blue crush

When I find something I like - albeit a song, food, shirt, or bag - I tend to OVERuse/play/wear said item. Case in point: this blue Zara top. Not only did I purchase one in every color, I must have worn them at least three times. Each. There's something comfortable about them. Easy to wear. Looks good with anything and everything. And simple. I don't like anything fussy. Hopefully my coworkers dont notice (I mean, outing myself on a blog probably doesn't help).

Is this what you call a rut?

top: Zara; Jeans: Forever 21; Shoes: Julian Louie x ALDO; Bag: Rebecca Minkoff; Necklace: Forever 21; Bracelets: Forever 21, Topshop, Avon, DIY friendship bracelets

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Christmas in July (almost) - Express Holiday 2011 with Lucky Mag

Rarely do I ever venture north of 14th street in NYC but Saturday night, I made a special exception as Lucky mag and Express had invited me as a guest to get the first look at Express' holiday collection. If you remember correctly, I told you Express was attempting to break the Guinness World Record for most people walking the runway. Not only did they beat it, those crazy kids DOUBLED it. Kudos! Myself and seven other bloggers ventured out to Times Square decked in Express gear courtesy of the brand (my sequined shirt not only made my life but reminded me that I need to stock up on more glittery things).

My VISA Hates Me, The Budget Babe, Sweet Caroline in the City, Diary of a Fashion Addict, moi, Court and Hudson, Pretty Connected, Aspiring Socialite

The Express Holiday 2011 collection is full sequined minis, sweaters over jackets and rich colors guaranteed to make a statement. Photos from the runway show will also serve as the brand's campaign images meaning if you were watching the show (live or online), you got a sneak peek. The full collection is available in stores come October. In the meantime, stay tuned for a full video, more splashy pictures in which I show you what I wore and more talk of glittered shirts and sky high wedges. For now, I'm just trying to deal with the fact that it's Monday ;)

Photos courtesy of Patrick Butler

Fact: Lucky and Express outfitted me for the night AND gave me a $200 gift card. Nice, non? Check out my disclosure if you're feeling frisky. Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Sweet Sixteen: Osmotics' 16th Birthday Sale!

Help Osmotics ring in their 16th birthday! The skincare brand is currently offering 20% off on osmotics.com but you have to be quick! Perfect timing for you to stock up on their Age Prevention Protection Extreme SPF 40 to protect skin this summer.

About the brand:
Founded by Francine Porter in 1993, the company’s unique formulations offer serious skin care for serious results. Osmotics offers cutting edge treatments for skin and hair that are based on the most advanced, clinically proven technologies from leading medical universities around the world.

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Model for a Minute

crappy BlackBerry pic FTW!

This Saturday - ahem tomorrow - from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Express wants to set a new Guinness world record and they need your help kids. In order to have the largest number of people modeling on a catwalk, they're setting up a runway in the heart of tourist city NYC - Times Square. Between 9am-6pm, YOU can waltz/catwalk/shimmy your way on a runway. The current record is held by Galeries Lafayette, a French department store, who had 521 participants.

Not only that, at 9pm Express is holding ANOTHER runway show (but this time with legit working models -- no offense) to celebrate/preview their holiday collection. I'll be in attendance, courtesy of Lucky mag, so follow me on the Twitterz for updates :)

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

You Can't Fake Fashion

Bangle: Juicy Couture; Neon Pink Bracelet: Topshop; Orange & Pink Friendship Bracelet: DIY; Watch: Betsey Johnson; Scarf: Vivienne Tam (gifted)

When I heard of the CFDA's (Council of fashion Designers of America) new campaign "You Can't Fake Fashion," I checked my bank account to make sure that it was ready for the damage that was about to be done. The campaign aims "to raise awareness against counterfeit goods and celebrate original design" in the fashion industry. To kick things off, the CFDA teamed up with eBay to create a collection of 50 original canvas tote bags with the tagline YOU CAN’T FAKE FASHION. Some of my favorite designers/ brands (Diane von Furstenberg, Rodarte, The Row to name a few) were included and at $150, I started to question how badly I wanted a tote. In the end, I opted for the standard tote ($35).

Little do most folks know that their hard earned cash spent on a Canal Street knockoff goes to funding drug rings, terrorism, human trafficking and illegal child labor. When it comes to fast fashion's love of copying designer wares, this not only hurts the designer but their business as a whole. Now, don't get me wrong, I love to shop at Forever 21 since the prices are affordable but when I spot a blatant copycat not only am I disgusted, I simply don't purchase it.

I've been carrying this bag around virtually everyday since I received it in the mail. Hopefully the CFDA will do another round since I know too many people who missed out on a bag (plus I won't be against purchasing another!).

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

New on the Scene: Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Lashes

When it comes to mascara, it's either Lancome or bust (when it comes to luxury). Ôscillation changed the way I operate a wand (no movement!) and Hypnôse Drama changed the way my lashes looked (so full!). Et maintenant, the French luxury brand is introducing a new mascara to whet your appetite.

Hypnôse Doll Lashes wants to give you doll-like lashes with every stroke of the wand.

Seven years in the making, the cone shaped, triple patented I-conic brush provides smooth application and defines the corner and lower lashes (if you've got 'em...I SWEAR I was robbed of any lower lashes). The bristles separate lashes allowing you to add another layer if you want an intense and dramatic look. The formula contains nylon powders that promise to sculpt and curl each lash for a voluminous, jet-black finish.

Hypnôse Doll Lashes is now available exclusively at Dillard’s and Dillards.com and will roll-out nationally in September.

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Kérastase Paris Introduces Soleil Huile Céleste

Fact: despite writing about beauty for the past four years, I decided to color my hair deep into summer and several weeks before I take off for my Caribbean vacation. Any girl worth her Mason Pearson would know that hair is susceptible to fading during the summer months (I do not want my red locks turning orange... ew!). While this wasn't my brightest moment, I'm ready to protect my hair no matter what it takes.

Enter Kérastase Paris and their new Soleil Huile Céleste ($39). This shimmering protective hair oil mist features UVA and UVB filters to shield against damaging environmental aggressors as well as macadamia oil to prevent the hair from drying out. When I saw the word "shimmer" I nearly tossed the bottle but after spritzing all over, I noticed that it was shimmer in its subtlest form. In other words, no need to fear the return of an 80s dance party happening on your head.

Soleil Huile Céleste is available in Kérastase Consultant Salons nationwide and online at www.kerastase-usa.com.



Disclosure: Sample provided for editorial consideration. Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Seen & Heard: M·A·C Pro Hit the Pavement Block Party

Last week, I attended a block party hosted by M·A·C Pro held underneath the Highline. While I ate my way though Wafles & Dinges and danced to Neneh Cherry, I gawked at the gorgeous and downright hilarious creations of M·A·C Senior Artists Keri Blair, Chantal Miller and many others. Between eight sets, there were models painted head to toe to replicate street performers.

Check out a few of my faves below.

Don't forget to head to the MissWYA Facebook page! I've posted tons of images of M·A·C's new Semi Precious collection. Full review to come but in the meantime, check it out!

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

#eileendoesdiy: Friendship Bracelets

It seems I've been bit by the DIY bug! On Fourth of July weekend I found myself knee deep in acrylic paint and leather pouches et maintenant, I'm making friendship bracelets!

Two of my friends just hosted a Craft Up (cute name!) in Central Park and I knew I had to go! With supplies provided by M&J; Trimming, we busied ourselves with friendship bracelets and snacks. I must admit two things: 1. My behind got there ridiculously late, thus allowing me to make one bracelet, and 2. I need to step up my DIY skills :D


My little guy


Other bracelets (lesleykat.com, ispydiy.com and alwaysinstyle.com are in there somewhere)

Carol's Daughter Monoi Review + GIVEAWAY!

As someone who is desperately nursing her hair back to health, I'm way more aware of what goes on my hair on a daily basis. In the past, I was quite likely to pick up just about any shampoo/conditioner combo and slather it all over my hair without a doubt. When my hair would break, I simply blamed the fact that I chemically relaxed my hair. I mean, that's totally normal right? It's expected!

WRONG!

Chemically relaxed, natural, curly, wavy,straight -- DOESN'T MATTER! Healthy hair is healthy hair no matter how you put it. Not only was I dealing with breakage, there's the ever present dry scalp/ dandruff issue, a very embarrassing but realistic fact.

Deciding that enough was enough, I started paying attention to what I purchased, reviewed and kept in my bathroom. I had three simple goals when I decided to take care of my hair:

1. Stop the breakage
2. GROW my hair out (I have a personal goal of having my hair reach the middle of my back...no easy feat.)
3. Cut the dandruff

When Carol's Daughter announced their Monoi collection (read here for more), I was intrigued. Carol's Daughter is all about promoting healthy hair so what not try it out? Using the Monoi Oil, the product of a sacred Polynesian ritual over 2,000 years old, Carol's Daughter created this three-step hair system focusing on getting hair healthy and maintaining it.

How does it work?
Monoi oil strengthens and repairs fine, delicate, heat or chemically-treated hair. In other words, they created this JUST FOR ME :) While the line is said to be clinically-proven to help revive hair and reverse damage after only one use, I didn't see a MAJOR difference until about the second use.

la pièce de résistance
After using the full line for about a month, I've developed a lovely relationship with the Monoi Repairing Conditioner ($20) and the Repairing Hair Mask ($28).

The Repairing Conditioner is an antioxidant-rich formula that penetrates hair with a natural blend of Bamboo Water, Panthenol, and UV Protectors. The Repairing Hair Mask not only smells yummy but contains a blend of nourishing extracts, butters and oils that envelops hair and works! Once it's rinsed out my hair was noticeable shinier (again detangling was ahh-maze). One of my biggest fears is detangling my hair post shampoo. Holy hell my hair knots and tangles quicker than anyone I've ever known. And when the roots grow in...giirrrll it is NOT pretty. Detangling was a BREEZE after using the conditioner + mask combo. I was amazed (so was my hair stylist haha). All while leaving your hair smelling unbelievably good.

Would I recommend this line to anyone? YOU BET. Hell I'm recommending it to EVERYONE!


Here's the fun part
Because I love this, Carol's Daughter has graciously agreed to host a giveaway...YEAH! Two winners will receive the Monoi Repairing Hair Mask. To enter, shoot me an email to [email protected] and tell why you think you need this bad boy. The subject line of your email should read "Carol's Daughter Giveaway." The contest ends at 11pm (EST) on Tuesday, July 19th. On Thursday, July 21st, I'll be announcing the winner. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. readers only.

Can't wait for the giveaway to end? Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Collection is available at Sephora, carolsdaughter.com and at Carol’s Daughter Stores.

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

just a little somethin' to break the monotony

Jacket: American Eagle; Top and Skirt: Zara; Sandals: F21; Bracelets: F21, Rebecca Minkoff; Watch: Betsey Johnson; Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff; Sunglasses: House of Harlow 1960

this may seem a bit depressing but i find it quite hard to believe, it's already July. we're two weeks into the month (already) and before you know it -- BOOM! Fall's here. perhaps this has hit me so soon because I'm going away in august. I'm going back to the mother land - well, my mother's land, Haiti - to visit my family again. the two week break smack dab in the middle of the month sorta ruins things as when i come back it's practically September. while last year's trip was more about fun and catching up with cousins, this year is more focused on taking care of my grandparents.

aging. it's so difficult.

while i think way too much about this, I'm forcing myself to enjoy every single minute of my summer. why is it that summer comes and goes but winter lasts forever? no idea. in the meantime, orange flowered skirts for everybody!

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

something navy

Bracelets: Forever 21, Rebecca Minkoff; Watch: Betsey Johnson; Bag: Rebecca Minkoff "Paramour" Bag

Is there anything better than a solid navy colored bag? I've always grown up thinking that black was the way to go. It matches everything, classic and never on the "trendy" fence. However, black can get boring. At times it's so meh. I ventured into the world of navy, first with a cheapo purse from H&M. I warmed up to the idea and finally dived deeper when the Rebecca Minkoff sample sale hit town. I went IN, purchasing two lovely navy bags (first one here).

No regrets.

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Happy 4th Birthday MissWYA!!

source

WHEW!

It's been FOUR years since I started this wee old blog and I cannot believe it's still chugging along! I started MissWYA for several reasons:
1. I was reading other blogs I loved and thought, "Damn I could do this"
2. I disagreed with the advice magazines gave to women of color - if they ever gave any at all
3. I was super bored on a Sunday evening and had just finished watching Breakfast at Tiffany's for the millionth time that weekend 

Et maintenent, this blog has seen a lot of things. From New York Fashion Week, to baby's first trip to Paris, to my college graduation, to my first "grown up" job. This site is as much a part of me as ever. *weeps* I never thought anyone would care about what I have to say and while I'm not rolling in dough from blogging or releasing a book anytime soon, I'm proud of this itty bitty site.

THANK YOU...
...for reading
...for NOT reading [bye hater...;)...]
...for commenting
...for tweeting 
...for "Liking"

To celebrate, the lovely folks from TRESemmé are giving FOUR amazing readers a bottle of their new Flawless Curls Spray Gel. Remember when I wrote about it here? Now you have the chance win a bottle for yourself. Flawless Curls Spray Gel calms down curly hair to avoid frizz and give you straight up bouncing curls. POWER CURLS I call it. The fun part? I have STRAIGHT hair and use this guy since I hate applying gel with my hands. Weird fact about yours truly -- I hate getting any product directly on my hands so anything with a spray is a gift from the heavens.

To enter, shoot me an email to [email protected] and tell me something dirty. KIDDING! I want nothing to do with that. Instead, let me know your biggest hair faux pas. What's mine? Cutting my long hair right before freshman year of college - in an attempt to look older - to an uber short bob. I looked like DORA THE EXPLORER! Let's file that under the Never Again Tour of 2006 (credit).

The subject line of your email should read "TRESemmé Giveaway." The contest ends at 11pm (EST) on Wednesday, July 13th. On Friday, July 15th, I'll be announcing the winner. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. readers only.

If you want additional chances to win:
-- "Like" MissWhoever You Are on Facebook and show me some lovin'
-- Follow @MissWhoeverUR on Twitter and tweet: "Hey @MissWhoeverUR, I want to win your TRESemmé giveaway!"

Best of luck and thank you to TRESemmé for sponsoring this giveaway and celebrating FOUR years of MissWYA. Cheers to many more homeslice.

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Beauty News: The Makeup Show Heads to Berlin

One of the leading conventions for makeup artists and beauty lovers - novice or expert - is packing its makeup bags and heading over to Berlin, Germany. The Makeup Show Europe has announced its debut in Berlin, Germany this Fall (September 17 and 18th). While there, expect hands-on workshops, keynote speakers with some of the industry's leading experts and exclusive offers.

The Makeup Show Europe is held on Saturday, September 17, 2011 from 9am to 6pm and on Sunday, September 18, 2011 from 9am to 5pm at STATION - Berlin Luckenwalder Strasse 4-6, 10963 Berlin. For a complete list of participating brands, educational speakers, schedule of events and prices, please visit www.themakeupshow.com.

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

The Perfect Cat Eye Frames

Hello skidderoos! It's the frikkin weekend!!

Aside from beauty products, one of the things I tend to hoard are sunglasses. I'm quite addicted to them - over sized, aviators, wayfarer-esque - I'm sure I have 'em all. I buy them everywhere and anywhere from the vendors on the street to F21 and Zara. It's a rather annoying habit but I'm convinced to find a pair that I absolutely love. More specifically- I've been on the hunt for the greatest cat eye sunnies your eyes have ever laid on for just about a year and a half. Technically it's been since I was 12 and first watched Breakfast at Tiffany's - but who's being nit picky here?

There was the Tom Ford "Anouk" but at the time of its release, I was but a poor college student. Weeping silently, I've chugged along searching. Until about February when I spotted one of my sartorial heroines, Nicole Richie, sporting a wicked pair. Naturally it led to many nights of a deep and fruitful relationship with Google. I later learned it was the "Chelsea" from her very own line, House of Harlow 1960.

Paging Captain Obvious.

After much debate, I finally pre-ordered them a month and a half ago on Revolve Clothing. And forgot. Until I spotted a bit of cash missing from my bank account, received a shipping confirmation and voila! The shades appeared on my front door within a week and I'm sure I haven't taken them off since.

No seriously. I'm wearing them as we speak. #love

House of Harlow 1960 "Chelsea" sugnlasses with IMAN Cosmetics lipstick in "Iman Red"

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.