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 🙂

June 4, 2016

LAUNCH OF THE CHICified girl INITIATIVE IN JAMAICA

The CHICified girl Initiative Is A Sisterhood & A Movement!

The CHICified girl Initiative was birthed from my heart. The motivation and empowerment of girls, young and old is imperative.

Who are you CHICified girl? I am confident and driven by my dreams. I succeed because I am strong, determined, and full of heart.

I migrated to the states from Jamaica when I was nine years old. (Not that long ago! lol…) 🙂 I had no idea that the CHICified girl Initiative was a part of my destiny. I remember very vividly, the feeling of amazement and the long drive from the airport. I looked out the window at the many lanes and roads going over our heads and wondered how in the world would I ever learn my way around in this HUGE place. I felt like a little ant! 🙂

As time went on, I became so excited with all that I was seeing. I couldn’t wait to go back to Jamaica to share with all my friends about my experience and to tell them about this place that was made for giants. Well, my family and I made a life here in the states and I never lost my desire of wanting to go back and share all the exciting stories. My stories evolved over the years, into major experiences and life lessons. I developed a sense of urgency and obligation to share those lessons and to give back. Empowering girls and ladies with positive tools along with how I maneuvered the challenging paths I faced from youth to adulthood.

I am so excited to say that a couple of weeks ago, I had the honor of accomplishing my dream!! Right back at home in Jamaica, where it all started for me. Launching The CHICified girl Initiative at Liberty Academy At The Priory with the same age group of girls that reflected the time in my life when I migrated, meant the world to me. CHICified girl is a sisterhood and a movement that will positively infect the world.

Though we are in the early phase, I believe that the sky is the limit. Teaching little girls, teens, young adults and young ladies to value themselves highly, believe in their dreams, to set high goals, to be kind and honorable beings, to be positive and determined, to own their bodies and beauty and to care and uplift each other, not just in words but through actions, are lessons that can never be over taught and characteristics that will never fail them.

I learned so much from the girls. The experience had made me even more determined to go forward. The heart of a little girl is so precious and impressionable and should be treated that way. Dreams do come true and I want them to know that and believe that.

March 11, 2016

FASHION WEEK 2016 – CHICified WRAP UP!

Fashion Week 2016 – CHICified Wrap UP!

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.

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.

For 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!!

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**

December 29, 2015

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION w/ A NEW FLAIR!

HOW TO MAKE AN ACHIEVABLE & CHICified KIND OF NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION!

Well it’s that time of year again!!

It’s the time when many ponder, evaluate and make “that list” of all the things to be done differently for the year ahead. Here are some quick tips on how to make an achievable and CHICified kind of New Year’s Resolution.

The good ole… NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION! ‘)

~ KEEP YOUR LIST REALISTIC, SHORT & SWEET

~ MAKE YOUR GOALS SHORT TERM GOALS! Ex. 3mth INCREMENTS.

~ REWARD YOURSELF ALONG THE WAY

~ TREAT YOUR MIND INSTEAD OF PUNISH YOUR MIND

~ DON’T BEAT YOURSELF UP!

~ CALL IT A TREAT DAY, NOT A CHEAT DAY

~ WRITE DOWN YOUR GOALS & KEEP IT ACCESSIBLE

~ CHOOSE A POSITIVE MINDED CONFIDANT TO SHARE THEM WITH

~ EVERYDAY IS A CLEAN SLATE.

~ IF YOU SLIPPED TODAY, JUST START FRESH TOMORROW

~ REMEMBER, YOU’RE AN AMAZING AND CHICified PERSON WITH OR WITHOUT A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION LIST! 😉

Note from the Editor:

Typically the things added to a list are things that everyone is hoping will become a habit. Be mindful and remember, new goals should be realistic and practical to your schedules, physical & financial capabilities and most importantly, your lifestyle.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE CHICified FAMILY!!

December 23, 2015

CHRISTMAS DINNER ~ DECOR IDEAS

2 DAY COUNTDOWN!!

It’s that special time of year again, to entertain and dine with family and friends!

While you finish up your shopping and finalize your menu, here are a few CHICified decor ideas that may come in handy while you fine tune your dinner party decor. 😉

Shayzon $$ Tip: Decorating doesn’t always have to include the traditional or expected elements. Repurpose and utilize things from around your home, yard or your refrigerator!

Reminders: (1) Leave yourself enough time to get dolled before your guests begin to arrive. 😉

(2) Be sure to do the Mind Shift from being the Amazing CHEF to being the CHICified HOST!

Note from the Editor:

Does this sounds familiar? Many times there’s hustle and bustle until the minute the door bell begins to ring. Exhaustion is the feeling by the time your guests arrive and you’re purely functioning on autopilot. You’re honestly not even hungry anymore when dinner begins. At the last minute, you have to excuse yourself because you realize you haven’t yet changed out of your “cooking clothes”. Well, this has happened to most, if not all and is certainly not the way to enjoy this greatly anticipated evening with family and friends.

Shayzon Hosting Tips: First, create a Day Of Schedule allowing at least an hour prior to guests arriving to unwind and get dressed. Secondly, be mindful of the snacking and tasting as you’re preparing dinner, so you can enjoy the meal with everyone. Last but not least, enjoy the moments, don’t be a busy body throughout the entire evening and miss out on the most important point to the evening, time together.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE CHICified FAMILY!

*photo inspirations from the web*

December 14, 2015

THE WEEKEND EDITION!!

THE CHICified 5!

LOVES FROM THE WEEKEND!

What is inspiration?

A: The 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.

Be Inspired!

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. 😉

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!

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*

September 7, 2015

LET'S TALK TEE!!

LET’S TALK TEE!!

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

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! 😉

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:

~ 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.

~ 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.

July 25, 2015

PRETTY IN PARIS * DAY 2

The Travelers Diary

INSIDE PARIS WITH SHAYZON

DAY 2:

As morning breaks and the sunlight begins to creep in through the drapes, I feel as soft tap on my shoulder, my eyes pop open and it hits me… IT’S MY FIRST MORNING WAKING UP IN PARIS! Wow, I have dreamt of this very moment for so long. I immediately spring from the bed and run over to the french doors to say a prayer of thanks and to take in the sweet morning air.

Today will be a day of exploration. Getting out to as many other areas as possible in Paris is the goal. 😉 It was very tempting to prebook tours and excursions, but after alot of thought and knowing our personalities, the freedom of going where ever we choose at our own pace, seems alot more enticing. First things first, at this moment there’s a rumbling within me that more than likely can only be satisfied with some hot tea, baked goods and an egg white omelet. Lol… I’m a happy foodie! 😉

SHAYZON’s TRAVEL TIP: The hotel site is a great source for places to eat & visit and for exciting things happening around the city. Not to mention the two great magazines (WHERE & PARIS) in the room. Personally mapping out each day based on research and input from the incredibly helpful and funny concierge is working out really well.

This morning we’re venturing a bit outside of Paris to one of their largest markets called Marche’ de Saint-Denis. The market is filled with a plethora of vendors. There are rows of fruits, herbs, vegetables and seafood, topped off with laughter and a myriad of beautiful languages.

One of the key recommendations from our concierge Antoine, “Always be mindful of crowded spaces, my pockets and my purse.” NOTE TAKEN! 😉

In the midst of walking through the crowd, the laughter of two little girls is piercing through and as we continue to shuffle through, the crowd breaks and there they were, just as happy as ever. One thing I love about laughter, it has no language barrier.

This is such a colorful and rich experience. So much to see but not enough time to see it all. We will definitely have to come again. This marche’ has everything you can think of and so much more.

Well the adventure continues with a trip on the subway and lets not forget a quick photo of hubby and yours truly. lol.. 😉

SHAYZON’s TRAVEL TIP: It’s really convenient to get cash/euro from the ATM machines, but I recommend speaking with your bank prior to traveling to let them know where you’ll be and the dates that you’ll be there. Most importantly, ask your rep if there will be any bank fees for card usage or service fees from the places charging your card while you’re away. This helps to prevent your charges being denied in a country where you may not be able to quickly contact your bank and also preventing a huge shock of bank charges for every transaction when you return home.

Traveling back into the city from Saint-Denis is another excellent opportunity to capture more of the architectural beauty that laces Paris. (psst…did you notice the lady on the balcony?) 😉

Back in Paris and it’s time for lunch and the second half of the day.

I think I belong here. 😉

STAY TUNED FOR PART 2 OF INSIDE PARIS WITH SHAYZON DAY 2.

All images were taken by and belong to SHAYZON, our very own Editor-in-Chief.

July 23, 2015

PRETTY IN PARIS * DAY 1

The Travelers Diary

PARIS

DAY 1:

Ahhh Paris, the flight is long but the great anticipation blurs it all. As the plane descends and the morning light creeps through the windows, the excitement escalates and an overwhelming feeling of gratefulness sets in.

Well, here we go…yet again, I’m reassured that dreams DO come true!! ☺️

The 9yr old little girl in me that created this dream is elated, knowing that I’ve held on to her dream and have never let it go.

The streets, the architecture, the buildings and the people are all so captivating. Everything that I’ve imagined and so much more, right here before my very eyes. This feeling is electric!!

Flying through the night was a brilliant move. Being able to arrive in the morning and have the entire day ahead, turns out to be a wonderful start to this trip.

I must take a moment to acknowledge my first CHICified encounter in Paris. I present to you… The Airport Ladies Room! I must confess, I’m so taken by the sleek decor and the fabulous color combination, that I completely forget why I’m even in here. At this very moment, I know that this is going to be one heck of a city to explore.

While walking through these streets and flower shops and passing by all the eclectic boutiques and cafes, I’m realizing more and more that I feel right at home.

This day has been filled with colorful moments and memories. Well, when in Paris, do as the Parisians do! 😉 Off to the cafe for supper, socializing and a recap of this amazing day.

The “highlight” of the evening, discovering that this is what 10pm looks like in Paris!

Perfection! 😉

***All images were taken by and belong to SHAYZON, our very own Editor-in-Chief.***

July 10, 2015

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.

FASHION!!

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

MAKEUP!!

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

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.

JEWELRY!!

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

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*