Fashion Rules Demystified

I know today is usually #ThrowbackThursday but I'm going to change the game up a little bit. I was asked to cover what Fashion Rules hold true and which have been thrown by the wayside. So before we delve into which rules still stand and which do not, I want you to take a quick True/False Test to test your Fashion IQ when it comes to the Rules of Fashion. So put on your thinking caps :)

QUESTIONS
Each question has either a True or False response. So answer to the best of your abilities (no pressure though).

Q1. Wearing white is acceptable "after" Labor Day (T/F)
Q2. Wearing white to a wedding "as a guest" is ok (T/F)
Q3. You should "always" wear a bra (T/F)
Q4. You're bag should "always" match your shoes and/or belt (T/F)
Q5. You "cannot" wear black with blue (T/F)
Q6. Silver and gold "cannot" be worn together (T/F)
Q7. Horizontal stripes "thin" you out (T/F)
Q8. If you're a tall glass of water, you "shouldn't" wear high heels (T/F)
Q9. Mixing and matching prints is "never" allowed (T/F)
Q10. You can wear sequin/sparkle during the day (T/F)
Q11. Short women should "not" wear long dresses (T/F)

ANSWERS
The answers are higlighted in red and are discussed in detail below.

A1. Wearing white is acceptable "after" Labor Day (T/F)

White can be worn 365 days of the year no matter what region of the country you reside (just ask Lisa Ray). The only rule that holds true about wearing white is being sure you have the appropriate fabric for the season. Ex: I wouldn't suggest wearing white linen pants during the harsh winter or a wool white sweater in the middle of June. Oh, and another rule: try to keep it clean lol!



A2. Wearing white to a wedding "as a guest" is ok (T/F)
Typically a wedding is one day in a girls life when she (along with her prince charming) get to be the center of attention. Therefore, I still would not suggest you, as a guest wear white to a wedding (white is still reserved for the bride). But you can slip into your Little Black Dress (which used to be taboo as some thought it mimicked funeral attire).

A3. You should "always" wear a bra (T/F)
As a stickler for undergarments, I would say no matter what size your bra may be..I would personally suggest that you always wear a bra to make sure you look your absolute best. However, I will suggest that you make sure not only do you wear a bra, but also that you wear the "correct" bra. So if you have on a strapless dress, you should wear a strapless bra. There is nothing worse than seeing bra straps when you shouldn't.

A4. You're bag should "always" match your shoes and/or belt (T/F)

Your shoes and handbag or belt for that matter do not always have to match. The rules of fashion have been demolished and now you can change the game. I'm not saying that they can't match but it's ok if they do not. If you don't know where to start, try pairing your shoes and bag in the same color hue family. Check out the chart below to help you! If you are daring you can mix and match like Solange did with her hot pink bag and purple and orange ankle strapped heels (notice the purple and pink still are kind of around the same color family hue).

A5. You "cannot" wear black with blue (T/F)

I won't lie, I used to think black and blue was a no-no in the world of fashion, but I discovered that it is possible to use two colors (which have similar hues) and make them work. Ways to allow these to colors in the same space is to accessorize, contrast, or brighten. I will give you an example of each. If you wear dark denim jeans (almost navy colored) and you want to wear a black sweater you can accessorize with a red clutch and red heels. Say you're nervous about wearing blue and black directly together you can add a bit of a contrast by throwing a white t shirt under your navy cardigan and your black pencil skirt. Or you can opt of ditching the navy blue and going for a brighter version of blue like cobalt, sky blue, or even robin's egg blue!

A6. Silver and gold "cannot" be worn together (T/F)

Of course you can wear gold and silver together. You just have to make it intentional. Be sure to layer more than one piece each so it doesn't look like you accidently grabbed the wrong color necklace or bangle. Also, make sure that the pieces you layer are proportional  in scale and theme.

A7. Horizontal stripes "thin" you out (T/F)

I know some of you have heard that horizontal stripes will draw peoples eyes across the frame of your body causing you to appear heavier. But actually this myth is a total bust. A study was actually conducted by an expert at the University of New York showing that people who see others in stripes don't actually perceive the person in stripes as heavier, but they actually perceive you as thinner. However, be mindful that stripes will draw attention to the area(s) in which they are worn. So if you have a "problem - area" that you don't want to draw major attention, then I would suggest breaking up those stripes with a blazer or cardigan etc.

A8. If you're a tall glass of water, you "shouldn't" wear high heels (T/F)

Some women who are height challenged swear by heels to appear taller. But if you were blessed with a killer pair of legs should you punish yourself of the luxury of wearing high heels because of your birth -right height advantage?  OF COURSE NOT! Heels only will elongate your gorgeous legs and allow you to strut your stuff a little higher up! Just be sure to remember to stand up straight. You don't want to hurt your back from trying to minimize your tall stature. Just take a page out of Jennifer Williams (from Basketball Wives) or NeNe Leakes (from Atlanta Housewives) fashion handbooks. Both ladies are always out and about proudly wearing their high stilettos and I'm not even mad at em'!

A9. Mixing and matching prints is "never" allowed (T/F)

Fashion has definitely graduated from the days when everything from your shirt, to skirt, to purse, to nails etc. had to be so "matchy-matchy!" Now we are in the land of the free where you can mix prints and patterns. Check out how Solange and Rihanna effortlessly mix these random prints while still looking chic!!! Just be sure to wear your mix match masterpiece with full confidence. Make it look intentional and NOT like it was a mistake!

A10. You can wear sequin/sparkle during the day (T/F)

It is perfectly fine to wear sequin during the day without looking like the office disco ball or a bright light on a casual day out. I wouldn't recommend wearing a full sequined dress to the office (even throwing on a blazer cannot tone it down). But you can incorporate sparkly tops and add a neutral cardigan to give you the shine you want without blinding those that look your way. Be sure to remember if you do decide to wear sparkles during the day to keep it more reserved. The evening allows much more leeway when it comes to rocking sequin embellished garments. Check out the ladies above, Rasheeda's top is really busy with all the colorful sequin however she managed to dress it down with her denim shorts. Heidi Klum's look is more sleek, but she managed to edge up her sequined top with a white blazer and leather pants.

A11. Short women should "not" wear long dresses (T/F)

Short women are always told to wear items of clothing that elongate instead of those that shorten their compact stature. However, don't believe the critics when they tell you that you can't wear a long maxi dress or skirt past your knees as it will cut your body in half. You don't have to leave that cute maxi dress on the rack because you're not a certain height. You can definitely get away with wearing long dresses. I would recommend wearing some type of heel to give you a little or a lot of height (depending on the shoe). Pull your hair up to elongate your neck (which can also make you look a little taller). And solid or small prints can assist you with your height!

I hope this post has helped to demystify some of the crazy rules set up by fashion pioneers that you've always wanted to know the answers too.

Leather Fix

Whether it's real or it's fake, leather, faux leather, pleather (whatever you want to call it) is in this season. Although, when I think about it...it has never really gone out of style to begin with. There are more versatile ways to add leather into your Fall lineup so pay attention, this post will give you your leather fix! You can choose leather leggings, pants, jackets, blazers, bags or even small leather accents. The best thing is you can find (faux) leather at all different price ranges. So whether you're a college student trying to survive or an established woman on Wall Street, you can adopt leather into your wardrobe. I for one am a Faux Leather Cropped Jacket FANATIC. Like seriously, I have at least 8 cropped Faux Leather Jackets (but who's counting right lol)? I just purchased a faux leather spiked shoulder biker jacket not too long ago from GoJane.com that I can't wait to rock (it even comes with a little sheer detachable detail at the bottom of the jacket to add a surprise element). But enough about me. Here are a few leather pieces I found that you could easily rock with sneakers, boots, ruffled shirts, sweatshirts etc. Your options are endless.

LBD (Little Black Dress) with frontal leather detail

Pleated black skirt, you can complete this look with a crisp white button up, bow tie or bib necklace, pointed capstone pumps, and bold red lip

Sleek, black leather pencil skirt

Belted leather cognac colored skirt

Cognac leather shorts (I have a very similar pair I bought from Lauren Conrad's line at Kohl's)

Oxblood leather mini shorts



Leather leggings



Another pair of leggings (she make it more rocker chick by adding the gold buckle black boots)

Faux leather leggings

Faux leather white vest from...Kmart (can you believe it)

Leather biker jacket, I love the diagonal zipper detail and the intricate collar

Leather sleeve boyfriend blazer in black

Leather sleeved blazer with camel colored bodice

Military inspired jacket with leather sleeves (I LOVE THIS JACKET)

Quilted Leather Bag from Forever 21 (this is definitely going on my Fall Wish list)

Spiked leather head band

All in all, if I had to describe leather in 3 words I would say: Chic, polished, and edgy!!!! Leather can accomplish all of these looks effortlessly without you even trying hard.

OOTD - Casual Fridays

Today's post will be brief. I just wanted to do an outfit of the day (OOTD) review. There's nothing I love more than Fridays!!! It's the last day of the work week plus you get to dress casually (nothing is better for the working young adult)!!!! For an added bonus, you don't have to come back to work until Monday (receiving a two day hiatus). In the words of Rihanna "cheers to the freaking weekend..."

Here is my take on Casual Friday!

My bathroom impromptu  photo shoot

Full body shot...in need of a real photographer :)
Any takers?

Shoe View: Satin Floral T-Sandals from Steve Madden 

Close up...
Blazer from boutique in Atlanta, GA
Sheer Button - up from Forever 21
Chocolate Tank unknown
Jeans from TJMaxx
Shoes from Steve Madden
Watch from Target
Necklace from Forever 21 (I think...I got it a while ago)
Gold & Cream Cocktail Ring form Forever 21
Bear Phone Case from Charlotte Russe 

The many faces of me with the help of #picstitch & #Instagram....kisses to YOU!

TGIF! TGIF! TGIF! TGIF! TGIF! TGIF!

#ThrowbackThursday - "His Clothes, Her Swag" - Tomboy Chic

Growing up, I had two older brothers. So naturally, I always wanted to do what they did...because I secretly looked up to them! I was always outside, playing with worms and catching frogs. Climbing trees and playing basketball. I got bit by the "tomboy" bug at an early age. Ironically, I hated shopping, dresses, getting my hair done...and all things that screamed "girly girl!" Who would have imagined the self proclaimed tomboy would grow up with a fashion blog, loving to dress up and SHOP?  Definitely NOT me!

In ode to my tomboy beginnings I wanted to dedicate todays #ThrowbackThursday post to one of my fav tomboy's who exuded sexiness without bearing it all and brought you Timberland and Missy laced bangers like "One in a Million," "Try Again," and "Are You That Somebody." You know who I'm talking about, none other than our angel Ms. Aaliyah :)

Aaliyah in her oversized sweatpants and hoodie

I love this picture because her clothes look so rugged, but she still has the essence of a confident woman

Aaliyah's signature swoop bang over one eye,  bare midriff and baggy clothes

Rocking the Tommy Hilfiger classics, definitely a throwback 

Here are some of my other fav 90s girl groups that exuded girl power  all while sporting their tomboy chic looks! SN: I really miss the 90s R&B groups of old (both male and female). Its when people actually had talent and didn't have to get naked or use auto-tune to distract the public from the fact that really don't have talent  or musical substance like many artists do today to keep relevant. But, I digress. 

TLC in their primary color overalls. They were definitely an awesome girl group for sure.

TLC rocking the Cross Colors (a designer throwback)

What you know about Sisters With Voices aka SWV...in their sneakers and baggy denim

How about Bad Boy's main misses Kima, Keisha, and Pam which made up the group Total
They are rocking leather and tank tops with some ice around their necks

Ok, I know y'all remember our girls...Xscape
The ATL ladies are repping ties and white suits...still serving the kids

Tomboy chic has since then been revamped to fit todays style checklist. Sometimes you just don't feel like putting on heels and dresses...and that is perfectly ok. That doesn't mean you still can't look fabulous in the process! Here are a few of my fav girls who have the essence of tomboy chic: Teyana Taylor (Harlem Socialite, Music Artist, and Actress), Vashtie (first female designer of Air Jordans, photographer, director), Tracee Ellis Ross (Actress), and our fav bad girl/pop princess Rihanna.

Teyana Taylor with her signature curly mane,jeans and a hoodie with the J's on her feet

Still a chill mood, mesh see through leggings with an oversized tee, snapback, and kicks

Animal print tank, with adidas skinny track pants, and sneakers...very chill yet still cute

This pic shows how to pull off just a t-shirt and jeans...thats should be a go-to outfit in any woman's closet

Oversized Military Jacket, Leggings, and Sports Bra with Gold Chain and Snapback...I especially love the bold red lip to help ramp up the glam

Vashtie Kola in chill mode with her Big Sean "Finally Famous" tank

Vashtie capturing her inner "around the way girl" with her sucker, hoop earrings and Chicago Bulls starter jacket 

Vashtie added some girly floral leggings, with a black hooded varsity jacket, and the Jordan's that she designed (how dope is that?)

Rihanna in her B-boy stance with her Radarte Sweatshirt and camouflage hat

Rihanna's Shoe sweatshirt is very clever, and she paired it with the leopard high tops for that added edgy Rihanna signature

Tracee Ross is giving me life in this pic even though she is keeping it simple...I love a girl that can pull off sneakers and still look fierce