Welcome to my blog!
I'm so glad you found me!
The Ultimate Fashionista blog was started in 2012 as creative outlet to share my personal style, outfit ideas, fashion tips, and a small piece of me with the world. My main goal is to reach as many people as I can to help them create and refine their own personal style.
Style is my business and I love exploring all the venues in getting my message across. I hope that my blog becomes a resource for many. I look forward to the challenge of sharing my personal style perspectives with an interactive audience.
I hope it will inspire you and thank you in advance for all your love and support!
From the Blog
Recapping the LipSynk Cosmetics New Year New Look Mommy Makeover
All I can say is WOW! When I tell you I had the BEST New Year’s Eve ever, you wouldn’t understand. Words simply can’t explain just how divine it was! Well first, I should back up and explain that I was asked to participate as the Fashion Stylist for the 3rd annual LipSynk Cosmetics New Year New Look Mommy Makeover. LipSynk Cosmetics is based in Raleigh, NC and was founded by Mrs. Denise Wiggins. It is a brand that empowers women around the world while serving as a platform that will give back and make women feel beautiful, confident, inspired and empowered. You can read more about Denise and LipSynk Cosmetics here. I was informed there would be three ladies selected for the make overs which would take place on New Years Eve, and it would be an opportunity to give back. As soon as I heard the words “give back”, I immediately agreed to participate. How could I not when giving back is and has always been very near and dear to my heart? So much so that I have to constantly remind myself that I am not only in business to be successful, but to actually make money to pay bills. In addition to giving back, I love and relate to the other business values of LipSynk Cosmetics such as empowering and uplifting others. I reached out to fellow businesses and friends, and they graciously volunteered to sponsor the donations of clothing, shoes and accessories for the women. Although I didn’t know exactly what all of the donations would consist of, I couldn’t have planned it any... read more
I Tip My Hat To You
Over the past few weeks in my area we’ve been experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures up until this week. Now that the weather is finally turning cold, it’s time to break out those badazz hats. You know, the one’s that don’t keep your ears warm, but you look damn good in? Thank goodness there are so many options to choose from this season. I have loved seeing the variety of brims. There are just too many styles to name, but Wikipedia has the coolest list of hat styles I’ve seen thus far. For today’s look, I could have easily worn a wide brim style hat, but I chose to be different and wore a camel colored fedora style homburg hat with black grosgrain trim. If you aren’t familiar with a homburg, it’s sometimes called a “Godfather” after Al Pacino’s wearing of one in the mafia movie “The Godfather”. It’s one of the oldest formal style hats, and as you probably suspect, they are traditionally worn by a male. I’m neither a gangster nor a male, but I break all the fashion rules, so I don’t care. Another unconventional twist to this look was pairing it with a dress. In my opinion the homburg hat gives this dress the right amount of sassy. What’s your opinion of my look today? Photography by: Em Grey Photography //Homburg Hat (rag & bone New York)// Similar here AliExpress //Dress (Vintage)// //Belt (Vintage)// //Purse (Vintage)// //Fur Booties (Karmena by ShoeDazzle)// //Makeup (Reveal Cosmetics)// Love, The Ultimate... read more
What Goes Around Comes Around
It’s a new year! As one would think, out with the old and in with the new. But wait, not necessarily! The nature of fashion can be somewhat short-lived; however, this new year I’m focusing on giving my high-end goods of yesteryear a second life. During a recent trip home my beautiful mother gifted me with her and my grandmother’s vintage hats that I love wearing. I decided to wear this eye-catching crown jewel for new years since it’s one of my favorites out of the entire bunch. I love the deep elegance and how it commands attention. It became more remarkable for me to wear it for a special occasion. I paired this 1940’s beauty with a LBD (little black dress), and my favorite vintage handbag and fur scarf. 2015 has been such an amazing year! I would like to take this time to personally thank everyone for all of the love and support you’ve shown me and my blog. It’s been wonderful! May God bless you in 2016! Happy New Year to you and your families! Photography by: Em Grey Photography //Black Dress (Uneak Boutique)// //Armcandy Strappy Platform Sandal (Nine West)// Purchased at Amazon //Tassel Handbag (Carlisle Collection) (Vintage)// //Hat (Vintage)// //Fur scarf (Vintage)// Love, The Ultimate... read more
My ShoeDazzle Holiday Wish List
I consider myself a Shoe Connoisseur! My absolute favorite is heels, and I’m the type of woman who thinks you can never have too many. Since joining ShoeDazzle in 2008 and becoming a Brand Ambassador earlier this year, my shoe collection has nearly doubled. If you haven’t heard about ShoeDazzle, I would like to invite you to an opportunity to get 50% off of your first item + free shipping if you join as a VIP. I want you to participate in the madness, and after all I don’t want to be the only one wearing these fabulous shoes. LOL Click here to start your shoe addiction -> ShoeDazzle VIP Offer If you want your shoe game to be on point this holiday season, you’ve come to the right place. Read on and check out my Holiday Wish List. As an added bonus, I’m also providing some quick style recommendations on how to wear these desired beauties… RAZIEL Style recommendation: A red or electric blue dress would look fabulous with the glamorous glitter covered Raziel pump LEANDRA Style recommendation: The shimmering sequins on this beauty would look gorgeous paired with a black lace dress DINARI Style recommendation: This edgy pump looks great with a tulle skirt to show off the beautiful hardware. TERRINA Style recommendation: If you want to make a statement with a pop of color, wear Terrina with black and white. JOLIE Style recommendation: Wear Jolie with a pencil skirt to show off the sleek details of the fabulous grommets. TONICE Style recommendation: For a hot look that’s sure to turn heads, pair Tonice with... read more
Fifty Shades of Lace
It’s exactly one week from Christmas and I’ve been religiously listening to Whitney Houston’s “Do You Hear What I Hear”, which is one of my favorite song’s this time of year. I can’t wait to spend the holidays with my family! In preparing for another Christmas party this weekend, I opted for a bold and sophisticated look in this exquisite belled A-line shaped orange-red dress. This outfit is extremely comfortable and stylish, and the dress color symbolizes physical energy which is appropriate for this season. Coupled with a black blazer makes this look more unified. I turned this ensemble up a notch by pairing it with my over-the-knee lace overlay peep toe boots. These lace boots are to die for! While the origin of lace is disputed by historians, most agree it arose in the early sixteenth century. It’s safe to say lace has been around for a very long time, and it continues to be featured on runways from New York to Paris. Lace is classic and I love its ability to add a feminine flair to any outfit it graces. I’d love to see your comments below on what are you wearing to your holiday parties. Until then, sending love your way this Christmas! //Black Blazer (Paper-Crown)// //Red Skater Dress (Parker NY)// Alternative boohoo //Kaye Over-The-Knee Boots (ShoeDazzle)// //Lips Clutch (Old)// Alternative FarFetch Photography by: Em Grey Photography Love, The Ultimate... read more
Not your average Holiday Look
The holiday season is in full swing, which means there are holiday parties to attend and plenty of opportunities to get dressed up. I love busting out the red and sparkle for this time of the year, but today I’m sharing a holiday look with an edgy twist that will put the average Little Black Dress to shame. This tulle skirt is perfect for the holidays. It’s froufrou in all the right ways. If you’re not familiar with a tulle skirt it’s the airy and whimsical princess skirt for grown ups. Since the skirt is full, I opted for a higher fitted waist and used a cropped leather moto jacket which hits at the waist to draw the eye to my smallest point. The spikes add a little edge to this very girly skirt. It’s all about having fun and looking feminine! This skirt was custom made by Jacqui’s Place Designs. The great news is that it can be customized specifically for you! The waist material can be the changed or shortened, as well as the color of the skirt. To place your order for a custom made tulle skirt contact Jacqui’s Place Designs. Enjoy your parties and Happy Holidays my Darlings! //Leather Moto Jacket// bebe //Leather Tulle Skirt// Jacqui’s Place Designs //Blue Maypril Pumps// Rachel Roy //Spiked clutch//LIONEL Handbags Photography by: Em Grey Photography Love, The Ultimate... read more
Date night with ShoeDazzle’s Harley
Welp! Thanksgiving is over and once again, the holiday season is here. My beau and I were tired of turkey so we decided to switch it up a bit and head out for a nice sushi dinner and night on the town to listen to some live music. // Shoes – Harley by PaperFox (ShoeDazzle) // Love, The Ultimate... read more
Getting back to nature with Modern Terrarium Studio
Last week The Raleigh Blog Society and triFABB collaborated for a wonderful new blogger meetup, hosted by Ramble Supply Company located in downtown Raleigh, NC. Ramble Supply Company is a home and lifestyle boutique supporting artists and makers with an eye for quality crafted goods and design made in small batches. The store offers a range of gorgeous gifts such as beautiful hand-made jewelry and textiles, as well as locally made soaps and treats. I also love that the store offers DIY classes and events to connect the local community, and the ability to meet the maker. Jessie Conner, owner of Ramble Supply Company also showed us the beautiful patio which can be rented for events. Megan George Co-Owner and Creative Director of The ZEN Succulent provided a hands on succulent terrarium workshop to promote her new book Modern Terrarium Studio. As Megan told her story about how she grew up locally and became interested in plants because of her upbringing it brought back fond memories of my childhood when I used to spend most of time helping my grandparents in their garden. Oh how I miss the days of being close to nature and having direct access to the fruits of the earth. Lately the hustle and bustle of daily life has taken me away from nature lately so this was refreshing change in my routine. I was excited about getting my hands dirty. Learning how to create and take care of a terrarium was amazing. Megan not only explained things but her book steps you through all of the details of the process. I was surprised at... read more
ShoeDazzle Takes New York
Hey Loves, I’m a proud Brand Ambassador for ShoeDazzle, which is an online fashion subscription service based in El Segundo, California. ShoeDazzle offers amazing shoes which are both fashionable and timeless. Last month I was fortunate to attend the very first ShoeDazzle meetup on the east coast, held in New York, New York. This southern belle graciously packed her bags and headed straight for The Big Apple to meet virtual friends I’ve been interacting with but never had an opportunity to meet. Upon arriving on Friday, I met up with three other fellow ambassadors at the Marriott Courtyard Midtown East Hotel. We spent the evening getting acquainted since we were my roommates for the next two days. Day 2, Saturday afternoon was our first official meeting in Times Square at the famous red bleachers. The anticipation was killing me but I was thrilled to finally meet the ShoeDazzle management staff who makes the program successful, and the other brand ambassadors from all around the world. It was amazing to hear how far some of the ladies traveled. The furthest was from Hawaii. Can you say WOW?! After the initial meet and greet, our assignment which was an ice breaker, was to unleash our inner blogger and team up with other ambassadors for a NY-inspired street style scavenger hunt. There were several places/objects where we had to take fun photos. We took a short break and next on the agenda was meeting at 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar for cocktails, appetizers and treats. Day 3 began with a lovely brunch with the gorgeous ShoeDazzle Ambassadors at Parker & Quinn at the... read more
