OOTD: Fashion Show

Last night I attended a fashion show at Motorco Music Hall in downtown Durham. Presented by dtownMARKET, the "reFASHIONED" show was a platform for local fashion and graphic designers to showcase their talent. I was there to cover the event for Carolina STYLE Magazine, and wanted to represent in style. Here's what I wore. What do you think?

Outfit, Forever21
Shoes, Steve Madden
Purse, Marc by Marc Jacobs

OOTD: Carolina Music Awards

hey lovies, 


I know I haven't posted in a while but I had a whirlwind of an end to my week, in an amazing way (thankfully).  I have been promoted as Editor for the Arts & Entertainment Department at  Carolina STYLE Magazine! I feel honored and overjoyed! Needless to say, I dove right in, and my first major "assignment" was to attend the Carolina Music Awards which took place last night in Raleigh, North Carolina.


Here's what I rocked while some of the most talented musicians in the Carolinas were being recognized:

With Rebecca Lakey of Fan Feet (right)

With Andy Washburn of NC Local Music

Top, MANGO
Skirt, Suncoo Paris
Pumps, ALDO
Clutch, Nine West

Make sure you stay tuned to Carolina STYLE Magazine to see my coverage of the awards show. You can also subscribe by email, it's FREE!

Ombré over?

I don't think so. Not quite yet. The trend that first started making an appearance on the runway a few seasons back, was still prevalent on the Fall 2012 Couture runways, demonstrating that the shaded look is still going strong. 


Here's how I worked the ombré details...

Ombré scarf, Esprit
Mesh shirt, ZARA
Shorts, Mossimo
Shoes, ZARA
Purse, Accessorize

The trend dominated Matthew Williamson and Prabal Gurung's collections back in February 2011, with the ombré fluffers making quite the statement:

Prabal Gurung, Matthew Williamson

Here is another favorite of mine, reminds me of a berry creamsicle!

Atelier Versace Spring/Summer 2011, Cake by Maggie Austin

But more recently, we saw the look on the Resort 2013 runways:

Missoni, Alberta Ferretti

And even more recently at the Fall 2012 Couture shows:

Chanel, Givenchy, Giorgio Armani Privé

Whether it's in hair, nails, or fashion, I think the ombré influence is here to stay, at least for a little bit longer. 

Peplum Parade

Today as I headed out to run some adult errands, I wanted to look trendy but professional. I thought the red peplum tiered skirt, that's been getting no action, would be a good starting point. This is what I came up with... 

Skirt, H&M
Shirt, BikBok
Sunglasses, Emporio Armani
Shoes, exē

Photography by JJ McDaniel

I love these peplum-influenced designs from the Resort 2013 shows:

Prabal Gurung, Carolina Herrera, Oscar De La Renta, Lanvin

The peplum parade continued on the Fall 2012 Couture runways:

Ulyana Sergeenko, Bouchra Jarrara, Chanel, Giambattista Valli

Whether it's a peplum blouse, jacket, skirt or dress, here's how you can incorporate the trend for under $100!

1. Miss Selfridges, $82
2. Oasis, $55
3. River Island, $44
4. Ally Fashion, $15
5. Rare London, $42
6. Debenhams, $39
7. Top Shop, $96
8. River Island, $55

DRANTS; Dresses-over-pants

Together or separate, you decide what works for you, but the drant (or dress-over-pant) is not going away any time soon. 
We saw these back in February 2012 at New York Fashion Week:

Helmut Lang, Rag and Bone, Rebecca Taylor

Then again on the Resort 2013 runways:

BCBG, Louis Vuitton, Roksanda Ilincic

So it should come as no surprise that the dresses over pants made yet another appearance on the Fall 2012 Couture runway. With the long anticipated collection from Raf Simons, Christian Dior's Fall 2012 Couture show in Paris certainly showcased elements of the trend:

Christian Dior Couture

Still not convinced? Think of it as a long tunic over leggings or pants. 

So what will it be for you; together or separate?

OOTD: Interview with a make-up artist!

So today I have my first interview for an article that I will be writing for Carolina STYLE Magazine!!! I am responsible for writing the make-up artist feature for July, and have the honor of spending my Monday with Charlene Kongolo, whose work you can see here . Being that this is my first official assignment for the magazine, I have a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings going through my head. Thankfully I put my outfit together last night, relieving some of the pressure from today!

Skirt: H&M
Ruffle Blouse: MANGO
Shoes: Steve Madden
Sunglasses: Emporio Armani
Clutch: Wilson's Leather
Bangles: uknown

Photography by JJ McDaniel

What do you think?
Check back for a link to the article!
x x

America the Beautiful

Photography by JJ McDaniel

I am not an American but this is a country that I have called "home" for 6 years, and will probably continue to do so for many more years to come. Having assimilated to the culture, I have decided that the 4th of July or Independence Day, is my favorite adopted holiday. From the food to the fireworks, the gathering of friends and family, to the warm July weather...it's a day that embodies some of my favorite things about life.
How do you like to celebrate this day?

If you haven't quite put your outfit together yet, here are few of my favs to help inspire you....

Enjoy :) and Happy Birthday America.