BEAUTY, STYLE & FASHION

When it comes to service, the spotlight’s on this classy lady who knows the true meaning of the word.  Since her late 20’s, Darnise has made her desire to serve her community a reality.  She started her volunteer journey with local non-profits and other organizations such as the YMCA’s Battered Women’s Shelter, The Urban League, and her church.  She says that her thoughts have always centered around her motto, “I do what I can, when I can to leave this place better off.”

Darnise says she had a great childhood with her two older sisters and one younger brother.  Now speaking of her childhood…you may ask about her name.  Well, according to this classy lady, her legal name is Danise St. Andrew, but her friends and family call her Darnise.  It was never clear if her parents just misspelled her name or if it was the result of a southern drawl…rolling the r’s.  That would not be surprising, especially since her mom is from Atlanta, Ga. and her dad is from Opelousas, L.A.  

Being raised in Toledo, Ohio, better known as “The Glass City”, and having lived there for over 50 years, Darnise says she was fortunate enough to live in a great, safe neighborhood where she could ride bikes, play kickball, chase ice cream trucks, participate in cheerleading, visit parks and yes…get into fights. Being picked on and bullied because of her light skin complexion was something Darnise was too familiar with, even though she’s been told that she was the one that started most of the fights!  Imagine that!! This is still a debatable subject at her neighborhood reunions, but she’s especially grateful that they all do stay in touch with each other.

Darnise earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toledo with a concentration on Business Management.  She’s especially proud that she completed her degree while working full time, divorced and with two kids.  Now that’s strength!  Darnise earned a Master’s degree from Lourdes University in Organizational Leadership.  

Spending the early years of her career in the customer service/call center environment, Darnise was the Call Center Manager for Columbia Gas of Ohio.  She then began working for Owens Corning World Headquarters and held various positions in the supply chain. Her last position with that company was Process Expert/Business analyst for SAP system upgrades. Darnise is currently employed with Novelis North America as a Pricing Leader, leading a team of pricing analysts, responsible for end-to-end price administration, analysis, and process excellence. 

Darnise has two adult children.  Her oldest is her favorite son, 33-year-old Chad Ware.  He’s married with three sons and is an Assistant Director of Insurance Operations at Ohio National Financial Services.  Her second is her 32-year-old favorite daughter, Brooke Ware-Hickman. She’s married and recently ended her career as a Social Worker for Children’s Services to pursue her dream job as a Make-up Artist/Esthetician.  Darnise says she’s so proud! 

After supporting her two children through college and then caring for her elderly parents that have since passed on, Darnise decided to move south in January 2015 for two good reasons.

1. She always wanted to experience living in the south for the scenic views and the warm weather.
2. She was determined to be with the man she was dating, who now happens to be her amazing husband and her best friend.  

After moving to Gwinnett County, Georgia in 2017, and once again focusing on doing what she could, when she could; Darnise decided there was work that needed to be done for the 2020 elections.  In 2019 and 2020, she served as the President of the Gwinnett Federation of Democratic Women.  Darnise and her team provided candidates with forums, disseminated information, and more.  She’s extremely proud of the work she did as Gwinnett made national news with increased general voter and minority voter turnout.  Many women and minorities are now in key elected positions in Gwinnett County and her team helped flip the county blue.  They also assisted in the delivery of the overall numbers for the state of Georgia, which also flipped blue.  

It was an effortless transition for service when Darnise found herself scrolling through Facebook looking at the lovely ladies of Classy Living Society on their Get On The Bus volunteer effort post.  She saw smiles, she saw the pride, and she definitely saw the passion for service.  Darnise wondered, “what is this CLS all about?” She knew she wanted more information.  From the very beginning, Darnise felt that CLS was right in line with her purpose of giving back to the community.  There was no doubt that she was at a point in her life where she wanted to have fun and experience joy in whatever she found herself doing.  

Darnise enjoys reading autobiographies and likes learning and understanding how folks deal with adversities and end up finding joy. 

She loves to travel to new places and learn about different cultures.  Darnise has been to most of the islands in the Caribbean and she was just starting her international travel with her first trip to Italy.  Then came the Covid 19 Pandemic.  

When asked what brings her the most joy, Darnise lists these things (not necessarily in this order)…

*A walk in the park

*Chocolate chip cookies

*Vodka martinis

*Chicken wings

*Laughing with my husband

*My kids and grandkids

*Peace and relaxation

Darnise often reflects on her favorite quote “The secret to having it all, is knowing that you already do.”  Being a member of CLS has only helped reinforce the belief that yes…Darnise has it all when it comes to positively impacting the community.   

Congratulations to Darnise…our Oh So Classy Spotlight!

I’ve always been drawn to fabulous finds. When shopping, I normally look for high-quality pieces that will last. Growing up in Austin, we didn’t have access to designer brands. The closest we got to designer was Neiman Marcus Last Call. Fun fact – we didn’t even have a Nordstrom when I lived in Austin. I think Barton Creek Mall finally got a Nordstrom 2 years after I moved.

I learned about designer brands during my freshman year of college. Of course, I knew bigger designers like Louis Vuitton and Gucci but I had never heard of Valentino or Chanel. My first job in Houston was at the Galleria – Dillard’s Post Oak. During my lunch hour, I would walk through Neiman’s and Saks. I would stroll through the aisles with amazement at the well-crafted designer pieces. It was a lot like art to me. The craftsmanship blew my mind.

Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about high fashion and decided to share a few things to help you while shopping. Here are my top 5 things to consider before buying designer pieces:

Is this a timeless piece?

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, timeless pieces never go out of style. Think of your classic items like a white button-down, black wide-leg pants, a gold watch, or loafers. These items don’t require annual refreshing. You’re likely to have timeless pieces for a lifetime when well taken care of.

Can I afford this right now?

A good rule of thumb is to not buy anything that you can’t pay for directly out of your checking account. To take this to another level, I’d say avoid buying designer pieces if you don’t have at least 3 times the amount in savings.

One way to afford designer pieces is to save up for your desired item and create a sinking fund. Sinking funds are designated savings accounts for your desired need/want. Example: You can start saving $500 a month towards a car, boat, appliances, cell phone, vacation, or Chanel bag until you have enough saved for the item. This helps you pay cash for your item and avoids racking up credit card debt.

Bonus tip – use your credit card to purchase the item and pay off your statement within the same month. This will give you an opportunity to snag points if your credit card has a rewards program and also helps boost your credit score by paying off the bill on time/early.

Read more at http://stacythesurvivor.com/5-things-to-ask-yourself-before-buying-designer/

On the evening of August 11, Classy Living Society hosted a CLS Talks with special guest International Beauty Expert and Brow Esthetician Kim Roxie. Ms. Roxie, who is also the Founder and CEO of LAMIK Beauty, took over Facebook Live and delivered a vivacious presentation titled, “Your Eyes are Front and Center; Learn to Smize Them!”

Smize: to assume a playful or alluring expression of the eyes.

These days during the pandemic, our eyes are more front and center than ever before.  With Zoom video conferences peppered throughout our remote work days and wearing masks in public, our eyes are the focal point.  So why not make sure they’re visually appealing!   Ms. Roxie demonstrated how to do just that – with LAMIK Beauty’s Celebrity Brow kit.  In the session, CLS members learned a few great tips about how to DIY their brows and eye makeup.  They also learned how the brow kit can be used four different ways: concealer, eyeshadow primer, eyeliner, and eyeshadow!  

The session was truly amazing, as Ms. Roxie is as lively, spirited and engaging as they come!  It is nearly impossible to interact with her and not get caught up in her dynamic energy!  The ladies learned, laughed and came away armed with new techniques to get those eyebrows popping!  There were a few giveaways as well!  

Kim Roxie has been at the forefront of celebrating the beauty of multicultural women since she founded LAMIK in 2004, while still a college student in Atlanta. She didn’t set out to become an entrepreneur at 21, but was inspired to create her own line when she researched the ingredients in the brands available to her customers while working at a cosmetics counter part-time while in school. Dismayed by the unhealthy ingredients she uncovered, Kim decided to become the change she was looking for and founded LAMIK, an environmentally conscious cosmetics line that would not only look good on women of color but also be good for them. By naming her brand LAMIK, which means Love and Makeup in Kindness, Kim signaled that her brand was about more than makeup. She believes in promoting a deeper meaning of beauty, that it emanates from the inside out.

Want more info about Kim Roxie, LAMIK and her Celebrity Brow Kit?  Click here:  LAMIK Beauty.  

Follow her on social media:

Facebook:  LAMIK Cosmetics / Facebook

Twitter: LAMIK Beauty / Twitter

Instagram: LAMIK Beauty / Instagram

CLS Talks is an exciting virtual platform by which CLS will bring informative insights to support, among other things, women’s physical, relational and financial health.  The goal of CLS Talks is to educate the participants of these unique video sessions on important topics related to women’s health.

The fact that your favorite nail salon might be is closed is actually a blessing in disguise. Experts agree that constant manis, acrylic treatments, gel polish, and more wreak havoc on nails, so what we have here is a built-in excuse to give your claws a break. Here are some tips for getting super glowy at-home nails between manicures. 

The bathroom is a common place in our homes that we all spend a consistent amount of time per day. Still, a few simple additions can turn your everyday bathroom experience into a daily ritual that rejuvenates, calms, and relaxes.

The ritual of cleansing is an ancient global practice that consists of many forms of sensory experiences that have pampered royalty, and was a symbol of preparation, focus, or a retreat from daily stress. A few simple changes to your bathroom can create an experience that manifests a spa-like ambiance that you can experience regularly. The key to creating a truly relaxing oasis is to trigger all five senses in one ecosystem.

Appeal to Your Sense of Vision by Starting With Decor

A great place to start when creating your in-home oasis is to begin with your physical space by making a few simple changes to your bathroom decor.

• Upgrading your bathroom fixtures will take your cleansing experience to another level. Installing a different shower head that’s detachable or has multiple spray patterns is an easy do-it-yourself project that can enhance your time in the shower. A rain shower head creates an instant feeling of relaxation and also conserves water. Decorative curtain rods, cabinets, and light fixtures can add another unique touch that will make your design more cohesive.
• Changing your shower curtain can instantly create a different vibe. There are many stunning patterns, textures, and imagery currently on the market that can add a lively picture or touch of color to your bathroom.
• Choose calming colors for any new enhancements that you make to your space. Anything in the blue, violet, green, gray, or tan family are standard color bases that often create a soothing environment. If bright colors cheer you up, splashes of yellow, pink, or other vibrant colors or fixtures will enrich your space.
• Adding small plants or other greenery can be part of your ritual. If you have a small space, making a habit of bringing in and watering your plants as part of your bathroom routine could add additional purpose and excitement to your cleansing ritual.

Incorporating High-Quality Materials Will Invigorate Your Sense of Touch

The higher the quality of materials in rugs, towels, or bath wear, the more comfortable the material will feel against your skin. Avoid scratchy or hard fabrics for your rug, bath wear, and towels. An ultra-plush bath rug that has memory foam and a soft texture can provide relief for tired joints or sore feet. A pair of bathroom slippers can also provide extra foot support, and a bathrobe will help keep you warm.

Read more at https://www.organicallybathbeauty.com/blogs/news/turn-your-bathroom-into-an-oasis

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Organically Bath & Beauty

Inspired to start making products in 2013 when our now 15-year-old daughter developed severe eczema. Organically Bath & Beauty was established to create organic vegan beauty products that nurture and repair. Infusing the most precious minerals in all our products. Every item is freshly made and preserved with all-natural additives to ensure the vitality of ingredients.

I love all black and feel so sophisticated in this outfit. Not only is black cute it’s also affordable. When I shop at fast-fashion retailers, Forever21 and H&M, I normally go for black garments. Less expensive fabrics normally look better and last longer in black or darker colors. Here are my top 3 reasons to wear all black: ready, set, go!

Chic

Seriously, I can’t get enough of chic looks. I mentioned in my last fashion post that I love chic outfits and gravitate towards more classic styles. Chic looks never get old and remain timeless decades later.

Slimming

Black can instantly slim your frame and camouflages well. Who doesn’t like to look slimmer in pictures?! Conceal with a good black suit or little black dress.

Reassuring

Black just screams boss babe! When I wear an all-black look at work people always think I mean business. I feel like I can conquer the world in a good black pantsuit or midi skirt and blouse combo.

Find the links to Stacey’s look at http://stacythesurvivor.com/the-power-of-all-black/

Written by:

Stacy Davis,  Wardrobe Stylist, and Blogger.

It’s Saturday morning and a beautiful sunny summer day! You rise and look forward to the activities you’ve planned for the day; one of the special tasks on your to-do list is a pedicure – a treat for your toes.  You head over to your favorite nail salon, walk through the door and stop short … who would’ve thought everyone else would have the same idea!  The salon is bursting with customers and the receptionist has asked that you return for your pedicure in 2 hours!  What?!  You know you don’t want to wait two hours, but you also know you don’t want to go through the rest of the weekend with your toes in the disastrous state they are now!  Never fear, my dear, you’re going to treat yourself to an at-home pedicure.  The following are a few simple instructions to help you master pampering your own tootsies!

First, assemble the tools you will need:

• Cotton balls/strips
• Nail polish remover
• Double-sided emery boards
• A portable tub or foot spa filled with water
• Towels
• Nail clippers
• Your choice of foot salts or soaks
• Cuticle remover
• Orangewood stick or cuticle pusher
• Exfoliating foot scrub or pumice stone or file
• Cuticle oil and moisturizing lotion or cream
• Base coat, nail color & top coat

Get comfy in a chair and begin to remove old nail polish completely using cotton balls, strips or rounds soaked with nail polish remover. Holding the soaked cotton on the nail for a few moments to loosen stubborn, hard to remove polish before wiping off is helpful.

Add salts or foot soak to the water in your portable tub or foot spa and soak for several minutes; long enough for the dead skin and nails to loosen a bit.  A helpful tip is to add 1/4 cup of milk to the water; the lactic acid in the milk will help to soften and nourish your skin.   Removing one foot at a time from the water, trim your nails straight across with nail clippers, leaving about 1/8 of an inch in length. Trimming them straight across will set the foundation for filing.  Do not let your nail extend much further than the tip of the toe. Remove the other foot from the water, placing the first one back in.  Trim the nails on the other foot using the same technique.

After soaking both feet a bit more (you’ll want to revel in these precious moments!), towel them dry and use your emery board to file the nail into a square/round soft contour.  Around the corners, file the nail in one direction,  do not “saw” back and forth; this weakens the nail.  Emery boards are preferred over metal files, as they tend to give you a smoother surface.  Use the soft sided surface of the emery board for smoothing the contoured edge of the nail, and the coarse surface on the other side to shape and shorten the nails.

Next, apply cuticle remover cream or gel to the cuticle at the foundation of each nail.  Allow the solution to do its work for a few moments and with an orangewood stick, gently push back the skin of each cuticle.  Using a bit of the water from the foot spa or tub to dampen your feet, apply an exfoliating foot scrub or use a pumice stone or file  to loosen and remove the dead skin on heels and the balls of the feet.  Don’t be too rough!  The idea is to achieve a smooth surface.

Dry your legs and feet thoroughly; being sure to dry between the toes and apply a nourishing foot cream or oil to your lower legs and feet. Massage your legs and feet and rehydrate cuticles by rubbing in a dab of cuticle oil.  Now you’re ready to apply a beautiful shade of color!

If desired, wipe each toe nail with a little nail polish remover to remove the excess oil before applying your polish, this will help the polish adhere to the nail.  Apply a thin layer of base coat and let dry.  The most foolproof way of getting an even coat of polish across your toe nail is by applying with 3 strokes of the brush from nail bed to nail tip – one down the center first, followed by one on each side of the first stroke.  Be careful not to paint the cuticles!  Even if you make a mistake, no worries!  Use a bit of nail polish remover on a Q-tip to dab away the error.  Apply 2 to 3 coats of your nail color; let dry completely and follow up with a thin layer of top coat.

Let it all dry, and sit back and admire your beautiful toes!  You’ve mastered the at-home pedicure!  Congratulations!