Passages

My mom and I went to Passages in Atlanta Saturday; Passages is an interactive journey through the history of the Bible. It was very interesting (I love museums!) and I learned how the world came to recognize the King James version  as the number one selling Bible in the world. Cool stuff, right?! 

Remember the outfit sneak peek I posted on Instagram? Well, here is the full 'fit! I probably should have worn different shoes, a two hour walk through an exhibit is not the best place to debut 5 inch wedges, but go big or go home right? 

Top: American Eagle | Shorts: New York & Co | Belt: J. Crew | Shoes: An Ecologie Consignment find | Hat: Mom's (I stole it) | Watch: Michael Kors | Sunblockers: Francesca's Collections | Bag: H&M 

Keep Bustin' Out Loves!! 

In the Nude...

Now, now, I'm not talking nude as in skin, but as in the color that has been a runway favorite from many a Spring Collection. Nude shoes are a classic choice to anchor a colorful outfit and elongate the legs. Every gal should have a nude pump and a nude wedge in the closet, and as I say that, I'm on the hunt for the perfect nude wedge myself. I know, you're probably thinking Alaina! Shame on you! I have come close to saying I do to the perfect pair, but never made the actual purchase. Here are a few of my favorites that just might make it into my closet (some are just a fantasy, who says a girl can't dream?!). 

Images from Polyvore.com 

1. Matiko Paris $225 heels.com | 2. Harvat $100 aldo.com | 3. Penny Loves Kenny $89 bakersshoes.com | 4. DVF $185 theoutnet.com | 5. L.A.M.B $293 heels.com | 6. PREMIERE $184 topshop.com | 7. Sam Eldeman $135 farfetch.com | 8. Giuseppe $690 farfetch.com | 9. Chinese Laundry $99 bakersshoes.com

Queen of the Thrift

I love all things thrifted, second-hand, or vintage. A majority of my closet has come from a thrift store or consignment store, so I'd like to think I'm the queen of thrifting (that may be going too far). When packing for the Mattiepalooza + Style Bloggers of Color, my goal was to have one thrifted piece incorporated into my outfit for every event. I wanted to show that you can find great pieces in any thrift store or consignment store. There was only one event where I didn't where a thrifted piece, on Saturday I wanted to show off my mint colored jeans from Francesca's Collections (they're my new favorite piece). I kept my accessories the same: a basic pair of studs, my Michael Kors watch, and my ring and necklace from Francesca's Collections. 

Dress: Goodwill (I cut the slip underneath to mid thigh length) | Shoes: Steve Madden | Watch: Michael Kors |Necklace: c/o Agora Vintage Store (Athens)

Jeans, Shirt, Necklace: c/o Francesca's Collections | Shoes: Steve Madden
I am pictured with my other half Abri 

Shirt: Francesca's Collections | Skirt: Goodwill Smyrna | Shoes: Bakers 

Shirt: New York and Company | Pants: Vintage Badgley Mischka c/o Ecologie Consignment | Shoes: Charlotte  Russe 

Do you love to thrift? How do you incorporate your thrifted pieces into your outfits? 

Keep bustin' out loves! 

Mattiepalooza+ Style Bloggers of Color Conference

Last weekend, Mattie of Mattieologie and founder of Atlanta Style Bloggers held her first annual Mattiepalooza + Style Bloggers of Color Conference at INK! Art Gallery in the Castleberry Hill District of Atlanta. I had the honor to attend (my whole attendance is a long story) the weekend long event. The whole purpose of Style Bloggers of Color is to connect bloggers of color to industry insiders and to celebrate the presence of wonderful bloggers of color across the country. 

Friday night kicked off all events with a fashion show highlighting local designers and of course, local Atlanta Style Bloggers. Eboni of Fashionista Next Door rocked some cute 'fits down the runway, but she wore an orange polka dot high-low dress that had all my fellow fashionistas (and myself!) whispering about how cute it was. Sole Society provided the shoes for the models, and I couldn't help but lust over a few pair that I saw hit the runway. The night ended with Kristen of Lily Kai Vintage taking center stage on the catwalk, and then mixing and mingling with all the fashionable ladies in attendance! 

Be Everywhere, PGRDreses, Me, thechicestgeek, Mattie, LilyKai

Saturday was an all day experience with four panels focusing on important topics bloggers should focus on. The morning started with teaching bloggers that content is king and consistency is queen, then we spoke about social media and how to use it enhance your presence in the bloggersphere, with the last panel talking to us how to reach out to brands. I learned many tips to use as I move forward as a blogger.

Pictured above are some of the panelists, Divas and Dorks, Charles Wade spoke to us via Google hangout on Google+, and Be Everywhere. So much information and knowledge was given...I was so appreciative to be in the building! 

Saturday night was Curls Night Out! sponsored by Beautiful Textures; vendors set up tables, with everything from jewelry to custom shoes were available for perusing and purchasing. The DJ was on point so I took the opportunity to cut a rug. I couldn't help but move once I walked into  the room. I was also excited about the chances of winning a year's worth of Sole Society shoes (that would make any shoe lover dance), but I didn't win the grand prize. 

Sunday was a beautiful luncheon to bring the conference to a close with Claire of FashionBomb as the keynote speaker. I have to say it was wonderful to be with my fellow bloggers and learn such valuable information. More on my outfits from the Style Bloggers of Color weekend coming soon! Consider this a sneak peak! ;)

Purple Steves

These purple Steve Madden shoes were the first to start off my obsession with high heels! Steve and I (yes we're on a first name basis, as I am with most of my shoes) first met when I was turning 21! And I pull these out every once in a while, they're still a hit!

Funny how a good pair of heels never go out of style. Do you still have your first pair of heels that started your journey to fabulosity?

What I busted out in:
Peasant tank top: Forever 21| floral pants: thrifted| shoes: Steve Madden| watch: Michael Kors| necklace: vintage from my mom

Flores de Sol

Today was a beautiful day! I got off of internship early and had time to stop by the Junior League's Nearly New thrift store before heading to dinner with my girls. I found a pair of cute green J. Crew slingbacks for only $5.00! And yes, I wore them right out of the store!

And why am I just finding out about taqueria del sol? This restaurant is cheap simple and most of all tasty!! What are some of your favorite budget friendly restaurants in Atlanta?

What I busted out in:
shirt: Forever 21 |shorts: vintage c/o Ecologie Trendy Boutique |belt and shoes: J. Crew |watch: Michael Kors |bracelet: gifted by my bestie |sunglasses: Francesca's Collection

IMAN Cosmetics Sweet Temptations Launch

As many of you know, I'm a loyalist to brands that I find work best for me. For example, I will never leave Verizon for mobile phone service. When it comes to my makeup, I'm just as stubborn. I am a BareMinerals/Bare Escentuals enthusiast. I think I own every product because once I find something that 1) does what it claims to do and 2) I actually see that it works for me, I go crazy and scoop up any and all products from that line.

Needless to say, I have few cosmetic products outside of my crazy BareMinerals collection. So when I got the email about IMAN's new Sweet Temptation line, I was skeptical. I went anyway (with a face full of BareMinerals) to my local Walmart where the event was being held.

I greeted the makeup artists and agreed to getting a IMAN makeover. The products were described to me as each were applied to my face and our conversation was easy; like they had done my makeup for me a million times.

Then before I knew it, I was looking into the mirror. My face looked natural, the foundation blending perfectly with my skin tone. It was a subtle change to what I'm used to...liquid foundation instead of powder, but the look was the same light feeling that I know and love. I learned a lot and got a free gift in the process! I did walk right over and take a look at IMAN cosmetics...her line can be found in Walmart and in beauty stores like Ulta and Sephora.

Now I'm not leaving BareMinerals any time soon, but I won't be so staunch in choosing my products. I'll be veering out to thee brands in the near future.