While remaining seated, she took a stand...

This month, I reflect on a woman whose refusal to move from her seat launched a movement.  Because she refused, she was arrested.  Four days later, the Montgomery bus boycott began.

An Aquarian born on February 4, 1913, Rosa Parks was both a professional secretary and an excellent seamstress.  The woman must have had, shall we say, a real appreciation for style and fashion.

Contrary to popular belief, Mrs. Parks did not just one day refuse to relinquish her seat.  Her contribution to the Civil Rights movement had been building for years.  She was actually the secretary for the NAACP in Montgomery.  Back then, it was mostly comprised of men.  It was potentially life-threatening to join during this time of civil unrest.

Once Parks was arrested, several things happened:

Most people stopped riding the bus and used other means of transportation instead.

Martin Luther King, Jr inspired people to continue the boycott which went on for days, months, over a year.

The Supreme Court ruled that segregation on the buses was against the law.

Although there was still a lot of work to be done, Parks's actions had launched the Civil Rights movement.  A sartorial "hats off" to a fellow Aquarian.  Always stand for what you believe. It's the fabulous thing to do. 

 

Twice the Cause for Celebration

Our president will be sworn in as this country's 45th on Monday, January 21st.  This is a historic moment for our nation.  I imagine it will be an amazing experience for the president to be sworn in on the holiday of another great man while facing the Lincoln Memorial.  Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech at the memorial 50 years ago.

King was a man who through nonviolent means, fought for black Americans to have the same rights as their white brothers and sisters.  President Obama worked with citizens as a community organizer to help neighborhood people bring about change in their community.  Both men were strongly influenced by people or experiences during college.

Born almost a decade after the assassination of Dr. King, my experience is a lot different than that of his contemporaries.  The holiday, for me, was a chance to get a new outfit and hang out at the parade on the south side of St. Petersburg.  And really, it wasn't until middle school that I began to study the life of this man and to grasp the significance of the sacrifices made by both him and his family.

And now on this holiday, that was so long coming, the president will be sworn in with the Bible that King used to carry; sworn in with the Bible of the first lady's paternal grandmother.  Incredible.

 

Thanksgiving and what I am thankful for...

Thank you Publix and Kiss 104 for your support and organizing of my day of simply giving.  That is for me always the best part of Thanksgiving - giving, sharing and remembering how blessed I truly am!  This year we gave away Thanksgiving dinner to twenty wonderful and deserving families.  We appreciate all of you for coming, for allowing us to share this day with you and for the ability to help all of you create a special day for your families!  I hope all you readers had an amazing day as well.  How did you celebrate and share?

 

 

Marlo's Dating Rules

 

 

 

I am often asked, how it is I get what I want in my relationships.  It is not very difficult, it starts with loving yourself first! And not being afraid of who you are and your expectations.  After that, you must set a few rules for yourself, rules that you do not ever bend on.

A closed mouth does not get fed:

A woman should not be afraid to ask for what she wants, a man never is...

I can do bad all by myself:

A relationship with a man should be a step forward, never one of staying in the same place or God forbid, going backwards...

Set rules from day one, a man only does what you allow him to do:
It is important to let your expectations be known early, imposing rules later never works...

 

If he meets you and you are 5 stars how can he treat you like 2 stars?

 Present yourself in the way you would like to be treated.

The man needs to take the initiative:

Sigh, what is more unattractive than a man who cannot lead?

Respect is a must:

Respect yourself and demand respect, plain and simple...

No lying, there is no such thing as “the little white lie”. Trust is very important!

Do not accept lies, nothing good happens from there on...

If a man I meet is not someone I can expect to do the above then unfortunately, he is not the man for me.

 

What it's all about...

I am so excited to share with you the best weekend I have had in a long time. 

 

I was reunited with my girls, my Foster girls, and had the opportunity to talk with them, listen to them, hug them and be inspired by them. Each and every one of them was so courageous and strong.  The stories they shared were heartbreaking, the tears overflowing and my pride in their strength and perseverance, overwhelming. 

Joining me in spoiling the girls were so many wonderful ladies, all of them generous with their time and services and supportive of the girls.  There were notebooks, pajamas, jewelry, eye masks, skin care products, and of course glam sessions for each girl, hair, make-up and manicures.

Thank you, all of you young ladies, for reminding me what it's all about: that all that I have learned and all that I have gained is for me to share with you.  And thank you for the amazing team that made this day so successful!

Round II

I’m watching the debates tonight, nervous, anxious and looking for clues.  There are so many issues facing our country, but isn’t it interesting how you can just hear one thing that makes you really quiet, that makes you think and become concerned and it is the one thing that continues to have your focus?

For me, it is the role of government and the rights of women.  The thought of a future where the government can now make decisions for women, their bodies, their health and the direction of their lives.  This should always be a private decision, a family decision.  Many people who have benefited from this freedom are now the same ones who want to take it away for future generations.  I am going to stay focused tonight, knowing that a woman’s choice and her ability to have one, will guide my decisions on November 6. 

My Week in Denver...

I have really enjoyed my week in Denver.  I needed it, the calm and quiet surroundings, the laid back pace.  One night, it snowed while I slept and in the morning I woke up to a blanket of white covering the cars and trees, and when I went and stood on the balcony to admire it, snow fell on me.  Like a dream...

Denver was a change of pace for me from life in Atlanta.  Right away I noticed how very few black people there were.  From the clubs to the gym to just walking down the street, black people were rarely anywhere in sight.  And everyone was dressed very casually.  Not like me, in a sequined dress with python booties, a Fendi trench and scarf.  Still, I enjoyed myself.  I worked out with a great trainer - she had her last child at 38 and her body was amazing!  Hope for me then!  I also enjoyed a night on the town, at Corridor Lounge and the Suite 200 Club.  The Christmas lights were already out, so festive, so sweet.  

Thank you Denver, you were just what I needed!  There is much awaiting me at home...

 

NY S/S 2013 Part II

 Proenza Schouler

 

One can always use

a little

edge,

Badgley Mischka

A sneak

peek,

Marchesa

 Why don't we make

more use of

the sari?

 

Milly

 

Embrace our

Mod side,

Nanette Lapore

 Or wear sexier

prints?

Spring 2013

My favorites so far, which do you guys like best?

Altuzarra

Belstaff

 

Jill Stuart

 

Josie Natori

 

Mandy Coon

 

Sally LaPointe

 

Wes Gordon

 

Alexander Wang

Always the kids...

We had a great night going out to a club in EG.  I got just what I needed, a little bit of culture and a little bit of home.  The dj played 2 Chainz, and I dropped it like its hot...

But my favorite moment of course was a visit to an orphanage.  I do always love being with children and connect with them easily.  But this one was special.  She was four years old and from the moment we met we never left each others side.  We played basketball, jumped rope, we drew pictures and planted a tree in the Garden of Zion.  I also showed her how to do the Naomi Campbell walk and to throw up a peace sign.  She was a natural diva.  I instantly fell in love with her.  I still think of her and how precious it would be to have her in my life, her beautiful smile lighting up my every day.  I think of how her life will be, how she will grow up and if  someone will ever play with her the way I did, and love her the way I could.  I hope she remembers our time together.  I hope I may see her again...

 

 

 

 

 

Notes from Equatorial Guinea

I was s

o excited for my second trip to Africa - being able to return  after my amazing last visit. I was wondering how this would be different, what I would see.  When we arrived, I immediately noticed the construction -- it seemed like a whole new city was being built, including my hotel.  And it was lovely, with a view overlooking the pool and lots of greenery. So peaceful.

There were dinners and conferences, speeches introducing us to the history of this former Spanish colony.  I saw a lot of pride and an interesting custom: no dessert, but instead platters of fruit served after every meal.  I was grateful not to have the temptation of sugary sweets and thus less pounds to keep off.

Africa has its share of talented designers - what would a vacation for Marlo be without fashion?  La Vie Couture put on a show of gorgeous dresses and of course I put on my own show, featuring Lous Vuitton.

Stay tuned for a night out and falling in love...