HELLO 2012

 In 2012 I'm looking forward to more travels, fashions, family, friends, food, culture, fun and adventure, the list goes on and on. All this wouldn't happen without my divine team. Meet the faces behind the photos.

Marie Ntam- Make-up maven, Alice Ntam- Clothing connoisseur
Perry Amati- Hair extraordinaire

Motto to kickoff the year

Thank you all for your continual support of Ordinaryfashionistas. Please stay tuned for more hullabaloo in 2012...xoxo

Extraordinary Fashionista: Lisa W. Pickrum

It's with great enthusiasm that I  kick off my first edition of extraordinary fashionistas with none other than Lisa W. Pickrum- Executive VP and COO of RLJ Cos., a diversified holding company with portfolio companies in financial services, hospitality, real estate, gaming, media, and entertainment. Pickrum handles the company’s legal matters, strategic partnerships, and new business developments. She is a fantastic role model for women in business.

For those unfamiliar with her background, here is an insightful autobiography http://www.rljcompanies.com/management/lisa-pickrum/

Lisa is a gorgeous woman with style and grace, who has a tenacious drive for everything in her life. She runs a household with two boys, keeps in shape by running five miles a day and is at the top of her business. 

Suit-Chanel, tights- Wolford, Shoes-Christian Louboutin
(a must have for every woman a power suit, hers just happens to be Chanel-she's earned it)

Dress- Parker, Earrings-vintage
(amazing smile- modern day Mona Lisa)

Dress- TaLisa Michelle, Necklace and Earrings-vintage
( sexy sophistication)

Loving the Hair

wow and she handles her biz in red bottoms. WERK!

Name:

Lisa Warner Pickrum

Occupation:

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, The RLJ Companies

(Manage a holding company of 12 different companies)

Saturday morning wardrobe:

Flat boots, J brand jeggings, any kind of scarf and my lovely cross body lucky brand messenger bag – soccer mom uniform!

Dress for:

Comfort and confidence - always

Motto:

A smile is the best accessory 

What’s the best fashion advice anyone ever gave you?

Invest in a few key pieces that will never go out of style (that was you Alice!)

(Hair- Perry Amati, Make-up- Marie Ntam, Photographer- Marco Antonio, Stylist- Alice Ntam)

XOXO

Diamond-Encrusted Baby Skull

They say Diamond are a girls best friend, but which girl will purchase a diamond encrusted baby skull? Not sure, but let me know if you would.

Damien Hirst, famous for his controversial sculptures, has done it again with his latest work of a baby's skull cast in platinum and studded with thousands of pink and white diamonds. The skull is believed to be of a less then two-week-year-old dead baby, acquired by Hirst when he bought a 19-century pathology collection.

 $7.1 million pink diamonds set at the forehead

Hirst describes this as "quiet bling". It was set with 8,600 diamonds

Hirst is quoted by the Telegraph as saying: "When you look at a skull, you think is represents the end, but when you see the end so beautiful, it gives you hope. Diamonds are about perfection and clarity and wealth and sex and death and immortality. They are a symbol of everything that's eternal, but then they have a dark side as well."

(photos courtesy of artobserved.com and telegraph.co.uk)

Important Part of Ghanaian History: Elmina Slave Castle

While I was in Ghana I visited one of the historical slaves castles. It took me a while to put into words what I experienced, what can you say when you hear the history. Let's just say it was a humbling experience. For a more detailed history of the Elmina Castle go to www.wikipedia.com.

Attached is photos and  video footage narrated through the mouth of our wonderful tour guide Richie. Thank you again for such a wonderful tour.

Reflecting on the side of castle

(Photos and videos-ordinaryfashionistas)

Ghana Beach and a Red scarf

Recently I was in Ghana, an amazing country with beautiful beaches. The first beach I attended was Tills Beach in Gomoa. The beach is filled with white sands, clear blue waters, good food and it's even better with great company. My bff Perry and I decided to do an impromptu photo shoot on one of the mountains near the beach with my red pashmina scarf.

Fierce, looks like an editorial

Pink toes in the sand

Yummy, I could eat this everyday

We were there all day, I love the shadow against the water

One last view, breathtaking

Enjoy!