Merry Christmas from Maddie & Me

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!!

Who doesn't love the holidays with family and friends?! I hope you are enjoying this special time of year with your loved ones as much as I am.

Here are a few pictures that Lucas took of Madison and I...we've already coined our part of the world as 'Country Cool' as an answer to Street Chic! Anyhoo enjoy!

Take care, stay warm and enjoy the day from me, Madison and Lucas (behind the camera as always)!

Charlotte Rousse velvet blazer//Macy's leggings//Vintage cape//

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Fab Frames: Style Vault Clear Frame Review

When it comes to glasses I'm pretty much the little kid who failed my eye exam on purpose just to get get a cool pair of frames. To me, glasses were always cool in the era of Sally Jesse Raphael and have recently been popular because of the variance in colour as an oversize accessory. So recently, I've been shopping around on the internet to find a few cute pairs and decided to review the purchases ever since I did my Warby Parker review and received some great feedback.

For almost a month, I've been looking for a pair of clear polycarbonate frames. I figured they would be really cute especially during the summer (yea I know it's winter now but I'm thinking for next year). So after feverishly looking in the stores in my area, I decided to purchase these last week from Style Vault. 

Here is my shortlist of pros and cons:

pros:

*super cute and lightweight

*fits virtually any face shape

*amazing look with clear and silver accessories

cons:

*slides down my face from time to time

*slightly too large for my face

The size of the glasses are as follows: width (5 1/2'') x height (1 7/8''). For starters my face is pretty small so frames that are this size will look huge on my face, which might I add, can be great when accessorizing an outfit in more casual attire. When I first tried them on I had a black blazer on and I was ready to take them back until I changed into something more comfortable.

The wayfarer shape is pretty standard across the board so if you know this shape compliments your face, you should have no problem. The other reason I really like clear frames is that it allows you to wear your the glasses without sacrificing the time and effort you put into your make-up. Overall I like these fames and will be used readily as much as anyone of my accessories. {^_^}

Calvin Klein knit sweater
Nine West boots
Style Vault frames
Necklace from Macys

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Autumnal Tones

It’s almost December and I’m still rocking my autumnal colours like it’s early October. With the holidays rolling in, I’m sure that the snow will be eagerly awaiting in the near (near) future {^_^}

Vintage leather shirt & belt 

Men's Watch: Target

H&M Denim 

Fossil Satchel 

Riding Boots

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Loving Memories

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending a remembrance service for a beautiful soul…

As many of you may (or may not know), my fellow vlogger buddy from She Sings Lovely is a close friend of mine. We grew up together and I couldn’t have been more proud to see that she’s been such an inspiration to many people through her beauty, make-up, and accessory videos. A few days ago she posted a commemorative video about her mommie entitled Heaven Just Gained an Angel. As she mentions in her video, people went to her mom before the counselors and the principal to deal with any issues. She was always well put together and was known for humming a song to melt any bitterness and heartache away (as if our high school troubles were that life threatening).   

I can only think of the great things that her mommy did when I knew her in high school including a wall of pictures that she kept near her desk that was filled with pictures of all her adopted babies. It was our mini wall of fame. The number of people waiting outside yesterday to get into the church was only proof of her amazing ability to reach so many people. Her infectious laugh and singing will always echo throughout the hallways, community, and in our hearts...

Skirt H&M

Belt: Vintage

Shoes: Nine West

Stockings: Rainbow

Purse: Wilson's Leather

Necklace: Charming Charlie

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Colour Block Cabana!

It's Friday!!!

And I promised you yesterday that I'd post a pic of my outfit. I love this strapless pink top. The colour  creates a great punch of colour while the sheer fabric and the details create a delicate and feminine top. The red pants and the suede blue heels make the colours look more vibrant. I'm so happy I am still able to get a summer outfit in and its September!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

H&M-pants

Arden B-top

Jessica Simpson-shoes

Wilson Leather-pink bag & chain

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Target Tuesdays: Flowy Dresses and Cropped Jackets

After a two week hiatus, Target Tuesdays are back! Embrace your inner hippie with this floral print dress in warm tones of deep purples and neutral accents that can easily be a great addition to your summer wardrobe. Since summer is still in its premature phase with its bizarre amount of rain storms and breezy afternoons, pair a cute cropped jacket with your floor length dress before completely going sleeveless (it's not that warm yet unfortunately). For additional warmth, throw on a pair of leggings underneath to combat the cooler evenings.

Side note: If you realized it already, I changed my hair over the weekend and went back to my 'default' hairstyle as I like to call it. I've been wearing it like this for a few years and something keeps pulling me back to this style. I still miss the blonde though...who knows, maybe I'll put some colour back into it when the summer warms up!

faux leather jacket $24.48, floral dress $27.99

What cool finds have you spotted at Target lately? 

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Blues, Greens, and Limes: Wide Leg Pants and Turbans

 A few weeks ago I came across this amazing fabric that I intended to make into a pencil skirt, since I have a hard time finding fitted skirts in my size (most places sell clothing too big) but before I cut the fabric into pieces I just had to make this cool turban! I love it because I tied it to form pleats toward the front to give it a fanning effect.

It has finally stopped raining (it was the rainiest month we ever had) and it's becoming consistently sunny outside, so my mood as been improving with the weather ever so nicely. I cannot wait for summer festivals and warm nights when I can free myself from a cumbersome jacket!

Shoes: Target

Vintage Belt

Blouse: Charlotte Rouse

Pants: From Spain somewhere

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Balance

"Difficulties are opportunities to better things; they are stepping-stones to greater a experience… When one door closes, another one always opens; as a natural law it has to balance."

-Brian Adams

Clear and simplistic enough to understand, this quote needs no further explanation. I've seen the culmination of my past experiences transform me into a better individual through personal challenges and external obstacles. This quote isn't telling me [or you] anything I don't already know or have experienced for myself. It merely serves as a reminder and a testament to the barriers that once existed.

Vintage dress: $12.99

I found this dress a few weeks ago in a consignment store when I "lost" my way home from work one day. [Shopping detours are the best] The lime colour caught my eye enough to pluck it from the racks of oversized blazers and early 90s power suits even though it didn't look like much on the hanger. I almost thought it wouldn't fit until I zipped up the back and realized that it clung perfectly to my frame. It's a tragedy that they don't make clothes like they use to anymore, isn't it?

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Retro Reflection...

So I finally wore this shirt after featuring it on my blog back in December when I got it at thrift store for less than $8. Big steal! I was extremely fortunate to stumble onto to this great find with a delicate layered collar chiffon blouse (which might I add had the price tag stapled to the blouse! I had to meticulously lift the staple so that I wouldn't damage the material). I'm glad that I finally wore it since I always have this thing about not wearing my clothes right after I buy them....

My shoes actually have a mirror as a platform which really came in handy when I had to retouch my lip gloss

Belt: F21

Shoes: Aldo

Pants: Rave

Blouse: Vintage

Purse: AJ Wright

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Turban & A One Piece

This may very well be the follow-up to yesterday's post about the turban trend. Even though I feel as if its been trending forever its always nice to take a stab at it again.

I paired this really cute one-piece vintage pant suit with a colourful turban that I made myself out of material that I originally used for a neck scarf. The fabric is less than half a yard which is perfect for my little head. I've always worn my scarf for years so it was pretty easy for me to wrap. I remember buying this satin pant suit when I attended FIT at an on campus flee market. I miss those vendors!

Belt:Vintage

Clutch:Vintage

Flats: NineWest

One-piece: Vintage

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White on Black Sheer

I rarely throw anything away in my closet even if it means that I haven't worn it in a few years-except if it absolutely doesn't fit anymore which ironically is usually never the case since my high metabolism has kept my weight the same... which, might I add has prevented me from growing any hips, thighs, butt definitely butt or other curves that a women may acquire at the peak of those precious adolescent years (and I am wayyy over due).

I found these pics on my desktop that I took a few months ago when I was feeling oh so breezy and fly in this sheer pleated skirt that I've had for over 10 years now. I honestly would consider thinning out my closet but there are some things that trickle right back around in the fashion cycle and I'd hate to have to re-purchase what I know I had 'once-upon-a time.' Wouldn't you? But at this rate I don't know how I will be able to keep up with closet space...my mom is the same way and she has three closets full of beautiful clothes that I still admire. Maybe it's not all that bad....

 What's been hanging in your closet 

since the beginning of time??

 

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Dinner Date with the King

It's the Circle of Life/And it moves us all/Through despair and hope/Through faith and love/Till we find our place/On the path unwinding/In the Circle/The Circle of Life

If you haven't figured it out already a few days ago I saw, The Lion King! I think I was the last girl in the world that hadn't seen it yet. I remember power walking pass the crowds of people every night in Times Square, thinking I would put it on my list of things to do but never got around to it until this week. 

Not only was I excited to see the Award-winning Best Musical for its stunning visuals, but for   the exotic animal impressions and dance by choreographer Garth Fagan- which  so happens to be from my city (and my home country of Jamaica might I add!) Suddenly I was 7 years old again on a field trip to the circus as I marveled at the elephants, giraffes, and birds flying acrossthe stage with grace and splendor. Simply, amazing. I would have given almost anything to work hand in hand with the costume designer on that project. Anything....well almost.

Turtleneck:Rainbow, Graphic Pants: Kohls, Open Toe Shoes: Jessica Simpson, Belt: F21, Purse: Vintage, Necklace: Vintage

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Just another day....

This past Sunday made me realize how mundane the whole mall shopping experience can be *sigh*. Especially since its prom season and everyone seems to be desperately searching for a dress for their junior or senior ball. Maybe I'm still disgruntled because I purposely skipped my own senior prom. But I digress. Two days ago my mission was to buy this leather Fossil satchel that I have been watching and waiting for.... I love how the hardware accentuates the look and feel of the bag and the additional cross strap will leave my hands free to text... or hold hands with a certain someone:)

The picture doesn't do it any justice but its actually a beautiful cognac colour. The rich leather is timeless enough to carry me through the summer with a pair of khaki shorts and a floral blouse, and versatile enough to transition into the fall months with a military jacket and straight leg pant, while still remaining stylish. I love staple pieces in my wardrobe to anchor my look-this piece is one of them. Welcome to my closet, new edition...welcome.

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