You Need a Big Enough Bag to Fit Your Life

When you’re someone who always has a lot to do and a lot going on and you’re anything like me then you need a big enough bag to fit EVERYTHING you need. From going from school, work, if you have children, workout or any thing else where you have a full schedule then you want a bag big enough to carry everything you need instead of carrying multiple bags. I love a big bag and can’t get enough of them.

Big bags can go from high to low end. you can get one from your Gucci to your Louis Vuitton brands, or from Marshalls, TJMaxx, Forever 21 and many others. Me personally I need a bag big enough to carry my laptop, my journal, the book I’m currently reading, my pouch with all of my essentials and my wallet but those are just the staples. But if I am doing many things throughout the day that require more than what I normally carry in my purse then you might find snacks, a water bottle, a change of shoes, workout clothes or anything else in my bag. Overall the woman that has a busy schedule needs a big enough bag to carry everything she needs and it needs to be of quality, but that doesn’t mean that you have to break the bank to get it. If you can’t make it home in between events or tasks and you want to be prepared for everything then your bag has you LIFE in it.

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“Fashion is not about product; it's about an interesting idea that you can't resist buying into.”
-Alessandro Michele

Mixing Colors

Shirt: Pitaya// Pants: Thrifted by Girl Goodies Brand// Earrings: H&M// Shoes: Zara//

I love mixing colors, being monochromatic and also mixing color that are in the same color family but are different. For this outfit I chose to stay in the families of green and blue and I ended up loving it! I paired these high waist teal trousers with this olive green shirt that I love, but I tied it so that you can still see the beautiful waist on these pants.

I chose to add a pop of color to the outfit by adding these pink and red statement earrings that I felt was a perfect color match for this teal and green look. I kept it simple with just the earrings for accessories, but I added my favorite shoes from Zara that have gold fringe and they were a perfect match to the outfit. Play with colors because you’ll never know what looks good if you don’t play dress up and step out of the box, I got the idea to pair these two colors together and I put this outfit on and ended up loving it. Its always fun to play with colors and silhouettes, that’s the great part about fashion.

Mixing Feelings: Mixing Gold and Silver

For many jewelry is a key piece in their wardrobe, but some people get really touchy when it comes to wearing gold and silver at the same time. Most people feel that you have to pick one or the other and it’s forbidden to wear them both at the same time, but I feel the complete opposite. I love gold jewelry, and two of the jewelry pieces I never take off are gold, but I am more than down to wear both gold and silver together.

In my opinion wearing gold and silver together adds to an outfit more than it subtracts from it. You can do silver earrings with gold bracelets or necklaces, vise versa or even an even split between both. Let’s stop being stuck in one box and try out new things and I’m pretty sure you’ll love it and see it’s not that bad.

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“Yes I’ve always been fashion conscious”

-Aretha Franklin

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“I’m a very down-to-earth person, but it is my job to make that earth more pleasant.” — Karl Lagerfeld

#NYFW Concept Korea Fashion Show

This past week I went to New York Fashion week and one of the fashion shows I attended was the Concept Korea show that showed the spring collections of two designers,the Concept Korea show was created to help emerging Korean designers to help them promote themselves outside of Korea. The two designers that presented were LIE and IISE, their Spring Summer 2019 collections were amazing and each had different elements, concepts, and meanings.

The show was great, I was of course especially interested in the creative direction. Each show started off with great music and videos that projected off of the wall where the models walked in and out and continued throughout the show. The collections were amazing from one designer’s designs focusing more on streetwear and they had Nike sponsors as well and then the other designer focusing more on evening-wear, quality coats, suits, dresses etc. The clothing was very chic and fitting for the trends at hand.

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"The best fashion advice I'd say would be just to do what makes you comfortable and what makes you feel cute, and that's how you're gonna look your best 'cause when you feel your best, everyone else can feel it too." 

     -Ariana Grande 

Andre Leon Talley: The Gospel According to Andre

Last Friday I went and saw a showing of the legendary Andre Leon Talley's documentary, "The Gospel According to Andre" and it was absolutely amazing. This documentary documented Andre's life, where he came from, his take on the fashion industry and his experiences within it. Besides seeing what an amazing man and creative he is and how knowledgable he is of the industry he is in I also saw other topics along the lines of race, discrimination and also showing how the experience of someone black entering the fashion industry is much different from a white person's experience but it's never talked about.

Andre worked hard for the positions and opportunities he got, for the front row seats at all of the shows, and the relationships and friendships he had with important designers but in the eyes of some others him working hard to get where he was and where they were didn't make sense and they accredited it to him possibly having sexual relationships with the designers which was completely false, this goes to show that we really do have to work twice as hard to get what they have or even show that we deserve it. Andre had many hardships as a black man in the fashion industry but suppressed them instead of speaking on them, but I do feel like it is important to confront people openly discriminating in a professional manner so they know that it's not okay and they shouldn't keep doing it. 

I also feel that Andre deserved more important positions and positions of power than he got, due to the fact that a lot of the important people in fashion learned from him, i.e. Anna Wintour. Andre should have been given the position of Editor-in-Chief of Vogue by now, I'm not sure if he would even want it (Who wouldn't) but the question is has he even been offered because he's more than qualified. He should be on the CFDA Board of Fashion, and much more, there comes a point when we need to stop just being grateful to be in the room or at the table but ask and demand for what we know we deserve. 

Overall it was a great documentary, and very inspiring to keep working for what I want and where I want to be. It also made me envious of how bad I wish I was coming into the fashion industry during Andre's time when everything was so fresh, innovative and organic, everyone was original and honored the essence of creating timeless things. If you haven't seen the documentary I suggest you figure out how you can see it, it'll leave you memorized and thinking. 

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"Whoever said that money can't buy happiness, simply didn't know where to go shopping."

—Bo Derek

It's Never Really Out with the Old, it Just Becomes New

As we all know and are witnessing right now fashion always comes back around and presented as if it's a new trend but it's not, it's just the recycling of trends and fashion. We have been seeing all of the fashion brands including but not limited to Gucci, Fendi and Dior bring back some of their older styles and designs from the 70s, 80s, 90s and early 2000s.

Gucci is being given the nostalgic feeling they once took from Dapper dan's designs by hiring him on to do his own collection where he is bringing black culture, creativity and innovation which are all things he's always had and brands like Gucci never appreciated (which makes me personally happy for him and him receiving his long awaited and deserved praise, but has me side-eyeing the Gucci brand because they only want to do what will turn them a profit aka black culture). 

Fendi is bringing back their signature logo printed ensembles from the clothing to the shoes and bags. These logo prints  are back on the scenes and taking over everyone's closets, they've been seen on celebrities such as Nicki Minaj, Big Sean, Jhene Aiko, Gucci Mane and many more. This style is nothing new and was spotted back in the 90's on celebrities like Lil' Kim and Tupac. You can spot the Double FF logo from a mile away and for many people it brings up memories of a great era in fashion, hip-hop and culture 

Another piece that is now back that was originated in the late 90s/early 2000s is the Dior saddlebag. This bag has been put bak on the fashion scene and spotted by many but was once worn on Carrie Bradshaw from episodes of Sex & the City, Paris Hilton and many more. This bag was initially worn most of the time with white tank tops and cute denim with some nice sunglasses aka a classic look, now we are seeing it styled so many different ways. Whether someone is wearing the vintage logo print saddle bag or keeping it plain the bag is back but the question is for how long? 

From these three vintage trends and items being revived it makes you want to make sure you keep all of your clothes bags and shoes to pass down to your children because you never know if or when the style will return but the price will definitely be 10 times more than what you got it for. This also leaves the thought of black culture makes things so popular and gives it so much flavor but we are only given credit and respect when it's beneficial to someone else, black culture invented streetwear and making the most of what we have. 

Shoulder Pads? Say What?

You read that title right, we are about to talk about shoulder pads and how they've never went away but how they are more fashionable than ever. Usually most people would associate shoulder pads with age and elderly women wearing them, well it's time for everyone to broaden their fashion horizons or get left behind. 

 I personally like shoulder pads and the boxy look it gives things like blazers and jackets, which so happen to be the only garments I will wear with shoulder pads. Shoulder pads to me add a menswear vibe which I feel looks amazing and sexy on women. Garments with shoulder pads can go left quickly if not styled or worn properly with the right outfit, so you have to be careful and make sure you don't become a fashion victim. The best advice I can give to properly do a oversized blazer with shoulder pads is to do something with a tighter silhouette underneath so that the blazer is able to be the main statement, you can't go wrong with that. Grab some shoulder pads and have some happy fashions. 

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"Elegance is elimination"

      -Cristobal Balenciaga 

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"Fashion is about good energy. It's about feelings. That's what I want to give the people, good energy and good feelings." 

 -Adriana Lima  

Polka Dots and Fringe

Shirt: Zara// Skirt: Forever 21// Shoes: Zara// Purse: Zara

Another look from New York! I loved this look so much because of all of it's different elements, each piece could've been great on their own but were even more perfect all together. from the statement earrings to the fringe shoes.

I got this sheer gold polka dot shirt from Zara for $7, it is asymmetric with a knot in the front, it was so cute that I just had to get it especially because I knew I could pair so many things with it. I chose to pair it with my patent leather skirt that zips up the front just to keep things simple but textured. I didn't need to do too much with my bottoms because my shirt and accessories were so cute. Once I got the outfit down pack it was on to the accessories, I had found these amazing earrings that were in a square shape with sequins material flowers and they ended up being the only piece of jewelry I needed.

 I carried my small black $8 from Zara because I was doing a lot of walking and just needed a small purse, now on to these amazing shoes!!! I found these shoes on sale at Zara for $15 and I fell in love with them, they are slip on and they feature one of my favorite colors GOLD and they had fringe on them which had me completely sold. I loved this outfit and can't wait to see how I style these pieces next. This whole outfit was under $50 and you would never be able to tell. 

A Sailor Aesthetic

The Whole Outfit: Girl Goodies Brand// Shoes: Jessica Simpson//

This past week I traveled to New York City for a whole seven days, and it was absolutely amazing. It was my first time there and it was everything I've been dreaming of since I was a little girl. I curated all of my looks for this trip very carefully and way ahead of time. I made sure that the correct accessories for each outfit were perfect, and I went through a "dress rehearsal" several times before the trip, although it may have been excessive it was great for me to make sure that my outfits were great for this trip, for the weather AND you have to be extra stylish going to the big city. 

Although I wore seven different outfits, but this look has to be my favorite! It was all thrifted by an amazing vintage brand Girl Goodies! i chose to pair the bustier with the sailor/military inspired jacket because  I felt that it gave the look a great 80s look especially with the jacket having padded shoulders. I then paired the bustier and jacket with some amazing fitting flared jeans, Being in New York it's so much walking involved that I had to wear flats, but I would've definitely worn heels with it. This look is perfect for a date night, brunch, girls night or anything that you need a cute look for that's just the right amount of fashions. 

#WeeklyStyleMoments

"To me, fashion is ceaselessly fascinating because it is an expression of self."

       -Anna Wintour 

Summer Jewelry and How to Wear It

In the Summer my jewelry and accessories are a little bit different than they are in the fall and winter. In the summer it's best to play up on the golds and to add more! In the summer the sun beams, our skin gets a new glow and/or tan, and everything is either bronze or gold. 

During this season you can stack up your dainty gold necklaces to add some flare when you wear a v-neck or even a outfit that let's your accessories talk and take a backseat. Or you can add a statement earring, one that has gold doesn't hurt. Hoops are your friend during the summer, especially gold, you can go big or small, thin or thick but hoops are always by your side and most of your outfits best friend. So aside from your bomb shades and popping lip add some gold for your summer essentials and you're all good to go. 

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"When you don't feel to dress means that you are depressed. You need a fashion shower." 

     -Anna Dello Russo

Be a walking billboard for your brand

Shirt: To purchase this shirt youngstylishlifestyle.com/shop (The shop tab)

When starting and running a business most people never have a huge budget for marketing and advertising if they have one at all, but so many people miss out on the free marketing that they can take advantage of. Social media is the biggest platform you can use for free marketing for your company, but you can also do other things like wear your own merchandise or word of mouth, even if you get merchandise just for you to wear and not to sell it's still a great way to get the word out about your business. 

Don't feel discouraged if you don't think you have the right materials or resources to market yourself, because it's best to use your free options as long as it works for you and work your way up to the things that may cost you a little extra. Just because it costs the most doesn't mean it will be efficient, there are a lot of marketing and advertising materials that you may pay for and get no sells from and you as an owner are the best person to spread the word, never forget that.