Heat and humidity……….”bah humbug”!! it was pretty intense today – a serious thunderstorm at 3:30am EDT followed by 99 degree temperatures made it pretty brutal. So I got up this morning, no idea what to wear, and I checked the weather channel (pretty standard procedure) and got the verdict. My first thought was ‘how do you dress for these searing temps?

Well, white is cool and reflective and synonomous with summer so Ms. Aikasha is wearing a MadRag white halter vest a orange neon belt, and Ms. Aikasha orange floral circle swing skirt, Michael Kors silver framed shades, Maxx large wicker bag and white pointy toed ankle wrap pumps - designer/brand unknown (the tag was removed and replaced by a piece of blue tape). Her trademark combination of bangles: lucite, brass, metal; white porcelain Swiss Legend  watch, and small silver ball earrings complete the look.

  Tip: as nice as it is for your outfit  to "match", it's nicer to break things up a bit - the wicker bag here replaces the obvious white handbag and makes this ensemble not so predictable.

Note: Ms. Aikasha also designs clothes - and today is the debut of one of her pieces (the orange circle/swing skirt) being featured. Watch out now!!

The lighting is not the best - it got a bit late because I had a meeting with my 13 year old son's piano teacher tonight regarding my son's performance at NYC's Lincoln Center next month. I'm so excited!!

If you're wondering why I talk about myself in the "third person", it's a suggestion my 19 year old daughter, Miss Alosha made at our breakfast meeting to discuss the launch of this blog, and I loved it! It may be a little confusing at times, but it's me, just figuring things out as I go. I'll like "flip" from third to first person - so you've been warned.

Oooh.....the dress.......what a wonderful wardrobe essential - it's my favorite! and when cut right, and it fits right, there is no wardobe piece that is quite as valuable. Even th emost basic dress can be augmented to be absolutely stunning

Today, Ms. Aikasha’s wearing Vivienne Tam’s sage green chunky knit rayon/cotton tank dress, BCBG Gold leather slings and her large wicker/leather/snakeskin Coach–limited edition “Bonnie Collection” bag.

Accessories include chunky wood and satin bangles along with gold-tone slim metal bangles, Michael Kors faux tortoise shell watch, gold-tone chandelier earrings and a large mother of pearl necklace

Tip: the more basic the dress, the more extravagant the accessories can be.

Today’s (6.27.12) outfit was a little more conservative with just a bit of shimmer. The classic white polo, jewel colored pencil skirt, and pumps – basic office attire, right? Well, when the polo’s a One Step Uphalter body suit; the skirt, Adele Fadogreen stretch silk/satin; and the pumps, Coachgreen/black/blue snakeskin platforms…….you’ve got a “head turning winner”!!The large wicker/leather/snakeskin bag is also Coach – limited edition “Bonnie Collection”. Oh - I mustn't forget the fabulous "Tom Ford" shades

Tip: Coordinating accessories can “tie” the whole outfit together. One or two chunky bangles, (wooden, plastic, etc.) with a couple slimmer metal (brass, silver – or if you’re so fortunate – gold), a watch, pearl earrings and a delicate pearl necklace makes the above ensemble complete.

Yesterday was the launch of Ms. 40everafter and amidst the excitement of finally getting started I neglected to talk about the clothes. They say that “clothes make a man”, but it seems it does a hell of a lot for the woman!

When done right, the simplest pieces can look absolutely amazing!

Yesterday’s ensemble consisted of a red, sleeveless cotton knit Victoria Secrets turtleneck dress, June red leather short sleeved shrug, Jean Michel Cazbat denim peep-toe booties and red Diesel leather and canvas bag.

Today Ms. Aikasha wore an American Apparel black tube dress, Tracey Reese cream cashmere crochet tunic, Vince Camuto peep-toe/sling-back booties and red Diesel leather and canvas bag.

TIP: Check the “Weather Channel” the night before to make sure you’re appropriately dressed and prepared. Granted, summer is here, but temps can still be a bit unpredictable.

Hey there? Hola? Konichiwa! Bon Jour! Jambo! Wassup? Wah gwan? Hello!!

Welcome to Ms.40EverAfter – a fashion blog that follows Ms. Aikasha as she dresses for work every day – literally…..

She’s stylish, modern, edgy, contemporary (with a little bit of sexy) all at once, without being flashy or unprofessional.

Ultimately, her purpose is to show that the “fun begins” when you’ve passed the 40 year milestone. Contrary to popular belief, there’s a confidence that exudes from a woman who’s embraced her years, maintained her health and has adapted a lifestyle that compliments the incredible embodiment of woman.

Follow me – our journey has now begun………….