Fashion: Bib Necklaces!

I have been seeing a lot of bib necklaces on The Runway and also while people watching in Toronto... I have one bib necklace that I bought a few years ago and wore only once, but I've been inspired to not only wear that bib necklace again, but to find another one that is more 2009 as opposed to 2007... lol

Are you interested in investing in this trend?? If so, here is what I found on shopbop.com
:

1. Rachel Leigh Cleo Teardrop Collar Necklace $132

2. Kiki De Montparnasse Fringe Benefits Necklace $595

3. Dani Jo Ettalita Necklace $320

I absolutely looove the fringe one! But I'd have to break the bank to cop it! lol

You can get all of the above at shopbop.com

AND Here are a few items that I found on Forever 21 and Net-a-Porter's websites:

1. Flowered Bib Necklace $9.80 - Forever 21 - This one is sold out! But you can try this one!

2. By Malene Birger Multicolor Bead Necklace $295

3. Mirrored Disc Necklace $9.80 - Forever 21

And below: My girl Jyoti (left), recently rocked it like it was hot at my BFF's All Black Affair Party with her gorge Prada Bib Necklace with Swarovski Detail and on the right is a picture of me wearing my turquoise bib necklace from a few summers ago.

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Spring Miss 2009

Hey ladies!!

I have been chosen as one of the contestants taking part in Coco & Lowe’s Spring Miss ’09 contest!! By being chosen I am eligible to win some amazing prizes like a photo shoot, gift bag and gift certificate courtesy of Coco & Lowe!!  If you are unfamiliar with Coco & Lowe, it’s a lifestyle company promoting everything from fashion to events, with beauty tips, love advice and daily inspirational quotes. 

For the next week, me and 14 other women will be featured on the website based on style and I  would be honoured if you voted for me!  

This contest will be on for 5 more weeks so if you want to enter, send a pic of you in your most stylish outfit to info@cocoandlowe.com to enter!

Thanks for your support!!

XOXO

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Jackie O's Words...

Name: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Age: Passed Away May 19, 1994 at age 64

Zodiac: Leo

Jackie said: "I don't think there are any men who are faithful to their wives."

I say: Argggggh... As much as I don't want this to be the truth, I think that it might just be; for at least 90% of married men... This leads me to a second issue... What would I do if I was married and my husband cheated on me? Would I swallow it like Jacquie? Or would I take him to divorce court and end things swiftly?? The recent notion that infidelity is an integral part of most marriages has caused me to rethink getting married at all. I'd almost rather live like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt or like Benji Madden and Nicole Richie or Halle and (the Hot French guy) lol, knowing that if I ever want to walk, the door is always there and that the same goes for him... I dunno... the fact that Jackie O was dealing with this during her time doesn't give me much hope that things will be much different nearly half a century later... Is it unrealistic to expect your spouse to be faithful throughout marriage?? Is marriage even worth it anymore?? 

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Shop Bop Sale: Get the Coupon Code for 20% OFF Sandals!

Spring has arrived and Summer is just around the corner! Our friends over at ShopBop are having a bomb digity sale where you get 20% off of all of their regular priced sandals... Woop Woop!

Follow the link to see the deals!

Take 20% OFF Sandals with Code SANDALS20! at shopbop.com

Code: SANDALS20

Discount: 20% off full-priced Contemporary sandals

Starts:March 29

Ends: April 1at 11:59PM PST

Below are my favorite flats:

Take 20% OFF Sandals with Code SANDALS20! at shopbop.com

Here are my favorite heels!

Take 20% OFF Sandals with Code SANDALS20! at shopbop.com

Take 20% OFF Sandals with Code SANDALS20! at shopbop.com

HAPPY SHOPPING!!

xoxo

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Relationships: If he doesn't want to be with you...

I was Youtube creaping and I stumbled across Robyn's Music Video for the single "Be Mine" - Its a song about hanging onto someone who never was and never will be yours AND on top of that doesn't treat you well.... Do you know a girl like the one in the video? Or better yet; Is the girl in the video you?   Well if it is, I have a few words for you...

While its easier said than done, it is pretty much cut and dry. He doesn't want to be with you? Stop trying, stop crying... stop holding out and hoping that he's going to change his mind.  He doesn't publicly acknowledge you? Girl you crazy???  You don't need that or need him. You'll never be his girl. Because if he wanted to be with you he would be with you. PERIOD.  Besides, why would he put a value on someone who doesn't value themselves??  Stop degrading yourself and move on...Did you not see how crazy Robyn looks in the video?? That will be you if you stick around... She's right - He never was and never will be yours...

Delete him from Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, BBM - delete his number... move on. Don't try and be his friend. It won't work... focus on you - start loving yourself.... Loving yourself is so easy to say, but it takes some time and is hard to do, so you better get started... Your life begins now.

I don't like being harsh but you can't sugar coat in this situation.... Just do it...

Ladies, can any of you relate?? I can - that's why I did this post

Love you all ;D

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Fashion: Kids Choice Awards Best Dressed!

It was The Kids Choice Awards this weekend and I absolutely loved the cute outfits that celebs came out in!

My top two faves were Cameron Diaz and Vanessa Hudgens and Keke Palmer was a close third.

Cameron worked it out in DSquared2 Candy Striped Pumps, Distressed 7 Jeans and a cute polka dot blouse by Michael Kors??? Not too sure, but it looks like it fits into his Spring 2009 collection.

Keke looked very cute as well!  Although her outfit was very Fall/Winter, she gets a pass cuz A) she's young (only 15!) and B) she upgraded last year's look by about 20 notches! Congrats Keke!

And last but not least - Vanessa Hudgens, I loved her studded boots, fringe blouse and BF shorts... She looked cute and gorge!  I must replicate this look some way some how this summer! Can anyone ID the designers she is wearing??

What do you guys think of their looks?

xoxo

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Sarah Jessica Parker's Words...

Name: Sarah Jessica Parker

Age: 44

Zodiac: Aries

Sarah Said: "I don't believe in email. I'm an old-fashioned girl. I prefer calling and hanging up"

I say: Me too!! I understand that electronic communication is totally necessary for business communication or if something is just too difficult to "say", but I don't understand how people only communicate electronically! Unless its something like, "meet me here", or "what time is dinner?" - don't text, BBM, MSN or iChat me... I can't deal... I speak to all my friends either over the phone or in person. IMO, electronic communication is wiggidy wack and can be a real waist of time, not to mention misunderstood and taken out of context. I understand that it can be useful in some situations (i.e. long distance etc.), but I feel like if you never graduate to the real thing, its like why bother talking anyway?? I've had this convo many times and my friends and I are split down the middle in terms of what they prefer... I dunno I feel like with facebook, myspace, blogs, twitter, text, bbm etc... does anyone even know anybody anymore??? Sheesh! lol

What do you think???

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The Week in Review...

This was another fun filled, Jam packed week over at WWW.... We announced our most recent YOU Day event, Introduced "A Woman's Words" which, by the way, has been met with rave reviews and we covered two really impactful topics related to life and relationships. Interracial dating and Hate between Women... Oh! And Rihanna was out in full effect this week and (obvi) dominated the WWW blogosphere with her fierceness!

What was your favorite post??

Most Popular: YOU DAY @ Hammam Spa!

Rihanna's Hair: Yay or Nay
Relationships: Interracial Dating

Rihanna's Tatt: What do you think?

Get Rihanna's Look!

Anti-Rape Devices

Designer Bags for every Budget

Why do women Hate on eachother??

Beauty: Make your eyes POP!
A Woman's Words!

ANTM Cycle 12 - Episode 5 recap
Music Video: Keri Hilson feat. Neyo & Kanye

New Ciara Music Video: Love, Sex & Magic

New Music by JLO

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Music: Jennifer Lopez - Hooked on You

Hooked On You - Jennifer Lopez
This is rumored to be one of JLo's singles on her upcoming album release... What do you think? I'm "undecided"....

Stay Bless,

LaToya

Shannae sez: I like it!  I can see my self getting hyped while cleaning my house to this track! "I'm hooked - I'm hooked on you - on you!" - Take it back to the hood! lol

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Music & Relationships: Keri Hilson - Hurt Me...

"Hurt me" is the bonus track on Keri's Album that just dropped and our girl Ebonne over at Jonesin Eb Style put us onto the track...

The song? Average IMO

The message? I think we can all relate...

It's gonna hurt me, more than it hurts you to leave... Sometimes for us to do what we really need to do, rather than want to do, it causes pain. Being able to withstand that pain is what I call strength! I'm sure some of us only wish we could bare to swallow the hurt and move ahead.

Listen to the words peeps, so very true!!

Stay Bless,

LaToya

Shannae sez: I've had that feeling before... like the dude has more of a "take-away" factor than I do (i.e. - he'll be good to go if we break up, but I won't - Or he'll bounce back and have a new girl in a week, and I'll be sitting down somewhere looking wack)... but you know what? Its all in your head... If you think that, then you will believe it, and guess what?? It will come true. So think in you're head "I'm the Ish!" repeat it to yourself on the daily, practice it in the mirror and you know what? You'll be fine... Don't disappear like Alexis after Kanye or fall off like Britney after Justin... Hold your head high like Halle after Eric Benet, Madonna after Guy Richie or Nicole Kidman after Tom Cruise - You're the ISH!! If you think it, others will too...

xoxo

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Naomi's Words...

Name: Naomi Campbell

Age: 38

Zodiac: Gemini (on the cusp of Cancer)

Naomi said: "Anger is a manifestation of a deeper issue... and that, for me, is based on insecurity, self-esteem and loneliness."

I say: I respect Naomi so much for being honest with herself...  We lie to ourselves all of the time.... How many of us say "I don't care what people think" - You do; you just don't want to appear weak or vulnerable. How many times have you said "I'm just staying with him until someone better comes along" - NO - you are staying with him because you're terrified of being alone and don't want him to be with anyone else.  Or this is a good one "I was gonna buy those shoes but they didn't have my size!" Nah... You have a spending problem and don't got two dimes to rub together and couldn't buy the shoes even if you wanted to. Everyone has a lie... What's my lie? I have a few, but here's one I'm willing to share: "I don't want to move to NY.  Why is everyone trying to leave Toronto? Why don't people just stay here and build?" The truth?  I'm scared of moving to NY, getting chewed up and spit out, then being forced to move back to TO in shame... There.  I said it.  

The moral of the story?  Stay true to yourself... Lying to yourself will only help the underlying problem manifest and only guarantees that nothing will change... Or worse you may start believing your lie. Naomi is admittedly lonely, I am scared of failure.... We need to deal with those issues.   Maybe Naomi needs to connect with her family to handle her loneliness - Maybe I need to realize that failure is a part of reaching goals and I may be hurting myself by avoiding it at all costs ... 

Wow - I think I just had an epiphany... 

What's your lie? And how are you going to tackle it.

Love you all...

xoxo

 

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Why do women hate on each other???

I saw this on Bossip and thought I should share:

All you have to do is pop in any thread on Bossip to see the pure an utter loathsome feelings black women hold towards one another, and Essence made an attempt at tackling the subject:

"When people learned that we wanted to photograph Iman, Taraji P. Henson and Serena Williams for our April cover, the comments started immediately. “Oh, they’ll never get along” was the refrain most often heard. It was as if the notion that three beautiful and accomplished Black women might come together for a joint cover shoot was just too outrageous to entertain.

Yet the murmurs weren’t totally without precedent. After all, Black women’s relationships with one another have often been fraught with tension. Truth is, we are sometimes our own worst enemy." Get the full story here

My take on the issue?? I think that it has nothing to do with colour... I think that it is just a woman thing... The sad thing about it is that it has been so intricately woven into some women's DNA that they don't even realize that they are doing it!!  Not too many people know this, but the whole woman on woman hate thing was a large reason why I started What Women Want.  I have experienced girls hating me or not liking me when they didn't know me from Adam.  I knew that it was more of a random "woman thing" and didn't take it personal, but it bothered me nonetheless and I wanted to do something to change it. That's when I thought that if there was a forum where women could get to know more about each other and then form their opinions based on real facts and actual experiences, the "hating" would subside.  And guess what, it worked! (well kinda...)

Us women still have a long way to go.... And don't get me wrong, I am not pointing fingers at anybody.  I have been guilty of the act too - not liking girls for frivolous reasons... or perfect example... So many of us are quick to judge Beyonce on this blog but NONE OF US KNOW HER!!   

Don't laugh, but the way that I've handled those feelings is through prayer... When I feel negativity is taking over, I ask God to remove all feelings of jealousy and negativity from my body... and you know what? It works - Honest to GOD... And I start feeling happy right away - and I also end up feeling genuinely happy for the person and wish them the best. I have even successfully turned girl-on-girl hater situations that I've had in the past into friendships... Its the best feeling!

But with that said, I still have no answers? Why do us ladies hate on each other so much?? We all know it, and we don't talk about it.

Is it because there aren't enough good men out there and its a competition thing?

Is it because of our own personal insecurities?

Is it because we are too emotional??

Or do you think that girl on girl hate is a fact of life and there is nothing wrong with it?

Lets talk about it, I think that there is a lot that we can learn from discussing this on the blog.

PS - I am not trying to blame women entirely, because there plenty of men out there with PHDs (Player Hater Degrees), but it just seems almost epidemic with women and I feel like it gives men the one up on us...

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Rihanna's Tattoo - What do you think she means by it??

I honestly feel for this girl. First off because I have a Pisces connection with her, and secondly, because I think that she needs a solid foundation.  Very similar to her, I left my family and moved across the country when I was 18.... While I love my family very much and they love and support me too - There are times when I went through things and never told them.  Not because they wouldn't care or couldn't help, but more because I kind of got used to my independent existence on the other end of the continent and didn't want to bog anyone down with "my problems"... But in retrospect, (and unfortunately a decade later) I realized that I should have never done that... Having a closer relationship with my fam would have helped my confidence and stability in more ways than I can describe. 

Although I still have my "ways", I am not like that as much anymore.  But I can't help but look at Rih Rih and the decisions she's making and think that she must be going through the same thing... She left her family at a young age, probably feels more at home in NY or LA and thinks that she can handle all of this on her own. But I think she needs to realize that there is nothing like the unbiased love, support and guidance that comes from her true fam.  I hope its not too late when she figures this out.

While I'm all for tattoos, I just feel like she has done this as a cry out for help... Why do you think she got the tat?  Do you think she'll be ok?? I dunno, I am worried about her, not to mention her career...  Am I overreacting?? 

Speak on it...

Side note: I bet a milli that her first post "beat down" performance is gonna break some internet and television ratings records....

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JLo's words...

Name: Jennifer Lopez

Age: 39

Zodiac: Leo

JLO said:  If you kiss on the first date and it's not right, then there will be no second date. Sometimes it's better to hold out and not kiss for a long time. I am a strong believer in kissing being very intimate, and the minute you kiss, the floodgates open for everything else.

I say: Great point... I've done both... kissed on the first date and it worked out, kissed on the first date and it didn't work out (that happened once! - I actually got dropped after the first date.... ugggh)... I've also not kissed on the first date and it worked out, Not kissed on the first date and it didn't work out... So I don't really think that there is a "rule of thumb" per se...

But JLO makes a great point... Kissing is the bomb diggity... It really is. Its so much better to save it - even when it seems sooooo hard!! When you hold out for a long time and then kiss... those kisses are like Buttah! 

What do you think?? 

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Beauty: Make your eyes POP!

My makeup regimen has been pretty standard for the past few years... I don't really change it up much unless I have to (i.e. a lipgloss or colour gets discontinued).  There are however, a few things I do from time to time on special occasions or when I want to give my look some extra POP! One of my my most favorite, easy and most effective ways to do this is by using shimmer on my inner eyes. I have the biggest butter fingers, so I really like this because its almost impossible to mess up! I actually got the idea almost 10 years ago after seeing the What's it Gonna Be video with Janet and Busta! Remember Janet's makeup??

I am a huge CARGO Cosmetics fan and they're $18 Eyelighter is the greatest for when you want to make your eyes pop during the daytime... My roommate and I use it all of the time.  CARGO has a great tutorial (shown below) that shows how best to POP your eyes... I don't do all of the steps... I am good with the inner eye...  But you can do all the steps if you want.  I love the look!

CARGO's Eyelighter is great for daytime use, but for that EXTRA night time POP, I would recommend Lise Watier's $18 Couler Folle Mineral Loose Powder Eyeshadow...  It is the TRUTH and goes on like Buttah and stays on like Spray Paint! I am wearing it below on the left in my yellow Birthday dress.  And in the picture on the right (where I am wearing the gold dress) I am actually using Stila's Gold Eye Shimmer... To apply the shimmer, I would recommend using a tiny brush like the one shown below, but a great substitution is a Q-tip if you don't have a brush!
There's me below wearing Lise Watier on the left and Stila Eye Shimmer on the right.

That's my beauty tip of the day!  What do you think of this look?? Do any of you do it?? And for old times sake, I've included the What's it Gonna Be video so you can see where I first got my eye shimmer inspiration! (Janet actually has two gems in between her eyes, but Its the same idea!)

xoxoxo

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Events: Petite Feet Sample Sale!!

Attention Toronto Readers! The Petite Feet Sample Sale is Back!!

I went last year with Yvonne and we got great deals!! And don't let the title fool you, there are styles for all shoe sizes... I'm a size 10 and I got the cutest pairs of shoes when we went in the fall. And if you are sample sale size (like 5, 6 or 7) you will be in HEAVEN!

Click on the Banner for further details and to sign up for VIP...

See you there!

xoxo

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ANTM Cylce 12 - Episode 5 Recap

 Did you watch ANTM last night??  Allison is back at it again...

Get her recap HERE

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Renee's words...

Name: Renee Zellweger

Age: 39

Zodiac: Taurus

Renee said: I believe in love, but I don't sit around waiting for it. I buy houses.

I say: Invest in yourself and your future... Renee is right! I hate stating the obvious, but a girl who has 'her own' is so much more attractive than someone who doesn't... Don't sit on your butt waiting for things to happen in LOVE and in life.  Get your shit together until your love life falls into place - start saving for that downpayment - pay down those debts - take a course - travel (by yourself if you have to!) - attend that seminar - go to the gym - go to that concert - take that trip - buy that car - NEED I SAY MORE??

Love you all...

xoxo

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Beauty: Rihanna's Hair Yay or Nay...

I've been trying to figure out whether I like Rih Rih's new curly-hawk or whatever its called... It looked good the other night when she was wearing that Missoni jumpsuit, but these pics that surfaced yesterday??? My first reaction is... No bueno Mami?  Also, is that a hair piece in there?? It got kinda long overnight if you ask me...

What do you think??

Fashion side note - Rihanna is wearing EVER Boyfriend shorts that can be purchased by following this shopbop.com link.. Her White Blazer is the Studded Leather Jacket by Balmain available at Net-a-Porter.  I am on the hunt for her gorgeous necklace and you can't see, but she's rockin some killer Louboutins with this outfit too... 

xoxo

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Fashion: Classic Designer Bags if you are Ballin, Broke or on a Budget...

Claire over at Fashionbombdaily inspired me to do this post:

Until I was about 21 I would get anxiety when I walked into Premium Designer boutiques... I would go into department stores and go straight to the denim section because I was scared to go to the Louis Vuitton, Gucci or Chanel counter because - who was I fooling??? If its Gucci, Chanel or Louis V, its GOT to be like five thousand dollars! And I can't afford that!!  lol... Then, I got a job at a High End Department store and I realized that I was fooling myself... 

If you want designer items, you can afford them... That includes LV, Gucci, all of that... 

Some of you may be thinking, Why is she posting this??? Its a recession! You are right, but I will be the first one to tell you that investing in classic bags has saved me money. How many of you spend $40 or $50 on a clutch or a cute purse to match your outfit every time that you have a special event... Or how many of you spend $100 or $150 on a leather bag every season??  I used to do that until I realized that I was waisting my money...  After building the courage to visit the Gucci Counter or the LV counter, I realized that designer bags aren't as expensive as you might think. Since then, I've  purchased a few classics and haven't had to spend a dime on a designer bag since... (Well I did by The Coffer bag, but I ate soup for three weeks so I could afford it, so that one doesn't count - lol)... 

So here is my rundown on designer bags for every budget:

If you are BROKE or just wanna get something tiny ($70 - $450):

These are great little add ons to an out fit, great for nights out on the town, when you don't want to carry too much and they very affordable...

Top left: Coach Madison Leather Wristlet $68  (The picture I posted doesn't match, but I wanted to give you the best idea... All leather is the best way to go...)

Top right: Signature Gucci Wristlet with a Charm $295 (You can't go wrong with this - and it also comes in black)

Bottom left: Damier Canvas Accessories Pouch $325 - You can fit so much in this thing! I have this one and wear it all the time! It is sexy and classic and goes with pretty much anything!

Bottom right: Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Pochette Wristlet $435 - This is REAL leather and it literally goes with everything that doesn't work with the damier canvas wristlet (i wore this with my bday outfit!)

On a BUDGET ($400 - $1200):

These are the bags that you do your research on, save for a bit and then purchase the one that best suits your style and your budget... 

Top Left: Gucci Chain Medium Hobo Bag with Horsebit Detail Strap $895

Top Right: Damier Canvas Speedy 25 $675 I own this bag and rock it with everything!!

Bottom Left: Coach Leather Zoe $398

Bottom Right: First Balenciaga Handbag $1195

If you are BALLIN (over $1200):

These are the bags that are up there in price but will be useful and will likely last for your entire adulthood.

Top left: Epi Leather Alma Bag By Louis Vuitton $1290 - This bag is real leather and will last a for years...

Top right: Monogram Canvas Manhattan GM $2180 - This bag comes in two sizes (the smaller one is $1600)

Bottom: Chanel Large Flap Bag aprox $2500 - This is the next and likely the last designer bag that I will purchase... This is the type of bag that you keep forever and pass on to your daughter and she can also rock it like its brand new...

Below are some pics of friends (Sasha, Rachel, Serena, Tanya, Vanessa and Leanne) rocking these classic designer bags like its hot:

My closing words: I am not telling anybody to run and drop hundreds or thousands of dollars on designer bags, but I am just trying to demonstrate the value of "shopping smart".  I am sure that there are many of you who can easily reach the $1000 mark if they counted up how much they've spent on random bags that they've picked up here and there... Why not buy a cute designer clutch for $300 and a designer bag for $700 and not have to worry about buying another bag for the next 5-10 years... I'm just sayin...

xoxo

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