andreatbeale@gmail.com, Author at Its Very Necessary

Sure Shot…They’ll Ketchup…The Album

I’m very excited about this post for a several reasons. First, I get to do a feature on my friend who just happens to be one of DC’s dopiest lyricist, Sure Shot. Second, we shot the visuals for this feature at the Blind Whino Art Club; very cool spot. Much to my chagrin, it was my first visit.

The Blind Whino is currently featuring a Hip-Hop museum. If you’re a Hip-Hop fan, you should stop by the museum, you’ll definitely enjoy the exhibits, collections, and art work. It was the obvious choice to shoot the visuals.

SURE SHOT – THEY’LL KETCHUP

Sure Shot recently released his first solo project They’ll Ketchup, so I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to get the low down on the new project. The connection, he and I share a best friend, my husband, and we’re both creatives. Sure Shot creates dope music and he has a sufficient amount of sauce on the fashion tip; probably the biggest reason I keep him around…lol And as you know I create amazing beauty and fashion looks. Needless to say the shenanigans are endless when he’s around. We’re unpacking a whole lot stuff in this one, hurt, disappointment, struggle, and triumph.

Enjoy the read

Prepping for Spring

It’s March and spring is just around the corner. So imagine my surprise when I still find myself in need of a WHOLE winter coat and gloves. Ok, ok, the gloves weren’t necessary they just completed the look. But seriously winter just doesn’t want to let go. So what’s a girl to do…adjust… because champions adjust!!!

When you’re ready for Spring and Winter won’t let you be great you find a light weight sweater dress to satisfy your passion for fashion. I picked this up from one of my favorite online boutique’s Abi Project. It’s no coincidence I choose a piece from Abi. It’s sista owned and it’s Women’s History month (WHM). In celebration of WHM I’ll be showing all kinds of love to all the sistas/sisters who are making BOSS moves in my post all month long; so stay tuned!

We shot this look at the Blind Whino Arts Center in DC.

If you’re in the DC area and looking for something cool to do, stop by the Blind Whino Arts Center. They’re currently featuring a really dope Hip Hop museum which I visited and will be talking more about in my next post. Fore warned is fore armed, no professional photography is allowed inside the museum area, camera-phone photos and video are allowed. Traditional camera photography is allowed around the exterior of the building.

Shop the look:

Dress

Sunnies

If you’re feeling the shades and want a pair, use discount code Andrea25 for 25% off your order.

Coat

Boots

Until next time ladybugs!!!

Xoxo,

Andrea

Photo credit- Dynamic Duo Images. As usually thanks for a dope shoot Nesh.

MY FIRST LOVE

Love is in the air this month at least that’s what they say. So I decided to go twinning with my very first love, my Sanaa, so we went H.A.M on all things cheetah print. I have to give my husband all the credit on these outfits. He bought every very single piece. However, there was a small problem; my broke best friend has to have everything I have.

The problem with a teenage daughters is that they like to “borrow” your things without asking and they also return your things in less than stellar condition. So my husband made sure there would be no arguments; he got two of everything. He knows us so well. And might just be the best husband in the world; don’t tell him I said that he’ll get a big head.

Cheetah Print Twinning With My First Love

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Drea Does Dallas, Part 2

In my last post, I promised to tell you all about my very first experience at an Airbnb. So let me just start by saying I love Dallas. This was my second trip and I’ll be back for sure. Soooooooo about the Airbnb, the neighborhood where the house was located was a little sketchy. I’m not a stranger to sketchy, I grew in Brooklyn in the 80’s, sketchy was abundant, however as an adult I’m not a fan of paying for sketchy.

Dallas Airbnb Experience

We pulled up to the house, it was cute albeit in a questionable neighborhood. We opened the doors, the interior was cute as well but the house was freezing. I get you want to save some coins on the heating bill, ok. But as we move through the house and reach the back door you could smell the scent of cat spray; it’s a very distinct order. Not the owners fault a bunch of strays are squatting in his back yard. But the flimsy door my nine year old could kick open did lead to me question my safety; there were even talks of finding another spot for the weekend. We talked each other out of that idea but at 3 am we regretted that decision.

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Drea Does Dallas, Part 1

So I’ve wanted to do a post about a big mama splurge for a while now but I had to find something worthy of the post. I think I hit the bullseye with this one guys. But first let’s talk mommy-guilt.

Mommy-guilt can manifest itself in many different ways but one of the most profound is the feeling that you don’t deserve or need something REALLY nice, i.e. that Louie bag or those Loubs, or that new power suit you had your eye on for months because you feel like your child or children, will undoubtedly need something. Who are you to be spending money on yourself? I SAY FIGHT THE FEELING LADIES!!! Children, will always, always, ALWAYS need something. A bath, a meal, new teeth, new lungs (my kid has asthma, I wish we could buy her new lungs), the point is they WILL always need something; so LIVE a little and forget about those kids, at least until you finish shopping.

Stuart Weitzman Boots

Stuart Weitzman boots

So I took my own advice and bought my very first pair of Stuart Weitzman boots! A pair of Stuey’s can run you a good $800 easily. I’m proud to say I did not pay $800 for my Edie’s. I knew I needed these in my life, they are named after my little sister for God-sakes. She’s special, they’re special, it was meant to be. So I waited for a dope sale and got them for WAYYYY less. Don’t ask me how much less, just less…lol

When I was asked by Dynamic Duos Images to be their model for a photo walk and studio session in Dallas, you know I had to bring my new babies with me. I got to carry my “Edie” around once again…lol. However the Edie’s weren’t the only star of the show, I bought a colorful shaggy/fringy (it’s debatable in some circles) cardigan for a little extra umph.

I’m giving you all kinds of street style in this one folks.

If you’ve been paying attention you may have noticed I don’t limit myself to one style. I can do street styles, business, trendier looks, because I wear what I like (exercising modesty and grace of course) and you should too! I do lean towards more polished looks but I do like to mix it up every once and awhile. That’s the beauty of fashion, you can mix it up, always keep them guessing. “Nobody puts babe in a corner!”

With that said, we shot several different looks during our little Dallas adventure. You’ll see more looks and hear all about Dallas; the good, bad, and the ugly. Yes there was some ugly. Let’s just say my first experience staying at an Airbnb was interesting. So prepare yourselves for the Drea Does Dallas series, this is Part 1. Enjoy!

Stuart Weitzman boots

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WINTER IN COLOR

Who said you winter has to be drab?! As you know I love bold and bright colors. This winter in color post is all about the looks I put together for a photo walk/studio session I was asked to join a few weeks ago. My go to photographer Kaneisha Johnson of Dynamic Duo Images asked me to be her model for the event and I didn’t hesitate.

What I love about the ladies at Dynamic Duo Images is that they haven’t rested on their laurels. They continue to hone their skills through collaborating and seeking the knowledge of more experienced and skilled artist and photographers. It was an absolute pleasure working with all the photographers during the studio session and photo walk.

I was asked to put together a business/business casual look and an edgy look for the shoot; this is what I came up with.

WINTER IN COLOR

The Business Look

I’ve had all the pieces for this look for a little while now so they aren’t going to be readily available. The pants are a apart of a set purchased at Asos. The shoes are from Zara. The top is from Banana Republic, my go to for fun button down shirts. You should be able to find similar options and if not reach out I’d be happy to help.

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ROYALTY

My favorite color in the world is blue. Almost any shade of blue, but my absolute favorite is royal blue. If you’re a love language person I think that’s my color. Royal blue is cool, calm, commanding. At the same time it is bold, beautiful, and dare I say regal… It speaks to me in so many ways, I just love it!

Royal Blue Look

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Lovely in Lavender

Hey guys I know it’s been awhile since I posted a look; well the wait is over! My latest obsession is just about anything in the purple, lavender, lilac, family; it’s all a go for me.

One of my favorite style and fashion influencer’s brought my lovely lavender dreams to life. Blair Eadie , blogger, fashion maven, and overall baad girl, collaborated with Halogen (one of Nordstrom’s best selling ready to wear brands) to bring us, you, me a line of fresh, fun, and oh so feminine pieces.

Continue reading “Lovely in Lavender” →

WORKING WOMEN WEDNESDAYS

Today’s post is all about Body By Brandi. It was a real treat to be apart of the re-branding campaign for this all natural skin care line. And I’m not just saying this because Brandi is one of my best friends and favorite people in the entire world; maybe I’m a little bias. But anytime I get to put a few of my favorite things together, beauty and fashion, I’m all in. I styled Brandi for the shoot and even got to play model in a few shots.

Body By Brandi.

About Body By Brandi

Body by Brandi features some of the most amazing, skin replenishing, body butters, creams and soaps on the market. And you cannot beat the price point on these gifts from God. You guys know I jumped at the chance to be apart of the movement. Brandi’s body butters, soaps and creams treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Which can be a real issue in the dryer months to come. The line also features hair softeners and conditioners. And the best part about the entire line is that all of the ingredients are all natural. You can literally pronounce every ingredient on the packaging!!!

Body By Brandi.

I can’t believe how good it smells!!

creams treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

She can’t believe I can’t believe how good it smells!!

Gift giving season is right around the corner and I can’t think of a better way to show your loved ones you care about them than with a gift from Body by Brandi.

You can find their products on the social media pages below:

Facebook: Body By Brandi

Instagram: body_bybrandi_

Until next time…

XOXO

Da Republic of Brooklyn!!!

So how does one incorporate your home town, love of all things polka dot, a super comfy summer/fall transition look and bunch of unruly balloons into one post?! Like this…

summer to fall transition look

Summer to Fall Transition Look

So many people are trying to end summer prematurely; these people are sad and unfortunate souls who need a hug.

Summer to Fall Transition Look

Don’t fret I’m not letting the haters get me down. I’m bringing all kinds of, it’s still very much summer, but fall is around the corner vibes with this one. See I’m having oodles of fun trying to control these wayward balloons. I did have a little too much fun on the swings.

Summer to Fall Transition Look

If you follow my Instagram you know I had to incorporate my polka dot Converse into a look at some point.

I love these sneakers for several obvious reasons, first the POLKA DOTS, duh. Second they give me a little height with the platform heel. I’m what they call fun sized, height challenged, petite; I’m short ladies and gents. I come in at a whopping 5′ 3″. If you’re fun sized like me and want a little height or just like Converse you can shop the kicks, here.

You know I had to have this sweatshirt. BROOKLYN, sprawled across just about anything is a must have for me so when I walked into J Crew and laid eyes on this, it was pretty much a wrap; shop the sweat shirt here. Layer this sweatshirt with your favorite button down and issa look or wear it solo! I layered it with one of my favorite polka dot button down’s to give you an idea what you can do with this for fall.

The skirt is the headliner of the show, for several reasons.

First and foremost it’s on the clearance rack at J Crew (in-store on the clearance rack and discounted online), winning!!! I start every shopping expedition at the clearance rack (when I dare enter a store) make no mistake I’m balling on a budget folks.

Second the color is a must have for the season, LILAC!!! And third it’s a midi/maxi (fits like a maxi for the height challenged) so it’s crazy versatile. Take a look at how I wore it to work after the photo shoot, here.

Summer to Fall Transition Look

This skirt swishes when you twirl in it and yes for the record I twirled in it several times. It’s also extremely versatile in my humble opinion. You can wear it to work, the beach, school play, the options are endless, if you know what your doing (we know what we’re doing right ;-). It fits true to size and it also comes in Navy, so run, don’t walk to J Crew for this one, because it is sure to sell out soon, shop the skirt here.

The accessories, watch and bracelets are super old but you can shop similar options here: bracelet here and the watch here. You you can shop the necklace here.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Translation: If you make a purchase via the link provided, lil mama makes a few coins.

Until next time ladybugs…

Xoxo,

Andrea

Photo credit goes to the ladies at Dynamic Duo Images. Everybody needs a Kaneisha in their lives, get you a Kaneisha, reliable, resourceful, patient and willing to work with a sista on a budget.