Underneath

For many of us, underwear is just functional. We put it on to support the girls or to protect our womanly parts. There's no lace, no frills, and no fuss, but boy is it boring. Ladies, they may do the job but there is absolutely nothing attractive about granny panties and 18-hour bras. Get rid of them! If it looks like something your mother would wear or maybe even your mom bought it for you, trash it. For models undies can be even more blah than usual. A nude bra preferably strapless and a nude thong is our required uniform for photo shoots. Because of all my practical undies, a real problem arose. When I actually wanted to look sexy for a hot date or even for myself, I had nothing to wear. I had a few basic full-coverage black bras and plain colored panties but that was it. My underwear needed an overhaul.

The first thing I had to do was stop thinking of it as underwear and start calling it lingerie. There is a big difference. Undies are what you use to cover up while lingerie is what you wear to embrace and enhance your precious goodies. It is made of luxurious fabrics like lace, silk, and satin that feel soft against your skin. While breathable cotton is highly encouraged for your lower half, you can go all out on the top with pretty bras. I prefer bras with support that still look alluring, so my eye tends to gravitate toward balconettes, t-shirt bras and the occasional demi-cup. Besides these, there are a few other types of brassieres that I believe every woman should have in her lingerie drawer.

Black Lace
It's as classic as a martini. Just look at all the detail in the fabric. The delicate eyelets and the fleshtone mesh peeking through. This bra reminds me of something a French woman would wear. It's very delicate but sophisticated. This particular one is from Truth or Dare by Madonna, so you know it screams sexy. It has underwire, but is a more relaxed fit for those days you're just lounging around the house. I love wearing black lace under a white button-up shirt so that someone possibly could sneak a peek of it when I'm leaning over. Business on the surface, but underneath it's all play.

Floral Print
What says feminine better than flowers. Floral prints come in different colors from white to black with red roses and anything in between. This one is by Gap Body and features bright orange and yellow on blue satin. It's so hot it's tropical. The longline cut is similar to a bustier but with straps, so there's lots of va-va-voom. This style also great for ladies that are a little busty. If you want to pair this bra with panties, pick something solid that's got shine and a punch of color.

White and Structured
Something that Marilyn Monroe would have worn. This bra is full coverage without looking matronly. The silhouette is reminiscent of that 1950s sort of cone bra the Hollywood sirens used to wear, but with a modern twist. This H & M bra is lightly lined and has this really pretty scalloped trim paired with a nude mesh. It's also a convertible bra so you can wear it with or without the straps. Works great under a sweater or even a crew neck shirt.

Yes, bras are designed to hoist up your bosom but they can also be quite nice to wear. You can match your bra with your panties or mix it up with separates. See how pretty lingerie can be. It doesn't matter if you're showing it off to the world or keeping it a secret for yourself, buy lingerie that makes you feel like a million dollar baby. You definitely deserve to spoil yourself every now and then.

Underneath is part 4 of 6 in our KisforKinky x Model Liberation "She" collaboration. Photographs by Angel Jordan.

My Style: NYFW Flashback

Aaah the memories. Fashion Week has once again decended on New York, but this time I'm not there. I keep seeing all the photos and updates from the runway, and it makes me sad. Why am I not there too?! But when I see other style mavens all bundled up that's when I'm glad that I passed on this trip. How can you be cute in the cold? I digress. For this edition of My Style, I dug up on an oldie-but-goodie from my past days at Lincoln Center.

This look was something that I threw together at the last minute. You know when you went out partying the night before and you're running late for a morning fashion show. Well, that's this. The truth is, it's actually a repeat. Shhh, don't tell. I slipped it on briefly for a party but didn't funk it up. Besides, I didn't get photographed wearing it... I don't think. Geez.

Every fashion blogger has her NYFW outfits planned out in advance. We lay everything out and sometimes even take pictures of our looks so that we're organized for the trip. But you also have to pack some extra separates just in case you pull something from a showroom. I grabbed this dress from BCBG the night before the company's show when they were still finalizing all the runway looks. I'm usually not a girly girl, but for some reason the lace was just calling me.

So I didn't have time to straighten my hair from a job that I'd done the day before. I woke up in the morning and I looked like I'd gotten into a fight with a flat iron. My edges were already starting to curl back up. There was no way that I was going to straighten my hair all over again, just to have it attacked by humidity once I went outside. In a frenzy, I threw on a hat I borrowed from my girl Taye and off we went to Lincoln Center.

Beauty is pain. I got these Giuseppe Zanotti sandals on super sale and knew they'd be perfect for fashion week. The problem is I forgot to break them in beforehand. They may look good, but talk about uncomfortable. These babies only feel good when you're walking on thick carpet and rose petals, not when you're trekking around the city.

The Look
Dress: BCBG Max Azria
Jacket: L'Agence
Hat: H & M
Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti
Clutch: Mano
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Despite the hilarious circumstances surrounding this outfit, it was a hit. When Taye and I finally got to Lincoln Center photographers swarmed us. We had to politely fight our way through the frenzy to make whatever show we were going to. Afterwards I graciously posed for the cameras. I miss those flashing lights. Thanks to Taye and photographer Aristide Loua for snapping these shots.

xoxo

Make A Statement: The White Tux

Photography by Jonne Johnson, styling by Pei Lee, and makeup by Sheba Snow

A black suit with your usual dress shirt and bowtie is the standard. It's safe and expected. But white... now that's the business. Walk into a party and all eyes are on you. It's a clean, crisp look that pops without being too loud and works for any ocassion. I know this look is normally reserved for wealthy gentlemen going to formal affairs in the summer. Who says you can't wear a white dinner jacket all year round. Especially with all the holiday parties coming up, I say do it!


The Look
White Jacket - H & M
Bow Tie: Thrifted
Slacks : H & M
Glasses: Urban Outfitters

The white tux works on both guys and dolls. It's so sleek and sexy. Some so-called experts say you should never wear ivory or white in cooler weather, but I say who cares. If you're going to sport something like this "out of season" pair it with black pants and darker accessories in general. Having any trouble figuring out if you can wear this? Think James Bond in Goldfinger, Bogart in Casablanca, or Sinatra in anything. Got it? Just avoid drinking red wine or eating something with marinara while you're wearing this. Your dry cleaning bill will be ridiculous.

"I hope my black skin don't dirt this white tuxedo before the Basquiat show." - Frank Ocean

My Style: Sseko Designs 30 ways 30 days for Education

"Each one teach one" is an African American proverb that I say all the time. If you're not familiar with it, here's a little background. The saying started during slavery, a time when our people where denied an education. If you learned something, it was now your responsibilty to pass the torch to the next person and share that wealth of knowledge. That same giving spirit is the concept behind Sseko Designs.


The Look
Head wrap: Gap scarf
Tank top: Zara
Miniskirt: H&M
Sandals: Sseko Designs
Earrings and Rings: Urban Outfitters
Bracelets: Target

Sseko is a brand based in Uganda that produces leather goods like sandals and accessories. The sandals are made by the caring hands of women earning money towards a university education. In the months between finishing high school and going to college, these young ladies put in real work. Half of their earnings go into a special savings account that will be used for tuition. When it's time to ship off for school, Sseko Designs gives university scholarships that match up to 100% of the savings each girl has made during her 9 month period with the company. Each young woman now has a fighting chance to become a bright, shining future lawyer, doctor or world leader.


Each piece of footwear is uniquely special. The base of the sandals are the same style, but you can interchange different straps and accessories to design your own. The selection is so cute ranging from classic elastic to funky, seasonal prints. I chose these pretty mint chiffon straps and decided to tie them like a pair of ballet shoes. Sseko even offers different sandal accessories to jazz up your outfit. I never have to stress out and go shopping for the perfect summer sandal again. Oh, and you can always re-up and get new straps whenever you like.

I'm so glad Sseko decided to include me as one of their ambassadors for 30 Days 30 Ways for Education. If you hear of a kind deed, it's important to spread the good news to others. Until the end of July, join the celebration and enjoy 20% off your purchase (use discount code Sseko30x30). Lend a helping hand for education and look fabulous while doing so.

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My Style: Retro Shapes

Never let a cute outfit go to waste. When I saw this dress hanging in Native Boutique, I knew I just had to have it. The neutral colors and retro pattern just called out to me. So I went to the dressing room, slipped it on, and fell head over heels.

Originally, I wore this outfit in my shoot for It's Hair Magazine. The glossy only used one photo in this look for the shoot. Taye Hansberry's pics were so good that I just couldn't let them sit in the vault forever.

At first glance, this may look like a summery dress. But you can easily convert this into a great look for the fall. Just add a dark tailored blazer, close-toed heels and rich neutral colors for makeup and you've got your perfect autumn look for day or night. I love wearing this dress with a navy blazer and cute caramel chunks heels. I look like a pumpkin spice latte.

What I'm wearing...
Dress: Ark &Co.
Shoes: Steve Madden
Sunglasses: Marni for H & M
Bangles: Target
Necklace: Borrowed from Taye
I'm strolling by these posh stores off Melrose looking like a million bucks but my entire outfit was less than $100. See, you don't have to spend a lot to look fabulous.

Xoxo

My Style: Urban Layers

When in New York, dress like a New Yorker... A shirt. A skirt. A button-up. A scarf. Kicks. And a big bag. All the necessary layers for an urban dweller. Gracious... do I have on enough clothes? The entire day I was wearing this, I was constantly peeling off and putting back on.

What I'm Wearing...
Tank Top: BDG from Urban Outfitters (similar)
Scarf: Cooperative from Urban Outfitters(similar)
Button-up: H&M (similar)
Skirt: H&M (similar)The Accessories...
Glasses: Forever 21
Shoes: Nike Wedge Sneakers
Bag: Zara (similar)
Bracelet: Thrifted You never know what the weather will be like until you step out the door. That's why New Yorkers come prepared with multiple layers, shoes to walk the town in, and an oversized bag to live out of. I definitely followed suit with this outfit. Funny thing is, I was trying not to dress so West Coast, but I guess I'm just an LA woman. Cue the song.

Thanks to the wonderful Taye Hansberry for snapping these pics. This street style was totally uncontrived and last minute, but it looks perfect!