Today’s style session is all about keeping it comfy and causal.

I created a trendy look with the Cheetah Print lettered T shirt. It can stand alone or with a jacket or blazer for a fun spin on the white tee.

The Brooke Metallic Leather and Scuba hiking style boot adds an edgy, urban feel to the outfit. The black and gold pair nicely with the other pieces.

I completed the look with the Faux Fur Logo Print Belt Bag. It can be worn around the waist or crossbody.

I love this styling session because I’m all about being comfortable and still trendy.

Logomania and animal prints are still on trend. And with an outfit like this you can’t go wrong!

ORDER INFO:

Michael Kors at SouthPark Mall will ship anywhere in the US for free if you’re a Kors VIP.

They can also sign you up! It’s free and you get so many benefits!!!

You can call them at:

1 (704) 362-7000

Or order online at:

https://www.michaelkors.com

Living La Vida Diva turns four today!!!

Oh what a year it has been!

I kicked off 2019 by attending a party thrown by my Friend and Mentor Ryan Jor El. He made a life changing decision to cut off his trademark Locs and I was there to document the process.

Ryan was to appear in several more blogs this year. Only fitting since he’s the driving force behind my brand. Not to mention he does some pretty awesome things!

I was there for the second year in a row for his Black Father’s Rock event.

As well as the 360 After Work: These Men’s Are Talking…Business where I learned some valuable tips for success from Ryan and the rest of the panel.

He also had several mentions in my yearly Father’s Day Gift Guide.

I tagged along with him for the Barbershop Talk with Novant Health and the African American Male Walk Initiative and learned some key factors in preventing many health problems that are prevalent in African American Men.

I shared a sweet story about a gift my granddaughter gave me. It was more than just a bottle of perfume. It was a memory of a time when I was just a little Diva about her age.

I had a Pick 6 and won the Super Bowl! Lol but it how you might think! Apricot Lane and Frutta Bowls are two of my favorite places and they find their way into many of my blogs and Instagram posts.

I had the Humbling experience of meeting my favorite designer Humble Connor and sitting in on a photo shoot! She’s always has such a runway presence at Charlotte Seen Fashion Week.

Two more fascinating interviews for Charlotte Seen include Wearable Art designer Nelli Levental and this Diva Worthy Pink Poodle!!

And I got to be a part of Charlotte Seen as they hosted their 100th Show!!!!

Event though I’ve attended several shoots at his Studio I finally got ‘Nikon Don’ Harris to sit down for an interview. His story is one of hope and determination. And I’m a better person for having met him.

Another young man I finally got to interview was Robert ‘Reasons’ Brown. And got to attend one of his music events as well.

I’ve met and talked over the phone with several talented musicians and authors. With each one I felt an immediate connection.

Target has been the subject of a couple of blogs. I also do a Thursday Target Treasures each week on my Instagram. I love my Target!!!

And finally, my new weekly series. Style It Saturday With Michael Kors was so popular on my Instagram I decided to continue them and do a coordinating blog post each week!

Thank you everyone for being in my Blogosphere!!

And that’s just what they’ll do…

I don’t even know where to begin with this styling session.

Each piece is so fabulous.

I guess I’ll start with Cece. She’s a bag I’ve had my eye on for awhile. She’s perfection.

Cece comes in several sizes, patterns and colors. And her strap allows you to carry her three different ways.

The jacket. THE JACKET!!!!

Tigers and leopards and zebras!!! Oh my!!!

Yes it’s busy. Yes there’s a lot going on. Yes I LOVE it!!!

This piece can be worn with anything!!!! Dress it up or down. Heck wear it with pajamas, no one will notice them with this on!!!

Don’t let the Retail price of $795 deter you. The cost per wear will make it worth it!

With so much going on I didn’t want a shoe that would compete with the other pieces. But I also didn’t want it to match.

The below the knee Lottie Boot in Brandy was the best choice. She stands out and holds her own.

This is one of my favorite looks I’ve styled so far.

It’s sassy and edgy.

One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you…

ORDER INFO:

Michael Kors at South Park Mall will ship anywhere!!!!

Contact them at (704) 362 7000

Or order online at

https://www.michaelkors.com

This look is soooooo ME!!!

It’s chic. It’s wild. It says ‘Look at me!!!! But not for too long!!!’.

The furry Jet Set Zip pouch immediately caught my eye. It was like spotting a cute puppy you just have to pet.

Which I did. Store Manager Kristin is used to me petting the merchandise by now lol.

I kept with the black and white theme with these Vicky Logo Tape Knit Ankle Boots.

All eyes will be on you with this pair up.

So you’ll need a pair of ‘Paparazzi, please no pictures’ sunglasses.

The oversized Monaco sunnies will complete the glamorous look.

I love these classic black and white pieces. And of course it has to have the Diva’s dramatic touch!

ORDER INFO:

Michael Kors at South Park Mall will ship anywhere!!

Contact them at (704) 362 7000

Or online at

https://www.michaelkors.com

Charlotte Seen never disappoints with their fashion shows. Each year I tell Rita Miles and Rob McDowell that they cannot top the show I just watched. And each year they do just that.

I knew the shows leading up to their 100th would be nothing short of fabulous. I had no idea how fabulous it would be.

We started with a kickoff party at the top floor of The Vue. With food from Fleming’s and drinks from Tito’s, the night set the tone for the week ahead.

The shows were held at the Historic Ivey’s Hotel.

Once known as the most upscale Department Store around, The Ivey’s is now a luxury hotel centered in uptown Charlotte.

I’ve been wanting to tour this place since I first moved here. And now was my chance.

The opulence of the hotel was the only place befitting of the shows we were about to see.

Berhan Nebioglu sent her models, draped in vintage clothing, onto the runway with Ivey’s shopping bags. I was seated facing a photo of the front of the old department store and it looked as though her models were walking out of the black and white photo after a day of shopping!

My favorite designer Humble Connor took my breath away. Her latest designs have an eerie, gothic vibe that was a hit on the runway.

My friend Maurice of Classic Man Boutique paired up with Billionaire Bow Ties making for an exceptional presentation. You know how much I love Collaboration Over Competition and these two designers nailed it.

Model/Designer Fiona Rose’s collection had a 90s Barbie vibe. Her designs are quickly becoming another favorite of mine.

Although I’d already seen and written about Artist/Jewelry Designer Nelli Levental’s pieces, seeing them come to life on the models was amazing. The presentation was flawless.

Denim made a unique appearance with My Marlow. This up cycling Designer is on my radar now and I’m looking forward to seeing more from Hunter Andrews.

I’ve added another new favorite after seeing Atlanta Designer, House of La’Rue.

I’ve since connected with here and will be following her career. I’m so looking forward to seeing some Atlanta Shows with her designs.

Aubrey Harley went straight for my heart with his new Animal Print designs! From small peekaboo accents to full on King of The Jungle prints, his latest collection was Fierce!!

Fellow Tennessean Laura Citron brought back the ’70s with her Studio 54 inspired disco designs. The models donned colorful bobbed wigs making for an exceptional aesthetic show!

The Talkin’ Threads collection is near and dear to my heart. I had spotted the designer last year in the audience at a Charlotte Seen show and had to inquire about her beautiful outfit. She told me she had made it herself.

I immediately sent her the link to apply to show on the runway and this year, here she is!!!

An amazing, humble lady that was only coming to enjoy a show is now on the runway herself!!!

There’s a new kid on the block and he’s proving ‘one mans trash is another mans treasure’. His line features a fun, up cycled street style. I love seeing young people and their passion for fashion.

Any Old Iron is not just any old designer! His designs are loud and flashy and demand attention!!! Kind of like me!

Andrew Clancy has outfitted Stars such as Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood.

This British Gentleman now finds his home in Nashville.

And finally, no Charlotte Fashion Week is complete with the Bad Boyz Of Fashion.

I had a very precious moment before the shows started. I got to spend about 30 minutes with one of my favorite designers, Tony Howard. And I’ll forever cherish our conversation.

***Because I videoed his part of the show I’m using photos from photographer Careese Robinson and I’ll provide his link below.***

From his designs, down to getting his models ready to walk, this gentleman is the epitome of fashion to me. Nothing escapes his keen eye, and every little detail is perfection.

His first piece pays homage to Seen Queen, Rita Miles.

Rob McDowell usually does the behind the scenes work for Charlotte Seen. But for Tony’s Show he always shows up and shows out!

Speaking of showing out, this guy, George Hodge, ALWAYS makes an impact. He doesn’t simply walk the runway. He OWNS the catwalk! His walks have always left me speechless.

Tony Howard’s Bad Boyz of Fashion are truly the Queen City Kings.

https://charlotteseen.com/

https://careese77.zenfolio.com/

This weeks style is a casual, crisp Fall weekend Vibe.

This outfit was inspired by this versatile jacket.

The faux fur trim on this denim piece can be removed giving you several style options! Go all out with a fur collar and sleeves or opt for just one or the other. Or for a super casual outfit you can remove them all!

I paired it with the Brooke Sneaker which is also versatile.

Part sneaker and part hiking boot, this white shoe can be paired with so many outfits!

The Mercer Medium Studded Accordion Bag is also a versatile piece.

The structured bag can be carried by its handle for a more classic look. Or with the adjustable strap it can double as a should bag and a crossbody.

Each of these pieces can be used in so many ways. Styling them has endless options.

During this transition into Fall I’d wear these pieces with a colorful mid length dress for a fun, stylish weekend look.

With these pieces in your closet you will never be singing ‘The Blues’.

ORDER INFO:

Michael Kors at South Park Mall will ship anywhere!

Contact them at 1(704) 362 7000

Or online at

https://www.michaelkors.com/

Ahhhh the Missoni/Target Collab!!! Who doesn’t remember when the high end fashion house appeared in Target.

For a millisecond(these collab items go fast!) we had access to one of the hottest designers to hit the runways.

I can proudly say I survived the Great Lilly Pulitzer Collab…barely. It was BRUTAL!!! Like a polite southern lady gang fight!! Of course this go around, the Lilly was the first to go.

I love the Fan Dance printed scarf. So soft. And a great way to add a splash of color to an outfit.

I’ll never forget the (unsuccessful) hunt for this mustard 3.1 Phillip Lim small satchel bag the first go around. I had to settle for the taupe. But Target has granted me a second chance!

I’m absolutely in LOVE with the Isaac Mizrahi houndstooth coat!!! The large pink print is gorgeous!!! And the structure is such a classic design.

This Missoni scarf just screams luxury. The silken texture adds a touch of class to the iconic zig zag design.

Rodarte nailed it with these romantic tulle and satin dresses.

I love that they can be styled dressy or with an edgy grunge look with a leather jacket and combat boots.

Altuzarra grabbed my attention with this floral print maxi dress. I can see this being worn to upcoming holiday parties!!

Anna, Anna, ANNA!!! Anna Sui really got me with this lace mini dress!!!she has always been one of my favorite designers and was even named one of The Top 5 Fashion Icons of the Decade!!! This dress looks like it jumped off a page in Vogue.

And finally, Isaac Mizrahi does it again. I’m mad for plaid and this pastel check satin dress makes me swoon. I’d pair it with a long satin lime green coat to complete the Mad Men Vibe.

Well Target, practice makes perfect. You learned it’s best to have all the collection in one place instead of all over the store. You learned to have more product on hand to bring it out as needed. You now have extra employees on hand to assist and control the mobs. And you have set limits on how many items one can purchase. This gives everyone a chance to purchase the items and cut down on the reselling on eBay for ridiculous prices!

If you missed your favorite item in the past, now is the time to grab it!! Everyone deserves a second chance!!!

https://www.target.com/?clkid=0a728c36Nd95411e9ba4842010a246e02&lnm=81938&afid=Designerdiva1103&ref=tgt_adv_xasd0002