fashion
Hey, loves! Just dropping by to share my fav shots from my latest styling work for Gezno Magazine!
I had the pleasure of working with the beautiful and talented Jessica Brisco to create glam looks with subtle retro references. Photographed by my creative partner in crime, Damon Rice, and makeup by the phenomenal Teashera Smith.
Check out the full editorial spread in the latest issue of Gezno Magazine here! Which look is your fav? Let me know in the comments!
Sharra,
Like many young girls born in the 90’s, my very first introduction to the legendary Andre Leon Talley was on America’s Next Top Model, when he served as a judge. His energy was vivacious, confident, and dramatic. He game extensive knowledge on the history of the fashion industry. Little did I know at the time, how much of an impeccable revolutionary he was.
As a black journalist from the south, turned Vogue Editor at Large, and all around fashion culture expert, this man has trecked through the “Chiffon trenches” and fought battles regarding color, class, and everything in between, so that young black women like me, pursuing work in fashion, could have even a small window of opportunity.
I can also recall my very first encounter with the legendary fashion designer Thierry Mugler. I was 12 years old, listening to my fav Bey album to date, “I Am Sasha Fierce”, (this was back when we bought physical copies). As I flipped through the CD booklet, an image of my idol in an amazing sculpted top, fashioned as a motorcycle caught my eye. I remember thinking “Who would even think of something like this?” I was completely in awe, and forever inspired. I remember tearing my booklet to shreds to tape the image on my wall.
The recent passing of these two irreplaceable forces has deeply and permanently affected the fashion community and culture.. and it has had me thinking about what it takes to truly be an innovator. By definition, an innovator is a person who introduces new methods, ideas, or products. Emphasis on the NEW. If there’s anything that the passing of legends is teaching me, it’s to follow my instincts.
To let knowledge and passion lead the way when you’re faced with ignorance and shut doors in your face, like Andre Leon Talley…
Or to follow your instinct and execute “odd, futuristic” designs that will be called '“timeless” years down the road, like Manfred Thierry Mugler did.
The legacy of these two trailblazers has inspired me to worry less about what the world says is “acceptable, standard, the right way”, etc. because all of our world’s leaders have directly defied all of that.
I recently shared my thoughts on this on my story, stating that “so many of our legends and innovators are passing one right behind the other. I feel like the only way we’re going to have as many innovators in the next generation is if we learn to tune out the noise of trends and what everyone is doing, and start listening to our inner voice more, and sharing our “crazy” ideas that we think no one will care about, with the world.”
What ways to you want to innovate? Let me know in the comments!
So at the top of the year, I shared with you 3 style habits I think we all could adopt as we enter a new year. This week, I’m here with a few bad habits that I think hold our style back… read ‘em below.
I think with this now 2 year pandemic happening, we’ve all struggled with this one. Athleisure became the norm and now it feels almost unnatural for many of us to feel as comfortable as we once did in a dressier look. But with major fashion moments, from the Hanifa show, to Sergio Hudson’s “Return to Glamour” collection, I’ve been challenging myself to add a little glam back into my looks, whether it be a statement pair of earrings, a bold handbag, or a fun faux fur to add something to a casual look. You’d be surprised how a little glam can lift your mood.
This one is also a casualty of quarantine. We’ve gotten so comfy in our sweats just being chill clothes, that many of us forget how chic a sweatshirt can actually be. Dressing up a sweatshirt with a sexier bottom like body-hugging jeans, statement accessories, and fun heels is always an option when you’re in a pinch and need a last-minute dressy-casual look.
I always tell my clients, the quickest way to lose money on clothing is to shop without knowledge on what works for your body type, as well as what key pieces will maximize your options when you get dressed in the morning.
While I’m definitely not someone who believes in being confined and restricted with style, I’ve learned through dressing myself and countless other women, just how much knowing what looks best for your unique look, and having a style strategy can enhance your confidence. This year, let’s let go of shopping just because an item is trending or there’s a sale, and start being more informed fashionistas!
Which bad habit will you be kicking this year? Let me know in the comments! P.S. P.S…. All my Style Source Members got this advice days ago! Don’t be sleeping! Join my Style Source for FREE style tips just like these sent to you weekly!
Sharra,
I hope you all have been having an amazing holiday season! A new year inspires many of us to form new habits. As we prepare to enter a new year with new style, here are a few habits I think would do us some good…
Image: LaQuan Smith
This is one that so many women I know run from. But, in today’s world where many of us have access to the same exact trends and seasonal looks, I’ve found that the occasional mix of a print can allow for more personalization as we interpret trends through our own sense of style. If you’re nervous about this one, consider testing it out by going for prints in the same color palette, as seen above.
The evolution of the handbag in fashion culture has come a long way. The pressures of carrying a designer bag on your arm, day in and day out are long gone, with the prominence of DIY designers like Sonique Saturday, House of Rehab, & so many more.
I’m challenging us all to mix it up, and drop our worn out, all-purpose purse (we’ve all got one) for more unique and expressive options this year. You’ll be surprised at how much something as simple as a bag change can instantly elevate your entire look.
… & I’m not just talking about going buying a Birkin (but if you got it, do you!), or living above your means. This year I’m challenging myself to believe that not only do I deserve good things, but I deserve to attract all that is abundant, easy, and opulent. and that goes for love, business, family, friendships, and finances. I invite you to do the same.
Stay tuned to the blog for more essential style advice as we enter a new year! P.S…. all my Style Source Members got this advice days ago! Don’t be sleeping! Join my Style Source for FREE style tips just like these sent to you weekly, before it hits the blog!