Memo 209: Monochrome Like a Pro

To: All

From: Me

Date: November 18, 2015

Subject: Solid Colors Unite!

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Lately, I've been in the mood for monochromatic looks. Not only because they look great but they're pretty easy to create. Literally, gather all the pieces that you have that are same color and then wear them. Insert *praise hands*.

In this look, I added some texture with the leather accessories and the heavy woven pattern of the Gap sweater. Even though it's easy, I still like to create a little interest.

Happy Monochroming!

(yeah, I just made that up)

Photography by: Dorrell Edwards

Website: Always Timeless Productions

Instagram: @alwaystimeless

Memo 203: The (Global) Grind Is Sold Separately

To: All

From: Me

Date: October 8, 2015

Subject: BTS Photos of the Global Grind Interview

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It costs you nothing to dream but it may cost you almost everything to pursue it. At some point, you will have to make the decision on how you're going to proceed with your life. Will you be just a dreamer or will you be a dream chaser? Choose wisely.

And while you're choosing, you may as well do it wearing a gold cape! I mean if you're going to go out into the world and be amazing, you may as well dress the part! When I showed up for this Global Grind Interview, the Senior Marketing Director of Interactive One made the comment that I showed up looking like a Super Woman. Well, I mean, dress for the job you want or nah?

Check out the full Global Grind interview here or on my You Tube Channel here.

Photography by: Tyson Adams

Website: www.newhydemedia.com

Instagram: @djtyadams

Check out the rest of the look and some behind the scenes action by clicking "More Werk!".

Before you proceed there's a special announcement:

Mixed Media: 3rd Blogiversary Celebration!

• The Werk! Place is turning three in a little over two weeks! Of course, there's a celebration. 
• Join me on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at the Roosevelt Lofts Rooftop Lounge starting at 6PM. You all know how I feel about a rooftop!
• RSVP at twpturns3.splashthat.com to reserve your spot. A minimum donation of $5 is required with your RSVP and 100% of the proceeds are going to Girls With Gifts, Inc., a community service organization geared towards empowering young women to develop and use their gifts to contribute to society. 
• Of course, a rooftop situation is not complete without some fresh beats, a little bubbly and some light refreshments. 
• For partnership opportunities, please contact tiffany@the-werk-place.com.

Memo 196: Planes, Trains and Fashion Shows

To: All

From: Me

Date: September 16, 2015

Subject: NYFW: Look 1

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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 136: A Seersucker for Fast Fashion

To: All

From: Me

Date: June 4, 2014

Subject: Five Things to Remember When Shopping Fast Fashion
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Deep in my spirit, I aim to shop at other retailers. I really do. But the way that my bank accounts are set up. See, I have this checking and this savings account… 

H&M (Zara and Topshop) just gets me and has respect for my wallet!

To be honest, I don't love everything in H&M BUT I have never once walked out empty handed. Never not once!

When shopping at fast fashion retailers, I like to keep a few things in mind:

1. Buy items made from natural fibers (i.e. Cotton, Silk, and Wool). Synthetic materials from lower end retailers tend to look really inexpensive (read: cheap). Just because it is inexpensive doesn't mean that it should look inexpensive!
2. Try on more than one size or a couple pieces of the same size. Don't pay attention to the number; just make sure that it fits! Also, if your size is sold out, grab the next size or two up and take it to your favorite tailor.
3. Inspect before you buy! I've seen holes, missing sequins and buttons, make-up stains, and more from the clothing hanging on the racks. Often times, you can negotiate a little discount based on the severity of the damage.
4. Go to the store either early in the morning, say like when they first open, or on a quiet Monday or Tuesday. You want to be able to take your time and see every piece in it's fully stocked and in place glory!
5. Lastly, Go often! The great pieces are the first to go, online and in the stores. So, if you can swing it, visit once a week or at least once a month so that you don't miss any awesome buys. After all, that's what it's all about. 

Before you go, two looks from The Werk! Place have been nominated for June 2014 Users' Choice Award in the Vanity Fair International Best Dressed Challenge. Please, vote for the looks here by clicking the hearts in the corner of the photos and spread the word!

Trench Cape: H&M, Shirt Dress: H&M, Harness: ASOS,  Bag: Louis Vuitton, Shoes: Max Studio, Sunglasses: H&M

Trench Cape: H&M, Shirt Dress: H&M, Harness: ASOS,  Bag: Louis Vuitton, Shoes: Max Studio, Sunglasses: H&M

Trench Cape: H&M, Shirt Dress: H&M, Harness: ASOS,  Bag: Louis Vuitton, Shoes: Max Studio, Sunglasses: H&M

Trench Cape: H&M, Shirt Dress: H&M, Harness: ASOS,  Bag: Louis Vuitton, Shoes: Max Studio

Trench Cape: H&M, Shirt Dress: H&M, Harness: ASOS, Sunglasses: H&M

Get the Look:

H&M Trench Cape - Similar here and here

H&M Shirt Dress - Available at H&M 

ASOS Harness - Similar here, here, here and here

Louis Vuitton Trevi Bag - Available at Louis Vuitton Retailers

Max Studio Shoes - No Longer Available

H&M Cat-Eye Sunglasses - Similar here and here

Memo 113: AmsterDAM Bicycle Gang

To: All

From: Me

Date: January 14, 2014

Subject: The Casual Tourist
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I'm pretty sure that we needed bicycle licenses to "drive" bikes around Amsterdam. I'm not sure how I made it out alive. I literally avoided no less than seven bike on bike collisions. Amsterdamians are serious about their bicycles.

I knew that there would be a lot of walking involved on my trip to Amsterdam, so I packed flats and comfortable clothing. Your more experienced female bike "drivers" wore heels. Maybe next time...

Coat: Zara, Sweater: ASOS, Trousers: Zara, Scarf: Zara
Fauxtography by: LaTanya Casillas

Bag: Louis Vuitton

Shoes: Jimmy Choo, Socks: J. Crew
Fauxtography by: LaTanya Casillas

Memo 106: Casually Speaking

To: All

From: Me

Date: December 17, 2013

Subject: Car Repair Shop Flow
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Someone once asked me "Do you always wear heels? Can we see something with flats?".

Sure can. 

I wore this look to get my car repaired. No need for heels at the mechanics unless….never mind.

I've featured these Sperry Top-Siders before here and I still feel the same way about them. I seem to always pair them with these pants and this bag. Comfortable to the max!

Coat: Zara, Cardigan: Zara, Sweatpants: J. Crew

Cardigan: Zara, Sweatpants: J. Crew, T-shirt: Custo Barcelona, Scarf: Zara

Shoes: Sperry Top-Sider, Bag: Louis Vuitton

Hat: Armani Exchange

Memo 085: Trenched in Sweat

To: All

From: Me

Date: September 24, 2013

Subject: Trench Cape
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Hey fall, is that you?

You know what you all can have? Summer and winter. You can take it! Give me fall and spring ALL YEAR LONG! 

So, one of my favorite outerwear pieces is the trench cape by H&M. I love it. I do believe that I have seen a black version in stores this season. Go ahead and add it to your must have list for fall. 

Trench Cape: H&M, Top: Zara, Skirt: Zara
Photography: Rhonda Davis

Trench Cape: H&M, Top: Zara, Skirt: Zara
Photography: Rhonda Davis

Bag: Louis Vuitton, Shoes: Chanel, Bracelet: Marni for H&M
Photography: Rhonda Davis

Photography: Rhonda Davis

Memo 027: Walking on Cloud 9

To: All

From: Me

Date: January 8, 2013

Subject: The Most Excellently Comfortable Boots

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In the land of stilettos and platforms, poor little innocent feet are constantly put into uncomfortable situations. Red bottoms, nude bottoms, high bottoms...oh my!

And then came along the Sperry Top Sider Shearwater Navy Boots to save the day. I believe they have been lined with little clouds and angel wings. Hmph, I wonder how they did that...

Coat: Burberry, Top: Rodarte for Target, Pants: J. Crew
Fauxtography Credit: Natesha Sanchez

Scarf: H&M, Sun Glasses: Marni for H&M
Fauxtography Credit: Natesha Sanchez

Bracelets: ASOS & BCBG, Watch: Kenneth Cole, Boots: Sperry Top Sider, Bag: Louis Vuitton
Fauxtography Credit: Natesha Sanchez

  

Memo 026: FishermansUnionNapaWharfSquareValley

To: All

From: Me

Date: January 4, 2013

Subject: Holiday Vacay

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If you couldn't guess this, I have a tendency to over pack on vacations. I live by the motto "Stay ready so that you don't have to get ready." So, my bag is usually ready for not one but all three of these events including separate coats, shoes and handbags: A casual dinner and movie, a party with the girls, and a black tie affair! Ok, ok I don't always pack a ball gown but for the most part, I'm ready for damn near anything.

However, when I make it home after paying round trip overweight bag fees, I have come to notice that I don't wear HALF of the things that are in my bag. So, I've been trying to do like Erykah Badu suggests and "pack light!"

So, for this trip home for the holidays, I brought one piece of outer wear and one bag for the entire week! Trust me, this is a big step for me.

Featuring the H&M Trench Cape and the Louis Vuitton Trevi Bag

Trench Cape: H&M, Sweater: Mango, Leggings: Romeo & Juliet, Boots: Michael Kors, Vineyard: Hess Collections
Fauxtography Credit: Esme Bartell

Bag: Louis Vuitton, Necklace: H&M, Cuffs: Oregon Boutique, Flowers: Lobby of Auberge du Soleil (AH-mazing views)
Fauxtography Credit: Esme Bartell

Trench Cape: H&M, Dress: H&M, Turtleneck: Zara
Fauxtography Credit: Jarvis Wilson

Bag: Louis Vuitton, Harness: ASOS
Fauxtography Credit: Jarvis Wilson

City Lights: San Francisco's Union Square
Fauxtography Credit: Jarvis Wilson