BrownSkinMaven

Royal blue is one of favorite colors when it comes to fashion.  I absolutely love how this color compliments and pops on brown skin tones.  It truly speaks for itself and is a definite must have in your wardrobe rotation. Today's outfit is a simple pairing of a blouse and white fitted skirt, finished off with an accent necklace, a couple bangles and some pointy toe heels.  It doesn't take much to make an outfit speak volumes, and this was achieved with what I can consider an easy every day uniform; if you had to choose one to be professional yet sassy and ready to handle your business for the day on into the evening happy hour.  You can never go wrong with a skirt and blouse combo.  Here is a peek at the OOTD.

It doesn't take much to brighten things up.  Sometimes just a little pop of color here and there can make all the difference in the world.  Red is definitely my go to color for added accent pops.  Whether a red lipstick, shoe, scarf or even a necklace, it is just enough to make everything a little more exciting. Today's outfit was basic black and white, so I added my Ruby Woo red lipstick and my pointy toe suede Enzo pumps to give it a little umph.  It's just that simple. Here's a peek at the day's ensemble.

Who said track pants couldn't be chic?  While I love dresses and skirts,  a few great pair of pants is a definite must in any wardrobe.  Today's outfit was built around a printed track pant.  They can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the accessories and shoes you pair them with.  On a more casual occasion I might pair them with a simple tank and some flat open toe sandals.  However, today I decided to go a little more chic and pair them with a white vest, white tank and my favorite dark natural heels.  I topped it off with silver mesh style necklace and complimenting cuff. With the weather still being quite hot in my city, this is the perfect outfit to handle my days business, keeping a professional appearance, while still staying cool.  Here's a peek at today's OOTD.

I will admit, I do have expensive taste, but that doesn't mean I like the expensive tags that come along with some of the items I lust after.  I've been blessed with the talent and patience to shop around extensively and truly find the best bargains on a lot of the pieces in my closet.  Today's post reflects one of my jackpot outings, where I was able to clean up at a discount store and walk out with some great finds for 75% off the regular price.  Don't sleep on bargain shopping. Today's post is a sassy and amazingly comfortable, short sleeve front slit dress from ivy & blu.  I love this dress because it is stretchy, allowing me to be chic while still giving me flex room to multi-task with the days duties.  This brand can be found at Dillards as well as Amazon, but I did snag this particular dress at the clearance center.  I finished the look with a pair of ankle strap heels, also a super bargain friend from DSW.  Here's a peak at the post of the day.

Peplum tops are a great addition to your wardrobe.  Besides being cute, they serve multiple purposes in my opinion.  First and far most they accentuate your waste, while hiding, what can be a trouble spot for some, the extra love in the middle at the same time. Its a great pairing to a pencil skirt, skinny pants and even trousers, as the slight flair gives a nice sublet dramatic appeal to the scheme of things. Be carefully not to get to frilly, try to choose something sleek when looking for peplum rather than too much ruffle. For this out fit I paired a white zip front peplum shell top with a deep wine bandage pencil skirt, finished it off with some gold jewelry and suede pumps.  Here's a peak at what I wore. 

Pink is a universal color that looks good on almost everyone, including the gentlemen.  Some shades definitely pop more so than others.  I truly love the dramatic look of fuchsia pink, it is vibrant and makes a very bold statement, where as the softer pink is very classic and timeless. In today's post I am giving you two different looks with two different shades of pink. The first look has a sassy and bold appeal.  I paired my long sleeve shift dress with some leggings and black knee high boots with gold accents.  This fuchsia shade definitely pops and makes a statement that definitely needs no introduction.  Where as the second look, has a touch of classy sophistication appeal to it.  The soft pink top finished off with a faux leather pencil skirt, pearls and ankle strap heels gives you subtle sexy look.  Here's a peek at the outfits I pulled together.  

There is something about the color red on brown skin tones that just makes a bold statement like no other.  Especially when you get that perfect shade!  It is definitely in my top five must have colors for my wardrobe items. Animal print has truly been heavy in my rotation for the past 30 days.  It is definitely a timeless print that will never go out of style, so if I see something in a good color or style I usually snatch it up.  Particularly, this Michael Kors tunic dress was a three in one score, being that is was a dress, it was red and animal print, I got three of my favorite things in one. This outfit was simple pairing with basic essentials that I always keep on hand, long blazer, knee high boots and my favorite BCBG leggings that I just keep buying year after year.  Certain necessities you can never go wrong with having, as they can be paired with multiple pieces in your wardrobe providing you timeless and effortless style on a regular basis. Today was a semi-cold and gl

No two days are the same for me, so as my life is ever changing of course that means my wardrobe does the same.  I never stick to the same daily uniform because my moods always change, so being that I have the freedom to put on what ever my little heart desires, I like to mix it up as much as possible.  However my days events will determine whether I wear a dress or pants, as I always opt for a dress or skirt any day of the week as my first choice.  One thing I can say, I was definitely loyal to animal print and black in the month of February. Since I had I crazy busy month, this post is a quick recap of some of the outfits that I did capture but never got a chance to blog about. Keep reading for more photos and outfit details!

Hello friends, my sincere apologies for the hiatus as I have been crazy busy with work.  I will be back with regular updates very soon, however I couldn't not share this exciting publication that I was fortunate enough to be a contributing editor in  for the Fashion and Beauty piece.  Please be sure you check out the premiere issue of CL Magazine, a publication of the Women of Color Foundation.  I will place a direct link below to the online version.  Also, below you will see the cover and the specific article by yours truly.  Thanks for reading and have a great day Click link below to view Magazine http://issuu.com/gapcomm/ docs/cl_magazine_winter2015_ volume1_issu/1?e=6220059/ 11506207 BrownSkinMaven

Royal blue is one of favorite colors as it is not only a gorgeous color but also very flattering to brown skin tones.  Whenever I stumble upon a great wardrobe item in this color I am sure to snatch it up, because it is definitely a classic staple color that will forever be incorporated into my closet.  Today's outfit is a bold yet simple look that consists of black and blue.  Two power colors that stand out and make a great statement whether paired together or standing alone.  I chose this combo and added small accents of gold accessories to complete the outfit.   This look can take you from day to night pending your days activities.  Whether you are sitting in an office, hanging out at happy hour or an evening of fun with friends, this outfit will have you ready to handle your business and look good in the process.  Here's a peek at how I pulled my OOTD together.

Last week I was crazy busy with work, events and errands so I didn't have a chance to blog on the weeks attire.  Today is a quick post on what I wore.  I have to say my favorite is the kelly green and navy blue shift dress.  I just love that color against my skin tone and the dress is very simple and functional.  I will definitely be on the lookout for more of its kind in my future shopping ventures.  You will notice that I always switch up my looks, it's not accidental either, as my moods change and I love to have variety when playing dress up.  Here's a peek at the weeks fits.   Keep reading for details.

Animal print is always a great accent to solid colors.  Today I decided to accessorize with leopard prints.  Definitely a stand out statement that can change the look from plain jane to exciting and sassy.   A simple fitted midi dress topped off with an leopard infinity scarf, leopard print heels and brown leather jacket just in case I get a little chilly throughout the day.  Simply put together and ready to go from day to night.  Here's a peek at today's OOTD.

Something about wearing all black says bossy to me.  The look and feel of this color makes such a powerful statement and you can usually never go wrong no matter what size you are, as it is the most flattering and forgiving color one can wear.  I love bright and beautiful colors but black is definitely a BSM favorite and absolute go to! For today's OOTD post, I chose a simple turtle neck, tiered leather skirt, ankle booties and topped it off with some classy long pearls.  My favorite items of this look are the the skirt and the booties.  I have always appreciated the look of a great leather pencil skirt.  If you find the perfect fit and length, it just hugs and accentuates your curves in all the right places, proving a very sophisticated and classy appeal.  The ankle booties are a great alternative to a pump. I especially love the pair I wore because of the textured coating on the back.  It gives them a very sleek, chic and sassy presence. Here's a peek at what I pulled tog

photo from  http://www.gmrencen.com/home.axis This week I spent 48 hours in Detroit for business and although it was snowing and colder than ever, I still truly made the most of it and  thoroughly enjoyed myself.  This was actually my second time  ever to Detroit and I definitely gained an appreciation for it this time around, especially being that I stayed at the beautiful Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, and I was able to spend time with some natives and gain knowledge some amazing fun facts about the city, in addition to visiting a few great places. Fortunately, I will head back in June for work again and I will be able to truly enjoy the city in much better climate temperature, as well as for a much longer stay! Definitely, looking forward to that! In the meantime, here's a quick run down of my extra short but fun visit.  First of all,  I felt like a little kid in an amusement park when I got to the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center.  What a

Happy New Year!! I just want to take this time to say THANK YOU to all my readers and supporters.    I am grateful to have the pleasure and opportunity to blog and share my ideas and loves for various things with you all.  Believe it or not but I am actually motivated everyday knowing that I am able to assist and influence others in a positive way with something that I truly enjoy!  I am truly grateful for you all!   Everyday is a new day to do something great and make an amazing impact, so if you have been putting off doing something I say no better time to start than in the beginning of a new year.  Follow your dreams, your goals and your heart.  May you all have a wonderful, successful, productive and blessed 2015!