Oh! Nikka | Top Atlanta Fashion, Food, Beauty & Lifestyle Blogger

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Getting ready for a haute Summer

I’ve had soooo much fun this Spring attending a host of wonderful events and meeting all those fabulous people; what an exciting season it was! Spring my dear, you will truly be missed.

So as the season quickly comes to an end, what better way to kick off the Summer than to take a trip. But where can one go that has excitement at every turn? A place that is just as haute as the Summer sun. I know just the place! The Entertainment Capitol of the World… Fabulous Las Vegas! That’s right lovely’s, I’m heading to that dazzling destination in the desert. It’s countdown to Vegas baby!!!

The Cosmopolitan Hotel - Las Vegas

And, since I’m all about discovering and uncovering all that’s new and exciting I couldn’t think of a more fabulous place to fully capture my Las Vegas experience than the uber-chic Cosmopolitan Hotel. The Cosmopolitan Hotel will be the perfect backdrop to my Vegas adventure! So, in the immortal words of June, Ruth, and Anita Pointer better known as The Sister’s “I’m so excited, and I just can’t hide it!”

I will be reviewing my entire experience at the Cosmopolitan; from the food to the fashion and everything in between. So let’s see how much fun I can get into while I’m there.

So watch out Vegas, here I come!!!

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Carol’s Daughter hosts The Transitioning Movement

It’s time for another fabulous event at Carol’s Daughter!

This time around Oh! Nikka is teaming up with Carol’s Daughter to spread the word about their Transitioning Movement.

Hosted by Tress Talk, the Transitioning Movement is your chance to experience
Carol’s Daughter’s Transitioning 1-2-3 Kit firsthand while you sample, review, and shop!

Join the Movement!

Thursday, May 31st
6:30PM – 8:30PM

Carol’s Daughter at Lenox Square
3393 Peachtree Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30326

Carol’s Daughter is looking for 50 women transitioning from relaxer to natural hair to sample their new
transitioning kit and provide feedback to receive a discount on a future purchase at the Lenox Square location!

RSVP for this event at transitioningatcdlenox.eventbrite.com

*Only 50 slots available! REGISTER TODAY so you don’t miss out!

happenings

Missing the Indulgence of Spring…

Chic Boutique Tour - Spring Indulgence Shopping Soiree

Hey Diva’s,

With Summer being just around the corner and since Spring is quickly coming to an end, I’ve been feeling, well… a bit somber lately. I mean, I’ve had sooo much fun this Spring that I honestly don’t want it to end. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m looking forward to all of the wonderful things ahead this Summer, but the past few months have simply been a whirlwind of memorable moments and amazing adventures attending all of those sassy soirees and squeezing in a little shopping for chic finds with fabulous friends and wonderful women. Yeah; there’s nothing like the Spring. So as I reflect on all the fun times I had this season, I’d have to say that one of the events that quickly comes to mind was Chic Boutique Tour’s Spring Indulgence Shopping Soiree. If you haven’t heard of the Chic Boutique Tour, well, let’s just say you will need some serious retail therapy after you hear about all the fun and excitement that this event delivered.

So, let’s go back to August 2011 when I had the pleasure of attending my first Chic Boutique Tour. Let me first say that I had never experienced anything as unique as that, and since then I’ve been hooked like Charlie Sheen is, well, on everything. 😀 The event begins with the pink carpet being literally rolled out for the ladies as we board a luxury motor coach, with cocktails in hand, and head out to visit several of the hautest boutiques around Atlanta. It’s like having your girlfriends out for a day of fun and shopping, but you do it in style! But here’s the catch; with each Tour, we stop at a different set of boutiques, so if you miss the tour then you just might miss a chance to discover a hidden gem.

Chic Boutique Tour founder and CEO, Rosalynn Wilson

Chic Boutique Tour founder, CEO and diva extraordinaire, Rosalynn Wilson, has created the most unique shopping experience making the Tour a quintessential girl’s getaway with all of the bells and whistle to make it an experience like no other.

Each boutique we visited on the Tour offers a different shopping experience, so there’s something for everyone. And get this, the boutiques offer incredible discounts for Tour attendees.

Let me tell you that by the end of the tour I was beginning to feel like Dora the Explorer, having told my credit card (that I affectionately call “Swiper”) to please “Stop Swiping!” 😀

Ok, so check-in for the Spring Indulgence Tour began at the Refined Home Boutique located in the West Midtown Design District of Atlanta. Boutique owners David William D’Ambrosio and Tracy Winn have created an interior decorators wonderland in Refined Home with its hints at old world charm infused with cosmopolitan cues, making their showroom an absolutely amazing experience. From the moment I entered I couldn’t help but envision myself having just walked into my dream boudoir. Just visualize yourself surrounded by an eclectic playground of timeless home décor and matchless accessories that adorn the space like fine art. Refined Home Boutique offers an extensive collection of antiques and collectibles in addition to unique furnishings, tabletop settings, linens, lighting, bath & body products, candles, AND jewelry. Yes!!!

My fellow blog buddies, Tami Reed (Talking with Tami), Efie Lynn (LA Lynn’s Accessory Shoppe), Kerrie Cooke aka VirtuosOne (Virtuous Styls), and Dea Win (Pretty Girls Rock Dresses), were also in attendance, so I was super excited because whenever we get together we always have such a blast! I also met several new fabulous bloggers such as I am Fashion Weak, and Parker Simmons of Everyday Runway in addition to all of the wonderful tour guests.

Me with Tami Reed (c) and Rosalynn Wilson (r)

Me with (l-r) Dea Win, Kerrie Cooke, DJ OMG, Efie Lyn

So before boarding our chauffeured motor coach which I call the “Diva Express”, we shopped a bit, snapped a few pics, mixed and mingled, and enjoyed yummy treats and other goodies. VeeV Acai provided these fabulous mixed fruit Sangria drinks that were served in mini Mason jars for Tour guests. Too cute; and we got to take home the jars as keepsakes!!! Then, we hopped aboard our luxury chariot to head off to the second destination on the tour. Gourmet turkey sandwiches and this amazing watermelon, tomato, and basil salad, by Chef Jax Concepts provided a welcome snack during the tour, while sponsors SmartWater and Red Bull kept the ladies refreshed and energized between boutique visits. The fabulous Kerrie Cooke of Virtuous Styls served as the tour’s on-board stylist, giving the ladies useful tips on putting together the perfect look for the season.

While in route to each of our planned destinations, Rosalynn held several giveaways with the ladies having a shot at winning a fab book titled Commander in Chic by Mikki Taylor, an exclusive makeup and burlesque-style photo session valued at $600 by N’neka Photography, and a lovely necklace by Lia Sophia. During the raffle I won the exclusive photo session (Yeah!!!) and Tami grabbed that yummy Lia Sophia necklace. As you can see from the photo below I had my hopes riding on that fabulous neck candy. 😀

Now, by the time we arrived at our second destination London Loves MarLo, we were all juiced up from the endless cocktails that we enjoyed during the trip, 😛 so of course we were now ready to do some shopping!

Located in Inman Park, London Loves MarLo is an exclusive “by-appointment” boutique that boasts about their drastically discounted designer apparel, shoes, handbags and accessories for women…and for good reason too. Because, when I say “drastically” that’s putting it mildly. Where else can you get an “in-season” and “never before worn” Marc Jacob’s piece for 40-70% off the retail price? (Queue crickets….) I can’t say enough about their selections, and co-owners Kellie Moore and Niki Puckett have definitely brought NYC and LA to the ATL. Oh, and they also host private shopping experiences where you and several of your girlfriends can book a divas day out over champagne at their swanky showroom. We had a great time and several ladies added a few pieces to their personal collections. 😉

Next up was Bombay Gal Butik where boho chic meets Asia with handmade, unique and eclectic, apparel, handbags, jewelry and accessories. Located in the Virginia Highlands area of Atlanta, Bombay Gal Butik offers shoppers exclusive pieces that you will not see strolling past you around town. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find these pieces anywhere since most of them are one-of-a-kind, handmade, and vintage. And, their accessory collection is literally “to die for!” Trust me when I say this because I nearly went into cardiac arrest when I saw the price of this fabulous draping beaded necklace that I snagged during our stop there. Major SCORE! Ihsaana, owner of Bombay Gal Butik, should consider keeping a heart defibrillator somewhere in the store as I’m sure I wasn’t the only one to have had this happen to them. 😀

BouChic Boutique + Lounge was next on the tour, and let me tell you that it definitely lived up to its name. Located in the Glenwood Park area of Atlanta, not only was the decor very cosmopolitan “chic” but so was the selection. BouChic carries haute handbags, handcrafted arm and neck candy, as well as a variety of fabulous fashions for women of all sizes, which was the vision of owners Demetria Acloque and Dominique Tate. And with offerings from local up-coming designers to established names; it all works in haute harmony. Not only is BouChic a “boutique” but they can also host and accommodate private events in their sexy lounge area. And speaking of which, I wanted to just curl up and get comfortable on that velvet sofa. (queue excessive snoring) Oh, there’s also a wet bar; just in case you were feeling a bit parched from all the panting you were doing after browsing their chic clothing collection. 😀

So, after they pried me from the lounge area 😉 we headed over to Pink Sky Boutique in Glenwood Park for a taste of SoCal chic. Pink Sky’s bohemian-inspired yet laid-back style succeeds in its attempt to blend timeless pieces with funky, trendy garnishes. OMG; they carry the most delicious handbags, chunky bracelets, yummy accessories, and saucy shoes this side of the local ice creamery. 😀 So, if you have a craving for scrumptious fashion, Pink Sky will definitely curb your appetite and have you coming back for seconds. Brands such as Chinese Laundry and Jeffrey Campbell can be spotted at Pink Sky, and they also carry a heavenly collection of Honesty Jewelry. I spotted this fabulous scarf that was calling my name…so I did what any fashionista would do…I answered! 😉 Christi, owner of Pink Sky, definitely has a gem here. And with prices that won’t send your wallet into another stratosphere, you can shop like there’s no tomorrow. After all, the Sky’s the limit!

Our final stop on the tour was the uber-swanky Happy Feet Boutique located in Town Brookhaven. And let me tell you, we could not have arrived at a more perfect time. We had been to five fabulous boutiques, coupled with all of that walking we’d done all day; so by the time we arrived at Happy Feet “my feet” were not so happy. 😀 I was in desperate need of a foot massage. Well, Happy Feet offers a host therapeutic pedicures and foot massages to get you right back on your heels. And trust me when I tell you that there wasn’t an empty chair in the place. So after a brief moment of relaxation in their spa-like setting, it was time to get back to shopping. Happy Feet is not only a foot spa, but they also carry a gorgeous assortment of shoe styles with brands such as Jessica Simpson, DKNY, Via Spiga, BCBG MAXAZRIA, and many more. I had the pleasure of discovering Happy Feet Boutique a few weeks prior during their grand opening celebration (see photos from that event), and from that moment on I was “sole-d!” 😉 This is the perfect place to have the girl’s meet up for a day of pampering and shopping over cocktails and live music. Yep! My girl DJ OMG is there every Saturday to keep the foot party rockin! Audrey Tarrant, owner and diva extraordinaire, has created the ultimate experience for your feet that will have them singing (and dancing) in perfect harmony.

Robin Marshall of RobinLori Photography and Nikka Shae enjoying all of the fun

See you ladies next time!!! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

What a fabulous excursion! We had sooo much fun, and it couldn’t have occurred on a more perfect day as the weather was absolutely beautiful! The Chic Boutique Tour is a great way to meet new people, network with other like minded divas, and shop, shop, shop!

Thanks to the fabulous Rosalynn Wilson, maven and mastermind of the Chic Boutique Tour, and Jackie O of 4Sight Media (who handled the PR duties), for putting together such an amazing experience!!! I had a blast, and I look forward to the next tour on July 21^st, 2012!!! I will see YOU there!

The amazing Robin Marshall of RobinLori Photography captured all the fun on film. Thank you Robin for the lovely photos!!! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Check out more pics from the Chic Boutique Tour – Spring Indulgence Shopping Soiree :

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happenings

“I AM…” celebrating Mother’s Day with Carol’s Daughter

I AM Beautiful

In anticipation of Mother’s Day, Carol’s Daughter held several wonderful events to celebrate mom. First up was the “I AM Beautiful” affair where shoppers enjoyed a wide selection of lovely gift sets for mom at discounted prices. Presented by Qream Liqueur and held at Carol’s Daughter in Lenox Square, this shopping soiree was hosted by recording artist Karmella and featured live music by DJ Princess Cut and beauty makeovers by the amazing Shalawn Willis of LAMIK Beauty. I had the pleasure of meeting music maven and industry exec Shanti Das who was also in attendance. I also chatted with Karmella who I must say looked amazing and she ROCKED that fabulously fierce fade hairstyle! Work it girl! Guest enjoyed yummy bites by Chef Thomas (Chef T Cafe) and delish Qream cocktails served by The Perfect Bartender while taking advantage of the 50% off discount for the day. And as a special treat, attendees also received samples from the Carol’s Daughter Monoi hair care repair line. I had a wonderful time mixing and mingling with the other attendees; and of course all the fabulous shopping. I personally snagged a Memorable Mist Trio gift pack which included three sweetly scented body mists that smell absolutely heavenly!

Carol's Daughter and Qream Liqueur host I AM Beautiful

Recording artist Karmella with Nikka Shae

The Perfect Bartender and record exec Shanti Das

DJ Princess Cut rockin the turntables

The amazing Shalawn Willis of LAMIK

LAMIK artist Shernitha working her magic

Delish dishes and...

yummy bites being served

Carol's Daughter offers natural beauty products

I AM Because You Are

Next up was the “I AM Because You Are” photo shoot where guest participated in a fun studio-style photo session capturing candid shots of them in a hollowed picture frame. Too cute! I took my two daughters with me to this event and we all had a blast posing for the camera! This event was sponsored by Sprite who was also on hand to introduce their new Sprite Zero drink. We nibbled on sweet treats while enjoying samples of Sprite Zero, and we each received some really nice goodies from Sprite such as a journal book, a pen set, and a makeup case. It was nice to just hang out with my girls and enjoy our mother/daughter day at Carol’s Daughter. We had so much fun!

Sprite Zero sponsored this fabulous event

Me and my lovely girls pose for the camera

Guests get candid for the camera

My daughters showing off the Carol's Daughter gift sets

Thanks to the lovely Saniyyah “Sunny” Griffin, store manager at Carol’s Daughter, for inviting me to both of these fabulous events. I always have such a wonderful time at Carol’s Daughter, and Sunny regularly host events like these at her store which are always a treat.

Thanks to the amazing Robin Marshall of RobinLori Photography for the beautiful pics.

Check out more pics from the Carol’s Daughter Mother’s Day event:

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happenings

Show off your bravery at the BRAVE Highland Games at Centennial Olympic Park!

Calling all Atlanta lads & lassies!

Show off your bravery this Saturday, June 15th at the BRAVE Highland Games,
taking place from 9am-2pm at Centennial Olympic Park’s Game Plaza.

Events include archery, caber toss, hammer throw & sheaf toss.

The first 100 kids to complete all the activities win a prize!

This sounds like a fun event for the kiddies!

And don’t forget to mark your calendar’s to check out Disney*Pixar’s BRAVE which opens nationwide on Friday, June 22!

SYNOPSIS: Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. From Disney and Pixar, a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition and challenges destiny to change her fate.

“Brave” follows the heroic journey of Merida, a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane). Merida’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric Witch (voice of Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to harness all of her skills and resources – including her clever and mischievous triplet brothers – to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late, discovering the meaning of true bravery.

happenings

A Wonderland of possibilities

Hey Divas,

I had the most amazing adventure recently that was so incredible I felt like I’d fallen into a rabbit hole and into some fantasy wonderland. Sounds crazy, right? Well, before I’m committed to the psych ward, let me tell you how in one night I had an experience so amazing that even Alice would blush with envy.

The fabulous Loews Hotel in downtown Atlanta hosted The Overlook Experience to unveil their new 14,000 sq ft event space. This new expansion area appropriately named The Overlook, has a fabulous panoramic view of Piedmont Park, Midtown, and the downtown Atlanta skyline. So, to commemorate the unveiling of this new space Loews created several themed scapes to showcase the customizable possibilities within this new space.

I attended this grand event with the always fab Tami Reed of Talking with Tami and I’m so glad she was there because this event was so amazing that I fell faint a few times during the night. 😀

So, upon entering The Overlook “West” wing I was immediately blown away by the décor, the fabulous ice sculptures, and the vast selection of decadent delights at the appetizers stations. Queue faint #1! 😀 With the Atlanta skyline as the backdrop, guest enjoyed samplings from the hotels custom catering menu while sipping wine, cocktails and other spirits. And let me tell you; the food was utterly amazing! There was also a local artist there live painting the Atlanta skyline. The setup was truly a unique experience and very nicely done.

The vast selection of decadent delights at the appetizer stations

Yummy sliders

Doesn't this just make your mouth water?

Homemade chips

Fresh Spring veggies

A local artist captures the Atlanta skyline

After a bit of indulgence we moved into the “East” wing which was setup with confections as far as the eye could see! It was by far the sweetest soiree I’ve ever attended! Faint #2, you’re up! 😀 The Candyland themed room featured balloons, lollipop trees, candy jars, jelly beans, gummy bears, jawbreakers, cotton candy, cupcakes, and a Cold Stone Creamery ice cream station. Wheeeew! I thought I had bought the farm and woke up inside Willy Wonka’s secret stash. 😀 Guests indulged in the sumptuous sweets and filled complimentary bags with all the goodies they could garner. There was a “hip” 1950’s parlor area where guest enjoyed ice cream and root beer floats, and get this…in the center of the room was a lady in a bathtub full of gumballs! WOW!!! How fab was that?! Loews definitely went all out on this setup, and my dentist would like to personally send his “thank you’s” and warm wishes. 😛

Sweet treats a-plenty inside

Lollipop trees

The Candyland experience was oh so sweet!

Me just before I went into a sugar induced coma. 😀

Here's the spot where I blacked out. 😀

Tami Reed of Talking with Tami looking fab

Cotton candy anyone?

A bubblegum bath? I'm sooo jealous...

The retro 1950's ice cream parlor was so

These cupcakes were simply delish!

With a bag full of goodies in tow, we headed to the jazz lounge room where the ambiance was more mellowed which was much needed after my sugar rush in the candy room. 😉 The jazz themed room featured performance artists and live music. Guest sipped cocktails and mingled over a live saxophonist and DJ which made for a very unique musical experience. Queue faint #3. 😀

The lounge area set the mood for a jazzy experience

Gettin our groove on in the jazz room with the DJ and live saxophonist

Performance artists

Well, after I came to, Tami and I headed over to Phipps Plaza where Gucci and GQ Magazine were hosting another fab event.

You see…I told you that it was an amazing night! Thanks to The Reynolds Group for the gracious invite and to the Loews Atlanta Hotel for hosting such a grand event that would rival anything that Wonderland could muster!

Loews has definitely created a unique environment where you would only be limited by your own imagination; and with that being said I’m still imagining myself inside that “bubblegum bath.” I suddenly feel faint #4 coming on… 😀

*Photos courtesy of Loews Atlanta Hotel

Check out more pics from The Overlook Experience at Loews Atlanta:

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Tweet me at Polished Beauty Lounge

Hey Diva’s

It’s official! BFF Tweetup 2.0 is in the books! And let me tell you even though this was “the second time around” for this glamtastic get-together, it was definitely “a night to remember!” (a little sumthin for all my fellow Shalamar fans out there). 😀

So, the stage was set for another sassy soiree with some of Atlanta’s hautest BFF’s. In case you are wondering just who the BFF’s are, well, the BFF’s (Blog Fab Fashionista’s), are a group of fabulous bloggers that I bring together every so often to network with one another as well as to connect them with local business to help spread the word through social media about these businesses and their services. Being that this was my second adventure into the realm of “meet & tweet’s” I wanted to do something a little different this go ‘round. During my first BFF Tweetup in February, me and several fab ladies met at Shula’s 347 Grill in Buckhead where Shula’s Business Development Manager, Veronica Young, setup this amazing gathering that was the hautest happy hour this side of Honolulu. 😉 I was so inspired by that experience that I wanted the next Tweetup to feel like an exotic getaway. So, this time around we converged at Polished Nail & Beauty Lounge in Smyrna for an evening of pampering, a few giveaways, delicious drinks, and yummy treats, all among some of the most fab ladies in town.

Hey ladies!

Selam Welde, owner of Polished Nail & Beauty Lounge, rolled out the pink carpet for the ladies, providing us with tasty strawberry sangrias, a fabulous fruit tray, snack tray, and complimentary manicures and pedicures. We were literally spoiling ourselves rotten while enjoying the plush and relaxing ambiance of Polished. I mean, what diva couldn’t use a pamper party, right?

Selam with her fabulous strawberry sangria

Drinks anyone?

Love the strawberry sangria compliments of Selam!

And speaking of being “spoiled”, Cha’Kiva Felder of Spoiled Diva was also there to showcase her lovely clutch bags and accessories. Kiwi the Beauty of Popularity Sweets provided these amazing OPI nail polish inspired cakepops that were all the rave! The fab ladies each received a goodie bag with Bath & Body Works lotion, nail polish, and Saniyyah “Sunny” Griffin of Carol’s Daughter at Lenox Square provided a few samples of their Monoi© line of hair repairing conditioners for the goodie bags.

Spoil yourself rotten with one of these custom clutch bags by Spoiled Diva!

Check out these lovely earrings by Spoiled Diva

Kiwi shows off her OPI nail polish inspired cakepops

The cakepops were delish!!!

Now what is a get together among divas without a few freebies? Spoiled Diva provide a lovely pair of custom hoop earrings and a signature t-shirt for one of the giveaways, Polished also provided two gift certificates for a free manicure, while I threw in a gift-pack of Curls Unleashed – Organic Root Stimulator products.

Rosalyn wins the Curls Unleashed product pack!

Rosalyn shows off her prize

Shalawn “The Beauty Architect” Willis of LAMIK cosmetics was also there. Yall remember Shalawn, right? She was the fabulous makeup artist who glammed me up for my video shoot. Shalawn talked to the ladies about the latest Spring trends in makeup and she also worked her magic behind the brush by pampering the ladies with eye and makeup applications.

Shalawn speaks to the ladies about makeup trends for Spring	Shalawn gets the ladies all glammed up
Tami sipping her strawberry sangria	Tisha enjoys a glass of wine with her pedi
Awwww...	Kerrie and Cha'Kiva looking haute
Keren Charles of Two Stylish Kays looking fab	Here's to a fabulous night! Cheers!!!

Designer Nikki McNeil of Single Bubble Pop Design

Lets get those tweets out ladies!

Adrienne and Jazmine strike a pose

Kerrie, LA Lynn, Dean Win, and Tia Lou. Looking fab ladies!

Polished gave the ladies complimentary manicures

LA Lynn rockin the fresh mani. Love that gorg elephant necklace and ring!!!

The ladies enjoying their complimentary pedis

Me with Kerrie of Virtuous Styls. Smooches!!!

The amazing Robin Marshall of RobinLori Photography captured all the fun on film. Thank you Robin for the lovely photos!!!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

What an amazing group of fabulous ladies!!! We had such a wonderful time networking, socializing, and enjoying the services at Polished! And in the midst of all the pampering and fun, we stressed the importance of supporting each other and businesses like Polished Nail & Beauty Lounge.

We spoke about the importance of supporting each other and businesses like Polished

Thanks to all of these amazing divas that came out to support the BFF movement:

Tamie Reed – Talking with Tami
Dea Win – Pretty Girls Rock Dresses
Kerrie – Virtuous Styls
Keren Charles – Two Stylish Kays
Adrienne Gadling – Sadiddy Magazine
Rosalyn Wilson – Chic Boutique Tour
Efie Lynn – LA Lynn’s Accessory Shoppe
Tia Lou – If I were a Brit girl
Nikki McNeil – Single Bubble Pop Design
Jazmine Jade – The Art of Jade Inc by Fashion Rouge
Alicia – Ally McGlam
Chrys – Married 2 Makeup
Tisha Deshields – Original Belly Works

Thank you ladies for making the BFF Tweetup a night to remember!

And all of these fabulous sponsors:

Cha’Kiva Felder – Spoiled Diva
Kiwi the Beauty – Popularity Sweets
Carol’s Daughter

Thank you Selam for hosting this fabulous event at your lovely lounge!

Special thanks to Selam Welde of Polished Nail & Beauty Lounge for providing such an amazing experience at Polished and for being such a gracious host. If you’ve ever wanted to take an exotic getaway without the exotic getaway cost, you should visit Polished Nail & Beauty Lounge.

Polished Nail & Beauty Lounge
4500 West Village Place
Suite 2005
Smyrna, Georgia 30080
(678) 213-2999
www.polishedbeautylounge.com

Be sure to follow all the BFF fun on Twitter at #BFFTweetup

My goal is to host these “meet & tweets” regularly, so if you are a blogger please let me know by submitting the form below. I would love for you to attend!!!

Signup for the BFF Tweetup!

Check out more pics from the BFF Tweetup at Polished Nail & Beauty Lounge:

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happenings

Finding the perfect fit with Gucci and GQ Magazine

Gucci & GQ Magazine - Made to Measure event

Atlanta’s elite gentlemen converged at Phipps Plaza for a Gucci and GQ Magazine hosted mixer to preview the clothier’s Made to Measure suiting collection and personalized services for men with impeccable taste. Gucci’s Made to Measure service further advances their philosophy of personalization and signature attention to detail. In addition to offering fabrics from an exclusive selection, the service provides for customizable options with finishes and details and allows for personal tailoring according to the client’s individual measurements. Each garment is therefore impeccably tailored for a truly unique experience.

So the stage was set as both Gucci and GQ came together to create a sophisticatedly-styled social soiree featuring a private men’s suiting by the brand, where 100+ guests mixed and mingled in Gucci’s high fashion boutique while getting an exclusive look at some of their latest offerings. This high class event was hosted by acclaimed chef, author and “Top Chef” judge Hugh Acheson, former Atlanta Falcons player and author Coy Wire, fashion and lifestyle blogger E. Vincent Martinez, and GQ magazine’s Brett Fahlgren.

Meet the distinguished hosts (l to r), Brett Fahlgren, E. Vincent Martinez, Coy Wire, and Hugh Acheson

The esteemed guest list included “The Biggest Loser’s” Dolvett Quince; entertainer and radio personality Kenny Burns; UpFront Megatainment founder DeVyne Stephens, Richie Arpino; Mitchell Anderson; SCAD’s Jason Bunin; Kevin Knaus; philanthropist Cathleen Smith-Bresciani; interior designer Michael Habachy; Justin Anthony of 10 Degrees South; the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Jacques Couret; musician Thomas Barnette; model Veronica Best; and Gucci Atlanta’s general manager Ann Foster

Guests sipped on Prosecco wine, and Peroni beer from the deluxe scotch and whiskey bar. Dennis Dean Catering provided a variety of mouthwatering nibbles such as miniature chilled lobster salad sandwiches; Angus sliders on toasted brioche buns; and petite caprese paninis with buffalo mozzarella, fresh heirloom tomatoes, and basil. De-lish!

Nikka Shae checking out all the fabulous girly goodies by Gucci

And, even though the focus of the event was to assist the men with finding the perfect fit in the latest Gucci suits, I couldn’t help but sneak a peek (or four) at all the fabulous women’s handbags, and shoes, and accessories. Oh my!!! Let me tell you, it was like a quintessential girl’s playground (insert patter clapping fit). I’ve always been a fan of Gucci, and I can remember vividly the first time I was introduced to the brand as a child by my grandmother who had this fabulous Gucci doctor’s bag. Ohhhh…It was soooo beautiful!

Luuuuuv these bamboo inspired beauties!

Ok, ladies… Since we’re on the subject of fabulous handbags, I spotted these bamboo handle beauties that I literally could not take my eyes (or hands) off of. I suddenly feel faint… 😀 And, even in the midst of them prying those beauties from my clutches, 😛 I did find a moment to mingle with several of the hosts for the event such as NFL star Coy Wire whom I’d met at the Rally On the Runway event a few weeks prior where he and fellow Falcons alum Garret Reynolds were literally towering over me like a kid at a skyscraper convention. 😀 Also, in February I had the pleasure of meeting “Top Chef” judge Hugh Acheson at the Buick Discovery Tour where he demonstrated how to prepare this amazing roasted carrot & beet salad with feta, pulled parsley and cumin vinaigrette. And although Hugh made it look so easy, I’m still trying to master that seemingly simple dish. Yall keep me in your prayers. 😛

Also in attendance were several familiar faces such as Selam Welde from Polished Nail & Beauty Lounge, Tamika Morrison of T.Morrison Agency, Denise Jackson, owner of the Emerging Art Scene Gallery, and the always fabulous Tami Reed of Talking with Tami. We had a great time browsing Gucci’s fabulous collection of girly goodies.

Thanks to Caren West of Caren West PR for the gracious invite.

*Photos courtesy of Ben Rose Photography

Check out more pics from Gucci & GQ Magazine’s Made to Measure event:

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happenings

Rally On the Runway for a cure

Recently I was invited to an amazing fashion show at Bloomingdale’s in Lenox Square called Rally On the Runway – Fashion Funds the Cure. But, this fabulous event was unlike any other I had ever attended before. This annual fashion runway show benefits the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research (Rally); a non-profit organization that empowers volunteers across the country to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research to find better treatments with fewer long-term side effects and, ultimately, cures for this devastating disease. Since its inception in 2005, Rally has given away more than $2.2 million to support childhood cancer research projects across the country. An interesting fact about childhood cancer that I was unaware of is that it is the number 1 disease killer of children ages 0-15, and that every day, two classrooms of students, about 46 children, are diagnosed with cancer. Staggering numbers indeed.

Commemorating its third year, Rally On the Runway was nothing short of fabulous. Dean Crowe, Rally Founder and CEO, hosted this spectacular event while Atlanta Falcons Linebacker Curtis Lofton, served as honorary chair. Sponsored by Robert Mondavi, Mercedes Benz, and Bloomingdale’s, Rally On the Runway hosts a silent and live auction featuring items such as various autographed Atlanta sports memorabilia, a Curtis Lofton autographed football, a Morkie Puppy that was utterly adorable, a Roger Waters concert experience, and a 4G LTE Samsung Galaxy Tablet just to name a few. Guests of the event also participated in a private shopping experience showcasing fabulous selections from Bloomingdale’s Spring collection while enjoying lite bites, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and other delicious delicacies provided by local restaurants including Prime, Dantanna’s, Endive, The Tavern at Phipps, Gigi’s Cupcakes, Gallas Pizza, and The Wing Factory. Rally On the Runway also featured Atlanta Falcons players Ray Edwards, Coy Wire, Garrett Reynolds, and more, as well as professional models who graced the runway wearing the latest Spring fashions from Bloomingdale’s. But the true stars of the show were by far the fabulous Rally Kid models. Who are the Rally Kids you ask? Well, these adorable and courageous little divas are survivors in every sense of the word as all have been stricken with and battled childhood cancer. And although they were lead down the runway by their NFL player escorts, these amazing and heroic young ladies were definitely the starlets of the evening as they were all simply dazzling!!!

Yummy hors d’oeuvres being served

Beautiful neckwear and accessories on display during the private shopping experience

Rally Kid and mini Diva, Emma

Rally Kid Tori dazzles the crowd with honorary chair and Atlanta Falcons star Curtis Lofton

Rally Kid Jessica looking fab with Atlanta Falcons player Garrett Reynolds

Rally Kid Ansley rockin the runway with Ray Edwards of the Atlanta Falcons

Love this piece from Bloomingdale's Spring collection

Another gem from Bloomingdale's Spring line

Even standing on my tippy toes was no match for these guys - Garrett Reynolds (left) and Coy Wire (right)

In addition to the runway event, the Rally Foundation holds a Day of Pampering event at Bloomingdale’s where Rally Kids and their moms have the red carpet literally rolled out for them as they arrived in fabulous Mercedes Benz chauffeured rides to enjoy a day of pampering and relaxation in preparation for the upcoming Rally On the Runway gala the following day.

During the event I had the pleasure of speaking with Falcons players Coy Wire, Garrett Reynolds, and Curtis Lofton, who each expressed how very honored they were to be a part of this incredible event. I’d have to say that standing next to these guys put things in perspective for me. Not only because of the significance of the event, but also because it was like standing next to a giant as they were literally towering over me. 😀

Thanks to fabulous Theo Tyson of Trinity Productions for the gracious invite. This was definitely a humbling experience for me as I left with a renewed sense of strength and empowerment having witnessed the amazing spirit of these courageous little girls. Rally On!!!

To learn more about the Rally Foundation and their childhood cancer research efforts visit www.rallyfoundation.org.

Check out more pics from Rally On the Runway:

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happenings

Celebrate Father’s Day at Shula’s 347 Grill Buckhead

Celebrate Father's Day at Shula's 347 Grill Atlanta

Dads Eat for Free* on Sunday June 17th

Treat your Dad to lunch or dinner,
and his meal is on us!

Take in the afternoon Atlanta Braves game on our TVs while enjoying
signature SHULA CUT steaks, burger, fresh specialty fish, and more!

*Valid only on Sunday, June 17 with a minimum party of two; the entree of equal or lesser value is free*

Shula’s 347 Grill
(Located in the Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel)
3405 Lenox ROad NE
Atlanta, GA 30326

Call for Your Reservation
404-848-7345

www.shulas347atlanta.com

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Join the Movement!

Calling all Atlanta lads & lassies!

Dads Eat for Free* on Sunday June 17th

Treat your Dad to lunch or dinner, and his meal is on us!

Treat your Dad to lunch or dinner,
and his meal is on us!