I was asked by Yours Mine Secondhand Shopping Soiree (YMSSS) creator, Patrice Washington, to once again style shoppers at this fabulous event.

The Spring YMSSS was held on Saturday, May 4th.

I not only had a wonderful time styling some great ladies, but I found some goodies that I will highlight later on.

As usual, the event had a variety of vintage and secondhand vendors.  It was held at a new venue, Courtyard Marriott in DC (NOMA district).

There were also cupcakes from Red Velvet as well as Mocktails from Honest Tea and wonderful pita & hummus from Roti.  All were happy to shop and snack.

 Enjoy the photos!

As you can see above, I wore one of my closet staples, denim/leather jacket from Revel (Old Town, Alexandria); Coral maxi skirt and white tee from Target; Michael Kors shoes, and Ann Taylor belt.

Here are the shopping and yummy highlights of the event:

One of my college friends and Sorority sisters stopped by to shop and chat. Fun times!

The refreshments below were perfect for the hungry shopper……

We hope to see you at the next soiree on Saturday, August 3rd!

Earrings: Arden B

Photo by: Bonnie Sen

I HAD FUN IN THIS OUTFIT!

Photo by Bonnie Sen

Blouse: The Limited

Pencil Skirt: Vince Camuto

Accessories: Clutch by Love Cortnie; Michael Kors watch; Arden B. bracelet

I love my bright green Halogen cardigan so much, I wore it twice for weekend fun.

Enjoy your maxi dresses with a blazer or light weight cardigan while the weather is transitioning.

This dress was purchased last summer at Marshalls.  They are excellent for maxis. The same with TJ Maxx.

An easy outfit for your Spring/Summer brunches, walks in the park, errands, and more

Paired with: vintage gold clutch, purchased at Dress For Success shopping event; gold rubber flip flops from Old Navy; Michael Kors watch; Tom Ford sunglasses.

Sunday was a beautiful day in the DC area.

A little cool but sunny and glorious. 

As you can see, I took advantage of the sunshine…

Top: white Halogen blazer, with white camisole (purchased at Nordstrom)

Bottom: Guess jeggings (purchased at Guess Outlet-Potomac Mills Mall, VA); if you want stretchy comfortable ones for those curves, I highly recommend these!

Shoes: Bandolino, black and white (purchased at Salvation Army in Alexandria, VA)

Accessories/Makeup: Expressions NYC hot pink clutch, Charming Charlie necklace, thrifted silver bracelets, vintage earrings from http://www.etsy.com/shop/shopnicspicks, MAC Candy-Yum Yum lipstick

Photos by: Mitchell

Ladies, ladies, ladies!

Like Oprah, I’m always preaching about how important it is to have the right bra. The right bra means that it is sized for the boobies that you are carrying and not someone elses.  The right fit and size can make such a difference.  The key is to have those babies up and separated, with no spillage at the top, bottom or the sides.

On a recent trip to replenish my underwear goodies, I decided to look into some bra styles that I didn’t already own.

I’m a big fan of Chantelle bras so I was immediately drawn to the ‘C Chic’ pictured below…

Although there are many bras to choose from, the process can be a challenge for full busted women, not to mention costly.

As far as costs, you should view your bra purchase as an investment.

This one is $68.

With that said, before you pay for another new bra, be sure to get re-sized at your favorite bra shops. I always get sized at Nordstrom, about twice a year.  As your body and weight changes, you need to stay up to date with the right size and fit.

As you can see, the bra is pretty, sheer, and even comes with a bow & rhinestone charm.

My first thought was, this is too pretty to be as comfortable or supportive as I need it to be.  Well, I’m glad I tried it on.

I LOVE IT!

This bra pushes everything up and forward (as it should) and gives you a slimmer look.  No side spillage! It also goes up to a size 40 G (4D). It covers everything, while offering a plunge for cleavage action.  It is more seamless than it looks and works well with my fitted tees. Most importantly, it is comfortable. I don’t feel my bra with every move that I make. It doesn’t pinch, dig into my skin or scar.

If you need a pretty, supportive bra that won’t disappoint, I highly recommend this style. Although I purchased the black, green, and red at Nordstrom, you can also find them at Sears or online at Bare Necessities http://www.barenecessities.com/chantelle-c-chic-sexy-plunge-3-part-underwire-bra-3641_product.htm?pf_id=Chantelle3641&search=&manual_cm_sp=SlotLocation-_-R4C3-_-Chantelle3641

Enjoy your boobies, bras, and clothes!

Two of my go-to pieces when I’m either not sure what to wear or want a no-fuss classy look are a pair of jeans and a blazer. The jeans offer the casual and relaxed look. The blazer can give you a professional, polished, pulled-together, or playful look.

Another great thing about these two is that you can dress them up or down. Add statement accessories or your favorite everyday tiny earrings. It gives you a clean slate to add arm and neck candy.  This look also takes you through all the seasons if you properly select your blazer’s fabric and color.

The seasons also give you a hint on the shoes you should choose with them. Whether you’re in flats, sandals, boots, or pumps, you can’t go wrong. Keep in mind that as long as each piece has a flattering fit, you’re good to go. My absolute favorite way to pull the look together (and stay warm) is by wearing a printed scarf.

Here are some examples on our celebrities:

I had an awesome time this past Saturday, with the ladies of Dress For Success!

Dress For Success has a great mission of assisting women in achieving financial independence, by providing them with professional development opportunities and clothes to succeed.  They truly, ’help women thrive in work and in life.’ With over 120 affiliates, you can support their mission by being a sponsor, volunteer, donating and of course shopping.

To find out more, check out their website at: http://www.dressforsuccess.org/home.aspx.

I have always admired this organization.  When I saw the invitation for the Tag Sale, I knew I’d make every effort to be there.  The sale was held at one of the Dress For Success career centers in Washington, DC.  Being there stirred up some emotions.  It reminded me of my days as a job coach.

As a former job coach, I personally reconnected with one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.  I remembered being very fulfilled in that role, conducting job training workshops and assisting men and women with their professional wardrobes. I can go on and on about that.

The event was an absolute success in my eyes!  Everything was very well organized, the prices were excellent and the volunteers were very professional and helpful.  I had a great experience from beginning to end.  I also met some of the ladies who operate the program and it motivated me to sign up to volunteer, very soon.

I took home a huge bag filled with shoes, a jacket, tops, scarves and other accessories….all for $55.

Here’s a look…

With Megan, Executive Director and in my first purchase (a navy blue Ann Taylor jacket, it was new with tags still attached)

I thought this sign was so cute and welcoming

The room of coats & dresses had so many to choose from. Loved it!

My vintage brooches. I can’t wait to embellish my sweaters and blouses with these.

Gold clutch. My favorite find.

Vintage earrings & awesome $1 scarves. There was a huge box full of beautiful scarves as soon as you entered.  I was so lost in that box and took a few home.

As you can see here, all was very well organized, by size, throughout the career center which made it very easy to shop

More sassy scarves for ME!

You know that I can’t go anywhere without buying shoes.  The metallic ones are darling.

I hope to see you at the next event!