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Features & Series

how to dress for the job you want

I had the pleasure and honor of being interviewed by Jena Viviano for her podcast, Recruit the Employer. We covered a lot of topics including which colors to wear when doing virtual interviewing, tips to look right even on short notice, and what it means to ‘dress for success’. Listen in!

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Style

personal style

What is personal style? Why do you need it? How do you get it? How long does it last? Is it transferrable? Is it for everyone? All great questions and in this 60-second video, all of your personal style questions are answered….kinda! Listen in – and if you need help, you can get it [here]!

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A podcast with Stroke Diva and Julia Coney to discuss wine and style
Features & Series

stroke diva fabulous radio show

Yep – I got asked to be on Kamaria’s radio show along with my good friend, Julia Coney, to talk 2021 plans, the mash-up between wine and fashion, holiday must-haves & more. “What’s coming up for 2021?” “What’s the crossover/mix of wine and fashion?” “What’s your inspiration for styling and the work you do, Monica?” All the questions answered in this radio show hosted by my longtime friend, Kamaria, for her fabulous radio show! Tune-in and laugh with us….

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Ivory Paper Co is a black, female-owned paper company that creates beautiful daily and weekly planners
Accessories

[action required] look forward to 2021

2020 has been a doozy and the best thing we can do is to look forward to 2021 – – – good riddance to 2020! To make that possible, we must plan for it so, which planner are you ordering today?! My favorite choice is shown above by Ivory Paper Co but there are lots to choose from depending on what you need or want to focus on. My 2021 will be focused on getting business done efficiently ~ and taking

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The lights to celebrate the new year
Accessories

3 easy ways to add sparkle to your holiday looks

We’re in a new and different holiday season…and many of us are not feeling quite festive. To add a little gush to your holiday outfit whether it’s a Zoom party or small in-home soiree, here are three (3) easy ways to add sparkle to any occasion: Add shimmer to your cheeks [and face] with RMS Beauty buruti bronzer Add some sparkle to your feet…with blingy shoe clips [jazz up your house shoes if you want to!] Add glimmer to your mask…using

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The gatapack is a face mask with replaceable filters
Accessories

7 must-haves items for post-pandemic travel

I am in the camp of not traveling but….as life sometimes does, we are thrust into the moment! During this pandemic, I’ve had to fly a few times and now convinced that these seven items are essential to staying safe and sane during your post-pandemic travels! hand wipes hand sanitizer mask (and maybe a back-up or two) scarf ~ go wild with this but it’s always good to have something between you and the seat/headrest, or to provide another layer

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The Clare Vivier Bowie mask is nice
Accessories

pretty masks with bows!

We’re in the midst of a pandemic so, sometimes you have to find the pretty in every situation. In this case, if you have to wear a face mask sometimes a pretty mask with bows is the answer! These bowie masks come in a few color combinations (I have the French blue and Nantucket red ones) so have a little fun because the current situation….is here to stay for awhile!

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A red lip pouch by Claflin Thayer is perfect for your purse or date night
Purchases

the 5 best things I bought under $50 in 2020

2020 has been a doozy! But I wanted to share the 5 best things I bought under $50 in 2020 because they’ve given me moments of joy when the lockdown was in full swing, provided inspiration when inside was all I had, and allowed me to pour into other small businesses and black-owned businesses because small businesses employ over half of all US workers! @PredominantlyBlack candle – $48 (supporting, black- and woman-owned business) @OneQuince cashmere sweatshirt (although it’s $60 now) –

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A black sequin and tweed mask for celebratory occasions
Accessories

need a mask for the holidays?

I believe the answer is this tweed sequin mask by St. John! IF you think that the backbone of festive dressing is sparkles then it only makes sense that all of our accessories focus on that goal! Holiday sparkle…and sequins for all!

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Sequin pants because sparkle is essential
Bottoms

sequin pants

Who knows when you’ll need them but better to have them and be prepared, right?! If there’s ONE thing I learned during my conversation with @NicoleRichmond of Making A Stylish Exit, it’s that sequins are always appropriate! And with the holidays approaching, you’re going to need some sparkle especially after the year we’ve all had!! Add this sparkle while it’s still available! Here…. And if you didn’t catch it, here’s our podcast together where we dish on what to wear

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Accessories

your bra measurements

There’s a right way to measure your bra’s cup and band size if you cannot get to a professional shop. In 3 easy steps: Band size: the tape should be level and very snug. Round to the nearest whole number. If the number is even, add four inches. If it’s odd, add five. Your band size is the sum of this calculation. (So if you measured 32 inches, your band size is 36. If you measured 33 inches, your band

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Looking for underwear that are comfortable and is black-owned. The company is called Knix.
Lingerie

black-owned intimates: knix

As a woman who does not enjoy a light or short cycle, I am in love with Knix‘s period-proof underwear! Did I mention that as a woman whose thighs are ample enough to rub together, Knix‘s anti-chafing shorts are perfect under skirts and dresses! Their products run the gamut from underwear to lounge/sleepwear to postpartum items to swimwear. I’ve already scooped their leakproof period kit – and have a new sense of relief when Mother Nature comes knocking. Try them – and love them!

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An example of a wireless bralette by Free People
Accessories

sizing your bra up or down

I love this table! Depending on the maker, whether you’ve been eating pints of Ben n’ Jerry’s solo, or you’re doing intermittent fasting with big results, the size of your girls can fluctuate thus, the reminder to get sized every six months! I was a solid 34D before the pandemic and after implementing regular ‘workout walks’ and doing intermittent fasting, the girls lost a little swag. The slightly wider band size is likely the result of age (smh). I’m now a fabulous

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A model wearing a fedora hat by Monrowe NYC, a black-owned headwear company.
Accessories

black-owned headwear: monrowe nyc

I cried when I saw The James – and clicked to find it was gone! Monrowe NYC is a black-owned headwear company that makes The James and when I happened upon it in midnight blue I knew I had to have it….but no haps because it was ‘out of stock’. I kept searching the site and found a great runner-up in the Johnny – and this one comes in winter white, so just-in-time for fall to rock with all of my sweaters

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Wearing the right size bra
Accessories

are you wearing the right bra size?

Are you wearing the right bra size? There are a few things you can do to ensure your girls are being treated correctly [Real Simple]. Bend forward at the waist, then slip on the bra and hook it. This ensures your breasts are completely in the cups. Adjust the band. The back of the bra should be level with the front. Make sure the bra is not too loose. You should be able to slide only one finger underneath the

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Style

how-to remove a coffee stain

I love coffee️but it stains! And I’m not just talking about your teeth – a wrong move or a hearty laugh and you can have a coffee stain on your new pants. Well – fear not! Here’s the quick and effective way to remove the stain and keep your precious gear for years to come…. You’ll need: Spray bottle Ammonia Vinegar Water Cloth In a spray bottle, combine 1 cup white vinegar and 1 cup water. Spritz the stain, then

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Footwear

nice to meet you: jellie sandals

nice to meet you: alexandria brandao, a women and kid’s fashion footwear brand! I found them on Instagram and fell in love with their updated jellie sandals – – – yes, you heard correctly, jellies! These cute jellie sandals are just updated with studded details and A-DORABLE! I had to scoop the pink ones because they seemed perfect for the beach, any pool function, and any overnight foray that involved water…. They have other fun options as well so give

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Style

14 perfect power pieces

I asked newsletter readers what they needed to know and what I heard [from the ladies] was, “I need just the must-haves,”, “I’m a woman of a certain age so, just style not fashion,”, “What are the great basics?”,”I’m going minimalist,”, and “I need items on repeat”…. The answer to ALL of these is this downloadable style guide on the 14 perfect power pieces! Start here – and I guarantee you’ll be in great shape to go from desk to

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Jewelry

nice to meet you: black-owned jewelry brand

  Black-owned jewelry brand, Omi Woods Of Jamaican-Ashanti-Maroon heritage, Ashley Alexis McFarlane Omi means ‘water’ in the Yoruba language The word Jamaica derives from the indigenous Taino word ‘Xaymaca’, meaning ‘land of wood and water Check her out on Instagram!

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Footwear

nice to meet you: skin tone-inclusive footwear

nice to meet you: Rebecca Allen, Salone Monet, and Kahmune, three black-owned footwear lines that carry skin tone-inclusive products!! Have you ever taken a pair of white pumps and painted them the color of your skin? The owner of Kahmune, Jamela A. Acheampong, did! It’s one of the first time I’ve seen any brands created with the entire diaspora in mind – and about time!! I’ve ordered my first pair of 90MM enugu-colored Becky pumps from Kahmune as well as

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Style

post-pandemic back-to-work guide

We’re all looking for easy ways to transition back-to-work whether virtual or #IRL (in real life). This guide provides some key general and style tips that will make it better…which is what we ALL need! Grab this downloadable style guide to get back to work!

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Extra Size Style

problem: my weight is up & down – what do I buy?

Problem: For whatever reason, my weight fluctuates, so what can I buy regardless of my weight? Solution: Choose wisely + make stretchy materials your bestie! The full solution is a touch more difficult because it depends where the weight fluctuation is and how much it is. If we’re talking more than 2 sizes then even stretchy materials cannot be your solution. But if we’re talking 5 or 10 lbs then this post has you covered. Before I share your solution

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Jewelry

nice to meet you: black-owned jewelry brand

Black-owned jewelry brand, Mateo Jamaican-born Matthew Harris Launched the brand in 2009 – started with a men’s collection before venturing into women’s jewelry! CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist in 2017 It’s sleek and sophisticated wearable art! Pieces are mostly made from 14kt gold

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Style

jeans are out. joggers are in.

So says WaPo, most financial indicators, and ‘the streets’! Jean sales have been on the decline for the last five years but the pandemic added another nail to the coffin. Athleisure, conversely, is doing much better! True Religion, Lucky Brand and G-Star RAW have declared bankruptcy since April The parent company of Joe’s Jeans and Hudson Jeans filed for Chapter 11 protection in May In July, Levi’s posted a 62% [plummet] in second-quarter revenue and announced plans to cut 15%

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