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... 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?

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays.... Krobo Quote Bracelets by QuellyRue Designs

This week's Wanna Wanna Wednesday item combines two of my favorite things: Adorning the wrists (those who know me know I'm always with bracelets that jingle jingle when I move) and Inspiring the spirit!

The gorgeous bracelets ($16.00 each, QuellyRue Designs on Etsy) are crafted with Krobo beads and have various inspirational quotes such as, "The journey awakens the soul", "Possibility begins with imagination", "Live in the moment", "Reality has limits, imagination is boundless" and "Dream as if you'll live forever".

I plan on getting each of the aforementioned quotes, because they are truths I need to be reminded of periodically. And if I can look fabulous while being reminded, even better!!!!!!

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays... Boho Gold Earrings from Mademoiselle CafeAuLait's Chic Boutique

It's amazing how your tastes change as you get older. I have never ever been much of a fan of gold jewelry... I've always been Miss Sterling Silver. The fact is the only gold jewelry I own is the two gold bangles that belonged to my Grandmother, and I never take them off.

Lately, I notice myself being more and more attracted to golden tones in jewelry, and today's Wanna Wanna  Wednesday item is a reflection of that. It's from one of my favorite Etsy shops  that I love to stalk1!!

These Boho Gold Earrings ($17.00, MlleCafeAuLait Etsy Shop) features gorgeous textured wooden beads, golden wooded spacer discs, and how awesome is the golden teardrop chain?!? I need these earrings in my life in the worst way!! LOL

Wanna Wanna Wednesday... Aklia's Sunburst Glass Seed Bead Earrings

I'm back with another groovy goodie that is presently taking up residence in the "Must Have" corridors of my mind (Aww.. I'm so poetic! LOL).

This week, I'm sharing the Sunburst Glass Seed Bead Earrings ($75.00,  Aklia's). I've been dying to get a piece from Aklia's line for years and years now, and now that I'm older.. I'm more inclined to invest in something a little bit more pricey, because it's something unique that I can keep for years. Maybe pass this down to a daughter one day.

$75.00 is a bit out of my  budget now, but it won't be always. I am thinking that when I reach my "first level" goal of becoming a size 18, I will celebrate by getting these earrings! I'm down to a 24 now, so I am looking forward to working it out and reaching my goal. And I will be rocking these the moment I do!

I'm REALLY Diggin': Deen + Gray's Floating Crescent Hoop Earrings

Being unemployed, I've seriously limited my shopping and try to resist temptation whenever it happens to surface. However... when I spotted Deen + Gray's Floating Crescent Hoops and learned that they were on sale... I had to get them last month. I had to!!! LOL

I'm trying to train myself to not reward myself with food after I've "been good" with my diet and exercise, so these earrings were my "treat" for a job well done. And what a sweet treat they are!!

I was bowled over at how quickly I received them (Literally three days after placing my order they were in my mailbox!) and I was GAGA over the adorable packaging!

The earrings are as gorgeous in person as they are in their pictures! They are extremely light weight and I love that they compliment my fuller face!!

Since this shade of blue is my favorite color (But.. I've mentioned that, right? Besides, I'm sure you've noticed! LOL) I did not have a lack of items to wear to accentuate the earrings. This tunic with embellished collar from Torrid is my favorite combination so far!!

To check out all the amazing goodies, not to mention the Floating Crescent Hoops, be sure to visit the Deen + Gray website at http://www.deenandgray.com/.

:::drools::: Afro-licious Finds from Etsy - Part Six (!)

I could not fit all the drool-wrothy Afro-licious Finds from Etsy in one post, so here is Part Six and some more goodies for your enjoyment!!!

Natural Hair Accessories-Headband-Hair Wrap-Headwrap-Bohemian Hot Pink Purple Black Gold ($35.00, KnittiGritti) I love the sheer versatility of this headwrap. It can be worn on your head or around your neck for an instant splash of color! So cute!!!

Big and Bold, Vivid Purple, White and Green Hair Flower with Alligator Clip ($15.00, TatusWelle)
I have to admit, I was hesitant to share this item for purely self reasons.... I wanted it for myself!!! LOL Spring is a long way away here in NYC, but how adorable would this hair flower be for a bit of spring energy during the cold winter months to come?

Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman - Afro American style ($15.00, KimberleyGoodman) The iconic movie poster has been revamped and dipped in chocolate! LOL I love this ring.. it's definitely a great conversation starter piece!!!

Rock Your Puff Natural Hair Shirt ($24.00, AuNaturelDiva) I love these tee shirts from AuNaturalDiva, they come in plus sizes, and they are really starting to represent the various natural hair styles, so that everyone can rock their natural pride.

So, there you have it! I am very happy to say this will not be my last Etsy feature of the year. I will be planning a Holiday Shopping Guide in the next few months, so get ready to drool over that! LOL

:::drools::: Afro-licious Finds from Etsy - Part Five (!)

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

Natural Hair Accessory Tube Headband in Ivory/Green/Gold Floral ($12.99, VirtuousCreations) This lovely hair accessory is ideal for locs, sisterlocks, braids, twists and loose hairstyles. How amazing would it be for protective styling? There are loads of design choices, so if this floral doesn't strike your fancy, be sure to check out the VirtuousCreations Etsy page!

Reversible Patchwork Dread Wrap/Hair Band ($24.00, LotusRootsCreations) Looking to add a pop of color to our wardrobe?!?!? How awesome would this reversible patchwork dread wrap/hair band be? Each band is handmade, and the patterns may vary, so you know you will be the only one rocking this gorgeous and unique hair accessory.

Chocolashea Chocolate Conversational Tee's (Shrikage Happens) ($25.00, chocolashea) How much do I love this shirt?!?!? Guaranteed to turn heads, chocolashea's sassy tee declares something many of us naturals know all too well. And for my plus size fashionistas, we're not left out this time! This shirt is available in plus sizes, too!

Jasmis/Squared Seashell Hair Clip ($10.00, Honeybeehair1) How adorable are these dainty little hair clips? They're perfect for a bit of oceanic inspiration!!!

Divine Queen Floral Hair Sticks ($24.50, FlowersFromFatima) Can you say GORGEOUS?!?!? All you need is a pretty maxi dress, some cute earrings, and these hair sticks to finish up your look!!

Rock Your Locs Natural Hair Shirt ($24.00, AuNaturalDiva) I've heard my loc'd sisters say they were tired of the afro tees and not enough loc images... well here's equal opportunity fabness on a tee!!

Curls Gone Wild Natural Hair Shirt ($24.00, AuNaturalDiva) And of course the curly girlies have tee shirt representation!!!! Love this tee!!!

Blue Flower Natural Hair Headband ($45.00, BoutiqueDeBandeux) BDB has done it again... Instant Earth Goddess Beautiful with their gorgeously feminine headband!!!

Which item is your fave?!?!? Leave a comment with the item (or items) you've got to have!!

I'm REALLY Diggin': ArtbyCleatress' African Continent Earrings

Recently, I connected with the wonderful Nik and discovered her awesome blog, Photographer...Naturally via Twitter and was so enthralled by her blog (Check it out!), I became an instant fan and follower.

I decided to participate in her Giveaway for the (ultimate statement) African Continent Earrings, courtesy of ArtbyCleatress on Etsy. Nik had received two in error and the shop owner offered her the second pair on the house. How awesome was it that she decided to give it away to her Blog Followers!?!?



Imagine my excitement and joy when I discovered that I won!!! I am not the type of gal that wins prizes often, so each time it happens I'm always so grateful and appreciative. Nik promptly shipped the earrings to me in Brooklyn and I received them several days later! I couldn't wait to grab the camera and snap pictures!



Despite being told that my neck is not long enough to rock these earrings (Thanks, Mum! LOL) I really loved the way I looked in them and was instantly surprised at how light they were.



I predict that I will be rocking these gorgeous earrings often!!! Thank you so much, Nik!!!

I'm REALLY Diggin': Statement Necklaces that REALLY Say Something!!

This is one trend that I am very very excited about. I love necklaces.... the more unusual and ornate the better!! One of my favorite Ebay acquisitions was a beautiful Bollywood-inspired necklace (that I got for the ridiculously expensive price of $3.00!!!).


(Me in 2007 - wearing the necklace and wearing a severely damaged dyed blow out fro! lol)

I wore this necklace like it was I.D.... it killed with white and classed up a black tee and jeans. I still have the necklace, but it's in need of repair, so it doesn't get out and about much. I think that it's high time I not only get it fixed, but get some friends to keep it company!!!! Here are a few choices (ha!) that I happened to find online...


Multi Feather Necklace in Black ($29.00, Urban Outfitters). Antiqued chain dotted with feather charms for a soft and downy necklace. Would love to rock this one!!


Bright Multi McCampbell Multi-Strand Necklace ($25.00, Aldo). I love this necklace... it has a maasai bead-inspired feel to it, and it would be a great way to add a splash of color to a all black ensemble!!


Coral Cluster Statement Necklace ($16.50, Torrid) Add a pop of color and sparkle .. this would kill 'em dead with a tee jeans and blazer!!!!!!!


Gold World Links Necklace ($60.00, UncommonGoods) What better way to show off the fact that you're one with the world?!?!? The world's continents are depicted in gold plated stainless steel silhouettes, connected to each other with small, decorative chain links, suggesting the interconnectedness of the world we all live in. Also available in silver.


Jeweled Necklace ($12.00, Forever 21) Talk about Pretty in Pink!! A tie up necklace that features a grosgrain body, padded fleece circle front with faceted beads, metal finish plates and paisley designs. Comes with a sheer and shiny pouch with satin drawstring to use for storage.


GUESS Crystal Charm Frontal Necklace ($30.00, Macy's) This necklace is perfect for spring!! A double link chain features a variety of charms, including a turquoise and crystal accented butterfly, clear glass teardrops, a black crystal ribbon, turquoise beads, faceted turquoise crystals, and an open-heart logo with channel-set glass pearls. Necklace crafted in silver tone mixed metal and hematite plated mixed metal with imitation rhodium plating.


Joan Boyce "Timeless Tassel" Multistrand Beaded Tassel Necklace ($29.95, HSN) For days when you're feeling very Holly Golightly and need a bit of sophisticated sparkle for your little black dress!!! Six strands of colored glass beads are gathered at the tassel drop. An adjustablewrap-around swirl station swathed in pavé-set, round clear crystals allows you to customize your own look.

Are you wearing Statement Necklaces?!?!? What's your favorite place to score them?!?! Leave a comment and let us know!

:::drools::: Nicole Ritchie-style for Plus Size Fashionistas

If it's summer and it's Saturday... you can't go wrong with a maxi dress and a denim jacket. I simply adore Nicole Ritchie's style, and I love how the vibrant purple of the maxi dress really pops beneath the denim jacket!!



Recreating this look (of course) begins with finding a kick-ass maxi dress. I selected the Black and Multi Gardenia Print Maxi Dress ($78.00, Torrid)



Like Nicole's, this dress has a smocked elastic empire waist. I also like the fact that the staps are adjustable.

I topped the dress off with the Coastal Blues Denim Jacket ($39.90, Avenue)



Inspired by the laid back style of the coast, this jacket comes in Dark Wash or Medium Wash.

And because I am getting in the habit of being super meticulous about providing you with complete wardrobe selections, I did not forget about her flip-flops or her shades!

For the flip-flops, you can't beat the Women's Embellished Sling-Back Flip-Flops ($9.50, Old Navy).



I chose the flip flops in orchid, but if you are interested in the brown shade Nicole's rocking, these shoes are also available in Brown Floral that's similar.

And finally, if you don't feel like wearing Ray Bans, you can always finish this ensemble with the Purple Lucky Star Sunglasses ($15.00, Torrid)

:::drools::: Sizzlin' Sunglasses

So my laptop died last week after working from home for two weeks. The poor thing is currently in a coma, which will seriously affect the amount of blog posting I will be doing until it's fixed. My internet time is limited to lunch breaks at work, so this will be a great opportunity to make the best use of said time (Well, I hope so!)

This morning as I was making my commute to the city, as I squinted by way down Broadway, it dawned on me, "I need to get me some sunglasses!!!". This the inspiration for this blog. I scoured my go-to shops online and found an assortment for your enjoyment!!



Basic Lady Frame ($10.00, Urban Outfitters - Comes in Three Colors!)

I love these glasses! They are so very Holly Golightly... simple and chic!



Sultry Stranger Shades ($9.00, Lulu's - Comes in Six Colors!)

I love this trend in sunglasses.. I've seen these on other sites (I think Torrid had them last year) - I especially like the option of selecting copper or silver armed frames!



Suite Life Sunglasses in Silver ($9.00, Lulu's - Available in Black Only)

These are similar to the Sultry Stranger Shades, but I am really diggin' how the silver arms of the glasses have that twisted effect... very adorable!



Black With Rose Pink Lining Geometric Cat Eye Sunglasses ($12.99, Hot Topic)

These are really not my cup of tea (They're a little to "Lady Ga-Ga" for me - which is fine for her!)... but I swear, there is a me in another dimension somewhere rocking that as she types up her blog! LOL

Hopefully I will be back in effect very soon! In the meantime, I will do my best and try to enjoy my forced Spring Break away from Blogging!

Peace from Brooklyn!!!