I hope everyone had a great Christmas and soon to be good New Years. Last week I mentioned that I wrapped up styling for one of my newest clients for her birthday party. She looked great and sent me a sweet testimonial after. When my clients are happy I am happy :-).
So I feel like the past few days have been exceptionally long for some reason, but its probably because its so cold out. The cold has a tendency to make things seem unbearable. In the midst of my long days I discovered two new connects through networking.
I know I have mentioned this before and I am sure it is just a known fact, but to reiterate, especially as an up and coming creative professional: NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK.
Key element: Networking
Last night I went to a mixer at this boutique to meet with one of the stylist that works there. We met a while back at my internship and happen to keep in contact. She wants me to help out a little bit with some media stuff for the boutique. I thought this was pretty cool for two reasons: 1. She remembers me and I made a good impression. 2. It will only enhance my skills for the future when I am working in my own boutique business. love it! She is a talented and amazingly cool individual. All I could think about after I left the mixer was "what if we never kept in contact?" Check one.
Yesterday I also had a chit chat with one of my homeboy's at my temp part time means to an end that I call a job lol. Anyways, I found out that he does Fashion PR and we may do a collaboration sometime in the new year for some of the designers he is promoting for. This is a great thing because aside from the exposure it would be great for me to have another runway show under my belt. All I kept thinking after that conversation was "promoting my website/blog helps because that is how we got onto the topic" Check two.
Networking is such a good thing. I personally believe that no contact is too big or too small. Everything and everyone has a place. You really never know who you could meet today that could be important in your life or/and career five years from now. It is an invaluable resource so network, network, network.
When I saw this bag I thought it was adorable with a vintage twist. For those of you who know me, I like unique pieces and different colors. My favorite color in this bag is seafoam. Its a pale green and subtle which I think is perfect for late winter early spring. Bags are extremely important. Owning unique bags that add a touch to any outfit CAN be challenging sometimes. I like Urban Outfitters for their bags because they are not crazy pricey and there is always something interesting about the pieces like the front detail knot on the bag I featured. This bag is pleasing to the eye and its a big tote which is perfect for us fashionistas that pack our entire lives with us on a day to day basis.
posted by Everyday Life of an Up and Coming Fashionista at
5:29 PM 0 Comments
Friday, December 25, 2009
New Addition: Style Vibe
Happy Holidays
from Yanni
Its Christmas Day and I am sure by now most people have done exchanging of gifts, blessings and getting ready to eat a great dinner. Gotta love the holidays ;-).
In the midst of all of this I had the only epiphany last night. My little sister and mother went to church last night to bring in Christmas and my sister wore an early Christmas present from my mom. The dress she wore was a gold and black printed H & M tube dress with a sash to tie around the waist. The dress is cute and simple. My sister did not know how to style it really so she kind of did her own thing, but later on she wanted to know my ideas on what I would do with it.
This got me thinking...
I am going to add a new edition to Runway MY Way titled: Style Vibe. A few times a month I will spotlight a specific piece and discuss several ways to wear it. Sometimes it helps for people to know they have options.
Key element: Investment pieces
When shopping, especially in this recession we want to make sure we make good investment in pieces. Things we can wear several times in different ways which is where I come in.
Today will be my first edition of:
Style Vibe
1. Work Chic:Throw on a mid thigh black cardigan or purple/green waist cardigan, a gold skinny waist belt, black opaque stockings and black suede pumps w/ some accessories and a plum or green bag for alternate color
2. Trendy Chic: Throw on a boyfriend blazer or crop leather jacket, accessories black footless leggings and some booties
3. Sexy Chic: Leave the tube dress as is, add a flower either in the hair or as a broach, throw on some sequined peep toe pumps and finish off with a clutch
4. Casual Chic: Add a three quarter black cardigan w/ sequin going down the front, black opaque tights, black calf boots, and a flower in the hair for color
I hope you all like this new edition and please feel free to give me feedback
or send me a piece you would like me to feature and provide options for.
posted by Everyday Life of an Up and Coming Fashionista at
2:48 PM 0 Comments
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The Blue Hue Fierce Find
Happy Hump Day Luvs,
Is it cold enough for yall because its cold enough for me. I keep telling myself I really need to move to a warmer climate. Although I was born a Winter baby I am sooooo not cut out for the Winter weather. Give me Fall and/or Spring and I'm in there like swimwear.
Anyways, I recently made some new contacts for getting a team together for my "Gossip Girl" shoot. I know I know its been foreverrrr, but hopefully come January we can get it off the ground. I pulled some contacts from Model Mayhem which is a really good site. For any creatives out there (wardrobe stylists, MUA's, photographers, models, etc) if you have yet to get connected to MM then you really should do so. It is a great networking tool for up and coming talent and thensome.
Also, for the past two weeks I have been working with my latest client for an event this Saturday. She is going sexy glam all the way. I am putting her in sequins (which she has never done before) so this should be very interesting. Sequins can be challenging, but very fun. Initially we were going to add pink in the pallette, but last minuted we changed it to blue. Which as you all know is a fabulous jewel tone for the season (along with red). Later on today we will be wrapping up her look :-).
Speaking of blue hue's, I recently adored these fabulous peep toe sequined pumps and just had to feature it as a....
In actuality I am really not a fan of sequins all that much, but with the right outfit and on the right garment it really makes a great statement.
Key element: Sequins
Sequins are statement pieces. The key to wearing sequins is knowing how to not overdo it especially if the piece is a dress which is what my latest client is wearing, but back to the shoes. I like these pumps for three reasons: they are different shades of blue which gives variety when it comes to the 'fit', they are peep toes and they make a statement. Walk into any room with these girls on and you cannot tell me heads will not be turning. These are definitely on my to get list.
posted by Everyday Life of an Up and Coming Fashionista at
2:46 AM 0 Comments
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Birthday Weekend & Fierce Find
Happy Tuesday Luvs,
This past weekend I celebrated my 25th birthday and it was definitely LIVE. As you know when it comes to planning any event you are going to have ups and downs which I definitely had hehe. However; at the end of the night everyone who came had a great time, we drank, we ate and partied like a rock star :-).
My journey with my outfit was a hot mess. I totally lost my mojo for like 2.5 seconds and was about to make a fashion disaster with my initial outfit. Now don't get me wrong the first outfit was nice, but it wasn't me and I did not feel fierce in it. I simply refuse to wear anything that I could not strut and be fly in. I was kicking myself for a few because I could not understand why I had lost my creative juices to style myself when I can style everyone else lol. It all worked out though I ended up pulling something together by the miracle of fashion and a diva in red walked into the spotlight.
It was fun fun fun. Everyone looked grown and sexy. Loved it. I really want to thank everyone again that came out to support me and my friend Jasmin. We appreciate it in more ways than you know.
For those Steve Madden lovers, they have been having a killer sale for the past few weeks from 25% to 50% off. These killer booties are trendy and in style with there asymmetrical zipper pattern. The Berry color is my favorite because it pops. These are sold online and in stores so definitely give them a try.
*Also, do not forget Alicia Keys album "The Element of Freedom" hits stores today. It's a great album. I dig it so check it out.
OMG last week was busy busy busy as usual hehe. I was dealing with a little bit of this and a little bit of that so let's see what I can fill you guys in on?
Well first and foremost on Saturday December 5th was my birthday which I consider a National Holiday in my world :-). The weather on Saturday was awful. I hate bad weather: rain and snow. Ugh. It messes up your hair and rocking 4 1/2 stilettos boots in bad weather can be challenging. Thank God I know how to rock em right ;-).
I did a little dinner with some homegirls and ventured out to a club for the remainder of the night. It was very chill and I appreciated the company. This coming Saturday one of my best boos and I will be doing a little party at a venue in the city so that everyone can come. I am still trying to figure out what my 'fit' will be, but I am leaning towards a 60-70's sexy glam look. Simple, Sexy with a touch of Sass. I will definitely take pictures for your viewing pleasure.
A few weeks back I styled a client of mine with a dress and shoes for a black and white event she was attending. Love the dress and shoes. Everything came out very nice.
December has been filled with clients for me which is a very good look. Parties/Galas/Banquets love them all. With birthdays and New Years around the corner holiday dressing is at its max which is why I did a retail therapy for StyleCaster on Holiday dressing. I provided great tips to make the month of December a breeze so check it out.
Now onto....
~ F I E R C E F I N D ~
Name: Penultimate Eye Liner
Color: Black
Price: $16.50
Retailer: M.A.C Cosmetics
*Online and in stores
Name: Blot Powder Pressed
Price: $21.00
Retailer: M.A.C Cosmetics
*Online and in stores blot powder also comes in a loose form
Normally, I stick to apparel for fierce finds, but once in a while I have to throw a beauty deal into the mix. For starters, I am a makeup princess. Love makeup. A lot of people have many misconceptions about makeup and a lot of people use makeup incorrectly. Personally, makeup to me is another way to enhance your beauty. Everyone is beautiful in their own right, but makeup enhances those features and depending on how you do it and the colors you use for the day it brings out another beauty in you. With that being said I had to share with you all my favorite M.A.C products. I literally own a million products from them, but the penultimate eye liner and blot powder pressed are life savers. I have a very distinct eye shape and when I use this particular eye liner it brings it out clearer. Not only that, but it is the easiest eye liner to use. I feel like I am the ultimate pro because its addicting. The way it let's you shape how your going to use it is like makeup crack lol. Love it.
Now for the blot powder I tend to have oily skin sometimes especially when it comes to makeup and adding a coat of blot powder after I am done my face keeps me non-oily and perfectly clear and fabulous all day. It is seriously the BEST invention ever. Do not get me wrong other retailers have great blow powder and eye liners as well. My point is if you have yet to invest in these two products then you definitely need to do so. They are life changing in my opinion. I just happen to be pretty loyal to M.A.C.
posted by Everyday Life of an Up and Coming Fashionista at
3:16 PM 1 Comments
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Alicia Keys Alicia Keys Alicia Keys
Happy Tuesday Luvs,
Alicia Keys is our topic today and I iunno about yall, but I am one of, if not, her biggest fan on an all around level. I think she's beautiful and extremely talented, but on top of that she's is a great humanitarian. She is always looking for ways to help especially when it comes to children.
Tonight at 8pm she is doing a LIVE benefit from the Nokia Theatre in NYC for World's Aids Day/Keep a Child Alive. Visit her official website for details on how you can watch the concert on youtube if you cannot make it to the theatre.
Now since we are on the topic of Alicia Keys I have to share with you my fortune of seeing her last Tuesday morning on the Today Show. It was amazing. I've seen her several times in concert and I love her more every time. See photos below courtesy of Nadia J. for your viewing pleasure. She looked great in her green leather blazer, gold top, black liquid leggings and gold accessories. Her boots were very interesting, but I loved them.
She blessed us with her hits "No One, "Empire State of Mind 2" (yes she added more to her version of the song) and "Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart" which is my favorite new hit from her. Check the video here if you have yet to see it.
Ms Keys new album, "The Element of Freedom" will be in stores on December 15, but you can pre-order as early as today through her website on Amazon.
*Isn't the album color nice? It's a softer look for her. I dig it.
Anyways, I am also working on a retail therapy article for StyleCaster.com on Ms A. Keys so stay tuned for that.