STYLE STARTS WITH SELF ESTEEM

October 24, 2021 in Inspiration, Lifestyle

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE

One thing that I’ve learned from working one on one with women on their image is that, the way we perceive our own minds, bodies, and overall being has the GREATEST affect on not only our personal style, but our quality of life. I can pick the perfect shoe, dress, and bag for a client but if one isn’t confident in who they are, it simply will not hit the same. So, this week’s style tip focuses on subtle ways we can elevate our own self esteem in order to be our best selves…

PLAYING DRESS UP

Remember when you were little and would slip on your mom’s highest heels you could find, or throw on your best outfit in your closet and play in the mirror even when you had nowhere to go? It fed our imaginations and made us feel like we could be anything we wanted in this world. Even as a grown ass woman, I like to make time to do this every now and then, after a shopping trip or when my latest package from one of my fav online stores finally arrives.

Doing this can not only spark your creativity and childlike imagination, but it can also allow you to explore and discover new styles, silhouettes, colors, and prints that work for YOU as an individual. It’s a well deserved break from the social media scrolls and outer world influences telling us how we should and shouldn’t look.

“WHY YOU KEEP LOOKING IN THE MIRROR IF YOU NOT CONCEITED?”

…One of my fav Dom Kennedy lines. But forreal, sometimes a little excessive confidence is necessary. Many of us, especially women, can recall a time or two when someone has called us out for taking a good look in the mirror. There’s a negative assumption that those who do are arrogant or vain. But it’s not true… real confidence says I love who I am, and you should love who you are, too. True beauty radiates from the inside out, but many of us possess so much inner beauty but fail to let it shine through.

Often times, we get so caught up in our day to day tasks, rushing to get dressed (I’m guilty), and meeting deadlines, we rarely take the time to appreciate and familiarize ourselves with our own reflection. Spending some time in the mirror can give you the opportunity to appreciate your features, see yourself smile, and make you feel more in tune with your being.

I hope you picked up a gem or two from this post!

P.S. I’m thinking of making “Style Starts With Self Esteem” an email series so we can add a little spiritual food for thought in the mix of the style inspo I send you all! Make sure you’re subscribed to my Style Source so you won’t miss the next one!

Sharra,

“The definition of walking art.”

NOTE TO SELF: VALUE YOUR INDIVIDUALITY OVER CHASING THE TRENDS

October 13, 2021 in Lifestyle, Inspiration

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE | PHOTOGRAPHED BY MKR SHOOTS

As a stylist, I’m constantly working to stay on top of the trends, problem solving, and analyzing what could be better, in an effort to make sure my work and my brand is the best it can be. When you’re in fashion, it’s easy to get caught up in who wore what, who wore it better, and what the next wave is. After years of following such an ever-changing industry, it’s easy to get lost in it all. Through well-intentioned habits of doing trend research, self awareness, and constant evaluation of self, the lines between staying looped in to the world around you and losing your sense of unique thought and creativity can often become blurred.

I realized this was a true conflict for me this past weekend. I was scatter brained, filled with a bunch of doubts, and just generally uninspired to do anything on my ever-growing to do list. As I vented my thoughts to my boyfriend, I realized that part of my frustration was coming from not being able to even fully hear myself and what I wanted and needed. I had been hard at work over the past few weeks creating pitches, traveling and networking, preparing myself for the next best opportunity, and being hyper focused on what I should be or shouldn’t be doing. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good productivity streak, but I had been seriously neglecting self care and honoring my own need to be heard by… well, by myself.

I’m sure many of you can relate. Day after day, we’re surrounded by everyone’s opinion of what’s right for us. Our timelines tell us what we’re doing wrong, or displaying to us what others are doing right that we’re not. Our jobs are constantly telling us where we could improve, and then we have our biggest critic, ourselves.

As I pondered all of the places where I feel pressure in my life to show up perfectly, I was finally able to conclude why I felt so negatively. I wasn’t giving myself grace to be fully myself without first running it through the filter of “Is this right for my business? Is it right to feel like this? What more could I be doing?” The reality is, as a young black woman, the world is already going to have plenty to say about how I look, what I wear, and what I do. I’m now learning how important it is to honor myself, apart from the standards and expectations that the world puts on me. I need to be clear on how I feel about myself and where I’m going, and honor those feelings, however imperfect they may be.

To do this, I’ve been practicing guided meditation to maintain a state of mindfulness. I’ve also been asking myself more questions about my mission and values, so I’ll know to bring that into everything that I do, instead of defining myself and my worth by where I am vs. where I think I should be. I’ve realized that I value helping to bring out the best in others by being my best, and my mission is to use my creativity to inspire the creativity and self expression of others. Styling is simply the current vehicle I’m using to live out that mission.

What are some strategies you use to stay grounded and in tune with yourself? Let me know in the comments!

XOXO,

Sharra

“Empowering her evolution through style.”

THE MODERN HOTTIE'S CAPSULE WARDROBE: STAPLE PIECES TO HELP YOU CREATE ENDLESS FALL OUTFITS

October 01, 2021 in Inspiration, Lifestyle, Outfit Inspiration, Shopping

CURATED BY SHARRA GREENE

When’s the last time you updated your capsule wardrobe?? A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothing items that allow one to create several different outfits by mixing and matching the same pieces. Check out the key pieces tat can take the modern day fashionista a long way for the cooler weather…

THE CROPPED JACKET

I have plentyyyy in different flavors, and as much as bae makes fun of me for wearing half a jacket when it’s chilly out, cropped jackets are the perfect lightweight layer when you don’t need an entire coat and you want to edge up a casual look.

How to Style It: Pair it with your fave sweater dresses, or with a crop top and sweatpants or jeans. Complete the look with combat boots or your fave sneakers.

Where to Find It: Lionne Clothing, Mistress Rocks

THE THIGH HIGH BOOT

>Shop the Look

If you know me, you know how I feel about my OTK’s!! When it gets cold out, they go everywhere that I go! (I have a whole blog post dedicated to them here! ) Every modern stylista needs a sexy pair of boots that contour and flatter their legs. I always keep at least one flat pair and one heeled pair in a classic color in my closet!

How to Style It: Go for an iconic Nanny Fran inspired look with a bodycon mini dress or a skirt & turtleneck combo, or keep it casual with body-hugging denim jeans and a statement jacket

Wear to Find It: Twelve AM, Simmi

THE LITTLE BROWN DRESS

>Shop the Look

In case you haven’t heard, when it comes to classic colors, brown is the new black. You can catch every brand from major design houses to your everyday fast fashion boutique showcasing their line of staple pieces in shades of nude. When you’re after a sleek look that switches it up from the all-black-ensemble, opt for an earth toned brown dress in a classy silhouette that can take you from the desk to a date.

How to Style It: Pair it with a pair of metallic statement hoop earrings, an envelope clutch, nude or chocolate heels, and a smoky eye for maximum effect

Where to Find It: House of Chic LA, Naked Wardrobe

THE DENIM MINI SKIRT

>Shop the Look

…because they’re back and they’re here to stay! A sexy denim mini is the epitome of “I’m trying, but not too hard.” It’s an easy piece to dress up or down with a simple shoe change, and it allows you to incorporate feminine and chic elements into your casual looks.

How to Style It: Pair it with your favorite crop top or bodysuit & a pair of boots. Simple yet effective

Where to Find It: Broken Land, Shop Nichole Lynel

THE ANKLE BOOT

>Shop the Look

Can’t forget about a shorter length boot for the early Fall vibes! It’s always good to have boots in different lengths, heel heights, and materials to bring some variety into your wardrobe and enhance your options when the weather varies. What I love about the ankle boot is that you can wear it from early Fall, all throughout Winter, and even into early Spring. They’re a worthwhile investment.

How to Style It: Pair it with cargo pants or a hoodie dress when you’re after an edgy streetwear vibe. They can also go with denim shorts, your favorite jeans, or a sexy pair of leather pants

Where to Find It: Simmi, Twelve AM

THE LAIDBACK JOGGERS

>Shop the Look

Another essential part of your “effortless” collection, a pair of joggers with a relaxed fit will get you through those says where you couldn’t care less what you’re wearing, but you have to care because you have great impressions to make and goals to reach.

How to Style It: Take a page out of T. Ray’s book and dress it up with platform heels and a statement bag, or let your sneakerhead side show with an athletic shoe and a cropped jacket (See how the capsule wardrobe works together??) Follow T. Ray while you’re at it and check out my interview with her here!

Where to Find It: Fifth Sole Boutique, Meow and Barks Boutique

Which fall essentials do you have already and which ones do you need to stock up on?? Let me know in the comments!

Need help curating the perfect Fall/Winter wardrobe?? I can curate it for you. Contact me here to inquire about my personal and virtual styling services so we can execute amazing Autumn vibes together! New style content making its way to the blog very soon! Stay tuned!

-Sharra

“Empowering her evolution through her style.”

KNOW WHAT TO SAY WHEN THEY ASK "SO, WHO'S YOUR FAVORITE (BLACK) DESIGNER??": A BLACK LUXURY DIRECTORY HAS BEEN UPDATED

September 24, 2021 in Industry Insight, Shopping, Inspiration, Lifestyle

CURATED BY SHARRA GREENE

As promised, I’ve updated my black luxury directory after an inspiring time at New York Fashion week, witnessing the raw talent that’s evident in the black luxury marketplace. Read more to see who’s been added!

I know I’m not the only one who’s ever witnessed a cringey convo where someone is talking all this and that about how much they looove fashion but when asked who their favorite designer is, they get to stuttering, scratching their heads and avoiding the question. I don’t want this to be you!

As a black woman stylist, I think it’s so important that when having conversations about fashion and culture, we know just as much about today’s hidden gems within the black luxury marketplace as we do about the mainstream luxury fashion houses that have been around for centuries. Respectfully, there’s more to designer than Gucci and Michael Kors… I’ve curated a list of some of my favorite working black designers of today, some you may already know and some you may not. Read up and enjoy!

ANDREA IYAMAH

I originally learned of Nigerian designer Andrea Iyamah back in 2016, and have since fallen in love with her brand’s eclectic and vibrant aesthetic. Originally known for making amazing swimwear, the Andrea Iyamah brand now covers even more ground in the resort wear space, creating gorgeous collections full of effortlessly sultry silhouettes, luxe fabrics, and stand out prints that often pay homage to African culture, all ideal for the ultimate stylista’s vaycay. Shop andreaiyamah.com. | @andreaiyamah

ROMEO HUNTE

When you think Romeo Hunte, think minimalist streetwear, turned up a notch… or two. The Brooklyn born and raised designer specializes in taking the most practical articles of clothing and making them more refined, more sophisticated, and then adding in some edge. Perhaps most known for his unique take on outerwear, the designer’s luxurious fur jackets, tailored blazers, and voluminous coats can be spotted on the likes of Zendaya, James Harden, Queen Bey, and so many more. Shop romeohunte.com | @romeohunte

SERGIO HUDSON

And now for my current ABSOLUTE FAVORITE designer in the industry right now, the iconic Sergio Hudson. You may have just gotten hip to Sergio’s work when our former and forever reigning first lady Michelle Obama shut down the inaugural in a head to toe burgundy Sergio Hudson ensemble. I truly believe that prior to that major moment, Sergio Hudson had been one of the most slept on designers of our time, but IYKYK.

Sergio’s ability to cater to the female form while creating cohesive collections that are timeless and distinctive, yet reminiscent of some of our culture’s most memorable style icons ,reminds me that glamour and femininity within today’s fashion scene are still very much alive and well. In fact, his latest SS22 collection, a “Return to Glamour” has inspired many influential fashion figures to start celebrating life by getting dressed again, after a long life of leisure wear due to the worldwide quarantine. Shop sergiohudson.com | @sergiohudson

LAQUAN SMITH

And of course, I couldn’t leave out another one of my top 3 in black luxury designers. I’ve been following LaQuan Smith since way back… before many major media outlets refused to acknowledge his genius and I had to look high and low on the internet just for a simple collection review. Now one of the brands of choice for celebs and tastemakers alike, you can catch your fav public figures like Cardi B and Lizzo stepping out in a sexy bodysuit, motor pants, or a sexy sheer gown by the beloved LaQuan.

His avid eye for statement making details and just knowing how the modern woman likes to showcase her curves has brought him to the forefront of fashion. He’s another one of the few luxury designers responsible for keeping glamour and feminine sensuality alive through style. Laquan Smith’s latest SS22 offering at NYFW revealed a new partnership with sportswear brand Puma, shifting the looks to a more simplified approach that’s still sexy with a hint of streetwear influence. Shop laquansmith.com | @laquan_smith

MAH - JING WONG

As I mentioned in my Fashion Week recap, Mah-Jing is one of my favorite Project Runway veterans. I had the pleasure of viewing his latest collection in person at the Fashion Bomb Daily show a few weeks back, and through witnessing his precision of cuts and his use of quality fabrics, I had to add him to this list. MJW mixes the colorful, cheery playfulness of the Japanese fashion scene with sexy, bold silhouettes, resulting in a well-balanced, modern and luxurious look for the bold and confident woman. Shop mahjingwong.com | @mahjingwong