No Shopping (except shoes) Challenge, Look #2 & Giveaway

Ok, so I'm almost certain it's going to be difficult to post a look more than twice a week. Plus, I don't always want to bother Nubia to snap pics of me, cause she will not send me an image without first editing it and look at all this equipment she has...

I know it takes her valuable time to take pics and edit, so I'm taking my own with a little pink Kodak digital camera. Sucks, right? But it gets the job done.

I don't know why I was cheesing so hard...lookin real crazy :-/

The blazer, I believe is from Macy's...it's more than 6 years old. I love the snug, but not too tight fit that gives the hourglass silhouette, plus I'm a sucker for stand-up collars. Leggings about a year old from The Avenue.
Madonna T-shirt from Old Navy, about 2 years old. Camo Platform Heels just bought this year, maybe a few months ago from Shakita Conklin, owner of the mobile boutique, Chic Rockz. I made the old school boombox necklace. I may reintroduce this line.

Right hand...Vintage button ring and fabric wrapped bracelet in the middle available for sale at Urban Chocolate. Vintage gold tone bracelets from my personal collection. These I got from my mom about 8 years ago, she got them from her sister. The thicker one closest to my hand is just one of the giveaway pieces! Yes, I am giving away one of the staples from my own jewelry armoire.

A close-up of the camo platforms by Dollhouse. Oh and I rarely wear matching finger and toenail polish...don't know why.

Left hand...my signature layered bracelet wrist and an antiqued gold, double-finger ring. Just got this from my aunt. She gave it to me to sell in the Spot, but it's the second piece in the giveaway! The wide "artist" band I bought from RiteAid earlier this year.

GIVEAWAY!

The ring and the bracelet are being offered in the same giveaway. They are not matching pieces, as the ring has more of a pewter finish and the bracelet has a shiny, antiqued gold finish. But you can win both simply by following my blog and leaving a comment here on the blog. A comment as simple as " I love these pieces," or "I hope I win" will do just fine. The contest ends Friday, September 29th. I'll use a program to randomly select the winner and announce the winner on or after Saturday, October 1st. Must reside in the U.S. to be eligible for free shipping.

So simple. As always, it pays to follow Urban Chocolate!

Best of luck.
Kim

No Shopping (Except for Shoes) Challenge

So being in business for myself without the assistance of a bank loan has proven to be a real live faith walk for me. Some still haven't figured this out, don't know how, but I am a full time entrepreneur. I've had to and will continue to evaluate my spending habits to make sure I have enough money to keep my life and my business afloat until Urban Chocolate makes it big (and that day will come). Many tend to think that business owners just have money to throw away, that we're rolling in the dough, but if you only knew. With all that being said, I still know that quitting my full time job to pursue my passion was one of the best decisions I ever made. It has opened the door for me to TOTALLY and FULLY depend on God for EVERYTHING!

So not having a big disposable income means I have to really be able to stretch my wardrobe. Not a big deal for me, cause styling is like breathing. But I wonder how many looks I can get from the clothes I currently own...which means no shopping :( I know I can handle this, or can I?

So here's the deal, I will continue this challenge as long as I possibly can. The challenge ends when I go shopping for any type of clothing. Shoes not included, cause I really do need a few more. I admit, my shoe game is definitely not on point right about now. Before I go too far, let me give a big thanks to photographer Audria Nubia Arnold, a good friend and fellow full time business owner. She's agreeing to take pics!!! This will probably be my next post, but let me go ahead and say. If you're planning to be or do something great in life, it is ABSOLUTELY imperative that you surround yourself with individuals who plan to be and do the same. Got it? Like seriously, I really need you to grasp that.

Anyway, as always, I digress. Below are the pics of my first choice. It's a maxi dress from Target, maybe about 2 years old and a cropped denim jacket from Wal-Mart, maybe 5 years old. The shoes are Jessica Simpsons purchased at this store in Bartlett called Half of Half about 2 years ago. And of course the vintage travel bag and the abundance of jewelry from Urban Chocolate!

The bag was for sale, but it's sold. I didn't think to show my shoes in any of the pics,
so they're below.
I must have lost weight cause once upon a time, I couldn't button this jacket...yay me! But then again I am obsessed with tight blazers and jackets. This is a little snug, but it works for me.
I have been walking about three times a week though, so we'll see how that goes.


Vintage gold bangle from my personal collection and fabric wrapped bracelets all available for sale at Urban Chocolate. Vintage Gold and lime green post earrings and button ring also available for sale.

Those who know me know that I love to pile on the bracelets. I can't even begin to tell you what I have on here, but if you like this look come see me, I love to style wrists too.

Iridescent purple/green/blue Jessica Simpson pumps. Lucky for me fall, my favorite fashion season, is quickly approaching. So this may prove to be easier than I think. We'll see!

Harem Pants...A Better View

Ok, last night, I thought I would quickly put together a look using the harem pants made by Jocelin as my inspiration. I first leaned towards my favorite collab: a screen print tee, boyfriend cardigan and strappy flat sandals, but I wasn't quite feeling the dress down. I think it's cause I dress down every day to come to the spot, plus I slick wanted to put on some heels.

I opted instead for a white Old Navy button down and a sexy lace-up heel from Style Junkie.

Gold-tone bracelets courtesy of my mom.
Got these from my mom about 8 years ago...sure she isn't missing them.
Plus a kente-wrapped, square fabric bracelet


Necklace made by local jewelry designer, David Quarles.
He was one of the participants in last year's, Indie Crowd Market.

More, more and more bracelets (yep, all on one hand)...a few Ma-Di 7 Art word bracelets, vintage silver-toned cuff that is currently turning gold (love it when my jewelry tarnishes), some color mini bangles, charm bracelet from Charlotte Russe, and vintage button rings.

Gold-tone bracelets courtesy of my mom. Took these from her over 8 years ago...sure she doesn't miss em.

Absolutely love these pants!!!!

And thanks to my mom for being the last minute photographer and my Maddie for assisting as the creative director on a couple of shots. If you're reading this, please be sure to read the post below for more information about the young lady who made them.

People you Should Know

I've found recently that I've become quite fond of hearing the stories of people who are doing things and going places. You know these women...the every time you look up they're always doing something or on a mission to accomplish something, type women. Please allow me to introduce you to a couple of those I've had the pleasure of meeting.

Jocelin -I Make Really Well-Constructed Harem Pants- Williams

So ya'll know I love clothes, right? Here's the thing though, I'm not that big on shopping. Strange, huh? Recently I was set up at an event that was so busy there wasn't even time to come up for air. But oh how blessed I was to have a second to breathe and here walks pass me this young lady wearing the most awesome pair of harem pants in the world. I have wanted a pair of pants like that since I spotted them in a Vogue magazine the latter part of last year. But since I'm not big on shopping, I'm sure I would have had to drive all around the city just to find them in my size.

But guess what? This young lady was about the same size as I, so I HAD to have these pants. Asked her where she got them from and guess what????? This chick made those very pants that I've wanted since last year!!! Yep, got her number and called her the very next day. Found out she's in Memphis for the summer (living walking distance away from me- that's how I know it was meant for me to have those pants), but going to school for fashion design in Brooklyn. Like, OMG, who does that? Well, Miss Jocelin does. Ya'll know I prayed so hard before I tried on those pants...like Dear God, please let these pants fit me or else I will have to go on a diet and I don't do diets well, Amen. God has answered my every prayer and pittied my every groan so I knew He wouldn't fail me now...sure enough he didn't. I straight rocked those harems to the Love Nu Art Anniversary Party (see pic and older post below).

I wish I had turned to the front so you could see the shape on these bad boys.
Maybe I'll wear them tomorrow night.

Whew, didn't think that story would be that long, got a little excited typing bout those pants. Jocelin is leaving to go back to Brooklyn next week, but I would like for you to meet and invest in her future, this Saturday at my spot. If you're reading this, you know the details. She'll bring a few pieces she's been working on and share with us her passion for what she does.

Lauren - Master of all things Beauty - Scales

I'm going to make this one shorter, I promise. I met this beauty in 2009. Gregory with Gregory Lynn Photography suggested her when we met about the details for my website's photoshoot. She did the makeup for three of the models on the opening page of the site www.URchocolateboutique.com. She had this real Philly, Brooklyn type vibe about her. You know how when you meet some people, you kind of sense they're not from around here. Well she is a Memphian! I later that day found out she really makes her money as a manicurist. Really, Lauren? You did all this jazz on these girl's faces and you make money doing nails?

I don't get my nails done much, because making jewelry can be rough on my hands. But when it's time, I call Lauren. I don't feel like she's rushing to get through, we have a good, clean conversation, she's culturally intelligent and I don't have to worry about hearing girls cussing and using all types of profanities while they sit next to me, talking on the phone all loud and telling their babies to sit down...whew, I digress. Check out her site at www.graffitinailbar.com

Lauren is also a beast with making jewelry plus she paints. She'll bring some of her pieces that you may want to purchase.

Hope you can make it, I'm sure you'll enjoy.

Youth Empowerment

Hey Ya’ll!

One step closer to getting an assistant. A couple more interviews and I should have someone chosen as soon as tomorrow! So excited cause I need to be released to get these designs outta my head. Not what my post is about today though, but thought I would share it anyway.

Today, I want to introduce you to Brittany. Brittany is a teenager from my church who’s taken an interest in making jewelry. She probably just started crafting this year and she has already matured to working with different materials. I offered her the opportunity to sell her pieces in my spot and last night she brought me six pairs of feather earrings! I am proud to announce that yesterday, Brittany made her first sell! It was a full and beautiful caramel /white combo similar to these:

I am proud of Brittany and will be working closely with her to build her brand! Hmmm, I think I see where this is going…

Enjoy a few more pieces from Brittany and be sure to stop by the Urban Chocolate - Style Spot.

4466 Elvis Presley - Suite 260

Memphis, TN 38116

901-463-0697

The Weekend!!!

What, a weekend!

Friday Night
• Youth choir rehearsal, which by the way was my last one, so bittersweet. Oh, for those who didn’t know, I was the music coordinator for the youth choir at New Nonconnah Missionary Baptist Church. I informed them it was my last rehearsal. I sure will miss my babies, they have made me sooooo freakin proud and when I tell you that these young people rock, I’m gonna need for you to believe it.

* I tell people all the time that I love fashion and styling, it has always been and will always be my passion. But, I cannot and refuse to live this life as a do-nothing Christian…it’s already too many of those walking around, who profess the love of Christ, but live their lives uplifting self. I absolutely love working with young people, they inspire more than any fashion designer or the baddest pair of Gucci shoes known to man. So I may have come full circle with the New Nonconnah Missionary Baptist Church W.O.W. Choir (Worship Our Way), but my work with young people is far from over!

Later Friday Night
• Missed movie night at Paragon Souls of Art, but did make it for the discussion afterwards. I always enjoy lively discussions with others who are passionate about wanting to see a change in local culture. If you haven’t made it out to Paragon Souls of Art yet, what’s the hold-up? I understand you may not know what it is, well just ask me. Too many of us want to wait until something is popular or well-known before we decide to support, which is why too many of us end up being followers our whole life….but, I digress.

Saturday Morning
• Dropped off some jewelry to a young lady who’s hosting a natural hair competition in August. She had a photoshoot with the contestants and asked some of the vendors who’ll be setting up at the event to lend a few pieces. I’m down for free publicity! Plus, this girl supports local to no ends. I’m sure I’ll be blogging about the competition soon, so stay tuned.
Saturday Afternoon
• Shopped for a shirt for the Love Nu Art Anniversary Party and found the perfect blouse at the thrift store. Honestly, I could spend hours in one thrift store. A few days before I bought a pair of pants from a young lady I met at a natural hair care expo. She’s from Memphis but studying fashion design in New York. These harem pants ya’ll…smh.
• Shopped for some fabric for a necklace design…didn’t know the specifics of how I wanted it, but I had a vision in mind. It was between ethnic prints or primary colors. I opted for the latter.


Saturday Night
• I was kid free ( my daughter was at a sleepover), so that gave me more time to work on the necklace.

Sunday Morning
• Church! The Youth Ministry surprised me with a gift basket made by one of the church members. It was filled just for me too… a reusable tote and matching note set that something about being fabulous, a couple of candles-one was lavender- a favorite scent, a decorative letter K for my desk, a butterscotch colored Pashmina, and a few other things that escape me right now. That was like a whoa moment for me.

Sunday Aternoon
• After church I was soooo tired; had to feed my daughter and niece, who’s in town for the week. Laid them down for a nap and then a nap for myself before I finished the necklace. I was so tired ya’ll, I fell out the bed, I guess during what seemed real, but I it was a dream…true story. I mean, I have not fallen out of the bed in my adult life, or at least that I can recall. Anyway, there was something very peculiar about the dream that made me think it was foretelling of something. I’m one who believes dreams are meaningful, so I researched it a bit and was NOT surprised at all by what I found.
• Finished the necklace, after I couldn’t sleep and ended up making some bow shoe clips to match…on a roll, ya’ll!

Sunday Night

Made it to the Love Nu Art Magazine Anniversary Celebration with a close friend – we missed most of the acts, but enjoyed the networking. Ending up spotting three ladies rockin Urban Chocolate earrings, OMG- I died, as celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe often says.

The complete look: Harem pants by a local upcoming fashion designer. Handcrafted necklace, shoe clips and some Urban Chocolate fabric wrapped bracelets. Vintage clutch and necklace turned bracelet courtesy of mom's closet, vintage blouse and retro earrings. By the way, I carry tons of vintage and retro pieces in the Style Spot!

• Left there and headed to another event Downtown. Got there late, but enjoyed it as well. Marvin Winans, Jr., whom I kept calling Mario Winans, was the special guest and headliner. We were late but still got good seats. Matter of fact, when he finished his set, he sat right beside me to eat his meal and I died all over again, except this time I had to contain my dying. He did let me take a few pics, so I died yet once again. Yea ladies, he's married :(

Round Midnight

• My girl and I were tired and a little famished so we headed to Kooky Canuck, you know the place that makes those monster burgers. I heard about it but never visited. I just got some fries with ranch dressing and to date, they have the best ranch dressing I’ve ever tasted in my life. We split a cookie and ice cream dessert that was just as delicious and worth going back for. Next time I go, I’ll take mini me and I’ll try that veggie burger.

Seriously, Kim?

Like, seriously? Really, Kim? Has it been two months since you've blogged? Yea, this is how I talk to myself. Yea, it's been about two months and so much as happened. I type this entry as I sit in the conference room where my spot is located. And by my spot, I don't mean my living room or that ranch dressing stain on my right shoulder (really don't know how that got there). But by my spot, I mean my own little space, my own office, my spot where I make and sell my many accessories handcrafted, vintage and retro alike, yes the Urban Chocolate - Style Spot has officially opened!

And what I love about blogging is that, in a sense, it is my journal that I am so bold to share with the world. I guess if you can call that bold in a day in time where we deem it necessary to share with our Twitter and Facebook friends every single detail of our mundane and vain lives. But, I digress, as I am oft guilty :-/

I'm definitely progressing!

Good night, beautiful people and don't be surprised if you see a Youtube video posted tomorrow. I know I talked about doing it some months ago, so my blog tells me, but it's a must I now cross that threshold. Oh yeah and another thing I need to bookmark on this date, an organization for girls ages 12-15...

Mess to Masterpiece

What I absolutely love about making jewelry and accessories is that the possibilities are endless. Allow me to show you just a portion of the mess I call my workspace...

Yea it's all a big mess until I put some thought, time and energy into it and it becomes somewhat of a masterpiece.

I will one day turn this passion into a full-time endeavor, which is my long-term goal. Some days, I get tired of working the 9-5 and my mind so vividly transports me to my storefront boutique. But, not now. Just not my time. Plus, my full time is pretty cool. I work with and around people who want to change the world, social workers. Not to mention, the Division of Social Work and the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy is growing and I know God has me positioned right where he wants me.

Alright, I need some Bible time tonight.

Good night, good people.

Relaunch, Do-Over, Revamp

Ok, so here it goes. Me, blogging. Seems daunting, but hey, anyone who knows me, knows that I'll try just about anything once. So you'll have to excuse any layout errors as I attempt to master this.

So much going on with me now, I mean challenges all at once. In no particular order: weight loss, transitions, single parenting, income changes (really a decrease, but more about that later), growing a business (with no loan from a bank). Yep, a business without a loan. Is this even possible?

Won't get into too many details now, for fear that I'll type myself into a funk Lever 2000 couldn't even save me from, but I will tell you I'm planning a relaunch for my accessories business or have been planning one for almost 4 months now. Way too long, if you ask me. I've procrastinated a bit, but we all do it right? Well I'm passionate about what I do but I''m coming to know that passion is merely an emotion until it's put into action. Then it has a fighting chance to become a force to be reckoned with.

I'm passionate about creating, passionate about making, building, styling and recreating! But it's high time I gather all this energy and focus it into something tangible.

Anyway, in the beginning phases of my relaunch idea, I had an awesome photoshoot with Gregory Lynn Photography. (Check him out on FB. The man is just totally sick with the camera). I mean God smiles on me every moment of my life, but this particular day He was loving some me. It was a winter shoot in the middle of summer in Downtown Memphis. I was prepping for at least 90 something degrees. Feared for my models...thought they would hate me before the shoot was over. Well, the high that day turned out to be in the mid 80's and the wind was blowing as if God continously swooped his hand over the city with one of those old funeral chapel fans with the curvy wooden stick; you know, the one with Martin Luther King Jr. on the front.

Greg took over 300 pics and when we finally had a chance to review them, I just couldn't believe I had a hand in this high-fashion moment in downtown Memphis. My models were pure muses, Greg worked that Camera like a magic wand, turning still shots into motion pictures and my girl Lauren Scales worked her magic from her makeup box. I couldn't wait to build my website from these pics.

Well that sizzle had fizzled to a crackle, until about 7 hours ago. Low and behold...Updated photos via FB from Gregory Lynn Photography...

Earrings, necklace and bracelets - Urban Chocolate



Earrings, bracelets and vintage Puma jacket - Urban Chocolate







Bag - Urban Chocolate











Earrings, bracelets, rings - Urban Chocolate










Bracelets, earrings, rings and vintage straw clutch - Urban Chocolate







What an inspiring start to a new beginning!
Urban Chocolate Online Boutique ~ Urban Style, Sweet Deals... coming soon.