Isabel Marant for H&M?

I havent been this excited for an H&M collaboration since Lanvin's collection in 2010, (check out that blog post here). The exquisite french designer, Isabel Marant has decided to bring her brand to H&M for an unforgettable collection dropping this winter, November 14th to be exact. Her collection brings the trendiest of trends such as her oversized box coats, menswear inspired blazers, tapered sweat pants, bulky bohemian sweaters, disco party dresses, and elegant accessory pieces. Lucky for you, I was able to snag a few exclusive pictures of this admirable collaboration, check it out.

New York State of Mind (Life Post)

Well, so far my experience in the city has been "Real". Real in the sense that life is expensive.  I also came to the realization that I am a Real adult now, with Real Adult bills, without a Real adult salary. Fortunately, I was able to land a really cool job in SOHO, NY. I am currently working as a sales associate for American Apparel (AA). AA is pretty awesome, my coworkers are outgoing and very social like myself, which is a plus!

Living in New York I sometimes feel out of place. Ive been doubting myself and my talents lately. New York City is a somewhat like night and day compared to North Carolina. North Carolina was satisfying, I was able to accomplish everything I would set my mind to. I knew everyone, I was able to build a strong following base and a good foundation for my brand.

Here, I feel as if I know no one. I basically have to build an entire new life for myself, sort of like starting from the bottom. My first week I was motivated by everything; I was able to move into my new Brooklyn apartment, I landed a really cool job, and I even got acquainted with my neighborhood. But, I have been living here for a month now and I already feel as if I have become complacent. I'm scared I might lose my drive, my passion, and my purpose. I kind of feel incomplete, I need motivation. There are million and one ideas that run through my brain on a daily basis.

Opportunities haven't been handed to me, so I have to create them.

An Education

An Education 

Have you met Ms. Imani Shanklin-Roberts?

Imani is a vibrant soul whose oil paintings tells a story of the African American culture. Committed to perfecting her craft since her younger years, Imani would mimic her fathers paintings to her best abilities. "I’ve been in art classes since I can remember, from taking classes at the Corcoran in DC to the Torpedo Factory in Virginia my parents have always steered me toward developing my skill and exposure to the arts," she says. When asked about her specific painting techniques, "I typically paint figural compositions and really prefer oil paint over acrylic. Oil paint is just so much juicier to me and really gives life to the human figure," she exclaims. Imani also admitted to not following a particular order or technique. "I just paint and allow things to happen as I move along," she adds.  

I was pleased to know that she would acquire her inspiration from me, well not me in particular but almost. She receives her true inspiration from people of color, "our aesthetics, our dynamism, our struggle, our triumph, and our created culture. I paint black women usually and really try to capture their essence holistically. How they are luminous and beautiful effortlessly. That’s what I found needed to be captured and artistically appreciated. That’s my prime inspiration," she states. 

Staying true to her DC roots, Imani chooses to capture the DC brand of women as she tries to distinguish herself within the industry. "I don’t know if I’m trying to be original or innovative I just create work that is true to what I believe in and that reflects my particular aesthetic," she says.

When asked to describe the story behind her upcoming artshow "An Education" Saturday July 13, 2013, this was her response, "The work in this upcoming show really lionizes themes that I’ve explored in my past shows. It captures the essences of the black women in newer compositions and even new mediums. I’ve named the show “An Education” because the work is inspired by artists that I have came to appreciate over my years at being at Pratt. The show is also notable because it really captures where I am in my life in terms of my art career. I feel like I know what my visual language is and I feel a lot more confident in my work. My goals as an artist are just to remain limitless." (You can view my 2010 post titled "New York City" for exclusive info about my visit to Pratt).

To learn more about Imani Shanklin- Roberts please visit: 

www.imanisr.com
ishanklinroberts@yahoo.com

Instagram: @imanipurpose

Twitter: @sr_imani

Facebook: Imani Shanklin Roberts Art Gallery 

Destination Graduation

So I finally completed my last year of college, and I feel spectacular! The feeling is actually indescribable. I am currently in the process of creating my own online boutique. I am extremely excited about this. Sadly, I didn't apply for graduate school nor did I search for any job opportunities related to my degree.

I am looking forward to starting my own business. I believe this is my chance to break into the fashion industry (creating my own opportunities). The boutique will consist of fun inexpensive, trendy, girly must haves.

The idea came to me during my last 2 weeks of school. As I was packing up my dorm room and cleaning out my closet I noticed something; I realized I had a tone of clothes that I hardly ever wore. I quickly  separated my clothes in 2 piles: the clothes that I wore all the time, from  the clothes that I hardly ever wore. Then it clicked, my entrepreneur voice spoke to me. I then found myself hanging up all of my unwanted pieces on a styling rack and placing them in the living room. I stuck a for sale sign on the rack and just like that I was open for business.

Yes, I was selling my gently used clothing in the living room of my dorm! I took photos of my items and posted them on social media sites with captions screaming, "everything must go" and hashtags including #igraduateinmay, #shopprettypennycloset. I couldn't believe the fast cash I was actually making. I wont go into detail about how much I made but know I mad enough to encourage me to start my own online boutique. 

I havent goten this personal in a while may be its because I haven't blogged in a while... 

This summer I am to starting my online boutique Pretty Penny Closet, traveling to Miami, LA, NYC, and Atlanta, to hopefully begin my career in fashion.

My post aren't only written to brag about myself and my accomplishments lol, but they're written to encourage my readers that anything is possible. I share my success stories because I believe that if I can achieve it, so can everyone else.  

Look Mama I Made It!!!

The Rise of a Local North Carolina Brand

LifE KiT Lifestyle Co. head quartered in Durham, NC is a brand that originated from humble beginnings. First introduced as a handmade accessories line, LifE KiT has now taken over the apparel industry, designing classic “stay humble” unisex tee’s, sweatshirts, and head apparel.

As an initiative to raise $20,000 within 50 days LifE KiT has launched a Kickstarter platform. “Kickstarter is Awesome,” says each of the founders, “and honestly we feel it’s a great way for our current supporters to support us in getting to the next level and a cool way to reach a more diverse customer base.

I have always been a fan of fashion and young entrepreneurship and these guys have definitely won me over with their unique hustle and grind schemes. They believe in true possibilities upon the brands core values and classic style.

So, support LifE KiT now on Kickstater,

To learn more about LifE KiT, please visit:
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Spring 2013 Checklist

Spring is slowly approaching and with spring break around the corner, I figured it would be necessary   to create a Spring 2013 checklist.

Winter was once my favorite season, but the trends seamed rather basic this year. I am looking forward to trading in my rubber rain boots for patent leather strappy sandals, my collegiate pull overs for boxed shaped cropped tops, and my oversized tote bags for small leather satchels instead.

According to Glamour Fashion, Spring 2013 Most Wearable Fashion Trends are...

1. Bermuda Shorts

- It seems as if this trend has found its way back in style.

LIGHTWEIGHT BERMUDA SHORT

$49.50

2. Black & White

-You could never go wrong paring these two together, its simple, classy, and chic.

PARALLEL LINES DRESS

$30.00

3. Peekaboo Pieces

-Show just enough skin in all of the right places.

CROP TOP MINI BODYCON DRESS

Price: $52.00

4. Statement Glasses

 -of course, a spring look isn't complete without a dope pair of frames.

American Apparel Frames 

Prices Range from $50-$200

  5. Beautiful Beading 

-Im so into this ethnic look, its unique and different.

Nigerian-born designer Duro Olowu JC Penny 

Available in March prices range from $10-100 

6. Sporty Dresses

-You can never go wrong with a sexy/preppy look.    

LIGHT CURVE DRESS - TANLINE

$165.00 

7. Flats and low flat heels 

-I absolutely adore the pointed toe low heel, its comfortable and cute!

 

Women's Prabal Gurung for Target® Pointy-Toe Pump - Assorted Colors

$39.99