3 METHODS FOR CURATING A PERSONAL STYLE THAT'S UNAPOLOGETICALLY "YOU"

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE

“Fashion is not necessarily about labels, It’s not about brands. It’s about something else that comes from within you.” - Ralph Lauren

The number one complaint I hear from my clients and even friends, is how everything in fashion today looks the same…and as someone who’s been studying the industry since I was 10, I’ve watched in real time as the convenience of fast fashion (which most of us have a love hate relationship with) has halted creativity in a way.

In today’s world, everyone knows where you get your clothes from, or at least where to find something similar. This can make you uninspired & discouraged when it comes to uniquely expressing yourself through your style. To combat that, I’m sharing my personal recipe for saying f*ck the standard and making each look your own.

DON’T LIMIT YOUR OUTFIT INSPIRATION TO HOW IT’S WORN ON A MODEL OR STORE MANNEQUIN

I feel like so many make the mistake of just going with how a company or a merchandiser says a piece is to be worn. But this can make getting dressed redundant, boring, and impersonal. Do you even like how it’s styled on the mannequin? Are you and the model even the same body type? How would you rock it? These are all so crucial to creating strong personal style.

The skirt I’m wearing above was seen on the site paired with a solid black crop top & black pumps. But I wanted to turn it up some so I added feather boots, & a studded jacket instead. Each styling choice should make the look more dynamic and personal.

ALWAYS INCORPORATE THESE 3 ELEMENTS: TEXTURE, COLOR, PRINT

Which of the three are you more drawn to? These are my 3 “secret weapons” when it comes to creating a multi dimensional look that stops you in your tracks. But, depending on your personality and what you naturally gravitate to, you may decide to make only one or two of these your signature.

Either way, keeping them in mind when shopping will help you add more impactful pieces to your wardrobe. You want a print that makes your eyes wander, colors that make you appear vibrant, and a texture that makes you wanna feel the details on the clothing.

USE SUBTLE DETAILS TO MAKE YOUR LOOK MORE “YOU”

Every single look you wear doesn’t have so be super busy & complex. Sometimes you can go with a simple base and let the accessories speak for you. For example, I loooove a little black dress vibe with a fun shoe and big earrings (as you can see from what I’m wearing above). But my LBD’s always have an interesting detail like cool fringes or a unique neckline. It’s the little things…

I hope these 3 strategies allow you to experiment with your look even more and feel like your best self in whatever you wear! When you dress for YOU, you attract all that is truly for you.

Stay tuned for more style content making its way to the blog very soon and don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll never miss an update!

Sharra,

“ The definition of walking art.”

Image Sources: Vogue Paris, Damon Rice, MKR Shoots, Sharra Greene Styling

THE EVOLUTION OF THE HANDBAG

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE

Me, in the OG Runway Bag from House of Rehab.

If there’s any article of clothing that serves as a symbol for how much high-low fashion has transformed the entire industry, it’s the handbag. The essential accessory serves as a prime example of how what once was mainly flaunted by the elite as a symbol of status, has now evolved into a staple with way less rules and restrictions and is more of a reflection of one’s personal taste and preference.

There was a time in history when a woman’s purse was almost always, undoubtedly, the most expensive piece of her entire outfit. With Louis Vuitton’s iconic “Speedy” being first introduced in the 20th century, along with Coco Chanel’s innovative “2.55” design being one of the first bags designed to be worn on the shoulder, luxury bag wearers of the 1910’s, 20’s, 30’s and beyond were giving very much this energy:

This mentality reached a new height in the 80’s, when Hermes first introduced the rare and precious Birkin. Highly sought after for possessing both beauty and practicality (many women wanted a bag that was spacious while still being stylish), the Birkin bag quickly rose to fame and hasn’t gone anywhere since, with bags today starting at $11K and ranging all the way up to $3 million, depending on scarcity and the demand of certain styles.

The original Birkin bag circa 1983, initially designed for English Actress Jane Birkin.

Louis Vuitton’s iconic “Speedy” bag. Vuitton created the first mini version specifically for Audrey Hepburn in 1965.

However, today you can find your average fashionista comfortably sporting bags outside of the luxury market. The concept of mixing high end with low end names has disrupted almost every facet of fashion, including accessories.

There once was an era where one would be embarrassed to be seen with anything less than an authentic luxury good on their arm. Now, it’s so common to see anyone from middle class to elite rocking a knock - off or , "designer inspired” purse and tagging the brand’s page on their post for the gram… and it only makes sense, seeing that we now have so many affordable alternatives from online retailers. It’s almost a flex to brag about knowing where you can find something cheaper these days.

But as much as we’ve evolved when it comes to handbag culture, it is still safe to say that the luxury handbag isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. We can still catch our fave public figures collecting as we covet.

Hot Girl Meg showing off her amazing designer bag collection.

However, I do think that it’s interesting that we can now catch, even the wealthy, unapologetically owning a bag that ranges anywhere from $40K to $40. It’s definitely a sign of the times where we now are generally more open minded and accepting of lesser known brands, lower price points, and practicality when it comes to shopping. As long as the fit still hits!

The Foxxy Bag by Kendall Miles Designs - $895

Jacquemus Long Chiquito Long Bag in Pink - $485

The ESR Tote by Brandon Blackwood - $80

Hermes Yellow Birkin Bag - Prices Vary

The Bandana Bag from The Style Animal - $74.80

The Everything Bag by House of Rehab - $125

The Monarch Milk Jelly by PishPosh World - $100

The Fashionpreneur Backpack - $199

Do you prefer your purses luxury or more affordable??? Let me know in the comments. In the meantime, Check out a mix of some of the most prominent styles from my current fave handbag brands rn, some luxury and some mid range.

Sharra,

“The definition of walking art.”