My prayers and thoughts go out to those affected in Vegas. So senseless! 

Fashion Speak 2017

Photo Credit: Detroit Garment Group

To purchase tickets, visit fashionspeak2017.eventbrite.com

Remembering September 11th

Photo Credit: livetrainperform.com

How to Help Texas

Many are affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas. To help those in need,  there are many places to reach out to and donate. According to some news reports I have watched, monetary donations are best because items may be hard to travel effectively and timely to Texans. Here are a few places to donate to that I came across: 

The American Red Cross
Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund
Salvation Army
Texas Diaper Bank
South Texas Blood and Tissue Center 
Houston Food Bank

Ideas for Dressing for a Summer Concert

Photo Credit: MDP

Getting ready for a summer concert can be pretty exciting. There's nothing like live music outdoors on a sunny day! However, the weather can make it difficult to prepare what to wear. So what exactly do you wear? Head to CW50Detroit for tips on looks that 

work for a concert. 

Product Review: The Perfect Sculpt Bra

Photo Credit:MDP

I really wanted this bra to work out because a backless bra with major support sounded like a dream. I looked at all the videos (I'm sure you have seen them with the celebrities wearing them) posted online. I thought to myself "I wonder if that really works".  But I didn’t realize that it would be so many different brands for this type of bra. Ultimately, I chose to go with the Perfect Sculpt Bra for $20.99. How does it rate? Let me start with the details.

 I bought one and a family member also got one. When both arrived I noticed they seem to be made slightly different. The sticky adhesive was patterned different in each bra and one had the logo but the other didn't. These are minor details yet it made me question the quality.

My family member and I had the similar experience with the bra. The simple pull of the draw string is supposed to provide a desirable lift and push for more cleavage. However, I noticed it takes a lot of maneuvering to get the bra on correctly to achieve some type of push-lift-affect. The draw string is very cheap to me. Once you get the bra on, it is convenient for that backless look but I didn't feel as supported as I thought.

Also, this bra becomes challenging the bigger the cup size. The family member who purchased this did managed to get the bra on and was happy to have it for an outfit but she felt that the bra would most likely allow for some spillage at some point in the evening. Therefore, I would think twice and I probably would have if I had known this.  Yet, if you are going to try one of these bras, it’s great to only pay $20.99. I am happy I tried it. Just don’t expect it to be exactly like you see online. Overall, I rate the bra at a C-. It does offer some use however, it certainly does not work as advertised.

Luxury Bridal Reception

Photo Credit: Metro Detroit Weddings

Save the date, literally! Metro Detroit Weddings is having its Luxury Bridal Reception on July 20th! It's perfect for soon to bride or newly-engaged. For more details on the event visit CW50 Detroit

Happy IndependenceDay!

New MAC promotion

I'm not a makeup person but I do love lipstick! MAC has a great new promotion! Don't miss out. Offer extended from 6/25 to 7/8!

Photo Credit: MAC Cosmetics 

Lessons from MDP on her 30th birthday

Photo Credit: Metro Diva Pages

1.  30 is what you make it! Like any other age, it can be a fresh start for more and better.

2.  Don't compare your journey to anyone else. Everyone's path at 30 or any age is different. Stay focused and happy!

3.  30 does not mean you have everything you want but it can be a pivotal moment to getting what you want.

4.  Love who you are physically and mentally at every point in your life. Appreciate all the small and big moments.

5.  Don't be afraid to do what you really want. It's better to not regret what you didn't do!

6.  Health, happiness and faith is everything.

7.  Life is short and meant to be lived so you have to have fun!

8. When you look back, you'll realize that every hardship thus far set you up for today  

    and where you are now. Embrace that!

I'm thankful to be where I am in my life and for this awesome blog that I have had 8 years. Thank you 🖤MDP

Welcome Summer!

Tracy Reese Trunk Show

Photo Credit: Detroit is the New Black

Photo Credit: Tracy Reese

Détroit Is the New Black and fshion designer and Detroit native, Tracy Reese have partnered up  for a trunk show to present her latest collections. The trunk show will feature ready-to-wear looks from Reese’s Spring 2017, Resort 2017 and Pre-fall 2017 collections.

The event takes place on Saturday, June 17, 2017 and will be held 12p.m. to 7p.m. Reese will meet be available for a meet and greet from 2 to 5 p.m. For more information on Détroit Is the New Black, you can visit http://detroitisthenewblack.com/
To learn more about Tracy Reese’s fashion, visit http://www.tracyreese.com/

Hour's Best of Detroit Party 2017

Photo Credit: Hour Detroit Magazine

You know summer is here when the Best of Detroit Party returns ! The event will be held Friday, June 23rd. For tips on what to wear to the event and where to buy tickets, click on the link here.

Tips for Shopping on a Budget

Tips for shopping on a budget

If you are anything like me, then your eye for the finer things can become expensive. However, I have found that you can look fabulous without overspending with smart shopping habits. It has taken me years to get to this place but I'm happier with how I shop now.  A budget may seem difficult but it does not have to be.Start shopping smart with these helpful tips:

1.     Set and stick to a certain spending amount.

Before shopping, know your budget. Don’t underestimate it. Stick to a reasonable amount that won’t set you back. The only way you can shop smart is to be realistic. There’s nothing wrong with keeping it real with yourself. It will all work out if you commit to a set amount when shopping.

2.     Use cash instead of credit.

Shopping with cash can be beneficial because it places more awareness on what you are actually spending. If it’s $50 in your pocket you know you have no less or more than that to spend. Swiping a card can take the thought and consideration needed when making a purchase. Another great alternative is to have an account just for fun shopping ; it should be completely separate from the money spent on bills, food and other necessities so there are no mishaps.

3.     Shop around.

It's an oldie but a goodie because it’s so true! When you are looking for a certain look or item, it is best to shop at many different places (that includes department stores and boutiques) to find quality at an affordable price. The same item you see at a large department store, can be found somewhere else for a steal. Be open to looking everywhere. (Shopping around is also  a great way to learn about new places that to  buy from.)

4.     Coupons are your best friend!

Okay, so let’s say you have looked EVERYWHERE but only one store seems to have what you are looking for and it’s still more than you can afford. Don’t fret! Most stores offer e-mail lists to sign up for. Some will give you a certain percentage off your first purchase, just for signing up. If you love a certain store or brand, then try signing up to earn that initial discount. And you can always unsubscribe from the e-mails at a later time if they become a nuisance. (Note: If you are still on the fence about an item, wait until you feel ready to buy it in order to sign up so that you can get and use the discount when you need it.) In addition, some stores still send out look books or catalogues; these are great because they can include exclusive offers or sales to take advantage of.

5.     Sales are everything! Keep your eyes open.

Everyone knows a great sale is like gold. The trick to catching a sale is to always keep a look out. I like to visit the websites of brands I like on a daily or weekly basis when I am looking for something particular. Is it excessive? Maybe. However, if you have your heart set on something and want to get it for a steal, a sale is the best way to get it. To catch a sale, sometimes you have to look constantly because they are not always advertised. Lastly, shopping at the end of the season is an ideal time to pick up items you always wanted that are priced super low to make room for new inventory. 

6.     Don’t get discouraged.

 Do not feed into the temptation go buying and giving up on the bargain. Stay strong. I believe that if something is meant for you, then you will have it. And honestly, the item you just “have to have” may turn out to be a dud anyway. Stay focused. A sale or coupon is just around the corner!

7.     Check out outlets.

Outlets can be a secret to  finding past items that you loved and missed. Depending on what you are looking for, this may not be an option if it’s a newer item. But maybe the store offers an item similar to it from a past season that could make you equally-happy and richer! Plan a trip to a local outlet store or better yet, you can call a store in another state to locate the item you want at a lower, better price. 

8.     Be aware of the return policy.

When you finally buy what you want, make sure to know what the return policy is. No one wants to spend their money on something they are stuck with it.

I hope these tips help guide you on your next shopping journey! There is nothing wrong with working within a budget. The idea is to look a million bucks without spending it.