Haute Hydration Mixed with Fashion!

I’m thrilled to be a smartwater Ambassador for Charleston Fashion Week 2012! The hautest fashion event south of New York City takes place in less than two weeks under the big tents in Marion Square in Charleston, South Carolina. Fashionistas can expect more than 30 runway shows, emerging new designers, and fabulous cocktail parties over five nights. This year, 7,000 people are expected to hit the charming southern town as smartwater gets runway ready as the official water sponsor for the big show!

Join me as I bring lots of photos, tweets and style trends from some of the most exciting designer talent to emerge in years.

What's the hautest new accessory for 2012?

Haute Birthday Fun!

I’m a Pisces girl with lots to be happy about. This year, I celebrated my birthday with friends who inspire me to live my highest spiritual self. It was a weekend to remember but none-the-less, I’m so grateful to have friends who really care about me.

My haute hair stylist and groovy friend, Robin, gave me sexy, seductive hair to ring in the start of my special day. It brought my hair to life and a few extra looks from some unlikely admirers with an ego boost to match.

Although, I’m a year older, I’ve never felt better… cheers to me!

Haute Travels 2012!

This year, my Haute Travels blog is evolving to more than just where I travel; it’s all about a lifestyle. My blog is a place where I get to write about anything that inspires me or helps me discover something about myself that I can share with you.

My haute travels may take me to amazing destinations, cool places in my hometown or self-reflective moments that inspire and motivate me to live my life better. I’ll even introduce you to some friends, some famous others are more low key but nonetheless just as wonderful. But, they all have one thing in common; they teach me things about myself that inspires me to live in the moment.

Confidence, inner beauty and a great glow are the things that you take with you every time you leave your home. And yes, from time to time I’ll tell you about what’s new in Paris, London or my favorite little Islands in faraway places. And yes, I’m planning another Haute Travels Beauty event and fashionable night out event so stay tuned.

There’s just one thing left to say… Welcome to Haute Travels 2012!

Haute Healthy Hair for 2012

As you know, I started my hair evolution in 2011 with healthy hair strategist Robin Groover. We began working together last spring and the results are amazing. I’m completely Keratin-free and I will never put any kind of chemical back in my hair again. (Although I do add mininal color to keep my roots in check ;)

My golden brown tresses are all natural and extremely healthy and hydrated. My hair has grown tremendously over the last few months. It’s also a lot stronger and fuller thanks to frequent hydration therapy and Groove Therapy products.

In a few more months, my hair will get longer thanks to frequent trims and custom shampoo and conditioning treatments. Our goal is to grow it out to the middle of my back with lots of bounce and shine. Although, I'm in the hair salon about every 7 to 10 days on average... I have noticed that even if I can't get to the salon, my hair will still maintain shine and movement.

If I could give advice to girls who are struggling with their natural hair... I would suggest that you contact Robin at Too Groovy Salon in Midtown in Atlanta. She's the truth when it comes to beautiful, healthy hair first and style second. She is not only a hair stylist and product specialist but she really cares about hair and educating the consumer on individual hair needs. I've had a lot of great hair stylists take care of my hair but I have never had a stylist that invested as much as Robin... she's amazing!

What's your hair story?

A Haute New Year!

Every New Year brings about an opportunity to start out fresh and explore something new and different. As 2012 gets underway, I’ve discovered things that are moving me closer to a life that I had one only imagined. And thanks to some wonderful news and signs from the universe… things are well on their way to coming true. But the journey is the real story because just when you start to doubt, you change the course of your life. If you make a decision to stay positive and ride the wave, as my friend Crystal tells me… magic and miracles really do happen.

As you move closer to your true self, you’ll discover that a lot of things and people that once occupied space in your life will suddenly be removed. There’s a season for everything and a reason for it all… if you pay attention you’ll understand why things move progressively in your favor once you open your heart. Just know that no matter what happens—you’re equipped to handle it.

Starting today focus on your destination, listen to your inner voice and let your intuition guide you. When you start to see visions of your life ahead that’s a sign that everything is coming true. Change is in the air… and last Monday’s full moon confirmed it because it was a “wishing” moon. Everything that you’ve always wanted is within reach… you just have to trust and believe that you can have it. The choice is alvays yours. Here’s to a haute New Year!

What's ahead for you in 2012?

What I learned from Sam Fine is HAUTE!

Sometimes we meet people who inspire us in ways that we’ve never expected. I can honestly say that Sam Fine is more than an accomplished celebrity makeup artist to me. He’s a great role model for girls in any field… and the magic that surrounds him can easily rub off on you.

In just the brief time that I spent with Sam, during his virit to Atlanta to headline my first Haute Travels Beauty event, I got to meet the guy who is intuitive, smart, funny and so professional. I still remember our conversations in those spare moments before and after the beauty event that always left me with something to think about.

One thing that really stood out, Sam kept telling me to think beyond 2011… because the work of 2012 was already underway. He encouraged me to celebrate accomplishments even when venturing out to do something for the very first time. And he always seems to know when there was something more on my mind. I love that he follows his heart and takes on projects that speak to him or excites him in some way. After all, isn’t that what passion is all about?

I’ve never met anyone who was more generous with his knowledge, wisdom and time than Sam. And I’m thrilled that I got to meet someone that made me think about my next steps six months from now instead of just tomorrow. I’m especially excited that this wasn’t a one-time encounter on a red carpet or step and repeat moment, but a genuine conversation with someone who makes you think and inspires you to dream bigger. Thank you Sam!

What have you learned from MUA Sam Fine?

Who's Who is Haute!

The unveiling of the 13th edition of Who’s Who in Black Atlanta was so much fun particularly since I’m profiled in the book ;). The reception took place at Twelve Hotel at Atlantic Station before about 500 guests. The turnout was amazing and everyone appeared to have had a wonderful time.

As I flipped through the book, I was inspired by so many of the stories told throughout from entrepreneurs to corporate executives who have done wonderful things in their chosen fields. The evening also included an opportunity to network with some of Atlanta’s most influential people along with up and coming movers and shakers over cocktails.

It’s an honor to have been selected for the book. I would like to thank Real Times Media Creative and Operations Director Tamara Allen for selecting me to be in the book along with a few of my friends. This has been a wonderful way to end the year.

How will you end the year?