To My Loves

Ok, I'm alive. I've been incredibly busy. I'm in the process of launching the new and improved Mattieologie site and preparing, filming and writing scripts for the show. I was also in New Orleans for the holiday and had an awesome time for Christmas. More details on that later. However, when I came home I met my kitchen flooded and the ceiling bowed leaking with water so naturally I've been trying to get that taken care of. And last but not least I had a very important interview for something I can't speak on but cross your fingers for me. I have a feeling I'm going to get it.

In a nutshell, I've been busy. But 2009 is only a day and I assure that Mattieologie will be at its best and you guys - the readers - will reap its benefits. Hang tight, be patient with me and everything should be back to normal come January 5th.

Stay tuned.

Small Talk: Me and Nicole

Me: So I'm starting a web show.

Nicole: (excitedly) Oh really, what is it?

Me: Oh, you know. A show on the web.

My Exciting Weekend

Actually, not really. Before I headed to the holiday party my friend Anna hosted, I took a nap on the couch. There's nothing like a good slumber on your couch while the TV watches you. I was exhausted after shopping at Home Depot and figuring out how to put together the set for my show.



On Friday night, the Fiance rented "The Women" which is seriously one of the best movies I've seen this year. It covers all the relationships we have as women - mother, daughter, wife and friend. If you haven't seen it, I suggest picking it up and watching it with your closest girlfriends or your mother/daughter. It'll put all the relationships you have in total perspective.

Also, Annette Bening (who stars in the film) has some of the best one liners I've heard in the movie. Be sure to listen carefully...

Holiday Party

Last night, I went to my friend Anna's holiday party where all the girls had a gift exchange. Actually, it was a white elephant gift exchange. I ended up getting a cute Christmas shirt, which is awesome because I seriously have no Christmas gear in my closet (or my house apparently.) I gave away a cute jewelry box with some Lindt truffles inside. It was cute.

Anyways, above are the lovely Racheal, myself and the fabulous Nicole. Everyone looked so cute and we chatted the night away until 2:30am.

Good times!

Little Men

Everyone that I know who has had a baby lately has been having boys. I love it!! (I want five boys myself.) Above is the Fiance's godson, Harlem Anthony, who turned 1 last week. He's also having the most fantastic birthday party a one year old has ever had in New Orleans today.

SMH. Being a grown up kind of sucks right now.




Here is my friend Racheal's son, Nicholas. He turns one in January and seriously is the cutest thing. He should so be a GAP baby...

4 More Days Until Christmas

The only thing in my house that has to do with Christmas.

I know. I've got to do better...

Quote of the Day

"That's the problem.
I'm the man I want to marry."
-Annette Bening in "The Women"

FAVE: Marc by Marc Jacobs Kaleigh Silk Jacquard Dress

I love, LOVE, LOVE this dress. I just joined GILT.com and discovered it. Of course it's sold out. I looked in my closet today and realized I don't have a lot of winter friendly dresses. This would have been a perfect addition.

*sigh*

FASHIONologie: Pocket Dresses

I'm usually not one to follow trends, but I really have been feeling one lately. A lot of designers (Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Catherine Maladrino) have been adding pockets to dresses for a couple of years. It's an unpredictable addition to a dress and maybe that why I like it.

What do you think? Is a pocket too casual of a characteristic to add to a dress? Or do you like the new look?

Look of the Day: Eva, Kim and Paz

I know I've miss the LOTD for the last couple of the days. But trust me...these looks make up for that.

Last week's FAB, Eva Mendes, does it again in this fabulous yellow number that honestly is my favorite look of the week. Usually, I pick a new FAB on Fridays but I can't say that anyone impressed more than Eva this past week. Her stylist is my hero.



Kim Kardashian has seriously been impressing me with her last few wardrobe choices. She's been look so chic and feminine. I love this asymmetrical, silver dress on her...i accentuates her curves without being tasteless.



I love a pretty, girly dress and Paz Vega (of The Spirit) did this look justice. I love the color (purple makes my heart smile) and the A-line silhouette. I'm telling you, the women of The Spirit have been on it lately...

Quote of the Day

"Always listen to the experts.
They'll tell you what can't be
done and why. Then do it."

Beyonce in Elle

So I just got my new Elle magazine in the mail yesterday and one of my favorite people, Beyonce, covers it. Now, as you know, I love magazine pictorials and this one is seriously one of my favorites. They gave B such a retro yet avant garde look. The hair, the make up - I love it all. Very editorial.

I will say though, that this is one of the smallest issues of the magazine that I've ever received. Only proving that magazine circulation is down. VERY down.

Dear World: 250,000 readers!

::Me at the Q-Tip/Janelle Monae/The Cool Kids show last month::

Hey loves,

So yesterday, I was doing a lot. I've been freelancing (writing), writing scripts for the show, planning a wedding, making orders for my business, getting ready for the holidays and keeping my house in order. This was the first time in a long time I haven't blogged according to schedule - please bear with me. I might not be on it for a couple of days and next Tuesday I'm off to New Orleans for the holiday. You shall not be disappointed. I'm working uberhard.

Be sure to check out Mattieologie daily. Pass the word along to your friends about this awesome blog that you read and help support the 250,000 readers movement for Mattieologie. 2009 is going to be a big year for the blog - and in my life in general - and to get that type of readership would be such a BLESSING.

Thank you so much to those of you who do read regularly, leave your comments and your kind words. It seriously has kept me going.

XOXO,

Mattie

MUSICologie: T.I. and Justin Timberlake

Yes, the dynamic duo is back. Justin Timberlake and T.I. have joined forces again (first on "My Love" and the later on "Dead and Gone") for a new song called "If I". It's a Timberland produced track (surprise, surprise) and my guess it's for Justin's upcoming album. No word on when yet, but suspect this song to be officially all over the place by the first week of January. Interesting song, I do enjoy that Tip is singing a little on it.

What do you think?

Justin Timberlake and T.I. - "If I"

Look of the Day: Tom and Leo

Never before has a man coveted the prestigious LOTD title. Today, a barrier has been broken.

Honestly, I didn't see any dress or ensemble by a female that blew me away today. However, when I saw Tom Cruise in this suit at the Valkyrie NYC premiere last night, I was impressed...to the least. There is nothing - NOTHING - better than a man in a great suit.



But, then Leonardo DiCaprio was very put together at his premiere for Revolutionary Road in LA. So I had to give it to the both of them.

Quote of the Day

"Too many people are
spending money they haven't earned,
to buy things they don't need,
to impress people they don't like."

Jennifer Aniston in GQ Magazine

Goodness, this woman is my inspiration! Jennifer Aniston is 40 and seriously if I look like this at that age, then I too, like her, will seriously be the physical epitome of a woman. Here she is on the cover of GQ Magazine's lastest issue. The pictorial is absolutely fabulous. She's all in men's clothing or just about nude...it's brilliantly (and tastefully done.) You know, I'm a big fan of magazine photography. GQ magazine seldom lets me down.

Small Talk: Stacy London and Clinton Kelly

::Clinton Kelly and Stacy London from TLC's What Not to Wear::

Clinton: "What do you think is an appropriate age for a woman to learn how to walk in heels?"

Stacy: "Like...4 and half."

Kanye West Heads to London to Pursue Fashion

According to UK sources, Chicago rapper Kanye West plans to move to London next year to launch his clothing line, Pastelle, and intern at major fashion house like Louis Vuitton. Now I'm not sure how true this is but it's pretty interesting. Apparently, Kanye is so serious about it that even if he has to serve tea, he wants to get in at a major fashion house to learn the business of fashion.

I've checked his blog and he hasn't mentioned anything of the sort but I'm staying tuned to see what happens. I'm really interested to see what Pastelle is about. He's always present at all the European fashion weeks and shows and is thoroughly passionate about fashion.

Stay tuned.

Look of the Day: Rihanna, Kristin and Kim

You know I love this. She just can really do no wrong. Here, Rihanna is backstage at z100's Jingle Ball this past weekend. Performers included her beau Chris Brown, Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Brandy, Natasha Bedingfield, Leona Lewis and many more.



Being the girly-girl that I am, I absolutely love a sparkly gown. Kristin Chenoweth rocks a fabulous dress for a Christmas event in Washington DC. This is such an appropriate look for the holiday especially if you're going to a formal event.



Kim Kardashian wore a pretty, gold ensemble at Spike TV's Video Game Awards. I really enjoy the whole look: her hair, the way the dress fits her, and her accessories. SOmetimes she can be a little extra but in this instance she really pulled off a put together look.

Quote of the Day

"If you want to go somewhere,
it is best to find someone who has
already been there."

VIDEOologie: Charles Hamilton - "Brooklyn Girls"

Charles Hamilton - New Music - More Music Videos

Just discovered this and I must say I'm impressed. Not many people - especially young people - are coming out with a fresh, new sound that isn't gimmicky. Well, meet Charles Hamilton. He's from Harlem and he has a thing for Brooklyn girls. He's also beefing with Soulja Boy Tell'Em. Nonetheless, I enjoy him...this song...and this video.

Kanye West 'Heartless' Performance on SNL

Kanye West - Heartless / Pinocchio Story - SNL - 12/13/2008
by 3030fm

I'm so mad I missed this. Luckily he posted both performances (Love Lockdown and Heartless) on his blog.


Check it out.

My Compatibilty With The Fiance

Compatibility Meter

Love Compatibility of Gemini with Libra

Geminis and Libras have a lot in common - you're both well-mannered and want to change the world. Although you may be a little faster with a clever reply, your Libra's sense of style is unmatched. Creativity is important to both of you, and you can find success and long-term happiness by working together in the arts - either visual arts, music or writing. You both have good taste, although your style is a little more eclectic than Libra's. If you moved in together, your living space would have an air of sophistication and harmony - just like your relationship.

Check Again

Test your Compatibility with a different sign.

compatibility in:	your sign:	other person's sign:
Love  Friendship  Business	Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19)Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20)Gemini (May 21 - Jun 20)Cancer (Jun 21 - Jul 22)Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 22)Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22)Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 22)Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21)Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21)Capricorn (Dec 22- Jan 19)Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18)Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20)	- choose a sign -  Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19)Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20)Gemini (May 21 - Jun 20)Cancer (Jun 21 - Jul 22)Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 22)Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22)Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 22)Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21)Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21)Capricorn (Dec 22- Jan 19)Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18)Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20)

This thoroughly excites me. I already knew we were perfect for each other, but when MySpace gives you the go...you know you've got the real thing!

He he he he...

Happy Sunday.

Dress for Success

I guess you could say this goes hand in hand with my powerful vs. sexy post. Dressing for success is what I go for and encourage all of you to go for as well. I don't know if it's that time of year (because it's colder) but people have been dressing conservatively chic lately and I love it. It shows that you can dress for business but still be stylish. Here are a few examples.

Question of the Day: Powerful or Sexy?

Would you rather be powerful or sexy?

Mattie's answer: Powerful.

Of course this is coming from the female perspective - but to me, being powerful is sexy. Especially in my mid-20's as I transition into complete and total adulthood, I believe that if you're too sexy or too attractive you can't be taken seriously. Now I get it. There a re just some people out there who are sexy. That's just what they do. At the end of the day though you're going to respect and hold the person in charge in high regard.

Now please don't misunderstand me. There's nothing wrong with being sexy. I just wondered if you had to pick one of them which one would the majority of people choose. I think that sexiness is so instantaneous and by nature the first thing we respond to. It responds to us at an emotional level and we all know making decision off of our emotions is not a good look.

With someone who is powerful, you're usually intrigued. Women love a man who's in charge because we like security. Men tend to respond to women who are in power because they can relate and seldom do they come across women who are just as powerful or more powerful than them. (And a lot of times, to men, that can be intimidating.)

Sexiness is less likely to be considered powerful than being powerful is to be considered sexy but it's possible to be considered both. I think that's why someone like Beyonce is into someone like Jay-Z. Sure, Jay may not be the most attractive guy in the world but he's powerful. He's about business. And his sexiness sure doesn't meet Beyonce's sex appeal. However, if he wasn't powerful, I think it's safe to say they wouldn't be together. That's just my opinion.

At the end of the day, the big difference is respect. When you're powerful you're respected and when you're sexy you're momentarily desired. Think of it this way: would you rather learn how to be sexy or how to be powerful? I'd much rather have Oprah teach me what she knows than Marisa Miller.

I'm just saying.

FAB: Eva Mendes

You know what today is...FAB Fridays!

This week's pick: Eva Mendes.

Miss Thang has got it together. I've especially been enjoying her looks lately while she's been promoting her latest film, The Spirit. And as the new spokesperson for the Calvin Klein brand, she really has it together. It's not just her really cute dresses, but she's got her accessories and outerwear game on point. I think I have yet to see a shoe she's worn (especially those Christian Louboutin she wore - FAVE!) that I don't like and VERY seldom do I see her in something that I wouldn't consider put together. She's not afraid to play with color or prints all the reason why she's so FAB!

Sure she may be a movie star but with her latest looks she's proven herself to be a style icon and a prime example of fashion.

Look of the Day: Keri and Salma

I love this look for the red carpet. Kudos to Keri Russell. It's the perfect shade of nude - you know the kind that doesn't wash you out. And also, I love that she picked a bold colored shoe to contrast the dress. (Matchy-matchy a BIG no-no!)





The hotness continues. Salma Hayek was a perfect example how white done in winter is AWESOME. She donned a white satin gown for a red carpet event in Dubai last night. Well done, Salma. The accessories complimented the ensemble and her body is sick.

Flawless.

Small Talk: Me and a Friend

Friend: hmmm today I had a meeting that
was useless to me

me: Oh that sucks

Friend: yea

me: Why so useless?

Friend: cuz I was smarter than the person I was seeking advice from

me: That'll do it

Quote of the Day

"You were born to win, but to be a winner,
you must plan to win, prepare to win,
and expect to win."

Memory Lane

I just wanted to reminisce on the time when it was summer and I was taking pictures with T.I.

Those were the days...

Look of the Day: Rihanna, Eva and Agyness

Rihanna. In a jumpsuit. Of course, she's got the look of the day! Loves it! Here Rihanna is backstage at the Capital FM Jingle Bell Ball in London where she performed last night. The jumpsuit looks very Alexander McQueen. Loving the necklace. Her accessories game is always on point.



Oh, Eva. When will the cuteness stop? I spotted this look yesterday and after sleeping on it I had to give it to her. I just have a thing for cute dresses. And apparently she's busting all of hers out for her movie promo tour. Miss Eva Mendes is looking good (again) at the Paris premiere of The Spirit.



Supermodel Agyness Deyn is just to fabulous for words. I'll take the shoes, the dress and the coat please...I'll do without the neon pink headband however. Don't know about Agyness? Educate yourself.

Quote of the Day: Marilyn Monroe

"...if you can't handle me at my worst, you certainly don't deserve me at my best."

-Marilyn Monroe

Britney's Back At #1

Britney Spears' new album, Circus will debut at #1 selling over 505,000 copies in its first week.

I'm excited. I was was rooting for Britney the whole time. Now I didn't get the album myself, but it seems to me she did just fine without my purchase. Now, she's no Lil Wayne (who sold over a million copies earlier this year) but she did beat Beyonce's I Am...Sasha Fierce first week sales.

Good for her...I hope that this is just the start of great things for Brit.

Tom Cruise on 'The Hills' Aftershow

MTV Shows

I'm not sure why Tom Cruise was on 'The Hills' aftershow but I think it's hilarious he needed flashcards to identify who the hell Spencer was. I thought I should share.

You're welcome.

Who Got It Right?: Debra or Lisa

The other day I posted Debra Messing with the look of the day in this fabulous blue dress.



Today, I discovered that Lisa Rinna wore the same dress at her fitness DVD release party last night.


Who do you think got the look right? Debra or Lisa? Comment. Go.

Kodak Moment: Ryan Leslie at Rush Youth Holiday Party

Russell Simmons’ non profit organization, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation and Target held their annual holiday youth event last night in NYC. Celebrities including Dawn Richard (of Danity Kane), Jaslene Gonzalez, Alesha Renee, Ryan Leslie and Teyana Taylor all came out for the event geared towards youth.

Ryan Leslie took a pic with the crowd at the Rush Youth holiday party. Talk about a crowd pleaser. And now that I notice it, he’s really long.

This may be a cute picture but in real life I’m sure Ryan was wondering where security was because the girls in the front looked like they were not letting him go.

Quote of the Day: Edward Eggleston

"Persistent people begin their success where others end in failure."
-Edward Eggleston

Look of the Day: Cate and Jennifer

Cate Blanchett at last night's Hollywood Premiere of "The Curious Case of benjamin Button." Seriously, I would live in this dress. I think this is my favorite dress out of all the LOTD's. Anyone who knows me, knows I love anything sparkly (and within reason.) This dress is just absolutely lovely...divine.

Five stars.



My girl Jennifer Lopez looked glamorous per usual at the same event in a beautiful, off white gown. The woman just knows how to pull a look off.

FAVE: Marc by Marc Jacobs Mouse flats

I absolutely adore these things. Which is funny because I'm not really a flats kind of girl. Maybe it has to do with them being Marc Jacobs.

Maybe.

I discovered these ubercute Marc by Marc Jacobs mouse flats at Piperlime for $250. Interesting. I just saw them at Blommingdale's on Black Friday for a cool $165. Hmmm...

But to be honest, the fashionista at Nitrolicious not only put me on them, but has them as well.

What do we think? Cute or overrated?

Either way I'm finding some way to get them...

Wedding: Bridesmaid Gowns

So, As I told you today was a slow news day. Well as far as I'm concerned. Maybe it was just a way of psyching myself out so I could actually get in "Bride" mode.

That being said, I'm trying my damndest to find a bridesmaids dress so my bridal party will have an idea of what their wearing and how much every should cost.

I only have 5 bridesmaids: My sister, 3 cousins and the Fiance's childhood friend. I'm close with all of them but 3 of them are out of town. (One in Maryland, my sis in NC and the other cousin in Philly.) So to keep this organized and have them still speaking to me by the time the wedding rolls around I've decided to create a Bridesmaid Packet - with all of the information of their dress...a calendar with specific dates - like bridal shower, bachelorette party, etc...so we can ALL be on the same page. The goal is to mail out all their packets by the beginning of the year so they have more than ample time to save, book travel and whatever else.

So I've been contemplating dresses. They're all in pretty decent shape, but all with different builds so hopefully I pick the right dress. I opting for a long dress.



Maybe something like this long Alfred Sung gown.


Or should I go for something short? (It will be September in Atlanta...still relatively warm.)


Like this short Priscilla of Boston number. Short can be cute.

However, I am planning to have a later wedding like after 4pm...so it'll be a little more formal. I did take to the Bari Jay wedding collection. Here are two that I found darling...




Now I've never been a bridesmaid before. In fact, I'm the first one out of my friends/cousins to get married/have a wedding. I'm not sure. I don't want to have them get a dress they'll never wear again...


What do you think? Let me know. Comment. Go. Now.