#ILWW Recap | Taste of Cincinnati

May 31, 2016May 31, 201612 Comments

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I know what you’re thinking, in this picture I’m clearly not at a food festival, right. I was super paranoid about my dress getting wrinkled, so I took a few outfit pictures before I left for The Taste of Cincinnati. At the beginning of International Laura Wize Week, I said that all I wanted to do was being surrounded by art and eat good. Monday was dedicated to eating yummy food at The Taste of Cincinnati. I tried so many delicious bites here a few of my favorites:

What I wore:

I found this sexy day dress at Torrid. In the summer, I see a sea of beautiful maxi dresses and to stand out I picked classic cut in a vibrant color. Also on hot summer days, it’s nice to wear a dress that shapewear is optional and not a requirement. I adore this dress, and if you’re thinking about ordering it, I would recommend a strapless bra with a deep plunge in the front.

Where I went:

Washington Platform

Washington Platform is the stand I stop by every year I can’t say no to their fried oysters and their crab cakes.

Empanadas Aqui

Food truck alley is really the place to be at The Taste of Cincinnati. Empanadas Aqui never disappoints. Fried dough and yummy cheese with their herbed mayo with just a little hot sauce is all I need to keep a smile one my face.

Alabama Fish Bar

Alabama’s is Cincinnati classic the real questions is when did they get a food truck!!

Of course after all of my paranoia my dress didn’t wrinkle…

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#ILWW Recap | Punch Drunk Sisterhood

May 29, 20165 Comments

The random happiness that friendship brings is priceless. Sisterhood strengthens my everyday existence, and I don’t know where my life would be without it. Life has its ups and downs, and I can’t believe that at every turn there are beautiful black women to lift me higher, encourage me and correct me when I’m wrong.

So often we look to the world to show us ourselves, and we get disappointed that the reflections are inaccurate. When I look at my sister circle, I realize that we are all different, and we all have our own unique style. We have depth and diversity, and we don’t have cookie cutter experiences on how we got to where we are. Every International Laura Wize Week I line all my friends up for our infamous picture so that I could capture the moment,this year was no different.

What I wore:

I wore my white shirt dress from Fashion to Figure. Often times I will feature a look on the blog but haven’t actually worn it out, so this is what I like to call a “real wear”. This dress speaks for itself but one of my personal styling tips is when you wear a white outfit go for a fun color shoe it breaks up the white and gives your look some sass.

Where I went:

Myrtle’s Punch House!!!! Myrtle’s Punch house is an entire sentence they serve an assortment of acholic punches that are infused with green teas, fresh herbs, and quality spirits. They serve the punch in a bowl and offer you a few cute punch glasses. It’s like your house party punch from high school graduated from culinary school.

Myrtle’s now offers small bites that were curated by Melt Eclectic Cafe… everything is delicious!!

Head of to Myrtle’s for a few bowls of punch with friends, a good time will be had by all.

#ILWW Recap | Art After Dark

May 28, 2016June 2, 2016Leave a comment

What I wore:

This summer I have one mission, to bring the skort back! It’s business up front and a party in the back! When I saw this set on Simply Be, I had to have it! The asymmetrical cut of the skort was so appealing to the eye and sexy. The shorts provide coverage, so there are no wardrobe malfunctions. The sheer jacket I’m wearing is also from Simply Be, and it was the perfect third piece thatI like to add to every outfit while sill being appropriate for warm weather.

Where I went:

International Laura Wize Week is going strong, and I’m ready to head into the weekend on a high note. My first stop of the evening was at the Cincinnati Art Museum for Art After Dark. Art After Dark happens at the art museum every final Friday from 5 pm- 9 pm. It’s free, and you can go on guided tours of new exhibits, hear live music, and grab a cocktail at the bar.

This Friday the live music was provided by one of my favorite local bands Natural Progression. They played in the courtyard of the museum, and the weather was perfect for the occasion.

I also saw the 30 Americans Exhibit for the second and third time. 30 Americans showcases art by many of the most important African-American artists of the last three decades. This provocative exhibition focuses on issues of racial, gender, and historical identity in contemporary culture while exploring the powerful influence of artistic legacy and community across generations. The exhibit is here until June 12, you definitely don’t want to miss it!

#ILLW Recap |Breakfast Can’t Wait

May 27, 2016May 28, 20162 Comments

Before the revitalization of Cincinnati nightlife, Sunday morning brunch was frequented more than nightclubs on a Saturday evening. In Cincinnati if there is a bar where everyone knows your name they probably serve breakfast too. I needed to start my week of International activities with the most important meal of the day.

What I wore:

This summer I plan on playing with A-line shapes. I think I’m over body-conscious shapes on my body. I love to show off my shape, but there is something about a full skirt that just brightens my day, and I also feel that you don’t have to show off every curve to give sex appeal. I have been adding more classic cuts into my wardrobe. I love the idea of retro cuts and shapes with modern touches to keep my overall look of the moment.

Just in case you’re interested:

My favorite breakfast spot is Half Day Cafe located in the heart of Wyoming on the corner of Springfield Pike and Wyoming Avenue. Nothing makes me happier than to walk into this welcoming spot a few time a month and order my regular Half Day Benedict. It’s so yummy that I forgot to photograph it because well I was hungry. If you are ever in Cincinnati or live in the area, it’s the perfect place to stop in and get a bite to eat. I’d also recommend the sweet potato pancakes as well. #nomnomnom

#ILWW Recap | Pre-gaming & Lifesavers

May 26, 2016May 26, 20164 Comments

Every year International Laura Wize Week has a theme and this year the theme is art. Wealthy people always say that they are supporting the arts, and that is exactly what I plan to do this ILWW. I am going to every art museum, exhibit, and adult finger painting class I can find. In your twenties, pre-gaming is drinking before you go out to a club. In your thirties, pre-gaming is a few glasses of wine and going to the theater on a Wednesday night. (Which was way more hopping than one would expect, it was a full house).

Picture Credit: Cincinnati Play House in the Park

I saw the poster for the play Bad Dates a few moths ago and instantly knew that it was something I did not want to miss. Actress Vivica Font is the star of a one-woman show about a single mom who reenters the dating scene. The play is witty and down right funny it hit a little too close to home on a more than one occasion. Bad Dates is playing from now until June 12th at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.

What I wore:

So I had planned to wear something totally different when it dawned on me that I may not have time to change after work. The upside to Cincinnati is you can always go upscale casual. Upscale casual means your clothes are ironed, and you’re well put together. I plan to wear this Ava & Viv dress from Target all the time; It’s a life saver because it’s comfortable and doesn’t wrinkle it’s perfect for all-day wear. It’s ironic that this dress is a life saver because I bought it because I thought it made me look like a pack of Lifesavers, you know in a sexy kind of way, LOL!

What are your thoughts about adult pre-gaming? Are you here for it?

OMG, this wall at the play was everything! There were some pretty bad pick up lines on that wall!!

Style Sunday | It’s All International

May 22, 201618 Comments

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I have been counting down the days until International Laura Wize Week. If you don’t know me personally then you probably have never heard of my week, but it’s amazing. My birthday is May 26th, and I celebrate for an entire week, and my whole crew celebrates with me.

International Laura Wize Week is the most empowering week of the year for me. I harness the power of dressing well, eating decadently, and spend quality time with my sister friends . Regardless of what is going on in my life, I wake up every day feeling fantastic.

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When I started ILWW it was honestly just for fun I liked the play on words, and I wanted a good excuse to get all my girls together for brunch. Every year becomes more meaningful. My tribe anticipates the schedule of events it’s like they are cheering me on to celebrate my birthday. ILWW is infectious, powerful, and at times humbling.

In a society that is always telling you to downplay yourself, it feels exhilarating to step out of my house with the highest level of confidence seven days in a row. I’m not international because I’m hopping on a private plane to the south of France. I’m international because you can’t smell a shrinking violet. There is power in knowing your place in this world.

After it’s all said and done, I spend an entire week with the people I love. This year I’m inviting all of my readers to International Laura Wize Week, I will be documenting all the style, life hacks, and sisterhood that goes down.

International Laura Wize Week Itinerary:

International Laura Wize Week

Style Sunday | The Dress That Looks Good On Everyone

May 15, 2016May 15, 201613 Comments

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I posted a picture of myself wearing a shirt dress on my Facebook page and one of my friends commented and said, “that dress looks great on you, but I couldn’t wear it I don’t have a butt.” I replied back to her that I’m a wearing shirtdress, and it is one of the most universally flattering dresses ever, it looks good on just about anyone. It is the easiest style of dress to wear. The structure in a shirtdress give the body shape and creates curves where there may or may not be any. You can dress a shirtdress up with accessories or wear flats and go casual which makes the style perfect for any occasion.

Also, my friend mentioned she thought about purchasing the dress, but she passes. I asked, “Did you try it on?” The answer was no. Stop looking at clothes on a hanger and ruling them out. Is there a monster in the dressing room? Don’t be afraid to try something on. There is no Lockdress Monster in the dressing room have no fear if it doesn’t look right no one has to know, I try on things all the time and wonder what even possessed me to think the item would look good on me.

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SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES Dress: Fashion to Figure, Necklace: Mr.Kate, Shoes: Target Old

As flattering as this style is I know there can be some challenges with a shirtdress. Having a large bust creates a problem with any item of clothing that buttons. I have incorporated a new busty girl hack; I use double sided fashion tape so that the area between the buttons doesn’t gap. If you are more self-conscious about your midsection, look for a shirtdress that is more A-line at the bottom.

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Viva la Vida | Fashion and Frida

May 3, 2016May 3, 201610 Comments

When I wake up the first thing on my mind is where am I going and what I am wearing.I love getting out and exploring flea markets. street fairs, or just areas of town where all the sites are in walking distance from each other.

It’s finally that time of year where I can throw on a dress and a cute pair of sandals and head out the door. In the warmer months, I hob nob from one outdoor activity to the next. My goal is to look as put together as possible with minimal effort. This dress from Fashion to Figure will be great on curvy bodies because od the multiple the directions of the stripes makes the dress, complimentary on a variety of shapes.

Dress:Fashion to Figure, Sandals:DSW

Soooo it’s almost Cinco de Mayo…

When I heard about a new restaurant in Covington, Kentucky decked out in Frida Kahlo decor I said, “Yes Please!!” You mean I get to be surrounded by my favorite artist and have a Margarita!! Everything about Frida 602 aroused my senses from the beautiful color scheme to the tasty cocktail menu. The cuisine features Latin street cuisine, and I highly recommend the shrimp taco! Located in historic Mainstrasse Frida 602 is perfectly nestled in within all of the newer restaurants and shops.

Oh Wize Oneohwizeone.com

This Passion Fruit Margarita was everything!!

This post was sponsored by Fashion to Figure all opinions are my own.

Style Sunday | Office to Cocktails

May 1, 2016August 2, 20165 Comments

The temperature is rising, and my girlfriends are calling and asking me to meet them for cocktails. I love an alcoholic beverage after work, but I’m not always “cocktail ready” at the office.I want to accept as many last minute invites as I can without melting down at the thought that I skipped out on applying makeup. I wanted the best tips on getting ready in a pinch so I reached out to my girl Saadia The Makeup Artist so we could collaborate and give the best advice on how to go from office to cocktails!

Saddia’s Office to Cocktails Tips

We have all received that call while we are at work, “Girl! Let’s go out for happy hour”. Yes, it sounds good until you look in the mirror and see that you may need to spice up your look for the night! I want to share a few things that I always keep in my makeup bag to transition my day look into a fierce night look!

1) Red Lipstick

2) Eyeliner

3) Bronzer

Red Lipstick
I absolutely love a red lip! Anyone can wear it, and it’s classic and timeless. My favorite brand is by MAC from their retro line called, “Feel So Grand.” It has a matte finish and the pigment is super rich and requires minimal touch throughout the day!

Eyeliner
One of my signatures as a makeup artist is my winged eyeliner, also known as the “Cat eye.” I love the style, and it’s so flattering for many eye types. Wet N Wild has a great gel liner that I use with an angled brush to get a clean, sharp line.

Bronzer
I use Covergirl Queen Natural Hue Bronzer to add a quick contour to my look. Bronzer can add definition to your face, especially for round faces like mine, and add a warm glow to the skin.

I believe these three tips can take a day look into night time.

Oh Wize One Office to Cocktail Tips

If you stay ready, then you don’t have to get ready. Being prepared is half of the battle, and I found all the products that will help you get fly one the go!

The Lay N Go

The Lay N Go is a washable travel cosmetics bag, and although it’s promoted for the use of travel, it’s the perfect size to fit inside a medium to a larger sized purse. I love that it opens up 20 inches wide and hidden storage within the bag. When you are done applying your makeup you just pull the drawstring to close the bag and you don’t have to worry about makeup getting on the lining of your handbag.

What’s in my bag:

Nail Polish Removing Wipes– Chipped nail polish, no worries. One polish removing wipe is good to for all 10 fingers.

Evian Mineral Spray: An after work cocktail can turn into all night outing and getting ready on the go may mean you don’t have time to prime your skin for more makeup. I prime my face and set my makeup with this spray water. Bonus if you’re meeting for drinks at an outdoor patio bar a quick spray of Evian water will keep you cool, calm, and collected.

Mally Beauty Blush Single: In a real pinch I’ll put cream blush on my cheeks and eyes just to give myself an all over glow. I love Mally Beauty blush because it’s light and creamy and the colors are complimentary.

Netrogena Makeup Removing Wipes: This should be an essential in any purse because accidents happen sometimes you just need to press the reset button on your skin.

Queen Stay Lucious Lips color Duchess: Matte lips are all the rage but this glossy berry color won my heart is great for medium brown skin tones.

Maybeline Fit Me Shine Free Foundation: Medium coverage foundation in a convenient stick that won’t leak all over your makeup bag. Need I say more?

Tartlette Tease Pallet: I love a good eyeshadow pallet and this Tarte palette is perfection. The colors inside are super pigmented the pallet can take you from day to night.