Land of the Snakes

Blouse: Old Navy / Pants: Jones New York / Pumps: Rainbow / Shades: House of Harlow / Wallet: Zac by Zac Posen 

Labor Day has come and gone but I still have no problem rocking white, especially these fantastic winter white Jones New York pants.What I love about these pants, besides their color is that they are fitted without being too tight. Nothing is cute or classy about skin tight slacks! I've talked plenty before about the frustrations of being a pear shape, among them finding pants that fit your smaller waistline and larger hips. These pants do just that for me! 

For a business chic look I paired with these slacks a sheer snakeskin blouse from Old Navy with pumps I found on clearance at Rainbow. My MAC Lipstick in Hangup and over-sized shades really polished the look off. 

From Pinterest to Reality

As much as I would like to take credit for this grey and nude number, I have to admit that inspiration for this look came from a picture of Kim Kardashian that I pinned to my Pinterest board, "My  Style" several months ago. 

This was one of Kim's first public looks, post the birth of North West and I unabashedly loved everything about it. So much so that I just had to recreate it myself. 

Dress: MOSSIQUE, Shoes: Rainbow/ Purse: Zac by Zac Posen, / Necklace: c/o 9th&Elm / Bangle: Thrited 

 While Kim is decked out in Donna Karan my dress is MOSSIQUE, a line designed exclusively for the boutique, Bevello. I decided Thursday was the perfect day to pull this dress out of my closet as I attended a Fall Fashion show at Bevello in Cameron Village. I had a great time at the event and aside from seeing some beautiful pieces on display, I got to meet Anna of Flawlessly Flawed... how fab is her haircut!?

Anna of Flawlessly Flawed and I. 

To see what other outfit inspiration I've got hanging in my Pinterest closet, be sure to follow my Pinterest boards here! 

Carmen Lilly the #NCSUAlum

Via @StyleCarmen Instagram 

North Carolina State University is a campus most commonly recognized for producing cows and engineers (we've got world renown agriculture and engineering programs). Though its obviously not the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks N.C. State, the Wolfpack is home to some fashionistas with impeccable home grown style. As an alumnus of the university this isn't something that I just realized but, last night did seem to make the fact more clear. You see, I searched the hashtag #NCSUAlum and found a post from Carmen Lilly, the creative genius behind many of Rihanna and Rocsi Diaz's looks. Intrigued, I clicked on it (a post from the  Harbison SS15 showcase) and learned that not only was Charles Elliot Harbison a NCSU alum but, so too was Carmen Lilly. I've adored her styling for so long, yet I had no idea that she was a fellow Wolfpack sistah! 

That's what you call #CRAY. 

In an interview with the Fashion Bomb Daily, Lilly described how she launched her personal shopping/ styling career saying," When I left college, I was making jewelry, but I was doing it on the side. I wanted to get experience from the retail end, so that I could get my jewelry in stores..." She began working at Intermix, a boutique in New York City and it was there that she met Rihanna and the rest-- well, its history. She told FBD, "Rihanna would have all these high end designer pieces,but she wouldn't have anything to complete the outfits. So, I would get them for her, but I would also put together looks and give outfit suggestions." Lilly's work with Rihanna eventually led to other celebrity clients.

Rihanna in Balmain Leather Skirt and Silk Blouse picked by Carmen Lilly. 

Rocsi Diaz at the 86th Academy Awards styled by Carmen Lilly in a Dennis Basso gown and Jimmy Choo Sandals.

Rihanna in Tom Ford Gladiator Boots and Mary Katrantzou top picked by Carmen Lilly. 

Rocsi styled by Carmen Lilly in Haute Hippie Tuxedo Dress and Christian Louboutin 
Impera Pumps 

Carmen graduated from NCSU with a degree in Art and Design. She spent time as an intern for Donna Karan as well as another smaller scale designer. Though many people  recognize her now for the work she has done with celebrity clients, I admire the advice she gave to those aspiring to break into the highly competitive fashion world. "Gain as much industry knowledge as possible, so you will be better equipped to compete with those who have a natural network and connection within the industry. Do your research...don't focus on celebrities- focus on your craft." 

It's incredibly encouraging and inspiring to see young {black} people from my Alma Mater doing big things in the fashion industry. Carmen Lilly and Charles Elliot Harbison are both living proof that 1)It doesn't matter where you get your start, if you've got the drive and are smart you can achieve anything and 2) N.C. State grooms some of the best talent in every field! 

For more information about Carmen Lilly check out her website  or connect with her on Instagram and Twitter. 

Go Pack! 

Altuzarra X Target Review

So, this morning I was up by 7:25 a.m. and headed out the door by 7:40 a.m. so that I could be among the first to enter the doors of my local Target and score all the pieces from the Altuzarrra for Target collection that I've been salivating over for the past two weeks. First up on my list of must buys was the red velvet Ruby Hill blazer and matching tuxedo pant. The first Target I went to didn't have it so I drove to another Target location twenty minutes away only to be underwhelmed. 

Exscuse my N.C. State hat and undone hair...it was 8 a.m. on a Sunday morning! 

I am a true to size 4 (27 waist) but my hips were begging for a size 6 as you can see by the gathering of the pants around the crotch. The jacket concerned me in that it was very wrinkly and didn't appear to be the type of clothing article to hold its shape for very long. I will say that the black tuxedo pant was more forgiving than the red velvet and that the peplum jacket had a better structure. 

I also tried on the satin orchid print oxford shirt with the jacquard print black skirt. Again, in theory, I loved the shirt but it was very thin and in my opinion, one wash away from being stretched out of shape.I especially loved the angled split of the skirt and just maybe will go back for it.

Dress in size 2

Of all the things that I tried on, it was this piece that left me the most torn largely in part due to sizing. I tried the dress in both a two and a four. The two cinched at my waist very nicely and also fit well across the bust but, being the pear shape that I am made me look like I was busting at the seams on the bottom. In the four I didn't have the same definition at the waist and bust, but it was definitely more forgiving to my hips and thighs. Homecoming is coming up soon and I could easily imagine wearing this stunner (with a few alterations) to one of the social Young Alumni events. My plan is to keep and eye out for it and if it looks like it'll be around long enough for me to purchase it at clearance price it will likely be mine. Otherwise, I will be inclined to believe that it just wasn't meant for me. 

Overall, I still think the designs are beautiful, but just wish the the quality of some of the pieces was a little better. I've come to expect a lot from Target and had every intention of walking out of there this morning with my shopping bags full. Did any of you have better luck than me? 

The Perfect Boyfriend

Lace Cami: Express / Jeans: American Eagle/ Pumps: Steven / Purse: Z by Zac Posen/ Shades: House of Harlow 


I thought all hope was lost when I parted ways with my favorite boyfriend jeans from GAP earlier this summer but, had I known an equally wonderful boyfriend was waiting for me on the clearance rack of American Eagle, I wouldn't have. In a two week time frame, I've worn these jeans a total of three times and have already been scheming up new ways to incorporate them into my fall wardrobe. 

Paired with my slouchy lace cami from Express and Steven by Steve Madden Ravesh pumps, this look is ideal for a casual dinner date night. I'm also happy to debut on the blog my Z by Zac Posen Hayden Crossboy Wallet. Though it was a bit of a splurge, it was well worth the cost because it pulls double duty as both a wallet and purse! How's that for versatility? 

Fall Essentials

1. Aryn K Coat of Arms Royal Blue  // 2. Altuzarra for Target Red Velvet Tuxedo// 3. Michael Kors Kiera Ballet Flat// 4. Kate Spade Delsie Flat // 5. House of Harlow Jordana Shades // 6. Christian Louboutin So Kate Nude Pumps // 7.Quilted Faux- Leather Mini // 8. Altuzarra for Target Over-the-Knee Boot 

I don't know what's gotten into me lately, but I am craving cooler temperatures. Well, if I'm being 100 percent honest, I think it may have a lot to do with these eight items that I want to see added to my fall wardrobe. I'm absolutely loving the rich colors and variety of textures!