Miami Fashion Week: Meet Me In Miami

This past weekend I had the awesome privilege of covering Meet Me in Miami, a four day weekend getaway alongside Miami Fashion Week. The weekend was sponsored by Jones Magazine and hosted by Jambalaya Media Group. Meet Me in Miami (#MeetMeinMiami) was more than a weekend of fashion, beauty and style, but attendees received invaluable pearls of wisdom from powerhouses Cynthia Bailey from RHOA and Sarah Jakes, author and daughter of Bishop TD Jakes to name a few.

#MeetMeinMiami provided attendees who wouldn't normally attend Miami Fashion Week a glimpse of the fashion world, packed with workshops, housed at the illustrious W Hotel on South Beach. The week kicked off on Thursday, May 15 with a round table discussion on WMBM AM 1490 Radio Station "The Life of a PK" show hosted by Victoria Curry with guest speakers Sarah Jakes and other PK's, an ORS press conference and a red carpet event for the 16th Annual Miami Fashion Week at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Friday's schedule provided a series of workshops with leading beauty experts. In "The Hair Affair" workshop the energetic International hair stylist and ORS Ambassador Chris Curse stressed the importance of using organic products on your hair and how the ORS product line meets the needs of consumers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZLXKBpjuwg. I had the opportunity to catch up with Chris and he shared with me some wonderful hair tips: Condition your hair regularly. Moisture happens inside and out. Be sure to oil the roots and ends of your hair. Sleep with a satin or bonnet cap to protect your hair. Don't be afraid to experiment with products. These hair tips are sure to last a lifetime. Can't wait to try ORS Curls Unleashed on my lovely locs. Mmmmh!

From hair tips we transitioned to "Walking in Confidence" with the sensational Cynthia Bailey, CEO of the Bailey Agency, producer Tyrone Barrington and agent Marcus Jackson. This workshop was one of my favorites. Cynthia's transparency was so inspirational. Simply stated, believe in yourself and believe that you are worthy of a good life. Surround yourself with people who are supportive, understand your vision and have their own vision. The rest of the panel encouraged us to be obedient. Listen to God's instruction.This workshop was so awesome that we went over time. Here's a snippet. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHFcb4380ec How can you not walk in confidence after this? After I got myself together, because God was DEFINITELY speaking to me through this panel we received some useful makeup tips from MUA Rory in the "Beauty: Inside Out" workshop.

We concluded the day of workshops with an "Hour of Power" hosted by author Sarah Jakes. Sarah is on a nation wide tour promoting her new book, "Lost & Found." She shared with us her testimony through her life's detours. Through her words of hope we were encouraged that life can happen after a bad situation. One detour doesn't change your destination and there is strength in brokenness. #SHOUT When Sarah uttered that statement I almost shouted, actually I did internally lol. I was told this past week from a mentor of mines after a personal breakdown that God can really use you when you are broken. Isn't that powerful! When we are feeble that is when He is strong and can have his way in our life. Most importantly, Sarah instructed us to let God have our life. This is where I am in my life. Really giving my life over to God, not just in word, but in deed. Singing, "my life is not my own to whom I belong. I give myself. I give myself to you." I encourage you to purchase her book, "Lost & Found." I sure did. Can't wait to read it on tour this summer.

LET THE FASHION SHOW BEGIN. After the workshops we all headed to the Miami Beach Convention Center for the Jones Emerge Fashion Show hosted by Cynthia Bailey. Guess who had front row seats *raises hand*.  #FOGLife (Favor of God). The fashion show featured designers: the Wilbourn Sisters in ready to wear and swimwear designers Allusions by A. Lekay and G Saints. This fashion show was epic, because it featured all African-American designers. As an African-American wardrobe stylist this was a proud moment.

Saturday, Sonia Jackson Myles, founder of The Sister Accord presented "Teen Empowerment" Sisters Destined for Greatness, a workshop designed to cheer 100 girls toward their God-Given path to greatness and sisterhood. Upon my arrival I was asked to be the speaker alongside Sonia. What an honor and a privilege. Who would have known that the trails I have encountered these past two moths and past couple of years would prepare me for this moment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMNKBRqlqS0 Definitely a move of God.

While the teen workshop was undergo in another workshop radio personality Jill Tracey of Hot 105 Love, Life and the 411 was hosting the Breathe Panel with panelist Tomi Tose  Sr. VP Sports & Entertainment Divsion at Opulence International Reality and author "Why Shouldn't Single Mothers Have It All, Lauriann Stepp, Holistic Professional Organizer and Khadija of Khadija's Wholistic Fitness, LLC, certified personal trainer and Nutrition Consultant. These ladies provided us with expert advice on how to live healthy lives by de-cluttering and turning anger into action and anguish.

Later that afternoon we enjoyed a Fashion Infusion Trunk Show featuring the designers from the Jones Emerge Fashion Show. Select the link for a live demonstration by Wilbourn Sisters.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKxGIx2b99Q

A weekend getaway is not complete without tea and girl talk. #MeetMeinMiami attendees enjoyed Living Your Life's Purpose, High Tea and a book signing with vision surrogate Brenda Hill. Followed by a Meet & Greet with Bravo's Fashion Queens Bevy Smith.

The weekend closed on Sunday, May 18 with a Royale Brunch and a day of inspiration with Bevy Smith, Sonia Jackson Myles, ORS Executive Shannon Skipper Green and Patricia Boswell.
#MeetMeinMiami was a weekend of sharing, uplifting and inspiring women to position ourselves for greatness. A major s/o is extended to Jilllll Tracey for making this weekend happen for me. Love you mean it!

ORS Ambassador Chris Curse

Cynthia Bailey

Makeup by Rory Lee

Lost & Found by Sarah Jakes 

At Miami Fashion Week Jones Emerge Fashion Show

Designers

                           

At the VIP Reception with Cynthia Bailey

Teen Empowerment Workshop with Sonia Jackson Myles

Jillllll Tracey at the Breathe Panel

Tomi Rose at the Breathe Panel

Fashion Infusion Trunk Show

Wilbourn Sisters Designs

            

Allusions by A. Lekay                          G Saints Swimwear                            Renee Fredrique

                                                  Meet Me in Miami next year!

A Mother's Love

Compassionate, selfless, fearless, bodacious, and virtuous are all characteristics that describe my mother, Ernestine Mike-Petit. Affectionately known to many as Momma Petit, my mother is strength, courage under fire and a mother to many. 

In celebration of Mother's Day I wanted to honor my mother in a special way. As I think about my mother's love, I am reminded of my childhood traveling with the Miami-Dade Youth Council of the NAACP to the National Conventions without my mom. Momma Petit would place my daily allowance in a white envelope for each day that I was away, this is where the concept of being a steward over my finances and learning the purpose of a budget was developed. While growing up, my brother and I never went without anything. We had the best of everything! I have watched my mother work as a teacher, balance a household, participate in extra-curricular activities, endure countless eye surgeries all while maintaining a level head. Momma Petit kept us involved in extra-curricular, stressed the importance of education and taught us to effectively prepare for the future. My mother has always been a leader, often walking alone on issues that she felt was right. She has taught me to be courageous, possess my own mind and most importantly walk in my own lane.

Nothing can compare to a mother's love. I am grateful to my mother for keeping our family together, covering my dad and surrounding us with the best life had to offer. Even today I watched her work a miracle for me. 

No matter how old I get I will always treasure my mother's love. It is my prayer when God blesses me to be a wife and a mother I will be like Momma Petit, a relentless woman of God.

Happy Mother's Day to my cheerleader and grandmother of Styling Purpose. Thank you for your unconditional love and continued support!

I'm Coming Out - Spring 2014 Shoe Trends

Whenever I purchase new accessories I feel like Diana Ross in her 1980's classic, "I'm coming out" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-mjl63e0ms#aid=P-fAY5i_8bI. I am a believer that the right accessories (jewelry, hats, purses, scarves, shoes, etc) can elevate your look from normal to extraordinary and who ever had fun JUST being normal??? Speaking of extraordinary, last week Sunday, I attended the South Broward Alumnae Chapter's Red Shoe Affair where members of the greatest sorority in the land Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, Delta supporters and red shoe lovers congregated through song and dance to raise funds for scholarships and other programs. One time for my Soror's holding it downnn. OO-op! For this occasion, I chose to rock a pair of red Carlos Santana wedges, accompanied with a Jessica Howard pocket dress, African inspired clutch by Goddess Fashion Factory and rings from Lola Black Boutique, perfect for a Sunday afternoon event. Check me out!

Nevertheless, with my new fond love affair with shoes, I hope the boo doesn't get jealous teehee.   This spring has really captured my attention, from wearable art to cool crops; ladies there is no excuse for fashion mishaps. Just in chance you missed my spring fashion trend post from last week here it goes  http://notyouraveragemodel.blogspot.com/2014/04/spring-forward-into-new-trend.html.Coupled with spring fashion trends step into style with these spring selection of shoes: slingbacks, block heels, embellishment heels, bohemian slides, flats, sleek mules, caged booties, gladiator shoes and eccentric sneakers.

Now let's put a face to these shoes, so when you're enjoying some retail therapy you know what to look for:

SlingBacks

Block Heels

Embellishment Heels

Bohemian Slides

Flats

Sleek Mules

Caged Booties

Gladiator Shoes

Eccentric Sneakers

Until we meet again, have a fashion forward week!

Spring Forward into a New Trend

In my Muhammad Ali voice, "Spring is here." As we embrace a new season in fashion some of my viewers might be wondering how to incorporate Spring fashion into your daily wardrobe. Well wonder no more! This spring is calling for fashionistas to go beyond the classic floral print, maxi dresses and skirts and into a more chic'er, unique and fresher look.

Take a look at 2014 Spring Fashion Trends.

Wearable Art - (Photo Courtesy of The Zoe Report)

Blush Crush (Photo Courtesy of The Zoe Report)

Sporty Chic (Photo Courtesy of The Zoe Report)

Cool Crops (Photo Courtesy of The Zoe Report)

Sheer Addiction (Photo Courtesy of The Zoe Report)

The Tailored Tee (Photo Courtesy of The Zoe Report)

Caftan Crazy (Photo Courtesy of Michael Kors)

Eyelet Ease (Photo Courtesy of Michael Kors)

Jumpsuit Just Right (Photo courtesy of Michael Kors)

My Favorite Trend

My favorite fashion trend for this season and probably every season is the sporty chic look. You can create so many looks with this style. One look in particular is the overalls look. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!  Check out the belle below (Photo courtesy of Adventures in Her Stile). This beauty is working the overalls look. To add a touch of Styling Purpose, I would pair this look with a funky fedora hat, canvass kicks, some colorful chunky bracelets, an ankara printed clutch and wah-la you have a great look! 

But enough of what I would do lol. In the words of my soul sister, Lauryn Hill, "Everything is everything. After winter must come Spring, change comes eventually." Don't be afraid to try new trends this Spring. Based on the information I provided you should have a better idea of what to purchase on your next shopping excursion. Attempt to choose one item from this list and infuse it with your wardrobe and see what happens. If you're still confused then consult with a stylist, that would be me :). For fashion consultation and wardrobe styling contact LaShannonPetit@gmail.com. It would be my pleasure to service you. 

Until we meet again. Spring Forward -----> Don't be afraid to change.

Clap Along - Getting Your Own on Your Own Terms

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines happiness as the state of being happy : an experience that makes you happy. It continues by describing happiness as 1. obsolete: good fortune: prosperity 2a: a state of well-being and contentment: joy 2b: a pleasurable or satisfying experience. In a world full of uncertainties, heart aches and failures I ask the simple question, what does happiness look like to you?

For me happiness is walking in my purpose or should I say styling in it. It is fulfilling my God given purpose in life which is to encourage, uplift and empower. Happiness is moving to the beat of my own drum. Loving others, allowing myself to be loved and knowing that I am worth loving, this is happiness. Spending time with my family and friends, going to the movies, traveling, going to the beach (Yes I am a Miami Girl AKA a Beach Babe) and celebrating  my parents is a prime example of happiness to me. 

With happiness comes freedom. Freedom to be who God created you to be. Freedom to be comfortable in your own skin. When I was single and not dating, I would often take myself out on dates. My reasoning for this was that I needed to like and love LaShannon before any man could love me.

I must admit obtaining this freedom was not easy task. There was a time that I was  highly concerned about the opinions of others. Through the Purpose Circle, my Lifestyle Etiquette Coach LaQuisha Williams helped me in this area. These last couple of months God has been speaking to me and telling me that there is ONLY an audience of one. "It is what you do for me that is important, LaShannon." It is so easy to get caught up with what your family and friends believe you should do with your life or the choices you should make. According to my Bishop happiness is external and joy is within. Happiness is determined and controlled by your environment: people, circumstances, etc.  My declaration for 2014 no matter what my circumstances indicate is that I am walking in love, peach, joy, happiness. style, prosperity and favor!

American singer-songwriter, record producer and musician Pharrell has swept the nation with his song "Happy."  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM I challenge you today to complete the three step happy challenge: 1) Take a couple of minutes and think about what makes you happy. 2) Create a list. 3)Take each day to complete at least one item off this list. 

*clap along if you know what happiness is to you* Singing, "Can't nothing bring me down...Cause I'm happy."

The Truth Is... #BMJFinale

"The truth is rarely pure and never simple." Oscar Wilde. The truth is that love comes in different forms and can be defined in so many different ways. There is no set way or route to love, every relationship is different and unique. What may seem feasible for one relationship, maybe challenging for another. I have always been amazed about love and the dynamics of relationships; How couples meet, what attracts men to certain types of women. What can I say, I am a lover of love.

In the two hour Season Finale of #BeingMaryJane, MJ encounters a roller coaster of emotions that forces her to confront the truth. MJ realizes that she is still in love with David (Mr. Do Not Call) and the content of their relationship is exposed. It is revealed that David is privy to MJ stealing his perm and when confronted David tells MJ that if she wanted a baby all she had to do was ask. As the episode progresses, David accuses MJ of being crazy. Why do black men consider "US" (BLACK WOMEN) crazy? We're not crazy!!! Well...maybe MJ is for stealing David's sperm, but haven't we all done something a lil crazy in a relationship?

A host of other incidents occur in this episode. MJ's friend Terrance played by Luda commits suicide. MJ's brother, introduces Ma Dukes to some" medicinal" marijuana. Ha. Ha. Ha. That scene was hilarious! Niecy, MJ's niece (sc) gives birth to her daughter Isabell and the father of her baby finally steps in. Bravo! However, what is most intriguing to me in this episode is the COME TO JESUS MOMENT that MJ has with herself. She realizes her mistakes and is brave enough to confront them, although highly intoxicated in the process. MJ apologies to Avery and what her affair did to their marriage and encourages Avery to take Andre back. That takes a lot of courage and maturity. We might not agree holistically with MJ's past behavior, but as MJ's father said concerning the Terrance situation, you gotta make it right and she did!

While professing her love to David, MJ calls herself a ride or die chick. She says and I quote, "I'm the real thing." Which reminds of Jill Scott's song "The real thing in stereo"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAAV8EWrLXw. One time for Jilly from Philly. #LoveHer

How many of us have been "ride or dies" only to be hurt in the end. I believe the key is to being a successful "ride or die" is to be in a committed relationship. Women we must commit ourselves to men who are worthy. Men who have PROVEN that they care and love US. They have expressed their love and commitment and they feel the SAME exact way or greater for you as you for them.

While I was preparing for a women's conference call with the group Church Girls Rock last year I discovered that I was a gallon lover. I love on a gallon level, most Scorpio's do. (Discalimer - I am a Christian, but I believe there are some true characteristics of horoscopes). I am guilty of loving men who were only giving me pints. I allowed this to go on for years. Until I had a COME TO JESUS MOMENT and finally realized that the love I have to share is set aside for someone special, for my gallon mate. My heart, will match his heart.And my love and compassion will finally be appreciated.There is no greater feeling than being free to love. I wish the same thing for Mary Jane and other women in similar situations. I have read many critics on the show Being Mary Jane via social media and how the show uplifts infidelity and adultry, which I honestly disagree. The show #BeingMaryJane simply illustrates the reality of the world we live in. Reality doesn't make it right or wrong, but it makes it valid. There are many women looking for love and desperate to obtain it. There are women and men who cannot be alone, so they stay in unhealthy relationships and start other relationships on the side like David did in #BeingMaryJane. It doesn't make it right, just makes it real.

Today I was reading the March issue of the Essence Magazine and they share some interesting statistics on women, dating and relationships. Essence reports that 75% of Black women 35 and older have been married (Fewer than 10% of Black women we surveyed believe this is the reality.) Also, 81% of Black women are open to dating a man who makes less money, but 56% are firmly against dating a man who is more than seven years younger than them.

This show has addressed many issues: suicide, friendship, love. relationships, teen pregnancy, marriage, infidelity, work-life balance, lust, race, minorities in corporate america, issues of being a successful Black woman, sexuality and a host of others. Will there be a second season of #BeingMaryJane I hope so, but in the meantime and in between time I'm going to love LaShannon. Loving LaShannon means letting my light shine, embracing my brown skin, curves, locs and allowing myself to be loved. I implore all of my woman: single, dating, in between, married, divorced or "it's complicated" to celebrate your womanhood. Celebrates what makes you you!

I would like to thank everyone who joined the twitter conversation everyTuesday night with me. To all who thought my words were worthy of a retweet, favorite and a reply and to those who read and followed my blog as I recanted each episode of #BeingMaryJane. I appreciate your support.

Notyouraveragemodel is a blog covering the multi-dimensions of #faith #fashion #love and #entertainment. With each blog post it is my desire to encourage, motivate, uplift and share something positive. And I will continue...

It's the courage to continue that counts." Winston Churchill.

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