THE POWER OF BEING "LADY-LIKE" (WHATEVER THAT IS)

Written & Styled by Sharra Greene | Captured by Allen Stewart

     So while I was preparing for this shoot, my makeup artist and I were talking and she asked me what I would be wearing. Upon me mentioning that I was wearing a skirt, I told her how much I love skirts (anyone who truly knows me, knows this) because they make me feel really feminine, lady-like  and chic. She then added "and so empowered, too!" I've never related to something so much in my life. Our conversation drove me to start thinking about the different perceptions that people have of what it truly means to appear and "behave like a lady". 

     I'm usually the one who shows up and hears a comment like "why are you so dressed up?" or "It's not that deep, you didn't have to wear a skirt." I always find these comments funny because as someone who explores self expression through style so often, it comes so naturally to me so I never really think of it as "over dressing". I enjoy getting dressed up for life so much for several reasons, one of them being because when I look good, I feel good. I feel like I can take on whatever comes my way. Though there is soo much more to me than the way that I dress, expressing myself through dress actually does make me feel both feminine and empowered, all at once.

     By definition, "lady like" means "appropriate for" or typical of a well-bred, decorous woman or girl. But to me,  it's interesting how as fashion and society evolves, our standards of what it means to be "lady like" has evolved with it in so many ways. Some may feel that you have to dress modestly, have a certain set of manners, or perform certain tasks to be essentially valued as an authentic woman with a sense of class and integrity.  This idea is often pushed on women in society. However, in today's world, I am so glad that so many of us (myself included) are creating our own standards and embracing whatever truly makes us feel good as women. 

When someone suggests that one needs to increase value, strength, or power in a stuation, we often hear "Man up!"  Well I'm here to tell you that there's nothing more powerful than a lady who is authentically herself, and who feels free enough to express that in whatever positive, inspiring way that she can think of. I believe that when a woman feels free to be herself, she is then best able to live her best life and add value to the lives of others. Whether it's wearing a skirt,  speaking up for yourself, spreading love and light to others, or all of the above, do whatever makes you feel "lady like". Woman up. 

Shop My Look: I am wearing the Pretty Little Thing cream flare sleeve crop top and burgundy double slit maxi skirt, with eternal lust denim thigh high boots, and long tassel earrings. Bangle from Charlotte Russe.

Credits:

Photographer: Allen Stewart of Stewdio Photography

Makeup Artist: Vanessa Lazo

Styled by and Featuring Me

Feel free to comment your thoughts on this post! Xoxo

Sharra,

"The definition of walking art."

#STYLISTFROMSCRATCH: MY INTERVIEW WITH EDITORIAL & CELEBRITY STYLIST JAYNE DO'

Written by Sharra Greene & Jayne Do'

If you stop by The Walking Art Blog often, you're quite aware by now that I love to mix it up and bring guests who have a unique journey, a fresh perspective, and amazing wisdom gained from building their own personal and business brands from the ground up.  Whereas some creatives tend to shy away from interracting with others who work in their field, I am completely inspired and fueled by it, always looking to learn something new and apply it for myself.

     My most recent interview with editorial and celebrity stylist XO Jayne Do' was nothing short of an insightful exchange. Her indentifiable styling skillset can be seen on the likes of Timbaland, Draya Michele, ANTM's Marissa Hopkins, just to name a few and on gorgeous models in Nylon, Complex, and the list goes on. She's also about to make her debut as an author, with her book "Edi-tutorial: A Guide on Upgrading Your Next Editorial" set to release Winter 2018. Upon us following each other on Twitter, I instantly peeped her work and I was super impressed to say the least. Furthermore, I related to her honest, "no frills" take on the wardrobe styling experience, documented in her #StylistFromScratch social media videos. In our interview below, she offers up the real on her experiences, her favorite clients, her biggest challenges, and more. 

What inspired you to pursue a career as a stylist and how did you get your start?

I didn’t initially want to be a fashion stylist, I wanted to be a fashion designer. At 14 (when I started), I had NO clue fashion styling was even an occupation. I got my start my 9th grade year of high school. A local Kansas City musician asked me to style him alongside his then girlfriend (because he thought I was fly).. but I had one day to do it. After school, I took my two best-friends with me to Sharpstown Mall. I shopped, overnighted his clothes and I’ve been styling ever since.

What is one myth about the life of a stylist that you feel is the furthest thing from the truth?

That it’s easy or glamorous. I mean it is glamour, but not for the stylist. Many starting stylists don’t just wake up with a million pieces in their closets. If they did, that’s just the easiest part. There is SO much paperwork and politicking before the styling portion even starts. And even more paperwork and headaches after.

One of my fave looks by Jayne Do': Draya Michele for Pleezer Mag.

Who are two of your favorite clients and why?

I’ll do two different types of clients, brand and celebrity. My most favorite client is Whitney Brown, she’s the CEO of W Entertainment. She is ABOUT HER BUSINESS. I love that in a client. I also love that she allows me to be the creative, trusts my judgement and is always honest. She is the A-Client that us stylists need. I would say Timbaland is my favorite celebrity to work with. He just has this energy that isn’t intimidating and keeps you comfortable. He was one of the easiest people I have ever worked with. He’s just great overall.

What would you say is the biggest challenge you've faced so far in your career?

Figuring out your worth. That’s the stage I am in right now. Having to “fire clients” and walking away from situations that isn’t conducive to my growth as a business woman. It’s a challenge because it just looks bad. Having to choose between having a bad rep short term vs. long term because you can’t make everyone happy is a challenge. Saying no when you want to save the world is a challenge. It’s nothing personal, but of course it doesn’t feel that way when it’s you.

Stylist Jayne Do’.

The fashion industry is such a competitive field. Many seem to have a "crabs in a barrel" mentality and would rather not help others along the way while they themselves are on a similar journey. What particularly inspired you to want to " groom the next generation of stylists"? 

I have experienced that “crabs in a barrel” mentality you speak of. On many levels. I started this journey in 2007 at 14, before social media, before this course was offered at college campuses. I had to blindly find my way. I don’t feel like all aspiring stylists do though, especially since there are resources. I have reached out to other stylists in an attempt to humble myself and have been shot down, too. I am not that stylist, I genuinely believe it’s enough money, jobs and room for us all in this industry.. if I can help you move up, perfect. Let’s all win and be great. Plus, I would love to see better stylists flourish now more than ever.

Speaking of the next generation, what do you feel has changed about the wardrobe styling industry that may not have affected stylists in past generations (or vise versa)?

SOCIAL MEDIA ! Social media and reality television has changed the way stylists are perceived and handled. It’s crazy. As time surpasses, the respect a stylist receives diminishes a little.

What are some words of wisdom from you on how to not only survive, but how to flourish as a creative entrepreneur?

It sounds cliche, but KNOW YOUR WORTH, not only as a creative but as a business person as well. Literally everything will fall into place. You will attract the type of client that identifies with you. You will attract people that don’t want to haggle your prices, or negotiate what you offer. It’s a domino effect after that.

Keep up with Jayne Do's grind via her social media (@xojaynedo) and look out for her #stylistfromscratch videos as well as her new book, set to release Winter 2018. Jayne Do', thank you so much for dropping some insight on The Walking Art Blog. I'll be watching the glo. ✨

Hope you enjoyed this interview as much as we did! Stay tuned for new projects coming very soon to The Walking Art Blog! 

Sharra,

"The definition of walking art."

PASSION MAKES PURSUING YOUR GOALS WORTH WHILE: THE LESSON I'M CURRENTLY LEARNING ABOUT CELEBRATING PROGRESS & BEING PATIENT WITH MYSELF AND MY BRAND

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE AND CAPTURED BY ALLEN STEWART

I'm sure that all creatives and people with a dream can relate to having so many ideas, so many things that we want to do that our thoughts and feelings are sometimes all over the place. We want to know that these things will be executed to the best of our ability and that we will benefit from the accomplishment of these goals in one way or another. We just want to know. I've recently discovered  that these goals have to be completed one step at a time and all we can do is focus in and clap for ourselves after each step until we see it through. 

A lot of times, we tend to wish that we could see the future. We wish we could know exactly what will happen and exactly how to be prepared for it all, ahead of time. Essentially, we are asking for a cheat sheet to life. I, myself still wish for this sometimes. But what I am realizing is that there are actually some things that we're not supposed to know before we start on the pursuit of our dreams. Maybe if we knew everything that it would take, some of us wouldn't even begin.

When I started this journey at 17 years old (I'm 21 now),  taking my love for fashion and style seriously and establishing it as a real career goal, I had no idea the amount of personal development it would take to even get started in this industry. (let alone, the amount of money, resources, quality contacts, etc.) Most importantly, though, I had no idea the amount of patience that would be required of me to grow in this field. Looking back, I'm honestly glad that I didn't know. In this situation, ignorance was in fact bliss for me. True passion and love for what I was pursuing replaced knowing it all. I now know how important it was for me to embrace the unknown and I'm proud of myself for starting  when I did.

Today, I am no different from others in the way that I often see where I want to be in life and the things that I want to accomplish and it makes me anxious and sometimes impatient. I've recently been given some opportunities that can really help me to expand my brand and my audience and to continue to hone my craft so that the people who are supposed to receive it, will. (you will see these opportunities unfold if you follow my blog posts) Imagining the possiblities, of course causes me to want to know what's on the other side for me. But I'm learning to just put my best foot forward with every photoshoot, meeting, magazine submission, new client, blog post, and everything else that I'm working on and to let my passion drive me, being proud of myself every single time for my effort, no matter the outcome, and to be patient and keep pushing forward. 

When all we can see and feel at the moment is the unrelenting passion that we have for what we want to do and who we can be, that passion makes it much easier to stay the course and be patient, even when we don't know all that the future holds. I feel this is one of the greatest life lessons I'm learning right now and I hope it will be for you, as well. 

Shop my look: I am wearing a bebe wrap crop top, Mistress Rocks cameo skirt, major attitude boots. and jewelry from my wardrobe.

Credits:

Photographer: Allen Stewart of Stewdio Photography

Makeup Artist: Beauty by Idris

Styled by and Featuring Me

Stay tuned for more blog posts, both featuring and styled by me, coming very soon! 

Sharra,

"The definition of walking art."

"MY SISTA'S KEEPER" EDITORIAL: BY SHARRA GREENE STYLING, D. RICE PHOTOGRAPHY, TENEA CUMMINGS & DOMINIQUE HARRIS

"They hurt together. They heal together. They slay together."

Credits:

Photographer/ Creative Director: D. Rice Photography

Models: Tenea Cummings and Dominique Harris

Styling and Creative Direction by Me

     This shoot was all about two beautiful, vintage loving, well dressed women who know how to take anything and make it their own. They know who they are as individuals but they experience life's highs and lows with each other. Their bond is unbreakable. They hurt together. They heal together. They slay together.

     I was very inspired by the idea of strength, confidence, and sisterhood, all in one image. Creating with these beauties and our phenomenal photographer was nothing but good vibes and even better execution. You can definitely expect to see me collaborating with this team again in the near future. 

Don't Touch... Tenea is wearing a vintage faux leather little black dress with fur trim, Inari fishnet stockings, vintage earrrings and rings, thigh high boots, gold scale necklace from my wardrobe collection. Dominique is wearing a vintage Janine New York geometric print metallic dress, Public Desire Kassidy gladiator heels, Urban Outfitters choker, bangles, rings, and earrings from my wardrobe collection.

What's The Move? Tenea is wearing a vintage Suede in Texas patchwork oversized jacket, lace plunging neckline bodysuit, Missguided faux leather belted mini skirt, Jeffrey Campbell colorblock thigh high boots, vintage brim hat, jewelry, and circle frame shades. Dominique is wearing the Off the Edge denim crop top by Naked Wardrobe, Missguided blue mid rise extreme flare skinny jeans, denim caged ankle boots, vintage sequin beret, Missguided 99 problems earrings and Pretty Little Thing sunglasses, Forever 21 bangles, necklace from my wardrobe collection. 

Empathy. 

United Front.

Comment your thoughts on this shoot below! Stay tuned and subscribe for more bomb content coming very soon! 

Sharra,

"The definition of walking art."