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