Memo 248: A Tale of Two Maxis

To: All

From: Me

Date: September 29, 2016

Subject: NYFW Look #4: Maxed Out

__________________________________________________________________________________

Photographer: Paul Akinrinlola

Memo 247: Fall Done White

To: All

From: Me

Date: September 27, 2016

Subject: NYFW Look #3: Transitioning Your Whites Into The Fall Season

__________________________________________________________________________________

Photographer: Kaye McCoy

Memo 246: Got Stripes?

To: All

From: Me

Date: September 22, 2016

Subject: NYFW Look #2: The New Neutral

__________________________________________________________________________________

Photographer: James Anthony

Memo 245: I'll Take That ASOS Embroidered Vest With A Side Of Thighs

To: All

From: Me

Date: September 20, 2016

Subject: NYFW Look #1: Holding On To Summer For A Little While Longer

__________________________________________________________________________________

Photographer: James Anthony

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

__________________________________________________________________________________


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

__________________________________________________________________________________

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

__________________________________________________________________________________

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

__________________________________________________________________________________

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

__________________________________________________________________________________

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

Memo 202: Is Brooklyn in the House?

To: All

From: Me

Date: October 8, 2015

Subject: NYFW: Look 7

__________________________________________________________________________________

I was on a legit search for Biggie in New York. Last year, outside of Hennypalooza, there was a huge street art mural of Biggie and I was on a mission to find it again. I was unsuccessful but a little birdie put me on to the Bushwick Street Art Collective and there he was. I told him that I lost him before but wouldn't let it happen again and pleaded with him "Biggie biggie, give me one more chance."

How do you make sequin pants dressy and casual at the same time? Throw on some brightly colored sneakers and a tuxedo jacket and there you have comfy chic.

Photography by: Tyson Adams

Website: www.newhydemedia.com

Instagram: @djtyadams

Memo 201: Gala? I've Got It

To: All

From: Me

Date: October 2, 2015

Subject: NYFW: Look 6

__________________________________________________________________________________

I'm are you're pretty familiar with the phrase "Stay ready so you don't have to get ready". Well, it was truly embraced during this past NYFW. 

Is this an invitation to a gala? No, worries. Mess with me, you know I've got it!

Photography by: Tyson Adams

Website: www.newhydemedia.com

Instagram: @djtyadams

Memo 200: Meeting My Co-Werker for Drinks

To: All

From: Me

Date: September 30, 2015

Subject: NYFW: Look 5

__________________________________________________________________________________

Does that say 200 Memos?! What the what?! 

Welp, that calls for a celebration of sorts, doesn't it. When I celebrate, you all get something. Isn't that fun?

There are two gifts involved. The first gift is introducing you to my fellow co-werker (Get it? One who also "werks") and Howardite, Crystal Devone better known as DJ C. Devone. She's pretty hot in these DJ streets. You can catch her spinning anywhere from corporate events with big name brands such as Google and Intel to private events in Barbados to spinning at your favorite retailers like H&M and Neiman Marcus. Yeah, she's pretty dope.

Check her out:

Website: www.djcdevone.com   

Instagram: @djcdevone

MixCloud: cdevone

We met for drinks at the Gansevoort Hotel in the Meatpacking District after a day of shows during NYFW. The Gansevoort was super cute and the appropriate background to support a city full of fabulous fashion week looks. The look that I wore was more on the causal side but still super effective and fashion week appropriate. 

Photography by: Tyson Adams

Website: www.newhydemedia.com

Instagram: @djtyadams

Click "More Werk" for the outfit details and the second gift!

Memo 199: The Perfect Time to Wear Sneakers

To: All

From: Me

Date: September 28, 2015

Subject: NYFW: Look 4

__________________________________________________________________________________

So, I'm just going to keep it funky with you for a second or as Drake would say eight more that 92 with you....100. By the time the Essence Street Style Block Party came around during NYFW, I was consistently fighting off blisters and shoe induced lacerations.

Sometimes, your feet have to matter! I don't believe in suffering through pain for the sake of fashion. Nah, bruh. I have some sneakers (Midwest translation: gym shoes) that are going to look perfect with that look. Any look. Judge your mom. 

Photography by: Tyson Adams

Website: www.newhydemedia.com

Instagram: @djtyadams

Click "More Werk" for Outfit Details

Memo 198: How to Get Away with Two Capes

To: All

From: Me

Date: September 23, 2015

Subject: NYFW: Look 3

__________________________________________________________________________________

The question of the day when I wore this look during NYFW was "Is that one piece?"

Very similar to the way that I stack statement necklaces, it's important that the pieces complement each others. With the two capes featured in this look, the short cape version from Hugo Boss fits nicely over the longer H&M version and creates the illusion of just one piece.

The best thing about this kind of pairing is that you'll never run into yourself while strutting down your own concrete catwalk.

Photography by: Tyson Adams

Website: www.newhydemedia.com

Instagram: @djtyadams

Get the Look:

Hugo Boss Mini Capelet - No Longer Available

H&M Trench Cape - Similar here

H&M Top - Similar here

Finders Keepers Shorts - Sold here

YSL Platforms - Similar here and here

Kenneth Cole Clutch - Similar here

H&M Bracelet - Similar here

ASOS Midi Rings - Similar here

Melody Ehsani North Star Rings - Sold here

ASOS Spike Pinky Ring - Similar here and here

Nasty Gal "Bye" Ring - No Longer Available

Memo 197: Wide Legs

To: All

From: Me

Date: September 20, 2015

Subject: NYFW: Look 2

__________________________________________________________________________________

Look, ma! The 70s are back. A few of my looks during NYFW had a little 70s flavor. In walks these beauties from H&M, they were a great look for the shows and will transition well into the office.

For all of you laytees who are looking for ways to add a little drama during your work week, find your way to some wide legged pants and walk your own cubicle lined carpeted runway!

Photography by: Tyson Adams

Website: www.newhydemedia.com

Instagram: @djtyadams

Get the Look:

River Island Hat - Similar here

ASOS Sweater - Sold here and Similar here

H&M Pants - Similar here

Miss Sixty Shoes - Similar here

Jerome Dreyfuss bag - Similar here

ASOS Necklace - Similar here

Marni for H&M Necklace - No Longer Available

Marni for H&M Bracelet - No Longer Available

Baublebar Earrings - Similar here

Memo 196: Planes, Trains and Fashion Shows

To: All

From: Me

Date: September 16, 2015

Subject: NYFW: Look 1

__________________________________________________________________________________

Remember how I like feeling like a super hero? I talked about it way back when here. Intro this green cape from Nasty Gal. It catches wind with the best of them.

I wanted to incorporate a 70s vibe by adding the See by Chloe blouse and the striped color blocked skirt from Zara. This season, it's all about a nod to a decade that brought us bell bottoms and Farrah Fawcett feathered hair. Say that three times in a row.

Speaking of hair, I shaved the sides and it has been a LIFE SAVER. This style is super easy to maintain to combat the random torrential downpours and NY humidity.

Get into Look 1 from NYFW!

Photography by: Tyson Adams

Website: www.newhydemedia.com

Instagram: @djtyadams

Get the Look:

Nasty Gal Cape - Sold here and Similar here

See by Chloe Blouse - Similar here and here

Zara Skirt - Similar here and here

Stella McCartney Pumps - Similar here and here

Louis Vuitton Trevi Bag - Sold here

H&M Scarf - Similar here

Memo 195: Old York Fashion Week

To: All

From: Me

Date: September 4, 2015

Subject: NYFW: Flashback Friday Edition

__________________________________________________________________________________

NYFW prep is completely underway. We are T-6 days away from all the fashion-clad-runway-model-street-style madness!

Here are a couple of things that I've been doing to get my mind right for fashion week:

1. Shopping | Like, duh! Here, lately, I've become obsessed with purchasing workout clothes because it's a different story when you look cute at the gym. Somehow, you don't mind going as much. So, I've had to refocus my efforts to purchasing pieces that I can actually wear during Fashion Week.
2. Working out | Like, I mentioned before cute workout gear equals more visits to the gym. Plus, I'm trying to lose these last pesky 30 pounds the week before Fashion Week! Ha! I kid, I don't really have a weight goal. I'm just trying to get some firmness and tightness going. I love my curves. I prayed for curves when I was rail thin. Let's not get it twisted!
3. Sleeping | I haven't been really doing this one as well as I should. I hope to take one day before I leave to just fully decompress and relax. I want to be fresh and alert unlike any other time that I've traveled. I usually roll off of the plane with just 2 hours of sleep because I've left packing for one of the biggest fashion events of the year to the night before. I'd like to start off of on the right foot this year.
4. Scheduling | Probably the most important part of NYFW is maximizing your schedule. The goal is to see, do and be a part of just about everything possible which is where the sleep reserve and working out will come in handy.

Anyway, here's a look back at my fashion moments from SS15: