Month: May 2016

Style Meet Up Ash & Rose Boutique

Published by vanavain

Happy Tuesday!!  Can we all say an Amen for this Summer like weather?  I mean let’s not forget that just the other day it felt like Winter.  Last week Wednesday we were blessed with 85 degrees and I held my first Style Meet up at Ash & Rose . It was the perfect weather to break out a new meet up and for attendees to sip and shop! After Meeting Co-owner Mary, visiting the space and working with their clothes I knew the meet had to be there.  There is something in this boutique for every Woman. Whether it be jewelry, statement dresses or 9-5 chic…Ash & Rose got us covered! The icing on the cake is the overall visual in the boutique.  There is a lot of inventory, but the set up makes it welcoming and unique so shopping remains fun.  Little things I tell ya. The focus of the meet up was to share must have Summer essentials, tips on maximizing those pieces and how to go from “Grind To Glam”(words of MUA …

Taste Of Nola Pt. 1

Published by vanavain

  Throwing it back to this gem of a place- New Orleans Louisiana. Traveling opens our minds, educates us and leaves us with a piece of that place we visited.  NOLA was the trip I didn’t know I needed.  Besides a few emails here and there and checking on my children it was truly a relaxing  vacation. I ate well.  Like three heavy meals as a kid in brooklyn type of well. We stayed at the Royal Sonesta   where Live Jazz replaced chirping birds and bagels were replaced by fresh fried beignets. My lenses can only show you a  small portion of this magic, so here’s a taste of NOLA… Share This:

#BostonCoffeeTalk- May

Published by vanavain

We got caught up in one of those “Sike it’s Winter”weather on  May 7th. Nothing too bad to not meet up for coffee though. May’s #BostonCoffeeTalk was  on Style( which was served so end of discussion!) and Self care. Most of us work and juggle some other type of responsibility.  Some of us families, side hustles or just the day to day activities.  One thing we all need and should always invest in is Self care.  It was great to meet some new locals and hear how they self care and juggle entrepreneurship! Enlightening convo and great tips.  Thank you all!  Those who couldn’t make it due to being stuck in the parade, you were there in spirit and your attempt is appreciated.  Hope to see you next month.   I did mention that style was served right? Well…..   Was I lying? I want to rock an Afro, steal Bridgette’s  boots and get fitted for a new suit. Yasss Boston come through! Speaking of STYLE- I will be having my first Style Meet Up at …

5 Ways To Wear A Collared Shirt

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I call them Men’s cut shirts for Women.  Some call it boyfriend button down shirt. Whatever you call it, get one! These shirts have the right amount of room, where Men’s sometimes are awkwardly big depending on the brand.  If you aren’t a pro at selecting them then start with these that H&M offer. They are comfortable, affordable and a wardrobe essential must have. Belt them, leave a few buttons undone, drop it past your shoulders….too many options! Below are five ways I wore my  H&M shirt within the last month. 9-5 chic/ Boss-babe  I wore this to church last weekend with the shirt pulled out(throw a skinny belt on it too).  9-5 Chic appropriate. Business Casual/meetings Tuck it in Wore this last month to run errands in the city and meet with clients. Vacationing Let it loose I wore this during the day while vacationing in New Orleans last month. Would look great with linen pants for the Summer or island attire. Aldos Boots  , Fanm Djanm bag Date night/ After work drinks Off the shoulder is so …

#NEWYORKCOFFEETALK Ft. Monroe Steele

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“Another one!”(DJ Khaled voice) Yup another Coffee Talk in NY! Our first NY feature was the ridiculously dope Monroe of  Fashion Steele.  If you didn’t catch my Instagram posts promoting the talk then what you missed was a long list of why she was featured….hmmm…One of the most consistent fashion bloggers, sickest shoe game ever with the best pair of legs to match and she stays true to her style, vision oh and in the day time she’s Dr. Monroe.  Love it Love it!  This is just a few of the many reasons. Empowering isn’t about having the same look, lifestyle and beliefs all the time.  For me its Simply I love what you do how you do it and thanks for the reminder that “It” is possible. Boom.  That’s it.  If a Woman is dope let her know because we lose nothing by lifting another one up. We touched on Women Empowerment and how important it is to support each other and have a circle where its okay to brag. You know, how Men …

Diamonds and Pearls

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When packing to go anywhere, grab some sort of sequins, textured fabric  and sneakers. Preferably  Converse sneakers. Oh and your fringe H&M earrings that go with everything. I pack like a crazy person, never really having a whole look, but things seem to always work out.  To be honest I think I just like the rush of planning an outfit on the spot.  That or I just will never get used to pre-planning outfits when I don’t know how I’m going to feel.  Yes it’s that serious.  Why would I dress opposite of how I feel if my ensemble can exude my exact mood that day?  Exactly there’s no reason at all. Any who.  I was a mixture of Cher(If you don’t know who she is I can’t help) in the early 70’s and a remix of a  little Haitian girl having her first communion. I looked at the dress and thought “hmmm all this white and all this glitter?! and then the typical Vana response of “Why not?!”.  Once I give myself the “why …