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!

Photo Credit

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

Photo Credit|| Top, Jeans, Jacket, Scarf, Boots

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

Photo Credit|| Top, Shorts, Boots, Coat, Tights, Duffel Bag

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

Photo Credit|| Blouse, Skirt, Booties, Cuff

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

Photo Credit|| Jacket, Top, Skirt, Boots, Tights, Necklace

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.

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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!

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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

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

Photo Credit|| Bustier, Shorts, Stockings, Flats, Jacket

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.

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!


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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

Photo Credit|| Cropped top, Skater Skirt, Ankle Strap Heels, Earrings, Lip Necklace

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

 

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.