I AM Powerful!

I love Glenda from the Wizard of Oz when she says, "Go away you have no power here." I've adopted that to mean... the goodness and the light coming from me is way too strong; you have no ability to affect me.

We all have dreams that we must release into the universe. There are times when people who don't wish us well try to block those dreams. But, as long as you know the power that's within you, no one can block any blessing or dream that God has for you. Just remember Glenda, the good witch or spirit, who told Dorothy that she's always had the power. It comes from within... it lives in your heart. As long as you know that you have nothing to fear, you'll live an abundant life!

The ability to manifest great things in your life comes from being grateful for what you have... and serving others in some way. It can be as small as helping someone see great potential within themselves that they may not have seen before. It could also mean using your life to inspire someone to step out on faith. We all have a purpose that's divinely connected to each other.

When you travel just remember the stranger that you meet may be someone who was sent to help you discover more about yourself. My intuition always guides me to the truth, so I've learned to trust it. On the occassion that I meet somenone who connects me to my purpose, I know that the universe is at work guiding me to something bigger than myself. Power comes when you can connect the dots.

Haute Pink Lips for Summer!

One of the joys of summer is finding lipsticks that pop! I decided to venture away from my Nars “Orgasm” lip gloss offering a more neutral lip for something that shouts, my lips are haute!

While visiting several cosmetics counters recently, I fell in love with Yves Saint Laurent’s Le Fuchsia lipstick. The color is a beauty statement to say the least. It added a bit of glamour and intrigue to my face… and brought my entire look from head to toe alive. I wore Le Fuchsia to a cocktail party at the Mandarin Oriental and the Style Bloggers of Color Conference. I really enjoyed the color, it created a sense of role playing for me. I got a lot of compliments and I have to say, I'm glad that I tried something new. Haute pink lips are definitely bringing the wow factor for summer!



What lip color makes you stand out in a crowd?

My Haute Thoughts

When a connection seems broken, the universe finds a way to reconnect... guiding us back to the source with light and love.

No matter where I travel in the world, I always know that there is nothing like a connection with a stranger that proves to be life changing. I've had this experience happen to me in some of the most unlikely places, but each time teaching me something about myself that makes me a better person.

The connections with people who are brought into your life for a much bigger reason... to help you find your purpose are powerful. It reminds me of the Chinese proverb, The Red Thread of Destiny... some connections can never be broken. The next time you run into that person who seems to be connected to you, in ways that you can't explain, consider the possibility that he or she may have been sent by the universe to help you walk into your destiny. Just remember even "angels learn how to fly."

Has this ever happened to you?

Special Thanks to smartwater!

Thank you smartwater for making me your special ambassador for Charleston Fashion Week 2012! I had the most amazing time... your team rocks!

XOXO,
Marian

Disclaimer: smartwater provided travel expenses and compensation for Charleston Fashion Week 2012

smartwater Brings Haute Hydration to Charleston Fashion Week!

Designer Mychael Knight

As an official sponsor for Charleston Fashion Week 2012, smartwater offers fashionistas runway ready hydration. As a special ambassador for smartwater I got to cool off in the Charleston heat along with a few noted designers, models and fashion week –insiders with our favorite premium water in hand. As I moved through the tents on Marion Square, I could see smartwater flowing everywhere! Haute hydration mixed with fashion chats made for refreshing talk under the tents.

Charleston Fashion Week Creative Director Ayoka Lucas

Check out our pictures as we strike a pose with smartwater… the zero-calorie vaper-distilled water with added electrolytes became our haute new accessory. Some might even say vapor distilled is the new black and smart because it’s made that way!


To learn more visit http://glaceau.com/
Become a friend of smartwater on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/smartwater and follow on Twitter http://twitter.com/smartwater



Model Cynthia Bailey





Haute Ready-to-Wear Collections Hit Charleston!

Take a look at some emerging fashion design talent hitting the runway at Charleston Fashion Week 2012. The five-night event is produced by Charleston Magazine and offers young talent a gateway to New York City's fashion week. I had a bird's eye seat with smartwater in hand to capture the latest in style trends. Take a look at a few pieces that caught my eye.

What's your haute new fashion accessory for 2012?

Mychael Knight Debuts Bridal Collection in Charleston

Atlanta-based fashion designer Mychael Knight introduced his new line of gowns and dresses during Charleston Fashion Week’s Spring Bridal Show 2012. Knight was the featured designer for the much anticipate sold-out show during the sixth annual event.

As a special ambassador for smartwater, a premier sponsor, I had a front row seat to all the haute fashion designs coming down the runway. Knight’s collection was tastefully done, but a bit restrained. Although Knight has been making wedding gowns for the past couple of years, this is his first collection to hit the runway.

The Project Runway, fan-favorite for season three, showcased an assortment of form-fitting silhouettes. In this collection, he took a bit of a detour from his “club-style” garments that generally merge the future with the present. This collection offers a softer, youthful approach for the girl who wants more simplicity and less glamour for her wedding day. Knight says his dresses are “sleek, sophisticated, and wearable.”

Knight is known for dressing Hollywood celebrities like Jennifer Hudson and Queen Latifah who love his bold and futuristic approach to designing unforgettable clothing.