Take My Picture.

by Jamila Pierre


The last time I wore this skirt, in this color scheme, I donned it with a similar black jacketta (you'll notice that I have a tendency to make up words...hopefully you would have gotten use to this by now or are on the way to), it was black and somewhat cropped, form fitting, and had leatherette details throughout. 

Flashing back to that moment, I'm remembering my love for my long lost black & white tee that had a cassette tape print all over it (another favorito of mine outside of the grenade print).

Sad times.

That whole outfit was a win for that event, I rocked this very same belt (because this belt is literal LIFE), and sparkly pointed toe flat. You know what else was a win for that event? Those amazing little cupcakes they were serving....

OK, I'm getting off topic.

This time, I went with this lace moto-styled number that I got circa ages ago. The skirt is tre thick and I wanted something to balance out any lack of ventilation I may have gotten otherwise (which is why I went lace and open toed). 

The top was a no brainer. I have a very healthy/unhealthy obsession with black and white printed tops (which I'm always on the hunt for the perfect one and so far none has beat out my grenade tee...just saying). I mostly love to pair them with leopard print, camouflage, or pink...I've paired them with other things but the pairings I've mentioned are my absolute faves. 

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This top in particular came from a straight sized store on the strip, and when I tell you I died for this camera print.....Biiiiihhhh. The material was soft and stretchy and though it only came in a size L, you know I was still getting it right....? Right. 

When I got home and tried this bad boy on...it was pure excellence, I was like "take MY picture", and then I proceeded to runway walk through my apartment in this top and my underwear.

Does that happen to you, when you just love what you bought so much that it takes you a while before you take it off, you either roll around or start dancing around your place in it?

One of my most favorite color combos outside of fuchsia and olive green, is pink with black and white; even though black and white aren't technically colors. This is just one of those outfits that I find myself gravitating towards as the weather begins to get warmer...but not too incredibly warm.

This skirt was made for me a good while ago and it was something I'd wanted for a very long time. I wanted a midi-length pleated skirt, made with a thick waist band, a fabric that you could redo your sofa cushions with, and  that had such deep pockets that you'd loose your hand if it weren't attached.  The pockets were placed in such a way, and the material so substantial, that I could house just about put anything in those pockets and no one would know...no one would even know it had pockets to begin with had I not told you or included a photo with my hand resting in them. 

The jig is kind of up, trade secrets and magick tricks revealed, but lets try and keep this between us.

The designer, Erica Walcott (of Erica Walcott NY), and I had some crossover (or overlapping if you will) when it came to aesthetic and functionality. We both agreed that a girl doesn't always want to lug around a bag...no matter the size, and having a strap from a crossbody isn't always ideal (especially with Le Bazooms), hence the never ending pockets. And though I had a few piece made by the ever talented Mrs. Walcott, this is one of my absolute favorite and most worn pieces from her.

 

What I'm Wearing:

  1. Necklace is from AFAZE. (3 for $10)
  2. Top is from Baby Blue. $5 (Similarly cute B&W printed tees HERE, HERE, & HERE)
  3. Lace jacket from Forever21.com. $19.80 (Similar HERE & HERE, if you're going for my other look you can try these HERE & HERE)
  4. Belt from V.I.M. $7 (if these type of studs are too much HERE's an awesome alternative)
  5. Skirt is custom from Erica Walcott NY. (Valued at $100, similar in cut but not in color HERE)
  6. Shoes from OldNavy.com. $11 (On Sale, similar HERE, HERE, & HERE)

Sickening In Suede.

by Jamila Pierre


Let's just take a moment to appreciate this style moment in grayscale...

Ladies and gentlemen, this dress...this BAD MA'MA JAMMA! 

Now let me just tell you, this dress clings like you would not believe...so wear the proper undergarments, and if you gotz some thickems/ junk in the trunk...be mindful of the ever so slight ride up. I know that sounds like reasons to not get the dress and if those things are deal breakers then so be it, but this is why I love it regardless:

  • First, it has pockets. Am I the only one who goes ape shit over a dress with pockets...? I feel like this should be standard form.
  • Second, The material is quite luxe despite whatever formed opinions you may have about in upon first search and purchase, the dress is overall well made. It sits pretty nicely on my body regardless of the "clingability" (yup, I made up yet another word...cuz that's what I do). 
  • Third, the rise of the neckline....*SWOON*, I can't tell you how thrilled I am that necklines in garments are on the rise (I'll get into why in another post).
  • Fourth, I've been on the hunt for a nude dress that didn't make me look naked and this my fellow babes is it (although, with thichkems syndrome it could come off as more of a tunic, but I'm also OK with that). SIDE NOTE: I will be on look look out for a blush toned dress next.

When I first saw this dress I knew I had to get it and I had to get it fast; not just because it was divine but once people knew of it's existence...it would sell out and that would be that. Thankfully after a few weeks  it's now back in stock, who knows for how long. 

The day I received it in the mail: When I tried it on it was smooth to the touch and hugged every curve....I mean every lump and bump. I mean, I love my lumps (**Cues "My Hump, by Fergie**) but when you're going for a clean sleek look....

And before I'm bombarded by the parade of any naysayers, I am all about self love and no fucks given, but I am a photographer and an artist...so things usually have to fit within a picture or a style-story I'm telling. When I wear  certain things, when I pose for a picture, when I edit a photo, when I "tell a story", there is a look I'm going for. On this day...lumps and bumps was not it. Lumps and bumps most all other days...just not this day (oh the joys of concealing undergarments). 

I first decided I was going to pair it like I did in the look with the floppy hat, but I came across another recent purchase from JCPenny; this tealy turquoise button front with black specks all over it. A light bulb literally lit up above my crown of locs. I love the idea of collared shirts being used as an alternative to a blazer/ cardigan/ jacket, so that's precisely what I did. I threw on some copper and bronze jewels to play up some color theory in my outfit, slide on a pair of nude minimal wedges (a Bish looks barefoot), and I borrowed my home skillet's  teal framed shades. Boom Shakalaka.

What I'm Wearing:

  1. Sunnies borrowed from my main Bish, Betty Black.
  2. Necklace from the Wholesale district. $5
  3. Collared shirt from JCP.com. $19 (On sale)
  4. Dress from Forever21.com. $27.90
  5. Bracelet from a boutique in SoHo (circa man many moons ago). $5
  6. Shoes from OldNavy.com. $11 (On major sale) (Similar style)

As for this next look? Hunny.....this is like fall incarnate, like....

If you've been following me and my blog for a while then it should come as no surprise that THIS. JACKET. IS. LIFE, I'm obsessed with it, and it's the best purchase of my life....welllll....I say this a lot, but it definitely is on my list of top 10...OK top 20 (what can I say I love a lot of things). I decided to pair it with the dress because the dress  needed an extra punch and because it wouldn't be me if "more wasn't more".  I then added a slew of berry colors in almost a gradient and made sure all of the colors wove into one another in this look, which is kind of treading in the opposite direction of the look above this one.

This hat is to be glorified as well, it took me forever and a day to find a hat that would fit my domeious maximus, especially with all of this hair. All in all, I WILL be playing this look OUT, lol...right into the even cooler months too. 

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What I'm Wearing:

  1. Hat from Wetseal.com. $22.90 (Similar)
  2. Sunnies from Torrid. $7 (On sale)  (Similar shape, Similar print)
  3. Necklace from a street fair in SoHo. $6
  4. Anorak jacket, w/sequin sleeves, from Wetseal.com. $15 (Black Friday sale last year)
  5. Dress from Forever21.com. $27.90
  6. Bracelets from Fashiontofigure. $12
  7. Rings from Wholesale district. $2
  8. Boots from Avenue.com. $33.60 (On sale)