Urban Angel

It is getting hot in L.A., so I wanted to keep it light today.  This cute "L.A." tank  allows me to rep my city and keep cool at the same time.  Although my harem pants are black, the fabric is very light and airy.  To jazz the outfit up a bit, I chose these studded open toe booties.  I just love the intricate pattern on these shoes.  I chose this studded clutch/purse to compliment the shoes.  I can utilize the strap and wear it on my shoulder or tuck it away and wear it as a clutch.  Since the shoes and clutch were so detailed, I kept it simple with the jewelry. Rep yo' citaaaaay!!!

 Top:  Brandy Melville

Pants:  H&M

Shoes:  Vince Camuto

Clutch:  Arden B.

Wild Thang

Just in case you haven't figure it out yet, I absolutely love animal print!  And these harem pants are my fave. I paired the pants with a simple black camisole and black jacket with gold button detail.   I added this off-white chunky braided necklace with gold detail to lighten things up around my neckline.  I wanted to add a little playfulness to the ensemble, so I wore this leopard print headband with  a bow (I'm a sucker for a cute hair accessory).  And for a splash of color and contrast, I grabbed a plum clutch. Yes ladies, sometimes it is okay to be "extra'd out".  A fun outfit for a fun evening out.

Jacket:  Macy's

Pants:  H&M

Shoes:  ALDO

Clutch:  Gifted

Bow Headband:  Claire's boutique

Necklace:  Pieces by Sherrell

Finding Your Own Personal Style: Spring Cleaning

On last week's Monday Morning Juice, we began our "Finding Your Own Personal Style" series.  We discussed how you can look to others for inspiration as you begin to develop your own sense of style.  You may have already done the vision board exercise and purchased some items that fit into the inspirational style you have identified.  But before you go out and spend your whole paycheck in an attempt to dress like your fashion icon, let me tell you that buying a completely new wardrobe is not necessary.  

Today we will begin the process of assessing our current wardrobe.  Surveying what's currently in your closet will help you figure out what your current style is.  You will get a better glimpse at what it is you feel most comfortable wearing...what colors, pieces, and styles you tend to go for.  You will be able to determine what it is you like about your current inventory and what it is you want to change.  

Part of this process will require getting rid of the things that do not suit the new look you are going for.  As you assess what you currently own, you will also find that you have some jewels that totally work with your new look...things that were way in the back of the closet that you had forgotten about.  So, although this may be a time consuming task, I am confident that you will find it to be very rewarding.

The thought of going through your closet may be terrifying for you.  Let's admit it...we all have items that should have been donated to the local Goodwill or passed down to younger siblings or cousins years ago.  For some of us, those items have sentimental value and are associated with some great times in our lives and we just can't bear to let them go.  You know...the cardigan you wore on your first date with your boyfriend or that handbag your mom bought you for 11 Christmases ago.  Now, you haven't worn or even thought about wearing these things in years, but the thought of giving them away just doesn't feel right.  For the rest of us, we are holding on to clothing from eras long long ago in hopes that that particular trend will come back one day, and just in case it does, you want to be prepared.  We all have our reasons for keeping our closets stuffed with clothes we have no intentions on wearing anytime soon.  Well ladies, it's time to do some spring cleaning and it's time to let some things go.

So, take a deep breath...come on...inhale...exhale.  First, grab a big trash bag.  Did the word "trash"  terrify you?  Okay, let me rephrase it...First, grab a big plastic bag.  Now, walk over to your closet.  Open the door.  Come on, you can do this!  See how easy that was?  Okay, first look for the items you haven't worn in 3 years.  Let's admit it, if you haven't worn it in 3 years, the likelihood of you wearing it again is slim to none.  If it fits that category, throw it in your bag.  Now look for the items that are worn out.  If it has holes, stains or is faded to the point that you can't even remember what color it was originally, throw it in a bag.  Next, look for the items that are totally out of style and have no chance of becoming acceptable to wear again.  Yeah, those....throw them in the bag.  And last but not least, look for the items you know you cannot fit.  I know ladies, we all have those pants we have been holding on to forever because we ARE going to lose those 15 to 30 pounds required to be able to get in them.  Now look, I'm all for weight loss inspirational tools, but let's be real...we all know those pants are gonna be right where they are a year from now...unworn.  So, take another deep breath and throw them in the bag!  You want to do this process for your accessories as well...jewelry, handbags and shoes.

By now you may be a having mini panic attack as you look and see how many things you are giving away...and that's alright.  But just think about all of the shopping you can do to refill your closet.  Did that put a smile on your face?  Sure it did!  Besides, during this process you found some items that you forgot you even owned...some pretty cool stuff that you just can't wait to rock.  You also realized that you actually already have a personal style.  You prefer certain styles and items of clothes over others.  Perhaps, you now know that you are a maxi dress girl and not a mini dress girl or that you prefer form fitting clothes over loose fitting clothes.  You've also realized that certain colors make up a majority of your wardrobe, probably because those colors look great on you.  Now you can use what you have learned about your current style and play on that, as you amp it up to the next level.  Remember, you don't have to totally change your personal style...just kick it up a notch.

After you have completed the spring cleaning exercise, you will have accomplished 4 important goals... 

1.  You now have a better sense of what your current style is and you can now determine what you want to change or what you want to remain the same about that style.

2.  You have gotten rid of many items that were just taking up space and not adding to your style at all, therefore, making room for some new unique and stylish pieces.

3.  You have a huge bag full of items that can be donated to a charity or other individuals in need.

4.  You have burned plenty of calories and can now reward yourself for all of your hard work with a nice treat.

I hope this exercise was as fun for you as it was for me.  Stay tuned for our final installation of "Finding Your Own Personal Style" on next week's Monday Morning Juice!

(Photo courtesy of www.focusonstyle.com)

Purple Reign

I was so happy when Spring arrived because I had been waiting to wear my colored jeans.  Today, I am sporting these deep purple jeans from Old Navy.  I paired them with this casual, yet sexy top.  The lightness of the fabric, the vertical stripes and mix of colors brighten up the look a bit.  To keep the sexiness going, I finished the look off with these high heeled sandals with toe and ankle straps.  

Top:  Forever XXI

Jeans:  Old Navy

Shoes:  Kardashian Kollection

Handbag:  Michael Kors

Watch:  Dior

Necklace:  Forever XXI

Geometric Goddess

I bought this dress last summer, but for some reason, I have only worn it once.  I added the belt and it gives the dress a whole different look.  I like to accentuate my waist.  The best way to do that, especially when wearing this style of dress, is to wear wide stretchy belt around my waist (not too high and not too low).  This type of maxi dress can be dressed up or down.  I decided to dress it up today, so I chose these chunky gold ruffle heels by Steve Madden.  I picked a clutch in the same color family as the belt.  The jacket is a bluish-grey, which brings out the grey in the dress.  I like the fact it has big shoulder pads, reminiscent of the 80's era.

Dress:  Bar III (Macy's)

Jacket:  H&M

Belt:  Fashion Express

Shoes:  Steve Madden

Clutch, Earrings and Bracelet:  Fashion Express

Petals and Pastels

Hey guys! So this was my Easter ensemble.  I chose this silk floral top because it had just the right mix of  pastel and bold coloring.  This time of the year is all about life and what represents life more than florals? I decided to go with a muted color for my skirt so that the top can stand out on its own.  I was trying to decide which shoe to wear.  I loved the subtlety of the tan strappy heel in the first and third photos, but the cobalt blue stiletto in the second photo is such a show stopper.  Can you guess which shoe I ended up choosing?

Top:  ASTR

Skirt:  Leith

Tan Shoe:  Fergie

Blue Shoe:  Chinese Laundry

Bracelets: ANGL 

Journey of a Dress: The Diane Von Furstenberg Exhibit at the LACMA

Yesterday, we visited the Journey of a Dress exhibit at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). This is an exhibit celebrating four decades of the the dress that started it all...the wrap dress, and it's legendary creator, designer Diane Von Furstenberg.  It's a lovely exhibit, full of bright colors, patterns and textures sure to titillate your senses.  There are hundreds of beautiful wrap dresses on display for your viewing pleasure.  Feel free to take pictures against the vibrant walls, doors and floors.  If you upload your pictures onto Instagram and use the hashtag #journeyofadress, your pictures will automatically print in the exhibit's front room and you can pick your up your photos on your way out.  This is definitely a fashion experience you do not want to miss!  

"Feel like a woman, wear a dress"

-Diane Von Furstenberg

This exhibit will be at the LACMA until May 1st  

Address:  6067 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 

For exhibition schedule and more information, visit www.dvf.com/journeyofadress.

Color Me Bold

This is what I wore on Easter Sunday.  Instead of going with the typical pastel pallete that we normally associate with "Easter wear", I decided to go with bright and bold colors.  The pattern on this  Bisou Bisou two piece reminds me of a work of art.  The artist in me fell in love with it at first sight.  Since blue is the most prominent color in the top and skirt, I went with a cobalt blue snakeskin chunky heel by Steve Madden. Of course, I had to throw on my signature gold hoop earrings.

Top and Skirt:  Bisou Bisou (JC Penney)

Shoes:  Steve Madden

Watch:  Michael Kors

Earrings:  Fashion Express

Finding Your Own Personal Style: Look for Inspiration

If I've heard it once, I've heard it a thousand times..."I don't know what my personal style is" or "I don't know how to be stylish.  I just wear what's comfortable." Finding one's unique fashion style can be a daunting task for a lot of women.  Many women find themselves in a fashion rut, wearing the same type of clothing that they've been accustomed to wearing for years.  Other women find themselves following the trends and feel like they are constantly trying to keep up with what's hot and what's new at the time.  We're here to let you know that finding your own personal style can be easier than you think.  We will be doing a "Finding Your Own Personal Style" series.  Each Monday, over the next few weeks, we will focus on one way to cultivate "your look".  Today, we dive into the journey by discussing how we can look to others to help us find our style.

Have you ever looked at another woman, whether it be a celebrity, model or past fashion icon and think, "I just love her style.  I wish I could be so creative in dressing myself"?  If you answered "yes" to that question, you are not alone.  Instead of looking to these style icons with feelings of frustration, look to them with feelings of inspiration and hope.  One of the easiest ways to find your own personal style is to look for inspiration in others whom you find to be stylish.  Don't think of it as being a copycat.  The goal is not to duplicate what someone else is doing, but rather identify the elements of their style that you admire and play on those elements to create your own look. 

 

The internet and fashion magazines will be your best friend when starting this process.  Most of us already have that person in mind whose style we just absolutely love.  You know...that one celebrity who is always on point and can do no wrong?  Let's start with her.  Look for images of her on Google and the popular fashion magazines.  Identify what it is about her style that draws you in.  Is it the fact that she is fearless with her fashion and loves to experiment with bold colors and patterns?  Or maybe it's the subdued, muted tones and flowing fabrics that get you going.   Cut out the images that you love and create a small vision board.  On that board, write down the key elements of her style.  This board, which doesn't have to be sophisticated at all, will serve as your focus tool.  The next time you go shopping, instead of grabbing the items you would normally gravitate toward, look for the items that possess the qualities that you identified on your vision board.  It may be a scary task at first, but an  interesting and fun one, nevertheless. 

 

There's no need to go full fledged into your new look.  Take baby steps until you became more comfortable.  Start with choosing the accessories that encompass the look you are going for...scarves, bags, shoes, jewelry.  Once you become more comfortable in this new zone, then you can go for the bigger items...dresses, pants, blouses, skirts.  Before you know it, you will become an expert in choosing items that best showcase your new style and you will become more creative in how to put the items together.  If you ever find yourself losing focus, go back to your vision board for a refresher course.  So ladies, let's take the first step in style exploration.  Are you ready?  Okay, let's go!

 

   (Photo courtesy of www.style.mtv.com)

South Beach Barbie

This jumper reminds me of being in South Beach, Miami.  It's full of color, life and sex appeal.  I wanted a little escape from reality, so I threw this on hoping that it would take me away to a place where I was surrounded by warm weather, sandy beaches and colorful cocktails.  I was conservative with my jewelry and shoe color because I wanted the jumper to be the statement piece, but I still wanted the style of the shoe to mirror the sexiness and playfulness of the jumper. 

Besos! 

Jumper:  Marc by Marc Jacobs

Shoes:  Steve Madden

Hoop earrings:  Fashion Express

Bracelet:  Forever XXI

Tribe Called Punk

OK, so I absolutely love this jumper!  I am a girl who is all about patterns and color and this jumper gives me life!  It has a funky  tribal theme and the pop of hot pink around the collar and sleeve takes it to another level.  It's extremely comfortable and accentuates my best assets and hides my worst.  It can be dressed up with a heel and blazer or dressed down with flats and no blazer.  I decided to throw on the blazer only because it was chilly outside (I really don't like to wear jackets/blazers unless I have to due to the weather or it really adds something to my outfit).  And these see-through pumps with black suede toe and heel were a must!  To add a little "punk" to the ensemble, I grabbed this black and white snakeskin print clutch with skull and crystal embellishments.  My fingers fit in the the rings on the top of the clutch to give the illusion that I am wearing rings on every finger. 

Jumper:  2b by bebe

Jacket:  Kardashian Kollection

Shoes:  BCBGeneration

Clutch:  Foreign Exchange

Downtown Blues

If you haven't already heard, cobalt blue is this season's "it" color.  It's also my favorite shade of blue.  I was headed to a happy hour event with friends in downtown, L.A. yesterday, so I wanted a look that was sexy but didn't look like I was trying too hard.  I paired this pleated, babydoll top with a pair of relaxed jeans.  I'm a girl who is all about the jean-heel combination, so I pulled out these simple, but sexy, nude heels to break up all  the blue that was going on with my outfit.  I went with a wicker clutch to compliment my shoes. These ombre' teal and ivory earrings are one of my faves and I thought they complimented the entire look so well.  

Top:  Forever XXI

Jeans:  Levi's

Shoes:  Fergie

Clutch:  Fashion Express

Earrings:  Forver XXI

Rings:  Thrifted

Girl on the Go

Paris...London...New York...  

I paired this cool black tee with floral print with these comfy parachute style pants with a zipper bottom.  I chose peach earrings and necklace to bring out the floral print in the shirt.  I wanted to break up all the black with my shoe and these chunky open toe grey heels gave me just the look I wanted.  Remember ladies, there is NO NEED TO BE MATCHY MATCHY.  Throw in a piece that breaks up your ensemble's main color pattern.  I subscribe to no one's rules, especially the one that says your bag must be the same color as your shoes, so I grabbed this black long fringe purse to set the whole look off.

Top:  Nordstrom Rack

Pants:  Bisou Bisou

Shoes:  Bakers

Purse:  BCBGeneration

Earrings:  Nordstrom Rack

Necklace:  Pieces by Sherrell

Monday Morning Juice: "Pieces by Sherrell"

We sat down with Sherrell Knight, owner of Inglewood- based boutique, Pieces by Sherrell.

J&J:  How did you get started in fashion design?

PBS:  I've been interested in fashion since I was a little girl.  I would read fashion magazines and say to myself, "I could make that".  My grandmother knew how to sew and I would sew different things with her.  When I was 11 or 12, my mother bought me my first sewing machine.  And when I was 13, my mom turned our garage into a sewing room.  I would wear my own designs to school and people would ask me to make clothes for them, so I started selling my designs at school.  When I got older, I began making jewelry and denim handbags.   I met a girl while I was in business school who was also into fashion design and we began working together.  We opened a boutique in Hawthorne, CA and our specialty was denim handbags. 

J&J:  What is your favorite thing to make?

PBS:  I don't really have a favorite thing.  I actually don't like to sew.  I like the magic that happens when women put on my pieces.  I love when they look at themselves in the mirror and smile.

J&J:  Where do you find inspiration to create such unique pieces?

PBS:  I'm inspired by my customers.  I like to customize  the  pieces so that they flatter them in the best way possible. 

J&J:  How would you describe your style aesthetic?

PBS:  Timeless.  I want to create timeless pieces that have no date to them.  I never want my designs to look dated.

J&J:  Are you are a "more is more" or a "less is more" designer?

PBS:  Less is more.  I believe in pairing a statement piece with a basic piece so that the statement piece speaks for itself and tells a story.

J&J:  If you could design for and dress any celebrity, who would it be.

PBS:  I wouldn't want to dress a celebrity.  I want to dress the everyday woman and make her feel good, make her feel like a celebrity.  I want to make clothes that brings tears to my customers' eyes when they put them on.  If they look good, then I feel good.  It's a magical feeling.


J&J:  How would you encourage a woman who wants to experiment and be bold in her styling but is self conscious about her body image?

PBS:  I would encourage her to focus on what part of her body she likes the most and accentuate that part.  Find pieces that compliment her shape.  I get women of all ages and shapes in my boutique and I often customize pieces so that they compliment them in the best way possible.

J&J:  Where do you see Pieces by Sherrell in 5 years?

PBS:  Within the next 5 years, I want to have 3 store locations.  I want to start a rental program, where I rent out certain pieces to the customers.  These pieces would not be available for sale.  I also want to expand the business to include a younger audience.  I would like to transform the store so that it has a comfortable lounge atmosphere and invite up and coming artists to showcase and sell their work.  But my overall goal is to keep Pieces by Sherrell happy and fun.

Pieces by Sherrell is located at 318 E. Hillcrest, Inglewood, Ca 90301

Green Goddess

I am loving this warm weather we are having here in L.A.!  I wanted to keep it light, so I decided to throw on this easy breezy maxi dress.  This snakeskin printed, multi-colored scarf adds an extra dimension.  And this thrifted Native American inspired necklace is the exclamation point that I was looking for. I think this look is very ethereal.  What do you think?

Dress:  Arden B.

Scarf:  Express

Necklace:  Thrifted

New York State of Mind

Although I rep L.A all day, I decided to get my "NewYork flair" on today.  I paired this simple T-shirt with army green pants and my favorite wedge sneakers.  I love the burgundy/green color combination.  The gold chain necklace with leather detail and gold hoops add just the right finishing touches.  I have a lot of running around to do today and I wanted to make sure I was comfortable.  Remember, ladies:  COMFORT DOES NOT EQUAL BUMMY.  

So, keep it sassy!

T-shirt:  Target

Pants:  2b by bebe

Shoes:  Target

Purse:  Banana Republic

Necklace:  Forever XXI

The Happy Hipster

Today's look was inspired by my inner hippie.  I'm a girl who is all about the fringe and this crop top is reminiscent of the hipster era.  I'm wearing my favorite and most comfortable jeans.  To jazz things up a bit, I decided to go with these colorful strappy heels.  I rolled the jeans up to fully show the detail of the shoes.  And I couldn't walk out the door without completing the look with a multi-colored braided headband.  Peace!

 

Top:  Forever XXI

Jeans:  GAP

Shoes:  Sam Edelman

Clutch:  Fashion Express

Headband:  Claire's Boutique

Earrings:  Fashion Express

Palazzo Passion

Finding pants that fit me correctly can be a very frustrating.  I have a small waist but large thighs. Generally, if I find something that fits my thighs, it's way too big in the waist.  Palazzo pants are a life saver for curvy girls like me.  They are comfortable, they camouflage problem areas and you can wear them with just about any kind of top.  Today, I'm headed to an informal business meeting.  I wanted to wear something that showed I meant business, but wasn't too stuffy, so I paired these elastic-waist palazzo pants with a long sleeve denim top.  I threw on this gold embellished, studded purse with gold chain, to compliment the gold detail in my shoes.

Top:  Mossimo by Target

Pants:  Fashion Express

Purse:  Forever XXI

Shoes:  Wild Pair

Monday Morning Juice: DIY (Do It Yourself)

Good Morning, Jewels!  
Have you ever found yourself wishing you could find that perfect skirt that hugs your curves just the way you like, because the ones in the stores just don't cut it?  Or what about that perfect handbag to match the your favorite printed pants but you can't find anything that comes close to what you envision?  If you answered "yes" to either of these questions, you are not alone.  Sometimes the stores don't have what we are looking for.  So, the question is, "What do you do about it?".  Well, we are going to offer some pretty unconventional advice...DO IT YOURSELF!  I know, I know, the thought of making your own clothes and accessories may seem like a crazy idea, but hear me out.  What better way to express your unique, individual style than designing and creating your own pieces?  By doing it yourself, you become a triple threat...the DESIGNER, the SEAMSTRESS and the MODEL.  

Inspired by some of our favorite DIYers that we follow on Facebook and Instagram and some very talented seamstresses in our family, we decided to take sewing classes.  Mood Fabrics, in Los Angeles, offers free sewing classes for novices.  We recently completed the beginner class.  The end products of the class are the tote bags you see above (my bag is on the left and Tyra's is on the right).  Although, we had to follow a specific, standard pattern provided to us by the instructor, we were able to pick our own fabrics for the self (outside), interlining and lining.  And although, our patience was tested on a few occasions during the process, the class was an amazing experience and we both learned so much about the craft and ourselves.  

Our first day of the intermediate class was last week.  I entered the class feeling very anxious.  Would I actually be ready for the next level?  I mean, all I had ever made was a simple tote.   As each student made her introduction to the class, I soon realized that I was not alone in feeling much trepidation about what was to come.  We have a few options as to what we can make this time around.  We'll hold off on telling you what we have decided to construct.  You'll just have to tune in in 6 weeks to see the finished results.

 

 We are so happy we took on this challenge to learn something new.  Now, we would like to encourage you to step out there and learn how to DIY when it comes to your personal styling.  Sewing may not be "your thing"... and that's fine.  There are so many options and methods to garment construction.  Find out which one works best for you.  Go ahead...mix up your wardrobe by adding some one-of-a-kind pieces designed by YOU!  I promise, you won't regret it. Good luck!!!

(You can find more information on all of the classes offered at Mood Fabrics by visiting their website at http://www.moodfabrics.com.  Click on the CLASSES link at the top)

 

Shady Lady

Hey Jewels!  This sleeveless cape is one of my favorite pieces.  I thought I would compliment the fringe on the cape with these suede fringed booties.  It's a bit sunny outside, so I threw on some shades and I'm way past due for a hair appointment, so this cute floppy hat was a must.  

Hat:  Urban Outfitters
Shades:  Urban Outfitters
Tank:  Forver XXI
Cape:  ANGL
Pants:  Express
Booties:  Nine West

Girl Gone Wild

Hey Jewels!  Sheryl, here! So, today I'll be running quite a few errands so I wanted to wear something casual with a pop of Springtime color.  I am such a fan of animal print and I thought this colorful cheetah print blazer would add a splash of excitement to my comfy outfit.  Grrrrrrr!!!!! 

Blazer:  H&M
Tank:  Mossimo by Target
Jeans:  2b by bebe
Wedge Boots:  Mossimo by Target
 

Feminine Flair

Hey Jewels!  It's Tyra!  So, I was in a fancy mood today.   And, what's more fancy than lace?  I paired this off-white lace crop top with a long sleeve lace bolero for a double whammy of fanciness.  I decided to go with two toned wedges to complete the look. I'm praying that it warms up and the rain is over.  This L.A. weather is so crazy! (After taking this pic, I did run inside to grab a heavier jacket and my umbrella...better safe than sorry, right?)  You like?

 

Top:  Foreign Exchange

Bolero:  H&M

Skirt:  2b by bebe

Shoes:  Forever XXI

Celebrity Style Icon: Solange Knowles

We just cannot get enough of Ms. Solange Knowles!  I mean, she can do no wrong.  With her daring and eclectic style, she has made a name for herself in the fashion world...and that's why she is our first featured Celebrity Style Icon.  I love the fact that she likes to experiment with colors, shapes and patterns.  So many celebrities are so timid when it comes to their style (in fear of ending up on someone's worst dressed list) that they end up in bland and disappointing frocks, but this chick right here!?!  Well, she does what she wants to do and that's why WE LOVE HER!  Keep doing ya thing, Solo!  You are quite alright in our book.  Now, sip on that!