I  have never been a woman to make all these resolutions to hold and eventually break in the new year. However, in the past, I have vowed all the usual of to lose weight (failed the first day), study more (U of Memphis days), stay in contact with so and so...blah, blah, blah.

However, this year, instead of compiling what basically is a post-Christmas wish list, I am going to take part in Essence's Your Pledge: Get The Life You Deserve. The pledge is

Definitely a more organized version of New Year's resolutions...don't ya think?!

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Lanvin is one of those labels that I adore, but don't express it as much as I do Gucci, Fendi or Marc Jacobs. However, I am just loving these shiny t-straps from Lanvin so much that I just had to oogle about them! I am a little shock that I love them as much as I do, considering that I have not been a big fan of the same style of heel that these gorgeous gam toppers have in the past. Either way...I love them.

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What Comes Around Goes Around Marsha Mini Dress, $298, ShopBop

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TOKYO(By YURI KAGEYAMA, AP Business Writer) - Hello Kitty is no sexist.

The cute cuddly white cat from Japan's Sanrio Co., usually seen on toys and jewelry for girls and young women, will soon don T-shirts, bags, watches and other products targeting young men, company spokesman Kazuo Tohmatsu said Friday.

Gucci rarely lets me down, even when they gently step out their classic norm and style reputation. Case in point, these suede and patent leather colorblock style peep toe pumps are incredible! The straight line of the insteps of the upper leather, the perfect curveness of the peep toe and the dangerously skinny heel are just too much fabness to have to go on! Alert the fashion police, because I am about to be pick up a charge for shoe stalking!

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This past year, there were so many 'it' items you had to had and one of those items was Valentino's Histoire. It was definitely one of my fav bags to dream about this year. It's such a classy lady bag! Plus, wasn't little Zahara Joilie-Pitt's just the most fabulous piece of cuteness ever!!

I am just loving the patent leather version. Sleek. Histoire bags are available at Neiman Marcus and Saks.

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"Taken you long enough!" says my friend, but I have finally gotten around to making a MySpace for Stained Couture. I feel like I'm the last person in the world to do so, but its finally official.

I still have some tweaking to do (rss feeds, etc.), but feel free to visit and add me at:

www.myspace.com/stainedcouture

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Today was the first time that I have ever went shopping the day before Christmas. The mall opened at 8am and to my shock, there were quite a number of people already there. Unfortunately, I can't say that for the inventory.

Seriously, there were completely bare racks in places like Macy's and Express! It was like the style apocalypse was arriving in a matter of days and all the style mavens and fashionistas came and got all that they could!

I went for the 50% + discounts. but when there is nothing left then the discounts mean nothing. I strutted into Payless, thinking that I could find me some cute "new Payless" shoes. However, all that was left in my size were shoes that were the epitome of the plastic shoe Payless of yesteryears. Well, maybe I am fibbing a smidge, because I did score a pair of candy apple kitten heel that are perfect for work. So, my day wasn't a total bust considering I sneaked into the house with three large bags!

Happy Holidays!

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Looks like I am not the only one not done with holiday shopping, which I am definitely finishing in the morning. Look out Oak Court Mall!

Anyway, this weekend, like millions of others, Christina Milian was seen doing some last minute shopping while rocking this too cute faux fur lined PINK sweater. Fabulous! Another fabulous bonus is that its on clearance for $59.99 at Vicky S. Perfect.

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Second to handbags, hats are having the best year for accessories! There were and are so many styles and shapes that ran the gammet of the glamazons this year. Although I don't believe that I can pull off wearing hats, one hat style that I love ans surprisingly been able to pull off are the newsboy cabbies. They can be casual and chic and can be a fabulous fix to bad hair day without it appearing so. Gotta love it! Since they can be so cas', I think that people should reach for a newsboy cabbie instead of those deemed to be doomed trucker hats. Seriously, people, know when to hang it up and when I say 'it' I mean bad and outdated trends!

A. Logo Riding Hat, $24.99-$34, Armani Exchange; B. Wool Cabby Hat, $10.50, Wet Seal; C. UGGS Newsboy Hat, $118.95, Zappos; D. Coal Considered Nolita Newsboy, $39.95, Dog Funk; E. Wool Felt Cabbie Cap, $22.99, Amazon; F. Sweater-knit Newsboy Cap, $24.50, Gap; G. Blue Newsboy Hat, $9.99, Target

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In "It's about damn time" news, Dereon now offers clothes for all the curvy girls in the world. Now you, too, can shake your derrier in your dereons! Plus, I love how the don't call the section "Plus Size", but instead opt for the sexy and sulty choice of "Curvier Woman". Love it.

Don't get me wrong, the selections are not that vast, but its a fab start to a definite need. Now, curvier women can get that once coveted "Irreplaceable" hoodie, too! Now, let's just hope it doesn't disappear like JLO's plus size section. It just disappeared...over night. What happened there?

Anyway, enjoy!

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Recently, the people over at Murad sent me this fabulous little Clarifying Cleanser  that has made me and my skin a little happier in this stressful, acne producing, but joyous holiday season.

Murad's Clarifying Cleanser helps to cleanse and tone your skin in one step. I know I am not the biggest fan of two-in-one products, (can you say "Shampoo and Conditioner in one?" eekk!) but this beauty two-fer is great and totally lives up to all its hype and customer recommendations. Murad and apparently some scientific experiments claim that it has been "proven to reduce 99.9% of irritating surface bacteria in less than one minute." I don't know what all that equates, but I do know that before I used it my face was gross. However, after I used it in the shower, my skin looked and felt ssooo much smoother and has continued to look better over the past week! I am experiencing a Christmas Murad miracle. I have already ordered the kit to take this miracle on into the new year! Cheers to smooth skin!!

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When it comes to adding some fab excitement to a drab and boring outfit, I usually reach for some fun and/or bright accessories. One of the first things that I reach for is a pair of bright, poppin' pumps in an attention grabbing color. That color is usually a bright apple red, but lately I have not been so quick and keen to reach for red. Instead, I have been feenin', scoping, and looking to score some electric blue pumps.

Ever since I saw Kerry Washington wear a pair earlier this month, I have been wanting my own pair. They are a funky and vibrant addition to an outfit and should be staple to any shoe wardrobe!

A. Christian Louboutin New Simple Pumps, $675, Saks; B. Guess 'Pilsner' Satin Pumps, $89.95, Nordstrom; C. Franco Sarto Chili Pumps, $79, Piperlime: D. Marc Fisher 'Nayara' Pumps, $79, Macy's; E. Jessica Simpson Jamela Pump, $88.95, Nordstrom; F. Christian Louboutin Lapono shoe boots, $775, Net-A-Porter

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For the past few week, I have been trying to decide if I am feeling the latest collabo between Louis Vuitton and Murakami. I will admit, in the past, I haven't been too fond of the Murakami Louis Vuitton collection, but I love and swoon both designers...individually.

Recently, socialite/designer/? was seen carrying the new Murakami in the newest Louis style of the Neverfull, which I love! The Neverfull and Murakami..two must have and hard to grab things from Louis Vuitton. I will admit that this bag is definitely growing on me rapidly!

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Today, the latest installment of the Bring It On movies hits the shelves with Bring It On: In It To Win It. Like the previous Bring It On movies, this one is filled with all the high energy, extreme athleticism, and uber drama that has created a huge fan base. In It To Win It follows So Cal high school senior Carson (Ashley Benson) as she tries to lead her squad to victory at the "Cheer Camp Nationals." However, that turns out to be harder than planned thanks to a chic and sassy New Yorker named Brooke (Cassie Scerbo) who has the same goal for her team. Both teams are equally talented and determined to win, but must face a few obstacles, dramatic altercations, and of course an intense classic Bring It On dance/cheer-off! Gotta love those dance-offs and cheer-offs!

I watched my advanced copy this weekend while babysitting my cheerleader-loving 7 years old neighbor and of course she loved it since she loves anything that involves cheerleading. One thing that I noticed while she was trying to duplicate some of the moves and cheers in my living room is how the cheerleading uniform have changed over the years...drastically!

This wonderful, fabulous, and lovely Lewis Choo royal blue jersey dress is this week's Coutorture giveaway! Wait...do I say this week, I mean for the next TWO WEEKS you have the chance to win this dress to add to your closet. With a value of $198, it would be a fantastic addition to any closet. Plus, you can dress it up or down. What more can you want?!

In case you are new, you enter by inserting your email in that box with this dress in it and keep your fingers crossed! Get to entering...as many times as possible!

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When I saw these shorts, there were so many questions that popped into my mind. Were these really shorts or an elaborate adult diaper? Who decided that these would be hot to make? Who would buy these? How would you wear them? Where would you wear them? If you saw someone in these, what would you think of their mental capabilities? Why am I looking at these?!? WHY?

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I have been looking for this jacket and it seems to be sold out everywhere!! However, former sweet sixteen-er and up and coming Pharell protege', Teyana Taylor, has been able to scoop this Belle of the Brawl varsity jacket by Hellz Bellz.  I'm super jealous!

I so want this jacket.....NOW!!

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I have at my desk, right now, the perfect stocking stuffer for the bag hags in your life....ClipChic by Stylagio! Its a must have accessory for your the bags in your life. An accessory for an accessory! Love it!

Clipchic are little clips that are easily placed on the edge of a table, desk, or whatever to keep your fav bag du jour free of the unfabness of germs, dust and theft! Security has never looked so chic!

I received my too cute Sweet Raspberry one just the other day and my mom and one of my bosses has already tried to grab it! Currently, mine is safely supporting my new Nine West business tote. Since I am a constant reacher in my bag throughout the day, ClipChic has turned by bag into an extra file cabinet!

They are the perfect gift! So much so that they come with a soft little carrying bag for easy travel and already boxed up. So, all you have to do is slap a bow on it and you are ready to give! They come in a rainbow of cute colors for your chosing! Although I am mentioning this as a gift, you should definitely get one for your self!! Stylagio has a couple of lovely specials going on to make that possible.

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Everyone knows a person who just adores their pet so much that they treat them as their own child. Catering to the every beck and whim and love spoiling them! Here are a few fabulous gift ideas for those pet smooching people on your list that they would love unwrap and share with their perspective pet!

Doggie Bone Calculator, $22, FredFlare; Sherpa Montreal Pet Tote, $79.97, Petco; Happy Trails Plus Stroller, $95.99, Target; You Bake 'em Cat Treats, $12.95, Fred Flare; Swarovski Crystal Dog Collar, $150, Paw Printz; Juicy Couture 'Princess' Dog House, $175, Nordstrom

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Last night at The Hills finale, Heidi Montag wore this glitzy, sequin LaRok number while walking the carpet, but Ashanit wore the same dress back in October at the 2007 American Music Awards nominations. So...who owns it!

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Spotted, S. aka Gossip Girl's Blake Lively wearing a fabulous and luxe embellished Diane von Furstenburg dress at Gap Tidings this weekend. The price is very Upper Eastside, but mayeb Forever 21 will hook us up soon!

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While on my retro kicks kick, I stumbled across these very unique and fascinating Reeboks with cow print and pink trim. They would be great additions to a B-girl's shoe game, but what about you? Yay or Nay?

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Its about that time of this shopping season when you are running out of gift options for some of the spots on your gift list and plan to reach for the nearest giftcard or dollar bills to give as a gift. However, before you reach for the Christmas card du jour to harbor the gift card or cash, instead spring for a more unique presentation...BILZ!

Bilz are these ingenius little boxes in various sizes that holds gift cards, cash, checks, etc. and the gift receiver has to complete a challenging maze before they can get the prize. "An interactive gift thats a challege to receive" Fun for the giver and receiver!

Bilz can range from $9.99-12.99, depending on size.

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To read NYLON is to know how incredible this gift is!! Urban Outfitters is giving away free one year subscriptions(10 issues) to the magazine for the fab and fly peeps, NYLON. I love this magazine! Want a free subscrition, then go here! Hurry, because I am not sure how long this offer lasts!

Thank you Urban Outfitters and NYLON!

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Back in October, Christina Milian wore this unique Johnathan Zawanda tee for Nylon to Rock and Republic's wrap party.

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What is holiday shopping with out trying to scope and scoop as many fabulously frugal finds as your wallet and desire can handle. I have compiled a small, but sufficient list of cute and fly finds for that fly 'it' girl on your list!

Hello Kitty Key Caps, $10, Urban Outfitters; Bloody Blonde Make-Up Bag, $15.29, Target; Obey Engraved Heart Locket, $24, Karmaloop; Lulu's Vuitotn Keychain, $14, Lulu's; Napolean Perdis Lip Couture Set, $25, Sephora; Jess Popcorn Hat, $14.50, Delia's; Vintage Style Crystal Cameo Earrings, $21.60, Plasticland; Fashion Queen Credit Card Case, $15, Target; Heart Compact Mirror, $8, Urban Outfitters

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I am getting my rest tonight chicas, because momma has cashed and collected all her checks and ready to do some serious damage at one of the last big deal filled shopping weekends before Christmas!

This weekend, all the stores are in an eager rush to move as much product as possible and they are so eager that they are slashing prices of things already that are so low that they should be illegal.

However, ladies, I am leaving with a list of things that I need to get...for me!

1. A cute, colored peacoat- My simple navy is just not amping my cute factor, despite how cute my accessories are!
2. As many colorful, comfy flats as possible!
3. A pair of black skinny or straight leg jeans. I only have one pair of black jeans!! A serious no no!

And anything else that has a price that is too deliciously inticing to ignore! Happy shopping!

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This gift idea is for that more than happy, over the rainbow couple that are having their very first Christmas in their new home. These monogram flags are the perfect gift to give to them! Plus, I just love them!

They are luxuriously large with enough elegance and regality to make a staple to any home. They just sceam, "We're here, neighbors!" They are larger than regular house flags, but will last almost forever! While you are at it, you might want to pick up one for yourself!

They just make me want to give up my shoe and handbag addiction and buy home just so I can have a place to hang this. I don't think my apartment manager would go for me hanging it over my door!

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Today, Style.com is launching a new video that features 15 top designers, retailers, models, and other fashion insiders discussing their favorite charities (from OrphanAid Africa to Riverkeeper to TeachersCount) and why they feel it's important to be generous at this time of year. View video at the bottom!

Inspired? Find out how to get involved in the charities mentioned in the video by using the links below.

Betsey Johnson, National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund, www.natlbcc.org
David Lauren, Pink Pony, www.ralphlauren.com
Donna Karan, Urban Zen Initiative, www.urbanzen.org
Francisco Costa, ACRIA, www.acria.org
Iman, Keep a Child Alive, www.keepachildalive.org
Julie Gilhart, The Edible Schoolyard, www.edibleschoolyard.org
Kenneth Cole, amfAR, www.amfar.org
Dr. Lisa Airan, Share Our Strength, www.strength.org
Liya Kebede, World Health Organization, www.who.int/en
Margherita Missoni, OrphanAid Africa, www.oafrica.org
Narciso Rodriguez, Aid for AIDS, www.aidforaids.org
Nicole Miller, Riverkeeper, www.riverkeeper.org
Simon Doonan, Youth Advocacy Center, www.youthadvocacycenter.org
Tory Burch, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, www.mskcc.org
Zac Posen, TeachersCount, www.teacherscount.org

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This week's Coutorture giveaway features a truly incredible prize that is valued at a hip slapping $210! Its Therapy Systems "The Essential Clutch" and its filled enough of the essentials to keep you and your heart and face as happy as a fashionista at a 50% off sample sale!

The essentials include Vogue Lipgloss, Champagne Platinum Glo All-Over Powder, Cream Gel Liner in Onyx, Flat Liner Brush, Deluxe Powder Brush, Coffee Cherry Reparative Treatment all in a fabulous Bronze Woven Cosmetic Organizer!

Want it? Well, all you have to do is  enter in that tall, slender, yet powerful box to the right. Enter as many times as you like! Good Luck!

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These Crystal Plummage Hairclips are very bold and different. Also, they are perfect for all those 30s Flapper girl costumes I saw this past Halloween. I am not sure how these would work in everyday instances, but they are perfect for the latest edition of Yay orf Nay! So....Yay or Nay?

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WE HAVE A WINNER!!! Say "congrats" to Donyetta from Alabama! She was the first to send the correct link! WTG, Donyetta!

Since it is the season of giving, I decided to join in on the fun and  give away a smokey eye kit for one of you super lucky readers!

So, the first person who sends me a VALID link to Sephora Brand Volume Mascara will get the pleasure of looking for this in their mailbox!

OVER!!!

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I adore make-up...I really do!! However, there are a few effects and tricks that I have not been able to master. Personal observation time. If I was tested today on my liquid eyeliner application, I would probably score a 90 percent. Getting better everyday, though!

However, when it comes to creating a fabulous smokey eye, I have no problem....anymore. I have learned to create the most dazzling day or evening smokey eyes thanks to Sephora's Smokey Eye Kit. Before SEK(only people who appreciate her can call her that) came into my life I stayed with simple one shade with some light shading in the creases. Now, I don't know what it feels like to not get my smoke on!

The kit comes with 5 superbly handcrafted brushes, a nice size tube of Sephora's Volume Mascara in black and a cheat sheet with steps on how to obtain your very own pair of smokey eyes. All that, plus it comes in a handy, yet chic faux leather pewter case to organize carry all the smokey essentials. A definite fav in any make-up mavens beauty wardrobe!

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'Tis the season for a gammet of Black Tie events that are most worthy of stylish tuxes and fabulous evening gowns. Finding a worthy evening gown can be quite the challenge, becasue of all the styles. One style that is super hot this season are mermaid style gowns.

Mermaid style gowns? Mernaid style dresses are well fitted all around the bodice and waist of the dress, but flare all out at the bottom and sometimes with a slight train. They are really fab and gorgeous, but extremely body conscience! So, if you are tempted to wear one, break out your best pair of Spanx!

David Meister Matte Jersey Gown, $330, Saks; David Meister Long Satin Gown, $500, Saks; Mary L Couture Charmeuse Gown with Godets, $230, Nordstrom; Sean Collection Stretch Satin Gown, $328, Nordstrom

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I love this time of year! I love seeing all the houses trimmed in dazzling lights and inflatable christmas characters, because they add a little fun to that otherwise boring ride home from a long day of tedium and holiday traffic. Also, I love taking part in the decorating of the Christmas tree and my door, which will be adorned with a glittered metallic turquoise, purple and green bells wreath and matching metallic green paper by 5 pm central time tommorrow. Chic and different.

Although I am all ho gun with the festive houses, I am not a fan of the festive people who love nothing more than to wear jingle bells around their necks, santa claus hats as they type in their cubicle, or wear those blatant violations of the fashion police thanks to christmas theme clothing and accessories.

So, if you want to be stay festive in the workplace, but avoid being taken in for questioning by the fashion police, I have a suggestion! Stick with just rotating various combinations of red and green or if you just need to sparkle reach for a small, but Christmas infused brooch that DOESN'T make noise or blinks!

This has been a public service announcement sponsored by Stained Couture.

Picture Source

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A definite Christmas classic for my generation!

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