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.

Haute Bridal Collections Hit the Runway in Charleston!

Fashionistas, brides and so many others came out to view the spring bridal collection from emerging design talent during Charleston Fashion Week. As special ambassador for smartwater, an official sponsor, I was sitting front row at the celebrated show.  

 

The collections offered something for everybody about to walk down the aisle and say ‘I do.” This year, designers added a bit of color to traditional gowns and dresses. Romantic blush colored gowns and other more passionate collections accented with red accessories offered a modern approach to traditional classics… building on a canvas of white garments for that special day.

Featured designer Rachel Gordon offered a first-time bridal collection that simply flows down the runway. Her “One Love” Bridal and ready-to-wear collections were attention grabbers. Silk draping, vintage-inspired creations and the celebration of women down to every detail made Gordon one of my favorite designers. She even ended her showing with an eco friendly –inspired ball gown made of live plants.

To learn more about Rachel Gordon visit http://www.onelovedesign.com/

Join the smartwater Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/smartwater

Haute Hydration Mixed with Fashion!

I’m thrilled to be a smartwater Ambassador for Charleston Fashion Week 2012! The hautest fashion event south of New York City takes place in less than two weeks under the big tents in Marion Square in Charleston, South Carolina. Fashionistas can expect more than 30 runway shows, emerging new designers, and fabulous cocktail parties over five nights. This year, 7,000 people are expected to hit the charming southern town as smartwater gets runway ready as the official water sponsor for the big show!

Join me as I bring lots of photos, tweets and style trends from some of the most exciting designer talent to emerge in years.

What's the hautest new accessory for 2012?

Haute Birthday Fun!

I’m a Pisces girl with lots to be happy about. This year, I celebrated my birthday with friends who inspire me to live my highest spiritual self. It was a weekend to remember but none-the-less, I’m so grateful to have friends who really care about me.

My haute hair stylist and groovy friend, Robin, gave me sexy, seductive hair to ring in the start of my special day. It brought my hair to life and a few extra looks from some unlikely admirers with an ego boost to match.

Although, I’m a year older, I’ve never felt better… cheers to me!

Haute Travels 2012!

This year, my Haute Travels blog is evolving to more than just where I travel; it’s all about a lifestyle. My blog is a place where I get to write about anything that inspires me or helps me discover something about myself that I can share with you.

My haute travels may take me to amazing destinations, cool places in my hometown or self-reflective moments that inspire and motivate me to live my life better. I’ll even introduce you to some friends, some famous others are more low key but nonetheless just as wonderful. But, they all have one thing in common; they teach me things about myself that inspires me to live in the moment.

Confidence, inner beauty and a great glow are the things that you take with you every time you leave your home. And yes, from time to time I’ll tell you about what’s new in Paris, London or my favorite little Islands in faraway places. And yes, I’m planning another Haute Travels Beauty event and fashionable night out event so stay tuned.

There’s just one thing left to say… Welcome to Haute Travels 2012!

Haute Healthy Hair for 2012

As you know, I started my hair evolution in 2011 with healthy hair strategist Robin Groover. We began working together last spring and the results are amazing. I’m completely Keratin-free and I will never put any kind of chemical back in my hair again. (Although I do add mininal color to keep my roots in check ;)

My golden brown tresses are all natural and extremely healthy and hydrated. My hair has grown tremendously over the last few months. It’s also a lot stronger and fuller thanks to frequent hydration therapy and Groove Therapy products.

In a few more months, my hair will get longer thanks to frequent trims and custom shampoo and conditioning treatments. Our goal is to grow it out to the middle of my back with lots of bounce and shine. Although, I'm in the hair salon about every 7 to 10 days on average... I have noticed that even if I can't get to the salon, my hair will still maintain shine and movement.

If I could give advice to girls who are struggling with their natural hair... I would suggest that you contact Robin at Too Groovy Salon in Midtown in Atlanta. She's the truth when it comes to beautiful, healthy hair first and style second. She is not only a hair stylist and product specialist but she really cares about hair and educating the consumer on individual hair needs. I've had a lot of great hair stylists take care of my hair but I have never had a stylist that invested as much as Robin... she's amazing!

What's your hair story?

A Haute New Year!

Every New Year brings about an opportunity to start out fresh and explore something new and different. As 2012 gets underway, I’ve discovered things that are moving me closer to a life that I had one only imagined. And thanks to some wonderful news and signs from the universe… things are well on their way to coming true. But the journey is the real story because just when you start to doubt, you change the course of your life. If you make a decision to stay positive and ride the wave, as my friend Crystal tells me… magic and miracles really do happen.

As you move closer to your true self, you’ll discover that a lot of things and people that once occupied space in your life will suddenly be removed. There’s a season for everything and a reason for it all… if you pay attention you’ll understand why things move progressively in your favor once you open your heart. Just know that no matter what happens—you’re equipped to handle it.

Starting today focus on your destination, listen to your inner voice and let your intuition guide you. When you start to see visions of your life ahead that’s a sign that everything is coming true. Change is in the air… and last Monday’s full moon confirmed it because it was a “wishing” moon. Everything that you’ve always wanted is within reach… you just have to trust and believe that you can have it. The choice is always yours. Here’s to a haute New Year!

What's ahead for you in 2012?