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.

Fashion Forward 2012

Many of you know that I have been a Lia Sophia advisor for the last 9 months. I originally signed up because I had just left my part time job and needed some additional income and I also loved the jewelry, so it would be a win/win. Also, because I came from a sales background, I thought it would be a breeze and I wouldn't have to work that hard at it.

Well, things started off ok, but like with anything, if you don't put any effort into it, you won't get anything out of it. Needless to say, I had some parties here and there, but nothing like I should have been doing. I was officially in a rut. Thankfully, my Unit Manager, Dee Hill, the person who originally signed me up, encouraged me to attend the annual Lia Sophia Conference.

Last week I had the opportunity to fly to Milwaukee and attend the annual conference. I don't know what I was expecting, but it far surpassed anything I could have ever imagined. After attending the first general session, I was a ball of emotions. Seeing that many women together in one space encouraging each other, had me on the brink of tears my entire trip.  I am so glad that I took her advice and attended. I learned Lia Sophia is so much more than just beautiful jewelry; it's literally a lifesaver for thousands of women.

Our motto, is "Sharing the love of jewelry." I really didn't get the true meaning of that until I heard the stories of why women started selling Lia Sophia. Whether it was because they wanted to stay home with their families or because they had been recently laid off from their job, the "why" may be different, but the effects were the same; renewed confidence, higher self esteem and a desire to share this love with other women.

Lovely Lia Sophia Ladies #FF2012

The most impactful part of the conference for me was the story that Joi Gordon, CEO of Dress For Success Worldwide shared. To give you a little 411, Dress For Success is Lia Sophia's only charitable donation. They donate hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry annually in addition to designing a jewelry piece each year with a portion of the proceeds going to Dress For Success. During her talk, Joi shared with us a story about a young woman who had recently gotten her life together after an unfortunate series of events. After cashing her check from work, she was robbed at gun point.

She had plans to attend a Dress For Success event and didn't let getting robbed deter her. She borrowed money and left home at 5:30 am and took 2 buses to make it to the event. As she's telling Joi her story, she said although they took her money, they didn't take her lucky necklace. She had worn the necklace when she went to court to seek visitation rights for her kids, and she had worn the necklace when she went on the interview for her current job. Joi was thinking the necklace was a family heirloom, but when she looked down, she noticed it was the Lia Sophia Swish Necklace. The Swish was the piece of jewelry designed for DFS last year. This story resonated with me so much, because something so basic meant more to her than money.

It really made me realize that my "why" was so selfish and that my mind and heart really weren't in the right place when I started my business. It's not all about making money, it's about truly using my platform to inspire and encourage women like I do here on Everyday Runway. So, with renewed faith and a better mindset, I am excited to restart my business with the introduction of the new Fall & Winter 2012 Lia Sophia Style Guide. The collection will be available beginning in August. In the mean time, take a sneak peak at some of my FAVE pieces below.

Fall/Winter 2012 Jewelry Preview

Remember, Be Strong, Be Beautiful, Be Confident, and "Make the world your personal runway"!

See you on the front row-

Parker S. <3

On the Red Carpet at the Gala Noir #FF2012

***Fashion Flash***

Hey Guys, my friends over at Fahrenheit 24/7 Digital Magazine wanted to give you sneak peek of their latest edition. They seem to have an answer to the age old question ; "What do men want?" Check out the video below and let me know what you think. I'll keep you posted with the deets of when the issue will drop but in the mean time, follow them on Twitter @fahrenheit247!

xoxo-

<3 Parker S.

#WODV

Does your partner humiliate or yell at you? Do they act excessively jealous or possessive? Do they constantly check up on you? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, this is a sign that you may be in an abusive relationship. While attending the Savvy Thriftique White Out Domestic Violence fundraiser a few weeks ago, I learned that every 9 seconds a woman is assaulted or abused in the US and that domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women. Hearing those statistics was totally unbelievable. Of course I was not ignorant to the existence of domestic violence, but I did not know that so many people were affected by it.



Ellen of Savvy Thriftique, Tymille of Cameo Ventures, Terra of Savvy Thriftique


Terra & Ellen, owners of The Savvy Thriftique, sponsored a lovely event benefiting two local domestic violence organizations. Chayil, an organization founded by Heidi Day, works with existing transitional programs to assist women up to 12 months after leaving a shelter. Their two phase system equips individuals with the tools they need to "makeover" their life and also shows them how to utilize the learned tools. On the other hand, NuRevelations, founded by Darlene Sheardon, is a faith-based organization whose mission is to motivate and empower everyone, not just women, to obtain their God-Given purpose.




Darlene of NuRevelations & Heidi of Chaylil


After hearing from the matriarchs of both organizations and noshing on delicious eats, the fundraiser part of the event began. Savvy Thriftique, a mobile resale boutique, had racks and racks of fabulous thrifty finds for us ladies to tear through. I scored a FAB vintage rose pink dress, that will make it's way in a post this fall and also got to catch up with some of my fellow Blog Fab Fashionistas. The night was truly empowering and was a great success in helping to White Out Domestic Violence. For more information about the organizations discussed above, please visit there websites at www.chayilinc.com and www.nurevelations.com .




Pretty Bloggers W/Savvy Thriftique Owners



xoxo-

Parker S.