Fav Look Angela Simmons

DIY (My way)

ASOS $42.51

 Forever 21 $13.80

Ami Club Wear $30.99

Make Me Chic $18.70

BDay Wish List!

So much has been going on since the post, both good and bad. Well I'll only hit on the positive. I have been on my hustle, trying to build my clientele. Also working and trying to get all these hours in at school so I can get out of there. I've competed in hair competitions and most recently I just moved (like literally this weekend...whew). And next weekend is my bday (whoot....whoot!) I have most of the week off. Not sure what I want to do, especially since people really haven't been around me (something I will talk about on www.aboverubiesmovement.blogspot.com) but as I was packing up my closet, throwing away thing that I can't fit anymore or just don't wear because it not ME anymore, I noticed that my closet is limited and that I really need to go shopping! But unfortunately b/c of my new financial obligations shopping has to be few and far between but I do need to pick up a few items for #1 my BDay (thinking of cashing a living social voucher for a cruise that I have) and #2 interviews. 


Well in this post I'll focus on the BDAY wish list.

Ashley Stewart $27.65

Make Me Chic $54

Make Me Chic $69


Ashley Stewart $27.69


Great Glam $36.80

Go Jane $37.40



Ashley Stewart $34.65


Great Glam $36.80


Ami Club Wear $32.99


Ashley Stewart $41.65


Ami Club Wear $36.99



Ashley Stewart $41.65



Ami Club Wear $30.99


Ami Club Wear $31.99

HOT Beaded Color Block Necklace set

Sold Out

Only 3 Gold Left!!!!

Only 5 Silver Left !!!!!!

Get them now in the DIVA SHOP

Fav Look of the Day: Michelle Obama

My Valentine's Day Dress Picks

Hello luvs! I know I've been M.I.A. I've had a whole lot going on! (which I will disclose in another post). Well it's that time again and as of right now, no I do not have a date, which is ok. But I am in discussion with some friends about doing a single gals Valentine's dinner at Le Fleur De Lis in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood (which has become my FAV restaurant. I went twice this past weekend! sorry no pics. I promise I will do better lol). But although I don't have a date and I'm don't plan on purchasing a dress to go out, I do have some picks of dresses I would rock for the occasion.

(start at top left to right)


1. ASOS $125.34
2. Lane Bryant $89.95
3. Monif C. $208.00
4. Dorothy Perkins $59.00
6.Ashley Stewart $49.50

Feeling The Inspiration

Ever since she debuted in 2000 (I believe...correct me if I'm wrong lol) I have always loved and have been able to identify with Jill Scott. From her music, her poetry and her overall look. Being a PLUSH DIVA my whole life, and growing up in age where you didn't see many plus size women in the spotlight, I was exstatic to watch Jill do her thing. She as always been and inspiration to me. Even in the days where I didn't have the highest self esteem, I would listen to her music and watch her video and realize that PLUSH is beautiful. She was actually my inspiration to go natural. I went back and forth with the ideas for years and soon after I finally go full blown natural and grew my hair out, she got a relaxer and cut it off..... I still love her though LOL. 

In the past couple of months I have really been praying for women with low self esteem and those who don't know their own worth. I wrote notes about it on my Facebook page, which is turning into a mini-series. (I thinking of posting them here). I really want every woman to realize that they are a Queen. (Hence the name of my accessory line.) But in light of this issue, Jill's new song "Rolling Hills" have been somewhat a theme song for this "movement" that I have going on. 

Here are the links to the notes I wrote on Facebook:

A Note to Benedict Arnold

A Note to Benedict Arnold Pt.2 

Thifty Finds

I recently did what I do best, bargain shop, and that would include my favorite hobby from being in Bloomington, thrift store hopping. I know some people look down on thrifting but I'm proud to say that "I AM A THRIFTER!" In this economy everyone is looking to save a buck. Everything for the most part is under $10. It's a great place to find staples for your closet, and if you are like me and don't like to see yourself on the street, it's a great way to insure that you will have things that are unique to your closet. I found these FAB items on my recent trip.

I originally began this trip with the intent to purchase a red jacket to go along with a black and white print dress (style inspired by Lexy of Beauty Fash) that I have for church last Sunday and I found this great jacket! 

I LOVE this vintage polyester outfit! I presents sooo many outfit possibilities if you separate the pieces. It could be worn together with a belt. The top could be worn with leggins or skinny leg jean, or dressed up with an pencil skirt. And the skirt can be worn with a different top and paired with a belt. The possibilities are endless. 

I love these tribal drawstring cropped leg pants. If get them big enough, and wear them with a top tucked in, a belt and pumps, you will get the whole genie pants feel.

This sleeveless jacket is a great. I will admit I had to use my imagination to think of a use for it, but I have a champaign colored strapless romper that I have been dying to wear, that this would go great with.

This was a great find. They are actually too big for me in the waist, but a trip to the tailor will remedy that.

I really like this top when I saw it but unfortunatly when I got home I realized it was too small. I thinking about selling it or possibily doing a give away....decisions, decisions.

This colorful scarf actually still had it's Forever 21 tag still on it! Can't wait to color up a monochromatic look with this BANGING scarf!

This is the best bargin find of the day: This is a COACH purse and I got for.........(wait for it....)...$5!

I can't wait for the fall just to wear this great preppy deep V double breasted sweater! This would be great with a loose fitting top, skinny leg jeans and some black leather ankle booties.

Thrifting Tips

1. Know what to look for. Thrift stores are good for buying, handbags, blazers, pants, vintage dresses, sweaters, tops, accessories and even furniture. Never purchase underwear, shoes or swimwear.

2. Go with an open mind and an imagination. If you see something unique don't be afraid of it! Stop, think, and try to put and outfit together in your head.

3. If you are not a fashion visionary, do research. Look at pictures from past decades to get ideas. You can also visit other blogs of people who thrift shop and see what they have done.

4. Neighborhood is key! If you are looking for good quality items, be sure to go to a thrift store in a upscale neighborhood.

5. Find a good tailor. Clothes in thrift aren't arranged by size for the most part. A lot of times you will find items that are great but may be slightly too big or slightly too small. In the case of blazers it's ok if the size is a little off. If it's too big, have it taken in. If it's too small, have it let out. If the seam allowance doesn't allow for it to be let out, if you can put it on, but just not button it up, it's fine; you can wear it open.

6. Take the clothes to a cleaners or wash them yourself! Thrift store do not clean the donations they get and for hygiene sake, trust you want to clean those clothes before you wear them.

7. If you find a great bag, but it has a broken strap or has a spot in it, take it to a shoe repairer. Its a quick and inexpensive fix.

8.Be prepared to dig. Some thrift store have sales. My favorite thrift store in Bloomington, rotates items out every week. At the end of the month, there is a 25% off rack, a 50% percent off rack and free rack. I look for quality items and items with designer labels. I've gotten a great green blazer for FREE before, but I had to dig for it.

9. You can do a thrift party between friend. You can get together with some friend who wear close to your size or somewhere in the range and have a party. Everyone can bring things they don't want or can't wear and everyone can trade items. I don't that a couple of times with friends and came out with some great things!

I hope that was helpful. Leave a comment and let me know what you think!