Category: style

luxury · style

My Fantasy Fall Fashion Wish List

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Happy Wednesday, beloveds! I’m back into the swing of things at work and daydreaming about my next holiday!

Yes, I’m longing for another day off but I’m also daydreaming about what kind of fashions I’m enjoying this upcoming fall and winter. Despite the fact that I dread the cooler months, I do like most of the fashions that the chillier weather makes possible, like gorgeous coats, snuggly sweaters and stylish boots.

I started compiling a mini-wish list for the fall, and I’m looking squarely at the Duchess of Sussex herself, Meghan Markle, for fall fashion inspiration. We have different body types (she appears to be a Natural, while I’m a Soft Classic, per the Kibbe typing system) but we both favor clean lines and exquisite construction.

The Duchess of Sussex in Black Halo and Goat Fashion (both photos from Elle Magazine)

She’s been spotted wearing several well-crafted pieces from Black Halo, Goat Fashions and Altuzarra. She always looks perfectly groomed and effortlessly stylish – the same effect that I’m going for.

From Black Halo, I’m swooning over the Mindy Sheath, the ¾ Sleeve Jackie O Dress, and the Sambora Sheath. For those that don’t know, Black Halo dresses have a wonderful liner so they are great for the cooler months. I have two Black Halo pieces but both of them are sleeveless, so I’m looking for something a little different for the fall.

The Mindy and Sambora Sheath Dresses

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The ¾ Sleeve Jackie O Dress

Another one of the Duchess’s favorites is Goat Fashions, another British brand. Duchess Meghan favored the Flavia Dress, which is just my speed: soft, feminine, and elegant. I’m also loving the Greta Blouse and Venus Dress.

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The Flavia Dress

Greta Blouse and Venus Dress

While Altuzarra makes to-die-for dresses and separates, I’m loving the coats made by the label. The Higgins Coat and the Elvin Coat both have enough tailoring in the waist to suggest an hourglass silhouette but are fully lined and perfect for chilly days. I’m leaning more toward the design of the Elvin Coat, since I fear that the pinstripe design of the Higgins Coat may be a bit too “boxy” on me, even with the cinched waist.

The Higgins Coat and the Elvin Coat

That’s my fantasy fall fashion wish list! I’ll do another post about fall accessories that I plan to incorporate into my wardrobe.

culture · style

Learn About Royal Fashions

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Happy Monday, darlings! I hope you all had a satisfying weekend. I spent some time perusing one of Daily Mails’s many articles about the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. The public is fascinated with the California-born beauty, and the Daily Mail recently ran an article on her clothing budget and latest fashions. The truth is, the public LOVES watching what the wealthy wear, especially if the wealthy ones they are observing happen to be members of a royal family.

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In line with this fascination, I just came across another FutureLearn course that I thought you all might want to check out. A History of Royal Fashion is a course available through this online provider until September 1st. The course explores the fashion and symbols enjoyed by 5 different dynastic families. Yes, this course also includes the current royal family, the Windsors.

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A royal guard – yet another fashionable dressed extension of the British monarchy

I’m far too busy to take this course myself, but I figured that I’d pass along the information for anyone interested. The course sounds really fascinating, so if it is offered again, I hope I’ll have enough time to check it out. But for you all that have the time and the interest, lucky, lucky! You can enjoy this course for free, just by signing up on FutureLearn. And, if you pay a fee, you can access the course indefinitely, so you really have nothing to lose by checking it out.

This is shaping up to be a busy week, but I’ll still be on my daily post scheduled. In any case, wish me lots of sleep and plenty of productivity when I’m awake. Thanks in advance! Talk to you all tomorrow.

style

Summer Style Musings

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These warm days have made me come ALIVE! I thrive during the summer months: I’m more energetic, more creative, more ME!

You all probably recall my Preparing for Spring style post back in March. I listed several items that I wanted to add to my wardrobe this year. I anticipated these pieces would work for my Kibbe type (Soft Classic) as well as add some more options to my style repertoire. Those items are as follows:

  • Pale taupe/light gray duster
  • Magenta blazer
  • Bright yellow a-line dress
  • Pale blue/green chiffon skirt
  • Oyster/champagne/ivory satin wrap (drape-y) top

I have been casually searching for these items, and I have updates (including a purchase!) on the status of my shopping list.

  • Pale taupe/light gray duster

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Naomie Harris at Calvin Klein (from Business of Fashion)

I’m still looking for this piece. The trick is finding it in a color that suits my neutral/cool undertones. Most of the dusters I’ve seen are dark (navy or black) or the undertones are all wrong (a little more warm than neutral). Fortunately, it’s warm enough where I don’t need a jacket anymore, but I’d love it for when the seasons change again and we’re experiencing cooler days.

  • Magenta blazer

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Naomie at the 2014 BAFTA Awards (from Elle)

This was the “toughest” item, meaning, I thought I’d never find it. Imagine my surprise when I found my blazer by “accident”. I was browsing JCPenney’s website and found this beauty – on sale!

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The blazer is Black Label by Evan Picone. The shade and design was perfect and the quality is superb. This was a clearance item and I purchased it for $23 (originally priced $75). I’ve been wearing it weekly and I always get compliments. I generally wear it with a solid tank top and jeans: I prefer clean, uncluttered lines and designs.

  • Bright yellow a-line dress

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Naomie Harris at the Spectre press conference (from Vogue UK)

I am on the fence about acquiring a yellow dress for the summer, because I really do have enough dresses and I aim to keep my closet as uncluttered as possible. *If* I can manage to part with at least two of my current dresses, then I’ll supplement my wardrobe with a yellow one.

  • Pale blue/green chiffon skirt

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Naomie at the Mandela screening (from The Fashion Spot)

I found two great options, and I’ll be ordering one of them as soon as I “make room” by getting rid of one or two of my other skirts.

This skirt by CoutureBridal is the perfect length and fabric, but I’m unsure if I want this particular shade of blue (I was hoping for a slightly dustier hue).

This seafoam green skirt by Fancy-Bridal is great, as well. I may just flip a coin and see which skirt wins!

  • Oyster/champagne/ivory satin wrap (drape-y) top

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With Olivia Palermo at the launch of Maison Makarem (from Getty Images)

I haven’t seen this yet, though I’ve gotten pretty close to what I’m looking for. I have a few other websites and shops that I’m going to check out over the next few weeks. However, if my desire for this blouse fades before I find it, then I’ll simply cross it off of my “want” list.

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That’s it for my updates! Do any of you make shopping lists before the beginning of the season? Let me know what you’re searching for in the comments below!

luxury · style

Nude Garments for Brown Skin

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I’ve spent the better part of 10 years trying to find undergarments that match my complexion. Traditional “nude” is too light, and black isn’t suitable for some ensembles. Years ago, I searched for companies that offered nude garments for deeper brown skin, and I was highly disappointed.

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Nude options as available through Target (photo from Target.com)

I’m happy to announce that this is no longer the case, and there are several retailers that consistently offer bras in deeper skin-toned hues. Here are a few of them that I’ve found. These range from extremely affordable to luxury, but all of them have inclusive shade ranges that accommodate women all of skin tones!

Savage by Fenty

Unlined Lace Bra in Brown Sugar , Spiced , and Cocoa (photos from Savage X Fenty)

Musical superstar Rihanna recently launched Savage X Fenty, an inclusive lingerie company that seeks to flatter women of all shades and sizes. Much like her Fenty Beauty line, Savage X Fenty is committed to catering to customers that are traditionally overlooked. I was so excited to see this line: I just placed my first order and I’m eager to see how nice the items are. Brava Rihanna!

Naja

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Anais bra in Nude 05, Nude 06 and Nude 07 (photos courtesy of Naja)

Naja goes beyond being inclusive, and jumps headfirst into being ethical and socially responsible, as well. Their bras are made by single mothers and impoverished women, ensuring that these women earn above market wagse and get benefits that make it possible for them to continue to be productive citizens (such as healthcare benefits and childcare assistance). Kudos to Naja!

Nubian Skin

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Classic Lace Push-Up Bra and Classic Lace Short in Cinnamon; Classic Lace Push-Up Bra and Classic Lace Short in Caramel ; Classic Lace Push-Up Bra and Classic Lace Short in Berry (photos courtesy of Nubian Skin)

Nubian Skin was one of the earliest companies to focus on inclusivity in their designs. Their elegant bras and underwear are flattering to many brown skin shades. This is another line that accommodates women of all sizes, with bras ranging from 30A to 40G. Along with undergarments, the company offers hosiery and shoes in a variety of nude shades. Nubian Skin takes the cake for having such a comprehensive list of nude offerings.

BeingU

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Stick on Solutions Bra in BeingU02

BeingU is a UK-based brand (just like Nubian Skin) offering undergarments in 5 skin-toned shades. What’s unique about this company is that they offer a stick-on bra, a strapless/bandless alternative that gives wearers even more style freedom. The company is currently running low on stock in several items – here’s hoping that they restock soon (fingers crossed!)

Target brands Gilligan & O’Malley and Xhilaration

Women’s Everyday Racerback Bra and Women’s No-Show Laser Cut Hipster in Coffee Bean by Gilligan & O’Malley (photos from Target.com)

Women’s Perfect T-Shirt Convertible Lightly Lined Plunge Bra and Women’s Cheeky Laser Cut with Lace Boyshorts in Cocoa by Xhilaration (photos from Target.com)

Target offers some extremely affordable bras and underwear in varying nude shades. Particularly, Gilligan & O’Malley and Xhilaration offers some fun designs at reasonable prices. For those of us that want to pick up these undergarments in person (as opposed to waiting for an order to arrive), stopping in a local Target is a perfect solution.

Do you know of any other retailers that offer varying nude shades? If so, drop the links in the comments below!

style

My Next Shoe Purchase

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This is going to be a brief post, because this is a BUSY week!

I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it before, but I LOVE a creatively designed pair of shoes. I also love supporting true artisans, so it was only a matter of time before I sought out shoes that marry my love of creative design and excellent craftsmanship.

I was recently introduced to Aminah Abdul Jillil from a fashionista on FB. I didn’t realize it, but I’d been seeing Aminah’s designs all over a bunch of blogs but I never knew the name behind the designs. So yeah, I’m late to the party, but I’m glad I arrived. Her shoes are DROOLWORTHY. Just look at these beauties:

ChampagneOpenToe

Champagne Open Toe Pumps by Aminah Abdul Jillil

Considering the cost of most designer shoes, Aminah’s designs are downright affordable. These will be perfect for showing off the results of my foot exfoliation treatment. I can’t wait to purchase my first pair! When I get them, I’ll be sure to share photos and review them.

 

hollywood glamour · style

More Hollywood Glamour Ensembles

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This will be a short post today, as this is a busy week and I have to give a bit more attention to my “offline” life.

While looking up glamorous recreations of Hollywood fashions, I came across the PsychedelicPinup. This Etsy shop features some authentic vintage pieces as well as recreations of familiar designs (as seen in classic movies). One of my favorites from the shop was the recreation of Marilyn Monroe’s fur-trimmed jacket from her movie Niagara.

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There’s also this beautiful orange top which looks identical to one that Marilyn wore in a photo shoot in 1962.

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Even if you don’t see any styles that you simply *must* have right now, you may want to save PsychedelicPinup in your Favorites, just in case that ensemble of your dreams becomes available. Many of the designs are one of kind, so if you see something you love, snap it up quickly!

 

 

life curation · style

More Information About Kibbe’s Body Typing System

Mstldelano4 Comments

I mentioned how much the Kibbe System has changed my approach to shopping in this post. I even was able to find a Soft Classic role model that I can look to when selecting my garments. But I realize that not everyone is a Soft Classic, nor does everyone know what the Kibbe System looks like in action.

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However, have no fear! I have resources to help you best dress your Kibbe type. The same darling that first mentioned Kibbe typing (thanks again, T. J.!) also provided a link to what I believe is the most comprehensive YouTuber to explain the system. Aly Art, a doll-faced Russian fashionista, has graciously gone in depth over the course of multiple YouTube videos to explain the intricacies of the Kibbe System.

The videos address all of the Kibbe types, and discusses, in detail, the clothing, hairstyles and accessories that best flatter each type. Of all of her videos, I think this one is the best for people that really want to understand what Kibbe typing is, and how to easily identify your type even before you take the Kibbe test:

This video is really good for recognizing your Kibbe type by your facial structure (this really helped me!):

Be sure to check out some of Aly Art’s other videos for more explanations that can help you choose the most flattering garments for your body!

hollywood glamour · style

Make Your Own Hollywood-Inspired Ensembles

Mstldelano3 Comments

One of my goals within the next few years is to learn how to sew. I can do simple repairs with a needle and thread, but I can’t operate a sewing machine, and I’ve never made a garment using a pattern. However, for those of you that are skilled at sewing (or if you’re working on mastering this skill), I have a treat for you.

Recently, I came across an article on ArtFido that announced that there is a Vintage Patterns wiki, with more than 80,000 vintage patterns. The best part? There is a subset of patterns titled the Movie Star collection. These patterns recreate the looks worn by the stars that we’ve adored for many years.

Now, here’s where things go a little wonky: the patterns aren’t actually in the wiki links. For that reason, I have to admit that ArtFido did some clickbait shenanigans. The original article presented the wiki as having patterns when all that’s there are photos. That being said, I’m mentioning the vintage pattern wiki because the organized photos make it much easier to search for the patterns using the identifying information listed in the photo.

Here are a few of my favorite patterns listed on the wiki:

lball

Lucille Ball’s princess coat is the thing dreams are made of

odehavilland

Olivia de Havilland’s dress is sweet and innocent

gstuart

The crisp tailoring of Gloria Stuart’s dress would be flattering on a lot of different body types

gkelly

Grace Kelly’s dress is fit for a princess (naturally!)

Do any of you sew? I need a good seamstress (really!), but I’d also love some sewing tips, too. Feel free to comment below and let me know what you think of these patterns.

life curation · style

Preparing for Spring: Wardrobe Ideas

Mstldelano1 Comment

Since doing the Kibbe test and confirming that I’m a Soft Classic, I’ve been spending time brainstorming what pieces I should add to my wardrobe. I want to add some whimsy to my wardrobe (along the lines of the Joe Browns line) but I honestly look best in clean, streamlined silhouettes.

Using the Soft Classic information I gleaned from the Truth Is Beauty website, I found that Naomie Harris is one of the few Black celebrities that falls into this category. And when Naomie gets it right, honey, she absolutely knocks it out of the park. I’m loving the fact that she appears to have a neutral undertone that leans toward coolness (much like my own). So I should be able to wear most of the same shades that she does, since our coloring is similar.

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Photo of Naomie Harris (courtesy of InStyle magazine)

So, I don’t have a red carpet lifestyle – yet. So my daily wardrobe can’t be quite as ornate as Naomie’s. But I can draw some inspiration from the way that she styles herself. Here are a few items I’m considering adding this spring:

A duster in pale taupe or light gray

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Naomie at a Calvin Klein show (from Business of Fashion)

The key to making this look classy (and not sloppy on my frame) is to make sure that it has some moderate structure, light tailoring and minimal frills.

This light tan trench by Aphratti gets pretty close to Naomie’s look. A belt gives some extra definition in the waist.

A magenta blazer

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Naomie at the 2014 BAFTA Awards (from Elle)

Structured but undeniably feminine, a bright blazer in an intense pink hue would be a great addition to my wardrobe. a 3/4 length sleeve is perfect for me, so I’ll aim for a blazer that closely replicates the top half of Naomie’s dress. I couldn’t find anything quite like this yet, but if I do, I’ll be sure to post it here!

 

Sunny A-line dress

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At the Spectre press conference (from Vogue UK)

An A-line dress that skims gracefully over the hips but remains tailored in the waist is great for creating the hourglass silhouette.

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The Eva Square Neck Midi Skater Dress is a bright yellow that isn’t too acid or too warm.

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Another option is the Zoey Sleeveless Cut Out Mixi Skater Dress: no cleavage but the side cutouts keeps it sassy.

Pale blue or green chiffon skirt (tea length)

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Naomie at the Mandela screening (from The Fashion Spot)

A pale blue, gauzy skirt is soft and unique. It’s the kind of signature piece that can be dressed up or dressed down.

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This crepe skirt from Boohoo is giving me a similar vibe (the Neave Crepe Pleated Mini Skirt). It isn’t as soft as the chiffon material that Naomie is wearing, but the below-the knee length and structured pleating gives the garment more shape.

Drape-y satin blouse in oyster white, pewter or champagne

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With Olivia Palermo at the launch of Maison Makarem (from Getty Images)

I’ve always shimmery satin tops in pearlescent hues. Add some careful pleating and draping, and I should be able to get the Greek goddess effect without getting lost in a sea of fabric. I’m still looking for one of these, so if I find it, I’ll post it here as well.

That’s all of my ideas for now. I suspect that I’ll continually refine and improve on this list, and as I do, I’ll share it all here.

life curation · style

Using Kibbe’s Metamorphosis to Enhance My Style

Mstldelano1 Comment

One of my passions is fashion, as you all already know. I love shopping and I’m constantly trying to refine and perfect my personal style. Luckily, I am friends with some other stylish ladies that are on the same path: we are all seeking to create the best physical presentation of ourselves.

An absolute angel in a Facebook group I’m part of posted some information on David Kibbe and I started reading it out of curiosity. Imagine my surprise as I discovered the secret to mastering a consistent and impeccable personal style! As it turns out, the best way to style your clothing is to use your body type and facial features as a guide. It’s genius: emphasize your natural curves and lines, and you can’t help but look your best!

I did the Kibbe quizzes linked here, here and here.  The first link is a quick summary of the Kibbe quiz, and the subsequent links are the two-part quiz with photo illustrations. You have to combine the results of Part 1 and Part 2 to come up with an overall score. The quizzes confirmed that I’m a Soft Classic, which resonates deeply with my personal tastes.

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Some Soft Classic staples (from Pinterest)

This revelation both excites and frustrates me a bit. Now that I have a clear idea of what silhouettes will most flatter me, I have to go through my closet and clear out the items that don’t suit me. This will be an ongoing project for the next couple of weeks, but it will be worth it.

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This dress that I purchased from Boohoo is perfect for a Soft Classic

So far, the Truth is Beauty website has been one of the best ones for explaining the Classic archetype and the Soft Classic (Romantic Classic) subtype. I can’t wait to show you all how I factor this new information into my style repertoire!