A FASHION FINESSE: 3 TIPS THAT I GIVE MY CLIENTS TO QUICKLY LEVEL UP WHAT’S ALREADY IN THEIR CLOSET

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE

         First rule of searching for a bomb look: SHOP YOUR CLOSET FIRST! Though each client that I work with has different needs, there are always a few life hacks that I often give them to help make their life easier with what they already have at home. In this post, I'm sharing some of the simple yet major keys that I give my clients by sharing a few ways to flip your go-to pieces in your wardrobe! 

SWAP OUT YOUR COMFY TEES FOR A SEXY TOP TO GO WITH YOUR FAVE DENIM

This one is the perfect compromise, especially if you're a jeans and flats type of girl. If comfort typically comes first for you when it comes to dressing, going with the v cut top with spaghetti straps or ruffles that we typically save for date night with bae, can add more of a dressier take to your everyday denim ensembles.

My client Wanda (below) recently took this approach. As a busy mompreneur, comfort is super important to her. She's now starting to incorporate ruffles and sultry designed tops into her wardrobe and to say it's working for her would be an understatement!

SPICE UP YOUR SWEATS WITH COLORFUL SHOES & ACCESSORIES

Shop a similar look: Claudia Schiffer Sweatshirt, High Waist Light Wash Denim, colorful fringe heels, matching handbag, bubblegum pink handbag, faux leather baseball cap, circle frame shades, three-finger ring.

     This closet hack is the perfect way to upgrade those faded sweatshirts and bottoms that you've considered throwing away! By pairing a worn out, faded, stretched out piece with another sexy-fitting separate and eye-catching accessories, you'll give your damaged goods a fresh and presentable look. 

GET MORE WEAR OUT OF YOUR SPRING SHOES WITH TIGHTS THAT MAKE A STYLE STATEMENT

Before you say goodbye to your favorite spring heels for a few months, don't forget to try them out with a pretty pair of sheer stockings and tights to keep your legs warm while you slay in low cut shoes all year long. Floral tights or ones with a lace design typically go nicely with open toe strappy heels or pointy toe pumps.

     I hope you enjoyed these closet hacks!

You can always send outfit pic mail to me if you use the advice I offer to styleadvicebysharra@gmail.com! I love seeing what you all put together!

     P.S. if you found these tips useful and would like more, be sure to subscribe to my weekly style advice newsletter to receive exclusive style advice from me every week, the inside scoop on my brand, blog post alerts, and more! New interviews, photo shoots, and outfit inspiration coming to The Walking Art Blog very soon! Stay tuned!

Sharra,

"The definition of walking art."

#STYLEADVICEBYSHARRA: A BRAND NEW CURATED STYLE TIP SERIES, EXCLUSIVELY FOR MY SUBSCRIBERS... ARE YOU ON THE LIST??

Well, are you?

SO, I don't think I say enough on here how truly thankful and appreciative I am of all of my readers and everyone who visits my site often, likes posts, comments, etc. But, I am especially grateful to those who decide to subscribe to my content by signing up for my mailing list. Every time that I see someone new added, I'm reminded that my support system and audience is growing and it means more than you know so, thank you!  

With me constantly juggling both my personal and stylist life, as well as creating a few updates a month here on The Walking Art Blog, I really wanted to go a step further to provide valuable content that is exclusively available to the people who have invested in me and my brand by subscribing to my site. Style Advice By Sharra is a weekly newsletter that will provide style tips curated by me of course, right into your inbox every single Thursday!

I also want YOUR feedback on the content. If you're subscribed and would like some advice on a certain topic, I want you to send your topic or question to styleadvicebysharra@gmail.com and I will be sure to cover it! I really want to have some fun with this advice newsletter while also getting more of a sense on what people need assistance on when it comes to their personal style of dress. I'll be looking forward to hearing from you! 

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE...

In addition to getting exclusive style advice every week, my subscribers will also be eligible for my Spring / Summer Style giveway! Over the next few weeks, I'll be choosing one heavily engaged subscriber to receive a free shopping consultation with me as well as a gift bag full of complimentary style essentials! Don't miss all of this exclusive content. If you haven't already, enter your email address in the subscribe box on the right and sign up! This will all be rolling out TOMORROW, April 26th, 2018 so make sure you're on the list!

P.S... more content coming very soon to the blog! Stay tuned!

Sharra,

"The definition of walking art." 

MY INTERVIEW WITH JESSICA WILLIAMS, DESIGNER OF IRREGULAR EXPOSURE CLOTHING

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE AND JESSICA WILLIAMS

      As promised, I'm back sharing the stories of more inspiring creatives who are building a brand and building up others in the process. As a stylist, I'm always researching new designers and brands that I would like to collab with (and shop with, of course). Upon discovering Irregular Exposure on my Instagram explore page, I noticed that the brand offers really chic pieces that can also serve as capsule wardrobe essentials. I also couldn't help but notice that IE designs were being worn by the likes of Evelyn Lozada and Claire Sulmers (founder of Fashion Bomb Daily and my favorite blogger, ever).

      Even better, I discovered that the designer had just recently held the grand opening of her showroom in the downtown area of my city, Baltimore, Maryland. I had to know more... Read my interview with Jessica Williams, inspiring Designer and Creator of Irregular Exposure and IE Fashion Academy, where she coaches other aspiring fashionpreneurs.

Upon tuning in to an Irregular Exposure IG LIVE this past week, I heard you say that you yourself sketch and design the pieces. How long have you been designing?     

     I currently sketch all of my designs. I have multiple manufacturing companies that I partner with to create the collections. I used to cut and sew all designs however I am in a place where I simply don't have the time anymore so I am now outsourcing. This is pretty common with most fashion designers. I've been designing for 11 years. I began as a custom seamstress and I've been a ready to wear designer for about 4 years now.

The name of your brand is definitely one of the first things that caught my attention. How did you come up with the name Irregular Exposure?

     I created the name when I was really young. I actually was inspired by a footwear line, "Irregular Choice." I was infatuated with their crazy designs and I really began to sketch clothing around their shoes. I always wanted to help women expose their irregular vibes and there it was, the name was birthed!

On the Irregular Exposure blog, you talk about how you reached out to over 100 emerging designer shows in hopes of showing at NYFW and were told "no", only to be told 3 days before a show (and with $200 to your name) that you were next in line and accepted. After this show, sales grew by %238. what did you end up doing to prepare for something so major at such short notice and what has this experience taught you?

     Well I am a firm believer in the motto, "don't get ready, stay ready." I had created my collection in advance with faith on my side knowing that God would cover me and allow my collection to be seen by who it was intended for. I was actually working a 9-5 making good money however this particular week was bill week and I was broke! I had faith and it turned out to be the opportunity that changed my life. The experience taught me that consistency, faith, and determination is required. It also taught me that someone is always watching so remain humble and clear on your brand story at all times. Your next opportunity is already watching you.

What does your Fashion Academy offer and what inspired you to start it?

     The IE Fashion Academy is a digital coaching program for aspiring and emerging fashion entrepreneurs. We offer 6-12 month programs to guide emerging designers, stylist, bloggers, fashion show producers and other fashionable creatives, through the process of concept to profit. With my education and experience, I am able to guide clients through the online classes and events. We are known for our 3 day quarterly retreats which is when the clients meet for 3 days to build. We just wrapped our NYC Fashion Retreat which is when we take clients through the garment district, fashion week and more. My academy is the most important thing to me right now and we are growing. We currently have over 25 private clients in 16 different cities so it's definitely worth the value. Check us out online at IEFashionAcademy.com 

So, Claire Sulmers is one of my favorite women in the industry. I seriously love her. I especially love how she's contributed to the black fashion community. What opportunity allowed you to meet her and how was the experience? 

      I was able to meet Claire at an event in Atlanta almost 2 years back. I reconnected with her through one of her Cocktails with Claire events and she really spoke highly of my brand so we agreed to wear a look on social media. She noticed the investments I was willing to make to be in a room with her. Whether it meant flying to ATL or vending at an event she attended, I knew I wanted her guidance within my network. The experience was very natural. She's a regular lady from the ATL with cool vibes just like us lol! I always am very chill when I meet people. I never like to come off as too much of a stalker lol so I remained calm and gave clear intent. It was really just me going to her letting her know that I wanted to build with her and the rest was history! She's a great person.

What would you call this chapter of your life and why?

      I would call it womanhood. I feel that I am becoming the woman I will be for my lifetime. At age 25, I am seeing clearer. My life consists of God, family, love & business and that's all that really matters. The business allows me to have more time for what matters. I feel so grateful at this point. I just opened my first store and my business is extremely successful. I am at a point where I just want to help others and that's definitely grown woman tendencies lol.

Any advice for aspiring creative entrepreneurs out here?

     Man's rejection is God's protection. Those "no's" you keep hearing are getting you closer to those "yes's." Cover and protect your energy and thoughts. Only share with like minds. Do things for the first time because that's where the opportunity lies.

Shop Irregular Exposure online or stop into their new showroom at 910 S. Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland. I know I will! Keep up with Jessica and all of her upcoming events by following her on Instagram and comment your thoughts on our interview below. 

Images from the IE lookbook. 

More photo shoots and inspirational content coming very soon. Xoxo

Sharra,

"The definition of walking art."

MORE GORGEOUS LOOKS INSPIRED BY THE ROSE, STYLED BY ME & FEATURING AMANDA LANG

Photography and Creative Direction by D. Rice Photography, beauty by idris

Get the Look: Amanda wears a black floral embroidered top, black faux leather tie belted mini, lace tights, harness choker.

Get the Look: Amanda is styled in a mesh mock crop over a sleeveless pvc plunge dress (worn as a top), red jacquard pleated hem mini, plated earrings, hair bow, and Nasty Gal (the OG one) Delicate Danger Lace stilettos

"A rose's rarest essence lives in the thorn. A thorn defends the rose, harming only those who would steal the blossom."

More looks from this series to be featured in N'Trigue magazine, coming soon. Xo

Sharra, 

"The definition of walking art."