Oh, how I love a cute bag!

Okay ladies lets face it, we all love a nice new handbag the smell of fresh leather, a nicely lined interior, deep pockets to hold our possessions and a beautifully embellished exterior with just the right bells and whistle ... like zippers, studs, rhinestones you know whatever you like and when you find it, you know it's the right bag  and wearing it always makes you happy, I mean really happy and my latest bag purchase truly makes me happy its from Nicole Lee and can be found in exclusive stores such as Nordstrom BP, Arden B., Windsor, Stein Mart, Cache, and thousands of fine boutique shops throughout the state and abroad and retails from around $50-$120. A great bag with enough room to hold just about anything with a lot of style to boot. I love this bag and it's my latest fashion find. What's your latest find?

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Friend Friday: Fitness

   Katy of ModlyChic has fitness in mind for this week Friend Friday questions, What's your take on fitness?

1. When you hear the word Fitness what do you think?     

When I hear the word fitness immediately I think of a gym crammed full of people sweating their butts off with head bands like in Olivia Newton John's video "Let's get physical" (I know too much info) but my thoughts of fitness have evolved now I think fitness is a lifestyle the way an individual takes care of themselves for not only vanity reasons but also for better health.

2. Do you have a workout routine? What's your favorite way to workout?

Now to be brutally honest I have not been on my workout game lately as I should and I won't even use being busy to justify myself but do to this post I'm now back on board (thanks Katy!) my favorite work out is for cardio the elliptical machine for about 30- 45 min. followed by free weights /weight machines

3. To you, what is the purpose of exercise?

Health first, vanity second but I definitely need to work on staying consistent.

4. Do you think it is possible to be feminine and still workout?

Sure, there is so much great workout gear available in great styles to accommodate every shape and size to make you feel pulled together and girly while you workout.


5. What do you think about the people who are workout obsessed? (You know those women and the gym that spend 4 hours working out and have more muscles than some men.)

I think if fitness is your passion and making your body look and feel the way you want, good for you we all have our passions and different things that drive us and bring us fulfillment so if working out is your thing just like Nike say’s Just Do it!

If you are a blogger and would like to participate in Friend Friday check out ModlyChic for more details.

Friend Friday: Mix and Match

It's Friday and once again it's Friend Friday time created by Katy of Modlychic for fellow bloggers to share and network and this weeks questions are about the wardrobe and how to mix and match from what you have.
1. What's your most versatile piece of clothing?
My short sleeved shift dresses I have several in different colors. How do you wear it? I pair them with jackets, scarves, blazers and different accessories.
2. What one piece should every woman own? A great denim Jacket this may sound crazy but a cute denim jacket can add wonders to any wardrobe it immediately adds chic in my opinion, I own several in all shades from dark blue denim to stressed and faded, I wear them year round paired with dresses or with a long layered skirt and crisp tee and lace up sandals I simply add a broach. Or huge flower pin or anything I can attach to punch it up.
 
3. What Summer trends do you love because of their versatility? Colorful sundresses and the gladiator inspired flats/sandals I'm really into the long summer sundresses especially strapless ones with the strapless I can play with so many different accessories from my small delicate tiffany pieces to my big bold bib necklaces and chunkier pieces,I can dress them up or down I have variety which works best for me because I'm constantly changing my style.

4. What's the most creative combination you've put together from your closet? My husband and I went to St. Louis last year on a mini vacation and I packed a few items short so I was forced to pull something together from what I had for our last night out. I had a black pair of wide leg Jersey knit pants and a black knee length jersey knit dress (had no idea I would be wearing them together)with flared sleeves I topped it with vintage inspired gold and bronze colored jewelry and matte bronze Nicole shoes, my husband wanted to know when did I get the outfit, little did he know it was a last minute hookup that totally worked And I was complimented by everyone the entire night. Hands down this was my most creative last minute outfit to date.

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5. If you had the guts you'd what items would you pair and then wear out in public? I have this very colorful night gown that I would love to wear as a shirt dress under a cute blazer it's made out stretch jersey fabric on a black back ground with bold colors I love it because it's bold and bright I can see it paired with wedges and my mid sleeve black jacket for a cute little outfit.

What is you favorite mix and match outfit?, get in your closet and as Tim Gunn would say "Make it Work"
                       To get in on the Friend Friday fun check out Modlychic for more details.

Go Ahead, Card Me!

I am in love if you haven't guessed by now with anything that's unusual, sparkly and bold, I can't help it that's  just me. Lately I've been obsessed with business card and ID holders so much to the point I had to catch myself when I noticed someone in the grocery store with one the other day. The items we carry with us everyday say a lot about our taste and personal style so I thought I would post a few card holders that I find a bit extraordinary. By the way the pink and silver sequined one .... it's mine. I told ya I love the sparkly bold stuff. Check these out and choose a card holder that expresses your style.

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1. Tory Burch (large photo)
2. Netique.com (green ostrich skin)
3.  rue21 (animal print & pink silver sequin)
4. giftsforprofessionals.com (silver w/dots & 1950's ladies)




What do you carry your id and business cards in ? I would love to hear from you

YES! Walmart

I'm baaaaaaaaaack after being off for a week, It's amazing how fast time goes by, but nevertheless I have two great finds I can't wait to share and Yes, I found them at Walmart. Now I know a lot of people when they think of Walmart they think of long lines and crowds but I'm here to tell you if you don't mind searching around a little bit you can find some really great accessories that really hit the mark. I found these strand bead necklaces at my local Walmart and I was so impressed I sent my husband back to snag the last one. They are layered beaded necklaces that retailed for $10 but were on sale for $7, I chose the Turquoise and a kind of Banana yellow, they had a Tangerine orange necklace also but by the time my husband got back of course it was gone, but I still nailed two so I'm very pleased. They can be worn with a simple  t-shirt and jeans, a great shift dress or tailored suit, and when paired together with the right shoes you have a stylish look pulled together with a great accessory. So the next time you're in Walmart leave the houseware department and venture on over to accessories you may just find a stylish surprise.

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                                                                        Walmart>Layered beaded necklace $7.00 each on sale

Happy 4th of July!

It's Independence day and  this year I will be kicking back celebrating with family, a few good movies  and you know bar b que will be involved, yummy! Hope you all have a safe and Happy 4th of July with tons of fireworks.

Fashion Find Friday

OMG, was all I could say when my friend Melissa showed me her new bracelet, I hope these photos does it justice. It's a massive silver bracelet with huge flowers with silver sprays shooting from each flower, paired  with jeans, wedges and a cute tee just perfect for a weekend outing or It could also be worn with a long summer dress and sandals the perfect accessory. However you choose to wear this bracelet it certainly can't be missed and is anything but ordinary.

                                     

                                                                                                  TJ Maxx - $25.99

                                                                                                     Brand - Natasha

Friend Friday: Me Narcissistic?

I'm sure your scratching your head at this weeks Friend Friday topic, as you know Katy of Modly Chic poses questions for fellow bloggers to post about themselves every Friday and this weeks questions are quiet interesting and I must say they made me think long and hard as to why I really blog.
Narcissist - is commonly referred to a person who has an intense self-love for themselves or their image.
Narcissism is not to be confused with confidence or self- assurance, but is instead a more negative term that suggests an excessive or conceited admiration for oneself, to the point of preoccupation and lack of empathy for other people.    
  Definition source - righthealth.com

Cartoon courtesy of Cartoonstock.com

1. Do you think personal fashion blogging is inherently narcissistic?
It depends, however I do feel that there is a thin line between passion and obsession and the individual ,the blogger is the only one who can truly determine what is driving their passion. For me I personally have always been into fashion, the latest trends, beauty products anything stylish (or what I consider stylish) I blog because I love these things, I don't profess to be an expert but like what I like and I enjoy sharing with others what I love in hopes it will inspire and motivate them to try different things to enhance who they are not change  who they are.

2. I think we can all agree, that certainly some blogs are personal odes to the blogger. In your opinion what makes a blog narcissistic.
When it promotes one sided views of what beauty and style is and what I mean by this is when it states you can only be fashionable if you wear only high end designer labels, or weigh a certain weight, or shop in certain stores, you get my drift. Beauty comes in a vast array of shapes and sizes and who said your were fashionable just because you spent hundreds or even thousand of dollars on an outfit or products. One way to test this out is simple, for me when I go to certain blogs and read them I feel excited and inspired. I look forward to reading them and viewing what they've posted, if after viewing a blog you feel insecure or inadequate then maybe that's not a blog for you and usually you can tell it's something in you that says I want visit this blog again.

3. Would you classify your blog as narcissistic? Why?
No, my purpose for blogging  is not solely to share my opinions on fashion and style but also to inspire and motivate others to try new things and to make them aware of what is current and available. I do not blog with the intentions of making others feel inferior but hope when my post are read people are  inspired to maybe try a new look or product they would maybe otherwise dismiss or be afraid to try.                                                                                          

4. How can we combat the idea that because we share personal style thoughts/pictures we are automatically full of ourselves?
  We do this by being true to ourselves and our readers they can pick up who we are if they follow our blogs long enough. Just be who you are and keep it real.

5. How do you explain what you do to others in a way that doesn't come across as narcissistic?
Easy, I tell them I write about what I love fashion and style and they are usually not surprised.

I you would like to be apart of Friend Friday please contact Katy of Modly Chic for more details.

Wish List!

In case you don't know let me let you in on a little secret, I love shiny, sparkly, the bigger the better, in your face type of things and on the rare occasion I come across something like this all rapped up into one package, you guessed it , I GO CRAZY so consider me officially Koo-Koo. I just recently got a Mac Book (haven't used it yet) but anyway I was surfing the web for cell phone covers for my Blackberry when I came across this gorgeous piece of art that's anything but ordinary, and you know I fell deeply in love. It's made by this company called Icy Couture and they cover just about anything in Swarovski Crystals and lap top cases are certainly no exception, they will customize them for you, any way you want it.  Please feast your eyes on this , I want this item which by the way retails for $1200.00 so bad, it would really do my Mac Book proud.
Also everyone who knows me and I'm sure they are tired of hearing it by now, knows how much I want an Ipad and no Ipad would be complete without one of these Haute covers by Let's Crystal It  it takes ordinary to extraordinary for a price of $499. I know all of this sparkle may be a little much for some but for me I can't get enough.

What's on you want list ? leave a comment I would love to know.

Tried and True Tuesday

Thought I would start the week off a little different this week with what may become a ritual. Tried and True Tuesday kind of fell in my lap and on Tuesday's if implemented I will post various  items from beauty products to jewelry you name it, if it pertains to style. Now here's the catch, it will be a high end item and a mid priced to very inexpensive item I will rate the product based on my own personal experience. Got it!
Now, like most ladies I love a good lipstick and lip gloss and was in search of a gloss I could wear as a staple something I could wear everyday or jazz it up for and evening out and in my search for that perfect gloss I came across Chanel's Levres Scintillantes lipgloss in Pagoda it's a beautiful color with brown undertones with an orange tint, it gives a great shine and last ok, but you will have to reapply quite often (at least I did) retails for $27  and for lipgloss it held its own wasn't very heavy and gave a decent shine. So all in all I would give it a 6 on a scale of 1-10. Would buy again to maybe treat my self for maybe hitting a weight loss goal (yeah right) or birthday something along those lines it would be a treat purchase.
The second item is fr0m Maybelline  and is called Maybelline Lip Polish and my new love is the Baby Mauve (#170) I adore this color it's a very nice mauve with light beige undertones it wears well but is just a tad heavy on the lip, however I was very impressed with the shine and the color which lasted longer than Chanel's. I also gave it bonus points  because my husband commented on it, really great item with a super cool price of $4. 56 I picked it up at a local Wal-Mart. Two great items however the Tried and True winner in my opinion is Maybelline Lip Polish in Baby Mauve , for it's great shine, long lasting wear and incredible price. Try one of their other great shades, it's easy on the wallet and great on the lips don't worry Chanel I'll be back for something, Trust!  Leave me a comment and let me know what  you think, have a item you would like to see posted on Tried and True Tuesday I would love to here from you.

                                                                                             

Friend Friday: Beach

TGIF baby! and I have completed my second assignment given by my new friend Katy from Modly Chic. Every Friday myself along with fellow bloggers will post various answers to topics and questions given by Katy and this Friday the questions are inspired by the beach . Feel free to leave a comment  on your beach/poolside rituals. Surfs Up!

1. You're headed to the beach/pool, what's in your bag?

Sunglasses, Blistex and my Kindle 2 reader. I’m the lady in shades when it’s cloudy out, I never leave home without them. Blistex because I tend to have dry lips when in the sun and just to kick back and relax with a good read my kindle (Wishing it were and Ipad)

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2. Be honest... how do you feel about sunscreen? How often do you put it on?

I’m awful when it comes to sunscreen being a woman of color I always thought up until a year ago that sunscreen didn’t apply to me but recent studies have shown this is not true people of color should apply sunscreen when in the sun for extended hours but I still don’t do it because honestly, I run from the sun literally less is more for me *smile*

3. Do you have any sunburn remedies? None, maybe a cool compress and a large Sonic ® cherry limeade they always make me feel better on a hot summer day. (I can taste one now)

4. Do you use sunless tanning products? Which do you use, why is it your favorite?  No
5. The best part about the beach is…

Letting all of my stresses and cares go out with the tide. The great conversations I have as I sit looking out over the water with close friends and last but not least, those beach shack gift shops with their one of a kind finds and t-shirts hey, anywhere a girl can shop gotta love that.

** If you would like to participate in Friend Friday please contact  Katy of Modly Chic for more details!

Not your grandmother's basket

Now I must admit, I do not consider myself a country style type of girl unless it's shabby chic for interior design purposes only and even then it has to be done just right, but I ran across a beautiful Longaberger basket bag the other day that stopped me dead in my tracks who knew Longaberger even made handbags, I sure didn't. For all of you who may have never heard of Longaberger. The Longaberger Company is America's premier maker of handcrafted baskets and offers other home and products, including pottery, wrought iron, fabric accessories and specialty foods . I spotted the bag at my doctors office  on the lucky arm of Nadine Knisel who told me it was Longaberger the bag is made of  rich black leather, draw string style with that famous Longaberger basket for the bags bottom the bag is exceptionally well made and I fell in love. Nadine  told me she had the bag for a least a year and paid around two or three hundred dollars, and I say it was well worth it. So if Little Red Riding hood were toting this basket to grandma's house I would have only three words, You Better Work!  this bag is anything but ordinary hope you like it as much as I do. **For information on Longerberger and purchases contact Nadine Knisel directly via email mailto:www.hamlap@aol.com

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Gospel Style

                                                            Vast Remedy

I had the pleasure of meeting contemporary gospel recording artist Vast Remedy after a performance on Father’s Day and I must say they are as stylish and talented as they are anointed. The sister duo of Melodie and Xiomara Hickey reside in Orlando, Florida and are quickly making a name for themselves in gospel music with their soulful voices, island vibe and rich praising lyrics, I stood in amazement as they sang hits from their latest CD Moving Forward all while the crowd praised and danced loving every moment. Here is what they had to say concerning their personal style.
What would you say to women especially Christian women  when it comes to style?
VR- That it is possible for women to be stylish, hip and still maintain a standard.
What are some of your favorite shops & beauty products?
Xiomara – I like Forever 21 and I use Mary Kay Cosmetics, I’m inspired by Jennifer Hudson and I love her sense of style.
                                                                                                                        Xiomara
Melodie- I’m inspired by Gwen Stefani and her fashion line L.A.M.B.  Shops I would have to say Urban Outfitters,Beauty products natural hair care products because I wear a natural hairstyle.

                                                                                                                         Melodie
Vast Remedy a dynamic duo singing God’s praises one stylish musical note at a time. For booking information or their latest  CD Moving Forward ($10) contact VAST REMEDY via My space or @ vastremedy@hotmail.com . Support these great women of God you will not be disappointed also stay tuned for their latest CD dropping early 2011.
Thank you Vast Remedy you are a great inspiration and there is truly nothing ordinary about your style.

Happy Father's Day

Father's are so important and play a vital part in our lives make sure to tell that special father figure in your life how much they mean to you, and to my dad, Curtis McCullough I love you, thanks for being you. To every Father, Step father, Grand father, Spiritual father and mentor who has loved, supported and nurtured, Happy Father's Day!              

Friend Friday: Nails

This is my first Friend Friday post and I must say I am very excited about it, I'm sure your wondering exactly what is Friend Friday, well it was started by fellow blogger Katy Rose of Modly Chic http://www.modlychic.blogspot.com/ for bloggers to share a little bit about themselves, kind of like a meet and greet for bloggers. Every week Katy will send me 5 questions and I will answer those questions and share them with you on ... of course  Friday! So cheers to my first Friend Friday let me know what you think.

1. Do you keep nail polish on your fingers and toes year round?

Yes, I always keep my nails polished even if I try to go without nail polish I can never last   longer than a day maybe two I simply love the way it looks. I always feel pulled together when my nails and toes are polished.

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                                                                                  Pure Ice in Taupe Drawer shown in photo.


      2.   What are your go-to colors for the fingers and toes?

            Borghese Nail Lacquer in Carnevale Grape, and my new love Taupe Drawer by Pure Ice it reminds
            me of  OPI's  discontinued color Affair in time Square it's a perfect summer color and just right for 
            any occasion.

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         3.   Any tips for strengthening your nails?

              I keep my nails cut and trimmed to no more than maybe an half inch past the tips of my nails. I  
              like a square shaped nail with rounded corners, if I let my nails grow out they tend to break and
              peel so shorter nails keeps my nails at their strongest.


         4.   Do you have any nail rules you abide by?

           The only nail rule that I have is chipped, peeling polish once I see it starting to lift and peel it
           has to be retouched immediately, no matter how nice your rings are the chipped polish is a style 
           killer.

5.  How often, if ever, do you get a manicure and/or pedicure?

            When I use to wear acrylic nails it was twice maybe three times a month but since I've been 

            wearing my nails natural  I  have a salon manicure once a month with weekly manicures at home. 

            Pedicures vary I treat myself to them more often in the summer times and I'm always at least 2

            times a week sloughing off dry skin from my heels with buffer which I always keep in the  

            shower. I love nice soft heels and my husband appreciates it too. *smile*

             If you would like to participate in Friend Friday contact  Katy @ MODLY CHIC for more details.

Congratulations Summer giveaway winners!

Thanks again to all of the participants of the summer giveaway and a special thank you to both winners, check out these warm smiles as Veronica Bradford and Gayle Thompson receive their prize.Thanks ladies and enjoy your gifts! For more details check out the previous summer giveaway post.

                                                                          Veronica Bradford

                                    

                                                                                 Gayle Thompson

Father's Day Delight

Father's Day is June 20th and what better way to show your father what he means to you than by giving him a gift from the heart. Now I know money may be a little tight due to the economy and other situations but I have a few ideas that just may help you out. If you ask most dads what would be the best father's day gift, they would probably say just spending time with family and friends so don't stress yourself out if you can't max out the credit card or lay a hefty gift in dads lap. It's all about honoring your father or  that special father figure in your life, so this father's day no matter what your budget give your dad a gift from the heart. Here are a few gift ideas I'm sure any dad would love.

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Gift Ideas for any Dad: 1. Gift cards to a Bait & Tackle Shop (for all of those fishermen)  2. *Ipad (Apple)

3. Fahrenheit & Fahrenheit Summer Cologne (at most major dept stores)  4. A home cooked meal

5. Subscription(s) to sports magazine Sports Illustrated or ESPN 6. Burberry Tie (Burberry.com or Bloomingdales, Nordstrom's, Burberry Outlets) 7. Pair of movie tickets 

*Most wanted gift list for Father's Day

Make your dad proud this Father's Day, happy shopping.

Summer Giveaway

Kudos to everyone that participated in our first giveaway for summer 2010. I must  admit we had quite a few participants and it was a little tough to choose two winners, because  all of your answers were  so great, but I managed to pull it off. Thanks again to all of you and stay tuned to Nothing Ordinary Style where throughout the summer I will be spot lighting various beauty products, fashion items and throwing in a few giveaways along the way and you never know you could be the next winner, And now without further delay the winners are drum roll please .... Gayle Thompson and Veronica Bradford! you two lucky ladies have won two great items  that I'm sure will set your manicures and pedicures off in summer style. Thanks again to everyone and check back on Thursday where both winners will be featured. If you have a beauty product or fashion item you feel is hot for summer drop me a line @ noordstyle@aol.com I would love to check it out. Here are the answers from the winners.
Prizes won: Borghese Magnetico Adhesive Base Coat  &  Pure Ice Taupe Drawer.

                                                                   
Question> What is your favorite fashion items or beauty products for summer?


Gayle Thompson> Fashion items big bold bangles and wide face sunglasses, beauty
products bold eye shadows.

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Veronica Bradford> Fashion items cute summer sandals and sun dresses in bright bold colors. Beauty tip getting manicures and pedicures so nails and feet are in tip top shape for the summer fashions and styles.

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           Thanks again ladies, hope you're prepared to have a stylish summer.
                                                         Natashia

Errands Anyone?

I told you, you just never know where Nothing Ordinary Style will turn up next; we are always camera ready to snap the latest trends we spot out and about and today we’ve found it. Take a look at Laura's style we've coined as "Bahamian Chic" we spotted Laura who was out running errands and attending appointments when we approached  her. We were inspired by her style and her take on fashion also some of the interesting places she finds them and we know you will be too.

We chose Laura because we loved the long dress and the pattern, worn with flat sandals really help emphasize a relaxed look. Her jewelry was minimal yet sophisticated and the clean swept back hair nailed the look. We Loved It, now that's doing errands in style.

N.O.S : What is your occupation/career? Laura : Travel Industry Administrative Assistant                                                 

N.O.S : What are your hobbies?

Laura : Crafts, DIY projects, Gardening

N.O.S : What influences your style?

Laura : Other Fashionable people and price (smile), I like unique pieces that I know no one else is going to have.

  N.O.S : What is your favorite place(s) to shop?

Laura: Thrift stores, Goodwill, TJ Maxx, Ross, Payless.

Thanks Laura, keep up the great Style you're our Stylebrity of the week!

Summer time Give-A-Way Starting Friday June 4th ends Friday June 10th

 

We are kicking off summer with our first product give -a-way and I am so excited to be able to share them with two lucky winners.  I am truly in love with this nail polish first because it reminds me of OPI’s Affair in Time Square from a few years ago (now sadly discontinued) and secondly it reminds me of summer needless to say I've been searching high and low trying to find a polish similar and I think I found it’s twin sister (in my opinion).  The first product is by Pure Ice www.baricosmetics.com  in Taupe Drawer, I did the happy dance up and down the isle when I came across it literally, and the second item is Magnetico by Borghese a great base coat that helps the nail polish adhere to the nail bed giving you a nice fresh Pedi and Mani fit for summer. So go ahead grab your best summer rings and put on your cutest sandals and show off in summer style. Drop me an email at noordstyle@aol.com to win!

 

Nothing Ordinary Style list for summer 2010

1. Taupe Drawer by Pure Ice

2. Borghese Magnetico Adhesive Base Coat

**list will be added to throughout the summer!

                                                   

 

 

 

 

    ***Winners will be notified via email and names will be displayed along with answers on our  blog all entries must be received by Friday June 10th 8pm (EST)