STOP HATING ON "THE OVERDRESSED FRIEND": WAYS TO NAVIGATE THE COMMON DRESS CODE ISSUE

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE

“Overdressed is a social construct created by your haters” - some well dressed clever person on Twitter

I’ve been on both sides; the girl showing up to the function in a dress and heels and getting mean mugged and snarky comments, with people asking “Where you going??”, and the girl who showed up in sweats but is hyping my homegirl up telling her how she looks tf good tonight! Regardless of what I’m giving with my personal style, I’m always happy to see my peers show up in what makes them feel their best. So the whole "she doing too much” thing rarely ever comes from me. More times than not, that comment gives off insecure vibes.

Though I believe a part of having great style comes from knowing how to adapt your style to different settings, I definitely think it’s important to show respect for your differences with the people you care about, and personal style is no exception… especially as women. We receive so much hate and negativity coming our way, the least we can do is give each other our props when we step out looking right. Here are a few ways I navigate this common issue among my friends…

SEND A QUICK GROUP TEXT TO DETERMINE THE VIBE FOR THE OUTING

This is an actual screenshot from my group message with my girls. We all love to get cute, but we also each have different styles and may not all be in the same mood that day so it’s always a good idea to confirm the dress code so no one feels like they didn’t get the memo.

RESPECT EACH OTHER’S AESTHETIC

Understand that what’s super formal to you may just be dressy casual to your friend, and vice versa. We each have different ways that we like to express our selves with our personal style and that’s more than okay… Just because someone may like to pair some heels with their jeans while you may go with your fave sneakers because you value comfort, that doesn’t necessarily mean that person is trying to “one up” you. We all have a right to step out in whatever makes us feel like our best selves.

EMBRACE BEING “THE OVERDRESSED FRIEND”

Don’t be peer pressured into turning down ya steez just because some haters wanna police your fashion choices. Embrace the stigma because getting dressed up for life is something to be proud of! One of my fav brands, House of Rehab, has some super cute tees & accessories, specifically designed with “the overdressed friend” in mind. Check em out below.

The "OVERDRESSED FRIEND" Unisex Tee

by House of Rehab - $25

OVERDRESSED Pin

by House of Rehab - $15

Stay tuned for more fashion & lifestyle tips making their way to the blog very soon!

Sharra,

“The definition of walking art.”

THE EVOLUTION OF THE HANDBAG

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE

Me, in the OG Runway Bag from House of Rehab.

If there’s any article of clothing that serves as a symbol for how much high-low fashion has transformed the entire industry, it’s the handbag. The essential accessory serves as a prime example of how what once was mainly flaunted by the elite as a symbol of status, has now evolved into a staple with way less rules and restrictions and is more of a reflection of one’s personal taste and preference.

There was a time in history when a woman’s purse was almost always, undoubtedly, the most expensive piece of her entire outfit. With Louis Vuitton’s iconic “Speedy” being first introduced in the 20th century, along with Coco Chanel’s innovative “2.55” design being one of the first bags designed to be worn on the shoulder, luxury bag wearers of the 1910’s, 20’s, 30’s and beyond were giving very much this energy:

This mentality reached a new height in the 80’s, when Hermes first introduced the rare and precious Birkin. Highly sought after for possessing both beauty and practicality (many women wanted a bag that was spacious while still being stylish), the Birkin bag quickly rose to fame and hasn’t gone anywhere since, with bags today starting at $11K and ranging all the way up to $3 million, depending on scarcity and the demand of certain styles.

The original Birkin bag circa 1983, initially designed for English Actress Jane Birkin.

Louis Vuitton’s iconic “Speedy” bag. Vuitton created the first mini version specifically for Audrey Hepburn in 1965.

However, today you can find your average fashionista comfortably sporting bags outside of the luxury market. The concept of mixing high end with low end names has disrupted almost every facet of fashion, including accessories.

There once was an era where one would be embarrassed to be seen with anything less than an authentic luxury good on their arm. Now, it’s so common to see anyone from middle class to elite rocking a knock - off or , "designer inspired” purse and tagging the brand’s page on their post for the gram… and it only makes sense, seeing that we now have so many affordable alternatives from online retailers. It’s almost a flex to brag about knowing where you can find something cheaper these days.

But as much as we’ve evolved when it comes to handbag culture, it is still safe to say that the luxury handbag isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. We can still catch our fave public figures collecting as we covet.

Hot Girl Meg showing off her amazing designer bag collection.

However, I do think that it’s interesting that we can now catch, even the wealthy, unapologetically owning a bag that ranges anywhere from $40K to $40. It’s definitely a sign of the times where we now are generally more open minded and accepting of lesser known brands, lower price points, and practicality when it comes to shopping. As long as the fit still hits!

The Foxxy Bag by Kendall Miles Designs - $895

Jacquemus Long Chiquito Long Bag in Pink - $485

The ESR Tote by Brandon Blackwood - $80

Hermes Yellow Birkin Bag - Prices Vary

The Bandana Bag from The Style Animal - $74.80

The Everything Bag by House of Rehab - $125

The Monarch Milk Jelly by PishPosh World - $100

The Fashionpreneur Backpack - $199

Do you prefer your purses luxury or more affordable??? Let me know in the comments. In the meantime, Check out a mix of some of the most prominent styles from my current fave handbag brands rn, some luxury and some mid range.

Sharra,

“The definition of walking art.”

"FASHION MADE ME DO IT": MY INTERVIEW WITH DESIGNER & CEO OF HOUSE OF REHAB ASHLEE JACKSON

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE & FEATURING ASHLEE JACKSON

CEO Ashlee Jackson in her “Best Dressed Cardigan” by House of Rehab.

If you know me, you know my runway bag from House of Rehab is my baby. I wear it A LOT because it goes with almost everything in my closet. It’s pretty yet functional with the words “fashion made me do it” hand painted across the front (see my last post) , giving it both girly and streetwear appeal. I’ve been a fan of the brand who came up with the original design for years now, observing their versatile range of products from handbags to tees and sweatsuits, flannels, and more. Upon recently purchasing my second bag from them, I had to know more about the woman behind a brand that’s become one of my favorites!

Ashlee in the “Show Off Tee”.

Ashlee says, “House of Rehab is home to all the round-the-way girls like me. Growing up in Detroit, I remember reading fashion magazines and thinking: "This is cool; But where are the girls like me?" You know, the ones who know the art of mixing high and low, designer and discount to create a wonderfully sculpted masterpiece. Making something out of nothing for short. I'm a firm believer that style is not something you find in stores. Rather, it's a skill that you acquire by learning what works for Y O U. I'm all about developing individual style, being fearless with your fashion and serving up looks night and day! That's why in 2014, House of Rehab was created to share my world with my fellow fashion addicts.”

The “Everything Bag” by House of Rehab.

In my latest episode of Style With Sharra: The Podcast Series, Ashlee Jackson shares her process on building a brand from the ground up, strategies for marketing and investments, what we can expect from House of Rehab in the next season, and more. We also go over tips for attending fashion week. ✨This is THE PERFECT episode for aspiring designers and online boutique owners. She gave us so much FREE game! Hit that button below to listen and make sure y’all shop houseofrehab.com! 😘✨

P.S. Follow @houseofrehab on Instagram and stay up to date with their latest drops.