Lane Bryant

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Reality TV???

Last evening I had the opportunity to attend the Love and Hip Hop Atlanta reunion show viewing party. As always, Studio Couture looked amazing and so did all the gorgeous guests. The main viewing area was elegantly set and our BFF Blogger Corner was in a prime location to see and be seen. Although, I have to be honest with you, I had only watched one other episode of Love & Hip Hop Atlanta prior to this viewing party.
Studio Couture & Love & Hip Hop Atlanta Guests

Blog Fab Fashionitas and Guests

I personally found the first episode to be draining. It was only 30 minutes long but the range of emotions that I experienced during the show were so extreme, that I chose not to continue watching. I found the depiction of black women in Atlanta to be deplorable and very damaging to our image. Many of the women on the show are portrayed as emotionally unstable, opportunistic and overly aggressive. Because of my initial feelings about the show, I was unsure that I would be able to offer an objective review of last night's events.

However, after reflecting and pondering, I thought to myself, "shame on me for being so judgemental." "Who died and left me chief of the morality police?" I ultimately determined that there are two sides to every story and I needed to see how real, is reality TV? I am so thankful that I put my preconceived notions aside and attended the event.

Meeting Momma Dee, mother of rapper Lil' Scrappy and breakout star in her own right,  was definitely memorable. She is a very self assured, confident woman who has taken advantage of this Love and Hip Hop "opportunity" and is using it as a catalyst to build her own brand.  She was a very composed and gracious hostess, and took the time to make sure that all her guests were contented. She was also clear that if we wanted something to eat or to drink, we would do it before the show aired, because there would be no walking during the viewing because everything would be done in decency #andinthatorder, #yaheardme!
Me and Momma Dee #andinthatorder #yaheardme


In addition to Momma Dee, reality TV star Neffe, of the Frankie & Neffe show, also lent her star power to support this event. Meeting Neffe was like running into an old friend that I hadn't seen or spoken to in 10 years. The familiarity that her personality exudes was both inviting and refreshing, definitely not indicative of the way she was portrayed on her own "reality TV" show. Lil' Scrappy was also on hand to support his mother at this event and was very attentive and considerate.
Me and Neffe

Momma Dee & Neffe

With all that being said, I really had to sit back and wonder, if someone took 24 hours of my life and sensationalized the most unflattering parts and edited it into a 30 minute show, is that really and accurate portrayal of who I am? Of course not, because at the end of the day I AM HUMAN.  I am multi-faceted and experience a wide range of emotions daily. I make mistakes and I have certain aspects of my life that I would like to remain private. The only thing that makes me different from a celebrity is that my indiscretions are not the topic of public conversation.  When considering myself in their shoes, I can definitely empathise with the cast of the show. We only see an edited snippet of what is taking place in their lives, therefore leaving way to much room for us to gather unfair presumptions of their character.

From this day forward, I am choosing to be a lot less judgmental and much more open-minded. I am coming to realize that if you give someone the benefit of the doubt, they just might surprise you.

xoxo-

<3 Parker S.

Image Architect, Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds and Me

Blog Fab Fashionitas, Lil' Scrappy, Momma Dee & Neffe


Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Birthday Beauties...

I know it's been a while since you heard from me. I have so much to catch you guys up on. Earlier this month, I hosted a birthday brunch in celebration of my 31st birthday. If you haven't noticed already, but I am really love celebrating life. It was such a pleasure to enjoy both new and old friends as well as family. I was even fortunate enough for my 85 year old grandmother, to make a cameo appearance.

My celebration took place in a private room at Social Vinings. With an eclectic playlist of jazz and big band music, me and my guests noshed on savory bites and really enjoyed each other. The highlight of the day for me was when I told each one of my guests what I admired most about them. You know, sometimes it doesn't matter how long you have known someone, but how much they bring into your life. Each lady that was in attendance has in some way impacted my life and for that I am truly grateful.

It's really amazing to see how far I have come since last year, and how excited I am about what's to come in the future. I really appreciate each and everyone of you for all of your kind words and support over the past few months. With you guys, I wouldn't be where I am today. So, keep dreaming, keep believing and most of all, Make the world your personal runway!!

"See you on the front row!"

<3 Parker S.

p.s.- View photos from my party at www.proofimages.com. Special thanks to April Smith for capturing my memories and to Lily Torte Baking Company for providing the cake, cake pops and cupcakes!

Lily Torte Baking Company Cake & me in ASOS Curve Dress

3 generations...  me, mom and granny

Me and my FAB mom! How cute is she!!!

Party Favors for my guests... and yummy mimosa!

My BFF's Rosalyn, Shane, Kerrie, ChaKiva, Nikka & Keren! 

Thursday, August 9, 2012

If only for one night...

Get your mind out of the gutter! I didn't have a sultry rendezvous, with some mysterious stranger, but one of my dreams did come true. A few months back, you may remember me telling you about a very talented jewelry designer named Rean "Enjeanious" Fisher in my "The One That Got Away Post". I fell in love with the most AMAZING necklace. It was a piece designed for the runway and in order to have it become a part of my wardrobe, it came with a hefty price tag that I couldn't afford.

Well, after reconnecting with Rean a few days ago, she agreed to loan me a piece to wear for an event that I recently attended. Much to my surprise, she loaned me the piece of my dreams, the one that got away. My level of elation could not be put into words. Now, Like I said in the title, it was only for one night, but while I was wearing it, it was mine. I felt, elegant, regal, famous & wealthy. I could not have asked for a more perfect piece to accent for my navy ASOS Curve tutu peplum top, Talbot's luster linen pencil skirtpatent envelope clutch.

Sometimes, your dreams really do come true.  It may not happen the way you think it will, but it may still happen none the less. So, keep dreaming, keep wishing, keep believing and most of all, "Make the world your personal runway!"

See you on the front row-

<3 Parker S.



Friday, August 3, 2012

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

Hey Guys, today is my 31st birthday! 1 year ago I launched the logo for Everyday Runway and 8 months ago I launched EverydayRunway.co. It's so amazing to see how far I have come. I would not be where I am today without all of you.  Thanks so much for all of your support and well wishes! I am so humbled to have such amazing family, friends and followers!  All of you mean so much to me and I am so grateful to be able to live my dreams. This is only the beginning and I am so excited about what's to come.  Stay encouraged, keep dreaming and most of all, "Make the world your personal runway"!


See you on the front row-

<3 Parker S.



Thrifted Jacket, H&M Dress, Kenar Handbag, Target Sunglasses, Nine West Shoes