“Clothes aren’t going to change the world, the women who wear them will.”
-Anne Klein
I'm the Captain.
Jacket: Girl Goodies Brand// Bodysuit: Forever 21// Pants: Unknown// Shoes: Boohoo//
As you all may know I played around with this jacket a few months ago while in New York City, but recently I restyled it a different way and it made me LOVE this jacket even more! There’s some amazing about statement pieces and you need to keep many! Having statement pieces makes your closet more versatile, because it’s not always about how much you have but about WHAT you have in that wardrobe of yours.
If you look at my outfit that I have on, the shirt, pants and shoes, then the outfit I have on isn’t that interesting and would have probably been very boring if I just wore it without the jacket unless I was trying to be “chill”. But adding on the jacket made this a whole new look. This outfit can be perfect for a weekend event, girls night out, a concert, dinner or a date among many other activities. The bright red of the jacket, the green in the pants and the white of the shoes and shirt bounce off of each other so well and gives you a bomb, sleek and clean look without you looking like you’re actually trying (there’s nothing better than effortless style or fashion). This outfit and the way I styled this jacket before gives me two completely different vibes, but this look wins the race for me.
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.
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.
Bustiers are Versatile
Bustiers: Girl Goodies
People think that you can only wear lingerie in your house, but that's not true and many of the rules in fashion can be broken. Things like slips and bustiers are a few things that can be worn as apart of an outfit and can be worn very cute on the fashionista that knows just how to pull it off.
Bustiers can be worn this summer because they can be so versatile, you can wear a blouse or t-shirt underneath, you can wear it with a skirt of pants or even over a dress. With a bustier you can add a cute third piece on a chilly summer night. The summer and winter are the best times to get creative with your style, in the summer you don't have to worry about being cold in a particular outfit because it will be hot or warm whether that fits your outfit choices. Everyone should grab themselves a bustier this summer to play around with, I would advice thrifting it. You can play around with this bustier and dress it up or down and add as much jewelry as your fashionable heart desires. Get one and have a little fun with your wardrobe.
Wild Thoughts for the summer
Top: Forever 21// Skirt: Girl Goodies// Shoes: Forever 21// Earrings: H&M// Bag: Zara//
So we've been having a weird springish-summer season, seems like we skipped from winter to summer and then visit spring ever other day. Whether we are in the high 70s or high 80s and 90s I have my pieces ready to come out the closet to play.
For the summer and spring seasons you always want light and airy clothing, nothing that wll weigh you down or have you burning up even more than the sun has you. Staple pieces that always seem to stick around each summer are maxi dresses and skirts and I decided to have some fun with mine.
I took this beautiful green tribal/ floral patterned skirt with ruffles at the bottom and paired it with a fitted cropped top that zipped up the front. You always want to balance out your loose pieces with something a bit more fitted. I added my favorite pair of earrings with gold tassels to add some pops of color. With this look I wanted to keep it very cute but comfortable so I grabbed a small mini bag and some nude sandals to finish the look off. I loved this look and I am in love with this skirt, it's so comfortable and very stylish.
#WeeklyStyleMoments
"Comfort and simplicity are two keys that I follow when it comes to fashion."
-Fawad Khan
New Workspaces Help Stir up New Ideas
A lot of the time as artists and creatives we may get a creative block, and can't think of new ideas or projects. When that creative block happens sometimes we just need a new scenery or inspiration from different outlets. Especially as people in creative industries we want to take inspiration from outside sources that are not in the industry we are in to keep our creative juices flowing and to keep our work different from the norm and original.
Scenery and workspaces also have a lot to do with how much we get done and how inspired we are. If you work from home you may want to change your scenery to outdoors or a public place like a coffee shop just to get out of your head and an enclosed space for a little while, also interacting with other creatives is a big help. As creatives we have to allow for our minds to flow freely and with the weather breaking enjoying the sun and working outside could be a huge help. If you don't want to work outdoors you can go to the library, a coffee shop, a restaurant or any place where you can be amongst a different environment. Our sanity is important, and changing your workspace can also relieve stress.
Midi dresses for the Summer Win
Dress: Forever 21// Jacket: Rainbow// Shoes: Fur added by me// Purse: Aldo//
With the weather being pretty cool last week then to this week almost being 100 degrees in Michigan it's always smart to keep good outfit choices around and midi dresses are definitely one of those choices. A good midi dress is the perfect piece when it's either hot or cool, if the weather is cooler you can add a third piece, such as a jacket like I did here or you can just wear the dress when it's hot and add some cute heels or sandals.
Midi dresses are never hard to find and are always available in many colors which allows for them to be so versatile and be able to be worn often. You can get Midi dresses for cheaper at all of the fast fashion retailers or online boutiques. A good plain dress is always good to keep around because you can create so many looks from them and use them as a blank canvas. If you're looking to be comfortable, midi dresses are perfect. Not too short, not too long but just right
#WeeklyStyleMomens
“Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.” - Coco Chanel
You can never go wrong with statement earrings
*These are not my photos*
For the past six months to a year I have been in LOVE with statement earrings. I used to not be a fan of dangling earrings and only wore studded earrings, but once I started seeing more fashionable statement earrings I didn't look back. Your accessories can turn your outfit from good to great and make it look so chic.
Statement earring can be great for any occasion or outing and at anytime of the day. Don't get me wrong I don't think people should wear statement earrings with everything because with some outfits less is definitely more. But on a lot of occasions they can definitely make your outfit pop. There are some great brands with amazing earrings and one I have been in love with is "ch0ked" which has amazing fringe and statement earrings. A goo accessory is always a good decision.
Float Like a Butterfly DRESS Like a Bee
Shirt: Thrifted// Blazer: Zara// Jeans: Forever 21// Shoes: Akira
As I always say it doesn't take too much for an outfit to become a LOOK. So many outfits can be changed from 9-5 to after 5 so quickly, with just the change of a top, shoes or accessories. You can wear a shirt a different way than you did to work to make it a whole new outfit. You can change your shoes from flats to heels to look more chic.
These reasons are why you should by clothing than can be worn with different things and not that can just be worn once or as an outfit. For this outfit I chose to be chic and casual by wearing ripped jeans, with a Muhammad Ali thrifted t-shirt tied in the front, and a classic black blazer from Zara. This look didn't do too much with the separate pieces but came together great as a whole and I added my favorite statement earrings for just the right touch.
#WeeklyStyleMoments
"To me, fashion is ceaselessly fascinating because it is an expression of self."
-Anna Wintour
#WeeklyStyleMoments
"Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself."
-Coco Chanel
Books for Decor and Knowledge
I am an extreme book lover and I've always felt that it was always important to continue learning and not just associate gaining knowledge strictly to going to school. I am a lover of podcasts and magazines but my ultimate favorite is reading a physical book. Books give you an insight on other peoples perspectives and experiences as well as podcasts do.
I've read so many books but my favorite types of books are self-help, business, motivational, and anything dealing with black history and culture. I'm always searching for new books and taking suggestions from people.
Not only do I love books to read them, but they make for great decor. I have books all around my bedroom, decorated on desks, bookshelves etc. I suggest for everyone to at least try to read one book every few months, and as you're building your collection you can decorate with them as well to give your space character.
Add It On, Don't Change The Look
Short: Forever 21// Pants: Topshop// Jacket: LA Boutique// Shoes: Akira//
In Chicago as well as many other places, it's still been extremely cold, although it's supposed to be spring it's still winter weather, but Mother Nature is slowly getting the clue that we are over winter and snow COMPLETELY.
I've been trying different things to make sure I'm still warm with the outfits I wear, weather it be skirts, flared denim and dresses. In the transition between months when the old season just doesn't want to let up ADD-ONS are very important. Add-ons like tights, cute boots, booties, jackets etc. are always important to have in you wardrobe. For this outfit since the pants had a shorter hem i decided to add a cute pair of brown booties (browns look great with denim!), I also added on a cute shaggy jacket to tie in the whole look and I loved it!
Casualties
Shirt: Thrifted// Pants: Thrifted// Shoes: Converse// Jacket: Rainbow
I took business casual VERY casual with this look, it's like a mix of business casual with happy hour or a night with the girls after work. I chose to tie up this regular button up stripped blouse and put it off the shoulder, and paired it with a cute pair of dressy slacks. To top this outfit off I added my signature red lip, my favorite white converse and this cute distressed denim jacket which I added a brooch to.
You're probably wondering how I got this outfit idea with all of these completely different pieces, but as you all should know by now that I wear everything in my closet many ways. I am an advocate for having fun with your wardrobe and doing what makes you comfortable, and I LOVED this look.
#WeeklyStyleMoments
"Fashion is to please your eye. Shapes and proportions are for your intellect."
-Carolina Herrera
#WeeklyStyleMoments
"I think fashion can always date, but I think if a woman has elegance, she doesn't date."
-Alice Temperley
Checked and Ruffled
Shirt: Boohoo// Jeans: Love Culture// Boots: Boohoo//
As you all know I love a good statement piece, and this shirt is amazing. I have worn this shirt before but styled differently. This time I decided to wear it tucked in with high waist jeans and cute booties. This shirt is very versatile with what can be done with it, it's very dressy, but can be dressed more casual as well.
I love the detailing on this shirt, especially the amazing ruffles lining the shoulders and the attached black corset belt that has a very good fit. Not only was this shirt very cute and very well fitted, but it was also a very good price which is what I always love about something and is a very big factor when I'm determining what I want to buy when shopping.
I love the way this outfit came together especially the checked shirt with the amazing details and a great red lip.