No place like home...

Happy New Year!!!

Happy 2014! Wishing you all the very best this year and years to come. I hope you've been staying warm if you're in the Northeast like me. Today we've had a reprieve from the frigid temps and I'm certainly thankful for that.

Here's an outfit from a few weeks ago. My husband called these my "Dorothy" shoes (lol), hence this post's title.

 

Until next time, Keep it Classy...

Janeen

Feeling Empowered

I attended an event this weekend in support of my mother-in-law where her business, Brice Accounting and Bookeeping Services was recognized as a leading small business in Prince George's County, Md. Running a successful business is only one of the many things she takes on. She is a minister in a well-respected church, a wife and a wonderful mother to my awesome hubby! We are so very proud of her.

My husband and I enjoyed being a part of such an empowering event as they not only recognized her business, there were 30 or so other honorees being recognized for giving back to the community. I left that event feeling empowered to do something to help our community as well. I will make more of a conscious effort to support small businesses. As more of us begin to to do this, we can do our part to help create more jobs in our communities. I think that is so awesome!

As for my outfit, I purchased this dress 2 years ago and this weekend was my first time wearing it. As you can see I don't subscribe to the rule that if you haven't worn it in the last year, get rid of it. Lol!

Dress: Adrienne Vittadini via Burlington

Belt: The Limited Boots: Nine West

Tights: Charming Charlie

Watch: Michael Kors Bracelet: Pandora

As always, thanks for visiting. 

Until next time, Keep It Classy...

Janeen

Fall is Here! Fall is Here!

Fall, my favorite time of year has arrived! I love fall because for me that means it's boot season. Although boots can be worn all year around, I don't start wearing boots until around this time of year when the temperature consistently remains cool. I am a confessed boot (and shoe) fanatic because they are so versatile. I especially love a nice pair of riding boots like the ones I am wearing in this post. They're comfy, classy and cute - perfect for fall weekend wear.

Here's what I wore to celebrate the arrival of fall...

Sweater: Esprit Pants: Target Boots: Jeffrey Tyler (old)

Leather Jacket: Wilson's Leather (old)

What's your favorite season of the year? 

As always, thanks for visiting...

Janeen

Linkup: Simple Easy Style

Naturally Chic

This week I want to share with you the awesome ladies of NappStar, the natural hair care salon that has been my hair salon for the past 2+ years.

Annette and Melissa opened their shop in Odenton, MD back in 2011. I just happened to find them in my area while looking for beauty supply stores. What a gem I found in them! I started out as a client wearing natural styles and they revived my long lost interest in getting locs. They didn't let me think about it too long and before you know it, I started my loc journey. They are two awesome, hard-working, ambitious divas making things happen in the Baltimore metro area and beyond.

They are currently located in a gorgeous shop in Columbia, MD where they provide services such as natural hairstyles, braids and locs. You can also find these ladies at various events in the area such as For Sisters Only and at other local events. If you are a natural diva or want to be (smile), please visit these ladies at NappStar. I promise - you will NOT be disappointed.

Annette and Melissa

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What do you enjoy most about being natural?

I don't know any different. I've never had a perm...I think it's easier to have locs, personally. I can do more with my hair without worrying about damage.

Why do you think so many women are going natural these days?

It's becoming more accepted in the workplace. 

What advice do you have for those who are considering going natural?

It's the best decision you could ever make for your hair...anything you can do with permed hair you can do with natural hair. You have a lot more options without damaging your hair.

What are a few of your recommendations for maintaining healthy, natural hair?

1. Consistency - make sure to use your products daily.

2. Be aware of all you put in your hair because natural hair is fragile. 

3. Don't apply too much heat.

4. Everyone's hair is different, so make sure you find the products that work best for your hair.

See for yourself what Nappstar can do for you. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram!

As always...thanks for visiting!

Until next time...Keep It Classy!

Janeen

Frugal & Fabulous

I talked about clothing swaps in a much earlier post. Swaps are an awesome way to get a lot of new-to-you clothes, shoes and/or accessories for next to nothing. A thrifter like myself is in heaven at a swap! I attended a swap this past weekend in DC hosted by Frugally Fab. The venue was very nice and little did I know that this was the organizers' first event! They did an awesome job. Kudos to Kat and Jerrita! I'm looking forward to attending their events in the future.

The hostesses 

The tables were filled with gems just waiting to be found and lots of shoes to choose from too.

A swapper with a great find. 

A few of my tips for a successful swapping experience: 

1. Bring items to swap that you would be proud to give to a girlfriend (in good condition with no stains, tears or missing buttons, zippers, etc.) You get back what you give.

2. Bring a large enough bag in which to carry your items home. 

3. Come dressed in something that you can try on clothes over. 

4. If you take something home that you later decide you don't want, bring it to the next swap as one your swappable items!

Who says we can't be frugal and fabulous??? 

The next swap in the DMV will be hosted by Dewdrop DC. Check them out for details. 

Until next time...Keep it Classy!

Janeen

Thrifty, Shifty Chic

Happy Friday eve chicas! I am keeping this short and sweet, just like this dress I wore to work a few weeks ago. :-)

There's nothing like a great thrift find. I found this shift dress at my favorite thrift store (Salvation Army) near my job. They have 50% off all clothing items on Wednesdays, so obviously that's the day I go to see what goodies I can covet. I paid $5 for this dress and I love the fit. I have to say it was $5 well spent.

Dress: Chico's (thrifted)

Shoes: MaxStudio (shoemetro.com)

I love a good sale and getting thrifted items at a discount is right up my alley! Most, if not all, thrift stores have sales days. Just find out which day your thrift store offers a sale and plan to go on that day to get the best savings!

Thanks for visiting! Until next time...Keep It Classy! 

Janeen

Linkup:

Blessed to have another...

Hola chicas!

Hope your weekend was enjoyable. Mine certainly was...I had the best birthday weekend! My awesomely wonderful husband collaborated with his sister (aka my best friend who lives 4 states away) to throw me a surprise birthday party at our house. They were able to pull it off without me having a clue.

This past year has been challenging, to say the least, but ultimately I am blessed to have another year filled with love and support from my family and friends. That's what helped get me through the really tough times. I'm looking forward to the year to come. We're expecting some great things to happen for our family.

Here is an outfit I wore last week...

Cardigan: Merona (Target)

Belt: Gifted

Pants: Banana Republic

Shoes (old): Nine West

Janeen