Memo 162: Seeing Red

To: All

From: Me

Date: November 20, 2014

 Subject: Red November

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Red, red and more red! 

One of this season's hottest trends is all about monochromatic reds. I'm talking red on red on red on red. Perfect for the holidays!

I've taken this H&M tassel skirt through all of the seasons. This time I paired it with a fall/winter appropriate hand knit sweater from The Limited and my shiny new YANA belt bag courtesy of Olive Ewe Boutique.

So, how do you feel about this trend? Seeing red or nah…

Get the look:

The Limited Sweater - Similar here in Electric Red

H&M Tassel Skirt - Similar here

YANA Belt Bag c/o Olive Ewe Boutique - Sold here and here

Valentino Rockstud Platform Heels - Similar here in Nude

Memo 161: Sky High, Thigh Highs

To: All

From: Me

Date: November 18, 2014

Subject: Over-The-Knee Boots
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Looks like it's about that time for me to pull out my trusty Sam Edelman over-the-knee boots. 

I am a huge fan of the over-the-knee situation. If done right, they give just the right amount of sexiness. Often times, showing a little peak of something is even sexier than showing a whole lot of everything.

However, it all depends on where you're going and what you're going to do when you get there. This look is good for cooler weather and just about any situation; shopping, dinner, drinks….dessert ;)

And the backpack is good for conveniently carrying everything that you think you'll ever need to be successful in life; shoes, books, water bottles, make-up, and even overnight clothes. Everything. 

Look Ma, No Hands!

Get the look:

Zara Coat - Similar here

Zara Turtleneck - Similar here

Chelsea Flower Dress - Similar here

Sam Edelman Boots - Similar here

Sak Fifth Avenue Backpack - Sold here

Leather Gloves - Similar here

Memo 160: Fringe Benefits!

To: All

From: Me

Date: November 13, 2014

Subject: Tassel Fringed Sexiness
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Ever since I spotted (and then successfully purchased) the Cara Fringe Statement Necklace from Nordstrom a couple of days ago, fringe and tassels have been all that's on my mind.

It's just something about the movement and texture that they provide that just tickles my fancy. Whether you're dressing it up or going for casual sexiness, you are sure to make a statement. 

Get into a few of my favorite fringe and tassel pieces of the moment!

First Row (l. to r.): Joe Jean's Ness Bootie, Cara Tassel Statement Necklace, Anya Hindmarch Tassel Keychain

Second Row (l. to r.): Black Five Loafers, Black Five Tassel Jumper, J. Crew Chevron Tassel Necklace, Sophia Webster Kendall Boots

Third Row (l. to r.): Giorgio Armani Fringed Coat, Alexander McQueen Tassel Skull Clutch, Nylon Magazine Tassel Earrings, Ivy Kirzhner Fringe Wedge Boots, ASOS Suede Fringe Backpack

Memo 159: The Stalk is Real!

To: All

From: Me

Date: November 11, 2014

Subject: Zara Faux Fur Vest 
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I don't normally consider myself a stalker but when I do I stalk, I stalk clothes, shoes, handbags and accessories!

A few seasons ago, Zara presented this faux fur vest online and the stalking commenced. See, I know Zara and I know Zara has seasonal sales. Much like BCBG, the items that you love have an 85% chance of going on sale. Fact! Well, kind of fact based on a fictitious statistic…

That's neither here nor there, the point is to get what you want and to get it on sale! When I'm in stalk mode, I like to periodically check the availability of the item (read: stalk by the minute).

If it looks like it's about to sell out, I may have to fork over the money to pay full price but I, also, know about the possibility of the restock. That's where a little risk taking comes into play. I've often lost out on an item that I couldn't live without that wasn't restocked and nothing haunts us like the things we didn't buy!

So, cheers to a little fashion risk taking!

Photography by: Amir Lowery

Website: amirlowery.com

Instagram: @princelowery

Get the look:

Zara Faux Fur Vest - Similar here and here

Sachin + Babi Fringed Blouse - Similar here

H&M Pants - Similar here

BCBG Harness - Similar here and here

Charlotte Olympia Dolly Slingbacks - Similar here

Kenneth Cole Clutch - Similar here

Memo 158: Backpacking Through U Street

To: All

From: Me

Date: November 7, 2014

Subject: DC Street Art 
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So, about this backpack trend. Yeah, I'm definitely a fan. 

When I saw this Jefferson Faux Leather backpack at Saks Off Fifth, I was instantly drawn to her. She didn't look immature like some of the others. She was very grown up; sexy, even.

Although, I mostly carried this backpack like it was a hand bag, the OPTION to strap it on was there! In life, you've got to appreciate having options.

Photography by: Amir Lowery

Website: amirlowery.com

Instagram: @princelowery

Get the look:

3.1 Phillip Lim Blazer - Sold on eBay here or similar here

Fraiche by J Crop Top - Similar here

Zara Trousers - Similar here

 ASOS Turban - Similar here 

Pour La Victoire Oxfords - Similar here

Saks Fifth Avenue Backpack - Sold here

Marc Jacobs Sunglasses - Similar here

Memo 157: Look, Ma! No Hands

To: All

From: Me

Date: November 5, 2014

Subject: Hands Free
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OB. Sessed! 

Ok, I know this is taking it back like side pony tails and slouch socks but this hands free movement is giving my spirit life. I'm talking belt bags and backpacks. No seriously. Just imagine being able to literally throw BOTH hands in the air like you don't care at Coachella next year when Pharrell decides to invite his twelve closest entertainer friends to come out and perform again.

A few weeks ago, I was sporting my Michael Kors belt bag at Howard University Homecoming's tailgate and I just felt so free. I wasn't fumbling around when I went to make myself a plate of the finest of southern cooking or when pouring myself a very adult beverage.

Listen, Linda. Get into this hands free movement. It may change your life…

I'm more of a sleek and sexy belt bag/backpack kind of girl. These are just a few options that I have found and loved. 

1. Chloe Stanyon 

2. Zara 

3. Nasty Gal

4. Boticca

5. Newbark

6. Elizabeth & James

7. ONE by Erin Dana

8. Chloe Stanyon

9. Clare V. 

10. New Look Xhatch

Memo 156: Nip Tuck

To: All

From: Me

Date: November 3, 2014

Subject: A Visit to the Dress Surgeon
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Let's talk about this dress.

It's an H&M Snake Print Wrap Dress that I purchased for approximately $14.99 plus tax about two years ago. Click "More Werk" to see the original dress.

So, I sent it to the dress surgeon (read: tailor) to make a few adjustments. First, I had them take in the bottom so that it fit like a pencil skirt. I added shoulder pads and cinched the waste with the obi belt from ASOS.

And Voila! You have this remixed snake print dress.

Photography by: Amir Lowery

Website: amirlowery.com

Instagram: @princelowery

Get the look:

H&M Dress - Similar here and here

ASOS Belt - Similar here and here

French Connection Necklace - Similar here

Double Cuffs - Similar here

BCBG Sandals - Similar here 

ASOS Minaudière - Similar here and here