*Contest time* Let's Get Naked... Date Night OOTD Contest

Hey Divas, it's contest time. Like I mentioned in my previous post I actually ordered 2 Urban Decay Naked Palettes, one for me and one for 1 of you fabulous ladies. Well the time is here to to give it away.

I love interacting with all of you divas so I knew that I definitely wanted a video response contest. I love making videos and posting photos of my own Date night OOTD, so I figured that it would be great to see what other fabulous divas wear on their date night.

Here is the September Contest :-)
Let's Get Naked... Date Night Outfit of the Day Contest

Instructions:
Produce your very own Date Night Outfit of the Day video
-Tell me where you are going on your date (ex. dinner & a movie, dancing, a Broadway show, the museum, etc.)
-Show me and describe the details of what you are wearing
-Describe your makeup look (I don't need to see the application process, I'm more interested in the end result).
-Must attach it to the video below (All video entries must be made public. No private videos or emailed videos will be accepted)

Rules:
-Must be a subscriber to my YouTube channel- YouTube.com/SongbirdDiva4Life
-Must be a follower of this blog- www.VivaDivaGlam.com (preferably with Google Friend Connect)
-If under 18, must have parent's consent
-Video must not be over 10 minutes. Ideally, it would be under 5 minutes
-Cannot enter more than 2 video responses
-Must say in the video, "Hello SongbirdDiva, I am entering your September Date Night OOTD contest" (or something to that affect), so that I know that video was made specifically for my contest.

Contest will close on Monday, September 21 at 12pm (noon) EST.
Please make it fun, creative, and keep it most importantly...DIVA

Here is the video...
 

*Note- You don't have to dress up like you are going to a ball (unless you want to), but you can still be Diva in a pair of Jeans and a t-shirt.

**Must receive at least 12 contestants or contest is void.

Open Internationally

Have fun ladies :-)

If you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment to this blog post.

Let's Get Naked... :-)

Urban Decay Naked Palette Review

So as you all know I am not the biggest fan of neutrals, I really prefer colors especially in the pink and purple family, so when this palette came out I was not completely sold on it. I am a fan of Urban Decay shadows because I have a few of their other palettes like the Book of Shadows Vol.2 and the Alice in Wonderland palette, so I know that the quality of their shadows is really good especially for the amount of shadows that you get for the price. Since I wasn't really convinced, I started watching some reviews on the palette and everyone that reviewed kept on saying that it was wonderful. Well that really didn't convince me because I felt like they are probably neutral lovers so of course they would love it. The only way for me to know for sure was to just go ahed and take the plunge and purchase it myself.

It took me a while to finally order it due to the fact that it was sold out everywhere, but I finally got my hands on a couple of them (one for me of course...and one for one of you fabulous divas *contest info will be posted soon*). When it arrived I was a bit skeptical, but when I opened the box, the first thing that I noticed was how great the packaging was. It is a very soft velvet-like package that is opened by just pulling up the flap. I really prefer this than the packaging of the other book of shadows because those are so inconvenient to deal with and store because they are bulky and open up like a dresser draw.

(From left to right: Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck, Half Baked, Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep, Gunmetal)

After I got over the packaging,  I quickly got to playing with the colors and the honest truth of the matter is that I actually like them. The thing that saves it for me is the fact that a lot of the colors have shimmer in them. If I'm going to wear neutrals, then it most definitely must have a kick to it...and these definitely do. I call these Diva Neutrals, although the colors are subtle, the shimmer steps it up a notch and will definitely get you noticed. Just like other Urban Decay eye shadows they are extremely blend-able and pigmented. These shadows can easily take you from day to night.

This palette is a great deal in my opinion ($44), especially when compared with trying to build your own neutral palette with other department store cosmetic brands. Not only do you receive 12 eye-shadows, you also receive (2) 24/7 liners (although these are not my favorite liners, they really do last all day once they dry and are definitely worth the price when included with the palette), and a mini-Urban Decay Primer Potion (a must have if you want your look to last all day).

If you are not, then you definitely need to be (lol). This is a great palette if you are a makeup lover. The great thing about this palette besides the shadows themselves is the fact that it is not limited edition. From what I understand, this palette has been added to the Urban Decay permanent line. So, if you haven't been able to lay your hands on it, don't worry it will be available again sooner rather than later.


Here is my tutorial using the Naked Palette- 3 looks 1 video :-)

Chinese Vendor Full Lace Wig Info.

Hey everyone, I know that I said in my First Lace Wig video that you can email me or send me a message to get the info, but I never anticipated that I would receive so many inquiries about it everyday since the video was posted. I do try to respond to as many as I can, but I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. I don't want anyone to feel like I'm ignoring their email(s), so I decided to post the info right here on my blog. I will also put a link in the video so that everyone that is interested would know to check out the info right here.

Here is the info that was requested. I wrote it in a standard form, that way it would be easier for me to answer more emails.

Hi Divas,
I am so sorry that I have to answer these emails in bulk instead of personalized, but I didn't anticipate all of these emails that I received concerning the lace wig forum and Chinese vendor information.
I just want u to know that although I am answering in bulk, I am reading each and every email individually.

Ok, so here goes the info- The lace wig forum that I follow is Black Hair Media http://talk.blackhairmedia.com/forum_topics.asp?FID=79. The Chinese vendor that I purchased the wig from is Junpeng wigs also known as RexLace Wigs http://www.junpengwigs.com/english/Index.asp. In order to order from hem you would first have to email them for a price list on the stock wigs, but if you would prefer a custom wig, you can send them a picture and the specs on what you would like and they will send you a quote. They normally respond pretty quickly, within 12 hours.
Another reason that I chose to order from them was because they accept pay-pal. Since this was my first experience with a lace wig and Chinese supplier, I didn't want to take the chance of using western union or money gram, and they not sending my wig and keeping my money, but now I do know that they are reliable. Also, their shipping was supper fast. I placed my order early on a Monday and received it on a Wednesday from China!

By the way for you ladies that wanted to know, my wig was $250, which to me was an excellent price for 24inches of 100% Remy Indian hair in a full lace wig (it's not a lace front). Also keep in mind that the shorter your wig, the cheaper it would be. I know that not everyone wants 24inches of hair lol.

I hope that this helps all of you FABULOUS Divas :-)

xoxo
SongbirdDiva

Chic 4 Cheap :-)

I am a living testament to the fact that you don't always have to spend a lot to look Fabulous. Although I have been known to spend quite a bit on certain items, I am realizing more and more everyday that chic and fabulous is not always synonymous with expensive. This whole outfit (except the shoes) is under $100.


Top: 100% Silk, Ruffled blouse w. adjustable straps... Forever 21- $30



Today we decided on seeing Eat, Pray, Love. I seem to be one of the only females that I know that was not excited about seeing it, but I decided to see it anyway because my hubby read the book about a year ago and wanted to see how it translates to the big screen. He's an avid reader, but he's very into books about self development and recognizing and utilizing your inner potential. He inspires me and challenges me daily.


Headband: Black w. studded crystals...Forever21- $5.80


Earrings: Gift...but it is no more than $5.00
(I really didn't want to wear a necklace because I didn't want it competing with the ruffles of the blouse. I also felt like my headband and hoop earrings gave the outfit more than enough life)


Ring: Forever21 Black Plastic bow - $3.80

We ate dinner at home, so we decided that after the movie we would just walk around the city for a little while and then stop off somewhere to get some dessert. I wanted to be comfortable, casual, but also chic.


Handbag: Black leather clutch- Guess by Marciano- $39 (clearance :-)
Shoes: COACH Farrah silk bow Slingbacks


Jeans: Forever21 dark blue stretch denim- $9.50...yes $9.50!!! :-)


Total look (except shoes)- $95!!! Definitely Chic 4 Cheap :-)


If you saw Eat, Pray, Love, what did you think about it? Did it challenge you to do or change anything in your life? I know it did for me... Live, Love, Learn, Laugh (this has been my motto since the beginning of the year :-), but now with passion!

I might get it tatted somewhere (lol)

The Zoeinator (lol)

Because I am a lover of style and fashion, how could I not love her? The fact that she is willing to make fun of herself makes me like her even more. This is too funny.

I came across this clip and just had to share. If you don't watch her show, you definitely won't get; but if you do watch, I hope you enjoy...The Zoeinator!!!

OOTD: Club Chic!!!

Hey ladies, so tonight my hubby and I are on our way to a club. Although we are not really big on clubs, we are going to have lots of fun at one tonight. A friend of ours is celebrating his birthday and decided to host his party at a club in the city.



When I bought this dress, I didn't really have a specific occasion to wear it to. I was a little self conscious about the length, but I figured this would be the perfect occasion to wear it. You can get away with shorter lengths when going to a club. Although it is a bit shorter than most of my other dresses, I still considered it to be tasteful. Tasteful because it didn't show any cleavage or skin besides my legs.


Dress: French Connection Princess Sequin Dress

One of the great features of this dress is the shoulder pads, but my shoulders are a little wider than some divas so I am either going to have to remove them completely or replace them with shoulder pads that are a little wider. I love the silhouette that the shoulder pads helps to create (very 80s rocker), but if the pads are too small you may miss that detail. I didn't have time to do it tonight, but definitely the next time that I wear it it will either have no pads or broader ones.


* Tip- If you are going to wear a really short dress, try to make sure that hardly any skin is showing in other areas. You want to look tasteful and chic, not tasteless and cheap. Try to focus on one feature or body area that you are confident with.




Handbag: COACH Fuchsia Suede  clutch
Shoes: ZARA


I saw this bus stop and just had to take a picture.


Belt: Forever21


I love a bright pop of color with a black and white (silver in this case) outfit
It adds something unexpected.


Have you ever noticed that when you feel good about yourself, you can make every sidewalk a runway? (lol)


Who wouldn't want a picture with Obama? (lol)



Please no more paparazzi for tonight :-)

Check out my OOTD video if you are interested :-)

Sometimes Every Diva Needs a Little Inspiration :-)

 

I was just thinking about the word Glamor and many different images flashed through my mind. Wikipedia defines Glamor as an appearance of enhanced attractiveness. Webster defines it as  an alluring or fascinating attraction.

 
In today's society I feel like the allure of glamor has been lost. Everyone wants to look alike. I find the most glamor in uniqueness and creativity. A style and appeal that you can call your own. Many times people often mistake the word glamor with expensive; which isn't always the case. I've seen many women with the priciest ensemble and they do not look glamorous at all. I've also seen women that work within their specific budget that can make a $30 blouse look like it cost $300.

I feel like glamor is in the allure of a confident woman. It's not in the price tag. There are great things that are glamorous and expensive, but if put in the hands of an insecure woman, that item can instantly lose it's glamorous appeal.

 

There's been times when I felt extremely glamorous in jeans and a T-shirt; there's also been times when I felt extremely insecure in an expensive garment. The only difference was my self confidence on that given day. A lot of us women are always looking for approval from the outside, well I say it's about time we look ourselves in the mirror and accepts and like what we see -flaws and all (especially if you can't change it). Even if we all live to be 100, we shouldn't waste a day lamenting over the way we were physically created. If you can do something to improve it, go for it; but if you can't, you might as well love it.

So I urge all of you divas and aspiring divas out there to focus on building inner confidence in order to exude glamor. There is absolutely nothing wrong with purchasing pricey items that you feel are worth it (I do it), but I have found that after the initial rush of treating yourself to a pricey item, if there is not an inner confidence; that item quickly loses it's value.

I've come to realize that glamor is not necessarily in an item, but it's in the inner being of the person. A diva exudes glamor, she doesn't look for it.

*All photos are public domain*
At owners request, photo(s) can and will be removed without notice

FOD: African Queen :-)

OOTD: Party Time (Nigerian Style :-)

A couple in our church decided to celebrate their 10 year anniversary in a big way. Instead of just throwing an anniversary party, they decided to go all out and renew their vows by having a real wedding ceremony all over again; followed by a reception. If you didn't know better, you probably wouldn't know that they were already married. The bride had a beautiful white dress, and a full bridal train.
I love the way Nigerians throw a party, because we go all out!

Now for my OOTD...


My gele (head tie) is serious!!! :-)


Lace details...


I love the layered ruffles on my dress. It's one row of lace and 2 rows of satin 3 times. My seamstress told me that the bottom of the dress took her hours and hours to complete because the material was so heavy, it kept on breaking the needle in her sewing machine; but I told her that it was absolutly worth it because I loved the end result :-)


Now Party Time :-)


The happy couple. Congrats on 10 years, wishing u at least 50 more blissful ones :-)


Live band


Mr.&Mrs... My hubby and I :-)


Divine Destiny Dancers- They rocked a traditional African dance. These ladies are professionals :-)


Had to get a picture with my girls and let them know that they killed it :-)


The celebrants changed into their traditional attire


Why is my mother wearing green lipstick to match her outfit? (lol) She's still cute anyway :-)


It should be a crime to look this good... You're killing it baby :-)


Me & my dad (he's a jokester lol)

 
This dress is heavier than you think...leaning on this column for support (lol)



My mom's silver clutch that I borrowed