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A Causal Day

Hey! I hope all has been well since the last time I posted. Today, I want to talk about dressing for a causal day. I am the type of person who is always well dressed when I am going out. My boyfriend has told me on many occasions that I have looked over dressed when we are just running out to complete errands. The opposite has also happened to me as well. When I have more formal occasions to attend. I have heard from my mom (I see her a lot and spend a lot of time with her) "You look nice. However, I've seen you look better dressed for less important occasions. "

HEY! I'm human! I have my days when I feel like dressing up and my days when I do not. But one thing I do know is that I ALWAYS look PRESENTABLE  when I am out of my house. 

A lot of woman resort to wearing sweat pants and over sized shirts (even T-shirts) when they are running to the park with their dogs or running errands for themselves and their family. However, I never really understood the method to their madness. Why wear not so flattering clothes in public? Now I understand that you want to be comfortable and not feel restricted. But my philosophy is... when buying clothing, identify its purpose. Buy universal items that can be worn for many occasions. I don't have anything against sweats, however, I've had friend say to me.." Oh, I'm not dressed to go out. I'm dressed for running errands. I'll go home and change. Then meet up with you after." WHY DO THAT? For me, I'm always dressed so I never have to change if an opportunity presents itself. 

When I step into a store and I see an item that I like, I immediately say to myself, " Okay, I can definitely wear this for running around doing errands, visiting a friend and hanging out to get a bite to eat or brunch, or even just causally shopping and spending time in the outdoors with my family."  These items are usually jeans, simple crew neck and v-neck tops, light knit shirts and sweater that can be utilized during the fall and spring months. When you shop with the mentally of having pieces that has a universal purpose, you would be less likely to put on sweats and over sized shirt for causally going out.    

Also, keep in mind that you may come across someone you haven't seen in a long time. For example, high school or college friends. You want to look your BEST when seeing those type of people. There is a chance that you may not see them again and how you look is their first and last impression of you. That's I stray away from wearing sweat pants and t-shirt (which I grew up knowing as home clothes. As known as clothes only to be worn at home.) The outfit that I am wearing here is causal but universal. I wore this outfit to get some errands done. I was able to spend time in the park with my dog and later that night met up with my friends for dinner.

I wore a simple light weight pink, white, and gray knit top with a medium washed denim pant. My accessories was bold yet simple and added a finished touch to my causal look, dressing me up just a bit. 

No SERIOUSLY! The points that I make are valid and you should think about! I think if you are always dress with the mentality of "I'm ready so anything come up." You will never have to run home and change. I also keep a small make up holder that contains a soft gold eyeshadow, eye shadow brush, concealer, a make up sponge, foundation, foundation brush, blush and an mascara. If you do this, you will definitely be ready! 

I wanted to share this silly picture with you from my day in the park. I saw the stick and thought to myself, "Hey! Let's make a bonfire! Rolland my boyfriend wasn't up for it! Thank you for reading today's post and have a great day!

Xoxo,

Monique

Sweater: H&M (available in stores) | Chain: H&M | Pants: Gap | Shoe: The Loft (similar)

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An Autumn Trench and Boot

Last week was a short work week for me and I was truly gratefully for it.(Thank god for holidays!) I had been working endlessly and was extremely tired because of it.  Many weeks I would say to myself, let the countdown begin "Monique, you can do it! Only four more days until Friday." So with my four day weekend, I took the time to rest. I spent much of my time home with Lyla. She was excited to see me home with her throughout the day. So we lazily laid on the couch, watched TV, and surfed the internet for hours. It felt good having absolutely nothing required of me. For a moment, it actually felt weird not having anything urgent to do or complete... but honestly I wasn't complaining. Neither was Lyla, she had me all to herself.  

This photo was taken after Lyla's visit to the vet office.

On Friday, I got out and ran some errands. I was aware that my weekend was nearly over. While out, I maintained a casual dress code paired with my Altuzarra trench coat and boot from his collaboration collection with target.  

When I first saw this coat during the online preview, I knew I had to have it. I loved the olive green color with the black sleeves detail.  It was such a fashionable everyday trench. It could be worn casually or dressed up.

When this trench became available for purchase, I bought this one and the black one because I knew I was a coat junkie. I have so many outerwear pieces, its RIDICULOUS! I have to admit, I am an outerwear, shoe, and accessories junkie. I have so many that I need to purge in order to make space for the new items I am purchasing.

However, this is very difficult for me to do. I love all my items and they are timeless pieces that will never go out of style. But hey, as the saying goes... Out with the old. In with the new. Is it as difficult for you, as it is for me, to let go pieces to make space for new ones? I am praying that your answer is YES! Because if it's no, then I guess I have problems.

This trench was only available for purchase online and is currently sold out. However, you may not be completely out of luck. My sister contacted me around 1:30 am today saying that an x-small became available on Net-a-porter.com and she purchased it. So my advice to you is to periodically check that site. This trench is also available on Ebay but the prices are RIDICULOUS! Sellers are truly trying to exploit desperate buyers.  If you really want this coat right away. Buying it on Ebay may be the best (yet very expensive) option for you. 

Another purchase I made that I loved was these boots. I had purchased both the ankle boot and over the knee boot. However, my over the knee boot was damaged when I received it and I ended up returning it. It was a lost, but the ankle boot in my opinion was constructed better then the over the knee boot. I received many compliments wearing it that day and it confirmed that this shoe was a good purchase. It is also rather comfortable (keeping in mind that it is not made of leather.) 

I intended to order this Kate Spade bag in brown but I mistakenly purchased it in white and green. Fortunately, it matches my trench coat perfectly. 

This four day weekend was well deserved and I can't until Friday is here again. I know today is only Monday, but for me the weekends are always better. I wish you a wonderful Monday and thank you for reading!  Talk to you soon!

Xoxo,

Monique

Photo credit Rolland Smith 

OUTFIT

Trench coat: Altuzarra for Target | Shirt: Gap | Pants: Charlotte Ronson (old) | Boots: Altuzarra for Target | Handbag: Kate Spade (Currently on Sale! Yay!)

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4 Day Weekends Should Be The Norm!

Every since I was a child, I questioned the organization of our society's 7 day week. I've always wondered why we worked more than we played and believed that our work days should be shorter and our weekends longer. Unfortunately, me and a million other people who would like that will never see the day. However, today was Labor Day and it was an amazing day! While most either enjoyed a day at home, spent time with their family, or played at the park with their pet, I spent my day at the West Indian-American Day Carnival. 

LaborDay2.jpg

My family and I are from Belize and I have been attending the West Indian-American Day Carnival from a small child. This is an annual event of our culture and my sister and I couldn't miss it. 

You have choices when attending this event. You can attend as a spectator and watch the festivities unfold in front of you or you can attend as a participant in a "mas camp" short for masquerade camp.  These masquerade camps are created by various organizations within the community. 

I've always wanted to play "mas" like this lovely young lady from the Dingolay Mas NYC camp. However, I've never had the chance to join a camp. (I definitely plan on joining one next year.) If you plan to be a spectator like me you have the alternative of buying hand made attire. I bought my Bealizean skirt and bandanna from the Flatbush Flea Market on Caton Avenue and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn.   

I had a wonderful day today on Eastern Parkway. I put together a cute outfit for the occasion, sang, danced, and enjoyed all the festivities associated with this carnival. If you have never attended the West Indian- American Day Carnival come on out!  You're truly missing out on an amazing cultural experience of the West Indian Islands.

Thanks for reading!

   xoxo,

Monique 

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Orange, White, and Blue!

As summer quickly making her exit, I decided to create my own rendition of a nautical look.

 When creating this nautical look, I knew it was important to keep it simple. Choosing one item to be my nautical statement piece was all I needed. (If you choose too many pieces, you'll lose your focal point and your attempt may result in you looking like you're wearing a costume.) 

To achieve this look, I used a striped navy blue and white sweater vest over a white sleeveless shirt, paired with an orange pant.

 The traditional nautical colors used by many are red, white, and blue. However, when following trends, I like placing my own twist on things. Making them not so traditional. 

Once I achieved my looked, the last step was choosing the right accessories to add the element of sophistication.

Once I achieved my looked, the last step was choosing the right accessories to add the element of sophistication.

I selected a statement piece necklace and I stole the bag from my boyfriend. Well.. let's just say borrowed it and never gave it back. (Not an unfamiliar story.) However, the style and color of the bag complimented my attire! To complete my look, I applied a gorgeous red lip.

Thanks for reading! TGIF!   

xoxo,

Monique

 

Outfit

Shirt: Unknown | Vest: Old Navy | Pants: Joe Fresh | Shoes: Converse | Watch: Fossil | Bangles: Forever 21 | Necklace: Aldo | Sunglasses: Burberry | Earring: Citrine Gemstone Flower | Lipstick: Mac "Diva" | Nail polish: Essie "Girls night out | Bag: Polo Ralph Lauren Gift Set Tote w/ the purchase of Polo Red cologne 

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