chez lashay

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Vitamix - Blender Extraordinaire

Since I have been on medical leave recovering from surgery, I decided to turn over a new leaf regarding my health and wellness. I haven't completely given up the burgers and fries, but I now consciously nourish myself with blended vegetable and fruit drinks. After a considerable amount of research, and talking with my doctors and health-nut friends, I purchased the Vitamix Professional Series 750.

This blender was freaking expensive - a whopping $649 at Williams Sonoma! I went to WS with the plan to buy the Pro 500 and decided that the quiter motor and the overall aesthetics of the 750 was worth the additional 50 dollars. I figured if I can drop the same amount for an iPad or a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes, I can make the investment in my health. For the last week, I have been making some really tasty drinks: Peach Cobbler Smoothie with Rolled Oats (from the Vitamix recipe book), spinach/strawberry/blueberry and spinach/apple/banana/pineapple smoothies. This morning, I thought i would get serious and make one with broccoli and bell pepper. I forced myself to drink it; the recipe needs work... I look forward to making ice cream, dips and soups with this machine. Perhaps it will make me look like a culinary expert!

Monday, May 28, 2012

Celebrity Brows - LAMIK Beauty

One Thursday night earlier this month, I met a few of my sorority sisters at The House of Essence, a fragrance boutique on Pratt Street in Downtown Hartford (a fabulous source of body creams, salt scrubs, and smell-goods, by the way).

The House of Essence featured, Kim Roxie, the creator of an eco-chic cosmetics line, LAMIK Beauty. LAMIK's profound slogan is Beauty is Revealed...not Applied. Kim showed a group of about 30 ladies how we can accentuate our natural beauty without covering our faces with gobs of make-up.

Just as I walked in the boutique, looking flustered after a long day at work, Kim selected me to demonstrate the Celebrity Brow transformation. After overcoming the initial shock, I sat in her chair to let her perform her magic.

Me with Celebrity Brows

Kim was a ball of energy with southern charm. She applied the Purdy Brown Define Powder to my brows. The crowd nodded and smiled as they watched my eyebrows become a work of art. It had been a little while since my last wax treatment, so Kim used a brightening creme to further define my brow shape and cover up the "in-betweenies".

Considering how my work day ended, this quick eyebrow make over put a sincere smile on my face. Thank you Kim. I wish you great success with your beauty line!

Please visit the LAMIK Beauty website at www.lamik-beauty.com.

Kinky Curly Cutie

I've had an idea for a brand that I have kept in my proverbial pocket since 2004. After a couple unsuccessful launch attempts, I finally decided to go public.

The brand is Kinky Curly Cutie - a brand of apparel and accessories for women and girls who wear their naturally curly hair with pride.

Please review my first line of products at www.cafepress.com/kinkycurlycutie (site is also linked to my navigation bar). I am completely open to feedback - please feel free to provide it!

Thank you in advance for your support!

chez lashay

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Happy Saturday!

These shoes are absolutely hot! I love Christian Louboutin - I love wedges. Check out the patent leather and lace versions.

These shoes would look fabulous with a fitted knee-length dress.

Blumarine boat neck dress
$835 - thecorner.com

Fitted dress
$340 - reissonline.com

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Bright Spring Accessories

Happy Saturday!

In roughly 6 months, I moved from Connecticut to Florida, and back to Connecticut. While dealing with the chaos during my physical moves, I've also made a few spiritual and mental transitions in my life.

With that said, chez lashay is back... and I am committed to living my truth and living out my passions.

Since moving back to Connecticut and to a smaller (yet swankier) place, I decided to wean myself off the shopping bottle. That decision lasted all of 2 months.

My relapse began with my search for hot pink pumps and a bright orange handbag.

I like this Orlina pump by Joan and David Pump (nordstrom.com)

I also like this Tory Burch Robinson tote, also from Nordstrom.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Stripes

The summer weather brings out bright, stand-out outfits. Stripes are a great to stand out in a crowd. What's interesting is that the stripes in most pieces I found most attractive are horizontal.

You'll find hats, maxi dresses and skirts, tops and even shoes with this pattern. Feel free to mix and match with other patterns for an effortlessly chic look.

Stripes by chezlashay featuring a straw hat

Diane von Furstenberg cocktail dress
£187 - matchesfashion.com

Maison Martin Margiela striped dress
£125 - farfetch.com

Oasis striped dress
£60 - oasis-stores.com

French Connection long sleeve top
$70 - usa.frenchconnection.com

TopShop full skirt
$60 - topshop.com

Jessica Simpson platform high heels
$99 - heels.com

Lucy Barlow straw hat
$179 - barneys.com

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Formal Wear

It's been a while since I entered am entry. I am back!!!!

I am going to a fabulous black tie dinner and dance in New York City next week. Since this is a corporate event, I am going for a simply elegant look - a little bit of flash, but sleek and sophisticated. Here are a couple options. Tell me what you think:

Option 1: This was the first plan I had in mind. Black with flashy gold. The dress fits me well on top with the one-shoulder design (I just don't trust strapless dresses - I tugged them constantly even if they are not threatening to be a wardrobe malfunction). It also fits me well through the waist and hips.

Tadashi Shoji one shoulder evening gown

$388 - nordstrom.com

Jimmy Choo leather shoes

$695 - saksfifthavenue.com

Menbur clutch

$144 - endless.com

Option 2: I just bought this one yesterday. I tried it on just because. The saleslady told me that it had a Oprah-look. I felt pretty in this one. Besides, it's contrasts against my dark skin.