Haute for Houndstooth

Call it houndstooth. Call it dogstooth. Hey, you can even call it "checkered-like". Whatever you call it, houndstooth is still IN. Not surprisingly, houndstooth is a print that regularly resurfaces in fashion. I admit, the classic black and white seems a little preppy, maybe even old-fashioned but I promise that if paired right you will get a very modern feel. Here are a few great picks adorable enough to add to your closet collection for the fall/winter:



1. Ted Baker Blazer - Wear this blazer on top of a free flowing dress or skirt with a fitted top for a structured fit and a pop of interest to a monochromatic look.
2. Chicnova Shorts - Wear these shorts with black tights and black booties. Don't forget a really bright shirt or blazer to add a pop of color. Try Cobalt!!
3. Merona Cardigan - Wear this under a plain blazer for a mens-wear type of look.
4. Gap Sweater - Wear exactly as shown with a lighter colored bottom. Skirt or skinny jeans will do.
5. Else Skinny Jeans - Wear these jeans with a fun top like peplum, lace or faux leather with bright colored heels for a fun look or flats for a weekend look
6. Dorthy Perkins Peplum Top - Pair this top with some boyfriend jeans and cute flat shoes.
7. Betsey Johnson Ballet Flats - Let these flats do the talking with a very simple outfit

OK, just a few more...

8. Side Panel Skirt - Black side panels make this pencil skirt very slimming
9. Merona Print Scarf - Wear this with a simple white top or sweater and black bottoms. Or, use it to keep warm over a coat. Let this be the stand out piece.
10. Debenhams Clutch - A good clutch always makes a statement.
11. Talbots Moto-jacket - Houndstooth doesn't always have to be black and white.  This jacket is an awesome alternative.

How do you wear houndstooth?  Do you currently own a piece in your closet? I hope you have been inspired by my picks and suggestions. Houndstooth has stood the test of time, so go ahead and incorporate a piece into your wardrobe.

Until next time...

Holiday 24 Preview

Hi Diamond Darlings.  It's finally here!!! The moment we've all been waiting for. For all of you budget conscious fashionista's out there, Target and Neiman Marcus has the perfect solution for you. The two have joined forces, co-launching a special collection, Holiday 24, with more than 50 products from 24 designers.  Can you say mmm...mmm...gooood!!?!

The first-come, first-serve giftable offerings have been designed by the likes of Alice + Olivia, Tracy Reese, Marc Jacobs, Rag and Bone and more made available on both retailers' websites and in stores on Dec. 1st (tomorrow). I've been following this the last few days and there seems to be quite a chatter about this launch among bloggers and fashion lovers.  I just hope that this does not turn into the same situation as the 2011 Missoni debacle.  I won't be rushing to the stores like some, but I am surely hoping to snag an item or two.  Perfect for gifts.....or self. You choose!! Check out my picks below:

1. Band of Outsiders Cookie Cutters / 2. Philip Crangi Frame / 3. Tracy Reese Blouse / 4. Tracy Reese Dessert Plates / 5. Diane von Furstenberg Yoga Mat / 6. Altuzarra Glasses

All in all, it's a cute collection although I think some of the items are over-priced.  What's in a name anyway?! But, I'm sure I'll be picking up that Tracey Reese blouse. Cuuute!! Look for an outfit post on that soon. :)

Maybe you're excited about the collection, maybe not. But I am sure that this is the start of a new type of cross marketing for High-End/Budget retailers alike. Are you excited about this collection? What about this collaboration effort? Let me know your thoughts below.

Until next time.....

The Big Give

Happy Giving Tuesday!! Yes, my Darlings today is Giving Tuesday.  I hear you...I hear you..."not another darn day!".  But my darlings, I promise this is one day to fulfill your soul and make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  

Giving Tuesday is a new day to join the ranks of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. It is a day to give your time or money to your charity of choice. After giving thanks for all that you have on Thanksgiving, supporting small businesses and saving money on deals from the Black Friday and Cyber Money sales, how about sharing a little more love by giving a little bit on this day. To get an even better sense of fulfillment, try supporting a charity that is of extreme importance to you.  Maybe you know someone affected by cancer, lukemia, or anorexia. Try showing your support by helping out their respective charities.  And if you don't have the extra money to give....just give your time. Your time, caring heart and helpful hands will go a long way.

Honestly, this is the first time I've heard of this day...and I am surely glad it exists. I have always been very philantropic. I think giving back helps to warm the soul.  Today, I gave to GoodWill.  I try to make donations there a few times a year. GoodWill is a great way to give back. It gives you an opportunity to organize, get more closet space and share the warmth with those whom are less fortunate.  So, on GivingTuesday I am making a plea to all fashionistas across the country to clean out their closets (including husbands and kids) and donate clothes to help support a local charitiable organization that relies on clothing donations for part of their funding. It's a great excuse for a wardrobe makeover and a chance to really help those in need!

What are some charities that you frequent? Do you just donate money or items or do you like to get your hands dirty by donating your time? Share your thoughts below. I'd love to hear from you.

Until next time...

Cyber Monday Picks

Thank GOD for Cyber Mondays.......it just suits me so much better than Black Friday. I'd much prefer to stay away from the tomfolery where I am safe and still getting good deals. So, I've compiled a list of a few of my favorites things and sales that I've come across. Hope you score some good items. Happy Shopping Darlings!!

Here are a few of my favorite go-to shops:

LOFT: 50% off everything - use code TODAYONLY
GAP, OLD NAVY & BANANA REPUBLIC: 30% off your purchase - use code CYBER
J CREW: 25% off your purchase - use code MONDAY
FOREVER 21: up to 70% off and Free shipping on all orders (no minimum) - use code CYBERMON

EXPRESS: 40% off everything
NORDSTROM: 30-60% off select styles
Target - Select items on sale up to 60% off

Here are a few great pieces on sale. Check them out.......
Shirts
 
Blythe Blouse                                         Soft Flannel Shirt                     Sequin Raglan Tee
$59                                                        $49.95 + 30% off                     $49.50 + 50%off

Pants

 
Old Navy Dotted Pants       Old Navy Animal Pants            Faux Leather Pants

$19                                     $19                                         $14.98

Skirts

Faux Leather Skirt                               Striped Pointe Skirt                Houndstooth Skirt
$17                                                     $22.49                                   $29.99

Shoes

                     

Michael Kors Rain Boot             Patent Leather Booties          Aldo Rust Ankle Strap Heels
$74.98                                       $64.96                                  $34.99


Basics

      
Express Rolled Sleeve Tee                 Cami in Assorted Colors            Cropped Leggings
$17.94                                               $8                                            $17.94

Until next time...

Shop Small Business Saturday

Here's an idea my Diamond Darlings....Shop Small!!  Small Business Saturday, now in it's third year is really gaining momentum. Small businesses, the backbone of the economy, have been hit hard by the recession like many of us. Small Business Saturday encourages consumers to shop for holiday gifts at their favorite local stores to help fuel the economy on one of the busiest shopping days of the year, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

I encourage you all to shop small. And if you are a small business owner, here are a few tools and resources to help you promote during the busiest shopping days of the year:

• American Express, the originators of Small Business Saturday, has a host of resources and marketing materials to help you capitalize on this day
• Digital banners and logos to promote your small business on your blog or website.
• Social media like Facebook and Twitter to help drive traffic to your small business with preloaded posts, tweets, and emails.
• Contact your favorite blogger (like myself) and collaborate on the endless opportunities to drive more viewers to your business.
• Signage to help attract customers which you can use storefront or around town, including two (2) 11" x 17" pieces of signage professionally printed for free.

If you are looking for a small business to support, here are a few ways to pick them out:

• Ask friends or relatives | Many of us have a skill or hobby that we provide as a service to bring extra income into our household. It can be as simple as making gift baskets or quilts to something more technical as building computers.
• Ask friends or relatvies | Again?  Yes, because many of us either have or know of someone that has a licensed small business by trade or interest. These can be electrical/carpentry companies or your local dance school.
• Peruse the neighborhood | There are tons of brick and mortar shops within your own community that are often missed during the holiday season. Show your support by venturing out into the cold for a good walk and see within your neighborhood or someone elses.
• Shop online | Nowadays, most small businesses begin their journey online. Use google. It may be hard to tell whose small and whose not but I assure you, it's worth a shot.
• American Express provides a comprehensive list of participating local business within your area. And if you use your AMEX card, you get tons of great perks. :)

I hope this has helped my readers and I hope you enjoy shopping small!!

Happy Shopping Small Darlings!!!

Until next time......

Turkey Thursday, Black Friday and Lukewarm online deals

I admit, I am not much of a wakeup at 2am to stand in line in the cold for 4 hours type of girl. I'd much rather sleep in, avoid the chaos and get out whenever I feel like it.  Oftentimes, I don't even hit the stores until noon.  The doorbusters are long gone by then.  lol But since it seems that Black Friday comes earlier and earlier every year and has somehow spilled onto the cyber world, I figured I'd give you a head start on checking out some online deals as well as where to find the best doorbusters.

My honest opinion, I think that Black Friday is best for electronic deals, home goods and maybe toys.  So, if I'm not looking for any of those things you won't catch me breaking down any doors.  This year, the hours seem to be all over the place.  Some stores have Thursday evening door busters while staying open until well after their Friday morning doorbusters.  Whatever the case, for all of you who will be standing in line, check out my top Door Buster picks:

 Turkey Thursday and Black Friday Door Busters

• Best Buy | Doors open at midnight - $179 Toshiba flat screen TV and a $179.99 Galaxy Tab2
• Target | Doors open Thursday at 9pm - iPod Touch 16GB (4th gen) $195 free $40 Target gift card with purchase.
• Walmart | Doors open at 8pm with more deals at 5am - $688 Vizio 60” LED Smart TV
• Sam's Club | Doors open Friday at 7am - Samsung Galaxy SIII smartphone for $0.96
• JC Penny | Doors open Friday at 6am - 13-piece hard anodized cookware set for $100 
• Toys R Us | Doors open Thursday at 8pm - Free Crayola 64 Boxes with ANY purchase, FREE $50 Gift Card with the purchase of ANY iPod touch, 50% Off Vtech Learning Laptop - Was:  $29.99; Now: $14.99
• Sears | Doors open at 8pm Thursday - 32-inc HDTV for $97

Lukewarm Online Deals(Patiently awaiting Cyber Monday deals)

• Nordstom | Save up to 50% off
• Asos | 20% off site wide - use code BLACKFRIDAYBONUS
• J.Crew Factory | 40% off everything + an additional 15% off order $100 or more - use code GIVEANDGET
• Piperlime | 20% off site wide
• Shopbop | Spend $250+  get 20% off
• Madewell | 25% off + free shipping on everything, use code TREAT
• J.Crew | 25% off entire purchase - use code COLOR 25

Happy Shopping Diamond Darlings.....and please be safe.

Thankful for so much...

Happy Thanksgiving Darlings -

Today I have so much to be thankful for as it has been one of the roughest years I've had in a while. Yes, I know........life is tough. We all battle with issues relating to work, money, relationships (family or romantic), health, etc.  But it seems that if even one of these things are out of whack, then LIFE AS WE KNOW IT IS OVER.  But, I'm here to tell you my darling that it IS NOT.  Here are a few diamond nuggets of wisdom to help get you through. As you read, begin to think of all that you are thankful for.

• If you're out of work or under-employed...know that you are not alone, God is with you. Take time to re-educate, learn a new trade or start something new.
• If you're dealing with money issues...know that you are not alone, God is with you. Take time to seek wisdom. Allow yourself to be humble and open-minded so that new wisdom becomes visbile to you to act upon.
• If you're dealing with relationship problems (like I've been dealing with)...know that you are not alone, God is with you. Take time to seek counsel and open yourself to vulnerability and compromise. And remember that communication is key. Then and only then will you begin to repair those stitches within and with your loved one.
• If you're battling health concerns...know that you are not alone, God is with you. Take time to pray and the courage to accept. Acceptance gives you clear vision to push forward instead of allowing your emotions to get the best of you.

Heavy stuff right?  But did you notice the underlying theme? God is with you!! He died for our sins. My sin, your mama's sin, your lover's sin, even the bill collectors sin. lol The point is, he died so that we could live.  And that my darling, is something to be thankful for. :)

In living my life, here are a few things I am most thankful for:

• my daughter Reagan's smile because it brightens my day and tells me that she is breathing and she is happy
• being gainfully employed with a warm bed to sleep in at night
• the food that I was able to provide and cook for my first Thanksgiving meal for my family
• the clean plate and messy tray table that my daughter left behind after eating her first thanksgiving meal. She liked it!!
• the health of all my friends and family whom I love so dearly
• picture messaging, youtube and skype that allows our family to watch Reagan grow although we live hundreds of miles away.

Admist my trying year, I will continue to...Live everyday like it's Thanksgiving...

What are some things that you are thankful for? I would love to hear from you.

Until next time...

Re-living Childhood...on Ice

Have you ever had a moment where you're taken back to the sweeter times in life? Where everything was easy, fun and stress-free without worries?  I'm talking about the days where lights, music and dancing were all the glory. And no, I'm not talking about some night club. lol Today was one of those days.

I took my Reagan to see her very first Disney on Ice show. I was a little apprehensive at first because she is only a one year old. But I figured what the heck and I'm glad I did.  She was fascinated with every bit of it!! And although she understood nothing and hadn't even seen the movies they portrayed, it was worth the hour long drive made to see that little smile on her face.

Watching her happily smiling, bouncing up and down and clapping reminded me of my sweet, sweet childhood memories.  I remember attending those ice shows and how excited I was to see the Disney characters dancing around on their skates. And how I could not wait for the magical moment when all the lights would go out and the room would be filled with flickers from the light up toys being illuminated.

What I wore (sorry I forgot to take a good pic of myself):
Sweater: Gap - (similar, similar, similar)

Shirt: Gap - (similar)

Jeans: Gap - (similar)
Shoes: Bakers - (same, similar)

As I remember those childhood memories, I take note of how it feels to re-live them. I think of how much quality time with my parents has impacted my life and how much I anticipate to share those memories with my own daughter. I think of how much fun this journey with my daughter has been and how much more fun it is going to be. I admit, I am a true kid at heart. So I predict that my daughter will have the best childhood ever!!

What are some of your favorite childhood moments? I would love to hear from you so please comment below.

Until next time....

I came...I saw...I got Colored

So because I have finally gotten motivated to begin my weight loss and fitness journey, I feel compelled to tell you about a few of my accomplishments and disappointments.  Today.....was an accomplishment.

Many months ago I joined Black Girls Run, suggested to me by a very dear friend of mine. It is a free social/fitness group of girls whom are dedicated to staying fit by running while encouraging the new and challenging the old. It is truly a sisterhood and I am very grateful for them.

As I am learning to like running, I've found that I truly love to participate in races. It's the thrill and excitement, the camaraderie and the sea of runners that truly tickle my fancy.  I am surely not trying to finish in first place so right now I am just trying to finish.  It's fun but not easy.

My most recent race was the absolutely amazing The Color Run.  I had the best time ever.  Check out the photos below:

BGR sisters

Have you tried running to stay fit? Have you ever ran a 5K or 10K?  Have you been brave and tried the half or full marathon?  What are your favorite races to run?

I would love to hear from you.  Please post your comments below.

Until next time, keep reading and enjoy.

More than just a fashion blog

Hi my little Diamond Darlings!! I'm back for round two and I wanted to share a few things that I've been doing lately because of course this is "more than just a fashion blog".

So many things have changed in my life the past few years. I moved to a new state, new job, new man and new baby.  Well, she's not quite new anymore as we celebrated her first birthday in September lol.  And as most of you know, with a new baby comes a new mommy body that I am still not used to.  But I digress!!

With so many new things going on in my life, I've felt the need to share with my friends and family.  So besides my new found love for fashion (again), you'll see the occasional posts about my life, inspirational things, fitness and maybe even a recipe or two.

It's nearing the holiday season, my most favorite time of the year. So, I made the mad dash to daycare to pick up my daughter so that I could take her to the Tree Lighting Festival in Concord.  It was her first one and it was amazing.  Such a wonderful family atmosphere. Christmas carols, hot chocolate, Santa, huge Christmas tree and fireworks.  What more could a one year old (and 30+ year old) ask for?!  Unfortunately my stupid phone battery died so I didn't get many pictures except for this very dark one.  Nonetheless, my baby and I had a ball.

Have you ever been to a tree lighting ceremony?  What other holiday activities do you do to get in the spirit?  I would love to hear from you so please comment below.

Until next time.....

I'm a real REAL Blogger

Hello World!!! It's my first post EVER!!!  Feels a little weird just talking to the world because let's face it.....it's possible that NO ONE will listen or read for that matter.  But I am here and I'm screaming "Look Ma! I'm a Blogger. A real REAL Blogger". So let's get down to business.

I started this blog for various reasons. So, to make a long story short; I was a pretty fashionable youth with what little money I had. I made the best from what was given. And then I suddenly fell out of love with fashion. I wasn't that inspired by the styles/trends and probably the biggest reason was the increasing weight gain and low self esteem.  I had gotten into the "I'm not buying anything new until I lose weight" mode which left me completely out of style. And obviously the weight loss did not happen as fast as I would have liked. lol  Am I the only one whose experienced this?

Nonetheless, during that time styles had changed so much that I had become so unfamiliar. I had lost my mojo. So in effort to get my mojo back, I started reading fashion blogs and started to learn how to live life fashionably again.  And this is where the seeds for "The Diamond Lifestyle" began to grow. I wanted to share with the world that you can live life fashionably no matter if you are at your biggest self or your smallest self.

Have you ever lost your mojo? How did you get it back? You ever felt lost amongst the fast changing trends?

Let me know your thoughts below. I hope you've enjoyed and please keep reading.

Until next time.....