Stlyenspire: dress revival

A few months back, I had the opportunity to design and style for a Charity 'Murder Mystery Dinner' event sponsored by Honor Without End, Inc - a not-for-profit organization. 

I was offered to showcase some of my bespoke designs and have recently decided to share how I styled them with you.

As is my norm when it comes to designing, the traditional Nigerian/African fabrics were infused with Western elements of fashion to create the style art I wanted. My models were 'girl-next-door' young ladies and it was such a joy to work with them on this night. They each had their unique personality, owned each style and brought to life the mantra "there is no passion to be found playing small…" Enjoy!

 

Yours truly... 

Outfit deets: Elie Tahari Teal Zip-Back Jacket // LaROK Cropped Sequin Jacket // Express Mesh Tank Tops (teal and maroon) // BCBG Maxazria Satin Peplum Jacket // Shoes (each model's own) // Everything else designed by me with Swiss Voile Lace/Ankara/Batik/Mesh/Satin Fabrics

Photos: joyfully by Renita Hills

Models: Jocelyn + Celina + Amanda + Cassaundra + T'Amara  

Style Artist: Self

Stylenspire: color rush

In the past three Autumn seasons, we have not had the joy of such richly colored days as we have been enjoying these days. The varying hues of the trees, some with their staying green; the red leaves, the orange husks, the brown limbs, and all the varying colors in between. Oh how I am loving and enjoying the Master CraftsMan display His splendor. 

My style choice today is tribute to the beauty around me. I specifically chose the batik fabric of my skirt, influenced by the colors of nature and designed as a midi skirt, which is an on going trend this season also. I enjoy making skirts as they are such versatile fashion pieces and are fun to style. I paired the skirt with a bright silk tee, added the leather jacket for warmth and oomph, the nude platform heels and blue glass necklace topped off the style for the day. Enjoy! 

Outfit deets: DIY Indonesian Batik Print Skirt (bespoke designed by me) // BCBG Max Azria bias cut leather jacket + Kate Spade ARIELLE top + B Brian Atwood BAMBOLA Nude Patent Peep Toe Pumps (fab finds / love this) + Cara necklace are each a maxxinista's fab finds from TJ Maxx

Stylenspiration: "Much more than fashions changes with seasons, the glory remains with He Who changes times and seasons." Y.S

Stylenspire: what's fall got to do with it?

Oh Summer, where art thou? And Autumn season, how long will thou stay-est with me that I may possibly escape the Wintery days to come? Sigh*** It has gotten cold with Fall season in full swing and I have resorted to quoting weather-shakespear (what a life! LOL). I cannot help it that as much as I enjoy the cool, sometimes cold-sun days of Autumn, I keep thinking Winter, Winter, Winter. And this little one simply does not enjoy the Winter! 

Okay, so enough of my whining! I have missed out on a few blog weeks while trying to get some things with life on track, and I am glad to be back! During my little hiatus, all I have heard and seen is buy, buy, buy….hence the Fall, Fall, Fall + Winter, Winter, Winter = buy, buy, buy! Chuckles* I mean seriously? Except you are going to be doing a massive haul of your closet from the previous season, if you ask me, there is only so much you can continually buy. 

The best shopping principle that I live by is shopping opposite seasons. At the end of Summer when all the stores are bringing in Fall/Winter trends, they aim to get rid of all current Summer fashion pieces. To this point, they will discount their merch' with a variety of sale events till they are all gone. In reverse, when Spring arrives, traders look to haul out all the Winter pieces which at that time no one will want because most people are looking to shop new for the coming warmth.  This is when I shop! At the end of one season to stock up for the following year. And because I only buy pieces that I love, it never fails to become the IT items in my closet when the new season arrives. 

Like the fur trim collar Vince sweater I am wearing today. It has been my repeat go to since the turn of the weather. I shopped this 'must-have' last Spring and have saved it for now. I paired it with this trendy batik midi skirt I custom made for myself and a cashmere men's sweater. All the pieces I styled my outfit with are very much today's trend with vibrant autumnal colors, shopped from my closet and very much me. 

Enjoy and please share your thoughts with comments below. xOXo!

Outfit deets: Ralph Lauren Black Label Men's Cashmere Sweater (old) + Vince Fur Trim Removable Collar Cardigan (sold out) + B Brian Atwood Fontenay Platform Sandals (metallic gold option) + Elie Tahari fold-over Goat Hair Clutch + Ralph Lauren sunnies are each this maxxinista's fab finds @ TJ Maxx // DIY Indonesian Batik Midi Swing Skirt (custom made by me)

Stylenspiration: "The beauty of a resplendent style, can also be represented in praise in all seasons.
Praise the Lord from the heavens, 
Praise Him all His angels,
Praise Him you highest heavens,
Praise the Lord from the earth,
Let them praise the Name of the Lord,
For He commanded and they were created.
In each season,  His Splendor is above the earth and the heavens." Y.S
See, PSALM 148