Fashion: What I wore to a Literary Journey! @shop_fy

Since the pics from A Literary Journey were posted, I've been getting a lot of questions about my outfit! I was wearing a Herve Leger Strapless Essential Dress and Christian Louboutin Rolande Patent Sling Back Pumps!
Now, those of you that know me know that I love a great deal, so I headed over to Fashionably Yours to get wardrobed! The retail value of my outfit is about $2000 and I spent a fraction of the cost for both items combined...



And just in case you were wondering, the items that I picked up were BRAND NEW, never worn, tags attached!! While there are a lot of lightly worn pieces available at FY, a lot of BRAND NEW items are available because they are provided by Magazine Editors, Stylists and Fashion insiders that get a lot of designer items for little to no cost! Check out the video that I shot of all of the cool finds there!

Contact Fashionably yours by emailing info@fashionablyyours.ca or calling 647-802-9687 so you can "Empty Your Closets & Fill Your Pockets!" by "Buying it, Wearing it and Selling it!"

PS - if you don't want to constantly go to visit FY to see what's in store, you can sign up for their "Wish List"... Tell them what brands and items you love and they will call you whenever they come in!! I'm on the Herve Leger and Christian Louboutin Wish List and it worked wonders for me!

Happy Shopping!

xoxo

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WWW sees Leona Lewis Live!

One of the greatest things about doing what I do is being able to meet some of the people that have inspired me in one way or another...
Last week I had the amazing opportunity to be up close and personal with one of those people! Alyssa and I watched Leona Lewis live in a very intimate performance for about 50 people courtesy of her Record Label and CHFI radio...
She sang some of her old songs, but she also sang the first single off of her latest Album ECHO - Happy
Her live performance made us speechless...





All in all it was a wonderful experience - Oh... and by the way, she is BEAUTIFUL.... Go out and get her Album!
Shay xo

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New Music: Rude Boy - Rihanna

xo

Like it! iPod worthy for sure...

Enjoy,

LaToya

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VIDEO: Words from Me to you...

Whatever it is you do, or whoever it is you are - Say it Loud and say it PROUD!!

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WWW Recommends: "No Disrespect" and Introduces Pauleanna Reid!!

What Women Want is GROWING!! It is with pleasure that I announce the latest addition to the team; Pauleanna Reid... Pauleanna is a Writer, Author of the Blog Come And Share My World, and will be recommending novels, movies and all things Literary to What Women Want readers! With the overwhelming success of A Literary Journey, its only natural that we move in this direction... Check out Pauleanna's video intro below:

Pauleanna's first recommended novel is "No Disrespect" by Sister Souljah... Here's what she had to say about it:

No Disrespect (Sistah Souljah, Auto-Biography, 1994)

Sistah Souljah's words have taught me many instrumental lessons about love and life. Her story has even inspired and given me the motivation to explore my own naked truths, by working towards my personal goal of becoming a published author.

Exploring non-fiction novels are great because readers get a chance to view the author’s world through their eyes and there’s nothing better than learning about someone else’s story and discovering how it relates to you!

I hope this book will impact you as much as it has touched me.

HAPPY READING!

~ Pauleanna

I'm so excited about this new addition to our Team -- Pauleanna is great and I look forward to working with her!

And don't forget to include your thoughts on the book in the comment section of this post...

Shay xo

(that's me and Pauleanna @ my Birthday last year - I told you she was awesome!)

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Oprah's Words...

Name: Oprah Winfrey

Age: 55

Zodiac: Aquarius

Oprah said: Before you agree to do anything that might add even the smallest amount of stress to your life, ask yourself: What is my truest intention? Give yourself time to let a yes resound within you. When it's right, I guarantee that your entire body will feel it.

I say: I need to do this TODAY there is something that I am struggling with that my mind is on side with, yet my body isn't... I really needed to see these words from Lady O...

xo

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Pictures from Literary Journey are up!!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PHOTO ALUM

Click on the pictures above to see the entire photo album..

ENJOY!

Shay xo

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WWW sits down with Jully Black!

Last week Alyssa and I were invited by our friends at Universal Music to sit down with miss Jully Black at Hammam Spa to discuss her most recent album "The Black Book"...

This was Alyssa's very first artist interview and she did AMAZING!! Check out the interview by watching the Youtube video above... In addition to her album, Alyssa and Jully got to talking about fashion, beauty and skin care tips!

Jully's most recent single is called Running and I looooove it! Her album is in stores now, so make sure you go out and get a copy, but before you do that, watch the video for Running below:

Me and Jully below...

Shay xo

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I MISS MUSIC: GABRIELLE - "Dreams"

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Do you like these shoes??

I can't decide whether I like these Strata 140 Suede Sandals by Christian Louboutin... I think I could see myself rocking them with a pair of jeans... what about you??

Shay

xo

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Madonna's Words...

Name: Madonna Ciccone

Age: 50

Zodiac: Leo

Madonna said: “Sometimes you have to be a bitch to get things done.”

I say: I struggle with this... I want to be liked by people and be a pleasant person to be around, but then I'll watch The Hills and see Kelly Cutrone be a QUEEN Bitch, but she gets things done and people respect her... I think that I need to find a healthy balance... But one thing that I do know is that I most definitely do need to be more of a B... Do y'all agree with me?

Shay

xo

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What Women Want Recommends: V:Space Holiday Shopping Event

Due to the current economic downturn, a new breed of budget-conscious, “cheap + chic” shoppers will emerge during the holiday season. Consumers will be on the hunt for gift ideas that are big on impression, but light on their pocketbooks.

In an attempt to provide consumers with the opportunity to shop smart, v:space studio, Toronto’s premiere social stationery design company, will be hosting an intimate Holiday Shopping Event tomorrow (Nov. 24) where all items from selected local vendors will be priced at $25 and under.

Every fashionista loves a great deal! Click on the picture for event details!

Shay

xo

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WWW Recommends: Songbirds!

This is going to be a beautiful event! Click on the pictures for details...

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WWW Recommends: The Power of Women

I can't wait for this event next Monday! AND even better, WWW readers get 2 tickets for the price of 1!

I can't wait for this event next Monday! Alyssa and I can't wait to meet Serena and Campbell Brown... AND even better, WWW readers get 2 tickets for the price of 1!

What Women Want

Special Member Offer

Buy 1 and Get 1 FREE Limited Time Offer

Experience The Power of Women: A Day Every Woman Deserves To Celebrate!

Serena Williams (Worlds #1 Ranked Women's Tennis Player), Campbell Brown (Emmy Award Winning Journalist, CNN Anchor & Former Co-Host NBC’s TODAY Weekend Edition), Tina Brown (Former Editor Vanity Fair and the New Yorker, Best-Selling Author “The Diana Chronicles”) & Lisa Daily (Best-Selling Author & Relationship Expert)

Live in Toronto , ON , November 30th, 2009 • 9:00AM to 5:00PM *

Metro Toronto Convention Centre

The internationally acclaimed Power of Women event will take place in Toronto , ON , on Monday November 30th, 2009. The event will take place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from 9:00AM to 5:00PM.

The event organizers, Power Within Inc. have arranged a corporate discount for members and guests of What Women Want. Register today because this event will sell out!

Tickets can be purchased on behalf of colleagues, clients and personal guests on a first-come, first-served basis! You are invited to forward this invitation to your personal network.

See these dynamic speakers in person!

Serena Williams, An athlete, an icon. Worlds #1 Ranked Women’s Tennis Player on Peak Performance

Campbell Brown, Emmy Award Winning Journalist, CNN News correspondent and former co-anchor of NBC’s TODAY Weekend Edition and host of Campbell Brown: No Bias No Bull on A Look At Current Events & What They Really Mean To Women

Tina Brown, Former editor of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, Best-Selling Author “The Diana Chronicles” on Leadership: Optimize Results in Today’s Environment by Demonstrating Your Core Values

Teresa Tapp, Creator of T-Tapp Workout and Author of “Fit and Fabulous in 15 Minutes” on Health & Wellness in the Workplace

Lisa Daily, Best-Selling Author Fifteen Minutes of Shame on Family & Relationships: A Humorous Approach to Living Life

Loren Slocum, Founder & CEO of Lobella International, Author of “Life Tuneups” on Meeting the Challenge of Work/Life Balance

What Women Want Member Discount:

For a limited time, members and guests can register for The Power of Women session at a rate of $189 plus GST (a $140 savings off the regular rate of $329) Ask about VIP tickets, includes preferred seating area. Member rate is $269 (regular rate $395).

*Added Bonus: Buy 1 and Get 1 FREE Limited Time Offer

To Register Call Matthew Toll Free 1-866-884-6737

Please contact The Power Within Inc., the company coordinating the event, to reserve your tickets. Call toll-free at 1-866-884-6737 and be sure to let Matthew know that you are calling for the What Women Want member and/or guest rate. Visa, MC or AMEX are acceptable forms of payment.

For more details, please visit:

http://www.powerwithin.com/pdf/POW_2PG_Corp-MC.pdf

In order to receive your What Women Want member discount, registrations must be done by telephone Toll Free 1-866-884-6737. Online registrations do not qualify for a discount.

PS: Please forward this invitation to your colleagues and guests because as a guest of yours, they will be able to take advantage of this special offer!

All sales are final. Tickets are transferable. Please add $5 service charge per transaction.

MUSIC: New Videos! Keri Hilson "I like" and Toni Braxton "So Yesterday"

Here are a few tunes to help you get through the day!

xo

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Fashion: Cookie Jeans

So you're at the mall. You see some fly looking jeans on the mannequin or the girl in the store's marketing. You pick up the jeans in your size and try them on yet they don't seem to look as good on you as they do in the ad. Convinced there is something wrong with the make of your body rather than the make of the jeans, you leave the store upset and empty handed.

Here's your solution...


Magic Johnson's wife Cooke Johnson launched her very own line of jeans earlier this year for real women with curves. She has teamed up with Michael Glasser, founder of 7 For All Mankind and Citizens of Humanity to launch this project.

"You know what, it's not me. It's the industry. I'm going to create a hot jean for us girls with curves so we can look just as good as that little skinny girl out there.'"

- Cookie Johnson

She also appeared on Oprah to talk about her line who absolutely loved it! Anything Oprah co-signs is worth checkin out! Here are a couple of the models that appeared with Cookie on the show. They're all real women, and lookin real good in those CJ Jeans.

LtoR:'JOY'LEGGING STYLE JEANS (DARK RINSE) $145, 'LOVE' BF JEANS (GREY VINTAGE) &198, 'TRUTH' HIGH WAIST JEANS $198

Available at Neiman Marcus

Alyssa
xoxo


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I MISS MUSIC: OLETA ADAMS

There are hills and mountains between us

Always something to get over...

I don't really know what to write about this song right now. It's got me kinda teary eyed to tell you the truth... I just encourage you to really listen to the lyrics!

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My Words...

I am playing major catch up today, so please bear with me... but I just want to let you know that yesterday was truly amazing and inspiring... Pictures will be available soon...

I said something last night that a few of the ladies there "Retweeted" so I thought that I would share it with you.

"I created the opportunity for myself" -- Me!

Last night when ladies asked how I started out doing what I do, I told them that I created the opportunity for myself. No magazine willing to give me a job? So I started a blog... No event planning company willing to hire? So I started my own events... Its was as simple as that. I just had confidence, a strong belief in myself and rallied the troups (my friends, my family and colleagues) to help...

If anyone has any questions about that... I'd love to answer them for you!

Have a great day!!

Shay
xo

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New Video Snippet and more: Janet Jackson

Isn't this photo so fitting for Ms. Jackson? Every album, she transforms and commands which ever genre she 'feels' that being a part of. She is a great chameleon!

The interview... I think this may be the most honest I have ever seen her. I really really really enjoyed it!

The video... I'm surprised to hear a happy song considering what she has been through. Nonetheless, Janet is back. I loved Velvet Rope and I think we are about to see some more of that realness.

Looking forward to it!!

Enjoy,

LaToya

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RELATIONSHIPS: COPING With BREAKUPS

There is no doubt that breakups can be devastating. Oftentimes, we feel as if our relationships will last forever, and are not fully equipped to deal with it when they come to an end. I'm a WEIGHT LOSER... When my last boyfriend and I broke up, I lost 12 pounds in 10 days and I am not too big to begin with... I did all of the wrong things... I isolated myself, and when I did go out I would drink and smoke cigarettes to give the impression that I was having fun, when I was actually sad as hell... I usually go through that and then I just get really focused on myself, my future and taking over the world!! lol... But since we've all been through it... I thought I would share this article as a nice reminder...

Here are e a few tips on how to deal with a breakup and how to make the unpleasant experience more bearable.

First off, pamper yourself.

It is tempting to beat yourself up over the relationship ending, but you will heal faster if you are kind to yourself. Treat yourself to a new outfit or a day at the ballpark. Spend time with friends and revisit old friendships. Call up a friend or a sibling and ask them to go to dinner or a movie. Take the time to relax and make sure you are eating properly and getting enough sleep.

Next, while it might seem like a good idea to drown your sorrows in alcohol, it is not.

Drinking will only serve to make you more depressed after a breakup. It is a quick fix and is not a good way to actually deal with the pain of losing a relationship. It goes without saying that drug abuse will definitely do nothing to help ease the pain of the breakup and will only compound your problems.

Also, try to keep yourself busy.

Focusing on work, hobbies, and loved ones will help you pass the time after the breakup and time really does heal wounds. Try to avoid sitting around dissecting the breakup, but instead gear your energy towards other more healthy goals. Even if you have to lose yourself in a mindless movie or television show, that is okay, and it's a healthy way to deal with a breakup.

Finally, try not to jump into another serious relationship right away.

Make sure you are emotionally ready to move on before dating again or you could wind up using your new relationship as a crutch to get over your old one. This is not fair to you or the new people that you are seeing. Wait until you are fully healed from the breakup before moving on.

I hope this helps ladies!!

Shay

xo

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I MISS MUSIC: Tracie Spencer

K, this was seriously one of my favorite songs growing up (you may hear that a lot in this category, lol). I used to sing it allllll the time. Back then I thought I was the ish vocally but, I didn't (and still don't) have much range. So this song was perfect for me. I remember singing this song for my daddy so clearly. I was about 12 years old, and I know I really wanted to impress him. Cuz, to me daddy was the music Guru... He was expressionless throughout, but, after he said something like " Toya, u sing really good, I could do something with that voice." And...that was the last I heard about that, lol.

Anyways, that's my memory from 1990 with this song. What are yours? Was I the only one bumpin to this joint?

Reintroducing Tender Kisses - Tracie Spencer

I miss music!

Stay Bless,

LaToya

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America's Next Top Model- Cycle 13 Season Finale recap

So the season has come to a close and it is a face off between Nicole and Laura… Who will it be??? The fierce yet weird fiery red head or the sweeter than candy southern bell? You know I’ve been rooting for Nicole since the first few episodes so you know where my heart is but at this point anything can happen.

The girls did a CoverGirl commercial and both of them kind of struggled. Laura had to overcome her dyslexia and it took her 8 times before she got it but Nicole had trouble bringing personality to the table and did about 22 takes. *ouch! They went directly from being in front of one camera to another and then ANOTHER… The girls did a 17 Magazine Shoot with Gilles Bensimon and they did a great job. These girls are both pro models at this point so there were no surprises.

Tyra drops by the house to have one on one time with the girls and Nicole talks about her not so enchanted life of being a loner and ho much this competition has changed her while Laura speaks about overcoming the hard times in the past, being considered “stupid” because of her dyslexia and her inspirational “gramaw” (grandma) who keeps her soo sweet.

For the Julia Clancy runway show they bring back some of the girls who have already been cut and this is a Top Model first…and, when asked, it seems that most of the girls are rooting for Laura. I guess this isn’t so shocking because of Nic’s anti social nature.

On the runway Teyona (last year’s winner) was center stage first and it shows the progression these girls make after they have won. Nicole looked sort of amateur compared to Teyona and quite frankly Laura seemed to handle the runway better than her only proving that Tey is a tough act to follow. Having the other girls there did give Nicole and Laura an upper hand because they weren’t only up against 6 footers on the run way they were with other petite models.

We see the best takes of the CoverGirl commercial and the photo shoot and they both overcame their adversities. They both possess ideal looks to be a cover girl so the choice became difficult. The judges go over all the final shots they’ve had throughout the season and I notice just how stiff the competition really is but after deliberations were complete there was only one…. the one I’ve been rooting for NICOLE!!!! YAY!!!! She is immediately whisked off to do a shoot with Tyra and of coarse the product was fierce.

Anywho before I sign off and leave it at that I want you to take the time and reflect on our most successful ANTM contestants. Some of them were not even winners and I think that Laura will join them. (and that’s all for now folks)

Until next time Ladies (and gents)

-Love Afrykah

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Read THIS!!

I've been running on empty to ensure that this event will be a success, so I am taking a much needed day off of blogging so that I can tie up some last minute loose ends and catch some Zzzzzzzs... lol, but most importantly I want to take today to reflect on the wonderful year that I've shared with you all... AND I want you all to do the same!

Please take a few moments to reflect on your most memorable experience on this blog... what was your favorite post/experience/interaction here and why?

I will be giving away 20 CARGO Blu Ray High Definition Lip Glosses (shown below) , one for each of my favorite 20 comments left on this post.

Leave your:

Name:

Where you are from:

Your favorite post/experience/interaction & why:

Contact info: (Myspace/Twitter/Facebook/email)

Here's mine:

Name: Shannae Ingleton

City: Born in Toronto, raised in Calgary and now I rep Toronto

My favorite post was the one on depression and anxiety. After posting on the issue I received messages and emails from readers saying how seeing my post helped them realize that they weren't the only one dealing with the issue and that with mental strength and help they could overcome it. But more importantly, I was able to dispell the thought that there was something wrong with me because I had experienced a panic attack before... And my second most favorite post was on interracial dating... people went HARD with their comments and I just loved it!

Contact: twitter.com/whatwomenwant

I'll be announcing the winners at the end of the month! COMMENT AWAY LADIES! Can't wait to see what you have to say!

Shay

xo

Literary Journey: THE VENUE & THE MENU

This year, a Literary Journey will be taking place in The Boiler House @ The Distillery. A gorgeous venue that will most definitely leave you impressed!

The Boiler House restaurant offers a succulent contemporary Canadian menu within a breath taking industrial chic setting. The restaurant's award winning design includes an incredible 22 foot wine rack, intimate private room and hand crafted heavy timber tables.

This Sunday the menu selection and evening schedule is as follows;

Complimentary Cocktail

Entree: A collection of organic greens, white balsamic and honey vinaigrette

Main: Roasted Salmon with a chive beurre blanc served on a warm green pea and tomato couscous salad with seasonal vegetables

Dessert: Crème Brulee

Coffee & Tea

Please contact me with any special menu requests or changes.

Cocktails will be served from 5pm - 6pm

Dinner will be served and Discussion will commence at 6 'o clock and will continue until 8pm

I can't wait until Sunday!!

Shay

xo

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New Music: Alicia Keys

We've got a double whammy from Alicia today. First is another single from her upcoming album called 'Dreaming'. To be honest, I'm not quite sure how I feel about it as yet. I love the instruments but, I'm not crazy about the melody. At the same time, I can totally hear Sade singing something like this and I'd be ALL over it. Maybe it will grow on me.

Now the video! I think that the beginning of it is so sexy... And I still want those sheets, lol. What do you make of the message though? I think it was very clever!

Share your thoughts and I'll share mine :o)

Stay Blessed,

LaToya

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