Memo 218: Take a Look Back Over 2015

To: All

From: Me

Date: December 30, 2015

Subject: 2015 Year End Review

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Well, well, well. Here we are again at the end of one year and days away from the start of another. Of course, we'll promise that we will change our entire lives in 2016 and I hope that you maintain at least half of those life changing endeavors.

Here's a few tips that I've learned along the way about goal-setting or resolutions, if you're fancy:

• Sit in a corner and get with yourself. I am the QUEEN of sitting in a corner! Or I used to be. Sometimes, I get so consumed with marking off items on the checklist that I forget to sit back and reflect on all that has been accomplished. This is huge in setting future goals. Take a moment to reflect on all of the good and bad things that have happened in 2015. You may surprise yourself at how much you've grown or accomplished. It may even highlight some opportunities for improvement that hadn't occurred to you.
  Then, get to writing those goals.

• "Write it down on real paper with a real pencil. And watch shit get real" - E. Badu (@fatbellybella). If you're serious about your goals, not only write them down but break them down. Take a high-level goal and break it down into S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely) milestones and watch that thing come together.

• Accountability is key. Get with a group of people or a person that you can trust to hold you accountable to your goal. I believe in different people for different goals. It would help if they were knowledgable about what it is that you would like to achieve because knowledge is after all power. It never hurts to partner with someone who's been where you are and is in the position where you want to go. 

Now, for a little reflection over the last 12 months here on the blog. Here are the top 5 posts for 2015.

5. Memo 200: Meeting My Co-Werker for Drinks

Select "More Werk!" to see the remaining top posts of 2015.

(Click the link to go to the full post) 

Memo 217: A Three Way for NYE

There's nothing better than seeing some outfit poetry in motion. 

Outfit Details:

• Look 1: Memo 215
• Look 2: Memo 214
• Look 3: Memo 216

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Memo 216: Room Full of Strangers or Nah?

To: All

From: Me

Date: December 26, 2015

Subject: NYE Outfit Inspiration: Part III

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What's your personal philosophy about New Year's Eve: Club with a room full of strangers OR friends and family only? Weigh In.

As for me and mine, we normally bring the new year in amongst familiar faces. There's something symbolic about starting a new year with people you actually know and like. 

For this last NYE look, I took a few of my favorite pieces from the H&M for Balmain collection and paired them with these sequin harem pants, faux fur cardigan and feather collar all from Zara. I MUST start to diversify my shopping options.

Cheers to whatever it is that you need to bring you peace and happiness in 2016. I hope you get it!

Photography by: Dorrell Edwards

Website: Always Timeless Productions

Instagram: @alwaystimeless

Memo 215: Peek-A-Boo, I See You!

To: All

From: Me

Date: December 23, 2015

Subject: NYE Outfit Inspiration: Part II

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What is this like Christmas Eve to the second power? Christmas Eve Eve? Either way, we're two days away. 

I remember being in Catholic School (yes, I went to Catholic School) and learning all about the advent wreath and story of Jesus's birth. I miss religious studies classes. I liked feeling knowledgeable about what was actually going on while I tore through my pile o' Christmas gifts. 

Or was everything just better and more exciting as a child? The magic was still in it. I guess it's a little different when you finally figure out what's up and you're old enough to just get what you want.

I digress.

For this second New Year's Eve look, I partnered up some oldies but goodies from my own personal boutique. I always preach to shop your closet first. The sequin pencil skirt in this look just does it for me along with the Nasty Gal peek-a-boo sweatshirt. This top is like being kind of covered and showing some serious skin at the same time! Just like the look from Memo 214, it's not your traditional (read: typical) NYE attire.

I just want to let you know that you have some options on how to shimmy your way into the New Year.

Photography by: Dorrell Edwards

Website: Always Timeless Productions

Instagram: @alwaystimeless

Memo 214: Shiny Bling and Things

To: All

From: Me

Date: December 21, 2015

Subject: NYE Outfit Inspiration: Part I

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I knew the time was going to go faster once October hit but you're never quite prepared to blink twice and walk right up on 2016. 

So, in these last 10 days of 2015, let's spend some time reflecting, celebrating with loved ones and shopping, of course! This week, I'm doing a little New Year's Eve outfit inspiration. And you can't bring in a New Year without some sequins, feathers and faux fur. 

I mean you can but, like, why? Shine on, sista!

In this look, I took a French Connection sequined t-shirt dress and added a casual sporty vibe with the cargo jacket from H&M. What if you want to be blingy during the day? Welp, here's some daytime shine.

Photography by: Dorrell Edwards

Website: Always Timeless Productions

Instagram: @alwaystimeless

Memo 213: These Pants Will Make You Dance

To: All

From: Me

Date: December 18, 2015

Subject: I Like to Cha Cha!

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Have you ever experienced an article of clothing that caused a great emotional response all while simultaneously leaving you a little puzzled? Well, these Lavish Alice pants gave my heart a little palpitation when they scrolled across my computer screen.

It was a hate to love them at first sight. I didn't know quite how to process them. Pants complete with layers upon layers of fringe. I just didn't know what to do with them. So, of course, I had to see them in person to find out if it they really had a place in my life.

They arrived and I was 100% in love. THEY'RE PANTS FULL O' FRINGE! Dear, Lord. The movement and texture is EVERTHING! I kept it simple for this look just to let the pants live a little on their own. They don't need any assistance.

Did I mention they were a part of a collaboration with Lindsey Lohan? #Impressed

TWP Approved!: Holiday [Bag] Charm

Swagging out a handbag is not necessarily a new phenomenon, it's just the current one. I have a small denim bag from college (circa two-thousand and something) that I decorated with Fraggle Rock iron-on badges and fun-spirited buttons. It's never not fun to add a little personality to your common everyday objects.

So, here, I've selected some very cool and interesting charms to add a little oomph to your bag. These options are actually pretty reasonably priced. Although, the Fendi Bag Bugs sparked this new craze, I technically and financially can't afford them! No shade, it's just too rich for my blood. Be clear, I have no problem with accepting them as a gift ALL DAY LONG.

*hint hint*

(Click through the image to purchase)

Memo 212: Pom Pom Party

To: All

From: Me

Date: December 10, 2015

Subject: I like to Pom Pom!

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And just like that, I have a slight obsession with little furry balls! My pom pom love is right up there with my adoration for tassels, fringe and clothes that make me feel like a super hero.  I mean how cute are the pom poms in this look. 

I have balls every where. Balls on my bags, balls on my shoes, balls on my hat, balls on a cat, balls in the air, balls everywhere! Nod to Dr. Suess.

Get a little pom pom in your life.

Memo 211: Two Looks to Meet with Mother Nature

To: All

From: Me

Date: December 8, 2015

Subject: Into the Wild

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One thing that I always realize when I venture into the wild is how small I am. Walking around conducting your everyday normalities, you can sometimes forget that there's a force out there bigger than yourself. Nature will definitely help you to put things back into perspective.

Try walking close to the edge of Horseshoe Bend at the Grand Canyon and then come back and tell me how you feel. 

On this journey, I packed some comfortable athletic wear from Adidas Originals courtesy of SIX:02. Check out the looks that I wore to have a little personal one-on-one with Mother Nature.

Lower Antelope Canyon

TWP Approved!: Holiday Shoe Shopping Guide

So, you just got that good invitation to your annual work holiday party or your girl's gift exchange and you're trying to figure what you're going wear.  Never fear, Tiffany is here!

Now, when I get dressed, I like to start from the bottom up. I ask myself a few questions: How comfortable do I want to be? Am I stunting on these hoes or nah? Will there be dancing involved?
Will I be doing a lot walking or will Uber (Gett or Lyft) be a part of the plan?

These are very serious things to consider when you're making outfit and, most importantly, shoe choices. For the holidays, you're going to want to go with style over comfort. So, make sure that there's room in your cute little blinged out bag for flats.

Get into my top picks for shoes this holiday season:

1. Balmain Lilea Pumps

2. Loeffler Randall Callie Platform Oxfords

3. Miu Miu Peep Toes Pumps

4. Sophia Webster Lola Gem embellished satin pumps

5. Charlotte Olympia Dolly Pumps

6. Isabel Marant Becky Over-the-knee boots

7. Sam Edelman Nadine Platform Heels

8. Stuart Weitzman Nudist Sandals

9. Alaia Studded Suede Ankle Boots

10. ASOS Pointed Shoes

Memo 210: Simple Sweater Dress

To: All

From: Me

Date: December 2, 2015

Subject: Sweater Dress Flow

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Well, Happy December to you! I always feel like after Halloween, it's pretty much a wrap for the rest of the year. It goes Halloween to Happy New Year in no time! So, as always, try to stay present during this last month of the 2015. 

This year, I hosted Thanksgiving at my house...again. Note to self: Stop doing that. Hosting is not for the faint at heart. I'm just now getting my house back to normal after almost an entire week. Anyway, this is what I wore. After cooking, for two days, I just wanted to keep it simple.

And this sweater dress from ASOS was the way to go.

Cyber Monday Situation

Welp, it’s game time folks. This is the moment that we’ve all been waiting for! It’s time for the Cyber Monday Sales! I wrote about how to properly prepare for them on Hello Beautiful here? It seems like no one was ready to talk about saving but we’ll address that again after the holidays.

As you know, two of my Fashion Rules! are:

• 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 a list of sales to shop now. Ready. Set. Go!

(Click through links to shop!)

• Anthropologie 25% OFF Sale + Free Shipping CODE: XTRAGOOD
• ASOS U.S. 30% off everything. CODE: BLESSED
• BNKR 20% off storewide including sales CODE: CYBER2015
• Candid Art 25% off CODE: SHOPSMALL
• Cocotique Get 25% off all Subscriptions + Bonus $5 Gift Card. CODE: COCO25
• Cole Haan 40% off everything 
• Diane Von Furstenberg 25% off sitewide CODE: CYBER25
• Farfetch Up to 50% off Sale +  Extra 10% off all sale prices CODE: bf15
• French Connection 40% CODE: FC40BF 
• Forever 21 21% off your next purchase + free shipping no minimum. CODE: CYBER21
• GAP 40% off everything CODE: BESTCYBER
• H&M 20% off of $25 and over CODE: 2020, 30% off of $50 and over CODE: 3030, 40% off Sale Items CODE: 4040
• Luisaviaroma 20% off extra discount on sale items CODE: BF2062
• Macy’s  Extra 20% off + Free shipping over $25 purchase CODE: CYBER 
• Matchesfashion.com Up to 50% off must-have pieces from luxury labels.
• Nasty Gal Shop up to 50% off for  right now 
• Neiman Marcus Gift card event! Earn up to a $500 gift card with your select regular-price purchase online CODE: GC4YOU
• Net-a-Porter Up to 50% off 
• Nordstrom Extra 25% off select items. 40% Designer Sale + Free shipping and returns 
• Old Navy 40% off everything CODE: BESTCYBER
• Otte Additional 40% off all sale items CODE: EXTRAPIE40
• The Outnet 75% off Selected Items 
• Rag & Bone Up to 60% off
• Rebecca Minkoff All Orders Get 25% Off + Essie Nail Polish + Free Shipping 
• Rebecca Taylor  30% off site wide CODE: CYBER30
• Revolve Clothing 50% off final sale items CODE: CYBER50
• River Island Extra 30% off. CODE: BFRIDAY15
• Samantha Black 20 - 50% off
• Sam Edelman 30 % off sitewide CODE: SAMSGIVING
• Sharonreneemua 25% off CODE: cybermonday
• Shoescribe.com Extra 25% off + Free express shipping CODE: CYBER15
• Shopbop Spend $250+ and save 15%, Spend $500+ and save 20%, spend $1,000+ and save 25% CODE: GOBIG15
• Tees In The Trap 25% off CODE: BESTFRAN
• The Outnet Up to 80% off on Designers Label 
• TOPSHOP Up to 50% off selected lines 
• Urban Outfitters  $15 off $75 or $50 off $150
• Vince 25% off CODE: WRAPUP25
• Yoox Extra 30% off  

Memo 209: Monochrome Like a Pro

To: All

From: Me

Date: November 18, 2015

Subject: Solid Colors Unite!

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Lately, I've been in the mood for monochromatic looks. Not only because they look great but they're pretty easy to create. Literally, gather all the pieces that you have that are same color and then wear them. Insert *praise hands*.

In this look, I added some texture with the leather accessories and the heavy woven pattern of the Gap sweater. Even though it's easy, I still like to create a little interest.

Happy Monochroming!

(yeah, I just made that up)

Photography by: Dorrell Edwards

Website: Always Timeless Productions

Instagram: @alwaystimeless

Memo 208: Fur Friendly Finds (Say that Three Times Fast)

To: All

From: Me

Date: November 16, 2015

Subject: Faux Fur Love

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Nothing says Autumn/Winter like tossing a little faux fur into the mix.  As you can see, they're adding a smidgen of fake fur every where: Jackets, vest, boots, hats, gloves and more. There's really no excuse not to add some texture to your look this season with all of the options available to you.

Here are a few of my favorite faux fur pieces to add to your wardrobe now to help you battle the cold and stay on trend.

(Click through the image for details or click the highlighted text for details)

First Row (l. to r.): Karl Lagerfeld Vest, Topshop Monochrome Vest, River Island Pom Pom Gloves, Athleta Earflap Beanie

Second Row (l. to r.): ASOS Bomber Jacket, Splendid Booties, Topshop Embroidered Gillet, Topshop Hybrid Coat

Third Row (l. to r.): Zara Maxi Stole, Barbour Trapper Hat,  BEX Collar, Marciano Vest, Charlotte Simone Pom Pom Hat

Memo 207: Werking Out with My Co-Werker

To: All

From: Me

Date: November 13, 2015

Subject: Co-Werker Introduction + LUV 2 Werk It! Bootcamp Recap

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If you've been keeping up with me on the Snap, you know that I've been trying to get my body together with juicing, eating a somewhat balanced diet and consistent visits to the gym. Sometimes, they're successful. Other times, I find myself just sitting in the parking lot for 20 minutes and then driving home. Judge your mom.

If you don't love the gym, it's hard to maintain the motivation. That's why it's important for me to switch it up, wear cute werk out gear, and involve other people to hold me accountable. During the weekend of my 3rd Blogiversary, I partnered with Coach La La V. of LUV2bFitnHealthy to host the "LUV 2 Werk It" Bootcamp at the Pan Pacific Park in LA.

Coach La La V. and her partner, Coach K. Raines, had us sweating our lives away. Seriously, it was fun because we were amongst friends and they had the music poppin' but the werk out was real!

Check out their site for more information on personal training, group sessions and meal prep activities. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook. 

Photography by: Will Boyd

Memo 206: All Mixed Up in Adidas

To: All

From: Me

Date: November 10, 2015

Subject: Adidas Superstar Paris!

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Now, usually, I don't "do" this. I don't think I've ever been the tomboy chic kind of girl. I like dresses and pencil skirts but bay-bee when I saw this track suit from Adidas, I knew that she was for me. Seriously, LOOK at all the patterns and prints going on in this look. It's a paisley-snake print-three-striped wonderland.

Photography by: Dorrell Edwards

Website: Always Timeless Productions

Instagram: @alwaystimeless

Social Werk! | Mixed Media 3rd Blogiversary Recap

This year I took the blogiversary celebration to downtown, Los Angeles at the Roosevelt Lofts Rooftop lounge. We were surrounded by beautiful views from all angles.

Memo 205: Fuzzy Wuzzy Bear

To: All

From: Me

Date: November 3, 2015

Subject: A Little Faux Fur Never Hurt Anyone

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Happy November to you! October lasted for all of 2 minutes. I coughed and it was OVER. At this point, the rest of the year is pretty much a wrap! We'll blink and it will be 2016. I keep requesting that the keeper of the time slow it down but he doesn't listen. So, enjoy today before you sneeze and it's over.

Sounds like I'm coming down with a cold...

Speaking of cold, I hit up my go-to online retailer for everything, ASOS, and found this oversized faux fur sweater from Religion. It is a sure bet to keep you warm as the temps continue to drop. I kept it simple with this look by adding some creased navy slim fit pants from H&M and my go-to over-the-knee boots from Sam Edelman.

Photography by: Dorrell Edwards

Website: Always Timeless Productions

Instagram: @alwaystimeless