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Everyone who knows me knows that I love fashion and style. Whether I am walking the red carpet or having a play date with my boys, I always try to look my best. I believe that the way we present ourselves tells us a lot about who we are, how we see ourselves, and how we expect to be treated. Your body is your temple. We need to take care of what God gives us, inside and out.
An important lesson that I have learned is to never judge my inside by someone else’s outside. A lot of people know how to “put on the face” and put their best foot forward, while deep down they are hurting inside. I, unfortunately, have been on both sides of this. I can remember at times in the past where I would wish I had the life of someone else that I thought had it going on; simultaneously others would look at me and feel the same. I praise God that I am no longer at that point in my life.
God tells us in 1 Peter 3:3-5, your beauty should not come from outward adornments, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
I want to encourage all of you to work just as hard on your insides as you do on your outsides!
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Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting: but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:30
I recently completed an interview with Bravo regarding my sense of fashion and style. Below are the questions and answers.
How would you describe your personal style or signature look?
My style is a mixture of playful, casual chic. I like to try out new, up and coming designers and have fun with what I wear. I don’t let trends take over my decisions; I buy what I can realistically visualize wearing with many different looks.
For day, I like fitted jersey tops and floral printed feminine dresses in vibrant colors with a oversized hobo style handbag that can accommodate my lifestyle. Being a mother to three boys, I am always on the go, being comfortable is a must and making sure the clothes can outlast my lifestyle with them!
For night, I prefer classic/ glam styled silhouettes that compliment my curves! I play up the metallic heels, more dramatic statement jewelry pieces. I keep bold colored items for both day and night!
Who is your style icon?
I respect Beyonce's independent sense of style that reflects her ability to mix classic curve hugging styles with a modern edgy twist. Her elegance is consistent. She has a strong presence and carries herself very well. She is continually taking chances and always representing herself as a lady!
What items and brands are your ‘staples’?
My staple pieces for day are:
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True Religion and Citizens of Humanity denim jeans
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A great slack/pant by Alice Olivia
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Tops by Cynthia Vincent, Plenty, La Rock, and Meghan always catch my eye.
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I always enjoy the practicality of the long, but movable, dresses in every shape, color, and print from Elie Tahari to Diane Von Furstenberg.
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I like Norsah hand-knit wraps for comfort and originality.
I choose solid-color, neutral leather belts to help accentuate and pull my look together.
During the day, it could be Gucci heels, Frye boots or Tory Burch flops, but in the evening I don't leave the house without one pair of my Jimmy Choo shoes. My latest love is my "Clue" platform sling backs.
Atlanta is a fun and flirty city, not too conservative. I feel I can really mix around my staple looks, whether it’s jeans with an embellished top or a simplistic cocktail gown for going out to dinner or to other social events.
What do you typically wear:
Relaxing around the house?
- A lot of downtime is spent in Adidas gear (since my husband is sponsored by the old greats).
- If I might be on the fly, I prefer the tried and true denim, from dark rinses to white jeans paired with layered tanks and long sleeved Stella McCartney Tees.
- In the summer, I like the simplicity of versatile, lightweight sundresses. Easy Missoni dresses and tunics are always breathable and gorgeous.
- I like to have accessibility to long, lightweight cashmere sweater jackets and Mike and Chris hoodies if there’s a chill.
- Plus, there is always a little Juicy terry thrown in.
At the beach or pool?
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I like bright colored caftans and tunics by Missoni, Tory Burch and Matthew Williamson.
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I enjoy anything from stone-encrusted or otherwise embellished thong sandals from Lacroix to my kitten heel Manolo’s.
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Definitely, I have fabric totes to carry the essentials like my La Mer sunscreen!
Business meetings?
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When I am promoting my foundation, I like smart tailored skirt or pants suits paired with fitted tops in a suitable fabric, simple print or an enjoyable color from Theory or Giorgio Armani.
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The power suits can range from Armani to St. John. I love a crisp pant with a flattering line and a slight flare in a traditional grey, black or hound’s tooth pattern.
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If I am carrying the look over to a fun dinner with friends, then the jacket comes off, and I switch out my jewelry and heels.
Attending parties/dinners/charity events?
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For the dressier events, I love the draping and fit of Marc Bouwer.
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Carolina Herrera and Monique Lhuillier fit my body well.
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I also love Zac Posen. He understands how to accentuate a woman's figure.
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For charity events and Bible study, my looks can range from Badgley Mischka to David Meister dresses.
Shopping? Or lunch with friends?
In these situations, I go for my everyday staples and casual wear. Comfort and practicality are my best bet when I’m out with my friends, because I never know where we will end up next! At least…I’ll grab a change of heels.
Gym/Working-out?
My kids are my number one workout routine, but when I hit the gym, I wear super comfy organic cotton pieces by Edun paired with LOTS of Adidas gear. For a punch up, I sport Stella McCartney for Adidas 3/4 tights and sports bra.
At what department stores do you do the majority of your shopping? What are your favorite online stores?
The majority of department store shopping I prefer in Atlanta is at Nieman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.
As for online shopping, I favor Net-A-Porter for my evening looks. They have a great selection of top designer collections in hard-to-locate styles and sizes. For casual, everyday contemporary wear, I like shopbop.com for the basics.
I shop Singer22.com for more obscure independent designers and hard-to-find boutique lines
What are your favorite boutiques for clothing & accessories?
I always find great deals and unexpected cherry-picked designer pieces at Luxe.
I love the energy and sexy vibe of the clothes from Runway Atlanta.
There are always tried and true staples at Jac Boutique, P. Valentine and Kaleidoscope.
For accessories, I get custom designed hats from a Charleston based milliner, Leigh Magar.
I love everyday costume jewelry from Taste Boutique and local designers like Marc Edge, Holly Firfer and castmate and friend, Lisa Wu designs.
My ultimate best-kept secrets for my diamond cravings are Ultra Gems in Kentucky or J&J Jewelers in Los Angeles for exclusive rarity. In terms of local jewelers, I shop at Prriya and Chintans in Buckhead.
What is your favorite accessory or piece of jewelry? Who is your favorite jewelry designer?
I am a huge fan of Lisa Steins gold diamond and semi precious gemstone stackable bangles. Her pieces are very versatile but always eye catching.
For high glamour events I reach out to my friends at Priya & Chintans for my unique diamond accessories from strands of canary diamond earrings to art deco one of a kind bold and historic pieces.
What are your staple jewelry pieces?
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Eric gave me a diamond “snowflake" pendant I wear every day along with my wedding ring. I also wear a Rolex watch and diamond studs.
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One of my newest additions to my watch collection was a white gold Rolex with a blue face encrusted in diamonds.
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A classic watch is my necessity, because I am always checking the time for kids’ practices and games, personal meetings, and dates with my hubby.
What items do you skimp & splurge on?
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Jewelry, shoes and handbags are my biggest splurge items. If you have a great bag and heels, you can dress up any pair of jeans or a simple dress and look your best!
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Around the house, my casual look for running errands is an inexpensive jersey dress by a contemporary designer. It’s great for anything and ready to pack on a last-minute trip. I also wear Skye tops, C&C, and Sweet Tees.
What is your favorite handbag?
At the moment, I love my Luella salmon-colored Python bag, My Louis Vuitton grey "Nimbus” handbag, and my chocolate brown Chanel doctor bag. I like the sensibility and favored design of the traditional black Jimmy Choo “Mahala” bag for Fall 2008!
What is your favorite pair of sunglasses?
My Chanel, Fendi, and Dior’s are classics.
What must-have wardrobe pieces do you think everyone should have in his or her closet?
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Spanx (especially the high-waisted power hose and their basic camis in assorted neutral tones)
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A pair of jeans you feel your best in
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A basic black dress in a variety of fabrics
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A classic watch, and
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An all-year-round Burberry trench
What is your favorite pair of casual shoes?
What brand is your favorite pair of jeans? What makes them your favorite brand? Cut/color/style choices?
The dark rinse, simple boot cut, True Religion for the cut and comfort.
What is your favorite pair of dressy shoes?
Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Chanel, Gucci, Jil Sander, Prada, D&G, Giuseppe’s … I could go on and on, and my closet would say there is no more room. I’m still unpacking pairs I love from the move!
What is your skin care routine? What products do you use?
I try to get facials every 4-6 weeks. In terms of a daily routine, I use the La Mer skincare line. In particular, the cleansing gel, lifting face serum, and moisturizing cream.
What are your favorite makeup products?
What are your favorite fragrances?
I really love Hanae Mori (parfum) and Delices de Cartier
What hair care products do you use?
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Nexxus shampoos and conditioners
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All of Jonathan finishing products
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SoftSheen-Carson’s shining and finishing gel
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Aveda products
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Affirm relaxer
What kind of car do you drive?
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I have a Range Rover Sport HSE that I mainly drive while by myself.
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While with the boys, I drive the Yukon Denali.
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I just recently turned in my leased Mercedes S500 coupe, so if I prefer not to drive a truck, I will drive my husband’s Lexus LS 460L.
What kind of cell phone and/or PDA do you use? Why do you like this one the best?
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I actually am really into technology. Any new hot gadget, I usually have. I have several different phones, but my two main phones are the Blackberry World Edition and iPhone 3G.
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I like them both for different reasons. It is easier for me to send emails and text messages using the keyboard on the blackberry. However, I love the applications, speed of the Internet, photos, and iPod features on the iPhone.
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If I ever had to go to one phone, it would be the iPhone hands down!
How would you describe your decorating style?
My decorating style would best be described as transitional. I have a classic contemporary look, subtly glamorous and inviting with large over-sized upholstered sofas and chairs in chenille fabrics, with lots of texture, and opulent silk draperies. It is luxurious in a subtle way.
Did you decorate your place yourself or use an interior designer? Why did you choose your colors/themes?
With my busy lifestyle and my inability to make quick decisions without having things narrowed down for me, it was imperative for me to hire an interior designer to help me decorate my new home. I decided to hire celebrity designer Lori Halprin of Envision out of Los Angeles. Lori designs for many NBA players and understands our needs and lifestyle. She knew we wanted an opulent and chic interior without sacrificing comfort. Lori understood our vision and, without question, we were thrilled with the outcome. Our home was even better than we dreamed it would be. Her passion for design is reflected in the magnificent outcome of our property. We trusted our designer and just let her go for it! Every detail was taken care of right down to our dishes, sheets, towels and outdoor furniture. She transformed our house into our dream home.
We met with our designer to discuss colors and the style of furniture that would fit our home and lifestyle. We wanted fabrics and furniture that would be suitable for a family of three boys, but we entertain on a grand scale, so we needed a style that would work for our very busy and hectic life. We selected earth toned fabrics for their warm and inviting feel. Many of our rooms have beautiful faux painted treatments in warm copper and gold tones. Natural stone flooring in a beigey gold color was special ordered from Spain. Our beautiful chandeliers are finished in a dark bronze patina. Some of our walls are upholstered in rich amber colored suede. Accent colors in moss green, soft cream, and chocolate were used throughout with the occasional leopard or tiger print thrown in—I love the excitement and vibe of animal prints.
What makes it “your place”?
I think our home reflects our personal lifestyle. It’s a warm, welcoming environment where we can entertain, yet always feel comfortable. It’s definitely a place that our boys can enjoy! It has everything we can dream of – a home theater, wellness area, basketball court, arcade, and resort-style backyard. Ultimately, our home is a cocoon, a place to rest from our very busy lives.
Do you collect anything?
I don’t collect anything specific for my home; I just buy what I love.
Any home appliances they couldn’t get through the day without?
My Tivo/DVR and iMac
Do you cook? If so what do you typically make? What is your favorite piece of kitchen equipment?
I do not cook usually. We have a full-time chef during the week. However, while the chef is away, my favorite kitchen equipment would be the microwave (smile).
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