HAUTE FRIDAY!

Happy Hour earlier this week with my girls!

Earlier this week I got the chance to catch up with my girlfriends over cocktails and amazing food, it was just what I needed to get me through this week! With so much on our plate these days and our schedules always conflicting it was really nice to see their faces and reunite for a few hours. What a great week it has been and to top it off Scandal came back #happygirl Did you guys watch? And I also watched How to get away with Murder too, I think that maybe added to my Thursday line up. It's CBC week here in DC, so I plan to partake in some event  this weekend among catching up with some friends before my much anticipated trip! I hope you all have a fabulous weekend, I hear the weather will be nice...Indian Summer? I'll take that.   

 

*bows out gracefully*

TUMBLR THURSDAY: SchuntelXO's Top 10 of the Week!

Since I've been back to blogging, I've also been back to tumbling on SchuntelXO and I've drawn so much inspiration! Check out my Top 10 of the week below:

 

 

Kate Moss dripped in diamonds...yes I'll have what she's having!

 

That moment you realize your vacation is less than a week away *does shmoney dance*

 

Birds of a feather....

 

So adorable, made my ovaries jump!

 

 

I need a colored suit like this for Fall!

 

 

I just saw Idris Elba last week...I mean I went to the movies and saw No Good Deed lol. Why he so fine ya'll? #ManCrushEVERYDAY

 

One of my favorite runway shows this season! I'm obsessed with Black Barbie!

 

Feeling like YOLO these days!

 

Will & Jada. She carries the shoes, he carries her, security gets them through the crowd.

I WANT that!

 

 

PARIS FASHION WEEK: Kim, Kanye & Baby North Take Their Front Row Seat!

 

The West family has made a fashionable entrance to Paris for fashion week (I'm having serious FOMO!) with their adorable daughter little North West. The family's first show was at Balenciaga where North West sat front row at her very first fashion show, what a lucky little tot she is! The West family wore all black and NW wore her daddy's "Yeezus" shirt over a leather skirt and leggings and black timberland boots...how rocker chic is she? Can we pause and be jealous of this 14 month year old? Lol! She is living the fashion dream I want right now! #FixItYeezus

images via: E!Online

How cute is this family? I'm obsessed with Kim's makeup she's been looking every bit of flawless and polished lately. Her fashion choices have been spot on as well, and I'll take NW's Yeezus shirt as well. With 93 shows in 9 days we need to get use to seeing the Wests around town...and I'm here for every part of it! I'm even kind of feeling Kanye's new haircut, a very different look from him that I appreciate.  

 

 

Happy Paris Fashion Week! I'll be stalking virtually lol...



TALK THAT TALK: Finding A Balance

 

I write this post from the deepest part my heart and meaning every single word. It took me a few weeks to get the courage to post this but the day has come and I'm confident that this will resonate with someone that is struggling to find their balance. Blogging is not only my hobby, passion or bored obsession, it has become my outlet to deal with life's series of ups/downs. For the past couple of months, I've sat back, observed and watched so many things change in my life without notice and I couldn't be more grateful for the life lessons. At first I couldn't understand why things were going my way it did and why I was feeling the way I did but it became so clear to me after I started journaling and learning to find my inner peace. My 20s has taught me so much about myself and yes I know that's so "cliché" to say but it truly has, I'm not sure I would be the person I am today if it wasn't for all the experiences that taught me "life goes on" and always strive to be the person you would want to meet.

 

 

And I'm not just saying that because I'm 28 and feeling like I should've had things all figured out by now, but because I've really taken charge of my life with guidance and direction given to me by the man upstairs. My female intuition has grown, my love for God has blossomed, my family has expanded in ways I've never imagined, my friends have become my extended family, my dating life has been a series of highs/lows that keeps me on my toes, my work life has become my daily routine and my heart...well my heart has become use to trying to find a balance with it all. I'm constantly having discussions about "getting my life together" with my girlfriends and how I want to be that super woman that can do it all. Yes, I know it's all about timing so I've heard and learned. I think my biggest challenge this year was with my friendships, and finding the balance to maintain healthy and meaningful relationships with women that I grew to admire and whole heartedly look up to.

 

I'm perfect by no means, but I like to think that my girlfriends are a direct reflection of me and the things I aspire to be. What's the point of being surrounded by people you cannot learn or grow from/with? I'm extremely blessed to have them in my life and without them I don't know where I would be (Thank you!). Again, it's all about BALANCE...I have girlfriends that are married, in serious relationships, complicated situationships, phenomenal mothers, chasing their dreams and trying to figure out their purpose and we all make time for each other because we know that's important. If you know anything about me, then you know I come from a huge Caribbean family and we are ALWAYS celebrating something. Making cameos and showing up to celebrations near/far has been a commitment of mine since I was younger, my parents instilled in me the value of showing support by your physical presence and until this day I still think it's important to support your family and friends by attending their events, etc. My friends constantly tease me about my social calendar and not knowing "how I do it", it's simple...I find the time.

 

Over the past couple of years I've definitely realized that I am only ONE person and capable of doing so much so I say "NO" now when I have to without any apologies because I come first and I am my first priority (Whew..that was hard to say!). I have learned to prioritize my hectic social calendar and find time for myself because at one point I would overbook myself so much that I would skip meals, lose sleep and forget to even look in the mirror. I was running myself ragged and people could tell because of the bags under my eyes and the constant need to "be somewhere". I would be so busy running around and making everyone else happy and feeling like they were #1 that I forgot to put myself in the running for 1st place. It happens to the best of us and that's when I looked up the word BALANCE (an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady) because I lost all sense of this in my early 20s. I use to know how to party on a Wednesday night, wake up and study for an exam and pass with flying colors in college then when I graduated it became harder because my responsibilities were piling on and there was no time to do all of that in the real world. Graduating from college and entering into the workforce then going back to school with so much on my plate, finding a balance was a goal I set a few years back and I'd like to say that I've finally accomplished it!! I've learned to take a necessary step back when I had to, re-evaluate my relationships with people when needed, get dressed up and show up for important events/things, and prioritize where "Schuntel time" fits in my schedule. With some adjustments and life throwing me a few hurdles along the way I've learned to keep my head high (and heels higher) while I aimed to find my balance in my quiet moments.

I think there is a real beauty and strength to finding your balance in this world we live in especially in knowing that YOU are just as important as everyone else you are making a priority in your life. With every season there comes change and growth, so I'd like to think at 28 years old I've learned something about balancing my rollercoaster of a life. I've watched my sisters become phenomenal mothers and still make time to socialize with their friends, go on date night with their husbands and even have some "me time". There is certainly a way to finding the balance we all need to surviving our 20s and conquering our 30s ladies (and gentlemen...if you're reading lol). Have you found your balance? Do you make time for yourself? Is prioritizing certain things in your life going to bring you the most peace? What are you doing to make YOU happy? These are questions I ask myself often because after all, you are first and it's important to take care of you first before you can take care of someone else's needs/wants. I really hope this post resonates with someone and it reassures you that finding a balance is healthy and necessary to sustaining meaningful relationships needed for growing and learning. 

*bows out gracefully*   

FASHION NEWS: The Limited Debuts 'Scandal' Inspired Collection

image via: TheYBF

 

Olivia Pope, I mean Kerry Washington is BACK and looking amazing post baby! I can only wish to be as fabulous and effortless as she always appears to be, I'm loving the cobalt blue dress and her hair is perfection! Kerry made a show stopping appearance at Good Morning America to show off her new collaboration with The Limited that is now available online and in-stores just in time for the new season of Scandal! The collection has about 40 pieces that can be worn interchangeably with one another and channels the "Livvy look" perfectly. Price range? $49 to $298...which is fairly reasonable in my opinion. The collection is perfect if your looking for work attire this Fall/Winter, I'm definitely going to grab a few pieces but I'm completely swooning over this Cape Trench Coat. Check out Kerry, Costume Designer Lyn Paolo and Limited head designer Elliot Staples on Good Morning America discussing a few looks from the collection below:

 

 

 

Are you gladiators ready for Scandal this Thursday (9/25)? I cannot wait!!!  

FALLIN' INTO MONDAY!

Hello, beautiful people! If you haven't heard already...it's officially Fall 2014 and I've got that Summertime sadness #fixitJesus. I think what I'll miss mostly about Summer is the pool and brunchin' outside, I'm often the most happiest when laying out by the pool and sipping champs lol...know me! Over the weekend I had the opportunity to check out the #OutfittedShop at 600 F Street Loft in support of one my girlfriends who happens to be an amazing hair stylist at Karma Beauty Lounge (Ask for Skylar). Summer made a cute appearance over the weekend so I decided to fully embrace it by throwing on a lace/sheer tank over my white jeans for the occasion. After this shopping event I had 3 other places to go that ranged from assisting one of my girlfriends with her travel wardrobe, my nephews birthday party and a cookout. Comfy, cute and transitional was the goal, did I hit the mark? My friends always tease me about how many events/things I have on my agenda...Saturday was no different, it was quite the adventure (but a good one *wink*).     

 

WHAT I WORE: Lace tank (similar here)/ White jeans by ZARA/ Nude Christian Louboutin heels/

 

We shopped, did some politicking, sipped on some champs/cocktails, posed it up in the photo-booth, and even a few ladies got their hair done at the braid bar by Skylar (Go girl!). It was a great way to kick off my Saturday afternoon followed by lots of running around the DMV area, by Sunday I was beat and in need of some R&R so I had a much needed "Lazy Sunday" watching the Beyoncé & Jay Z "On The Run" concert followed by endless naps. Now that the weekend is over and Summer is over, I can't wait to do some Fall shopping, I've got my list ready! After I get back from vacay (OMG that's coming so soon--No worries, I won't leave you guys hanging, I plan to do some blogging while I'm away! That's what Wi-Fi is for right?). In the meantime between time, tomorrow I'll reveal my TALK THAT TALK post that I've been promising you guys! Happy Monday everyone!


*bows out gracefully*      

RECAP: NEW YORK FASHION WEEK S/S 2015

So I finally got the chance to attend New York Fashion Week this year and I must say that although I wasn't able to stay the entire time I had so much fun. Fashion gives me an unexplainable high I can't put into words and it makes me feel so alive (...And I heard you have to stay close to anything that makes you feel alive). Apparently, the time I finally decided to go to New York was in the midst of a heat wave so I opted for lighter and looser clothing because I knew between my 6 block walk to the subway and 30 min train ride that I would be doing a lot of moving around.  I attended the A MOI Presentation, Project Runway show, Dorin Negrau and J. Mendel while mixing and mingling with some of the fashion industry's finest. New York was a spiral (a good spiral) because I was back and forth twice in between DC while trying to be in the moment of "fashion week" but needless to say I got see a few friends and just soak up the city for all of it's greatness. I'm eager to get back there for some Fall Shopping, can you believe summer is over?! Without further delay, check out my recap of NYFW below:   

 

 

Project Runway! Originally I had a priority standing ticket but I was able to snag me a decent seat and enjoyed the show and super cute gift bag. Thank you Project Runway! 

 

My phone was dying so I wasn't able to snap that many pictures during the Project Runway show but needless to say it was a great show!!! We saw 9 collections and got to see Hiedi Klum make Tim Gunn do the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. I even got to step on the runway and strut a bit before meeting up with my friend! Fashion for breakfast it was :) 



 

I had that surreal, "Schuntel you are fashion week moment" and all I could do was smile and Thank God. Having the opportunity to just be there was such a blessing, I'm just one out a million fashion bloggers so to be approved to sit among the people I truly admire and respect in the industry is beyond amazing, it's humbling. Fashion does something for my soul...it truly feeds me and I realize it every time I'm getting dressed. It's a feeling that I can't fully put into words but I like the way it feels. I think it's the thing that keeps blogging so exciting for me and keeps me sane when life throws me lemons. Where words fail, fashion speaks!

 

WHAT I WORE: Vintage sequin top/ Yellow skirt by American Apparael / 'Lance' Sandals by Jimmy Choo/

 

Then, there was the Dorin Negrau show that I sat front at, which was quite the experience. The collection was very intriguing and had a very vampy inspiration.

 

 

Dorin Negaru's runway show was totally different than I expected, very edgy and stayed true to the vampy gothic theme through out. I fell in love with most of the lace pieces he had in his collection.

 

 

 

My final show before jetting back to DC was J. Mendel and it was one of my favorite shows!

 

I was able to snag me a seat on the third row (OMG! I was dying) and I had the best view of the most breathtaking collection. The silhouettes of the dresses were beyond beautiful and I fell head over heels with the furs in different colors. Check out a few of my favorite pieces below:  

 

 

Posed by my future car! Lol! I couldn't resist snapping a pic with this car as it matched my outfit perfectly...hehe. Now I want to upgrade my baby! #fixitjesus

WHAT I WORE: Cream mesh T-Shirt dress by ZARA/ Neon bag (old) by ZARA/ Neon 'Malika' sandals by Jimmy Choo/Necklace by TopShop/  

And just like that....fashion week was over and I can't wait to go back in February 2015 (hopefully for the whole week)! What an incredible experience, my goal is to attend London or Paris fashion week next Fall. 'Ms. Style and Grace Goes to London/Paris'...I like the sound of that.   



THE RECAP: Schuntel's 2014 Summer Bucket List!

 

Now that Summer is coming to an end (*insert sad face*) it's time for a necessary recap of my life (well most of it..lol). After a few weeks off from blogging I've experienced so much that I can't put into words how many emotional and physical rollercoasters I've been on but needless to say my summer was nothing short but of ENCHANTING. I'm not quite sure if I was ready for all that I experienced but I must say it was life changing and fostered my understanding of "let your actions reveal your heart" as well as becoming the woman that I've always wanted to be. I cried, I laughed really hard, I ate at some amazing restaurants, I celebrated some amazing accomplishments, fell head over heels for someone, stepped out of my comfort zone, lost a few friends (gained some new ones), travelled a little, went to the pool a lot, started mediating and building a closer relationship with God, and I got a chance to really enjoy Summer for all that it was worth. Summer 2014 was one like no other and I'm so grateful that I got to enjoy it with the people that matter the most to me. As you may recall, I did a 2014 Summer Bucket List of all the things I wanted to accomplish and I'm really happy to say that I did most of all of them (Yay). Also, check out my Best of Summer below!!   

MY SUMMER 2014 BUCKET LIST:

 

1. Save more MONEY! (Mission accomplished...STILL more to save!)
2. Go bike-riding around the city! (I didn't get the chance to do this BUT, there is always fall)
3. Smile even when it hurts, smile even when it's hard, and smile when life is good. (Check!)
4. Attend more charity events. (I did this plus planned a volunteer event with my friends & family)   
   

   

    
   

   

    
   

   

   
   
5. Start a new Gratitude Journal.  (This has been my greatest form of therapy!)
6. Drink more water than alcohol.  (Ummm about that...lol)
   

   

   
   
7. Show people how much I love them with my actions.  (Everyday ALL DAY)
   

   

   
   
8. Find time EVERYDAY to pray and meditate.  (A challenge but I've been making it my duty to find the time to do this.)
9. Pool Dates EVERY WEEK (Hello, I'm a water sign baby). (I was poolside ALL SUMMER!!! Penthouse Pool was my haven.)

10. Watch the sunrise and sunset! (It was beautiful, really enjoyed this part of the summer)
    

    

    
    
11. Go to a Winery! (I attended a wine fest with a few friends...so much fun!)
    

    

     
    

    

     
    

    

     
    

    

    
    
12. Spend quality time with my nieces and nephews. (I couldn't get enough of them! Love those tots)
    

    

    
    
13. Plan a surprise for someone special!  (I did this a few times....*pats self on back*) 
14. Go to the beach at least once. (Sadly, I only went to the beach when I went to Costa Rica).
    

    

     
    

    

     
    

    
15. Dance the night away to my favorite song. (I did this ALOT! Please don't stop the music)
    

    

     

     

    
    

16. Love a little harder. (I can certainly say I did this....)
    

    

     
    

    

     
    

    

    
    
17. Go to the spa at least twice! (Ahhhhh I didn't get a chance to go to the spa, but I've made it my duty to go this Fall/Winter)
18. Meet someone new.  (I met so many awesome people this summer!)
19. Attend an outdoor concert. (I went to see Beyoncé & Jay Z in Baltimore...so much fun!!!)
    

    

     
    

    

     
    

    

    
    
20. Do a Flying Trapeze class! (Really sad I didn't get to do this, but I plan to do it soon)
21. Watch the fireworks. (4th of July was a blur because I wasn't feeling too well but I did catch the fireworks on my friend's rooftop, so beautiful!)
    

    

    
    
22. Go on a hike! (Does outdoor exercising count? I did a lot of running that's for sure).
    

     



23. Cook a few things... (I'm learning ya'll be patient with me...baby steps!)
24. Attend a baseball game! (Super sad I forgot to go to baseball game).
25. Visit a museum. (Totally forgot about this!)  
26. Go somewhere I've never been. (I dined at a few restaurants...)
27. Take a vacation or a few mini-trips. (I slacked on this part of the summer but I went to Los Vegas and towards the tail end New York).
    

    

    
    

    

    
    

    
28. Attend my 10 Year High School Reunion (Where does the time go?).  (This was so much fun, so glad the planning part of it is over!).    

Best Outfits of the Summer:

 

  

Best Swimsuits of the Summer:

 

 

 

Best Selfies of the Summer:  

 

 

I really hoped everyone enjoyed their summer, I'll be back very soon with my recap from New York Fashion Week (it was the highlight of my summer so it deserves a separate post!) and a Talk That Talk post that I've been working on for a few weeks now (can't wait to share--it's a juicy topic).Thank you to my faithful readers for your patience with me getting back to blogging, I never knew so many people read my blog it's really humbling to know that people are still supporting me. I now have the time to give blogging 100% of my time so I'll be updating weekly. I'm still shocked summer is almost (officially over in 1 week) over but I'm super pumped for Fall shopping.

 

God gave me Style, God gave me Grace!

*bows out gracefully*