Welcome to my blog!
I'm so glad you found me!
The Ultimate Fashionista blog was started in 2012 as creative outlet to share my personal style, outfit ideas, fashion tips, and a small piece of me with the world. My main goal is to reach as many people as I can to help them create and refine their own personal style.
Style is my business and I love exploring all the venues in getting my message across. I hope that my blog becomes a resource for many. I look forward to the challenge of sharing my personal style perspectives with an interactive audience.
I hope it will inspire you and thank you in advance for all your love and support!
From the Blog
“Prim and Proper” Photo Shoot with Dimitri Williams Photography
Photography by Dimitri Williams Photography I collaborated with some of the most stylist people in the Raleigh, Durham area a few weeks ago to create a Prim and Proper photo shoot! Today I’m so excited to share the blog of Sir Byron Laurent where he has so beautifully captured the moment. By the way, this was my first evening photo shoot and words can’t explain how fun this collaboration was. So check out the blog for the nitty-gritty details which features all of my new style friends. Each of them have a unique style that you will absolutely love! Also, be sure to follow them as they are paving the fashion way in the world! My look above features: //Hat// Vintage (Gifted from my Mother) //Leopard Fur Cape// Walter Baker //Blouse // Richard Chai //Cropped Pants// Katherine Barclay //Handbag// Alberta Di Canio //Felina by Izabella Rue// (ShoeDazzle) Love, The Ultimate Fashionista ... read more
Mad For Plaid
It’s no secret how much I love mixing prints, but today I decided a different mix that’s not typically seen. I’m mad for plaid y’all! Yes I broke the fashion rules that tell you to avoid pairing plaids, but who made those rules any way? I decided to mix this larger buffalo plaid print with a smaller tartan print for an unexpected twist on this pattern. So why don’t you take the plaid trend and give it an update? You’ll end up looking like a polished professional woman, who loves a traditional fabric and knows good style. Photography by: Em Grey Photography Shop a similar look at LIKEtoKNOW.it //Hat// (Vintage: Gifted from my Mother) //Republic Clothing Group Detachable Zipper Blazer// (Similar here: Jollychic Stylish Detachable Lap Long Sleeve Ladies Cropped Blazer) //Zara Plaid Skirt // (Similar here: CUTIE Knee length skirt) //Cromia Aurora Shopper Handbag// (Old) //Silvie Pumps by Madison// (ShoeDazzle) Love, The Ultimate... read more
Knock The Chill Off
Lately the temperatures have constantly fluctuated in Raleigh, NC, and you really have to put forth an effort to think about how to dress due to the constant changes. For days when it’s chilly outside but you still need to cover up, I’ve found the perfect versatile piece. I’m currently obsessed with my long waistcoat. Not only are these vests functional and perfect for layering without the bulk, they also add shape and structure to any look. The flexibility is endless! Although I’m wearing my vest with a skirt, they also look great with boyfriend jeans or slacks. I also love the fact that these vests make you look taller by elongating your torso. During times like now when the weather is unstable, these vests can be a life saver. They will also transition well into spring. Although I’ve been layering mine lately with shirts and sweaters to kick the chill off, I definitely plan to ditch the fur collar and rock it sleeveless soon. Photography by: Em Grey Photography Shop a similar look below: //Zara Long Waistcoat with Faux Fur Collar// (Similar here: Evans Black Fur Collar Waistcoat) //Anne Klein Houndstooth Skirt // (Similar here: MANGO Houndstooth Pencil Skirt) //Stuart Weitzman Suede Boots // (Similar here: Christian Louboutin Suede Fierce Platform Boots) Love, The Ultimate... read more
Raleigh Blog Society Galentine’s Blogger Brunch
Last year I hosted a Girls Night In Valentine’s Day Party at my home with close friends. It was my first time ever participating in an organized Valentine’s Day event with other women, and needless to say it was a huge success. This year, when I received an invitation from Raleigh Blog Society to attend the second annual Galentine’s Blogger Brunch, I was beyond excited about the opportunity to spend one of my favorite times of the year with my girls. I’d be a fool to not want to spend a Sunday morning with the beautiful Raleigh Blog Society. I knew it was going to be fun but I honestly didn’t know exactly what to expect since it was my first year attending. To sum it up into two words, I’d say it was “beyond fabulous”! What made this event so fabulous is first of all, the brunch was held at the beautiful Frill Clothing. Yes I’m talking about the same Frill that made a deal on Shark Tank. If you’re not familiar, Frill primarily targets sorority women who are trying to purchase stylish, more affordable outfits for recruitment, and has also expanded into jewelry, accessories and home decor. Second, I was beyond excited to see everyone again. It had been almost three months since I’d seen most of the group and even longer for a few of the girls. Being in the presence of such a widely talented and stylish group of women is always extremely inspiring, uplifting and powerful. Everyone’s blog is unique, and I enjoy the camaraderie on so many levels. The bloggers in attendance... read more
Recapping the 15th Annual African American Cultural Celebration
I can’t believe it’s nearly the middle of February! Where has the month gone? Right before the month began, I kicked off Black History Month by attending the 15th Annual African American Cultural Celebration on January 30th. This free event was held at the NC Museum of History in downtown Raleigh, and this years theme was Civil Rights—March On!. Although I’ve been a Raleigh native for 19 years, this was my first year attending. With over 75 musicians, storytellers, dancers, authors, artists, chefs, and more, it was sure to be an exciting day. One of the true highlights of my day was visiting the “Made Especially For You By Willie Kay” exhibit. Willie Otey Kay was queen of Raleigh fashion for decades, who surpassed racial boundaries to create a successful business. I learned so much about this stylist who had been designing and making dresses for brides, proms and debutantes from all over the State. It was such a treat to see her handcrafted dresses up close. Read more about her story here: NC Museum of History and The News & Observer In summary, this event was extremely fun and educational for the entire family. It was a perfect start to Black History Month and phenomenal way to celebrate African American heritage and culture. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event! Love, The Ultimate... read more
A Salute to Style
I took charge of my wardrobe with this military jacket I picked up over the holidays while shopping. I’m in love with the deep rich red, gold and black combination along with button adornment. For fun, I paired it with my ripped jeans, leo logo clutch and threw in my leopard pumps to mix it up. This look will hopefully provide inspiration. While this blog post is about style and having fun with it, I take the military very seriously. Being a veteran and having served in the military for 8 years, I have the utmost respect for my fellow veterans, and those who are currently serving. My heart is happy any chance I get to wear something that remind me of the sacrifices those have made. With that said, I take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to our military! Photography by: Em Grey Photography //Ralph Lauren French Terry Officer’s Jacket// (Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply) Similar here //Kayla Skinny Jeans// (Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply) //New York Lotti Leopard-Print Calf Leather Pump// (Kate Spade) Similar here or here //Hayden Panettiere Signed Clutch// (Dooney & Bourke) Thrifted Love, The Ultimate... read more
She Wears The Pants
“I like being a woman, even in a man’s world. After all, men can’t wear dresses, but we can wear the pants.” – Whitney Houston I simply love the flexibility and option of wearing dresses or pants. When I want to feel feminine I can pull out my tulle skirts to be as as girly as I want. On the other hand when I want to feel bold and authoritative, I break out my trousers. When I was very young, I wasn’t allowed to wear trousers for religious reasons, so I can really appreciate being able to wear them now. I was surprised to learn in general that trousers weren’t always acceptable for women to wear. Below are some interesting facts I found on Wikipedia about women wearing trousers. In 1919, Luisa Capetillo challenged the mainstream society by becoming the first woman in Puerto Rico to wear trousers in public. She was sent to jail for what was then considered to be a “crime”, but the judge later dropped the charges against her. Starting in the 1920s and 30s, women increasingly wore trousers as leisurewear, and in the early 20th century female pilots and other working women often wore trousers. Katharine Hepburn as well as other actresses were often photographed in trousers from the 1930s. During World War II, women working in industrial work in war service wore their husbands’ (suitably altered) trousers, and in the post-war era trousers were still common casual wear for gardening, socialising, and other leisure pursuits. In the 1960s, André Courrèges introduced jeans for women, leading to the era of designer jeans. In 1969... read more
I’m a Classic Woman
Trends always benefit from an anchor in the classic! Although my style is eclectic, I’m a classic woman. I love timeless looks, beautiful cuts in clothing made of fine natural fabrics, investment dressing, and designs that stand the test of time thereby never going out of style. I splurged on this beautiful vintage suit at a local trunk show at House of Landor, and I must say I’ve been obsessed with this ensemble ever since. The dramatic cape is stunning, turns heads and stands out from the crowd. It’s also functional and will keep you warm while looking chic. The unique locket pendant chain on the vest is rare to see these days and truly makes a statement. To give this classic suit a more modern look, I paired it with winter white pants and gold cap toe pumps which adds a bright color pop. Besides straight-fit cut pants, a cape can also be worn with a pencil skirt, leggings, skinny jeans and a dress. When you incorporate classic styles, you never have to face a dull fashion moment in your life! Photography by: Em Grey Photography //Cape and Vest// (Vintage) (House of Landor) //Purse// (Vintage) //Log Red Suede Platform Pumps// (Sigerson Morrison) Similar here or here //Makeup// (Reveal Cosmetics) Love, The Ultimate Fashionista... read more
Wishful Thinking
Some wishes do come true! If you’ve been reading my blog, you may remember I shared My ShoeDazzle Holiday Wish List a few weeks ago. Well, I was lucky enough to score Dinari from my list, and now I’d like to provide a product review of this edgy pump with such cool hardware. I’m absolutely in love with these pumps. They are a show stopper and the color is simply amazing! I had to order a half-size up, and the new size fits perfectly. The zipper detail on the back of the heel makes this pump so sexy. Dinari is by far one of my favorite’s from 2015. You can pair them with almost anything, and they will look fantastic. Just remember not to hide the fabulous heel detail. I will continue to rock them well into the new year. In addition to my ShoeDazzle Holiday Wish List, I have another wish. I still hope, wish and pray for overall world peace. I can’t help but remember all of the tragedies in 2015 within the U.S. and abroad, and I’m hopeful the world still can be a better place if every one of us did our part. Being kind, helpful and giving back is a small way to start. Did you get what was on your holiday wish list? Photography by: Em Grey Photography //Dress (Vintage)// //Purse (Gift)// //Pumps (Dinari by ShoeDazzle)// //Makeup (Reveal Cosmetics)// Love, The Ultimate... read more
