Happy Birthday: Michael Jackson

It's been two months since the untimely death of Michael Jackson aka The King of Pop. Like me, billions of folks out there are still shocked by the fact that he is no longer with us.

I have always imagined MJ as the legend who 20 years from now, would STILL be moonwalking his way across the stage accepting yet another Lifetime Achievement award. Whether you agree or not, he impacted lives, and filled up the homes of many with beautiful music that always manages to bring people together.

Today, we celebrate what would've been his 51st birthday and remember that the goal isn't to live forever. The goal is to create something that will.

Celebrate life!
Steph

Friday Fab: Dinner With Friends

Last night was dinner for 12. Hubby and I went out for Asian eats with some friends at a cute little spot in Montclair, NJ called Sesame. Since many of our friends consist of married folk and those in long-term relationships, we like to all go out every once in awhile to play catch up and just have a laid back, good time.

The weather was wretched yesterday. It rained cats and dogs, so I had to stand in front of my closet yet again and re-pick another outfit to replace the one I already chose to wear! Ugh. I know. Where are my priorities?

So what do you wear when having dinner with friends? Here's a copycat version of what I had originally put together:

Top / Jeans / Earrings / Necklace / Shoes

With the "no white after Labor Day" rule looming (shout out to Emily Post), I was itching to get one last good wear out of my white denim. Unfortunately, white denim is a no-go in the rain -- that's just my personal opinion. So, this is what I wore instead:

Shout out to my hubby, my personal photographer : )

I decided to keep it comfy, simple -- and closed toe because I hate when my feet get wet! Despite the showers, it was a great night.

Celebrate good times!
Steph

The Perfect Verse Over a Tight Beat

I am a music lover. Give me a scenario, and I can probably throw back a tune that will describe it perfectly. Music runs through my veins. I was partying and celebrating in the womb. Seriously, ask my parents. They used to throw events, get down and celebrate with friends and family EVERY SINGLE WEEKEND when I was a toddler up until my adolescent years. That was back when times were favorable and life was simple.

But, growing up -- whether those times were good, bad, happy or sad I turned to music. I don't discriminate either. I listen to almost all genres and especially love searching for and discovering new and emerging artists. So, when a friend of mine offered me tickets to see Melanie Fiona perform live I was ALL over it! Up top, you'll notice my amateur photography shot of her performance last night.

Melanie is a up and coming pop / soul artist whose strong and raspy voice will give you goosebumps. Her live performance quite honestly blew me away. There wasn't a bend or crack as she belted out tracks off of her anticipated album in a room jam-packed with adoring fans. Quite honestly one of the most talented artists I've seen live. There is no doubt that she will blow up and reach mega-stardom.

I was fortunate enough to meet her after the show and not only is she a great performer, she's a sweetheart who quite obviously is deeply humbled and appreciative of her fans and rising success. The girl is definitely going places.

Her album The Bridge drops 9.22.09 and I'll definitely be getting myself a copy. You should too!
I want to wish Ms. Fiona all the best! Good music is back!

Celebrate new discoveries!
Steph

Cupcake Caravan of Love

I'm a HUGE dessert fan. My favorite sweet indulgence is the cupcake. Besides the fact that they are yummy, there is just something so chic and fab about them.

I find that I treat myself to one (or two) cupcakes every other week or so. That is more times than I need to. I've definitely slowed down with this new "health kick" I'm on, but I can never resist a well baked, perfectly decorated cupcake. Ask my thighs.

Besides being scrumptious, cupcakes are the perfect celebratory and pick me up food. Whenever I'm feeling blue, I buy myself a cupcake, throw on dark shades, wrap my head up in a scarf à la Jackie O, and indulge in Golden Girls re-runs. When it's a good day, which since starting this blog, I decided will be EVERYDAY, I buy myself a cupcake. See a trend here?

Cupcakes have gotten me through a lot, so I wanted to take time to give a shout out and a whoot-whoot to my top 5 bakeries who have provided me with THEE best cupcakes . . . EVER. And yes, these are in a particular order. Be sure to check them out ... And remember, DESSERTS is STRESSED spelled backwards. That's why you need one to combat the other -- at least that's my excuse.

Enjoy!

1. Eleni's
   
2. Billy's Bakery
   
3. Crumbs Bake Shop
   
4. Buttercup Bake Shop
   
5. Magnolia Bakery
   

Celebrate guilty pleasures!
Steph

Friday Fab: School Daze

Today, my family and I sent my little sister off to college. Not financially. That would be credit given solely to my parents. But, we drove her out there.
She's attending PSU (Penn State University) this fall and we're all very proud of her.

We made it into a little road trip and though it was very bittersweet, it was great day. She will be missed! The pictures below capture her last day home in NY and first day away at school.
The one to the right is her after my cousin and I treated her to dinner. A few weeks before, we asked her where did she want to go for dinner. Her answer? Red Lobster. Such a teen!
The one to the left is a picture of her luxuriating on her bed after all the hard work we all put in to helping her with setting up her new dorm room. Good times.

So, little sis is the inspiration for today's post. What do you wear to your first college class?
Yes. I've been away to school before, and I know that students -- well most students -- don't really take the time to get all fancy for classes. But, I think it's a good idea during your first few weeks in a new setting, to set a good impression. You don't have to dress up like you're going to the Kentucky Derby but something laid back and versatile works.

Here is the look I put together:

Tank / Scarf / Cardigan / Jeans / Bag / Sandals

Effortless and stylish is the theme. I added the scarf for a punch of extra color and for that moment in the day when the AC is on full blast & the classroom gets a little chilly. The bag is trendy with enough space to hold books and fit comfortably around the body if that's the way one prefers to wear it.

So here's to Valerie. My baby sister who grew up way too fast, but will always be my favorite girl.

Celebrate the future!
Steph

Wednesday Wishes: Twinkle, Twinkle

Fall is around the corner, and I'm warming up to that fact. I usually live for Summer and all of the excitement it brings, but truth be told, Fall is my favorite season of all.
The weather is comfortable and breezy. The clothes, cozy and fab. So it's no surprise that I've been obsessing and looking to treating myself to a few new outfits.

My current obsession is sequins. I devour fashion magazines and blogs and enjoy the ideas and options that they provide. Sequins is one of those things that grew on me. It's been an in-and-out trend, but I'm actually feeling it now. There have been some snazzy little numbers that I've come across.

The internet is a treasure trove full of stylish goodness, so I've taken the time to put together some of the sparkly goodies I've added to my wish list:

Top Handbag Shoes Dress Hat

Celebrate your time to shine!

Steph

Friday Fab: The First Date

A few weeks ago, I set up two friends that I thought would be perfect for each other.
Both are good looking and have lots of things in common. But more importantly, I think the two of them needed someone of the opposite sex that was about something and could potentially make the other very happy.

My cupid skills seem to be on the up and up so far. Yesterday the pair went out on their first 'blind' date and let's just say, they're both still very interested in getting to know each other!

*adjusts wings & crosses fingers*

This exciting occurrence has inspired my post for today. What do you wear on a first date?
Now, I've been out of the game for awhile. My husband and I have been married for almost a year, but have been together for eight. So, no, I'm not single and ready to mingle, but I think I can still drop a few gems of knowledge when it comes to the "newness" of relationships.

Here's the look I put together:

Top / Shorts / Earrings / Bracelets / Shoes

Now ladies, in my personal opinion, when first meeting a guy, you want to exude sauciness yet keep it sophisticated. Guys are visual beings, so give them just enough to keep their attention but still leave a little something to the imagination.
I think the ruffles are both sexy and sweet, so that's a perfect way to go. Pairing the top with a cute pair of shorts makes it fun. Add some cute accessories to dress it up, and you're good to go!

The entire outfit is affordable too and I consider myself to be a budget-fashionista. You may be giving me the side-eye after checking out those delicious $500+ Miu Miu beauties, but I am a firm believer in what many stylists call the "high-low" look. Matching high-end and low-end items to create a fabulous outfit. There are somethings us gals don't like to skimp on, and I believe shoes are one of them. It's best "invest" in some quality items that will last you years to come.

So go out and enjoy! It's somebody's birthday out there, why not live it up??

Celebrate new beginnings!
Steph

Go Shawty . . .

When I was younger, I used to think about the fact that everyday was somebody's birthday. Somewhere out in our great big world, someone was celebrating their life.
This fascinates me, and led me to think: why is that most of the time, one only fully looks out for themselves on their birthday? On your actual birthday, how many times have you said one or more of the following:

• "Not dealing with it / he / she today. Don't people know that it's MY day"
• "I'm going to treat myself today"
• "For my birthday, I'm going to do x, y, z"

Everyday should be your day and treated as such. It's time to focus on the things that inspire us and make us smile. Moving forward, this will be my outlook on life. I'm going to live everyday like it's my birthday and focus on the things that make me warm & gooey inside.

Are you ready? Welcome to Birthday a La Mode. It's time to celebrate!