Celebrate the Beauty of Black Music Month

June 20, 2012 by 1 Comment

In honor of black music month, I wanted to highlight several women performers who have killed the music game AND  the fashion scene. All of these women exude  style and grace, working their best assets to set them apart as icons. They have inspired trends while empowerming us through their lyrics.

Miss Tina Turner

What’s love gotta to do with it, got to do with it. We love everything about Miss Turner especially those killer legs. Her legs have become her trademark along her with 6″ stiletto’s. She shows them off in amazing miniskirts. Tina has inspired women for decades & is still transforming the music world with her sold out concerts. She rocks impeccable red lip & has women dreaming of  their very own hair swinging moments.

Diana Ross

Baby, do we love some Diana Ross. Ms. Ross’ style still reigns supreme in 2012. Her big brown eyes and iconic hairstyle influence girls and women alike. Her daughter Tracee Ellis Ross often talks of how she played dress up in her moms closet and from time to time she borrows pieces from her. Diana has given sneak peeks into her wardrobe and the throngs of gowns, sequins, mini skirts and high heels for days can make any fashionista dreaming of living in there.

Whitney Houston

Ms. Houston was breathtaking. I remember pictures my mom would show me of her concerts and red carpets events. Whitney never shied away from doing what she loved when it came to her looks. She even made the tracksuit look fashionable when singing the National Anthem. Ms. Houston’s time with us was cut short s but her music and style lives on.

TLC

Tboz, Left Eye & Chilli had us girls rocking baggy pants and  crazy hairstyles to mimic their greatness. Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez has passed on but she had the most profound effect on my life. I had my mom style my hair like hers every time I saw the group on Hype Hair or a new video. TLC  didn’t just sing songs that were about love they educated us and encouraged us to be our own women.

Beyonce

Since Beyonce Knowles-Carter has come on the scene,  she has made a vibrant impact on the fashion scene. Her style has transformed gracefully  over the  past decade. She has created clothing lines and teamed up with top fashion designers for her sold out world tours. Now, she is  a mommy of style, influencing women to add loafers and oxfords to their wardrobe. She has stated she loves the natural look and feels most beautiful at that time.
Nicki Minaj


You might not be a fan of her music or the crazed barbie fans but you cannot doubt the lesson Nicki teaches:  Be different & try everything under the sun til you find what works. She sent girls & women running to MAC for her pink Friday lipstick. She sas sneakers heads searching high & low for the limited edition Jermery Scott Adiddas pieces she rocks. And let us not forget Nicki has caught the eye of Ms Anna Wintour.  Not even Kim Kardashian can do that.

 

Every entertainer on this list has set examples and give great inspiration be it their music or their style. We celebrate all women performers this month. Thank you for giving us little girls songs to sing into hair brushes a voice. Thank you for letting us know we can be beautiful just as we are. We appreciate you.

Filed Under: Blog, Featured, Lifestyle, Style & Beauty Tagged With: ,

5 Brands You Need To Know About

May 15, 2012 by Leave a Comment

A woman with options is a woman who can successful take on the world one fierce pair of heels at a time. From recent FIT graduates to the Louis Vuitton’s of the world,  there is a clothing brand you can shop and love. But how does one find the time to search for great brands to love amidst the plethora of designers? Try starting with some of my favorite brands listed below:

1) Boxing Kitten

I fell in love with Boxing Kitten a couple years ago before mainstream was rocking pieces in video’s  The line provides a variety of pieces in rich vibrant colors and fabrics. Maya, the owner of the company, has a keen eye for design and does a great job with transplanting her concepts into beautiful pieces. You can see her pieces on Solanage, Beyonce, Fergie and more.  Alicia Keys and Beyonce even rocked the pieces in the video for  Keys’ Put it in a Love Song  two years ago.

 2) Blaque Label

Perfect for the girlie girlie that resides in all of us. Blaque Label was recently brought to my attention via twitter. One of my followers asked for help picking a dress for an upcoming event. Blaque Label happen to be one of her choices. I immediately started browsing the site and became smitten with the sequin dresses and gorgeous colors. Your favorite reality tv family “The Kardashian’s” are big fans of the brand too.

 3) Silence + Noise

Saying that I am obsessed with Urban Outfitters would be an understatement. The company introduced me to Silence + Noise and several other brands I cannot live without. UO carries a high number of independent designers in their stores to bring awareness to that companies brand. Silence mixes bright colors with light fabrics to make the perfect pieces for your wardrobe. They have a great staple pieces at affordable prices.

 4) TOMS

Buy a pair and a kid in need gets a pair. That’s the TOMS Shoe  plan on outfitting the world one pair of shoes at a time. Blake, the owner felt, the need to start a company that will help others in need. The company has now branched into making eye glasses. Shoes range from $40-$100. Their canvas shoes are the most popular of the brand along with their trendy glitter style shoe. In addition, they have a luxury line through Neiman Marucs.

 5) Dominique Auxilly

Dominique Auxilly is the designer who needs to be on your radar now. I am huge fan of the brand and the designs. All the pieces are made to order on your specifications. Adrienne Bailon is a loyal supporter of the brand. She has been spotted at several events in NYC rocking Dominique Auxilly designs. Dominique recently showcased her maxi dress that will making its debut this summer. Lets just say I will be rocking it for my birthday.

 

Great options right? I’m secretly the President of Shopaholic of Southwest region of the US (I kid I kid)  Now that you’re familiar with these brands I hope you stop by their ecommerce sites and shop your hearts out. Be sure to follow the brands on social media networks.  They might be running a promo right now that could save you some serious cash.

Happy Shopping!

Filed Under: Blog, Featured, Lifestyle, Style & Beauty Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

A Fashionista’s Version Of Spring Cleaning

April 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Spring is in full swing. It’s time to pull out the floral dresses, lace shorts, pretty flats and all your favorite accessories. Simply right? Not exactly.  Here’s the issue: all of your pieces are from seasons ago and your budget is tight. It’s time to think on your feet because you have a long list of items you want to rock this season (pastels, floral pants, stacked wedges, polka a dot tops & more)

What is a fashionista on a budget to do?

Perhaps it’s best to start with a wardrobe edit- a quick way of filtering through your clothes and garnering easy cash at local consignment shops. This is the fashionista’s version of spring cleaning which is always fun unlike dusting or rearranging the garage.

Please repeat after me:  I am shopaholic. (repeats) Okay, that is the first step in a long battle of clothing addiction. Set aside a day of the week  that you can give your closet and dresser drawers their full undivided attention they most certainly need. First survey EVERY piece in your closet. I mean REALLY survey your closet. No skim over’s. Do you honestly need 387 pairs of shoes? No, you don’t because you only wear probably 75 them including winter shoes. The first step in spring cleaning is the hardest. Being honest with one’s self.

Divide and conquer. I am assuming you have packed away your fall & winter fashion to make this easier. You are going to make three piles. One pile is donations. Second is SELL/CONSIGNMENT. Third is keeps. Go through each piece and be honest. When was the last time you wore this item. If you haven’t worn it in the last year, it needs to be donated or consigned. To differentiate between the two piles of garments. Consigned items need to be updated with the current trend/season and in good to great condition. If a piece has a slight rip or small stain donate it. If this hard have a friend come over to help give an honest opinion. Post pictures on Pose and get opinions of others too if you like.

Now you have several bags of clothes to give to your local charities plus several to make new clothes money. Find your nearest consignment shop and schedule an appointment to meet about their consignment policy and see if your clothes qualify. Every shop is different and your return may vary. I suggest doing research before committing. If you are needing money right now for new clothes find your nearest Buffalo Exchange or Plato’s Closet. They will look at your clothes on the spot. The great thing about that policy is they both have trade in value which is normally higher than the cash or check return. You can kill two birds with one stone.

Now you have extra money in hand and a closet that needs new pieces. Remember to be savvy when shopping. Every trend is not for everyone. Use coupons & social media to find discounts. Shop resale boutiques & most of all have fun while doing it.

Filed Under: Blog, Featured, Lifestyle, Style & Beauty Tagged With: , ,

4 Spring Trends to Shop Now!

March 9, 2012 by 2 Comments

Warmer days are fast approaching and it’s almost time to hide those fur vest deep in the back of the closet. Fashionistas across the globe are plotting w new spring trends to try out to revamp their wardrobe. But as the budget conscious girl, breaking the bank is the last thing you want to do to be stylish. Here are four trends you can try now and not cringe when you swipe your debit card.

1) Leave a Little to the Imagination:

Sheer dress, blouses, and pants were seen all over the runways from Milan to New York fashion week. Designers such as Marc Jacobs of Louis Vuitton, Gwen Stefani of L.A.M.B & Rachel Roy have embraced the sheer trend and taken it to new heights. You can go subtle with this trend or go sheer from head to toe such as some of your favorite celebs have been doing on the red carpet. Cassie, Solange Knowles and Rachel Bilson are huge fans of the trend. It can be dressed up or down for day or night. Purchase your sheer items from companies like Intermix, Rachel Roy, or  DVF. Jason Wu for Target has a light sheer pink polka dot blouse for less than $30.

2) The Brighter the Better:

Forget the flashing lights. Neon and bright colored accessories are the must have trend for the spring. You can start small with this by painting your nails a bright hot pink or a fluorescent yellow. Many fashion bloggers have embraced the bright nail trend. Do-it-yourself ideas have popped up all over pinterest. Bright oversized clutches with spray paint to old rhinestone jewelry painted in bold hues are IN! Shop brands such as Target for budget friendly items or cult favoritesuch as GAP or Jcrew.

3) Ring around the rosy pocket full of posies:

Floral prints are not just for your grandma’s living room set anymore. Designers such as Prabal Gurung have had celebs and fashionistas hunting their local department stores and vintage boutiques for the perfect silk floral blouse or pants. This trend has been emerging for awhile but it is in full bloom now. For looks for less try stores like Delia or Forever 21. These companies have denim floral pants for less than $30. Furthermore with this trend less is more. The floral pattern is already an attention grabber so no need to layer it with more trends. I personally suggest rocking this trend subtly.

4) Frills and Ruffles everyone can love:

The bold peplum look is for more than the tres chic French women. This trend has solidified itself as a must have for spring and summer. The added ruffle allows you to showcase your curves by adding an extra lady like flare to your ensemble. Peplum can be worn three different ways: Top, bottoms or dresses. The day to night versatility is a bonus as well.

Now, grab your girlfriends and head to your local mall to shop these amazing trends. Remember, not every trend is right for every body type. Wear what feels amazing on you & style according to your own esthetic.

Filed Under: Blog, Featured, Lifestyle, Style & Beauty Tagged With: , , ,

How to Vintage Shop Like a Pro

February 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Dreaming of the fabulous YSL vintage dress Nicole Richie wore on the red carpet or her phenomenal Chanel bag collection but have no idea where or how to shop vintage? Well, your local fashion resale super hero is here to save the day! Here are a few amazing tips to get garments & accessories at a fraction of the price.

1) Location, Location, Location:

Just like when looking for prime real estate for a new home, location is everything when on the hunt for the haute vintage garments. Know the ritzy zip codes in your area and target those shops. When I lived in Dallas, I shopped at one particular store that received pieces from the top neighbors of city. I often found designers items with the tags still on them. These stores are barely combed over and have a great selection.

2) Rub Elbows with management:

It’s not about what you know, it’s all about who you know. That statement reigns true when it comes to thrift shopping too. When you know the staff and store policy, it makes for easier trips. This can also help in getting deeper discounts on items. Certain stores have set items aside for me or even called when particular items have come in. A Miu Miu coat for $40 with the tags on! Hey why not? Frequenting a particular shop helps you build rapport with staff members.

3) Check for holes:

I have fallen guilty of being super excited over a purchase that I have forgotten to check to see if it was damaged. Always sit down in a corner of the store and go through the items you want with a fine toothcomb. Check for missing buttons or stains that may have ruined the garment. Remember, just because it’s a steal doesn’t mean salvaging the item will be worth it.

4) Mix & Match

Shopping for your new pre-loved garments are half the battle. Once you get home you must know how to mix and match your items. Pairing pre-loved garments or an accessory with your already established contemporary wardrobe isn’t tricky. Start out small by adding your vintage accessories to an outfit, then take bigger steps. Most stylists will say stay clear of rocking vintage from head to toe and I agree with them. No need to look like Marsha Brady unless you’re attending a 70’s party.

5) Perks for all:

Similar to reward points offered by Hilton Hotels or Delta Airlines, many vintage or thrift boutiques offer comparable discounts. At certain Goodwill locations, for every $10 you spend, you receive a stamp and after 10 stamps you earn a certain percentage discount. Also, some stores offer exclusive text messages to elite customers.

Having the skills to uncover vintage Lanvin dresses or scoring Gucci pumps for $50 takes trial and error. But here’s a bonus tip: a partner in crime when shopping at thrift stores helps tremendously. A fresh eye is always good when shopping. Someone can help you see items you missed along with point out stains or rips.

Yes, vintage shopping can be as easy a 1-2-3 and these tips are sure to assist you while on the hunt.

Filed Under: Blog, Featured, Lifestyle, Style & Beauty Tagged With: , , ,

Dressing for Success – 5 Essentials for Every Young Woman’s Wardrobe

January 13, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Dress for the life you want to live, not the life you’re currently living. We’ve all heard that phrase several times but what does it truly mean? It can be a quite confusing statement and come with many misconceptions. For example, a college student might think: ”Why can I not wear Hollister every day? There is no need for me to be in a suit when I am sitting in my Econ 201 class on a Thursday evening.” Or the corporate warrior woman who has no desire to climb the ladder may loathe the business professional attire required of a 9 to 5, Monday through Friday position. Here is where the problem lies in both situations: dressing for where you are in your life leaves you tugging at the world in which you’re trying to live instead of focusing on where you want to be.

I am a 26 year old “fashionprenuer” and I should dress as such. It can be really hard for people to transition their wardrobe from college bohemian chic to classic & polished professional with a flip of the switch. That’s where having 5 key wardrobes staples helps. You never know who you’ll bump into when grocery shopping or studying at Starbucks. I met the Director of Public Relations for Neiman Marcus while at Starbucks crunching store numbers. She complimented me on my Prada wedges and I raved about her Givenchy Tote. Cards were exchanged and a friendship was forged. Now let’s build you a Dress For Success Wardrobe that can be used at any age and any time frame in your life.

1. Classic Trench
A Classic well cut trench coat can last for seasons and be used during anytime of the year. Invest in one that is tailored to your body. For cost-conscious consumer Michael Kors makes a great single breast trench. Higher-end well crafted Burberry is an excellent investment.

2. Classic Black Pump
A classic crafted 4” black pump can take you from day to night with no issues. Invest in a great pump that can last more than a couple wears. Also take it to a shoe repair and get the soles redone for longer wear. Nine West makes a great pump for an astounding price. If you’re willing to splurge, Serio Rossi is will be a great return on your investment.

3. Little Black Dress
The little black dress became a staple in the American women’s closet the day Audery Haprner made it so with Breakfast At Tiffany’s. A LBD can take you from interviews, weddings, funerals, lunch dates to many more occasions. As with the trench, find one that fits you and your body style. Victoria Beckham makes great dresses that embraces all body styles.

4. Tote
Your purse can speak for you without your even knowing. It can say she makes power moves or she throws everything in there and doesn’t care what anyone thinks. A tote that shows no logos and has little flashy hardward is a win. You can look professional without stating how much money you have. Marc by Marc Jacobs makes several cute purses with a wide variety of price points.

5. Blazer
Your wardrobe is not complete without a great blazer. I suggest purchasing a black or Grey blazer. They can be paired with several things in your closet. This helps you get multiple wears out of different outfits and styles. Ralph Lauren makes a fabulous blazer.

If you already own any of these pieces you can switch it up for other items to build your wardrobe. Shopping your closet is essential for staying within monthly budgets along with keeping track of what you already own. Furthermore, remember you don’t have to shop steep department stores. Browses your local TJ Maxx’s or consignment shops to spend a fraction of the cost.

What do you think? What are the “must haves” in your professional wear closet?

 

Filed Under: Blog, Career + Internships, Featured, Lifestyle, Style & Beauty Tagged With: , , , ,