Crisp morning...

Hiya Re-Tell luvlies!!! Don’t hate me dolls but please believe me when I tell you I’m trying to find my way back to blogging…hence the title of the post. Well 2012 has arrived and taken my life by a whirlwind. Now don’t get me wrong, I definitely don’t see this as a bad thing, instead I’m seeing major opportunities for growth and big changes on the horizon. Just trying to embrace it all and prepare for what’s up next. 2012 has also brought me a 34th birthday year!! Yay!! Right along with other trials, tribs, and great moments. Stay tuned…

Autumn in Winter...

So here it is friggin February, these pics were taken in 2011, I’m just now using them for my first post of the new year!! Crazy right?! Truth is, I haven’t taken any pics at all in 2012!! Anyways there are a few goals I have in mind for myself this year and I’m on the right course to achieving them. 1st up is shopping in my closet for clothes. I’m officially on hiatus from clothes shopping until I drop some pounds. 2nd up is… drop some pounds! I started my work out regimen the day after my birthday (Jan. 19th) and I’ve been going strong ever since! Running season is upon us — hopefully I’ll see some results soon

Well I miss you guys and hope to be blogging regularly real SOON! If you don’t hear from me for yet another couple of weeks, don’t be alarmed!! I luv you guys and my blog so just be sure to visit again and check in periodically. Bare with me!! Until next time Re-Tell Chica’s!!

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Scarf:  Target – Re-Tell:  $16.99

Furry gloves: Dots – Re-Tell:  $8

Wedge Boots:  Marshall’s – Re-Tell:  $159.99

Cropped Jean:  NY&Co. – See previous posts

Purple Converse shirt:  Target – Re-Tell:  $19.99

Green Jacket:  Goodwill – Re-Tell:  $4.95

Lumber Jack Mack...

Happy Friday Re-Tell Luvlies!! It’s officially the weekend and the count down to 2012 has commenced! By midnight tomorrow we will be welcoming a new year, new challenges and changes!! I mentioned in a previous post that there were a few things on my list to achieve in 2012 and at the top is health and wellness. This year the gym hasn’t seen much of me but Chipotle and Jamba Juice have given me lifetime membership cards (ok, just kidding).  But seriously, I have to get back on the right track mentally and physically!!  Other goals include a career leap (notice I said leap and NOT jump) and sound financial investments for years to come. It’s definitely MY time yall!

I think I saw my blogger friend over at Curves and Confidence rock denim with a belt!...

Well today’s weather is definitely gloomy! I think snow showers are in the forecast for this evening and the temps are pretty mild so it’s highly likely that the snow will fall.  No plans for the evening with the exception of doing laundry — bringing in the new year “clean”! I sound like my mother right now — “bring in the new year with a clean house and clean undies”, now if you know my mom personally you know I’ve just given you the edited version! HA! Any major plans anyone?

The up-do...

Well today I decided to wear my hair up (pic taken today).  The pic I posted yesterday was actually from last week before I got my crochets put in.  I figured an up-do with my synthetic curls hanging was a perfect solution to my popped collars! Ha!  I’m also wearing some of my rose-gold jewelry I picked up from Nordstrom Rack during the “Day after Thanksgiving Sale”. I was able to get earrings and a link chain for the low low ($7.97)!! It matches my new watch that the BF gave me for Christmas perfectly!

The "deets"... I believe I left some of the string from the tag on the chain... oops!

Well guys I’ll check back in with ya tomorrow for my last post of 2011!!  I hate to see the holidays go but I am most excited for 2012.  On a last note, has anyone received their BDIB email yet?! I won’t spoil the surprise, but I will be participating and looking forward to the PrettyShinySparkly’s first link-up of the new year!! Until tomorrow…

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GAP Denim Vest:  GAP — YEARS AGO!!

Plaid Button-Up:  Old Navy – Re-Tell:  $19.99

Green Cargo Pant:  The Limited – See previous posts

Belt:  Target – $16.99

Jewelry:  Nordstrom Rack – $7.97 clearance

Boots:  6pm.com – $44.99

Ready to end the week...

Hiya Fashionista’s, 2 more days until we wrap this year up!! I mentioned yesterday that I was excited for 2012 and ready for the next challenge in my life.  Any major plans for new year’s eve?! I NEVER go out on new year’s for some reason or another (ever since Y2K — don’t judge), I always bring in the new year with the “Twilight Zone” marathon on the Sci-fi channel! HA! I swear I’ve seen EVERY episode.  This year though I’ve decided to ring in the new year with family.  My fav cuzin Chollie is having a gathering at her home and I will be attending, I may dress for the occasion so I will take pics!

All smiles... just because!

So I’ve been trying to get off into wearing black a little more, but I’m sure by tomorrow that will change!  I was looking through my closet and of everything I own, black is not prominent in my wardrobe. I own one pair of black denim jeans ( I hate black denim so that’s ok), and a bout a gazillion pair of blue in different shades.  I copped the denim skinnies in the pics from Marshall’s for 16.99 and though they aren’t totally black (actually a blue-gray), I figured they could still be worn with black and the wash adds a little something extra!

Red, Leopard & Black... hell, why not?

Sooooo… why is my post titled “All me” if I’m talking about wearing black and new year’s eve gatherings?! Well if you haven’t noticed by now, I’m rocking my own hair for a change.  I have to shout out my stylist cause she has grown the ish out of my hair! The pics really do no justice as to how long it really is but the crochet and weaving has helped preserve my hair as well as add length.  My hair is very fine when straightened (blow dry, flat iron & press around the edges) and though it’s accustomed to lots of heat (20+ years of pressed hair) I want to concentrate on a hair regimen that adds thickness and less shedding since I’ve opted for less heat and more weave. Any suggestions??

Beyonce...

Ok so I have Beyonce here because she inspired the red with leopard, I know you’ve guys have seen this pic floating around the internet and so I decided to do the inverse and don a black blazer with a red shirt instead.  I luv her jacket and actually Macy’s has a similar jacket in the INC department with the lapels, puffed shoulders and ruched sleeves but I decided against the purchase, maybe next year , when it goes on sale.  I’m not really a Bey fan as far as fashion but I think this one was cute/casual!  Check in with you guys tomorrow!!!

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Mossimo Tuxedo Blazer:  Target – Re-Tell:  $19.99

Max Studio Booties:  Endless.com – Re-Tell:  $69.99

Belt:  Target – Re-Tell:  $16.99

Rocks & Indigo Jeggings:  Marshall’s – Re-Tell:  $16.99

Scarf (F21); T-shirt (Old Navy) – See previous post

Close-up...

Hiya Fashionista’s!! Happy mid-week — Anyone on vacation at all? No vacation for me but luckily it’s kinda slow at work b/c everyone else is on vacation!! Anyways, 2012 is almost upon us and I’m excited about the changing of a new year. I’m looking forward to what 2012 has in store, not to mention my upcoming 34th birthday. I probably won’t do anything major (we’ll have to save the party for the 35th), but I’ll be greatful to at least see yet another year.

Black leather jacket + sheer shirt = bad choice in clothing for today's weather...

Speaking of change and another year, it’s that time yall!! Time to start thinking seriously about the new year’s resolutions and goals and sticking to them. I have a few myself that I’ll be sharing in the upcoming days, but for now I’m taking small steps. Starting with my blog, did you guys notice my slight change to the blog design?! I was thinking a “less is more” type of theme may work better and so I’ve opted for the white lines and a cleaner look.

Hang in here with me yall...

I also think that today’s post is a change of pace in terms of color!! I seldom wear black, I tend to lean toward the browns and nuetrals and of course dark denim.  Perhaps this new year will push me to push the envelope in my wardrobe, of course my budget would have to agree!!

At any rate, I apologize for the fuzzy pics, I’m still learning the settings for my camera and because I never take pics at night, there is a little learning gap here.  With daylight ending at 4:30 in the midwest, I’m forced to take pics in the dark!  Hang in there with me,  the pics should be better in the upcoming days!

Inside!

Well it’s time for me to shut down and prepare for bed! I’ll be back tomorrow… Oh yea (sidebar), my sister is home from the U.K.!! Yay!! She’s such a sleepy head though, she’s in bed by 8pm (no fun!! ha!). Maybe, I can take pics of her newly acquired Euro-style!

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Steve Madden Leather Jacket:  Nordstrom Rack – Re-Tell:  $149.00

Nine West Boots:  Nine West Outlet

NY&Co Jeans:  NY&Co – See previous post

INC blouse:  Macy’s – Orig: $49.50   Re-Tell:  $15.97

Mirror shot!...

Hiya fashionista’s!!! Happy holidays!! I know I know–It’s been awhile since my last post however, my world has come full circle and I needed to step back from my beloved blog to sort and put some order to things that have transpired in my life as of late.  Hopefully in the upcoming days, I’ll be able to share most of these private issues with you guys but until then… Lea is back and happy to be blogging again!  I’ll be visiting blogs today to show some blogger love and see what you guys have been up to!

Full shot + Close-up

Sooooooooo… these shots are from the archives. I have taken a few pics recently and will share them in the upcoming days. I really wanted to do the “Twelve Days of Christmas” but just couldn’t find the time.  How was everyone’s Thanksgiving? Any special plans for Christmas? Holiday Fashion Wishlist? What’s in store for 2012?!

Absolutely luv this Khaki Jacket!

On to the outfit… The khaki jacket is from The Limited, by now you guys already know that I’m notorious for buying multiples of one item. I also have this jacket in blue seen here.  The shirt which I absolutely luv is from Ann Taylor and I caught it on sale for $19.99. The belt and jeans are also from Target for 16.99 and $19.99 respectively.  I recall a few short posts ago that I was so over skinny jeans so on my hunt for bootcuts, I was able to cop these pair from Target.  I luv the wash on these jeans (the pictures do it no justice)  and I’ve gotten compliments the few times I’ve worn em!  Well guys its Friday and I’m off work early!! Whoo hoo! I’ll be sure to check in with you guys tomorrow!

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Khaki  Belted Jacket:  The Limited – Orig:  $69.90   Re-Tell:  $29.99

Green Top w/Sparkle detail:  Ann Taylor – Re-Tell:  $29.99

Mossimo Denim Jeans:  Target – Orig:  $29.99   Re-Tell:  $19.99

Belt:  Target – Orig/Re-Tell:  $16.99

Sam & Libby Patent Leather Pumps:  DSW – $39.95

Soft ligth w/o the flash...

Happy Friday Fashionista’s!!! Ready for the weekend?! No major plans over here, I’m in the revision stage of my project so I’ll be working that ALL weekend long, it’s slowly coming along and the more it progresses the prouder I become. It’s super crunch time, the holidays are here, the semester is almost over and I’ll be standing before the committee in no time. I’m almost there guys!

Flash 101...

On to today’s post… we set our clocks back last weekend and now it’s super dark super early! I’m at work late (after 5pm most nights) and with the weather conditions this week, there was absolutely no sunlight to take pics. Experimenting with the Flash and other settings, Dr. Dee, my “at work” photographer (in case you guys didn’t know), took these pics using the natural light in the building as well as the flash. Tell me what you guys think!

Side-by-Side Pics...

While I would have to agree with Dr. Dee, the flash does show the true texture and colors of the outfit, I hate that it shines my forehead and face though. Not a big deal but I’m going to continue experimenting until I’m completely satisfied. On to the randomness, is anybody tuning into this season’s Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA)? Call me what you’d like BUT I’m already enjoying the messiness, Phaedra is my new favorite and NeNe’s rich @$$ is irritating me already! Ha! And to add to all of this, I can’t wait for Love & Hip Hop to premier on Monday!

Salt-and-Pepper...

Continuing with my rambling, “Salt-and-Pepper” which I will call him (due to his hair color), recently (3 weeks ago) celebrated his birthday.  He swore I’d never get a pic of him (not clowning around!), let alone post it to my blog–HA HA! Well, I was able to snap this pic his b-day weekend and would have posted it then, however my “Master’s hiatus” occurred and well you know the rest. At any rate, for the “inquiring minds”, this is the boyfriend with whom I share living quarters, he is referred to as “butter”, “clown face” or “the dee-jay” depending on the day or hour…lol!

And now for the winner…. DRUM ROLL

That would be Ms. Charlene!!

Thanks to all who participated! Names were listed in the order they were posted and the number was chosen by random.org. Charlene, send a pic if you’d like, so we can see how you rock the items — Enjoy, hope you like them!! Until next time yall!

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Burgandy Blazer:  Thrifted – Orig/Re-Tell:  $4.99

Shirt:  Target – Orig/Re-Tell:  $29.99

Pant:  Target – See here

Shoes:  Nine West  – Seen here and here

It's Here...It's Here...It's Here

Hiya Fashionista’s!!! The 100th post giveaway is finally here.  I pulled an outfit pic from the “Archives”, it’s so dark, gloomy and rainy here in Chi city I figured my sun colored dress + the 100th post giveaway should brighten someone’s day! The dress was sent from my sister who now lives in the U.K. It’s from a store called Primark and cost her a whopping £15. Not to bore you with the details of the dress – let’s get to the good stuff!

Vintage Gap: Sweater (Leather Front) with Leather Handbag!

One lucky winner will be sent the vintage GAP items pictured above. The giveaway is open to all US residents and in honor of this being my “100th” post, the giveaway will end promptly at 0100 hours (1 am military time – central) on Thursday 11-10-11.  I’ve changed the rules a bit for entry so here they are:

1.  You must first subscribe to re-telltherapy.com OR simply display the “Got Therapy” badge somewhere on your site! Visit the “Got Therapy?” page for instructions.

2.  Visit re-telltherapy.com regularly and be on the lookout for the post titled “100…”.

3.  On the day of the “100th post”, leave a comment, which only needs to include your name and email address. Comments submitted AFTER the closing time (11-10-11 at 1am central time). No more than one entry per person.

That’s it yall!! I’ll email the winner (chosen by random.org) on Friday as well as post the results.  Good luck fashionista’s and as always, thanks for supporting my blog!

Back...

Had to take a hair leave amongst other things...

Hiya Re-Tell Fashionista’s!!! I’m sooooo very sorry for the unannounced break, but as we all know, life can sometimes get in the way.  I titled today’s post “99 Problems” not because of any major problems in my life right now but as a clue to this post’s number! I had announced weeks ago that I would be having a 100th post give-away and then I vanish!  I told everyone to be on the look out for the post titled “100…” then I stop posting! Sooooo I guess it’s only fair that I let you in on a little secret – this is the 99th post AND I will be doing the 100th post give-away in the NEAR future AND I’m also going to keep it open longer due to my inconsistency! FAIR enough?!

Hat days returned quicker than expected...

And now on to the reasons why I took an almost 3 week hiatus… first up is school! As you all know I’m in the last semester of my Master’s program and for weeks I had been researching content for my first (near-final) draft. Well after gathering all the research the writing had to commence and it took way longer than I ever anticipated. I was stuck on page 1 for days, then I’d progress to page 5 and be stuck for more days at a time, I admit I’m no writer and that ish was hard. Let me tell you, it took almost 3 weeks of intense effort trying to avoid submitting a paper whose content is a hodge podge of plagiarized words with no real direction or conclusion! I think I finally got it right y’all, the jury is still out but we shall see — I’ll keep you posted!

Vest on consignment...

On to the outfit pics and reason #2! My hair of course . I totally didn’t want to return to weeks of “Hat Days” posts (like some of the pics above), the bangs on my weave had grown an inch above my furry brows and hair was the last thing on my mind as I juggled school, work, a mild cold and life in general. Soooo no posts until I had a hair “refresh”!  Pictured are this weeks hair + some of my fab finds purchased some time ago, the striped sweater from f21 for $15.99, the red leather vest from a consignment store for $15.00 and the flare-legged jeggings from Target for $22.

Vest, Flare Legs, F21 booties...

And now I want to share my “not-so-fab, keeping it anyway purchase” — the tall boots from 6pm.com for $48.50 pictured waaaaay at the top.  I’ve been wanting tan boots for awhile and so I went thru 40 some odd pages of boots on 6pm.com, chose at least 10 pair and narrowed it down to two. They have videos on their boots, close up shots and I’m thinking  I have a really good pair for $48.50…that was, until they arrived! Disappointed that the color description said “Tan” but they were more of a mustard color and they smelled of putrid plastic vs. leather was a turn-off (yea I missed the “man-made material” disclaimer). Too lazy to return em, I wore them and though they are my least fave, I get compliments on them…go figure!

Ignore the snacks, I'm featuring the vest...lol

Well fashionista’s, it’s good to be back and I promise more outfit pics to come, stay tuned for the 100th post give-away (for real, really!) it’s coming sooner than u think. Again, my apologies for being MIA, I have a lot of catching up to do! Thanks for not forgetting me and checkin in on me during my absence! Until tomorrow

Hello Dr Dee,

I met this guy in February.. I really enjoy his company!

However his company is far and few in-between (I see him maybe once or twice a month). He is currently in school getting his barbering license and also in the process of opening a barber shop with his brother, he also has a 5 year old daughter (and he is very hands on with her… which I love).

We live about 30-35 mins from each other…When we are in each other’s presence I am the happiest women in the world, he is full of compliments, good conversation and extremely attentive.   When we are apart I miss him terribly… and that creates arguments. Reason being is I think he could put forth a little more effort in us seeing one another… and his argument is he is doing his best to juggle everything on his plate…

He has made it very clear that his schedule will continue to be this way until Feb 2012 and has asked me to be patient.  My issue is I spent 6 years in a relationship that ended on a sour note… And I vowed that I would not dedicate that much time to another relationship if I felt it was not productive.  I don’t wanna add the pressure to our friendship but at the same time I am ready for a monogamous relationship

Do you think I am being impatient? Should I not expect more time? Am I being unrealistic?

Help,

Far and Few in-between

Hi FFB,

First of all, thanks for writing in to Therapy Thursdays. You are greatly appreciated.

When I first read this I immediately thought: he’s married.  And did he give her that 2012 date because that’s when his divorce proceedings will be finalized? But, I want don’t want to be cynical about this situation, because that may not be the case. Men are not emotional creatures; they prefer to keep their real feelings locked away in a vault for fear of appearing vulnerable or weak. At times it can be difficult to decipher a man’s true feelings and typically this leaves women wondering if they are really into you. But, if they are, you’ll know it. Here are a few things I want you to consider.

a.)    Does he fit you into his schedule? If a man is really into you, he will make time for you.   Men typically will not go out of their way for just anyone.  Their time is precious and their options are plentiful. If he’s into you, he’ll take the time out to show you that you.  You will be a choice he choose to make and not just a constellation prize.

b.)    Is it just a booty-call? Are you guys just hooking up once or twice a month physically? Or is he genuinely dating you? Sex is a natural way to express deep affection you may have for someone. But, if every time you hook-up there’s a bedroom involved and not much else you may want to avoid making any long-term plans with this man.

c.)     Does he let you in? During the time spent with him, are you guys sharing intimate details with one another about life and the future? February til now is a nice amount of time to have spent with someone.  What do you know about this man so far? Does he discuss long term plans with you?  If so, are you included in them?

Do I think you are being impatient? Should you expect more time? Are you being unrealistic? Only you can answer these questions. But, what I will say is you have to be more realistic in your expectations.  If that man is truly busy, then he is truly busy. It does sound like he has a lot going on and that’s a good thing.  The excuse that you guys live 30 minutes away from each other is just that, an excuse. If that man wants to spend time with you he will. But giving him ultimatums or placing demands on his time will only push him away.  The time spent with one another should be enjoyable not a chore. And while you are waiting to spend some time with him, why don’t you spend some time with yourself.   Start by focusing on ways to better yourself, so that if he does get it together you will be ready for him. Try hitting the gym or picking up a hobby you have always wanted to try. And who knows once you take the focus off him maybe you’ll realize that this situation is not for you and walk away from it.  Or you’ll get so busy with “you” that you will not be available to spend time with him anyway.  Either way checking in with your star player “you” should always be your first priority, everything is secondary.

Rooting for you,

Dr. Dee

It's the lights!

Hiya Re-Tell hunnies and Happy Hump Day!! I first want to give a huge hug to all of you (new and old) who take time out of your day to visit Re-Tell Therapy and see what I’m up to! Sorry to leave you ladies hangin yesterday but I didn’t get a chance to post — busy busy busy! Anyways, moving on to today’s rant… The weather outside is frigid, rainy, windy, dreary! I’ve been uber tired and not even wanting to go to work let alone put any effort in dressing for the workday! So what you see here ladies is the result of yesterday’s laziness!

The Deets... Jacket and Boots!

So If you guys hadn’t noticed by now — I’m a “color” girl! I prefer colors to the more subdued hues (blk/gray) but yesterday was definitely a “black” day.  I seldom get a chance to wear my Steve Madden leatherette (mainly because Chi has only two seasons — cold & hot) so I figured I could wear the jacket with my BR skinnies and my new booties and call it a day. #FAIL! The weather was toooo cool so I grabbed my blazer and my scarf instead BUT I packed the other jacket with my running clothes so I can snap a pic and show you guys my original look.  Speaking of running…

"The Alternate"... due to cold weather, I had to opt for the blazer and scarf (my scarfs have become jewelry these days)!

So after work I went to “Chick’s Night Out” at Fleet Feet Sports, it’s their weekly group “fun run” for women only. Totally fun and totally free, plus it assists me with my training for my upcoming races.  Let’s just say ladies that last night’s run was hard as hell!  Luckily you’re with a group so they motivate you the whole way — but boy was that wind whipping off the lakefront, pounding my chest!  Call me crazy, BUT it was such a good run and I got the best sleep ever!!  I used to go faithfully about 2 years ago and I’m glad I started going back — looking forward to next week!

Star wars! Our conference center at work looks like a command center off a space craft -- that's the reason for the post title!

Last but not least, be on the lookout for the 100th post (hint: coming early next week) to win the GAP items.  I’ll be adding the “Got Therapy” page soon so you can grab a “Got Therapy” badge.

Tomorrow is “Therapy Thursday’s” yall so be sure to check in for that as well. Until next time fashionista’s!!

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Steve Madden Jacket:  Marshall’s – Orig/Re-Tell:  $39.99

Blazer:  GAP – Gifted

White Shirt:  NY&Co – Orig: $26.50   Re-Tell:  $14.99

Pant:  Banana Republic

B. Makowsky Booties:  DSW – Orig: $139.95   Re-Tell:  $59.97 ($10 reward + 50% off)

Jones New York Scarf:  Pay-half  –  Re-Tell: $5.57