Weak for Fab'rik

Last week I was honored to support my blogger buddy Shane Ross of "I am Fashion Weak" at her very first boutique event. I actually met Shane a few months ago on the Chic Boutique Tour. I knew then that Shane was in a category all on her own. She has an effortlessly chic sense of style and is able to effectively mix budget buys with high end hits. When she sent out the invites for her event, I immediately RSVP'd because I knew it wouldn't be a disappointment.

Shane & I on the Chic Boutique Tour

Shane partnered with  Fab'rik Boutique in Atlantic Station and put on a FAB "summer in the city" girls night out. Of course, I arrived early, so that gave me a little time to explore the boutique and Shane's set up.When I first walked in, I was greeted and given a raffle ticket and gift bag. I went over to get my photo snapped in front of her backdrop and grabbed a bite from a very elegant spread of light summer eats. DJ OMG did an amazing job of setting the mood, and people were mixing and mingling and having a great time.

I am Fashion Weak GNO

As more people began to arrive, the guest of honor made her grand appearance. I have to tell you, if this were my event, I would have been sweating bullets and probably running around like a chicken with my head cut off, but Shane coolly walked out in a gorgeous navy bandage dress w/ matching ankle strap pumps. She graciously greeted her guests and posed for pictures. In addition to getting a very busy boutique to close early to host her private event, she also treated her guests to complimentary polish changes by Bliss Atlanta, chair massages, cosmetic enhancement consultations and a Stella & Dot trunk show! Throughout the night there were awesome give-a-ways and if you made a purchase at Fab'rik, you got an additional discount, too.

Virtuous Styles, La Lynn Accessories, Oh!Nikka, I am Fashion Weak

I am Fashion Weak GNO

As the event ended, I got an opportunity to hang outside with some of my bff's and catch up on the latest news and take more fun photos.  This was another great night and an even better example of women supporting each other.

My BFF's :)

xoxo-

Parker s.

Gems N Baubles...

There is nothing that I love more than standing out in the crowd. While attending #FFFweek2012, I ran into one of my FAVE accessories vendors from Atlanta, Gems N Baubles! Cassandra Mason, owner had a FAB set up at the Skorch TV launch party. Many of you may remember Cassandra from my "Wonderful World of Wole" post, where I actually met her while attending a fashion show. I had browsed her pieces online before, but had never been able to experience them in real life.

Skorch TV Personality-Lola Darling, Me, & Gems N Bauble Owner-Cassandra 

As I approached the table, the most amazing citron yellow bag caught my eye. It's vintage, lady-like style had my head spinning with possibilities. Once I saw the bag, I went into full on stalker mode. I had to have it.Unfortunately my dreams were shattered because Cassandra informed me that she intended to keep the bag for herself. I was devastated. I needed this bag. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was the final, critical component to complete my mod ASOS mini dress that I was wearing to the fashion show the following evening. 


After begging and pleading and basically offering everything but my soul for this bag, she finally conceded and agreed to sell it to me.  Because we were staying in the same hotel, Cassandra delivered the bag to me the following morning after the party. During this early morning rendezvous we were able to sit, chat and become more acquainted with one another other. I found out that Cassandra's flair for the unique and her strong entrepreneurial spirit derived from her mother, who was a former beauty salon owner. It's this unwavering spirit that makes Gems N Baubles so different from it's competitors. 

At Full Figure Fashion Week

With Gems N Baubles, you get a personalized shopping experience that is both exceptional and unparalleled.  Because it is a mobile business, Cassandra can set up a personal, private viewing or host an event for you and your friends. She also rarely orders more than 2 of the same item in a particular color to keep the integrity of your look semi exclusive. Her keen eye for the unique keeps her on the constant search for new, distinguished pieces and helps her to develop exclusive partnerships with designers to bring one of a kind,  hand-crafted items to  her clients.  


Since dawning my little yellow bag at Full Figured Fashion Week, I have also hit the red carpet with it at the Lia Sophia Gala Noir in Milwaukee (yes, I am a repeat offender and wore the same look twice :) Don't judge me), and most recently on the Chic Boutique Tour. I loved the bag so much that I also bought in in 3 other colors that I will showcase through out the season. You never no, I just may do a give-a-way, so stay tuned! 


For more info about Gems N Baubles, please visit www.gemsnbaubles.com. 


"Make the world your personal runway!"


xoxo-


<3 Parker S. 

On the red carpet at the Lia Sophia Gala Noir

On the Chic Boutique Tour

My fave little bag in black at #Shimmer440 event

#cbtour Glow Edition

Yesterday I jumped on the bus for the Chic Boutique Tour Summer "Glow" Edition. The meet up spot/first tour stop this time was one of my FAVE Atl spots, BouChic Boutique & Lounge. As always I was early, but this time it actually came in handy. I was able to help Rosalynn, founder of the Chic Boutique Tour out when she was in a crunch. I immediately jumped into action and went from tour guest to honorary "Check-in Diva Extraordinaire".  After successfully completing my check-in duties I was able to grab some pics of some of my blogger besties before boarding the bus. 

Moi looking FAB in ASOS Curve

@rosalynnwilson, @twostylishkays, @ohnikka, @iamfashionweak, @virtuousstyls (clockwise wise from top left)

Tour Bus Beauties

Our second stop on the tour was a FAB little boutique called House of Couture. I can't believe that I have missed this little gem hiding in downtown Atlanta. It's eclectic, trendy and quirky style make it a great haven for anyone looking for unique pieces. House of Couture also carries a great selection of designs by local vendors, one of which I was fortunate enough to meet yesterday. I also scored a FAB heather lavender swing dress that is both comfy and cute. I'm sure it will show up in a future post. 

FAB Finds at House of Couture

Next up was an AMAZING lunch at Lenox Square Grill. Normally on the tour we have a FAB boxed or catered lunch on the bus, but this time it was very refreshing to actually be able to sit down with 50 of your best girlfriends and have lunch on the patio at one of Atlanta's best malls. The buffet style lunch included a variety of club sandwich choices, a build your own salad station and a southern summer staple, fried green tomatoes. I loved this new component of the tour and hope we can do it again on the next one. 

Lunching Ladies at Lenox Square Grill

After filling our bellies we posed for a few pics and jetted down the street to Plush, "The pretty little purple boutique". Plush actually started in Castleberry Hills as a size 14-up store and has now relocated to Chamblee and offers sizes 4-24. Wendy & her hubby make a great team and run this FAB boutique together. Ladies on the tour scored some amazing clothes as well as accessories. 

Playful at Plush Boutique

Upon leaving Plush, we boarded the bus and headed for Sole Shoes & Accessories in Atlantic Station. Sole has been around for the last 10 years and is the go to spot for all of my Midtown Mavens & Buckhead Betties. Conveniently located within a few steps of Twelve Hotel, the shoes and clothes in this spot are TDF. Although there wasn't any clothing for the curvy girls, their wide variety of Jeffrey Campbell shoes, more than made up for that. The Sole Divas were also kind enough to give us complimentary champagne and cupcakes. 

Sassy Sole Sisters at Sole Atlanta

Finally we ended just where we started, BouChic Boutique. When we arrived back, Karen, one of the owners of Cayetano Legacy Jewelry was on the scene. Cayetano is hosting a traveling trunk show in BouChic until August 5th. The jewelry pieces are beyond amazing and I was fortunate enough to score an amazing necklace. Stay tuned for more on this FAB brand. 

Crazy for Cayetano Legacy Collection

After snapping a few photos and saying my farewells, I can't help think of how fortunate I am to have spent the day with an amazing group of women. In the words of Rosalynn, I challenge all of you to "Be Courageous, Humble, Independent and Classy; Be CHIC!" 

"See you on the front row!"

<3 Parker S. 

Sol-Oasis

Quaint, intimate and relaxing are all words that come to mind when I think of Sol-Oasis Day Spa. Last night, friend & fellow blogger Nikka Shae hosted the most amazing tweet-up. Upon arriving, the staff at Sol-Oasis greeted me with a refreshing glass of "Spa Water" (fruit & vegetable infused water) and ushered me over to the area to sign up for my services. I am so glad Nikka made this a pajama party. I love being a FAB fashionista, but being able to let my hair down and relax is so much better.

As other ladies started to arrive, the pampering began. My first spa service was a mini pedicure. Of course, I was long overdue for a pedi, and I was a little embarrassed at the state of my feet, but my technician graciously without judgement commenced to resurrect them and make them look amazing! Like I said, this was a mini pedicure, so basically just nail shaping and a polish change. I can only imagine what the real experience will be like because the pedicure chair feels like a throne fit for a queen. 

After completing my mini pedi, I went back for a mini facial with microdermabrasion. I was a little apprehensive because surprisingly, I have only had one other facial before this one and that was several years ago. Teri Eastin, aesthetician at Love Your Skin (located inside of J.Michelle Salon above Sol-Oasis) was very knowledgeable and addressed some of my skin concerns. Overall, she gave my skin a good bill of health and some pointers on what I can do to correct some of my skin concerns. 

After my facial, I was able to savor some delectable spa bites and hang out with the other ladies. I saw a lot of familiar faces, but because this event was so intimate, I was able to really get to know everyone. I love it when black women are able to support each other. Nikka has done such a great job of creating a group of like-minded women with the Blog Fab Fashionistas. We really are BFF's and every time I'm at an event, I learn something new and am in turn able to educate and encourage someone else. 

I ended the evening with a mini-manicure by Sol-Oasis owner, Kassundra. She has really created a lovely environment that every woman should experience. She has developed very unique spa services that I can't wait to experience. She also has her own line of skin products. I was fortunate enough to win a gift bag that included one her body butters and body oil. It smells so good and I can't wait to try them out. All in all, I had the best time bonding with my new besties and am super excited to visit both Sol-Oasis & Love Your Skin, for more "next level" pampering! For more information about Kassundra and Sol-Oasis, visit www.soloasis.net and for more info on Teri, visit www.terieastin.skincaretherapy.net. 

See you on the front row!

<3 Parker S. 

#Shimmer440

Last night I had the most amazing time sipping, shopping and social networking for an amazing cause at Shimmer Boutique. The sip & shop was benefiting the YWCA of Greater Atlanta Women in Transition Program (WIT). WIT is an 18 month program that provides shelter for women and children that have been left homeless due to domestic violence, relocation, eviction, job loss or foreclosure. The unique program allows the families to live together in dormitory style housing with communal bathrooms, kitchens and entertainment areas. The program empowers & educates the women on " identifying and cultivating economic opportunities, sustainable employment, and life skills necessary to retain employment and maintain stable homes for their families."


Whenever I go to these events, I am always so overwhelmed and elated by how generous the women of Atlanta can be. Denise, owner of Shimmer Boutique was gracious enough to be the host location and 3 amazing ladies (Dea @pgrdresses, Sojourner @sojournerruth, Monica @freelollipops), championed the cause. There were amazing give-a-ways provided my yours truly and several other brands, as well as complimentary beauty demonstrations. I ran into some of my favorite ladies and met lots of new friends. There is no greater feeling than giving back and being surrounded by positive women encouraging each other. 


Stay tuned, a follow up article will be coming soon on the WIT program. They have an ongoing wish list and if you are looking to give back, this is an amazing charity to consider. For more information visit www.ywcaatlanta.org/women-transition


xoxo-


Parker S. 

H&M Dress, Gems & Baubles Handbag, Lia Sophia Jewelry, Sole Society "Tori" Shoes

***Fashion Flash***

Join me this Wednesday for Girls Night Out presented by Shimmer Boutique benefiting the YWCA of Greater Atlanta Women in Transit (WIT) program! I hope to see you there!

<3 Parker S. 

Rocking My Thiqness

A couple of  weeks ago I received my first styling challenge from the Thiq Boutique. As many of you know I was recently appointed as one of their Brand Ambassadors. I must honestly tell you, I was a little anxious before I opened the package. A couple of my other Thiq Sisters had received theirs, and were saying how opposite the look was from their regular style. When I finally mustered up enough strength to open the envelope, I was pleasantly surprised!

My look was AMAZING; a vibrant purple one shoulder tunic with a bold turquoise trim. Because the tunic looked a little long, I thought I could wear it as a dress, but as soon as I put it on and saw that the one of the side slits came up to my hip, I immediately dismissed that idea. Initially I thought that styling with this piece would be a breeze, but it really did become a true challenge. There were too many possibilities.

My first styling concept was "Modern Geisha". While exploring this idea, I thought I would incorporate a color-rich, Asian printed obi belt, an amazing pair of Geta (Japanese wooden sandals) and some slim white pants. I'm sure the look would have been OK, but  as all of my friends know, I do tend to go over the top sometimes. Therefore, I decided K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid!). I took  a more abstract approach and created the look "Color Craze". To further enhance the vibrancy of the tunic, I opted for my bright orange bandage skirt and neon accessories!

I hope you enjoy the look!

xoxo-

Parker S.