Solo Road Trips: Polka Dots & Sweets

Sometimes a gal just needs a change of scenery and a break from the typical day-to-day responsibilities. When I felt that itch, I got super cute, utilized my full tank of gas, and enjoyed a solo adventure. Beres Hmond, Maxwell, Ledisi, and The Temptations were blasting out of my car windows and I savored every minute of freedom from my typical schedule. I didn’t go too far though, the trip was only about two hours from my home.

En route to my destination I put the GPS on pause, made a U-turn, and stopped by the cutest little farm that I saw. I then indulged in one of my favorite farm fresh desserts. It was heavenly!In my opinion, moments like this is needed. Ok, I’m going to say it. “It should be a requirement.”

Here’s a video briefly documenting my unforgettable solo trip.

Have you taken a solo road trip? What was your favorite thing to do?

What's Better Than Traveling to Wakanda?

“ Wakanda forever!”

— Black Panther

Virtually jet setting to Wakanda was one of the best trips ever. Ever! Many of us reserved our tickets in advance, planned our outfits weeks ahead, and stood in line for the trip of a lifetime. The experience was magical, empowering, and some even felt more educated about their African roots. I was there for every bit of it. The camaraderie, creative outfits, and the excitement was invigorating not only for the African American community but for our nation as a whole.  Needless to say, I was loving all of the unity surrounding Black Panther.  Wakanda forever!

Although being introduced to Wakanda was a major highlight. It's still surreal to embrace the reality that Styled By OmiOmy will be touching down in Africa on Monday, March 26, 2018. Yes! In several days, I will have the distinct honor of teaching pastors, leaders, and providing clothing for the children of Lumakanda, Kenya with the Dr. Celeste Owens Ministries. Get ready East Africa, I'm coming!

On February 23, 2018 I had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with Sherrel Moore-Tucker and Dr. Celeste Owens as Awakening Coaches at The Surrender Awakening DMV Live Experience as a fundraiser for the upcoming mission trip.  The room was packed and each woman left empowered and equipped to take the next steps on their journey of living a life surrendered to their God-given purpose. We laughed, cried, shared knowledge, prayed, and prophesied to each attendee. It was nothing short of amazing! Check out the highlights below.

This is my first time stepping foot on the continent and I have been fundraising since October 2018 for at least $3,000 and clothing to give to the children of Lumakanda. You may donate financially here or send a message here to collect any dresses and dressy casual clothing for the children. And of course, your prayers are greatly needed. Pray that those in attendance will be greatly impacted, that there will be more than enough food and clothing to give, and for safe travels.

Look out for the first blog post in April detailing this adventure. 

Until then beauties, continue to confidently show up each day as your best authentic self inside and out.

xoxo,

Omiana

Velvet on V-Day

Valentine's Day is here and what better way to celebrate than to step out of your comfort zone a bit with your look. Yep, I know, love should be celebrated every day. Don't be a kill joy, it's a simple day that we highlight and celebrate love whether you're in a relationship or not. Make it a fun and playful day with a different look. Hey, life is what you make it!

My personal style is more on the conservative end. But I do play with colors and bold prints.  This time around I stretched my personal style in another direction. I received a gift card as a Christmas present and it was put to good use during my favorite store's Winter clearance. 

“ Voila!”

A Winter clearance sale is extremely budget friendly. This dress was less than $15 with tax and it allowed me to easily step out of my comfort zone. My purchase consisted of a very short dress and I paired it with velvet thigh high boots. It's super short, for moi, and I tend to stay away from the all black attire. However I adore the details on the sleeve.

I know what you're thinking, "Girl, those boots!" Yes. Now let's chat about these boots. It's definitely the first of its kind added to my shoe collection. It was purchased online from a department store during their Winter clearance for less than $30. This beauty scored well in the appearance department and the price was right, but it totally flopped on the comfort level. It was sliding down my thighs after just about every 7th step. Annoying is an understatement. Cute? Yes! Comfort? No bueno!

#BeautyFromTheInsideOut tip: Life is truly what you make it. This year I don't have a "Valentine", however I choose to celebrate love and remember the day in a small way because that's what makes me happy and gives me life. So do you.

I encourage you to do what you love. Celebrate Valentine's Day by stretching your personal style a bit and enjoy every second of it.

Have a fabulous Valentine's Day, beautiful! 

xoxo

Best Way to Start 2018

HAPPY NEW YEAR, BEAUTIFUL!

New year, new possibilities. New. New. New!

“New Year’s Day. A fresh start. A new chapter in life waiting to be written. New questions to be asked, embraced, and loved. Answers to be discovered and then lived in this transformative year of delight and self-discovery. Today carve out a quiet interlude for yourself in which to dream, pen in hand. Only dreams give birth to change.”

— Sarah Ban Breathnach

I love to spend every new year reflecting, praying, writing, and attending my church's New Year's Revival services and leadership training. This year was no different, Bishop T.D. Jakes led the leadership training and I was on Cloud 9 with all of the wisdom he shared. I attempted to record snippets of his teachings, however they aren't the best. Hopefully you can glean a nugget or so.

Part 1 of 3

Part 2 of 3

Part 3 of 3

I know. The recording wasn't the best. However, do share your nuggets in the comments. 

Wishing you the best in this new year, beautiful.

xoxo,

Omiana

Cheers to new beginnings!

Happy 2018!

Simple Self-Care Routine for Those Who Don't Want to Do Too Much

Now if you are not making self-care a priority in your life then my heart goes out to you. Sis! As women we tend to naturally put the needs of others in front of our own. However, if you don't take care of yourself first, what kind of shape are you going to be to carry the heavy loads of your loved ones. It's time to make a change and I hope this quick video will give you the tips you need to keep it simple in order to be more consistent. 

I received so much feedback from this video. Do let me know what you think in the comments.

xoxo,

Omiana

Self-Care

Do it like your life depended on it.

MAXIMIZE YOUR SUMMER LOOK ON A BUDGET

As of 7.26.2017, we will be reminicsing on the fun that was had during Summer 2017 in 58 days to be exact. Yes ladies, time is ticking and this season will be a memory before you know it. But, don't be dismayed, such is life. Change is inevitable and it's best to be ahead of it.  

Like most beauties, we get comfortable with our favorites and end up keeping the same pieces in rotation for the entire season while neglecting the rest of our closet. The same statement necklace, same shorts, same clutch, same earrings, or the same shoes pop up in just about every picture. Here are three quick and dirty tips on maximizing your Summer looks for the next 58 days for a sum total of $0.00. ($0 is dependent upon your manicure routine.)

#1 DUST OFF   

... those fabulous exotic Summer handbags that have not been utilized since 2016 or earlier years and put it in rotation. I'm taking my own advice and incorporating these to my Summer wardrobe for the next several weeks:

#2 BREAK UP

... with the little black dress and all black outfits. Say hello to your white dresses and all white attire. Some people have so much hesitation with wearing white, which is totally understandable. A medal should be given to those who can wear white without getting a spot on it. But despite the hesitation, wear the white dress anyway. Pull out the white tee, the white distressed jeans, and be fearless. Seriously. Take the risk.  These combinations will give your wardrobe a fresh look.

#3 TRY ON

... that other Summer nail polish color. I know I am not the only one that falls in love with a nail polish color and keep it on repeat week after week. Nope, I didn't think so! The season is quickly approaching its end and there are so many fantabulous Summer hues waiting to grace your beautiful nails. Try a new color. I dare you! 

The bottomline is that there's no point in investing your money into a wardrobe that is not utilized to its full potential. Add some versatility to your look and pull out those neglected pieces from your closet. You'll thank me later. Up for the challenge? You don't have that much time. Just do it!

Spring cleaning for the extroverts in your Life

“Maybe the most any of us can expect of ourselves isn’t perfection but progress.”

— Michelle Burford

How long have we been fed the lie of achieving perfection? Too long. Maybe we were encouraged as children to be the top of the class or to always achieve that A+ grade. Perfection is a myth nonetheless, however it's a motivating aspiration to be great in all areas of life.  Or maybe that’s just my personality type talking.

There are four main personality types called the four temperaments. It helps to understand yourself as well as others. The Melancholic temperament are idealists who wish for things to be a certain way, and they get distressed when they are not. Melancholic people are emotionally sensitive, perfectionistic introverts. The second is the Sanguine temperament. They are boisterous, bubbly, chatty, openly emotional, social extroverts who find social interactions invigorating. The Choleric temperament is the proud, extroverted 'alphas' of our species. Cholerics are leaders and directors. They seek to be in control of situations, to be on top, to be the best. The Phlegmatic temperament consist of meek, submissive introverts who live to please others. They take the path of least resistance whenever possible. They so desperately wish for peace, for everyone to get along, and to avoid conflict at all costs.

Since Sanguines or other extroverted temperaments would rather be laying out on a beach with friends or interacting at a fun event, Spring cleaning can be viewed as daunting or perceived as another task that is keeping them away from all of the fun. Keeping a decluttered space is important.  To aide in attacking these house chores, one recommendation is to get it done with baby steps. Here in the DMV, the days of forty degree weather is behind us (fingers crossed), as a result one step is to clean out the coat closet by only keeping the coats that make your heart skip a beat or the ones that have not made an appearance on your runway in Fall 2016 or Winter 2016. The rest can be donated to a friend or left out at your front door for a charity to pick up.  

Whatever your personality type Spring cleaning can be a bit overwhelming, however attacking one area like your coat closet is a great start. Being the Sanguine that I am, I took the same inventory last month and kept the loves below.  Which are your favorites? What's your temperament? Thanks for letting me know in the comments.

Spring Fling Ready!

“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade. -Charles Dickens”

Ah, I can feel the refreshening temperatures quickly approaching, the bloom of stunning flowers, and the streets of downtown DC crowded with people fleeing from cabin fever. Although it's not my favorite season, it beats wintry conditions. Nonetheless, Summer is in the light and winter is in the shade as Dickens mentioned.

As we embrace, accept, and welcome the Spring season, changes in our mindset and wardrobe should all align. In reference to our thoughts, perspective, and mindset, here are three things to do to move on to a new season. First, embrace that you are changing, growing, and evolving as well as those around you. Your tribe may change. Things that worked for you in the winter season of life may not work for you in the new season. Try to embrace it. Secondly, accept the changes. Be at peace, believe, and pray the serenity prayer by  Reinhold Niebuhr. "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Thirdly, as you've emptied the old to make room for the new. Welcome the new. Gladly receive the new opportunities, new tribe, new lessons, new love, the new you, and everything else that the new season brings.

Let's get into that wardrobe. In order to get your closet ready to welcome the new season, let it blossom with the colors from Pantone's Top 10 Colors for Spring 2017. Ooh la la! Check out those COLORS. I'm so crushing on Kale, Primrose Yellow, Niagara, and of course Pale Dogwood and Hazelnut. Love. Love. Love. The great thing is that I have most of these colors in my closet. Don't forget to utilize these colors on your nails as well. Island Paradise will be new for me. But I'm looking forward to incorporating it in my Spring looks. Any colors you're not quite getting a good vibe from? Any favorites?

Pantone's Top 10 Colors for Spring 2017

Until Spring officially makes a grand entrance, continue with a transitional look similar to the one below. But please remember, Spring arrives in two weeks. Get that mindset and wardrobe ready for the new season that is quickly approaching us.

"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade." -Charles Dickens