"I am not a fan of Rihanna's hair but her personal style is like a ready-to-wear version of what Lady GaGa does."

[gender.female]

[location.united states]

How do you organize your closet?

"I have two closets, one for my casual/daywear pieces and one for my business/evening wear. I organize each closet in a backwards layering order: outerwear/jackets, cardigans/vests, dresses, tops, skirts/trousers, and then belts. I also organize each section in color order with neutrals such as black, gray, brown, and white first; then sections in order of the rainbow."

Stores you wish were in your town?

"I wish there was an H&M, Zara, TopShop, ReDress, and better thrift stores. It's so hard to find plus sizes in my local thrift shops, so I wish there was a specialized one in my town. Oh, and a Forever 21 that has a Faith 21 in the store."

Best-dressed celebrities?

"Rihanna, Keri Hilson, 70s and 80s Diana Ross, 80s and 90s Madonna, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Lady GaGa and Kim Kardashian are on my best dressed list. All of these entertainers have signature looks but are not afraid to try new things. Keri Hilson and Rihanna are very much into the rocker inspired looks, which doesn't seem forced. I am not a fan of Rihanna's hair but her personal style is like a ready-to-wear version of what Lady GaGa does. Diana Ross in the 70s and 80s was very bohemian glam, with the sparkles and big hair. She is still extremely gorgeous and maintains the same appeal today through her daughter Tracy Ellis Ross. I am a huge fan of Marilyn Monroe because she defined that sexy Hollywood glamour, while Audrey Hepburn defined classic Hollywood style. I also love the creativity of Madonna from the 80s and 90s because she had fun with her looks and dared to be different. Lady GaGa gets my vote because she's like the Madonna cone bra look on acid. She is so avant-garde and it's almost like looking at a fantasy when she's on and off stage. Kim Kardashian embraces her curves, whether it's in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt or a Herve Leger dress. She embodies a slight minimalist look but with stand out accessories."

What are your favorite stores to find bargains?

"I love going to little teen stores, such as Wet Seal, Body Shop, and Max Rave for simple t-shirts. I also shop at Charlotte Russe and Forever 21 for more trendy items. However, the best bargains are in thrift stores, such as Goodwill. I go to this one in my town; it's sponsored by CASA, which stands for Community Action Stops Abuse. It's a thrift store that uses its revenue to support the organization. I've found great items, such as blazers and shorts, for like $6.00. Also, I found two cute purses for $6.00 and $4.00. I also get my costume and trendy jewelry from places like Girlprops.com and random wholesale jewelry stores."

What are some styles you would like to wear but haven’t yet?

"I would love to wear wedge closed-toe booties in black and/or leopard print, rompers, harem pants, and faux fur jackets. Lately, I've really been into the shorts and tights look again for fall/winter too. I so desperately have been on the search for a pair of classic Levis with a straight leg in my size to wear cuffed and eventually turn into shorts………maybe."

Anything else?

"I am currently training to become a personal shopper/personal stylist. I am hoping to intern for a willing company and work my way up. For now, I'm still a full time student. I recently completed a 2-day crash course in the business side of Fashion Styling at a seminar called The School of Style with wardrobe stylist Luke Storey (from LA). Also, I am working on updating my blog, Love, Fashion, and Finding Me. Thanks again for the interview opportunity!"

Blazers – a fashion staple that stands the test of time

Blazers are a fashion staple that continually stands the test of time. An essential piece of apparel in the modern woman’s wardrobe, these must have jackets keep it clean and sleek when worn to the office, singlehandedly top off casual weekend wear, and see you through the unpredictable transitional weather of
late summer and early fall. Not sure how to integrate this timeless item into your daily attire? Look no further than today’s lovely nista for some style inspiration.

Feminine from every angle thanks to her structured blazer in a stunning shade of fuchsia, our beautiful nista’s career oriented garment shows she’s ready for business. It’s the ideal versatility piece –taking her from the desk to dinner in a flash. The base of the jacket –a sleek, floral button up shirt is the perfect flirty meets relaxed combo; a cool contrast to the blazer’s professional vibe. Tucking her festive blouse in a pair of rolled up jean shorts of the medium wash variety; this nista is effortlessly casual, since her high waisted denims lend themselves naturally to day wear. To keep the fashion focus on her brightly hued blazer, she opts for monochromatic lower limbs with a fresh pair of black tights and accompanying sable lace up oxfords –giving her legs for miles! Completing the look with an effortlessly modern pewter tote bag and avant-garde, mustard wayfarer sunglasses –could our nista be any more stylish?

Who says blazers must be solid? If you want to make a style statement like our gorgeous nista in her second look, try a jovial jacket that’s sure to add a splash of visual impact. Her beautifully ornate blazer, adorned in chic and vibrant beads of turquoise and magenta is sure to capture your attention. The sophisticated yet slightly bohemian design is truly stunning. Also, certain to light up her evening are a pair of posh cobalt suede pumps –an elegant choice no matter the occasion. To ensure her plush heels and lavish blazer get top billing in the fashion spotlight, our nista opts for an all black foundation, with several silhouette enhancing pieces, including a classic tank top, must have mini skirt, and all purpose leggings. Finally, nothing is complete without her leather clutch in a voguish shade of wine –ideal for an understated look; while her low key sable fedora is an easy way to inject a dose of chic downtown minimalism into the outfit.

The great thing about a blazer is its versatility. Available in a variety of colors, cuts and fabrics, there’s sure to be one out there to suit your sartorial tastes. Go for a hip jacket in an unexpected shade or material, like our nista’s final ensemble. The retro inspired wool blazer featuring several shades of purple, from lilac to violet Our nista’s her graphic t-shirt and vintage denim shorts are sure to put a relaxed spin to her day; while those classic, opaque black tights place her right on the fashion mark. She adds final touches of sophistication with a dazzling pair of black, strappy high heels that appear oh so charming on her feet and a fedora reminiscent of yesteryear.

What are your favorite items to wear with blazers?
What are some of your favorite colors, cuts, and styles?

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"The real you is far better than the fake somebody else."

[gender.female]

[location.united states]

Favorite color combinations?

"I adore black with anything. All black everything preferably. As far as colors, I typically go with looks that are mismatched. I feel as though matching limits creativity in many ways. Blue is also one of my favorite colors."

What advice would you give to someone wanting to be more fashionable?

"Never put yourself in a box! More often than not, people are afraid to be themselves –for fear of being judged. Those who are afraid of being judged just go along with the trends, which is such a horrible idea. You can never be an individual if you worry about what others think of your style all of the time. Most importantly, do your own thing! Nothing is worse than copying another individual's style. Style comes from within. Never attempt to live another person's life on the exterior. That really pains my soul. The real you is far better than the fake somebody else."

What stores do you wish were in your town?

"H&M, American Apparel (just for quality, plain t-shirts, hoodies, and tights/leggings), and more VINTAGE STORES. I love vintage shopping with a bunch of my heart and my current town only has a few to offer. I honestly don't do too much shopping in stores, unless I’m grabbing a pair of jeans; and there is a Nordstrom’s nearby to handle that for me."

Describe your personal style philosophy?

"I don't necessarily have a philosophy for my personal style. I'm human. I change. As I change and transition, so does my style. Although my style changes and transitions there will never be a point in time where someone would look at me and say ‘That's unlike Rosco.’ People that know me, understand me."

Anything else?

"What should readers know about me? Follow me and Lia Day's blog, Ill Advised Nonconformist. Also, if anyone needs an image consultant/personal stylist or an artist to create a wonderful piece of work, hit me up at spearsro@gmail.com OR twitter.com/RoscoSpears."

Our lovely nista is an explosion of color in her first ensemble. Kicking it off with a basic carrot tank top, she keeps it comfortable and casual for the season. Contrasting her unadorned shirt with a sleek hot pink and sable hounds tooth patterned scarf adds attitude and texture to her upper half. Below the waist, this nista’s delicious lemon tulle skirt is catwalk-inspired but surprisingly wearable; while her violet fishnet tights add a gutsy and spirited touch to her vivid look. Completing this multihued outfit with indigo and ivory low top sneakers provide an androgynous touch to this uniquely feminine ensemble.

The rainbow of style continues with this beautiful nista’s second wardrobe selection. A charming crimson varsity jacket with contrasting black sleeves is a perfect nod to the enduring school girl look. Teaming this collegiate inspired garment up with a form fitting ebony shirt makes for the ideal foundation when going for a chic layered ensemble. Not to be missed are the checkered pattern on her mustard and black tights, which take this everyday style choice into more adventurous terrain. Rounding out this colorful get up are sneakers inspired by the classic board game, Monopoly –adding a playful and unconventional twist to her footwear.

Not sold on a multihued ensemble? Our gorgeous nista’s final look might convince you otherwise. Her cute oat jacket is perfect for wearing to work; whereas those cut off denim shorts are a great relaxed counterpart to that professional top. She keeps it chic during worrisome weather with her delightful kelly green scarf and can’t miss salmon tights. Finishing her look with a ruby cross body bag lets us know she’s ready for business!

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"I have close to four hundred blogs on my Google Reader."

[gender.female]

[location.canada]

Any current fashion cravings?

"For fall, I've fallen in love with rich, 70's jewel tones. I really like amber and rust paired with nubby knits. I am also loving the ‘return’ of neutrals. I'm usually more of a brights kind of girl, but I like the refined direction a lot of stores and design houses are going in.”

What are your wardrobe staples?

"You will always find me in either a dress (most likely patterned and thrifted) or a skirt/shirt combination. A couple of staples in my wardrobe right now are a Urban Renewal (from Urban Outfitters) trench coat that I got on sale the end of last spring. Since moving to the city (and giving up my car...aka walking everywhere) I have been in love with wedges and flat shoes. I've got orange suede wedges from H&M in heavy rotation, and a pair of lace-less black and white oxfords that I am wearing with everything! Oh, and I have a thing for old leather belts; I've got several.”

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

"My biggest source of inspiration is other bloggers! I have close to four hundred blogs on my Google Reader and I'm always looking for more amazing dressers. The internet is an infinite source of well executed (and well documented) outfits, and I usually come away feeling really inspired after reading all my favourites. Magazines have also been a source of inspiration, my favourite (and I've read a lot) is hands down Lula Magazine. It is the perfect amount of sweet whimsy and coy sassiness. I love it and cherish each issue I own.”

Best compliment ever received on your style?

"Any time someone comments on my blog or an outfit in real life, it is a huge compliment. My favourite compliment so far would probably be Hannah from Hannah and Landon telling me she ‘really liked my dress’ when I was in NYC during the spring for Chictopia's Fashion Week event! I adore her blog and her style (she's in my top five), so it was quite surprising to hear that she liked something I was wearing!”

Worst thing you've ever worn?

"It's a tossup between tight, stretch beige flare trousers and a pair of unfortunate pink capris. Both were extremely unflattering and to this day I am puzzled as to why my fourteen year old self thought they were a good idea. They weren't.”

Anything Else?

"My website is Style is Style."

For the style conscious lady, skirts are perfect for experimenting with different looks above the waist. Opting for a timeless oxford shirt in ivory like our beautiful nista’s opening outfit is a great choice. The pleating adds a peppery, unconventional edge to this classic work wear blouse; whereas tucking it in exudes a trim and dapper vibe. Covering her crown is a charming wide brim straw hat, which provides an extra edge to her ensemble. Beneath the belt, the enchanting floral print skirt in indigo, lilac, and bone is ever versatile and always in season. Naturally, where would any outfit be without some killer footwear and a fab purse? This lovely nista does not disappoint. Her scarlet peep toe cutout wedges reveal just enough skin, making these sexy shoes daytime appropriate. Plus, a chic cognac bag is sure to store all her must have career basics and is effortlessly translatable to evening.

Wearing pants is sure to be an afterthought upon viewing our gorgeous nista’s next ensemble. Her sapphire A-line skirt gives way to a vintage vibe via a polka dot design throughout the garment, plus the mustard rope belt is ideal for a minimalist aesthetic. Pairing this leg exposing garment with a black and white horizontal stripped shirt toughens up this whimsical look as the cream lace cardigan works great as a top layer. To complete this garb, her feet get a treat with those ebony strappy pumps –always a style staple in any fashionista’s wardrobe. Plus, those adorable ruffle socks prove they can be as cool as their over the knee counterparts.

The classic appeal of a skirt comes to life in our nista’s final look. This plaid A line number is the embodiment of effortless sophistication while her hunter green cardigan offers a chic understated look. Layering with a white chunky scarf keep her stylish yet warm on chilly mornings. Slipping on one of fashion’s favorite garments –sable tights, along with black lace up ankle boots, ideal for stomping around the streets or hustling off to work, not only keeps our nista cool, but the monochromatic vibe adds mucho length to her legs.

Thanks to Wangari from ----->Queen of my Playground for recommending this fab stylista!

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"I'm not interested in fashion at all."

[gender.female]

[location,united states]

How did you get interested in fashion?

"Well I'm not interested in fashion at all. I'm more into others and my very own personal style. It seems more important to me than fashion. I feel like fashion has lost its meaning and there’s nothing exciting about it anymore. If it were up to me, everyday people would walk runways instead of starving young women with no sense of personality. My dad is a stem for my interest in style though. At seventy seven he still dresses to impress, matching down to his socks and watch. My father instilled into all his children the importance of personal style. My mother, also the creative genius has wonderful style. If anything, they are the reasons I'm interested in style, fashion does nothing for me."

Do you have anything in your own closet that seems to work for almost any occasion?

"My earrings definitely. I wish I started to make them earlier, for they would have saved many of my outfits. But I'm glad I started. When I'm too tired to think or put effort into an outfit I count on my earrings to save the day and they never fail. Most of the time I can base an outfit solely with my earrings. They are the perfect accessory; an earring and necklace combined, they do wonders. I wear them everywhere I go and they’re always appropriate, since I have some that are more dramatic and some that are toned down. They work for all events, with the right outfit; I can make them classy or funky. I love that I make them , so I can never run out. You can check a few of them in my shop http://www.artfire.com/users/makeithappen or on the blog http://wrappedinbows.blogspot.com/.

How many pieces of clothing do you own?

"I feel so blessed with my wardrobe. As a little girl I never had variety, we couldn't afford much when the beginning of the school year came around. I would have to scrape of last year’s clothes and do with that. When it came to what was on my feet, it was just one pair for the year, two if I got lucky. We always knew how to shop, that’s a skill I have always had. Even though I couldn't afford much, me and my sisters still managed to look decent and well put together. My father wouldn't have it any other way. So, as I got older I found ways to make due and my style blossomed from then. I have an extraordinary wardrobe with so much to choose from. I have so many clothes ,especially when it comes to my winter attire, there are still pieces that I have not yet worn. If I could’nt go shopping again I wouldn't be upset; I'm so grateful for what I have now. I can live off of it for awhile. So it must be safe to say that I have too many clothes, if that's possible."

What is the most common fashion mistake you see in your city?

"Well the city I live in now, Philadelphia has more than enough mistakes. From the hair to the shoes, I don't know where to start. When it comes to shoes, it is not up to par like New York City (my in between home). It's sad to see people try to imitate what they see on TV and execute it horribly. What I hate the most is the way they wear clogs. I am already fickle about those, so to see a group of women wear it so wrong is disappointing. They wear clogs as house shoes, you won't see it worn stylishly, but more lazily (like with sweats and socks). In Philly, no one actually has their own style; everything is based on what someone else has done."

If you owned a shop, what would it be called?

"Well, I would definitely do a collaboration with my family, the most creative people I know. My mother who makes beautiful aluminum earrings http://www.artfire.com/users/inmyimageproductions while my father makes handcrafted beaded jewelry. Also my sisters; the designer and photographer would also be involved. It would have to be a joint shop that included our family's last name. We all have different names for our companies so that would be so hard."

Anything Else?

"I would love for more people to look at my personal blog http://www.christielover.blogspot.com/. I haven't always been open to the internet, so since I am now you should take advantage! There you can check out my many other websites like Tumblr, Twitter, and my 365, where I get even more personal. I've been looking to get myself out there and socialize with others just like me. I want people to witness my journey. I want them to be able to laugh and cry along with me. To make it more bearable and fun, so please check me out."

As the twilight of summer approaches, those faithful cut off shorts and carefree flip flops seem to occupy less and less prime space in your closet. Nevertheless, there’s no need to fret about the impending seasonal change. Autumn is the perfect time to elevate your style quotient. Finally purchase those luscious chocolate knee high boots you’ve fancied or even rediscover that chic yellow beret nestled in the drawer.

With the help of today’s fabulous stylista, Fashionably Black is ushering in its first annual Transitioning to Fall series. Weekly, we will explore valuable tips and techniques to prep your wardrobe for the new climate.

How to layer
Mastering the art of layering not only makes weather related style adjustments possible, but is key to staying voguish during the cooler months. In essence, the secret to layering is –begin at the bottom. Foundation garments that offer maximum comfort –like a thin and breathable cotton blouse are ideal for the base of your outfit. A careful glance at today’s stylista reveals her ivory t-shirt peeking through the ensemble is no doubt functional but comfortable as well.

Moving on to her outer layer, which helps to provide protection from the elements, we detect a charming charcoal knit button up cape. Because of its unique quality, knit is an excellent fabric to top any transitional look. Try throwing on a cozy knit cardigan before class or grab that hand crafted scarf grandma made last winter. Further adding to our stylista’s ensemble are the alluring bone colored finger gloves, offering a touch of panache while keeping her hands warm.

Of course, as the daily temperature rises you need a spot to store the layers you begin to peel off. Enter the fashionable yet functional oversized handbag. Our lovely stylista selected a nice red and ivory plaid carrier to compliment her pewter cape. Whether made of cute canvas or luxurious pebble leather, a jumbo purse is the ultimate place to put your ditched attire.

Concluding this transitional look, today’s stylista sports several season-less articles; a pair of acid wash denim jeans, dusty rose high heels, and a charming bow in her hair –all uniting to make a fabulous impression on the fall season.

How are you preparing for the upcoming fall season?
What items do you intend to purchase?

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"Dress for yourself."

[gender.female]

[location.france]

How did you learn to walk in high heels?

"I learned to walk in high heels alone and by watching my mother because she wears high heels all the time!!!”

Favorite fashion rule you love to break?

"My favorite fashion rule that I love to break is maybe to wear a spring bonnet in the summer or to wear a long shirt like a dress with a belt, I guess."

Who are your style icons?

"My style icons are Grace Jones -her style is very timeless; the Olsen sisters, because they mix vintage clothes very well; Agyness Deyn, Kate Moss, and Erin Wasson because these three models have her own style –cool and chic; and I like Kanye West’s style too."

Can you describe your personal style in five words or less?

"My personal style in five words: cool, comfortable, chic, original, and creative. I think the most important thing in fashion is to make your own thing and to create your own personal style (if you want to cut a shirt or a tee, do it). Fashion is feelings, emotions, and personality. Dress for yourself."

Anything else?

"I have a blog: dominique-ernest.blogspot.com there is
fashion, music, my style (what I wear)... go and see!!"

XX Dominique

Today’s marvelous nista introduces the concept of casual chic, an effortless approach to fashion that brilliantly integrates several items –all at various price points, into one show stopping ensemble. Its cool and urbane nature is perfect for a quick weekend brunch or even a fun day of shopping with the girlfriends.

The foundation of this relaxed yet sophisticated look is her comfy white cotton Yves Saint Laurent T-shirt and form fitting sky blue denim jeans; two universal wardrobe basics perfect for evoking the casual mood. Layering the ensemble with a hooded ivory jacket further contributes to the nonchalant tone. By contrasting those relatively affordable pieces with a luxurious black leather handbag and accompanying knee high boots, she add the elegance necessary to fully evoke the casual chic persona.

What items do you wear to create a casual chic look?

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Some days, I have several outfit changes just because my mood changes....

[gender.female]

[location.united states]

Where do you reside?

"I live in the U.S., in a small city in Michigan. I'm originally from Ohio but go to school for graphic design and photography here in Michigan."

When did your unique style start to develop?

"My style started to develop a little over 2 years ago when I first started thrifting. My sister and I used to go several times a week and after a while the things I started looking for began to change. I used to go the thrift store looking for a pair of "black pants" or a "white sweater" and over time I realized all the gems I was missing out on were unique pieces that were slightly quirky and a bit outrageous. I started buying items like these and realized how much they inspire me. My style further evolved when I started to see the way I dress as another form of self-expression. Some days, I have several outfit changes just because my mood changes throughout the day. Some days certain colors and proportions just feel right!

This turning point in my style occurred right about the time I began to start taking my photography seriously and developing my own style of art. I think often times my whole style aesthetic, taste in photography, and graphic design work all resemble each other in the sense of being slightly quirky and using similar color choices."

Fashion rule you love to break?

"A fashion rule I love to break is buying and wearing clothes that aren't my size. Often times I love purchasing things a size or two too big and being able to swim in it. Overblown proportions are something that people often miss out on because they are usually so caught up on fit. While the fit is important, there's a whole other realm of possibilities that come with clothes that aren't the correct size. I generally think this is more effective if something large is worm with some article of clothing that is fitted and retains some shape.

Another fashion rule that I tend to break is combining a mass amount of colors and prints into one look. Sometimes I'm not really concerned if they technically "go together" but it's more based on the mood I'm trying to convey. Some days I'm feeling a bit wacky and energized and wearing lots of prints/colors portrays that well visually."

Do you enjoy the looks and attention that come with standing out in the crowd?

"It's always a love-hate relationship between the attention I receive when it comes to my attire. In bigger cities, I don't get much attention but my school is located in a small city in Michigan that isn't exactly known for its extreme class, so the stares come in hoards. I enjoy it because it's a sign that I differ from the average Jane walking around in the supermarket; yet at the same time I wish I wasn't the only one in this area who seems to care about their clothing style in a more creative fashion. It's nice though, I get a lot of smiles and compliments which can boost your day a bit."

Can you recall the least amount of money you spent on something that was really a true gem?

"Most of my clothes I get from Goodwill, which means there are quitea few gems I've found that I bought for basically nothing. Probably the latest gem I've purchased was a silk floral dress from a vintagestore owned by a friend. I ended up only paying $6 for it because Iknow the owner; otherwise it would have been a little out of my poorcollege student budget. The dress just fits so beautifully on thefigure. It drapes and hangs in all the right places. Plus, anytime I wear it, it makes me excited for spring."

Anything Else?

I hope new readers will check out my blog http://11.acesaura.com/ and be on the look out for a new site of mine where I'll incorporatemy own poetry and photography. It should be up within the next monthor so. I'm extremely excited about it! I'm quite a fan of written language and I'm pumped to share mine with the world for the first time. I'll just leave you with a quote by my favorite photographer that makes me think. It's said in the context of photography but can be applied to all other applications of art and style:

“To say a photographer has a vision is to say the photographer has something unique to say to about the world. Why do some photographers have something unique to say, when so many others just shoot pictures that are general and lacking vision? Most people would say it has to do with talent. Maybe. But maybe not. Maybe it has nothing to do with talent. Maybe it has to do with the ability to express one’s feelings. The person who presents a strong vision has figured out a way to express his or her feelings, while others are struggling to do that. Talent, then, becomes not so much artistic talent, though that may be a good part of it, but rather emotional talent.”- Rodney Smith.

This charming nista exemplifies how a few simple modifications can provide instant drama to any outfit.

In her first look she pairs a basic black shirt and skinny cuffed jeans – two articles of clothing leaning more towards the common rather than colorful side, with a floor length sheer sable cape. The elongated garment adds a quick punch of panache to her overall persona; while her delicious two toned wedges and classic belt further compliment the ensemble.

For our nista’s second sartorial selection she dons a traditional black blazer with unique and fashionable flair. The gold studs on the jacket’s trim immediately catch your eye. Teamed with a white t-shirt and the proverbial denim jeans, she comfortably transforms fundamental wardrobe staples into a head turning masterpiece.

How do you add drama to your outfits?

How do you deal with the attention received from your daily attire?

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