Emerald Dream

Hey Everyone! Sorry, I've been a tad bit M.I.A but I'm back with a new blog post for you all.

So, the other day I went to my new favorite store Fab'rik and I fell in love with the variety of belts they had in the store. This was really weird for me because I NEVER usually find beauty in belts. Belts are usually just a necessity to keep my boyfriend jeans up but for some reason these belts really caught my eye and I HAD to have them.

This emerald and gold belt that I am wearing in today's blog post is one of the two belts that I bought. If you know me, you know that I am IN LOVE with earthy tones. Probably because emerald is my birthstone color (MAY BABY!). I decided to add the belt to this beautiful maxi dress to a little dash of something different. I wouldn't necessarily call it "a pop of emerald green" because it is a very subtle color. However, I think its the subtlety that makes it so perfect! This belt is an Emerald Dream come true!

DRESS LIKE JO

Maxi Dress by Express Here

Belt By Fabrik Here

Floral Arrangement

I don't know if any one is as excited as I am about the arrival of Spring 2014. If you having been keeping up with the latest on She's So Me, then you are aware of my love for Spring weather and fashion. 

In the world of fashion -- and Joanna -- this season is totally about florals. I always get asked how to style a statement floral piece and my first thought is literally "It's a floral arrangement." When dealing with a statement floral piece like the wide leg pants I have on, you have to arrange your outfit around that piece. 

When creating a floral arrangement, you typically have to decide a color scheme, which flowers you plan to use, and what items you will add for the purpose of décor. The same goes for your floral inspired outfit. You have to decide what color scheme you want to go with, which pieces will you be wearing and what accessories are necessary to complete the outfit.

Long story short, playing around with floral prints should be nothing short of F.U.N! It is all about mixing and matching -- or not matching at all for that matter.  

DRESS LIKE JO

Pants - Similar by ASOS Here

Cropto - Similar by ASOS Here 

WHO IS SHE: RECAP

This month I decided to do a little recap of all of the wonderful ladies I've had the pleasure of interviewing thus far. The recap will be a special quote/the most eye-catching message I personally received from each interview. Feel free to comment and share with me your most memorable message from any of the interviews. I would love to hear what you think!

DANE BROWNE - FASHION STYLIST

I asked Dane ... What is the biggest mistake women make when they go shopping? 

They tend to shop what they like and never go out of the box. This is how you end up with four pairs of flats that all look the same and no versatility or statement shoes. They also don't buy what they need but what they like. This leaves their wardrobe full of mismatched pieces. I always suggest you go on blogs, magazines and fashion sites. Start to create a collage of what you like most. Then create a list. This will be the items you need to focus on when you shop. It revamps and freshens your style. Also don't shop trend heavy! These pieces become outdated. Your closet should be 70% classic and 30% fashion.

KATHERINE NTIAMOAH - FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER

I asked Katherine ... How do you stay motivated? 

Everyday is different. I try to tell myself that wasting the day is not optional. If at least did something that made me happy or I accomplished some small goal, then I am good.  Some days I just call my parents, siblings, or my partner and talk to them. That is motivation enough for when I cannot motivate myself.

I also asked Katherine .... How has this career changed/molded you?
This career has taught me to be flexible, quick witted, culturally adaptable, among other things. This career has also sped up a lot of life decisions that I think I otherwise would not have been in a rush to face if I stayed in the U.S. It also taught me to grow up very quickly. But I also think this job has taught me to appreciate my relationships with others, to slow down, and to appreciate my culture and the culture of others. 


SIREN - DANCER 

I asked Siren ... What is the most valuable lesson you have learned throughout your journey as a dancer?I've learned to differentiate between business and personal relationships. Often I find myself working with the same people over and over because I'd much rather have a small circle of people I trust and rely on. However, this can be tricky because naturally friendships and relationships are formed and you become really close with these people. With that being said, I've gotten a lot better at establishing with everyone that I work with a mutual understanding. By doing this, we understand that business is business and that if we are indeed friends, that's kept separate from any projects, shows or creative processes we collaborate on. At the end of the day, when we come together to work, it's time to work and when we want to have dinner and share laughs that's separate. 


MOSHOODAT - MAKEUP ARTIST

I asked Moshoodat ... How do you keep a loyal and steady clientele?

Be you! As cliche as that may sound, people love knowing that they aren't dealing with cosmetic robots! I hate going to a makeup counter and hearing too much information! It pushes me away from the product and the artist! 
Also, treat every client like they are Beyoncé! This is very important. You have to make your clients feel like they are queens! Of course things happen but remember they are always right! It takes one bad experience to ruin your name! and reputation. Bite the bullet!


KELLI FLOURNOY - CEO/PUBLICIST

I asked Kelli ...  If you had to name two things that contributed to your success thus far, what would those two things be? 

One of the things that has contributed to my success is my fear of failure which has pushed me out of my comfort zone many times in order to get the job done. The other contributing factor to my success has been an amazing and supportive network. I’ve built very solid and mutually beneficial relationships over the years.

Personally, I learned a lot from interviewing each of these ladies and I hope you all did too! I look forward to more great interviews to come! Feel free to comment or email me about your most valuable lessons from these interviews.


xoxo JO