Why I am PRO-Barbie

I am 5'9, mixed, blue eyes, and weigh 200 pounds. I have cellulite and more than enough love handles for a man to hold. I get my acne, I forget to shave, and have my share of flaws. Ever since I can remember, I've always loved Barbie; she's PERFECT just the way she was intended to be. I had the Dream House, the tapes, the sleep gown, the car, even took up on the JEM knockoff - but never once in my 13 years (ahem) that I played with Barbie looked at her to be something that I should look like, it was a fucking toy. My country girls and I dreamed up worlds that only we could imagine when we weren't playing red rover, street hockey, cowboys & indians, and then eventually moved on to playing with Ken, literally.

So this whole ruckus on the new "Normal" Barbie, is out of whack in my opinion. Too much emphasis has been made on Barbie's waist, hair color, size, proportions, etc... You know what? I believe that our female youth feel like they aren't beautiful because media keeps on debating with Mattel. I don't even remember ONCE my mother or my friends pointing out such areas on Barbie ever wishing we were a size 0 at the age of 8, she was a TOY.  We didn't know about waist or boob sizes, hell we didn't know about sex until we were 13 when our older brothers started having girlfriends and we had our periods. Have I wished I was a size 2, duh but not because of Barbie, you see I saw this beautiful dress at Nordstrom and... Anyway, I never wished and/or thought that I wanted or SHOULD look like Barbie. She was just a beautiful toy that we played dress up with and let our imaginations soar.

OK so seriously, why I don't like this New "Normal" Barbie. First, define NORMAL. I'll wait..... Secondly, she's 5'4. Talk about self esteem. I am 5'9, so what, does that make me not up to standard? Wrong? Then there's the whole adding stickers part such as acne, cellulite, stretch marks... oh hell no.  One thing about Barbie is that she's suppose to be an icon to EMBRACE the classic feminism. To get dolled up and glamorous and be the Princess that most girls want to be. Why can't we just enjoy being in our fantasy world and teach children that's it OK to not LOOK like a damn toy because we're human, instead of completely alternating a toy to look real. I don't know about you, but I freaked out when they came out with that life-size barbie and the doll that used the bathroom - two big no's in my room.

If anything, Barbie should be inspiring. To stay healthy, active, and fit. To always look your best and want to feel good about yourself. Not try to mold your human body to fit a carbon copy made plastic mold.

I get the message, I do. But the message needs to be taught in parenting. We see more low self-esteem children today than back in the 80's and 70's funk and we ask ourselves why. Now correct me if I am wrong, I am not a legit Doctor but tell me something. If we took this shit off media and had better, stronger, tough love, parents would we see this on TV? Would I seriously be ranting about this?

So yes, I ask to be blessed with a daughter so I can give her all the Barbies she wants, build her a life-sized dream house in the backyard complete with the pink convertible toy car and treat her like the Princess she was destined to be. I might even name her Barbie. 

CFG Style Week - A Memoir

It first happened in March 2014. Two of my closest friends, Erica Arcilesi & Ryan Philemon came together to form unity among the split world of fashion here in Charlotte. They came to found Charlotte Fashion Guild. The Guild consisting of other producers, designers, boutique owners, models, photographers, and other industry professionals to offer a support, encouraging, and friendly competition place to share ideas and grow. In addition, they kicked off Spring 2014 with CFG STYLE Week and did it again but better this past September.

  

First - LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION. Label located at NC Music Factory was the heart of the pounding, high energy week. Not only equipped with two bars to satisfy my bad habit but the floor's layout was immaculate & I know 89% of Charlottean fashion goers have never seen anything like it before. Honestly, it was so damn awesome, the pictures are going to have to do the talking.

The stage and its signage ... huge LED screen showcasing sponsors and designers names. So many designers were actually raving about their name being so large, legible, and ultimately visible.

The Ivory Room was Hair & Makeup, directed by Gregory Lawrence and his uber talented team which included the Paul Mitchell School of Charlotte.

Secondly, the star of the show; the DESIGNERS. This past September showcased one of THE best designers ever to be featured here in Charlotte...seriously, this isn't being biased, no other fashion show production in Charlotte has held this caliber of elite, professional NY designers. The week line up looked a little like this:

 Wednesday, September 24, 2014

The Art Institute of Charlotte

Drew Clawson

Pewilben

Honey Cake 

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Krystell Barraza

Kaitlyn Machos

Daft Minerva

Friday, September 26, 2014

Enemy to Fashion

Zachary Nathaniel

Ritu Bhat

Tsvety McAullife

Kyle Matas

Stevie Boi

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Jason Peters

Joseph Singh

Rinat Brodach

Flow by Tara Davis

Briana Dione

Justin Leblanc

Sandro Masmanidi 

So wrapping this up, to all the models, designers, sponsors, and volunteers and to my dear friends, Erica & Ryan thank you so much for an incredible week here in Charlotte. Let's continue to put aside our differences and show Charlotte what the Guild is made of! 

You can check out all of the official pictures from sponsoring photography; 

Shutter Legends Photography at

 http://shutterlegends.smugmug.com/Fas…/CFG-Style-Week-SS2015

My love for Sandros

For those who follow high-class, perfectionist designers when I speak of Mr. Sandro Masmanidi, you'll go "Ahhhh! Yes, I love him!". Exactly. Many of you probably recognize him as the handsome Russian in Project Runway Season 12. I had the ultimate privilege of being "his lady" for Charlotte Fashion Guild's STYLE Week this past September. It was one of those spontaneous moments in my life that was like; "Ashley, screw what you're thinking and/or about to do, get over here and help" situations.

First of all, the man knows that he's doing. He KNOWS what it takes and paying attention to details in his work is crucial. I wish more designers actually paid attention to their stitching and their patterns. The love that I saw him bestow towards the models wearing his pieces was impeccable. So much of his passion went into his show simply starting with gracing the runway way white & red rose petals for the models to down the runway; which was just absolutely breathtaking. These little things matter so much when you want to make an impact and remember - FIRST IMPRESSIONS are everything.

Secondly, he's real. Doesn't sugar coat anything or beat around the bush. He tells you like it is. Which is why I think we got along just fine. I love it when people can just talk and be themselves and not have to worry about what others may think of them. As they say, actions speak louder than words - and his actions are genuine. He took the time to thank the models & get pictures with him after the show. He took the time to hang out for the after party. He took the time to share his experience, knowledge, and ultimately TEACH me a few things on the fly. He took the time to showcase his collection here in Charlotte, the South - and anyone that takes the time to be a service to others, is just awesome.


So until I drop about 40 pounds, I know who's creating my wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, and ultimately redoing my whole freakin' wardrobe.

Mr. Masmanidi, until we meet again dear friend, I wish you nothing but love, happiness, and success.

Pretty In Pink - Part 3 of 3

The Sunday pampering ritual started slightly early today due to a long week of meetings, brainstorming, and family travels. And its true when they say "save the best for last". My final trial of the local, Carolina born brand, Pink Sugar Cookie was the Pink Sugar Kisses Scrub (Note: this was the same scrub as reviewed in 1 of 3 ).  I am so in love with this scent; PinkSugar Kisses. It's energizing and rejuvenating at the same time and yes, that's possible. The perfect scrub for a gentle exfoliation of the skin for someone who exfoliates ONCE a week (too much exfoliation actually harms the skin). Not only was I happy but my boyfriend was too - 

Many thanks to PinkSugar Cookie for allowing me to sample your wonderful products. I wish you nothing but love, happiness, and success. 

Support local buy ordering yours PinkSugar Cookie products (hint: Christmas is right around the corner) today Order Here.

Pretty in Pink - Part 2 of 3

This morning I slathered on Pink Sugar Cookie's Jasmine
Creme ...Instantly hydrated my skin thanks to the jojoba, Sweet Almond, and Olive Oils with a lightly scented, fresh Jasmine aroma. This creme is smooth and silky and isn't as heavy as some other on the market. I didn't even spray on my body mist and/or perfume this morning and my boyfriend said, "(inhaling deeply) Mmm... you smell good baby".

This would be a perfect companion to stock up on as far as keeping a bottle at work, in the gym locker, or even in your travel bags.

Other Pink Scents include: PinkBerri Ocean, PinkLavender, PinkMelon, PinkJasmine and PinkCandi Rain. Available at Pink Sugar Cookie

Pretty In Pink - Part 1 of 3

As many of you know, I have a monthly at-home pampering ritual. My DO NOT disturb time, a place to collect my thoughts, detox my mind and body, and unwind after a month of hard work. I slather on a rejuvenating and/or detoxifying facial mask, drench the strands in a keratin treatment mask, lavendar aromatherapy salts and bubbles, candles, and of course two glasses of Moscato.

I was so thrilled when Pink Sugar Cookie Bath and Body reached out to me to sample their products, they truly must have been either spying on me or read my diary, because not only am I a true believer in supporting my local businesses, my favorite color is PINK and of course, I love to be pampered.


This morning I tried the Pink Sugar Cookie Pink Soft Scrub. Love. I'd give it an A- only because I was expecting more of a their signature scent when I went to work the scrub. Nonetheless, this lightly exfoliating scrub is a great once a week scrub that I'd recommend incorporating in your own pampering routine, especially with the weather getting colder and the dryness coming in. The scrub not only cleanse and exfoliates the skin but conditions, hydrates, and moisturizes while doing so. And we know moisture is key!

Until then, I have two more samples that I can't wait to try!

Breaking A Sweat... or Not!

 It was an absolute honor meeting Dr. Audrey Gottlieb Kunin creator and founder of DERMAdoctor. As some of you know and as much as it's an embarrasment to admit, I sweat a lot ... well use to anyway! About four years ago, I went to Sephora looking for a brand of deodorant that

- not only smell fresh (I am not a floral girl),
- with medication but mild, and
- catered specifically for a woman..
and boy did I find a product that I love and never going back!


DERMAdoctor's MED e TATE is absolutely unbelievable. Opposed to the gel or solid leaving chalky residue, this is a lightly medicated towelette that you can apply in substitution of your deodorant. I immediately noticed a difference within two-three days. 

Of course, DERMAdoctor carries an extensive brand of skincare items and MED e TATE is only one. So ladies if you are looking for a proven, Doctor created product, that is worth every penny, check out DERMAdoctor. Available at Sephora.