domaske has developed a fiber called QMilch.
It's made from high concentrations of the milk protein casein.
It's the first man-made fiber that's chemical-free.
The 28-year-old fashion designer says that the fiber feels like silk.
It can be washed like normal clothing.
What will it take to make an entire dress?
Six liters of milk!
That's about $200.
She has plans of designing a collection made only from milk fiber.

What Should I Wear?

2011-10-06T14:29:00.000-07:00

I'm interviewing Napoleon Perdis this Saturday.
Super excited!
What should I wear?
In an attempt to save money, here's what I put together from my closet :-)

Limited Time! 40% off Premium Denim

2011-10-06T13:31:00.000-07:00

Columbus Day Sale at Forever 21 - Up to 50% Off!

2011-10-06T13:15:00.001-07:00

Napoleon Perdis Visting Houston this Weekend

2011-10-05T13:49:00.000-07:00

Celebrity makeup artist, Napoleon Perdis, will be in Houston this weekend.

As Hollywood’s go-to makeup artist, Napoleon aims to bring out the celebrity in every woman. With this in mind, he launched NP Set, the playful younger sister to his prestige collection. NP Set is for time-pressed, style-savvy women who seek glamour in a matter of seconds. Perdis remains an in-demand makeup artist, with celebrity fans including Jaime Lynn Siegler, Debra Messing and AnnaLynne McCordand Shenae Grimes of “90210.”

Napoleon will be in local Target parking lots, with beauty makeover stations to offer guests touch-ups, styling tips and the latest info on must-have products.

Check out the deets about the locations:

Saturday, Oct. 8

Noon-6PM

Target Store Parking Lot

2580 Shearn Street

Houston, TX 77007

Sunday, Oct. 9

Noon-6PM

Target Store Parking Lot

4323 San Felipe Street

Houston, TX 77027

My Jackie O. Inspiration

2011-07-27T17:58:00.001-07:00

Credit: Dee Brown

Yes...I'm Obsessed with the French Braid

2011-07-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

Beautiful. Simple. Chic.

It's probably the most popular style that can be created within a matter of minutes.

It creates elegance fast.

I can't live without it!

Breakfast with Tiffany

2011-07-19T08:06:00.001-07:00

Credit: Dee Brown

7.14.11

2011-07-14T13:49:00.001-07:00

Credit: Dee Brown

Ever wonder what to wear to work for your birthday? I work in a corporate environment and thought I'd share my outfit for my special day. I wanted to look chic and professional. I think I paid less than $70 for the clothes. The shoes...well that's a different story, LOL! I bought the blazer from a thrift store. If you look a few blogs down, you'll see the post for it. Tell me what you think. Enjoy lovelies!

A Walk in the Park...

2011-07-13T14:13:00.001-07:00

Credit: Dee Brown

Summer Wedding Guest

2011-07-12T07:08:00.001-07:00

Credit: Dee Brown

Date Night

2011-07-11T11:57:00.000-07:00

Credit: Dee Brown

Cheap Thrill

2011-06-05T14:43:00.001-07:00

Who says that you can't dress cute for less? I lucked up on two items this weekend. I purchased a $5 polka dot scarf that I wore as a turban. Buffalo Exchange had this cute boy blazer for $14 in navy blue. I love the joy of thrifting! Just thought I'd share. Enjoy lovelies!

Recap: Kate Walsh Promoting Her New Fragrance "Boyfriend"

2011-06-04T16:43:00.000-07:00

People were all over the place at the Houston Galleria to meet and greet with Kate Walsh this afternoon. Fans were super geeked for a photo op and to also purchase the new fragrance called BOYFRIEND. I had a chance to chat with her and snap a few photos. Check out Kate's video and hear what she had to say about the fragrance.

Kate Walsh to Visit Houston to Promote Her "Boyfriend"

2011-06-02T08:59:00.000-07:00

If you're a fan of Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice, here's your chance to meet leading actress Kate Walsh. She's dropping by the Sephora in the Houston Galleria to promote her new fragrance, BOYFRIEND. It's the first and only perfume reminiscent of a man's scent on a woman's skin. Kate will be at Sephora from 2-4 on Saturday afternoon. The first 200 that make a BOYFRIEND purchase will receive an exclusive wristband that guarantees an event photo with the on-screen icon. See you there!

Five Must-Have Items for a Girls Night In

2011-05-16T10:50:00.000-07:00

My friend Ashley celebrated her birthday over the weekend by inviting some of her gal pals over for a girls night in! Due to a wardrobe malfunction I was about an hour behind. When I finally arrived, I stepped into the common area where the women were seated and I instantly noticed that all 15 of us had one major thing in common: FASHION.

As I sipped on my delicious beverage (hehehe), I realized that I should totally blog about it. We all had different styles but it somehow blended together. So what should you wear for an occasion like this? I picked five must-have items to get you started. Everything is reasonably priced and affordable. It should help to pick one favorite item from my list or your closet and build around it. Good luck!

French Connection

$39

Bakers Shoes

Bed Bath & Beyond

$20

Sephora

$14

Go Jane

$20

Target

Kohl's

$9.60

Get the Look: Best Dressed TV Mom

2011-05-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

Played by Phylicia Rashad, Clair Huxtable was inevitably the best dressed TV mom. Her beauty was captivating and even though she was a lawyer, wife and mother of five, she didn't mind experimenting with red lipstick and bold shadow. I picked a few pieces to spice up your wardrobe and get the look of Mrs. Huxtable.

1. Walgreens

$5

2. Modcloth.com
$69

3. MAC Cosmetics
$14.50

4. Rich & Vintage
$6

5. Rich & Vintage
$16.50

6. Forever 21
$9

7. FCUK
$51

8. Forever 21
$3.80

9. Forever 21
$8.80

10. Aldo
$34

11.Amazon
$4

12. Amazon
$5

Celeb Look

2011-05-09T18:09:00.000-07:00

Old Navy
Shirt
$19

Amiclubwear.com
Shoes
$12

Arden B.
Jeans
$39

Overstock.com
Purse
$29

Forever 21
Sunglasses
$5.80

Karmaloop.com
Bracelets
$14

Head-to-Toe Kentucky Derby Fashion Guide for Less

2011-05-09T14:33:00.000-07:00

Forever 21
Ring
$5.80
Purse
$14.80
Sunglasses
$5.80

FCUK
Dress
$39

Aldo
Shoes
$39

Hatsinthebelfry.com
Hat
$148

Cool Sneakers at $45 or Less

2011-05-09T12:53:00.000-07:00

Counterclockwise:

1. Black Aztec Canvas Lace-Up Sneaker
Urban Outfitters
$20

2. Black Canvas Women's Classics
Toms
$44

3. Champion Canvas Seasonal Colors
Keds
$20

4. Contrast Floral Tennis Shoes
Forever 21
$10.80

5. Converse Chuck Taylor® Low Sneaker
Nordstrom
$40

Welcome to Morning Cup of Style

2011-04-28T14:43:00.000-07:00

The redevelopment of the Morning Cup of Style blog site is finally complete! I gave the style and beauty blog it’s very own makeover. Something simple, light and sweet.

The site redesign includes a number of new features as well as the launch of the new and improved content about shopping deals, style tips and beauty trends that MCS readers can achieve from the comfort of their own home.

What A Doll is long gone but don't fret! MCS will begin offering one-of-a-kind vintage pieces for purchase from personal shoppers across the map. Continuing with the theme of educating the readers about bargain style, the site will resume with offering blog postings about shopping for stylish ensembles at an economical cost.

Thanks for your continued support and please continue to support us in our blogging endeavors!

XOXO

Designer to Watch

2011-04-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

Georgia native, Kaitlyn Randolph, is an up-and-coming fashion designer. She's a graduating senior and has already showcased her designs in her very own fashion show last fall. So what makes Kait so special? She creates designs by using recycled garments from thrifting. What a way to stay green! You'll be seeing a lot more of Kait on our blog site, thanks to a new found profashionable friendship!

Check out some of her pieces from the fall show below.

20% OFF Now Thru Sunday

2011-04-28T14:20:00.001-07:00

FREE HEAVENLY TOTE with a $75 In-Store Purchase

2011-04-28T14:16:00.001-07:00

Cheap Girly Spring Trends

2011-04-28T14:12:00.000-07:00

Shoes That Pop for Under $50

2011-04-28T14:11:00.000-07:00

A Quick Fix for Stylish Hair

2011-04-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

Spring braids are all the rage. By the looks of it, this hairstyle is sticking around for summer! It's a great way to spice up your hair in seconds. Whether your hair is short, medium or long, it's a style that most people with different hair lengths can wear. Shea Moisture's Hold & Shine Moisture Mist is perfect for holding those loose strands in place. It adds sheen and it also conditions the hair. It's a product that's long-lasting and it'll cost you about $10 at Target.

Check out this YouTube video. It's a great reminder on how to create the style at home.

Perfecting a Romper

2011-04-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

Ragedy Ann: Spring Shreds I Can't Live Without

2011-04-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

Finger Licking Good

2011-04-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and now's the time to give your nails a makeover. If you're looking for a fresh way to spice it up, Nicole by OPI is definitely a great start! It costs $7 at Target and they offer all sorts of fun colors. I've added three bottles to my collection and it's definitely long-lasting. Say goodbye to winter doldrums and hello to brilliant, spirit-lifting hues.

It Takes Two

2011-03-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

There are so many rules that exist these days about caring for your skin, especially if you wear makeup. So that I won’t look like a total monster without it, I try to take good care of my skin by washing it twice daily, keeping it moisturized, exfoliating and drinking plenty of water.

Even though my skin is in great shape, I refuse to go a day without a dose of my concealer and foundation. There’s no way you can have one without the other. It takes two!

NP Set It Takes Two Concealer and Foundation Pot is part of a collection by Napoleon Perdis. It's a dual purpose cover-up at Target. The advanced lightweight foundation has a whipped consistency and a long-lasting velvety finish. Enclosed in the top of the product is a matching concealer to mask discoloration, blemishes and dark circles. This is the primary reason I wear concealer. It’s available in light, medium and dark shades. The compact duo is ideal for on-the-go glamour or for those that aren’t too savvy with makeup in the first place. It’s easy to apply and not too messy.

I had a chance to test the product on one of our blog readers. The outcome was fantastic! The makeup provides maximum coverage (perfect for blemishes)so I’d suggest that you apply a light coat of foundation over the concealer to avoid a clunky appearance. You should use makeup brushes for application. I think this will help with even distribution of the product. Proper application can achieve a natural, smooth look.

If you have a darker skin tone, this $35 product may not be the best choice. No worries...there are other great NP Set skincare products that are worth investigating. Overall, this product is a two thumbs up!

Other new NP Set products:

NP Set Detoxifying Facial Toner ($19)

NP Set Purifying Facial Cleanser ($19)

NP Set Wake Me Up Day Cream ($29)

NP Set Say Goodnight Night Cream ($29)

An'Gelle Sessions

Makeup Model

It Takes Two

Marvin Gaye & Kim Weston

Some B.O.B. for Your Morning Cup of Java

2011-03-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

Turbans are a popular form of headgear that’s mostly worn in the Middle East, North Africa and Southwest Asia and is often worn for religious reasons. Some that aren’t associated with any of the listed above are turning to turbans as their own personal high-drama fashion accessory. It’s a trend that’s up for much debate. I’ve read reviews from other bloggers that think the trend is a no-go. They feel that it’s only acceptable for those that wear it for traditional purposes. I’m one that’s willing to take risks and I actually like it! It’s not for everyone and it’s also a look that’s pretty difficult to pull off.

I went to a Janet Jackson concert like two-weeks ago and I wore a turban. I only paid $2 for it a local beauty supply store. I wasn’t too confident about the wrap when I first made the purchase. It makes me think of something my grandmother would slip on her head while cleaning the house on a Saturday morning with gospel music playing in the background. Wow…that just took me back.

I took my chances and I LOVE it! Check out the pictures that are attached below. Salma Hayek was spotted wearing a turban at Paris Fashion Week 2010. Of course, there’s a picture of yours truly. Then there’s a photo of Solange. Her style rocks! I posted the B.O.B. video and at the very end, you’ll see Andre 3000 rocking a turban! What do you think?

Get the Very Berry Shades for Spring PLUS Shop 25% Off Dresses at Asos.com

2011-03-16T07:21:00.000-07:00

Thank You For Being a Friend

2011-03-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

Remember the blouse I blogged about last week? You know, the one that I paid 95 cents for? How could you forget? Well...here it is. I got major compliments the entire day, everywhere I went. Everyone at my job was curious to know where I got the top. When I shared what I paid, no one could believe it and I have the receipt to prove it! I really like the look of it. It gives me a Mod look from the 1980s on a 20-something body in 2011. I love it!

A major shout out to Blanche Devereaux. The blouse looked as though it was taken from her closet and altered to fit me (especially in the bust). She's one of my fashion inspirations of the 80s. Hats off to a REAL golden girl!

Last Day! Free Shipping with Bra Purchase. Plus, $15 Off $100

2011-03-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

Doll's Deal of the Day

2011-03-15T07:19:00.000-07:00

Asos

Designsix Rope Detail Ring

~~$32.27~~

$14.34

Silver tone ring by Designsix. Featuring a slim ring with a tarnished finish and a raised chunky chain and rope design.

$5 Lady Gaga Japan Earthquake Relief Wristband

2011-03-15T06:55:00.000-07:00

Show your support for Japan with this "We Pray For Japan" wristband! Lady Gaga is offering it on her online store for $5. Customers can add an extra donation, with all proceeds going to relief efforts. This item is available for pre-order and will ship on or around March 25, 2011. It's a fun wear for a worthy cause at a cheap price! Go for it :)

Clogs: Back with a Vengeance

2011-03-14T08:37:00.000-07:00

I'm an 80s baby and this is probably the third or fourth time that clogs have gone into the fashion rotation. I wasn't too thrilled about its fourth coming but now it's starting to grow on me. I remember my mom used to make me wear them in middle school with funky tights and dresses. I actually thought I was pretty cool and could pass for a Limited Too model! Eventually the trend faded and high-heeled penny loafers made a short stop. YUCK!

The thing I like about clogs is that it's a shoe that you can mix and match with fun socks or with bare feet. You can wear them with skirts, dresses and if you're looking for a chunky look, you can rock them with a pair of straight legged jeans. Either way, I'm starting to embrace the recycled look and may just purchase a pair for the heck of it. Speaking of purchases, I ran across a fun pair at Aldoshoes.com. They're pretty cheap and if you make the purchase today, it's an extra 30% off. Sweet!

ALDO

~~$100.00~~

$34.99

Doll's Deal of the Day

2011-03-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

FCUK

~~$148.00~~

$39.99

Last Day! Extra 30% OFF all Women's Clearance Shoes & Sandals... Online Exclusive

2011-03-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

30% Off at Gap, Banana Republic & Old Navy

2011-03-14T08:05:00.000-07:00

Spring Sale Starts Today! Get $15 Off In-Store & Online Now!

2011-03-11T11:41:00.000-08:00

20% Off Sale at Lulus.com

2011-03-10T20:28:00.000-08:00

Check It Out: A Free Sample-Stuffed Designer Beauty Bag

2011-03-08T14:31:00.000-08:00

I heart freebies! Starting today, you can snag a free Y Bag, by designer Yigal Azrouel, stuffed with all sorts of sample beauty products with a $100 purchase at Beauty.com/yigal. How cool is that? The bag is pretty sheek and is valued at $130. It also arrives with a $10 Beauty.com shopping card for future purchases.

Here's a list of samples you can expect with the bag in both trial and full sizes:

Bliss® Triple Oxygen™ Instant Energizing Mask
Smashbox Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss SPF 15
FULL SIZE Essie® Nail Polish in assorted shades
IT Cosmetics™ Brow Power™ Universal Eyebrow Pencil
Korres Guava Body Butter
Smashbox Photo Finish Luminizing Foundation Primer
H20+™ lip mender hydrating complex
Juice Beauty™ Cleansing Milk
GoSmile® Touch Up® Smile Perfecting Ampoule
Talika Instant Manicure
FULL SIZE Boscia® Green Tea Blotting Linens
Jonathan Product® Redo Freshen-Up Mist for Hair & Skin

Happy Shopping!

Why Not?

2011-03-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

Spring is just 12 days away which means most of you are probably conducting a little closet cleaning 101 and making room for a new season. I'm already making a list of must have's that includes basics, shorts and little stuff like that. My closet is in no condition to handle anything extra so I'm slowly sorting through clothes trying to decide what to keep and what to toss. As I focus ahead to March 20th, I keep reminding myself that now is the perfect time to shop for winter coats and jackets for a really reasonable price. I like shopping out of season because I'm always looking to get a bang for my buck for quality clothing. Speaking of quality clothing, I spotted this military inspired wool coat at FCUK with a major markdown. The coat has double breasted button fastenings on the front, long sleeves with button detailing, and side flap pockets with button through fastenings. This coat can add such a nice splash of sophistication to your wardrobe. To add, you really don't have to worry about it going out of style. It was originally priced at ~~$368~~ and is now on sale for $131.99. How can you beat that?

Free Target Beauty Bag

2011-03-07T14:52:00.000-08:00

This is one secret that I can't keep to myself! There's an awesome new Target sample available today -- get a FREE beauty bag filled with samples and up to $25 in coupon savings! Expect to receive your samples in 4-6 weeks. You just have to answer five simple questions and submit your mailing address. That's it! It only takes a minute and I know because I timed myself! I wonder what kind of products are they sending? Either way, two thumbs up.

Cheap Retail Therapy

2011-03-07T10:47:00.000-08:00

I went for a little retail therapy last Friday. After an exhausting and stressful week, it was definitely needed. I decided to stop by one of my favorite vintage shops to see what I could find. I was planning to attend a Janet Jackson concert that night and was hoping that I could grab something fun to wear. After 15 minutes of express shopping (it was almost closing time) and no luck, I decided to leave. As I walked down the aisle with a rack full of blouses and shirts, I saw a multi-colored vintage blouse peeking out. It was love at first sight! After flirting for a bit and getting to know the garment, I decided to propose after discovering that it was priced at 95 cents! The answer was yes! Can you believe it? Moments later, I was walking out the front door carrying my new blouse.

Okay, so I'm sure you're wondering what it looks like and all that fun stuff. It's being cleaned and I promise to post pics this week.

"I love it when a plan comes together." -Hannibal Smith

Doll's Deal of the Day

2011-03-07T10:26:00.000-08:00

Flirt Animal Scarf

$10.76

Asos.com

P.S. Leave out the jacket! It's a definite no-go!

$25 Off at Macy's

2011-03-07T10:14:00.000-08:00

$25 off men's purchases + Free Shipping! promo code: 25OFF

Use the same code for a $25 discount on women's clothing and accessory purchases!

You must spend at least $125 to be elgible for the discount.

Happy Shopping!

Online Shopping Deals at Victoria's Secret

2011-03-06T16:23:00.000-08:00

$15 off orders of $100

$30 off orders of $150

$75 off orders of $250

User offer code SPRING11

Doll's Deal of the Day

2011-03-04T14:18:00.000-08:00

FCUK

~~$298.00~~

$99.00

15% Discount at Lulus.com

2011-01-14T10:11:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is just around the corner! Even if you don't want to celebrate, this is just another excuse to go shopping for a great price. If you're looking for something snazzy and chic, definitely check out Lulus.com.

It's a great place for fashionable clothing at a great value. I love the dresses and shoes! You should definitely check it out, make a purchase and use our coupon code (WHATADOLL) for a 15% discount. It lasts through tomorrow. Happy shopping!

1.1.11

2011-01-01T21:14:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year dolls! Stay classy :)

NYE Survival Kit

2010-12-30T10:34:00.000-08:00

Don't ruin the celebration with bad breath. Pop an Altoid!

It's a must that you keep a fresh coat of lip color painted on your lips! Between drinks and conversation, the color can easily fade away.

Stash an extra pair of earrings in your purse. You never know when you'll lose one in the crowd at a NYE party.

$5.50

Be sure to take a few bucks for parking or a taxi cab.

NYE Party+Holiday Crowd= Danger in the T-Zone
Oil blotting sheets can instantly remove excess oil without smudging your makeup.
It can freshen your face in seconds!
$5

Just in case you have a wardrobe malfunction, fashion tape can save the night!
It's easy to apply and has a specially formulated adhesive for the skin.
$7

Style iPad Apps

2010-12-29T15:14:00.000-08:00

Are you too busy to flip through a fashion magazine for the latest trends and style tips? If you have an Apple iPad, you may be in luck! Here's a list of the top fashion and style iPad apps:

Cool Hunting
Chic.TV
Interview Magazine
Gilt Groupe
Gap 1969 Stream
Style.com
Macy's iShop
Shop Style
V Magazine

Chic Winter Style

2010-12-29T15:07:00.000-08:00

by Side of Style

Deal of the Day

2010-12-29T14:56:00.000-08:00

Forever21.com

Hot Deals at Alloy.com

2010-12-28T08:30:00.000-08:00

Deal of the Day

2010-12-28T08:19:00.000-08:00

Waist-Defining Wide Belts

2010-12-28T08:05:00.000-08:00

Charlotte Russe

$9.50

BCBG Max Azria

$19.20

BCBG Max Azria

$11

Asos

$20.69

Asos

$20.69

Arden B.

$24

Torrid

$24

Hilary Swank is Taking a Stab at Fashion

2010-12-27T14:15:00.000-08:00

It looks like the million dollar baby is about to take a swing at being a fashion designer! We first got word that she'll be hosting a fashion game show on the CW. Now, Women's Wear Daily is reporting that Hilary is developing her own athletic-inspired collection. As a former athlete, I'm looking forward to seeing what she comes up with. This should be interesting! Maybe it's just me but it seems like a LOT of celebrities are becoming designers these days! Some are actually good...others--I can't call it. What do you think?

Live it Up for the New Year

2010-12-27T13:38:00.000-08:00

Still searching for the perfect outfit to ring in the New Year? Get inspired for the big night with festive and flirty star styles! Key, a wardrobe stylist for Side of Style, pieced together this amazing outfit to share with What A Doll readers! This is a faux fur blouse accented with a dramatic gold necklace. Other gold accessories, a leather pencil skirt and a clutch makes the outfit come together as one. Take notes and stay tuned for more holiday party wardrobe suggestions from Side of Style!

Bring on the Bling

2010-12-27T13:16:00.000-08:00

I'm obsessed with all things that will give you a quick fix at a low cost. Bring on the Bling is an ultra-sparkly, super funky polish by OPI. After one glance, I knew that it was irresistible. As a manicure, it's pretty daring. The sparkling bling is a great way to combine sexy and fun for the toes! I gave it a try and it chipped the next day. Eh...it sucked because I expected for it to last a little longer. Maybe it's only good for a day...for a special event or something. Oh, and the polish is about $5.

Deal of the Day

2010-12-27T12:08:00.000-08:00

Be sure to take advantage of free shipping on your $100 purchase!

New Year Must Have

2010-12-27T11:37:00.000-08:00

JC Penney

$39.99

Famous Footwear

$49.99

Rack Room Shoes

$27.99

Forever21.com

$28.80

Lulus.com

$39

Patriciafields.com

$88

Pink 4 Friday

2010-12-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

If you're a fan of pink lipstick then you're definitely going to love this!

MAC Cosmetics is offering a limited edition lipstick, personally designed by Nicki Minaj, to celebrate the release of her debut album Pink Friday.

It's a bright, creamy pink satin formula. The closest match to Nicki's signature lip color is Pink Nouveau offered at MAC.

If this is anything like the Pretty Please that I purchased a few months ago, I'm sold!

Here's the punch...the product is only being offered on Fridays up until December 17, while supplies last.

Each tube costs $14 and it can only be purchased online. Happy shopping!

Face Time with Sam Fine

2010-10-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a beauty lift? If so, clear your schedule for Friday, grab a gal pal and attend this awesome event. Celebrity makeup artist and author, Sam Fine, will be in Houston to present a beauty seminar. The event is being hosted by Jones Magazine. Click on the flyer for the deets! Hope to see you there :)

Mascara Marathon Monday

2010-08-19T09:10:00.000-07:00

Today is Mascara Marathon Monday! It's being presented by Made 2 Glam in conjunction with Mary Kay Cosmetics. Mascara is a product I never leave home without. Even though it's a product I use pretty frequent...I have to also remember to properly change mascara tubes along with other make-up products in a timely fashion. Ladies...it is so important to switch out mascara every three to six months. Bacteria can easily build up inside the brush and cause serious eye infections. Not too attractive, huh? I'm currently at the five month mark myself...so it's definitely time for a new tube! If you're looking for durable mascara that adds volume to the lashes, try the Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara. It costs $15, and I've heard raving reviews about this product. I heard that it has a one swipe system and that it's hypoallergenic. It also lengthens and thickens! For more information on placing an order, click here. In the comment section, be sure to let them know you were referred by What A Doll! Let me know how you like the product!

100th Blog Celebration

2010-08-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

This post celebrates our 100th blog posting for What A Doll! This has been such an exciting experience. I want to personally thank all my readers for being so supportive over the months.

Now it's time to really pump up the volume! Please continue to the pass the word to fashionistas, bargain shoppers, or people that just want to learn more about getting a bang for their buck.

There are so many things in store for our site. I want to share it with each and every one of you. I will be sure to keep everyone posted about our future projects.

Continue to stay fab ;-)

Shoulder Lust

2010-07-19T16:22:00.000-07:00

This Balenciaga bag has been out for some time now (10 years). It doesn't matter, I still love it. You can literally stuff a body in this purse. Not me...I have too many other important items to store away instead. This lamb skin crafted bag will cost you almost $2,000 strong! This is by far my biggest purse fantasy. Is it worth the investment?

Famous fans include Kim Kardashian, Kate Moss, Nicole Richie, and Sarah Jessica Parker. It's a very friendly purse that can be worn casually or during after dark occasions. You can take it to work or out on a date. It comes with a lengthy detachable shoulder strap. I would stick to gripping it by hand or cupping it in the crease of the arm. This is a true investment piece :)

Sun of a Beach!

2010-07-18T21:24:00.000-07:00

The Kardashian sisters, in partnership with Beach Bunny Swimwear, debuted their swimsuit collection (Kardashians for Beach Bunny) this weekend at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Miami.

I checked out the swimsuits at www.beachbunnyswimwear.com. The style of the swimwear is basically the same as any other average swimsuit. I wasn't super eager to click the 'add to cart' button. Of the few offered online, I picked two that really captured my attention. They're both offered for $175, but if you're really penny-pinching, they have bikinis for $88. Each suit is inspired by one of the three sisters. Show me something that's worth every buck...

Last Minute Weekend Buy

2010-07-18T21:09:00.000-07:00

When: Summer or Fall

Where: Date night or girls night out

Why: Great buy! It's under $50 at Asos.com. Plus, the sweetheart cut is to die for.

How: During the Summer days, wear it with a boyfriend blazer with the sleeves pushed up. In the Fall, try a leather biker jacket

The Benefits of Shopping Solo

2010-07-18T13:40:00.001-07:00

shopping alone, originally uploaded by xarag.

If you're looking to save time while shopping, be sure to shop alone! It's fun shopping with friends but it's pretty tough trying to stay focused. When I shop, I usually know what I'm shopping for in the first place. It doesn't take long unless I have to wait in line for a dressing room. I love hanging out with my pals, but when it's time to rack up on a list of needed items, I'm all alone.

When I shop with others, I'm super distracted--overlooking what's needed. My attention is focused more on the conversation and not shopping. If you're bored and want to hang out at the mall, go for it! If you're looking to save time and shop smarter, try shopping alone! By the way, shopping and talking on your cell is a major negative!

Blushing Birthday Doll

2010-07-05T15:17:00.001-07:00

My Birthday Cupcake, originally uploaded by jdesmeules (Blue Cupcake).

It's that time of year again! Today, I actually realized there's nine days until I'm another year younger. Plus, my one-year wedding anniversary is in another 48 days. I need a cake, a new dress, an appointment for a facial and massage, a manicure and let's not forget a PARTY. Okay, a party may not be too promising this year. However, it's time to gather up the crew for another fun-filled birthday celebration.

The most important task on my agenda is the perfect outfit. After watching Valentine's Day for the first time, I decided to visit Asos.com. I need to make a final decision on the specific look that I want for this year.

Mmm, what shall I wear? Jumpsuits are cute and definitely in style. It makes my butt look as though I'm wearing a diaper. That's a double negative! You can never go wrong with a dress. That's my answer! My usual style is to wear clothing that's pretty basic with an accent of dramatic shoes. I usually try and throw in a dash of accessories. Decisions, decisions!

Check out two dresses that I've posted below. Maybe you can help me decide. What do you think?