Memo 225: Byron Lars Beauty Marked Up Like the Subway in Harlem

To: All

From: Me

Date: February 29, 2016

Subject: The Black Style List: Designers of Color - Part V

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On this last day of probably the blackest black history month in the history of black history months, I'm featuring a mixed-print and texture aficionados' favorite designer, Bryon Lars.

The Byron Lars Beauty Mark aesthetic is ever body conscious because Byron remains obsessively conscious of the female body while designing them. He's all about making clothes that make the most of what God gave a girl.   

"I love seeing a woman standing in front of the mirror and taking in all of her own fabulousness after having tried on something of mine.  That's the real pay off for me!" - Bryon Lars

The Bryon Lars maxi cardigan, leather pants and moto skirt featured in these looks saved my life during one of the coldest fashion weeks of my life! I mean when you can get fashion and function out of your pieces, that's the true victory in my book.

Photography by: J. Shotti

Instagram: @jshotti 

Memo 224: Samantha Black Listed!

To: All

From: Me

Date: February 24, 2016

Subject: The Black Style List: Designers of Color - Part IV

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I'm a recovering undercover texture lover...

Recovering from a love I can't get over!

When I saw this jacket on Samantha Black's Instagram account, I was immediately obsessed! How can you not love the faux fur sleeves on this beauty?! 

This Project Runway alum graduated in 2005 with a BFA from the prestigious Pratt institute in New York. Samantha Black has worked for some of the largest fashion houses in the industry like Jill Stuart,  Michael Kors, and the late Alexander McQueen. Her line Sammy B specializes in pieces for females like herself; the tomboys in pumps!

I paired this jacket with a few patterned throwbacks from Zara. I'd like to call it a meeting of the print and texture minds!

Contact Samantha@sammybdesigns.com for buying details and check the site soon for new pieces!

Photography by: J. Shotti

Instagram: @jshotti 

Memo 223: Subpolar Ankara Prints

To: All

From: Me

Date: February 22, 2016

Subject: The Black Style List: Designers of Color - Part III

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While I was in New York last week, I experienced a pretty diverse range of weather conditions. We started off with subpolar temperatures hitting a high of 1 degree all the way to 55 degrees with torrential downpours. Somewhere in the middle, it snowed and this is what I wore.

For this look, I brought out a few oldies but goodies: The MCB Shop's leather turban and Boxing Kitten's ankara print pencil skirt. This look may look a little light considering the snow but trust and believe that the oversized scarf from Zara provided the much needed heat to get me through the day.

Although the Boxing Kitten pencil skirt is currently unavailable, I do adore the ankara print pieces from designer Rueben Reuel in his line, Demestiks New York and the Jinaki collection from designer Sharufa Rashied - Walker. 

Get into these designers to satisfy your ankara print needs!

Photography by: J. Shotti

Instagram: @jshotti 

Memo 222: You Don't Need an Excuse to Shop To'sha and Undra Celeste NY

To: All

From: Me

Date: February 18, 2016

Subject: The Black Style List: Designers of Color - Part II

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If you know me, you know that I'm a fool for fringe! So, when I saw this "Dani" bag from Shop To'sha, I knew that she was a real winner. The designer, Towana Phillip, offers maxi and mini fringe bags in varying textures and colors. She believes in the "strength of a good accessory" and I AGREE!

Click "More Werk!" to see the Ballet Dancer Print Dress (currently on sale) featured in this look from designer, Undra Celeste NY. The use of a trumpet sleeve in most of her designs is what initially drew me to this designer. She pointed out that "one of the most flattering parts of a woman is her neck; so by moving the fullness of the sleeve to the forearm and leaving the neck and shoulder more seamless it makes almost everyone, regardless of size, seem much more sleek and put together." 

Please get into To'Sha and Undra Celeste NY!

Photography by: J. Shotti

Instagram: @jshotti

Memo 221: Can I be Candid (Art) With You?

To: All

From: Me

Date: February 15, 2016

Subject: The Black Style List: Designers of Color - Part I

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Black Designers Rock!

For the rest of the month here on The Werk! Place, I'll be featuring at least one designer of color in each of my looks. As an African American woman, it’s important for me to highlight and support entrepreneurs, designers, and influencers of color who have been innovators in their fields! If it's for us, by us and it's dope, then I support it.

The first feature goes to this Tumbleweed necklace from Candid Art Accessories. Fellow Howard University Alum, Candice Cox, started Candid Art Accessories after being inspired by an affinity for African visual culture, indigenous design vernacular, and cosmic geometry.  

Each piece is handcrafted and is created for the fearless fashion enthusiast who desires to make a statement without saying a word. CanDid Art designs are known for their use of various chains, assortment of metals, semi-precious stones and recycled materials. 

Get into Candid Art Accessories!

Photography by: J. Shotti

Instagram: @jshotti

Home Werk! | The Beginning of a Wall Gallery

To: All

From: Me

Date: February 5, 2016

Subject: Wall Art

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Come follow along with me on this wall gallery evolution. It's far from done but definitely not where it once was. 

Before 

Click "More Work" to see the progression.

TWP Approved!: Fight the Winter Blues for Less Than $150

Do you have the winter blues so hard that you thought you were crippin’?

Instead of resorting to gang violence this season, get into a little trouble with your wallet. Add the serenity and calmness of the color blue to your wardrobe for less than $150.

You’ve never experience the blues like this before:

1. Chi Mihara Ankle Boots
2. Laundry By Design Faux Fur Vest
3. Oscar De La Renta Carved Ring
4. Eliza J Faux Fur Coat
5. Lorenza Antoniazzi Wool Cap
6. ‘Tour’ Hunter Boots
7. Leith Tie Back Jumpsuit
8. Halston Heritage Gown
9. Juliet & Company Cerise Earrings
10. Fitbit Charge HR

          a. Shoptiques Navy Trench
          b. Essie ‘After School Boy Blazer’ Nail Polish
          c. Your Fireside of the Story Navy Cardigan
          d. Burberry ‘Thomas Bear’ Bag Charm

Memo 220: Weekend Warrior

To: All

From: Me

Date: February 1, 2016

Subject: Comfort is King on the Weekends

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The weekends were made for relaxing shades of grey, errands and red oxfords!

The busier that life gets and there more things that there are to do, the more of a fan I become of comfortable dressing. I wish I was the girl who can go to the grocery store, pick up dry cleaning and run a relatively short 10K in heels. I'm not that girl. I like for the calf burn that comes from heels to be well earned from a night out on the town. So, I call on my flat shoes for daytime weekend activities.

My flats range from oxfords, boots and newly added Superstar and Stan Smith Adidas. I literally start my looks from the bottom up. Once a few shoe options have been selected, I form the rest of the outfit based around those shoes.

I went out Saturday night wearing heels and my calves are still thanking me for it this morning. It shouldn't have to hurt to look good!