When I started working for my current employer about 4 ½ years ago, a part of my hire package was a gym membership. Nice, right? I’m a swimmer and needed a pool and as God would have it, the gym next door to my building was fully equipped, pool and all! I would swim three times a week and my body was looking good.                                                                      Well, the company has grown, brought new partners on board and the policy has changed – no more gym membership for mama!! L……and I’m not in the position to fork out $1,500 for one. So, along comes Living Social, selling a month for $60.00. I swam today, and will be swimming for the next 29 days J yay me!!

 

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Vivianne Tam red knit, shawl collar dress, BCBG Max Azria red suede/pale leather ankle wrap sandals and Michael Kors pale leather handbag. Banana Republic large silver cuff, Betsey Johnson silver shoulder duster earrings and black Gucci sunglasses complete the look. 

Note: Red can be "funny". there's so many variations and, as you can see, I'm definitely wearing two of them (shoes vv dress). I got away with it though :)                 

 

A couple weeks back I mentioned our missing camera - it's still missing! So, last week, I made a trek to Best Buy to invest in a new one. And I did – a Sony Cyber shot – 16 mega pixel, 10x zoom, blah, blah, blah, etc., etc.

I’m not the savviest with the high tech digital equipment – which I made very clear to the sales person – but she insisted that this camera was the one,  “…….easy to use, perfect for what I needed it for”.

Since I bought it, I have had the hardest, most repetitious, non-productive time, just trying to load my pictures – it’s a mess! Needless to say – I’ll be returning it my next trip to the store.

Ms. Aikasha is wearing white/gold striped knit, racerback dress, Flavio Castellini gold silk shrug, Miu Miu  white leather Coffer bag, and Brian Atwood black leather ankle wrap sandals. Matching bangles and mini pearl earrings tie the whole look together

Note: This white/gold outfit turned a lot of heads got me a ton of compliments today - which is always nice - thanx to "UnderWhere?" body shaper I pulled if off, effortlessly.

Note II: the tag in this dress was irritating so I cut it out! As much as I love the dress, I have no idea what brand it is!



It’s one of those days that I don’t have much to say – can you believe that? It’s true. I’ve got an upcoming event this weekend that I’m making a new dress for, and I haven’t even started yet! Add that to my crazy schedule……ouch!!

So, I’ll be brief.

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a beige Motivi walking shorts suit, Fuzzi sheer nylon double layer tank top, Hale Bob green argyle print pony hair/brown ‘croc’ leather mules, and Coach wicker/leather/snakeskin limited edition “Bonnie” handbag. Accessories include a brown leather necklace with green glass beads, 22 karat gold hoop earrings, large green acrylic bangle and Cynthia Rowley green sunglasses

Note: ok - so the suit is beige (which can translate to safe, boring, etc), but I think the cut of this suit is pretty amazing and pretty much speaks for itself.                                                                                     


Tip: to subtly pick up on the green in the bag, the Hale Bob mules are green argyle ponyhair, and the necklace is also green.

Hey, Hey!

After a 2 ½ week holiday, it was time to go back to work. I thought I would dread the idea of getting up this morning, but it really wasn’t that bad…….at all! I caught the 7:00am train, was in the office by 7:45am and I got right to it.

Just to back up a bit though, my last holiday weekend (Fri Aug 17 – Sun Aug 19) was amazing!! My girlfriend invited me to attend the Major League Baseball Civil Rights games and numerous associated events in Atlanta. When I say invited, I mean VIP status at the highest level: attending the roundtable discussion, which was highly informative and so provocative; VIP receptions; watching both games(Dodgers / Braves) Friday and Saturday evening, from the “box”; attending the Beacon Awards ceremony and luncheon with celebrity performers and recipients, etc., etc., etc.


Needless to say, I dressed for the part, however I didn't have my son or daughter to take my blog pics,(but, professional pictures of my various outfits at these events are hopefully on the way – I’m keeping my fingers crossed’).

Ms. Aikasha is wearing an original Ms. Aikasha blue linen short sleeve dress with Mark and James blue peep-toe suede sling-back platform sandals and Coachwicker/leather/snakeskin limited edition “Bonnie” handbag. Carino Lamborghini cream shades, a mix of coordinating bangles and Roberto Cavalli large silver watch with brown alligator strap complete today's outfit

Note: I made this dress about 10 years ago during a time I was struggling to make ends meet, so I would moonlight as a seamstress when I wasn't working my day job. The solid blue linen part of the dress was leftover fabric from a client's custom outfit. The multi colored hem is scraps from the hem of two pairs of trousers I had shortened for my eldest son. And.......Voila! The shoes are the exact same color as the dress - I just got them 2 summers ago - who'd have thought.........right??










Tip: as nice as it is to coordinate - it's never neccessary to "match" from head to toe which can be so predictable and a bit boring - hence the green handbag. The coloring of the green bag  is in the same muted family as the blue dress, so this "ties" the outfit together with a bit of interest - it's less obvious.

Note II: I know it's a lot of pictures today, but I was just really happy with them! :)

Hola!

It’s been a while….right? I’ve been “busy” enjoying my time off, while also trying to get organized on the homefront. I have a terrible procrastination problem, not because I’m lazy in any form or fashion, but I  tend to put certain things off while I’m handling the gazillion other things that at that moment I’ve chosen to prioritize. This "momentary priority" could actually really, honestly, and truly be important…………or not.

I took care of soooooo many things today and throughout the day I “meant to” take my blog pic. I finally took it at 10:30pm……..(ouch!) and it was so beautiful earlier!  An absolutely ‘picture perfect day’! So, here we go again with my entrance foyer as my backdrop. Note to self: I will do better J.  My plant (behind me in the shot) is not doing well at all, so I’m not happy and a bit clueless how to restore it to its original splendor – and it was truly splendid…………so, something else to handle..........

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Joseph A.  black silk shrug, (unknown brand) black cotton knit embellished halter, an original Ms. Aikasha denim/lacey drop waist maxi skirt, Kelsi Dagger blue/pewter thong leather sandals and Diesel red canvas/leather/rope bag. The outfit is accessorized by large chain link shoulder duster earrings

Tip: I love designer clothes and popular name brands, but I also love brands I've never heard of, and pieces from the everyday local or department store. Combining the major designer/brand name skirt/trousers with an obscure or "no name" top and looking amazing?priceless!!

 Note: that red bag really "pops" - doesn't it?

 

Ahhhh! The Jersey Shore!!  It’s really not so bad – honestly!

Since my family is so large, and we usually invite a few friends, there’s usually a “caravan” of up to seven vehicles, chock full of  folks, heading to the beach together – it’s an event in itself which usually takes a couple weeks planning. Today, however, my daughter Ny, (also today’s photographer) myself, and just a small subset of the fam decided to hit the beach – and we had a tremendous time!! The sun was hot, the water was just right, and the waves were absolutely perfect!

  Ms. Aikasha is wearing Juicy Couture black one piece halter bathing suit, and Scala Collezione orange paper and nylon sun hat. Cynthia Rowley orange shades, her summertime favorite Swiss Legend white porcelain watch, and orange bangles, accessorize today’s look.

Tip: Personally, I don’t think everybody should wear a bikini – but that’s just me. I’ve gained the “stripes” of childbearing – Stretch Marks – and prefer to keep my battle scars to myself! There are sooooo many options available: monokini, tankini, strapless, one shoulder, or halter one piece suits, and they’re just as fabulous.

Tip II: Don’t be shy with the sunscreen it’s a necessity in our ozone depleted society. So many options are now available. We no longer have to wear the old school white paste that refused to ‘rub in’. Banana Boat has a fantastic product that is completely clear and has a SPF of 50.

 Hey there!

I kinda, sort of, wasn’t planning to post today, so much so that I didn’t get my picture taken until really, really late. However, as if subconsciously I felt a little void that needed to be filled, so here I am. My 13 year old son has misplaced the camera (again), and it hasn’t shown up since Saturday, so Miss Alosha, my 19 year old daughter, saved the day (or rather, the night) and used her phone, forgive me for the poor picture quality................
As I mentioned a while back, I dove in head first with this blog, and hadn’t really taken the time to educate myself about the “blog world”. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t completely oblivious, but I’m definitely no wiz on the subject. So, today, I took the time to check out a few blogs, and WOW!! I was Amazed!!!

Before I knew it, three hours had passed and I hadn’t even put a dent in the numerous lists on various topics, on fashion, lifestyle, beauty, that I was interested in – it was a bit overwhelming! I had to make a conscious decision to just STOP. I abruptly turned off my computer. My head still whirling, I grabbed my handbag and left the house so I could run a few errands and clear my head. I realized - I have a lot to learn!!

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Fubu white smocked and layered ruffle top, R.F Premium Denim Collection orange shorts, Beverly Feldman white jeweled thong kitten heel mules, and Cole Haan large wicker bag with lime green leather trim. Swiss Legend white porcelain watch, pearl drop earrings, mother of pearl pendant necklace, and four coordinating orange/white bangles tie the whole look together.

Tip: When wearing really short shorts or mini skirt, I recommend a top that's not so fitted. Baby doll, oversized, or trapeze cut works nicely and the outfit appears less provocative.

Note: These shorts are really, really short - sometimes I tend toward daring......just a little :)

My weekends are my favorite time of the week – not just for the obvious reasons – but because it’s all about family and close friends, and I love that!

I rarely know who’s at the door when the bell rings, but, guaranteed, whoever it is we’ll head to the kitchen where I’ll make them a cup of tea, fix a sandwich, or even a meal, depending on the time of day. I’m nurturing by nature, I think having nine children taught me a few things J. My grandmother owned a bar and restaurant, so entertaining is in my blood, plus I worked in the hospitality industry for a good 10 years, so it’s all part and parcel of who I am (I guess). I think so, so many things influence who we ultimately become (I know it seems I’m rambling – but I feel compelled). I’ve been vegetarian for more than 30 years, and though I don’t impress this lifestyle/choice on anyone (except my kids), my cooking has folks from all over saying “If I could eat your cooking every day, I’d be vegetarian too”! Nice, right?

It boggles me why so many businesses are closed on the weekend! So many people work 9 – 5, (figuratively speaking), and, therefore, trying to handle personal finances, errands, etc., can only be done on the weekend. Granted, the internet has helped to ease this “glitch” in our societal setup, however, there are some things that have to be done in person that absolutely cannot be done online, and will not get done on the weekend because the office is closed. So, today was ‘one of those days’ to get these things done that I couldn’t this weekend, and I did – all while looking just a little bit sexy!!

Ms. Aikasha is wearing Free People grey halter knit bodysuit with sheer inset panel, Brooklyn Girl cream slim jeans, Beverly Feldman red jewelled thong mules and Diesel red canvas and leather bag with rope detail. Accessories include large quartz crystal pendant with matching earrings, Manhattan  black and silver watch, Lacoste red aviator shades, and an armful of coordinating bangles.  

Tip: Completely "off topic" but Ladies, when you buy shoes on sale, please, Please, PLEASE remove the sitcker from the bottom of the shoes. How often you see a well dressed women and she walks by, then you see the 'Sale' sticker gleaming out at you, from under her shoe, with every step she takes? Eeeell!!  The stickers usually peel right off, but if not, try soap and water, or a butter knife, or nail  polish remover.



I don’t really watch tv much – my schedule doesn’t necessarily allow for it and when I do have time, there’s always a gazillion other things I know I have to do. Nonetheless, there are a few shows that I’ll catch “On Demand”: WEEDS; TRUE BLOOD; CALIFORNICATION; THE GOOD WIFE. None of these shows have anything to do with the other, but they’re each highly entertaining and I’ll be playing “catch-up” while I’m off. I'm also watching the Olympics and just lovin' it!!

Why the back story? I was up really late watching TRUE BLOOD last night so I slept late……again. I had to run a few errands and wanted to be comfortable. Again, I’m sharing a downtime moment………

Ms. Aikasha is wearing an original Ms. Aikasha black satin maxi skirt with black sheer side panels, Old Navy white striped racer back tank, Banana Republic leather pewter flip-flops, and Treesje black leather studded tote. Cynthia Rowley orange studded shades, silver chain link shoulder duster earrings, chunky orange and black bangles, and black leather studded belt accessorize this very laid back outfit.

Tip: Black and white is classic – it just goes together perfectly………but I just love the orange “pop” of color – just adds a touch of whimsy and makes things a bit more fun  - don’t you think?

Tip II: It seems to be "all the rage" right now to wear racer back, halter, one shoulder or even a strapless dress/top- and still wear a regular bra! Since I'm an underpinning advocate - that doesn't quite work for me and has me wondering "why"? You can find an adjustable strap bra (which gives a far more refined look) at Victoria's Secret (multi way) or various other brands at most major department stores.

                          "Under my Umbe -rella, ella, ella, eh, eh, eh........."

Rihana, 2008 

I’m officially on holiday…………..yay!! I slept late, which was really nice and when I finally got up, I thought about a gazillion things that I had to do, (all the things that I never get a chance to focus on while in the “grind frame of mind”) and mentally started prioritizing.

Of course, I had to also check my work blackberry to make sure things were still in order and I hadn’t missed the "all important", "life or death", "must handle right now or else" email. Things were cool, so I proceeded with my stuff on my first official personal holiday day.

Being a foreigner, I still run into the old “red tape” issue, so I’m dealing with that on a couple of fronts. I had to complete an application, take it to the bank to get it notarized and make it to the post office to meet the deadline.

I didn’t plan to post today, but when I finally left the house late this afternoon in the pouring rain, I got so many compliments, I felt compelled to share. So this is me on my down time…………

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a More Dash than Cash pale blue silk knit polo with ruffles, Divided tan, man tailored shorts, Laundry by Shelli Segal black strappy sandals and Treesje black leather studded tote. Turquoise and silver shoulder duster earrings, Hype black leather skinny belt, and MCM brand full size umbrella complete the look. 

Tip: I love shorts, short skirts, and short dresses, and fortunately my Creator saw it fit to give me the legs to wear the short things I love. Be mindful of your strengths and take care of them, be it your hair, skin, smile/teeth, boobs, butt, arms, etc., etc., whatever your physical attribute is, do NOT take it for granted. As time goes by, we may have to work that much harder to maintain our attributes, but it's totally worth it!