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!

SPRING'S IT COLOR FOR THE STYLE LOVER WHO WANTS TO MAKE A STATEMENT: DAFFODIL YELLOW

WRITTEN BY TAYLAR BROADNAX

Last year everyone fell for mint green, and 2020 (well) was quite dull since we were in pajamas quarantined on the couch. As stated by Pantone Color Institute experts, a hue of yellow will be one of many go-to colors this spring. As many look forward to vaycays and yellow celebratory mimosas, another hot girl summer is coming our way.

Joyful Daffodil connects us to the spontaneity of a Spring garden.

Here are three ways to gracefully incorporate yellow into your wardrobe…

1. LET THE ACCESSORIES DO THE TALKING

Accessorize with a “pop of yellow” handbag, earrings, sandals etc.

2. OVER THE TOP GARMENTS

I encourage you to find two statement pieces in the color yellow. Plan your outfit accordingly, show up and demand attention when you walk into the room. Whether it be at brunch, yacht party or your very own birthday celebration.

3. COLOR BLOCK

Complimenting colors with daffodil yellow include hot pink, green, orange and light purple. When done correctly, color blocking can create a bold, eye catching look

Moodboard by Taylar Broadnax.

Which way will you be rocking daffodil? Let me know in the comments!

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR:

Taylar Broadnax is an up and coming fashion enthusiast exploring journalism, e-commerce marketing, and content creation. She is currently a contributing writer for SHEEN Magazine with a recent Master's degree in Luxury and Fashion Management, Taylar has studied extensive courses that have prepared her for career growth. Follow her here and stay tuned for more of her insightful and fashion forward style expertise, coming soon to Sharra’s Style Blog!

REMEMBERING TWO IRREPLACEABLE FORCES IN FASHION: WHO WILL BE OUR GENRERATION'S INNOVATORS?

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE

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.

This is when I learned what innovation was.

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!

Sharra,

“Empowering her evolution through style.”