Feeling All Blogged Out

Sometimes I only update my blog once a month, it depends on what I have going on and what I'm inspired to create. But between my two jobs, personal life, and the pandemic, I suddenly found myself with nothing to say. Surely I can't be the only one who has felt this way? Although the signs of feeling all blogged out might not be flashing as bright as the neon on my jacket and shoes...I decided to blog about it.  

The following are a few signs of feeling all blogged out:

1.  Declining Quality of Work 

2.  No Creativity or Innovation

3.  Isolation

4.  Wandering Thoughts

5.  Everything is Boring 

6.  Lack of Energy

Have you felt the same way? Any advice on what to do about feeling all blogged out in the future? As always, outfit details are linked below.

XOXO,

Cherise Lavalle

Twenty Things

I started 2021 hoping this will be my year.  Surely after all of the things 2020 brought us, this year has to be better right?  I started a list in January about things I learned, and thought I would reflect and share on it. 

1.  Show up and be consistent.
2.  Create something to look forward to.
3.  Actions matter more than words.
4.  Hard times reveal the truth about people around us.
5.  Keep moving forward.
6.  Set strong boundaries so you wont be taken for granted.
7.  Choose your company wisely.
8.  Consider the source.
9.  Sometimes friends don't give the best advice.

10.  Speak your truth.
11.  Slow down or you will be stopped.
12.  Start using the word "NO" more.
13.  Don't worry about upsetting people.
14.  Apologies don't fix broken hearts.
15.  Most people haven't done the work you have done.
16.  Never stop being a good person because of bad people.
17.  Fear and faith can not coexist.
18.  Character matters.
19.  Forgiveness is not necessary.
20.  Walk away!

There are many other things 2020 has taught me, but for now that's it.  As always, outfit details are linked below.

XOXO,

Cherise Lavalle 

Thirty Nine

*BLANK STARE*  The look I made when I realized I would be celebrating my birthday in the middle of a pandemic.  Literally!  But it also forced me to find a new way to celebrate the occasion. Like most people, I was struggling to figure out how to make my birthday special this year.  I'm so happy I stumbled upon Punch Bowl Social!  A place where my friends and I were able to eat, drink, play games, and be socially safe.  Punch Bowl Social is located in Arlington, VA and it's attached to the new Ballston Commons Mall.  It has three levels of entertainment which include bowling, ping pong, darts, shuffleboard, and arcade games.  On the the third floor alone, you will find a huge dining area and a 360 degree bar with flat screen TV's.  We sat at the main bar for some good eats and drinks!  Punch Bowl Social has a wide variety of drinks on their menu.  You can expect to see craft beers, IPA's, and hand crafted mixed cocktails. You definitely will not get bored with the amount of food and entertainment options.  I really liked the space as it has something for everyone.  It's almost like a mini Dave & Busters!  

Since Punch Bowl Social is similar to a sports bar where you play games, I opted to wear something casual but cute.  Army jackets are my JAM!  This one I found at Forever 21 for under $30.  I love the embellishments as it's perfect to wear during the day or night with skinny jeans.  Punch Bowl Social is a place for no heels so I decided to wear a platform boot.  Not quite a heel and not quite a tennis shoe.  These Louis Vuitton Desert Boots were a splurge but it's my birthday so I figured why not treat myself?!  Celebrating my birthday during a pandemic wasn't so bad after all.  I discovered a new place to have fun with friends and splurged on a pair of highly coveted shoes.  As always, shoe details are linked below.

XOXO,

Cherise Lavalle

Last Summer Look

With 5 days left of summer to savor, I'm back with my Last Summer Look.  These shoes were sitting in my closet for months because I'm not a big fan of the color fuchsia.  Although it's taken some time to wear them, I absolutely love the Nike Air Vapormax Flyknit.  I found an old bright color tie-dye tee to pair with my sneakers and BOOM...it's an outfit!

Despite the color, I love the look and feel of these sneakers.  The Air Vapormax Flyknit are light weight sneakers with good arch support.  They can be slipped on and off without lacing or unlacing.  The soft, stretchy material of the shoe is made of yarn and other fibers.  It literally feels like wearing a sock, with a sturdy sole.  The first time I wore them I walked over six miles and had no issues with rubbing or soreness.  The Flyknit has definitely changed the way I think about sneakers.  It combines performance and style no matter how you wear them.  What are some of your favorite Nike sneakers?  

XOXO,

Cherise Lavalle

Everything Old is New Again

Brace yourself...tie dye is back!  I remember learning how to do this in summer camp, then going home and spending hours tie-dying anything I can get my hands on!  This year tie dye has become a big DIY and fashion trend.  So now is the perfect time to bring out that middle school field day shirt you tie-dyed years back, or buy some pieces from your favorite brands.

Obey is one of my favorite brands to shop for cool slouchy tees.  This long sleeve tie dye shirt I bought from PacSun has the classic DIY vibe, minus all the effort of actually doing it yourself.  The slouchy long sleeve gives a relaxed feel that's easy to pair with your favorite jeans or shorts. Since the shirt is bold, I opted to pair it with biker shorts and sneakers.  Pairing it with solid black biker shorts kept me from looking like a 10-year old heading to camp!

Whether it's a DIY style or one that's already made for you, there are plenty of ways to style tie dye.  Check out some of the styles linked below.

XOXO,

Cherise Lavalle

How To Wear High Tops

On a scale of one to ten, how excited are we that the malls are open again? I never thought that I would miss shopping so much.  To be honest I'm more of an online shopper versus in-store shopper.  But I do enjoy going to the mall to look for nothing in particular as a way to pass time.  One thing that this pandemic has taught me is retail therapy is REAL!  I went from cyber stalking shoes to trying to find one single pack of Lysol wipes on target.com.  When I shop for other things like clothes and sneakers, I think, "What's the point?"  When will I wear them, and who will see them?

While assuring myself that I had enough food and toilet paper, I decided to make a non essential purchase.  A new pair of high top sneakers is a good way to stay current with the trend right?  I admit my closet is full of athletic-inspired runway shoes, and I've neglected wearing the high top sneaker.  But the best thing about high tops?  They are crazy versatile!  Pair them with jeans, shorts, or leggings for an athleisure look.  Above I gave the Nike Blazer Mid Rebel sneaker a little love by pairing it with a long sleeve shirt and biker shorts.  

Sure there are other designers such as Gucci and Off-White getting in on the trend.  But Nike is the OG of the high top design.  The first thing I love about the Nike Blazer Mid Rebel is the side zip closure paired with asymmetric laces.  Both give you total ankle support.  The side zipper and laces make the sneaker easy to get on and off.  I appreciate this because I love ankle support, but sometimes high tops can be a challenge to put on.  These shoes are made of 100% canvas and come with a durable rubber sole.  They are incredibly light weight and the rubber sole is helpful when walking on slick or wet surfaces for traction.  With support, comfort, and style in the bag the Nike Blazer Mid Rebel just got a whole lot cooler.  If you're looking for a high top sneaker, look no further.  Hurry because the grey version of this sneaker is almost sold out!

XOXO,

Cherise Lavalle

Taking These Shoes for a Test Drive

Every once in a while, I buy a great gift for a friend or family member that's just too good to give away.  Then after much deliberation, I keep it.  Of course keeping the gift for myself always remains a secret...until now.  But, I always buy another gift to give as if it were the original.  

Which leads me to the purchase of the Women's Nike Air Max Correlate.  I happened to eye these shoes online while Nike was offering 25% off their entire site.  Originally they were a gift for my mom's birthday, but I purchased them for myself.  

The Air Max Correlate look similar to the Air Max 90.  The outside of the shoe has suede and mesh fabrics, with different colors that pop.  The inside has a supportive insole that's great for walking and of course strenuous exercise such as running.  The tongue and heel have the Nike Air Logo on in it which everyone knows and loves.  But the cool and unique feature about the Air Max Correlate is the air bubble unit in the back.  Normally the air unit is seen on the side, but it's featured on the back which gives the shoe a unique look.  

The Nike branding with the swoosh make these shoes easy to pair with anything.  They look best with slim and skinny cut jeans.  However, the versatility of the shoe allow you to style them many ways.  Below is a closer look at the Air Max Correlate.  

Have you ever bought a gift for someone but ended up keeping it for yourself?  Let me know in the comments. 

XOXO,

Cherise Lavalle

Sneakers & Street Wear

Let's be honest - When am I not looking for a new pair of Instagram worthy sneakers? One pair of sneakers I've been eyeing online is the Nike Air VaporMax. 

Of course these shoes were made for runners, but when I made the purchase I had style in mind.  The VaporMax are a bit on the pricey side ranging from $150 - $200, but are considered a solid investment by many because of the quality.  It has a clear cushioned sole which makes these shoes comfy enough to wear all day long.  You know...to the mall, grocery shopping, or just to stunt on the gram!  The Nexkin waterproof material makes it easier to clean compared to your typical knit sneaker.  It's a lightweight, translucent fabric that provides durability and protection from weather elements such as rain.

If you're wondering how to style a pair, I've got you covered.  The "active wear" style of the VaporMax and its huge air bubble sole, can make you think only a tracksuit or jogging pants would pair best.  This is not the case at all!  Above I have it paired with stone washed denim from H&M, and a tie dye sweatshirt I found at Khols.  These sneakers can match anything in your closet all year round.

If you're in the market to buy a pair of new sneakers, consider the VaporMax.  Nike's special designs usually sell out immediately, so get yourself a pair before they disappear.  Also keep your eye on the Hyper Pink VaporMax that's set to drop sometime this spring. 

As always, full outfit details and where to purchase the look is linked below.

XOXO,

Cherise Lavalle

Crosswalk or Catwalk?

Hey y'all its 2020 and the motto is "We got outfits at home!"  So here am I with another post showing you how to style a staple item in your closet - The Military Jacket.

This is a post I've been meaning to write for a while because my love for the Military Jacket runs deep.  It's one of my most worn items and I've had it in my closet for a few years.  You can literally wear this jacket any season because it's transitional.  Hence why I'm wearing it in January (also it was 60 degrees in Washington, DC last weekend.)

When styling the jacket try layering it with sweaters, flannel, or denim shirts.  You can also put something like a hoodie underneath and dress it down with sneakers.  Pictured above I'm wearing it with a black dress from Forever 21 and an old Off-White belt I found in my closet.  Accessories can be minimal since the military jacket accessorizes itself.  I opted for a clear Yeezy PVC pump (totally not cheap, Kanye West keeps taking all of my money) to compliment the look. 

Play around with the jacket and I'm sure you'll make a statement wherever you go.  I've added a few links below to help complete your look.  Go for it and soldier on!

XOXO,

Cherise Lavalle

My Birthday!

 

It's my birthday!  Well, it was December 1st.  But who doesn't love birthday's?  My friends and I had dinner in the city at a restaurant called Succotash and popped a bottle of bubbly while dancing the night away on the rooftop lounge at the W Hotel.  More about my birthday festivities later.  Can we talk about these boots?

I was so excited to wear my new Fendi Logo Stretch Knit Boots that I bought on sale at Saks for under $?...lets not talk about the price.  To be honest it was a drunk splurge purchase I made really late at night while watching old episodes of Real Housewives of Atlanta.  Remind me to never drink home alone and online shop again!

Since the boots were such a splurge I opted to wear an old little black dress with a coat I purchased from H&M three years ago.  I tend to normally wear a fancy dress on my birthday but this year I opted for something simple since my boots were a show stopper.

No matter how old you're turning putting together a birthday outfit can be tough.  Especially when you want to keep the night's focus on you.  These boots definitely made me feel like the star of the night.  Catch them while they are still on sale!

XOXO,

Cherise Lavalle

Ciroc Week: Washington, DC

Ciroc Week DC is always something I look forward to.  It’s always good to see DC coming together for a great cause.  The annual week is jammed packed with so many events, and the brand always has fun and creative ways to showcase their products.  This year I attended the event at Lucky Strike Bowling Alley.  But of course, I was in a panic to figure out what to wear!  

I always want to know that anything I pull together at the last minute will not only be comfortable but also stylish without overthinking it.  The military jacket is a staple for me for anytime I’m going out. The simple look never goes out of style, which makes it an easy go to.  Above I’m wearing it with a black tee and biker shorts.  But throw this oversized military jacket over a feminine dress to dress it down or over a t-shirt and jeans for a quintessential fall look.  A military jacket is a great addition to any outfit.  They are super versatile and with this oversized one you can fit some layers, say a chunky sweater, underneath too. 

What are the ways you wear a military jacket?  Is this a staple in your closet?  Check out some of the styles pictured below.

XOXO,

Cherise Lavalle

Black Alumni Ball

Imagine a space filled with men in the sharpest suits and tuxedos, and ladies in their most elegant evening gowns.  This can only be experienced at the Black Alumni Ball.  The 5th annual event was held at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, DC and was hosted by The Massive Host, King Flexxa.  DJ’s Nate Hopp and Jerome Baker III heated up the turntables all night.  Along with live entertainment by Johnny Graham & the Groove. The Black Alumni Ball’s mission is to bring black alumni from all universities throughout the nation, including both PWI’s (Predominantly White Institutions) and HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), for a night of sophistication, style, and fun.

The event takes place during the summer, and formal attire is required.  Men sport tuxedos or dinner jackets.  While some women wear jeweled gowns and can even get away with shorter dresses if they are embellished.  Most formal social occasions call for black tie, but dress codes are no longer as clear cut as they used to be.  So, I figured I can get away with not wearing a long gown, which never would have been acceptable a few decades ago.  Still, there are unwritten rules particular to each party, which only an in the know person would be privy to.

This was my first year attending so I opted for a dramatic sequin pearl backless dress for the evening.  Below is my look for the night from ASOS.com.  Thankfully it was a hit!  The perfect outfit to wear to some of the most important balls of the year can be hard to find.  I’ve tagged it so you can be sure that you will never look out of place and don’t have to break the bank.

XOXO,

Cherise Lavalle

Diner En Blanc: Washington, DC

Diner En Blanc is an event spanning six continents in which people have dinner dressed in all-white in a public space.  Guests are required to provide their own food, tables, chairs, and tablecloths.  The concept originated in Paris in 1988 when the organizer of a fashionable outdoor dinner told attendees to dress in all-white to find each other.  What was a "friends and word-of-mouth only" event has grown into a worldwide phenomenon.  

Registration for the unique experience happens in three stages:

    Phase 1 - members who attended the previous year
    Phase 2 - new members who have been sponsored by Phase 1 attendees
    Phase 3 - guests who signed up on the waiting list

While the event may have changed over the years, the principles have not.  Guests continue to gather at a secret location for the sole purpose of sharing a gourmet meal with good friends in one of the city’s most beautiful public spaces.  For the past five years, Washington, DC has hosted the all-white linen affair at several landmark locations including Yards Park, Carnegie Library, Henry Bacon Park, Pennsylvania Avenue, and Nationals Park.  This year the secret location was Freedom Plaza.

Before figuring out what to wear I always try to imagine the vibe I want to go for.  Is it rustic and garden-esque, formal and chic, or just casual?  Formal and chic, seems to always be my go-to look.  But let’s be honest white is not my best color.  I couldn’t find anything in my closet, so I went out and bought this.  It’s a pretty long sleeved, embellished mini-dress.

The dress I wore is currently out of stock but below is a similar version.  Have you ever been to Diner En Blanc? What did you wear?

XOXO,

Cherise Lavalle