Archive for April, 2007

Hey P&G friends,

First of all, I want to welcome Kool Kitty to the Pumps and Gloss family.

Last week, we discussed appropriate attire for weddings. I gave some tips on how to dress for different body types. Today, we are going to discuss appropriate shoes for weddings. (Sidebar: A teenage girl at my church suggested that the Youth Department should sponsor a fashion show on what to wear to church. Oh, how that is needed. Shout out to BD!)

A wedding is a religious event. The reception is a fun, yet elegant function. Even Jesus went to His share of weddings. In those days, weddings lasted for days.

Whatever your budget, you can find cute shoes.

This Christian Louboutin dotted peep-toe pump is a luxe option. As Joyful Radiance says, “You will be killing them softly in these shoes!” I like the platform sole because it balances out the higher heel, which is much easier on the feet.

This Giuseppe Zanotti high-heel sandal in taupe silk and Swarovski® crystal inset on T-strap is super great. I love them. I would pair these shoes with the blush silk chiffon Grecian dress. I do not think these shoes are made for dancing in the wee hours of the night or walking, but do try. This sandal will definitely wow the crowd, and at $650, it should!

Recently, I had to write a paper for class about a business-to-consumer website. I picked Nordstrom.com. As I was doing research for the paper, I learned that Nordstrom was, originally, a shoe store. This makes total sense because I think Nordstrom has the best selection of shoes of any comparable department store, excluding Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.

I found this funky polka-dot print pump that I would confidently rock. I love the juxtaposition of the black and brown. The contrasting sizes of the polka dots give the pump a fresh look. At $99, the Poetic Licence pump is more affordable than the previous shoes.

If you are low on cash, but not low on style, check out Payless’ Kalista wedge sandal. This wedge sells for $17, and has a padded footbed. This adorable shoe comes in several neutral tones, and will jazz up any wedding outfit.

Remember: get a pedicure, if you are going to wear sandals or peep-toe pumps.

I hope this post will inspire you to create a stylish outfit that is, uniquely you. I know sometimes looking for that special outfit and shoe can seem like searching for the Holy Grail. Do not fear, I know that you can do it. After Bible study, go and study Vogue!

Be Blessed & Best Dressed,

Mix Maven

TGIF Everyone!!! Today is a special day; I welcome Kool Kitty as our newest writer. Kool Kitty will bring a different perspective on our Sexual Inhibitions to the Pumps and Gloss Family. We welcome Kool Kitty to the family. Now without further ado, I present Kool Kitty.

Communication is one of the key elements in developing a foundation for a relationship in addition to trust, honesty, commitment, and mutual respect of course. But without communication you cannot experience the other elements needed to develop such a relationship. When we think about communication with our mates, we often think outside of the box; the box being the bedroom. We talk about what our favorite color is or about our pet peeves and some of us are even capable of communicating our emotions and feelings toward someone but when it comes to pillow talk, I’d be willing to bet that many of us are uncomfortable communicating to our mates what turns us on in the bedroom. A few weeks ago, I saw the movie 300 and when Leonidas was making love to his queen people started snickering in the movie. Grown ass people and I’m thinking to myself, “What hell is so funny?” The sex scene was hot…I mean he was giving it to her good so it occurred to me that people were actually uncomfortable watching the sex scene in the movie. I then asked myself if people can’t even watch sex without feeling uneasy how much more difficult it must be to talk about it?

The answer is a lot but I have learned through my own experience that if you want to have great sex then you better stand up and say so and that is only going to be accomplished through communicating with your partner. Whether you’re looking for a booty-call or a boyfriend, I firmly believe that communicating your sexual desires and fantasies is the first step to many wonderful orgasms. Some people seem to think that sex doesn’t matter or shouldn’t be a major part of one’s relationship. Well I say, don’t listen to those people. They’re probably not having great sex but wish they were. If you have fantasies of tying up your mate with handcuffs and smacking them on the ass with a whip and you haven’t told your mate yet because you’re afraid he/she may not want to play along, shame on you. If you’re a freak, you need to communicate this to your mate. Your mate might be too and if they are not maybe they’ll be open to your freaky ways if you just give them a chance. COMMUNICATION IS KEY. Have I said that enough? Yea, I think I have. And with that I leave you. Let’s make peace, make love, and have great SEX.

Kool Kitty

P.S. Since we were talking about sexual desires and fantasies, I’m sure the readers would love to read yours. Email them to koolkitty1969@yahoo.com. They will be published in next week’s article anonymously with only the city and state. Kool Kitty is very discrete.

1. Her Family Health History
2. Her Family Tree
3. Her Blood Type
4. Her bank account balance
5. How to save money
6. How to work smarter, not harder
7. How to get out of a funk
8. How to have fun
9. How to keep cool during heated situations
10. How benefits at work apply to her
11. How to cook
12. How to pose for pictures
13. How to decorate her home
14. How to do her hair when her hairdresser is not available
15. How to use a screwdriver and a wrench
16. How to hang a picture
17. That is it perfectly fine to be single and/or not have children
18. The rules of the game – football, basketball
19. How to make a floral arrangement
20. Her Spiritual Gifts
21. How to maintain or improve her credit score
22. Her Local and National Elected Officials
23. Her local National Public Radio (NPR) Station
24. Alternative news sources – i.e. BBC News and Caribbean Net News
25. Her HIV/AIDS Status

Just because you are related to or involved with someone does not mean you have to accept their mistreatment.  “That is just how he/she is” is an unacceptable excuse. 

Life is too short to be miserable.  You do not have to tolerate anyone’s foolishness, emotional or physical abuse.

“…and she loves me more than you’ll ever know!”

“Being strong and not letting people break me down – you won’t get that joy this time around!”

Don’t settle for less.  Protect your heart.  Guard yourself against people and things that hinder your growth and joy.  If that means distancing yourself from family, friends, or lovers, do what you have to do for your well being.  I am not about being conceited, but you have to put yourself first.  Women often put others first – kids, men, family, work, church, etc. – do not sacrifice yourself to your detriment.

Joyful Radiance

One of my favorite shows is Style Network’s “Whose Wedding is it Anyway?”

(2 fave wedding planners)

The wedding planners do an excellent job creating elegant and unique events. (Sidebar: The show is a chock full of ideas for brides-to-be.) Yet, I have noticed that some of the guests at the reception looking as if they are attending a summer cookout in the backyard with flip flops on and/or super casual wear. Wedding season is upon us, so we need to look our best.

When I attend weddings, I am always aghast at the clothing choices. Ample-busted women need to stay away from spaghetti straps and strapless bras. Yes, designers make these tops and dresses, but that is no excuse to wear them. Back away from the spaghetti straps, and find a dresser or blouse with thicker straps. Also, if you need butter to go with your “rolls”, stay AWAY from baring your back. I am champion for loving and being comfortable with your body, but I believe that common sense is far more important!! If you have ample bosom and a thick waist, I strongly suggest that you show A LOT of cleavage because no one will ever see your waist, as they will be fixated on your bosom.

Let us take a look at some acceptable looks for a wedding.

Brown is a very dignified neutral that can be paired with most colors, especially shades of brown. You can jazz this up with a great necklace or chandelier earrings. If you do not wear jewelry, add a funky brooch. Cardigans and wraps can help create a fab wedding outfit.

This black sequin-embellished ruffle dress is a great option for plus-size ladies. The straps, color, and fabric will be forgiving, and emphasize the BEST of your body.

This blush pink silk chiffon dress is fun and flirty. The sequin accents draw the eye to flattering areas of the body. I suggest that if you have a great back, leave the wrap at home or in the car. Wear this dress confidently.

I hope the information will help you or help someone you love get some fashion acumen. As Dame O says, “When you know better, you do better!”

Next week, we are going to discuss appropriate shoes for weddings because I see that as a problem that needs to be rectified.

Be Blessed & Best Dressed,

Mix Maven