Pants Party

One of my favorite Spring trends right now is printed pants. They are generally made of a light weight material, so they are super comfy. Pair them with some basic solids and a few great accessories and you are good to go.

Right now I am rocking this pair from Forever 21:

Its an easy look that you can dress up for a night out or throw on a blazer and some great heels and go to work . 

Would your rock a pants party?

Guest Post: Bronx Diba Shoe Outlet: Shoes for the office

Heel lovers this problem may have happened to you:  Have you ever wanted to wear a fabulous pair of pumps to the office, but are unsure how to make it office appropriate?  Today I am going to share my styling tips with you and a pair of my favorite Luichiny shoes.

Shoe:  BE LINDA

Outfit: Pastel or white top with a nude pencil skirt

Jewelry: Simple with gold accents to match the shoes

Now add it all together and you get 

one perfect outfit for office attire without looking over dressed and trashy

Do you love the BE LINDA as much as I do?  You can find them in nude and black at www.demandshoes.com

Check out the Gateway Fashion Group Blog Here


Don't forget to visit Bronx Diba Shoe Outlet on June 15th for their Anniversary Party!

What to pack for a work trip

Next week I am heading to the Big Apple for the Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFaNY) shoe show. Packing for a work trip can be a little overwhelming because you want to look professional, but be comfortable standing in an exhibitor hall all day. You also need to be prepared for client dinners and enjoying a night on the town.

AND, since it is a shoe show---my footwear has to be on point, but practical because will be in New York and standing on concrete all day.

This means that in all practicality, I need 2 pairs of shoes for each day and at least two outfits. I hate carrying around luggage, so I try and keep my suitcases narrowed down to two carry-on sized bags.

Here is my go to list for packing, not all of it is necessary, so I cross those items off if they aren't needed:

***Look up the weather forecast

Basics:
  Travel Aids: reading, gum, snacks, bottle water, pillow
  Funds: wallet, cash, credit cards, atm card, checks
  Travel Info: passport/visa, drivers license, itenary, map/directions, travel tickets, travel confirmation, travel guides, membership cards

Miscellaneous:
  Documents: Copies of travel info, copies of credit card, copies of passport, emergency contact info,   medical insurance card, list of prescriptions, car insurance card, contact info, list of               allergies/medical history.
  Bags: Backpack, purse, collapsible tote, money belt, plastic bags
  Other: Business Card, calling card, work documents, supplies, notebook/pen, list of appointments
  Laundry: bags, kit, stain remover, sewing kit, travel iron

Clothes:
 Basics: underwear, socks, bra, pantyhose, swim wear, robe, pj's, dress shirt, sweaters, blazer, dress, slacks, t-shirt, tank top, sweat shirt, jeans, shorts.

Hygiene:
 Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, soap, washcloth, face wash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner,  brush, comb, hairdryer, hair irons, razor, styling products, hairspray, mirror, moisturizer, lotion, chapstick, makeup, perfume, makeup remover, nail file/clipper, nail polish, medications, allergy medicine, pain reliever, vitamins, nail polish remover, hand wipes, tissue, cotton balls, qtips, scissors, tweezers, lint roller, first aid kit, bandaids, blister blockers, footpads, feminine hygiene products

Tech:
Phone + charger, ipad+charger, camera+charger, batteries, headphones, alarm clock

Accessories: leisure shoe, dress shoe, sandal, slipper, belt, watch, jewelry, sunglasses

My Top Essentials for ANY travel: a book/magazines, hand sanitizer, mints and hand lotion.

And as you are double checking what you brought...here is a little advice from my mom. Start with your head and cover all of the possible things you would need for that part of your body
Head- do you have/need hats, hair brush, toothpaste, sunglasses, jewelry...
hit everybody part in between. 
Finish with your toes- do you have socks, inserts an shoes.
Don't forget to think about your electronics and Id!

Jamberry Nail Art Studio

This spring Jamberry debuted a customized nail art program called nail art studio. Have you ever been on pinterest and saw some amazing nail art that you wish you could do, but in your attempt, it looks like you let your 3 year old niece have a hay-day on your fingers?  I think we all have been there!

Nail Art Studio is easy as 1,2,3. Just snap a pic of your favorite image or design inspiration, upload it to NAS, move/shrink to fit, and buy!

These customized wraps can be used to match your favorite rug, put your kids squishy little face on your hands, or even be used for a school fundraiser! To top it off, they are applied exactly the same way as any other Jamberry nail-just use heat and pressure!

Check out NAS here!

Safety Class

I have been riding a motorcycle for about 3 years and for the last 3 years, I have wanted to take a Motorcycle Safety Course. For my birthday, my dad and step-mom registered me to take the class.

Newbee and I both walked into the classroom feeling like confident riders, who had good knowledge on how to ride and were comfortable with the rules of the road.....We both left with our ego knocked down a notch.

The exercises we were asked to perform seemed simple enough. It turns out that as two self taught riders, we have developed quite a few bad habits.

Overall, I am thankful for the experience and feel like I am a more-aware rider. I would recommend that everyone take some sort of  riding class even as a refresher to keep your skills up to date.

An added bonus, since I am a member of a motorcycle rights organization, I get a refund from the state and my local, so the class was almost free!

This is what it felt like we were doing:

Happy Birthday Lili

Happy Birthday Jaliyah Lyrie Cox! My favorite little diva turns 5 today. I  can't believe you are this old already and are getting ready for kindergarten. Even though you are 5 going on 30, you are destined for fame little one. Don't ever lose your spunk or your independent nature. You are on your fifth trip around the sun, Happy Birthday.

Matching your Mani

Here are a few style ideas for matching your mani.Weather you are hitting the red carpet, or bouncing to concerts all summer, don't let naked nails bring you down!