Happy Birthday Kayla

Please join me in wishing my cousin Kayla a Happy, Happy Birthday. 

Hopefully, she will post her birthday look today. I know she's going to be cute. 

-Sonya 

I just LOVE Haus of Swag!!!!!

'Morning Honeys!!

Baby it’s COLD outside…BRRRRR.  Even with this nice little cold snap this week, I have been on a t-shirt kick these last few weeks.  I am on the hunt for unique, one-of-a-kind t-shirts that add a little pizazz to an otherwise boring pair of slacks and a blazer.  That, to me, is one of my all-time favorite combos to do.  So while on this worldwide search, I came across some absolutely FABULOUS websites that carry unique, fun and sassy t-shirts.   Haus of Swag is the name (the name alone makes me want to strut my stuff on the dance floor, hehehehe!! ) and the tees and sweaters have some of the flyest sayings on them.  They really get me pumped.  This site is woman power at its finest.  As a naturalista, the shirts have some very empowering saying that make you seriously wanna strut down the street with the biggest fro imaginable J “Blend in for WHAT”!!  Anyway, I ordered a shirt and when it arrived, what immediately caught my attention was the packaging. 

The packaging was amazing and the more I unwrapped, the surprised kept coming. The owner put so much thought into the packaging and presentation, I was completely blown away. 

By the time I made it to the actual shirt, I had experienced such a pleasant unwrapping; the t-shirt was like the bonus.  And can I say it was simply AMAZING!!! 

I can’t wait to rock this fab design and am looking forward to more purchases from the fabulous Ms. Toni of Haus of Swag.  I encourage you to check her out if you, like me, can appreciate a true artist reveling in her passion of choice.  Hausofswag.bigcartel.com. Until next time Honey bunnies……….   

KAYLA 

 

Wordless Wednesday.....OOTD

Sweater, Kmart; Skirt, H&M; Tights, Target; Shoes, Uggs/6pm.com; Earrings, F21

Kayla

Wordless Wednesday......OOTD

Sweater, MK; Ankle pants, Target; Shoes, BCBG; Watch, MK

Kayla

Wordless Wednesday..........OOTD

Shirt-Kmart; Skirt-The Loft; Shoes-boutique in DC; Watch-MK

The Furlough is Finished!!!!

Well Hello my honey bunnies!

This post is gonna be short and sweet….I’M BACK.  I am slowly returning from my not so adventurous “Government Furlough”.  Let me just say this, after a couple well deserved days off, I was chomping at the bit to get back into the grind.  It’s funny how we become so used to doing certain tasks every day like clockwork that when we get a break to change it up a bit, we are at a lost.  I did get to clean out my closet and do some much needed work around the house.  I also cooked several homemade dinners and my household was very excited about that J .  Needless to say, when it was all over, I was very happy to get back to what I do…more importantly, I was happy to start receiving regular paychecks again!  Now that my feet are back firmly on the ground, it’s time for more fun stuff……..my long awaited review of the “Talk that Talk” lipstick is coming this week……

Unemployed???

As political gridlock grips the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia area), my mind is increasingly shifting to the very real potential of a government shutdown.  Fashion has taken a backseat in today’s post as I sincerely hope that we, as a country, can learn to re-convene at the table of humanity and have meaningful dialogue and debate instead of simply refusing to “budge”.  Let’s hope this near scare moves the public to DEMAND from their elected officials more talk and less grandstanding.

RiRi Hearts MAC Fall Collection

Afternoon Huns!!!

After along summer of reading reviews, watching first look videos, and patiently waiting, the day finally arrived.  What day is that you say; launch day for the RiRi Hearts MAC Fall Collection.  Despite all of the rave reviews, and a few that were not so great, I already had in mind what I wanted; the FABULOUS “Talk that Talk” lipstick.  Overall, I was not overwhelmed by most of the pieces as I felt that by repackaging several of the items from her other releases, that left a bit to be desired.  Not to mention when I think of fall, I think of FALL.  This collection really doesn’t make me think of fall.  So I woke up this morning on a mission…..Drop the kid off at school, drive in to work, put my bags down and hop the Metro train to the nearest Mall making it there right when the doors open.  That is pretty much how it went, except I didn’t really anticipate there being a LINE!!!  I arrived around 9:45 or so and the line was already about 25 deep.  Needless to say, not what I expected but not too bad.  This is my first time venturing into MAC before a launch so I had no idea what to expect.  Pleasantly, the line moved quickly and efficiently.  There were no “knock down, drag outs” over a lipstick or eyeliner and the staff was very helpful and pleasant.  All in all, my experience went well.  I was in and out in 30 minutes.  I can’t wait to get home and try it on.  Keep your eyes peeled for a review coming soon…………   

 

Nothing to Wear

How did the seasons change so fast? I was impressed with my random purchases of summer clothes but now it's Fall and I need a new wardrobe. I have a plan and actually see cute pieces that I like and want...AND will be purchasing. I think my color will be mustard. I'm excited and cannot wait to share my pictures of the day. Of course, here are some of my motivational pictures.

Sonya

Wordless Wednesday....OOTD

Blouse; Nordstom Rack/ Sweater; TJMAXX/ Pants; Victoria Secret/ Shoes; Banana Republic/ Necklace; F21

KAYLA

HELP……………….I need a closet Makeover!!

“ I don’t have a thing to wear”….A woman’s famous last words.  But when your closet looks more like the laundry room than an actual closet, nothing could be truer.   Every season I add more pieces to my wardrobe and every year, my closet looks less and less organized.  I try to clean it out every season, donating my gently used pieces while making room for my new babies however, the last two season changes saw more incoming than outgoing.  Closets can be tricky.  Not enough items and you immediately run out to “fill’er up”, too many items and you can’t find that perfect piece you’re looking for.  I’ll be tackling the closet conundrum again this weekend.  Hopefully I find the perfect balance.

Kayla

Fall into Scarves

So two years ago I did a scarf challenge, wear one every day for a month. I loved that challenge for two reasons: I accumulated a nice collection of scarves and I actually wore them. I will not do another challenge but I will pull them out and use them. I'm in my Fall shopping phase so bare with me. My goal is to post my outfit of the day that will include...guess? 

Scarves.

You are welcome to join me and I have attached a picture of different ways to wear them.

Sonya

As Andy Williams would sing......."It's the Most, Wonderful Tiiime of the year" (For Fashion that is!!)

Happy Fall Huns!!

We are officially back in business!!  Yeah, yeah, I know, I've said this before but this time, it's definitely true. You know why? Because it's Fabulous Fall, the most important season of a fashionistas life....except for maybe Spring...then summer and I guess winter too.  OK, never mind, the point is I am soooo excited to begin styling for fall. I have so many looks that I want to try this Fall.  As for colors, I have really fallen for Cobalt blue.  That is certainly a trend color this fall and I've already stocked up.  Mustard is another color that I am looking forward to playing with. I have a few mustard pieces that I can hardly wait to style with some orange toned red lippies!!  As far as make-up is concerned, the oxblood from last season is still going strong and I'm anxiously anticipating the RiRi hearts MAC Fall collection that includes the stunning lip color "Talk that talk".  I will be in line at MAC this Thursday, 9/26 for the launch.  I've seen reviews of the other items and that is the only must have for me.  On to my hair; that is the one thing that is giving me the blues L  I don't know where to go this fall.  It is really at an awkward stage right now and I am doing my very best to be patient and resist the urge to pick up the razor......THAT, my friends, is for another post all together!!  I do look forward to posting this fall and am glad that you'll be coming along for this fall fashion ride!!!

Happy Fall

Welcome back...

It's the first day of Fall and we decided today would be a great day to start back blogging. 

Summer was great. I turned 40 in July and haven't stopped working on my Fabolous. Lets discuss nail polishes, over the summer I fell in love with Sinful Colors nail polish.  Below are some of my favorite designs that I'll wear during Fall. I hope you like them and feel free to share your pictures if you try any of the designs.

Wordless Wednesday.....OOTD

Top, F21; Pants, TJMaxx; Shoes, Via Spiega; Obi belt, Amazon.com; Purse; Kate Spade, Shades, Charlotte Russ; Watch, Michael Kors

Wanted.......Perfect Foundation for Oily Skin in the Summer. All applicants will be considered!

Good Morning Dolls:

 

Although I absolutley adore the summer time, especially the humidity and the way it makes my skin look and feel, I still have a hard time keeping make-up on my face.  I have oily skin and the heat does not help my cause.  I am looking for the Holy grail of foundations for summer use on oily skin.  After some research into the category, I've come up with 4 foundations of differing texture to try.

• Smashbox BB Cream
• Laura Mercier Oil Free Supreme Foundation
• Clinique Stay Matte Oil Free Foundation
• Neutrogena Skin Clearing Oil-Free Foundation  

First let me say that I am a full coverage kinda girl and have a philosophical issue with BB creams in general but because I need to be fair in my comparison, I've decided to suspend my skepticism for the sake of this review.  I will begin my review in the next few days so stay tuned for updates..... 

I'm Back....and Happy Birthday!!!!!

Happy Monday Loves-

 

I know it has been awhile.  Busy busy, busy the last few weeks.  I just want to drop in and say that things most certainly will improve as the summer wears on.

 

Everyone join me in wishing my blogmate and favorite cousin, Sonya, a very Happy 40th Birthday!!

 

Wordless Wednesday.....OOTD

Dress; KMart, Jacket; Guess, Necklace; MyWholesaleRoute.com, Ring; F21

Guess Who?

I've been MIA the last couple of days but I have a good reason (excuse lol) Friday was my sister's birthday so I celebrated with her and Monday was my brother's birthday so I relaxed in his honor. Actually I've been busy doing nothing in a way. However I went shopping yayyyyy. I am going to work on applying make up so I did an everything eyes shopping trip. I purchased brushes, lashes, eye mask, etc...actually I'll let the pictures show.

 

Summer, Summer, Summer time....(Per Will Smith)!!

Good Afternoon Loves:

The later part of this week has been HECTIC.  Usually, if one part of my life is a little hectic, like work, my home life will be pretty uneventful or vice versa.  Well.....the stars all aligned this week and all heck broke loose on both fronts.  LOL!  It may be coming to a close but as the weather heats up and school lets out for the summer, my hectic life just gets started.  I must admit, I do love the summer, just not all of the running that comes along with it.  How does the summertime fun affect your schedule?  

I'm Addicted

Shame on me for not listening and thinking I could avoid temptation but I have to admit I'm addicted. They say admitting it is the first step to recovery but do I really want to recover? Do I really want to kick the habit? What will I do know if I stopped? 
Well I can admit that I'm not ready to quit, I just can't give up Candy Crush...are you addicted?

 

Wednesday OOTD

Shirt; Michael Kors. Skirt; Forever 21. Shoes; Steve Madden

My Wordless Wednesday Photo Dump (closet inspired)

 

Greetings and Welcome

Welcome to our blog Ruby Rules! Thank you for visiting our spot in the cyber world.

I'm Sonya, a plain Jane flirting with becoming a fashionista, a Jack Jill of all trades (but Master of none), I have a "can-do" attitude and believe almost everything is possible. Because I know family is an important element to who I am, I share this blog with my Cousin Kayla. She is my favorite cousin and truly a part of me. Let's just say she is the one that knows my secrets, knows where the bones are buried, knows how to lift me up and knows when to let me be. Kayla definitely keeps me trying to become a fashionista :-) Ruby, our maternal Grandmother is the topic of many of our conversations so we decided to give honor to her with our blog title (not to mention, she totally Rules!!!! I think my Grandmother considered challenges as adventures and never met something she couldn't master. She could dress, sew, cook, garden, to name a few...you name it, I believe she did it and did it well.

This is my fourth blog, I don't really post much (really not at all) in the others but I will work to post weekly in the other three, www.exclusiveaffairs.blogspot.com, www.sonyaantoinette.com, www.exclusiveamour.com. I will most likely share the links here when I post on the other sites.

I'm excited this is a milestone year for me, I'm 40+ days from my Fabulous at 40 birthday. I have created my 40 before 40 list that I will share later. My birthday is July 1.

Make yourself comfortable, grab a drink, put up your feet, relax. Hopefully you will find our posts informative, useful, practical, uplifting, motivational, funny :) and touching. So fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the ride.

It's Time to Unwind and Organized

Good evening,

I've been debating on how to unwind, untangle, untwist and organize my jewelry. I see so many ideas but none seems to "do" the job. I have to admit none can do the "job" because I haven't tried any, lol. I have added a picture of my jewelry wall but I'm moving into a different room and I refuse to take down this wall again. This will be my fourth time and it is soooooooo time consuming trying to organized it exactly how I want it.

Here are some inspirations pics that I'm surely to try. I would like to thank Missy http://lookiewhatidid.blogspot.com/2012/01/closet-organizer-for-her.html for inspiring me and also helping me figure out how to do something similar. Please be sure to check out her blog.

Holiday Nothingness....

Good Afternoon Darlings:

Well, you may have noticed that I did NO posting over this long Memorial Day weekend.  I shopped, ate seafood, and slept incessantly over those three days and I don't regret one second of it.  Isn't it funny how no matter how many days that you have off for holidays or vacations, they never seem long enough.  I guess we should just be grateful that we are afforded regularly intervaled holidays throughout the year because it seems as soon  as you can't take another day at the office, voila, a holiday is approaching.  That's always a good thing.  How was your holiday and what did you get into that was fun?