Untitled #34

Untitled #34 by monnica-johnson featuring mens ripped skinny jeans

Anna-Karin Karlsson cateye sunglasses
$1,940 - neimanmarcus.com

ASOS mens ripped skinny jeans
$57 - asos.com

Hair styling tool
bellamihair.com

Untitled #3

Untitled #3 by monnica-johnson featuring black and white shoes

Akira round frame glasses
shopakira.com

ASOS cotton head scarf
asos.com

Black and white shoes
airjordanwomen.com

FASHION OBSESSION: AZTEC and GEOMETRICS

So, fab ladies, many apologies for the lapse in posting. Life can happen and you really won't be in the mood or have the time to blog. But MUST change that. I usually hate when my favorite bloggers don't update enough. LOL. Now I know how THEY feel.

Anywho, let's get right into it. I've been in LOVE with aztec and geometric-infused fashion for many years. And when Monnica, CEO and founder of ShesFab.com, an accessories and fashion retail store, sent me these, I fell right back in love!

(Sorry about the photo quality. Again, still working on the camera)

They have a vintage look,with orange, bronze and ultra yellow details. 

You can find some similar to these at ShesFab.com.

Here are some other aztec/geometric-infused favs, all picks you can take from summer to fall (which will soon be here):

Endless; Edge of Furge; ShesFab

Topshop; Oasis; Asos; Asos; Issa

With each you could throw on a blazer/cardigan and tights and you're good to go for the fall.

#Enjoy and #StayFab

Xisses Miss Jane

THURSDAY'S FASHION OBSESSION: COLOR BLOCK PREP

I must start with a lil photo of my sequin tee I DID decide to wear today to the office. It's cool and airy and muted FAB... I couldn't get a good pic of it myself (didn't have anyone to take one and the one's I took turned out terrible, but here's a snapshot of the pattern. You can check out a pic of the whole tee's look here.)

 

Wore this with tangerine crop pants and nude pointy, 2 1/2 inch pumps similar to these: 

Nine West; Calvin Klein

Now on to today's obsession. I have never been a fan of oxfords for women. First off, usually they're worn without socks and the really nice ones are hard on the inside and end up cutting my delicate (LOL) feet. Secondly, I have a size 9 foot, thus, they're just not flattering on me. Thirdly (I know that's not a word LOL), I often buy pieces that will wear so much 'til the wheels (heels, soles, toes, straps, stitches) fall off, and oxfords simply don't fit into my usual wardrobe like that.

BUT, I love them on others. And I love preppy style from my days as a cool elementary school geek who wore penny loafers (WITH THE PENNY), blazers (yes, in the 4th grade) and Cosby sweaters (I had a favorite one that was purple with fringe... yes... geek chic at 10 years old).

I recently saw that J. Crew celebrated the CDFA/Vogue Fashion Fund honors with a limited-edition four-piece collection, Creatures of the Wind, that mixes prep and color blocking. I think the pieces are FAB and def. could pull some major weight in anyone's wardrobe, whether you like prep or not. And if you don't know how to properly color block (which I will touch on when the obsessive fashion spirit moves me), you can just throw on one of these pieces (or mix and match them all) and you're officially FABulously color blocked!

(I'm not THAT crazy about the oxfords, but love the colors. I'm sure one of my FAB divas can channel their inner Janelle Monae and cause a fire with their color-splash prep style).

 

Here are some other great preppy pieces I found around the net that can mix and match for a color blocking effect:

 

 

Asos; Forever21; Nasty Gal; Asos;  

 Jil Saunder;

Asos

 

Steve Madden

I wouldn't recommend mixing all these pieces together (well, maybe the yellow & white shirt withe that pleated skirt might be cute). I'll leave the FAB tutorial on colorblocking to another post. Sooooo many people have done it and done it wrong that I was almost over the trend, but those J. Crew pieces gave me enough life to blog about it today. 

Xisses FAB ladies. 'Til next time.... Miss Jane

WEDNESDAY'S FASHION OBSESSION: LUCITE & PAISLEY

Hi FAB ladies! Coming to you with a QUICK post on today's obsessions: Lucite and Paisley...

Now, we all think paisley is a pattern of the past. Our moms and aunties wore it in the '70s and '80s, and some of it was ugly as hell. Well, today's paisley has more pop in color and is updated by way of the fabric. A nice silk or cotton paisley def. is the bizness (vs a polyester '70s number). It all depends on the silhouette and the fabric to make it updated and FAB.

Today, I decided to wear a piece I picked up from H&M's sale ($20). It includes two of my favorite things: quarter sleeves and a baby doll hem. I have long legs, and even as a teen I loved wearing the baby doll dresses with a choker. (Remember those? LOL... I swear I went through that "Clueless" phase of wearing baby doll dresses with chokers and long socks... And I had a Toni Braxton cut too so I guess I thought I was a living doll back then LOL!)

  (I hate taking pics ladies ... so I prob look quite awkward and un-model-like LOL... Just want you to get a sense of the dress).

Try these FAB paisley pieces:

Wallis; J.Crew; Oasis; Topshop

 

Preen;  KarmaLoop;  Melina; CoutourCandy

 

Old Navy;  Forever21;  StyleBop; Harrods


Also I'm crazy about LUCITE! I'm soooo crazy about clear and plastic-looking accessories, especially this necklace (H&M). I bought this one in clear and mint green. I think they have a soft pink too. Just looks like rock candy ice on your neck!

 (Just a note FAB ladies, lucite is a synthetic material once trademarked as Plexiglass, so REAL lucite items can be quite expensive, yet long-lasting. Just wanted to note that. Many fashion accessories and footwear can be referred to as LUCITE but it's simply that clear look but really made of plastic or acrylic--- options that are obviously less expensive. Whatever the case may be, it's FAB!)

Try these Lucite/see-through accessories:

Michael Kors  

 

Prada 

Teatro Monderne 

Max & Chloe  

BKE 

Topshop  

Asos 

 Asos 

Tarina Tarantino

So ladies, get into the popping paisleys, turn up your vintage FAB a notch and add a few Lucite pieces as well!

P.S. Today I'm wearing my Wet n Wild "Club Havana" that I blogged about yesterday.

Xisses Miss Jane

TUESDAY'S FASHION OBSESSION: DAYTIME SEQUINS and CHIC CHEAP POLISH

You ever hear that whole old-school "after 5" rule... You know, the stuff you're not supposed to wear until evening hours... ie mini skirts, sky-high heels, and -- the focus of today's post -- SEQUINS.

Well, it's not the 90s, I'm not a senior citizen, and I barely like to follow "rules" so I decided to break out of that old hangup and embrace a little daytime sparkle.

And don't worry about those folk that will say "Who does she think she is all fancy during the DAY???" Your response, vibe, and presence should say, "I don't THINK-- I KNOW I'm FAB... so keeping chatting and admiring!" LOL

While I was out shopping, trying to turn around what had become a very annoying work week, I found this great cream/blush, floral-print sequin tee on sale at H&M for $15 (similar in color and shape to the one below. And no, the model does it NO justice. Just think of it as more fitted on me with floral print and better sequin layering). I know... ALLLLL that???  Yes, all that and all FAB. (I guess I should've taken a pic of the top! LOL! Maybe I'll take an outfit of the day pic when I wear it.)

 

It has a muted glamor about it and seems very versatile. Can't wait to pair it with some skinny crop pants or shorts or maybe even a pleated skirt. 

Rasheeda (of Love & HipHop ATL ... yet another #realityTV obsession of mine lately) wore one in last night's episode that was nice.

***(I can't vouch for the accessories though. Don't think the triple herringbones, the yellow drop earrings and that chunky cocktail finger candy was a good match, but I digress)***

Here are a couple more hot sequin tops on my wish list: 

 

Asos ; Telltale Hearts ;  Topshop; Asos

I have to shout out my gyal Sirita for being the queen of daytime sequins and vintage sequin tops. She would always wear them fearlessly and well, and I eventually got into it myself! So shouts to my FAB sis! 

Okay, so on to the next: Cheap chic polish. Doesn't it seem like the hood spots with the cheap/mani pedis have the BEST selection of colors that POP but not in the quality of the polish? It's usually that $1 polish that chips after ONE or TWO hand/dish/hair washing sessions? I hate it. I usually either bring my own polish or only go to the spots I know have Essie or Opi polish offerings. BUT, Wet & Wild has saved the day! 

Remember Wet n Wild used to be the cheap drugstore brand that teenyboppers and teens could rely on when you couldn't afford Cover Girl or Maybelline? (This was BEFORE the MAC days... I guess I'm showing my age a bit). Anywho, they have a $2 polish that, to me, is just as good as Essie (when it comes to the density, color hues and thickness of the polish.) 

I recently picked up their new MegaLast Salon Nail Colors and I LOVE THEM. Lately, I been obsessed with sherbert colors, (kinda over my usual obsession with hot/neon pink) and I def. love a brush that covers most of the nail with one swipe. That kind of brush makes your nails look like you actually got them done professionally because there's less likelihood of making a mistake when you only have to do one or two swipes on your nail to paint it and the shape of the tip is perfect for your nails.

 

Club Havana; On A Trip; Heatwave; Refresh-Mint

I'm crazy about On A Trip, Club Havana, and Refresh-Mint the most. Use a good top coat (try Beauty Secrets or Seche Vite) and it will literally look like you just came from the nail salon. I get many compliments, and though I do regularly get my nails and toes done, I can usually reply with  "Nah, haven't been to the nail shop in a week." LOL. 

**Again sorry about the photo quality... Gotta get into the digicam world like the rest of the bloggers! Soon come!**

Well that's it for me today. See ya at the next FAB post. 

Xisses Miss Jane.

TUESDAY FASHION OBSESSIONS: SHEER MADNESS, NUDE LINGERIE FOR BLACK WOMEN & SCARVES GALORE


Hi FAB ladies. So we all have our fashion obsessions, but mine change from day to day (or even minute to minute.) I get excited about an item or a look, and I go crazy searching for pieces and looks to fit my wardrobe and style.

I decided I'd channel my obsessions and post them whenever I feel the need to share with you.

Today, I'm absolutely FABuliciously obsessed with anything sheer. Everyone's wearing it, but that's not what it's about. There's a sexy allure to sheer that can be pulled off from day to night, from button-down blouses, sheer panels in a freak 'em dress or sheer maxi dresses, jumpsuits and skirts in poppin' colors.

  Asos; Zara; Asos; Asos

(Clearly I'm obsessed with Asos as well, but that's a whole other post LOL)


I just recently purchased a bright orange jumper that has sheer pants legs and I ADORE it. I want to go buy it in every color. The piece I bought came from NYC's SOHO. It was one of the boutiques along Broadway. (If I can remember the name of the store later, I'll post it.) The jumpsuit I bought features long inseams (which is perfect for me since I'm 5'9 and have long legs) so I'd say be conscious of the hemline and the fall of the pant when purchasing an item like this.

**Sorry about the photo quality. We'll get better with that soon ;) **



  Here are some similar options to check out online:

Arden B: Forever 21; Dillards


With anything sheer, the question always is, What do you wear underneath?

This is the perfect time for great lingerie or shapewear. I'm a big fan of mixing colors and prints, so try a brightly-hued tank, bralet or bra. (I chose an ultra pink lace tank and pink bra with my jumpsuit. It already had a shorts slip attached to it, but you still want to be sure to wear a nude or dark thong or full panty).

Try some of these options:

 Forever 21; Forever 21; Victoria's Secret; Asos

With a printed sheer jumpsuit, (or if you're just not into mixing colors) try a nude or black bra. I know oftentimes us black gyals (who come in all shades and undertones) can't find nudes that match us perfectly. Either they're too light, too peachy, or too dark. But try these options:

 MySkins; Macy's; Victoria's Secret; American Apparel

Also, try this trick: Wear your usual black or white bra or whatever color bra you have and just put a cotton brown or neutral-hued bralet, tank or soft-fabric bra on top. That will either hide any patterns or darkness of the bra underneath.


If there's sheer panels on the sides, or the dress or jumpsuit is backless, go commando or wear pasties. (Go FAB or go home.)

If you don't feel comfy going commando, try a backless or low-back convertible bra and a nude panty that matches your skin tone from outlets like Victoria's Secret, Calvin Klein, American Apparel or Bare Necessities. Or maybe even get some nude fabric sewn under the sheer panel that will smooth any dents, bumps and imperfections. (Hey, no matter what size you are, we all have stretch marks, cellulite, uneven skin and the like).

I really hate seeing any Spanx or nude panty lines at the side panels of sheer FAB pieces, but hey, DO YOU BOO.

(I say Hells No to this look, but I love Kim K. To each her own. Commando would have been fine with me, and maybe an intimate pasty to smooth out the front silhouette, but we all know Kim love her some Spanx. And I won't start on the boots... LOL. Love you Kimmy!)

Anywho, to take a sheer look from too risque to day, try adding a blazer, layering a tee or tanks or wearing a solid-colored bodysuit and lots of accessories.

 
Asos; J. Crew ; Asos

OAN: I already purchased two pleated dresses from H&M (that look similar to these (below) from Zara.). They were on sale for $15! (I got for one $10 because it was mismarked. Check here for H&M locations that are having sales in your city.)

I plan to purchase more sheer-accented items as the summer goes on. (These are on my wish list.)

Let's get sheer for the summer and be FAB sexy and free-spirited.

Oh, one more thing: I'm LOVING silky, printed scarves. LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM, especially for my hair since I've recently cut off the relaxed ends and gone natural. I get easily bored with styles, so to avoid turning back to the creamy crack, I've been making major use of scarves.

The one I'm wearing here is a vintage scarf I got from a Housing Works sale a while back. (It was one of those $20 bag sales, where you dig through a bunch of stuff and fit as much as you can in a bag and only pay $20 per bag). I'm terrible at thrifting (no patience and frankly never wear most of the things I buy), but this one was a keeper.

Here are some other picks to try. (I actually bought the first one and another one (not pictured) from H&M. The first one has a great black panther on it and lovely lime color throughout.)

H&M; H&M; Hermes ; Asos

You can even find some nice printed (and affordable) scarves at your local beauty supply store. (That's yet another obsession of mine, as I feel like a kid in a candy store when a new BIG beauty supply opens in my neighborhood).

I'd stay away from the fake Gucci or Fendi or Chanel scarves (though, by all means, if it has bright colors and you cool with it being fake, DO YOU BOO BOO), but sometimes they have great $5 options that work perfect for your hair. Also, try your local Pay Half, Pretty Girl and Dollar Store (General Dollar, Family Dollar and all those dollars).

Love how Joseline from LHH ATL wears her signature scarf look. (I know... #ratchet ... but chic is chic nonetheless.)

Here's a great YouTube tut on unique and chic ways to tie scarves by YT natural diva WomanInTheJungle:

 And lastly, here's some great ways to wear scarves with your ensembles by the FAB YT diva WendysLookbook.

Say FAB. Xiss Miss Jane ;)