maven

We Moved.....

2010-03-10T23:58:00.000-08:00

The blog has moved to http://sheisamaven.com/

Stiletto Workout with June Ambrose

2009-07-16T23:30:00.000-07:00

I'm loving this Stiletto workout!

NYC Event - May 20th: Gift Bags for Good

2009-05-12T23:04:00.000-07:00

Mrs. O

2009-04-28T20:56:00.000-07:00

I don’t know how much room is on the bandwagon but I must admit the First Lady of the United States is my new role model. Not only does Michelle Obama represent many of my values: intelligence, hard work, charity, sincerity, marriage, and family, she also has a relationship with style that I can respect. She is a woman who is comfortable in her skin and knows what looks good on her body. She stands by her choices and owns whatever she wears.

The fashion industry more than appreciates that Mrs. Obama embraces color and she has shown that she is more than willing to try a less than well-known designer. Nonetheless I believe her strength as a fashion icon lies with her confidence. As she stands tall and offers a broad gleaming smile to all she meets, I cannot help but feel assured that this is a real woman. Her connection with fashion is intelligent and unapologetic. She has nothing to prove to anyone so she simply dresses to please herself.

Ultimately whenever I see Michelle Obama’s image I feel that what she wears truly represents who she is. That kind of honesty is something I aspire to have in my life and in my wardrobe.

Michelle

The WARSAW Tote

2009-03-29T00:35:00.000-07:00

Loving this simple everyday WARSAW tote.

Win this eco-friendly Jen dress from Zova LA!

2009-03-22T21:49:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I wrote a post on the Boyfriend Dress at Zova LA and right now, Shopflick is offering one lucky winner their adorable Jen Dress. Shopflick knows how important going green is, and they got the inside scoop on some great eco-chic designers.

Sign up to receive their newsletters - or ask a friend in the same size to do so - and you'll automatically be entered to win this trendy and stylish dress. A Shopflick bestseller that frequently sells out, this piece is made to fit and flatter many body types. The giveaway ends at the end of the month, so sign up today!

Club Monaco: At Your Service

2009-01-22T21:45:00.000-08:00

What is your Luxury?

2009-01-13T22:11:00.000-08:00

Domino is one of my favorite magazine's so it takes me a little longer to read it, I love the images and decor. In the November 2008 issue of Domino, the editor wrote about the “new” luxury and how today’s luxury goods are not just products but cultural artifacts and/or every day items. So she posed a question, what things in your life or surroundings is considered luxurious.

My personal luxuries are:

* A nice hot bath with candles
* My favorite Jo Malone scent
* Fresh Flowers
* The color white
* Mani/Pedi
* A comfy bed and fresh white linens
* Havaiana flip-flops
* Pure time with my family
* Time

What is your luxury?

The Go Green Expo: Los Angeles Jan 23 - 25th

2009-01-10T16:05:00.000-08:00

The Go Green Expo is coming to Los Angeles. This expo is for everyone interested in learning about environmentally friendly goods & services for use in modern everyday living.

What will you see?
• Over 200 Booths / Exhibits
• Interactive Seminars / Speeches
• Film Presentations
• Eco-Fashion Show
• Green Marketplace
• Demonstrations & hands on activities

When?
Business-to-Business Expo
Friday, January 23rd • 10am - 5pm

Business-to-Business & Business-to-Consumer Expo
Saturday, January 24th • 10am - 6pm
Sunday, January 25th • 10am - 5pm

Where?
The Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
www.lacclink.com

Why?
To learn how green alternatives can positively change the way you impact the environment. Each of our small changes make a big impact.

Tickets:
Adults - Weekend pass for Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 24 & 25 - $10
Children under the age of 12 - Free
Senior citizens (65+) - Free

NYC: OBAMARAMA BENEFIT PARTY - FREE!

2008-10-06T22:26:00.000-07:00

No cover to get in, as profits from the drinks will go to the Obama Campaign. So the drunker you get, the better the chance to get Obama into office! Funky Music Selections Spun By: Amir (BBE Kings Of Digging, Wax Poetics) Love On The Run (Foreal People, Secret Rendezvous) Fox 50 (Foreal People, Wax Poetics) Osore (Wax Society) Doors open at 10:00 pm!

Celebs: Don't Vote!

2008-10-02T21:56:00.003-07:00

more about "Celebs: 'Don't Vote'", posted with vodpod

BARACK the VOTE Shopping Party

2008-09-24T19:32:00.000-07:00

Cartoon Gossip - Ashton & Todd Style

2008-09-20T00:57:00.001-07:00

I am a huge fan of Todd Goldman. One of my amazing LL sisters shared one of Ashton Kutcher's new project called Blahgirls.com a new web series based on Todd Goldmans Blah Girls characters. I found it truly hilarious and girly. I love how they incorporate celebrity gossip with a cartoon feel to it. Check out the video below and enjoy their website!

944 Magazine :: 2-Year Anniversary Party

2008-08-29T01:05:00.001-07:00

944 Magazine 2-Year Anniversary Party is happening tomorrow Wednesday, September 3rd @ 8:00 pm at The Kress - Hollywood. The party will be hosted by Kourtney Kardashian with special guests Kim and Khloe Kardashian.

Thursdays @ the Beauty Bar - LA

2008-08-21T00:05:00.000-07:00

Rock the Vote Party - NYC 8/13/08

2008-08-12T17:54:00.000-07:00

Small Frank Sample Sale - NYC

2008-08-11T22:01:00.000-07:00

Kid Sister - In Studio!

2008-07-09T22:47:00.000-07:00

Kid Sister puts a twist on hip-hop that brings back the days of J.J. Fad "Supersonic" and L'Trimm "Cars with the Boom". Those were the days! URB Magazine goes into the studio and on set to catch Kid Sister working on her new album and posing for her second URB cover. Kid Sister album "Dream Date" is scheduled to release on August 19th. Pick it UP!

VIMBY - Kid Sister

Zova LA: The Boyfriend Dress

2008-07-07T21:59:00.000-07:00

Zova La is a high end line of Contemporary women’s clothing made of natural and recycled fabrics that aims to make preserving the environment and helping those in need fashionable.

Zova La’s ultra soft garments are manufactured primarily in Los Angeles exclusively with exceptional natural fabrics, such as modal, bamboo, silk, cashmere and soybean. The line’s dresses are great for the woman on the go because they are extremely versatile while still being fashionable and chic. They can be worn with flip flops during the day to run errands and then transformed into evening attire by slipping on a pair of heals and a few accessories. They are California chic with east coast flair.

Lush At Glendale Galleria - Grand Opening

2008-06-27T18:36:00.000-07:00

944 Magazine Two Year Anniversary Party

2008-06-23T22:37:00.000-07:00

944 Los Angeles Magazine is having its 2 year Anniversary Celebration on August 1, 2008. 944 covers all the hottest parties and events in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, Orange County, Phoenix, San Diego and San Francisco. The event will be held at Kress Hollywood , RSVP now to get on the list.

Tone it Up!

2008-06-17T21:42:00.000-07:00

Body+Soul magazine had a great article on tips to help me get in shape. When it comes to working out, I'm such a procrastinator! Visually (in my mind) I see myself thinner but it takes more than visualizing, it's taking "action" on my vision and dumping the excuses (oh you should hear my excuses).

Here's a few toning tips:

Take your meetings on the road by turning a sit-down session into a walk-and-talk.

Set an alarm to remind you to stand up at least once every hour.

Go dancing once a week

Don't take your TV commercials sitting down. Get up and move around; do a few jumping jacks or physical chores until the program comes back on.

Skip the elevator and take the stairs.

Play the Dance Dance Revolution video game (you don't have to be a kid to enjoy it).

Have (more) sex.

Get a cardio workout DVD and do it 1 to 2 times a week.

Spring Glam OC Event

2008-06-10T22:45:00.000-07:00

Sunset Strip Music Festival: June 26th - 28th!

2008-06-10T22:43:00.000-07:00

OBAMA 2008!

2008-06-10T22:38:00.000-07:00

Support the Barack Obama by ordering a FREE bumper sticker and placing it somewhere visible. The campaign is launching a nationwide visibility campaign and they need your support. GO OBAMA!

Tory Burch: The Hottest Summer Sandal!

2008-06-10T22:04:00.000-07:00

I love Tory Burch! Tory's summer sandal collection is hot - she has various styles with her signature gold emblem. You have to pick up a pair to wear with your neon manicured toes. You are in luck because she has a great sale going on, get a pair before they sell out!

Bring the on the curves....

2008-06-03T23:33:00.000-07:00

This ad is awesome! I was browsing through Lucky Magazine (I thought I was going to stop reading it but - ok your right, it's a pretty good mag) I glanced at this ad for Curvation and immediately felt like I could identify with this woman. I am also a curvaceous and petite black woman so I felt connected with this ad as there aren't many ads that feature curvaceous women to begin with, let alone black women. I usually find the really good multi-racial ads in Essence magazine. Glossies are so stereotypical and this ad defies the image that "skinny is in". It is ok to be curvy with hips, shapely legs and a bust line that most women pay to have, this ad says basically brings truth that we are all human!

Neon for Summer

2008-05-15T22:40:00.000-07:00

Summer is around the corner and I love getting my bi-weekly mani/pedi's. I also enjoying wearing cute Havaianas and bright colored nail polish. Fashion Weekly Daily reported that the new Essie Neon collection will be available in colors: Mini Shorts, Bermuda Shorts, Short Shorts, and Shorty Pants on June 1st. Say bye-bye to the dark nails!

Please Consider the Environment

2008-05-08T23:04:00.000-07:00

I am a magazine fanatic! I love subscribing to magazines that deal with fashion, beauty, life style, parenting and GOSSIP! Last year I had too many subscriptions and I was backlogged 3 months. I decided this year to only subscribe to mags that I am committed to reading as soon as I receive it in the mail and focus on reading more thought provoking material.

The magazines I decided to continue reading are Domino, Harpers Bazaar, Elle, Elle Décor, Glamour, O at Home, O – Oprah Mag, Real Simple, In Style and Essence. A few new magazines I’ll add to my list is: Martha Stewart Living and Rachel Ray. I am very upset that they got rid of Blue Print – it was such a great magazine.

I know this will sound very crazy but I decided not to continue with Lucky. Don't get me wrong Lucky is a wonderful magazine and my co-blogger swears by them, however it doesn't do much for me. I love fashion but it is 1) too much "style" information in one in magazine and 2) it only pisses me off when I can’t buy the things I’ve tagged! I have over 12 mags with tags of things I want but let's be realistic, how often do you buy the things you see in magazines?

Anyhow, the point of this post is that my renewal to Elle is due and I didn't realize digital subscriptions were available. I can purchase the digital copy, download it and watch it when I want. No more worries about my magazine arriving late because as soon as the monthly issue is ready to be release it is in my inbox, now that’s awesome! Having a digital issue is eco-friendly, saves trees and my boyfriend will be happy to see less magazines around the house. The only problem with everything being digital is it deprives me of touching the glossy pages, tearing out the article that “moved me” and being able to carry my mags with me wherever I go.

I guess if I want to help the environment, I will subscribe for the digital subscription, download it and start carrying my Mac book with me, guess I solved my own problem.

Interested in a digital subscription? Check out Zinio, you can get a free magazine to download.

Rogan For Target

2008-05-05T23:10:00.001-07:00

The Must Have Eco-Tote

2008-05-05T22:05:00.000-07:00

Just ordered this cute Papyrus Canvas Bag, that is available online for only $9.95! This eco-tote can be used for practically anything. I enjoy shopping at Farmer's Market, so this maybe my new veggie tote but then again I can also use it at the beach. Hmm... decisions.. decisions.

Need a new laptop sleeve?

2008-05-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

I am always on the hunt for a new laptop bag and/or sleeve. I found this chic Redmaloo Felt Laptop Sleeve in In Style magazine that I can use for my MacBook. I like the fact that I can use any tote bag and put my laptop into the sleeve to protect it from any scratches. The cool thing about this sleeve is it functions as workstation with an integrated mouse pad. It comes in a range of colors and traditional kimono fabrics.

Mrs. Meyer’s - Best Household Product

2008-04-27T18:26:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day products are amazing! Last night I spilled soda on my carpet, so I poured a drop of the solution on a rag, rubbed it on the carpet which created a lather and wha-la the spot was gone! It’s not only a great spot remover, it is environmentally friendly, biodegradable, chemical free, and cruelty-free. The products come in 6 awesome scents: Basil, Lavender, Geranium, Baby Blossom, Clary Sage Chamomile and Rhubarb. I just ordered the hand soap, detergent, all-purpose cleaner and used the Daily Candy 30% off discount code (DC30) for extra savings. If you sign up you can receive $5 off an order of $25.

Elle asks designers to create Sigg water bottles for charity

2008-04-17T22:41:00.000-07:00

I'm all about finding products that are best for the environment and for my family. The Sigg water bottle is eco-friendly and reusable aluminum. I can purchase a few bottles for my family and save on the cost of buying water bottles that end up being half used. Now, I need to just get a water filter for the house and we can fill up and go!

Earlier this month Elle magazine asked designers to create Sigg water bottles for charity. Some of the fashionable names that created one-of-a-kind designer bottles were Stella McCartney, Diane Von Furstenberg, Zac Posen, Michael Kors, Philip Lim, Tommy Hilfiger, Brian Reyes, and Chris Benz. The proceeds will benefit, StopGlobalWarming.org

My favorite bottle is the Anna Sui and the lovely Diane Von Furstenberg!

For the full story: www.fashionweekdaily.com

Want a Sigg? www.mysigg.com

Audrey Hepburn Beauty Tips

2008-04-10T23:30:00.001-07:00

Below is a wonderful poem Audrey Hepburn wrote when asked to share her 'beauty tips.'

It was read at her funeral years later.

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.

2008-04-02T08:35:00.000-07:00

I have been in Georgia for over 5 weeks now and I am amazed by how little I need to feel satisfied in my day-to-day life. I must admit that I miss being around my things. My books, my clothes, my toys, my stuff are all part of what make home, home for me. Still it is unrealistic to think I could take everything with me while I stayed in my mom’s guest room. Not only do I have my things to consider but all of Isaiah’s stuff as well. This life-changing move has been nothing if not an opportunity to learn and grow. One of the really interesting lessons has been how I am able to look stylish with only a fraction of my wardrobe on hand. This has been a challenge for me not only because I don’t have access to all my clothing but also because I am still trying to find my way when it comes to dressing casually. So what have I discovered? As long as you have some wardrobe staples such as great fitting jeans in light and dark washes, black pants, a denim skirt, striped shirts ( I love stripes), and some tank tops, you can build a great casual wardrobe. On top of that foundation you need to layer an interesting jacket, sweater or shirt. In addition, accessories are the statement-makers when the rest of your outfit is so basic. I love colorful flats, earrings, and a chunky watch. For a dash of color I sometimes add a scarf around the neck or tied to my handbag. When I follow these guidelines I feel put together, comfortable, and appropriately dress for running around during the day. I wonder where else I can apply this new “less is more” philosophy…

Corno

2008-03-26T22:22:00.000-07:00

Corno is one of my favorite artists, her paintings are so sensual. I found out about her through a BFF on Splendora.com. It's something about her art that makes me feel so sensual and exotic! I would love to get a self portrait from her.

You can check out Corno's art here in Los Angeles area:

Left Coast Galleries
12324 Ventura Boulevard
Studio City, CA 91604
818-760-7010

www.akagallery.com

What is Ideeli?

2008-03-10T23:33:00.001-07:00

I just joined this fabulous members-only shopping community for trendsetting young women called Ideeli. They offer authentic luxury items for 50 to 90% off their original price, plus give-aways each week. Membership is by invitation only. If you are interested, please send me your email address to mavensociety@gmail.com and I will send you an invitation code.

www.idelli.com

Happy Shopping!

What a Saturday!

2008-03-09T07:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Saturday, day 11 of my "Relocation to Atlanta" adventure. While my husband is in Long Beach working and preparing to sell our old home, I am at my mom's home in Columbus, Georgia living in limbo. While our son, Isaiah, has been pretty resilient about the move, he has moments when he just wants to go home and see his daddy. I have tried to acknowledge his feelings, as well as mine, but still focus on the wonderful new life that's ahead of us. Most of the time, we ride out the emotion until it passes.

The plan for yesterday was to hang out with our friend Alonzo, who has lived in California and currently resides in Union City, Georgia. I looked forward to this expedition although the only goal was to get to know the city better. The morning started with some clouds and a little sun. I was amazed to see what looked like tiny bits of semi-tranparent paper sprinkling down from the sky. I became even more excited when I realized they were snow flurries. Because this is the closest I've been to actual snow, I watched with fascination for over 10 minutes. Isaiah, who was awake but still in bed, joined me in gazing out the window as the flurries fell and dissappeared on the warm grass. I wondered how could it be could enough for snow flurries when the high the day before was at least 60 degrees?

Because of our distraction by the weather, we were late meeting Alonzo, which was a 90 minute drive by itself. Still, courtesy of our tour guide Alonzo, I had the opportunity to see more of the greater Atlanta area. We stopped at the very busy Cumberland Mall, had lunch, then went to Target and picked up a few items. With no real itnerary, we also drove around Marietta, Midtown Atlanta, and finally Decatur. Of all the places we saw, I really like Decatur. It had the charm of a small town, but one filled with hip, young residents. There were a number of small shops and restuarants that made up the downtown area. And, I noticed a good mix of people walking along the streets. I will definitely put this area on my list of neighborhoods to revisit.

After dropping off Alonzo in Union City at 4:30 p.m., I hopped on the 85 South headed back to Columbus. I wanted to be home before dark. While I was in the Columbus city limits by the time the sky turned gray, I thank God that there would be an extra hour in the day starting Sunday. I have yet to get used to how dark it gets here.