Wanna Wanna Wednesdays...Ashley Stewart's Batik Swing Tank

How adorable is this sweet little top ($24.15, Ashley Stewart)? I could definitely see myself rocking this with a skirt for these dog days of summer... or pairing it with a blue blazer and jeans for the fall.

How would YOU rock the Batik Swing Tank?!? Leave a comment with your outfit suggestions!!

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays... ASOS CURVE Tribal Print Beach Dress

 This week's Wanna Wanna Wednesday item is one that is so fly as hell, I feel like I should just be posting the picture and not saying a damn thing about why I want it. Because, honestly, it should be obvious! LOL

It wasn't until I saw this dress that I completely understood what Kenya Moore meant when she twirled and said she was "'Gone with the Wind' fabulous"... I have the feeling that if I bought this dress ($42.43, Asos), I would have the same opinion of myself!!

Another reason I love this dress is because it introduced me to my new favorite gym song and also the song choice for this past Saturday night. That alone is worth scoring it for my closet!!

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays... SisterBatik's Genuine Wax Print Makeup Bag

How adorable are these make up bags? I've been thinking for a while that I needed to get a new makeup bag. You know, now that I actually have make up to fill it with. And these fabulous bags ($35.00, SisterBatik - Etsy) certainly would be a great look in my purse!!

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays... Urban Outfitters' Biggie Snapback Hat

This week's Wanna Wanna Wednesday item is, in theory, dope as hell. And despite my immediate reaction of "Wanna!!" upon seeing it, I probably won't get it, and if I get it, I wouldn't know what to wear with it.

But there is something about this hat ($29.00, Urban Outfitters). I think it's a Brooklyn thing, but I love the idea of rocking Big Poppa on my head while I walk the streets of NYC.

What do you think of the Biggie Snapback Hat? How would YOU rock this hat? With jeans and a tee? With a blazer and dress? Share your ideas by leaving a comment!

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays... Forever 21's Geo Tribal Maxi Dress w/ Braided Belt

I don't quite know what it is about getting older, but it's influencing me to step out of my comfort zone. First it was rocking a red lip, then it was wearing white, and now.... I'm daring to go sleeveless!!

I have never been the type to rock a sleeveless dress. I'm always afraid of an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction in public. But I spotted this week's Wanna Wanna Wednesday pick on the fabulous Luanne of Weesha's World, and I was instantly inspired to pick it up and try to rock a similar look!

This gorgeous and thrifty dress ($22.80, Forever21) has a gorgeous braided belt to flaunt the curves. I would totally rock this with a denim top or with a bright sweater for a pop of color!!

What do you think of the Geo Tribal Maxi Dress? How would YOU rock it?!?

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays: Free Spirit Batik Cover-Up from Forever21

I'm going to be honest with you all... I MAY wear this as a cover up, but I am definitely going to be rocking this as a cool summer top!!!!! This lightweight top ($24.80, Forever21) would be adorable with a skirt, over a maxi dress, or with a pair of skinny jeans... I can totally see myself rocking this when the weather is super hot out! And I may also rock it on my next trip to the beach!!

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays: Windowpane Cutout Oxfords from Forever21

Just in case you were wondering by my last two Wanna Wanna Wednesday posts that I've become some fashionista who no longer shops on a budget.... I hope this post will alleviate your concerns! LOL

How adorable are these oxfords? I have been dying to get a pair of cutout oxfords and how lovely of the Universe to say, "Here, Audrey. And since you've waited so patiently, we're sending them to you in BLUE... your FAVORITE color!"

These oxfords ($29.80, Forever21) would be awesome with a nice dress, with shorts, with jeans and a tee... I can see myself rocking them all over Brooklyn this summer!!

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays: Silver Spike Hoop Earrings by Amrapali

A few weeks ago, I spotted a photograph of Hindi film actress Deepika Padukone at the trailer launch of her upcoming film with Shah Rukh Khan, "Chennai Express". And for once, Shah Rukh was not the focus of my attention.... because my life got MADE with the absolutely stunning earrings Deepika was wearing at the event.

I did a bit of digging and discovered her earrings were made by Amrapali and I thought to myself, "Welp.. I need to wait for someone to make some look alikes, because there is NO WAY I will be rocking Amrapali anytime soon!" LOL

Out of morbid (you could say masochistic) curiosity, I decided to take a look at the Amrapali online store, just to see what the prices are like. And I am shocked to say that my hair didn't turn gray as a result! And I managed to find what is going to be my 36th Birthday present to myself (Though I don't think I can wait until November! lol)

These chunky embellished earrings (Rs. 5,800 - About $150 USD, Amrapali) are SOOO me, and I can see myself rocking them 24/7/365.

I SWEAR I'm not Obsessed (But I AM a Little Dorky) About....

My fabulous facial regimen, courtesy of Brown Butter Beauty!!

Summers in NYC can be tough on my face. I talked a bit about the horrible prickly heat I experienced last year, which turned my face into an itchy, scaly, dry as the Sahara mess.

Nothing I purchased in the drug stores worked, super expensive facial treatments (which put a serious dent in my then-unemployed wallet) did squat diddly damn, too. I decided to pursue a more natural approach, and thought that I would give Brown Butter Beauty's facial products a try.

One year later, these adorable brown bottles are all that adorn my sink! Wow... what a difference! It's June, I sweat up a storm roaming the streets and at the gym, and (knocks wood) I've had no signs of prickly heat! And I've noticed that my skin has fewer breakouts and looks much much healthier. And though I am a fairly young 35, I also like the fact that my face has a much more youthful glow to it!

I start each morning by washing my face with the Botanical Cleansing Cream ($12.00). Just 2-3 pumps will be more than enough to get your face clean, fresh, and feeling fabulous. I was admittedly leery about using a cream cleanser, but I did not know what I was missing!

After cleansing, I apply a bit of the Fresh Face Cream Moisturizer ($12.00). A little definitely goes a long way with this stuff. I gently put a bit on my finger tip and dot my face and neck before smoothing into my skin. My skin is normally very dry, and my face is not exception. I love that my face feels just as soft and full of moisture hours later than it does after I just apply it.

In the evening, I repeat the process before going to bed. Twice a day, everyday, these 2 ounce jars give me about 3 months of healthy, happy skin!! You couldn't ask for better!

Wash.... Moisturize... Finished Product
(We are going to ignore my 30+ day old gel manicure and my desperate need of an eyebrow waxing... Agreed? )

If you haven't tried these fabulous face duo from Brown Butter Beauty, what are you waiting for? Check em out!

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays: Mixed Print Bomber by ASOS Curve

 The Mixed Print Bomber ($76.36, ASOS) is need a jacket I need in my life!!! STAT!!

I can totally see myself rocking it with a white tee and skinny jeans like the model! Or how fabulous on top of a black maxi dress and a fly pair of sandals? Or accompanying a pencil skirt and a graphic tee with a pair of Chucks? The options are limitless!!

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays: Simply Be's Jeffrey & Paula Spot Blouse

I recently saw a fabulous photo of a woman rocking a red romper along with a red lip, and I immediately thought to myself, "I need to rock something similar!!!", and like magic I spotted this week's Wanna Wanna Wednesday item.

This gorgeous blouse ($50.00, SimplyBe) would look fabulous with a pair of jeans and sandals!! How would you rock this blouse?!?!?

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays... ASOS CURVE T-Shirt With Vertical Stripe

I managed to wear last week's Wanna Wanna Wednesday item without major catastrophe. Hooray!!! Inspired by this amazing feat, I am dedicating myself to incorporating more white into my wardrobe... and I do believe that this week's item will be the next top I'm starting with.

This gorgeous tee ($41.46, ASOS) would look fabulous with a pair of cobalt blue skinny jeans, or how about a pair of red pants? The options for a fabulous look are endless!!

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays: Calvin Klein Three-Quarter-Sleeve Utility Tunic

I guess the true sign of my maturity is that like my Mama and her Mama before her... I've recently been shopping at Macy's. Not the physical store... that place gives me hives! But online. Online where it's save from the inevitable fight that always breaks out when I'm at the store. What's up with that, Macy's.

When I recently purchased a gorgeous pair of natural colored flats (also from Macy's), I imagined myself rocking them with some white, beige or natural top and skinny jeans. Skinny jeans, I have in spades. White tops? Not so much...

Primarily because I'm a world-class, grade "A" klutz. But recently I discovered a wonderful invention called the Tide to Go Pen, so I'm ready to invest in some light colored shirt. Enter this gorgeous utility tunic from Calvin Klein ($54.99, Macy's), which is basically begging to join my closet.

Aside from with my new flats and skinny jeans, I don't know what else to wear with this top. Any suggestions? Leave a comment with your idea!

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays... Aldo Shoes' Lucyna Flats

I know, I know... Another shoe post! But it's spring, and after wearing black books and my Chucks all winter, I am very excited to wear something pretty and colorful on my feet! And how gorgeous are these ballet flats turned sandals ($60.00, Aldo Shoes)? I love the vibrant, Aztec-inspired print, and the color combination is straight out of Casa Azul, which just makes me super happy!!

I would rock these sandals with jeans or pants for day to day, and with a cute white dress and an arm full of bracelets if I was feeling especially Frida Kahlo!!! What do you think of Aldo shoes' Lucyna? Would you rock them or knock them?

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays... T.U.K.'s Purple Peacock Heels

Those of you who have followed this blog for quite some time will confirm the the following things about me:

1) I don't do heels.
2) I am cuckoo for all things peacock print.

With all of that being said, can I say that this week's Wanna Wanna Wednesday item is seriously making me rethink my position on the first statement! LOL

How adorable are these pretty as a peacock pumps ($55.00, Torrid)? As much as I wanna wanna wanna, I am a bit hesitant to splurge because $55.00 is a lot of moola to invest in something that I probably won't wear. Despite the mid length heel, my feel hurt just looking at them.

So what say you all? Should I snag these shoes as aversion therapy for a serious heel phobia? Leave a comment with your support (and how YOU'D rock this pump!)...

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays... Luxor Couture's Dashiki Fabric Print Purse

So last week when I was scouring Etsy for the most recent installment of my Afro-licious finds from Etsy, I stumbled across this bag. And I have to admit... I stopped everything I was doing to stare longingly at this bag for a couple of minutes. Okay, like fifteen minutes. Make it thirty! lol

This bag ($100.00, Luxor Couture - Etsy) is not cheap, but it's certainly gorgeous and it's certainly on my Wanna Wanna Wanna wish list. Imagine rocking this with a pair of jeans and blazer? How about with a cute little sundress come summer? The options are endless!!

What say you all on the Dashiki Fabric Print Purse? Would you rock it or knock it? If you're a-rockin'... how would you dress to wear it?

:::drools::: Afro-licious Finds from Etsy - Part Eight

I'm back with the next installment of my Afro-licious finds from Etsy!! These next few goods are sure to make you drool heavily!! Let's get started!!

Sirena Ribbed Tank ($24.00, HabanaBrandClothing - Etsy)

Those of you who know me knows I am a sucker for all things mermaid . I love love love this gorgeous graphic tank top!!

Natural Hair Bottle Cap Magnets (Set of 4) ( $7.99, DimplePins - Etsy)

I'm presently on the hunt for a brand new Casa di Miss Moon here in Brooklyn (If any of you know of a nice two-family home that won't break the bank, drop me a line!) and I am tempted to pick these up now to motivate me to make the move ASAP. I can imagine these having a place of honor on the fridge!!

The " Soul Flower" Tee Shirt ($24.95, Yeslioness - Etsy)

Yes Lioness has done it once again!!! I took one look at this tee and I instantly heard "Let the Sunshine In" in my head.... I think this tee is a must have for grey, dreary days!!! And two snaps up for having this tee in plus sizes!!

Afro Diva Wall Decor ($80.00, Scattabraincreations - Etsy)

How perfect is this for an instant retro style room? This little lady is waiting patiently to hang out at your crib!!! Check her out!

iAfro, iLoc, iTwist Tees ($26.00, iAfro - Etsy)

If you are looking for a simplistic way of letting the world know your preferred method for rockin' your hair, you cannot go wrong with one of these snazzy tees!!!

Au Natural Earrings ($14.50, LeatherCandy - Etsy)

Who doesn't love statement earrings that REALLY makes a statement? Coming in a wide array of color combos, these pieces will be sure to adorn the most fabulous naturalistas!!!

Which item tops your list? Be sure to leave a comment with your pick!

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays... Viva La Diva Plain Wellies

Confession time: I haven't owned a proper pair of rain boots since childhood. Crazy, right?!? With spring rapidly approaching, which means New York City will be rained on heavily, I thought that now would be the perfect time to invest in a pair. And my look came to a quick end when I stumbled across these!!!

The Viva La Diva Plain Wellies ($41.00, Simply Be) come in all the colors shown above, have an inner sock to keep our tootsies warm and dry and are cute as a button!!! Can you guess which color I'm ALL about?!?

That should not be a huge shocker to any of you, but I do believe I will get also investing in the black pair... for when I'm feeling a bit more demure!

What do you think of the Viva La Diva Wellies? What color would YOU rock?!?

:::drools::: Afro-licious Finds from Etsy - Part Seven!

Yep!! It's that time again!! Time for me to share the bounty I've recently discovered for Naturalovlies on Etsy. This time, as with my previous installments, I beg you....do NOT read this blog if today is pay day. Trust me, you'll thank me for it!! LOL

Retro Afro Girl Wall Art ($24.99, Walkingdeadpromotion Etsy Shop)

If you are a super hero in training, a Foxy Brown wannabe, a comic book queen, or all of the above...  you NEED this for your crib. This decal comes in a wide assortment of colors that will be sure to make your space SUPER!!

Afro Lady Earrings ($8.00, MissFlyGurl Etsy Shop)

How adorable are these earrings?!? Just look at her cute little puff? These light-weight earrings come in black, bronze, silver and gold tones and you just can't beat the price!

Afro Woman Phone Cover ($15.50, pixelpoesy Etsy Shop)

Have an Iphone 4, 4S, or 5? How about a Samsung Galaxy S3? If so, allow me to introduce you to  what might possibly be...your new phone cover!! As someone who has neither of these phones... I'm totally jelly! LOL

Afro Queen Lime Masai Beaded Brass Earrings ($28.00, AfriqueLaChic Etsy Shop)

Just when I think that AfriqueLaChic can do nothing else to make me gasp, swoon, and drool heavily.... I spot these earrings. Let's just say I will be adding these babies to my collection... SOON!!!

Hair Peace Tee Shirt ($19.95, ThreeLittleBirdsTees Etsy Shop)

You gotta think pink with this gorgeous tee!!! I love everything about it (except its sold out in my size.. .Waaah!) and I love the message behind it.

That is it for part seven of my life of Afro-licious finds from Etsy. But never fear... I will be back next week with part eight!! In the meantime, be sure to leave a comment letting me know which item from today's list is your favorite!!

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays... ASOS CURVE Exclusive Long Sleeve T-Shirt With Henna Hand

 Hooray!! This week's Wanna Wanna Wednesday item is extra special because it's presently en route to me as you read these words! In fact, the few times I've shared an item on my "Wanna Wanna" wish list that was on the way, they've shown up the very day the post is published. So fingers crossed for this one.

I saw this tee ($27.13, Asos) and knew instantly that I had to have it. I canno wait to rock this tee with a pair of slacks, skinny jeans, or even with a pencil skirt and leopard print ballet flats! How cute would THAT be?

How would you rock this tee? I of course would love to hear your tips and suggestions!!!!