Ms. Aikasha is wearing her Margaret Godfrey black leather shrug, Thalian Extract sage green suede mini skirt, Motivi sleeveless angora cowl neck sweater, Boutique 9 sage green brushed suede booties, and Tous leopard print calf hair & brown leather bag. Gold/silver filigree disc earrings and black/animal print bangles tied this look together.

I didn’t absolutely need to pull out the hosiery today, but thought it appropriate because of my choice of boots. I’m not a fan of hosiery, but since I love, Love, LOVE a mini skirt/dress – they’re perfect addition to my fall/winter wardrobe – they do actually help to keep my legs warm, and………they’re a lot of fun!!

Tip: To prolong the life of any hosiery, I recommend gently hand-washing each pair after each wear and allowing them to drip dry. They last, and last, and you won't have to worry about 'lint balls', snags, or holes - an unavoidable issue if you machine wash

Note: Watch how many eyes are "drawn" to your legs when you wear textured/patterned hoisery, lol!!

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Kor @ Kor black wool/rayon blazer with attached vest, The Limited black satin cigarette trousers, Adele Fado leopard print satin tunic with black lace trim, Louboutin black sueded hidden platform pumps and Tous leopard print calf hair and brown leather bag. A large red VEDA silk/cashmere (pashmina) scarf, pearl/gold shoulder duster earrings and red ceramic and rhinestone bangles accessorized today’s outfit.

 A few posts ago, I had said, (paraphrashing) "........if you find a brand that fits, go for it". I was referring to suits, which can be a bit challenging finding the right fit and feel, but the same applies to most tailored items: blazers, trousers, vests, etc. I'm breaking my arm patting myself on my back right now, as I'm practicing what I preach. Today's blazer Kor @ Kor. So was yesterdays!!

Note: I'm struggling with the lighting in my  pics tonight. I really need to work this out!!

Tip: Leopard print can be a bit overpowering. I like to tone it down a bit with one of the neutrals - black, brown, beige, grey. Then - a pop of color like red (shown here), orange, yellow or even white - this really does it for me.

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Kor @ Kor grey poly/viscose ‘hook & eye’ blazer, Casual Couture by Green Envelop grey rayon knit fit & flare high-low skirt, White & Warren red cashmere halter turtle-neck sweater, BCBG Max Azria black leather/suede peep-toe booties and Tous leopard print calf hair and brown leather bag. A red rhinestone bracelet, large red wooden rectangular earrings and multiple gold-tone bangles complete todays look.



 My favorite style dress/top in the Summertime is a halter. In the winter – it’s a turtleneck. You can’t imagine how ecstatic I was when I found this White & Warren cashmere halter turtle-neck. It’s like the best of both worlds!

I felt the same way when peep-toe boots hit the runway. Since sandals are my absolute favorite type shoes, closely followed by boots, the combination got me all excited!!

Tip: Although I'm not a fan of hoisery with sandals - they look fabulous with open toed boots/booties - especially the textured ones.

 

Tip II: This same outfit will be worn when it gets colder - add hoisery, gloves, and a down vest and I'll be  'good to go'!!

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Bitten (Sarah Jessica Parker) cotton green/pink/burgundy floral baby doll mini dress, Michael Kors burgundy ribbed rayon cardigan Rachel Roy iridescent green/burgundy/teal peep-toe platform pumps and Maxx NY burgundy pebbled grain leather handbag. Copper disc shoulder duster earrings, a large Lucite teal/green/burgundy bangle and pale pink silky scarf accessorize today’s relatively girly outfit

It took me 2 ½ hours to get to the office today! It was tough maintaining a positive attitude about it. But really? It generally takes 50 – 55 minutes……….but between the wait, the transfer, the subway, the taxi,  the 5 inch heels, and the effort, I was pretty exhausted by the time I got to my destination.

Note: I was told that this outfit doesn't typify my usual 'siren' attire!! Siren? really?? lol!!

Tip: its a good idea to keep a couple of safety pins in your make-up bag - they can be so valuable. Case in point - to prevent my half slip from dropping below my dress hemline, I used a little pin and tacked the slip to my bra. There was no more slippage

 

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Tailor turquoise tweed skirt suit, Only Hearts sheer turquoise t-shirt, Manolo Blahnik teal suede “BB” pumps and Vince Camuto tan leather cross-body bag. Green/gold cascading earrings, a large Lucite teal/green/burgundy bangle and multi coloured cashmere scarf accessorize today’s professionally chic outfit.

Since I didn't have much to say today I figured I post a "whole lot of pictures". 

 

 I’ve made a concerted decision to stay positive and not get emotional, even when I’m being provoked. It’s a challenge, but I know that it’s helping my growth and development. I’m not one to cry (only my children can affect me to tears). I look at each obstacle, and how I overcome it, as an opportunity for me to learn and therefore, become better. Sometimes, while I’m “in the thick of it” my perspective is a bit off and I get distracted and forget my mission………then I pray to my Creator, give thanks for my abundant blessings and ask for the answer. I then watch how things fall in line………and I smile!!



Tip:Ms. Aikasha is wearing Blanc Noir black leather double breasted jacket, Moda International silk/cashmere yellow turtleneck sweater, Boom Boom bellbottom black jeans, BCBG gold leather pointy sling back shoes, and Juicy Couture maroon leather ‘ring bling’ handbag. Large custom made mustard/black batik print fabric earrings, a gold Gucci  leather belt and a mix of gold tone bangles accessorize today’s look

Note: I really love these gold BCBG sling back shoes, but it's been 7 years, they're a bit beat up - I think it's time to retire them.

 

 

 





Ms. Aikasha is wearing a BCBG Max Azria tan leather ¾ puff sleeve, double breasted jacket, i.t.w by Claude Brown beige suede trousers, brown suede tank top with lace trim, Baker’s brown linen peep toe sandals and Juicy Couture maroon leather ‘ring bling’ handbag. A cream rayon scarf, cream Torino Lamborghini shades, brown wooden disc earrings, and a mix of wooden/Lucite/and brass bangles top off the look.

I love sunshine – it makes me smile (as does a lot of things….lol!!)……thank goodness, God saw it fit to give me a good set of teeth!! I opted for warmer attire today to combat the chill. It was bright, sunny, but just a wee bit chilly.

Note: Brown, tan, beige, the colours of today's outfit blended so perfectly with the fallen leaves,

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Vintage Havana cream cowl neck rayon long sleeved baby-doll mini dress (that was a mouthful), a cream leather pocket belt (brand unknown) that works perfect with the dress, Jean Michel Cazabat blue denim peep toe booties and Juicy Couture maroon leather ‘ring bling’ handbag. A cowrey shell/leather choker, gold shoulder duster earrings and multiple blue bangles complete today’s look.

I got really excited when I checked the forecast this morning……ok – so 80% chance of rain doesn’t appeal to most, but being British and raised in the rain (hmm……..maybe explains my being on the “tall” side, lol!), the rain actually doesn’t bother me. However, 72 degrees –  that excites me, especially after being out in 40 degrees this weekend. Ok, enough weather talk……..so I pulled out this dress, decided against the coat/jacket – and felt great

Note: The cowrey shell (ref my choker) was the first, official form of currency. Today, cowrey shells are used in traditional African jewelry and also to adorn ceremonial costumes.

Tip: As much as I like to coordinate, sometimes its nice to just put on something - no theme in mind, and watch it all come together. I hadn't used this bag in a while - and it worked out nicely.

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Blanc/Noir black leather jacket, WDNY black/grey/white silk leopard print blouse, Uniqlo red wool v-neck sweater, Cello black ultra skinny jeans, Fendi black leather/patent leather handbag and Christian Louboutin black sueded pumps. Gold chandelier shoulder duster earrings, Patrizia Pepe black rimless aviators, hematite and garnet necklace and camel mini leopard print ½ gloves top off today’s “Jeans are OK” for the office look.

My daughter, Mo, has been complaining that I need to change locations for my pictures. It’s a bit tough since my “hood” has a lot of foot traffic and it’s challenging capturing a shot without someone in it.  This is why my front porch has been the automatic default. Not to mention that it’s dark by 6:30pm which is when I’m usually just leaving the office. Today, I was fortunate enough to get home in the daylight……


Tip: Red really works well with animal prints, and also tied in nicely with the bottom of the shoes.

Note: The bottom of the shirt "peaking" under the sweater is intentional

 Note II: after all the years owning this jacket, it just dawned on me the back is  "peplum"