Marni ‘Runway’ shoulder bag

Hola, ladies!
How ferosh is this purse?! So ferosh that I had to feature it in our “Stuff We Love” section and then proceed to find an entire outfit that is designed around it; check out the pic below. Why am I drooling over this large lambskin shoulder Runway bag from Marni? Well, besides its obvious fabulousness, it’s just an all around great bag. I’m totally digging the teal, which is one of this season’s hottest hues. The color makes the purse wearable year round. With just enough gray to mute it, the teal is not too bright to wear through the fall and winter months. The large silver clasp is the perfect amount of hardware and the size and shape of the bag keep it from being overwhelming. Even petite bodies can tote it. Plus, the overlapping pleats add an extra bit of texture. It’s practically perfect…and it has the price tag to prove it

To get your hands on this bag, head on over to Marni.com. And for more teal colored fall fashion, CLICK HERE.

Is bottled water rotting your teeth?

Is bottled water rotting your teeth? It is certainly a question we should be asking bottled water companies and distributors. According to an article I found on WebMD, bottled water manufacturers are not held to the same standards as water plants. What does that mean? It means that while tap water is regulated by state government to make sure that it is in no way harmful, the same cannot be said of the bottled water industry.

A study published in the March 2000 issue of Archives of Family Medicine found that
*The Fluoride content of bottled water falls below the amount mandated by the state for tap water
* In some cases, bottled water was found to contain 10 times the level of bacteria found in tap water.

I know, you’re thinking, “It’s just Flouride, it’s not that big of a deal.” But actually, it is a very big deal. That lack of Flouride, mixed with the rise in Americans’ sugar intake, is contributing to tooth decay. That’s right, your bottled water could inevitably leave you wearing dentures.

To continue reading about the havoc bottled water is wreaking on your teeth, clickBottled May Not Be Better When It Comes to Water, or visit WebMD.com

Teal: Fall’s hautest color

Fall is upon us. In less than a month, it will be time to trade in our wardrobe for one that keeps us a little warmer. Stay ahead of the curve this year and pick up a few pieces in fall’s hautest color. Teal!

Yes, teal is making a reprise this year. Whereas last year I only found a sea of teal at Banana Republic, this year you can walk into just about any store and find a great piece in this haute hue. From shoes, to bags, to jackets, and even cocoon coats…it’s going to be hard to stay away from this perfect fall color. Take a look at some of my favorite teal pieces at the links below. With so many possibilities, you’re sure to find something you love.

Express.com

Argyle Cardigan Vest

Elbow Sleeve Flyaway Cardigan-Bold Stripe

ASOS.com

Carvela Round Toe Platform

Karen Miller Folded Dress

ASOS Tipped Over The Knee Ribbed Sock

Nordstrom.com

Free People ‘Meshion Impossible’ Tee

Bebe.com

Ornate Puff Sleeve Jacket

Cocoon coats

What do you think ladies? Is this snazzy enough to make it into your fall wardrobe? Cocoon coats are all the rage on runways for fall. Keep an eye out for this fall trend.

The key to wearing this coat, without looking frumpy, is to keep the pieces underneath it “thin,” not “thin” cheap but thin enough to layer; think light cottons and jersey fabrics. Keep this couture-esque coat in vogue by wearing it with leggings and a belt. Complete the look with a great pair of boots and you’re sure to look haute this season.

The acupuncture facelift

Before you got too excited, I did a lot of reading and there is no such thing as an acupuncture facelift. It is a fancy spa treatment that is popping up all over the place but does not yield the same results of an actual facelift. There are, however, numerous benefits to having acupuncture done on your face. Cosmetic acupuncture entails no incisions, sutures, or acid peels and it will not produce sudden drastic changes in underlying structures. In fact, the American Cosmetic Acupuncture Association discourages the use of the term, “facelift” in connection with acupuncture, as this creates unrealistic expectations, and ultimately disappointment. Remember, it took decades of stress, sun damage, and exposure to environmental toxins for your skin to reach a state of crisis, and the damage will not be instantly undone. The “procedure” does offer the reduction, or erasure, of fine lines and the softening of deeper ones. Additionally, patients may experience the firming of jowls and a reduction in the size of under-eye bags. It is not unusual for clients to report enhanced skin tone, increased energy, and eyes that sparkle.

Think of this form of “noninvasive surgery” as a face rejuvenation. So, if you’re not ready to have your face sliced and diced, or if your skin just isn’t in that bad of shape, this may be an alternative to look into.

Christian Dior fall/winter 2009/2010 collection

What do you get when you mesh ’20s style with Asian and Middle Eastern flare? You get the Christian Dior fall/winter 2009 collection designed by John Galliano. This collection is a hybrid of all the things I love; Ikat prints, bubble skirts, flowing gowns, and fur trimmed suits.

Grays, blacks, pinks, blues, and even shades of buttercream yellow somehow mix and mingle to become a cohesive collection. Details like buttons, large prints, and fur all add a little something to the structured suits in this collection. The flowing gowns are adorned with Middle Eastern prints and metallic threads to give us a dose of “Bollywood glamour.” Christian Dior can rest easy knowing that his fashion empire is in great hands with the very talented Mr. John Galliano.
These creations are imaginatively fanciful and make us want to say “just Dior Me from head to toe!”
To check out the entire Fall/Winter 2009 Christian Dior collection, visit Dior.com or pick the latest issue of COVERINGS.

COVERINGS’ Covergirls: Valerie Johnson, Claudette Norris & Carol Williams

When Valerie Johnson conceived the idea for You Are So Beautiful conferences, it was only natural that her closest confidantes, Carol Williams and Claudette Norris, share the vision. These three uniquely different women talk to us about femininity and faith.

COVERINGS: How did You are So Beautiful Conferences come about?

VALERIE: Approximately one year ago, I hosted a monthly women’s fellowship. On that evening in September we celebrated our annual Dress Party, Spa, and Boutique. We shared a day filled with shopping, food, fun, and fellowship. The theme for that evening was “You are So Beautiful.”

As I prepared for this event I ventured into a deeper study regarding the aspects of a woman’s beauty. I found a much deeper revelation than I had previously thought. Somehow, after doing many monthly fellowships over the years, with great themes and causes, this theme “You are So Beautiful” would not leave my spirit.

As I communed with The Lord, He spoke to my spirit and took me back down memory lane, with much gratitude and thanksgiving, to my late Spiritual Mother, Dr. Carolyn L. Harrell. “WOW! God what a deep reveal. That’s It! Pastor Carolyn used to host an annual seminar for ladies called, ‘You Are So Beautiful.’”

These seminars focused on the outer beauty of women. She brought in experts within the Church and some outside the fellowship. We were educated on the do’s and the dont’s of fashion, hygiene, hair and nail care. Pastor Carolyn brought in stylist, beauticians, skin care specialist, health and beauty consultants. She even brought in a fragrance expert who taught us about all the latest fragrances.

If anyone has had the privilege of being in her presence then you would know that she was a sharp, highly fashionable, bold, and beautiful woman. She overflowed with confidence. She was a Woman of Excellence from head to toe. She operated in explosive power through her spiritual gifts, as a prophet, evangelist, preacher, and teacher with an apostolic anointing. Dr. Harrell was no joke, and no jive with all five!

That September evening in 2008, God changed my focus and gave me a fresh revelation and an anointing to keep Dr. Carolyn L. Harrell’s Legacy alive. Not just for what she did for women through “You Are So Beautiful” seminars, but who she was as a true woman of God – beautiful inside and out. Her heart of compassion and caring radiated from within her soul.

I don’t want to take up too much time in this interview on the first question. However, I had to lay the history and foundation in order to answer the question with a clear understanding.

In 1983 I was going through some tough times with three small boys and found myself homeless. I didn’t want anyone at the church to know about it. I went to my family where I expected to get help and had to turn back to the church. I remember calling the church after staying up all night in my small 280Z, with my three sons sleeping on the back seat. I was afraid to go to sleep as we hunched down out of sight so no one could see us. I cried all night as I lay with my seat reclined asking God to, ‘Please help us, please God help us.’

The next morning the Lord told me to call the church. I spoke to Pastor Carolyn and she told me to come right away. When I arrived at the church, she made sure someone fed my boys and cared for them while I spoke to her. She rebuked me for not letting her know about my circumstance, and for putting my boys and myself in harm’s way. As I explained my circumstances to her she held me and cried with me, telling me everything would be alright. She said that she would make sure we didn’t have to experience sleeping in my car again. I had found an apartment for us but couldn’t move in for two weeks. That day she made some calls and found that one of the members was going on vacation for two weeks. Pastor Carolyn rented their house for that two weeks and bought groceries for the entire stay. She told me that she would help me get through this season of pain and suffering. She kept her word.

She appointed financial advisor, and church member, Pastor Sandra O’Neil, to assist me in getting my financial affairs in order. Pastor Harrell followed up every year thereafter, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, to ensure we had the provisions we needed. I think that was the lowest point in my life. I have never been homeless again.

If there was ever a name for a woman, who was down for a woman, her name would be Dr. Carolyn L. Harrell. She restored my mental and physical health. She restored my faith in God and made me feel like a whole woman again. It was a powerful lesson of deep compassion that I have cherished since I received it. Those memories of gratitude, with the assignment from God, is how You are So Beautiful Conferences came about.

COVERINGS: What do you seek to accomplish with YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL?

VALERIE: I want to empower and equip women to enjoy a deeper understanding of their beauty – that beauty which lies beneath the skin. I want women to live and experience the benefits of living by Godly principles. There are three principles for living that I aspire to live in everyday.

1. How you see and live the beauty of God will
determine how you will serve God.
2. How you see the beauty of God in others will
determine how you will serve Others.
3. How you see the beauty of God in yourself will
determine how you serve Yourself.

We seek to accomplish and disciple women to have a true
and personal relationship with God, to pray and seek Him daily; to receive healing and a sense of well being, and wholeness.

COVERINGS: Describe the woman for which your conferences are designed.

VALERIE: This conference is designed for women who are pregnant with destiny. I believe that includes all women who have a heart after God. Our focus for YSB is geared towards, Re: storing, Re: building, and Re: plenishing. Re: is the Key! This is a Ministry of reconciliation for hope, health, and peace to those women who are less fortunate then others. Especially those women who find themselves in women’s shelters – they may be abused, abandoned, neglected, and rejected with no self worth – with limits and no resources. The ministry’s foundational passage of scripture is in Isaiah chapter 58 – particularly verse 6. YSB staff is seeking those who are equipped and willing to fast with us to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free and that we break every yoke.

On September 9, 2009 in Riverside, CA, the YSB Conferences staff and volunteers will serve as mid-wives; welcoming women into the Birthing Chambers where we will help to deliver the children of destiny. We will be clearing pathways and birthing eagles.

COVERINGS: Who is an example of the ‘most beautiful woman’ role model in our generation?

CAROL: I will have to address two people. The late, Dr. Carolyn L. Harrell, who was truly my mentor. I am experiencing most of my success today because of her example. Also, Dr. Betty Price. I have always appreciated her wisdom and practical approach to the many issues that women face today. She is beautiful inside and out.

CLAUDETTE: Betty Price….she is the Godmother of faith, strength and courage and of course, Pastor Carolyn was one of BOLDNESS in the Holy Ghost.

COVERINGS: Is there a particular minister who has
inspired you?

VALERIE: Bishop T. D. Jakes. I have each and every one of his sermons and messages in my library. I can listen or watch him over and over and over again. He is a powerful gift of inspiration to the entire body of Christ. The first time I saw Bishop Jakes was at Walnut Faith Center in 1993. He and pastor Carolyn were friends from Virginia. Isn’t that something?

CAROL: I had the opportunity to serve as an administrator at Walnut Faith Center, which subsequently became Word Harvest Worship Center in Pomona, California. The late Dr. Harrell was the Senior Pastor. I got to know her personally. She was not only my pastor and employer, but also a spiritual mother, friend, and mentor. She inspired me to complete my higher education. At one of the most crucial moments in her life, when she was “fighting” to regain her own health, Dr. Harrell returned to California to attend my graduation ceremony at the University of LaVerne. She said, “Carol, I would not miss this for anything in the world. You have truly made my heart glad. Not only will you get this degree but other degrees will follow! Don’t be afraid to move out on your dreams and ideas, because those ideas will generate the wealth that is destined for you. Carol, you are a daughter of destiny.” What else can I say? I am still reaping the benefits from her short time here on earth. She is truly my inspiration as she will always be to many others.

CLAUDETTE: My pastor, the awesome Robert L. Wilks….he has prophesied to his congregation that God would make us well known to people in our own world. I believe it is happening now, by being featured in your amazing magazine.

COVERINGS: What is beauty?

VALERIE: We all have heard that beauty comes from within, and I was straight with that way of thinking. But did I really know about beauty from within? Everyone who knows me is fully aware that my passion is fashion – Interior Decorating, and accessories. I want to touch everything I see and make it beautiful. As an Image Consultant, I’ve always admired and reverenced the essence of beauty in women, and all the multi-facets of our make up.

Through our design firm, Valerie’s Gallery, I’ve taught classes, encouraging women to just “Do You.” “Be your true authentic self. Create your own style.” But what did I really know about inner beauty? Beauty is the principle object of The “I AM” – Pure Love…that lives on the inside of you. GOD…HIMSELF the Lover of your Soul. Selah.

CAROL: Beauty is a “trait” or quality that is nourished from within and it is subsequently displayed outwardly. I believe that the quality of beauty is nourished by our daily internal intake (doses) of information—whether it is positive or negative.

I believe that a person’s beauty radiates outwardly as he/she endeavors to conform daily to the image of Christ.” When I look at it from that perspective, anyone can portray the quality of beauty. Anyone can be “beautiful”.

COVERINGS: If a woman is a murderer or child abuser, is she beautiful also?

VALERIE: Yes, every woman and man is made in the image of God. One of the most beautiful gifts and characteristics of God is forgiveness. We need to forgive ourselves and others, repent and keep pressing towards the mark of the high call.

COVERINGS: Do you minister to men as well as women?

CLAUDETTE: Absolutely!

COVERINGS: What is your sincere take on America’s First Lady, Michelle Obama?

CLAUDETTE: Michelle, is an amazing role model, I believe she has and will continue to inspire women of all walks of life – that with education and goals, all things are possible.

VALERIE: She is a woman I admire for standing by and supporting her man. She believed in him, and now reaping the rewards. Michelle exudes confidence as a woman, wife, mother and daughter. I am proud to have her as the First Lady of this great nation.

CAROL: The first lady is real, transparent, courageous, intelligent, beautiful, fashionable, balanced, and accessible. She has strong Christian roots and values. Women from all cultures relate to her. She is truly a role model.

COVERINGS: You ladies are very fashionable. How do you view today’s fashion trends for Christian women?

VALERIE: Trends are set by a group of individuals who decide what we should wear during a particular season. If I see something I like as a trend, I will wear it. I really don’t keep up with trends. I have always had a signature style. I love the afrocentric style. I love wild hair, flashy jewelry and bright colors. However, I can radiate glamour, elegance and even a conservative style. I can still wear garments from ten years ago. I believe fashion is timeless. If I could get away with wearing something leopard everyday, I would.

CLAUDETTE: My own fashion statement is one of discretion and individuality with a little “kick of flair.” I’m a firm believer in “doing the best you can with what
you have!”

CAROL: Fashion trends are cyclical. It is fun to watch fashion history repeated. However, once a person has developed her own “signature” style, it will stand the test of all fashion trends.

You simply get to the place where you can truly say, “I am comfortable in my skin. I like me; this is what I like to wear—this is simply me!”

COVERINGS: What is the art of being a woman?

VALERIE: The Word of God says in Psalms 139:14, “I praise you, for I am Fearfully and Wonderfully Made.” When I start to ponder that there are no other finger prints identical to mine in the World…it is enough to [blow my mind]. There is ONLY ONE ME! I am an Original Masterpiece of Art – Signed by God.

I would say the Art of Being a Woman is to unlock the beautiful treasures of potential, purpose, and power that resides within all women; embracing your maker.

COVERINGS: How did the three of you form such a close bond?

VALERIE: I have known Carol and Claudette for at least 26 years. They are two of the most integral women of righteousness that I know. They represent the Godly characteristics that I desire in a friend.

They are two of the most humble, thoughtful, giving, selfless, prayerful and powerful women of God. Our common thread is that we were raised by the same spiritual mother, Dr. Carolyn L. Harrell. There is a high level of trust that we mutually share.

CAROL: Though we met at Walnut Faith Center, we developed a relationship outside of the church fellowship. Over time our friendship and trust evolved and a bond was subsequently established. When time elapsed between us, we could pick up where we left off—as if we had never been apart. Val braided my hair and did my make up, and Claudette mentored my daughter.

COVERINGS: Are all three of you available for speaking engagements?

CLAUDETTE: Most definitely.

To Register for You are So Beautiful Conferences
please visit:
www.ysbconferences.com
please call
951-780-1234 or 951-204-6118

Must-have fashion: One Shoulder tops and dresses

Summer weddings! I have had so many to attend this summer. What to wear? I had been store to store looking for the cutest dress to dance my heart out in. I noticed that the hottest trends in the stores right now are single shouldered dresses and tops. They were EVERYWHERE! I ended up buying up this hot trend to beef up my summer wardrobe. Trendy, Mod, and Sassy is all I can say about this trend. I got so many compliments, Check out some great one shoulder finds at the links below.

Asos.com
Shopstyle.com
Anneklein.com
Macys.com
Nordstrom.com