Spreading Knowledge

Spreading knowledge amongst the women of the world.




Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Ways to Wear It: TopShop Two Part Sandals


Ways to Wear: TOPSHOP Two Part Sandals


What I'm loving most about this spring are all the new fashion styles and looks that I'm so eager to try! There are looks that I never thought I would want to try; however, I have a change of heart due to looking at runway shows and editorials. This week on "Ways to Wear It" are a pair of stylish two part heel sandals from TOPSHOP.

Shift + Crossbody

 


With such warm weather, don't be afraid to break out the sandals (it's officially the right time!) Pair these sandals with a gorgeous shift dress and chain necklace. For a more comfortable and stylish look, carry a crossbody bag and a pair of sunglasses.

Slim Jeans + Navy Blazer




What I realized that the older I get, the more I rather not wear skinny jeans. Tight jeans are hard to maneuver in, not too mention it leaves marks on the sides of my legs. So for this season, if you haven't already, opt out for skinny jeans and pair the sandals with a pair of slim fit jeans. Complete the look with a cropped top and a navy blazer, if it's chilly in class. Don't forget your sunnies!

Blazer + Leather Backpack

 


This season, I'm definitely investing in skorts! I remember wearing them when I was younger, but unlike shorts under skirts, they're shorts in the back with fabric draped in the front. Pair these sandals with a tartan print skort and a chiffon studded blouse. Complete the look with a leather backpack for hanging with friends at the mall or after class at the local café. Not to mention these amber earrings are so cute!

Get up and get shopping loves!
~~ReneA P.

Friday, April 11, 2014

How To Wear: Florals + Animal Prints


The Fashion...? How to Wear: Florals + Animal


Mixing prints is never easy. You can either succeed or fail horribly! While some people tend to stray away from mixing prints, others find this daring move as a statement. For the spring season, it's all about being colorful, bold, and eye catching! In this How-To article, I mixed two extremely wild looks together: florals and animal!

When mixing florals and animal prints, color and size matter. You have to keep a consistent color palate and size ratio so that the outfit doesn't look weird. You should also keep other elements and accessories simple and neutral to avoid overbearing the prints. Jewelry should be a minimum considered you have enough eye-catching pieces. And hair and make up should be as simple and fresh as possible. Here are a few ways to wear this style!

Animal Print T-Shirt and Floral Skirt

 
Notice how the prints in the T-shirt are about the same size as the small flowers in the skirt? With the large number of florals in the skirt, you should keep the top simple and minimal. Plus the contrast in fabric textures (soft cotton versus structured mini) add to the wow factor! For the accessories, stick to tough, structured pieces that match the skirt like a pair of black, buckled booties, leather bracelet set, and a geometric pendant.

Animal Print Kaftan and Floral Leggings


 
Looking for an outfit for a night out? For this set, I stuck with a similar color palate. The kaftan in a teal-blue color with purple spots match the blue chino leggings. The kaftan has a deep neckline that will flatter your chest, and the waistband will keep you looking slim and sexy all night long! The chino leggings will show off a little skin, perfect for a pair of ankle strapped, pointy-toe slippers. And don't forget to carry your essentials in a cross body bag!

Floral Long Sleeve Dress and Snake-skin Sandals


This floral, lace dress with these snake-skin sandals are prefect together! By matching the colors in the prints, this look isn't so hard to pull off. Complete it with a black, fedora and a mixed metal ring set. I added the Jade stone earrings in blush for extra sweetness!

Tell me about your adventures with mixing prints! Until next time ;)
~~ReneA P.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Polyvore's Daily Find: River Island Biker Jacket


The Daily Find: River Island Leather Biker Jacket


Polyvore always post what's stylish and what's trendy! Get inspired for the spring season by The Daily Find: River Island Leather Biker Jacket in light pink!

Lose and Warm



With nice warm weather outside, the wind can sometimes be a little chilly during certain times of the day. Pair a faux leather jacket with a pair of skinny jeans and a loose, fringe cropped top and sandals.

Keeping it Neutral

 
 
 
A cropped, faux leather jacket paired with a pair of shorts and sleeveless top is perfect for the warm weather. Complete the look with neutral flats and a gold chain necklace!

Long and Strappy

 


Looking for a chic party look, or something to wear for class? Pair a faux leather jacket with a long, loose maxi dress. You can wear sandals during the day and opt for strappy wedges during the night. Carry your belongings in an adorable quilted, crossbody bag!

That's all for now, loves!
~~ReneA P.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Teen Wolf Fashion Tribute to Allison Argent

Last Monday night's episode of Teen Wolf had me crying my pretty little eyes out! I wasn't expecting for Allison to be the fallen hero of this season! I had many hunches--from Derek, Deaton, the Twins, and Isaac--but I hadn't expected for Allison to be the one to leave the pact.

That episode left me in a depressed mood for a while. As I watch the episodes from season one to now, I realize that Allison sure has grown over these pass three/four years. And unlike many other female leads in other movies and films, Allison was not seen as simply "Scott's girlfriend." She was a sensational hunter, an exceptional leader, and a caring friend. Allison was just Allison, and I'm glad that Jeff Davis and his team of experts created an inspirational leader!

Allison showed us that even though life will get so damn hard and complicated, you have to be strong. She always had a brave face, even though she was freaking out. But like many of us, she confined her troubles with her closest friends while still being there for them as well. Allison wasn't a girly-girl, and she was pretty bad-ass with a crossbow and daggers! In the end, Allison was an all-around inspiration woman!

Season I

In season one, Allison made it clear that she wasn't a girly-girl. She was tough, determined, and simply in love with Scott. What I liked most about Allison was she was relatable to teens in love. However, her personality shifted after learning about werewolves due to Kate's "hints." This outfit is from Pilot episode. Get the look when you pair a long sleeve purple shirt with a pair of gray jeans and a jean jacket. Finish the look with combat boots and a long, green scarf.

Season II


Season two was a pretty meh season for me. It didn't have as much excitement that I wanted. But I loved Boyd, Erika, Isaac, and Allison's new found attitude toward revenge on Derek (of course stabbing Isaac multiple times and nearing killing Boyd was pretty scary! But not as scary as her mother!!) Allison's style is pretty much the same throughout this season as well: simple and trendy. Pair a Dreamcatcher tee with a pair of suede shorts and a coat with faux fur lining. To me, Allison was a boots and flat shoes type of girl (I guess because she was pretty tall) so finish the look off with a pair of black boots and a duffel bag.

Season 3A

After their summer break, Allison sure got a new look for season 3A. What I noticed was her new highlights and blow out. She was definitely maturing this season (of course, I missed Scallison!) For her look in episode 2, "Chaos Rising," she dawned a mixed-plaid top. So I found one similar to the one she's wearing and paired it with a black skater skirt, heeled booties (of course), and a metal cuff to resemble the bruise on her arm (the Beacon Hills First National Bank logo).

Season 3B

Despite her losing her mind, Allison was still tough and edgy during 3B! She never failed with that cross-bow of hers, plus she had the chance to use a Japanese Samurai sword! We revisit the classic jean jacket and paired it with a striped top, green skater skirt (did I mention Allison didn't shy from color throughout season 3?), and ankle boots with metal detailing (perfect for kicking ass!!) And a bow and arrow pendant necklace completes the look as well as resemble Allison making her silver-tipped bows in the past episode.

 Well loves, here's to Allison: the Leader! She will be missed! And get ready for tonight cause it's #Moonday!! Peace!
~~ReneA P.


Friday, February 14, 2014

Black History Fashion: Zelda Wynn Valdes

Playboy Bunny Costume Designer

Happy Valentine's Day Loves! I hope you are spreading love and cheer to friends, family, your significant other, or all the above! This week for Black History, I talked about former model turned agent Ophelia DeVore. To continue on about African American agents and designers, this post is dedicated to fashion designer and costumer Zelda Wynn Valdes!
Photo Credit
Zelda Wynn Valdes (or Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes) was born on June 28 in 1905 in Pennsylvania. During the late forties, Wynn's sexy, hip-hugging gowns were worn by many famous celebrities such as Dorothy Dandridge, Josephine Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, and Gladys Knight. She also designed for major figures like Mae West and Marlene Dietrich. Because of Zelda's influence, actress/singer, Joyce Bryant had adapted to wearing skin-tight gowns, causing her career to take off in the 50's
Photo Credit|| Dorothy Dandridge
Photo Credit|| Joyce Bryant

In 1948, Wynn opened her own boutique in Manhattan (now Washington Heights on Broadway and West 158th Street). Her boutique, "Chez Zelda," made her the first African American to own a store on the streets of New York City. In 1949, Wynn became the president of the New York chapter of the National Association of Fashion and Accessory Designers (NAFAD), which was an organization of black designers founded by Mary McLeod Bethune.

Wynn had also designed the costumes for Arthur Mitchell's Dance Theatre of Harlem in 1970, and around the 1960's, she designed the iconic Playboy Bunny costumes.
Photo Credit|| Hugh Hefner and his Playboy Bunnies on the cover of LIFE
Photo Credit|| Zelda Wynn worked with the Dance Theatre of Harlem for nearly thirty years, becoming the company's Matriarch.
Wynn had stayed with the dance company until 2001, the year she died at the age of 96. Her designs and influence showed that women shouldn't hide their figures, but embrace them!

Embrace Your Curves


Embrace Your Curves
Photo Credit|| Bustier, Maxi Skirt, Booties, Clutch, Multichain Necklace
Plunging necklines; hip hugging fabric; all the essentials a woman needed! Get the iconic look when you pair a plunging neckline bustier with a wrapped maxi skirt. Complete the look with ankle booties and a stylish clutch. Now, with so much bare neck, don't be afraid to accessorize. Try a multichain necklace that resembles the halter straps on Joyce's gown.

Little Cottontail


Given Halloween was four months ago, dressing up as a Playboy Bunny would be a little ridiculous at the moment. However, who said you can't still channel that look for the up coming spring season (or "Rabbit Season!") So, get the look by pair a bustier with high waist shorts. Bunny stockings are adorable when paired with gold flats. And though it may seem warm, keep covered up with a leather jacket.

That's all for now, loves! Happy V-Day!
~~ReneA P.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Black History Fashion: Ophelia DeVore

First African American Model who established on of the first Modeling Agency in America

Had a great weekend, loves? This week continuing on my Black History lessons, I will talk about African American designers and agents that helped pave the way for African American models. Our first agent is Ophelia DeVore!

Photo Credit
Ophelia DeVore was born on August 12 of 1922 in Edgefiled, South Carolina. She was one of ten children born to John Walter DeVore and Mary Emma Strother. She has German American and African American descent from her father side while her mother was a Black Indian (people of African American and Native American descent). Growing up, Ophelia's father taught her to communicate efficiently with people and her mother stressed the importance of proper education, appearance, and etiquette.

Ophelia began modelling at the age of 16 in 1938. Given she had a light skin-color, she passed for Norwegian, thus attaining many contracts throughout  Europe. Determined to create a market for non-white women in the US, DeVore established The Grace Del Marco Agency in 1946. Many household names, such as Helen Williams, Richard Roundtree, Diahann Carroll, and Cicely Tyson, began their careers at Grace Del Marco. Because of racism in the fashion business, the agency was more like a safe haven for non-white models.
Photo Credit|| Grace Del Marco Models
Many of the shows that the Grace Del Marco would hold took place in churches, on college campuses, and in ballrooms of the Diplomat and Waldorf-Astoria hotels. Much of DeVore's breakthrough and success took place in Europe, especially in the French fashion world (they were quite fascinated with black beauties!)

Ophelia was a hard worker. She was wanted to maintain her role as an activist for non-whites in the fashion world. She hosted for ABC's Spotlight on Harlem around the 1960's as a way to bring media into her fight for equality. Some of her other activist work was The Ophelia DeVore School of Charm was a school that educated young African women on etiquette, poise, posture, grooming, speech, ballet, and many other aspects that a woman should know. Faith Evans is one of the many notable graduates.

In 2004, Ophelia DeVore was honored by FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) and the Fashion Arts Xchange, Inc. for her contributions to fashion and entertainment. She is currently the CEO and publisher of The Columbus Times Newspaper.

Poise and Elegance


Before she established her agency, Ophelia worked as a model, predominately with Ebony magazine. She was graceful, poised, elegant, and all around determined to make a change. An iconic look from the 1930's was the bathing suit, which was composed of either a one piece short jumpsuit or a cropped top and a highwaisted short or skort. Resemble this look when you pair a cropped top with a highwaist, skater skirt. I choose the color burgundy because berry colors are my favorite, and purple sometimes mean royal. Perfect for an elegant doll! Complete the look with simple, ankle strap heels and fun accessories, like this Pucker Up necklace by NastyGal and these adorable drop earrings!

Beauty Inspired

 
Beauty Inspired - Ophelia DeVore

Part of Ophelia's Charm School was to teach women how to apply makeup properly and to style their hair. Get a clean, fresh look when you dust your cheeks in powder foundation, lightly coat your lids with a shimmering gold, and curl your lashes with mascara. Don't forget to apply hair mousse for a elegant curls, and brush your hair with a wide brush to add a little more emphasis.

Until tomorrow, loves! Ciao!
~~ReneA P.

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Black History Fashion: Fave Model ATM

This week I featured models that paved the way for African American models. As we come to an end of week one, my final post will be of someone I admire at the moment. For this week, my favorite model is Sessilee Lopez! Her career started in 2004 when she signed with IMG Models. She's currently signed with Major Model Management Worldwide. Standing at 5'10", she has walked for many designers, such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Lanvin, Shiatzy Chen, Karl Lagerfeld, etc. She appeared in campaigns for H&M, DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger, GAP, Levi's, and many more! She's appeared in many international editorials like French Elle, Japanesse Vogue, Allure, Spanish Harper's Bazaar...the list just goes on and on!

Zac Posen Spring/Summer 2014 Ready-To-Wear
 


That's all for now, loves! Until next week!
~~ReneA P.

Friday, February 7, 2014

Black History Fashion: Donyale Luna

First African American Model featured on British Vogue

Our next fashion icon was a famous model and actress to be the first African American model featured on the cover of Vogue. However, like many victims during the 60's, fame and success involved drug use.

Donyale Luna was born on August 31, 1945 in Detroit, Michigan. Her real name was Peggy Ann Freeman, though she had insisted that her biological father's surname was Luna. Donyale's mother was of Indigenous Mexican and Afro-Egyptian lineage, and whether or not it's true, Donyale claimed that her grandmother was an Irish actress who married a black interior decorator.

Growing up, she was a kooky child with a wild personality. While attending Cass Technical High School during her teen years, she studied journalism and was part of the school choir. She began to refer herself as Donyale during this time as well.
Photo Credit
Donyale was discovered by David McCabe, a British Fashion Photographer, who convinced her to pursue a modeling career in New York. She started off big, appearing on the cover of Harper's Bazaar in 1965. She then moved to London around the same time and appeared on the cover of British Vogue in March of 1966. Her career was taking off, especially considering the Civil Rights Act in 1964 was passed, giving more and more black models an opportunity.

Photo Credit|| The sketch used for the 1965 Harper's Bazaar cover


Photo Credit|| Donyale's Vogue shot
Donyale worked as an actress for a few of Andy Warhol's underground films, and was also seen as a benefactor of African American actrors. She had relationships with a few actors and photographers, including German actor, Klaus Kinski, and her widowed husband, Italian photographer Luigi Cazzaniga.

Featured in a New York Times profile, Donyale confessed for using drugs, such as LSD, stating that she enjoyed it. Her overuse of narcostics soon lead to her her downfall. In May 17, 1979, Donyale, age 32, died from an overdose of heroin while at a friend's house in Rome. Her early death left her husband with their 18 month old daughter, Dream, who for many years did not know anything about her mother.
Photo Credit|| Donyale with her husband, Luigi Cazzaniga

Sunny Days


Though Donyale may have passed away early in her life, she was still considered one kooky girl! She had an eccentric personality that could either brighten someone's day or wonder what the heck was wrong with her! In the 60's, fashion was all about prints and short dresses. Get this wild look when you pair a sleeveless mosaic shift dress with sandals. Complete the look with geometric drop earrings, "groovy" textured sunglasses, and a plain tote to match.

Beauty Inspired


Donyale claimed she had Afro-Egyptian linage, and like Egyptian makeup, the eyes are always dramatic. Use liquid liner to outline your lids, and use the pencil to color in any missed spots. For the nails, stick with something natural, yet bold, like white or pale.

Until next time loves!
~~ReneA P.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

What's in the Bag: The Purse that Fits your Personality and Lifestyle

Recently, my good friend commented on my large tote, asking what exactly I had in it! She normally carries around a keychain with a tiny wallet, her keys, and her school ID, saying she would have no idea what to put in a purse I carry. So for this article, I'm analyzing what type of girl will carry around a certain bag. If the description fits you, here are a few fashion ideas!

1. A Victoria's Secret Tote Bag


According to my friend, Keller, a girl carrying this Victoria's Secret tote bag is "comfy, casual, chic, and someone who doesn't give a damn!" This bag is something you would carry to class, to the gym, or grocery shopping. Pair this gorge bag with a pair of leggings with leather sides, an oversize sweater, and sneaker wedges for an easy-edgy look. An outfit is never complete without accessories, so pair up a chain-wrap watch with a sideways cross necklace (bigger the better!) And even if you're running late, your hair should never be a mess, unless it's a chic messy ponytail! Sassy!

 2. Geo Print Wristlet

A girl who carries around a Geo Print Wristlet is a girl who's so chic and always hanging out with her buds. My best friend, Tanner, carries around a wristlet every time we hang out. She typical has a preppy chic look, composed of blazers, flat shoes, and simple patterns. Pair this wristlet with a pair of boyfriend jeans, tank, and contrast blazer. Boyfriend jeans always look great with pumps! But instead of platforms, try a pointy-toe. Finish the look off with a gold, bow necklace, and pyramid stud earrings.

3. Quilted Clutch

 
Clutches are a great way to go out and look gorgeous without leaving something at home (like your phone, lip gloss, keys). And a quilted bag is just perfect for a night out on the town! Pair it up with a sleek, halter dress and sandals. For those chilly nights, try a cobalt blazer. Complete the look with a high ponytail that will show off a great pair of gold hoops!

4. Call it Spring Buckbee Backpack


A girl carrying a backpack is typically heading off to school or out to a small gathering on the quad. Her style is simple, yet chic and trendy. Pair colored skinny jeans with a button-down blouse and classic TOMS. complete the look with a pair  of trendy Wayfarers and an owl pendant necklace (the wises animal of them all!)

So, what's in your bag, loves? Until next time!
~~ReneA P.