CoCo says: "A woman should be two things- classy and fabulous."

style snag: rihanna & selita ebanks.

when femininity met masculinity. 


  

Songstress Rihanna is a style icon for being fashionably fearless. Supermodel Selita Ebanksone of the (darker) faces of Victoria Secret, obviously oozes sex appeal (its her job.) Both have mastered being subtly sleek with adding a masculine touch to their identical outfits. A slouch sleeved blazer provides a professional and powerful pizazz to the sexy simplicity of a slinky blouse with a fitted skirt and fierce heels. Though the looks are similar, Rihanna's graphic tee provides a playful edge, while Selita remains effortlessly elegant. 

Steal this look for cheap(er)!


Rihanna:





Selita: 





I am exploring my own masculine femininity with this crisp bow tie button up I bought from MNG by MANGO (think Zara.)

... very Sarah J if I must say so myself.

puzzle piece: hippie chic

It's a given that fashion repeats itself. The flannel shirt was revived from the 90's era, and now the head wrap piece, rocked in the 70's, is being resurrected by 21st century stylistas.

How to wear: The headband is a tricky accessory, but appropriate for fashion experimentation straying away from conservatism. It's the perfect piece to add some chic excitement to a casual outfit. Wear it straight across the forehead (as pictured above) for the ultimate hipster look, but push it back towards the top of the head for ambiguity.

Where to wear: This accessory is best to wear out and about, a night with the girls, to a lounge or a bar. It also could be worn during the day as well, but I would probably refrain from wearing it in the classroom.

Where to buy: Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, H & M

Celeb Style (take the poll on the top right to vote which celeb rocks the accessory the best!):

Chanel Iman


Angela Simmons


Lauren Conrad

How I Do it:
I'm wearing a feathered headwrap from Urban Outfitters.

puzzle solved.

the winning look.

The votes are in and the people have voiced their opinion. With 40% of the votes, the winning look is the Black and White belted and ruffled David Szeto frock with the White Louboutin Slingbacks. I accessorized with Vera Wang pearl earrings and a pearl bracelet along with a red Chanel quilted clutch. 

The runner up was the Black collared and bow wrapped Diane Von Furstenberg, with nine votes trailing very close behind with 36%. The Teal patterned and wrapped Diane had 24 % of your votes. Though the David Szeto won, I'm sure all looks would have looked beautiful on the woman of the white house, Mrs. O.


fashion mission for michelle O.

because mrs. obama is now our first lady, her domineering presence will be in the public eye a lot more. so inspired by her new and well earned position, I am continuing my mission  of making michelle O the next Jackie O. 

I came up with a couple of outfits that I feel are fitting for the new first lady. which one would be a winner? take the poll (on the right.) 
#1 Dress: Diane Von Furstenberg, Shoes: Chanel
 #2 Dress: Diane Von Furstenberg, Shoes: Louboutin, 
#3 Dress: David Szeto, Shoes: Louboutin
the winning outfit that will be determined by the end of the week will be completed in a set.

an essence of empowerment.


Today I went to an event called the Essence Young Women Leadership Conference with one of my good friends Tierra at the DC convention center. I anticipated going to this conference for some time and I have to say, I am so happy and thankful that I got the opportunity to attend. For more reasons than one. 
When I arrived ( I was a tad late due to confusion on the metro lines) the first thing on the agenda was a general panel session. The  Simmons sisters Angela and Vanessa spoke on the panel that was moderated by Essence Entertainment Director Cori Murray. They discussed how they built their fashion business and overcome struggles to get to where they are now. Tia Mowry was supposed to speak at the conference as well, but I believe the Simmons sisters appropriately replaced her. The girls' presence was more effective since they doing things that I aspire to do at my age. 
 Angela, Cori Murray, and Vanessa on the big screen monitor at the conference.

The Simmon's Sisters answering questions from the audience.

Angela and Vanessa did a meet and greet in the expo room next door following the session.  I was somewhat excited to meet them, not to mention, they were adorably dressed (Angela wore these hot pink plats that were to die for!) I sat next to Vanessa during an awkwardly rushed photo op (pictured below) and she complimented me on my blouse! It was funny to watch Angela, she seemed very fun and relaxed as she was randomly robotting and slouching on the couch sidekicking

Essence Entertainment Editor Cori Murray on the far left. Angela and Vanessa in between.

(Angela chilling at the expo lounge. Love her sparkled jacket!)
(Angela sitting in between two other attendees toward the left, and Angela is sitting next to me on my right. Tierra is on the far right.)
After the meet and greet, Tierra and I went to this workshop called "Real Life 101: Lessons Learned Outside the Classroom."  The panel participants were Essence Entertainment Editor Cori Murray, former Teen People Editor and author Amy Barnett, former Diddy assistant and Global Brand Manager of Sean Jean Capricorn Clark (also a judge on "I Want to Work for Diddy), and CEO Shante Bacon. Associate General Council of Time Inc. Rhonda McLean moderated. 

I felt so honored and proud to be a part of this session. to be sitting in front of these strong, beautiful black women who have faced so much struggle but still managed to overcome their adversity was so inspirational. they offered advice to us  young African American women who strive to be in their shoes. the advice didn't really pertain to business challenges, but more so how to overcome personal challenges. 
Amy Barnett at the mic.

Capricorn Clark at the mic (can't help but notice her Spike Lee's)

Amy Barnett offered the most inspirational story and advice. She opened up about how she dealt with being at a very low point in her life and talked about how her mother's passing from cancer pushed her. When she saw a picture of her and her mother, she had an epiphany: "No one is going to rescue me now..." and with that, she knew she could only rescue herself. I admit that I got slightly teary eyed when she spoke of her journey. I realized that is exactly what I need to do... save myself, because no one is going to do it for me. These successful women were sitting right where I aspire to be someday. I hope to empower several sparkle eyed young black women through sharing my experiences. 

Then, we went to another general session moderated by Jeffery Johnson. Most people would know him as "Cousin Jeff," but according to him, he got rid of the juvenile nickname. The panelist were Entertainment Executive Valiehsa Butterfield, Speak2Society LLC and owner Quinn Conyers, and Rahama Wright. It was interesting to hear Johnson's male perspective amongst the predominately female discussion. 
Jeffery Johnson's picture on the big screen moderator

Pictured on the monitor from left to right: Rahama Wright, Jeff Johnson, Quinn Conyers, and Valeisha Butterfield.

Cori Murray announced winners of raffles that the conference attendees participated in after the panel. Tierra and I entered a raffle that offered an opportunity to win an interview with Time Inc. When Murray was announcing the winners, a couple of them did not show up.  I was the last name (incorrectly) called and was one of five lucky ladies who won! 

I was so excited and shocked; I couldn't believe it. I did believe, however, that this was all a sign. Especially after I had attempted to get an internship with Essence, but did not follow through. 

This conference was an overall amazing experience that I will never forget. I am so happy that I attended because I  got the opportunity to be surrounded by all these beautiful strong women who strive just like me to be successful in all aspects of their lives. It also granted me an opportunity that potentially will bring me to my fate. 

Visit Amy Barnett's site and buy her book (which I just recently purchased): "Get Yours"



first lady fashion part ii.

here is another outfit I styled for mrs. O. i decided to upgrade her ensemble she wore to (I think) the DNC. 

Dress: Zac Posen (he is a perfect fit for her!), Jacket: Phillip Lim (opened), Earrings: Chanel, Shoes: Christian Louboutin, Bag: Louis V. 

well...?

first lady fashion.

since mrs. obama seems to be a bit misguided when it comes to style, I was inspired to create a set updating her look. 

when I saw this Bill Blass dress, I immediately thought this would be perfect for her. not straying away from conservative and giving the neckline much drama and her curves some modest attention. I chose these louboutin slingbacks with a lower heel since michelle is relatively tall (a red sole is good for the soul.) the quilted chanel adds that much needed pop of color to the ensemble (blue for democrat of course.) and some bangles and dangles for jewelry (i would prefer the earrings to not have the chanel overlaying c's signature.) 


what do we think? yes, no?

i will be coming up with some more possible looks, since i am on a mission to save our first lady from fashion faux pas. 

history.


I am putting aside my love for fashion to write about something that is so much bigger than that... 

so much bigger than me and you... 

the potential of history being conceived was high. And as the clock struck 12 and a new day officially dawned, history was born. On the 4th of November, 47 year old Barack Hussein Obama was elected as the 44th president of the United States of America. 

to be honest, i believe that the youth vote had a large part in this birth. this generation was granted the opportunity to change the course of history, and we grabbed this opportunity and helped Obama snag the election. 

the obvious history here is that we finally have a black president. some thought they would never witness this, some thought it was not possible, and some thought it should not have happened. 

yet, i think people need to understand that this man's race has nothing to deal with how deserving and qualified he is for this job. his educational background as Harvard law student, and his experience in the senate and as  a community organizer has shaped his knowledge. though, he has been criticized for having little experience, i think that the people of America looked passed that to see the potential of this candidate. not to mention that his campaign was well strategized and overall amazing. the hurdles he faced were steep, but not steep enough to undermine his strength. he ran his campaign honestly and passionately, and that on its own is an accomplishment. 

i think people also do not see that though he is black, he is also white. he represents the black and white person, which is the beauty of him being president. he embodies the American. he embodies me and you. 
and i cannot comprehend those who refuse and disregard the history of this because of being stubborn and racist. this is so much bigger than any ego (even diddy's) than any head, than any person. this is a time for black people to rejoice and celebrate. this is a time for black people to be proud. because after all of the adversity our people faced, Obama is the epitome of hope and justice. and i cannot comprehend  anyone and ultimately question the morals and values of those who refuse to acknowledge that or believe any African American does not deserve to be happy in this moment. that is just beyond me.

and just to clarify the ignorance. the man is NOT Muslim, he is christian. just because he has a Muslim name does not make him Muslim. that would be saying I'm Muslim because my name is Arabic, but i am not. and so what if he was? would that make him less qualified because of his religion? 

my faith in this country has been restored. and for the first time... i can honestly say that i am proud to be an American. 

Obama 08...

hell ... Obama '12!



NOW-- back to fashion, on a related topic. 


If anyone watched Obama's victory speech, you also watched Michelle walk on stage at Grant Park wearing that red splattered, figure drowning, failure flattering dress.  The ensemble was designed by Cuban bread and American raised designer Narciso Rodriguez. 


she either a) needs a stylist
or b) needs to fire hers immediately. 

my mother was telling me that I was qualified for the job, LOL. I would definitely help her, because she definitely needs it. 

And I can't get over how adorable Sasha and Malia are! take care of that puppy!


 

election etiquette.

Today, Tuesday, Nov. 4th, will mark as a pivitol date in history as the next president of the United States will be elected to the White House. And you have the power to determine the course of this country, by casting your vote on this historic day. 
 I'm sure both democratic and republican parties will be in supporting fashion of the candidate. However, do not go into the voting booths with any presidential pariphinila or you will be snatched of the opportunity to sport, stick, and state "I Voted" that day. Your support is best shown behind the booth, not on buttons and, or T's. 
Speaking of T's... I finally got my Tory Burch "Runway to Change" shirt and wore it the eve of the election. I hope it sent the message to run to the booths and vote. 

Here are some pics...




halloween pic.

hope everyone had a great halloween! here is my costume...

I think I managed to pull this off... what do u think?