Ms. Aikasha is wearing an i.t.w by Claude Brown orange/green tweed wool suit with brown velvet accents, Zanana Outfitters  brown long sleeved t-shirt, Elaine Gold green/brown/black velvet rayon scarf, Vera Wang brown leather peep toe booties, and Maxx NY  burgundy leather handbag. Green/gold cascading earrings and brass, clear Lucite, and orange ceramic bangles accent today’s outfit.

Today is just one of those days, again, when I'm at a loss for words. Can you believe that? I'm sure I'll make up for it tomorrow!!

Note: Granted the burgundy bag doesn't "match". It's ok. It's not all about matching, but bringing classic or contemporary pieces together and making them work.

Tip: I'm a strong advocate for good solid leather goods and I highly recommend upkeep which maintains longevity. Saddle soap, shoe polish, and a good trustworthy cobbler/shoemaker can make a  handbag or pair of shoes last, and last, and last.........

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Michael Kors rayon ribbed burgundy cardigan, Mossimo burgundy cotton t-shirt, Blue Plate grey sheer silk floral skirt with burgundy lining, Stuart Weitzman burgundy suede peep toe pumps, and Maxx NY burgundy leather bag. A grey floral silk ‘burn-out’ scarf, copper hammered earrings and multi grey, clear, and copper bangles complete this eclectic but relatively conservative look.

Today was all about texture: ribbed (cardigan), smooth (t-shirt), wrinkled (skirt), matt/shiny (shoes), pebbled (bag), hammered (earrings), sheer/solid (scarf). As I laid in bed, I put the whole thing together in my head, knowing how different the ‘greys’ were in the skirt and scarf, but also knowing the ‘burgundies’ would be dominant enough to tie the whole outfit together.

Tip: As we transition from Summer to Autumn/Fall, layering a cardigan/sweater over a Summer skirt totally works. This Fall particularly, as it's all about printed, floral and geometric bottoms.

Tip II: I highly recommend against wearing suede shoes in the rain, (which I did this morning - bad mama!), but if you absolutely must (it was mandatory for me to bring this look 'home'), be mindful and avoid puddles! If the suede gets too wet, the color tends to 'bleed' and stain you feet/socks.

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a blue grey painted Vivian leather jacket, Moda International by Victoria’s Secret slate blue turtleneck sleeveless sweater dress, Max Studio blue suede peep toe boots and Tous leopard print calf hair and brown leather bag. A strand of turquoise beads, blue/green dangle earrings and a mix of blue bangles finish off today’s look.

There are just so many things that makes me say “Hmmmmm”. For instance: Have you ever been stuck walking behind someone, and no matter how much you try to pass or go around them, they stay in front of you? Well that was me this morning. This time, it was a man with a roll-on suitcase. He got off the train in front of me, rolled his luggage over a woman’s foot as we got on the escalator, and even though I diverted and took a different walkway, by the time I got to the subway turnstiles there he was…….in front of me……again!! What does this mean??..........

Tip: I like to wear the same colour - even if it's not the same tone. I learned this from my daughter Z - she'd say "it's all pink - fuschia, hot pink, rose pink, neon pink" and she'd look Fabulous!! I'm wearing so many shades of blue here: slate, turquoise, cobalt, light....... but all together, it works for me.........thanx Z!!

Tip II: Thanx Spanx!! - couldn't have done this without you.

Ms. Aikasha is wearing an original camel coloured Ms. Aikasha wool jersey hooded long sleeved dress, Laltramoda camel coloured ‘shrunken’ suede jacket, Steven by Steve Madden tan suede fringe sandals and  Tous leopard print calf hair and brown leather bag. A long black fringe rayon scarf, beige mini leopard print ½ gloves, and coordinating gold/wood bangles and earrings completes this monochromatic look.

Over the four months that I’ve been blogging, I’ve mentioned ‘underpinnings’  a few times. I firmly believe that a woman’s underpinnings are as essential to her wardrobe as the actual clothing. My mantra: KNOW YOUR UNDERPINNINGS. Case in point: As I rushed to get dressed this morning, I had to change my bra THREE times! Why? Because even though I knew what dress I was wearing, I hadn’t paired up the right bra, the one which is completely seamless under this dress. Long story short – I missed my train as I took the time to find “the one” and made it to the office, perfectly smooth and seamless………a bit late – but ‘just in time’ J

Note: I was really pushing the envelop wearing these sandals today - it was 52 degrees!! But it worked so nicely with the outfit!.......vanity!!

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Ms. Aikasha black & red cotton halter hooded 'swing' sundress, Miu Miu black patent leather stiletto sandals and Diesel red leather and canvas rope handbag. Manhattan black and silvertone bracelet watch, hammered copper earrings and multi textured black bangles tie the look together.

When I heard it was going to be bright, sunny, and 80 degrees today, I knew it was probably the ‘last hooray’ for summer weather and I had to wear a sundress – more importantly, an original Ms. Aikasha sundress. I threw a cute little black shrug in my bag, just in case.

 

Tip: Stillettos can be a bit of a challenge on New York streets. Know your limits and tread lightly!

Note: Remember - boxers under the swing dress/skirt!!

 

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Tailor Made pink baby corduroy skirt suit, tonal pink stripe tube top, BCBG Max Azria black leather and suede peep toe booties and Treesje large black leather studded handbag. Gold chain shoulder duster earrings, a pink/multi stone pendant, and silver & Rose quartz bangles complete this uber feminine  yet trendy look.  

 

Just for the record, men love women in pink……..and so do women!! I’m living testament. Every time I wear a predominantly pink outfit, the response I get is off the charts. - I got sooooooo many compliments today, it was wonderful......enough to cheer up anyone's humid, overcast, dreary day :)

 

Tip: When you find an outfit that fits your body type and you're happy with it, explore that brand's other offerings - generally there are other pieces that will work for you too. Case in point: I own three Tailor Made suits, each one completely different from the other, but each one fits just lovely!!

 

Tip II: To give this girly outfit just "a little" edge, I opted for the black peep toe booties and studded handbag. The pink pedicure really worked here - right??

 



Ms. Aikasha is wearing Lucca Couture cotton knit mini dress with navy lace trim, cream chunky knit cardigan (brand unknown), Jean Michel Cazabat blue denim peep toe booties and Mazzini large cream leather handbag. Navy flutter shoulder duster earrings, and blue/multi coloured bangles complete the look

It’s interesting. As much as I love, Love, LOVE colour – my wardrobe is so full of cream/beige. My daughter Ny is the founder and designer of Ny’s Closet (ref my Sun Sep 30th post – black smocked sundress). I would tease her about how much she loves beige – her bedroom, living room, dining room, bathroom – all beige. My house, by contrast, is rich with colour. Surprisingly, she just told me she’s taking a hint from me and having her condo painted different colours. Nice - right? But here I am…..in beige….from head to toe….again. And every time wear it, I think of her and smile.

Note: If a clothing tag irritates my neck, I'll rip it out in a heartbeat! Problem is though, I'll forget the brand/designer - as with my cardigan worn here - and I love this cardigan!

Ms. Aikasha is wearing Victoria’s Secret Moda International red cotton knit, sleeveless turtleneck dress, Margaret Godfrey black leather shrug, Mazzini large cream leather handbag and Boutique 9 black leather/elastic peep toe oxfords. Large red wood rectangle earrings and red rhinestone bangle accessorize today’s bright, cheery look.

I woke up a bit anxious this morning. I had set an Oct 1^st deadline for myself (a personal business matter), and I missed it, so I went to sleep thinking about how I need to take myself far more seriously, be more focused and assertive, and follow-up/follow through. I don’t dream much, but I’m sure if I dreamt last night, it would have had to do with me, my goals, and my accomplishments….or lack of, thereof.

Rather than beat myself up, I decided to shrug off the guilt, set a new deadline and liven up the dreary, overcast day with a bright red dress!! Nothing like cute clothes/shoes to make this woman feel better J!!

Tip: I couldn't pull this look off without my body shaper. I'm a Spanx fan but today I'm wearing Underwhere? which is just as efficient.........and a bit more cost effectiveJ

Tip II: When wearing solids, there is relative flexibility as to how many colors can be worn at once. be creative...........don't stop at three....but don't go overboard either!!

Note: Even with the rain, I think my reluctant photographer did alright!!

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Maeva brown ‘button’ jacket trouser suit, XXL yellow tank, Boutique 9 pale pink laser cut out sandals and See by Chloe yellow patent leather cross body bag. A sheer silk blue/black/brown/grey scarf tied as a bow at her neck and yellow flutter earrings feminize today’s look.

Fall is definitely here. The nights are chilly the mornings are brisk, so therefore, it’s undeniably suit time! Though I’m such a girl and love, Love, LOVE to wear dresses, when the temperatures cool, I’ll put a suit in a heartbeat! With the temps reading 53 degrees at 7:00am this morning – there was no doubt in mind what I would be wearing.

Note: It's hard to see in these photos, but the hem of this jacket is connected by buttons so I'm able to experiment how I wear it: long; short; 1/2 & 1/2 - it's kinda fun!

sitting in the 'green room'

Part II
 

While in Atlanta this weekend I was invited to attend the BET Hip-Hop music awards at the ATLANTA CIVIC CENTER. A friend of mine is close with actor/comedian Anthony Anderson, who was one of the presenters for the evening  – so, thanks to Anthony, we had “Back-Stage” privileges, which was quite awesome! I had the choice to sit in the audience, or watch the show from the “Green Room” on a flat screen tv.



Kendrick Lamar, Rakim accepting his award, and T.I, who presented Rakim's award

I chose the latter and while in the “Green Room” mingled with the likes of: T.I., Kendrick Lamar, RZA, Future, Diggy Simmons, Fat Joe, Miguel, 2 Chainz ……..and folks I've never heard of and definitely didn’t recognize!! What I didn’t do, however, is take pictures…….bad mama! My girls are still reprimanding me!! 

 

After the taping, Anthony invited us to join him for dinner at STK, Atlanta. It was an absolutely incredible weekend!!

Anthony's reluctance to be photographed with me at STK, Atlanta.

Anthony, (after much of a struggle) finally deciding to cooperate for the photo. Isn't that a nice shot?

Ms. Aikasha is wearing Roberto Cavalli long silk, bias cut, animal print strapless maxi dress, L.A.M.B beige lace up wedges and black suede Gucci bag. Brown/white cuff, large gold mesh hoop earrings, mother of pearl pendant and Michael Kors tortoise shell watch put the finishing touches on this elegant outfit.