BOUDOUIR BAE

Let me be honest, I’ve always been a true homebody, only interacting with the outside world if necessary. My current routine is work, grocery store/errands, and home. So I’ve decided that even though a natural-light outdoor shoot is ideal, why not utilize my tiny apartment to create outfit posts? This will definitely help me to be more consistent and creative from the comfort of my home, which is where majority of us are wearing our outfits anyway these days. I’ve worn this look twice already, so I had to bring it to styllabus! (I mean, if you are not getting multiple wears out of your clothes should it even be in your closet?)

You all know I love green, so here I am adorned in it again. The edit makes it hard to tell but this is a green thrifted top from a brand called Laura Scott. It’s beautifully made and the crinkle texture just shines in the light, so sublime. To keep that texture vibe going, I paired these old H&M plisse pants to add that touch of sophistication. These pants are so light and comfy, I have been on the hunt for more in various colors! Pulled the look together by accessorizing with my Sam Edelman boots and a green necklace and earrings. As you can see by the title, I was attempting a boudoir-esque shoot vibe, but obviously a little more covered up. How could I have styled this look to be more boudoir? Let me know your thoughts below!

THE GREAT CONJUNCTION

Wow...It’s been quite some time since my last outfit post. So much of the world and our personal lives have changed forever. Man, 2020 has been a trip right? I guess the ringing of the new year (and the great conjunction *wink*) finally ignited me to post before the year’s end. But overall, I really haven’t posted ‘cause 2020 took a lot out of me: mentally and physically. So many highs and lows, but I haven’t let it get the best of me yet. Wishing the same for all of you beautiful beings. We will push forward together in love and light.

Thankfully, I got called back to work a few months ago so it’s helped to keep my mind busy most days. The Anna Sui co-ord set I am wearing happens to be from my job, which is a small woman-owned fashion rental company. Definitely eco-friendly/sustainable for you conscious fashion guys and girls. Definitely look into fashion rental if you are looking for new styles to try but you also don’t want to worry about taking up space in your closet for longer than you have to!

But back to this outfit though! It’s honestly my green Telfar for me! This bag, in all its magnificence and glory, is me personified. For this look I just went for casual, comfy, and chic! You may notice this ASOS denim trench from a previous post. Paired with this sparkly set, the denim trench brings out the deep color tones of the co-ord, which is perfect for those who are trying to straddle on the subtle side of holiday cheer. I elevated the ensemble with gold jewelry, my Vagabond Carla boots (Mona inspo from Half & Half), and my staple Steve & Barry’s corduroy bucket (which I will never part with!) to bring this whole look together. How has the incorporation of masks affected your outfits? Are you sticking to the disposable masks or have you dived deep into mask fashion? xoxo, J.

COVERGIRL

Inspired by the many recent magazine covers that have been graced with the faces of beautiful Black women, I decided to do my own version. Who doesn't want to feel beautiful? I am still building my confidence in front of the camera especially without makeup, but I wanted to show me being comfortable in my own skin. One is so vulnerable in front of a camera, essentially baring a piece of your soul. Models deserve a little more credit. There is a certain type of patience and assurance in one's self to take photos in front of a camera, without knowing the results. I didn't want my cover version to be glamorous (even though I love the glitz), but at the end of the day I am an easy-going gal, so I wanted my photos to showcase that: effortless with a touch of drama. The drama came from my electric blue eyeliner and ruffled top; however, the eyeliner stole the show in my opinion! My smizing game is not on auntie Tyra's level yet, so the eyeliner saved my eyes from looking completely flat. My cover story would be about self-love, confidence, style and a young woman still finding herself in this world.

GARDEN PARTY

Although it is not as formal or as bright as typical garden party attire, this is my interpretation of a serene "garden party" look. Even in its simplicity, it still exudes elegance. Earth-tone pieces are a favorite of mine, especially when detailed designs are added to highlight the piece in order to keep it from looking dull or flat. This tie-knot dress was no exception; it's an item that looks just as good on the hanger as it does on the female form. Bringing subtle shapes and curves to my slim frame, the knot gives the illusion of a smaller waist. To spice up my look I added these dazzling, geometric earrings, which are a statement piece in and of themselves, and my blood orange mules. This look was inspired by my experience in this garden space, as well as gardens throughout my life. Serenity. Safety. Solitude. I've always loved gardens. Their vibrancy. Their tranquility. Everyone that I have ever observed tend to their garden, did it with such love and care. A subtle lesson of how we should treat ourselves and others. Since turning 25 a couple of months ago, I've been experiencing consistent inner peace more than ever; these captured moments are an external reflection of my current inner being.

MEADOW

The concept was "Little House on the Prairie" meets fashion campaign. My vision for this look were woodsy fields, wild hair, bold eyes and a setting sun. Before my idea developed, I found this sheer polka dot dress in Zara a couple of months ago. Sheer clothing isn't what I usually gravitate to, but I was really drawn to this piece for its frilly shape toward the bottom an the red polka dots. At first I wasn't quite sure how I was going to style it, but I wanted it in my closet. To keep the red polka dots the main focus, I added a nude dress that closely matched with the material for a seamless look. For a bit of edge my leather boots were the perfect fit, which added to the balance between hard and soft in this shoot. Overall, I feel my vision came out better than I imagined.