Old School Posts

I've been doing this writing thing for a while - and I have been doing this fashion writing thing long enough to have amassed a list of clips that all have a special place in my heart - if I do say so myself. I love writing about fashion and hope to spend the rest of my life doing so. Since, 2010 is getting ready to come to an end, I thought it might be interesting to show some of my favorite clips from the past couple of years when I was first first first starting out. These are from back in the day... LOL enjoy!

Loving Green

Next year, I think I am going to be loving the color green when it comes to wardrobe. And not money green - although that is my favorite. I am looking for green saturation that is bright enough to illuminate my outfit while in the middle of the fall. Here is an example:

Winter Look by James R. Sanders featuring vintage jeans

UPPER ZIPPY JUMPER - Branded Clothing - Brands at Topman - TOPMAN USA
topman.com

Rambler-P35P03C-E Sulphur Grey Jeans
325 GBP - coggles.com
Vintage jeans »

"BS DESERT" BEN SHERMAN DESERT BOOT - TOPMAN
60 GBP - topman.com
Ben Sherman boots »

gloves - TOPMAN USA
$12 - topman.com
Gloves »

Holiday Fashion To Wear to Holiday Parties

Check out this story I did for SoulTrain.com on Holiday Fashion. The biggest issue where Holiday Parties are concerned is what to wear to what party. The feature, which got published today is a scenario-based how-to piece on how to dress for the Office Party, the Friend of a Friend Party, and the elusive Family Party. Check it out. Also, below are six photos that ran with story story - I styled six looks (3 for men and 3 for women) to fit each occasion.

Spending the Day on Madison Avenue

New York Fashion is at its best on Madison Avenue, just ask any of the high-end tastemakers that decide what's in style and out. Most recently, I was on Madison Avenue for a party at La Perla on Madison celebrating their new collection with Jean Paul Gaultier. The event was fabulous and the presentations were uber impressive - but more on that later...

Las Vegas Fashion and Travel Feature

I most recently had the pleasure of going to Las Vegas for a travel feature. I experienced a lot of luxury, plenty of glam, and an uber-amount of style from all of my favorite stores.My itinerary was congested to say the least. Finding downtime was the hardest - and since I stayed in suites, that made it even harder to enjoy the features that the hotel had to offer. Saw a lot of shows, ate at a lot of places and saw a lot of interesting people, but in order to find out more, you have to read my review. Until then, below is a video of some of my thoughts and my favorite photos.

Personal Shopper in Need of Clients

Most stylists have a personal shopping arm - and I am no different. As I type this, I suddenly have the urge to break out the markers and make a "Will Shop for Food" sign. Be that as it may, I do love to shop. Personal shopping is one of the things that makes me love my job and I wish that I could do it in my sleep. With Black Friday coming up - a day after my birthday (yay for me), I decided to do this post in preparation. The holidays are rapidly approaching and it is my favorite time of the year.

White Collar Style

Neil Caffrey is a con-man who works for the FBI. How iconic is that? Or is it ironic? I believe in conspiracies and none exist moreso than in the Federal Bureau of Investigations - that's just how I feel. Still, I have to dedicate this post to Matt Bomer who plays Caffrey in the hit USA show. As Caffrey, Bomer gets to wear clothes are as as slick as he is. Well tailored suits, old fashioned hats, and consistent grooming bring this character full circle and a pleasure to watch. Caffrey is better dressed than his boss - ironic again. I watched the episodes online, got hooked, then the nights changed and I lost touch, but I expect to be seeing Mr. Caffrey once more at our favorite meeting spot - my computer. Until then, check out these photos of Bomer as Caffrey - and some of Bomer as himself. 

Designing a Birthday Dress for a Friend

Willi Smith - designer

I was recently asked by a friend to design a birthday dress for her. This is perhaps one of my biggest honors. Here's why...

I am not a fashion designer, I wouldn't dare put myself in the company of geniuses like Karl Lagerfeld, Oscar de la Renta, and Diane von Furstenberg, but it is always a humbling honor to have someone consider a unique design from my crazy head. I love fashion, but designing is different from styling. I am used to working with what I am given. Now, I have to create what I am given and then go from there. The fashion industry is a complicated maze of giants and politics. I am still trying to get to where I want to be. But in the meantime, being asked to do something like this is amazing! Check out these preliminary sketches:

Headshots for a Friend

Meet Darius. He is a friend that I met through another friend. Darius is an aspiring model/actor and he stands to become everything he wants and more. People always say that Darius is good looking. His reputation preceded him - but this industry certainly requires more. I think he has the it factor - and I have a lot of faith in him. Which is why I was uber-honored and happy to do a small impromptu shoot for him at a dance studio. He just needed some shots for a casting that he recently attended. I just shot the photos - I did not consult on the concept or wardrobe. Here are the best shots:

Mad Men Suits

I am not going to lie, I love Mad Men for the clothes - so does everyone else. Editors have been writing and styling shoots inspired by the show since its first season. I will say that I cannot stand Donald Draper though he and Roger Sterling are the best dressed. Don Draper is a sleeping dog that always lies - and that's the truth. Mad Men is a show about men and the complexities of the gender. While women play a major part in the show, the changes that Don Draper takes everyone through is exhausting to say the least. It's rare for me to dislike a main character as much as I dislike Don. For a while, I was liking him again - he is a good guy deep inside, but he lets me down a lot, and I am sure that everyone who loves the show would agree. Still, I have to admire a man that can dress. Here are some of my favorite photos from random google image searches.

Personal Shopping: Shalana Crudup

Most recently, I was tapped to do a personal shop and styling assignment for the fabulous Shalana Crudup She is a busy woman with obligations that far reach the average person. She needed a look for an event that she was going to. The look needed to be transitioned into something for the event's after party, and she had a tight budget. My work was cut out for me, but she was pleased with the result. Crudup lives in South Jersey, and wasn't willing to do much travel, so our choices were extremely limited. To see the look and market, click below....

My Notorious To Do List

I am not resentful of much - I promise. But there is one thing. Tall, long, and all - on white paper with tacky little numbers that stare out at me on a regular basis. And the worst part about it is that I need it. We have a love hate relationship. I love myself when the list is smaller, or complete, and I hate myself when I let a day go by without being able to cross out at least one thing. To Do Lists are the pits - and my list runs my life.

I have always been ambitious. And in my youth, I was known for taking on more than I can handle. But I thought that I worked through those issues. I normally don't question myself, but sometimes, on days where the list is in its prime and towering - I wonder if I am a victim of overdoing it.

Black Hair - A Photo Essay

Black Hair is part of my culture. I can remember hearing the best stories in the barbershop, or having my grandmother discuss what went down in the hair salon. To put it simply, blacks have always taken pride in their hair - this is no surprise. Recently, I was inspired Willow Smith's anthem, "Whip My Hair." Such a young girl who made a song that is catchy is so many ways. I applaud her for being chic, but still making sure that her kitchen was taken care of.

Black Hair is: beautiful, strong, multi-faceted, amazing, soulful, and full of rich texture and culture. Our roots tell an amazing story of struggle and strength that is as old and varied as the dust on the ground. We are  children of them that created and cultivated the very ground that we trot. Our hair is our swaggar, and our come up story... this is a feature on Black Hair. 

Click below to see my photos:

Muhammad Ali: Float Like a Butterfly, Style Like a Bee

Muhammad Ali was way more than his 1+2 punch. He exhibited true style in the ring and outside of the ring. He truly is a style icon with an attitude and swagger to match. Click below to check out my editorial:

What I am reading: ELLEments of Personal Style

The publicity team at Gotham books recently sent over, "The ELLEments of Personal Style," and I have had my head inside of the book ever since. Not only is it a great style reference, but the editors thought about each entry. With some, it is hard to believe that they would receive icon status - mostly because it would seem to be too early to tell, but the folks at Elle are tastemakers. And if it is good enough for them, I guess it is good enough for me. When turning to the first entry, it is the actress that plays Rachel from Glee. I love Glee, but I think that the character of Rachel Berry is tacky - and annoying. Also, the actress, isn't particularly stylish either. To sum the book up, it is a compilation of editorial and trend pages - something the staff at Elle are particularly talented at composing. No men were selected for the book - which is something that doesn't necessarily make the book even better. The book was released in conjunction with Elle's Anniversary - and it is indeed a tribute and consistent representation of the glossy.

I do get it. Elle has been one of those publications that is always abreast  of what's new and hot in fashion. Their selections are more like predictions - however, I would have liked to have seen more: Rachel Zoe, Blake Lively, Taylor Momsen, or even Amber Rose. The book is $30 and can be purchased anywhere books are sold.

FW Wish List

The fall brings incredible items to wear even in the harshest of weather. Truth be told, I prefer the winter because then we get to embrace layers, draping, and dark colors. Below, I have chosen some of my favorite items for the fall and called it my wish list. The set features all kinds of wonderful items that are strong enough to stand on their own. The market information is below:

Fashion on Film: A New Trend in the Industry Might Resurge Fashion

We all know how much the fashion industry loves trends. This industry is all about indulgence, and when one trend comes about - everybody engrosses themselves in it, until it becomes a thing of the past. The new it trend, is fashion on film. Several designers have done it, and many continue to do it. Its hard to say whether or not the trend happened overnight. It has been in the making for a while now. I would say, that the spark that lit the fuse was super-designer Tom Ford's directorial debut in his vintage film, "A Single Man."

In, "A Single Man," Ford captures the angst that was very relevant in the 60s. And the clothes are of course fabulous! Then there was Louis Vuitton, and Kenzo Homme with video fashion advertisements. The trend is getting larger and larger. Gone are the days of designers just showing collections in a simplistic format. Video is being integrated into runway shows with more happening each season. Check out this story that I did for MM33's Radar Newsletter on fashion videos.

Collaborating With FEMI

One of the best things about what I do is the collaboration. Working in fashion is great because you get to meet a lot of new and emerging brands. A couple of years ago I met Lency Whitaker. Her label is called FEMI. The brand started as a swimwear line, but the designer will be going dresses and separates for her next collection and I am consulting on the line. Once it is done, I will be styling the look book, and handling the runway styling as well, but for now, I am assisting the designer with the overall direction of her apparel collection. FEMI is hard to describe, but I would say that the FEMI girl is daring, regal, and edgy all at the same time. Here are some samples of her work. As the process goes into full throttle, I will be posting more...

Why I Want to Dress Like Brad Goreski

Photo taken from New York Times

Brad Goreski was made famous as Rachel Zoe's director of styling on Bravo's The Rachel Zoe Project. But most recently, the stylist has been actually called a style icon. I wouldn't go that far - in fact, I think that the fashion industry is quick to use the word, icon. Still, Goreski's style is definitely something that people should notice. His style is dapper, old fashioned and very chic - and the New York Times thinks so too.

 

I Love That it is Okay for Me to Not Feel Guilty About Shopping Anymore

 According to a story in Details Magazine, compulsive shopping isn't just for girls anymore. Whew! what a relief. I have been a compulsive shopper ever since I got my first piece of plastic. I am not going to lie - I get a rush from swiping my card, and being given a bag with amazing things inside. I have a problem, but I knew that already. I wouldn't say that I am as bad a the girl from "Confessions of a Shopaholic," but going to one of those anonymous meeting wouldn't hurt me either. I guess that is part of the reason why I do personal shopping. I love buying things.

Why I Adore Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs is quickly becoming synonymous with the term, "fashion." His collections are popular. His shows are always the most anticipated, and the designer is also the creative director for Louis Vuitton. He truly has the world on a string - or at least the fashion world. I adore Marc Jacobs because the designer is the ultimate multi-tasker. To date, Jacobs is heading up, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Luis Vuitton and his flagship Marc Jacobs label. 

He was born in 1963 and studied at Parsons where the designer did a line of knit-sweaters before he even graduated. That was impressive! Jacobs is the face of his brand which I especially admire. Speaking of his brand, the designer is forever expanding with book stores, fragrances, and boutiques making the Marc Jacobs brand more accessible than ever before.

Rain Clothes

It's no secret that I hate the rain. I let it be known to random strangers and my friends. The main reason why, is because I style almost everything that I wear. I rarely have, 'I don't care' days. Still, after putting together a look - and spending time merchandising said look, nothing is badder than stepping outside into the rain. I am still meeting my friend later today, to help her pull fall/winter options. Because I know it is going to rain, I am changing my outfit and now I am having a style block of sorts. I am scouring my favorite blogs and magazines for some kind of inspiration. I am even browsing through my own personal archives, but nothing is working!

Double Booking

I just had an epiphany while reading one of my favorites mags!

Honestly, we are all guilty of it - double booking. I did it again and I am so over it. The truth is, I hate not being able to spend time with all of my friends. My schedule is hectic on its own. The worst thing though, is not wanting to hurt one person's feelings for another. Good friends are hard to come by, and I value mine a great deal. So what's a fashion-obsessed individual to do? I dread the thought of rescheduling. 

One friend wants me to meet her to do a bag consult. She is shopping for a ready-to-wear bag for the fall and she wants me to come to help do edits. The other friend wants me to go on a regular browsing run. The thing about browsing is that it can be counterproductive, if you don't know what you want. Don't get me wrong, shopping(window) is my favorite pass time, but not without purpose. Honestly, I have so much to do, that I really shouldn't be going anywhere. LOL - but we all know that's not going to happen. I know that I am going with someone, I just haven't figured out who.

But enough about them, more importantly... what am I going to wear?

Fashion Book Option!

A couple months ago, while sitting in my apartment and chatting it up with my non-blood related little brother, Erik King, I pitched a book query to a publisher that I stumbled upon while browsing the internet. I was talking to him while I was writing the pitch that I emailed to the editor at the publishing house. The concept for the book, was of course, fashion. I wasn't particularly crazy about the idea and I honestly just wanted to introduce myself as a way of networking. Well, the editor said she loved my pitch and she wanted to see a detailed outline and a sample chapter! This was fabulous news for me, especially when I didn't even pay too much attention to the query. In fact, I forgot that I sent it. It's funny how things can work out. I often wonder what worked about the query that didn't work for the novel that I am still trying to get published. Fiction is harder to sell - and I've been told that I can be too hard on myself. Anyway, that was months ago. 

Inspired by Carrie Bradshaw

I was at a special screening for Sex and the City 2 tonight. I have already seen the film once, and it wasn't particularly good. The first in the series was superior by far. Still, I admire Carrie Bradshaw and all of her friends and their fabulous lives. Ever since the show premiered in the 90s, I have always wanted to do what Carrie did, but for fashion instead of relationships. Not to mention, I have never been in love - and I am probably one of those rare individuals that isn't really in a hurry either. What I admired about the show were good friends. People that you can live your life with. Not all love if forever, but friendships - good friendships, can last an eternity. Now on to the clothes:

SS2011 NYFW Wrap

The SS2011 presentations during New York Fashion Week were absolutely amazing. My love for fashion runs deep, but a transparent statement would be to say, I. Love. Clothes. And that statement would absolutely be true. Lets get in to some of my favorites:

1. Marc Jacobs: This designer's show is always one of the best events during fashion week. His shows are a party, but the clothes are always dead on where trends, and styling is concerned. This designer also has a knack for draping - something he showed off this season. Jacobs took it to the 70s where funkadelic patterns and analog suits reigned supreme. Check out his photos below: