Recapping a Conversation with Fashion Icon André Leon Talley

Recapping a Conversation with Fashion Icon André Leon Talley

A little over a week ago on Sunday, October 29th, I was in the midst of fashion royalty as I witnessed André Leon Talley being interviewed by  Audrey Smaltz at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, NC. The event complimented the new Ebony Fashion Fair Exhibition entitled “Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair”, which covers the 50-year history charity fashion show from 1958-2009.  The traveling show featured glamour and redefined the concepts of beauty, style and empowerment of African-Americans.  Mrs. Eunice Johnson was the owner and visionary who enhanced the black community with this show, which mission raised funds for local charities.  Smaltz was the voice of show for seven years, and is also the founder of The Ground Crew backstage management corporation. The star of the conversation, Talley, who is originally from Durham, NC came back home to have the conversation which was a treat for the local fashion community.  Talley was raised by his grandmother, and began his career assisting Diana Vreeland at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute and later wrote for Interview Magazine and Women’s Wear Daily, before joining Vogue as an editor in 1983.  Early in his career, he was also fashion editor of Ebony.  During the talk, he shared fascinating and funny behind-the-scenes stories of his days as editor at Ebony.  He talked mostly about working with Mrs. Johnson traveling to Europe and New York, and how he also worked with the industry’s top fashion designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Karl Lagerfeld, etc. Later in the conversation Talley told us a funny story about working...
Recapping the LipSynk Cosmetics New Year New Look Mommy Makeover

Recapping the LipSynk Cosmetics New Year New Look Mommy Makeover

All I can say is WOW!  When I tell you I had the BEST New Year’s Eve ever, you wouldn’t understand.  Words simply can’t explain just how divine it was!  Well first, I should back up and explain that I was asked to participate as the Fashion Stylist for the 3rd annual LipSynk Cosmetics New Year New Look Mommy Makeover.  LipSynk Cosmetics is based in Raleigh, NC and was founded by Mrs. Denise Wiggins.  It is a brand that empowers women around the world while serving as a platform that will give back and make women feel beautiful, confident, inspired and empowered.  You can read more about Denise and LipSynk Cosmetics here. I was informed there would be three ladies selected for the make overs which would take place on New Years Eve, and it would be an opportunity to give back.  As soon as I heard the words “give back”, I immediately agreed to participate.  How could I not when giving back is and has always been very near and dear to my heart?  So much so that I have to constantly remind myself that I am not only in business to be successful, but to actually make money to pay bills.  In addition to giving back, I love and relate to the other business values of LipSynk Cosmetics such as empowering and uplifting others. I reached out to fellow businesses and friends, and they graciously volunteered to sponsor the donations of clothing, shoes and accessories for the women.  Although I didn’t know exactly what all of the donations would consist of, I couldn’t have planned it any...
Handpicked

Handpicked

With fall officially right around the corner, stores are already full of fall fashion.  Wait just one moment!  Summer isn’t over just yet, so I’m going to milk it! 🙂 These gorgeous flowers were handpicked to compliment my outfit ensemble.  People who know me personally understand my love for choosing things carefully for myself or others.   There’s just something about the idea of selecting for personal ends that excite me.  Perhaps it’s the power, inner freedom and satisfaction of knowing the story behind what goes into personally choosing something which is often remembered for a long time. Handpicking is convenient, makes sense because it saves time, and is like having things customized just for you.   Let me take the headache out of shopping by shopping for  you! 🙂 // Tulle Skirt (French Connection) // // Top (BCBGMaxazria) // // Shoes (Marella by ShoeDazzle) // // Handbag (Vintage) // // Make up (Reveal Cosmetics) // // Earrings (Grandma’s) // Photography by:  Em Grey Photography   Love, The Ultimate...
The Exclusive ALAΪA Paris Fragrance Launch Party at Saks Fifth Avenue Raleigh

The Exclusive ALAΪA Paris Fragrance Launch Party at Saks Fifth Avenue Raleigh

Saks Raleigh located in Triangle Town Center rolled out the red carpet a very special event for Fragrance, Friends and Fantastic ALAΪA Signature Cocktails last Thursday evening.  The event was held to exclusively introduce ALAΪA Paris, which is the first fragrance famous paris-based designer Mr. Azzedine ALAΪA has ever created.  The invitation came just before I went on vacation.  Coupled with the upcoming change in season I was excited about the opportunity to sample the new fragrance and potentially make a purchase. If you aren’t already familiar with Mr. Azzedine ALAΪA, he is a Tunisian-born fashion designer and one of the world’s last great living couturier.  The list of well-known clientele he has designed for goes on and on, and even includes First Lady Michelle Obama. By the end of the night, I truly felt spoiled!  If you’re located in Raleigh, be sure to stop by the Fine Fragrance Department in Saks to try on this beautiful new scent, or find it at Saks.com.  It’s available exclusively at Saks through August 2016.  You’ll surely have the ultimate fragrance experience! Love, The Ultimate...
Tropical Print Palazzo Party

Tropical Print Palazzo Party

Party over here!  Take a look at my favorite palazzo pants for summer.  These haute island-ready pants feature a bold tropical floral print with a wide leg.  Although I don’t live in a tropical climate, every time I wear these pants they make me feel like I need to be in the Caribbean vacationing in a warmer climate. They are perfect for getting me in a relaxed mode. For this casual look, I paired them with a sweet little girly white top, studded strappy sandals, and a vintage straw bag.  Photography by:  Em Grey Photography   Here are the deets and hope you all enjoy your weekend! // Palazzo Pants (Dalia Collection) // // Top (Free People) // // Shoes (Kamryn by ShoeDazzle) // // Wicker Handbag (Monsac Original)// // Make up (Reveal Cosmetics) //   Love, The Ultimate Fashionista...
Aztec Alert

Aztec Alert

I’ve fallen in love with this Aztec print skirt because of its horizontal lines, graphic shapes, designs and colors.  Aztec print, which is often confused with African print, originated in Mexico and has a long history of influences by various tribes.  Most often I’ve seen these prints primarily in leggings, but seldom skirts. As you can see, Aztec prints can be so easy to style.  All you have to do is pair them with a single colored top to keep your outfit simple yet classy.   The detail on the back of the top and shoes add a little more lines without being overbearing.  I would precaution against adding other tribal themed or printed items into your outfit as they can make you look overly South American. This skirt has a bohemian dressy feel and would be perfect to spice up a dinner date or social meeting.   // Bell sleeve top (old) // // Aztec Skirt (Express) // // Shoes (Ellery by ShoeDazzle) // // Leather Handbag (Sorial)// // Make up (Reveal Cosmetics) // Photography by:  Em Grey Photography Love, The Ultimate...