lifestyle

WHAT PERSONAL STYLE MEANS TO ME + 5 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN MY NETWORK

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CURATED BY SHARRA GREENE

Working with women on their personal style has taught me so much about how deeply… personal it really is. It truly holds a different meaning to everyone individually. I’m constantly seeking new ways to connect with others in a way that makes fashion and style a tailored experience for them. So, I decided to ask myself, and 5 powerful women that I know, “What does personal style mean to you?” Here’s what we said… I’ll go first!

“Anyone who’s known me for years, knows that I’ve gone through SO MANY different phases within my style. As my work has changed, as my ideals have changed, and as my confidence has changed, my style has changed with it every single time. But I’m forever inspired by that versatility, and I do my best to encourage that same versatility and freedom to explore, with every woman I style…. personal style, to me, means embracing the complexity of who we are as ever-evolving individuals. It means allowing yourself to explore different worlds through a well-intentioned look, and allowing your confidence, poise, and attitude to be positively impacted by what you’re wearing… it’s about being intentional, but leaving room for fun and mystery.” - Sharra

Sharra Greene

Womenswear Fashion Stylist | Creator

@styledbysharra

“Knowing myself is a huge indicator. There are some things I just won’t wear no matter how hot the trend is -like bodysuits for example. Then other items like a chic blazer jacket, is my go-to staple. I’ve grown to realize style is about dressing for your own good, because what may look good on the next woman may not flatter my figure (and I’m okay with that)” - Taylar

Taylar Broadnax

Fashion Storyteller | Online Magazine Contributor

@taylar.chanell

“For me, I feel like personal style has been an ever changing concept in my life. When I first really tapped into what I feel is my style, it was always about dressing in a way that made me feel confident, but in a way that also complimented my body. So, it’s always been about that but now, with me being a 30 year old, it’s completely different. There’s a lot more sex appeal that I have now, and a lot more confidence, and I’m really trying to exude that through my clothing, meaning that I want to feel powerful when I put on clothes. I wanna feel like I’m walking out, and I feel like that bitch. So, I feel like personal style ultimately is a reflection of not only who you are, but ultimately who you want to be, because it changes over time, and you can change your mind, whenever the f*ck you want.” - Court

Court Kim

Journalist | Model | Creative

@thecourtkim

“My personal style is a direct reflection of the things I’ve grown to love about myself . My sense of personal expression has come from years of self doubt turned into undeniable confidence. I was embarrassed of my culture , now that’s why I rock headwraps and Afrocentric designs . I hated being so petite , so now I rock oversized clothes for fun…it took years to get here!” -Tene’A

“I credit my mom for helping me establish my personal style. I've always been into fashion as early as 6 or 7 years old and my mom would never discourage me from wearing something; Even if she hated it lol. That gave me the confidence I have today to express myself through style.” -Ashlee

Ashlee Jackson

CEO & Designer of House of Rehab

@ashleemademedoit | @houseofrehab

“Style makes me feel like my most authentic self. Whether I’m wearing something edgy or elegant. I like to express myself, whether I’m having a bad day or a bomb ass day. I feel like the person I’m destined to be and I put my best self forward.” - Nioby

Nioby Scarbrough

Fashion, Lifestyle, & Beauty Model

@nioby_

What does personal style mean to you? Let us know in the comments!

STYLE STARTS WITH SELF ESTEEM SERIES: WORDS OF AFFIRMATION

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STYLE STARTS WITH SELF ESTEEM SERIES: WORDS OF AFFIRMATION

WRITTEN BY BREYA SANAY

It's so hard to focus on the images we see through a cell phone screen and not the image we see through a reflection. I'm sure we have all fallen victim to it, including myself. We spend all of this time on the internet comparing our bodies, lifestyles, and other ideal made up things and comparing them to what society has programmed our minds into thinking there is only one standard of beauty. Sometimes we tend to forget that we are the own writers of lives and self proclamation is one of the first steps towards self confidence…

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HOW I'M LEARNING TO EMBRACE UNCERTAINTY IN MY LIFE & IN MY WORK

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HOW I'M LEARNING TO EMBRACE UNCERTAINTY IN MY LIFE & IN MY WORK

The career path I’ve chosen is a constant series of steps into the unknown. As a stylist, I often don’t know whether or not a look is gonna come together exactly how I’ve envisioned it. As a freelancer, I’m constantly being pushed to create my own opportunities. As a creative director, a team member can flake on me, a showroom can reject a pull request (don’t even get me started on delayed shipping 🙄), or I can get a last minute client that drastically changes my schedule.

…just day after day of embracing the unknown, which, if you know me personally, (if you don’t, I’m telling you now) has always been a MAJOR challenge for me.

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"SIGNS OF THE TIMES": 3 TRENDS THAT ARE A DIRECT RESULT OF THE CURRENT STATE OF SOCIETY

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WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE

Fashion goes so much deeper than what we wear… it provides insight to our human experience'; the good, the bad, and the ugly. As the year continues to unfold, I can’t help but to observe what we’re choosing to wear as a collective, and what that may tell us about the state of our society. Here are a few of the most prominent trends that you can expect to see running rampant from the runways to the workplace and everywhere in between.

STYLE STAPLES FROM THE EARLY AND MID 2000’S

From platform stilettos to bootcut jeans, I think all of the trauma and major world events that we’ve endured as a collective has caused us to reminisce and reach for what’s familiar. It’s no secret that fashion repeats itself, but we’ve been very intentional about bringing back certain key pieces that remind us of past eras that we’ve lived through. I think it that it gives us a feeling of comfort and reassurance, as we maneuver through uncertain times wearing pieces that many of us have known and loved for decades now.

FASHION WITH A POLITICAL MESSAGE

The ESR Tote by Brandon Blackwood.

Gone are the days where fashion and politics are separate. We’re in a time where designers are drawing inspiration from injustice, environmental dangers, and more, and using their designs as a way to speak out and emphasize a need for change. From Brandon Blackwood’s beloved ESR tote (as seen above) to a collective focus on supporting black owned and sustainable brands, I’m confident that we will continue to see the worlds of style and world issues collide.

VIBRANT COLOR & TEXTURED ACCESORIES

The Foxxy Bag by Kendall Miles Designs.

I think spending so much time isolated in uncertain times also has made us realize how short life is, and how important it is for us to make our mark while we’re here. Everyone from the conservative corporate professional to the modern minimalist is starting to get a little more bold and expressive when it comes to their style, especially when it comes to accessories. It’s quite evident with handbags.

For example, whereas many once had a go-to bag in classic black, beige, or brown, I believe fashionistas worldwide are longing for more vibrant staples that get them noticed. I’ve been hearing my most recent clients express a need for this, and I believe it’s also a direct result of the cabin fever that many of us suffered through following quarantine. A statement piece sparks conversation, which I think many of us took for granted and our longing for.

Can you think of any more current trends and how they relate to what we’re going through? I wanna hear! Let me know in the comments!

Sharra,

“Empowering her evolution through style.”