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 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