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

 

Little Dragon- Thunder Love

Fashion Illustration II

I am so proud of my progress in Fashion Illustration II! While I don't want to be an illustrator or sketch artist I never would have thought I could do at the beginning of the semester what I turned in for my final project tonight at class. Plus, learning Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign are valuable skills across multiple industries.

Here are a couple of my sketches. I'm going to upload the flip book soon so you can see the entire collection =)

Trend to Try: Galactic Prints

Lately, I've been dying to get my hands on anything with a galaxy print. I absolutely love the fluid, combination of pinks, purples, blues and oranges dotted with stars and orbitals on the various pieces with the galactic print this season. One of my favorite items, are the Jeffrey Campbell Lita's featuring a galaxy print and wooden block heel. However, I've also stumbled across leggings and Jeffrey Campbell damsels that I would love to include in my wardrobe!

Since the print itself is so colorful and powerful, I'd recommend pairing it with subtle, neutral colors especially black to give the entire midnight/galaxy like effect.

Jeffrey Campbell Damsel

Model Moment: Arlenis Sosa

Arlenis Sosa...many may not have heard about Arelnis Sosa before Kanye's big hit "Hell of a Life" but for everyone that knows her now there is no denying her beauty and talent. Since her Banana Republic runway debut in 2008, Sosa has been featured in Vogue, ELLE, Teen Vogue, i-D and countless other magazines. She's snagged campaigns with the likes of Jones New York, Gap, Topshop and Lancôme. Not to mention the fact that she was featured in a song of one of the biggest rap stars out today!

Best of all, Arlenis Sosa is a model of color and despite the lack of representation in the industry, she is one of the major trailblazers for us all! 

A model moment for Arlenis Sosa:

     

     

Sustainable Containers

With the whole world shifting towards the green movement, it's only sensible for yourself and for the environment to jump on the change. I am making sustainable changes in my life by recycling more, and most recently upcycling. Upcyling is when you take something and make something new out of it so that it can continue to be reused and not pollute the environment in landfills or rivers.

My first upcycled (is that the correct term?) item was a pepsi can. I turned it into a tray that can hold an assortment of items. 

Pepsi Can

Pepsi UPcycled ;)

After seeing and being inspired to create a sustainable can container, I decided to keep going and used an empty plastic pretzel container for storage of my jewelry. 

My new bracelet container!

Neutrals and a Tutu

I found this amazing black lace and pleated dress in London's Camden Market over spring break but didn't realize how short it was until after I got home! However, there were no returns of course and I decided it wasn't so short that I couldn't rock it with tights or biker shorts underneath.

The other day, I decided to wear a shirt over-top of it to give the look and feel of a tutu. I loved the combination and I went with all neutral colors for a laid-back style on campus all day.

Trend to Try: Clear Shoes

Jeffrey Campbell CLEATA

So, lately I've been observing the subtle movement towards the clear shoe. From designers that are reviving the child-hood favorite, clear jellies, to the extensive variety offered by Jeffrey Campbell, there are so many styles available it's hard to not want to try this trend. Not only does clear match, well everything, but it's a fun way to show off playful socks or colorful toes.

I am eyeing the Lita's personally but I also am intrigued to try the jellies as well, to see if I can still rock them 10 years past the last time I've probably worn a pair.

Martin Margiela

Are clear shoes a hot piece to add to your Spring/Summer wardrobe? I'm willing to take on the fashion challenge and try, especially with kicks like these....

Huey Jelly Gladiator Sandals

Jeffrey Campbell: The Moon

Office Maybe Me White

3.1 Phillip Lim Cody D'orsay Heels

Vast Clear Perspex Point Shoes

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 ;-)

Snapshots with Amanda

Took the camera out with my good friend, and frat brother, Amanda for some snapshots around campus. xo I love this chick! She's gonna be famous one day, you'll see ;-)