BRAND SPOTLIGHT: RUE 107 EMPRESS COLLECTION

 

There aren't many collections that get my HYPE about every single piece. But I tell you, this collection here, Whew!!, it delivers.

 

Rue107 (an independent black-owned brand that caters to sizes 0-24) has just released their newest collection. They are known for adding bits of pop culture into their ultra fashionable and chic designs. (Remember their "Lemonade" Inspired Collection??)

This collections holds a special place in my heart simply because of it's message.

One of the major prints of the collection features tons of cartoon like images of Black Women. They call it their "Black Girl Magic" print!

Despite everything happening in the world right now, I'm glad that brands are focusing on us (the Black Woman) and the celebration of...

Beyond that special message, the collection is simply stunning. I already have my basket quened up for purchase.

 

So here's the collection.

You can view and purchase all pieces via their website

www.rue107.com

 

THE BLACK GIRL MAGIC PRINT DRESS
 

 

PHENOMINAL JOB RUE107!!!

 

*This is not a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Stay tuned for my purchases.

 

XOXO

April Antoinette

 



Transitioning Your Wardrobe

 

It's Officially Fall Time and with Fall comes cooler weather. But the weather hasn't gotten the notice just yet! Here in NYC the mornings are kind of cool but the afternoon heats up. Not exactly Sweater and Boot Weather.

So I decided to give you a few of my simple steps to transition your summer wardrobe into Fall without completely committing to Fall attire.

 

1. LAYERS UPON LAYERS UPON LAYERS

Layering is the single most important step to transitioning your wardrobe. Adding a fun knit sweater, a thin leather jacket or a light denim always brings a dress or jumpsuit into the current season.

I tend to stay in fall like materials but in lighter weight versions (light suede, light leather, and denim) . You can also layer underneath. Adding a shirt underneath a maxi dress, gives it a fall-like look and feel.

 

Example: You can see in the photo below, I took a textured summer dress and layered a lightweight leather jacket on top. I opted for cream versus white (NO WHITE AFTER LABOR DAY LOL).

 

 

Jacket| Ashley Stewart (old)

Dress| NY&Co

Sandals| 9West

Bag| JustFab (old)

2. COLOR AND TEXTURE

Adding Fall Textures and Fall Colors into your already existing wardrobe (with bags, shoes, and belts) makes for an easy transition. In the picture above, I added a bold cobalt bag and reptile textured sandals for a fall feel. In some instances, I'd add a funky hat or some other piece to bring the outfit into the current season. Play with different textures and color combinations.

 

 

3. KISS AND MAKEUP

Changing up the makeup colors you use is simple. Instead of a bright orange lippie, try a deeper hue of orange or brown. Instead of colorful eyeshadow, choose warmer tones. Mauves and Berries are definitely in for Fall ALWAYS. So opt for those instead of neons and brights.

 

 

It's as simple as that! No hard thinking and definitely no breaking of banks. Use what you have. Make it work.

 

But Always remember, these are just MY tips, you gotta do what works for you! Make decisions based on your style and preference. If my tips are helpful then use them. If not, pass them along to someone they can help.

 

As always, I welcome all comments and feedback!

 

Enjoy this Fabulous Thursday

 

Xox

April

Viva La Mexico-- Honeymoon Style

 

 

 

For our honeymoon, we choose to go to Mexico! And I'm so glad we did. We had such an amazing time. But in all that fun and relaxation, I totally forgot that I had a blog to run. I can a lot of cell phone shots but no REAL photos of the week's attire. I know I know. I should totally be ashamed.

 

 

But...

 

I did remember to get a few shots in on the first night!!!

 

Woo-Hoo!!!

 

Where we stayed: There's no other way to do Mexico than an All-Inclusive Resort. You got EVERYTHING! Our Travel Agent Took care of all the details but we choose Excellence Riviera Cancun Resort in Riviera Maya.

www.excellenceresorts.com/Cancun

 

The resort was absolutely breath-taking! Despite the usual no drinking the tap water, I had NO complaints. Our travel agent arrangement that we had a Junior Swim Up Room. This means as soon as we walked out of our side door, we were right at the pool.

 

The resort features a number of restaurants (anywhere from Indian and Thai to Mexican and Seafood).

They also had 24 hour room service, unlimited mini bar options (with full bottles of liquor) and a full beach just right outside the resort. The even had a 24 hour coffee/dessert bar.

I mean this place had it all!!! I wasn't ready to leave.

 

But enough of that. Let's get to the clothing.

 

 

Dinner had a dress code, of course. So I made sure I put a little effort in at night.

This cute little dress fit me perfectly. It was super cute and sexy at the same time. The Bonus was that it had extra skirting underneath (crinoline built in) to keep it flared. I LOVE THAT!!!

 

 

DRESS| Fashion To Figure (Only available in solids now)

SHOE| Lane Bryant

 

Leave your comments and feedback. I'm always so stoked to them!

As always, I thank you for taking the time out to read this post!

 

Peace & Love

XoX

 

 



Our Wedding Day!

 

I'm sure you've noticed that I've been absent for the last few weeks. If you didn't, shame on you! lol..

Well, I got married a week ago!!! Yay!!!

Our wedding happened in Miami on September 5th.

Everything went as well as I could hope for. I worked with amazing vendors and everything went the way I wanted. I'm overly joyed.

It was a stressful process planning it all out (with no Wedding Planner might I add). It ultimately was a day filled with God, Family. Friends & Love. I wouldn't want it any other way.

 

 

 

We haven't gotten all the official pictures back as of yet, but I figured I'd give you all a peek into the day! All photos were provided by our Wedding Photographer: +Nate.Veal@natevealphotography.com 

I hope you enjoy!!

 

Shalena of Angel Love Beauty Slayed my face for the wedding. She also did all my bridesmaids.
IG: +Shalena Butler 

He caught me in a moment of prayer

My mom to help me get ready!!!
 



That's the hubby! With his handsome self

Hubby and some of his groomsmen!
 



Pops and I! My expression is a little weird though! lol



He never stopped smiling that day!!!

My bridesmaids and I.. Don't these colors just sing!!!! The woman on my right with the Purple is my Maid of Honor.  My dress is by Julieta/Mori Lee Bridal. I added a custom sash and sleeves. Their dresses are by David's Bridal (Vera Wang Collection)

Priceless

 

My cake! That I'm so sad I forgot to cut into. But I do have pictures on the way (faux cake cutting :)) My cake stand was custom made by a shop on Etsy and the Cake Topper was made custom by another vendor I met on Facebook.



The same vendor that customized my cake topper did my shoes. These are made by Badgley Mishka and customized with Crystals. (THIS PHOTO WAS TAKEN BY THE VENDOR THAT CUSTOMIZED THE SHOES)

I loved the simple elegance of the tables and settings. The flowers were done by my Aunt (who has her own floral business in Jacksonville ,FL) and the rest of the tables were done by my Mother. (it's her thing)

I hope you enjoyed this small glimpse into our Big Day. Whenever I receive more pictures, I'll be sure to share with you all. You can view photos of guests and other events through our wedding hashtag on Facebook and Instagram. Just enter: #allhailthekings2016 or #demkings2016

 

As always, comments and questions are always welcomed.

 

"Love is Stronger than Pride"

Xx

April King...