CYBER INSPO | ON NOWNESS : Diving For McQueen

diving for mcqueen
watch video

"...a McQueen girl-she has to feel powerful, she's never a girlie girl, she's always a woman..."

Diving for McQueen on Nowness.com.

Read more...

CHECK IT OUT | The Hpnotiq Blog - Halloween Costumes You Can Find In Your Closet

Halloween is right around the corner and I have yet to decide if I'm going to dress up. One thing's for sure, if I do decide to participate, I know I don't want to spend too much for a one time affair. So I came up with a few Halloween costume ideas that you can easily create with a few items you may already have in your closet. Head over to The Hpnotiq Blog now to see how Snooki, June Ambrose, Pam Grier and a few others can easily be affordable Halloween costume options.

Halloween costumes you can find in your closet

www.hpnotiq.com/blog

Read more...

TIDBITS | Friday Sleepy Throw-Ons

tidbits_fall_fashion
TGIF! Since I was up late not feeling well last night, I woke up this morning extremely tired again with no desire to wear anything I had in my closet. If I could have gotten away with a pair of plaid pajama pants outdoors, I probably would have gone that route. Since that it not an option in my world, I had to be comfortable in other ways --old reliable blue jeans--something flat on my feet.

·dark blue jeans - Levi's
·chambray shirt - H&M (men's department)
·cashmere pullover - Oonagh by Nanette Lepore
·desert boots - Steve Madden
·kelly green socks - Hue (just for fun)
·prescription glasses - Ralph Lauren(eyes too tired for contacts)

Read more...

WATCH THIS | Visionaries : Inside The Creative Mind - Tom Ford

Very rarely are you given a chance to see what goes into the brilliance that comes from some of the most creative and talented minds. This is why I am excited to tune into Oprah's OWN network this Sunday to watch the series Visionaries:Inside The Creative Mind. Tom Ford, one of the best designers and visionaries of our time will be documented as the show uncovers the artistry and genius behind his creative process. It's bound to be loaded with great inspiration.
Will you join me in watching? Tune in to OWN Sunday, October 23rd at 8pm Est.

Read more...

GET THE LOOK | YSL vs OBEY Clothing

ysl arty ring
YSL Arty Ring - $250 (Black & Turquoise)

While browsing through the OBEY Clothing website, I noticed their SOHO Ring was very very similar to the YSL Arty version pictured above. What do you think? While the YSL Arty Ring is no doubt a very popular and coveted style, would you save a few dollars and spring for the OBEY Clothing version at $38 instead? I would have to admit the OBEY Clothing is not bad to achieve the same look. I like that it is has a few differences in the details and finishing on the ring.
obey soho ring
OBEY Clothing Soho Ring - Black -$38

obey soho ring
OBEY Clothing Soho Ring - Turquoise -$38

Read more...

TIDBITS | A few favorite things

Random Tidbits
Whenever I wake-up and am not feeling in the mood to wear much of anything in my closet, I look to a few simple and favorite things to seal the deal for the day.

· a chunky sweat - Express (old)
· jeans that fit great - Levi's Curve ID
· lace-up boots - Dolce Vita
· something tiny and sparkly - H&M

Read more...

TRY THIS | 8 Ways To Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer

Between it being breast cancer awareness month and my iPod constantly shuffling to one of my favorite singers—Minnie Ripperton (who died from breast cancer at the age of 31) I have found myself reading up on breast cancer prevention. Although I haven’t had a firsthand experience with dealing with this disease, nor does it appear to run in my family, studies have shown that this does not exempt me or any of the women in my family from breast cancer. I also learned that there’s no way to prevent the disease. But you can be proactive with your health and reduce the risk of getting breast cancer. Here are a few ways to help us all reduce our risk of breast cancer:

1. Touch your breasts. It is important to be familiar with your body so that you can notice changes when they occur. I’ve read that women themselves catch more than 90% of breast tumors. So get familiar with your boobies—feel and touch them, they’re yours!

2. Eat a healthy diet. Eating a diet that is low in animal fat, high in whole grains—containing fruits and vegetable is not only good for your overall body, but can help reduce your risk of breast cancer. Skip cooking with corn and sunflower oil, as they tend to be high in polyunsaturated fat, no good. Opt for olive and canola oils options for a high monounsaturated fat content, which is much better for you.

3. Exercise and maintain a healthy weight. Exercising regularly is an important element to staying healthy. Duh! Working out is said to lower the amount of estrogen produced in the body, which can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Exercising can also aid in maintaining a healthy weight. An excess of extra pounds gained can heighten estrogen levels, causing cancer growth.

4. Breast-feed your baby. It’s a ‘two-for-oner’. Breast-feeding is said to not only benefit the baby in many nutritional ways, but can also lessens the body’s estrogen production.

5. Get your nutrients. Many of us do not consume the proper food servings we should be having daily, which makes taking a multivitamin important—especially one containing folic acid.

6. Stop smoking. It’s not called a cancer stick for nothing. Although there is not a concrete connection to breast cancer, there is a possible link. We do know smoking causes other forms of cancer, so it might be better to just not smoke at all. No cancer is good cancer.

7. Reduce your alcohol intake. Eeek. Apparently women who consume large sums of alcohol develop cancer at a higher rate. Although we’ve heard and I’ve blogged about the ‘not so bad’ factors of drinking, over indulging can be very harmful in more ways than one.

8. Have children before 35. AHHHHHH! Now this is scary. Apparently having children later in life can increase your risk of breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, “Women who have not had children, or who had their first child after age 30, have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer. Being pregnant many times and at an early age reduces breast cancer risk. Being pregnant lowers a woman's total number of lifetime menstrual cycles, which may be the reason for this effect.”

While I have a few of these covered, I am definitely going to be looking at my lifestyle choices a little differently —making a few changes as I’m getting older. And that having children before 35; well I guess I need to get on the ball with that huh? Eeeek.

Read more...

CHECK IT OUT | The Hpnotiq Blog - 5 items You Can Borrow From His Closet

Be sure to head over to The Hpnotiq Blog to check out the five items I say you can borrow and wear from your guy's closet with ease.

5 items you can borrow from a man
www.Hpnotiq.com/blog

Read more...

ON MY RADAR | 12 Hiker-Style Boots for Everyday Journeys

Sometimes hiking isn't just for hills and mountain terrains, there are times when everyday life calls for daily treks up and down avenues and streets. Here are 12 hiker-style boots that will give you grip and comfort on the rocky and unbalanced asphalt that the city tends to have, while allowing you to maintain your height and fab-ness.

chic-hiking-boots

1. Ash Leather & Nylon Lace-Up Hiker Boots - $315
2. ModCloth T-ready Set Go Heel - $80
3. See by ChloƩ Lace Up Hiker Bootie - $315
4. Jean-Michel Cazabat Fauna Hiking Boots- $450
5. Boutique 9 Arael Leather Lace-Up Ankle Boots - $240
6. Steve Madden Mallard - $170
7. Sperry Top-Sider "Trinity" Hiking Booties - $160
8. Luxury Rebel Trenton Leather Boots - $190
9. GUESS "Fontana" Platform Booties - $159.00
10. Jeffrey Campbell The Spokane Boot - $137
11. Carvela Spent Lace Up Heeled Boots - $332
12. VC Signature by Vince Camuto Hansel Spice - $395

Read more...

MISHA FILES | I Upgraded & Reminisced

If you follow me on Twitter, Tumblr and now Instagram, you would have noticed that I've upgraded my mobile life to the iPhone 4s. Whoohoo!

Iphone 4s
And freed myself of my old dreaded Blackberry Curve. Yes! This device has been causing me all sorts of technology grief for the past couple months. I'm no longer addicted to the Crack...Crackberry that is.
Blackberry Curve
With my new found love, I went out and had "my other love" snap this photo. Here I am on the waterfront in Brooklyn wearing a piece from the Rachel Roy and Amar'e Stoudemire collaboration collection; the old school Knicks Tank. Sigh. If only there was a basketball season to look forward to. Ugh!
I closed out the weekend on Sunday night at my parents' house, only to end up going through a few of my old things I still store in my old room. I stumbled upon a few items from my past --an old Coogi vest from 1997. I used to love this thing! I will wear this again. I think.
Coogi
And a pair of Air Jordan 6's. At one point in my life, a pair of Jordans were my everyday footwear of choice. Now if only I could find my #3's. Ah. Back in the day when I was young...
air Jordan 6's
And in between all of this randomness of a weekend, I was inspired by these words I heard Sunday morning, "Have courage to face your fears. Don't allow your fears to hold you back from all that it is you desire and meant for your. Face your fears head on."

Read more...

LIFE CLASS | "You Become What You Believe"
Ms. Winfrey's Class is in Session

Watching Oprah's Lifeclass
watching Oprah's Lifeclass' webcast & realizing I was wearing a 'Believe' slap bracelet

Wednesday night’s Lifeclass on Oprah’s OWN TV was just the refresher life course I’ve needed to take. The class was titled, “You Become What You Believe”. And although I’ve always known this to be true with constant reminder from my parents, and affirmation sprinkled in my apartment, somewhere along the way I’ve allowed what I believe to be true about myself, life and future goals to lose it’s value. I’ve allowed self-doubt to dictate my life and my actions, or lack thereof. I’ve allowed fear of inadequacy to dictate what it is I think I should be doing--when actually; I know exactly what I should be doing.
believe
my mom bought this for me when I first moved out...it's one of the first things I see when i wake up over my TV
believe
words and inspiration from Desmond Tutu - 'Believe' book placed on coffee table in livingroom

I know wholeheartedly that you have to speak things into existence. And it has worked for me in the past. I’ve read The Secret, twice. I’ve read The Power. I know that our minds are very powerful and can allow us to believe things that we really don’t want to believe. But because we put forth negative energy in our words at times, they become stiflers suffocating our passions. It’s time to let those passions breathe with life.

I’m challenging myself to wake-up reciting positive affirmations and believing them despite what I might have experienced the previous night. No more, ugh I’m tired. I don’t feel like getting up. If I don’t get up how am I suppose to achieve anything.

Anyway with that said, armed with my notes from Wednesday night, it’s time to cue the clapperboard—Misha’s life take 32.

Take two minutes and watch what Oprah has to say about believing in yourself. It won’t kill you. It might just save your life. And if you have more time head over to Oprah.com to Oprah's Lifeclass for lesson 3 here.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” -Marianne Williamson
Affirmation + Action = Miracles

Read more...

ON MY RADAR | Real Leather Anything
14 Leather Garments You Want Now

There's something about wearing a leather garment that makes you walk with the utmost confidence. Perhaps it is the luxe feel that is often associated with the material that can cause such a pompous attitude shift. It is a sure-fire way to look hot and maintain your coolness simultaneously. This is probably why every year I can't help but to add to my leather collection --this year it being a pair of pants in a bold purple hue, a pleated mini and of course another 'you know I'm bad' leather jacket. You can have too many of those! And if leather isn't your thing, no worries, just faux it up. There are plenty of options for you.

But here are 14 real leather items that's sure to make you exude your inner cool and keep you looking hot.

leather garment options
1. maple cowl neck jacket - Muubba $495
2. pleated leather skirt - Parker $286
3. three quarter sleeve leather dress - Oasis $225
4. leather & sweater knit top - Nicole Miller $330
5. flynn leather skirt - Dallin $356
6. leather sleeve tee - Elizabeth & James $279
7. leather skirt - Mango $155
8. delors pipe skinny pants - Allsaints $395
9. reptile jacket - Allsaints $550
10. midi skirt - Asos $157
11. leather front tee - Topshop $100
12. leather high-waist short - Tibi $550
13. leather mini skirt - Mango $110
14. belted leather bomber - Madewell $495

Read more...

ON TV | 3 Reasons Why I'll Watch "Reed Between The Lines"

My television rarely ever ventures over to BET, except for the occasional viewing of a “Girlfriends” marathon. But tonight I shall take my nighttime television watching over to the revamping network. I must confess, I am anticipating the original scripted show “Reed Between the Lines” staring Fab Chick Tracee Ellis Ross and almost every 80s babies’ adolescent crush, Malcolm-Jamal Warner --who might I add still has it going on by the way.

With that said, here are 3 reasons why I’m eagerly awaiting the debut of BET’s “Reed Between The Lines”:

1. It would be great to see a positive depiction of a black couple and a successful family on television again --long live The Cosby Show. I know I could stand to see a bit of inspiration as I begin to think about the future with hopes of creating my very own family someday.

2. It’s been years since I’ve indulged in 106 & Park antics. I definitely could use a positive reason to support the BET network other than watching reruns of past shows, and the popular comedy-drama, "The Game". BET definitely needs this.

3. And lastly, Tracee Ellis Ross’s wardrobe of course. Duh! We loved her looks in "Girlfriends". Oh, and let’s not forget this woman has great real-life personal style that’s bound to be reflected in her on-screen character’s wardrobe. Ellis’ character, Carla Reed is sure to create wardrobe inspiration for many.

Am I the only one hoping it’ll live up to all the hype?

Read more...

OUT & ABOUT | Celebrating at Miss Lily's for Miss Folasade

Love Fola Birthday
Cheers to one of the most talented and beautiful women I've had the pleasure of knowing. Folasade shines from the inside out and it shows in everything she does. It's been such a great experience for me to watch her flourish into such an amazing woman. She inspires me in so many ways. And her talents --well if you don't know her talents, let's just say you will in due time. But to speed up the process check her out here.

So when Sade invited me to her birthday dinner I did not hesitate, nor could I resist. It was more than an honor for me to celebrate her life's 24th anniversary (her birthday) in an intimate dinner with her closests friends at the trendy caribbean restaurant, Miss Lily's. Twas' a fun night with cool and talented individuals and of course great food. You know I love my caribbean food, so the vibes were definitely nice.

PS: I must say that Sade channeled this season 70's glam-inspired trend flawlessly! From head to toe, she was #fabchickapproved.
PhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucket
Photobucket
Head over to Love Fola to see more images from Sade's birthday dinner snapped by the equally talented artist, Melo-X.

www.lovefola.com

Read more...

IN THE PAGES | Essence Magazine November Issue

Essence Magazine November issue
If it was any Essence Magazine issue for my picture to be featured in, it would have to be a memorable one --with the swoon worthy Idris Elba on the cover dishing about what he finds sexy. Makes perfect sense right? Of course it does.

Be sure to check me out along with a few peeps (Danielle of The Style and Beauty Doctor and Alissa of Stylish Curves) in the November issue showing what we're wearing for fall. And for me that always involves basic silhouettes and shades with an unexpected pop of color or print for a statement. In this case I went for a bold red lip and leopard print heels for that exclamation I needed.

Now who wants my autograph? Kidding. :-)

Essence November Issue

Read more...

OUT & ABOUT | Spa Week Media Event

SPA WEEK MEDIA EVENT
Tiffani of Accidental Chic, Me, Writer Annika, Patrice of Looking Fly on a Dime

Last night Spa Week hosted their media party to kick off their bi-annual $50 treatment event. Held at the Altman Building on W18th, guest including myself relished in getting manicures, massages and facials while enjoying treats and cocktails. As always it's a great time to kick back, chat and indulge a little; something many of us need to incorporate into our daily lives more often. Thanks goodness for Spa Week. Now pampering oneself is affordable. Head over to Spa Week's site for all the details and to find participating spa locations in your area. Book your appointments now for October 10-16th.

Check out pictures over at Guest of A Guest.

Read more...

RIP | Steve Jobs

It would be redundant for me to go into a spiel about all the great things Steve Jobs has created and done for our technology savvy world. It's quite obvious. Our generation has lost a great innovator that was beyond just a great mind. His life has not only served as a purpose of giving us sleek and awesome products, but also as a great inspiration for us all to go out and do what it is that makes us happy.

It's always a catch 22 for me when a life lost causes you to look in the mirror at yourself --questioning your own purpose in life. *Sigh* Since hearing the news of Steve Jobs losing his battle with cancer, I've had the question one of my very best friends texted to me just the night before stuck in my head. He asked "Am I living my best life?" It just seems like something Steve Jobs would've propose that we all ask ourselves.

And I've been asking myself, "Am I living my best life?" And then I'm following it up with, "Am I the woman I want to be?" Hmmmmm. My answer, no, not yet. The next question I know he would propose asking is, "What am I waiting for?"

Read more...

OUT & ABOUT | ALDO X Christian Cota Launch Party

christian cota X aldo collaboration
Last night Vogue and ALDO hosted a party in their SoHo store location to celebrate the official launch of the ALDO X Christian Cota Rise capsule collection with the opportunity to view and shop the collection first hand.
christian cota X aldo collaborationchristian cota X aldo collaboration
And of course I had to try them on for size. I must say the boots are super comfortable with a slight luxe voyager feel. They're set to hit Aldo stores tomorrow, October 6th.
christian cota X aldo collaboration
In the company of blogger Caprece and writer Annika

Read more...

VOTE NOW | Raeana Robinson on BET's Lens On Talent: Fashion







I've featured the works of Raeana Robinson a few times --here and here, and although she doesn't like using the word "fab", I can't help but to give her my stamp of Fab Chick Approval. The fact that she has made it as a finalist on BET's Lens on Talent further proves my theory. She's definitely one we all should keep on our radar. Join me in helping Raeana win by voting for her here. Ok go vote now!

Read more...