Atl

I almost forgot to post my photos from my trip to Atlanta!  I'm really terrible at taking photos on vacation.  I get caught up in my activities and completely forget to document the occassion!

1 - My view from the 34th floor at the Marriott Marquis downtown Atlanta.
2 - The view from the lobby to the top floor. The elevators were all glass.
3 - Bath & Body Works Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Lotion.  Yes, I took them home.

1 - My first time at Gladys Knight & Ron Winans Chicken & Waffles.  YUMMY!!
2 - Me waiting outside in 100 degreem temps for chicken and waffles.  Worth the wait!
3 - My drink (on the house) at Sear inside my hotel.
4 - My dinner one night also at Sear...seared bass and couscous!  Delish!

Did I mention that this was a work trip?  It was the annual Society of Human Resources national conference.
1 - Some of my swag from the conference.  I do it all!
2 - Tuesday night show... Jerry Seinfeld!  Yes, he still does stand-up and yes it was hilarious!
3 - Condeleeza Rice, the opening speaker for the conference.  Very inspiring!  I had never heard her speak before but she was truly AMAZING!!

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Be Good (Lion's Song)

Someone shared this video with me a few days ago.  This song is beautiful!  "Be Good" is the first video from Jazz singer Gregory Porter's critically acclaimed album of the same name. 

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House of Divas

House of Divas is a clothing and styling center run by Toke Oyegoke and Labake Ojutalayo.  They focus on designing and producting high quality outfits that are exclusive and mind blowing, for all walks of life.  They work with each client to create an individual style that suits them perfectly.  While most outfits are custom made, they provide off the rack clothing that can be tailored in case of an unplanned or unexpected event.  House of Divas' goal is to make "YOU" a DIVA in your own right.  After all "IMAGE IS EVERYTHING"! 

Take a look at a few of their custom designs:

Below is a video of a sample design collection for Monday through Sunday.

 

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Labels to Know - GREY

Fashion label GREY is made up of the trio - Rukky Ladoja, Obi Obioha, and Tola Ayanwale (where Rukky does the majority of designing).  Based in Nigeria, the vision of GREY is to provide daywear that makes women feel special.  Everyday clothes are what you live your life in.  GREY is unique in that they strive to offer their clients a range of chic fashion staples at reasonable price points.  These designers work to fill the gap for fashionable yet comfortable clothes for women who are interesting, intelligent, and capable. 

This label currently does not have an online store, so getting merchandise is a bit challenging for those of us who live outside of Lagos, Nigeria; however, their contact information is provided on fashion fashion blog.  Here are a few recent designs from their 2012 collection:

Ok these are from the 2011 collection but just too fabulous not to post!!  LOVE!!

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Be Bohemian

I was originally introduced to Boho-Gal via instagram (follow me @the_socialite1).  Each day a new piece of jewelry was posted and I became more and more obsessed.  I finally gave in and made a purchase.  To my delight, a lovely package was waiting for me this morning in the mail.  With my recent trip to Atlanta, I had completely forgotten about the little treasures I had purchased only a few days before. 

I have always admired the comfy freedom that accompanies all things Bohemian.  I have longed to transition my style to a more Bohemian air, so logically I've started with accessories (jewelry, hats, scarves, etc.).  So here is to a more Bohemian state of existence.

Mumtazi Freedom Wings Earrings & Sonali Tear Shape Ring

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Dear White People

"Remember when Black movies didn't neccesarily star a dude in a fat suit and a wig? Or have major plot twists timed to Gospel numbers for no apparent reason? No?

Well believe it or not there was a time when "Black Art-House" was a thing. When movies like Do The Right Thing, Hollywood Shuffle, and Boyz In Da Hood were breaking box office records as well as making us laugh, cry, and think in ways movies hadn't before.

The humble producers of DEAR WHITE PEOPLE, a satire about being a black face in a white place, long to bring those days back." DEAR WHITE PEOPLE follows the stories of four black students at an Ivy League college where a riot breaks out over a popular "African American" themed party thrown by white students. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, the film will explore racial identity in "post-racial" America while weaving a universal story of forging one's unique path in the world.

  

I stumbled across this trailer on indiegogo.com and fell in love with the concept.  This group of independent filmmakers are looking to raise money to get this movie produced and released at a theatre near you!  After viewing the trailer, I must admit, it is a refreshing change from today's movies with  predominantly black casts.  Do you think this movie could be successful?

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On Vacation - ATL

Ok so it's not really a vacation, it's a business trip but I'm going to make the most of it!!  The business aspect of my trip is scheduled to end each day by 4:00 pm which leaves plenty of time for sightseeing and fun.  I have several friends who live in the area and it will be great catching up with everyone.  Pictures to come, of course.  Until then, have a fabulous weekend!!

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My Fav Place - Desserts

Red velvet cupcake

One of my favorite guilty pleasures is a local shop called Favor Desserts located in Durham, NC.  The owner's story is inspirational, the desserts are impeccible.

The owner, Keijuane Hester served almost four years in prison for drug dealing.  Once released (and after a string of dead end jobs) he decided to take up a skill he was already familiar with in the kitchen.  With $30, a hand mixer, one regular oven, and no pans he started a baking business in his home.  Starting small, he sold his cakes by the slice at beauty salons and barbershops and used that income to grow his business.  He would sell a cake, buy a pan, sell a cake, buy a pan.  Hester now has a store front to sell his delectable desserts.

When you walk into Favor Desserts, the first thing you notice is the smell--that heavenly aroma of something absolutely delicious baking in the back. The second thing you notice is the contemporary decor which makes it the perfect spot to relax with a date for a devine cupcake and a cup of coffee.  If you're in the Raleigh-Durham area (or planning to visit), this place should go on the top of your list if you're looking for a sugar fix.

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Just for Tweets

I love Twitter.  My followers are so diverse and unique.  I follow everyone from business men and women, underground music artists, chefs, stylists, and regular Joes and Janes.  They are a constant and endless source of entertainment and information.  Here are a few tweets that made me chuckle or think over the past week.

(This is a sports reference.  If you don't get it, it's ok.)

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Dress Like a Goddess

Etsy is one of my favorite websites to window shop so imagine my delight when I came across RiverOfRomansk's exquisite little shop.  River of Romansk "is whimsical, romantic and enchanting...recreat[ing] an era of dainty loveliness; of sash and ribbons, satins and laces.. all of which are reminiscence of a time more dreamy and innocent."  Anyone who knows me would ROTFL at the idea of me being excited about ribbons and lace but how can you not fall in love with these elegant dresses?

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Nueva York - Day 4

As my vacation progressed, I became less and less focused on photos so forgive the lameness of these pictures.  It's so easy to get caught in awe in this place.  Monday was super hot so we decided to hang somewhere cool---the movies.  I saw Battleship and MIB 3.  I'm really not a movie person but I thought they were both good flicks.  I was pleased with Rhianna's performance in Battleship and I really liked the way the movie referenced some aspects of the board game.  That was pretty neat.  Will Smith was of course funny in MIB 3 but the movie did have a interesting twist at the end that I didn't expect!!  That's all I'm going to say to keep from spoiling either movie for anyone.

Movie stubs.  Notice the prices.  Both were matinees.

After the movies, we made a quick stop at White Castle.  I must confess, this was my first White Castle experience.  Thanks to the State of New York, which requires restaurants to post calorie information next to all foods on the menu, I knew exactly how unhealthy my delicious meal was.  I'm not gonna lie...it kinda ruined the thrill a bit for me.

My first White Castle experience--delish!!

A friend of mine insisted on Spanish food later that evening.  Good call!  Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of the place but the food was great.  I felt much better about this meal than my burgers earlier.

Spanish meal

This is the last recap of my trip since my photos are getting super boring now lol.  Overall, it was a fantastic experience and I will DEFINITELY make plans to return.

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Nueva York - Day 3

This was by far the best day of my vacation. Technically, I was outside of New York but it was still part of my vacation so I will include it under the same umbrella.  I traveled to Bloomfield, New Jersey to celebrate the 40th birthday of a fabulous woman.

The Birthday Girl and her loving husband.

I've decided that if I'm a fraction as fabulous as this woman 10 years from now, I will consider myself blessed.   There were so many people who traveled for miles and several states away to join her in this wonderful occasion.  No matter how big or expensive the gifts, it's the people who make life worth living.

Oakeside Mansion, Bloomfield, NJ

The party was held at Oakeside Mansion with about 150 guests.

The tablesetting

Me and my "date".  We had a blast!

I realized after the night was over that I never took a picture of my outfit!!  It slipped my mind in the midst of all of the excitement.  Once photos come back from the photographer, I'll have to snatch one and post it.

The food was AMAZING!!

There was an abundant amount of food.  Overall, this was not a good weekend for dieting.  Not including the heavy hor d'oeuvres served during cocktail hour, the dinner included eggplant parmesan, turkey, stuffing, and roasted potatoes.  After dinner, cute dessert trays were placed on each table (which was nearly devoured before I could take a photo).  This was followed by birthday cake.

No, that's not cake.  You are mistaken.

Gift from her husband -- a Mercedes Benz complete with big red bow!

This was the best part of the night.  Her husband surprised her with car keys inside of a Tiffany's box.  After her initial shock, she couldn't stop crying.  Ladies, if you're wondering (because I asked), they met on a blind date and he has no available brothers, cousins, or friends.  Bummer.

Open bar with ONLY top shelf beverages! The bartenders were super nice and generous pourers.

I almost forgot to mention, there was an open bar the entire night!! I had a DD so I took full advantage.  I was on vacation, after all.

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Nueva York - Day 1

Needless to say, I had a blast in New York. There is so much to see and do it makes it hard to leave. I had a long to-do list that quickly became irrelevant once I got into the swing of things.  Instead of creating a single blog entry about my entire trip, I've decided to break it up and elaborate on the highlights. I hope you enjoy!!

Harlem, NY

The Demolition Depot was one of the first buildings I spotted when I got off the bus in Harlem.  I really liked how old parts were used to create the wording across the building and you can see all types of rummage through the windows.  The Demolition Depot is a unique source of vintage plumbing fixtures, doors, windows, shutters, railings, gates, etc, etc. which are geared towards the re-creation and renovation of period places.  I was inspired.  If I hadn't been bogged down with luggage (and, more importantly, if they had been open), I would have stopped and taken a look around.

On a more random note, the 2nd building I noticed was the DMV and the line was down the block!! Keep in mind it was about 8:30am on Friday morning. Sheesh!

Brooklyn, NY

I didn't have a lot of time for photos initially as I was on a strict timeline to get to my dear friend's apartment before he left for an appointment.  Unfortunately, even after rushing, I arrived too late. I used my free morning to get some breakfast at the bottega and get a much needed pedicure.  The bottega and the nail shop were across the street from each other and a block from my friend's apartment.  How awesome is that?  Reason number #459 why I love NYC!!

After feeding my belly and getting my feet to a more presentable state, I took a moment to chill out on the stoop.  I noticed the texture and colors in the aged door behind me and decided it would make a great back drop for a photo.  Viola!! This was the result.  I concluded that if I ever made a CD, this would be my album cover. 

That evening I went out to Iguana New York Restaurant & Dance Lounge.  The drinks were strong and the music was great.  What more can a girl ask for?  The night also included a stop at Ray's Pizza (I'm not sure which one but it was delish!).  Here I am at the end of the night (roughly around 5:15 am) waiting for the subway after a great evening in the city!!

Union Square

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On Vacation - NYC

I'm spoiling myself this year as promised and doing more traveling.  This weekend I'll be taking my Southern Hospitality to the wonderful and amazing city of New York.  I'm looking forward to all the exciting events taking place for Memorial Day.  Stay tuned for photos from my trip (seriously this time).  Until then, Happy Friday!!

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Just Pix

1. Sunday dinner at The Pit. The best Eastern NC BBQ money can buy!
2. The classic office photo.  Me working "diligently" and feeling extra smug in the BCBG wrap dress I found thrifting.
3. One of the booths at The Raleigh Arts Festival 2012/Artsplosure.  Guitars made out of license plates. 

Follow me on Instagram @the_socialite1

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Tees for the Natural

I'm all about representin for natural black beauty, especially in a society where silky straight is the most politically correct hair type.  There is something about rockin my fro or a colorful scarf and wearing a natural hair t-shirt that makes me feel extra confident.  Not to mention the positive comments and compliments make me feel extra awesome.  Sometimes you have to toot your own horn! Here are a few t-shirts that I'd like to add to my repertoire...WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVORITE?

ThreeLittleBirdsTees on Etsy - $19.95

Bon Bon Vie - $25

Cafe Press - $26

I Love My Hair - $34

Close up of I Love My Hair t-shirt

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