Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Blue Deep mauve wool, safari inspired pants suit, Free People nylon lace turquoise tank top, Coach blue/green snakeskin platform pumps, and Charles Jourdan croc embossed orange and ‘nude’ leather handbag. A multi coloured large ‘checkered’ cashmere scarf, turquoise beaded necklace, cascading green/blue/gold earrings and mini leopard print ½ gloves were today’s accessories.

 

 

 

I smile a lot – I do. I truly have so much to be grateful for, and my daily pictures are just a small reflection of my gratitude. Every day (or at least, most days) I give thanks to my Creator for my children, my grand-children, my mum and extended family and I ask for protection for us all.

What happened last Friday at the Sandy Hook Elementary school has since, randomly brought me to tears. Each time I read an article, see news coverage, or overhear someone talking about the tragedy, I’m so overwhelmed by emotion. I can’t even begin to imagine what the parents, siblings and grandparents must be experiencing; I can only pray that God is with them and they can find some comfort in His love. Sending Love and Strength to the survivors and to the families who lost their children in Newtown CT.



Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Poleci blackish/brown embossed leather duster, THM Clothing light grey cable knit wool/acrylic blend turtleneck dress, Hue dark grey cable knit hosiery, Joan & David black leather ankle booties with black shearling cuff, and Charles Jourdan croc embossed orange and ‘nude’ leather handbag. Large hammered copper earrings and a mix of black/animal print bangles accessorized today’s look.

Three parties in four days………..that’s a lot for me and there’s still more to come! I still have gifts to wrap (all the gifts) and maybe a bit more shopping – just for back-up – so I’ll be a busy (and tired) camper this week.

Note: I got home late from a client's holiday party and was headed up to bed when my son reminded me that I had to take my blog pictures. I was like "Awwwww - you reminded me!". (He confessed that he considered not saying anything.......). So I let him choose the location and since he'd just showered and didn't feel like going outside, we did the pics inside.

Note II: I know this isn't exactly my standard party attire, but I was planning to wear jeans today and remembered the party at the last minute - so I had to rush and change into something that didn't need ironing and still make my train.........thank goodness for knitted dresses!!

Ms. Aikasha is wearing an Identify cream leather jacket with quilted stand-up collar, Victoria Secrets black nylon ruuched halter top, an original Ms. Aikasha red wool stretch crepe maxi skirt with ‘sky high’ front split, Christian Louboutin silk/leather leopard print high heeled peep toe sling back shoes, and Etro lime green/black hair calf baguette. A custom made quartz crystal pendant and earring set, Roberto Cavalli alligator strap watch, and a delicate hand painted papier mache bangle accessorized the night’s high fashion look.

 

Me and My Girls: (from Left) Ade, Me, Z, Mo, Oca

Last night, Fri Dec 14^th, was our company holiday party at my boss’s house. Four of my girls came out to mingle and hang out. We had an amazing time – we do every year! My boss and his wife are pretty incredible!

 

 

Oca & I - look at the legs on that girl!!

 

Note: These pictures were taken at the end of the night when most of the guests had left - so we were just goofing around..........as usual........



Ms. Aikasha is wearing an Identify cream leather jacket with quilted stand-up collar, Tevrow & Chase grey wool flannel, cuffed wide legged trousers, Flavio Castellini pale pink stretch silk satin ruffle front blouse, Michael Kors pale peach leather handbag and Boutique 9 grey flannel/leather peep-toe booties. A grey/black leopard print cotton scarf, Renee's red/cream long leather gloves, pearl and gold shoulder duster earrings, a mix of black and cream bangles were the choice of accessories for today’s outfit.

I took the day off work yesterday – I just wasn’t feeling 100%.......which, of course, resulted in my NOT blogging. Since, most recently I only post four days a week (Mon – Thu) I figured I’d make up for my missed day by blogging tomorrow. Let’s see what I come up with………………

Tip: Today's colours can be considered muted: grey, cream, pale pink........ Notice that special 'oomph' from the red gloves - just the right touch of colour.

Note: This is  also one of my favorite outfits.......

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Blanc Noir black leather double breasted jacket, Pink Rose black v-neck long sleeved ribbed rayon sweater, Ny’s Closet white long sleeved t-shirt, an original Ms. Aikasha midi length black/white poly/wool tweed skirt with white ‘rick-rack’ trim, Diesel red canvas and leather ‘rope’ trim handbag and Boutique 9  black elastic/leather peep toe oxford booties. Red and silver earrings and red/cream leather gloves were todays accessories.

It seemed I just couldn’t leave the house today – and when I finally did, after purposefully missing two trains – I had to turn around and run back inside. I had an important stop to make before going to the office and subconsciously, I think I was intentionally causing my delays. I hot stepped it to the train, had to sprint one block and fly up the stairs to the platform (train was early – and rarely waits –  good thing I know the conductor!) As I huffed and puffed, and sweat beads began to form on my brow I sat and reached into my bag for tissue, and realized I left it on the dresser, with my make-up bag! Oh well…………..and I still haven’t made it to the barbershop!!

 

Tip: Accessories i.e. gloves, scarves, hats - really serve the purpose of keeping you warm, but can do the world of difference complimenting your outfit. Instead of just throwing on pieces in the name of 'warmth', be mindful and coordinate and see the difference!

 

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Population multi – white/blue/brown/gold rain coat, Derek Heart brown rayon/cotton blend turtleneck tunic, brown double layered leggings (regretfully - brand unknown), Boutique 9 brown peep toe platform boots, and Miu Miu white leather ‘coffer’ bag, (worn as a crossbody). Pearl/silver earrings, a wide/long brown leather fringe belt – brand unknown (again), and brown/white wooden bangles accessorized today’s look.

 I was headed to the barbershop to get a trim after work today, and I got a call from my daughter Ny, who wanted to go to the mall to Christmas shop. I decided to skip the barbers and go with her, but from the look of this picture - I really need to get there (the barbershop)....soon!!

Tip: I think it’s apparent – I like to go monochromatic . Notice how many different shades of brown makes up today’s outfit (which, btw, is one of my winter favorites)……..and it works!!

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Rachel Roy burgundy/black variegated knit snap front cardigan (worn as a dress), Poof black tank, Calafate Shearling Company baby blue shearling car coat, BCBG black leather/suede peep toe booties, and Gucci black suede handbag. Betsey Johnson silver chandelier earrings, black leather gloves, black rayon fringe scarf, and multiple black Lucite and ceramic bangles were today’s accessories.

Traditionally, every year I buy a ‘live’ tree from Home Depot and we put it up in the entrance foyer. I love the smell of the pine or Douglas fir when I walk into the house – it’s so reminiscent of the season – so warming.

All this week I’ve been trying to get to Home Depot to buy the tree, and every day something else has come up, preventing me from accomplishing my mission…………hopefully I’ll get it done this weekend.

Tip: When shopping for textured hoisery, look for a reinforced toe. There's nothing more uncomfortable than your toes poking through the 'fish net' hoisery in your shoes - or worse, while wearing peep toe shoes/boots.....so NOT sexy!
Tip II: I think black textured hoisery are the safest bet. Coloured ones can be a bit of a gamble (I must like to gamble) because sometimes I put on the coloured hoisery, and I just 'hold my breath".

Note: Notice how this  Calafate baby blue shearling car coat has absolutely nothing to do with the rest of the outfit - but it just works! My girls bought me this coat for my birthday a few years ago - it's one of my absolute favorites!!

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Michael Kors red sleeveless rayon turtleneck sleeveless sweater with “Chanel” style chain link belt, Moda International red polyester stitched seam palazzo trousers, Dollhouse fleece lined blue denim cropped jacket, Gucci black suede handbag and Louboutin black sueded high heeled pumps. Delicate red rhinestone earrings, and red rhinestone bangles accessorized today’s retro look.

 It was another strange day – things just took a minute to line up and it made me a bit uneasy. I mean, the simplest things required specific attention, which threw me a bit, because I’m accustomed to ‘setting things in motion’ and watching it all come together. Therefore, I made it a point to cross every “T” and dot every “I”. As my work day came to a close, things began to fall in line...............and I exhaled.

Tip: Palazzo trousers should be worn long - by that I mean, just about grazing the ground (but not dragging - which looks sloppy). True, your dry cleaning bill will be just a bit high, but you'll accomplish 'the look'.
Tip II: A denim jacket tends to tone down the overall look of an outfit, making it feel 'comfy'. If you're wearing something that you might feel is a 'bit over the top' - put on a denim jacket and see how you feel
Note: .........how the black bag, black pumps, and black gloves 'ground' this look which, by some standards, is considered just a bit 'out there'..........only because its red.
Note II: I was stopped by a police officer in Grand Central Terminal....and received a Compliment!!!

A few years back (quite a few years J) I was a fiend for anything camouflage: shoes, fabric, handbags, scarves, anything! If my girls were out shopping and saw ‘camouflage’ – they’d just get it for me. Today’s outfit is reminiscent of just that, so watch out –there’s more coming…

 

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Ny’s Closet army green silk interlock swing skirt with camouflage flower, Vera Wang black cashmere tank top, Laltramoda camel suede jacket, Joseph Charles grey leather handbag, and Via Spiga black leather high heels tall boots. A silky camouflage scarf, gold leather Gucci belt, gold tone pendulum earrings and bangles accessorized today’s look.

Note: Ok - I know the grey bag doesn't really work with the outfit - but I was a bit late this morning and didn't have time to change bags

 

Ms. Aikasha is wearing an original Ms. Aikasha grey poly/wool blend skirt set with hooded hi-low cropped jacket and cargo pocket/high split pencil maxi skirt (that was a mouthful!!), Moda International mauve cashmere/silk blend long sleeved turtleneck sweater, Joseph Charles grey leather handbag, and Patrizia Pepe grey quilted suede boots. Pearl and gold shoulder duster earrings, gold tone bangles and a grey silk burnout scarf accessorized todays mostly monochromatic look (with just a touch of colour)

How beautiful was the weather today! It was so nice walking to the train without the bulk of a winter coat – which usually causes me to ‘overheat’ – so this was definitely a welcome change.

Tip: When possible - its nice when your lipstick/gloss or eyeshadow is the same as your 'touch of colour'
Tip II: Notice how all the 'shades of grey' are so different - but they all still come together quite effectively :)