Revamping the Wardrobe: My Deepest Darkest Secret As A (Sort Of) Fashion Blogger

My Deepest Darkest Secret As A (Sort Of) Fashion Blogger

I know you all love scandal (the show and in real life) so I have a juicy one for you. I know I am not necessarily a fashion blogger...um, per se...but I do write about fashion frequently...sooooooooo here's my secret...

"My Wardrobe Sucks"

Look away! Save yourself!

Yes, I said it.  I should be ashamed to call myself a fashion-"esque" blogger.  It's terribly unfortunate.  It really is. *sigh*

The reasons why my wardrobe is craptastic are numerous.  "I'm still shedding pregnancy weight", "Nothing fits", "My children's needs have priority over mine", "I have no time to shop" and yada, yada, yada. Whatever my excuses are, the fact still remains...my wardrobe is hideous.

Now that the new diva in my life is allowing me a bit of respite from sleepless nights, it's time I get myself together.  What am I going to do, you ask?  I am going to find clothes that fit!  Can you see it?!  Me, in a dressing room somewhere, trying to mash all this jelly into a garment!  Yay! I don't think you're ready for this jelly...(Shout out to Bey.)

It's not always pleasant but someone has to do it.  If you find yourself in a situation like mine, the steps for revamping the wardrobe are simple:

1) Clean out your closet.  Things that you haven't worn in a year, consign or donate immediately.

2) For the things that you keep

• Check to see if they need alteration, laundering, dry cleaning or minor repair.
• Examine them, why did you keep them?  What do you like about them? (This is important when shopping   for new clothes.  When you understand what cuts or drapes look nice on you it is easy to find new clothes that look fantastic on you)

3) Check to see if you have the basic staples of any wardrobe:

• White button-down shirt (one cotton, one silky)Fitted ones will get the most wear: They're easier to tuck in and look neat when left out.
• Black tank.  While a white tank has its place you an always dress up or dress down a black tank in a good quality fabric.
• Short-sleeved black T-shirt. The best short-sleeve length is about 1/2 to 1 inch longer than a typical cap sleeve—it shows just the right         amount of arm.
• Long-sleeved white T-shirt. For a trim silhouette in white, choose a slim-fit T-shirt that skims your body but doesn't cling.
• Long-sleeved black T-shirt. A surprisingly sophisticated layering piece, this works well under a dress shirt—or even a dress.
• Black turtleneck. Consider investing in cashmere: You get more warmth with less bulk.
• Crisp white blouse. Softer looking than a button-down, a white blouse is a timeless addition to any wardrobe.
• Crewneck sweater. Thin knits, in cotton or wool, layer easily for versatility and comfort.
• Cardigan. A neutral shade goes with everything, and a longer style that hits at the hip flatters most figures.
• A black dress. The “little black dress” is a cliche for a reason: It’s a wardrobe necessity.
• Pencil skirt. This classic piece should be tailored so it grazes the tops of the knees.
• Jeans. It's worth paying extra for jeans that fit and flatter. Your best bet? A dark, bootcut pair made from stretch denim with no more than 2 percent Lycra. (The fabric will follow your curves while keeping its shape.)
• Black pants.
• To get the most from this wardrobe staple, select a style made of an all-season fabric, like tropical wool or viscose.
• Skinny jeans. Once considered a trend, they are now a denim staple. Skinny jeans look best when they don’t fit too snugly at the waist.
• Khaki pants. For a casual, comfortable look, forget the pleats (a flat front is more flattering) and forgo the front crease.
• Denim jacket. A dark wash and a slim fit look the most polished.
• Cropped jacket. Made famous by Coco Chanel, this item has become a fashion mainstay. You’ll have more opportunities for pairing with one in a solid color or traditional tweed.
• Black cashmere wrap. A fabric that was once seen only in fall and winter has become a year-round regular.
• Ballet flats (in a neutral or a versatile red). Equal parts sophisticated and practical, ballet flats, especially those with rubber soles, are easy on the feet but more polished than sneakers.
• Basic black pumps. The workhorse of shoes, a good black pump can take you from day into evening without losing a step.
• Metallic evening shoes. No shoes make you more party-ready than strappy sandals or pumps in a metallic tone. The surprise? Gold and silver are remarkably versatile

(list taken from Real Simple.com)

4) Now that you know what you are working with and what staples you need to get, now it's time to get inspired!  

Me personally, I peruse Vogue Italia first. Usually Vogue Italia is much more fashion forward than American Vogue; sorry Ana Wintour, it's true. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get to Barnes and Nobles to get a copy..however, I do have the Fashion in Vogue app (you must download it) so I am never too far away from what those fashionable Italians are doing.

Furthermore, since it is September and #NYFW just passed, I also look to the September issue of American Vogue (shout out to Grace Coddington-sorry once I start the shout outs I can't stop) and all of the thousands of pictures posted of the people who attended New York Fashion Week.  Then, I go to my favorite fashion bloggers for more inspiration.

SO, whomever or whatever inspires you, go immerse yourself in it.  Get an idea of what trendy colors, shoes, cuts, accessories, and/or bags you want to incorporate for your own unique style.

5) Last, yet certainly not least, it is time to go shopping!

Since I am the one with the wardrobe issues, I am going to take you on my personal wardrobe revamping journey; so you can see what I do right, what I might do wrong and hopefully get inspired to revamp your wardrobe too!

For the next post I will take pictures of the pieces I am keeping and share what basics I need.  I am also going to show you my inspiration from Vogue Italia, Vogue and my favorite bloggers.  Following that, we are going to Plato's Closet to sell clothes I no longer need (while learning the tricks of selling clothes at Plato's Closet) and hopefully pick up a few pieces along the way! So stay tuned!

And if your wardrobe sucks like mine does...let's do this together!  What's going on in your closet?

PS: bebe is having a massive sale just in time for this wardrobe makeover!  Click link below to get in on the deals!

Continue Reading

Style Icon of the Week: Chioma Nnadi

Style Icon of the Week: Chioma Nnadi

I absolutely adore Chioma Nnadi... and I freakin' hate her all at the same time!  She is fabulous.  Not only is she a fashion writer at Vogue, she is extremely stylish and overwhelmingly beautiful all at the same time.  Now you understand my mixed emotions about this glamorous writer.

For those of you,  unfamiliar with Chioma, "Nigerian born American Vogue fashion writer Chioma Nnadi has impeccable sense of style. She's got that effortlessly funky, cool New York fashionista thing down pat, not to mention is just stunning!"From every blog that ever featured her (literally).

From her Vogue shoot-5 outfits in five days

Besides being a contributor to many magazines besides Vogue and being style editor at Fader, I know very little about her.  Her air of mystery also adds to her glamor and for some one as fashionable (and awesome) as Chioma, her look and style speaks for itself!

Up close of her day 4 look!

Up close of her day 3 look-I love the necklace!

Effortless fashion, where did she get those shoes?

I should have used this pick for my Harlem Renaissance piece!

She is absolutely stunning

who else could pull of a plaid shawl over a  jacket with a fur hood?

Apparently Chioma can!

 Chioma besides being a talented writer has impeccable style!  You can follow her work at Vogue and Fader!

What do you think Retail Addicts?  Is Chioma absolutely fabulous or what?

Continue Reading

Style Icon of the Week: Oumou Sangare

Style Icon of the Week: Oumou Sangare

I was introduced to Oumou Sangare by my sister when I was pregnant with my son. (Yes, my sister is worldly besides being beautiful and naturally stylish...I have no clue how she does it!  But her closet has been my oyster since I can remember).  Since then, despite the lack of understanding of what she is singing about, I have been a loyal fan ever since.  Her passion and voice carry past the divide of culture and language.  Not to mention she is fierce!

Unfortunately, a lot of African women are not always on the front page of high fashion (and Conde Nast still rejects the idea of African Vogue! Read my rant to Vogue here.)

Mario Epanya, a Cameroonian photographer ,was attempting to revolutionize the fashion industry.  In the fall of 2010, Mario Epanya secured a meeting with executives at Conde Nast, a company that owns a majority of popular consumer magazines. During his presentation, he offered several well-executed examples of possible covers for Vogue Africa.

Being that not too many African women are appreciated fashionably, I will take this time to do so.  African women wear some of the most beautiful printed pieces in every color imaginable.  With an abundance of gold and natural materials, Africans choose natural accessories that compliment their look while honoring traditions.  Style of dress, of course,  changes from country to country and tribe to tribe; remember Africa is a huge place!  African women are known for their signature  head pieces and scarves (or foulards) that give their look a royal quality (or a beautiful way to cover a bad hair day.)

If you are unfamiliar, Oumou Sangare  is a Malinese singer and has a global audience.  In 2008 she collaborated with Alicia Keys for a rendition of Keys hit song "Fallin'". Below is my absolute favorite song by her! "Diya Gneba"

Oumou's style is afrocentric and fresh.  Mixed with traditional African pieces and modern designs, she always looks great on stage and in person.  Never afraid of color, you may find Oumou in muted earthy tones, flaming fire engine reds, fuschia pinks or powder blues.  Nothing is off limits and she carries each style and color fabulously.

Here she is on a "tube" (aka subway) rocking a fur and head wrap.  Tell me Oumou isn't fierce!

No one could do it better!

Red head wrap with funky pleated tunic and bracelets I must buy!

Check the awesome Louis earrings!

Love the phat rope chain!

African women are beautiful and fashion hasn't always turned a blind eye to that fact.  With african prints showing up on runways to this "new" trend of color blocking; Africans, no matter if they're from east, west, north or south, are making a huge impact on global fashion.

You can check out Oumou Sangare on Facebook for more music and touring dates!

Continue Reading

Graffiti with Punctuation

Graffiti with Punctuation

So lately, I've been connecting with other fashion bloggers and visiting their blogs.  Let me tell you, these bloggers are awesome.  I mean, they seem like and look like normal people, however, Patrick Demarchelier must live at their house...and they have photo shoots....everyday...with makeup artists...and possibly lighting apparatuses.  Maybe Grace Coddington is there too, getting the most out of the shoots.  I have no clue, but it's possible.

All this reading and networking has led me to a question, "Am I really a fashion blogger?"  I don't know.  While I would like to upload my daily looks, I am camera challenged (my 5 year old whom is an amazingly better photographer than I am, also has a lust for breaking things...and my LG phone is...well, a piece of garbage). Furthermore, I just don't know how much available time I have during the course of a day to pose, and then, of course, photoshop my flaws away! (I am no different than Madonna; we all need a little re touching!) 

My dilema is, I am young enough to have a blog but I am old enough to know better.  A thousand self taken shots in my latest looks is nice for me and family, but for cyberspace?  I don't think so.  While I would prefer to stay self employed, I do not want to ruin my "employability", either.  (Yes I make words up and put them in quotes. )

When I see fashion bloggers (who are my age or older, mind you) posing in their front yard, in their laundry room, at work,  or on the street in their daily outfits...I kind of cringe.  (okay, I laugh really hard and then cringe) I don't mind shots of your favorite outfits...but every day? (and Patrick really isn't taking the pictures?!)  It reminds me of my 16 year old niece's Facebook page with all of her self shots...with two fingers up....the jersey shore lip poke...head cocked to the side...the infamous booty shot...the crazy bathroom mirror shot...Well, you get the point.

It's kind of cute when my niece does it, I mean she IS in high school...but a grown woman? I don't know about that.  To me it reeks of, "grow the {insert expletive here} up".  But hey, that's just me.  

So what am I to do?  It seems that the prerequisite of being a fashion blogger is, exactly what I loathe and on a good day, deeply suspicious of.  I am a  30 years young, self employed mother with a passion for fashion but with the common sense of a 70 year old.  No jersey shore mouth pout shots in my foreseeable future; and while my son is a remarkably talented photographer, I don't want to get in the habit of waking him up before school to take my picture.  Something seems odd about that.  I have one of the most glamorous mothers in the world, but I don't remember her asking me to take pictures of her for her look book.  I'm just saying!

Additionally, while I am addicted to fashion, I also enjoy reading, politics, science, art, philosophy, kung fu  flicks,travel, history, gourmet food, technology, documentaries, and Avatar: The Last Airbender (the cartoon, not the movie).  I say all that to prove my interests are varied.  While nothing compares to finding a vintage Dior at a reasonable price; or buying a Louis Vuitton bag from Louis Vuitton, or the sway in your hips when you know you look good, or the look in the mirror you give yourself when your make up is flawless...it's only a part of who I am.  (Albeit a major part!)

Fashion is not my life, it's a part of my life.  It's how I non verbally express my individuality; it's how I make myself feel better on bad days, it's what I do to turn my husband on or drive him crazy when he gets the bills. Yet, I have a whole life outside of fashion pursuits...and a great one at that.

Recently, on one of my blogger networking sites, I came across a particularly snarky blogger.  She was attacking other blogs for whatever reason (I saw a disturbing trend in who she was attacking, but I'll leave that alone).  Like the bleeding heart I am, I spoke up for those bloggers.  After a little online banter, I realized the girl was young.  Very young!  She had no experience in life yet, but thought she knew everything.  (You remember how that is!  "Youth is wasted on the young"-George Bernard Shaw)  Her blog was mediocre, but she does have an incredible eye for fashion.  What she is lacking, however, is common sense...and decency. Yet, she is definitely classified as a fashion blogger.  I am pondering if I am interested in being lumped in the same category with her or others like her.

My encounter with this young woman also made me realize that she feels what she is doing is life changing.  I also have a sneaking suspicion that other fashion bloggers feel the same way.  I have never been so full of myself to believe that.  What I am doing (and they are doing too, even if they don't realize it) is entertaining and hopefully inspiring.  I am sharing a bit of information, hopefully in a humorous and stylish way. I have not fed anyone, clothed anyone, cured anyone, sheltered anyone, nor stopped a speeding train with my blog.  I mean really, what I do is little more than graffiti with punctuation.

So where does that leave me?  How do I define what it is I do?   Maybe fashion blogger is too narrow a term to describe what I write about.  Especially if fashion blogger just means taking a whole bunch of pictures of myself and sharing them with the cyberverse.  When I look around at other fashion bloggers, I am always left wondering where do I fit in this world?  Yes, I mostly write about fashion and cosmetics, but I haven't developed the Devil Wears Prada sneer and attitude yet...so does my lack of (dare I say it) bitchiness snobbery exclude me from being a fashionista?  Could I be too intelligent?  Okay, I am reaching with that one and being a bit snarky.  I admit it.

I really don't know.  I don't have all of the answers...I'll just keep stroking away at my mighty keyboard, until it finally makes sense...or until some other fashion blogger x's my name out and writes their name on top.

Continue Reading

Ex Vogue Paris Editor and MAC Team Up this Fall

Ex Vogue Paris Editor and MAC team up this Fall

Ex Vogue Paris Editor, Carine Roitfeld is teaming up with MAC Cosmetics to do a limited-edition color cosmetic line with the high-end makeup brand this fall. The collection, unsurprisingly, will exude Roitfeld's signature style with a focus on smokey eyes, bold brows and nude lips. 

Ms Roitfeld was involved in every aspect in designing the collection, from coming up with product names to designing the color palette. She will also be featured in the advertisements for the MAC line.

With her new mag set to hit the streets in September, it seems Ms. Roitfeld will be very busy indeed!

Be on the look out for the new palette this fall.  I am personally still enjoying my MAC perennial pinks!

By the way has anyone tried Nicki Minaj's Viva La Glam?  If so, do dish!

Continue Reading

Unrequited Love’s a Bore: My Ode to Vogue

Unrequited Love’s a Bore: My Ode to Vogue

I adore Vogue Magazine.  I mean, I REALLY LOVE Vogue.  My love for Vogue is so profound, it borders on obsession.

My obsession started in the 80’s with my mothers’ annual subscription to the fashion mag.  The glossy pages enticed my precocious mind with stunning long legged models draped in decadent fabrics, beautiful make up, luxurious jewelry and of course shoes that you would fight a pack of wild animals to wear just once.

At seven years old, the writing, obviously, was way over my head.  Yet, as I matured, I grew to love the dry witted, snobbish articles as well.  I devoured the articles with the same passion I consumed the brilliant photography, couture clothing and expensive baubles.

Fast forward 10 years, on my seventeenth birthday, I told my sister (whom was my very first style icon); I needed a makeover and desperately wanted her advice.  She casually recommended I take a trip to World Wide News and pick up an Italian Vogue.   Like an obedient sister (which I hardly was) I scurried to the news stand and found Vogue Italia. When I picked up the glossy treasure, angels started to sing, light shone down upon me from the heavens, and suddenly Vogue Italia and I were the only two things in the room.  Okay, maybe it was not that dramatic, but in my mind it was only a step below reaching total fashion nirvana.

My introduction to Vogue Italia changed my adoration into a full blown addiction, which there is no 12 step program for.  Since then I have expanded my collection to British Vogue, Vogue Paris, Vogue India, Vogue Japan, and Vogue Australia.

Recently, I was pouring over the 2011 September issue of American Vogue and it struck me…even though I have been a dedicated, loyal reader of Vogue…I realized I am not Vogue’s targeted demographic, as a woman of color!

Sure, Vogue has Black, Latina and Asian models in its pages, and in March 1966 British gave the cover, for the first time, to a Black model, Donyale Luna. Vogue also highlights women of color and even has a few who regularly contribute to their magazine like Shala Monroque and Chioma Nnadi.  Now, I absolutely adore Chioma Nnadi and I love her style.  Chioma is stylish and beautiful and is a good representative for women of color.

Shala Monroque, however…well…I know Shala is Miuccia Prada’s new muse and I appreciate her eclectic style…Furthermore, I even enjoy her blog…but, Shala doesn’t necessarily represent most Black women I know.  She is not, necessarily, “the Black Woman’s, Black Woman”.( I know there are numerous Dominican hair salons in NYC who could give Shala a nice blow out, and for days she wants to be natural, Kinky Curly and even Jane Carters products could really give her hair a nice definition and shine.  Black women have had an obsession with our hair since time immemorial, healthy or not, and like their hair to look nice.  Shala looks like she doesn’t dare step foot in a Black hair salon, and it’s obvious.) Shala is fabulous in her own right, however, she does not represent most women of color.  (Just my opinion)

To further prove my feeling of not being a part of Vogues demographic, Vogue Italia, in their latest edition, is running a spread with models dressed ghetto fabulously to the tenth degree.  The editorial is called Haute Mess. Vogue Italia has also proclaimed in the past, ‘slave earrings‘ as an "it" trend to shop (they described the over sized hoops as ‘decorative traditions of the women of color who were brought to the southern Unites States during the late 18th century).  Also, Conde Nast has recently rejected the idea of Vogue Africa.  Time and time again, Vogue has crossed certain boundaries of political correctness to ensure, their Black and Brown fans, like myself, know they are not important and definitely not whom they are speaking to.

Some people will argue that there is a Vogue India, which obviously represents Indian women of color.  As much as I like Vogue India, a quick glance through the numerous skin bleaching advertisements, reinforces that Vogue India is more about brightening, lightening and doing anything in general to not be of color.  “Beautifying”, I believe they call it.  It is rare you’d find an Indian model in Vogue India darker than a chai latte.

What brought on this heartbreaking realization were a few things (there have been numerous signs previously; I guess I chose to ignore them).  With the fall 2011 and spring 2012 trends of bright bold colors everywhere, they call it color blocking, in last Septembers issue, a writer commented how most of “us” women (who are fashionable, of course! Darling, we are speaking of Vogue) shy away from color.  Well, that is not necessarily true for African Americans, Africans, Indians, Latinas, Jamaicans, or Haitians…is it?  Go to any African American church on Sunday and you are bound to see every color of the spectrum.  African women (whether they be east, west or south) are known for their bright colorful patterned fabrics with at minimum 3 to 4 colors in the cloth (I guess they originated “color blocking”).  Indian women with their beautiful silk saris in golds, pinks, garnets, lilacs, and sapphire blues displayed gorgeously against their fair to dark brown skins.  All across the globe women of color wear color! (And they wear it like they mean it!)

So where’s the disconnect? 

So, who exactly is Vogue speaking to?  More importantly, whom are they NOT speaking to?  They are certainly not speaking to me, or women like me.  Sadly, I still love Vogue.  It is like being in an abusive relationship.  One minute they are emulating my ancestors’ way of dress, proclaiming it the new hot thing, backed by pictures of Rihanna and Beyoncé wearing African prints; the next they are calling hoop earrings (which I love so much, mind you) slave earrings and doing editorials with white models in black face or dressed in extreme ghetto fashions while donning a fake pregnant belly with gold teeth. *Sigh*

In the same September issue of Vogue, Tom Ford, also proved how out of touch Vogue is with the majority of the world.  Tom Ford, whose fashions, cosmetics and perfumes I have enjoyed, said, “They (speaking of the young women who work for him) grew up in the hip hop moment of nothing, so they’ve reacted against that and want to be glamorous.  They want to have a lacquered lip.”

As a self described eighties baby, hip hop head, I have no idea which hip hop moment he is referring to.  Hip hop, especially in the 90’s, was about consumerism, opulence and name brands.  ESPECIALLY NAME BRANDS!

“I put hoes in NY

Onto DKNY

Miami, DC prefer Versace

All Philly hoes wore Moschino

Every cutie wit a booty bought a Coogi”-Notorious BIG "Hypnotize”

Hip hop introduced high end clothing designers to a large population of consumers most fashion houses dismissed all together.  Tommy Hilfiger, in particular, made millions when urban consumers started to wear his clothing.  Hip hop artists even provided free advertising in their lyrics!  You couldn’t listen to a hip hop song in the 90’s, without hearing about Versace, Gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Chanel!

And lacquered lips?  Which hip hop moment is Tom Ford referring to?  Who could forget the cover of Foxy Browns “Ill Nana” with a dark lacquered lip?  Or even Missy Elliot in her “The Rain” video with a black lacquered lip?  Or even Mary J Blige (the Queen of Hip Hop Soul) in the “Not Gon’ Cry” video, with (drum roll) a lacquered lip!

Obviously, despite the pain and anguish, I’ve been in love with something that doesn’t love me back and seemingly flaunts that fact.  The confusing aspect is that the Black, Brown and Yellow population is growing exponentially, yet are still grossly ignored by Conde Nast.  I have no answers.  I still love Vogue.  However, I now realize it is an unrequited love, and unrequited love’s a bore.

Continue Reading

Punks Not Dead!!!

Punks Not Dead!!!

The recent Occupy movements across the world and silent protests in the US at college campuses and state assemblies, has ignited a passion in people, young and old, to stand up for what they believe in, while questioning authority.  Around the globe the rebellious punk mentality, concerned with personal freedom and anti establishment sentiments has made a huge comeback.  The fashion world and, of course, Hollywood have taken notice.  With recent spreads in Vogue and celebrities like Rihanna adding edge to her everyday style, it's safe to say, PUNKS NOT DEAD!

This, oh so beautiful, Balmain studded and safety pin lambskin leather is enough to make I (HEART) Retail Therapy's heart "a flutter" with desire and the price tag is enough to make me faint!

However, we suffer for our beauty and fashion, don't we?  If the upper 4 digit price range is too much for your wallet, there are numerous ways to rock the punk look for less.

The spirit of punk culture is personal freedom and self expression, so try to rock a unique look that expresses your rebellious side.  Try wearing old rock tees with a pair of leggings and a Prince fedora from "Under the Cherry Moon" See below

 

To complete any punk look, studs are your friend.  There is no easier way to add edge to your look than with studs.  With studs showing up on shoes, jewelries, handbags and clothing all over the runways, studs are definitely a great addition to your punk style (and easy to find).

This is a recent photo of Rihanna in London with studded shorts and crotch high boots.  I don't know about the shirt hanging under the shorts, but hey, it still embodies the punk style (because it's her own expression of style!)

Don't be afraid to throw a little studding in your look.  If you are more conservative consider a studded jewelry piece, bag or shoe.  Whatever it is, rock it like you mean it!

Adorable Leatherette Leggings $36.50 click here

Awesome Recycled Pop Top Bag with Small Handles (be apart of the green revolution!) $69.99 click here

Ruffled 3/4 Sleeve Shirt with Sequin Detail $24.50 click here

Pagoda Fashion Pumps $60.00 click here

With this look don't be afraid to add touches of color to really stand out from the crowd. A distressed denim jacket or motorcycle inspired jacket would really complete this outfit nicely! If you do try this look please submit a pic with a description so we can see how you rocked it!

rock on!

Continue Reading