Wanted!

This would-be crook has been spotted vandalizing property and impersonating officials! Authorities are offering a reward to any individual who is able to assist in apprehending said suspect. The perp has several alliases; flab, baby fat, rolls, jiggle, junk. If you have seen this assailant, it must be caught immediately! Beware, the suspect is said to be armed and dangerous!

Come on people...the women's lib movement was more than 40 years ago...and even then, things got a bit carried away! Tie it down and tighten it up! If you still aren't sure what I'm talking about...I'm speaking of the dreaded GIRDLE. I think the pc term is "shapewear." But whatever you call it...its not the enemy. I promise. I know you may think that your luciousness is something that everyone should behold...but the last time you went out dancing your hiney registered a 6.8 on the Richter Scale.

Our bodies are like our men...they have to be trained. In my grandmother's house, once you reached 7 or 8 years old, no matter your size, you were introduced to your first panty girdle. Now, that may be a little too young. But her goal was to train our little booties and tummies to stay tucked in. Modesty, as I believe she tagged it. Ahh, a word of old that has seemingly become equvilent to a four letter fouler like "fake." But dear learner, let me tell you that there is much to be said for leaving some things to the imagination, yes, even in 2010.

Now, that doesn't mean that you should go and bind yourself in a corset, but there is a whole industry that caters to smoothing the lumps and lines in our bodies. Some will make the argument that shapewear is teaching people not to accept their bodies...and I say that is New Age Hogwash!! That is like saying that wearing makeup means that you find your face unattractive. Shaping garments, just like makeup and perfume (for that matter) are intended to enhance beauty.

And if you have had children (vaginally or via C-section) or some sort of surgery that involved your stomach, this is a MUST. Stomach muscle damage is some of the most difficult to reverse. So help yourself out and get something that lifts and firms. I promise you ladies, even the sexiest (seemingly) leanest stars on television are shimmying their hips into various forms for girding things. Beyonce even wears flesh colored tights to keep her thighs...umm, let's say...in tune.

So, to all of my Maidenform, Spanx, and Body Magic amigas...LYLAS!!!!

Stay Stylish,

Dean Tipper Diva

Au Naturale!

More and more, I'm hearing of people going natural. And for different people that means different things...it may be deciding to drive a hybrid, eating organic foods, or even deciding to not use chemicals in your hair. And for an African American woman that is a major decision. Embracing the authenticity of your hair is more than a fashion statement, its a lifestyle. It has evolved into a genre of music, a style of clothing, a way of living. I have always admired people who have taken this step. But it is one that I have not yet taken.

The Internet is a marvel of a creation! It allows you to connect with people you may have never known or reconnect with people from your past. I've had the opportunity to make new friends, rekindle old flames, catch up with childhood buddies, and even meet the love of my life! Recently, I Facebook "friended" a high school classmate Andrea (Evans) Alexander, who has embarked on the journey to discover her roots. Andrea is the owner of Brown Sugah Child (BSC), an online store that specializes in t-shirts that celebrate beautiful women all over the world! The t-shirts are cut for women and come in a variety of colors and sizes. Yay! In March 2011, BSC will hold a Hair Mixer and I've been invited to participate. The mixer will allow women of various backgrounds to "mingle, shop, network, [and] Have Fun!!!" You all can guarantee that I'll be giving you all more details about it.

Andrea explains that BSC was born from being tired of the mundane, the monotony, the mentality that prevails in Corporate America that this is just a job...something to do to pay the bills until I can retire. I can absolutely relate, as it was that same overwhelming feeling of redundancy that led me from an office desk filing and sorting papers to a classroom where I am investing in the lives of young people. It is apparent that for Mrs. Alexander this is more than just a business venture or a way of wearing her hair, it is a spiritual journey; which she shares with readers on her blog, The Sweet Spot. If you are feeling down or as though you have lost your way, I suggest that you check out her entry entitled There's a reason you're here!

Also, look for BSC on Facebook, where she offers discounts and free shipping to her customers. I'm about to order the BSC Signature tee for myself...oww wee, it's cute!

Thanks Andrea for allowing yourself to be in a place to inspire and uplift women, to make us feel as though we are worth the effort and we are beautiful and fabulous just as we are! I wish you all the best!

Stay Stylish,

Dean Tipper Diva

Giving Divinely

I am all about giving to a worthy cause! And if you can combine service and fashion that makes it all the better. The Houston Chronicle's fashion insider spills the beans on such an event in, If the shoe fits, let a diva wear it Shop Girl Chron.com - Houston Chronicle. Check out the Steve Madden shootie (a term I've never heard until now...how cute!) at the top of Shop Girl's article. Love it!! It reminds me of that BADD bootie show here, I saw at Baker's. There was a lady preparing for a friend's bachelorette party. The friend was engaged to a man with the last name "Shoe" or some variartion of it. And they were having a "Shoe party." And they were looking for the person with the hottest shoes. Sounds like my kind of soiree! Anyway, she met Sharla and it was love at first fit (at least it was for me). But I think she decided to go with another pair because I saw her at another store trying on a more versatile but less fantastic pair...much to my dismay.

Stay Stylish,

Diva Tipper Diva

Someone New Has My Heart!

Saturday, my mom and I went to the Houston Galleria to do a little shoe shopping. Now, with my husband's thirtieth birthday in a little over two weeks my mom had the job of keeping me from making any rash decisions. Before leaving home, I decided to take a peek at Nordstrom's Shoe Department since they are having their Anniversary Sale. While I didn't see anything that I felt that I just had to have on sale. There was a pair of Sam Edelman shoes that required a second look.

Our first stop was DSW, where my mother found a sensible pair of Enzo Angiolini pumps that elongated the leg with it's pointy toe. Next, we hit Dillard's in search of our favorite shoe salesman, C, who unfortunately was not there. Normally, if there is no CJ, there is no purchase. But the last couple of pairs of black shoes I've purchased were suade and I was in desperate need of a non-fuzzy pair of black shoes. Ocassionally...I marry a shoe maker. lol! And a couple of years ago, I united with Vince Camuto in holy matrimony. He's been so good to my feet, adorning them in elaborate fabrics and jewels. Months ago, I found a pair with intricate stitching and several other fabulous details. They had my heart! Unfortunately, I walked out of the store without them. Every time I returned to the store, I'd left my heart sitting on a shelf. A couple of weeks ago I saw that they'd been marked down online. So, I'm at the store with my CJ stand-in asking him why these shoes aren't marked down. The pair on display is a 8.5 which means they've nearly sold out. And da-dada-daaaa...markdown tag appears!!! They were on sale for less than I remembered. Umm, sir, that's a "P" for purchase.

I didn't even need to try them on because I'd set my sights on something almost too fabulous for words. It was the shoe that I'd seen on Nordstrom's website...the Sam Edelman. They were to-die-for!! The picture online didn't do them any justice, which is why I've decided not to post it here. lol! They'd just arrived in the store. Just last week, I'd tried on a pair of Sam Edelman shoes that I thought I would definitely be adding to my ever expanding shoe wardrobe...but this pair tops them all! I placed the shoe on my foot and suddenly I was transported to a fairytale wonderland where all things were beautiful and fabulous. It's a mullet of a shoe...all business in the front, and a party in the back. Just my kind of shoe! Unfortunately, the price tag would force me to change some of my plans for the hubby's birthday...so I left the store without them. But I promise I'll be back!!! Perhaps I won't divorce Vince, I'm thinking I'll just make Sam "the other man". :-)

Oh, and I also got an adorable pair of sandal (slash) booties from Nordy's!

Stay Stylish,

Dean Tipper Diva

Message for the Men

Guys, need to look good too, right? I know that there are some men out there who could really care less...like my husband. He is the epitome of a "manly man" being mostly concerned about "manly" things like cars and sports and making sure I never ever cut my hair. So, when we go out, I tend to direct him towards what is flattering. While he cares about how he looks in the end, it's just not high on his list of priorities. But there are some things that a man just should not do. In an effort to assist men who are like my husband as well as those who are out there REALLY trying fashion...let's lay down some rules from a woman's perspective.

No Shirt, No Service-Are you running from the cops? Or perhaps you are high on PCP? Or, maybe it's both??? No, none of the above! WOW!! Well, put a shirt on!!! OMG! Women do...in fact MOST women put on a shirt and a bra (although all of us should). Go ahead, this isn't the beach or the pool, you are actually driving down a major highway with your windows up; indicating to me that you have air conditioning in your vehicle. Do us all a favor!

Linen Sets-I mean, really?!? WTH??? Who ever decided that it was okay for grown men to parade around like baby boys in matching short or pant sets? Stop the madness, por favor! I'm sorry, love, but you look like a pimp on vacation.

Saggy Booty Bottoms-Perhaps it is a man's goal to make it back into the womb. There is nothing masculine, sexy, or appealing about a man or a woman walking around showing your undies! I know everyone knows that this is a practice that originated in prisons with homosexual men. Hey! Now, if that's your thing...then you do you. BUT if it's not and you do not wish to be mistaken as a homosexual ex-con or an overgrown baby trying to steal away to his mother's womb...PULL YOUR PANTS UP!

Skater Boy Britches-Let's see, how do I say this and not hurt your feelings? I can't, sweetie, get some man pants! I remember when skate boarders used to wear loose fitting shorts and such. I understand that you need to be able to move freely and grab the end of the board, but it's really just awkward to see a guy in pants that fit so tightly. Perhaps the erectile dysfunction association should start putting a warning label on these jeans.

Socks and Sandals-Yeah. There isn't a whole lot for me to say about this, beyond...DON'T DO IT! I know it is the summer time, and the temperatures are rising. But are you really able to feel the cool breeze with those socks on? Oh, I see, it's the big hole in the toe that provides ventilation. Truthfully, this could all be avoided if you just removed them. You are embarrassed for people to see your feet. Get a pedicure...it is totally acceptable today. Most salons even have different pricing and options for men these days. What's more, is that there are places that serve men only. Nobody has to know. And I believe your wife would appreciate cuddling up to your now freshly pedicured toes. Oh, but don't call it a "pedi." :)

Macho Man? Dude you are at Chuck E. Cheese with your kids, why do I need to see all of that? Muscle shirts are appropriate for the GYM, ONLY! If your guns are that spectacular, then they can be seen in a regular shirt. Your nipples are staring a me and making me extremely uncomfortable. Gross.

Murses-Really? How much stuff do you have to carry with you? Because I do not understand the purpose of your man bag. Yes, it's genuine leather, in a neutral color, and it is slung across your body...but overall, it's still a purse. And men just shouldn't do that. If you have that much to carry you should do one of two things: 1.) get a briefcase, and 2.) downsize.

Stop the Violence!-Thank you "Cops" for creating a term for this masterful article of clothing. In my day, we called them undershirts or tank tops; but now they are etched in our heads as a symbol of domestic violence. That's great! But all in all, I'm not opposed to them. In fact, I think that it is important for a man to wear an undershirt. But that means that it should be worn under your shirt! Yes, I know that there are ladies rocking tanks and stilettos. But the cut is different, the fabric is different, and you are a man! Help us, help you!

The writing is on your hiney!-Now, this is largely an urban trend, and it is slowly fading to black. But for those of you who are still hanging on to them...Fat Albert never asked to have his likeness sprawled across your gluteus maximus! In fact, I'm of the opinion that he is probably offended. We know that designers want to advertise their brand, but I just don't think that a man's behind should be a walking billboard. (Side note: ladies, if you want the fellas to stop smacking your backside...the hand prints on it are slightly counterproductive.)

Mr. Matchey Matchey-I am happy to see men returning to suiting. I think it is important for all men to invest in a tailored well-made suit. Follow the rules: two or three buttons, neutral color, straight leg pant, neutral color, hits right before the sole of your shoe, neutral color...oh, and I almost forgot-neutral color! Red, purple, orange, and yellow are the colors of Skittles not men's suits! Yes, my late grandfather, would say that gentlemen wore hats; but never ones that suggested you were entering clown college! Why do your shoes look as though you've stepped in confetti? Oh dear! Here's a rule to live by when buying a suit...if your suit can only be paired with a white or black shirt then you should donate the material to a home economics class so that they can sew the costumes for the drama club's spring show!

What is that, Soot?-Dang it! Little Kelly dropped a bag of flour on your shoes just as you were about to walk out the door! No? Then you must have had to find Fido who had hidden down below the dirt path that leads to your house. Not that either? So, why are your shoes so sandy? A man's shoes say a lot about where he has been and where he is going...and being the consummate professional that you are, I know the message written in finger print across the top of your dusty shoes is not the one you intended. Clean up your act, darling! Get some shoe polish...STAT!

I know these tips were probably delivered in a mildly hostile tone, but you are a MAN'S MAN and I know that you can take it. If you are not going to do it for yourself, do it for your children. Smooches, sugar!

Stay Stylish,
Dean Tipper Diva