fashion friday!

with bridal markets behind us and wedding season here
 there is no better time to discuss all things hot! 

WHITE, hot for weddings...

we saw the most amazing dresses walk the runways from

 vera, amsale, reem acra, maggie sottero, de la renta, herrera and lhuiller 

*yes i am biased BUT those few have always been my personal faves!*

 lace, satin, organza, empire waist, sweetheart neckline, 

trumpet gowns and the new illusion neckline, we saw it all! 

as well as amazing accessories for hair and hands

bold colors for bridesmaids - and many more trends…

there are WAAAAY to many pictures to share on a Facebook album

 SO I've dedicated a whole board on Pinterest to the cause...

*/Click Here! <3

Happy Bridal Fashion Friday!

getting to know me...

What is your real name?
Stephanie 

When and why did you start blogging?
January of 2011 - I wanted to have a place to talk with my own gals and gals alike... A warm but sassy place to share stories, beauty tips & more good stuff.

Why 3 S's?
MOST people do not get it at first but my blog title is a play on words from the Land of Man  --- They do the 3 S's (shit shave & shower) and I do Style, Sass & So much more ;)
Style & Sass are embodiment's of my soul the third SO (much more - is to cover anything and everything)

How old were you in 1993?
I was 6 lol :) 

How much cash is in your wallet & what is in your wallet right now?
$127, not counting the change lol bank cards, credit cards, my business cards, my license, trooper & pba cards,cpr card, insurance cards and some receipts.

Tell us about the most controversial blog post you published and why it caused such a stir?
I wrote a blog called "Are you a master or a disaster" about dating. (And obviously, it was someone who knows me personally) Took it upon themselves to send an anonymous comment stating "what would I know about dating - I hadn't had many serious relationships to share my take" Well, while part of that is correct, I've not dated THAT many people. I actually am in a serious relationship for nearly 8 years! I know from life, I know from friends, I've faced my own issues and on a better topic... show ya face gangsta.

What do you hate?
Spiders, tomatoes and shady behavior. COME CORRECT. 

What is your shoe size?
7.5 / 8 


Do you have any tattoos or piercings?
Nope! No tats, just my ears since I'm an infant. (1 in each ear) SECRET* I have earlobes that are connected and I only wear studs, chandelier earrings once in a while for a special occasion - because people always bust my chops for it! ;-|

Do you REALLY not make any money from your blog?
No ma'am - I really do not! I do it FO FREE!

What are you wearing at the moment? 
black yoga pants (target) ,sports bra (danskin), mens v-neck t-shirt, denim jacket (old navy) and mocassions (minnetonka)

What are you hearing at the moment?
Deniz Kyou - Follow Me 

What’s your favorite beverage?
Besides seltzer, I die for Diet Pepsi and Diet Raspberry Snapple.


Do you have kids? If so, how many and how old are they?
I do not, I am an older sister to an 8 year old - who often gets mistake for my child though!

If you were another person, would you be friends with you?
Yes! I have a good heart and I come to the table with an open mind... 
I'm obnoxious and too sassy for my own good but I'm reliable and I will always have your back - even when its things you don't want to hear! 

Name 3 goals you have for yourself in the rest of 2013.
Yikes, just 3!? To have my business further off the ground.
To take a vacation and to loose the "excess baggage" (mentally & physically)


Whatever happened to your book and will you share more?
I would love to, it's still being written, it's still very personal and like a journal. I have given it the back burner in the last couple of months while I am taking a business planning course and on the road to try my hand at my own success. But, its still VERY much apart of my life.


What’s the first thing you notice about people?
Their eyes... And I listen to people voices a lot too - I think your tone shows a lot about your character! That sounds ABSURD ha!

Can you change a flat tire?
No I cannot, but I pay a lot of money for my roadside assistance for this main reason!

If you could spend the day with a celebrity, who would it be and why?
I am such a lover of all things and TYPES of people - musicians, designers, actors, writers, business people! Ah...SHIT! This is harder then I thought! 
Growing up, I always said Barbara Walters but today right now... -- Andy Cohen, I admire him, he's funny, he's talented, he's made amazing career moves and wrangles all my favorite ladies of Bravo. I would love to pick his brain, schmooze, wear a wig and have a little cocktail!

Why do you not show any picture of yourself on your blog?
Well my blog isn't directly about ME & MY story, it's more generic to the point where it's about fashion, beauty, life tales, and that kind of thing. I also am very leery of putting too much out there right now with all he random awkward messages I get!

umbrellas & wheaties

why do people continue to rain on THEIR OWN parade

& piss in THEIR OWN wheaties?!

i myself am guilty of having a day, hell a week, ooookay maybe a month! 

geeze, i am human too!*remember that i always keep it 100% with you ;)*

i may go out of my way to take on too much, and take on new things. but all in good cause!

its that option for experience (even if it doesn't bring success) that fuels my fire because at least I tried! at least, it's under my belt now.

even if faced with a good/bad day, I get frustrated and tired and I'm an emotional being  SO then, I'm gonna yell maybe cry but piss in my wheaties.... 
I. WILL. NOT.

i had this same conversation with my girl friends AND my guy friends where they have said people don't want to put themselves too far OUT there. it seems that maybe we keep ourselves at a distance from our own accomplishments because we fear facing doubt.

doubt is nobody's friend! where does it get us, it's just as bad as worrying! while its normal and natural it is NO good to keep around for too long! so every now and again, we find it to hard to get out of the "rut". i say why the hell are we in this "rut" in the first place!

if you don't try, you won't know! i would rather have done it knowing that i tried, then to have spent all my time wondering what could have happened. i know it's hard to give advice but it's even harder to take it! 

i think part of growing and learning is being humble/ putting yourself out there for the sake of it. just because you may face defiance or negativity, doesn't mean you should sell yourself short - no matter what the case is - work, relationships, personal goals. now you have the knowledge that it can or can't be achieved...

fall down 10 times, get up 11.... RIGHT?! 

so, please take the items below & throw'm away ;-)

reflect and remember

In the wake of tragedy everyone tends to slow down and take a moment to reflect.

It is only natural that in life, 

we tend to get so caught up and forget what the simple things are...

While maybe some of us were not directly effected 

we are all mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and friends

 we know the value of life. 

Love your family and your friends.

Embrace them, share smiles and laughs.

Spread love, peace and hope for a better tomorrow.

Thoughts are with the people of Boston & Texas <3

pout perfect...

DIY lip scrubs...

i'm all about a great product but why spend upwards of $20 on a lip scrub 

when you can make one at home - using things right in your pantry

(i actually use something similar to this on my hands and nails & i can assure it softens)

1 teaspoon of honey 

1 teaspoon of baking soda 

2-3 drops of olive oil - you can use coconut oil as well!

mix all the ingredients until it forms a paste 

apply the mixture on your lips and leave it on for about 5-7 minutes

then gently rub it in to remove the dead skin

remember you can always make in bigger batches -and store in an old baby food jar.

match your hue...

picking the best shade to match your hair & eyes is truly a science. 

which i have learned a bit about through my own trial and error. 

don't be shy to go to your local sephora and ask them to help you choose. 

~

so many make up artists will tell you their best colors 

are combinations of glosses & stains

coral is a balance between warm and cool

and looks best on all skin types.

fuschia is a great move away from pink but beware of the blue tone

this color most definitely brightens the face - makes your teeth look super white too!

red makes your lips the star of your face

remember to pick one - face or eye NOT both, especially with a red lip.

so many brands out these days it's almost so hard to pick...

but check out these ;)

hearing this is all the rage right now...

http://armourbeauty.com/ 

my absolute favorite glosses and stains are from here...

http://www.sephora.com/buxom

and how could you NOT love the sleek cases & cheap prices  

http://www.eyeslipsface.com/studio/lips

tis the season...

with the seasons changing comes wardrobe transition!

what season you may be asking ESPECIALLY if you live here in NY!
this is truly the most frustrating time of year to dress yourself.
the temps aren't there quite yet but, the sun is shining!

(the main reason i hadn't posted this article) 
is because here in new york, 
we haven't experienced warmth of any kind until this past monday! 

and the worst part is, you are in full spring fever mode. 

its not bitter cold, but it's not that warm either!

so, what do you do when it is too warm for sweaters, and not cold enough to wear boots?
well this is an ever complained about issue! 

my best suggestions into spring transitions are as follows

do yourself a favor... 

do not go to the mall. do not shop online. 

( i know that sounds insane )

now go, walk away from the computer 

walk right to your closet and start looking for these essentials...

stay on trend for spring while you brighten things up a bit!

you will look great and save yourself money!

here's how:

tops:
take those chambray & sheer blouses
the layered look is a convertible dream 
pair an embellished tank top & a cardigan
try three quarter sleeves with denim jacket (white denim too)
go bold in a colored blazer - with a simple v-neck tee
dresses will never ever go out of style, and can we worn so many ways.
from sheath to wrap dresses with a wedge, a flat or a heel!

bottoms:
LOSE the heavy TIGHTS! 
work your inner princess kate*
 and try a nude/sheer pantyhose or go wild & work those lace and neon tights
try your boyfriend jeans, and cuff them for a great ankle look.
skinny jeans are still our best friend!
i say shorts aren't really necessary until its 100% hot... (my personal opinion)

accessories:
a statement necklace or scarf and you are SET!
(*check out the accessories posted on the fanpage*)

remember these can all mix for casual/ weekend & office/ evening looks

keep up with the fanpage!
every friday i will be posting in the album TREND'SPOTTING 
where you can find all the hottest accessories, colors, styles of the season.

       

veintitrés

BACKSTORY...

a couple of months ago, i shared that i was going to showcase some readers and asked if anyone would like to share something about their past. ((  how they got over it, how it effected them, if it is something they struggle with, did it change their life good or bad ))

i received, moving, raw and heartfelt emails. 
*the only reason i hadn't posted them is because of the holidays and timing was off*
but now, i will spotlight each of these stories - one a week. in a soul cleansing effort.

we as ladies have a tendency to go through a lot more than we should, a lot more than we ever really bargain for. it's not always fair, it sometimes tears our lives apart in secret, and many times we don't speak about it because we are not comfortable. now, the internet is a strange place to "let the cat out of the bag" but it's comforting to share anonymously and find support.

... i will go first! 

time, growth and courage allow me to write this. to be bold, give a closer look on the inside, and maybe inspire someone. it wasn't until i read another bloggers (whom i adore and truly am in awe of) post about her battle of "the past" that i was READY & touched enough to share a really raw and personal story of my own. 

i've thought long and hard about this, THIS and...
my decisions, my choices and my hesitations.
keep in mind, i will be slightly vague. truly will not get into many details.
i will be using the term "IT" fairly often.

so, here we...........................  go.

when did growing up become one of the most complicated and strange experiences. isn't this shit supposed to be fun, adventurous, thrilling and even a little challenging? 
seems the more you grow, the more you really do know. (cue NBC rainbow here)

this wasn't in the brochure. no one told me this could happen, well maybe, but i didn't listen - i digress. the person i trusted more then anyone else in the world took me for granted.  it took a lot for me to come to grips with the situation. it wasn't denial, it was sheer SHOCK. i was young, i was foolish. but my trust had taken a beating, like a pinata on cinco de mayo. 

the reality is, there is no cure. there's no way to get over being betrayed. whoever said "in order to get over a man, you must get on top of another" is bat shit crazy. personally, that's the kind of person that i didn't want to be.

mad, devastated, confused don't seem like words strong enough to use. but that's all i felt. 
i was also blindsided. (again, friends who i wasn't listening to  are shaking their heads now) how do you prepare, how do you pick up the pieces and move on? 

when you are angry you see so much of the you, YOU wish you had been. you can't live in the "what if i did this, what if i said that" aspect of life. it happened. it will always be apart of my story. 

i don't want to give too much gratification to a negative and hard experience. 
i'd just like to know how far back the exit for "leave your bullshit from the past here" was. i must have been singing "don't stop believing" so loudly and passed it. quite fitting.

it was a process. it took time. it was not over night. but acceptance & comprehending are two very different things. to say i was "good" with it, is hard....

good in the sense that i was NOT inviting it over for lemonade on a hot summer day (not yet at least) but good in the sense that i knew i was ABOVE this and i would persevere. like i said, it took time, at the end of the day it is myself that needed to move through this. no therapist, best friend or grandma could do it. it was just, me.

my puzzle is not complete without that piece. yes, it's true. no matter how good, bad, bedazzled or torn the pieces are, they all fit. i accept that, and i have full knowledge of the consequences "it" was going to have on my story. and i have to accept "it" because i can't write it out. the only part i could control now, was me. how i overcame. how i turned it around.


to sweep it under the rug or to put it away in a box and let it get dusty is no way to handle what troubles you. also i don't think a spot light should be placed on it either...
none of that makes it go away. you make it go away! with strength, patience and more importantly when you believe in yourself.

"do not look back and grieve over the past"  i kept shouting like a lunatic.  

it was my mantra. it was my own way of dealing.

over time, and after a lot of talking and soul searching. i was on the other side. FINALLY.
and there it was "beauty in the breakdown".

i could have sat there for years and let it eat away at my life, but it's not in my character to suffer. i could have never got past it but i had to. the tears don't come to my eyes when i talk about it.there are days, i'll have a moment where i am brought to a somber place but "it's" behind me.

it IS the past. in reality, NOW in real time...
i am moved on. it is a memory, a lesson. i'm better, stronger and wiser for having faced "it".
i am ultimately a changed woman because of this.
because of those things, i will never lose sight of myself.

you can do it to, in your own way, on your own terms. 
whatever your "it" is or was... it's just a piece in the puzzle. 
it doesn't define you.
and as bob marley so wonderfully said...

"in this great future, you can't forget your past"

<3

i have not been blogging because...

I WAS -

reading, learning about myself, researching, running, planning charity efforts, writing,  going to class, pushing myself, learning about business, spring cleaning and sleeping!

in my last post, i wrote about how i'm not a sell out - how i would never commit to a conformed style and market myself in a way to GAIN followers and become "popular"

now please 'cuse me, as i make this PSA:

i'll be the first to admit i'm learning there is some struggle in the juggle of life. ( GASPS! )
and i very often get overwhelmed, but on this journey we are meant to learn!

am i the only one ballsy enough to admit that?
it's reality, life only gets more hectic as you get older. you actually become busier, 
you are pulled in more directions. and your PRIORITIES change.

have you felt this way before, do you recognize the symptoms?

it's okay if i'm all alone, maybe you are all feeling it but felt like the ONLY ones too!
we can make a secret handshake and meet in the quad (now streaking tho!)

now that we have that out of the way.... reconnecting to the BLOG & REAL world i go <3