June 27, 2012

Basic.


What's more basic than a white beater and a pair of jeans? 


 Nothing.

 While I like to consider myself a "girly-girl," I'm not afraid to strip myself down to the bare minimum and on this day, that is exactly what I did.


 A simple t-shirt, cuffed denim "conductor stripped" capris, a red belt, gold bracelets and a glittery Steve Madden wedges-- basic enough right?

It's a little ironic that I opted for such a basic look today, as I was recently awarded the Kreativ Blogger Award by Channing from the fabulous blog site, Channing in the City.



As a Kreative Blogger award recipient, I have to share seven unique facts about myself, and I also have to nominate seven other bloggers. So...here goes.

1. I eat atleast one bag of Haribo Gold gummy bears, every week. They are so delicious!

2. I watch ABC's The View everyday. If I can't catch it at 11 a.m. when it first comes on, I watch it on DVR or on my computer. I guess this make me an old lady.

3. I don't use syrup on my pancakes-- it's nasty. 

4. I was a competitive dancer for four years of my life and in high school I co-captained my Varsity cheerleading squad. These are big feasts, considering neither of my parents can dance nor are they very coordinated. 

5. I want to be the next Oprah/Barbra Walters/Anna Wintour --- in other words I want to be rich, iconic, a great journalist and incredibly stlyish!

6.  Instagram is my newest obsession--come follow me! (sophistikated92)

7. "A girl should be two things: classy and fabuolous" -- these famous words of Coco Chanel are the words I live by, hence them being situated at the top of my blog! 

8. I thrive on chaos and work best under pressure. 

9.  If I could trade places with someone for a day, it would be Beyonce! Chick is bad. 

10.  I wore braces for five years....five LONG years. But in the end, I guess it was worth it.

Now, without further ado my seven nominees:



Tank: Forever21- $4.99
Pants: Old Navy- $7.49
Belt: Goodwill- $1.50
Wedges: Steve Madden- $69.99

Now that you know my definition of a basic outfit...what's yours?

June 21, 2012

Harlem Renaissancing

My last day in New York City was without a doubt, my best day in New York City. I ventured to Harlem and absolutely loved it. 


Last semester I had the pleasure of taking an African American Lit class and a big topic of discussion in the class was the Harlem Renaissance. I read the works of Nella Larsen, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and many many more. In particular I really enjoyed Larsen's novel Quicksand, about the fictional character of Helga Crane. Helga is mixed (her mother is Danish, her father black), living in the midst of segregation, and as a result having a hard time figuring out where she fits in. During a period of discovery, Helga moves to Harlem where she makes some major life altering decisions. While my time in Harlem wasn't life altering, it most certainly was fun.



It was incredibly lively, full of personality and everywhere I turned there were extremely well dressed people! 
I soaked up the environment, did a little (okay, a lot) of shopping and stopped by Sylvia's for some yummy soul food.

Sylvia's in the background

Fried chicken, ribs, mac & cheese, collard greens























For my day, I dressed brightly in yellow polyester pants, an orange tube top, gold elephant necklace, my new sunnies, and red lipstick.

Shirt: Macy's - $9.99
Pants: Forever21- $14.50
Shades: Necessary Clothing: $4.99
Shoes: T.J.Maxx- $24.99
Necklace: Wet Seal - old 
Did I manage to pull off all these colors, or did I look like a lost bag of skittles...your thoughts?

Linking up with: A Little Bit of Lacquer

June 19, 2012

From Day to Night


Saturday night, was the night I have been looking forward to practically all Summer. It was the night of the Plitz Swimwear Passion for Fashion Designer Showcase.This being my first time attending a Fashion Show, I wasn't sure what to wear--especially since I was attending as press. 




My goal for the night was understated chic, sophisticated without trying too hard.What better way to achieve this look than by wearing pajama pants?  Okay, so maybe not real pajama pants but silk printed pants that resemble sleepwear and just so happen to be one of the biggest trends of the season. 

Pajama Chic
A trend that has been seen of Rihanna, Beyonce, Jessica Alba and as of June 16th, 2012-- me!

Shirt: Forever21- $4.99
Pants: Thrifted- $4.99
Heels: Journeys- $24.99 (Sale)





















In transitioning this outfit from day to night, I simply switched out my flats for nude platform sandals.

I was able to breathe a sigh of relief once at the fashion show, because my outfit seemed to be just right.


I had a blast seeing the various designs come down the runway and was especially blown away by Chanra Maharaj's Zambi line. Above I am pictured with one of her models and my bestfriend who also walked in the show. 

Chandra Maharaj Design

Chandra Maharaj Design 
Chandra and her models 
I was also really thrilled that after interviewing her in the weeks leading up to the show I had the opportunity to finally meet Chandra in person. We took a picture, but there were so many cameras flashing everywhere that I'm looking in a completely different direction...oh well!

Chandra Maharaj and I
So, what's your take on the new pajama trend-- is it super stylish or should it be reserved for lounging around the house only?


I'm a Barbie Girl

As a little girl, there was nothing I liked more than playing with my Barbies--more specifically playing dress up with my Barbies. Every time I would go to Wal-Mart or any other store that sold Barbie dolls you could rest assured I was coming out with at least one new Barbie Doll or an outfit for my Barbies. At 20 years old, I no longer play with Barbies but that doesn't mean they don't still hold a special place in my heart! 



That said, imagine my excitement when as walking along Fashion Avenue in NYC this past weekend, I stumbled across a Barbie themed display at the famed, Fashion Institute of Technology! As if it was fate, I also happened to be dressed in a Barbie pink blazer that matched perfectly with the display!



Blazer: Thrifted - $5.00
Sequin Top: Express - $40.00
Shorts: Charlotte Russe- $5.00
Sandals: Ivy & Leo- $19.99
Bag: Thrifted- $5.00
Because I had such an early morning flight to New York, I wanted to wear something that was comfortable and would keep me warm on the flight, but still stylish enough for the city. I decided on denim shorts, my sparkly white top and hot pink thrifted blazer. 


Aside from sightseeing, I also did a little shopping. 




This bag I picked up while thrifting also!

Can't wait to share the rest of the pics from my weekend in New York! 

June 13, 2012

Designer Spotlight: Chandra Maharaj


Miami based Designer, Chandra Maharaj
Miami– it is in this southern Florida metropolis that the Kardashian sisters left their mark opening up a second DASH boutique. More recently, it is where Ohio native and 2012 NBA Most Valuable Player, LeBron James has reigned supreme. Housing a slew of other notable people including Lil’ Wayne, Rick Ross and in 2010 Snooki and the rest of the Jersey Shore crew, it is also the city that 29 year old designer, Chandra Maharaj now calls home.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, Maharaj books a flight back to Brazil every year to design and produce her collections. On a daily basis she is influenced by her South American roots, an influence that is understandably reflected in her luscious swimsuit designs. On June 16, 2012 Maharaj will be displaying her newest line of swimwear, “ZAMBI” at the Plitz Swimwear Passion for Fashion “Designer Showcase” at the Warwick Hotel in New York City. 

Chandra Maharaj Swimwear
Maharaj describes her “ZAMBI” collection as a “melting pot” of inspirations from Trinidad, Brazil, and Africa. Of course, I will be in the front row of the show to provide you all with a runway review of the new collection, but until then checkout my exclusive interview with Chandra to learn more about the South American beauty and her inner “goddess exposing” designs!
So Sophisticated1992: As a designer, what (or who) inspires you?
Chandra Maharaj: I am very much in love with life, I have always been. Cultures, countries, foods, beliefs, spirituality, nature,legends, tribes, animals, fairytales, people, love, etc. fascinate me. All of these things contribute daily as a source of inspiration to the person that I am, but for my past two collections, I have focused on the intricate beauty found in two countries that I hold very close to my heart [Brazil and Africa].The female warriors of the Amazon in Brazil—their beauty, power and purpose inspired my first collection. Africa, and to be more specific the spiritual connection between nature and the African Gods was my ultimate inspiration for my second collection, “ZAMBI.”


So Sophisticated1992: Your sister is also a designer with her own collection in the works; is it safe to say that the designer's eye is something that runs in your family?
Chandra Maharaj: LOL!!! My real sister, Mila Maharaj, is actually a creative monster! She does everything from web designing, to any type of graphic work, she sews and designs bags and jewelry. However, her main focus is as a make up artist.  The sister I believe you are talking about is a great friend of mine that I have spiritually adopted as my little sister, her name is Anais Samarjian and she is soon to debut her first Anais Alicia Collection! Her pieces are amazing and I am super excited for her launch. But to answer your question, [yes] it is safe to say that a designer’s eye does run in the family, as we are all of creative blood, and in some way or another contribute to Chandra Maharaj Swimwear. I design, my dad makes patterns, my mom cuts and my aunt sews.


Chandra Maharaj Swimwear



So Sophisticated1992: What is your vision for Chandra Maharaj Swimwear?
Chandra Maharaj:  My vision for Chandra Maharaj Swimwear is GRAND. I want my brand to be internationally recognizedloved and sought after. My goal is design for women of different shapes, sizes, colors, and whatever personal preferences they may have. [This] is why, I also offer a custom design service that focuses on the special need of my client.  With time, I would also love to branch out into designing ready to wear as well for my formal wear.

So Sophisticated1992: As a swimsuit designer, what would you say was the ultimate swimsuit moment (i.e. Pamela Anderson onBaywatch, Kate Upton on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition,etc.)?
Chandra Maharaj: :Great Question! I would have to say Pamela Anderson on Baywatch, because now that I think about it, as far as swimwear is concerned—I definitely fantasied about all the ways I could make her one piece better, different cuts, fits, colors, etc. So for me, on a personal level, it was an ultimate swimsuit moment because it fed into my need to design my own swimwear.

Chandra Maharaj Swimwear


So Sophisticated1992: Who in Hollywood would you love to see cast as the Face of Chandra Maharaj Swimwear?
Chandra Maharaj: Obviously I would love to have all celebrities in my pieces. But ideally, when the time comes for that opportunity, I would love to have a fresh face, an up and coming beauty I should say. That way, we can both grow together in our careers!

To stay connected with ChandraMaharaj or to purchase Chandra Maharaj swimwear visit her website, http://www.chandramaharajswimwear.com/and look for her on twitter @ChandraMaharaj.

Also be sure to keep visiting So Sophisticated.1992 for more designerspotlights, giveaways and official coverage of the Plitz Swimwear Passion forFashion Showcase! 

June 11, 2012

Circus


According to Britney (Spears that is), there are only two types of people in the world-- 

           those that entertain
                                                                                    &
                                                                         those that observe.


I'm not quite sure that I agree with Brit-Brat and that statement, but yesterday as I took these pictures I channeled my inner entertainer,  acting as a "put on a show type of girl." 


I took a trip to the small city of Lumberton, North Carolina to visit my grandmother for her birthday, and lets just say my midriff bearing, cookout attire had heads turning. In a country town full of old people, what more can you expect though?


Even as I took these pictures, downtown at the local Children's Museum, I could feel the eyes of the little oldies taking a Sunday drive watching me curiously. To be fair, I guess it's not that often they have small scale photo shoots taking place in the middle of downtown. 


Shirt: Forever21-$24.99
Shorts: DKNY Jeans (Goodwill)  transformed into DIY Cutoffs - $5.00
Belt: Goodwill- $1.50
Shoes: Converse- $39.99 (Sale)

So, what do you think of my circus attire? 

Linking up with: A Little Bit of Laquer 

June 5, 2012

Put a Little Pep in Your Step


Since I've been home for Summer vacation, all I've done has been eat, sleep, and blwatch.
Blwatch-  a blogger's version of twatching/ Facebook stalking
Today I decided to hop out of my pajamas and put a little pep in my step...literally. 

Peplum has been one of the biggest trends to reemerge this season. With every star from Kim Kardashian to Emma Stone embracing the look, I thought it was only right that I try my hand at in a kakhi and black striped peplum shirt. You can also get inspired to play with peplum in my latest article for Cocokouture


This outfit seemed to me the ultimate combination of prissy meets casual, perfect for a girl on the go! 
Besides actually putting on decent clothes, I was also really excited about my new Gianni Bini shades that I lucked up on for....$1.58! 

Photo Credit
For months now I have admired Beyonce's round Linda Farrow for the Row shades. Thanks to a little serendipity I ran across this more budget friendly pair. Normally, I'm not a fan of Beyonce's off stage fashions, but these shades...oh buddy!


Acessories were lite. A ring that belongs to my mother, black bracelet from Forever21 and necklace I got on sale at Charlotte Russe a couple of years ago. 

Shirt: Marshalls- $14.99
Capris: New York & Company (old) - $10.00
Sandals: Rugged Wearhouse- $12.99
Bag: Jessica Simpson- $98.00
Shades: Gianni Bini- $1.58
Necklace: Charlotte Russe- $5.00

All in all I liked my look, but whats your opinion. Was it a hit, or should 
 I have saved my $1.58 for the dollar menu? 


Also, don't forget to continue submitting entries for the crowning of the first ever Miss So Sophisticated! The deadline is 6/21/ 12. 

June 4, 2012

The Start of Something New: Miss So Sophisticated

Inspiration can be found in many places, and you can never be quite sure of when. Tonight I found myself inspired while watching the 2012 Miss USA Competition. While I absolutely LOVED Miss Texas' blue and nude gown, this inspiration was not outfit related. Instead, I was inspired  to begin a new tradition. That new tradition being the crowning of a Miss So Sophisticated.

mss


Once a month, one lucky bloggette will be crowned the title of "Miss So Sophisticated" and be featured in an interview here on So Sophisticated. 1992! The words I live by being those of the magnificent Coco Chanel, "A girl should be two things: classy & fabulous," Miss So Sophisticated should embody both of these qualities, not to mention have a fierce style!  

So you ask, what do you have to do to be nominated Miss So Sophisticated? Really, it's simple. 

1st- Leave a comment below telling me which of the 3 gowns featured in this post from the 2012 Miss USA Competition you like the best.
2nd-  Submit a link to the blog you want to nominate, indicating if it is your blog or not with your comment below! 

Dress 1-- Miss Texas
Dress 2-- Miss Nevada


Dress 3-- Miss Oklahoma


Alright everyone, Good Luck! 

June 1, 2012

Sunny Delight


There's nothing I like more than stepping out into the morning sun and letting the rays of light bring warmth to my skin. Not typically what one would assign as a summer outfit, I put together this bright combination on a whim. 


I've noticed this (new?) trend of tucking one side of the shirt in and leaving the other un-tucked. Because this shirt falls at such an awkward length, I decided to give the trend a whirl. My mother was not a fan but I liked the quirkiness of it. 


I also loved the richness of the orange hue against my skin. My necklace also warmed the outfit up some as well. 


So, what's your take on this half in, half out shirt tail trend...is it chic or just plain old wacky?

Shirt: H&M - $24.99
Shorts: Charlotte Russe - $5.00
Shoes: Ivy & Leo- $19.99
Necklace: Rue21- $2.00

Also be sure to check out my latest Cocokouture article, offering advice on how to make your legs appear longer this summer!