The Red Doors Always Invites Love....

This week I fell in love...again!  I stopped by Talbots to do something, hmmm; can't remember why I stopped by my favorite hang out.  Did I need to use the ladies room?  No!  Visit with my Talbots besties?  Maybe   Return an item?  No!  Pick up a package?  Maybe!  All of the above?  Can't remember!

The Red Doors of Talbots

At any rate when I pulled up in front of those Red Doors I had no idea my destiny of the day was going to change so quickly.  I knew when my feet hit the floor that morning I was in store for a wonderful day.  The weather was incredible as it was only 79 degrees at just a little after 11 am and I was truly enjoying the start of my day.   The coolness of the morning alone made me smile and feel good as you know it has been dreadfully hot for the past month. 

My Mother in law was in town for the week and we had plans to see the movies "Crazy Stupid Love" and "The Help".  Work was going well for me as I had many scheduled client calls in place.  I was looking semi good for the day.  Yes, it was a good day and I felt as if I were in line for a pretty good week. 

As I opened the Red Doors it happened!  Talbots Karma...I walked inside the store and there were THREE ROLL RACKS in the middle of the store with new beautiful fall clothes.  I said hello to the ladies and began to run my fingers through the freshly unpacked garments.  A palette of rich fall colors.  I picked up a fitted Burgundy (Barcarra Rose) colored corduroy jacket.  The jacket was okay but did not beg to come home with me as I have seen this jacket every season and it's sister(s) jackets are already in my wardrobe.  I found a pair of black cuffed pin stripped pants that I could easily of purchased but then I remembered I have a fabulous pair of pin stripped pants already in my wardrobe.  No need to buy a replica item. 

I was searching for perhaps a statement piece.  Something that I do not currently have in my wardrobe.  Oh well, I gave it a good Talbots try.  Better luck would soon be coming as I know there will be countless new items coming in over the course of the next few weeks.

STOP!   What is that I see at the very end of the roll rack?

My heart skipped a beat, I laid my eyes on a skirt that was meant for me! It was a beautiful Ivory and Grayish black Zebra print skirt.  A skirt that spoke volumes of femininity.  Soft silky material, accordion pleats...very Mad Men inspired.  I found my size and turned around with the biggest smile on my face.  Sherry (the store manager) said "Tonya, yesterday when Nancy opened up the boxes and saw this skirt she said, Tonya will love this skirt!" 

I almost jumped with joy and replied "Oh, this is mine!"  I did not even try it on...that is how confident I was of this skirt.  As I was walking towards the counter I was jabbering up a storm about this skirt.  The ladies all laughed as I probably said how much I loved this skirt a half of a dozen times between the roll racks and the register. 

Yes, I fell in love!  I immediately sent a text to my new dear Talbots friend and told her of the new to die for skirt too.  Now she has it's twin in her closet and will cherish it just as I cherish it's sister.  Talbots Sister Love!  Two friends sharing the love of a certain garment.  Twin skirts if you will.

We both agree whole heartily our skirt will be worn for many years to come!  One classic skirt that embodies all the major characteristics that represent our lifestyles.  The colors are perfectly suited with other like items in our wardrobes.  The animal print of the fabric happens to be my favorite prints and reflects my alter ego wild side.  The femininity of the skirt allows us to be in touch with our God given women attributes as we work in Corporate America with fellow male counterparts.

Now the ever on going styling feat; One skirt equals three looks.  Shopping my own closet has never been so exciting. 


Here is a rough draft of some looks I have pulled but not all inclusive as this skirt will be adorned and styled many ways.  If I wanted to wear this skirt right now I could without a batting of my eyelashes or I can always wait and see what the Red Doors introduce as pairings for the skirt. 

Without further adieu:

Ready for Corporate America

The skirt is paired with my Summer Tweed Black short sleeve jacket, skinny silver snakeskin belt, silver peep toes with black stones, a lavender silk sweater (this photo appears it is blue but it is lavender in real life) and a simple strand of black and silver beads.  Ready for a day of meeting with clients!

This is to show you how this skirt plays with color by pairing it with a Hot Pink Simple fine gauge sweater, my black patent peep toe pumps and the piece de resistance is my Brighton Black patent croc belt with Swarovski Crystals encompassing the entire belt front to back. 

On a certain forum this past week we had a friendly discussion of what is appropriate to wear to a wedding.  I have been to many weddings in my lifetime and feel I have a pretty good judge of what's appropriate and what is not.  I understand dress codes to certain types of weddings and their venues.  If a wedding was a black tie then I would pull out all the stops and wear a long very stunning black dress.  Perhaps if it was a daytime wedding then I would wear a simple nice skirt ensemble or maybe a dress depending on my mood of the day.  If the invitation was for a 5:00 Wedding and reception to follow at an off site location then I would wear my LBD as this is always a very classic and suitable choice.  However, I would also wear this skirt to any of the above mentioned weddings excluding the black tie event.

A Daytime or after 5 Wedding Appropriate choice

The skirt is paired with a very fitted black silk top with a sweetheart neckline perfect to showcase my Brighton necklace of Swarovski Crystals and matching earrings.  Of course the look would not be complete without the perfect shoe and in this case I would wear my Vince Camuto Grayish Snakeskin strappy sandals with jeweled stones across the arch of my foot.  Very lady like and ready to attend a wedding and not be worried that I am under dressed.

Finally, when Fall officially arrives I have styled the skirt for a great Fall day. 

The lipstick red cardi, pinched pleat black top, my Brighton belt and gray suede boots.  Ladies I am ready to Fall head over heels in love for Fall Clothing.  Are you?
There are so many different style point of views for this skirt.  I can guarantee this skirt will be worn several different ways as there are endless possibilities.

Keep a Smile on Your Face and a Strut in Your Walk,
Tonya Denise

Things I am Loving....

At this moment here are just a few things I am loving:

Sam Edelman "Portney" Pumps

Watermelon pink looks delicious on this Sam Edelman pump. The "Portney" wraps your foot in luxurious suede, while lifting the heel to a can't-go-wrong height. For ultimate style, pair the cheery shoe with a LBD or your favorite pair of denim.

Ombre Zebra Pasha Top

My love for animal prints is always on going and I never discriminate against the print.  As it brings out the inner wild side of my alter ego.  Let's walk on the wild side in this blouse and denim and a pair of red heels! 

COCO MADEMOISELLE
Fresh After Bath Dusting Powder


This past week I was visiting with a dear friend and we both were talking about our dear Grandmothers.  Just funny little stories of such about two women that were strong female influencers in our lives and helped mode us into the Southern Women we are today.  She told me a funny story about her Grandmother and her Dusting Powder.  I had forgotten all about Dusting Powder as my Grandmother too used it every day of her life.  Simple things as a reminder of my Grandmothers love for her Dusting Powder brings a smile to my face.

So I have decided it is time in my GAW life to introduce myself to a Dusting Powder.  There are certain extra amenities that allow women to be feminine ladies and a Dusting Powder is one of those luxuries.  I use Coco Mademoiselle Perfume so I want the Dusting Powder too take me to the next level of my womanhood.

Talbots Grace Fit Dome-button jacket

 I had a dream about this jacket this week.  In my dream I dreamt that I wore this jacket with all black!  I adore this jacket for many reasons.  First, it's very different than any other jacket I own.  Secondly, I do not have an ivory jacket.  This jacket can be paired with denim and a great animal print shoe.  I love the military inspired buttons and design.

Yes, these are just a few things I am loving right now!  What are you loving right now?

Keep a Smile on Your Face and a Strut in Your Walk,
Tonya Denise

Shopping in Heels with Me

My love for clothes has embarked me to start a new journey of helping other women be truly stylish.  Whether you are a busy woman on the go and just don't have time to shop for yourself or you just need someone to evaluate your wardrobe and help fill in the missing key items to take you from "looking good" to "Looking Fabulous"....I am your woman! 

Here are a few of my services that I would love to offer you:

1. Special Occasion/Event Needs
2. Seasonal Shopping to update your current capsule wardrobe
3. Personal Shopping for the busy Woman
4. Evaluation of your current wardrobe and helping create stylish outfits
5. Lifestyle Change Shopping due to loss of weight, starting of a new career, or just to help you get out of your dated "stuck in a rut" attire

Since the age of three I have been in love with clothes and would love to share my passion with you too.  Every woman has the ability to look her best.  When you look your best and feel good about yourself it will transform to all areas of your life. 

Here are Samples of my own outfits that I have styled for my lifestyle.....

































No matter your clothing budget, lifestyle or needs; I truly would enjoy helping you look your very best. 

Keep a Smile on Your Face and a Strut in Your Walk,
Tonya Densie

Not Your Michelle Obama's Arms my dear!

Sunday mornings are always the best day of the week for me as I truly take advantage of the Seventh Day my God Designed.  A day of rest after a week's worth of work...

So here I sit with coffee in hand and my ever so loved and often abused laptop.  It has been a while since I last did a blog entry and much has developed.  Where do I start?

The heat of the matter is still intact.  Fort Smith, Arkansas has had a record breaking month of hot torrid days with temperatures in the highs of 115 degrees.  With little rain we have even seen a few big fires in our area.  The Historical Fort Chaffee here in Fort Smith where Elvis Presley came to get the famous haircut before entering the Armed Services went up in a Flame as big as Texas.  Such a shame...The hospital on the Fort Chaffe Grounds burnt to the ground as crisp as a tator tot! 

 
My daily life of struggling with keeping cool and looking good under pressure has now manifested into a higher level of keeping cool with these smoldering temps.  I have learned to not be so vain in my appearance and have  used a lot of different resources in my attempts of achieving coolness.  Gone are the days of when coolness meant being Stylish and Hip!  Today's attempt of coolness equals just the intent!  Staying Cool before dropping it like it's hot and I don't mean a Uber chic dance my dear!

For example; I now don't worry about wearing a jacket or cardigan over my sleeveless tops.  These last few weeks I have worn sleeveless tops and dresses without the camouflage of a cover up to conceal my not so Michelle Obama arms.  Girlfriends, you know I must be hot to let my arms flap in the wind like noone's business!

Who cares if my arms are not toned and ripped like Kelly Ripa or Madonna!  I am a real woman after all and I have learned to embrace my flaws due to this dang weather.  Also, I have not tanned in two weeks!  How dreadful...but I am here to tell you that this GAW is not going to torture herself to a coffin like bed of UV lights to ensure my phatness is tanned.  Are you kidding me?  My phat is turning white again as we speak and I could care less!  I have already been tanned for the summer and now I am getting ready for the Winter months of hibernation!  One can only dream of the months of October-February in this heat.

Not your Michelle Obama Arms nor Kelly Ripa!

What a beautiful and Classy First Lady plus look at those arms...I DIE!

Kelly Ripa Arms

Plus I have gone a few days with out my Spanx better known as Sausage Casings!  Like a phat pig hot off the grill is what those darn toddler size designed Spanx remind me of on a day of 115 degrees.  I have made a friend via Facebook who lives out in California and she suggested baby powder sprinkled gingerly inside the toddler size panties to ease the struggle of trying to force ones Grown Arse boojay inside the darn things.  WOW!  Great tip.  My husband thanks you too as he has helped me many of mornings tug and pull and maneuver myself into the world of Spanx.  I got so much junk in my trunk that it takes a Grown Man to help me lock and load my stuff.....then the key is thrown away until the end of the day.  Need I say more?  Spanx is on the bottom of my priority list in 115 degrees of hotness.

Speaking of new friends.  I have connected with the sweetest lady from Oklahoma City and we have connected on all four cylinders.  She is a financial advisor and get this:  SHE LOVES CLOTHES AS MUCH AS I...can you believe it?  Shut the door!  Yes, so now I have someone to talk to about all of my skirts, dresses, tops, jackets, shoes, purses, jewelry and Spanx as each one of my beloved items have their own personalities and need to be taken into consideration and introduced to the public society on a certain wardrobe rotation.   Shallow or not; I Love Love Love looking good. 

Stop!  Retraction.  I Love Love Love Fashion!  Not that I think I look good but I do go to extreme measures in order to try and wrap myself up like a beautiful package as often as possible on most given days.  Some days I am a Hot Mess and some days I am like "Wow, I am looking good today!"  You know the feeling, I know you do!

This lovely lady that I have connected with sent me a book in the mail last week about the Sweet Potato Queens as she said I reminded her of a Sweet Potato Queen.  I have to admit I can align myself with these Southern Belles.  Pretty comical but nice to know that there are other women out there in this big ole' world just like me.  Scary thought, huh? 

Jill Conner Browne, best-selling author and the creator of The Sweet Potato Queens aka BOSS QUEEN!

The Book that my sweet new friend sent me this past week!

I have seen these ladies in person as they have made guest appearances at the Little Rock Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure during the month of October.  One would be honored to be involved in such a grandeur of High Society.  Hence: ME!

If I could truly follow my passion it would be to become a stylist or a professional wardrobe consultant and help other women be the best they can be by wrapping their package up beautifully.  Every woman has the ability to be beautiful on the outside as well as the inside. 
 
After all, the wrapping paper and ribbons are just the beginning to being beautiful to the eye.  The present itself is a woman of integrity who chooses to treat others with all due respect, a woman who loves and cherishes her family and friends, a woman that speaks of compassion and with a soft loving tone, a woman that offers her generous spirit to those in need, a woman who is confident in herself no matter her physical flaws as beauty is seen in her spirit and reflected through her eyes.  As the eyes are the windows to ones soul.  Every woman has the ability to be the best daughter, mother, wife and friend that God so chosen for her to be. 


Keep a Smile on Your Face and a Strut in Your Walk,
Tonya Denise

Thanks but No Spanx!

Ya'll it's hot!  I don't remember a Summer when it was this hot and humid.  My mother made a very good point by saying "Well, you have never been this old during a Hot Summer and Your Body is not as resilient as when you were younger"..... Momma doesn't say these words just to hear herself talk.  My Momma is a very wise woman.  Momma is right!  The older I get the harder it is to keep myself pulled together on a daily basis much less when it is a 108 degrees outside with a heat index of 120 degrees.

When it is this hot outside it is really hard to stay Cool and keep my lady like manners in check.  Some days certain people just chap my cheeks and it seems it has happened most recently due to the Hot Weather.

On any given day I get up around 6 to 6:30 and my day begins.  I start out with my loving husband bringing me a cup of coffee to my bedside.  While drinking my daily morning cup of coffee I watch Robin Meade.  She is a doll.  Pretty, Smart and funny.  I just adore her and think she and I could be the best of friends.  She is my kind of people.

Morning Express with Robin Meade

After my first cup of coffee, I shower and start my day off by getting made up.  You know Primping!  When you're this old....it's more like Priming!  It's a hard job to get made up!  But because of my love of style I do it religiously every single morning!

Thanks to Modern Science; there are so many things a woman can do to enhance her overall appearance.  From make up to clothing, we can transform ourselves into anything we desire.  Trust me...I know almost all the tricks of the trade when it comes to transforming myself into the best I can be.

Okay, so let me tell you that I am no different than any other American Woman when it comes to wanting to look her very best.  Plus, this has been occurring for many decades.  For instance my beloved mother!  She told me that when she was much younger and courting my Father (courting I love the fact she refers to their dating as a courtship)  she would go to great measures to look her very best.  From false eyelashes, to hairpieces (the beehive was in style and although she had long hair she would also use a hair piece for added height to her coif to achieve the best beehive in the city of Little Rock) and the use of padded bras and girdles to enhance her womanly figure.

My Mother's Era of Proper Foundations

See, not much has changed.  Women now have the option of having eyelash extensions for the perfect batting of the eye to catch his attention, we now can choose to have hair extensions to make our hair appear as naturally as long or as full of volume as we need, wonderbras are available to give our girls an extra lift and added cleavage if one desires and now instead of girdles we can say Thanks to Spanx!

Spanx...oh how I love thee and wear them every single day.  The difference is unbelievable in the shape it achieves in your rear my dear.  All the jiggle and wiggle is tightened and toned as if you have been in the gym sweating up a storm.  Oprah is the one that introduced the power of Spanx to me a few years ago.  And you know if it's good enough for Oprah then it's good enough for me!

Spanx

At the TV station in my office I have a Magic Drawer!  In my Magic Drawer you will find the following in no particular order:

1. Toothbrush and toothpaste
2. Deodorant
3. Chanel Perfume
4. Earring backs
5. Fingernail File
6. Cuticle Oil
7. Hand Lotion
8. Safety Pins
9. Hair Clip
10. Hair Spray
11. Brush
12. Mirror
13. Make up
14. PMS Medicine
15. Feminine Products
16. Dictionary
17. Last but not least AN EXTRA PAIR OF SPANX

So about two weeks ago on a Friday I decided to forego the wearing of my Spanx due to the extreme heat!  I had on a pair of Denim Linen Trousers, Cute Silk Top and Cardi but NO SPANX.  I decided just to let it all hang out...let my jiggle wiggle!

Ummmm....Excuse me!  The one day I decided NOT to wear my SPANX I got called on by the Fashion Police.  NEVER FEAR MY DEAR...I just opened up my Magic Drawer and Viola...SPANX Appeared.  Went into the ladies room and within minutes reappeared all locked and loaded.  Ready to take on the day. 

Truth be known I felt like a pig in a Sausage Casing Hot off the Grill.  It was freaking 104 degrees outside and my Junk was Locked and Loaded with the key missing.

The things that Women (Tonya) will do for the love of looking good....

Keep a Smile on Your Face and A Strut in Your Walk,
Tonya Denise

Smoldering Hot

Wow....it is Smoldering Hot here in Fort Smith, Arkansas.  The kind of hot that takes your breath away while still attempting to look as cool as a cucumber.  This week the high is going to hit 108 degrees with a heat index of 120.  Yikes!  I don't even think taking a dip in the pool sounds refreshing when it's this hot outside. 

A GAW trying to Keep Cool

My goal this week is to stay hydrated with lots of fluid, wear loose fitting clothing, have sunglasses readily available, keep my hair pulled off my neck and try to stay indoors when possible while browsing through Fall Catalogs. 

Stop!  Wait....Fall?  In this heat?  Yes Ma'am....a proper woman knows when it is time to start her prelude into the new season of shopping. 

Yes, it is time to start mentally planning my Fall Wardrobe needs for the upcoming change of seasons.  Fall is one of my favorite seasons with Football games, tailgate parties, my husband's birthday on Halloween, the Fall Foliage of the ever turning leaves of bright golden yellow, orange, rust and red.  Time to transition and change wardrobes. 

This year I am sticking to a budget and not going over my budget by one penny.  Well maybe we will have a little wiggle room for extra measure.  When I embark on a mission my plan is to carry the mission out to the fullest degree.  Not leaving one dollar untouched.  It is my duty to take on such Style accomplishment and fulfill the duty of finding the most sought after items on my Wish List.

My desires to add just a few pieces to my current wardrobe is all a GAW dreams of when the seasons change.  As of today I am only looking at a few items to incorporate to my existing Fall capsule. 

Denim:  I need to do some research on the perfect pair of jeans before I start my shopping.   Typically I tend to buy a new pair every Fall and they are usually a dark rinse and a long length as I like to wear heels and High Heeled Boots with my Jeans.  Finding the perfect pair of Jeans is a chore for this GAW.  I need a pair that doesn't emphasis my muffin top but appreciates my curvy posterior. 

The last few years I have had much luck with the Gap Curvy Jeans.  I am not a Gap shopper at all but I do love their jeans and they are very affordable.  Normally I go into a Gap and try on about 10 pairs before deciding on the ones that are just right.  Currently I have my eyes on these Curvy Fit jeans.

1969 curvy jeans (saturated dark wash) Regular Price $69.50

I am not a Denim connoisseur therefore brands do not impress me when it comes to buying denim.  Fit is the most important detail with my choice and the Gap Curvy Jeans just happen to fit me like a glove.  Plus I don't blow all of my budget on one item.  I would rather pay more for shoes and handbags.  Speaking of handbags.  I am in love with the Michael Kors Astro Shoulder bag in red.  Razorback Red.  Yes, come to momma.  I will love thee and carry you with pride.  Yummie!


Here is My Uptown Astro Bag but I am getting it in Red



Yummie

It has been a while since I purchased a Red Handbag so I am somewhat excited to receive my new pretty.  It will look great on the weekends with Denim and an added bonus when I am at the Razorback Games.  

Woooooo Pig Soieeee Razorbacks Go Hogs Go!

Last but not least, what would Fall be without my love of animal print?  A very sad Fall indeed.  Talbots is just now getting in their Fall clothes and this my dear friend is my Pièce de résistance to the perfect jacket for Fall....

Talbots Kate Fit Cheetah velveteen jacket

These are my most sought after items thus far for Fall.  I am so ready for a break in the weather and I am so ready for the September issue of Instyle and Vogue.   What is on your Fall Wish List?

Keep a Smile on Your Face and a Strut in Your Walk,

Tonya Denise

Less is More....When in Doubt; Take Something Off Before You Leave Your House!

Women come in all different sizes and shapes and no two women are identical but every woman has the potential to be the best she can possibly be.  I love to create stylish outfits and gain inspiration from other beautiful stylish women. 

Recently I started posting my daily outfits on my Face Book and on a Community Face Book with other Women who love Style and enjoying creating great outfits. 


Summer Dresses and the Living is Easy




Silver BCBG Peep Toe Pumps


This is a Summer Matte Jersey Dress that I purchased at Rags and Calico a local boutique in Fort Smith.  I love the ease of Summer Dresses on a Hot Summer Day.  This dress has a ruched waistline which gives an illusion of a slimmer torso.  I paired it with a pair of BCBG Silver peep toe pumps.  The dress is a lovely combination of cool summer shades of green, purple, pink and white.  I am a woman of classic style and believe Less is More.  The rule of threes always applies when I am using accessories.

My usual three accessories are as follows:  A fabulous pair of earrings, one statement piece of jewelry and an armful of bangles.  My most often go to line of jewelry is Brighton.    In this outfit I am wearing a pair of bling hoop earrings, David Yurman Ring and a Brighton Bracelet. 

I treat shoes as a showstopper as my grandmother taught me many years ago that you can take a cheap dress with an expensive pair of shoes and look like a million bucks.  Or you can take an expensive Dress with a pair of cheap shoes and look dreadful!  Boy, was she right!  It is all about the details.  A stylish woman knows to pay attention to the details. 

Another good piece of advice I received was from my mother who taught me to let the woman arrive to the party first and her dress second.  Interpretation:  Don't allow your clothes to be LOUD and outlandish in taste.  I have read many style books over the years and admired other stylish women and it seems they all have one thing in common:  Less is More!  When in doubt take something off.  Too much of a good thing can turn out to be a Hot Mess.

Here are some stylish women whom I admire.

Jennifer Aniston

Here is a perfect example of a woman who knows Less is More and is in tune with her style.  She is not one to follow fashion but to follow what works for her and has created a style that many women have tried to mimick.  From Casual Day to Dress Evening to a Great Timeless look of Denim.  Jennifer pulls each look off effortlessly.  That is the key to style.  To know what works and to stick to it.



First Lady Michelle Obama

 Our First Lady is definitely a style Icon for women all of ages.  Michelle has a sense of style that truly embodies a signature look.  Classic, traditional with a twist of chic trendy pieces incorporated when needed to keep her look current.  Not a woman of Fashion but a Woman of Great Style.  Here she is wearing her pearls and diamond studs.  Less is More.  Whether she is on her "Let's Move"  Program developed by our First Lady to solve the epidemic of childhood obesity within a generation in her tennis shoes, denim and cardigans or dressed in formal attire for the White House First State Dinner, Michelle is a woman of great style.

 

Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton

Kate, a Royal Princess with a Royal Wardrobe to suit.  Classic, Stylish and Beautiful.  I am so excited to see how Kate's Signature looks will transform other young women as she is truly a dream with her style.  Hopefully she will inspire other young women to dress as a lady should dress.  Kate is the New Royalty and I truly look forward to her showcase of Iconic Style.

In closing I leave you with some of my favorite quotes from the lady of style Coco Chanel.





• "Fashion fades, only style remains the same."
• "A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”
• “I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.”
• “Look for the woman in the dress. If there is no woman, there is no dress.”

Keep a Smile on Your Face and a Strut in Your Walk,
Tonya Denise