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