Macy’s Celebrates Black History

Hi guys!

It has been awhile since I last posted, but welcome back to my page. On yesterday February 12, 2015, I attended Macy’s Black History Month event title The Soul Era. This panel discussion included Celebrity Fashion stylists and Designers June Ambrose and Johnetta Boone.  They so happen to visit 8 cities and one of which was in the heart of Metro Center, Washington D.C. If you know me and what my secondary goals are in life, you would know that I was so ecstatic to see these wonderful, motivating, and fashion forwarded ladies.

During the discussion, the history of fashion was brought to the panel. June reached back into time when Africa was discovered as the first continent and how individuals dressed back then to how people of today dress now. She mentioned that people today should go back in time and retrace those ridiculousness awesome prints and patterns that men actually wore and bring it to life. Johnetta seconded June’s comment about the African disapra and focused deeply into individuality as well. She said: “Men used to diversify themselves back then wearing platforms and pastel prints.” The most powerful statement that she made was that we all need to be ourselves and wear what you want to wear and be confident in it.

The discussion ended with Q&A.

DC’s Fashion Week: Networking Social

Washington DC is known to fashion heads as one of the stylish and most fashion-forward cities in the world. On the week of September 25-28th, DC had its Fashion week. I had the opportunity to attend the Networking Social at Dirty Bar.

This event gave me the opportunity to network with wardrobe stylists, bloggers, photographers, editors, and many more fashion connoisseurs. While at this event I met the stylish blogger, Shian. Her blog can be found by going to http://www.TheFashionInvestigator.com or by following her on Instagram @fashion_investigator. Her creative style, color combinations, diverse looks, and eclectic vibes are a must have for any females look book.

Also, I met Candice Wilson, owner and personal stylist of Candace Wilson found by going to http://www.candicewilson.net. She works right here in DC assisting men no matter what walk of life he is taking, to look nice and well presented. Receiving her degree from Fashion Institute in New York, she exemplifies herself as a professional and is now accepting new male clients.

Upon meeting these two wonderful ladies, I did get to see Mr. DC Fashion Week himself, Ean Williams, conduct the networking event. His eagerness to make his audience feel welcomed and comfortable during shows was very pleasing to see. Not only do he host, he is executive director of DC Fashion Week and he is creative director of clothing labels Corjor International and Magnum Underwear. His instagram is mr_dcfashionweek.

All of the inspiration and advice that I received from this event will allow me to better myself and to network even more with more like-minded individuals.

Spare Of The Moment Shoot

It is not about the person wearing the clothes, it is all about how you wear it. Gathering some creative ideas to advertise my brand, I came up with an idea to style on the spot individuals while out browsing at local stores and boutiques. For starters, I caught Taylor in Value Village a few weeks ago to style some quick, yet unique looks. Taylor’s image is casual on the other hand her interchangeable style worked the best for this shoot.

 
This fit (above photos) is for those ladies who want to look comfortably while shopping, grocery shopping, quick errands, or lounging around the house. Taylor has on boyfriend style pants topped with a basic t-shirt and layered over with a vintage vest. Total look is $8

When I seen this jacket (left photos), it screamed “Watch me, I give off so much LIFE.” This metallic jacket should have definitely been in my closet of collections to have, but “see what had happened was…” Anyways. This look is so reversible for both guys and girls. Never should you be trapped in a box based on colors, textures, patterns, or clothing that people think are specifically for males or females. Total fit is $12

 

I thought this last fit resembled Taylor the most just because she did not care for the skirt (ha ha), but it really does look good on her. Ladies, wearing this around campus and to outings with your friends is perfect especially if you are the sort of reserved type during the summer seasons. The crop top allows you more leverage with showing skin but not too much. Total fit is $5

As you have noticed, each fit was priced less than $15. There is no excuse to why people cannot look stylish while also still having money in their pocket. NO EXCUSES.

Be sure to follow Taylor on Instagram @t_eey

Have an awesome day!

Glimpse of the Life of Taylor: Fashion Guru, Stylist, & Camera Ready

Creativity. Definitely not the word. Stylish. Still not enough. Aberrant is the right fit. Taylor, a current student at North Carolina Central University located in Durham North Carolina is the epitome of a fashionable lady. From discovering her about a year ago from a mutual follower, I feel in love with her style and ora that she presented. 

Taylor has been featured on ASOS Fashion Finder, StyleIsFab, Lioness Blog, NastyGal, GoJane, Edge Magazine, and many more blogs, magazines, and websites. 

Nothing shall stop Taylor from succeeding because it is viewed in her work thus far. Ladies, if you want insight about her style, follow her at the links below.

Instagram: @taylormcfly

Facebook: theskinnyfashionista

Blog: theskinnyfashionista

Short interview conversation with Taylor:

1. What was your inspiration be involved with fashion? My inspiration started from watching my mother dress herself when I was younger. She was always experienced with putting the perfect accessories to go with her outfits and she always had herself put together well.
2. When did you decide that modeling is the right fit for you? I don’t necessarily model, but I do help brands promote their clothing by showcasing it on my social networks. Modeling isn’t really a career I want, but I consider it to be a hobby because I do love to be in front of the camera. 
3. What is your career path? My career path is to work in the fashion industry behind the scenes, such as fashion buying, styling, and creative directing for fashion magazines. I’ve always wanted to be the person who helped put looks together to create for the consumer. I’ve never really wanted to be in the spotlight.
4. How has North Carolina Central University helped you in regards to your career path? It has helped me connect to a lot of people who have the same interests as I. I have done so much networking in my two years at NCCU so far and the fashion classes that I have taken pertaining to my major have helped a bunch also. There are so many creative people around that help me learn things that I maybe didn’t know.
5. What do you do right now? Right now, I attend school full time and I blog part time. I’m basically just trying to build up my networking circle for future opportunities. 
6. What are you favorite places to shop? I LOVE to thrift shop. To me, there is no store better than thrift shopping because being a college student, I save a lot of money by thrifting. But when I do decide to go outside of thrifting, I will online shop at places such as Nasty Gal, Go Jane, She Inside, or little shops I find on Etsy.
7. Describe your style and look. I’ll describe my style as spontaneous because I’m always trying new things. I’ve never stuck to one style because I think it’s pretty boring. I can go from dressing tomboy, to 90’s, to grunge, all the way to being a full out minimalist. My style moves with my mood.
8. Describe how you see yourself in the next 5 years. In the next five years, I see myself living in New York and being successful in the fashion industry, whether I’m a millionaire or not. I just want to do something positive.

         

Spring time Means COLORS!

It has been awhile my friends, but I am here!!

It is getting warmer and Spring is now here. If you are like me, you love bright colors in any clothing type from shorts, blazers, tops, bottoms, shoes, and even socks!! Featured above is Pharrell in last month issue of GQ incorporating color into his wardrobe.

When presenting yourself, make sure that you represent professionalism. Do not overdue colors into your look. I will show you how. Here are some tips to incorporate some color into your wardrobe.

1. Pants
Have you ever glanced down and seen a guy with what you call “high waters”? Sure you have. You probably was looking at Dwayne Wade and said, “why in the world does he have them high waters on but it look good on him.” Let me tell you something…….them so called high waters is a fashion statement. Pick out colors in red, green, white, purple, magenta, and any bright color that you find. Below are models who have been featured in multiple magazines with colored, cuffed pants.

  

Description: let’s say you’re 5’10” like me and wear pants size 34/32, get skinny or slim fit pants. These two fits will allow you to look clean and casual. One thing that I find attractive is pants cuffing. Roll up the pants leg with 1 small cuff, evenly on both sides. Repeat  it once more and you are done. Do not go any higher with the cuffs or you might as well have on long Bermuda shorts.

                                                  (Dwayne Wayne is pictured here with Khaki and then white slim-fit trouser pants.)

2. Blazers
A blazer itself is its own accessory and statement. For spring, wear a linen or light colored blazer layered on top of a deep V-cut shirt or graphic tee. Blazers come in many fits, but my favorite is slim-fit. You will never thank me enough with the compliments and attention you will receive when you have a flashing blazer on.

 

(Express:Red Cotton-linen Deconstructed Blazer )

 

 

 

                                                                                (Express:Light blue Cotton linen Deconstructed Blazer)

 

(Express:White Cotton-Linen Deconstructed Blazer

3. Shoes

You can never have enough shoes in your closet, guys.  Shoes are also a perfect way to add color.  This summer, go bare!! Meaning wear your loafers without the thick socks like the non-stylish people wear. Go to your nearest shoe store or Walmart and get “no show” socks. These are really thin and if you prefer to wear sock with your loafers, you will have this sock on your feet yet it will not be visible which is a great look with rolled up chinos or with shorts.

Pictured above: (ALDO: Leaman)

(ASOS: Bobbies Le Charmeur Driving Shoe-yellow)

(ASOS: Bobbies Le Charmeur Driving Shoe-brown)

 

Menswear on a Budget: From My Perspective

Men, we all want to save money yet we all want to look presentable and approachable to others, yet many men complain about prices and the time it takes to pick out clothes. Have some patience! There are so many designers, stores, boutiques, shops that cater to men for any man to look horrible.

I am a graduating senior at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and I am a victim of spending my earnings on clothes, shoes, accessories- OUTFITS! I see a huge amount of males on famous who either do not care about their look or do not have the interest to look good even for themselves. But this is my observation. Throughout college and even in my high school years, people have admired my well-groomed look. I am a firm believer in looking good for yourself and to look presentable in public because you never know who you will encounter. My style is casual-urban & semi-business casual. When people see me, they usually associate me with having a good style because I make the money for it, but here’s my secret to you all–I shop on a budget!

Thrift stores, vintage shops, and Plato’s Closet are a few of many places that offer a complete menswear attire at a discounted price, but these are not the ONLY places that I shop. In order to be an all around fashionable guy that I am, I shop at multiple stores. I do not go for top brands because that is not in my league at this moment in life. Just to name a few places that I do shop is Nordstrom, Express, ASOS, Urban Outfitters, and many others.

A budget that I make as far as all clothing items is $150 a month. Of course, you have to think smart before making your budget due to your finances, interests, place of residence, and career placement. I say $150 on clothes because I do not want to wear the same clothes each day for every week and if you are like me you change up your wardrobe, donate clothes, and get tired of your normal wear. I work three part time jobs to afford my fashion habit, but I also have bills. Write down and label your expenses. Make sure that you allow your income to produce a savings as well. You do not want to have a budget for clothes without keeping money saved, too.

Thanks for viewing.

Dress like you mean it!

I have been stereotyped and shunned on just because of the way that I am dressed.  I have ignored and will continue to ignore those individuals because guess who will be on top and successful…. **beat drop* …… me! Do not let no man or woman tell you how to dress. You gain confidence in your personal style because every persons style is not horrible, just some people need some updating done to it.

Remember, the most attractive person in a crowd of flamboyant fashionistas is the person who is original, true to themselves, and has the most pride in what THEY feel is style.  I am not encouraging you to dress any kind of way, but be presentable. Style does define your character because it shows a 90% visual image of how you are on the inside; the other 10% is based on how your project yourself with your verbal skills. Have you heard the saying, “It is not about what you know, but who you know.” Here is my motto, “It is not all about what you are wearing, but the way that you carry yourself while wearing it.” I say this because majority of young adults of my cohort have always stuck to the name brands that were so popular and bash those who either cannot afford the name brands or literally do not want the attention from people based on attire.

While in the college life, I have seen a shift in style.  Thrift stores are a college student best friend. These stores are 9 times out of 10 the best places to buy clothes because it is so original and most importantly, no one else will most likely not find the exact item. I have got a few top designer brands in a thrift store. It is not about the price you paid. No one can see a price label on you unless you show it.

Look in the mirror at yourself and examine how your body frame is, find what is suitable for you and your frame. Fashion is not about the size or measurements; it is about the look and how it looks on you and what makes you unique.

Add a scarf in your life men

Pair any outfit with a simple scarf you guys!  As you can see above, my scarf is a dark copper color (orange) and it does add some definition to my top portion of my outfit, but not too much.  A scarf does not have to be a bright color, but it has to bring “life” to your outfit and stand out. like i mentioned. A scarf can bring out any “laid-back” outfit whether you are going out to the bar, school, or out shopping. I paired my scarf with a basic grey cardigan and under the layers is a basic white fitted shirt. It was a rainy day so I did not get to get a complete, whole body image, but a selfie will do for now.

Guys, picking out a scarf is easy. If you are on a budget like myself, go to your nearest H&M, Express, American Eagle, ASOS, or even TJ MAX. I recently found a thing for TJ MAX as far as home decor, but their accessories are great as well.  I got this scarf from H&M for less than $20.

Adventure out of your horizon and own a scarf.

Shirt – fitted, size large from Express (white)
Scarf – H&M (orange)
Cardigan- size large from H&M (grey)