A Diva State of Mind

Last week I saw the Cravatta Pelliano “Movie Star” Collection featured on Fashion Citizenand I was immediately drawn to it. While the focus of the collection is on the Pelliano knitted ties, bowties and pocket squares, the vibrant colors of the collection is what drew me in.

The campaign features many of the world’s most famous movie characters and their tag lines. Each product was designed and developed with a particular fictional character in mind. Linking celebrity life with pop culture, in web of Italian ats and crafts makes for that postmodern twist Cravatta Pelliano became famous for.

This campaign is a true demonstration of the company tagline: classic style & quality remixed for the 21^st century. To learn more about Cravatta Pelliano and to shop visit http://www.cravattapelliano.com.

All pieces are made of 100% of the softest cashmere or 100% of the finest silk in Italy.

Last Thursday, I was invited to attend the Beauty That Starts Deeper Concert Series featuring Elle Varner. The event was hosted by CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY Ultra Shea and was one of many events to kickoff Howard Homecoming Weekend.

The event was held at Shadow Room and included delicious hors d’oeuvres and open bar!  When I arrived, I wasn’t directed to the official meet & greet session with Elle Varner that was set up for bloggers, so I was a little bummed since I was prepared to ask a few questions. However, I was able to find Nicole, the PR representative for the event, and she allowed me to briefly meet Elle Varner and take a picture with her before she hit the stage! 

After taking a picture, I grabbed a cocktail and headed to the VIP section which included seating near the stage. For the next 40-50 minutes, Elle Varner sang tracks off her debut album Perfectly Imperfect  including “Only Want To Give It To You,” “Refill,” “I Don’t Care,” “What A Night” and “Leaf.”

All attendees left with gift bags that included the September issue of EBONY Magazine and a sample of the SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY Ultra Shea Shampoo and Conditioner.

The atmosphere was perfect for the intimate concert and Elle Varner put on a great show!  Along with singing songs off her album, at one point during her performance, she sang renditions of Brandy’s “I Wanna Be Down” and Frank Ocean’s “Thinking ‘Bout You.”  I am a fan and LOVE her album. I listen to it almost every day while riding the metro to work, so I was extremely excited to attend the event. If you don’t have her album, I highly recommend you get it!  Track #5, “Not Tonight,” is the truth!

The concert series continues in Durham, Atlanta and Tallahassee in conjunction with the homecoming festivities of historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) in those cities.

With Naseya of TheSeventhDistrict.com above. Please check out her site for more photos and to see video from the official meet & greet session.

I think last week was the first time I took an entire week off from writing and uploading blog posts. I didn’t intend to take a break, but after returning from out of town, working the 9 to 5, styling a new client after work, and attending an event after work, this girl was tired! And there wasn’t really much on my mind so I did not feel the need to try and force a post.

I have always been the type to stay busy. When I was a child, I was involved in numerous activities.  Even when I vow to take a week off from attending events or doing anything after work, I find myself not getting home until 10 or 11pm three to four nights a week.  Or I end up staying up past my bedtime to work on a post.  But what I learned last week is that we all need to take a break sometimes in various areas of our lives.

Yes I know, it doesn’t seem like I took a break because I did other things last week that kept me busy, but blogging takes a lot of time.  One post, depending on content, can take up to 2 hours to complete.  While I didn’t take a break from being busy, taking a break  from blogging did allow me to meet with a new client,  see folks I hadn’t seen in a while and sit comfortably on my couch Friday night to watch TV, without a computer in my lap (that’s my normal blogging routine).  

Occasionally we need to take a break to recharge our batteries and to get the creative juices going again; otherwise, we’ll burn ourselves out. Then how productive will we be??  It is necessary to take a step back and breathe for a minute.  This gives us time to really think, refocus our efforts and move forward full of energy. 

So while you continue to work hard and stay busy remember to take a break every once in a while!!

While searching for a picture to use in this post, I came across Time Management Ninja. They offer great advice on taking a break from work.

Photo: Evelyn Parham

Join Divas MPH, FitFam Foundation, Cause-Driven and Whitman-Walker Health  for Passion Behind The Pink.   An intimate affair where women are encouraged to candidly, and openly share health experiences, information related to breast care and network with one another over cocktails and appetizers!

Date: Thursday, October 24^, 2012

Time: 6-9pm

Location: Tabaq Bistro & Lounge (Art Room) 1336 U Street NW, WDC

Free Admission, Happy Hour Specials, and Lots of FUN! Wear your Pink.

RSVP at: http://passionbehindthepink.eventbrite.com

Walish Gooshe Boutique invites you to join them for Stand by Her: Shopping Soirée. This event shines light on those who have fought the battle and their caregivers and supporters.  All attendees will enjoy:

• Music by DJ Q
• Light refreshments
• Raffle & Prizes
• Cake cutting demo by The Bakers Lounge
• Make-up session by Sasha and Samantha  of S&S Enhancements
• Free style consultations by me!

The featured designers at the shopping party include Dennya Clothing and Intimate Xpressions as well as jewelry designers Lola Ro (talk about some amazing pieces!), Nesy Creations and Elena Design Studio.  Proceeds from this fabulous shopping event will benefit the Howard University Cancer Center.

This is a great opportunity to enjoy refreshments and music, shop fabulous designers, show our support for those who have fought and continue to fight breast cancer while giving back to the HU Cancer Center! An organization that focuses on (1) cancer biology; (2) cancer etiology; and (3) cancer prevention, control, and population sciences.

Date: Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Time: 6-9pm

Location: 7610 Georgia Ave NW Washington, DC

RSVP: http://standbyhersoiree.eventbrite.com

Hope to see you there!

Every day I ride the metro to work. And every day I see a young man wearing pants that look like this:

Why would anyone want to wear pants so low they couldn’t walk properly? Who wants to have to pull at their pants every two minutes to keep them from completely falling down??  And showing off boxers or boxer briefs to the public is NOT CUTE!  I don’t want to know if you decided to wear the navy or army fatigue boxers today.

I know I know, this is a “trend” with the young people (and unfortunately some grown men) that has been going on for decades. When I was growing up, it was common to see guys wearing baggy pants. And maybe because I was younger it didn’t bother me as much as it does now, but when I see these boys on the metro, I just want to stop them and tell them to pull up their pants! It wasn’t cute when I younger and it’s not cute now.

I know I don’t have any teenage boy readers, so for the grown men reading this post, please help your young brothers do better (and your friends that are still wearing their pants this way)! Explain to them that baggy pants makes them look sloppy (I’d use the words HOT MESS).  No one takes them seriously when they walk around that way.  Real men wear clothes that fit.

Let’s explain to our young men that wearing their pants this way will not get them a job. And if they ever want to meet a respectable woman, their pants are going to have to fit correctly in the waist.  Maybe consider wearing a belt? Belts are not the enemy!  

If you’re a grown man that still wears his jeans like the guys in the picture above, get your life. It’s time to let go of your youthful days and wear clothes that properly fit!

The Mdurvwa Collection is full of bold pieces for those who dare to stand out!  When I first saw the collection earlier this year, I immediately feel in love with the Color Block Earrings and Goddess Earrings. I eventually got my hands on a pair of Goddess Earrings (thanks to a friend who purchased them for me at the anniversary party) and I love them! So I was excited, when I ran into creator Deborah on Monday, to hear that she had recently completed the look book for the fall/winter season.

This fall, expect to see more leather and chain metal pieces.  Deborah has also expanded her offerings; along with earrings and necklaces, the new collection also includes rings, a head piece and shoulder chain. 

Check out pictures from the look book below:

The Mdurvwa Collection has been worn by singer Mya, singer Lil’ Mo, WPGC 95.5 radio personality Sunni and the City and many more.  All items, pieces from the fall/winter collection and previous seasons, are available at www.mdurvwa.com.

Last night I attended the BET Hip Hop Awards Style Lounge hosted by DTLR in Washington, DC (Brentwood location). The DTLR store was transformed into a lounge and offered attendees free food and drinks (Ciroc and Hennessey), massages, manicures, shape-up for the fellas and music by DJ Jay Claxton.

Not only did attendees enjoy all the free goodies, but we were also introduced to celebrity stylist Olori Swank. She’s been as fashion stylist for three years and her clients include Keyshia Cole, Donald Gover “Childish Gambino”, Tyrese and many more. Midway through the event, she gave a small preview of fall trends for men we can expect to see this season.

I had the opportunity to interview the celebrity stylist!! We chatted briefly about why she decided to be a part of the style lounge, her favorite fall trend and more!

Why did you want to be involved with the BET Hip Hop Awards Style Lounge?

BET is an awesome channel; the hip hop awards are great. I have a client who is actually in the cypher this year and my other client, Keyshia Cole’s show aires after the BET Hip Hop Awards. I usually style backstage at the Hip Hop awards so it was a perfect fit for me to come and do the style lounge with DTLR.

What is your favorite event to style for your clients?

I’m the type of person that can’t pick a favorite anything. My favorite thing changes every single week. But all my clients are very different; they all do different things and I enjoy every aspect of that. Like Keyshia, she’s this R&B songstress and we’re always traveling. I have NFL athletes that I style for press conferences and stuff like that. I just love the variety of it all and the fact that I’m not sitting in one place all the time.

What are your favorite fall trends?

Ummm oxblood of course! I think I’ve put every single one of my clients in something oxblood. Childesh Gambino, I made him wear that to the VMAs red carpet; he was nominated. Keyshia’s next single “Trust & Believe,” we shot the video the day before yesterday. She has an oxblood moment. Yea my favorite trend for fall is definitely the oxblood.

What five pieces do you think women should have in their wardrobe?

Five pieces…if I had to narrow it down to the that the first one would definitely be a pair of great black pumps. I also think every woman needs a great pair of pants. Actually I’ll take that back and say every woman needs a good black suit because they can get two wears out of that; they can get a black blazer and a pair of pants. A trench, a statement piece necklace and I love rings. A good ring.

What has been your biggest challenge in the industry?

I think every day is a new challenge and that’s what I love about it. If it were easy, everyone would do it. I’m definitely a believer in forging a path and making my own way. I just love the fact that every day is a new challenge and I can overcome them as I go.

What advice would you give to stylist in a market that is up and coming on the fashion scene?

To be totally honest, they’re a lot of markets in the country that are not bit fashion markets but still have people who have fashion needs. I would encourage seeking out the average everyday person who maybe doesn’t want to shop for themselves. Even outside of women, there are a lot of football teams in the majority of these cities; DC has the Redskins. Those boys needs stylist. Instead of flying me out all the time to come clean out their closet, maybe the local stylist can start searching and seeking after that business.*

I had a great time interviewing Olori at the event. She was very down to earth and you can tell she is very passionate about being a fashion stylist.

The event served as a great atmosphere to mingle with friends, finally meet those people who you always see and interact with on twitter (s/o to Erica Vain & Fashion Citizen) and enjoy an atmosphere that brought together fashion and hip hop.

Be sure to check out the BET Hip Hop Awards tonight at 8pm EST!

Follow Olori Swank on Twitter @OloriSwank and check out her site http://www.oloriswank.com

*So who knows someone on the team that needs a stylist??

On Wednesday, October 10, 2012 from 5-11pm, join The DDM Group and La Fortezza DC as they host PUSH Wednesdays Happy Hour at Fujimar Restaurant.  Fujimar is located on the second floor of Lima Restaurant & Lounge (1401 K Street NW).  Nominated as the “’Best Sushi in DC”, Fujimar features a modern layout with multiple HDTV displays, stainless steel accents at the bar, comfortable lush white leather couches coupled with stone-top tables, sleek chairs and hardwood floors creating a relaxing atmosphere.

The DDM Group and La Fortezza DC created this happy hour experience for DC professionals to have fun, mingle, network and decompress after a long day of working 9 to 5.  They hope the happy hour will also serve as a weekly home for fundraisers (both charitable and corporate), birthdays, special events and a watering hole for the city’s political and legal professionals.

Although not required, all attendees are encouraged to register for special events, news and information by visiting www.theddmgroup.net and selecting PUSH Wednesday Happy Hour from the drop-down menu or email [email protected].

You all know I love a good happy hour so I can’t wait to check this one out!

I came across this graphic tee on The Seventh District and as a supporter of President Obama, I immediately fell in love with it! While rather simple, the Obamacare(s) tee truly encompass the notion that the President cares about America and has our best interest in mind, a message he eloquently expressed during his DNC speech.

 From the creator, Brandon Hodges:

Given the toxic nature political campaigns can take on, I wanted to create a simple message of positiveness and a sign of support for our President. Through a play on a well known health care slogan I found this creative expression. I truly believe President Barack Obama has our country’s best interest at heart and he will continue to fight for progress and manifest the HOPE his platform stood on almost 4 years ago. Obamacare(s) was born out of these sentiments and I hope its message serves as a catalyst for rejuvenated support and contribution to making our nation the best it can be.

Shirts are available on Etsy! I purchased one yesterday!

Click HERE to register to vote!!

Source: The Seventh District