ON MY RADAR | Simple Beach Bags

No trip to the beach is complete without the perfect beach bag. As I prepare myself for the summer days I plan to spend at the beach, I noticed that I'm in need of a simple and functional beach bag that's Fab Chick approved. Here are a few suitable options. Let's see what I will end up with for the season.

Beach Bagging
(l to r:) Straw Tote-Nasty Gal $128, Sun & Surf Tote-American Eagle $25
Beach Bag-H&M $6, Natural Bag-Zimmerman $63,Harbour Island Beach Bag-Lauren by Ralph Lauren $98

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FACE IT | Eat This For Perfect Skin

Thanks to my magazine hoarding ways, I’ve been digging into past and present subscribed issues of Women’s Health Magazine. Normally I flip through quickly and put the issue down. But since I’m on a quest to find more ways to maintain my youthful appearance as well as warding off unexpected breakouts, I’ve been reading them more intently. That is, until the fountain of youth is discovered. I hope someone's on that project.

One thing I’m always looking to improve is the overall appearance of my skin. Rather than go out and add more products to my already jammed packed skincare routine, Women’s Health Magazine has me adding a few skin perfecting foods into my diet.

Almonds:
Almonds are loaded with Vitamin E, which is said to be a great in sun blocking. "Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that helps to protect skin cells from UV light and other environmental factors that generate cell-damaging free radicals," explains Jeffrey Dover, M.D., associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University.

Carrots:
The Vitamin A source in carrots is great for clearing up breakouts and reduces the development of skin-cancer. "It helps prevent the overproduction of cells in the skin's outer layer," says Howard Murad, M.D., associate clinical professor of dermatology at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine.

Dark Chocolate:
There are many helpful properties in dark chocolate. The antioxidant Flavonols reduces roughness in the skin and protects against sun damage. So while you get your sweet fix for the day, you can also improve your skin’s texture. "The fats are believed to stifle your body's response to irritation and attract water to skin cells to plump up the skin and reduce wrinkles," Murad says.

Green Tea:
There’s no surprise here. A hot cup of green tea provides Catechins, antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer factors. A couple cups a day will assist in preventing skin cancer and can possibly reverse the effects of sun damage on over exposed skin.

My father always did preach that you must take care of the internal before wanting to improve the external. It definitely does make sense to me now. Head over to Women’s Health Magazine for the complete list so you can eat your way to healthy and perfect skin as well. It’s the Fab Chick way.

(source)

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OUTFIT | First Day of Summer

Misha
I'm always encouraged to display more of what I wear on a daily. As for daily, it will not happen, but I will make a bit more of an effort a couple times a week. So here's what I wore the first day of summer. I paired natural tones with a vibrant turquoise.  Interjecting a bright color somewhere is almost a must for me, especially for summer. 

Minor Details:
Jacket - Nanette Lepore
Crop top - Earth Speaks
Bandage Skirt & Shoes - BCBG Max Azria
Handbag - Stolen from my moms wardrobe from 1985
Jewelry - Street Vendor, H&M, Amrita Singh

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CHANGE CLOTHES | Summer Weekend Essentials

Summer is officially here and all I can think about is how I'll be spending my weekends. If the rest of my summer weekends end up like the past few, then I'm definitely in for an adventure. *koolaid smile* Since Monday through Friday doesn't allow for me to partake in most summertime shenanigans, when the weekend hits I throw on my summer essentials and hit the hot pavement in a Fab Chick way!

summer essentials
1. Grey V-Neck T-shirt/Madewell $19
2. Bright Colored Crossbody/Rebecca Minkoff $195
3. Classic Wayfarer/Ray-Ban $145
4. Heart shaped Leather Pin/NakedHearts $50
5. Stacked Gold Bangles/H&M $6
6. Simple Gold Hoops/NineWest $22
7. Cool Summer Playlist/Flwrpt.com
8. Wedges/Joe's Jeans $150
9. Denim Cut-Offs/H&M $32
10. Bright Pink/'Put a Ring on It' Ginger + Liz $12

I can't forget a cool summertime playlist. It's must. After listening to Flwrpt's The Sound of Brooklyn in Summer mix, I was reminded of how much I LOVED Amerie's Why Don't We Fall In Love the Summer of 2003. And I still do. Check out and download Flwrpt's mix here. Listen and tell me it's not summer time cool!

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OUT & ABOUT | Brunch By Simply Orange®
A Fab Chick in the Kitchen

Simply Orange Brunch
Yup, that's me making Simply Orange-Pecan Muffins

Every now and then I like to channel my dad, jump in the kitchen and flex my cooking skills. Thanks to Simply Orange® and The Institute of Culinary Education, I have a few more recipes to exercise that cooking muscle of mine. Brunch anyone? I mean, who doesn’t love a great brunch?!

With the guidance of Chef Scott McMillen I was able to lend a hand in cooking a brunch fit for a Fab Chick; simple with great flavors. And what’s even better about cooking such a great meal is that I was able to do so while enjoying Simply Orange® cocktails and downing the various flavors from the Simply Beverage line-up (Mango Orange being my fav).
Simply Orange Brunch
If you have yet to try any of the Simply Beverages, I say it's definitely worth a taste test. They're perfect for cocktails, oh yes and for hosting breakfast/brunch as well.

Check out the more pics from the Simply Orange® Brunch and a couple of the recipes I enjoyed the most.

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ON MY RADAR | Denim Dress-ing
6 Fab Chick Approved Under $100

Anything denim is always considered a no-brainer for me. These six denim dresses are perfect for the summer season.  I love them. Add a few colorful accessories and a dope pair of "man-hating" wedges (in case you messed that memo check here) and you're good to go for a relaxed summer day while still maintaining your Fab Chick-ness.

Denim Dresses
(l to r:)Levi's $55, Hurley $44, Asos $69
French Connection $40, Quicksilver $60, Oasis $35

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BLACK MUSIC MONTH | Brandy

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CHECK IT OUT | THEA by Raeana
Summer 2011

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Remember when I told you Raeana had next? Well if you don't, reminisce with me here. Since debuting her first collection B_Smuth, I've been eager to see more. Back on the scene with Thea, a grecian-inspired collection, Raeana continues to push the envelop with her latest ready-to-wear line with daring silhouettes.  

The verdict: You must be a Fab Chick to wear one of Raeana's pieces. And my eye is definitely on the Abstract Ikat Shrug. It's an awesome piece to fashionably ward off the summer's AC chill.
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Check out and shop Raeana's complete collection here.

www.raeana.com

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BEAUTY ARSENAL | On A Blue Note

After being given a fab blue smokey-eye yesterday evening,  (I hope to reveal pics soon) all I could think about was buying blue beauty/make-up items for my spring beauty arsenal.   I definitely went home on a blue-note.

On a blue note

1. Clarisonic Mia™ - Blue with New Deep Pore Cleansing Brush Head and Dr. Brandt $149
2. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Parfum 1.6oz $64
3. Make Up For Ever Liquid Liner - Aqua $23
4. ESSIE Nail Polish - Mezmerised $8
5. SEPHORA COLLECTION Colorful Duo Eyeshadow $16
6. MURAD Oil Control Mattifier SPF 15 $39.50
7. L'OREAL HIP Color Truth Cream Eyeliner - Midnight Blue $10
8. RALPH LAUREN Ralph To Go Roll-On $20
9. MAC Zoom Lash Mascara - Blue Charge $14
10. STILA Smudge Stick - Peacock $20

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BLACK MUSIC MONTH | Dorothy Moore

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CHECK IT OUT | MÚS by Mali Ro
Summer 2011 Collection

MÚS by Mali Ro
The heat is on and MÚS by Mali Ro has been updated with some summer hotness. Embracing everyone's favorite trend this season, color-blocking, the vibrant hues selected for Mali Ro's signature body con pieces are absolutely electrifying. I want just about every skirt! They definitely fall right in the cross hairs on my radar.

Check out MÚS by Mali Ro's complete spring and summer collections here.
PMÚS by Mali RoMÚS by Mali RoMÚS by Mali Ro

www.maliromeo.com

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BLACK MUSIC MONTH | Mary Jane Girls

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TRY THIS | 5 Inexpensive & Unexpected Date Ideas

Sick of the usual dinner and a movie date, but both you and your dude’s budgets are kind of tight lately? Well here are 5 very cheap date ideas to keep things fun and interesting. No sense in everyone breaking his or her pockets right?

Fab chick dating ideas
1. Hit the Gym. A couple that works out together stays together. Ok maybe not, but it can be fun. Many gyms allow their members an opportunity to bring a guest along. This will provide a perfect chance for you to check out his athleticism and of course his body without being too forward. Hint. Hint.
Fab chick dating ideas
2. Sip & Chat. Head to your favorite Starbucks or local coffee shop together. Find a quaint corner, share a pastry and sip on your brew of choice. Talk. Talk. Talk. It’s all about communication, so why not open up the lines early on in a budding relationship.
Fab chick dating ideas
3. Window Shop. Who doesn’t love to shop? Yes, window-shopping can be torture most times, but it’s a great way for you to explore each other’s personal style and taste by checking out BOTH the women and men’s department. Ask his opinion on things you like. This is a perfect way to see if there’s a future in him shopping for you. Gifts, duh! Ok and it’s also another great way to communicate and get to know each other.
Fab chick dating ideas
4. Guess that Fruit. The weather is warm and perfect for picnics. Meet up at a park for a day out. Rather than bring a smorgasbord of food, go the healthy route and you both select fruit from your local fruit stand. Try to pick out fruit that you’ve never tried or you think the other hasn’t tried. Take turns blindfolding each other while playing guess that fruit. How cute is that? And it’s healthy.
Fab chick dating ideas
5. Have a listening Party. You and your guy select five of your favorite songs, load them up on iPods/MP3 players and have each other listen to the songs one by one discussing them after. You’re bound to have great conversation from discussing each other’s musical taste. Make sure to be open about listening to music you might not normally gravitate towards. You might stumble upon something new you’ll like.

You get the idea? There's no excuse to not go out on a date and get to know someone. There's always something to do and it doesn't have to cost you or him a rent's worth of money. Just get creative and if you lack those juices, just google free ish to do!

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BLACK MUSIC MONTH | Jody Watley

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SWIM GOOD | One-Piecing It

I recently heard a guy say he didn’t want his lady in a two-piece bikini and that she better only wear on a one-piece. I merely laughed in my head. If he were my guy I would simply respond, "Babe don't worry, I'll just wear a one-piece as you suggested” and then I’d show up in one of these sexy options like…Bam! *inserts sinister laughter* No one tells a Fab Chick what to wear! Hmph!

I’m glad the one-piece swimsuit has evolved a bit from looking like soccer mom beachwear.

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(l to r:)AllSaints $45, Asos $50, Target $30
Nanette Lepore $149, Matthew Zink Monokini $195, R Collection $63
Asos $169.88, Norma Kamali $180, Undrest $275

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BLACK MUSIC MONTH | Grace Jones

Today's black music month selection is dedicated to all the Jamaican men in my life. :-)

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ON MY RADAR | All Bright Everything

Summer brights for fun summer days and nights.  Put a little shock value into your wardrobe this summer.  The brighter the color, the better!  It's a must for me.  

Summer Brights

1. Moustachio Oversized V-neck - Wildfox $77
2. Neon Chunky Chain - Topshop $28
3. Henley Striped top - J.Crew $60
4. Aviator - Silver Lining Vintage $295
5. Acrylic Clutch - Jimmy Choo $550
6. Halter Dress - Topshop $120
7. Bandage Skirt - Pleasure Doing Business $275
8. Mademoiselle Sunglasses - Illesteva $280
9. Acrylic Bracelet - MARC by Marc Jacobs $98
10. Digital Watch - Nixon $100
11. Double Finger Pyramid Ring - Sandy Hyun $65
12. Beaded Bangle - Topshop $28
13. Boyfriend Shorts - Current/Elliott $150
14. Chino Trousers - Topshop $75
15. High-waisted mini skirt - Hervé Léger $415
16. Skull Post Earrings - Tarina Tarantino $28
17. K. Jacques Sandals - Open Ceremony $270
18. Platform Sandal - Diane von Furstenberg $280
19. Color-block Top - Dorothy Perkins $33
20. Skinny leather wrap belt - Miu Miu $285
21. Rope strap heels - Jeffrey Campbell $130
22. Bikini top & bottom -Bikini Lab $72

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BLACK MUSIC MONTH | Nina Simone

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CRAVE | A Bag of Sunshine

Proenza Schouler PS1 Small leather satchel
Proenza Schouler $1225 - NET-A-PORTER

Everyday isn't promised to be bright and sunny, but carrying a bright yellow bag this season can definitely lift your spirits. If it doesn't elevate your mood even a bit, it'll definitely brighten up your look.

I've definitely been craving a yellow handbag and this Proenza Schouler small leather satchel would be perfection in my closet. The things I would do with this...but I'll keep those thoughts to myself.

In the meantime I'll wrap my head around a few budget-friendly yellow options. What say you?
yellow handbags
(l to r:) ModCloth $135, remi & reid $98, Gorjana $198

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BLACK MUSIC MONTH | Deniece Williams

June has been appointed Black Music Month. So for the entire month I am going to attempt to post some of my favorite songs and/or videos. I don't know about this Black Music Month thing but I do enjoy good music. This will be my little way of sharing some of my retro favorite tunes.  And of course, they'll all come from Fab Chicks. Get into it Free by Deniece Williams.

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WEAR IT NOW | Hats On...

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...random pic taken by Mougabe of me and Fab Chick Shanice...

When the days are extremely hot, extra humid and sweat insists on ruining the fab-ness that was once your hairstyle, why not throw on a cute summer hat? Whatever your hat style of choice, be it a fedora, boater or floppy wide brim, a summer hat can be the perfect solution for days when there just isn’t time to run to the salon for a quick do-over.  And we all know those visits aren't always that quick.  Who has time to miss out on fun for frequent salon visits?  Not me!  So hats on and keep it moving muchachas!  It's the Fab Chick way.
hats for fab chicks
(l to r:)NORDSTROM Dégradé Straw Fedora, ZARA wide brim hat, OLD NAVY Floppy Straw Fedora, MODCLOTH Vintage Orange Sangrita Hat
AMAZON.COM Large Brim Straw Hat, EUGENIA KIM Max feather-trimmed fedora, AKIRA Round Hat, MISS SELFRIDGE Straw Trilby
ANTHROPOLGIE Summer Plaid Bowler, GAP Chevron straw fedora, URBAN OUTFITTERS Straw Boater Hat, KATE SPADE NEW YORK Straw Fedora


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SHOP WITH ME | Opening Ceremony Sample Sale!!!!!

I so need to be there!

SAVE THE DATES NOW!! UP TO 90% OFF!!!

WHEN:
June 10th 11-8
June 11th 11-8
June 12th 12-7

WHERE:
148 Lafayette Street, NYC

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