4 Day Weekends Should Be The Norm!

Every since I was a child, I questioned the organization of our society's 7 day week. I've always wondered why we worked more than we played and believed that our work days should be shorter and our weekends longer. Unfortunately, me and a million other people who would like that will never see the day. However, today was Labor Day and it was an amazing day! While most either enjoyed a day at home, spent time with their family, or played at the park with their pet, I spent my day at the West Indian-American Day Carnival. 

My family and I are from Belize and I have been attending the West Indian-American Day Carnival from a small child. This is an annual event of our culture and my sister and I couldn't miss it. 

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You have choices when attending this event. You can attend as a spectator and watch the festivities unfold in front of you or you can attend as a participant in a "mas camp" short for masquerade camp.  These masquerade camps are created by various organizations within the community. 

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I've always wanted to play "mas" like this lovely young lady from the Dingolay Mas NYC camp. However, I've never had the chance to join a camp. (I definitely plan on joining one next year.) If you plan to be a spectator like me you have the alternative of buying hand made attire. I bought my Bealizean skirt and bandanna from the Flatbush Flea Market on Caton Avenue and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn.   

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I had a wonderful day today on Eastern Parkway. I put together a cute outfit for the occasion, sang, danced, and enjoyed all the festivities associated with this carnival. If you have never attended the West Indian- American Day Carnival come on out!  You're truly missing out on an amazing cultural experience of the West Indian Islands.

Thanks for reading!

   xoxo,

Monique 

The Best "Dam" Picture Ever!

During the beginning of August, I went to Las Vegas for the first time to celebrate my birthday. Of course this was going to be an amazing trip. I was going to Vegas for goodness sake! Everyone has an amazing time! Right?! Of course! While I was out there, I made time to conduct some sightseeing and made my way to Hoover Dam. This place was absolutely beautiful. The sky was clear, the weather was great, and the sun was shining bright! As bright as my dress! 

That day I wore a bright yellow dress, a four leaf clover earrings, my go to watch, and  a cute chain create out of tragedy. 

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When I bought this chain, it had beautiful beading at the end of each prong. However, after purchasing it and bringing it home, the chain had broken and I was left with the metal structural component of the chain. I said to myself, "Hey, try it on anyway." I stepped in front of the mirror and saw it was still rather cute without the beading. From that day on, I wear this chain as is and get a lot of compliments.

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This day, I paired my dress with a light lace top and cute wine red flats.  The dress was absolutely beautiful without the lace top. However, by adding the lace top, it created a more completed look and added the element of elegance to my outfit. Plus, lace compliments any outfit you wear if styled correctly and helps us to portray our femininity.

I ended my Hoover Dam tour with a visit to Ethel M. Chocolate Factory and a walk in the Cactus garden. A lovely outfit for a lovely day sightseeing in Vegas!

Thanks for reading! 

xoxo, 

Monique 

Outfit:

Dress: H&M | Chain: H&M (Altered) | Top: Forever 21 | Earring: Nicky Bulter- Shamrock Design Earrings| Handbag: Kate Spade | Shoes: Nine West | Watch: Fossil

Joseph Altuzarra X Target Collaboration!

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On September 14th 2014, Joseph Altuzarra and Target will release their new limited edition women's ready to wear collection in stores, online, and globally on Net-a -Porter.com There are so many amazing pieces in this collection, that it is very hard just to pick which ones are must haves. The prices range from $17.99 to 89.99 for apparel and lingerie items. As for their amazing to die for shoes, the prices range from 29.99 to 79.99. I can't wait to get my hands on these items. When that day comes...Happy Shopping ladies!!

xoxo,

Monique  

Orange, White, and Blue!

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As summer quickly making her exit, I decided to create my own rendition of a nautical look.

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 When creating this nautical look, I knew it was important to keep it simple. Choosing one item to be my nautical statement piece was all I needed. (If you choose too many pieces, you'll lose your focal point and your attempt may result in you looking like you're wearing a costume.) 

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To achieve this look, I used a striped navy blue and white sweater vest over a white sleeveless shirt, paired with an orange pant.

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 The traditional nautical colors used by many are red, white, and blue. However, when following trends, I like placing my own twist on things. Making them not so traditional. 

Once I achieved my looked, the last step was choosing the right accessories to add the element of sophistication.

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I selected a statement piece necklace and I stole the bag from my boyfriend. Well.. let's just say borrowed it and never gave it back. (Not an unfamiliar story.) However, the style and color of the bag complimented my attire! To complete my look, I applied a gorgeous red lip.

Thanks for reading! TGIF!   

xoxo,

Monique

Outfit

Shirt: Unknown | Vest: Old Navy | Pants: Joe Fresh | Shoes: Converse | Watch: Fossil | Bangles: Forever 21 | Necklace: Aldo | Sunglasses: Burberry | Earring: Citrine Gemstone Flower | Lipstick: Mac "Diva" | Nail polish: Essie "Girls night out | Bag: Polo Ralph Lauren Gift Set Tote w/ the purchase of Polo Red cologne