FKA TWIGS

Fka Twigs... Fka Twigs...... Why did you have to do this to me? An artist that is currently based out of London, who creates her own music which can be described as R&B mixed beautifully with alternative beats. SHE IS BASICALLY LIFE! I have been listening to her for some time now and can say some of my favorite songs by her are "Water Me", "Papi Pacify", "Breathe", "Hide", and I could go on and on... but basically everything she puts her hand to is genius. But seeing as how this is a fashion blog, lets get to the fashion! These pictures are STUNNING! She is giving me all the life, her style is a morph between the matrix and welcome to america in these pictures from Tumblr. These pictures are giving me an Afro-Futurism feeling and honestly. ... she is setting the trends so we better keep up! 

GIVING BACK FASHIONABLY!

Fashion is everything, and everywhere! I am the Co-chair of an organization at my school that is used to empower African American women, since our school is predominantly white. I think that part of being involved in fashion is understanding how to give back fashionably. Oberlin, OH has many low income families of color living in walking distance of a million dollar private institution such as my college. I came up with the idea of A Prom Dress Drive for my school because seeing disadvantaged communities in Chicago, the city that I am from, I think that it is crucial for girls to be able to experience their one night as a princess. However, that cannot happen due to circumstances that they cannot control, so why not collect dresses from college students, like me who went on prom already, and give them to high school students who can't afford a dress of their own? It was an honor to see the faces of girls as they found their dresses! Part of my life mission is to always give back to girls, especially girls like me and to never forget the importance of community. It was an honor to give these girls fashion advice, and see them carry their dresses out. And to think...... this was just an idea I had 5 weeks ago. Of course, I could not have done any of the work without the beautiful ladies in my organization and my wonderful Co-Chair, Maya. I owe those ladies all the love! With hard work, dedication, and fashion of course, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! Stay Fashionable, xoxo Fashionista J 

SHORT HAIR IS HERE TO STAY!

Art is a crucial part of my life and it is one of the things that has drawn me to the fashion industry. I express myself through my clothing as well as one other way..... my hair! I have natural short hair and I am able to rock it however I want! I just happened to be on the computer today, as usual, and I scrolled upon a picture of the beautiful Goapele's new haircut! She has joined the short, blonde, natural movement! I was ecstatic to see her hairstyle because it is just like mine and she is killing it!!!! To have short hair is a statement, but then to dye it blonde just makes it even more of a statement. Below is a picture of her killer hairstyle! If you are ever thinking of trying something different, maybe think of cutting it off, or dying it another color. Either way YOUR hair is YOUR statement! Have fun expressing yourself! 

FASHION LINE COMING IN 2015

Denim is HOT everyday of the year. Whether it be a denim skirt, a denim shirt, jacket, shorts, etc. I am one of those people who LOVES denim. I have always been interested in creating my own clothing line! Last summer, I started my own business of custom denim shorts, and custom shoes..now here I am at a pivotal point in my life in which I need to take time to do the things that make me happy. With that being said, I have decided to start my own Distressed Denim clothing line, that is set to launch in 2015. I will be taking custom orders for jackets, shirts, overalls, shorts, pants, etc. I want people who may not always have the money to purchase expensive designer jeans the chance to still look fashionable. Everything will be hand designed and sewn by me. God has given me a gift and I think it is time that I use it! Below are a few ideas that I have, along with some photos of work that I did last summer. 

Look out fashion world... HERE I COME! xoxo Stay Fashionable, Fashionista J  

FIRST STYLED PHOTO SHOOT: AfroFuturism!

This week I had the honor of styling my first photoshoot. The theme of the photoshoot was "AfroFuturism", a mix of tapping into the past of African Americans while looking into our future. The shoot was full of bright colored clothing, traditional tribal markings, and beautiful scenery. I had the pleasure of styling the beautiful/handsome models while also allowing my art skills to take over as I painted faces, styled hair, and positioned models' bodies. The shoot was beyond a success and I enjoyed every minute of it. Styling photoshoots has been something that I have been interested in and last year I was the wardrobe consultant, along with the behind the scenes worker of another African styled fashion show. Fashion is a passion of mine and I am working on a secret project that is set to launch next year! I also was able to take photos of some of my wonderful models in their elements! There will be a photo posted daily starting next week! I hope you enjoy and if you ever need a stylist.. Im your girl! xoxo, Stay Fashionable FashionistaJ 

UMAZI FASHION SHOW!

I had the honor this past weekend to photograph for a fashion show. The fashion show was put on by a student named UMAZI from Kenya who created her own fashion show. The fashion show was split into 3 categories with dance, step, and vocal performances in between. The show included many items such as jackets, blazers, shorts, skirts, cropped tops, etc in African prints. The items were mostly very brilliantly colored including purples, greens, red, and pinks. The show ran about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes, but it definitely was worth all the time spent. Prints are all in this season seeing as how the summer is right around the corner! Some of the items were very intricate in patterns so I would not suggest matching your complete outfit, but taking one of the items featured and pairing it with a basic item such as a denim, black, white, or gray item would make the colors pop even more! The show was well put together! It would have been nothing without the models. Each model brought their own personality to the show, which made it more entertaining. I truly enjoyed it. Be on the look out this week on the blog for photos from a photo shoot that I will be styling! Stay Fashionable xoxoxo FashionistaJ