7 Years, 2,357 Posts: Happy Anniversary & Good-Bye Ms. Style and Grace!

It's with a very bittersweet sentiment that I write this post, as this will be my last blog post on Ms. Style and Grace. After a few months of thinking, praying, mediating and talking to friends/family about what direction I should go with my blog it finally came to me and I decided (Well God spoke to me) to fill up that empty glass of mine. As this month marks my 7 year Blog Anniversary I figured this would be the perfect time to announce my Blogger retirement *pours out champs on the ground*. It's with great esteem and confidence that I focus on my next chapter with God's permission of course (more on that later). This blog has been my saving grace (literally) and my therapeutic release when it came to life's twists/turns so after 7 years I feel very complete that I've accomplished all that I've wanted to do here. Ironically the the number 7 represents completeness and perfection (both physical and spiritual) and my Angel number is 17 and low and behold we are in Year 2017 so with divine powers beyond me I know that this is the right time to pursue a dear passion of mine.

My Favorite Blog Post/Opportunity: Hosting Let's Talk Live in 2015

This blog has been taken me to places I never imagined (Hosting my own TV segment; Attending Fashion Week; Starting my own Style & Image Consulting business, etc.) and most importantly made me want to be a better person inside/out. I've met some amazing individuals and had a blast sharing some very special moments in my life so this is a very bittersweet good-bye to something that has been a big part of my life. I am nothing without my readers, you guys mean the world to me---the super sweet messages and support over these 7 years means more than you will ever know, Thank you immensely! And to my family and friends who have been there since day 1, you are so appreciated and I promise to not let you down. Of course I couldn't let my last blog post go without a super fabulous photo-shoot that made me feel on top of the world! Spring has officially Sprung in the District of Columbia so I wanted to capture this extreme Glow Up that I've been feeling (Special Thanks to Tabby and Coco for the creative direction/photography). See below:

WHAT I WORE: Over-sized Cotton Shirt by H&M/ Stripe Tie Pants by Mara Hoffman/ White Mules (old) from Target/Blue Pretty Poms Tassel Earrings by Kate Spade

So what's next for Ms. Style and Grace aka Schuntel Alexis? Well I'll give you a big hint and the exclusive of course! I'll be doing a lot of writing cues *Carrie Bradshaw* in a very literal form, the last few weeks I read over all of my blog posts and will be incorporating some of this into literal form. Yes! You've heard that right. I'll be writing my very first book. With mustard seed faith I know that nothing is too big for God. I've already began the creative/brainstorming process so I can't tell you all that I'll be writing about but you won't be disappointed. I'm very anxious to finally pursue something that I've been wanting to do for a few years now. I read a quote the other day that said "They don't serve champagne at pity parties" and it was like light bulb went off in my head. It was reminder that in order for your dreams to come true you had to do your part and work for them, so here I am making my own dreams a reality because I like to drink champagne.  

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Although I won't be posting here anymore, you can definitely stay up-to-date with me on www.schuntel-alexis.com and via Instagram. Again, THANK YOU ALL for you love and support it has truly warmed my heart. And for the very last time I'm bowing out gracefully (tear drop)!

30K MAGIC |

Happy February! I love this month for so many reasons...it's black history month, it's LOVE month not just the day, Beyoncé just announced she's having twins, and most importantly it's the month that I was born (special thanks to my amazing foreign parents)! I have so many reasons to celebrate amongst all that is going on in the world I choose to focus on the positive and see the light at the end of the tunnel. I haven't blogged in a month but I've been pretty busy getting my new year resolutions underway and focusing on all things that will make this year the best one yet. Between praying more frequently, spending much needed time with God, making my health a priority (running on the treadmill only eating salads *cues drake*) and letting go/walking away from anything that has been toxic in my life I have to say I feel GREAT. I'm in the most beautiful space ever, I can't really describe it but there's nothing like having inner peace and happiness. It's only been 1 month into 2017 and I've already seen how magical life could truly be when you step out on faith.

But anyway, with all that said I thought that with this beautiful space I'm in I would share this recent photo-shoot I did with my friend in my apartment. Did I mention that I love my new apartment in the city? The floor to ceiling windows is always a bonus especially since I'm an avid daydreamer (any Aquarius' readers out there?). Check out my 30K Magic Photo-Shoot:

WHAT I WORE: Jet Crystal Bouquet Earrings by Oscar de la Renta/ Black choker by CHO'KD/ Multi Floral Lace Gown by Naeem Kahn/

My friend and I experimented with the gold leaf hair trend that I've been obsessed with since I saw my favorite fashion maven Aureta rock a few months ago. It's so much harder than it looks, I'll be playing this new trend to perfect it even more. Now that I'm a few weeks shy of my 31st birthday which I'll be spending on a beach celebrating my dear friend marry the love of her life (I'm so excited for them), I figured this look would be a perfect representation of my current mood. I'll be back in a few weeks (post birthday) to share all my fashionable moments, etc. Until then let's pray for our country and remember that we weren't built to break.

*bows out gracefully*

THE RECAP: Schuntel Alexis Goes LIVE with Let's Talk Live! [VIDEO]

Yesterday, was one of the most AMAZING days of my life. I saw my dream turn into a reality and I have God to thank for that. If I've learned anything about chasing my dreams it is to move quietly and with extreme belief that timing is everything. You can't talk so much, just prove it with action. Yesterday was a pivotal day in my career as I hosted my very own style segment with Let's Talk Live. I've been planning this for some time now and I'm happy that it turned out exactly how I envisioned it. Hard work really pays off and staying positive (as hard as it is) definitely has it's rewards. There were so many No's but with persistence and remaining focus I was able to do something I've always wanted to do and so can you. Check out my #SchuntelAlexisGoesLIVE morning below:

 

Morning Glam!



 

Mimosas for breakfast AND to take the nerves away lol!

 



 

Laugh through it all...it's the best medicine! #bible

 

The talented and celebrity make-up artist, Lola did it again! She made me look so beautiful...extremely grateful for her skills and taking the time to make me & the girls FLAWLESS.

 

On the way to the studioooo...

 

When the lighting is perfect... #Ussie

Here are the 3 Looks from My Hottest looks of the Summer Segment (left to Right):

1. "Sporty Chic" Jasmine Dress Set

2. Floral, Prints & Patterns Lillie Dress

5. 70s Glam/Era Tasha Romper 



 

1 more selfie before we go LIVE!!

 

Me & the girls! It's official :)

 

A ball of nerves but couldn't be more excited to be discussing a topic I'm passionate about!

 



 

My co-host Julie Wright after a great segment!

 

 

My heart is so full and the outpour of love and support has been so humbling. I couldn't have done this without the support of my family, friends & readers so thank you for believing in me and riding this journey with me. Thank you to my friend that owns Urban Sweetheart for helping me out with this segment, if you're looking for the latest trends in fashion head over there! It's been one heck of a ride but I wouldn't trade it for anything. There's so much in store for Schuntel Alexis this year, I'm eager to keep the momentum going and make more dreams my reality. Check out my full segment below:

 

 



 

I hope everyone enjoyed this segment! Thank you to my friends Brittany, Skyler and Sodie for being awesome models! Still on cloud 9 :)

 

 

*bows out gracefully*

YOU'RE CORDIALLY INVITED: 5 Year Ms. Style & Grace Blog Anniversary Party!

 

This year, Ms. Style & Grace turns FIVE — it's hard to believe that time has gone by so fast but it's been quite the adventure and I have my family, friends and readers to thank for that! Your support, inspiration and dedication to following this fashionable journey of mine has been nothing short of amazing and life-changing. With every milestone commences a fashionable celebration so I would like to personally invite you to my blog anniversary party.  Please see details below:

 

Who: Ms. Schuntel Reddock, the Editor-In-Chief of fashion blog Ms. Style & Grace. Freelance Stylist from Upper Marlboro, MD, who has immersed herself in all things fashion. Dedicated to keeping the Washington Metropolitan area informed and knowledgeable about popular trends for women and men, promoting fashion related events, and re-inventing the way people view the world of fashion through her eyes.

What: Celebrating the Five Year Anniversary of  Ms. Style & Grace in a fun and fashionable manner sponsored by D'USSÉ. Attendees can look forward to the following:  

• Networking opportunities with fashion related affiliates, young professionals and DC's socialites within the metropolitan area
• A toast to inspire, promote and maximize your full potential to pursue your dreams
• Specialty drinks provided by D'USSÉ
• Photo-booth fun  
• Special announcement on the future endeavors of Ms. Style and Grace  

 When: Monday, April 27th, 2015 from 6pm to 9pm.

Where: The Graham Hotel (Georgetown) 1075 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW Washington, DC 20007  

 

RSVP is required for entry. The first 25 RSVPS will receive a complimentary gift bag!

RSVP here:

http://5yearmsstyleandgrace.splashthat.com/

Hashtag for this event will be #MsStyleAndGraceTurns5

 

 

Happy 4th Anniversary to Ms. Style & Grace!

 

FLASHBACK to my 1 Year Anniversary for Ms. Style & Grace! Circa, April 2010

 

It gives me great honor and admiration to say Happy 4th Anniversary to Ms. Style & Grace (Well, to myself (lol)). Ms. Style & Grace is 4 years old today and I couldn't be prouder of my baby, she's seen so much and learned a great over the 4 years. I hope that my blog has inspired, motivated and/or made a positive impact in your life as much as it has made in my life. Ms. Style & Grace has allowed me to go confidently in the direction of my dreams and work harder than I ever imagined. I have been able to overcome heartbreak, start and complete my masters degree, invest into meaningful friendships and realize that the best is yet to come! I've said numerous times before that "blogging is my therapy" and that it has helped me overcome so much, today I stand true to that statement 4 years later as I watch my 4 year old baby receive over 100 hits daily. It always makes me feel special when someone tells me that they visited my blog or leaves a comment, I take what I do/write very seriously. The time and commitment to blogging is probably the longest relationship I've ever had and it has been a great pleasure to see the path it is taking. I couldn't be happier to see another year go by and I'm still giving my all to Ms. Style & Grace as I report on the latest fashion and beauty trends hitting the red carpets, streets and runways across the world!

 

FLASHBACK to my 2 Year Anniversary Party with my Event Planner, Jessica! Circa, April 2011

 

What am I most proud of? I have to say that I'm most proud of the promise I made to myself 4 years ago when I vowed to staying true and positive in blogging. Ever since I was a little girl my parents have always instilled in me to stay positive and the classic "If you have nothing nice to say don't say it all" motto and that has been my philosophy with Ms. Style & Grace. I have maintained this vow to myself as I know there is so much negative reporting/criticizing in the world that I choose to focus on the positive and bring that energy to you guys. But, most importantly the question I keep getting is "What am I doing to celebrate?"...Well, recovering from my West Coast jetlag (I have tons of pictures to share with you guys later) and doing a fundraiser event in support of my 10 Year High School Reunion, but I look forward to celebrating a little this weekend...champs are needed! LAST, but certainly not least a very special and heart felt thank you to all my readers and followers for encouraging me to continue to blog and have a voice in a community where I belong without you, Ms. Style & Grace would not be who she is, and for that I THANK YOU!! *bows out gracefully*   

 

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521 comments + 800 views per week + 2,222 blog posts + 150 followers = One heck of a 4 Years!

Numbers don't lie...check the scoreboard!

MY VISION BOOK: 2014 Inspiration

Hello people! I'm super sorry for my lack of blogging, but after a few weeks to just re-focus on my focus and get my mind/body and soul together I'm back to my first love. Right after New Years I took my time (my sweet little time) to put together new additions to my VISION BOOK. A lot of goals, aspirations, needs/wants have changed for me within the last year so I wanted my next two additions to my vision book to reflect that. Let me take you back 2012 when I discovered what a Vision Book actually was after becoming inspired by Celebrity Blogger, Necole Bitche's story. I'm a person of reflection and always re-evaluating my life and how far I've come and how far I expect to go, I'm obsessive like that. I would come home from a day of work/running to an event and going on a dinner date afterwards, etc and actually go straight to my "nest" also known as my room for 5 minutes of quiet time. Those 5 minutes were apart of my reflecting period when came to thinking about my day before I could greet my parents, sisters, cousins or friends. 

I even find myself at night spending about an hour before I go to bed dissecting every part of my day (the good, the bad and what I need to do to make tomorrow better). My favorite line when is "Give me five minutes, then we can talk" after a long day especially after a very crazy commute because I like to take my time to reflect so creating a VISION BOOK was right up my alley back in 2012 and still very much apart of my life now as I mentioned earlier. I draw a lot of my inspiration and motivation from adding more pages to a book of all of the things that I want to be associated with my life. So, I took my time to share this very intimate part of my life with you to tell you that YOU too can look back in a book of all the magazine clip-outs and inspiring quotes that you put together years ago and actually make it your reality. Back in 2012 I wanted to graduate and although I wanted to graduate then, it didn't happen until 2013 I was still grateful that I put that into the universe and aspired to that. So without further delay, check out my new additions to my vision book...2014 is all about sewing the seeds to GROWTH.

What do you need to make a vision book/board? Paper, scissors, markers, glue, tons of magazines, stickers and if your like me glitter makes everything better (lol). I'm a night owl so I started my vision book at the wee hours of the morning, I recommend doing your vision book at the time you feel inspired/creative. My room is my comfort zone but feel free to go wherever you want and start cutting through those magazines.    

As I began clipping out pictures and quotes from the million of magazines in my room, I took time to go through my previous pages in my vision book and discovered that there are still some things that I want and things that I no longer desire, Thank you God for GROWTH. 2014 is another chapter to my life where I can finally take a moment to re-discover my purpose as well where I want to be in my life. It's so important to truly take your time making a vision book because every picture/quote/word is a reflection of you. Like I've said before, I'm super obsessive about the things/people I want in my life so my vision book is exactly that....take a closer look below.

 

Each year I add TWO pages, but feel free to add more than two if you feel inspired to do so. This (above) is my vision book for 2014 and I couldn't be happier with the way it turned out and especially with the way it made me feel once I was done with it.  

 

Let's start with page 1 in 2014 I aspire to have a man in my life that makes me feel an extraordinary love (maybe I've got that or maybe I still need that...)and of course keeps me laughing; fashion is always at the center of my core so Nicole Richie and Lupita N'Yong'o inspire me so much these days (class and sophistication); I hope to smile more than I frown and to always pop a bottle a champagne because every moment that I breathe is a celebration. I think my health has become such an important part of my life because I'm getting older so I hope and pray that I will be in good health, in addition I'm working on my Patti Labelle cooking skills so stay tuned, lol. Oh and I love some bling, good bags and of course shoes so I wouldn't mind having all those things in my life again this year.  

 

Page 2 of my vision book, is what I like to call "HOME" it's all the things that live in my heart and spirit. Of course I'm completely engulfed in my family so I want to continue to make that apart of my everyday life; since I'm working on finding my next humble abode I'm all about "shameless money-saving" to have my own place I can call "home" too. I think friendship is so very important so I want 2014 to be a direct reflection of rebuilding and investing into meaningful relationships with people I love and care about. I'm not sure if the selfie's will stop in 2014 so I won't apologize for that anymore (lol) but I'll learn to take more moments to myself while still giving more than I receive (charity/volunteer) because that is what life is all about. So there you have it, my 2014 vision book is complete and I made a vow to myself that I will look at it twice a month so I make sure that I'm on the right path...sometimes you need to remind yourself of the things you aspire/inspire to be in life, so many times we get caught up in the day-to-day moments in life we forget who we are, what we want and most importantly our purpose. I'm choosing GROWTH this year as I'm re-learning to become a better sister, friend, cousin, daughter, confidant, lover and of course a better person that I was in 2013. I'm hoping this vision book inspires you to chase your dreams, love immensely, and explore!   

 

BEST OF 2013: Outfits, Selfies & Favorite Moments of 2013!

SERIOUSLY, it's almost 2014! 2013 has been such a great year for as I've achieved a lot of things on my goal list and I've learned the importance of family, true friendship and unconditional love. I think I rediscovered my true passions and my greatest desires this year and have surrounded myself by the best people ever (grateful for each and every one of you). As my passion for fashion has been nurtured in 2013, I'm looking forward to rediscovering my style next year...I feel like my style has changed so much this year and I'm happy to finally be comfortable channeling my inner glam side and not feeling guilty about it. I love glam and I've learned to where my favorite shoes whenever I want and overdress just because LIFE IS TOO SHORT and my heels aren't. With all this said, I wanted to give you my best moments of 2013 before I show you my vision book additions.

 

Best Outfits of 2013

 

 

From Holiday parties to birthday dinners to homecomings and countless events in DC my heels have made it's way around town. I think the pointy toe heel reign was in full effect this year for me. My pointy heel of choice was usually from Jimmy Choo or Christian Louboutin, these two designers makes me feel uber sexy and of course taller! What a fabulous year of shoes...*le sigh*

 

I'll be the first to say that I stepped up my edgy looks this year by stepping out of the box and channeling my inner Rihanna, Diana Ross, Madonna, Beyoncé, etc. From day parties to concerts then to Sunday brunches with my friends I loved incorporating trendy pieces into my style. Getting dressed for an event or party is my favorite hobby. So I would have to say 2013 fostered my love for mixing my classic pieces with more trendier items, I love remixing my wardrobe.   

 

Best Selfies of 2013

 

 ...because sometimes you are your best photographer! I went through my new and old phone for pictures and discovered so many selfies (does that make me conceited?) that I laughed so hard and had to post them. Apparently I've taken many "test shots" and "outfit approval" pictures throughout this past year, it's official I have a selfie problem LOL. Seems like I love taking pictures in my car..  

...then occasionally a few friends or in some cases your parents get in your selfie! There is a story behind every picture and all I can do is SMILE from ear to ear, I love my family and friends so much. Can't wait to take more selfies next year, wait does that make me obsessed with myself? LOL

 

 Best Moments of 2013

 

Pajama Brunch into 2013... 

 

Seriously the best birthday trip ever! #Miami

2013 White House Easter Egg Roll Volunteer :)

 



 

LA Nights with my East Coast fam!

My favs came all the way to the West Coast to surprise me!  

The moment I randomly ran into Rihanna at the mall! Ahhh *die*

 

Love this girl! Celebrating my 3 year blog anniversary :)

 

 

Bucketlist with my girls!

 

Cherry Blossom run :)

My 1st day party of so many this past Summer! Fun times :) 

 

My bestie's mom got married this summer! Ahhh love love.

Hosted my first beauty & fashion event...Good times!

...banged it out over the summer!

 

Went to Barclays Center for the first time ever with my bestie to see King Bey and Jay Z made an unforgettable appearance! Best concert everrrrrr.....

 

Went to Philly for Made in America! So much fun doing a roadtrip with my boys.

...I get it from my Fab Mommy! She's my favorite person in the world.

 

 

Jimmy that Choo!

Modeled in my 2nd TV segment on Let's Talk Live!

 

My work boos out celebrating...

San Diego was AMAZING!

 

My absolute best moment was getting my Master's! Couldn't have done it without God's help and my family and friends encouraging me.

 

 

Beach life..

 

My summer was full of this...no seriously!

 

Cheers to the good life...

 

Giving back has been one of my favorite moments of 2013! Glad to be doing with my bestie #HashtagLunchBag

 

Baby it's getting cold out here....

 

Adore my new friends :)

Brunched hard but laughed even harder!!! 

 

My boo since 1986'...our bloodline is that thick! XO

 

2013 New Friends Holiday Party with the same friends I started 2013 with!

 

 

 

I'll be back in a few days (well 2014 to be exact) to share my vision book additions, until then have a Happy New Year! I wish everyone a safe and fun new years celebration...remember the way you start your new year sets the tone for the rest of the year. Do it right or don't do it at all! XO 

 

 

*bows out gracefully*