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: glitter threaded

Isn’t it a much more wonderful day when you wake up and the consciousness of your mind awakens with “heaven sent me a…wonderful…very Special…Beautiful Gift…heaven sent me a…very Wonderful…Supernatural…Special Friend…” I stayed with the hum and the truth of these words until my alarm went off and disrupted my rhythm. Sigh*Undeterred, I decided to keep this melody as I started off my day.

This is my first post of this new month and I am super buzzed. December truly tugs at you to celebrate ‘something’, ‘someone’, ‘somehow’, no matter what your present state in life is. I am celebrating it in many ways starting with DRESSEMBER! 
Visit www.dressember.net for details.

I'm joining with women all over the world to celebrate femininity and to raise awareness for the many opportunities the International Justice of Mission provides for us to participate in changing the world. IJM is making freedom possible and that is a cause for us all to celebrate Learn more about IJM

As there will be no ordinary day in the month of December, I am enjoying today styled with glitter-threaded knits, layered with denim for style and warmth, topped with a bright jacket. Tall boots are often the way to go when you are wearing shorts/skirts in cold weather; but your choosing power should always go for sensibility equaled with style.

May this season be filled aplenty, with all the loving joy our lives can celebrate!

Happy December Days World Wide Wonders! 

Outfit deets: Cynthia Rowley Glitter Cable Knit Sweater (like this) + Cynthia Rowley Sweater Skirt (options) + Levi’s Sleeveless Denim Jacket + Elie Tahari Jacket + Gucci Sunnies  are each my maxxinista finds from TJ Maxx // BCBG Max Azria Tall Boots (oldie goodie)

Stylenspiration: “Make each day count, beginning today! When you celebrate the little, you are rewarded with much joy!” Y.S

Stylenspire: leatherette

From baubles to leather, & all the rage in between, faux fashion have been a huge trend & is ultimately here to stay. A faux anything is a replica of an original. Fashion designers with tiered label lines started creating faux pieces as affordable options for the likes of you & I. 

In time, I have discovered that not all faux pieces are affordably priced (depending on the item & the designer), & that the affordably priced faux does not mean poor quality. Faux trends are also best for non-staple fashion pieces that can boost your collection without breaking the bank.

As with any substitute, it is not meant to replace the faithful staples that make for a fashionably lasting wardrobe. Like our relationship with the Lord; every other relationship you develop on your life's journey should never be more esteemed than the one you have with your Saviour! 
The gift of Grace is indeed the best free gift you can ever receive; to substitute His Grace for any other second best will indeed be costly.

Today's outfit boasts of trends & staples, 
Yet each fashion piece have the potential to journey on with me in style.

Enjoy!

Outfit deets: Stella & Jamie sleeveless top (fab find / great options) + Nine West tank top + Leifsdottir printed silk cropped pants (old) + Theory Leather & Knit jacket (old) + Elie Tahari bag + Cole Haan booties + Juicy Couture chain links necklace/watch + Swarovski Crystals bracelets/rings + Michael Kors wrap around bracelet are each maxxinista fab finds from TJ Maxx

Stylenspiration: "Fashion is fleeting & style stages changes with your life's growth; there's forever going to be the next must have item so bargain for it."
Y.S

"I stumbled on this picture online while trying to find buy options for this post. What is your take on this Gentleman's perspective, & how would you style your choices?"

Photo credit: joyfully by V. Dodge

Stylenspire: iLove New York

iLOVE

Like seriously, I really do love New York City. I talk about loving New York, moving to New York, & living in New York all the time. Like seriously, New York is the place for me; I am in love with New York. I mean, have I mentioned New York enough times for you to at least have an idea of how much I love New York & want to be a New Yorker? LOL! While I think, & wish, & dream, & talk New York, God is working behind the scenes to make New York happen for me in the All-Confirming Name of Jesus! 
(can I get some AMEN?)

If I could be any where in the world for the next ten days, New York would be the place. 

Drum roll please......................

WORLD WIDE WONDERS, IT'S NEW YORK FASHION WEEK Y'ALL!!! 

Where else would any style enthusiast rather be in these coming days than in the heart of the city that births all things fashionably fantastic, & demands that we each create style with it, then own it or go home? Whew! It is indeed New York.

I thought to wear my NY homage tee in honor of celebrating the start of the Spring/Summer 2014 NYFW. When choosing what to pair it with, I spotted the red of this ankara skirt & thought to give it a try - what a mix. I love how my indigenous ankara skirt styled with my love NY tee. For the now cold mornings & even colder offices, I added the trapeze cut faux leather jacket for a stylish cover up (scrunching/rolling up long sleeves give your look added edge); matched the ensemble with good ol' booties plus arm candy & I was stylishly set to conquer today.

I am looking forward to what the oracles of fashion have to show/say for what is to come in our style future. Look below for the link to the shows that I will be viewing far, far away from my beloved New York city, in this no, no land where I for now reside. (lol)

Enjoy!

Outfit deets: DIY Mesh with Ankara skirt (bespoke tailored by me) // iLove Nueva York tee + Prada sunnies + Swarovski bracelets/rings + Michael Kors bracelet + Armani Exchange watch + Elie Tahari bag + Cole Haan booties are each fab finds by maxxinista me at TJ Maxx

                                  Stylenspiration: 

"Need I say more?"

Y.S

NYFW SS2014 - LIVE STREAMING

September 05: 

NICHOLAS K @ STUDIO

BCBGMAXAZRIA @ THEATRE

RICHARD CHAI @ STAGE

TADASHI SHOJI @ STAGE

CANDELA @ BOX

THE ART INSTITUE OF NEW YORK CITY @ STAGE

September 06: 

FASHION LAW INSTITUTE @ BOX

PROJECT RUNWAY @ THEATRE

CARMEN MARC VALVO @ STAGE

REBECCA MINKOFF @ THEATRE

NICOLE MILLER @ STUDIO

ELLE FASHION / NEXT @ DAVID H. KOCH THEATRE

ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY @ THEATRE

These are the first two days, more update on schedule & our favorites picks will be posted to update.
Schedule & links provided courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK