Weekend Update with Lady Erin ...Series 2, Part 2 #PassionForFashion

Let's be honest. In spite of other activities ...A "Girls Night Out", a surprise birthday party for a dear friend, church and the continuous "hustle and grind", for alot of us (myself included), this weekend was all about getting to Sunday's (this morning) debut of Prabal Gurung for Target collection, tagged as "LOVE." Upon learning of the "collabo" a couple months ago, I immediately sought out the look book and checked those pieces I deemed as "MUST-HAVE." Did I mention that I'm a #Shopaholic? I was armed and ready to go and although I absolutely anticipated being an early riser and heading straight to my local Target this morning, I realized how weary I was last night from all the day's activities and resolved myself to shop what I wanted online. Only to see a tweet from @TargetStyle stating that there was no definitive time as to when the collection would be available online. It definitely wouldn't be available at 12a EST as alot of folks I found who tweeted in response might have thought and/or hoped. @TargetStyle suggested to keep checking ...During the wee hours I might add. I fell asleep thinking the collection would likely be sold out online by time I awoke and I refused to set my alarm.

I got the Nolita print (middle) online

As fate would have it, I awoke about 3:30a because I was rather hot and once insomnia set in, I realized I wasn't gonna fall right back to sleep after getting up to turn the thermostat down. Shopping!!! Of course, that's always therapeutic and will surely cure my insomnia. Upon dashing to target.com, I realized the Prabal Gurung collection was available and none of the pieces had yet sold out. I perused the online collection picking and choosing which pieces I wanted which included a couple, ok a few footwear styles and accessories and although I had chosen a few apparel items, I was hesitant to purchase online because I didn't know the size range and did not at all want to deal with having to return and exchange should the pieces not fit.  I knew I would have to hit the store still which I did immediately upon getting out of Sunday service. I was terribly disappointed to find that not only was there no display of any kind that lent any visual appeal but the already limited collection was terribly limited in store. I counted just a handful of the many pieces available as per the collection and of the handful, very few available sizes. I had a sinking feeling that I should've just taken my chances and ordered the apparel items online. At the time, the store was very quiet. I posed the question to one of the employees as to whether she had seen very many people perusing the collection and she replied, "no, not at all." I thought surely there was another section but alas, "what I saw, is what I got."

Love the inside print of Multicolor Hard Sided Clutch

I did spot one dress in particular that was on my "must-have" list and the size needed. I did try it on to ensure I wasn't wasting time. And it is quite cute and made the trip worth the effort. I also spied a clutch or two or three but I exercised restraint and grabbed just the one. Although the Lace Miniaudiere in Sulfur Spring was calling my name and still is ...Rather loudly. I moseyed over to the shoe section but those styles of interest, I purchased online in the wee hours. But I was that much more surprised even at how limited the styles were. Of all the footwear styles per the collection, only four were available in store. When Target said limited, as per this collection, they REALLY meant it. I was tweeting @GirlMeetsGlass and @DivaStateMind all the while regarding my progress. It was like an in-store play by play.

Scored ...1 of the dresses on my list. The fit is too cute. And it has pockets! Sways like a bell. Reminds me of that scene with Julia Roberts from Runaway Bride. I narrowed down to this one multicolor Hard Side Clutch

Would I refer to those Prabal Gurung pieces purchased thus far as a "score", I don't know although upon delivery of my online purchases, perhaps my tune will change and that is pending an email notification from Target that pieces have sold out since having purchased and won't be arriving until 2-3 weeks from now instead of 2-3 days. It's all my fault though really. Who the hell makes rational purchasing decisions at 3a?! Did I already admit to being a #Shopaholic? And what sold out pieces you ask, do I still want? Shirtdress in Nolita, Blazer in Floral Crush, Dress in Floral Crush, Peplum in Floral Crush, Skirt in Meet The Parents. I said I was a #Shopaholic.
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Did you score? Tweet which pieces to @bagladies or tag me on IG @bagladies.

Let's hope 2-3 days, not 2-3 weeks and nothing has since sold out. I will update the post upon delivery.

P.S. - Literally just saw a Target commercial for LOVE, a Prabal Gurung Collection for Target. Uh, perhaps Target may wanna stop running for the time being. As far as I can tell, there is nothing left of the collection ...At least that I want anyway.

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Weekend Update with Lady Erin ...Series 2, Part 1

Let's try this again ...Shall we? It's a new year! I got some resolutions of my own. Let renewed efforts to maintain this "thang" (thang being mybagladies blog), here and my commitment to do so, commence!

You know "funk" is not just limited to weekdays. "Funk" can be suffered on the weekends too. It's amazing how one can go from being so ecstatic about the coming of the weekend and upon the weekend being here, just being like "ho-hum", what do I do now?  I was childless (Daddy's weekend) so I should've been over the moon but I actually missed them terribly. And I'm single and "dial-a-date" wasn't answering the dial ...#TalesOfSingledom.

For my girls ...

Anyway, it's a blur how I ended up at the mall. A total testament to a true "Shopaholic." You ever set out intending to go one place and then *poof*, you find yourself entering the mall. And intentions were to browse but I fastly found myself engaging in total retail therapy. First stop, Nordstrom's. I stuck solely to the children's section. I snagged a great sale and picked a few pieces for my girls in true #MommyMidday fashion ...Even picking a coral tutu skirt (wish I could fit it), and blazer for my 8 yr. old that will make for a perfect Easter ensemble. I know, proactive like a mo-fo ...Ahead of the curve. I suffered a bit of guilt for not checking the boys section for my son but I had only just hit the Target #Holiday24 collection, now on CLEARANCE for an adorable sweater (Hit me on Instagram for a "look see"). Anyway, from there I stopped in J.Crew to make a return on some pants I purchased online two weeks prior ...They were too cute, pajama style in green with a navy stripe up the side but much more sheer than expected or necessary. As I told the associate behind the counter who asked how dare I return them, "They show much more than anyone needs to see until I reach my 2013 ideal weight goal."

The Limited 917 ...

From there, I dashed into The Limited surprisingly. As much as I used to love The Limited way back when, I'm not as much of a fan presently however, one piece in particular caught my eye and upon trying it on, I realized it was an absolute must-have and even moreso at 40% off! A pleasant surprise. I made my way to checkout only to be distracted by "temptation" yet again. Browsing thru the clearance section, I happened upon a few denim styles from the 917 collection, reduced to a price of 6.99! How could I not and look at that neon stripe. I've rocked them already. The fit wasn't as tapered at the legs as I would've liked so I remedied by cuffing and rolling up to just above my ankle and sporting with a patent grey pump and a fitted sweatshirt. Ow!! That's just the "vain" in me ;-). And might I add that these are some of the most comfy jeans I now own. I also grabbed a cute A-line leopard print dress with 3/4 length sleeves ...On sale too! Do I need another anything leopard??? Uh, absolutely not but when has that ever stopped me?

Check me on Instagram @bagladies for the must-have piece that I scored. I think you will agree ...

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Tweet me @bagladies ...

February 2013 ...It's a new season of Bag Ladies Reality Radio ...Bag Ladies Tested, REAL Women Approved!!!

We Want You!!!

We recently kicked off our new season and we are growing by leaps and bounds!! So much so, we are just trying to keep up w/ ourselves ...And we could use a bit of help. We can't do it all ...By ourselves, all the time. 

We know many of you amongst our listeners, followers and fans, have amazing skills!!! Below are two positions we are looking to fill. Are either of these you? Do you know someone? If not, do you have a skill or a forte that might be of interest? If so, please let us know. We can surely find something for you to do amongst the fabulous team that is Bag Ladies Reality Radio. The more, the merrier!!!

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Be sure to tune into Bag Ladies LIVE weekly. Follow us @bagladies. Bag Ladies Reality Radio ...Bag Ladies Tested, REAL Women Approved!!

#TalesOfSingledom Thoughts ...

"Everything else is seemingly a priority which is totally fine. I just prefer to be a priority along with those other things. I don't require that I be your sole priority but I wanna feel like I'm at least in the running. Humor me." #TalesOfSingledom

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Be sure to tune into Bag Ladies LIVE weekly. Follow us @bagladies.
Bag Ladies Reality Radio ...Bag Ladies Tested, REAL Women Approved!!

Weekend Update with Lady Erin - Series 1, Part 2

So this weekend's "Weekend Update", a new series launched last week was a bit delayed by "Sandy." Although productivity was slightly disrupted, I certainly didn't feel the wrath like other's did and prayers continue to go up as folks continue to assess the damage and rebuild. The biggest distraction resulted from school closings and my trying to keep the lil ones from suffering "cabin fever." Schools reopened today. Can you hear my "hallelujah" shout??? #MommyMidday

Me and the divas (Janesia Simmons, Maaden Eshete), themselves of Divas, MPH

October is "Breast Cancer Awareness" month and we've been making every effort to lend attention to just being more aware. On last week's #BeautyTalk, we partnered with Divas, MPH to offer great tips to Bag Ladies listeners. If you missed, catch up OnDemand:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bagladies/2012/10/17/beautytalk-skin-care-qa-and-beautytalk-roundtable

Additionally, I attended #PassionBehindPink, a Divas, MPH happy hour at Tabaq in DC. Divas, MPH partnered with FitFam Foundation and Whitman Walker Breast Health Initiative to provide an intimate setting for women to increase awareness and share personal stories. I was touched by the candor of those who attended and that which was shared. I shared too. I also learned alot about "getting to know my girls" and being comfy with, "feeling myself up", all in the name of increasing awareness. This is a great post with great pics from #PassionBehindPink by Gee James (Resident Photog on deck), regarding #PassionBehindPink: http://cmediausa.wordpress.com/2012/10/31/passionbehindpink/

Me and the coolest cat eva, Kurt Elling!

Besides being on "Sandy" watch this weekend, I had the pleasure of attending a Saturday night performance of my absolute FAVE jazz artist , Kurt Elling. Anyone who knows me, knows I'm a jazz fiend. I can listen to jazz 24/7 ...And I ain't old ;-). Kurt Elling is a GRAMMY award winner and for the last 13+ years, has been named the best "Male Jazz Singer of the Year" by the Jazz Journalist Association. Kurt Elling just released a new album, this month. I grabbed up 1619 Broadway right before jetting off to Vegas for #Blogalicious12. Nope, I didn't download, I actually bought the album. I know, unheard of right? But upon finding out that he was performing in DC at the Kennedy Center, I grabbed two tix with the "quickness." I've seen Kurt Elling live at least three times and he NEVER disappoints. And that band ...As always.  But the new drummer out of Houston, Kendrick Scott ...Gracious! I had orchestra seats to Saturday's performance (third row from the stage), and just when I thought nothing could top the performance itself, Kurt Elling proceeded to join attendees in the lobby for a bit of mingling. My date and I were literally headed towards the exit when I came to a screeching halt upon seeing Kurt Elling. I jumped in line for a picture and chat with "the man." I actually cut in line (shhh ...don't tell), but it's Kurt Elling! Oh, what a nite. BTW, thank goodness for "dial-a-date." He was good for something, snapping the pic mostly ;-). #TalesOfSingledom

From the Side

From the Back

BONUS: My 8 yr. old is gonna one day pray she doesn't have a "ba-donkka-donk" this big but for the sake of curbing "cabin fever" over two days of school closures, I let her have her way. I literally fell out and was CTHU when she burst in my room saying, "Mommy look!!"









Be sure to tune into Bag Ladies LIVE weekly. Follow us @bagladies.
Bag Ladies Reality Radio ...Bag Ladies Tested, REAL Women Approved!!

Weekend Update with Lady Erin ...

Miss J dishing in the Press/Media Lounge

#PassionForFashion

Note: #NailSwagBL

Miss J pointed at me and literally put me on the spot.

Winning approval from Miss J (Alexander) himself or herself rather, was certainly one of the biggest highlights of my weekend. Of course I didn't get a pic of myself but I was adorned in a leopard print, spandex Sheba dress from Tobi which of course I accessorized and jazzed up with jewelry and B.A.I.T. Hilda Red Alligator Pointed Shootie Booties from Lulu*s. Miss J is an Author but is widely known for work on America's Next Top Model. Miss J's flamboyant style and outlandish personality, garners attention always. Miss J put me on the spot by saying, "You are working that dress. You're good." Translation, approval! I had the pleasure of attending the 4th annual, "Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Expo" (#FBL2012), on Saturday. Produced by WDCW-TV/DC50, the "Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Expo" is a meet and greet, shopping extravaganza and fashion show all in one. The Washington Convention Center was overflowing with "fashionistas" looking to schmooze with style icons (like Paul Wharton), shop, mix and mingle. Free makeovers, style sessions and over 60 vendors, made #FBL2012 an experience to behold. New this year, the CW Lounge which screened upcoming shows including the much anticipated "Carrie Diaries", said to profile the early days of Carrie Bradshaw, premiering next year. The models literally ripped the runway during a continuous fashion show produced by Event Producer, Maggy Francois and featuring Hush, Catwalk, Current boutiques and more. The most applauded efforts were for the little ones, modeling fashions on behalf of My Bougie Baby. Too cute!!

#ImAFoodie

I took notes on my FAVE oyster varieties.

You eva have one of the days where you say to yourself, "I'm ready to blow this joint." Well such was my day on Sunday. Following church, I had an itch to just get out. I'm not a football fanatic. I had a weekend to myself (meaning the kids were away #MommyMidday). And the weather was gorgeous! I had an oyster craving started by @JKnowsGoodFood, that I hadn't yet satisfied so ...A spot in DC I've long since loved for oysters, recently opened a new location, Hank's Oyster Bar aka Hank's On the Hill. And to put it in perspective, I text'ed a friend while dining who said her and hubby were considering for a date nite because she loved the other location. My reply, "If you love Hank's already, visiting the new location will make you love Hank's that much more." I absolutely believe that dining/eating out should be an experience. From the service to the food to the ambiance ...Everything should contribute to the overall experience. Hank's does not disappoint. From the bartender's amazing expertise as it relates to drinks and mixing and pairing to their very informed knowledge of the menu to just the personable, friendly and welcoming attitude of the staff.  BONUS: One of the bartender's allowed me to sip a drink not even on the menu. DELICIOUS! I hope it's added soon. The decor sets a warm and comfortable tone and the one bartender in particular with a voice made for the airwaves and a look like he stepped out of a Gladiator or Spartacus movie, didn't hurt either. VERY easy on the eyes ;-). I mean if posted up at the bar which I was, why not have a great view? Oh, did I satisfy my craving you ask? Yes, a dozen oysters on the half shell (one variety, the Golden Mantle ...So good, I didn't require cocktail sauce), lobster bisque and two must-have drinks ..."Virginia is for Lovers" which features an ice chunk (not a cube), the bartenders literally shave while you wait. And if a gin and tonic gal (I am), you must try the "Biggie Smalls." It features two gins #WhatsSippin. It was so good, I couldn't keep it to myself and extended an invitation to a friend to meet me at the bar ...#TalesOfSingledom ;-).

#BeautyTalk

Before 7 Day Whitening Treatment

So the weekend marked completion of my Crest 3D Whitestrips with Advanced Seal No Slip Technology Review. As of Sunday, I was done with the daily task of applying the strips and peeling them off after the recommended two hours although I typically kept the strips on for three hours. I applied in the morning when most busy, less inclined to eat and more stationary. A few points:

• The strips are very easy to apply
• The strips are barely visible once applied
• Noticeable when talking but the strips don't impair your ability to talk
• Upon peeling off, no residual gel left behind



After Removal of Strips

• The strips adhered to my teeth surprisingly well

After 7 Day Whitening Treatment

In conclusion, I would say the results are more a noticeable "brightness" as opposed to my teeth being whiter per se. I noticed a distinct "brightness" already on Day 3. The strips produce a result comparable to a highlighter you might apply to your face. My entire tooth isn't "whiter" but there is a "brightness" and less a sharp contrast so it's not like part of your tooth looks bright and the rest looks dull. When I smile, I see a difference and in the end it's about you. Anyone who knows me, knows I love to laugh and smile so while in the midst of the review, I felt like I was making a conscious effort to improve myself in some form. I did have some slight sensitivity which is to be expected so when I drank something particularly cold, I cringed a bit but it subsided in like 24 hours. I particularly love the feeling after peeling the strips off. My teeth had that post-dental visit feel when you wanna just run your tongue along your teeth because they feel so clean. I have a visibly "brighter" smile.

Lest I forget, I got my nails did too so #NailSwagBL in effect! Always nice (and necessary), to just sit and be completely pampered. Thanks to my Nail Artist, @MikalB23!!! How do you like this most recent design? Upon seeing a similar design on our #BeautyTalk Pinterest board, it made me think of a superhero and the pink signifies this month's focus on Breast Cancer Awareness. @MikalB23 worked her skills.

Tune into this week's #TalesOfSingledom featuring @lovein30days airing Wednesday, 7:30p EST on bagladiesradio.com.

My Lil' Ones FAVE #Blogalicious12 Take-A-Ways ...Part 2 #MommyMidday

So being as though I'm a Mommy, whenever I refer to having to go out of town or travel, the immediate question from my lil' ones is, "what are you going to bring back for me?" And multiply the question by three (I have an 8 yr. old and 6 yr. old twins). So my trek to Las Vegas for #Blogalicious12 was no different. I got one call from my babies while in Vegas and it certainly was not to see how I was doing (they could care less), but rather to check-in on how much swag I had collected for them. Although I did get an "I love you Mommy", before the call was over ;-). I recall being so exhausted when they called. The "I love you Mommy", provided an immediate energy boost ;-). So my previous post as per my #Blogalicious12 Recap Series, detailed my FAVE take-a-ways, here are theirs (I couldn't leave Vegas without their goodies):

I didn't immediately reveal the goods upon return. I set up a nice display as a surprise and invited my kids into the living room to see all that I brought back. Although I don't have the pics to show it, you can only imagine how quickly Mommy's cute little display was totally demolished by 6 hands reaching and grabbing for everything all at once.  I think it took 10 seconds, probably less! 

I knew prior to leaving Vegas that I had to somehow find a way to snag another S.I.S. by Barbie included in our swag bag. I have two girls. The oldest is 8 and my twin girl is 6. Thank you to the attendee (shall remain nameless),  who upon hearing me talk about having two girls, offered me her Barbie. Thank you!!! So I had both Trichelle and Grace and although in my mind, I knew which one would go to which daughter, inevitably they did argue over who would get which one. That's what kids do ...But I diffused the situation with the "quickness" cause that's what Mommies do.

The cookies shaped like purses were also a FAVE amongst my girls. Bear in mind, my 6yr. old son is kinda standing at a distance by this time with the pound puppy face, wondering what is for me. There wasn't necessarily alot of swag that would appeal to him. Admittedly, I had to supplement a bit. I got him a new football, soccer ball and kick ball so he wouldn't feel left out. 

The illuminating glasses were an absolute HIT with my lil' ones! My son grabbed the clear ones and left the purple ones for his sisters. These were compliments of McDonald's from the sponsored "Viva Las Ladies Night", poolside party. McDonald's transformed the Red Rock South Beach Pool into the ultimate ladies night and the glasses were provided along with other accessories like boas and hats, to dress up pictures with the "wanna-be chippendale guys." Alot of fun was had with those guys ;-). Perhaps I will muster the courage to share pics from that night although that would totally contradict my "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" stance.

My 6 yr. old twin daughter is an absolute natural in front of the camera and felt totally compelled to model her new purple illuminating shades, blue monkeywish.com bracelet (also a hit), and as we tagged it, the "blingy ring" also compliments of McDonald's from the sponsored, "Viva Las Ladies Night." My daughter has plenty of showmanship. Note: the monkeywish.com sticker plastered to her chest

The Box Tops For Education change purses appealed to my girls because of the purple color.  And what's crazy, they hit me up for money right away saying, "isn't that what the changes purses are for Mommy?" Thanks Kelly! My kids were actually excited to learn that Mommy scored 300+ Box Tops for Education bucks in the wind booth at #Blogalicious12. My son, "was your hair blowing in the wind booth Mommy?" My reply, "Mommy's hair texture doesn't really support blowing in the wind son. It stood still LOL!" I'm definitely looking forward to donating those bucks to their school. Although I kept the laptop feet, my son kept the McDonald's pouch. His equivalent to a change purse. He wasn't feeling the purple.

This is as close as I got to winning big in Vegas. Although I tried my hand, a "gambler" I am not. So the BTFE bucks were the only bucks I came home with. Still claiming "winning!"

The monkeywish.com bracelets were most popular with my son mostly because the colors weren't "girly" as he says. And upon explaining the concept of monkeywish.com, my kids couldn't wait to run down their Christmas wish lists. My son loved the Gain #GainFresh pin. Why? He's a kid. There isn't always an explanation. My daughter loved the McDonald's, "Viva Las Ladies" tokens until such time as she realized they held no monetary value. The McDonald's earbuds which were given away throughout the conference were a fave of my oldest. She has both a NOOK and a Nintendo 3DS. Let's see how long these earbuds last. All the earbuds previously given to or bought rather for her, have all gone missing. She is only 8 yet already a gadget fiend. She's sometimes more up to par on the latest and greatest gadgets, than I am.

Kellogs being a sponsor, each of my kids got their own bowl along with some random treats like cereal,  Mott's Snack & Go Applesauce Pouches and more. And trust, as far as my lil'ones were concerned, there could've been more. Kids ...#MommyMidday

BONUS: I attempted to shoot my kids via socialcam, as I surprised them with "swag" but alas, I had to stop abruptly because the, "that's mine" arguments were starting to get out of control. Note: The audio speaks for itself ;-). The funniest moment is my son mocking me by saying, "swagger."

There were alot of Mommies in attendance at #Blogalicious12 and it was such a pleasure meeting some of you and exchanging tales. How did you distribute swag amongst your little ones or did you keep the swag all to yourself? Please share.

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Lady Erin

@bagladies