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!

And the Winner is.....

Welcome to all our new fans i.e. Urban Chocoholics and thanks to everyone who referred a friend. Now, just because the contest is over, doesn't mean we want you to stop referring. We're always asking new faces where they heard about us...so keep spreading the love! And the winner of the $40.00 Spending Spree is.....................Audria Nubia Arnold!!!! Conspiracy, I know some of you all are thinking, but truth be told, her photography suite is on the same floor as mine. So she may have had an advantage cause she personally walked people over, but hey, there were no exclusions on the contest. Check out her work at www.nubiacreativeimages.com. The girl is a beast with the camera, no joke.


Now, be sure to keep up with all we have going on by following us here on Blogger, Facebook, Youtube and Twitter and by signing up for our newsletter. Visit our website at www.URchocolateboutique.com and click Connect to instantly follow us. You never know what special sales, deals and contests we'll be offering!

Good Morning, Beautiful People. Rise N Shine!!!! Oh and we've got a Sisterhood Celebration going on tonight. Scroll down and read a few of the previous posts for more info. Hope to see ya!

FreeStyle & Stuff

Ok, so I'm still trying to find a blog design that really suites me, so let me apologize in advance if my page design seems so schizophrenic. I'm not quite feeling this minimalist look, but it works for now.

Just thought about this like about 30minutes ago. One of my soul's desire, i.e. passions in life, is to inspire you to feel confident in your personal style choices and not feel so pushed by pop culture to dress a certain way.

I am 100% certain that because some of us are too busy chasing and admiring what everybody else is wearing, we underestimate the potential of the clothes and accessories we already own. I too, have been guilty of such nonsense. So when I find myself totally smitten by a jacket or a top worn by an infamous trendsetter, I am immediately called back to my senses and recognize that I have a million jackets and tops refuse to fall prey to following what someone else has deemed as popular.

So I want to help you achieve what I call Self-Celebrity Status with a new campaign titled FreeStyle. FreeStyle is a free, one-on-one styling consultation. The styling client or volunteer must allow me to document the consultation(s) via Blogger, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, etc. Plus the client will receive a gift in return! Styling consultations are never one size fits all. Some clients prefer I come to them, they openly allow me full access to their closets. Others prefer to bring their favorite pieces to me. Nevertheless, all consultations start with a phone call. So if you're interested in being one of my first FreeStyle clients, give me a call at 901-463-0697. I plan on completing my first client by the 15th of this month and continuing maybe twice a month thereafter.

And a few more updates:

* Take a look at my new video! I'll soon be posting how to's, DIY's and styling tips. Click HERE for that.

* New contest and your opportunity to win a $40.00 gift certificate! Simply refer a friend who visits the Style Spot this week. The person who refers the most friends, wins. Scroll down to the previous post for details

* Celebrate Sisterhood with me this Saturday. Click HERE for details on this event.

* Sign up for your free newsletter! I sent an awesome coupon in the last one, so if you haven't signed up, you might want to go ahead and do that. Click HERE for the sign-up link.


Thanks ya'll for taking time out to see what Urban Chocolate has been up to!

Updates, Contest, Sisterhood Celebrations and Stuff

I seriously want to thank everyone for all the love shown since the opening of the Urban Chocolate - Style Spot. A very special thanks to Elle and Alycia, fellow bloggers who've sent much love my way. Check out Elle at www.bealestreetchic.onsugar.com and Alycia at www.alldaynatural.com. They both stopped by the Indie Crowd Market last weekend. I didn't get a chance to take pics...shame on me, right? Indie Crowd Market, you ask...just Google it!


Elle is one of three featured guests at the next When My Sister Grows, I Grow. When I Grow, My Sister Grows. Take a glimpse at my previous post to find out what this celebration of sisterhood is all about. Also being featured is Karizma Clark. I've actually known Karizma for a while now, but just reconnected with her via Paragon Souls of Art. Yea, you may want to google that too. She's making big moves with some nationally known independent music artists, so you definitely want to be there to hear what she's been up to. Our final guest is Angel, a dancer and poet...just met her a couple of months ago via Karizma and I believe we share cousins. But when I met her again at a live taping of the Loretta McNary Show, she briefly shared with me her plans to host an Alzheimers benefit in honor of her grandmother, and I immediately knew she had to share this story with others. Click HERE for the next event's details, really no need to rsvp, though...I'm sure we'll have enough space.


OK, so here's the contest and your chance to win a $40 gift certificate. Simply refer friends who visit during the week of Monday, August 29th - Friday, September 2nd. When your friend(s) stop by, be sure they mention your name. The person who refers the most friends to the Urban Chocolate - Style Spot during that week, wins. Simple, right? Sure is. You've got a whole week to send them,...go ahead, you can't keep ALL the good deals to yourself, share it. Remember, when I grow, you grow!


Last Update, I promise. I know, I really should blog more so I wouldn't have to rant so much on one post, but oh well. Such is life. So I converted my personal fb profile to an Urban Chocolate Updates page. Too many reasons to name now...but let me say, I feel so free.

Ta ta for now, beautiful people. I'm busy playing den mother at my daughter's birthday sleepover. Pray for me, ok?

Sisterhood!

Finally found a little time to blog...

The event last Saturday with Jocelin and Lauren was in a word, necessary. I don’t have as much time as I want to talk about it, but I do want to share with you some pictures. Planning another sisterhood event for the first Saturday in September, so stay tuned…Jocelin showing off one of her designs...so wanted this skirt,but she wasn't selling it :(

Elle of Beale Street Chic! You have got to get to know this young lady. She TOTALLY supports the Memphis fashion scene. Check her out at www.bealestreetchic.onsugar.com

Lauren's gonna love this pic, look how the sun is beaming behind her. Here she is talking about her handpainted leather earrings. Told ya, she's a beast with the paint.

Jocelin showing the group her portfolio. She's just as good at sewing as she is at drawing and sketching.

How dare my friend Asharkii walk in with this bad bag? When this girl sees something she wants, please believe it's as good as hers...a Furla clear jelly tote.

Jocelin and I!

Had a blast, and got a phone call before I even ended this post, just don't have time to post right now. Be back later!

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.