Why My Jenna Lyons' Costume Didn't Matter

This post is different from everything else on my blog but I needed a safe place for my words and thoughts, so here we go.

Ever since I can remember my friends and I, both white and black, have joked about me being "white." I talk "white," I went to "white" schools, listen to "white" music, dress "white" and like other things that white people like. I'm guilty of joking about it but it's funny because it's quite obvious that I'm black and in no way ashamed of it.

But last night I got a painful reminder of my blackness, one I could have lived without. Someone starting angrily using the "N-word" and they used it several times even as people encouraged him to stop. As the only black person there I sat in awe, thinking that this wasn't really happening. But it was and I quickly exited the premises to make my way home. As I walked out the room, in my Jenna Lyons' costume, decked out in J.Crew (just about as white as you can get fashion-wise), tears swelled in my eyes. I don't live in some bubble where I think we live in a post-racial society but it was all so overwhelming for me. Before I could get into my car, the anger, hate, fear, and hurt made it's way out in an uncontrollable flood.

I'm white, I act white, I talk white, all until someone chooses to use a word that degrades my very existence, the very existence of so many people that I love. I am still battling with these emotions, trying to make sense of it all.

There is no explanation, there is no excuse. I have never forgotten that I'm black and I have never needed a reminder, but last night was the most painful of reminders and my heart still hurts.

A day later and I'm wondering should I have stood up for myself, what does it look like to stand up for yourself in that kind of horrible situation?

Why Wouldn't I Need a Leather Top?

Linking up with Walking in Memphis in High Heels & Pink Sole 

Top: Gianni Bini | Skirt: ASOS | Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell, same style | Bracelets: J. Crew 

Sometimes I go shopping and completely spaz out when I see something.  That was most definitely the case when I spotted this luxurious leather top from Gianni Bini.  I was even more elated when I spotted the sale price tag, the top originally started at $90 but by the time we met, it was down to $32.  I quickly tried it on and skipped to the register.  These shoes are the other all-stars of this look, I snagged them last year from Nastgal and I absolutely love them.  I haven't spotted this print on the internet since I bought them last November but luckily you can still find the shoe, just in different colors.  I'm thinking I might want to snag an all black pair before they stop making them.  I won't start lamenting over how much I'll miss just yet, I'll just try to transition into Fall a little at a time.  Also, I was apprehensive to try this hairstyle that I've seen all over the web and Instagram but I must say that it's my new favorite.  Have you tried it yet?

--LaRondezvous 

One Dress, Two Ways

Dress: Target | Bag: Target | Shoes: Calvin Klein | Watch: Target | Necklace: River Island

Over the last few years I've really learned to love a good maxi dress.  While I once feared that they would consume my short stature, I now know that the right one can actually elongate my less than statuesque frame.  While roaming around the aisles at Target, I happened upon this lovely dress which also happened to be on clearance.  It was really a no-brainer.  I was pleased to find that it wasn't terribly long, nothing a pair of heels wouldn't fix.  I sported a pair of my favorite pumps to church but decided to throw on a pair of kicks for an evening of hanging out with my friends.  I've gone through a few periods in my life when I thought wearing tennis shoes just wasn't fashionable and wouldn't be caught dead in them, and there have been other times when it seems I have an abundance of the comfortable alternative.  I am currently in the latter phase and honestly, I love giving my feet a break from time to time.  Don't get me wrong, of course I still love my platforms and stilettos but sometimes I have to show my feet some love.

--LaRondezvous

The Forgotten Frock

Dress: Phillip Lim for Target | Shoes: Zara | Bag: Kate Spade 

I'm notorious for a few things and forgetting about clothes that I've purchased is one of those things.  I often purchase something and forget about its existence while it silently sits in my closet, waiting for a chance in the spotlight.  I ended up buying so many of the Phillip Lim for Target dresses that I think I lost track of which ones I'd gotten.  Well I found this dress just in time for Resurrection Sunday.  Now when I was a kid, my sisters and I were decked out in the whitest of dresses and adorned in the laciest lace but now that I'm an adult I take a more subtle approach to the whole "Easter Dress" concept.  I knew this beautiful holiday would be the perfect time to wear this beautifully colored and beautifully cut dress.  It's simple and sweet and I can't believe I almost forgot about it.

--LaRondezvous 

Weather-Limbo

Top: Madewell | Bottoms: Target | Shoes: Shoedazzle | Bag: Steve Madden | Watch: ASOS |

I've had this top for a while now and like most of my clothes, it got a little lost in the shuffle.  But since the weather is going through that painfully annoying transition phase, the timing seemed just right.  I was concerned that I would need a lot of assistance getting into this top but much to my surprise, I managed.  That is not to say that I did not get a little wild from time to time and loosen a snap, but I also recovered.  Also, let's take a moment to talk about these gorgeous booties!!  I've recently developed a Shoedazzle problem, and these shoes are one of my many recent purchases.  When I ordered them I knew I would like them but I had no idea that I would LOVE them.  They are gorgeous and actually really comfortable, they'll also be a nice transitional piece while we're stuck in weather-limbo.  Since they're pretty edgy, I loved pairing them with this super girly top for a nice contrast.  Oh and did I mention that I only got them for $9.95?  Sorry friends, I checked and the beautiful beauties are no longer on the website.

Full Sequin Jacket

Shoes: Target | Pants: Target  | Jacket: Ann Taylor (Only a couple of sizes left online) | Bag: Kate Spade

If there are two things that I love in this world, it's sequins and a good sale.  I'm even more elated if the two are joined in a beautiful matrimony.  I probably shouldn't have been in Ann Taylor but if we're being honest, I should never be anywhere where anything is sold but that's another story.  As soon as I saw this jacket I knew we would be friends, it was just one of those pieces that drew me in instantly.  I was just sure that it was going to be way out of my budget but I was pleasantly surprised to see a $69.99 price tag and take an extra 60% off that.  After I found my size and tried it on, I was officially on a shopping high.  I was so pleased that I decided to ignore J. Crew's siren call from across the shopping center, I guess there's a first time for everything.   

Sunday Sailor

Blazer: Neiman Marcus for Target (Thom Brown) | Dress: F21 | Shoes: Shoedazzle | Bag: Kate Spade

I have lamented long enough of how I despise cold weather, I'm just not suited for such conditions. I have been loving the slightly warmer weather we've had the past few days but as I recently tweeted, I have trust issues so I'm not ready to get my hopes up. I know we're not quite out of the woods yet. But since we're having this nice transitional weather I thought it'd be the perfect time to break out this blazer and these shoes. 

P.S. Shout out to my mom for the cute post title

--LaRondezvous 

Weekend Haul

I didn't do a ton of shopping this weekend which is always a good thing if you ask my bank account. But I did pick up a few things that are worth mentioning. I also received a few packages in the mail, so I'll just throw those items in the mix. 

If you don't know by now, which you should, I absolutely love Target. When my mom was pregnant with me, her water broke in Target so it was pretty much meant to be. Whilst on my trip, I found two super cute pairs of Sam & Libby for Target ankle boots. I am in love the pair with the buckles way more than I thought I would, I can see these being my go-to shoes for a while. I have yet to wear the other pair but I think they'll fit nicely into my wardrobe as I transition into my new job! The pair on the left was $13.48 and the pair on the right was $11.98. Major steals.

I have been wanting to try a new primer for a while and lately, despite my hard work, my pores have been atrocious. I guess my skin is just going through something right now but it needs to get over it. I've only worn this once but I'm getting the feeling that it's going to be a favorite. It kinda reminds me of my favorite primer, the Givenchy Mister Mat but it's price tag is way nicer. I did notice that my skin seems smoother and my pores seemed less visible. I'll keep ya posted. 

I really went into Ulta to purchase the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eyes concealer because I'd gotten a sample and loved it. It's $24 but I use concealer more than I actually use foundation so I don't mind spending more. But I went over to the NYX section and found a shade of concealer I'd never seen. There was a tester so I dabbed it under my eyes and the color was perfect, I couldn't believe it. I was elated to find a much less expensive alternative. 

I first signed up for Julep's Monthly Maven boxes thinking I would cancel after my first free box. But I couldn't, I love their polishes too much. Now I'm not really a polish snob, Sinful Colors are under $2 and they make some of my favorite colors but I am utterly smitten with Julep polishes. The colors, consistency, and the brush are three of the big reasons why I'm hooked. Just take a look at the colors in this month's It Girl box, they're superb and well worth the $19.99 for the whole box. I guess I won't be cancelling any time soon. Darn you Julep. 

Piperlime recently had extra 60% off Final Sale items. So in my world, that made everything practically free. It was a little hard to decide what to get since I knew I couldn't return something if it didn't work out but I did find a few things that I couldn't resist. 

Pim and Larkin, got it for $11

Tinley Road, still online but without the 60% off

Rhyme Los Angeles, still online but without the extra 60% off 

Pim and Larkin, got it for $9

Last month I did a pretty good job of shopping my closet. After my recent purchases I think I'm going to take another month off from shopping. Like I said before, I get better at it every time and have fewer slip ups. Let's see how this goes, anyone want to join, wanna be my accountability buddy?

Treat Yoself

It's time for the weekend! And in the wise words of Donna Meagle and Tom Haverfod, sometimes you gotta Treat Yoself! But while Donna and Tom were dropping the big bucks, you don't have to spend a lot of cash to get some goods. Because let's face it, not everyone is Flush with cash like Tom and his boy Jean Ralphio. Here are a few items under $20 that won't break the bank!

1) I finally got my hands on the Core Collection Kit from Real Techniques. My Ulta is always out of it and I'm always too lazy to drive to the other location to see if they have it. They retail for $17.99 which is an unbeatable price for four quality brushes. I actually got mine with a $4 off coupon that Ulta sent me so I got a major deal. Ulta always has the $3.50 off coupon, so you can get these at a discounted price too. They are my new favorite brushes.

2) These are my absolute favorite leggings so far and trust me, I've worn a lot of leggings in my lifetime. I love these because they're high-waist and I just about love anything with a high waist since I'm all legs and no torso but that's a story for another day. With these lovely leggings, you don't have to worry about them falling down and showing everyone your undies, especially don't want any of that Whale-Tale action going on (sorry this post is riddled with Parks & Rec. references).

3) I love baubles, I love baubles on a train, I love baubles on a plane, I love baubles in the snow, I love baubles in the rain. While they are beautiful year round, I've discovered that they're an easy way to spice up a look in the Fall/Winter and add some sparkle to a layered look. This little gem will look nice paired with a cute crew neck sweater or tucked under the collar of a button down shirt, the possibilities are endless.

4) I needed cash back at Target and instead of getting gum or something insignificant I headed straight for the makeup aisles. I It was pretty much love at first sight when I saw this beauty, I was drawn to the packaging and the concept of a matte lip balm. I was expecting good things because I've always liked Revlon products but I was not expecting true love. Maybe I'm exaggerating, I really can't tell the difference anymore. This is by far one of the creamiest lip colors I've ever tried but it's also not slippery like some creamy colors can be. And it is a true matte, none of that semi-matte foolishness, this is the real deal. I got the color Shameless which is a beautiful color that I think will work all year. If you're not as bold or want a more subdued color, there are a variety of shades that would be flattering on many skin tones. There is also a lacquer formula but I haven't tried those yet.

Will you be picking up or ordering any of these items? Know any other deals? Share below!

--LaRondezvous

Top Ten Tuesday: Dark Lip Color Edition

I want nothing more than for it to be Summer, I am desperately longing for warmer weather and all it brings. But I must wait a few more months before breaking out the shorts and short skirts. Until then, I suppose I can enjoy just about the only thing I like about cooler temps. What's that, you ask? DARK LIP COLORS! I don't know whether it's my new haircut or what, but I've been super into dark lip colors this Fall/Winter and I'm sure I'll keep wearing them until Spring appears. I rounded up some of the colors I've personally been wearing, there are a few that might be good for those weary of a very dark lip, but there are some that I know my fellow vampy girls will love. Another plus? All but two are way under $10, which makes trying out this trend more accessible for everyone. I threw in two great lip liners that can be worn alone or under another color for a deeper color.

1) Wet n Wild Mega Last Lip Color in Cherry Bomb 

2) Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lipstick in Backstage 

3) Sephora Collection Rouge Cream Lipstick in Crush 

4) NYX Extra Creamy Round Lipstick in Bruised 

5) Black Radiance Perfect Lip Tone Color in Panther 

6) MAC Lipstick in Rebel 

7) Black Radiance Perfect Lip Tone Color in Copper Glow 

8) N.Y.C. Ultra Moist Lip Wear in Mahogany 

9) NYX Slim Lip Pencil in Black Cherry

10) NYX Slim Lip Pencil in Deep Purple 

What do you guys think? Own any of these colors? Got any other favorites? Share.

--LaRondezvous 

Weekend Haul

So I actually tried the "no-shopping for a month" challenge again and despite a few slip-ups, I did pretty well. I only caught myself buying something a few times and those few times the items were really special so I found a way to justify it. I am getting better at this challenge each time I try it, I may actually start again soon. It's a good thing I was done with the challenge when I went to Madewell this past weekend because I might have picked up a few things. Madewell is currently having their "Extra 40% off" sale items-sale so my friends and I stopped by to see what they had. Now I've found some steals in here before but this trip was unreal, I got amazing deals. I tried to find links to these products but they're no longer on the website; since the prices were so unbelievably low, my guess is that these items were from a past season and they were trying to get rid of them, which is fine by me. So it definitely won't hurt to go to your local store to see if they have these bad boys in stock. But run, don't walk, these prices are unreal. And here's a little tip, if you're a student or still have your student ID, you can use Madewell's 15% off student discount on top of the amazing sale. The sale is also happening online but you can't use your student discount.

Extra 55% off $19.99, more expensive on the website 

Extra 55% off $9.99

Extra 55% off $1.99

Extra 55% off $4.99

Extra 55% off $19.99 (Crappy pic but I tried to capture the detailing) 

I hope you guys get some of these deals or some similar deals!

--LaRondezvous 

Top Ten Tuesday: Current Skin Care Regimen

Hi, my name is LaRonda and I am addicted to skin care products. I have been an addict ever since my teen years when I first discovered Clean and Clear. I'm telling you, I swore by Clean and Clear, I bought every product. My skin never really gave me any problems, just the occasional breakout and I don't know if that's because I was so proactive (pun intended) or because I had generally well-behaved skin. Either way, I am still a product junkie, and while Clean and Clear Products don't meet my exact needs anymore, I must admit that they're quality products that really worked during my younger years. As I got older, I began spending more money on skin care, nothing terribly extravagant but investment items that really nourish my skin's needs. Heads up, you're going to see mostly Mario Badescu products in this post, about a month ago I took a little quiz at the company's website and a few weeks later they sent me free samples of a few products. Since then I have become hooked and recently purchased this kit from Ulta. Sorry, this is one of those word-heavy posts again 

1) Once upon a time I used makeup wipes, then I read that a lot of supermodels and other unusually pretty people used baby wipes to remove their makeup. So I purchased some and gave it a try. Unless something drastic happens, I probably won't be going back to makeup removing wipes. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure most of them are great and super effective but these little guys work just as well for me. I have tried a few brands and types and the Target brand is by far my favorite. I always go with the sensitive, unscented version and they never irritate my skin. They also do a heck of a job of removing my eye makeup which is a must since I wear eyeliner every day. Also, let's not forget that they're significantly less expensive than most makeup removing wipes.

2)The Clarisonic Mia 2 has been a game-changer for me, like any one else who has ever used one, I was astounded when I saw all the excess dirt that my hands or washcloths were leaving behind. It's definitely not a cheap item but if you're really into the appearance and health of your skin, you can't go wrong with this guy.

3) Someone recommended this cleanser to me and I picked it up on a whim. And I must say that this is now a staple in my skincare routine. I thought I might not care for the peppermint smell but it's not overwhelming at all and the peppermint makes my skin feel rejuvenated. I can't use it every day because it can be a little drying but definitely use it a couple times a week. I also use it as a body wash, it's great at banishing bacne (gross but most of us have had it at some point in time). 

4) I first got this cleanser and the rest of the Mario Badescu products listed here as a sample from the company's website. This is an interesting cleanser in the fact that it doesn't really create bubbles, so at first it's hard to think that your skin is actually getting clean because we're programmed to think that sudsing (I guess that's not a real word according to spell-check) means cleansing. That's not the case with this cleanser, I use it with my Clarisonic and the two work really well together.

5 & 6) I've had a love/hate relationship with toners. I love what they are capable of doing as far as giving you that extra clean and balancing the skin but I hate it when some toners are just too strong and your skin gets that tight, cellophane type feeling. Once your skin gets too tight or too clean, your skin can start to freak out and produce even more oil.I'm not gonna lie, I don't know what the real difference is between this toner and this toner but I like both of them. They've been doing an excellent job of keeping things balanced and they always seem to remove that last little bit of dirt that's left behind. 

7) I don't want to jinx it but I think I might have found my holy grail moisturizer. This was the first sample that I ran out of because I used it so much. I have never found a moisturizer that makes my face so happy. Since I have oily skin I am real big on moisturizing, in order to keep from getting to oil slick level, you have to keep your skin's moisture in balance. This product does just that without leaving behind any weird residue like some moisturizers do.

8) The Drying Lotion was actually the first Mario Badescu product that I purchased, it was before I got the samples from the website. At the time, I'd been experiencing these really random breakouts that were quite small but still menacing to someone like myself. I spent days and weeks obsessing over them and using all of my products to banish them from my face (so dramatic). My attempts were futile at best, as the tiny, flesh-colored bumps remained hidden under my skin. I took a trip to Ulta and headed straight for the Mario Badescu products and reached for this miracle-worker. I know I've been known to be dramatic but this stuff has changed my life, it zaps pimples faster than they can erupt. However, ironically enough, since I've been using the full line of MB products, I rarely have to use this. I guess I can't complain there. 

9) I haven't tried many scrubs in my tenure as a skin care junkie, I've mostly been partial to the St. Ive's Apricot Scrub. It's never let me down. But this Strawberry Scrub is a dream, it seems to exfoliate and moisturize simultaneously, and really what more could a girl ask for? I also like that the particles are small, so it feels as if they're really sloughing off those dead skin cells.

10) I had always heard good things about this mask, I just never remembered to try it, go figure. One day whilst perusing Ulta, I decided to give it a try. It's one of those simple, uncomplicated products that just works. When I'm on my best behavior, I'll use this mask 2-3 times a week, and I see a major difference when I do. My skin isn't as oily and my pores seem smaller. Anything that can do those two things is a winner in my book. 

P.S. From the looks of this post, you'd think that I was sponsored by Mario Badescu himself. Alas, I purchased all of these products with my own money and these are just my humble opinions. If anyone knows Mr. Badescu, tell him he can sponsor my posts or skin care regimen any time he'd like. 

My Boyfriend's Blazer

Blazer: The Main Attraction | Top: Forever 21 | Bottoms: Gap | Shoes: Sam & Libby for Target | Necklace:: Lane Bryant|  Watch: Target | Bracelet: Five and Two | Rings: ASOS

The title of this post is misleading. This is not my boyfriend's blazer and I do not have a boyfriend. That's really neither here nor there. I've actually had this snazzy little blazer for a few years and because I'm kind of a hoarder, this was my first time donning it. I picked it up at The Main Attraction in Downtown Memphis, a cute little boutique with unique finds. The cold and rainy day thought that it could keep me from looking like a person but I stood my ground. My sister and I even braved the wind and rain to snap these pictures, we weren't quite brave enough to go past the porch to get the picture but I think the blog-world will forgive me for the dismal surroundings.   

--LaRondezvous