BASIC INVITE…..

I had the opportunity to work with Basic invite an online website that specializes in cards for your special occasion. As I graduate next year, I’m looking for card invites that are keepsakes but that I can make unique.  I enjoyed the fact there’s so many card selections that I can choose from. By using basic invite it offers an online website that allows customers with unlimited color options with the availability to preview invites. Once you select a design you can change the color of each element on the card to over 180 different color options so you can make sure the card is exactly how you want it down to the littlest detail. This is what sets basic invite apart from almost any other online stationery company and their making a way in the stationery industry.




As you search and search, trying to find the right card can be a hassle but basic invite is convenient way to find that perfect card. Basic invite is a customer friendly website that allows customer to customize samples with the ability to order a printed sample of their actual invitation so they can see preview how it will be printed before they place their final order.



What’s super cool is they have foil cards that are available in gold, silver, and rose gold. In which customers can choose flat or raised foil on all of Basic Invite’s foil designs. Cool, Right?!?!

Go on their website there offering over 40 different colors of envelopes that Basic Invite is just as colorful with their envelopes as their invitations. Customers can choose from over 40 different colors when it comes to their envelopes so that they can make their invitation stand out even before it is opened. All of basic invite envelopes are peel and seal so the envelopes can be quickly and securely closed.


If you like social media as much as I do, basic invite offers address capturing service that allows customer to simply share a link on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other form of social media to request their friends and family’s addresses which will be stored in the customer’s account and can then be selected during the design process. 

Here are more sample of graduation invites take a peek: 



Don’t miss out on making your special occasion perfect. As you graduate soon, stop by basic invite to get that perfect card for your graduation keepsake. Right now Basic Invite is offering 15% off with coupon code: 15FF51 

Follow @basicinvite on thier social media platforms below: 

MOMMY MAKEOVER: MOM ON THE GO….

Mommy Makeover 
A couple of weeks ago, I did a mommy makeover on two of my college friends named Norma Rosario and Claudia Miranda. The makeover was about picking two looks from their closet, and to style the two looks that they could both incorporate into their busy schedule as mom’s on the go. Working with my college friends was a huge delight. I got to see them outside their element of being a mom. I’ve known both Norma Rosario and Claudia Miranda over 10 years. I think moments like this we connect and enjoy each other’s company. I hope to do another makeover with them either 2 to 3 outfits. 
Here’s some background on my friends: 
Norma Rosario is from the Dominican Republic she has an accounting consulting firm called Rosario Accounting Firm based in Baltimore, MD. She’s driven and continues to expand her business by helping small business. As a mom, she’s all about giving her kids stability and making sure they are taken care of. She has great style; I think it was about finding pieces that she could incorporate as an “On The Go Mom. 
Look# 1 
Her first look was a sporty chic look that she could go do errands, go out to eat, or just have a chill day. I think this look is super stylish and chic…I was so wearing this look! 


Look #2 
I found pieces that complimented each other. Sometimes you want to look stylish but how about not trying too hard. This look says it not too much but it’s paired together well. 

Claudia Miranda is from Guatemala she’s known for her fun energy and charismatic attitude. I know her as having many talents and she’s not afraid to try something new. Currently, she trying to get her license to become a Zumba instructor and will be starting a new class hopefully by summer 2019. As a mom, she’s patient, caring, and loving. Makes her kids as a priority and she’s her kids biggest cheerleader! Her style is more laid back but she knows how to be stylish and sexy at the same time. I don’t think she needs helps with her style, but finding the right clothing combination that will work for her as a mom on the go! 
Look #1 
She wore an opened back sweater with ripped jeans paired with the rose gold metallic sneaker. We had another outfit in mind, I think this look is better she spiced it up with the opened back sweater! 

Look# 2 
I wanted a look for spring so I picked the yellow blazer paired with high-waisted jeans with a chiffon top, and floral pumps all from her closet. 

Norma’s friend Yurima is a mother too. she has such a sweet spirit, energetic, and has great style. Although I didn’t style her she came to photo shoot ready to work. I love her style she knows how to dress up her style and dress down with her laid back sporty look. 
Look# 1 
Yurima picked a sporty chic look paired with leggings, fitted top, and sneakers. A good look to go out for errands or picking up your kids from school. 
Look#2 

Her second look was a sophisticated high-low top paired with jeans and pointy pumps. I really like this look it’s super chic, style, and comfy.  Can I borrow this look? lol

My friends and I had such an amazing time, that we went to another location in Baltimore. The mommy makeover was a success! I would definitely do another mommy makeover again! 
Which look did you like the best?

PARIS FASHION WEEK THE END….

 
Photo by: Anne Lapina
 
WHAT I WORE:
Fashionova: Dress
H&M: Top
WHO WHAT WEAR: Jacket
Sam Edelman: Boots
Target: Hat
 
So this was literally the last day I was in Paris. This is my final pictures while in Paris. I honestly will miss Paris it just makes me want to come back again. I enjoyed the people, the fashion, and especially the amazing food!!!!! Now that I get ready for next season Paris Fashion Week, I’m going to bring it with my fashion and some! I want to explore more of the city instead of seeing the museum but other things to do in Paris. So get ready for more from me next season at Paris Fashion Week.
 
Enjoy!
 

PARIS FASHION WEEK AND THE EIFFEL TOWER

Photo by: Anne Lapina 
WHAT I WORE: 
Forever21: Jacket 
Sam Edelman: Boots 
SugarFix at Target: Necklace 
Unicorn eyewear: sunnies 
If you go to Paris, the eiffel tower is by far the best experience to explore a paris landmark. Although I didn’t get inside the eiffel tower just being around was quite enough. I wish I could of experience more of Paris if I had more time. Here’s my outfit that I wore a lace dress with some white boots paired with my faux fur jacket. It was raining that day, luckily I had a jacket that kept me warm. During February in Paris, you will definitely need a jacket and a scarf. I was not trying to play with the weather cause it changes throughout the day. I had the best time just walking around the eiffel tower. You should definitely visit if you get a chance?!?!?!
See you next time!!! 

PARIS FASHION WEEK….

PHOTOS BY: ANNE LAPINA 

 WHAT I WORE: 
ZARA: TOP & ROBE DRESS 
VIOLETDC: DRESS 
HAWAII: CLUTCH 

What’s interesting is fashion week abroad?  

When you think of fashion week, you compare all of the latest trends and styles. I honestly love fashion week it helps me to bring out my fashion to a whole new level. I feel like Paris Fashion Week helped me mold my style. Sometimes I want to fit in. I want to buy certain clothing, jewelry, or shoes to be popular. Even to label me by putting myself in this box with other influencers. Guess what that’s not going to make me successful or popular. I need to be myself. 

True story, I was looking on Valentino website to see if I could buy a pair of shoes. I search and search for websites with discounted Valentino shoes. I was so determined to get these shoes at a discounted price. Honestly, These shoes were not in my budget. Even if I put it on my credit card, what does it say about me? It says I want to obtain a lifestyle that I can obtain with my budget. It’s not ideal. It still was way too much but guess what I can always dream one day. I can afford these shoes. So fashion is not about looking rich with designer clothing and shoes. It’s about whether your style is different. Because if i were to break my banking account is not showing my audience how to be stylish. Or by being authentic with my style. I’ve shopped my closet for Paris fashion week. Bought a few items that were under $100. I think these brands overcharge you for their name, not the item itself. I refuse to pay over $100 unless it’s the best item on me! 


My advice is to stay within your budget. But buy clothing that still looks like a designer not where your breaking the bank. I’m always learning how to be different from my ever-changing style. My style is always on budget or frugal! 

See you next time! 

Paris Fashion Week Day 4

Paris Fashion Week has been very mellow for me this season. I really have experienced not only fashion but the city. I think that when we have an agenda in my mind we make a list to do this and that. We usually don’t do anything on our agenda. I spent hours trying to get my agenda in order for Paris fashion week and leisure. The only thing I did on my agenda was going to my favorite place the Galeries Lafayette the big mall in Paris. It’s literally my go-to for getting all my eating, shopping, and souvenirs. As my time comes to an end in Paris, I only have one more night.  And I’m going to live it up! I seriously don’t want to leave! 

WHAT I WORE: 
Violet Dc: JAcket 
H&M: Striped Jacket & Dress 
Sam Edelman: Boots 
Forever21: Belt 
Nordstrom: Beret 

Paris Fashion Week: Day 3

Hello All, 

What I love about Paris Fashion Week is that I can literally emulate Parisians style to my own style. Even though my style is simple I can pick a trend by incorporating within my wardrobe. It’s a real skill! For my look, I wore Eva Mendes pleather green skirt that I adore. I was searching and searching for where I could find a green jacket that can go with this skirt. For real, I didn’t need to go far. I had this jacket from the gap which was not the same green. On the runway, I have seen the trend where some fashion collections aren’t doing the matchy-matchy looks. There picking colors in the same or in a similar color family. Guess what?!?! I saved my money by using my leafy green jacket from Gap which is comfortable and warm. 

I love that I could wear this look all day! I had my edgy sparkly booties that were super stylish. I got so many compliments from Parisians that wanted to know where I got these shoes. They were so surprised I got them on sale from Aldo. Nice right! I had my go-to lace top from h&m. For this fashion week, I learned that I can wear a lot of my stuff in my closet just making my whole look super new. Now it’s your turn, Go out there and shop your closet! 

WHAT I WORE: 
Gap: Jacket 
H&M: Top 
Aldo: Booties 

Paris Fashion Week: Day 2

Hello All, 

Fitsonme is in Paris and trying to bring it with the fashion. I was nervous I wasn’t going to get into any shows. Luckily, I ended up getting into two fashion show and it was amazing. Now for the rest of the week I have presentations. I learned that you have to start somewhere. It’s not easy getting into the fashion shows in Paris, I emailed almost  25-30 shows. And only received 2 invites, if your starting out going to fashion week abroad. You have to be patient it takes time to build your repoar with the public relations agency. 

Some tips:
1. Post content immediately-If you do get content from the fashion shows post your content immediately. The brands want to see their collection being promoted. 

2. Hashtag and Tags- use the brands and hashtag. The brands needs to see which attendees are posting about their brand.  

3. Be patient- if a brand doesn’t know you. Make them know you this gives you reliability and presence. Because your the new kid on the block and it’s your first day. So put your name out there! 

4. Build relationships- I learned that most individuals in the fashion industry are trying to do the same thing as you. So work together to help one another build their brand. As your trying to build your brand too. 

5. Have fun- if you don’t get into shows explore invites with showrooms and presentation. There’s so many opportunities in Paris that are awaiting you. So go out there and have fun! 

For me, I have what it takes. I know that I can make it in Paris it will take sometime. I’m willing to put in the work. 

As for my look, I got this 3-piece outfit from New York & company from Eva Mendes line. I’m in love with this look. It’s super comfortable and works well with my body type. I really lucked out I got this 3-piece look for only $50 what a steal! Check out more looks during my week of Paris Fashion Week! 

Bonjour! 






WHAT I WORE: 

New York & Company by Eva Mendes: 3-Piece Set 
Sam Edelman: Boots 
Burlington Coat Factory: Beret 


NYFW: DAY 3

NYFW has been fun! I wasn’t going to go this season. I couldn’t miss the action! I met up with new friends and hanged out with old friends. It was super exciting to go NYFW it’s compared to going to the first day of school, but I’m not the new kid on the block. I was supposed to go NYFW with my friend wasn’t able to go…I went sole this time! Which is super tough not finding someone to take your photos. lol

 Luckily, I found other bloggers that stood around taking a selfie picture. That’s what can spark up a conversation. We saw her struggling taking her own photo, we asked, “hey you want us to take your photo?”.  You know what that’s totally how you end up networking with other bloggers. When I first started blogging, I was a real introvert but I’ve ended up getting out my shell. It takes a confident person not to care about what people think. Going to fashion week has given me that confidence not to really care about other peoples opinions. Cause why do we care about other people’s opinion. It’s really are human nature to take care.

Let’s talk about fashion. The fashion was through the roof. With a mix of everything on the runway there was a little something for everyone this season. From those who want sophistication, suits, flowy dresses, and silk—from colorful coats to good night out look. And for those who prefer something a bit more subtle, there were different types of jackets which are the classic winter essentials. 
In fashion, what’s so interesting that everyone is trying to do the same thing..wearing the coolest outfit and trying to get into the hippest fashion shows. Honestly, it’s so worth it to go these shows gives you the best insight to put together that next outfit. Check out my look, How do you think I styled this look?

Photos by: Denton Taylor 
WHAT I WORE: 
Vintage: Jacket & Skirt 
Forever21: Bag 

MEATBALL SHOP DC REVIEW…….

Do you love meatballs? Well you might want to stop by at the Meatball Shop in DC. It’s in a cool hip area downtown on 14th street.

 
The meatball shop back story:

Co-owners Daniel Hozman and Michael Chernow at first weren’t the best of friends but became friends because of their mothers. Over time they built a friendship as well as a partnership. After some time, they came up with an idea to have some sort of restaurant. In 2010, the meatball shop was born; from there they’ve opened other locations in NYC on the lower and upper east side, Williamsburg, and Washington D.C. As you know, meatballs are the #1 staple for American/Italian food. Daniel and Michael believe that it’s easy to make meatballs and that “anyone can make meatballs” especially in their own home. Honestly, who doesn’t like a good meatball!
Eight years later, still going strong by focusing on the core of their restaurant which is customer satisfaction they are continuing to build a culture that improves the way they do business. It’s hard to deny that The Meatball Shop has evolved as one of the NYC staples. 
The restaurant atmosphere:
 
Now, if you go into the meatball shop in DC the atmosphere is friendly and you’ll feel right at home. It’s one of the best place to hang out with your gals friends for good ole brunch or even happy hour! The hostess and waiter are fun and bubbly making your experience worthwhile. The interior is nice, clean, and all about the wood with hardwood floors and accent wood around the restaurant. The host immediately greets you right at the door and seats you in a nice sitting area. Like I said you’ll feel right at home!
The food and desserts:


Now let’s get to the nitty gritty…the food. As it was my first experience, the waiter walked me through the menu I could build my meatball bowl so there was a variety of options to choose from. The menu is broken up in a way that makes it easy for you to build your meatball. You can either choose a meatball ..it’s basically “what are you in the mood for?” You can choose from a variety of meatball dishes either a classic to pesto dish with a side of vegetable, bread or spaghetti. Whether you like your food hot or mild they can provide you with an option of a side of spicy pepper to add to your dish. For my dish, I choose a classic meatball with a tomato sauce and a side of broccoli, spaghetti, and bruschetta. The meatballs were cooked just right and had a nice texture that melts into your mouth. The taste was flavorful with enough tomato sauce on my meatballs. The presentation of the food was clean and well prepared. It was super yummie!!!



I couldn’t resist…before my meal I got an appetizer of six mozz ball (fried cheese balls) with a sweet tomato sauce it was so yummie! That sauce is really on point. Then for my drink, I decide to get a cocktail called fool-aid punch; it honestly tasted like grape juice with a splash of alcohol. My friend Toyin Harris from “the curvey cookie” ordered a slider trio with half vegetarian and half meat. The appetizer is just enough to fill you up, if you’re in the Mood for something light and small.





For dessert we had the special, hazelnut ice cream sandwiched between chocolate chip and snickerdoodle cookies which were soft and chewy. Can I tell you I was in heaven? It was the right dessert to complete my meal. The ice cream is creamy and decadent that will melt right in your mouth. It was simple but yet the best dessert I’ve had in a long time!


Photographer: Carlton Hart

 

 All-in-all I had a great time and found a new spot to share with my friends and family. I enjoyed my dish, the classic meatball! I hope to go back to the meatball shop again!


Follow the meatball shop @meatballers or check out their website by clicking here
Fashion Love,
Akinyi