NFL Game Day Style: Making Fan Gear Stylish

So what do you do when you have your favorite NFL team's jersey or tee but want to spice it up just a bit for an extra added style factor? Ditch the ordinary jeans and tee recipe and go for a more edgier and feminine approach by adding statement jewelry, heels and of course leather!

Image Credit: NFLShop.com

I was asked by Vogue to come up with an NFL game day style for my home team which would be the Dallas Cowboys! As I drew inspiration from how celebrity Jordin Sparks styled her game day look (pictured below), I came up with a sweet and edgy combo.

Shades: Tom Ford from Hautelook

Jacket: H&M

Liquid Leggings: TopShop

Studded Heels: Shoedazzle

Statement Necklace: Black Beauty Accessories

How would you style your favorite NFL team? Would you go fun and flirty in a skirt like Jordin or edgy and rebellious in leather like me?

Photo Credit: Meagan Frazier

Blogging in Brooklyn: Essence Street Style Party

Cab view of me crossing over the Manhattan Bridge

While I was in New York for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, I had the opportunity to venture to the other side of the Manhattan Bridge and attend the Essence Street Style Party in Brooklyn.  Anytime I think of Brooklyn, I always think of that line from the Sex and the City movie where Miranda was contemplating the move from Manhattan to Brooklyn and says, "New York Magazine says that Brooklyn is the new Manhattan." Then Carrie looks at Miranda with the side eye and remarks, "Whoever wrote that LIVES in Brooklyn!"

  

Looking up at the Manhattan Bridge

It's so funny to me.  This is what pops into my head everytime I think of Brooklyn--as if it were not the same or better as Manhattan. As my cab crossed over the Manhattan Bridge and circled into Brooklyn I was curious to see exactly what this quote from the movie meant...and honestly, I would have to agree with Miranda. I thoroughly enjoyed Brooklyn 10 times more than I did being in the city. It was family friendly, I could breathe and my whole aura was more calm. Brooklyn had character. 

The Essence Street Style Party was thrown in conjunction with all of the events being held for Fashion Week. It was underneath the bridge and near Dumbo Park. While there wasn't as many vendors as I was hoping for, it was definitely a break from all of the Lincoln Center Fashion Week madness and a chance for me to relax and connect with Essence readers and down to Earth folks. I put a lot of thought into my outfit and wanted to really showcase what Dallas was all about (just in case I was asked). So I put on this fabulous skirt from Dallas brand Phantasie, paired it with an olive green top, leather-esque belt and peep-toe booties. And let's not forget, my Tom Ford shades to finish the look!

I felt good and was surprised when I was stopped on the street to take photos...I know for a fact it was my Phantasie skirt that was getting all of the attention. There are drawstrings on the side of the maxi skirt that you pull to create the bubble skirt effect.  If you want a straight maxi skirt then you release the drawstrings...so a 2-in-1 skirt!  I loved it and so did the people of Brooklyn!  Anyways, enjoy these photos! It's just another day in the life of the traveling, Dallas fashion writer.

A view from the block party

The first lady of NYC speaking at the block party

(Mmm)onochromatic Looks & Wendy’s® #NewSaladCollection

(Mmm)onochromatic Looks & Wendy’s® #NewSaladCollection by beautyforeashes featuring logo sunglasses

Miss Selfridge cami shirt
missselfridge.com

Jane Norman elastic waist pencil skirt
$42 - janenorman.co.uk

Casadei red heel pumps
$890 - thecorner.com

Fendi leather shoulder handbag
forzieri.com

ABS by Allen Schwartz baguette jewelry
saksfifthavenue.com

Aldo necklace
aldoshoes.com

Tom Ford logo sunglasses
neimanmarcus.com

Topshop felt floppy hat
topshop.com

Polka Dot Paradise

Given everything that has happened with the recent tornadoes, I was thrilled to see gorgeous weather.  I was imagining a great vacay on a boat, with sparkling waters and a small breeze.  With these visions in my head, I quickly put on my Vince Camuto polka-dot romper and snapped some photos.  And wouldn't you know it....as soon as I got done, the clouds rolled in and the rain started to pour!  I knew my weather bliss couldn't last for long! 

Navy Polka Dot Romper by Vince Camuto, Steve Madden wedges, Tom Ford Shades, Handbag by C.N.C.

Mix me, Match me

Spring is almost here and I'm loving the time of year where I can mix and match prints, textures, fabrics, everything!  I'm still going to go for more gold accessories for spring this year along with my signature pop of color.  While jade green is the color of the year for 2013, I'm still mesmerized by shades of coral.  Add in a funky fro-hawk and statement shades, and I'm ready for the warmer weather!

(Shades: Tom Ford, Hi Lo striped tee: Express)

(Black Jeggings: Express, Gold-Plated Bow Sandals: Vince Camuto)

Beauty illuminates from within

You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. ~1 Peter 3~  (Make-up: Tom Ford, Neiman Marcus counter, North Park, applied by Justina Joseph)

I never quite understood what people meant by loving yourself first and then everything else will fall into place.  It took me 30 years to come to the realization that my spirit, my heart and everything that is unique to me is beautiful.  Not the love of a man, the love of others, but self-love.  I'm now at a point where I am so completely happy with myself and with the presence of God....being able to serve Him daily, being able to share His love with others...my passion for all of these things radiates from within; these things in and of themselves make me beautiful.  So step back Elle, Glamour, Vogue and other misconceptions of what beauty is...my beauty if unfading and neverending.