Reflection: Bye Bye 2010 Hello 2011

(picture from yahoo)

 Tomorrow's New Year's Eve! I never thought 2010 would be so memorable. I started my blog, almost partnered with a clothing boutique, traveled outside of the country for the first time, got engaged, got a position working for a GREAT fashion marketing company, connected with people in my past life and met and worked with many new people along the way. 


2010 was a year for rebirth. I symbolized that with my kickin' phoenix tattoo I got in January. I still have formula behind my ears, but I'm ready to grow and flourish into the woman and brand I want to become. 


I don't want to make resolutions; most people that do don't keep them. I want to proclaim this is a new year...heck it's a new decade...so I have new goals. Goal #1: Healthy is wealthy. You only have one body and one mind. You can add or subtract to it, but in the end it's all you got. Take care of yourself. Goal #2: Get Yo Business Right! I love blogging, but I get so caught up with "how everyone else is doing it". I need to do concentrate on me, Ruby, our needs and wants. Goal #3: Time management is key. I heard something last night on the show My Strange Addiction (my new guilty pleasure show), you need to have eight hours for sleep, eight hours for work and eight hours for you. GREAT advice. I need to manage work (both jobs), school, blogging and personal time. 

Here are a few my 2010 highs...

(my phoenix tat, January 2010)

(SOME of my girls and me December 2010)

("I'm on a Boat!"Cabo San Lucas, Mexico May 2010)

(blog post 2010)

 We're just getting started here at the Ruby Leonne camp...so we will see you next year! Be safe and have a great holiday!!

~Janelle

Reflection: Ruby's Family Reunion

Last week was a very weird week, but it wrapped up with an even over the top weekend.

 

I saw my father this weekend; a man I haven't seen in over 16 years. This past April, I found a step sibling on Facebook (gotta love Facebook). Since then I've been on this journey to find a part of myself I've never known before. I've known where to find my father for a while now, I just didn't know if I wanted to open up that can of worms. 

 

A little backstory, when my mother was preggers with me her senior year of high school, she found out there were at least two other woman in her class impregnated by the same man. Yep... my father is the ultimate rolling stone. When I asked him this weekend a count of his biological children, he couldn't give a specific answer. My father was never around when I was a child and I thank him for that. I see other people whose father toyed with their emotions; making promises they never kept. I felt sorry for those people. I rather have nothing to look forward to than to be let down all the time. 

 

When I was 16, one of my father's baby's mama (get that) urged that I reach out to him. I did just for curiosity...I'd never seen him before. I just wanted to know what he was like. I talked to him for 15 minutes on my break at the fast food restaurant I worked at. He said he would call. I never looked for the call, I knew better. He never did.

In April, I stumbled upon a guy who was a friend of someone I had FaceBook friended from high school. The guy looked very familiar; almost like looking into the mirror. He also shared my father's name. My half brother and I are trying to establish a relationship and make sure we keep in touch. (He doesn't live in Indy anymore.) After getting to know him, we found out there are possibly 30 children that share our DNA. 

So back to this weekend...I looked at my father as he stood before me. Just a poor, unhappy and lonely man, still searching from something he never found from all those women or all his kids. That thing he's still searching for is love. I don't excuse him or forgive him...I never felt he owed me an apology. I don't want anything from him. He doesn't have anything I want. He did apologize to me, an apology he still hasn't shared with any of his other children. I pity him. We exchanged numbers. I don't know what I will do with it. We will see what the future holds.

On a lighter note, I did spend the rest of the weekend with my Kir Bear. I love my niece but she's perfect birth control and reminds me why I don't have any kids!

Yeah I overcooked the cookies...

Jay trying to get in on the fun time.

Kay's favorite game right now, Don't Break the Ice. I can't tell you how many times I played it this weekend.

Janelle

LOTD: ASOS Curve Dress

 

One of these days I will stop forgetting my camera at home and stop taking pictures in the office. Today is not that day. I got my ASOS Curve dress a few days ago. I thought I got a camel color, but it wasn't. I'm still in LOVE with this dress. 

Dress: ASOS Curve

Jeggings: Torrid

Boots: Old Navy

~Janelle

...and the WINNER is....

Today is the day to find out who won the Holiday Hands gift basket.

And the winner is....{drumroll please}... LYN!!!

 Lyn email me with your contact information so I can send you the gift basket!

Thanks to everyone that participated. 2011 will be a new year with new giveaways.

~Janelle

LOTD: Old Navy Faux Fur Vest

It is dank and snowy today. Indiana is under a winter storm warning until 1 p.m.. We've already gotten around three inches. We should be getting close to five maybe six inches in some areas. It's cold and nasty...UGH I hate winter. So today I decided to wear something comfortable but fun. I'm trying out my Old Navy faux fur vest I bought a few months ago. I wore it on Halloween, but haven't worn it out yet. I like it!

(Me at the office today)

Vest: Old Navy

Shirt: Old Navy Waffle Shirt

Jeans: Torrid (Source of Wisdom)

Don't forget, tomorrow we pick our winner for the Holiday Hands Christmas Wish List giveaway! Thanks for the entries!

~Janelle

LOTD: Lane Bryant Sweater Dress

Last Thursday, I had a research proposal to present to one of the executive directors of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene & Marilyn Glick for advertising class. We were told to dress up. I figured I would wear something demure but packed a statement.

I bought this sweater dress from Lane Bryant about a month or so ago. I hadn't got to wear it yet. I love it because it's the only sweater dress I've seen that has a little babydoll swing to it. I figured I would just go with some black tights and a statement necklace I got from JCPenney a while back. Not too shabby.

(My fiance' is not a photographer. I pulled him out of bed to take my picture. He was not very happy! LOL)



Dress: Lane Bryant

Tights: Lane Bryant

Shoes: DSW

~Janelle



Holiday Hands Contest: Angie's Christmas Wish List

 We have another wish list to feature today. This list was sent to us from Angie. She is a student from Indiana who considers herself single, sexy and free. Thanks Angie for sending us your list. Here is Angie's Christmas Wish List.

(What Angie sees looking into a mirror. LOL!!)

(What Angie looks like...for real! Ego girl! LOL)

Money
New Coach Bag
New Bedroom Suite
A boyfriend (lol)
A new gym membership w/ clothes
Shoes!!!!
Money

Thanks again Angie! You are in the running to receive our "Holiday Hands" prize pack worth $40. Remember guys, get your wish list emailed to us by December 15th at rubyleonne@gmail.com for your chance to win. Winner will be announced December 17th.

~Janelle

My 2010 Top Song List: Response to MTV's Top 25

MTV is doing a countdown of the top 25 songs from this year, 2010. I wanted to get in on it, so I've tried to tally the hits that made me jam in 2010. I go through phases. Sometimes I listen to retro Steely Dan or vintage Billie Holiday or alternative...really I like a plethora of music. Well, country is a different story. I will listen to country, as long as it's not twangy. This year I was really into Hip Hop and R&B. Here are some of my favorite songs for 2010.

Jay Z's "On to the Next One

MTV ranked this song number eight. It has to be near my number one. This whole CD got me through traffic and random stuff many of times. 

Sade's "Soldier of Love"

When Sade said she was coming out with a new album, BABY I was on it! She still looks gorgeous.

Rihanna's "Rude Boy"

After being in the press for her altercation with ex-boyfriend, Chris Brown, Rihanna came out with that break up song...that sucked. But she followed it up with "Rude Boy". Never been a fan...but this is my jam.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwnefUaKCbc

 Janelle Monae's "Tightrope" (video disabled by request)

One of the most underrated artist out here. Love Janelle, not only because she shares my name, but she has broken the boundaries of music today. She's managed by Diddy. Hopefully she doesn't fall in the cracks.

Trey Songz feat. Nikki Minaj "Bottoms Up"

Ultimate club banger! A song about partying and drinking...need I say more.

Diddy & Dirty Money "Hello Good Morning"

Diddy's been putting off the release of this album for sometime. From what I've heard so far, it will be in my rotation in 2011. 

Ceelo's "Fuck You" (Come on we're all adults here!)

Ceelo always has gems. This retro based song crossed over to all audiences this year. G-money Paltrow (hee hee) even covered it on "Glee". Plus everyone has been in this situation...universal. I loved you...you dissed me then...now look what you missed. Typical Maury!

Far East Movement "Like a G6"

It took me a while to like this song, but it grew on me. (Almost like that darn Nikki Minaj song, "Your Love".) It's one of those songs that get stuck in your head once you listen to it.

The song of the YEAR! (I don't care what anyone says!)

Antoine Dodson & theguysIhavenoideawhotheyare "Bed Intruder"

How does a news story become a hit song on iTunes? Have a couple of guys put a melody to it and remix it. This song took the world by storm. I sang it non stop for WEEKS. My mother even found herself humming it after I showed her the video. It was infectious like a bad disease, but we loved it.

What was your soundtrack of the year?

~Janelle

Holiday Hands Contest: Julia's Christmas Wish List

  Hello everyone! I hope everyone had a great weekend. 

We have another entry to our "Holiday Hands" contest. Julia is from Indiana and a Jane of many trades. Julia is at the helms of Aesthetic Design Style, a company that acts as a liaison between independent fashion designers and retailers. Julia has her own jewelry line called ShaSAM3 and top that off with being an excellent mommy and wife. Julia shares her Christmas wish list with us.

My family's happiness
An angel investor to believe in my business as much as I believe in it and myself (and more :)
Peace on earth - FOR REAL!
And for the fashion mogul I want to become, I would like more Jeffery Campbell in my life - but don't worry my husband won't be upset until he finds all the shoes I hide in the trunk of my car :)

  (Jeffery Campbell's Lita Boot $178 at Urban Outfiters.)

Wishing everyone the best holiday season of all!

Thanks Julia! Remember to email your wish list to rubyleonne@gmail.com by December 15th for a chance to win our "Holiday Hands" gift basket worth $40. The winner will be announced December 17th.

~Janelle

Holiday Hands Contest: Angiee's Christmas List

Season's Greetings everyone! We have another reader to feature in our "Holiday Hands" contest. Angiee is a mommy and a gourmet extraordinaire from Indiana. Angiee is now entered to win our contest worth $40! Here is Angiee's list.

 

What I want for Christmas is:

for things to work out with my new dude (we will cross our fingers for you...wink wink!)

a gift card to Michaels , 

a new otter box cell phone case,

and for my boss (to stop being a royal asshole) to let me work at home soon and to give me my overtime back.

Remember, you have until December 15th email us your Christmas Wish List. Winner will be announced December 17th! Good Luck!

~Janelle 

Holiday Hands Contest: Lyn's Christmas List

Good Merwting to you! Remember that little contest that Ruby is doing? Well, we have our first Christmas Wish List from Lyn. Lyn is a fashion student loving life down in Florida. Thanks Lyn for sending us your list. She is now entered to win our "Holiday Hands" contest; a gift worth $40.

Here's Lyn's Christmas Wish List:

 

I would like a spin around Sephora!

Pink Sugar perfume and hair perfume

Pina Colada body powder

Demeter spray

Mac gloss

Mac loose eye powder

Flowerbomb by Viktor and Rolf

Clinque Happy

oh yeah...peace on earth.

 

Remember, get your Christmas Wish List emailed to us no later than December 15th to be entered in the drawing.  Drawing will be held on December 17th. Good Luck!

~Janelle

 

 

All I Want For Christmas

Good morning everyone and happy holidays! We have a little contest going on here at the RL camp. We want to know what you want for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or just because. Send us your Christmas list (with an optional picture of yourself) and you will be in our drawing to win a holiday hands gift set worth $40. We will feature your Christmas list and picture on our blog. Entries are due by December 15th and the winner will be drawn on December 17th. 

Email us your list at rubyleonne@gmail.com. It's just that simple. Spreading a little holiday cheer.

~Janelle

Brand New Day

I hope everyone's holiday was a blast. Thanksgiving, I hung out with family. I did a little shopping Thanksgiving night and into the wee hours of Friday morning and then BAM...it hit me. I'm sick! I missed a lot of wheelin' and dealin' this past weekend, so I'm very upset. But the holiday season is young and I have a lot more to do.

Changing things here at the RL camp. Starting January 1st, we will have a new blogger. She will be sharing her experiences in dating and love. RL will also have a family and marriage segment once a week. There is more to plus size than just fashion. We want to make sure we are covering all aspects of the plus size woman's (and man) life. We would like to hear a man's point of view. So calling all males...If you are plus size or like plus size women and you want to blog, then email me at rubyleonne@gmail.com.

Stay tuned, on December 1st we will be starting our Christmas wish list contest. (Hint: something to keep you soft in these hard winter months) So keep an eye out on the contest details and what you need to do to get sign up.

Ta ta for now...the Dayquil is wearing off.

Janelle

Thanksgiving Weekend PLUS Size Deals

I'm a big bargain shopper. Black Friday is my dream. I love running through the stores, snatching hard to find deals and occasionally trampling over people. I can remember when my sister was seven months preggers, running people over with her belly and cart, yelling and screaming for people to move. But there are times Internet shopping is more satisfying than charging the streets in a Braveheart like fashion. Here are a few sales so far this weekend circulating the Internet.

Sealed With A Kiss Designs is giving away their "Pink Turkey" discount of 50% off your purchase. You must register for your pass. You can use this discount from Black Friday to Cyber Monday. HURRY, passes are given until they run out.

Lane Bryant left a message on my voice mail a few minutes ago promoting their "BOGO" sale that starts tomorrow through Monday. The sale excludes Spanx.

Torrid is starting their sale early by offering its BOGO sale on jeans, shoes and jewelry.

I will post more as I learn of more deals. 

~Janelle

Life is a Bowl of Cherries

Hello everyone! I've been going non-stop the past two weeks. I've neglected my blog...yet again. Please be patient with me as the diamond dust starts to settle. First, the fall semester is coming to a close. I'm excited. This has been the hardest non busiest semester since I've enrolled back in school. The biggest thorn in my side is a group project that I have to do. I hate school group projects. I'd rather have blood taken and I hate needles. Second, I have a public relations internship with Aesthetic Design Style (ADS) here in Indianapolis. ADS is a liaison between independent fashion and accessory designers and retailers around the country. I'm so amped to be working with them. {Doing my mashedpotatohappydanceinmychair Ahuhn Ahuhn!}

I want to thank all our readers and followers. The blog will be a year old in February. Gawsh, time has flown by. I want to prepare you for some exciting things as we grow. This is a new experience and everyday I learn something new. Thanks again!

Stay tuned for our holiday hands contest!

~Janelle

It's So Hard to be Broke

Reading through my favorite blogs, I see Plus Noir featured a vintage rockabilly dress. I fell in love. No really, if you could marry a dress...I would marry this dress! So in my search for my future life partner, I happened on a website, Daddy-O's, that sells rockabilly in PLUS SIZE. I don't have any rockabilly pieces in my closet...yet, but there will be SOON!

Here is my rockabilly wishlist.

My favorite piece. Going on my Christmas list!

Right now I'm broke, so my shopping spree with have to wait. In the meantime, enjoy this flashback!

Calloway's I Wanna Be Rich

~ Janelle

Local Love: Fashioning the Law of Design

Last night, I attended a lecture sponsored by the Indiana University School of Law, the Herron School of Art and the IUPUI Kelley School of Business. The lecture called, "Fashioning the Law of Design", explained the laws many designers would like Congress to pass concerning the copyrights of fashion design. The speakers in attendance were Kenan Farrell, an IP attorney for KLF Legal, and Beth Bennett of Beth Bennett Couture.

Some of the top fashion designers, including the Council of Fashion Designer of America (CDFA), wants the government to crack down on explicit copying of their work. Both speakers warned against the goverment enforcing copyright law within the fashion industry. Farrell fears the law would force too many fashion designers and retailers into needless litigation. Bennett says as a fashion designer, she looks to other designers ideas and trends, not to copy them, but to find her own creativity and inspiration. Bennett feels knockoffs will never be an exact duplicate of an original piece because of quality.

What does the law mean for consumers? Many designers with mid and lower end retailers get their ideas from the haute couture fashion designers. Today's popular Target sweater walked down the runway last year at New York Fashion Week. Creativity and innovation may suffer; prices may increase.

Moral of the story (per Farrell): Be careful what you ask for.

Two Herron School of Art students showcased pieces last night. Both students are fine arts majors at the Herron School and the work they presented was awesome.

Designer Emily Schorn

Designer Ashten Houpt
Ashten made this piece from bridal magazines.

~Janelle

Local Love: Ruby's Fall Luncheon

On Saturday, October 16, Ruby Leonne held its first luncheon. Thanks to everyone, especially Anjie and Koko, who supported us and came out. If you didn't get a chance to come, don't worry...we will have another one soon. In the meantime, here are some pictures of the afternoon's highlights.

~Janelle





Reflection: Back in the Day

Lately on Facebook, I've been reconnecting with people from elementary school. One of my classmates started the madness by posting an old class picture. Soon after an avalanche of people came back into my life along with some old feelings. 

When I reminisce my childhood, I remember the music and clothes of the 80's. I remember the toys we used to play with and the movies I've seen. But finding all these people made me remember issues I had back then I've forgotten. I was the eldest child and my mother was a single parent and VERY religious. She would get child rearing advice from people who either had no kids and/or considered themselves "holy" and influential in the church. I would get the most pressure from her because I was the oldest, the trial and error child. So now, as everyone is reconnecting about things they did and outings they went on, I start to remember...I missed a lot in my elementary days. 

I couldn't go to places like skating parties or even birthday parties because of my mother and her advisors of Christians. They even tried to coerce my mother into making me quit choir because they thought the songs we sung were "too fresh" for a 10 year old. (Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation...really???) My mom took me out, but later let me rejoin.  I had to sneak to listen to secular radio. I couldn't participate in things because it was either not God-like or my mother didn't have the money.

When my classmates would talk about what they did or how they hung out, I would retreat into myself.

I felt lonely even though I was surrounded by friends both at school and at church. I felt like I was always competing to be liked on every front; home, church and school. Even though I was happy on the outside, in my heart I was a lonely conflicted little girl.

I started talking to Jay about my experiences in elementary school and noticed myself slipping into that world again, watching all my old classmates reminince over their crushes (I had plenty), faux boyfriends/girlfriends (I had none.), first kisses (not until I was in middle/high school), parties and outings. I reminded myself, those times shaped who I am today. 

I'm glad to connect with my classmates and start a new chapter in my life. This time I can do it on my terms.

 (My sixth grade graduation. Everyone was so dressed up, don't really remember why I wasn't.)

~ Janelle

Ashley Stewart Bought by Investment Firm

More Ashley Stewart news! I have a good friend that works as a store manager for Ashley Stewart. She told me Urban Brands, Ashley Stewart's parent company, has dissolved. Ashley Stewart has been sold to an investment company. According to my friend, this is the same investment company that owned Steve & Barry's and Goody's, both defunct brands and stores.

Store managers are told to work 50+ hours a week and can take no vacations or days off to increase sales. Meanwhile, many district managers have suddenly taken a leave of absence. It doesn't seem like very promising times for the plus size retail giant. More information as it comes.

Fluffy is Disgusting: Response to Marie Claire Blog

 I'm sure by now the whole plus size industry is in an uproar about Marie Claire's article, "Should Fatties Get A Room? (Even on TV)", written by the now infamous Maura Kelly. Kelly shared with her readers two fat people kissing "grosses her out" and to see a fat person walking is "aesthetically displeasing". People are mad...hell most people are downright pissed off! Her words slung across the computer like daggers into the minds and hearts of people of various sizes.

After the swarms of faithful Marie Claire followers vowed to take up arms with the publication by canceling subscriptions and not putting another dime into the pages of one of the top fashion rags, I'm sure it was the editors that urged Kelly to revisit her article and show some remorse for her words. But to tear people down because of there size is unforgivable, though Kelly tried to clean up her dirty little mess with a statement and a few comments posted. The author apologizes IF her article was found offensive and wishes the post could be taken down. A little too late for Kelly and Marie Claire, the words are already branded into the mind of the public. Tisk tisk...

Was it not a month or so ago at New York Fashion Week, the industry praised the fluffy and pseudo-fluffy and courted us with a little attention? Did they just throw us a bone to pacify our egos or was it like a form charity work?

I'm a fashion magazine hog. I subscribe and purchase quite a few. I received a please subscribe letter from Marie Claire last week. It tried to persuade me to subscribe with a low cost of $5.99. I kept in on my kitchen counter because I was going to subscribe. Last night I threw it away. I will join the boycott of Marie Claire. They have a lot of work to do to gain the trust of the public, especially the plus size people who are readers despite the lack of plus size representation.

Let Marie Claire know how you feel about the article. Though apologies were given, the issue is far from over. It's not a plus size thing...it's not a skinny thing...it's a human thing. Get on the ball MC!!!

Local Love: Project IMA: Fashion Unbound

The Indianapolis Museum of Art's (IMA) Fashion Arts Society held a competition for local designers on Friday, October 22, at 7 p.m. with a second showing at 8 p.m. in the Toby inside of  the IMA. Project IMA: Fashion Unbound brought 40 designers, models, stylists and fans together to celebrate the art of fashion in the Circle City.

The Fashion Arts Society is a new group affiliated with the IMA to promote the collision of fashion and art. They orchestrate many fashion oriented exhibitions and special events. Project IMA: Fashion Unbound is just one of the events the Fashion Arts Society hosted this year.  

There were two awards presented to the best of show and audience choice. The best of show winner received the Elizabeth Kraft Meek Fashion Award of $500. The audience choice will receive a $250 Saks Fifth Avenue gift card. Voting for the audience choice was done online and ended Saturday night. 

My mother and I had a girl's night out; something that we rarely do. It was great to go with her and share our love of fashion. But after she kept stopping everyone to tell them how gorgeous they looked, I was done it was so nice of her! (Love ya Ma! I guess it wouldn't be the same if you didn't)

 

  These are my favorite pieces of the night.

Special thanks to local designer, Nikki Blaine, for letting me use her photos.  Running late, I forgot my camera.  Also I will be adding more pictures and names of the designers as they come in.  I was looking good too!  I may have to reconstruct my look and take pictures.  I had on a black long sleeved mini Dere'on dress.  I've been off my game all weekend.  I apologize.

(Designer: Emilliner by Emily Clark ~ That hat is goregous!)

(Designer: Nancy Todd ~ Nine women were zipped up together and unzipped themselves into groups of three. Amazing piece! What was even more amazing, they stayed in sync why walking the runway!)

(This patriot inspired flock is one of my favorite pieces from the show.)

(Designer: DLANG; designer and producer of IFT "Indy Fashion Time")

(Designer: d. lamont couture)

(Designer: d. lamont couture ~ When this male model stomped onto the runway, the crowd got excited. Unfortunately, I think my mother was the loudest person in the building. He IS good eye candy though. The vest and the tailored pant was good too!)

(Designer: Nikki Blaine and styled by One-Of-A-Kind Pieces by Zoe Renee Ashley)


The Fashion Arts Society is sponsoring an exhibition called Body Unbound: Contemporary Couture from the IMA's Collection. The exhibit is on view at the IMA until January 30, 2011. I will be going sometime within the next few weeks. I will blog about that in the future.

~Janelle