"Once Upon A Time" Proves Dreams DO Come True!

"I'm a go-getter."

These are the words of Jarmal Harris, creator of The Jarmal Harris Project, and they couldn't be more true. The DC Native is a visionary and one who not only reaches up, but reaches back. Currently gaining momentum in NYC, he returned to guide the production of the 8th annual fashion event held at THEARC.

I attended the event last Sunday and can honestly attest to the slogan that it was "not your average fashion show". That's because it's the youth who put on this event! With his 501(c)3, and support from the Summer Employment Youth Program, Jarmal has created an opportunity for youth to have a creative outlet where they can both collaborate and gain work experience. This summer, Monday through Friday, the youth of Wards 1-8 dedicated their time to building and choreographing this show; and on Sunday, I was witness to their success.

The show began with a young girl dreaming of making it to the "Big Show". Tucking her sky-high heels away, her fairy god-mother appears and guides her to put on her heels and make her dream a reality. True Cinderella form, expect one thing: a crew to kick-off her dream to reality like this:

Swim by Jeri Wood

"Anything you want, go out and get it. Shoot for the moon." - Jarmal Harris

The show, in a way, is like Jarmal's message to the youth. When he speaks of them, he can't help but tear up. After 8 shows, you'd think some of that emotion would wane, but it doesn't. His affinity for the youth, his calling, and this project is just as authentic as his words which tells me one thing, Jarmal's passion is fueled to the max. When speaking with him, I found it to be like talking to a favorite cousin. He's so personable; it's hard not to root for Jarmal! And, when speaking to some of the youth and hearing that they want to continue to persue their creative craft, I know his message of encouragement has been made clear.

As for the runway, some of my favorite looks came from Cesar Galindo (paired with the DC political scene on back screen was on point!), Richard Kim (I love plaid!), Jeri Wood, and draping gowns covered in gold sequins from the event's namesake (catch a glimpse from the finale below).

Congratulations to Jarmal and the crew of Once Upon A Time for your commitment and success. Looking forward to seeing your work on future runways!

xo | din

photos | The Jarmal Harris Project (more photos to come!)
videos | code name: drédin (finale look here)

Don't Forget To Phone When You Arrive To Chicago

There are some moments in life when the connection to another person is vivid. It's like an "I'm meant to know you" or "You're meant to be in my life" kind of feeling. I've been blessed to have this experience with a few people, and I'm sure many reading this have as well. It's not to be confused with the romantic destiny feeling, although those individuals and experiences can also fit into this type of connection.

In one instance, for reasons unbeknownst to me, I was drawn to a new colleague. It was a "you're meant to be in my life" type of feeling that sparked a curiosity. Now I like to attribute it to their heart for the Lord, but at the time I didn't know the "why". So, like any new beginning that I know is meant to be, I began to stalk my new friend. Actually, I'd like to say I was curiously discovering.

As we created a friendship, I soon had someone who put a smile on my face the second I saw them. It's like turning on a light switch-- instantaneous.

So, what do I do now that my friend has moved (to my favorite city nonetheless!)? Move, too? No; it's too cold there. Fortunately for me, friendships span the globe, and this one is no different. It's a blessing that I intend to continue to pour into, because it has poured into me.

For all of us, I hope these moments of connection are not few, but multiple. This is what makes living worthwhile! And we should remember that wherever life takes us--work, school, travel, love-- connections can remain just as vivid as we first experienced. All it takes is communication.

So, my friend, I'm looking forward to visiting, but until then: Don't forget to phone when you arrive to Chicago.

xo | din

[ din wears ]

tee | Abound

skirt | H&M

suspenders | H&M

boots | Fergalicious 

[ Stephen wears ]

jacket | Levi's 

shirt | American Rag

boots | Sonoma

"a" tee | Ecko

jeans | Lucky Brand

belt | Kenneth Cole

beanie | Target

photos | Reflection Photography by Chrystalain 

Shop, Sleep, Repeat

Last week I relearned that there are not enough hours in a day! Especially when there is so much you want to do!

After my initial day in Hollywood, I went to spend a couple days with a good friend and her family in Chino. When our visit ended and I headed back to LA, I had to stop by Hollywood Blvd. once more, to finish the shopping that I had started days prior. I concluded my day enjoying a tasty dinner with my mom and girls. The evening climate was perfect for this fun jumper I brought along. I love the back detail! What do you think? 

xo | dré 

jumper | Doe and Rae

heels | BCBG 

bag | Marc by Marc Jacobs 

shades | Old Navy

Hollywood

Last Friday I left home at 3:30am, and journeyed 22 hours via car to LA. Although I was running on very little sleep, I was not about to miss a moment of my California adventure! 

My first stop was Hollywood Blvd. to see the sights and do a little shopping. For my look, I went a little sexy, a little casual, and a little rock'n'roll. Not only did I score on some shopping finds, but I also came across one of my favorite celebrity's star! What do you think of my look?

xo | dré 

dress | Free People

vest | H&M 

boots | Report

bag | Marc by Marc Jacobs

Big Brown Eyes

My brown eyes are unmistakable. In fact, all of my features are-- bold brows...check; bold eyes...check; bold lips...check! Still, of all my facial features, my eyes and my smile are the two that I've been told make the biggest impression. Would you agree? Here, I'm playing both of them up (yes, both!) and wanted to share with you for a little weekend inspiration.

I didn't realize it at the time, but I used several different brands to create this look. Take a look below to see all the fun products I used to compliment my brown eyes. Then let me know what you think in the comments below!

xo | din

[MAKEUP]
on face
tinted moisturizer | St. Moritz by NARS
concealer | Medium Honey by Clinique
bronzer & highlight | Spicy heat duo by Sephora
on eyes
eyeshadow | Spicy heat as base, Smog and Oil Slick by Urban Decay blended for depth, gold "angel's" dust (private collection) added on center lid for a pop of shine.
mascara | Full Action (black) by Sephora
liner | Palladio (black liquid) added to rim of bottom lid
on lips
liner |  Trust in Red by MAC
lipstick | Sunset Rhythm by Sephora (center of ombré), Rouge Artist Natural (N28) by Makeup Forever

Glitter Off

 

There's one thing every woman knows, who has ever polished her nails with glitter; it's near impossible to get off! It's a love/hate really. One moment I'm feeling all sparkly and fancy, and the next I'm angry and sweating from trying to get the darn stuff off!

Well, let me tell you. OPI has come out with a fantastic polish called Glitter Off. You apply one thin coat to clean nails and let it dry completely. Next, you apply your favorite glitter polish. When you are done wearing the polish, no need to sweat! Just push the edge of it and peel it off.

It seemed to good to be true, so I thought I would try it out. My concern was that with such easy removal, it only made sense that the polish would just come right off before I was ready to take it off. I was relieved to find out that's not the case. I polished my nails with a glitter polish on Friday, and made it all the way until Tuesday, at which point I was ready to change, so I peeled it off. How great is that?! 

So now that the secret is out, what are you waiting for??

xo | dré 

Oil Wonders

Matrix has just released a product line on the market called Oil Wonders. I was extremely eager to try it out, and let me tell you, I LOVE IT! ALL of it! 

My oldest daughter needed a haircut recently, so when I finished cutting her hair, I styled her with the products. She has naturally curly hair that is somewhat fine, and the products smoothed her hair to perfection, without weighing it down.

Here is a list of the products and what to expect from each one:

MICRO-OIL SHAMPOO

• Infused with Moroccan argan oil

• Shampoo for gentle cleansing & nourishment

• Provides softness & shine

OIL CONDITIONER

• Infused with Moroccan argan oil

• Provides lightweight conditioning

• Restores manageability for touchable softness & shine

INDIAN AMLA ~Strengthening Oil

• Provides 4X the strength

• Renews fragile, weakened hair for restored strength 

• Enhances softness & shine

AMAZONIAN MURUMURU ~Controlling Oil

• Tames hair for 72 hours straight

• Controls, provides smoothness & tames rebellious, unruly hair 

• Enhances softness & shine

EGYPTIAN HIBISCUS ~Color Caring Oil

• Restores color vibrancy with 75% more shine

• Enhances softness & shine

SHAPING OIL CREAM

• Shine & shape in 1 step

• Infused with Moroccan argan oil

• Nourishes and shapes hair in one quick, easy step for enhanced softness & shine

• Creates natural movement & definition 

FLASH BLOW DRY OIL 

• 2X faster blow dry

• Infused with Moroccan argan oil

• Enhances softness & shine

• Reduces blow dry time

Again these are absolutely incredible products that not only work well, but smell amazing. I encourage all to try them and let me know what you think!

xo | dré 

Root for the Home Team!

Take me out to the ball game!

This weekend is a baseball weekend for me. In fact, I'm writing from Camden Yards-- one of the most popular baseball stadiums in the US! Yesterday's baseball experience was dedicated to the Washington Nationals who had complete domiNATion over the Phillies (11-0). But today, it's all about the M's!

My friend (who's from Bellingham, WA) and I are showing our colors for our home team, the Seattle Mariners. Check out a few ways we're representin' out here on the east coast!

Fun, right? Also great is the fact that a Tacoma native checked us in and gave me this Griffey baseball card! Fortunately, we chose pretty great seats for never having been to the stadium!

Uh-oh! Here comes a fly ball, gotta go!!

Go M's!!

xo | din

Cover Story | August 2014

It seems to me that buzz around back to school shopping is picking up. And, although I'd prefer to bask in summer forever, I figure a brief detour won't hurt. So, today's cover story is going to be a little different...

In the August issue of Seventeen, pop star Ariana Grande is all wrapped in plaid and I love it! Take a look below as I deCODE this extremely talented vocalist's style!

Get Ariana's Back-to-School Look!

Jessica Simpson | Aeriel Dotted Blouse, $29.40 (add'l option here)

Topshop | Checkered Skort, $60

Bebe | Reversible Jewel Chain Belt, $39

DSW | Sam Edelman Posey bootie, $119.95

Get more back-to-school fashion inspiration from Ariana's shoot by picking up your newsstand copy!

xo | din

photo credit: Kenneth Willardt