Graduation Gown and Dinner

After graduation on Friday, I joined my mama and my sister at "Le Meridien" hotel for dinner and drinks. The hotel in Arlington, VA was absolutely beautiful and the restaurant inside had great food and great views. I managed to do a quick photo-shoot with my sister before dinner wearing my graduation gown and accessories. I settled on a long, pink, pleated (haha go figure) gown that I had bought during Spring Break in London's Camden Market. It turned out to be an airy and elegant choice for the day's events.

Le Meridien- the beautiful hotel my family stayed at for graduation weekend.

Quick photo shoot before graduation dinner

Fringe and gold chain belt from Bebe

The view from the hotel's restaurant

Cheesy, mushroom flat bread

Crispy, fresh Calamari 

My celebratory glass of champagne

Graduation Weekend 2012

It has been such a crazy, hectic, fun and busy weekend! I am proud to announce that I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Howard University this past weekend with a BA in Fashion Merchandising. It is so exciting to be headed to the next level of my future, though I will miss my friends and university so much. This past four years flew by but they were amazing and taught me so much about life and myself.

I am so behind in posting because right after graduation, literally the day after, I caught a bus up to NYC where I am now so I could start an internship working on a Vogue China photo shoot (which started today). I am exhausted! However, here are some of the pics from my graduation weekend and more to come of looks from the weekend =)

My mama and sister...two women that taught me much of what I know about fashion and life!

Where's Nia? ;-) (I'm in this pic, hint: middle)

Just got my diploma!

I love my HBCU...Now my Alma Mater, Howard University!

Honor Graduate: Summa Cum Laude (3.82 to be exact) =) 

Gift time!

Holy Shmoly! Movado for the grad, sweet!

Graduation Day 2: Wearing another gift- Foxy Wood Jeffrey Campbells in Neon Yellow. My first pair! 

3 Fashionistas ;-)

I am going to post a few more blog posts from this weekend featuring my graduation dress and spotlighting two of the fashionistas that were there. Stay tuned!

xo,

Nia

Bison Ball 2012

I attended Bison Ball last night which is an annual event held by my school, Howard University. It is a time for students to have fun at one last major dance in a classy environment. I wore a black and white long, pleated, backless gown by KNT (Kova and T) from Urban Outfitters. The top part was black and the pleats were white. I added a heap of bracelets on each arm, silver, crystal hoop earrings and a "magazine"-like clutch for accessories. Then, I decided to go with dark purple lips and nails and white and black snake-skin peep-toe stilettos by Colin Stuart. I really loved the look and received a lot of compliments, plus Bison Ball turned out to be a really fun and great night!

Cool lights on the dance floor

My "magazine" clutch purchased at London Fashion Weekend. Tricked a lot of people lol 

Beautiful flower arrangement at the bar

Colin Stuart Shoes! 

Don't stop til you get enough...bracelets!

Students and Style

My school (soon to be Alma Mater), Howard University was voted as the number two best-dressed college in the nation not long ago by The Huffington Post. But it is nothing new for HU to be featured or known for its fashion. It's normal, expected even, for students to dress to the nines for Econ class or  throw on a pair of heels to chill on the yard. Being around this group of creative, eclectic individuals in my last weeks here makes me realize how much I cherish and will miss the inspiration I gain from them everyday.

She has a beautiful spirit and creative personality- It's Rayla!

OBEY

None other than Amanda

 

Graduation Inspiration

With the myriad of dresses available for us females it is hard to funnel through all of the choices and pick just ONE for a special day like graduation. I am falling hard for the bright colors of this season, like magenta, olive green and aqua blue, but I still love my delicate, elegant pastel colored classics. If I can marry the two styles together to find the perfect dress then I will be one happy (and fashionable) graduate.

Since it will likely be warm on May 12 when I walk across the stage, covered in a graduation gown and cap, I want to pick a dress that is an airy, comfortable length for the weather and occasion. Yet, I also need a picture-perfect piece for the many snapshots (some that may be the last =( ) with fellow classmates and professors.

Hence, the graduation inspiration I put together as I prepare to find the greatest grad dress! Can't wait to see what I discover on my search ;-)