My #1 Style ICON

As a recently self-discovered (smile) Developer of Personal Style, I thought it might be interesting to, every once in a while, give you glimpses of the women (and sometimes men) who have impacted and influenced me in my love of fashion and development of my own personal style. Of course, we all know that my LOVE OF MY LIFE STYLE ICON was my grandmother, LIL MAMA.  But my #1 Style Diva is DIANA ROSS! (Just so you know, the ranking goes):

LOVE OF MY LIFE STYLE ICON
#1 Style Diva
...All my other favorites

So anyway, I wanna talk about why I love Miss Ross!
*First of all, she IS the BOSS... And who doesn't love a BOSS???
*She has displayed IMPECCABLE style throughout her entire career
*She was in my 2 favorite fashion movies of all time- 'Mahogany' (which, I understand she did a great deal of the designing in. She aspired to be a fashion designer before she made it big in the Supremes.) and 'Lady Sings the Blues'
*She looks great in so many different fashion themes
*She wasn't afraid to give that HUGE HAIR! (I'm a sucker for Fearless Fashion!)
*She knows how to marry well (which can greatly effect one's ability to look good)
*She's had 100 children and still has a great shape!
*Many try to duplicate her style and grace, but she's so original that no one can capture her je ne c'est quoi
*Let's not forget the concert in Central Park when it THUNDER STORMED and she kept on performing in her red sequin catsuit (I wanna say it was Bob Mackie, but don't quote me on that one.)

So now, let's get to some pictures!!!

                                                                                   

FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Choosing my "I AM"-

It's been a whole lot of years in the making, but finally, I know who I am in this crazy world of Beauty and Fashion mayhem! Ok, there's Lil Mama's Baby:  My boutique and ode to my favorite girl- My grandmother (Inez Jones). Then there's Yvette B.:  The Hairstylist/Makeup Artist and Lover of all things BEAUTIFUL. Then there's the crazy little woman in my head that can put together or pick apart any outfit, hair-do (or don't), or look in 2.2 seconds flat in any situation, on any man woman or child... In MacGuyver fashion!

When I put all of the elements together of who and what I've developed into over all of these years, I am happy to say that I AM a Personal Style Developer. You bring me you, as you are- I help you to create the you that you desire to be (style-wise). This is a new title for me. I kinda discovered it by accident. I was reading a book that my Doll Baby of a Friend gave me over the Christmas Holiday, and it hit me. All of the fashion, beauty, and style tips that this woman was suggestion to help to develop one's person fashion identity, I had been excersizing my whole life... And sharing it with my friends and family! It was like boom! Boom! BOOM! It all came together for me. If I take the thing that I love and have felt passionate for, esthetically, I am a Personal Style Developer- Head to Toe... That's me.

Being that I have proclaimed 2011 to be my year of 'Going Hard, or Going Home' (and I for sure ain't going home!), I plan to basque in the power of my self proclaimed title.  I will nurture it, set time aside to build it, and treat it with the love and respect that it took a lifetime of trials and errors to make, let it marinate, and then make it 'Do what it Do!'.

Stay Tuned for more...
LMB

Two Great Things That Taste GREAT Together!

Like Reece's Peanut Butter Cups, or Cookies and Milk- Once again two great things have come together, and are WRECKING SHOP!!! Just incase you didn't know, Alexander McQueen is my favorite designer (R.I.P.). I mean, how could he not be. His designs are SO SICK! ...the lines ...the fabrics ...the creativity- Come on! Let me tell you... Soon as I get my money right, IT'S ON!

PUMA, just also happens to be my favorite tennis shoe. They're always stylish and comfortable, and the designers always seem to come up with unique looks. So, needless to say when I was doing my fashion perusing, and came across ALEXANDER McQUEEN/PUMAS!!! I was floored!!! I'm not even gonna say much more about them (because, why would I even need to. Just look at them). But, I will say that I have a friend up at PUMA, and I'mma see if I can snatch me up a pair so I can STUNT this season.

Here's what PUMA has to say:
A new addition to the McQueen range for SS10 the AMQ Elevate fuses sports and fashion together. The sole combines a high vulcanised rubber wedge profile with elastic strapping that wraps from the upper to the heel. Inspired by the seasonal AMQ theme of combat, the styling of the upper is an interpretation of the strapping wrapped around a boxer’s hands. The bandage theme makes the construction of the upper with stretch webbing crossing across the vamp and quarters. The style laces across the vamp without a tongue for a de-constructed summer feel.

-LMB
 

TIMES...They are a changin'.

Well, this is definitely a season of change for Lil Mama's Baby! I have relocated, renovated and reconfigured my life and the business. For those of you who know me well, you know that I have recently become an ATLien. Actually, I'm rather bi-coastal, because life is a constant back and forth. California can't get rid of me that easily! I really do dig Atlanta, so far. The people are very nice and courteous. It makes me feel so much better, since I'm used to being almost run down on a daily basis in Los Angeles. The weather is good at this time of year. It's hot, but not overly humid (my hair thanks the weather gods!). My place is large and affordable, and my neighbors smile and greet me, even though they don't know me. Of course, I'm not knocking my LA neighbors, because my complex is the best! Much love to Kylie and fam, Mr. Jack and fam, Victoria and Rubin.

Business is coming along great! Lil Mama's Baby- America's 1st Green Online Vintage & Consignment Boutique is on the move! We are an official sponsor of the NEW Soul Train's Pre- Party and After Party this upcoming Winter. We have also added "Consignment" to our title, which means that if you have top-of-the-line and couture labels in your closet that you want to make some extra cash for you, with very little effort on your part, you should be contacting me. I'm here for you! I welcome your beautiful gowns and frocks, handbags and jewelry, and all that good stuff. It's a win/win situation- you paid for the labels, now it's time for them to pay you back! Holla-

Lastly, thank God for my angels who have never stopped looking after me. They are both in heaven and on Earth. I don't know what I would do without the help of those who truly love me! Thanks for the LOVE, advice, prayers, referrals, money (God knows I needed the money!), and the bug killer (ditto the sentiments on the money). You all have made my life so much better. I truly know that nobody 'makes it' by themselves, and I am grateful.

Please continue to hold Lil Mama's Baby in your brightest prayers, affirmations, and sentiments. Don't forget to pick up a piece or two- or TEN off of the website. Please continue to follow the blog, and send me your good stuff! I Love YOU and I appreciate you.
All is WELL, and I AM SAFE!

LMB-

"Man, I like a girl who spends a little cash on her shoes!"- Jay-Z

...And doesn't every girl love a man who has a little Jay-Z in him??? I know I do. But back to the shoes...

Would you take a look at these babies! A boatload of top of the line designer heels. All of the shoes range from sizes 7, 7 1/2, to 8. The price is TRULY right. These babies are waaaaaay discounted. They're Gucci, Pucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Casadei, Manolo, and even Louboutin, ranging anywhere from $140-560. Some are brand new. Some are once or twice worn. Some have been worn just enough to make them comfortable for you!  I have all of the details for my serious shoppers. Sorry to the girls like me who are

 either below 7 or who are 8 1/2  and above! We'll get ours next round. For all of you Cinderellas who are seriously interested, either leave a message on the board or email me your questions at lilmamasbaby@gmail.com . I'm here for you! It's not called 'A Walk in the Shoes of Lil Mama's Baby' for nothing! - "Go'n Cinderella!"

If you're FEELING me-FOLLOW my BLOG. I appreciate y'all -xoxo

Louis Vuitton Logo sz. 7 1/2
 $210

Christian Louboutin sz. 7 1/2
$560

Prada sz. 8
$350

Gucci sz. 7 1/2
$280

Casadei sz. 7 1/2
$200

Gucci Denim sz. 7 1/2
$280

Christian Dior sz. 7 1/2
$210

Gucci sz. 7 1/2
$210

Chanel sz. 8
 $280

Gucci sz. 8
$280

Manolo Blahnik sz. 8
 $420

Dolce & Gabbana sz. 7 1/2
 $385

Jimmy Choo sz. 7 1/2
 $140

Gucci sz. 7 1/2
 $280

Manolo Blahnik sz. 7 1/2

 $210

Prada sz. 7 1/2
 $210

Logo Gucci sz. 8
 $385

Top view of D&G sz.7
 Sequined Gucci sz. 8
 $210 ea

Dolce & Gabbana sz. 7
$210

Brow-Black or Camel Bottega Venettas

$210 ea. sz. 7 1/2

Emilio Pucci sz. 7 1/2
$350

Minx Nails are the BUSINESS!!! Think Minx!

Of course,  I am always on the prowl for what's new and happening in Beauty and Fashion! So, I have to tell my people about the HOTTEST trend in nail art. There's this little thing called MINX Nails, and it is truly FABU! You may have noticed Beyonce', Mary J., Lady GaGa, and ME (laughing out loud in this coffee shop at myself) wearing them. When you have them on your nails, you don't quite look like you're wearing nail polish. It's a little more shiny and ghetto fab than that. It's way more chromed out and illuminated (Right up my alley). You can get all types of designs and colors, too.  Anyways... Your trusty, cutting edge,  nail technician will get you up to speed. She/he will get these appliques and PROFESSIONALLY put them on your nails. In the time it takes to get a GOOD manicure, you'll be on your fashionable little way! No drying time... No chipping... No messing up the polish... No problems! And the biggest bonus of all is that the things last until you take them off, honey. But check this out- No nail damage! Now that's the most important thing of all! Now, we all know that there is a pretty penny to pay to be one of the HOTTEST Hot Girls. So, be prepaired to pay $40-65 to get this procedure done. But, on the bright side, it's very cost effective because you can go about two and a half weeks without getting your nails done. BTW, you're looking AWESOME the-whole-time. Trust me, I'm a witness.

***If you're in the Los Angeles area check out my girl CLEO doing her MINX thing @ Muse Salon 6808 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038

Get a LIFE this SUMMER!

Ahhhh...The flowers, the trees, the HEAT! Summer is the right time for growth and and shining. It is a time for living your dreams. I'd like to believe I'm doing quite a bit of all three. I've been SHOPPING-SHOPPING-SHOPPING, and preparing for a huge move (I'm talking cross country status)! I have found that both things require a lot of energy and help. Thanks to the shopping gods that there are GARMENT ANGELS. You know those people who contribute to the awesomeness of your fashion existence. These angels can be anyone from your 'bestie' who donates great pieces to your wardrobe (or business in my case), to a salesperson who helps you out while you're in a fashion dilemma, i.e.- flats vs. pumps. Then there are those people who help you to embark on the journeys of your life- Like moving cross country. Not only have I depended on the kindness, advice and cold hard cash that my friends and family have given me, I have taken to getting serious direction in my life by seeking the guidance of a LIFE COACH. My coach, Carmen McNeil-Jackson of Spiritually Juicy and Lifestreams Life Coaching, is my professional, certified guide, hired to be my compass to the destinations that I have set for my life. Wow! I didn't even realize HOW important she is, until I just saw that sentence in writing. My coach has told me that "I'm driving the car, and she's reading the map." How dope is that?!? At any rate, we talk about my dreams and aspirations, and then discuss the means to accomplish my goals to make my dreams real. Doing this is so important when you need to get out of your head and onto your journey.

I said all of this to say- Anything that we do, in life, is generally better when we get it done with the help of those who are sent to assist us and care for us. I'm learning that it's okay to ask for what you need, when you need it. I'm the girl who helps you to keep the FLY gear...That's just what I DO! LOL!  But, I want to encourage you to seek out those 'ANGELS' when they are not readily available or visible. Please take this Summer time to not only be HOT in your fly gear (a la Lil Mama's Baby online vintage boutique), but also to get your life on the track that you dream it to be. On that note... Let me show you some of these FLY NEW pieces that are soon to be available on http://www.lilmamasbaby.com/ 

Marc Jacobs                                            Calvin Klein        

                                                                                                       

       

                                                                   Yohji Yamamoto