My Style: Graphic Jungle

If you're tired of seeing me in stripes, raise your hand. Ok, I see a few. Well, I'm sorry. Stripes happen. I can walk into anything store, and I'm immediately drawn to those white and black bars. Stripes have me brainwashed, but I'm not complaining. It's not like I'm trying to force you to like them just because I love them. It's not a conspiracy. I just have a problem. But this outfit is a new one for me. Never before have I worn stripes together. It's unheard of. What about stripes with dots? Yeah, I went there. It's bold. It's graphic. It's a jungle out there is these streets.



I was inspired by an outfit I saw Jennifer Lopez rocking on American Idol. I couldn't believe she was wearing stripes of different sizes all in the same dress. Perfection. It hugged her body in all the right places and the patterns didn't seem to compete with each other at all. I thought "Hey! If J-Lo can do it, then so can I." Ok, I may be a bit delusional because I don't have a booty like hers or star power like that either. But I've got something, dang it!


The Look
Shirt: Zara (similar)
Skirt: BDG
Heels: Zara (similar)
Sunglasses: Peter Pilotto for Target
Clutch: Merona
Earrings: Target
Ring & Necklace: LZZR Jewelry

The outfit is already banging, but the accessories are like the sprinkles on top of the icing on the cake. Yes I kept the heels basic and black, but they have a sort of suede texture that gives them extra za-zing. The copper necklace necklace and bronze rectangular ring are from latest collection by Lzzr Jewerly. Heavy metal never looked so chic. The shades I scored on sale from the Peter Pilotto for Target collection. Solid-colored sunglasses are such a bore. The polka dot clutch is also pretty sweet and adds some color so that I don't look like a really long barcode.


Super industrial buildings, street art, and one delicious dirty chai latte made this outfit come to life. Shot in around the Daily Dose Cafe in downtown LA. Awesome pics by Taryn with the assistance of Alex for 6twenty7 photography.

If someone tries to say that wearing different stripes together is a fashion faux pas, just show them this. I may look like a zebra plus a cheetah with a little bluebird in her hand, but I'm one hot Phoenix. Better recognize.

My Style: Florida Evans

I must be in a classic rock kind of mood. First the Santana album and now Clapton. How can you not admire either one of them. They are a couple of my all-time favorite guitarists. Definitely in a class all their own. This look isn't just about music, but a movement and an era. A time of self expression and experimentation. Freedom of speech and the freedom to disco. Black power and black exploitation. For some reason, when I put this outfit on and caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, the name that came to mind was Florida Evans. Don't ask me why.


In all honesty, this isn't something the mom from Good Times would've worn at least not in its entirety. Maybe she would've had this floral number, but the sunglasses and turban are something her best friend Willona would've sported. Anyway, I picked up the blazer from Zara on super sale. I thought it looked a little busy for my taste, but as soon as I slipped it on I knew it was mine. When I saw the peep toe booties I immediately felt sexy in that sort of Mary Jane Girls vibe. But the combination of the floral in the jacket and the shoes has Paisley Park written all over it.


The Look
Jacket: Zara
Shirt: thrift store score
Jeans: Wrangler
Shoes: Aldo
Turban: Lublu Kira Plastinina
Ring & Earrings: Urban Outfitters
Bracelets: R.J. Graziano
Sunglasses: Outlook Eyewear (similar)


The inspirations for the outfit just keep on going. The t-shirt and jeans are things I practically live in. They are so worn down and cozy that I wish I had a thousand just like them. Very tomboy and boxy which is just my style. A great way to dress up such a masculine look is with fabulous accessories. The turban and earrings have a north African feel like an Arabesque Cookie or A Night in Tunisia. If you've never heard any of these jazz songs, please look them up and have a listen.


This is something your flower child godmother would wear except that I doubt she'd be caught dead in a double-knit blazer. It's very earthy and rock-n-roll but with a touch of chic. Keep in mind, everything was kind of thrown together. I was literally just grabbing things from my closet to put on like I was dressing up as a character from that Cameron Crowe's Almost Famous. The end result is a little bit gypsy, a little bit hippy, and a lot trippy.

My Style: In His Clothes

I was cold. We were out at an event. He looked really sharp in a nice grey suit. I was wearing a very slinky dress with strappy heels. I borrowed his jacket and I still haven't given it back. It hangs in my closet, and every now and then I put it on and remember the fun we had. The jacket still smells like him... Black Orchid by Tom Ford.


I'm a sucker for nostalgia. Every piece of clothing triggers a memory. These black slacks are the same ones I wore the night we first met. The shiny wings necklace I put on the night his film made its hometown debut. I wore it for good luck. I remember he laughed so hard when I showed him this black and gold bag I got from a flea market. He said it looked like a fancy chessboard. Even this hat. We were in a beautiful middle eastern restaurant and he was snapping pictures of me. I was blushing when he said "I know all your right angles."


The Look
Jacket- Wentworth
Cropped Button-up - BDG from Urban Outfitters
Slacks- J. Lindeberg
Hat- Anthropologie
Shoes- Zara
Bag- thrifted
Necklace- Tatty Devine
Ring - Melody Ehsani
Earrings- ASOS


There's a story to go with everything I'm wearing. Just call me a sentimental fool. As the years have gone by, I'm sure I've romanticized the details a little bit. But it all helps to keep the idea of him forever in my heart.
"I am remembering... love."

My Stylebook: Stripes

Stripes, you are my obsession. No matter the season, no matter the weather, you and I are always together. Vertical, horizontal, thick or thin... stripes and I are inseparable. Yes, it's an addiction that I've tried to kick. Whenever I walk into a store I make a beeline straight for the stripes. But now I happily accept that most of my closet is filled with this bold pattern. Sporting stripes is super easy, but there are some who get it all wrong. They either look like they're wearing old prison uniforms or a really bad Halloween costume. Beetlejuice! So as a self-proclaimed stripes aficionado, I believe it is my duty to educate you on my basic rules of wearing stripes.

First things first. Go for the stripe you love. I'm not picky when it comes to horizontal, vertical, or even asymmetrical. What I am ore concerned with is the fit of the garment and making sure the stripes don't get distorted on your body. I tried on a cute pair of striped pants the other day. The fit was super skinny and looked fantastic on me, but the curves of my hips made the pattern look off. So I opted for the more boyfriend cut to keep the stripes in order.
Now that you've got your stripe picked out, let's find other things that complement it. Keep the rest of your outfit simple. Unless you're good at mixing prints, I'd say stick with solid colors that won't distract from your statement piece. One color I would definitely stay away from if you're wearing black and white stripes... orange. Hello Ms. Jack-o-lanten! Ok, on to accessorizing. Add a little bling with a fun cocktail ring and bracelet. When it comes to your bag, keep that small. Once again, don't distract but complement. Shiny, reflective shades are always a plus. And since I get photographed texting all the time, a cell phone is a good accessory too.
The right shoe can make or break your entire look. Have you ever seen someone who looks so sharp but once you look down at their feet, the outfit's been ruined. Don't be that person. When wearing a thicker stripe, I like a sleeker shoe to balance the outfit. Of course you can rock a brighter colored shoe if the rest of your clothes are more monotone. And if you're going for punk, rock a boot with studs or spikes. Don't be afraid to take risks.
Surround yourself with a stylish entourage. This tip is by far the best. When I bought my most recent striped items, my girl Taye was right there giving advice. She loved the Stella & Jamie vest but wasn't too keen on the Zara striped blazer. I mean, the shoulders are a bit off-fitting and I already have another jack that is a dead ringer for this one. I listened but opted to buy it anyway. Anyway, look how awesome we look together in our patterns! I think my stripes look hella good next to her peachy floral jumper.

Now that you've got the basics, give these stripes a try. I love a little black and white French Connection dress paired with heeled oxfords by Charlotte Olympia. Crown earrings by my new fave jewelry company Tatty Devine. And this Kate Spade clutch is too freaking smart. Instead of boring red lips, go for a pop of color like Mac's Morange. Sweeeeet!

However you decide to wear your stripes, you better own it. Rules are made to be broken. As long as you're confident, you can rock anything.

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My Style: A Love Bizarre

Mixing prints is something I rarely do. I look at pictures of celebrities or fashion divas who do it and I think I can't pull it off. I've already got a lot going on with the freckles and all. Then I saw this crazy tribal onesie and knew that my time had finally come. Dancing in my head to a wonderful soundtrack featuring Sheila E. and his Purple Majesty, I give you a little street fair I call "A Love Bizarre."


Rompers are an easy look to pull together. You just add some accessories and you're good without too much thought. For this look, I wanted a dab of icing that would make this extra sweet. The two prints that unite on this romper are already pretty busy, so anything I added had to really pop.


The Look
Romper: Angie
Suede Pumps: Zara (similar)
Cow Skull Ring:Wildfox Couture
Bracelet: Urban Outfitters (similar)
Belt: ASOS
Earrings: thrift store find (similar)
Hat: borrowed from friend (similar)


I wanted something that felt bohemian and free. I needed an inspiration. That's when I saw the suede pointy purple pumps by Zara. For some reason I thought "that's what Prince would want me to wear". Then I picked up the cow skull ring by Wildfox Couture... suddenly everything just made sense. As I twirled in the middle of the street and the sun began to set, my earrings jingled like the coins on a belly dancer and I knew the outfit was perfect.

"The moon up above, it shines on upon our skin
Whispering words that scream of outrageous sin
We all want the stuff that's found in our wildest dreams
It gets kinda rough in the back of our limousine
That's what we are, we all want a love bizarre"

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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