Category Archives: Uncategorized

A Passion for Fashion!

03 Sunday Nov 2013

Posted by in Clothing Designers, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

Hey Style Stars! This is a fashion fantasy about two besties who have this dream. Cameras are clicking.. It is New York Fashion Week. Photograhers are yelling over here.. over here… and snap!.. this picture appears in Vogue under the heading “The Newest Hottest Designing Duo”.

Tempestt and Blair
Designers Tempestt and Blair of Lola&Clarke

Meet Tempestt Ware and Blair DeLorge. And although they are not the featured designers at Fashion Week yet, they will be. They have been preparing for their close up for years behind the sewing machine and deep under the books. They met at Virginia State, where Blair got her bachelor degree in Textiles and Apparel. Tempestt changed colleges and got her bachelor’s at Virginia Commonwealth University in Fashion Merchandising.
Then Blair went on to get her MBA and Tempestt is pursuing her MA in Fashion Journalism and Editorial Imagery. I said all that to say they really know what’s up and they got their business thing together.

But Style Stars all that talk unravels like a loose thread on a cheap garment if their designs are not to die for – so are you ready?

DCF 1.0

Bam! Tempestt and Blair have decided to call their fashion line Lola&Clarke. Cool right. Well as Blair tells me the name brings a ying and yang just like them and like the women they design for in creating their line. Take their tailored jacket matched with their faux leather shorts- It is dead fly.

DCF 1.0

You can see their fashion philosophy. The seriousness of the jacket along with the playful femininity of the hot as hell faux leather shorts.

Oh the ideas they have are crazy. Their thing is beautifully crafted clothes at an affordable price. And if there is anything we Style Stars love is getting nice quality pieces on a budget. Blair says there is no one filling that space. Either the nice things are so expensive and the inexpensive pieces so– well you know.

So that is why they are on a mission. They want to raise money- and bring to the world what it has been missing. They are raising cash for the inaugural line and trying to meet a November 17th deadline. Check out their video link below.. And Style Stars soon we will be rocking Lola&Clarke.

DCF 1.0

Vanessa

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/lola-clarke-debut-collection/x/5027466

I Love Shoe!! I Really Do

23 Wednesday Oct 2013

Posted by in Shoes, Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Giuseppe Zanotti Leather Zipper Trimed Pumps $795
-Giuseppe Zanotti pump with a twist- it has a zipper $795

Hey Style Stars before you slip your tootsies into boots permanently for the season– I want to pump it up for pumps. I love this shoe!!! It is classy and a classic. But like all things fashion, the prices for a leather pump are all over the place.
Prada Capretto Leather ponted toe $650
The pump above is a Prada going for about $650.
Manolo Blanik BB Point-Toe Metallic Pump, Black Titanium $595
And in my opinion the pinnacle of the pumps – The very chic Manolo’s in Black titanium cost $595.
Vanessa in Aldo's $59
But Style Stars you know I found a pair for a fraction of the cost- the Aldo pump for $59 dollars. Love it!
And here is a twist on the plain pump- get fancy style stars– with these Jimmy Choo’s jewel pumps. It is ‘just’ $3,250!
Jimmy Choo Tia Pointy-Toe Jewel Pump $3250

And while we are on the subject of my favorite shoe style– The pump! Let’s hear it for Christian Louboutin. Yay!
Christian Louboutin Patent Rolando $795
I love a nude pump. Now these are the pumps made famous by Kate Middleton- The Duchess of Cambridge.
The Duchess Of Cambridge Visits Naomi House
She bought her kicks from L.K. Bennett for $300.
I have a pair– see. I purchased my Style and Co. nude pumps from Macy’s -on sale of course.
Vanessa's nude pump
The “nude” pump blends with your skin tone and elongates your leg. Super sexy. Well of course it did not blend with everyone’s skin tone– until now!
christian-louboutin-nude-app-w352
What is your shade? Leave it to Louboutin- who made news by announcing his new color collection where he will offer the nude pump in a variety of shades. Now brown girls can have that long-legged look too.
Louboutin So Kate -Brown:$645
So for about $625 dollars you can pick a pump in your favorite flavor. Yummy!!
Vanessa

Falling in Love with fall Fashions

20 Sunday Oct 2013

Posted by in Fall Fashions, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Okay style stars. I recently gave you a brief look into of some of the fall fabulosity on the streets, in the stores and that was seen on the runways for fall 2013. But, I must confess, I can not stop finding more great fashions for this season. So, I decided to update my style stars more often. As soon I see it, (only those worthy of course), I will give the tea immediately. So, here it is!

black leather pants with black leather top and white cape jacket. Gorgeous! mixed media top and black and white trend

black leather pants with black leather top and white cape jacket. Gorgeous! mixed media top and black and white trend

Mixed Media trends

Well style stars, this is one trend I must say is my favorite and I’ve been doing this for years. It’s combining textures, patterns, and even hardware to our wardrobe. The leather and stretch cotton or jersey wool dresses which are so hot this fall(check out previous blog on my cobalt blue dress) is another mixed media look. So, instead of going shopping, I searched my closet and found this fabulous bag that has this fall’s mixed media look.

Leather grey bag with medal accents

Leather grey bag with medal accents

Black and white

black/white animal print sweater dress

black/white animal print sweater dress

I so love the black and white trends this fall. I went shopping in my closet and found this Adrienne Vittadini animal printed black and white sweater dress. I bought it last season and never wore it. Crazy right? Now, I’ve checked off two of this seasons hottest trends: black and white color pattern and animal print. Yes, animal prints are still hot.

Here are a few more black/white fall trends

black/white houndstooth pattern coat

black/white houndstooth pattern coat

Plaids

Sensational plaids fall 2013

Sensational plaids fall 2013

And, plaids are hot. At first, I remembered my Catholic school plaid uniform blouse. Not cute! So, I was apprehensive about this trend. After checking out a few things, I must say I think this can be a cute trend for fall. Think sexy school girl or haute lumberjack. Here are a few plaid finds. Remember, for this particular trend, I would not spend a lot at all. It’s a little risky not as timeless as black and white.

Okay I’m done for now, but I will be back. Fall has just begun style stars.

Natasha

It’s Fall..Are you ready…Fall trends I adore

30 Monday Sep 2013

Posted by in Fall Fashions, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

cobalt blue leather dress

cobalt blue leather dress

Well, much to my surprise, I woke up the other morning and it was 53 degrees outside. Fall had knocked on my door and I was not prepared to answer. Luckily, I still have time to transition from summer looks to the fabulous Fall finds I see in various magazines. I will go over some of my favorite Fall trends for 2013 that I feel are worth searching for. Remember style sisters, fashionable does mean max out your credit cards. So, shop with caution because trends do come and go.

Cobalt Blues
For years I have gotten caught up with the dark colors once the season changed. It's so refreshing to know that color is here for Fall and cobalt blue is a must. While searching on line for new stylish finds, I found the perfect dress that can be worn during many seasons. It includes two hot Fall trends. It's a cobalt blue leather dress. Genuine leather runs down the center and back. Gorgeous!  

The best part is I paid under $100 for a real leather dress. The designer is AQUA and it’s not available any longer, but this brand has many affordable leather and faux leather must haves. The main thing to remember is color is the key this Fall. Cobalt blues, navy, and jade are great options to pull yourself away from an all black ensemble.

Boot trends
Designers have really given us many different options for footwear. And, I’m so glad. Platforms are still here, but they’ve taken a step back to this seasons stacked heel boots. The heels are thicker and appears more durable for the urban stylish walker. You can find stacked heels boots on the Ann Taylor and Zara website. Affordable and fashionable.

Stacked heel boots

Stacked heel boots

jon0244-450x675

Pink and grey
This is truly one of my favorite color combinations. And, it’s the other color must have for the season. A pink coat with grey leather boots or heels will add sophistication and femininity to any outfit. I will certainly wear this Fall trend with a smile. Well, style stars, I really could go on and on. But, I just wanted to give you a few of my favorite fall trends. So, shop, save, and be savvy! on_0376-450x675

Your style sister,
Natasha

Fashion Week Giving Me Life!!

17 Tuesday Sep 2013

Posted by in Fashion Week, Uncategorized

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

securedownload

Hi StyleStars!!

New York Fashion Week is  always FAB-U-LISSSS and my style sister and I went to one of our favorite shows.  It was the Emerge Show which features the up and coming designers. The location was off site in the Wall Street area. Okay so the house was packed. The evening started with a tribute to the legendary Queen of the Catwalk Pat Cleveland. Who as you can see working it above- is still Fierce.

Emerge Fashion Show

Ok dim the lights.. pump the pulsating beat– and let’s go.

First up- designer Danny Nguyen

Danny Nguyen2

Beautiful- flowly– pretty in peach.. take a closer look.

Designer Danny Nguyen

It shines, shimmers.  Nguyen is from Houston and wowed the New York crowd.

PRSVR Leather romper

Real hot was PRSVR who rocked the runway with wearable leather.

PRSVR Leather

Of course StyleStars, my sister and I couldn’t wear everything in this line, but there are pieces that are perfect for us.

PRSVR Red Leather shirt

PRSVR RED LEATHER SHIRT

828 Collection Suzette Opara

Suzette Opara gave us elegant sexy femininity with her The Eight Twenty Eight Collection. Loved her fluffy. This designer originally from West Africa, but based out of Chicago had several pieces we would definitely wear.

Dhakmani Swimwear-33

Dhakmani gave us the sexy of the show! Her SwimWear was incredible. It is totally yacht lounging gear.  Loved most of the pieces. Very unique, very unusual.

Dhakmani SwimWear

All in all we always love the Emerge show and look forward to it twice a year during the holy days of February and September which is fashion week.

Thanks Nikkia for the VIP seats.

And the night wouldn’t be complete without the StyleStarSisters hanging out with bestie Terri (in the middle) who surprised us at the show.

StyleStars night of the Fashion show

Now can’t wait for February!!

Fashionably yours,

Vanessa

(oh most of the photos were taken by me.. got to love the pictures taken by the iphone)

Summer White Party …Dress code required!

14 Wednesday Aug 2013

Posted by in Uncategorized, White Party

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

The lovely hostess Sheila D and fabulous niece, Evelyn

The lovely hostess Sheila D and fabulous niece, Evelyn

Dapper men at Sheila D's White party

Dapper men at Sheila D’s White party

Lovely ladies who attended Sheila D's White party

Lovely ladies who attended Sheila D’s White party

Sheila D's White party. Style star sisters, Vanessa and Natasha

Sheila D’s White party. Style star sisters, Vanessa and Natasha

Hey Style Stars, well you know it’s summer when you get an invite to a white party. And, this particular event was hosted by Sheila D, an event and party planner who exudes great style and confidence no matter what she’s wearing.  My style sister and I knew we could not miss this once a year Sheila D Harlem event.

Ugh, what do I wear. So how do you stand out among the collage of white canvasses at an all white party. It can be hard sometimes to showcase your individual style out when a dress code is required. But, I must say I loved the challenge. I believe that accessories can become your best friend. A bold necklace, colorful or fancy shoe, or purse will highlight your style when faced with a color restriction. I opted to wear a fitted Nicole Miller collection high-waisted skirt and a light silver beaded top. Ok, I strayed a bit. But, I still stayed within the guidelines of the color white. This is a great idea for my style sisters to choose like colors so you don’t stand out for the wrong reason. Don’t show up with a red dress. Ugh. Check out all these beautiful ladies white dresses. You will see the great individual style.

Of course, we can not leave out the dapper dudes that attended the event. There were beige palettes and bow ties. Very chic indeed.

It’s no surprise that Harlem has always been at the forefront of fashion. From the well tailored ladies of the 1940’s and the gentlemen who only wore their pants cuffed with their suits, Harlem always had effortless style. And, this White Party showcases the individual style of its Harlem patrons. Classy, sophisticated and yes sexy.

Your Style sister,
Natasha

Prom Night: A Night to Remember or a Night to Forget

25 Thursday Jul 2013

Posted by in Prom NIght, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

My niece Margo found the perfect prom dress! She and her boyfriend  AJ were fabulous! They discussed colors ahead of time and decided a Red/White theme would be the right combination. Check them out. So cute.

Image

 Margo and AJ planned for months. She shopped for the perfect dress.  It was a magical night. But for some girls Prom night has been a night to forget instead of a night to remember. I have to be honest  Style Stars,  it has been a while since I had to think about prom dressing, but I’ve noticed this past season prom dressing has been full of controversy and making headlines.

  Have you heard about the teen from Washington state.  Brittany Minder was banned from her prom. Why?

Image

Well Brittany is well endowed and school officials felt her dress was too low cut revealing too much clevage. Not just Washington, two teens in Cleveland Ohio were also not let inside the party hall- same reason too much boobage. (By the way, Brittany eventually put on a wrap and stayed covered up on her big night).  And in New Jersey there was a ban on strapless dresses at a school dance. School officials cited the fear of wardrobe malfunctions as the reason.  A couple of parents even sued, but a judge sided with the school district: Dresses must have at least one strap.  A ruling that upset parents  especially those who already purchased strapless dresses for their daughters. Prom dresses are not cheap.  Some Style Stars spend hundreds of dollars on a prom dress.  Of course I would find a bargain! But Style Stars need to worry about more than money when it comes to prom fashion.

Vanessa

 

The ultimate garage sale…a famous stylist sells designer wares

16 Tuesday Jul 2013

Posted by in Designer Clothing, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

stacks of designer shoes

stacks of designer shoes

Louboutins

louboutins

peach fitted dress

peach fitted dress

vintage earrings

vintage earrings

Rachel Johnson...NBA stylist

Rachel Johnson…NBA stylist

Hey style stars, well it’s hot out, but that doesn’t mean that you should not check out your neighborhood garage sales. I happen to love the hunt and the excitement of finding that one thing that’s different from anything you may have seen. A nice statement piece or designer dress that may have been worn or not. Well, I lucked out this past weekend.

A friend invited me to what I considered to be the ultimate garage sale. Right in my area just one town over, stylist to many of the NBA elite players, Rachel Johnson, gave a garage sale that would rival any high end boutique or consignment shop in NYC. The tall beauty has worked with some of the best players in the league like Lebron James, Amar’e Stoudemire and many others. With a passion for men’s tailoring and over thirteen years experience in styling, Rachel has put together winning red carpet looks for many of the NBA’s star players.

But, I was not looking for men’s clothes. Sorry fellas! This rare sale featured women’s runway looks from Rachel’s own collection and other stylists who have their pulse on what’s hot. I was able to snag a pair of vintage earrings that will look incredible with any little black dress. Price: $5.00. I also got a summer fitted dress for …wait for it, $15.00. The tag was still attached. Oh, there were several Louboutins. Darn. not my size. Lucky ladies.

So, style stars, take advantage of your neighborhood garage sales. Be patient with the hunt, wear comfortable shoes, and yes haggle those prices. Don’t be shy about it. You just may leave the sale with a great stylist piece or someone’s grandmother’s heirloom. Happy hunting.

Your style sister,
Natasha

It is steamy hot- so what is a brother to do?

01 Monday Jul 2013

Posted by in Men's Fashion, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hey Style Stars! – While we girls are rocking our summer dresses, skirts, tanks, and colored jeans- it is always a blast to see a brother not letting the heat burn his fashion sense. So ok, my style sister and I were hanging in Harlem the other night at African food restaurant  Ambassadors,  when our friend Eugene Tuff rolled in.Image 

 It was a steamy night but Eugene looked way cool. And Style Stars take a closer look at the material of his light weight stunner.

Image

 

 Yes that is seersucker. Remember that material? It is so retro.  (Here is a brief history courtesy of Wikipedia:

Seersucker is a thin, puckered, all-cotton fabric, commonly striped or chequered, used to make clothing for spring and summer wear. Seersucker is woven in such a way that some threads bunch together, giving the fabric a wrinkled appearance in places. This feature causes the fabric to be mostly held away from the skin when worn, facilitating heat dissipation and air circulation. It also means that pressing is not necessary. 

During the British colonial period, seersucker was a popular material in Britain’s warm weather colonies like British India. When Seersucker was first introduced in the United States, it was used for a broad array of clothing items. For suits, the material was considered a mainstay of the summer wardrobe of gentlemen, especially in the South, who favored the light fabric in the high heat and humidity of the summer, especially prior to the arrival of air conditioning.

The fabric was originally worn by the poor in the U.S. until preppy undergraduate students began wearing it in the 1920s in an air of reverse snobbery.)

Too much information?? I know Style Sisters I just thought it was interesting. Getting back to Eugene.  Doesn’t he look debonair! — Adding to the look- he sips on a glass of single malt scotch Macallan 12- which he makes sure places he frequents has in stock.

Image

Oh just to wrap up this style brother for you Style Stars- he rotates among about 30 suits and he also owns a pair of seersucker shorts.  Tres chic  

Vanessa 

 

 

Who are your style icons?

26 Wednesday Jun 2013

Posted by in Clothing Designers, Style Icon, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

Diana Ross in Gown from 20130626_165324Hey my Style Star Sisters. You can not help but be influenced just a little by celebrities who dress incredibly whether they’re on the red carpet or running errands in the latest Louboutins and perfectly holey jeans. Quite annoying! Keep in mind that even the most effortless looks are in many cases styled by a well paid stylist.

Thank goodness I have been blessed to have had the best style influence during my young and adult life. My mother Brenda. She was a sophisticated, slingback shoe wearing lady who always shopped on a budget never caring if the name was Evan Picone or if the label was cut out. Who cares. How does it fit and how does it make you feel and move were much more important. Confidence was mom’s best accessory.

I must say our mother’s style had the greatest influence on even how I shop and my own personal style today. I prefer dresses and skirts over jeans any day. And, slingback shoes are still my favorite. I could wear a flea market find and wear it like it was from the racks of Bergdorf Goodman.

If you twisted my arm and made me pick a celebrity who I felt had style reminiscent of my mom’s,  it would have to be Diana Ross in Mahogany and Lady Sings the Blues. Wow, she was impeccable. Beautiful, confident, and effortless. So, I ask you my style sisters, who are your style icons? Let us know.

Your Style sister,
Natasha