Fashion Friday: Lupita, Vogue's Covergirl

By now we have all heard of Lupita Nyong'o and her rise to stardom. Things just keep getting better for her. The 31-year-old has solidified her place in cinematic history taking home an Academy Award for her role in 12 Years A Slave. Lupita is set to appear in J.J. Abrams' installment of Star Wars Episode VII and the voice of Raksha in Disney’s live-action reboot of The Jungle Book. 

Lupita’s star keeps rising and there is no end in sight. She graced the coveted cover of Vogue Magazine's July 2014 issue (whose reputation needed to be redeemed after the Kanye West and Kim Kardashian fiasco).

Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci marigold bodysuit. Spinelli Kilcollin linked bangles. Georg Jensen double bangle.

Add Proenza Schouler in their flock-printed cutout dress. Necklaces by Jonas Studio, Pebble London, and Cara Croninger. Ksar Char-Bagh wicker bag.

Vera Wang Collection copper trapeze dress. Ann Demeulemeester necklace. Pebble London ring. Casadei for Prabal Gurung heels.

 To read Lupita Nyong’o full interview in Vogue with Hammish Bowles click here.

Rodarte metallic lace dress with sequins. Judy Geib Plus Alpha diamond–and–gold filigree earrings. Fred Leighton amber necklaces.

Jonathan Saunders check-and-floral printed dress. Ann Demeulemeester by Elvis Pompilio fine straw hat.

Janis by Janis Savitt silver cuff. Prada red satin heels.

T by Alexander Wang knit top. Jonas Studio earring. Yossi Harari corset cuffs.

J.Crew swimsuit, Yossi Harari cuffs, and Casadei for Prabal Gurung heels.

From this and other posts of mine, it's apparent that I'm a Lupita Nyong'o fan. I'm ecstatic that young girls of color, especially of darker complexion, have such a worthy role model. Let's do remember, though Lupita is a role model she is not perfect. So let's remind ourselves and our children not to invest so much into what is presented of someone else. We must encourage our children to find their worth in Christ. That's the best, most powerful beauty of all-loving yourself the way Christ does. 

I do not claim ownership of the above images. 

Free College Tuition...Thanks Starbucks!

Student loan debt is at an all-time high. So much so that 40% of students working to pay off loans are struggling to keep up and end up having their wages garnished. The government can begin taking as much as 15 percent of post-tax wages without court approval at that point. - See more at: http://madamenoire.com

Starbucks plans to announce a program today, Monday, June 16, 2014 intended to help its baristas earn an online college degree. The company is partnering with Arizona State University making earning a college degree a possibility for the company’s 135,000 United States employees, provided they work at least 20 hours a week and have the grades and test scores to gain admission to Arizona State. 

For a barista with at least two years of college credits, the company will pay full tuition costs, reimbursing any money that employees pay out of pocket. For those with fewer credits, primarily those with a freshman or sophomore classification, Starbucks will pay part of the cost.

There are no stipulations as to how long one has to be employed. Starbucks is virtually inviting its employees from day one with the company to enroll in Arizona State University (online) and study from a number of educational programs. Arizona State has one of the largest online degree programs in the United States, with 11,000 students and 40 undergraduate majors. Even more inspiring, there are no conditions obligating employees to remain with the company after having completed their degree.

Howard Schultz, Starbucks' chairman and chief executive grew up in public housing in Brooklyn and an athletic scholarship allowed him to be the first in his family to attend college at Northern Michigan University. His very modest beginnings can be attributed to his concern for the lower-middle class, which makes up the greater part of his employees. 

Some in traditional higher education (a brick and mortar facility with little online course presence) are skeptical, still frowning upon the validity of a degree earned from an online university. Realistically, as long as the school is accredited there is nothing frown-worthy about it. Employers are just as likely to hire someone with a degree earned online as a person who actually got up, got dressed and sat in an actual classroom every day. The shift in technology is so massive, there are changes nearly happening on a daily basis. So, why would acquiring an online degree become a question of legitimacy? Many colleges and universities are beginning to change their way of thinking. Society today is so fast paced and much of the world is accessible with the touch of a button. Making getting an education convenient, is a logical feat that Starbucks is willing to help their employees accomplish.  

Visit www.starbucks.com to check out more information on this awesome opportunity. 

I do not claim ownership to the above images.

It’s the Simple Things in Life

Scrolling through my Facebook timeline the other day, I came across one of the most extraordinary YouTube clips I’ve ever seen. Take a look for yourself. 

This definitely beats the way I've always done it-roll in a ball and toss in the back of the closet. The simplest things in life can make me feel so accomplished! Admit it, this video featuring this sweet woman and her fireplace just made your day! You rock Jill Cooper!

Easing Your Travel Trials

Anyone who’s traveled just about anywhere knows how daunting packing can be. Speaking from a woman’s perspective, you know because I am one, packing light is nearly an impossible feat. Trying to consolidate my life into a single suitcase for however many days is like trying to squeeze a lemon through the eye of a needle. IT’S JUST NOT GOING TO FIT! 

I have to take everything that I (might) need. God forbid if I need a nail file, contact solution or any number of things that I may actually have to venture out to a drug store to purchase. This genius of a man named Ben Popken introduced me via a Facebook friend the art of 'bundle wrapping'. 

Click here for Ben's video.

I haven’t tried this yet, but I’m heading to NYC for three days in a few weeks. I’m sure my husband will be ecstatic to see that he’s no longer obligated to compile my stuff in what feels like a matchbox, which usually means we both compromise on space and him lugging everything from one location to the next. 

I do not claim ownership to the above images.