Sunday, September 30, 2012

Part I
I had themost enriching, educational, amazing weekend!
Here I am in Atlanta, Georgia. This is my third or fouth trip to ATL, but it was my first time ever visiting Dr. Martin Luther King's landmarks. I was impressed, awed, and simultaneously humbled.
 Though it could be just perceived as another building, the Center for Nonviolent Social Change is representative of Dr. King's dream and legacy continuing to fruition.




 Wow!! Never to be extinguished..........




The grave of both Dr. Martin Luther King and his wife Mrs. Coretta Scott

In the picture below is the original Ebeneezer Baptist Church  in the background (green placard). A new, considerably larger church has since been built across the street to accommodate the growing congregation


Below is the house where Dr. Martin Luther King was born.........and I had the priviledge to visit and be photographed!

Ms. Aikasha is wearing an original Ny's Closet black rayon smocked mini sundress with brocade straps, Brian Atwood black leather sandals and black suede Gucci bag. Multi black bangles, quartz crystal jewellry and Tom Ford shades complete the look.



Thursday, September 27, 2012

Ms. Aikasha is wearing Juicy Couture’s Bird cream wool cardigan with silk puff sleeves and peplum back, Robert Chan cream silk tank, BCBG Max Azria brown pinstripe “fish tail” pencil skirt, L.A.M.B (Gwen Stefani) yellow t-strap platform sandals and Gucci black suede bag with large tassel. Her accessories include brown wooden disc earrings, large brown/white acrylic cuff, Michael Kors brown tortoise shell watch and Torino Lamborghini cream/beige shades.
 I took the time to check the weather today, so I knew it was safe to wear my sandals. I don’t know if I mentioned this previously, but my absolute favorite type of shoes in the whole wide world are sandals!! I absolutely love them. I get excited about trying them, buying them, wearing them…..in due time I’ll move to a climate where I can wear them year round!! Because I’m such a sandal fanatic, I’m especially particular about making sure my feet are well manicured (pedicured). Granted it’s a bit late in the season for this discussion, but since peep-toe/open toe boots/booties (my next favorite type of shoe) have been the rage for the past two years, I think there’s relevance. Every now and then, we have to take the time pamper our footsies – after all – they keep us grounded.                                                                                                      

 


Tip: To keep the "puff" in the puff sleeves and bustle/peplum, I recommend a steamer as an iron will flatten                            
 

Wednesday, September 26, 2012


Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Fubu black denim three button mini skirt suit, white WuHan tank, Beverly Feldman black patent leather booties and Gucci  black suede bag. Michael Kors white leather and silver chain belt, a mother of pearl pendant necklace and small pearl earrings accessorize todays outfit.


Since it was soooooo chilly yesterday morning, today, in spite of my rants about the unpredictable  temperatures, I decided to wear a suit, and a turtleneck sweater (granted, it was halter, but a turtleneck nonetheless). Who knew it would be 69 degrees at 7:15am (22 degrees warmer than yesterday - bad mama - I didn't check the weather!) As God would have it, just as I was about to leave the house, my daughter Ade came in announcing how beautiful it was out. What a blessing. In two minutes flat, I switched the turtleneck for a tank, changed up  jewelry and belt, and this is what I came up with - all without smudging my make-up!! 















Note: the round mother of pearl pendant and leather disc on the belt - a nice line-up, right?

Tip: Rain was predicted - hence the patent leather booties.

Tip: Even though Autumn is the 'dry' season, its been raining, a lot. I suggest carrying a small retractable brolly at all times :)




Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Maeva two piece, black & white houndstooth trouser suit, a Moda International  black silk tank top, Louboutin black sueded pumps and Treesje black leather studded handbag. Accessories were a culmination of red: necklace, bracelets, and earrings


It was 47 degrees when I left the house this morning. I was like, “Really??” That’s actually coat weather and I’m so not ready to go there yet!!
The temps are so ‘flip floppy’ this time of year, that you’re either freezing your butt off because you’re severely under dressed, or burning up, because you’re grossly  overdressed. My solution? Dress moderately, but wear/bring a scarf. It works wonders!!
Tip: Have you ever gone to China town  (NYC) in the heart of Winter and seen the Asian men in nothing but a sports coat, but they’re wearing a scarf and a hat? The know something….…I tried it....….and it works! (I add gloves though :)!
 
Tip: Although it's customary to wear a blouse/shirt with a suit, it's nice to change things up a bit......like wearing a tank top, t-shirt, or turtleneck. Add some jewellry and ........voilla!!


Monday, September 24, 2012

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Jon multi-floral velvet double breasted blazer, black glitter leggings, black peau de soie pointy sling back pumps (designer unknown), and Treesje  black studded leather handbag. A coordinating bright orange scarf and silver jewelry accessorize today’s look




Kudos to the designer that endorsed “leggings” as clothing. Leggings can be a lifesaver – they’re comfortable, practical, and when done tastefully, look amazing! Now, while I don’t condone wearing leggings as a replacement for jeans or trousers, (they’re just “not built that way”), I absolutely adore wearing them with a tunic (ref my Sep 13th post) or oversized shirt, or with a blazer as worn today.



 
 Note: My apologies for the blurry pics. I worked late,  it was pitch black when I got home...........

Tip: I recommend owning a few pair of leggings - especially black ones - they'll prove invaluable!



Friday, September 21, 2012

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Jon cream, faux antique silk peplum jacket, Energie black velvet tank top, L.E.I Denim capri’s, Viamaestra beige suede and snakeskin pumps, and Dolce & Gabbana ‘yellow banana’ canvas bag with lime green leather trim. Her wayfarer shades are by Etro and brass hoop earrings and bangles complete the look.  


 
Today was a good day. I got up this morning before the clock alarmed, left the house five minutes earlier than usual so I strolled to the train (opposed to “hot stepping”), received anxiously awaited responses to two very important emails, was highly productive despite the urge to ‘relax’,  got time for a  quick swim, and………it’s Friday!! 
Note: While there's no actual 'policy' posted, if there are no clients scheduled, my company practices Dress Down Friday - jeans are fine. My thoughts: just because you're wearing jeans, doesn't mean you should go to work looking as if you're getting ready to clean house!!

Tip: The peplum jacket, blouse, dress, skirt, which is all the rave right now, is the perfect uber feminine piece. It put's me in mind of the 18the Century "bustle".............

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Ms. Aikasha is wearing an Indigo Red black silk ribbed knit dress, Flavio Castellini gold silk shrug, Mary Atkins red suede/gold embellished sling-back pumps and an Adrienne Vittadini black calf hair handbag. Red rhinestone drop earrings, black and black/gold bangles and Patrizia Pepe black rimless shades complete this look.

“Back to School Night”. I had to leave work early today to attend the aforementioned for my 16 year old son. He didn’t want to go and tried to convince me that it was a ‘waste of my time’. Hmmmmmm. A little back story:

Historically, my head would spin every third week of September because I was attending “Back-to-School” Night for four kids, and an occasional grandchild, three or four days out of that one week!! As my kids graduated and went on to college……………..

 
That being said, I’m sure you can understand how bewildered I was that this kid was trying to convince me otherwise. I simply pulled the “Mummy said so” trump card and we went. He made me soooooo proud – his teachers raved about him!! After all was said and done, I think he was pretty glad he came J.

Rewind to last week – my 13 year old son (and youngest child) decided it wasn’t necessary for me to attend his "Back to School Night"- so he didn’t tell me about it. I’m still dealing with him on that one!!

Tip: Color blocking - term for wearing a few solid colors together and making it work

Note: How black is this Adrienne Vittadini calf hair bag? Now, that's Black!!


Wednesday, September 19, 2012

 Ms. Aikasha is wearing a black Margaret Godfrey leather shrug, Ali & Kris white fit & flare, button down halter blouse, a pair of Ms. Aikasha black pinstriped slim legged pants with ankle pockets, Cynthia Rowley black & beige spectator sling-back pumps, and Tous leopard print calf hair and brown leather bag. Her shades are by Tom Ford.


In a couple of days fall will officially be here. Wardrobe switching is on the horizon and I’m a little nervous. I didn’t shop this Summer like I usually do to augment my existing apparel……….I’ve been spending my evenings ‘blogging’!!
Tip: I feel that Autumn  is the perfect weather for leather and suede jackets and attire. Now's the time to wear it.

TipII: Before you break out the woolens and sweaters this fall - it's a good idea to invest in a lint shaver. Trusting the moths didn't get to the clothes you put away this past Spring, you can make them look refreshed when you give them a 'once over' with a lint shaver to eliminate those annoying little piles that show up out of nowhere.

Note: The plant behind me? I've had it for the past 7 years - since it was  little baby, and it just keeps on growing............

Tuesday, September 18, 2012


I mentioned in a previous post “…….I make it rain”. Well, I mean that literally! Today’s forecast said there was an 80% chance of rain. So, or course, it poured as I walked to the train station this morning, then stopped suddenly when I got there. On my way home tonight it just drizzled a little as I took my 2 minute walk from the office to Grand Central Station. Innocent enough – right? I board the train at Penn Station – still no rain. My ride home, no rain. I get off at my stop and Swoosh!! Tthere’s a sudden gust of wind that almost knocked me over and it began to pour Buckets.........almost as if it waited all day for this very moment!! I was soaked right through to my panties before I even made it off the platform – and that’s with an umbrella!! As God would have it, my girlfriend Christine was right behind me and offered to take me home. This is just yet, another reason why I LOVE my Creator soooooo much!!

I got home, took off my sobbing wet clothes, and put on my favorite robe (a holiday gift from my daughter Z).  I removed the tag a while back, because it irritated my neck, and now I honestly don't remember the designer/brand. I do know that it's made from 100% bamboo and it's as soft and as cozy as can be. Here I am relaxing in one of my favorite chairs (I have a thing for chairs!!) and my earrings are the only remnant remaining from today's outfit. I'll try to wear the outfit again some time this winter.........under a humongous coat.........of course!! J