THE SHOE THAT GOT AWAY!

A Reality To RESALE SHOPPING!

Keeping it real on being RESALE CHIC:

The joy I felt as I darted towards these GORGEOUS RED SHOES!  I spotted them in the back of the resale store, in the shoe section and it was immediately ELECTRIFYING!! With every step towards them, I hoped that it would be my size. As I got a few steps away, I LITERALLY started praying for them to be my size! How crazy! 🙂

These brand new, red, unique, vibrant, platform sandals from Alice and Olivia sat pretty on the shelf, waiting to be bought by a shoe lover. I so hoped that shoe lover was me, but unfortunately as I tried to FORCE my foot into these size EIGHT beauties, knowing darn well that my feet are a size NINE! The horrible reality set in, I WASN’T the soon to be owner of these red hot beauties! 🙁

As wonderful as resale, vintage and thrift shopping is, this is a reality that goes along with the process and boy does it sting like a bee sometimes! There are those times when you can easily walk away from a Diamond Find and never think of it again, then there are other times when the piece that got away, literally plays over and over in your mind for days. Well, what should I do, you ask?? Just ride it out! lol…  Eventually the feeling of regret or missing out will pass, trust me! I went home and looked them up online and they popped up for about $150. In the resale store, it was an amazing deal for less than $50. It was just one of those days in RESALE CHIC Land BUT I’m NO QUITER!! lol…

Well Honey Bunnies, ONWARD AND UPWARD WE GO! The hunt continues!

muah 🙂

FASHION WEEK 2016 – CHICified WRAP UP!

Fashion Week 2016 – CHICified Wrap UP!

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Fashion Week 2016 around the globe was a supercharged and excitingly stressful time. Designers known and unknown eagerly anticipate the reveal of their collections. It’s somewhat comparable to the end of year show and tell that we’ve all experienced at some point or another in our lives. lol… 🙂

Designers work tirelessly for this moment that comes around twice a year. The challenge and task of translating designs from their thoughts and dreams to sketches, patterns, textiles, mannequins, models and finally to the runway is remarkable. The runway, a place where collections are birthed and unveiled for everyone to see. It’s quite an elaborate process and outlet for not only RTW (ready-to-wear) garments to be seen, but also for extremely creative, exaggerated and artistic pieces to be unleashed as well.

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Many people after seeing a runway show, will ask “who would ever wear that?” or “no one can wear that in everyday life!” Well, many garments on the runway are simply designs without boundaries or inhibitions. In addition to the practicalities, which are geared mainly to the very important, front row industry buyers, it’s also very much about fun, creative freedom and limitless expression.

That being said, as Fashion Week 2016 A/W wraps, it has truly been an EXCITING, COLORFUL and COMPELLING Fashion Week season for sure.

gucci-2016-milan-fashion-weekFor a number of years I’ve been saying to my hubby that fashion had become somewhat “blah” and uninspiring. Everything looked the same and everyone has been dressing and looking the same as well. Regardless of height, size or personalities, everyone wears the same thing!! Something is just wrong about that!  Years ago, there was more individualism, uniqueness and true personal style. It was easily identifiable from one person to the other.

Well, after obsessively watching the live feeds, videos and excitedly combing through images from Fashion Week in NY and internationally,  I must say it looks like we may be heading back to the vibrant and exciting days of old in fashion! YAY!!

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The colors, textures, prints, patterns and designs that were utilized and intertwined are simply fantastic and invigorating. Gucci, Dior, Chanel, Stella Jean, Balenciaga and on & on have thoroughly blown my mind!

As I always say, “fashion can be bought anywhere but your true style comes from within.”

Your eye and interpretation of garments, the organic assembling of those pieces and your seamless, somewhat effortless way of having your outer wear in true reflection of your inner personality is, your CHICified Signature Style.

Fashion Week 2016 – CHICified Wrap Up!

**gorgeous images are from the web**

THE GOLDEN MOMENT AT THE GOLDEN GLOBES!

JLO KNOCKS IT OUT OF THE PARK AT THE GOLDEN GLOBES!

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What a way to kick off Award Season!

It couldn’t be better than this Golden Moment with JLO’s Golden Globes dress!

The anticipation is always intense, the moment that the red carpet opens and the second the pre-show interviews begin. Though “The Best Dressed” of the evening can almost be pin pointed prior to their arrival on the red carpet, the thrill of those moments never fade.

Most times it can be quite challenging to narrow down the top choices of the evening BUT not this time! Both on the red carpet and at the after party, Jennifer Lopez made it quite easy to select our H2T Best Look of the night in her marigold Giambattista Vali Haute Couture gown. Her sparkly Jimmy Choo heels, along with 200 carats of Harry Winston, were most certainly the perfect accessories for her golden moment.

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For the after party, JLo still had our H2T Best Look in her white Roland Mouret gown. Her dark rouge nails and lip color, paired with her perfectly coiffed LOB (Long Bob) were the perfect choices to making this ensemble a CHICified Knock Out!

 

THE WEEKEND EDITION!!

THE CHICified 5!

LOVES FROM THE WEEKEND!

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What is inspiration?

AThe action or power of moving the intellect or emotions. Something that gives someone an idea about what to do or create. A force or influence that inspires someone.

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Be Inspired!

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With the spirit of the holidays permeating through the air, you can’t help but want to dress things up a bit (both yourself and your surroundings).  Accommodating the exhilarating feeling of celebration, romance and precious moments with love ones, are all just a part of the festivities. 😉

 

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 Create Your Happy Space!

Simple changes to your wardrobe choices and the accessories in your home, can spice things up a great deal!

Shayzon $$ Tip: Switching accessories, including accent pillows and pictures from one room to the other and rearranging the placement, is a CHICified and savvy way to recreate your space without spending a dime! 

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Note from the Editor:

Our Fashion, Beauty, Food or Decor are all different things that we personally have control of.  During this time of year, color, scents, sequin, glitter, sparkles, lights, candles, fur, frills and flowers (whew that’s a lot! lol..) are all amazing details and accessories. We can subtly or boldly incorporate these things into our ensembles and decor to create a holiday lifestyle that is CHICified.

Leave a little glitter as you go! 😉

SHAYZON

*photo inspirations from the web*

LET'S TALK TEE!!

LET’S TALK TEE!!

For most, when we hear about a “TEE” we immediately think casual. Right?

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Well, I’ve developed an entirely different outlook along with a great appreciation for the good-ole “TEE.”

I now call it MY versatili-TEE! 😉

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A “t-shirt,” as the majority calls it, is a fashion piece that I consider a must-have for everyones closet. The versatility and effortless qualities, makes it an intelligent wardrobe purchase.

Let’s look at the pro’s:

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~ They can be worn with a suit, skirt, jeans, slacks, shorts, under a blazer, a tunic, a dress, etc…

~ The colors are limitless.

~ They look great with every type of accessory. It all depends on the look your going for.

~ The quality options are huge.

~ The price point can be from as low as a few bucks into the hundreds.

~ It’s a fashion option that anyone can have, regardless of your budget! (Now that makes it CHICified!).

SHAYZON TIP:

When selecting a “TEE” always, always check for the quality of the fabric. The quality can make or brake the final look.

Here are a few things I call the “quick check”:

~ When you pull on both sides of the shirt, does it leave an indentation where your finger are?

If so… it’s a No No.

~ Does the fabric look like it will become dull and fuzzy after a few washes?

If so… it’s a No No.

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~ If the fabric is finely ribbed but doesn’t have strong elasticity to the shirt itself.

It’s a No No.

Pairing a “TEE” with something dressy, is a CHICified fashion move. It adds personality and creates a balance to your ensemble.

A “TEE” makes an outfit not too dressy, not too casual, but simply effortless.

Images: From Wendy’s Look Book, Blaire Eadie, Kylie Jenner, the web, and our editor-in-chief, Shayzon.

SOURCES OF GORGEOUS INSPIRATION!

OUR CHICified 5!

LOVES FROM THE WEEK.

 

Regardless of our walk in life, regardless of our current circumstance, regardless of the negative things we may have been told, all that matters are our desires, dreams, goals and determination.

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FASHION!!

INSPIRATION: The sartorial elegance and ingenuity that grace editorial pages, models and mannequins are great sources to inspire, dare and ignite our imaginations.

 

 

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MAKEUP!!

INSPIRATION: The beauty and creativity that opens our eyes to possibilities, while demonstrating a template for execution.

 

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FLOWERS!!

INSPIRATION: The magical layering of countless colors and petals. Delicately created with the power to exude happiness, love and appreciation. Equipped with the captivating ability to boldly make statements  while quietly transforming any mood.

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JEWELRY!!

INSPIRATION: A sparkle of life that gives clarity and motivation, while creating a visual to aspire to.

 

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ART!!

INSPIRATION: Intellectual exposure to mediums and textures beyond our comfort zone. Unique expressions which have the power to ignite our desire to create.

 

 

 NOTE FROM THE EDITOR:

 “Continuous exposure to inspiration, along with insight to things that ignite dreams within us, is exactly what CHICified is about.” 

 SHAYZON

*images from around the web*

WHAT IS A SHAYZON FAB FIND?

A SHAYZON FAB FIND…

SOMETHING FABULOUS & WORTH FINDING!

 

FAB FIND is most certainly found in the CHICified Dictionary. ‘)

Here’s the short & sweet definition, along with important points for

SHAYZON to give the FAB FIND stamp of approval.

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Fashion, shoes, accessories, bags and decor that are graciously accompanied with great quality, a fit that’s remarkable and appeal to the eyes that’s purely irresistible. Top that all with a pretty little price tag adorned with a mind-blowing price, and you’ve got yourself the definition of a FAB FIND!!

 “Feeling GRAND and wearing a FABULOUS ensemble that looks like a million bucks, all while smiling inside knowing that it didn’t cost more than a minuscule dent in my purse, is just FABtastic!”

With a few pointers and tips, anyone can master the hunt.

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SHAYZON’s Truth Serum:
It takes a minute to save a buck!

* Don’t only settle with the first thing you see that stands out on the rack. Look around.

** Don’t grab just anything with an inexpensive price tag. Check the quality, style & fit.

***TRY IT ON, TRY IT ON and did I remember to say TRY IT ON!?!? Getting things altered is smart.

Not so fast!

Remember the factors in the definition above when identifying and selecting your FAB FIND and you’ll be well on your way!! 😉

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Tip: As you browse through magazines, stores or online, keep those things that excite you in mind when out on the hunt for a FAB FIND.

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These ‘Hangisi’ Manolo Blahnik pumps were my inspiration ($650). For a dramatic fraction of the cost, I knew when I came across these consignment pumps, they were FAB and definitely going home with me. 😉

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*my pumps were found brand new in a consignment store on clearance for less than $20!

FAB FIND STAMP OF APPROVAL! 😉

 

 

BODY BASHING??

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BODY BASHING!

We do it to ourselves time and time again.

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The realization of Body Bashing hit me a bit ago after speaking with a few ladies who shared that they were really unhappy with their bodies.

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These beautiful ladies were having great difficulties with finding clothes that they thought looked good on them.  What I thought was most unfortunate, was that they all ended our conversations with a good dose of BODY BASHING. 🙁

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Ok, so first things first, what is BODY BASHING?

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It’s being unhappy and critical with the body you’re in; your shape, your height, your proportions and your size.

Well the goal of CHICified is always to put as positive, informative and uplifting perspective on things we care about (which is you, our readers).

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I’ve narrowed it down and there are two times when this horrible bashing takes place the most.

While shopping and while getting dressed.

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What many of us don’t realize while shopping is the fact that the clothes we are trying on or wanting to wear, wasn’t uniquely made for our specific bodies.  What we do is look at a piece we like, try to fit it and become extremely hard on ourselves if it’s not a perfect fit.

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All of our lives we have been doing, what I call, Russian Roulette Shopping.

Russian Roulette Shopping is hit or miss shopping. Honestly, we are the ones that get the hit when we miss! It should actually be the opposite! If a designer or store doesn’t have the clothes that’s flattering to your body, then they missed (having you as a buyer) and you need to hit the road (happily to the many other available options out there). 🙂

If we begin to approach shopping in a new and CHICified frame of mind, we will focus on finding designers and stores that carry pieces that are cut to fit our individual body types.

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It may take a bit of effort to lock down all of the ones you love, BUT imagine the fun and fulfillment that you’ll have. Confidently walking into a store, knowing that this is your spot, and it’s all just a matter of picking what you want and not what you have to settle for.

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ps. Remember the HUGE options that we will always have when in a pinch… a seamstress and the local dry cleaners for tailoring and alterations.

LOVE THE BODY YOU’RE IN, WE’RE ALL BEAUTIFUL!

ENJOY THE PROCESS!

HUGE HUGS MY INTELLIGENT & CHICified SHOPPERS!! muah 🙂

I'm HERE and I'm BACK!!

MY BLOG LOVE!!!

I’ve been on hiatus for a couple of months ONLY because I needed to focus on the final planning of our 14th Anniversary RE-DO-WAL (our dream wedding/renewal). I got to marry my Prince all over again!! ‘)

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I most definitely will share more photos and details once we receive them from the photographers. I’m hanging on by a string and trying to be patient as I nibble at my nails in great anticipation. lol…

Right now we’re living through the eyes and photos of our dearest friends and family that shared the day with us.

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 I’ve missed sharing my thoughts, tips and pics with you, BUT that’s being fixed right now! ‘) Another exciting thing that happened, was the launch of our

CHICified Facebook Page. (link)

It has been doing really well so far. Please check it out and press LIKE to enjoy our page and the great things happening! ‘)

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 Well, it’s CHICified Time…oops, I mean Summer Time!! ‘))

The perfect time and platform for Amazing Style, Incredible Deals and tons of

SHAYZON FAB FINDS!

YAY!!!

GLAMOROUS Style, FABULOUS Fashion & FLAWLESS Beauty

MOST BEAUTIFUL INDEED!!

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LUPITA NYONG’O

I remember the evening clearly, I was super excited and preparing “my cozy space” for my Annual Award Season Routine, the highly anticipated… Red Carpet PRE SHOWS!!!

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It was the Golden Globes and there was a brief moment that I stepped away from the TV (more than likely for some ice cream 😉 ) and upon returning, I was literally stopped in my tracks and my breath was taken by this incredibly stunning women on the screen. I had no idea who she was ( I don’t get out to the movies as regularly as I would like, so at this point I had not yet seen12 Years A Slave).

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 12:  71st ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS -- Pictured: Actress Lupita Nyong'o arrives to the 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 12, 2014 --  (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/NBC/NBC via Getty Images)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JANUARY 12: 71st ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS — Pictured: Actress Lupita Nyong’o arrives to the 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 12, 2014 — (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/NBC/NBC via Getty Images)

I called out to my hubby, “WHO IS THAT??? NOW SHE’S A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF CHICified!” She was radiating through my screen, I felt my eyes immediately zoom in to her piercing eyes, her gorgeous smile and lips, her incredible bone structure and her flawless skin.

Jan. 13, 2014 - Los Angeles, USA, USA - Lupita Nyong'o attends the 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards aka Golden Globes at Hotel Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, USA, on 12 January 2014. Photo: Hubert Boesl (Credit Image: � Hubert Boesl/DPA/ZUMAPRESS.com)
Jan. 13, 2014 – Los Angeles, USA, USA – Lupita Nyong’o attends the 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards aka Golden Globes at Hotel Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, USA, on 12 January 2014. Photo: Hubert Boesl (Credit Image: � Hubert Boesl/DPA/ZUMAPRESS.com)

There are many attractive people in the world, but ever so often there is one that is extraordinarily striking and captivating.

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Lupita’s effortless presence and ability to make every garment that she wears look like perfection, is and has been quite the treat for a fashion and beauty obsessed girl like me. ‘)

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Immaculately paired with her beauty are the vibrant and most sartorial garments brilliantly selected by her stylist Micaela Erlanger.  Topping it all off, is Lupita’s humility, humor, grace and willingness to become transparent for the world to see.

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Lupita’s sincere reveal of the moments in her life when she felt “unbeautiful”, when she was faced with uncertainties and insecurities, dreams and wonders, along with her smarts, tenacity, talent and grace, has formulated an inspirational and powerful gift that she now charmingly passes on to millions.

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I always take such pleasure in the stories of journeys, dreams achieved, awards received and hopes believed.

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It’s more than just the clothes, makeup, and material things, it’s the dreams as reality, goals rightly achieved, confidence to try, determination to be and moment of arrival that makes life rich and beautiful.

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CONGRATULATIONS BEAUTIFUL!!

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You are MOST BEAUTIFUL INDEED!

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 LUPITA NYONG’O