AA blouse, H&M jeans, hand-beaded vintage necklace

This look was inspired by Delmy Rivera of Fashion Bananas.  I just loved the color combination, and decided to try a similar look myself!  However, there is a little story behind the necklace.  My mother and late grandmother got a few of these beaded neck pieces back in the 90's, and it wasn't until she passed away that we went through her jewelry and found these beautiful necklaces.  I was fortunate enough to have them passed down to me!  I just love the colors and design!

In other news, my life this past week:

I've been joking around about how my blog is turning into a food blog since it seems all I've been doing lately is going out to eat!  If you follow me on twitter, you know how much I tweet about food haha!  My mother took Lei and I out to dinner as a "thank you" for performing in her Black History Month Program at her school :)

Lastly.  Spring.  Let's talk about it!  

Spring is on its way!  It's staying lighter longer, and the weather is warming up, (looking forward to 65 degrees on Thursday)... But the real question is, are YOU ready to make that transition?

Here's how to start introducing Spring into your wardrobe!

Leather jackets & floral prints: One of my favorite Spring combinations is pairing a floral printed dress with a leather jacket!  It's so edgy mets feminine!  Florals scream Spring & Summer and the leather adds a nice contrasting touch, while keeping you warm during those cool Spring days/nights!


Shorts/Skirts & boots combo: I love the mix & match of boots with shorts, and skirts with boots.  This look can be worn throughout any season, but lose the tights for Spring, and add some brighter colors to the mix!

Colorful accessories: Speaking of bright colors, if you're not a color gal, try slowly introducing color by accessorizing!  Accessories are the perfect way to add a pop of color, to any previously "winter" esque outfit.  Jazz up your current wardrobe by grabbing some colorful scarves, a cute clutch, or even jewelry! 

Denim jacket: Denim is seasonally universal, so toss that winter coat back into the closet, and replace it with a cute denim jacket!  I love the denim jacket, and it goes well with casual and formal wear.  Wear it over a gown or rock it over a tunic and some skinnies.  It just works!

Bright lip color: You see it all over the runway, bold lip color is in!  The bolder the better!  Let the lip do all the talking, and keep the outfit simple.  That lip will speak for itself!  My favorites are M.A.C.'s Girl About Town and Ruby Woo (of course)!

Happy hump day!  Have a great rest of the week!

-Kris

Top from Target, headband from Claires

Currently obsessed with M.A.C.'s "Ruby Woo!"

My mom made me a photo collage and journal for V-Day! 

Hibachi dinner date night ;)

Have a great week!

-Kris

P.S.  I was featured for my hair by Alex of "The Good Hair Blog."  You can check it out here!

Baby Blue Ivy.  Ok, now that I've gotten that out of the way.... OMGEE guys!  I feel like so much has happened since my last post, which wasn't even a week ago!  Last night was the 54th Annual Grammy Awards.  Now, I am a huge fan of the Grammy's, being as I'm a musician, and this awards show is like my Super Bowl!  A lot of you follow me on twitter, and let's just say... I went IN on my opinions of everything that went down.  But let me give you a wrap of of my hits and misses, starting from the red carpet, to the performances, to the award winners, and more!

NAILED IT:

Wearing Christian Siriano, Corinne Bailey Rae looked beautiful and natural!  Rae won a Grammy for Best  R&B Performance of her rendition of Bob Marley's "Is This Love."

I thought Kelly Ro looked GREAT in this nude Alberta Feretti number... I also have to mention the hair.  I'm a fan! And can we just take a moment to talk about her body? On LOCK!

Katy P looked elegant and classy in this sky blue Ellie Saab couture gown.  I like the whole monochromatic look this time around.   I feel like this toned down for her haha! And the blue hair worked for me!  What do you guys think?

Now, this picture doesn't do this Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2012 justice!  She looked HAWT!   You either loved it, or hated it, and I LOVED it!   She had a great tan, and the color looked vibrant against her skin!   Only she could pull something like this off... lol.   Fergie also won 2 Grammy's for Best Rap/Sung Collection & Best Rap Song in "All of the Lights."

I didn't realize Paris Hilton was still relevant, and was surprised to see her on the red carpet, but she looked stunning in this Basil Soda gown. That's all I have to say about that *Forest Gump voice*

I was shocked to see Jessie J stand out on the red carpet.   She's a pretty girl, but is definitely know for her powerful voice, not her fashion choices.   Tonight she stunned us all in this sparkly Julien MacDonald number.   She looked great moving on the red carpet, but she said the dress was heavy.  But who says you have to be pretty and practical on the red carpet? I see you Jessie!

Adele.  Now ya'll know I love me some Adele.  

I was heavily anticipating her performance, and she delivered!  

She started off strong and had so much energy, it was like I felt her through the television! 

I screamed and clapped each time her name was called (and it was called all 6 times) to accept a Grammy for all six of her nominations.  

She is now tied with Beyonce for most Grammy Awards accepted in one season.  

Adele is living proof that you don't have to be a gimmick or lose who you are to sell records and be successful.  

This is a real woman, who writes and sings real music, and she is very successful doing just that!  

So inspirational!

WARNING:

Alicia looks stunning in this Alexandre Vauthier dress and Louboutin shoes.  

There's no doubt about it.  

My jaw dropped when she stepped onto the red carpet.   

The reason why she's in the "warning" category is because of her performance.  

Alicia Keys and Bonnie Raitt did a tribute to Etta James, but A.Keys was off (as usual).  

She gave herself the starting pitch via the piano she was playing, and started the song acapella and was still flat!  Like how does this continue to happen?  

Bonnie sounded great, but Keys should've stuck to the keys, and let Bonnie do all the singing... *side eye*

Rihanna surprised me with this blonde mop top and very sexy and feminine dress, a collaboration with Armani himself!  She looked reinvented and fresh to me, I absolutely loved the look!  Loved the wig, it's super fun hair, and she looked like a lioness!  I would equate the wig to a party dress... Pull it out every now and then, but I wouldn't be rockin' it every weekend...  What puts Ri Ri in the "warning" category was her performance.  Now, the first half was great!  She was actually singing, and she sounded really good!  Then came the performance with Coldplay.  Now, I don't know if she was still trying to catch her breath from the first song, but she sounded a HOTT MESS!  It was very hard to listen to... Dang Ri Ri... Just when I thought you could sing live... The wig started to look less glam and more "trashy chic" once pair with the street clothes she had onstage.  Maybe she should just put that one on the shelf.

......... I am not a fan of Taylor Swift.  I think she is very talented, and a great songwriter, but she's just not my cup of chai tea latte (soy).  Now, I always get on Tay Tay because she always wears a gold sparkly dress + red lips combination ALL THE TIME.  It's soooo TIRED!  BUTTTT, can we talk about this dress???  This dress is absolutely STUNNING and she looks great in it!  A gown by Zuhair Murad, she looked absolutely incredible!  Now you're reading this and are thinking, "So whyy is SHE in the 'warning' category?"  I'm tired of her playing the whole "who meeeeee?" bit and always acting soooo surprised every time she wins an award.  It's really annoying, and apparently many on twitter thought so as well. Taylor, I'm really happy for you, and ima let you finish, but please grow up and stop it with the acts!

FAIL.

Robyn, how you gonna show up on a red carpet wearing a mens Hanes crew neck tee, 

and some fabric (that's supposed to be a skirt) that looks like you got it on discount from a costume shop?

Disappointing.  Like does she have friends?  

Cuz if she did, they wouldn't let her on the red carpet looking like that.  

The platform timbs were hot though! 

 But unfortunately, that didn't save the look...

It's hard to formulate words for this.  This, meaning Nicki Minaj.  Nicki and her creative team are really out there.  Minaj came on the red carpet escorted by "The Pope," wearing a humongous red Versace cape.  Very Little Red Riding hood meets the runway.  I immediately laughed when I saw her on the television, and just let it go.  The performance however, was the subject of an exorcism of one of her personalities "Roman," and had all kinds of religious imagery (her background dancers were dressed as monks), pyrotechnics..... I was not impressed, nor understood why she took it there.  I would just rather not share my thoughts.  Just no Nicki, no.  Take a lesson from Adele maybe...

TRIBUTE TO WHITNEY

I heard the devastating news of Whitney Houston Saturday night while I was in the audience of my friend's performance in The Vagina Monologues.  I was initially shocked, and very confused... I still haven't completely wrapped my head around it, honestly... It's just so very sad.  Whitney Houston had a gift like no other.  Her voice was distinguishable, warm, beautiful, she was so talented!  I looked up to her when I was little, and have always been a fan of hers, as a singer and actress!  We'll  have to remember Whitney by her great music, rememberable live performances, and her great smile and that voice, that impacted so many people!  My thoughts and prayers go out to her family, her friends, and her fans!

The Grammy Team had less than 48 hours to prepare for a tribute to honor Whitney during the show, but word caught on quickly the night before that Jennifer Hudson and Chaka Khan were to do a tribute.  There was no Chaka, but Jennifer gracefully took the stage and sang one of Whitney's most popular songs, "I Will Always Love You."  She had a flawless performance, her voice sounded strong and passionate, and I thought it was very heartfelt and lovely!  I wish it had been longer, but with such short notice, what can you do?  

END CREDITS:

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed watching this year's Grammy's.  I was confused as to why Bruce Springsteen started the show (I know I know, we love Bruce Springsteen), but I mean..... Cyndi Lauper hopped on the red carpet lookin' like a hot mama, did ya'll see her?  I'm still trying to get used to Kelly Osbourne's hair...  LL did well as a host in my opinion, and I loved Bruno Mars energy on stage!  He's a talented guy!  Gaga skipped the red carpet, and twitter was wondering where she was, but finally saw her in the audience at that start of the show (maybe it's because she knew that last night was all about Adele).  The Beach Boys tribute was boring, and didn't do anything for me, as well as Chris Brown's performance.  I think I might have yawned while watching him onstage (Brown took home Best R&B Album).  Kanye took home 4 Grammy's, although he wasn't in attendance.  The Foo Fighters rocked the house, taking home 4 Grammy's as well (deservedly so)... I love Paul McCartney's second performance, I was jammin, and Bon Iver looked like "my 6th grade history teacher" as my bf stated, LOL!  I found a new group that I am loving from their performance last night, The Civil Wars!  I need to check them out!

My goal one day is to attend the Grammy's every year.  I had the opportunity to go a couple years ago, and it was an unforgettable experience!  I was a part of a small social media team that tweeted looks from the red carpet, as well as attended many pre-Grammy events, and post-Grammy parties!  It was so much fun!

To get a full list of who won what, click here.

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-Kris

Wearing Zara Blouse, 7 For All Mankind Extreme Bell Bottom jeans

Valentine's Day is exactly one week away.  Now, some of you may cringe at the thought, some of you are smiling with excitement while reading this, and others indifferent to the whole "love celebration."  But what's wrong with reserving a day to showcase your love for someone?  Why is Valentine's Day considered "cliche" or even referred to as "Singles Awareness Day?" Ok, so maybe in current times, the holiday is promoted heavily for the mass production of greeting cards, but let us not take away its original intent!   Some of you do not like Valentine's Day because you are bitter.  Don't be bitter.  I mean, you probably have a reason why you're bitter, but let's try to turn that frown upside down!  Channel your energy in a positive manner by showing some love!  If you don't have a boyfriend/girlfriend, no worries!  Do a little exchange with your best friend, or someone in your family!  Show them how much you love and appreciate them!  Saint Valentine wouldn't want it any differently! 

To be honest, this will be my first year celebrating Valentine's Day with someone besides my mom and dad (LOL), and I'm excited about it!  

If you're still looking for Valentine's Day gift ideas, I got you!  Yes you can always buy your love jewelry, go out to dinner, see a movie, concert or show, but I wanted to share with you some CREATIVE and INEXPENSIVE ideas for those of us whom are on a tighter budget! 

(All of these ideas can be applied to either sex)

For HER:

Message in a bottle: Decorate a unique-looking jar or box with craft items.  Write numerous love notes on small pieces of paper & fill the jar with them.  Present the jar to your sweetheart.

OR

Write "I love you because..." notes and insert them into Red/White/Pink transparent balloons.  Blow up the balloons and spread them throughout the room for your Valentine to pop & capture each message!

Photo Collage/Make a gift from a memory:  As you obviously know, I'm a big fan of photography (hence this blog), and I love to capture moments for future memories.  Find a nice, but affordable frame (Try a HomeGoods or similar store that has quality, but discounted prices), and frame your favorite photo of you and the boo! Don't know where to print your picture?  Walmart or CVS is always an easy option, and very inexpensive!

Chocolates & Flowers:  If you plan ahead, this can be a relatively affordable gift, rather than waiting until the day of Valentine's Day to purchase!  Supermarket florists are usually a lot cheaper than florist shops/online floral delivery services, and if you order in advance & pay up front, you'll most likely miss the increase of prices for V-Day!  As for the chocolate, get your boo something rich and creamy!  Leave out the Hershey's kisses this time around!

Treasure Hunt of Love: Write a few poems, wrap chocolates inside, meaningful photos etc., and hide them around the house.  It may even be cool to choose a theme for the treasure hunt.  Each find should contain a clue to finding the next one.  Make sure the final clue lands your mate where you would like to spend the rest of the evening! ;)

For HIM:

Spa Day:  Create an at-home day spa for your mate.  Buy a basket and fill it with inexpensive candles, rose petals, & massage oil.  Set up your "spa area" and give him a nice long body rub.  When the massage is almost done, take a moment to heat up some towels in the dryer for a warm, fuzzy, & happy ending!

All About the Boo: Make the entire day full of his favorites: the breakfast of his dreams, Netflix his favorite tv show, play his fav music, etc... Don't say anything about it, just continue to surprise him for fun!!

Restaurante de Casa: Bring the restaurant home!  Set up your table with a white table cloth with cutlery settings and glasses (as if you were out dining at a restaurant), and even make a "dinner menu" including what you'll be serving your Valentine!  Ex: "Entree: Spaghetti & Meatballs made with passion and love for you"  Also, title the name of your restaurant at the top of the menu.  Have fun with it, and be creative!

Love Letter: In the morning, tuck mini love notes in his pocket or wallet (and other easy to find places).  Jot down some meaningful words on a piece of paper "Cant' wait to see you tnite" "You make me happy"  "I can't wait to hold you" "I love you so much,"  and wait for it to be discovered during the day!  Although this gesture is on the smaller scale, it can be very meaningful for the receiver, and could be a nice addition to something else you have planned for your special Valentine!

"I'm a lover not a fighter." -Michael Jackson


-Kris

Every Thursday night, a group of my friends get together for "family dinners."  We rotate houses, and each bring an item of food, based on what theme the host chooses.  This past week, the theme was "baked," so we had baked chicken, baked mac & cheese, baked tilapia, etc... The food is always delicious, and we all have a great evening, which usually ends in drinks and games!

Taken with Instagram

Yesterday afternoon I went to brunch with the boo, and ordered eggs benedict.  Doesn't my food look like Oscar from Sesame Street? lol

Later that evening, I went out to celebrate my best friend Leilani's birthday.  We went to dinner at an Italian spot called Mama Nina.  I've blogged about this restaurant once before HERE.  Their food is definitely delicious, but not so much nutritious!

I spotted this beautiful dress in the window of a boutique on my short walk from my car to the restaurant.  I may have to go back and try it on!

The beautiful birthday girl!  Happy birthday Lei!

Say it with me: Yuuuuuummm!

After dinner, Lei and I went to meet up with some of our friends for her birthday party at a karaoke bar!  

We had such a blast!  We sang everything from En Vogue to Britney Spears!  We jammed to Boyz II Men, Alanis Morissette, sang some MJ, grooved to Stevie Wonder, and more!  We did it all!  And of course we were dancing our behinds off too!  

It was honestly the most fun I've had in a good while!  

Happy Monday!

-Kris

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Happy New Year!

I know, it sounds weird and awkward for me to say it, being as it's almost the end of January... But I'm giving myself a "grace period" (if you will) since my last post was technically in 2011!  I am very excited for 2012!  I have so many plans and goals I want to achieve, and it's just nice to have that fresh feeling of a new start.  A lot of my personal goals are long term, so the key for me is to continue striving towards attaining and maintaining these goals.  Looking back on 2011, most of my goals are the same now as they were, though some have changed.  There's always a few new editions as well, lol, but overall I think resolutions are healthy, NOT cliche!

Excuse my umbrella, but it was pouring raining yesterday!  Of course it decides to rain right as I walk outside lol.  I just imagined the whole time that the umbrella was a cute accessory to my outfit.  This is actually the first snow we've had this winter!

Wearing a Calvin Klein trench coat with faux fur collar, H&M sweater, F21 skirt, and Donald J. Pliner leather boots.

taken with instagram

I would also like to say a big hello to all of my new readers!  HELLO THERE! *big wave + cheesy smile*  Thanks for joining me, and don't be afraid to reach out!!  Happy Tuesday!

To end this post with a quote that has been inspiring me lately...

“If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” 

― Martin Luther King Jr.

-Kris

Hey guys!  This winter season has been pretty fun so far, I must say!  I've been hanging with friends, enjoy newness in my life, and continuing to find new ways to be creative!  It has also been eye opening.  A lot of changes, new people in my life, and I am enjoying every minute of it!  I am, however, missing my best friend Sasha (who is currently residing in Germany).  We keep in touch pretty well, but it's not the same, not physically seeing/hanging out with her.  I have plans to visit her next summer, but it just isn't the same bringing in the New Year without her!!

As this year is coming to an end, it's time to reflect on life's blessings.  Revisit the good and the bad.  Realize the things you would like to change, and things you would like to evolve.  Holding on to the memories of loved ones you lost, and finding a way to move on, to keep peace and balance in your life!

I always make New Years Resolutions.  Although it may be cliche, I think it's great to have goals and aspirations, and working everyday to achieve these goals is what keeps me going!  Keep reaching!

Wearing a vintage silk blouse, feather headband from Urban Outfitters, fur vest via LF, Gap pants, & Coach fur + leather boots

Like my hair?!  I am loving it!  I was inspired by Alex of The Good Hair Blog, and it is so easy to maintain!  I'll be adding this new "doo" in my rotation of "go-to hair doo's!"

Sharing with you all some decorations around the house :)

All of my Christmas shopping is done (I did it all online), and all I have to do is wrap my presents!  I'll probably save that for Christmas Eve... There needs to be some last minute element to cut down my anxiousness/excitement for Christmas Day!!

I've also been on the hunt for a New Year's Eve outfit, but am having no luck!  Every dress I find myself liking is either sold out or unavailable in my size.  I may have to go to the mall and find some pieces to whip together.  Do you guys have any plans for NYE?  I am heading to the city again, but my plans aren't solidified.  Whatever I do, I just want to bring in the New Year with the people I love!  

Happy holidays!!

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-Kris

People's Republic of China President Hu Jintao and American President Barack Obama.

I tried to get that student discount, but I didn't have my college id on me (never mind the fact that I'm no longer in college anyway LOL)

"Put some Colored girls in the MoMA..." -Jay-Z

How cool is this?!

1.Thanksgiving was lovely, and the food was amazing (props to Mom)!!

2. Proud of myself for keeping my orchids alive

3. My Aunt giving tarot card readings after Thanksgiving meal LOL (she was good, I enjoyed mine)!

4. My obsession with twitter.  You can follow me here

5. Got my hair straightened & trimmed for the first time in half a year!  Looks pretty good huh?

6. Featured on Chictopia's site

7. My spoiled cat Snap

8. Went to NYC this past weekend

9. Window Shopping

10. United Colors of Benetton's "UNHATE Campagin" showing world leaders sharing a kiss.  So controversial, and I love every bit of it!  To see more photos, click here

11. Visited the MoMA (wanted to check out the Diego Rivera and de Kooning exhibitions there)

I had a great time in NYC, it's always a pleasure :) Can you believe it's December 1st already?!  I'm looking forward to the holidays (and of course Christmas music too)!

-Kris

Hey look who it is!  I'm still here!  I know I haven't posted in over a month, but I have somewhat of a decent excuse lol.  Besides being a tad bit on the lazy side, I actually have had bronchitis for the past few weeks and it really shut me down.  I had no energy to do anything.  I wasn't even tweeting like my usual self!  Now you know when I'm off twitter, something's wrong haha!  So unfortunately the combination kept me away from the blogesphere.  But I'm back!  

Wearing a blouse, skirt, + earrings from F21, boots vintage Nine West via mi madre.

These photos were taken at a cemetery earlier last week, and it was surprisingly very peaceful.  I've never shot any looks at a cemetery, nor do I hang out at cemeteries on my off time lol.  It had such beautiful scenery, I couldn't resist!  Look at all of these beautiful fall colors!  The mix of the fresh air, and fall breeze had me feeling so serene!  

Quite phallic, wouldn't you say so? LOL 

Unfortunately from being sick, I did miss my 1 year blog anniversary!  However, this post ending up coming at a perfect time.  Thanksgiving is this Thursday, and when I initially thought about putting together my blog anniversary post, I knew I wanted to talk about how thankful I was for everything that has transpired because of it.

There is so much to be thankful for, as there were many opportunities that came my way!  First there was the Street Style feature in Essence Magazine, which was so cool!  Essence is one of my favorite magazines, and to actually be in it was so thrilling!  Then there was the Interview Feature by Style Pantry.  I am a big fan of Folake, and was so honored to be featured by her!  Being a new blogger can be intimidating, as there are so many of us out there!  But ever since I started this blog, I've been shown nothing but positivity and light!  And I'm so thankful for that!!

I've actually recently been featured by another one of my favorite bloggers, Neil Alvin of Black Girls Killing it.  You can check out the feature here.

Besides being featured, you lovely people who read my blog, interact with me via commenting on this blog or on my Facebook Page, Chictopia, or Youtube channel... You guys who re-blog my posts on tumblr, or hold conversations with me on twitter, have been such an inspiration!  You are literally the reason why I even blog!  Without you guys, I wouldn't have had the drive or sustainability to continue on this journey!  You guys have even inspired me to kick off my youtube page again!  I am creative creature, and I enjoy expressing my interests and life with you all!  Thanks for making me feel comfortable doing so! 

You all have provided so much support and love, and have built around me a community of great people.  From all of this, the most important thing I have learned is that being yourself is truly enough.

I'm looking forward to spending time with my family this week, and overall reflecting on the blessings in my life.

Happy Thanksgiving!

-Kris