Memo 111: Best of 2013

To: All

From: Me

Date: December 31, 2013

Subject: 2013 Review

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Man, 2013 has been something pretty amazing. I just need to go sit in a corner facing the wall with the lights off to fully reflect on this year. 

Lately, I've been paying attention to my time; how I spend it, who I spend it with, and what I spend it doing. I've come to the realization that there are a lot of things that you can get back, do over, or get more of but not time. So, I'll be using it wisely.

I'll continue that into 2014 along with being extremely thankful for all of life's blessings, large and small. I'm so thankful for you guys and your continued support. Best wishes for 2014!!

Sending a virtual "clink clink" to you all. Happy New Years!

Here are the some of the best moments from Instagram:

Select "More Werk!" for the Top 5 Looks of 2013.
(Click the link to go to the full post)

Memo 110: So Icy

To: All

From: Me

Date: December 27, 2013

Subject: Cooler than a Polar Bear's Toe Nails
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Hello, my name is Tiffany and I'm addicted to designer collaborations. 
Hi Tiffany…

Back in November, November 14th to be exact, I waited in line for the Isabel Marant for H&M designer release. I previously owned not one Isabel Marant item (not even the wedge sneakers!) and this H&M collabo was my chance.

If you follow me on Instagram, you saw that I walked out with a couple of very cute bags filled with goodies from the collection. But truth be told, after my bank account and I had a really long heart felt conversation with each other, I was only left with four items: the silk scarf which I've worn here, the metal scarf, and the top and jeans worn in this look.

When I saw the look book, this top and these jeans were all that I wanted. Obviously, I loved the prints. However, when I threw this snow white coat from Zara on top of those prints, a cool so icy was achieved that even I wasn't ready.

Please excuse the breeze...

Coat: Zara, Top: Isabel Marant for H&M, Jeans: Isabel Marant for H&M

Gloves: Zara, Clutch: BCBG, Shoes: Vince Camuto, Sunglasses: Marni for H&M

Clutch: BCBG

Memo 109: Why Don't You...

To: All

From: Me

Date: December 25, 2013

Subject: Lady in Red
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Give love on Christmas day?

Sure will! Sending a huge virtual hug to all of you on this Christmas day. I hope that you're spending good quality time with loved ones and eating yourself into the ultimate food coma. Have a second (or third) plate on me and we'll work it off tomorrow, okay? Cool.

It only felt right to bless the day with a little red. And by little, I mean a lot. I love the ease and flow of this dress. It almost looks like I was invited to a Christmas togo party. Hmmmm, someone definitely needs to try this next year and let me know how it turns out.

I finished off the look with some unexpected outwear (trench cape and feathers!) and a gold belt. I'm pretty sure I'm loving the cape on cape or collar on cape action. Spicy!

Merry Christmas to you all! Muah!

Dress: Maison Martin Margiela for H&M

Shoes: BCBG, Cuff: Mango, Clutch: ASOS

Dress: Maison Martin Margiela for H&M

Memo 108: The Mountain Top

To: All

From: Me

Date: December 23, 2013

Subject: Neutral Texture Clash
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So…Christmas is in two days. Are you ready?

Yeah, me either. 

This past weekend, the girls and I went on a 24-hour trip to Sedona. To say that we had a bawl; that it was beautiful, amazing, breathtaking, and wonderful would be an understatement. During the holidays (and mostly any other time of the year), I like to celebrate my relationships. The memories created with friends and family last more than any gift in my opinion.

On to the look...

Lately, I've been feeling very neutral. For this look, I went on a texture frenzy. A little leather here, some faux fur there, topped off with a quilted cherry on top. It was perfect for the cooler Sedona temperatures!

Coat: Zara, Faux Fur Vest: Rebecca Taylor, Leather Shorts: tba, Turtleneck: Zara
Fauxtography: Maya Monitto-Webber

Faux Fur Vest: Rebecca Taylor, Leather Shorts: tba, Turtleneck: Zara
Fauxtography: Maya Monitto-Webber

Bag: Coach
Fauxtography: Maya Monitto-Webber

Sunglasses: H&M
Fauxtography: Maya Monitto-Webber

TWP's Top Designer Shoe Sale Picks

Remember these two Fashion Rules!?:

• DO invest (read: spend lots of money) on outerwear, shoes, and handbags. Basically, the items that you are likely to have for a while (not trendy), will wear several times and that won't change much do to a fluctuation in weight.

• DO NOT be ashamed to shop the sale rack! Now, I clearly shop at the quality for less online sites and stores but I've also been able to find comparably priced contemporary and high end designer pieces during luxury retailers' seasonal sales. So, don't count them out because you think they may be too expensive. The additional 30% and 40% off sales is where you'll rack up the savings.

Here's your chance!

(Click the Image for Details)

Memo 107: Little Gold Riding Hood

To: All

From: Me

Date: December 19, 2013

Subject: Double Cape
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Gold all in my cape…

This Hugo Boss short cape has been hanging patiently in my closet for YEARS waiting for the chance to make an appearance. Well, doll, here's your chance! You know how you love a piece when you see it and it must come home with you but you haven't been able to find the right moment to debut it? Yeah, me either.

AND I absolutely love the whimsy that the t-shirt from Global Couture provides to this look. I'm pretty sure I'm in love with the red lips the most.

Also, I just joined Bloglovin' this morning. So, if you haven't already, Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Short Cape: Hugo Boss, Trench Cape: H&M, Pants: Zara

Bag: Coach

Short Cape: Hugo Boss, Trench Cape: H&M, T-shirt: Global Couture,  Pants: Zara

Bag: Coach, Shoes: Yves Saint Laurent, Double Cuff: Oregon Boutique

Memo 106: Casually Speaking

To: All

From: Me

Date: December 17, 2013

Subject: Car Repair Shop Flow
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Someone once asked me "Do you always wear heels? Can we see something with flats?".

Sure can. 

I wore this look to get my car repaired. No need for heels at the mechanics unless….never mind.

I've featured these Sperry Top-Siders before here and I still feel the same way about them. I seem to always pair them with these pants and this bag. Comfortable to the max!

Coat: Zara, Cardigan: Zara, Sweatpants: J. Crew

Cardigan: Zara, Sweatpants: J. Crew, T-shirt: Custo Barcelona, Scarf: Zara

Shoes: Sperry Top-Sider, Bag: Louis Vuitton

Hat: Armani Exchange

1. Mason by Michelle Leather Panelled Wool Blend Coat

2. H&M Fake Fur Coat

3. J. Crew Printed Wool-Blend Twill Coat

4. Thakoon A-line Coat

5. ZARA Combined Faux Leather Coat

6. MaxMara Studio Amabile Coat

7. Burberry Prorsum Leather-Sleeved Cotton-Twill Trench Coat

8. Burberry Vinyl and Gabardine Trench Coat

9. Carven Blue Wool Chevron Coat

10. Vika Gazinskaya Monochrome Diamond Print Coat

11. Miu Miu Striped Jacquard Coat

12. Feeluxury Pink Love Sleeve Geometric Embroidered Coat

Memo 105: I Would Like to Make a Statement

To: All

From: Me

Date: December 13, 2013

Subject: Statement Coat: Look 3
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Soooo…

I went absolutely black-and-white print crazy with this look. Like, I lost my mind with it. Sometimes, that's how it is with fashion. You push it a little and it may push back. Keep pushing. Lose your mind a little and come out with something pretty freaking awesome.

There's literally something about black and white right now that's giving my soul life!

Coat: Elie Tahari, Dress worn as top: Oasis, Skirt: French Connection

Ring: Consignment Find, Shoes: Report Signature, Clutch: Nasty Gal

Ring: Consignment Find, Clutch: Nasty Gal

Earrings: H&M for Marni

Memo 104: Fall Into Something Amazing

To: All

From: Me

Date: December 11, 2013

Subject: Statement Coat: Look 2
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I just came to the realization that I want to laugh all the time and all day. I'm not completely sure how I'm going to make that happen but I'm definitely going to give it a try. Laughing is just so good for the soul and it burns calories if you laugh hard enough. 

Moving on, this coat just screams FAAAALLLLLL!!!! And you know I love the prints going on in the fabric. For this look, I focused on the green and orange accents in coat to complete the look.

Coat: Moschino, Sweater: H&M, Pants: Zara

Sunglasses: H&M, Clutch: BCBG, Shoes: Stella McCartney

Coat: Moschino, Sweater: H&M, Pants: Zara

Clutch: BCBG, Sunglasses: H&M

Memo 103: Let Me Take You to School

To: All

From: Me

Date: December 9, 2013

Subject: Statement Coat: Look 1
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Let's talk about statement coats. As the temperature turns down (the opposite of turn up), the outer layer becomes increasingly important. I like to make a statement as each layer is removed but I have to start from the one that you'll likely see in these upcoming winter months. Let your coat do all of the talking!

And please, a moment of silence for the scarf. 

*silence*

Amen. 

Coat: ASOS, Pants: Zara, Sweater: ASOS

Coat: ASOS, Pants: Zara, Sweater: ASOS, Scarf: Isabel Marant for H&M, Hat: Armani Exchange

Clutch: ASOS

Memo 102: Feeling a Little Blue

To: All

From: Me

Date: November 15, 2013

Subject: One Dress, Three Ways: Look 3
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For the last look, I am featuring a little monochromatic mixed print with a boost of color. You all know how I feel about cobalt blue.

So, if you were to ask my friends about my arrival time to events, they may or may not say that I can sometimes, not all the time, be a little bit tardy. It's just that I try to do too much before I leave the house. 

For instance, I'll have one hour before I need to arrive somewhere which includes a 30-minute drive to the location. In my mind, I can completely do my hair, paint my nails, fold the laundry, wash the dishes, Facebook surf and get dressed in the remaining 30 minutes. Yes, I'm ambitious and totally wrong!

Check out the video for "Fashionably Late":

Coat: H&M, Dress (worn as shirt): ASOS, Pants: H&M

Clutch: Nasty Gal, Shoes: Vince Camuto

Memo 101: Truck Stop

To: All

From: Me

Date: November 13, 2013

Subject: One Dress, Three Ways: Look 2
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For look 2, I'm wearing the ASOS shirt dress as a (drum roll, please) dress! I bet you didn't see that one coming.

I like to keep it fresh here at The Werk! Place. You know, keep you on your toes…

Blazer: Zara, Dress: ASOS, Belt: Massimo Dutti, Sunglasses: Marni for H&M

Blazer: Zara, Dress: ASOS, Belt: Massimo Dutti, Sunglasses: Marni for H&M

Booties: Versace, Clutch: H&M, Bracelet: BCBG, Ring: ASOS

Blazer: Zara, Dress: ASOS, Sunglasses: Marni for H&M

Memo 100: Cafe, Oh Hey!

To: All

From: Me

Date: November 11, 2013

Subject: One Dress, Three Ways: Look 1
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ONE HUNDRED MEMOS!!!

Seriously, I cannot believe it. What a journey this blog has been. I think about the first memo often and finally forcing myself to click "publish". I had to leave the house. No one even knew I existed at the time but I was "out there". 

My heart, my spirit, my art was on display for all to see (which was no one at the time but you get it). If you've ever had something personal to you put on display you know the feeling. 

Within two weeks, I've celebrated my one year blogaversary and reached my 100th Memo and I'm just so thankful. Thank you for continuing to follow a sista!

On to the look, when I saw this ASOS Shirt Dress, I knew that there were many possibilities for it which makes it the perfect purchase. Here's the first look.

Coat: ASOS, Dress (worn as a shirt): ASOS,  Skirt: Zara
Photography: Brent Gates

Bag: Marc Jacobs
Photography: Brent Gates

Coat: ASOS, Dress (worn as a shirt): ASOS,  Skirt: Zara, Bag: Marc Jacobs, Shoes: Charlotte Olympia
Photography: Brent Gates

Memo 099: It Don't Matter If You're...

For some reason, I have really been into black and white lately.  The colors together make such an amazing statement. I am drawn to the unlimited possibilities. Throw on a taupe cross body mini satchel or slip on some bright yellow pumps and it's all to the good. Spice it up or lay it down, it doesn't matter. Black and white is here to stay and I am here for every little piece of it!

Look 1- Memo 065: All Summer Long
Look 2 - Memo 088: First Look
Look 3 - Memo 077: Dream Chaser
Look 4 - Memo 083: Oh Crêpe!

Are you feeling inspired? Check out the pieces below and get into it!

Memo 098: Quality Find

To: All

From: Me

Date: November 5, 2013

Subject: Quality and Quantity
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Sweet Jesus, H&M, you just speak to my soul sometimes.

Two words: This. SKIRT.

Sometimes, when you get into the habit of shopping fast fashion retailers you may need a little reminder of what a quality piece looks like. I usually hop over to the luxury retailers pretty often just to make sure I keep my eye for it.

Ya'll, this skirt was handcrafted with unicorn wings and fairy dust. No, seriously.

Blazer: Tibi, Blouse: Sandro, Skirt: H&M
Photography: Elton Anderson

Blouse: Sandro, Skirt: H&M
Photography: Elton Anderson

Blouse: Sandro, Skirt: H&M, Cuff: Scott Lyall Boutique
Photography: Elton Anderson

Memo 097: I Pity the Fool!

To: All

From: Me

Date: November 1, 2013

Subject: HUHC Outfit Recap: The Tailgate
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Oh hey, November! Seriously? I can't even handle it.

So, to say that I may have overpacked for Howard University's homecoming last weekend is an understatement. I had more luggage for three days in DC than I did for 10 days in Europe! But I'm serious.

I wore this look on Saturday to the official HU Homecoming tailgate. I know what you're thinking. There were no less than 3,000 people at this tailgate. Just take my word for it. It was a complete spectacle. 

There's a lot of standing and walking at the tailgate, so flat shoes were a must and I brought my favorite (read: only) pair of comfy Hunter boots!

This look has an air of Mr. T. swag to it and I like it!

Coat: Zara, Dress: River Island, Tights: Forever 21, Boots: Hunter

Necklaces: Melody Ehsani and ASOS, Rings: H&M and ASOS, Bracelets: BCBG, ASOS and H&M, Sunglasses: Marni for H&M

Coat: Zara, Dress: River Island, Tights: Forever 21, Boots: Hunter