#OOTD - Take 2 (So Blu)

After my bestie bum-rushed her way into my house, late, to go to an event, I had to toss on something quick. LOL

Soooooo... THIS is what I came up with and I loved it. With all this blue going on, the bestie totally recommended I throw in some color and the yellow oversized hoops and the bright watch was a great combo. I was also super excited to finally be able to wear my skull studded clutch from iequalstyle.

Oh and the event was super fun!! ;-)

Blazer - vintage striped polyester/linen/cotton mix | local flea market

Top - grey Georgetown sport's team tee | local consignment shop

Denims - dark blue wide leg denims | Target

Shoes - blue & white striped Oxfords | Marshall's

Watch - neon yellow/lime & black | Marc by Marc Jacobs watch (Nordstrom)

Earrings - oversized yellow hoops

Sunglasses - black mirror lens shades | iequalstyle 

xo,
Chas B

Vintage Post/#OOTD - Take 1

Working in a male dominated industry, I try to leave the hard hat at work. So when the weekends roll around, I like to make my clothes have fun. And since I love the crap out of everything vintage, it's only right that I show it off.

Top - vintage loose fit floral top | local consignment shop

Bottom - vintage tan & cream shorts | local consignment shop

Shoes - taupe knee high boots | Poshmark

Accessories - oversized yellow hoops | local consignment shop

Accessories - green w/ gold accents hobo oversized bag by Steve Madden | gifted

xo,
Chas B

Monthly Goodies!!!

So I'm super excited to be able to write about my latest subscription... Little Black Bag. Just like the others, you sign up by taking a 2 minute quiz about your style and/or beauty preference. You're then lead to the Gallery where you select your one item. Once your item is selected and membership has been authorized ($49.95/monthly), your surprised items are identified and you have the option to close your bag (authorize shipment) or trade until you're satisfied by the close off date.

Trading is actually the fun part. Once you see what other girls have, and what you can get, you'll be trading all the way up until it's time to close your bag. I had a blast trading my items, however, by the time I signed up (towards the middle of the month) I think all the really, really cool stuff was gone.

I'm still super excited about my BCBGeneration clutch, candle, gummies and bracelet. If you haven't already subscribed to Birchbox, Ipsy or Little Black Bag, please click my links below. There are so many beauty and glam based subscriptions out there, you'd just have to find the ones that best fits your needs.

Also, I hope most of you girls are familiar with Tyme the Infamous. If not, check out her YouTube Channel. She's the guru of makeup and has launched her own website with a membership subscription. I'm talking courses, a free portfolio on the site and lots of giveaways. So check out her YouTube Channel to get a taste of her pinkness and subscribe and sign up today!!!

Who do you subscribe to?

xoxo -
Chas B

Birchbox

Ipsy

LittleBlackBag

TymeforBeauty

Poshmark - Download App from Apple Store on iPad or iPhone and use promo code HJGAT

Communion: Band Free

As I sit in church this morning awaiting for communion service to begin, I am reflecting on the past week.

Sheesh! This past week was a very difficult one. On the job and in my home. At work, my boss came through and did a winter cleaning - everybody's gone! I'm still employed and at my same position but my heart is sadden for those who are not. There are scares around the camp that more changes are near. At home, there has been a spirit of laziness visiting. Procrastination is trying to make its way in and stay as well.

But as I'm sitting here, now listening to the praise team deliver songs of life, strength and rejoice, I am reminded of something.

About a month ago, my husband brought me a band for my wrist. This band is supposed to improve my balance, restore ions, give energy, etc. Since I got it, I've been depending on it for it all.

Why? Because some kid at a kiosk said so?

I think in my mind I believe that I NEED this band.

Clearly, I DO NOT. As long as I have King Jesus, I don't need nobody/nothing else.

So now, that I've taken communion, I have restored my strength in Christ and I will depend on him for energy, a great nights rest and a sound mind. I've put it all in his hands and I will let HIS will be done.

Today I am band free and #teamJesus.

Hallelujah!
Chas B

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

40 is the new 40!

With all the "reinventing" that's being talking about these days - blank is the new blank, Aceil chose to go against the trend and tell it just as it is.

"I'm 40! But wait a minute, because I'm not just 40, but I'm the new 40," says the mother of 2.

Aceil, better known as CiCi, is ready to take on this new chapter in her life and is in no way trying to call it something that it's not.

She states in a recent interview, "I'm in a new place in my life right now. I've grown a lot in the last year or so. Made some grand changes in my life within the last few months and I'm just ready to move forward in this new chapter. I'm excited to be 40!"

She is serious about growing and changing and has the tattoo to prove it. The Washington, DC native, just got a double tattoo for her b'day that reads: Growth. The exact same tattoo also reads: Change. It's the most creative thing I've seen in this art form.

CiCi has already completed her birthday photo-shoot with Bill Lee, photographer extraordinaire of Real-Life Photos to capture her new transformation.

So what's next for the fab lady of September?

"Well, I have a private birthday celebration planned this weekend with my family and close friends. I'm working on my business, Excel with Aceil and I'm looking forward to lots of play-dates with my youngest daughter, Gisele."

I would be proud of 40 too if I looked as good. Clearly, in my case, 40 will be the new 25! Haaaaayyyyy!!!

I appreciate the time spent with CiCi to capture the coolness in her old age (smile). Even though this chica does not look a day over 29! Lol! It's been really fun hanging out and Girard Street can't wait to cover your "50 & Fabulous" story.

Now, let's party!
Chas B

"It's Settled!"

Last night I visited Spirit of Faith's Brandywine location and received a wonderful blessing - spiritually and financially. Originally the church would have been visited in honor of my cousin, Gisele's baby dedication. However, my plan to "leave early" came to an "I receive it" halt! We were receiving blessings ALL night. The spirit of the Lord moved through the temple in a very confirming way. I could feel things being settled in my life, at my home, on my job... I mean, every word seemed to have my name in front of it. How did I end up here? At this moment? At this time? To receive this word, that I desperately needed? It seemed like every word that came from Pastor Freeman's mouth was on point to what I needed. Talk about being at the right place at the right time. Sheesh!

I thank God for settling it for me!

Chas B

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Happy Birth-Month to Me!

Well, the beginning of my birthday is over. Today was great! At twelve on the dot my sister, Miss Marc Jacobs, lit up my timeline on Twitter with her all capped birthday bulletin. This led to a chain of others. Shortly after, my phone beeped and buzzed, "Happy Birthday Ms. Chas!"

As morning fully came in, my husband touched my lips with a birthday kiss. And filled my hands with some cash. Haaaaaay! I love that man. Muah!

Even Chayce gave ma some birthday love as she sneezed & cough in my face. Mmmmm!

As I prepared for work, my phone was still in over-drive. My Twitter family was up and I was RT'n. It felt good. I couldn't stop laughing at some of my tweets. I swear, I love my followers!

Of course, I had to send one up to the man upstairs. God has truly blessed my life. Almost a year ago, I gave birth to the most adorable person in the world. She's made her father and I lives more beautiful than ever imagined.

My mom called to wish me a happy birthday and like every year, I do the same to her. It's so retarded, "Happy Birthday, my Love." And then I go, "Happy Birthday Ma." As an adolescent, it's cool. At 28... bor-ring!

It's bad enough I now have to share my birthday with another sister. And according to the other birthday tweets, half the DMV.

Anyway, I finally made it to work. At this point, my voicemail is telling me that my mailbox is 90% full and I need to delete messages. Yeah right! I'm not deleting anything!

Ok. I'm a little sleepy so I'll go ahead and close by saying that I'm grateful for another year and I can't wait for all the wonderful things that's in store for me.

This is only the beginning. As promised via Twitter, I will be celebrating my birthday the entire month of February. I'll also recognize legends of black history with a Moment in Black History.

Tonight's Moment in Black History is dedicated to Langston Hughes, whose birthday is also February 1st. I get to share my birthday with one of the greatest poets of all time.

Happy Birthday Langston!

Well guys, that pretty much sums it up. Until tomorrow night... Enjoy!

And again, thank you. Muah!

Chas B

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]