As a huge fan of theme parties, I was thrilled to receive an invitation from my friend, Tina, to attend her daughter’s first hosted tea.  The Royal Wedding influenced Miss Jakia’s afternoon with a spread of tempting bites, variety of teas, delicate pastel decor, and a wonderful presentation of her upcoming missionary staff work with Global Aid Network.  Of course, spending quality time with these two gorgeous women was the real treat! 🙂

I knew I was waiting to wear this fun combo for a reason!  I picked up this black ruffle-rimmed taupe skirt at Nordstrom Rack for $11.99 (yea, 40% off their original discounted price), and happened upon a matching flowered fascinator at Charming Charlie – oh, check out Jakia’s feathered headpiece that her friend made for her.  Just right for a special afternoon tea time with the Girls!

Dahlings, what was the last purchase you waited to wear for a specific occasion? 🙂

MsMona

Name:  Deidra “Dee Dee” Roe

Title:   Owner, “Dee Dee Style” on Etsy.com

MM:  What was your inspiration in creating Dee Dee Style?
DR:  “I was inspired by a photo of a vintage glass button in the January 2010 issue of a Swedish home decor magazine, Jean d’Arc Living.  They used it to decorate a candlestick.  I thought to myself “Oh that is way too pretty to just put on a shelf for a random person to admire, it needs to be worn out in the world for many to see & enjoy!”

MM:  What made you choose Etsy to showcase your brand?
DR:  “Cheap & Easy!!”

MM:  Between all of your beautiful designs, what is your favorite thing to make, and why?
DR:  “Probably my tees.  They take me back to my childhood, when I would play fashion designer & boutique in my room.  It is a thrill to know that it is a reality today and brings a lot of joy to my heart and makes me smile.”

MM:  Who do you look to as your fashion/style icon?
DR:  “Wow, that is a tough one – there are so many.  I would have to say there are two:  Jackie O and Ralph Lauren.  Jackie had such grace and class.  I have always loved Ralph’s designs and his layering effects – always classic.”

MM:  When you’re not in your studio, where can we find Ms. Deidra?
DR:  “A few places – on the couch watching TV or reading, out on the road running or at a flea market/garage sale!”

MM:  What do you want to be when you grow up? 🙂
DR:  “Free, simply free to be me.”

MM:  What Nugget of Fashion Wisdom could you share with MsMona’s fans?
DR:  “To create a fashion journal; fill a notebook with magazine, catalog cutouts of all of the outfits you like, this will help you to define your own fashion taste/style.  It is critical in fashion to know who you are to the depth of your core.  Fashion is simply an expression of an individual – so be you!”

What is it with women who refuse to wear, or even try on, different sizes?  I’ve worn each one listed above and still have a healthy relationship with my closet!  *SIGH*

While statistics show the average woman is a size 14, we’re bombarded daily with images of magazine models and store mannequins wearing what I haven’t seen since elementary school.  Could that be the reason some stick with specific fashion lines, to keep within their comfort zone?  Is that why racks are passed by, to avoid looking at a larger size than what they’re used to buying?  Hmm…

I believe it may be more about Attitude than what the tag says.  Not only does sizing vary between manufacturers, but also the way each piece is measured and stitched together.  And don’t EVEN get me started on finding the wrong size tag clipped to the incorrect item.  Ugh!  So, if you’ve fallen in love with that adorable, slightly snug size 12 summer dress, keep trying until you’ve found the one that fits most comfortably and fulfills its purpose – business professional or casually chic.  No fear, no worries! 🙂

Most importantly, see the Doc and be the healthiest woman you are meant to be!  Know you are amazing and beautiful in whatever size you choose to wear. 🙂

MsMona

Do I look like a giant bruise? 🙂

I’ve never cared much for combining navy blue and black until I saw this lovely Lane Bryant blouse at my favorite 1/2 of 1/2 store.  I knew I could wear it with a basic black pant, but then I found this satin stretch skirt at TJ Maxx for $7.00 and couldn’t pass up a bargain!  The clearance shoe that brought this outfit together?  A lace pump with layered grosgrain ribbon bows on the back.  Yea DSW – I LOVE them!

*Many thanks to my girlfriends who created WEBB: Women Engaged in Building Business.  It’s an incredible FREE networking group in Plano that meets on the first Wednesday of each month.  If you’re interested in learning more, contact (left to right after MM) Cindy, Brenda or Minette. 🙂

What was the last item of clothing you purchased after initially saying, “No”?

MsMona

My fabulous friend, Ms. Erin, is one busy lady – she’s a full time business professional, wife, a mother of two, and keeps up with countless friends and family members.  We were talking makeovers at one of our networking events and she was all for it!  After discussing her business wardrobe wants and needs, my thoughts about colors and stretching her budget, it was time to make it happen…

Erin and I met early one Saturday morning at Macy’s Collin Creek and headed directly to the sale racks, where she found this sweet brown floral print top for an incredible price!  With discounts and credits in hand, off we went to Kohl’s (Erin’s FAV store). :)  We found her a simple chocolate pant to match her new blouse, and take a look at the awesome purple and gray jacket she found in the clearance section, made by Vera Wang’s “Simply Vera” line.  So cool, I had to get myself one, too. 🙂

To take it one step further, Erin treated herself to a make-up date at M·A·C in Plano’s Willow Bend mall.  My Girl is beautiful anyway, but I’m glad this Hot Mama saved some time for a little extra pampering. :)  Thank you, Erin, I had a blast shopping with you!

Dahling Sisters, how long has it been since your last makeover?

MsMona