My name is Andrea Beale. I'm just a woman on a mission to save the world from tragic Mom and Dad jeans and questionable fashion choices in general. I've always had an appreciation for the aesthetic and I want to share my love for fashion and beauty with you!
I'm not a full fledged stylist, yet! But people do come to me for fashion and style advice. I make no claims on being a guru. What I do have is an eye for what works and what doesn't.
I don't subscribe to, too many fashion rules. My one guiding principle is if it's flattering do it, if it isn't, DON'T- STEP AWAY FROM THE RHINESTONE BLAZER YOU WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO PULL IT OFF!! We all know when we have to convince OURSELVES it's a good look, it's probably not. Your real friends will tell you and I'm as real as they come. I apply that rule to my life as a whole. Thus far, when applied appropriately and copious amounts of coconut oil, it's worked out pretty well.
As for the rest of it, I balance motherhood, career, and marriage on a very tight rope. It’s definitely a real circus at times, organized chaos at it's best, but we get it done. I couldn't do any of it without my partner in crime Big Rick aka Pretty Ricky aka Ricardo aka my Pumpkin. Oh and my other, other half Alex (we’re identical twins so prepare yourself for some major twinning). I love me some God and try my best to be a good person and Christian, I'm not always successful at either but HE's working on me. Stick around ladybugs I'm sure you're learn to love me...
If you know me, you know I’m a certified sneaker head. Don’t let the ultra chic clothes and shoes I pose and prance around in fool you. Either I’m dressed to the nines or I look like a 5th Ave. hobo (5th Ave NYC- the street that features every high brand/designer known to man). 5th Ave hobos just dress better, it’s 5th Ave they have to, I don’t make the rules.
Air Jordan Sneaker Collection
Since we’re all cooped up in our homes I figured there was no better time to show off my babies- my modest sneaker collection. By why of collections I’d say this is rather subdued. There are crazy people who have hundreds of pairs of sneakers. I’m not one of those crazy people (at least not for that reason), I may have 20 pairs tops.
I love all kinds of sneakers, fashion, athletic, I’m here for it all.
But the Air Jordan brand holds a very special place in my heart. Being one of nine children I’m total (my parents kept going after they separated) there wasn’t a whole lot of money for $100+ sneakers. Although I think it had more to do with the fact that my dad refused to put another dime into Nike’s pockets especially when kids starting killing each other for them in the hood. My mother was no help either, she hates sneakers, she thinks they are ugly. She might own two pair, if that. She was willing to buy me any dress shoe I wanted but she could not bring herself to buy a pair of ‘ugly sneakers’, in her words.
Hey guys! I hope everyone is maintaining during this difficult time. I have to admit I started to become a bit undone last week with working remotely, setting up full-on distance learning, working out our finances, and no vacation. Admittedly these are all first world problems. I am extremely grateful to have a job that allows me to work remotely, kids who aren’t in the early years of primary school (God help those parents, just keeping my kids on task has been a challenge) and an amazing partner and husband who makes sure I don’t spend all the money. I’m definitely among the fortunate.
However I can’t say I’m not a bit disappointed about missing out on a few things. I was really looking forward to a well-deserved vacation and some time at the beach. And I love the feeling of sand between my toes. Don’t ask me to going camping, glamping or hiking, because the answer will most assuredly be, no, no thank you. I’d have to like you a WHOLE lot to do any of those things for fun. No sir, give me a white sandy beach, a drank or four, nothing to do but maybe read and I’m happy as a bug in rug.
So how do you deal with all this disappointment?
One sure-fire way is by keeping up with your routine. Don’t stop doing the normal things; shower, brush your teeth. Another way is not forgetting to take care of YOU. A little bit of selfcare goes a long way. If I’m being completely honest I may have gotten dressed-dressed, once in the last 3 weeks. Sweats and hoodies don’t equate to getting dressed for me. And let’s not even talk about this hair. It’s been in some variation of a messy bun or messy fro since we’ve been on lockdown. I finally decided enough is enough. I’m going to get my entire life together. So I washed and dried my hair. I washed, braided, and beaded Laila’s hair too. I was on a roll. But I stopped short of flat ironing my own hair so I could record a little product review on one of my favorite hair straightening tools, the Kim Kimble Vapor Infusion flat-iron; hit the link below for my product review video.
The cleanest my house has been in ages. I actually live in my house… sue me
Full disclosure this post contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase I will be compensated.
Hey guys this one is long overdue. I started drafting this post just as the Coronavirus began interrupting everyone’s lives. For the past week and a half I’ve been adjusting to my new normal and I’ve straight up neglected my baby, my blog.
That happened for a number of reasons. First I felt like who cares about style and fashion right now, as I’ve been living in pjs, sweats, and hoodies myself. But then I read something on social media that said during the quarantine in London several lifetimes ago, William Shakespeare wrote King Lear. Please make no mistake I am not comparing my blog post to the literary gifts of Shakespeare but my words, pictures, and insights might just brighten someone’s day. So I’m back at it, ladies and gents and I’m here for the long haul. Stay safe, healthy, and happy. And say a prayer for all “the essential workforce” out there, cause Corona and Jesus are everywhere…lol
This blog post was drafted pre-Corona
Hey hey hey!!! We’re halfway through March already! Can you believe it?! I know we say this a lot but time is FLYYYYYING!!! I’m loving all the amazing Women’s History Month events, art, music and dope content that’s made its way to my social media timelines. It’s a lovefest for women and I love it. It’s nothing like witnessing a glow-up.
My Chic Living Room
Speaking of glow-ups I’ve had my own miniature glow-up in the form of a mini/major home improvement. I finally bit the bullet and bought an adult couch. Say hello to Betty ya’ll. Yes, I give inanimate objects names; cars, couches, kitchen appliances, it’s what I do 🤷🏽♀️. Betty seems like a very grownup name right?! Lol
My chic living room.
I purchased Betty online at Wayfair.
This wasn’t my first purchase on Wayfair. I purchased my dining rooms chairs as well as several other household items from Wayfair. You could say Wayfair and I have some “history.” They never disappoint. I can always expect quality products and on time and careful delivery. They are the best!!!
This is my dramatic and exhausted pose… Am I selling this well or nah?
The chic living room before and after
I deliberated over this purchase for the better part of a year, mostly because I wanted a chocolate brown couch like Betty. But for some reason, the brown couches were way out of my budget; so I settled. I never settle, fatal flaw of mine. If it’s not exactly what I want, how I want it, I seldom cave. But I did in this case and the results weren’t terrible. I was trying to create the magic in the picture, on the left (designed by Maureen Mahon). And I think I nailed it. I protect Betty from my wayward family with this amazing couch cover I picked up from Amazon. It comes in a variety of colors so if you have kids or pets this is a good look.
Interior Design images for Maureen Mahon Interiors
I love the month of February for a plethora of reasons. First it’s Black History Month and I love US. We also get some of the best fashion of the year for V-day. Let me be clear Valentine’s day is for suckers! I do not approve of the commercialism of it all and I want flowers and love everyday…lol And that’s my PSA for the day. But I do get a kick out of all the pink, red, and burgundy looks that come my way. It’s a wonderful assault on the senses. And we can talk about all the floral arrangements and installations that will most certainly flood our time lines this week.
Taking over Lee’s Flowers Gift Shop!
Lee’s Flower Gift Shop
If you live in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) you can have the most beautiful flowers delivered to you from Lee’s Flower and Card Shop anytime you want and I want ALL THE FLOWERS. Lee’s has in been in business since 1945, it’s a black owned, family business in the heart of the district.
The Lee’s
I stopped into Lee’s for some rose petals and flowers for the look you see before you. And as good fortune would have it I stumbled into the cutest little gift shop I ever did see. The space was curated so beautifully, I had to ask if I could take a few pics in the shop for this look. The owner humbly obliged. Everyone was so hospitable and welcoming. I really love US!!!. They have a new forever customer in me!
I also discovered the dopiest all natural/eco friendly air fresheners, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies. The shop features an all natural line called Eco Daisy Home by Dr. Priscilla Johnson. Dr. Johnson is sprinkling her black girl magic all over us with her bomb air fresheners and household supplies, y’all better get into it. Rest assured a product review is coming your way.
What can I say about this coat?! For starters I need another coat like I need a hole in my head…lol But here we are with yet another fab and fun frock.
I just couldn’t resist the urge on this one. I was a bit hesitant about buying this coat especially since some of the biggest influencers and stylist in the game have been photographed in this very same coat. But clearly it wasn’t just intended for them so I went ahead and grabbed that thang right off of Nordstrom.com.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Meaning if you purchase something, mama gets paid.
Hello Darlings!!!
Much to my chagrin this is my first post for the new year. But I’ve been busy with home improvements, upgrading the blog, traveling; you know just living life. It hasn’t been all rainbows and sunshine! I was in three, yes three, different car incidents: an uninsured driver hit me, than someone hit the rental car I was driving while waiting on my car repairs (a hit and run in front of my house they did not leave their information) and I hit a parked car. Let me explain that one. I was driving my husbands truck, a Suburban, which I’m usually pretty good at maneuvering but I thought Obama (that’s what we named our Suburban, yes we name our cars) had more room but alas he did not.
The end of 2019 hit hard, literally. I was defeated for like a day, than I bounced back. After all I have a fabulous life to lead. We can’t let a few bumps in the road derail this freight train.
Our Trip to Chicago
2020 began with a little/big trip to Chicago aka The CHI. I say little because we were still state side and it was a quickie. Big because this was a surprise and a sports bucket list trip for my husband.
I enlisted my brother-in-law Dre (seated at the head of the table in the pic below) to help me with my little the surprise. He agreed to be apart of my ruse. We came up with a “boys trip” to Chicago for a Bulls game. Let me just say I’m not surprising anyone, with anything, ever again!!! Whatever I do moving forward for anyone, you’re going know about it and you’ll be happy with your gift, whatever it is.
Dinner at the Original Morton’s Steakhouse…
Trying to keep this trip under wraps (and not have it turn into a real boys trip) was no small feat, I failed. I inevitably hurt some feelings, which wasn’t my intent, but feelings were hurt nonetheless. The whole purpose of the trip was for my amazing, hard-working, incredibly deserving husband to have a once in a life time experience. Mission accomplished despite the drama. He had a blast and that’s the only thing that really matters. He saw his beloved Bulls fall to the Boston Celtics but we checked another item off the old bucket list. Yay us!!
No more monkeys jumping on the bed…
Us at the Game. Finally made it to The United Center
The laziest fake dunk I’ve ever seen.
Say Cheese… Wait the guy in the back didn’t get the memo
This is my last blog post for the year. The last post for the decade, if you can believe that!! It will be 2020 in just a few hours. I know I’m not alone when I say, how in the heck did we get here?! My life has changed dramatically in the last ten years. We bought a house, got married and I gave birth to one of the most amazing humans in the world (Laila); not necessarily in that order. I continue to fall deeper in love with my amazing husband. I’ve also been blessed to watch my oldest daughter (Sanaa) turn into a little woman; despite my best efforts. I would like my baby back, please and thank you.
2020 Plans
I won’t begin to speculate on what will happen in the decade to come. We plan but God laughs. I sincerely hope and pray it brings about real peace and happiness for everyone I know and love. One thing I know for sure is that I’m going to keep bringing you guys style, beauty, fashion and a little bit of laughter. I want to thank you all for supporting IVN. Your feedback, encouragement, and support keeps us going. I’m looking forward to the New Year! We have big plans for 2020, so stay tuned. On that note here are a few looks to take you into the New Year and beyond.
Is That Velvet?!
Believe it or not, this dress was a gift from my cousin’s closet. For some odd reason she didn’t want it anymore and I immediately said yes to the dress, pun intended. One woman’s trash is another one’s treasure. You can find something similar here.
Red Alert! Red Alert! It’s celebration season y ‘all. The galas, soirées, dinners, and fundraisers are abundant. And with this comes the dreaded question, what do I wear? Do I buy something new? Do I pull an oldie but goodie out of the closet? Maybe something vintage? The answer is yes, yes, yes, and yes!!! That’s exactly what I did with this look. You can rock this look at a Friends-giving event or your first dinner with HIS family. No matter where you decide to rock this, this look is pure FIRE!!! It just made sense for us to shoot at a fire house. I think we kinda nailed it…lol
I’ve been to Miami quite a few times but this time was refreshingly different. We did all the typical activities one does when you visit Miami. We walked Ocean drive, people watching, it was Halloween weekend so you can only imagine the things we saw. And we had a much-needed beach day. And of course we took in the nightlife.
So what exactly made this trip so different?! We actually explored the city a bit more. Ricardo (the husband) is the explorer. He was a man on a mission on this trip. If I’m being honest I would have been fine being a beach bum for the whole trip, but Rick had other plans.
MIAMI Vacation Trip
One of our first stops on this little adventure was the park on 21st street and Collins Ave. What’s so fascinating about a park?! Welp the ginormous rock structure sitting in the middle of it.
As you can see the dress I planned on taking a few photos in was almost an exact match to the stones. My husband is the best photoshoot scout ever! I bought this dress from Chic Wish months ago. I had no idea this structure existed. And I just knew the dress was perfect for a Miami vacation and we’d figure something out. And look at GODT!!
Amanda and I are back at it. We’re giving you looks for Fall in this one. Target came through in a major way. I’ve been somewhat obsessed with Target since the 20 Years of Design drop. Target’s A New Day collection is giving me so much life right now. I’m a sucker for beaming ambers, rusty reds and burnt oranges and they did not disappoint. When I saw this blouse I knew I had to create a look with it as the centerpiece. It’s has a very subtle leopard print and I’m here for ALL things animal print.
While the blouse was a total winner for me, not so much for Amanda. But we made it twerk for the shoot. It was a fit and fabric issue. The sleeves were a bit narrow and the fabric wasn’t breathable. Sweat marks were visible within a few minutes of her wearing it. It wasn’t exactly hot that morning either; in fact it was freezing. It should be noted it’s a polyester blend. Imagine wearing this to work and upon your arrival you have unsightly sweat marks under your pits. Not sexy ladies!!! An innocent design flaw I’m sure, but if any of you decide to purchase the top, buyer beware. I did not have the sweat issue. I don’t sweat a lot in general.
