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

New York Fashion Week: What I Wore, Day 1

This was my first year to go to New York Fashion Week as a fashion editor and since it is always a mystery to those who see everything on television and want to really know the insider deets on what goes on, I'm here to give it to you straight.  Over the next couple of days, I'm going to give you all of the details from what I wore to designer shows to the notorious NYC street style.  So stay plugged in and get a first hand view on how it all went down for me at New York Fashion Week.

Cab Ride to the Lincoln Center..Karen Walker shades are poppin!

Press Credentials to Fashion Week

Day 1 for me entailed 2 runway shows, 1 designer brand launch and 1 fashion presentation.  All in all, this included 2 outfits for me: one for the day events and another for the night events.  Here's how I decided to get into a New York state of mind.

Day 1 "day" outfit: NeoBantu Skirt, Freedom of Animals Veronika Tote, Karen Walker shades and Dolce Vita animal print booties

Day 1, "night" outfit: Diane von Furstenberg dress purchased at Clothes Circuit / worn to the launch of the luxury travel line, Andiamo

Partying on the rooftop of the Hudson Hotel for the Haze Collection sunglasses SS15 presentation / Shoes by: Jessica Simpson

Rooftop night view of NYC in the background on top of the roof at the Hudson Hotel...purely amazing! I feel so blessed to have seen the things that I have seen and to have traveled to where I have traveled over the course of my life!  To God be ALL of the glory!

Pause for Reflection

So often we get consumed with life and everything that we have going on.  I myself am guilty...guilty of letting my mind continuously wander as to what all I have to do for the day while someone is talking to me.  Guilty of taking on too much at one time.  Guilty of perfectionism (is that a word?).  But when you take the time to pause....what is God really trying to show you?  On my recent trip to DC, I saw this pic of JFK and wondered what exactly was going on in his mind as he posed for this portrait.  A man deeply blessed, with deep responsibilities, paused for what I can only imagine as deep reflection...

December 2012 White House Tour - Portrait of JFK - Washington, DC
"I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord; therefore, I obey your instructions." ~Psalms 119:55~

If I would only take the time to get outside of myself and my crazy life, I would reflect on the Lord, the path he has paved for my life and truly come into grips as to what life is really about.  As I sat on the Supreme Court steps (below) and watched as my mom beamed as she took my photo I realized (in reflection) that life doesn't get any better than this.  29 years of age, three licenses to practice law...two licenses received in one year...one before the highest Court in the states...man God is good!  To have my mother travel to D.C. with me to get sworn into the Supreme Court was a blessing in itself.  We had the time of our life...and because I was able to put everything aside and to be in that moment with her...it made the experience that much sweeter.

December 2012 - Supreme Court Steps - Washington, DC; Photo Credit: my mama :)

December 2012 - Library of Congress - Washington, DC; Photo Credit: Leah Frazier

So in the midst of life...no matter how crazy it gets, no matter how wrapped up in the "little things" we consume ourselves with...pause for reflection and realize just how blessed you are.  Relish in the smiles of your loved ones...in their laughter...in their joy...and leave tomorrow to take care of the everyday tasks that can wait.

Beauty for Ashes - The Intro

"He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair." ~Isaiah 61:3~

(Navy Jumper and Fedora from Macy's, Gladiator Sandals by Kelly & Katie from DSW, Dolce and Gabbana Sunnies from Nordstrom's)