Hello friends and welcome back to another episode of You Choose the Shoes. You have probably noticed by now that these posts are no longer being done weekly. I have been attending so many wonderful events in the state of Delaware that I wanted to showcase them first therefore, the fashion after fifty posts have taken a backseat on the blog.
I have also begun to pick up more clients for ABlake Enterprises so even my weekly posts on DeDivahDeals might begin to dwindle, but never fear, I will not abandon it totally!


Now on to this week’s contenders.
With this multi-color faux wrap dress, which you may remember from previous posts was thrifted from Goodwill and is definitely an easy breezy go-to dress for work.
I checked my shoe closet and decided on these two pairs so let me know which one you would have worn with the dress and also which purse.
It’s finally warm enough to keep the toes out so you know what that means…pedicure time! I have found a great mobile hair salon, and if you haven’t seen my interview video with Stephen Wilkerson, owner of SoZo Signature Mobile Salon, click on this link to check it out.
The mobile hair salon is a great idea for Weddings, Anniversaries, Proms, Quinceanera or just for a Girl’s Night Out. Check out their Facebook page and be on the lookout for some exciting events including giveaway packages and contests coming very soon.
Okay, which pair did you choose?
The most popular choice for YCTS #2 were:
IT WAS A TIE!


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Hello friends, were you one of the millions out and about yesterday shopping on Black Friday? If so, I hope you found some good bargains. I had an early morning appointment then did a few chores around the house, but today I’ll be heading out to support some of our local businesses.
Today is officially Shop Small Business Saturday and there are several stores in Middletown that I’m featuring and I hope that you will be out supporting some of your own.
Elana’s Florist is located on 500 North Broad St. in Middletown, and it is more than just a florist shop. Elana’s is filled with a wonderful array of holiday items and decorations where you are guaranteed to find something for everyone on your gift list.
Sweet Melissa Bakery is newly opened also on Broad Street adjacent to Elana’s which is convenient for your wedding and bridal shower planning. They also create awesome personalized birthday, holiday and special occasion cakes.
Wardrobe by Carolyn & Nadira is a small boutique located on the 2nd floor at 11 W. Main Street and this is by far my favorite small shop in town. Big Buddha Bags, evening gowns, faux fur, and tons of gorgeous accessories line the glass shelves of this hidden treasure. Fragrant soaps and lotions are perfect stocking stuffers.
Wardrobe by Carolyn & Nadira was previously Lai Renise, however, they still offer private shopping, trunk shows and Ladies Night Out events which is a perfect way to kick off the new year.
Half Baked Patisserie is another bakery located on the 1st floor at 11 W. Main Street and their cupcakes are delicious. With more than a dozen varieties to choose from including these seasonal flavors; Peppermint Patty, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Chocolate Chip Cheesecake, Sweet Potato Pie
your taste buds will definitely thank you. I can’t say which is our ultimate favorite, but my husband’s goal is to try one of each before the end of the year – wish him luck!
Middletown has such great history and it’s nice to see that there are shops in town that have been around for years, including Middletown Hardware. Each year a Lamp Post Design contest is held with each of the shop owners participating and customers can fill out a form voting for their favorite.
Femme Fatale Boutique is a high end shop that offers personalized shopping, free gift wrapping and has a nice selection of many accessories including the Pandora Bead collections.
Purple Sage Teas is also one of my favorite places to shop and this year marks their 10th Anniversary – so mention this when shopping to receive an additional discount off your total purchase. More than teas, you can also find a large assortment of coffees, Troll Beads and Zum Bar Goat’s Milk Soaps.
Another landmark in Middletown is The Gibby. For the holiday season you need to check out their great handcrafted jewelry, fine art, stain glass, wooden pens, and clothing. These items are all handmade by local artists, so please support your local art center and shop The Gibby.
My sons are in college, but if you have little ones to shop for there are two locations that I recommend.
First and Little, sells the most adorable clothing and nursery items. Previously a DEDO PopUp, they are now celebrating their 2nd year in Middletown. You will definitely find a unique gift for the little one in your life.
Jewelapalozza is more than a shop for the little ladies, they also carry accessories and clothing for women as evidenced by my purchase of a burlap tote bag. In addition to unique gift items, they also carry Alex and Ani bracelets and conduct a Santa’s Workshop where children can make 3 handmade gifts, jewelry, ornaments and handprint canvas art for only $25 per child. The workshop is available on November 22nd, 29th & December 6th, no appointment needed.
“Jesus is the Reason for the Season” so stop in at Saving Grace Christian Bookstore the best place in town for not only Christian books and Bibles, but also for religious maps, jewelry, clothing, home décor and accessories.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Candy Connections. This newly open candy store on West Main Street will remind you of your childhood with it’s large assortment of sweets in glass jars more than enough to fill the biggest Christmas stocking.
If after a long day of walking and shopping you need to take a break and get some rest and relaxation please step into La Dolce Vita Spa for Wellness on 2nd West Main Street. Now is the perfect time to schedule an hour facial or massage. This oasis of serenity also offers hair and skin care as well as body treatments and waxings. An Open House is scheduled for December 10th so make sure to stop in and then perhaps purchase a gift certificate for that special someone in your life.
However, if you plan to end your shopping day a home with a glass of wine, make sure to stop in at Fromage, to pick up a few pieces of gourmet cheese. This cheese boutique is located on Main and Broad Streets and the knowledgeable and friendly owner will provide you with plenty of samples to help you choose just the right cheese to satisfy your palate or compliment your holiday meals.
Shop Small Business Saturday is definitely the most exciting day of the holidays season for me and I hope you enjoyed yours as well.
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday
Last week I was thankful for the opportunity to have met the beautiful and “blessed with success” owner of Lai Renise Boutique, Nadira Alston. Lai Renise Boutique is located on the 2nd floor of 11 West Main Street in Middletown.
Nadria and her family relocated from Philadelphia where she started and still operates a successful online boutique with clients from New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Delaware. She moved to Delaware and on the 3rd of May opened Lai Renise which is partially named after her daughter.
Lai Renise is a high end yet affordable shop for women looking for something special or a one of a kind outfit. Nadira offers a personal shopping experience and hosts Trunk Shows in which family and friends gather for wonderful evening of shopping and styling.
Nadira had always dreamed of operating a brick and mortar shop and was blessed to have found this location which was previously a dance studio. The mirrored walls were already in place so she just added the shelving to showcase the beautiful handbags and accessories with brands like Big Buddah Bags, Betsy Johnson, Vieta and Russ Jewelry.
Nadira also runs a full time Ministry and enjoys working with young women in empowerment and positive transformation. On Saturday from 4:30 to 8:30 she is hosting “Daughter’s of Excellence Annual Dessert Cafe” a fellowship featuring an Open-Mic, Singing, Poetry and Storytelling at 14 West Main Street. For more information please send an email to daughters@trclive.org.
In honor of #ShopSmall Saturday I treated myself to a Big Buddah Handbag – it was a tough decision but I purchased the black one.
Now it’s your turn – what are you thankful for this week?
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