A Year In Review: 2009

Wow, it is almost 2010. Can you believe it? Remember when people thought the world was coming to an end back in 1999?! Now 10 years later. The last few weeks of the year, I usually tend to draw back from civilization and take a survey on my on life. I reflect on where I am, where I was, and where I want to be. This has definitely been a challenging year. I can honestly say that growing up is one of the hardest things to do. Truly. I feel like I have shed enough tears and gone through enough agony. It's funny how we always say the next year "will be your year", but I honestly feel like 2010 is going to be a good year.

I started my blog on January 9, 2009. So in a few days, my blog will be 1 years old. So you know what that means....a giveaway!!! Not sure what it will be...but I will come up with something. One of my first blog posts was a list of things I wanted to accomplish in '09. So let's check them out and see how bad I did:

27 Things to Accomplish in '09
1. Go to church consistently and get my life right with Mr. G-O-D
Definitely room for improvement but feeling really good about where our relationship is going!
2. Spend more time with Mr. Man (my son)
I don't like to air my personal life on my blog but one of little man's wishes came true this year. Thank God.
3. Be a better listener and friend to my girlfriends
Again room for improvement but I definitely like where this is going!
4. Create a budget and stick with it & pay off 75% of my debt
I did better in regards to spending...I hardly bought stuff for myself this year but still in debt. Which sucks.
5. LOSE WEIGHT
I gained instead of lost...ha!
6. Finish organizing my room & closet
Almost done!!!
7. Create an emergency fund ($1000 to start)
I accomplished this task then spent it. Bad girl.
8. GO BACK TO SCHOOL
No comment.
9. Get a promotion or a 2nd job/hustle (whichever comes first)
Almost started but I didn't follow through
10. Travel (D.C to start and then Cali)
I definitely plan on traveling in '10.
11. Get more grown women clothes
This sounds so juvenile...but definitely improving.
12. Cook more
Spending more time with the beau has caused me to cook more. I would love to take some culinary classes. Cooking is fun when it's not a chore.
13. Volunteer more
Negative.
14. Buy a CHI and fix my own hair (grow hair to shoulder length)
Hair has grown a lot but no new iron yet.
15. Take more pictures / buy a better camera
Bought a new camera but haven't taken a lot of pictures.
16. Don't go 2 to 3 days without blogging. YAY!
Accomplished.
17. Look into refinancing my car
Negative.
18. Run at least 2 5ks this year
Negative.
19. Get a few more tats and piercings (i know kinda silly right-eh)
Negative.
20. Create more memories with the beau
Accomplished.
21. Learn to bake
22. Floss and brush before going to bed
Negative.
23. Drink more water
I usually drink a lot of water but this year, I have been addicted to soda. I never used to drink soda. I need to get this under control.
24. Purchase really nice sheets and goose down comforter
Negative.
25. Keep up with beauty regimen and wear makeup more often
Negative.
26. Buy studded earrings
Negative.
27. Purchase another staple handbag on sale of course.
Accomplished.

After Christmas Sales

...and it's not even Christmas yet.

Barneys



My favorite boutique in Atlanta, K-LA


Note to self, buy everyone gift cards next year, so they can take advantage of the sea of multiple sales that take place after Christmas eacy year.

I haven't been in the Christmas mood. I slacked off and bought crappy gifts. I feel horrible. I don't know why. I hate the underline pressures of gifting and buying presents have taken away the real meaning of Christmas. I want to get away from buying people gifts on this holiday. I feel it's a time to take a personal inventory and devote your spare time in volunteering....but I digress.

*The best time to get a good deal for Christian 's, shoot any major designer shoe for that matter, is after Christmas. Can you believe that if you shop wisely you can get a pair of CLs for around $300?! I told myself the same thing this time last year I would buy a pair but of course that's not happening. BUT next year, Mr. CL you will be mine.*

Forever Young

Jay Z ft. Mr. Hudson - Forever Young

May the best of your today's be the worst of your tomorrows!

His & Her

I simply adore this His & Her Closet.



{photo via desiretoinspire.net}

Mike & Chris for less than $99

I know you've heard of Gilt & Hautelook but what about Reverse? Well Reverse is having a sales event for Mike & Chris and all of the items are under $99! I am on a shopping restriction...so please someone take advantage of this sale. Sign up here!

{photos via reverse.com / modified by itjusta.blogspot.com}

Out & About: Kelly Rowland at Grey Goose Character & Cocktails Winter Fundraiser

YES! This is exactly what I said out loud when I saw these pictures at Red Carpet Fashion Awards. Ok, well maybe not out loud but Kelly looks great! She is really growing to her own oversees. I love love love her in this Basil Soda Fall 2009 Couture gown . Her skin is just glowing!









{photos via lipstickalley & blogxilla}

Keeping Up with 'Dashians

Ssshhhh...this show is my guilty pleasure. I just finished watching the premiere of Keeping up with the Kardashians. Not so much because of Kim (can't stand when she is whining) but I cannot get enough of Khloe and Kris arguing. I am glad the rest of the family are getting more air time. Khloe is still by far my favorite sister.

Did anyone see the promo pic of the girls in lingerie??! Um, Kourtney I appreciate you embracing the pregnant sexiness but seriously, TMI! I am not posting it but you can go here to check it out here.

---

Random Photog


FIERCE!


{photos via officialkourtneyk & chictoochic}

Do You Think About Me?

Here is the latest video from 50 Cent featuring Tamala Jones and of course Miss Vivica FOX! Now Viv, 50 made you look stupid during your short relationship freakfest. He blew you off and now you're in his video as a crazy ex-girlfriend? Ah....Ok. 50 is a funny dude. The guy publically dogs his chics (Ciara/Vivica) and they keep coming back for more.

Did anyone else catch the comparison of Viv blowing up his building and his baby mama allegedly burning down his house?

Is it 2010 yet?

Hey, 2010 can you hurry up already. Goodness!

{photo via google.com}

eBay Stalking: Azzedine Alaia

I instantly fell in love with these work of art, called heels. To be honest, I am not familiar with the Azzedine Alaia, so you can tell I was on a Google frenzy. Thank goodness for Google. This Parisian designer had me drooling. I am forever in love. I will do a post later on the brand.

I would love to buy them but clearly cannot. They are originally $1,550 but they going for $249. STEAL. Run if you want them. Size 6.5

P.S. Click on the picture to view the Auction.

photos via ebay.com

Rihanna & Mariah Cozy Up with VEVO

I wonder what they were talking about. Rihanna's facial expression is funny. She looks like she is rolling her eyes and Mariah is being overbearingly (yes that's a word) annoying. It's fun to add your own twist to things.



Man, I really need to become bffs with Rihanna's MUA. I love the entire ensemble except those Louis'. I am sorry. I am just not digging them. I am getting a little tired of the structured shoulder look but love the earrings!


photos via zimbio.com

I knew we had something in common

LOL, so I was on June's twitter today, which I love since she is always posting twitter pics and saw her background picture. I have the same sweater vest! Although I got mine, a lot later...I knew we had something in common. LOL.

OMG: When Fashion Goes WRONG!

This has to be one of the funniest pictures that I have seen. Who approved this? Who let Pamela Anderson come out of the house like this? Did she think she was "doing it up?" What ran through her mind? Did she actually think she was going to "check" those young broads? Where did the child come from? Why does she look like she was forced to hold this dress? Is this really a dress? Was it fabric that she picked up at the last minute and decided to wear it but forgot that it needed to be sewn? Oh goodness, so many questions. This was captured at 6th Annual Hollywood style Awards, which took place in October. I ran by picture while surfing. It was funny when I saw them in October and even funnier now. Oh goodness, that child looks frightened.

photos via Google

Off The Runway: Rachel Roy Pre Fall '10

Currently, many fashion blogs and magazines are saturated with hard lines, spikes and metals, so it's a breath of fresh air to view Rachel Roy's Pre-Fall 2010 RTW collection. I love the fact that you can transitions these looks right into Spring. This collection can easily go from an office look to cocktails with the girlfriends.

|WWD|




photos via stylecaster.com

Rihanna on SNL

I love her make-up. I can't wait till she gets over this blonde phase. Like seriously.

photos via celebrity-gossip.net

Smoothie King

My addiction to Smoothie King is unreal. Some people need Starbucks as a pick-me-uper in the morning...just give me a medium Slim Angel Food and I good. Too bad they are not 24 hours. I would so go get one, even at 11:43 P.M. EST.



Sorry very random.

That's More Like It...

Behind all of the costume, the weird masks, and walking around in public in a body suit, Lady Gaga is a actually pretty. Here she is on the cover of Elle Magazine.

On bodily reactions to stress: “I get all the symptoms of a pregnant woman.
I get headaches, I get tired, I get blurred vision sometimes during a really intense session with [her creative team] the Haus.”

On a recurring theme in her work: “I feel that if I can show my demise artistically to the public, I can somehow cure my own legend. I can show you so you’re not looking for it.
I’m dying for you on domestic television—here’s what it looks like, so no one has to wonder.”

On being a former waitress: “I was really good at it. I always got big tips. I always wore heels to work! I told everybody stories, and for customers on dates, I kept it romantic. It’s kind of like performing.”

On using her sexuality: “My album covers are not sexual at all, which was an issue at my record label. I fought for months, and I cried at meetings. They didn’t think the photos were commercial enough…The last thing a young woman needs is another picture of a sexy pop star writhing in sand, covered in grease, touching herself.”

On her romantic future: “In eight to 10 years, I want to have babies for my Dad to hold, grandkids. And I want to have a husband who loves and supports me, just the way anyone else does. I would never leave my career for a man right now, and I would never follow a man around.”






Photos & excerpt via elle.com

Silly Me....

If you have a NM Last Call in your city...I advise you to go there b/c they are having a really crazy sale. So the beau and I were there to pay his NM bill (I don't know why he does not like doing it online....but I am not complaining). While he did that, I was browsing the shoe dept. The beau swears he has the eye to scope out beautiful buys. This time I must agree with him. He was bringing fabulous shoes left and right for me to try on. I honestly really wanted some flats, so he brings me these green suede Cole Haan flats to try on. I really needed some classic black flats but I could not resist them. When we got in the car, I noticed I had the wrong shoe box. Silly silly me. Good thing I am not really a collector of shoe boxes. I also got this uberly cute sweater vest from my favorite boutique in Atlanta, K-La.

Hautelook: Thomas Wylde

So, would anyone like to borrow give me $2,275.62 + plus tax? Goodness, Ms. Paula Thomas I fing love your collection.

Photos via Hautelook.com

Chanel is too cute

Chanel Iman is featured in H&M's holiday campaign which was shot by Sweedish photographer Terry Richardson.
She's just so adorable. She makes it look soooooo easy.

Photos via rdujour.com

Ciara in Nina Ricci

Ciara twitted a pic of herself in some Nina Ricci's. Just because you have the money doesn't mean it was necessarily made for you.
Poll time! So, what do you guys think? Is Ciara trying too hard or do you think she can make these Nina Ricci's look haute?

Photos via google.com & twitter.com/ciara

Out & About: Amber Rose at NY Screening of Me And Orson Welles

Amber Rose was seen at the New York Screening of "Me And Orson Welles." Her skin simply glows in this D&G gown.I must own a D&G bustier dress. This is a timeless cocktail dress. I adore this champagne color.

Photo via Zimbio.com

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Clockwise from top:

1. Zara knee high boots | 2. Dolce Vita Marley | 3. Prada specs | 4. Cole Haan wallet | 5. Nugaard Ring | 6. Cannon Camera SD990 IS | 7. Prada eyeglass case

The Dolce Vita booties were a steal that I picked up from eBay. Practically NEW! I originally fell in love with them months ago and even blogged about it. I also purchased some Prada specs. I always wear contacts because I do not like how look in glasses but these specs are too adorable. They did not come with a case, so I purchased the Prada case separately. I spent less than $45 total for the combo. You're familiar with the Nugaard Ring that I scored through Gilt.com and the Cole Haan wallet I got from eBay. These were some of the items I bought for myself. I don't know about you but I do not believe in a birth day, it's a birth MONTH for me lol.

Marc Jacobs Mercer Satchel

My very first MJ bag and I got a DEAL! Do you hear me. The Mercer was part of the 2007 Resort line. Would you like to know how much? Would you? Are you sure? Promise to keep it between you and I? Promise, lol. Ok, this bag originally retails for $1,095. The beau purchased it at Neiman Marcus Last Call. It was reduced to $492 but they were having a 20% off designer bags and if you opened a NM card you would get an additional 20%. So you do math. YES!!! $295. AHHHH! Nothing like a fabulous find and getting it for a fabulous price! Thanx boo!

The description of this lovely find from TPF, "Soft and supple this gorgeous purple calfskin leather handbag has iconic gold tone hardware and hand-knotted leather handle detailing. Signature gold buckle accents with double top handles and one gold front Marc Jacobs zipper pocket. Interior has one main compartment with an open side purple leather trimmed pocket. It is fully lined. The bottom has protective gold metal hardware feet."

Photos by itsjustja.blogspot.com

Out & About: Cassie at CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award

This chick is too pretty to play into Diddy's craziness. Girl get a modeling career and leave the R&B gig....they don't pay well anyhoot.




Photo via zimbio.com

Out & About: Tracee Elliss Ross at the Prada Book Launch

Prada book launch cocktail held at Prada Rodeo Drive on November 13, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California.




Tracee Ellis Ross was one of the many celebs that showed up. I drool for this woman but I am not sure how i feel about this look.






View more at Zimbio.


Photos via zimbio.com