Keisha, you better WORK IT!!!!!!!

This week we are honoring Keisha A. Rivers Shorty. She is a strategist, consultant, speaker and author. This amazing woman wears many hats.  She is founder and managing consultant of The KARS Group, LTD, specializing in providing personal and professional strategic development services to small businesses, organizations and individuals. She is also the founder and Executive Director of The KARS Institute for Learning & Collaboration, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide training, resources and support to nonprofits, community organizations, churches, schools and small businesses. As a grant writer, adjunct instructor, educator and administrator she is making moves to help the people around her.  Not only does she have tons of responsibility, she is a dynamic motivational and inspirational speaker and published author.

You must check out her latest book, "Be The Creator of Your Success-NOT A Victim of Your Circumstances" forms the basis for her newly-launched "Released & Ready!" tour which assists participants to fuel their passion, align with their purpose and build their legacy. 

Not only is she a woman with an assignment, she is absolutely gorgeous and a fantastic model!  She had ripped the runways with LaJule Designs at Restore Your G.L.A.M (Giving Ladies A lot More) event and at the 9th Annual Fashion and Beauty Expo.  

Just in case you missed it, one of the outfits Keisha wore on the runway was this black brocade blazer with a white lace camisole and white jeans from Guess. She has accessorized her outfit with a grey Fedora. Her necklace is a LaJule original, and some of her own rings and bracelets to make this outfit pop! Photo by Kim Craven Photography.   It was great working with Keisha, not only did she bring life to those clothes, we had nothing but laughs backstage at the show! 

In capturing one of her most recent photoshoots, Keisha was photographed by Lenora Brown.  Angie Ravenel designed the choker and the bracelet, anklet and earrings are custom from Mexico. But check out that amazing abstract print Maxi from Rue 21. It is giving me life right now! 

 

Every girl needs a little black dress, and this one designed by Angie Ravenel shows you way.  Playing around with some color can always bring flare to your "little black dress". Combining  some versatile plum and gold pumps (Charlotte Russe), with some statement accessories, like this choker by Angie Ravenel, just brings things together. 

Keisha, it's a pleasure to honor you for this week's Work IT Wednesday Spotlight.  Keep doing your thing girl, and can't wait to see you stomp that next runway! 

What would you have done?

How do you react during a crisis or when you hear about something that can change your life in an instant? A lot of times, we go into a panic mode or we just totally regress. Are you one of those people that go from 0 to 100 in an instant? Well, some of those things can range from the loss of a job, loss of property due to uncontrollable circumstances, or even loss of a loved one. This week we are proud to honor a woman that has faced adversity and still had the courage to "Work It". We are shining the LaJule spotlight on Donna Pinckney. Honestly, if you don't know her, you should get to know her. She is an amazing mother of 2, who has an amazing spirit, strong faith in God who has mastered how to become victorious after going through a storm. She is encouraging others to not sit in their sadness, but get up and keep pushing. I have had the pleasure of working with Donna, and here's her own words on her experience.

Prior to LaJule Designs, "I had just buried my husband of 13+ years in February 2, 2012. I was just moving with the flow of life to keep things going with working full time and with the kids! With everything happening, I was feeling a little lost! Trying to figure out how to transition from a family of four to a family of three!! I only knew how to be a wife and mother!! Putting others before myself and rarely doing anything for me. I wanted LaJule Design to help me "get my sexy back" and teach me that it's OK to put myself first without feeling guilty that the kids will go lacking!! LaJule Designs gave me a head to toe make over!! Make-up, hair and outfit shopping and photo shoot wearing several pieces of LaJule Designs jewelry!"

"My self esteem was given a boost, my confidence built up more, makeup and fashion tip advice that helped me to know what looks good on me and my body style!! This experience was fun, up lifting and empowering!!"

As you have seen she has been where many of us have also been or may be approaching at any time. A beautiful woman with a beautiful heart. She is selfless and needed just a little boost like all of us do in trying times. As Donna would say "In life, change what you can and what you can't, let it go and just keep it moving!!"





Donna is wearing a Tribal print shirt from Lane Bryant. She is also wearing a LaJule Designs original piece, Anna Belle . Makeup and hair by Denika Virden. Johanna Cooper, photographer. Here is a woman who has re-invented herself and inspired many people (including myself) while doing it. Work It Donna!!

Five minute fix

Many of us have a busy day to day schedule. If I'm anything close to what I know many of you experience, just thinking about your days makes me get out of breath.  Have you ever been in a position where there is only about 10 minutes between one appointment to the next?! If this is the case for you, here are some tips that I have learned  to make the transition go smoothly in much less time. Just this past weekend, I went to phenomenal finance, relationship, and business conference where we were asked one day to come in business dress. I wanted to take something that was quick to throw on, and not constricting (especially being in HOTlanta), I went for a good ol' throwback... a retro style shift dress. I was NOT about to iron everything that I had... and I was NOT about to fuss over much of anything else... It was simply just to hot for all of that.  SO, literally, with a shake and go put this outfit together in 5 minutes! 

Literally, throwing on this fuchsia sleeveless shift dress, and a pair of nude pumps and was out the door after putting my hair up into a sectioned bun and modifying the traditional afro puff. (Leave a message in the comments below to let me know if you want me to show you how I did that bun).  You can literally pair nude, black, metallic, fuchsia, or even royal blue pumps with this easy to wear dress... like this... 

Don't worry about the green band, not really intended to be part of the outfit, but part of the admission for a conference I was headed to. I absolutely love shift dresses, because most of them are easy to wear, perfect for many body types, and wrinkles just fall right out of this one. You should consider one being in your closet if you are a woman who has a busy schedule or always on the go. 

By adding a black blazer to the dress, she has drastically changed the look and added a little more drama. With just that one adjustment, you can go from casual to business in a snap!

Whose that Girl?!!

We had the honor of taking part in the 9th Annual Fashion and Beauty Expo. Lowcountry Exposure is a direct marketing firm founded to focus on individuals who are interested in self-promotion via small business or fashion through use of digital technology. Their April 2014 magazine features their most recent Fashion and Beauty Expo. If you weren't there on 4/27, then you missed a treat! There were so many great designers and talents there that it was a pleasure to see different points of view and design aesthetics. LaJule debuted our 7Collection here at the Red Carpet Glam Fashion Show part of the Expo.

Here are two of the models that "Worked It" on the runway!!

Jalya Rozier totally rocked this piece.  There is no secret that summer time is here! Therefore, this a great time of a little mini summertime wardrobe boost and inspiration :).  Pair a comfortable yet fitted racer striped skirt with a criss-crossed cropped top, yes darling, you are ready to make moves! 

 Skirt: 7Collection LaJule Designs (www.LaJuleDesigns.com 843.628.2275 to order) Cropped Top : 7Collection (www.LaJuleDesigns.com 843.628.2275 to order) Earrings: model own 

Jayla had a quick change and was ready for a sexy date night in a flash! Dress: Jersey Blue Keyhole Dress (www.LaJuleDesigns.com 843.628.2275 to order) Earrings:model own  Yellow florescent pumps: model own   

Amanda is getting playful in a cute royal blue circle skirt and a fuchsia convertible top. If you like versatility, this top is for you! Nothing is ever the same ... just how we like it Top: Fuchsia convertible top (www.LaJuleDesigns.com 843.628.2275 to order) Royal Blue skirt (www.LaJuleDesigns.com843.628.2275 to order) Shoes: model own 

Let's get ready for this summer and get ready to WORK IT!!

You will never believe what happened to her at the 7 Collection debut show!!!!

We are proud to acknowledge this week, a very special woman, Abena Scott.  A 37 year old who moved to Charleston from D.C in 2006, who has a strong passion for not only fashion, but  for all things natural. She loves for her natural hair to do whatever it likes and she embraces the look. The no fuss approach. With all of that pizzazz, could you believe that she considers herself "new" to the fashion world... She's been expressing her creativity, but just didn't realize it.  Last week, everything came to light.  I had the privilege of meeting her and she was casted as one of the models on the runway that showcased the Seven Collection by LaJule.  This natural born fashionista came out of her shell of being new to modeling and shone her light on that runway.  I was super proud of her when she overcame, looked fear and doubt in the face, pushed it aside and rocked it!

She says her style is always simple, but it definitely makes a statement. She currently works in retail at one of my favorite stores (New York and Company) and uses her position as a platform to encourage women to embrace their own beauty. She also uses her voice to help many realize they too can WORK IT!! This woman has a bright future ahead of her, she has taken that first step moving forward.

Abena's outfit here is simple yet chic.   A simple black long sleeve T-shirt, black belt and jeans are all from New York & Company. Accents are simple.. Abena shows us that simply adding a scarf and a belt brings chic to simple in a snap! Her hair was done by Nndigo Sol Natural Hair Care Studio. A twisted pin up serves as a cute protective style that sets off her crown and glory.  Hats off to you Abena for stepping out of her comfort zone and stepping out into new experiences.  WORK IT!

Here is Abena, making her Fashion Debut!!!! She is in a yellow convertible shirt with a pair of blue slim fit crop pants,
 a LaJule Designs original....WORK IT ABENA!!!!
Her makeup was done by Janelle Bar, photographer Kim Craven photography...What a team for a great experience.

Ali, Work It!!!

We are excited to feature our Working It Wednesday Spotlight on Alison Rhodes. Alison currently lives in Greenville, South Carolina with her amazing husband and two children. With having a heart to empower, encourage, and inspire women, she has made it her mission to encourage self sufficiency, education, and economic sustainability among women of all ages. She studied Communications and Women’s and Gender Studies at the College of Charleston. But she didn't stop there! She has recently taken the steps at Greenville Technical College to step into a life of Entrepreneurship. Congratulations!! You Go Girl!

As the communications chair at the Greenville YMCA Junior Board and she was one of the members of this organization to help spearhead the South Carolina Women’s Fund. This is one woman who is on a mission to help others. It is evident by her community involvement. Alison, you are an honor to get to know and thank you for everything that you continue to do that impacts the lives of others.

                        

Wearing this printed black and white short maxi dress... it's a perfect easy, breezy dress just in time for spring. Get the look... And her curls! Aren't they gorgeous! Love it! 

 You can contact Alison via email at ...
 southcarolinawomensfund@gmail.com or alison.rhodes@nielsen.com.

Now this is what you call BOLD!

How many of you can say that you haven't been affected by a society standard of beauty and what is defined as beautiful at some point in your life? Have you ever found yourself trying to fit in that mold? Why is that? Are we groomed as children to believe what is beautiful from the Barbie dolls and the cartoon characters that we adore as children? Why do so many women try to "fit into" a standard that has been set regardless of where they live in the world. Why is that universal? Why does this problem even exist? 

Well, a Los Angeles woman by the name of  Amani Terrell says enough is enough! She wanted to put her self-esteem and self confidence on display on the busiest streets of LA.  She definitely wanted the world to hear what she had to say.  She literally became tired of what Hollywood's obsession of what they defined  "beauty" as. In this, she did something that was bolder than bold. No matter what people said, shouted or non-verbally communicated to her, she walked in her fearlessness. 

  Amani spoke about validation saying, " You can not seek validation from other people. This world is very cruel. You must seek validation within yourself and be kind to yourself."  Check out this vid of Amani and sound off. Do you think she is a person who is simply seeking attention? Or do you think she is a role model for anyone who wants to express their own authentic beauty? 

Your personal growth affects your style

I'm going to ask you a personal question...and be honest. Have you ever had one of those days where everyone is simply getting on your LAST nerve? It's that one thing after the next that is just so aggravating!  Have you ever had one of those days where you are just tired of everything and everyone around you? Well, if I'm honest with you, I'd have to say that yes, I've had those days where I felt that way.  But I will tell you because of personal growth, those days have become far less than before. Why you might ask? Because I was introduced to some simple teaching that not only helped to change my outlook on things, but has helped all types of relationships.  Then it hit me! Your attitude is one of your BEST NATURAL accessories... So you can LITERALLY change your overall look, but changing that one simple thing! So, are you ready for a secret? Simply changing your mindset, can change your overall look! You can be wearing a paper bag and be stunning with this one simple adjustment. 

The reality is,  I had to be willing to say "OK, what could I have done to make this situation better?" "Can I be provoking these emotions by the words that I'm speaking?"  Not only, do I have total control over my look, but I also have total control over my mental state, AND emotional well being... With that I was on to something :) But I knew in order for my style to be sharp, my mindset had to be sharper!  I had to lend an ear to wise counsel to make that better. So, here's what I found (maybe it will help you too). 

One of the first things I had to learn was stop making excuses and excepting excuses.  I learned this from  one of my mentors Dani Johnson.  "They did this and now I'm... " or "I can't because..." or whatever it is that you make yourself try to believe. Facts are, these are all excuses.  I had to realize that expelling excuses from my mindset and stop searching for a reason not to get things done, is really a bunch of foolishness, and is ultimately, not a good look :). 

Secondly, find what you are holding onto from your past and then forgive.  Yep, even the people that hurt you most.  Think about it...The bags and dark circles that you have under your eyes because of a lack of sleep due to worry does NOTHING for you! Trust me. The people that you are holding grudges against have gone on and are doing their own thing not thinking about you. So, why do you let their mess control YOUR attitude and YOUR mental well being? It makes no sense right... 

Then, improve your skills where you lack them... For example, if you have a problem dealing with the people at your job, fix YOU, invest in YOU and gain skills to help you where you are lacking.  The cool thing is, when you master that new skill, you handle any challenge with confidence, refinement, and grace...which will make any outfit look good on you :) (shhhh It's a LaJule Woman's best kept secret).  

Lastly, don't give up! Don't let situations you can't control define you. You can only change YOU. You are strong, and amazing! Believe that.  

Check out how my mentor Dani Johnson shares how her personal growth has helped her overcome the odds.. You listen to her story, and I bet you'll say "Now, that's stylish!"

xoxo

She's got the look!! See who she is...

This week we want to shine our spotlight on a woman who was also born and raised in Charleston.  She's a wife to her best friend, Dylan, mother to a beautiful 18 month old named Zoe Anelise, and an Independent Stylist for an elegant jewelry/accessory line named Stella & Dot. We are celebrating Shaniqua "Nikki" Johnson Bess. She loves life, laughing, fashion and awesome food (I'm sure you can relate to that too right :))

 After working in IT as a computer programmer for almost 8 years, she moved to Atlanta to support her husband's career and after her daughter was born, she found herself asking “what's next for me?” She began working for a non-profit company but in the meantime became extremely interested in making her dreams come true. Nikki says, "after my husband (yes, my husband) introduced me to Stella & Dot, I knew I had to find out more. I took a leap of faith and started this journey.  I'm so glad that I did." She immediately, fell in love with their jewelry and accessories and the company's mission to motivate and inspire women." She  loves to help women look and feel fabulous! Simply knowing her heart knowing that she believes in similar vision shared by LaJule Designs, it was a no-brainer for us to honor Nikki this week!   "My journey here was nothing more than God's way of opening a door for me to do what I love!" And she looks fab while doing it... Check out her outfit...

Nikki's hairstylist is Des Venable at Secrets Hair Salon, Atlanta, GA. She is wearing a coral colored dress by Sweet Storm (a steal from Ross!!) Her gold accented shoes are BCBG (Don't you need them in your life?!?!).  I'm going to tell you, those jewels were so fab, we had to zoom in !

The beautiful accessories she is wearing are products of Stella & Dot...

Tansy Fringe Collar Necklace, Amelie Sparkle, Christina Link and Renegade Bracelets, Gilded Arrow Bangle, and Nancy Studs, H&M gold ring. 

We simply love her and her style! If you don't know her, you should get to know Mrs. Bess! Check her out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram   It's an honor to know her, a genuine spirit, and truly awesome lady who knows how to Work it! Congrats Nikki xoxo

Get it TINA!!!

This week we have chosen Tina Dickerson, originally from Jamestown,SC and now living in 

Goose Creek, SC. Tina is Married to Mitchell Dickerson and together they share two 

children, Kobie and Malachi. With a Master's Degree in Human Resources, she is a Human 

Resources Professional and has been in her field for 13 years. Not only is there brains, but 

also beauty! As a full time consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics, she helps other women find 

their beauty within as well.

I had the privilege of working with Tina, when she launched what she called her "baby 

girl" in January 2014 when Restore Your G.L.A.M. (Giving Ladies Alot More) was born. 

This was a vision she had for about two year. Suddenly, it was when she needed her 

GLAM restored in September of 2013 after suddenly loosing her job that her faith, fashion, 

fitness, health and finance were then being put to test. She didn't know what she was 

going to do, but a pity party was not an option! Her strength is what we've admired so 

much about her. It was time to restore those areas that were taken and also bring a few 

women together with her to make this come to pass. As a result Restore Your G.L.A.M. 

has touched MANY lives. Her courage to spearhead this movement, not in shame but in 

being an overcomer, has received overwhelming feedback that continues to inspire. We all 

can't wait for RYG 2015!!!

Here is Tina "Working It!!!" She stands strong bursting in confidence. Her hair was done by 

Shanaya Hammond of Passion Slice Salon (who is also amazing by the way, you have to 

check her out) That gorgeous turquoise pleaded dress was an amazing find at Dillard's. 

Finishing this look off with some gold peep toe stiletto's, pearl earrings and bracelet Tina, 

knocks this outfit out of the box!

Check out what's hot, get some great Mary Kay finds, and inspiration from Tina on 

Facebook, Instagram and online at Mary Kay!

Rock it girl! xoxo, LaJule

Adrienne Young is Working It!!!

Some of you may have heard of a woman who, online, is referred to as the "Queen of Thrifting." She is a wife and mother of two sons. She lives in Charlotte, NC. Adrienne Young, is this wonderful woman, sharing her desire as a thrift shopper. She enjoys inspiring others with her finds via Don't Go Thrifting Without Me! In addition, she has a passion to share her expertise about natural hair as the Founder of Naturally For Your Glory. Besides thrifting, she is the College Placement Director at Carmel Christian School. She is also frequently asked to speak at many events. This beautiful woman has created a style with her finds seen here.

Check out Adrienne as she rocks this fabulous orange lace dress, and accessorizes with those floral print footless tights and the mint colored statement necklace and tear drop earrings. This entire chic look costs only $18 from head to toe!  Can you believe that! On top of all of that, those nude patent leathers are Nine West. To put the icing on the cake, her crown in glory is protected with some beautiful crochet braids she did herself. Adrienne is an example of how everyone can be fashion forward, regardless of your budget.


If you haven't already checked her out on her Website, YouTube and Facebook you've already missed a treat.
Let us know about your fantastic thrift finds...we'd love to see what you've found...

Until next week,
xoxo LaJule

Closet Revamp

Ok, so this is another busy week, but I wanted to share this quick tip with you.  Don't you love to take things that are old and make them look new?!?! Well, to be honest, that is one of my most favorite things to do.  With today's outfit of the day (OOTD), I'm going to do just that! There's nothing more fabulous than being fabulous on the cheap! Love it! 

I was going through my closet, and I found a pair of some old thrifted jeans, a sweater that's about 2 years old now that was gifted, and some Leopard Faux Suede Platform Heels for less than $40 (which I love from AMI Clubwear)... together, we can make old things new right there in your closet! 

I love using prints in outfits  because it works all year round. Some may say differently, but who follows "rules" anyway right? Granted, there are some patterns are seasonal, but bold prints like leopard

has worked for me during every season :) I hadn't worn this sweater in a while, so thought I would pull it out and wear it again with different shoes, but still keeping the look really simple. So... Here you go. Let me know in the comments below.  xoxo 

Renee, you rock!!!

The "Work it Wednesday" spotlight is shining on a woman who gives to us all. This week LaJule has chosen the fabulous, Renee Grippon. She is a 35 year old mother of two, who works hard and sacrifices herself on so many different levels. She has been serving in the United States Army for the last 14 years. Renee is from the Charleston area, but is currently living in Europe. She has defended our country, while deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq. She is taking herself to higher levels by working on her Bachelor's degree in Public Health, fellowship with her Order of Eastern Star organization and helping out at USO for wounded soldiers. We all have a story, and her story is amazing!!  Not only is Renee hard working, she is a hard working woman with style!! She knows how to "Work it!" 

 Renee's look is her desired masterpiece. With her braided Mohawk and Louis Vuitton bag, she loves to make a statement with her look. She's rocking a dress that was made while in Korea and paired this striped ensemble with some nude pumps from Zappos and accessories from Body Shop. I've always said, confidence is always a good look on a woman and Renee has that down!! Thank you for being selfless for our country while still staying fabulous! We love you girl! xoxo


Who do you think will be our next Work It Wednesday feature? Do you have someone you want to nominate? If so, leave it in the comments below! 

Work it Isis!!!

As some of you may remember, LaJule started honoring women in the past for our "Work it Wednesday" spotlight. We have been searching for just the right time to relaunch this and today proved that it is perfect time! Everything just lined up...So, this week LaJule has chosen the unforgettable and gorgeous Isis Frasier and we wanted to share a little about this lady who truly knows how to "Work it!" It's truly and honor to know her.  

To be honest, she is very well known by many around Charleston, but for those who don't know her, she is a 34 year old mother who works hard and sacrifices herself daily for so many others! Not only is she an inspiration to her friends and family, but even to those who may not even know her personally! Yep! That's right.  Trust me, we all could take and learn something from a page in her book. Like I said before, not only is she an amazing individual, but she has made a lifestyle changes that has a resulted in her loosing over 150 lbs!  She lost the weight, but gained a platform by using her influence to share her experiences and daily lending encouraging words for anyone who may need it.  With her spirit, hard work, and being such an over comer of many obstacles she deserves the spotlight today. 

 

 Here, she is looking extra fabulous in this color blocked dress by Guess and boots are from Francis Gibbs.  Isis is standing her ground and showing off her sexy for sure!  She has accessorized her outfit with a pair of gold dangle earrings, makeup and photography by Thettra Brown, with her hair by Alaina Smalls...  Isis, work it girl!!!!  We love you! 

 

 

Blue Cirlce Skirt

So, today was kind of an interesting one... You have to excuse me, but I get random ideas in the middle of the night and sometimes, I have to act on them.  But to be honest, I'm kind of excited about it.  I've  never had a royal blue skirt (yes could you believe that...) or of this type, so I thought to myself why not try and do it yourself? So I did.  Yep, at 1am, I'm finishing some final touches on this skirt.  I posted it on Dressa (my dress form you'll hear me talking about) last night.  Anyway,  I thought I'd share with you two different looks with the same skirt with only one quick change! 

If I've said it once, I've said it 100 times...don't be afraid of bold prints and patterns! This classic circle skirt midi reminds me of something I could rock in the 70's... SO why not go there with it.   Here is a patterned shirt that compliments the skirt. This is one of those throwback kind of looks...

The turtleneck sweater gives a more fun, easy and low "fuss" kind of look.  Accessories can be simple... I accessorized with a black belt and dangle earrings. Add a cute bag and done! 

So literally, you can change one simple thing, and give a totally different feel to an outfit.  Try it out with something that you have and let me know how it goes! xoxo 

Sweater Dress and Pink Pea

With the cold...let me rephrase that.. simply unbearably cold weather affecting us all, we can be warm and still look fabulous in the process. To be honest,  I just don't have time to even think when it's this cold...So I found this old sweater dress in the closet while trying to get dressed with only one eye wanting to open.  I've had this sweater for several years now, but would wait to wear it because it is pretty warm, simple, and quick.  In the south, it's not everyday that we see wind chills in the "teens" so .. There you have it. I'm not used to this! Who would have thought right? I had to revamp this old sweater dress, but I really didn't want to wear just tights or leggings under it.  I would do that usually, but wanted a little but more warmth to hold me down... so I wore it as a tunic instead.  Here's a quick way to get some versatility in the clothes you already have.

To be honest at 5am, I'm really not in the mood for a thinking about anything to wear, but this dress came in handy (with a coat).  I wanted to brighten my mood up a bit, so I threw in a little color for a simple, yet noticeable change in the look.  For early mornings, everyone can use a little flare.

 

 

 

Simple and basic doesn't have to be boring.  You can literally give new life to your mood and your look very simply... I wonder what else I can dig up from some old closet finds...I just found out that I suffer from #HIH (Hand In Hair) syndrome...Ok, I'll take it :) the 3 day old braid out is still working for me. xoxo