Speak Life

Last week I was blessed to have a few women pour into my life. Although my days were laced with peculiar events and emotions, it was because these women spoke life over me that I was able to keep my focus where it needed to be.

One of those women followed up with a gift––the necklace and earring set I'm wearing here. Among her encouraging sentiments, she told me to remember my creativity, and to wear it whenever I needed reminding that I'm special.

It meant the world to me that these women took the time to speak life over me, particularly at the time I needed it most.

Who can you speak positive words of encouragement, gratitude, and life over today?

xo | din

jewelry | Leslie Danzis
scarf | LOFT

dress | Romeo & Juliet

heels | Franco Sarto

Life in Indigo

It took me a little while to nail down #5 on my To-Do-Before-30 list. It wasn't until I was scrolling through Pinterest and saw a woman with a purple 'fro that I decided that's what color I was going to do. (Of course, I consulted with Dr. Dré first!)

So here it is, still too dark to notice on first glance, but the lighter strands are no longer. In fact, the most common reaction from colleagues (after having already seen me a few times) has been "IS YOUR HAIR PURPLE?!"

It's new, fun, and a bold way to kick of my to-do list. Wouldn't you agree?

xo | din

Greenery

Tis the season for picnics and laughs! I hope you are enjoying your long weekend with family and friends—new and old. I've added a touch of sweet green to my wardrobe and purple to my lids. I think it compliments the green leaves, yellow sun, and tastes of the grill quite nicely, don't you?

xo | din

long tank | Mossimo for Target

dress shorts | H&M

cat-eye shades | Aldo

earrings | street vendor in Eastern Market

leather cuff | MetroPark

infinity ring | custom made in SoHo

makeup | Urban Decay on eyes, Nars tinted moisturizer, Sephora blush and highlight

snake skin sandals | Chinese Laundry

Orange Is the New Black

Spring is the newest season and orange is the new black. For today at least! Surely I'll be back to onyx, but in the meantime I'm gonna play tag with the bumble bees. 

I paired this zip front, pleated-bodice dress with a long cardigan (which I love!). This lightweight cardigan has 3/4 sleeves making it perfect for this warming weather. What's more? Check out this cuff! I spent some time in DC's Eastern Market this weekend and picked up this aqua-green leather cuff. You know my love for leather cuffs, especially when they're by local designers! I finished the look with soft makeup and big hair.

What do you think?

xo | din

ensemble | H&M

cuff | T. Omari Leatherworks (local designer @ Eastern Market)

shades | Aldo

sandals | Chinese Laundry

photos shot with my iPhone by Chrystalain of Reflection Photography

Winged Inspo

Here are some photos from my latest makeup shoot. Included the pre-shoot photos that better show my hair. Whatchu know bout le fro? 

xo | din 

Starthir

Yesterday was my cousin's big day! Kelly (the Matron of Honor) opted to go for Kristen Stewarts luscious waves. I absolutely love her choice! Rather than doing a twist on one side, we decide a braid would be more fun for her. I snapped a quick photo of her at the house and then one of her all decked out at the wedding. She's so dreamy!

The weather wasn't so fantastic, but that doesn't mean a girl still can't be fabulous! My big fur kept me cozy and my husband brought our trusty umbrella to keep us dry! 

After the ceremony, the weather dried up, and I was able to get some shots of my dress. The blossomed trees were so beautiful! I'm glad we got to hang out ;)

xo | dré 

fur | Vancouver Flea Market 

dress | material girl

heels | Carlos by Carlos Santana 

clutch | Seven

bracelet | BCBG 

earrings | Forever 21

polish | Essie | Chills & Thrills and I'm Addicted

lip color | jordana candied coral

Happy Hour(s)

During my friends' visit to DC, we ventured to one of my fav happy hour spots -- Dirty Martini. (Best Southsides in the city, y'all!) One hour turned to two, then three, eventually ending up at GBD (donuts for dessert!). I love to rendezvous with old friends, meet new ones, and share lots and lots of deep belly laughs. Now that's a trend that's always in style. 

xo | din 

sweater | second hand
ring | Topshop
skirt | One Love
tights | The LOFT
boots | Fergalicious

location | DuPont Circle, Washington, DC
pictured w/ Sy

crazy/fun/hair

While I was in WA, I visited Sharon's Hair Studio in Yakima. I needed Sharon's special touch to add a little umph to my natural curls. And by umph, I mean triumph because it was becoming increasingly aware to me that managing my natural curl was causing too much headache. [ And despite Excedrin's great qualities, it wouldn't fix this. ] I am definitely pleased with the turnout and, now, actually look forward to seeing what my hair wants to do in the morning!

Of course, I had to have dré get in on the action, so she styled after the perm rods came out. [ If you're an 80s baby like me, then you probably know why I was holding my breath. ]

Soon, sleep deprivation started kicking in and the crazy started coming out. Hence the pics I snapped being goofy. The flash really lightened my hair. I've been wanting to get to a blonde, but it's a gradual process.

I really like it, though. Let me know in the comments below what hair color you'd suggest!

xo | din

Sweet Tooth

It's a known fact by now, that my hair is indeed pink. Though I don't plan on keeping it this way for long, I do plan on tapping into my creativity while I have it.

The inspiration for these photos come from my love of sweets. Anyone that knows me, knows that I'm a fiend for cotton candy! How lucky am I, that I get to have the sugar-spun treat on my head?!  

I hope you enjoy these photos! Stay tuned for my next series of posts, and follow my pink haired adventure!

hair by dré

photos by Kiya

XOXO dré