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

Lifenspire: baby it's cold outside

Happy Monday World Wide Wonders! 

I have thoroughly missed chronicling my style art for each day, but it has been unkindly cold in my side of the world. I hope you are each keeping warm if you need to, and if not, do treasure the warmth of the weather that you are being blessed with.

I look forward to being able to share some style art with you soon. Meanwhile, I await the Spring season when the seed of this season shall yield fruit. 

C'iao!

Lifenspiration: "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish…so will God's promises for beauty, in each of our lives be made real." ISAIAH 55:9-11

Stylenspire: black, white and snow

Happy Monday World Wide Wonders!

It seems like I finally got pulled out of the vortex of snow, ice, and rain that has been a nightmare. Thankfully, the horrors of frigid temperatures are behind us now. Through this past week, I kept thanking God for the least simple things; things we easily overlook with entitlement while we go on with life. For one heat and warmth - I was continually grateful for a sanctuary I could call home. For hot water - I was always moved to tears every time I took a hot long shower. 

Do you ever wonder what would happen/who you would be if all the little essentials that provide you daily comfort were taken away? The fact that I have these provisions and much more simply spurs my heart on in gratitude to the One Who supports and supplies my needs on all sides. It also confirms my need and belief to be the difference/make the difference for another. Since His Promise is to meet all our needs according to the riches of His Glory in Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:19

The pictures from this post did not come out clearly to showcase today's style make up of turtle neck dress, overlaid with a strapless organza dress, and tall boots. But I chose to share it because of the beauty of nature resplendent in the background. It seemed poignant that my silhouette was framed this way; It speaks the truth of my story, that I am only found in the reflection of God the Creator.

P.S. It was fun to be out in the sun and frolic in the snow. Enjoy!

Outfit Deets: Ralph Lauren Collection Jacket (old) (similar here) + BCBG MaxAzria Strapless Organza Dress (good find / fab find / maxxinista find)) + Susana Monaco Cat Turtleneck Dress (top option) are each this maxxinista finds from TJ Maxx  // Vera Wang Lavender LARISSA boots are oldie goodie fab found from Marshall's (similar here / love this one) // Gucci sunnies

Stylenspiration: "When life gives you snow, stylishly layer up for warmth,then go play in it." Y.S

I tell you, old is always new when you have a fab timeless piece to style. Ralph Lauren Collection Runway picture curtesy FABSUGAR

Stylenspire: pebble print

World Wide Wonders, I truly trust that you have each had an enjoyable holiday season and have plenteous reasons to look forward to an amazing year of exceeding grace. My holiday has been so peaceful, refreshing and full of grace. Words cannot express how grateful I am right now and how truly my heart is filled with the joy of His Strength.
In my mellow state of mind, these pair of crepe silk pants was the way to go. I like the way pajama pants have been inducted into style trends. They are so easy to wear with effortless style, and I paired mine with a leather sleeve top and fur vest. For color, I wore these red platform booties that I am so in love with but have not worn in almost a year as the heels are over the top. Today's style make up are each easy wearable pieces that put together this way, I achieved a stylish finish with the pebble print pants and the shoes for focal pleasure.

 Outfit Deets:  THEORY Evlyn Fur Vest (bid for it / buy it / fab find option / more fab options) + Stella&Jamie Rio Leather Sleeve top (options) + Larry Levine Crepe Pants (option1 / option2 / option3) + Swarovski Crystal Key Pendant Necklace (steal / fab find) + Swarovski Circle Crystal Pendant Necklace (color option) + Swarovski Crystal rings are each fab finds from T.J. Maxx // Giuseppe Zanotti Crystal Heeled Platform Ankle Bootie (fab options / love / love / love)+ Louis Vuitton Chaine Wallet (oldie goodie) Gucci sunnies
Stylenspiration: "Live the blessing of each new day from grace to strength to glory, with stylish resolve." Y.S
"The joy of the Lord is my Strength." NEHEMIAH 8:10

Stylenspiration: 2013 NYEnspire

For us ladies, decorum in our dressing is a physical translation of an inner understanding of the treasure that we are. Our ability to be gorgeous does not hail from pawning the gift that we are and this idiom for me, is translated in today's outfit. I feel joyously gorgeous and confident in my femininity in this outfit. A stylish way to usher in a new year too.

2013 has been the most challenging year of life! Emotionally, physically, financially, relationally and above all these, spiritually challenging. At a point when I felt like my life has been reduced to nothing-ness, God continually asked for my all in my nothings. I reached a point when my prayer became "no more" but God simply did not give up on me. 

In retrospect, I know there has been a supreme purpose to each challenge and surrender, even though I still lack understanding for the need to have had some of these experiences. Yet my complete existence remains in His Will, under His Sovereign Grace. This truth allows me to rejoice in Him, for each challenge that did not triumph over me in 2013.

I know some of you are also journeying through God's valley of promises. I pray that in 2014, we will each successfully arrive at our very own mountain top of fulfillment. "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are YES in Christ Jesus. And so through Him, the AMEN is spoken by us to the glory of God the Father." 2CORINTHIANS 1:20

HAPPY NEW 'YOU' YEAR WORLD WIDE WONDERS!!!

Outfit Deets: Bespoke Tailored black and gold knit sequin dress made by me (fabric from Joann / love this one too) // Juicy Couture earrings + Juicy Couture cuff + Armani Exchange watch + Michael Kors wraparound bracelet + Sparkle ring + Steve Madden DARRT metallic pumps are each fab finds from TJ Maxx

Stylenspiration: "The joy of the Lord is my strength."Y.S See NEHEMIAH 8:10