Zara Women's Spring Summer 2011. Two Perspectives.

-Featuring Ashane Rose for the new "Trafaluc' line geared to younger women.


-Featuring Stella Tennant. I don't know about the 'Street Woman' tagline. Perhaps 'Contemporary' would have been more suitable?

Shop For Japan. Forever 21 Donates 100%

Forever 21 is donating 100% of all online sales today to aid relief for Japan from their international online store.  Click here: SHOP for a great cause to help the people of Japan.

Quote Of The Day.

"The smallest good deed is better than the grandest good intention." -Duguet

Japan. How To Help

My prayers and thoughts remain heavily with the people of Japan. Here is a short list of charities that are providing relief. You can also do a bit of research on your own to donate to the organization of your choice. Every little bit helps.


The Red Cross: Text REDCROSS to 90999 from any mobile to make a $10 USD donation

The International Medical Corps: Text MED to 80888 to make a $10 USD donation.

Global Giving: Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund

Nature's Beauty. Coconut Water

Coconut water is perfect after a light workout (because of natural electrolytes) or as a refreshing alternative to other beverages or sports drinks. Rich in potassium, coconut water assists in weight loss as it boosts metabolism. The cost can be a bit pricey, but when it's your health I'd say it's worth spending a little more to be healthier.

Learn More Here 

Coconut Water Benefits

Doc Martens for Izzue

Wearing Doc Martens / Photographed by Kate Garner

There was a time I would have been all over these Doc Martens designed exclusively for Hong Kong retailer Izzue available this spring. Hot! They remain classic.

Izzue Photo: (via) hypebeast

Quote of The Day.

"You wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down."  - Song of Solomon, Toni Morrison

Your Health. Meatless Monday

Meatless Monday is a healthy way to jump start the week for you and your family. It can still be nutritious, and tasty. I'll be having a white bean soup with (carrots, tomatoes, celery, cilantro, garlic, herbs, chopped kale) and a large salad for dinner. Maybe I'll throw in a corn muffin or pita chips. Superstar Chef Marcus Samuelsson give tips on how to get protein eating vegan (if only once a week).

Get The Look For Less. The Leopard Clutch

Miu Miu Leopard Clutch $950.00

H&M  $19.99

Clutches are one of my favorite style of bags. I'm not a big over sized purse fan in most cases, although I have made exceptions. The Miu Miu leopard clutch is cool. As a working Mom you learn to navigate fickle industries, a poor economy and in general a shift in priorities. Those of us who still like to look pulled together and fashionable learn the tricks.
I opted for the look for less at H&M. The compliments have poured in. "Where did you get your bag?!" One of my longtime style secrets is that you don't have to spend big bucks to have items that add flair to your wardrobe. Mix and match.
For trendier looks, it's also wise to spend less and save the big coins for classics - or that school tuition!

For more leopard clutch options visit Shopstyle

Notes. Women and Reality Television

No matter how educated (or lack thereof) and regardless of how well dressed or made up, financially independent or dependent, young or old, experienced or inexperienced - a bad attitude is still ugly no matter the form it comes in for many of the women of reality television as well as in life. Great wardrobe, glamorous hair, polished make-up, big bank account and even career achievement does not give anyone class. What you do and what you have does not define who a person is nor their character.

These shows expose and yes - exploit more of who these women really are. If you're naturally a conniving person, it's easier to be conniving in a competition. If you're too quiet and laid back, it's probably difficult to come out of that shell and you'll probably be eaten alive. Anyone who signs up knows exactly what they're getting in to; and we all know drama, backstabbing and controversy sells especially in entertainment. Remember the popular scripted shows Dynasty and Dallas? Viewers (myself included) loved to hate Alexis aka Joan Collins and enjoyed the classic catty scenes with Crystal aka Linda Evans.
It's annoying when people get too judgmental or condescending on TV or off and that includes participants in these shows. People have lessons to learn and personal growth to achieve, or let's hope so.

Be it for pure entertainment value, raising money for charity or simply looking for greater visibility for one's career; this thought is always in the back of my mind - as a viewer, professional and as a woman. It's all entertainment - but ugly is still ugly no matter how one tries to justify and no matter how dressed up.

Ituen Basi - Color. Print. Beadwork.

I love the line from Ituen Basi out of Nigeria which celebrates individuality and feminism. It's such a contemporary and chic take on beading and fabric utilizing African fabric and beading.