Wannabes
July 27, 2009 by Paulette
Filed under Editor's View
I hate wannabe’s. You know them. They are the ones flashing fashion that they can’t afford. The ones wearing their original designs with thread hanging everywhere. They are the ones you see selling clothes out of the trunks of their cars. They’re cowards. They have no real plan for actually competing in the market where they can do the most good…to set up an actual boutique or department store, whereby, they can create jobs and use the calling God has put on them to make an impact in the fashion retail industry. A Christian based department store is possible. J.C. Penney is one and Hobby Lobby is another. Believe me. If God gave you the dream to sell clothes He did not intend for it to be out of the trunk of a car. That might be the only way you can start out but to still be operating that way after five years is ridiculous. You get no respect from those of us who have done what it takes to overcome obstacles to reach the vision God showed us. It’s not easy, but it is possible.
Wannabes. They are the ones who have to be noticed for wearing the latest and greatest fashions trends. They are the ladies who just recently discovered and wear St. John Knits or Burberry (which have been around since the beginning of time, it seems, because the labels are so old) and think they have discovered new designer labels. They are the one’s who wear their vanity on their sleeves and won’t sit next to or associate with women who are fashionably beneath them. Wannabe’s are people who want to be heralded as the guru’s of fashion but have never studied fashion evolution. You know the one’s I mean. They are the ones who condemn you to hell if you don’t dress according to their denomination’s fashion dictates. They tell you that a woman shouldn’t wear men’s clothing only, because they have never studied Genesis. God designed Adam and Eve the same thing to wear…Tunics of skins. The last time I looked a tunic didn’t have legs! I guess Adam should have told God there was no way he was going to wear that dress. Eve should have said, uh-uh God. Don’t you give me the same style Adam is wearing. Don’t you know that will send me to Hell? Fashion wannabe’s do irreparable damage from the pulpit. Wannabes are those who have been called by God into the fashion design industry and are simply too lazy and too arrogant to go to school and study their trade. They would rather “boot leg.”
I frequently meet wannabes when I am producing a fashion show or laying out a fashion concept They challenge me behind the scenes and sometimes to my face, because they are sure they are more fashionable than I am. I feel sorry for them. When you are a wannabe, you have to work too hard to convince others. When you are something you don’t have to try be, you already are. They never stop to think why I get paid for this and they don’t. I didn’t have this career handed to me on a silver platter. Truly, many are called but few are chosen. They were not around when I paid with blood, sweat, and tears, and tuition, to get here. Nights of staying up, honing my trade when no one was paying me. God was the only one who saw my diligence. At the time that I was making my mark on the fashion retail industry, I got married, was having babies (3) and a major volunteer at my church. I was able to do this in a city I had relocated to with no initial family. When you don’t have a support system, you have to believe in yourself. My goal was never to be the best, but to do it right. In that, I became one of the best Fashion Advertising minds in the country. Even in the world. I say this most humbly, but when the biggest names in retail put billions of dollars on the line, they want the best and the brightest talents on the advertising team. Trust me. They are not calling in the “B” list.
How to be a stylish mom on the go
Moms these days are strapped for time, balancing everything from children with complicated schedules, keeping the home from looking chaotic, and often working on top of it all. It’s a wonder we always come last on the list of priorities. BUT NO MORE! Recharging yourself will provide your children with a happier mom and in turn a happier family.
Do you roll out of be each morning, throw on whatever’s clean and start your day, only to wind up feeling frumpy and negative about your appearance? Has your need for clothes that are easy to clean and comfortable left you with the standard stay at home mom wardrobe of oversized t-shirts, jeans and sneakers? Never fear! Spanky is here! By taking lessons from your sisters who work outside the home you can change the frumpy to fantabulous in no time. By following a few simple tips you can create a simple, practical and stylish “stay at home uniform” that will allow you to feel put together but still comfortable with your day to day tasks as a mom.
Every mom’s best friend is the t-shirt. Comfortable, stain resistant and inexpensive but let’s get real ladies! Most of those t-shirts in your closet are oversized, frayed and frumpy. By paying attention to fit color and style you can keep this an essential item in your wardrobe without subtracting the sassiness. Tunics fit lightly on the body and flatter you at the same time. You can find tunics in short and long sleeves and it’s a great alternative for those lovely t-shirts. If you get dressed up you can even put a tunic over a pair of slacks and belt it. This will be comfortable for you but also very trendy. Instead of beat up tennis shoes and rubber flip flops, select comfortable, cute shoes. Why not try some trendy ballet flats in some funky colors? Whether you are dressing up for a date or running errands the ballet flat is cute and comfortable.
Making baby bags practical, cute and efficient can be a tough job. There are some fashion-friendly designer baby bags out there but they can be rather expensive. Use your creative brain and check out other types of bags. Make sure that they have a nice shoulder strap and lots of pockets. Try gym bags, backpacks, or small carry on bags. You might want to pick a neutral color so you are in sync with the rest of your out fit at all times. Don’t try and carry a purse and a baby bag. Make sure you try and find a bag that will serve both needs.
Purchasing the correct fabrics can make a huge difference! The working mom should start avoiding clothes that are labeled, “dry clean only.” These pieces may look nice but take too much time and money to actually maintain. Try picking clothes that are comfortable, washable and need less maintenance.
No matter how busy you are with your family, it’s important to take a little “me” time every week. Have someone else watch your kids, even if it’s just for an hour. Take a bubble bath and read some gossip magazines or put your feet up and watch TV. Give yourself a home facial or home manicure….or better yet; take a quick trip to the salon. To look good, you need to feel good. With all the pressures of life, it’s important that we all take the time out every once and awhile for some pampering.
Are your beauty products expired?
I’m not exactly a packrat, but am prone to not want to part with things, especially beauty products. I’m always thinking, “But I might need that later” or “I know I never wear it but it’s such a pretty color.” However, we all know that everything has an expiration date. That’s right! Your makeup, skincare products, and makeup application tools are all capable of going bad. Unfortunately, it is not required for cosmetics to have an actual date printed on them. So when do you know when your cosmetics have passed their freshness date? Take a look at our list, courtesy of CBS News, to see when you should be pitching your products.
*A great tip is to mark the purchase date on the bottle with a Sharpie pen. That way, you know how long you’ve had it. You can also figure out an approximate expiration date and write that date on your beauty products.
Liquid Foundation: 3-6 months (Cream foundation can last 4-6 months)
Foundation in a bottle should last 3-6 months, but wide mouthed jars can expose the product to more air and should be tossed sooner. You’ll know it’s time to purchase a new bottle, when the ingredients begin to settle or separate, the texture thickens or thins, or the smell changes.
Concealer: 6-8 months
Powders: 1 year
That includes pressed powder, eye-shadows, and blush
Mascara: 3 months
You should never keep mascara for any longer than 3 months (air pushes bacteria back into the tube). Never “pump” your mascara.
Lip gloss & Lipstick: 1 year
Eye/Lip Pencils: 1 year
Eye and lip pencils should last 1 year or more, but you should sharpen pencils at least once a week to prevent bacteria from being transferred to your eye area. You’ll know the product has gone bad if it dries or crumbles.
Facial Cleansers & Moisturizers: 6 months
Facial Toners: 1 year
Natural Cosmetics: 6 months (”all-natural body washes”, etc.)
Among other cosmetics that are likely to have an unusually short shelf life are “all natural” products that contain plant-derived ingredients (which are conducive to bacterial growth), or products with no preservatives.
Brushes and Tools: varies
Oils and bacteria get trapped in the bristles of the brushes. Wash natural-bristled brushes once a month, and synthetic brushes three to four times a month. Lay the brushes flat to dry so that the bristles don’t break, and to maintain the shape of the brushes. There are brush cleansers out there, but you can also use mild soap. You may also use baby shampoo to wash your brushes.
Cosmetic makeup sponges are disposable tools. Wash after every use. Toss within 1 month, or when the sponge begins to tear.
Skip this trend: Summer boots
This ad by Nine West is pushing the summer boots trend.
Yes, summer boots. Just saying it makes me roll my eyes. This “trend” is a total oxymoron. Unless you live at one of the Poles, why would you want to huff around in boots during the hottest months of the year? I don’t which overpaid genius came up with trend to try to push onto unsuspecting trendsters but no one with the least bit of sense should caught trying to rock the summer boot. I don’t care how many celebrities you see in magazines leaving Whole Foods in “the hottest trend of the summer.” Everyone knows celebrities are totally disillusioned anyway, so don’t trust their judgment.
The point of my long tirade? Skip this trend and tell all your friends to do the same, because it’s just flat out ridiculous.
Haute summer hair: Ponytails
I have long been referred to by my mom as “Queen of the ponytail.” I rock them nonstop. I just can’t seem to help myself; if I see a rubberband somehow it ends up in my hair. But how do you keep the most basic of hairstyles from looking completely stale and boring? You switch it up! Tailor it to your look for the day. Here are a few ponytail styles I like to rock.
Jennifer Connelly and Kirsten Dunst add a french braid to the front of their pulled back do.
The Braided Ponytail
The braided ponytail is pretty much the same things as the braided bun. Give yourself a deep side part, and section off the front of your hair (width is up to you, though you want at least a medium sized braid). Then, just braid the parted section in a french braid style, following your hairline. Take the end of the braid and the rest of your hair and put it into a ponytail. Ta-da!
Eva Mendes, Kristen Bell, and Ashley Simpson are all working the bouffant ponytails in various ways.
The Bouffant Ponytail (with bangs)
Why, the bangs? I think it makes the ponytail look softer and more modern that way. I prefer to wear the bouffant with side swept bangs but you can wear it with full on “in your face” fringe, if you prefer. To get that bump, try pulling your hair over some well placed loose extensions, as opposed to teasing the hair, which can result in damage to the cuticle. Another option is to set the hair at the crown on large rollers, to add lift. Give a spritz of hairspray for hold and secure your bump with bobby pins. Then, secure your hair in a ponytail at the base of the bobby pins. Voilà!
High School Musical star, Vanessa Hudgens, embraces her curls with this textured ponytail hairstyle.
The Textured Ponytail
Give your hair a rest from the flat iron and embrace your natural hair texture. Mine goes into a nice big barrel loose wave when I let it air dry. So, I just gather it on top of my head and put it into a ponytail. Whatever the texture of your hair, add some product that works with it, not against it, put it in a ponytail and go!
Fighting AIDS with fashion: (RED)
I love supporting a good cause, and am an avid believer that if we all hold ourselves accountable to do our part, the world can be a better place. One way I do my part is by donating to a “green” charity. But there are countless issues that need our attention. Perhaps the largest one is AIDS research. Millions of people around the world suffer from this incurable disease. And I know you’re thinking, “What can I do?” and “Why is this article posted in the fashion section?” Because there’s no reason I can’t merge two of my passions, being a good Christian and fashion!
Thanks to global projects like (RED), you can do your part in style. The products from (RED) partners make you look good by giving you fashions and accessories you want and supporting AIDS research. I picked out my faves and bundled them neatly in the picture gallery below.
So, why not head over to the site and treat yourself to some retail therapy, and the treat those suffering from AIDS to some much needed support? For more info on AIDS go to http://www.aids.gov/
30 Tips to stay cool this summer
I hope you all had a fabulous weekend. I didn’t. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t fabulous. Mainly because, as usual, it was blazing hot out here in Texas. So, I spent the majority of the weekend trying to keep cool. That being said, I wish I had found this list from the The Body Shop blog at the end of the day Friday instead of at 11 p.m. Sunday night. *Sigh* 
But at least I found it! And now I can share it with you all. There are some great suggestions on The Body Shops’ blog list of 30 ways to stay cool this summer. Here a few of my faves.
3. When the nights are particularly unbearable, strip your sheets from your bed and stick them in the freezer for a bit. Then when you put them back on your bed, they’ll be nice and chilled.
7. Rock a ponytail. Keeping your neck free to catch a breeze will help your natural AC kick in.
27. It sounds intense, but putting both feet into an ice bath after a long day can help immediately bring your core temperature back under control.
28. Drink lots of delicious summer juices and cold teas. Not only will they help you to keep cool, but they’ll also stave off dehydration, which is the culprit in many summer headaches and sluggishness.
To see all 30 ideas, check out 30 Ways To Keep Cool.
Peggy Scott Ministries presents: Encouragement, Empowerment & Inspiration Summit 2009
July 17, 2009 by Sharifa
Filed under Featured, Haute News
Last months COVERINGS’ Covergirl, Dr. Peggy Scott, is extending an invitation to our readers. If you can get away, why not make plans to attend her Encouragement, Empowerment, and Inspiration Summit 2009, September 18-20? The whole weekend will uplift you, starting with a dinner to honor her late sister, Dr. Carolyn L. Harrell. Saturday, attendees will enjoy the Summit, sure to leave with a sense of renewal. Then, Sunday morning things will be brought to a close with worship service. The entire weekend is sure to be filled with friends, fun, and an experience you won’t forget. To find out more about this event, contact Rhonda at (757) 516-2720. You can also visit Peggy Scott Ministries’ webiste at www.practicaltruths.com/events.
5 Fabulous cosmetic bags
I am desperately in need of a new makeup bag. Actually, I was desperate two years ago. Now, it’s just pathetic! But a fashionista, such as myself, can’t just run out and grab some random bland bag in which to carry my fabulous makeup, and neither should you. Ditch your boring bag and get something with some sass, some pizazz, something that’s “you.” I’ve been hard at work searching cosmetic bag after cosmetic bag and here are a few that caught my eye.
Contents Pretty In Pink Organizer Case – Pink
Why: Uh…look at it! It’s fabulous! The design is hip and the color palette is ferosh. Plus, I absolutely love fuchsia.
Why: You all know how I feel about eco-friendly garb, and this cosmetic bag reminds me of a pea. And peas are always cute.
Why: Because it says, “Aloha,” and make me think of summertime on white sand beaches, grass skirts, and ocean breezes. Anything that can take my mind off of this Texas heat is a good thing!
Modella – Clear Travel Bag Personal Care
Why: You’re a jet setter and you want everyone to know it. Or maybe you aren’t. Either way, people will think you are with this mod-esque makeup bag.
Why: Can you say classic? So, so can this bag. No, it can’t talk but the color combo and chandelier print make it speak volumes. Plus, there are three of them!
Never and Forever
July 13, 2009 by Wilma
Filed under Stay Prayerful
Good Morning and Bless The Lord’s Name Forever!
It’s 4:30 in the morning. It’s rainy, quiet, and dark. As real as this moment is, it will change in a matter of hours. It will change because there will never be a day (in our lifetime) the sun won’t shine – never a morning the light won’t come. Today the power of our God still reigns and everything He has spoken to be – will be. How awesome is our God that only He controls and empowers the words “Never” and “Forever”. These two words belong to Him –only to our God. Because of His strength and reign, never will the ocean overtake the land or the beasts dominate mankind. Never will the firmaments fall, the seed stop producing, the mountains all tumble, and the stars fall from the sky. Because of God some things just NEVER will be. NEVER will Satan reign and wickedness prevail! The soundness of the Lord is more than reason for my soul to rest!
God said, “NEVER a time I will forsake you! FOREVER I hear your cry!”
“We’ve prayed for you.”
Pastor Wilma
