Style Couture | Quick & Easy Style Tips

TOP trends of Summer Fashion on a BUDGET

1 Loving my Ethnicity

Embrace the tribal fashionista in you :) ..Pair great tunics with a good pair of skinny jeans or wear them solo dolo with a pair of gladiator sandals like Beyonce.

2 Rose Garden

Floral inspired pieces whether a blouse or nice bubble dress are essential for summer. Pairing them with a nice pair of slacks or if you are going casual just a pair of jeans will surely have you blossoming into a style diva.



3 Gladiator Sandal

I know we are all stiletto divas but oh my god those girls need to relax a little...these flat gladiator sandals are genius.

BACK TO THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAM... Cool stiletto gladiator! Great with a strapless dress or even tank & jeans with great accessories.

4 Neon Color
Stop traffic in these bold colors!!!!

Fushion: Where Art & Fashion Collide

Allure Marketing is back again with the multicultural fashion series....Fushion: Where Art & Fashion Collide. The first show was a success showing the city of Memphis that we indeed have creative talent right in here.

"The multicultural art and fashion show FUSHION took place at the Marshall Arts Gallery in Downtown Memphis. The gallery was filled to capacity with the attendance of the fashion elite, painters, artists, talent, and talent agencies who took part in a creative fashion renaissance. With music by DJ Tree of 94.1 The Buzz, the four part headling show opened the doors for artistic expression to float freely through art and fashion."

Come down and support Allure, models, designers, artists, stylists and MORE. The experience is Saturday at the new Euphoria. For ticket information or inquiries, go to www.alluremarketingonline.com

HSLG Appointment with Style

High Society Style Squad presents "Glam Me Over" an interactive image development and lifestyle makeover focus group. Sign up for a personal style appointment to discuss the details of the focus group. Please email highsocietygroup@gmail.com. Appointments and spots are first come first serve so don't wait. Don't miss the opportunity to Glam Yourself Over.

BET Awards

I didn't get to catch the awards but as soon as I came home I logged on to get pictures from the red carpet. Uhm, well, what can I say, should I have expected more. But here we go, there were definitely some misses. Some artists came through for me, stylists let's push the button.
Best Dressed Women I will give it to Alicia Keys. I am loving her new stylist. She is graciously transitioning and metamorphosing her style. She dress like an elegant and classy woman. Quite a change from the braids and jeans.

Worst Dressed Women Lil Mama's image doesn't scream fashionista but COME ON. I know it's supposed to be fun but it's not Halloween it's the BET Awards. Lil Mama you gotta do better boo.
I was pleasantly pleased with the College Hill gang. Chavon I love the dress. Dorian I didn't expect anything less. Great look!

Red Carpet Men
Okay Chris..I see ya. Love the sporty Euro look.
Jermaine...Jermaine Come on..I wouldn't even expect to see him so casual even in the "A". It's the BET Awards...dress up a little more. Let's do better.
ROTFLMAO....Speechless!

Voluptous Mami Fit is so important and sad to say only one got it right.
Jennifer tried but the fit wasn't right. What do you think of the hair though?

Satin is a very difficult fabric especially for more curvy women; the bottom of the dress was such a horrible fit. Did her stylist not see that?

YES Jordin!! Great dress, look, and such a beautiful smile to compliment the ensemble. You got it baby!



Color of the Season Yellow

The ladies all worked the yellow pieces...Who do you think worked it the best?

Keyshia I don't know..I guess it works. I love the shoes though. I would expect more for the hair. I love the color but the cut doesn't work for me.

Trina She looks better. Glad she went for more of a flowy and loose dress rather than tight. It works.

Rihanna I don't care for it. She has been such a style icon lately. We could have done something shorter or...No I don't like it.

Fit & Fab | Michelyn

Fit & Fab A Quickie

Quick workout for the gym, when you are not sure what to do.

Cardio 20 or 30 mins of cardio (depending on where you are with your weight goal) NOTE: The heavier you are the more cardio you need to do

Arms 10 or 20 mins on arms (split up your arm workout by working your triceps, biceps, shoulders, and chest) 10 or 20 mins on abs (split up your ab workout by working your lower and upper abs and your obliques) NOTE: Always do back excerises after you work your abs to stablize your abs (trun over on your stomach and lift your legs up and down do 8 sets of 10)

Legs 10 mins of squats or some type of leg exercise

Shoe Fetish

Style Icon Manolo Blahnik

If you are indeed a true fashionista, you and shoes have a special love affair. In an ode to Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City and of course the GOD of shoes...Mr. Manolo Blahnik...HSLG brings you Shoe Fetish. I read somewhere a quote by Marilyn Monroe, "I don't know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot"..TRUE TRUE.
Carie Bradshaw in her infamous Manolos...Who can forget the episode when Carrie was leaving a lunch date in Soho and came face to face with mugger. She pleaded for him to take everything BUT her Manolos and that's exactly what he took.
Manolo's inspired by Marrikemo...Love the pink Poppy Jane inspired heel.
Mr. Manolo Blahnik at 100th Anniversary Gala of Neiman Marcus


Born in Santa Cruz de la Palma in the Canary Islands in 1942, Manolo Blahnik was brought up there on the banana plantation owned by his Czech father and Spanish mother. Blahnik has found his niche and successful formula in creating a combination of “occasional avant garde looks for the affluent few” and “good solid looks that will wear forever.” Manolo is an innovative designer...when mainstream companies were creating chunky platforms he decided design sleek stilletto heels with a very distinct style.

Read more about Manolo Blahnik at www.manoloblahnik.com

So have you ever wondered how they are made... Well, they all started somewhere and if you have a fetish for shoes or just would love to go on a hiatus with you girlfriends, I found this cool vacation spot right in the state of Washington. It's the Shoe School http://www.shoeschool.com/ ...you can go there for 5 days and they will give you a crash course in shoe design AND you make a pair of shoes JUST for you.

So embrace your inner shoe goddess or god....

High Society | Role Model

When I initially started giving in to the idea of launching my own company, I had a range of emotions. Fear, happiness, discomfort, anxiety but nonetheless I always came back to feeling HIGH. I felt as though I was floating on cloud 9...COMPLETE EUPHORIA. Hence, the name high. Society came from the idea that I had unintentionally become apart of this "clique" or "society" in which everyone around me had the same ideas, direction, and goals. We made our own rules and laws and governed our actions based on what we loved...FASHION. Our social life was dictated by everything beautiful and it felt so organic. I began writing through my diary, yes, I do have a diary...best way to vent and get everything out without being judged...sidenote...excuse me. But in this society defined as (noun) the prominent people: the prominent or fashionable people in a community, or their social life....We are proactive...innovators...socially conscious...yet still fly & fabulous... Every thursday for simplicity purposes.. I will feature something in which I believe is cultural, artistic or thought provoking...Today's feature is something I've been excited about since it's conception....


http://www.myblackisbeautiful.com/
My Black is Beautiful a campaign by Essence magazine to create dialogue amongst African American women in hopes to improve self esteem and defining OUR idea of beauty is AWESOME!!!! It is sweeping the nation in many African American social clubs, book clubs, and girls nite out groups. Since, HSLG is a company driven by fashion & beauty, it is almost inevitable to not talk about BEAUTY. However, My Black is Beautiful almost strips women of the things they THINK makes them beautiful i.e. MAC Studio Fix, faux eyelashes and such and makes us dig deeper and create an understanding that we in all of our flaws are beautiful. Go online and watch the testimonials, download the interactive group discussion workbooks. Have fun ladies!!!!!
Take the HSLG poll and tell us what you think is beautiful about you on the right side of the page!!!!!
If anyone in the Memphis area is interested in starting a group, please email highsocietygroup@gmail.com....

Fit & Fab | Michelyn

HEY!!! I asked you guys to send in questions for the Fit & Fab issue and I received an overwhelming response for the first feature. Yay!!! So let's open the mail.....

Q: I have been doing very well losing weight but I just can't shake these last few pounds particularly in the waist. Do you have any diet tips or exercise tips?

A: If you are trying to figure out how to loose those last few pounds or that fat around the waist, a low sodium diet may help you achieve your goal. What does too much sodium do to your body? Too much sodium can cause cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, high blood pressure, weight gain, and water retention. According to Heart failure Society of America the average person should not eat more than 2,300 mg of salt per day but many people consume up to 5000mg. According to Astronutrition.com, salt not only contributes to high blood pressure and heart disease, but it is not good for promoting a lean body image. “The more salt that you consume the more water is retained by the body. The excess sodium is deposited and stored under the skin, which causes a layer of water that looks like fat. Consuming less salt and drinking more water will ensure your body looks lean as possible” (Are You Eating Too Much Salt, 2008)

To make sure you are not exceeding the recommended daily sodium intake do the following:

- Reduce processed food consumption (i.e., fast food, canned foods, and snacks)
- Use Mrs. Dash for seasoning your foods
- Reduce table salt intake
- Always check sodium on the nutrition facts label before purchasing food
- Buy more fresh foods (i.e., meats, vegetables, fruits)

The following are a few foods to stay away from when trying to lower your sodium intake:

- Ribs
- Salty potato chips
- Pizza
- Macaroni and cheese
- Frozen dinners

Style Concierge

High Society Lifestyle Group would like to introduce you to your personal style concierge. Email us with all of your style questions and we would be glad to dress you.

Q: Hey HSLG! I am going to an afternoon summer wedding and I don't have a clue of what to wear. Comfort and simplicity is key for me. HELP!!

A: I looooove weddings especially summer weddings. The pieces are endless and a lot of versatile options. Here is a look that is both comfortable and simple and doesn't break the bank. Pair it with some great accessories. Now own it!!!

Simple Chic Evening Dress www.forever21.c0m $ 34.99
Amici Accessories http://www.amiciaccessories.com/ Purple textured leather lined clutch $38

Purple stilettos with rose details http://www.gojane.com/ $20.99

Solange's New Video

When you have an older sibling, it's always hard to live up to expectations of your older brother/sister. Solange is the younger sister of Queen "B" (Beyonce) but she holds her own. Hadley St. Dreams set for release August 26th is Solange's new project and I must say it's a breath of fresh air. I love the sound, the looks, and creative direction. Hadley St. Dreams is a mix of 60s & 70s Motown and electronica. The new video is definitely a great direction creatively. Ty Hunter, stylist, did an amazing job collaborating with Malina (director) styling through the decades. I have always loved fashion during the 60s...Diana Ross... I might add is one of my style icons. The pieces in this video are simple but chic. Great styling!!!!

Fit & Fab with Michelyn

Style, beauty, and all that glam could not be possile if you don't feel it. Confidence exudes from within and scientifically speaking, exercise releases endorphins that make you feel good after working out. Fitness should be important to us all. Not so much for superficial reasons but for your health. The body you have is the only one you get people so treat it like a temple...SERIOUSLY. The journey of fitness and health is so different for all of us. Everyone has adapted or created a system that works for them and I have asked model, fitness expert, and life coach; Michelyn to share her thoughts, tips, and fitness style with you. So come check her out every Wednesday for some cool fitness ideas and workouts. As promised, High Society is here to make your life a little more fab... with your very own fitness concierge. If you have any questions for Michelyn or cool ideas you would like featured, please feel free to email us at highsocietygroup@gmail.com subject: fit & fab
Michelyn Home Workouts
HOME WORKOUT – FOR THOSE DAYS YOU DON’T FEEL LIKE GOING TO THE GYM – pop in a workout tape, tune into Fit TV ( I love working out with Gilad – it’s quick and to the point); if you don’t have Fit TV or if you don’t have a workout tape, you still have no excuse – Below is a quick workout for you:

SIT UPS – 8 SETS OF 10 (after you complete your sit ups turn over on stomach –lift legs up and down 8 sets of 10) – This will strengthen your back which will stabilize your abs

PUSH UPS – 5 SETS OF 8

SQUATS – 10 SETS OF 10

CALF RAISES – 5 SETS OF 25

If you can do more feel free too, also you might want to add some cardio. You can always jog in place for 20 minutes or jump rope for 20 minutes. It’s always good to get your heart rate up!

It's The Weekend

Friday

Ok so I have such an old soul... but... I love some Ray Charles and so does so many others. Chills run down my spine when I hear him belt out "Georgia" such great history behind the song itself. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music http://www.staxmuseum.com/ and Howard Morehead; photographer announces an exhibit called "I Shot Ray Charles" with over 50 images of Ray Charles during his career. Howard Morehead is a famed entertainment and celebrity photographer who worked in the industry for many years and was a great friend of music legend Ray Charles. Opening night is tonight at the Stax Museum from 5 to 7 pm; admission is only $10 which will include complimentary hor d'ouerves, soft drinks, and a cash bar. Get out this weekend and do something with meaning...visit the museum. Great history right here in our city.

Saturday

A-List & Saturday Sessions are a "breath of fresh air" for those of us who love going out kicking it with people on our "level". Moody Inc has consistenly taken the Memphis nightlife to another level for the past year. Hence, their one year anniversary celebration this weekend. So go out and support the brothers Marcus and Wayne Moody this weekend; Saturday Sessions from 1 to 5 pm and Round One later in the evening...IT'S FREE! So don't make any excuses!!!

Lifestyle Events

The Launch Party is coming soon September 2008! It will be muy caliente chicas!! The event is invite only! Exclusive! We are looking for "THE ULTIMATE FASHIONISTA" .
FASHIONISTA: A very fashionable person. A devotee to clothing. A person working in or deeply involved with the high-fashion industryIt's so simple to enter the contest...

Send us 2 of your most stylish images.
A BRIEF statement of why your style is unique
If you don't mind...one of your style secrets

The prize is supreme..Trust me

"Glam Me Over"....So many women are in such fashion and beauty ruts so I felt it as my duty to due a city wide search for women who need a little "glamover". If you know of anyone who you would like to have a makeover send their information to highsocietygroup@gmail.com. We'll initiate them into "High Society" through fashion and beauty rituals.

Talk to you soon.

Honey Child Book Club

Over the past few years, I have been trying to get some of my close friends together formally and start a book club/sister circle/chit chat over topics that REALLY matter to us type thingy. It all came about during many conversations with my friends of our different points in life. The things that we all go through and can talk with each other about because we are all going through it. The late 20's early 30's....I don't know where my life is going... I hate my job/career I would love to do this type thing. In the midst of those conversations, I stumbled upon a blog entitled, Hello Nobody and saw Amy DuBois Barnett's book "Get Yours" on the chic's fav books list. Great blog I might add!! I decided to check it out because the subtitle was absolutely persuasive..."The Girlfriends Guide to Having Everything You Dreamed of and More". I must say this interactive gossipy format "girlfriend BIBLE" was the best thing that ever happened to me during my quest to find out what I really love and what I want to do. In the book, Amy opens up to us about how she discovered her passion of writing, took a risk and a leap of faith and walked away from everything she knew to; follow her dreams. The book is broken down into subjects such as finances, style, passion, creativity, etc to allow you to dissect your own life and ultimately "Get Yours". It is a MUST read so go pick it up or order it online. Let me know what you think.

We are on the Move!!!

I am soooooooo excited!! I have launched the website for my baby: High Society Lifestyle Group. I must say it feels wonderful to step out on faith and pursue your dreams. I have felt a range of emotions over the last few weeks and I ended at the greatest of them all...LIBERATED & FREE. So hopefully through my efforts of releasing myself from expectations of other people; you will have the best time of your life with me. High Society is THE PLACE FOR FASHION & BEAUTY IN OUR AREA (Memphians) and WE WILL TAKE THE COMPANY TO OTHER MARKETS.

What can you expect? Fashion, Beauty, Trends, Restaurant Reviews, Behind the Scenes Features, Monthly Newsletters, Style Concierge Services, Makeovers, Book Clubs, Social Networks and SOOOO much more. So why go anywhere else for what's hot in Memphis.