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

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

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“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

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“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

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“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

Tene’A Cummings

Model | Fashion & Beauty Influencer

@_locstarrr

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“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

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“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!

3 HABITS THE STYLISH WOMAN SHOULD FORM IN 2022

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE

 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…

MIXING PRINTS

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.

NURTURING YOUR HANDBAG COLLECTION

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.

EMBRACING LUXURY

… & 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!

XO,

Sharra

“Empowering her evolution through style.”

SHARRA'S NEW YORK FASHION WEEK SEPTEMBER 2021 RECAP: WITNESSING THE INNOVATIVE SHOWCASING OF MINORITY VOICES WITHIN FASHION

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE

September is the January in fashion. It brings new trends, new concepts, and most importantly, change on every level.

Whenever I attend New York Fashion week, particularly in September, I’m always looking to see what new change is being represented on the runway, cutting through the noise and helping to transform what we wear and how we live. With Fashion Bomb Daily’s first official runway show on the September Fashion Week calendar, this change was not hard to find.

Fashion Bomb Daily has been my favorite fashion site since I was 12 years old. I remember abandoning my homework to scroll through endless content on my laptop, and always being inspired by how trailblazer and FBD founder & CEO Claire Sulmers created a hub specifically for the minority voices in fashion. When they announced their first annual #NYFW show, I had to be there because I knew I’d be witnessing a new platform being born that would catapult the black and minority voices to the forefront of the conversation, right where we belong. I was not at all disappointed.

WHAT I WORE

The show’s dress code was “Bet on Black”, so naturally I wanted my outfit to focus on black brands. My top is from House of Chic LA, my skirt is by Broken Land, and my bag is a Brandon Blackwood. (My shoes are from Public Desire). My soft glam makeup look is by @carmensartistry. Hit her up if you’re in the Manhattan area!

After getting some shots of my look with my photographer Monica Krystel Rose, I headed down the block to the The Sixth Floor Loft on Broadway in NYC for the show.

THE SHOW

The event brought out countless fashion figures & celebs from Rome Flynn to Sevyn Streeter, Jayda Cheaves, Dreamdoll, Ty Hunter, and so many more to witness a runway show that primarily highlighted the work of Black and Asian designer brands, an underrepresented group that often starts the trends that trickle up into the world of high fashion, and then gets excluded from the topic as if their influence never existed.

This is why I had to be apart of this. I always say, the more adversity, the more hungry and creative you tend to be. Just as I thought, I witnessed unique looks that explored innovative design techniques from 3D printing, to genius draping and mixing of textures, high level couture work, and so much more.

Image source: @taylar.chanell

After an amazing introduction by the lovely Bevy Smith, the show opened with Oyemwen giving us structured, tulle adorned pieces that were juxtaposed with blazer dresses and sharp cutouts, in their “back to business” collection that celebrated the return to getting dressed after a long pandemic of sweats.

Designer London Couture followed up with showstopping luxury gowns, adorned in feathers and luxurious fabrics, and designer Bree Billiter gave us an oceanic, ethereal showcase. (Check out my recap reel here for videos of my fave looks)

Image Source: Fashion Bomb Daily

Following the first show, Claire gave us a #convoswithclaire moment, featuring mini interviews with model & RHWOA star Cynthia Bailey, designer Shane Justin, & more.

I passed time in between shows by talking and taking selfies with the queen herself, Claire Sulmers, chopping it up with new friends, (I met a bomb style posse from ATL that I hung out with for the majority of the show, and making connections with showroom owners and other professionals.

My new boo, brand owner and Sheen Magazine contributor Taylar Chanell. Follow her @taylar.chanell!

Image source: Fashion Bomb Daily

The shows picked back up with designer Khang Le serving us the most eye catching 3D printed patterns and rich textures on luxe gowns and suit sets. I was OBSESSED. He was probably my fave show of the day.

Image source: Fashion Bomb Daily

Shane Justin gave us a true couture moment with his new line of sultry, sheer and embellished handcrafted gowns that he completed in 3 days! I was definitely impressed.

Image source: Fashion Bomb Daily

Mah Jing Wong, one of my fave Project Runway veterans, closed the show with an epic 80’s inspired moment. Co designer & influencer Stacie Wo gave us a commanding runway moment in a matching MJW set & bomber jacket, that garnered praise from the entire audience!

The show ended with a performance from music group JNA. I left the show feeling inspired, and most importantly, seen and acknowledged as a fellow black creative in fashion. Claire and her Fashion Bomb Daily team are curating a movement that is so necessary and needed in order to cement our legacy as black professionals in fashion.

If you know me, you know how much I love Eunice Walker Johnson, the founder and curator of Ebony Fashion Fair, a trailblazing annual exhibition that took place for decades, highlighting black designers, models, and behind the scenes pros alike. While I wasn’t born when Ebony Fashion Fair was around, watching Claire navigate her first fashion week event, reminded me of that very same legacy and mission that Eunice Walker Johnson carried out, one of unapologetic repping for the creative genius that she saw in her people, and that she was determined to bring to the forefront.

I can’t wait for the next NYFW. While this particular time was a quick stop by, I plan on staying multiple days next time! Which looks are your fave? Let me know in the comments!

Sharra,

“Empowering her evolution through style.”

WHAT'S YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE? HERE'S HOW TO FIND IT

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE

Back before I was styling full time when I was working at a makeup store, my boss came rushing up to me, yelling this as I stocked the shelves.

“What you mean?” I thought she had peeped that I wasn’t wearing one of the dusty uniform aprons because it took away from my outfit.

“Your style! It’s always some sort of boot, gold jewelry & accessories, and some type of stand-out texture!”

“I’ve been studying your page all weekend and I finally figured it out!”

**cues Mariah Carey’s “Obsessed” **

After I got over that last sentence of hers, (this is a true story btw) I actually felt flattered that she had taken notice of the signature look that I’ve built for myself over time. While many who are into fashion tend to shy away from consistent style habits, fearing that others will copy them or grow tired of how they dress, I’ve learned from the wise that the most influential women in the world almost always have a signature style that they’re known for… Here’s how to find yours.

WHAT COMMON THEMES ARE IN YOUR CLOSET?

I promise I’ve updated my phone since this selfie!

If you were to raid my closet, you’d find a lot of thigh-high boots, v-neck tops, gold jewelry, and interesting textures. These are all pieces that make me feel my most confident & authentic self. Think of how Queen Bey almost always gives us Sasha Fierce on stage in a bodysuit, how Rihanna is always stepping on air with a sharp stiletto, or how it’s hard to spot Jlo without a bodycon piece. These women have all found that go-to style that gets them noticed and prepares them to step out into the world confidently.

Take a long hard look at your closet. What styles do you notice you tend to purchase often? You know why you probably do? Because something about that style flatters you, and makes you feel positively about yourself in one aspect or another. Rather than hopping from trend to trend, lean into the styles that help you feel your best as an individual, and then explore those specific styles or pieces in a different color, print, or texture variation.

Try shopping for different versions of your favorite piece, even if the difference is subtle. This is so key when it comes to curating a personal style that’s fashion-forward, yet timeless.

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

It’s also important to know the difference between what styles make you feel confident, and what styles simply keep you comfortable. There’s rarely ever much growth in a comfort zone. To discern this, observe your own posture when you wear something. Do you feel well hidden, well blended in with the crowd, and safely fitting into a norm? If the answer is yes, then that’s a style that’s holding you back.

To disrupt this, it’s time to explore pieces that you gravitate to, but may be fearful of pulling them off. Then, try different versions of that look that challenge you, without completely intimidating you…

Stepping out of your style comfort zone can be as simple as opting for a fit & flare dress if you’re tired of hiding your body but aren’t quite comfortable with a full on bodycon look… or trying a platform shoe if you’re new to the high heel life and want to elongate your figure.

These small changes can get you one big step closer to discovering an aesthetic that’s true to you, while also elevating how you show up for yourself.

NEED MORE HELP? I’M HERE FOR YOU!

Applying this technique in real time can often be a lot to take on. While some fashionistas have this skill set committed to memory, it can also be a game changer to have a second opinion or a guide to help you incorporate this style strategy into your day to day lifestyle. No worries, I’m here for you! If you’re after some strong and enduring guidance when it comes to nailing your signature style, reach out to me and let’s talk ways we can work together to elevate your look! Hit the button below to contact me.

More style content coming to the blog very soon! Stay tuned and make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss a post!

XOXO,

Sharra

“Empowering her evolution through style.”