"FASHION MADE ME DO IT": NEVER LET SEASONAL TRENDS STOP YOU FROM PUTTING YOUR OWN SPIN ON A LOOK

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE | PHOTOS BY MONICA KRYSTEL ROSE

Growing up, one of my guilty pleasures was (and still is) watching reality tv shows with my mom and sis. And as crazy as it may seem, my favorite part about it isn’t even the drama and crazy storylines that most of us watch reality tv for in the first place. I mean, obviously that’s what initially sparked my interest. But after a while, I realized my favorite part really is looking at all of the looks the people on the shows wear, and having side convos with my fam about what we liked and what we didn’t like, who we thought always dressed well (and who we thought needed MUCH help), along with how we would’ve worn or not worn certain things differently.

Difference in perspective is what makes fashion culture so interesting. What I think is fly is not necessarily what someone else may think is, and vice versa. And to be honest, without us all having different tastes, fashion would be really boring and uninteresting. Personal style is what makes all the difference. That’s why I always encourage my fam, friends, and even my clients to always stay true to themselves, despite what may or may not be currently “in fashion”. It’s cool to incorporate trendy pieces but it’s so much more important to wear pieces that speak to who you are because you never know how your unique take on something could inspire someone else, which is inherently what keeps the culture moving forward and what keeps us all on our toes.

Shop the Look: I am wearing a Naked Wardrobe bodysuit, faux suede thigh slit maxi skirt & studded jacket from Akira, Lemon Drop by Privileged feather boots, House of Rehab runway bag, Nasty Gal “babygirl” earrings, Forever 21 ring bundle.

I wore this look while I ran around NYC during fashion week, catching shows. After a show, I stopped in Chipotle to eat and charge my phone. As I was scrolling away, a lady came rushing in and came up to my table, telling me how much she looved my outfit and asking me where I got my jacket and boots (shop the look above). She mentioned how she would’ve worn the jacket with a matching gold skirt instead. As I explained to her how I always like to add an unexpected element into my fits, it sparked a dope convo and we ended up talking for an hour about how we as women use personal style to express ourselves and how our style usually evolves as we enter different chapters in our lives.

It made me think about how something as expressive and fun for us should never just be limited to what’s “on trend” and what’s not. With everything from top designers to social media and fast fashion factories selling us an image day after day, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s poppin’ and what’s played, losing our sense of individuality. But as exciting as it is to study trends as they come and go, at the end of the day, I gotta be me… you gotta be you. Never let a temporary wave keep you from serving a look that’s authentically YOU. Our different points of view when it comes to style are so necessary.

Sharra,

“The definition of walking art.”

"THE TIMELESS WOMAN" EDITORIAL FOR ELEGANT MAGAZINE, STYLED & CREATIVELY DIRECTED BY SHARRA GREENE, FEATURING MODEL JENNIFER CELINE, PHOTOGRAPHED BY DAMON RICE, MAKEUP BY KRISTIN PATTERSON

With everyone in society still referencing iconic trends from every era under the sun in order to create memorable looks for themselves and others, I wanted to style and direct an editorial showcasing the versatility of women’s style as it relates to time, making the point that with confidence, you can channel any point in history and still make it fresh and modern, yet timeless. My main inspirations for the looks were the eclectic, tomboyish charm seen in the 70’s and the unapologetically sexy swag of the 90’s.

Model Jennifer Celine posed fiercely and accordingly for the spread seen in gorgeous cat eye makeup looks by artist Kristin Patterson. My genius creative partner Damon Rice killed the concept visually, per usual. (If you follow my blog, you’re more than familiar with his work.) See a few of my top faves from the spread below, featured in Elegant Magazine’s February Fashion #5 Issue.

Contemplating. Jennifer is wearing a Zara blouse and shorts, red tights, Jeffrey Campbell boots, WANT bag, Forever 21 gold and printed bangles. Nasty Gal earrings, Charlotte Russe rings.

Freely. Jennifer is wearing a PLT sheer frill top, Mistress Rocks Prowess Jacket and Bloom skirt, fishnet tights, Lemon Drop by Privileged feather boots, Nasty Gal earrings, Steve Madden beret, Bebe stretch bracelet.

It really is true that we millennials borrow every bit of our fresh from past eras. Which time period in fashion has impacted you the most and how do you express that through your style? Let me know in the comments!

Go cop your digital or print copy of Elegant Magazine’s Fashion #5 Issue to see more images from the spread! Which is your favorite look? Comment below!

More content coming to the blog next week! Stay tuned, loves!

Sharra,

“The definition of walking art.”

#NEWYORKFASHIONWEEK RECAP FEB 2019: BEING A STUDENT OF MY CRAFT AT THE SHOWS & SEASONAL STYLES TO BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE | PHOTOS BY MONICA KRYSTEL ROSE

So this year for fashion week, I spent the days taking in runway shows, attending showcases, and capturing content with my boo Comfort, Style Blogger and Writer of CNK Stylebook (check her site out, her content is BOMB.) Comfort and I met a little over a year ago, as we were both doing press coverage for a charity fashion event in May 2018. I always love attending events with Comfort because we’re both about our business and constantly thinking of ways to grow our brands while having a dope time in the process.

This year’s NYFW experience was a little different than my experience back in September, being that I spent most of last year’s fashion week running around backstage, styling and perfecting designers’ collections before they hit the runway, with the exception of attending a BOMB group show sponsored by Fashion Bomb Daily on my last day. But this time, I got the opportunity to get dressed, flick it up, and just take it all in while in the audience. Though I’m sure it won’t be long before I’m right back in full stylist mode chaos, this trip was just what I needed.

We watched severals shows, with a few of my favorites being Ron Ramos, who brought sexy suiting in vibrant colors to the runway, Out of Order, the brand that brought us some of the dopest streetwear I’ve seen in a while, as well as a live showcase by Landeros New York, in which models sported lush outerwear in rich colors and fabrics, slick patent leather pieces, and cool trousers, an aesthetic that was unmatched. For some of my fave show moments, check out my events & NYFW highlights on my styling page’s instagram.

Me and Comfort grabbing drinks before a show, of course my drink is almost gone by the time we started taking pics lol.

One thing that I always try to do while attending a fashion show, is to be a student of my craft and really soak in the designer’s creativity by paying very close attention to detail. Everything from the color story and fabric range of a collection, to the models chosen, down to the way the stylist or designer has accessorized each look, really helps me be a better stylist. Studying the details, both big and small, allow me to see where fashion is going, in terms of trends, specific silhouettes, and just the overall culture.

I’m always on the look out for new styles that I want to try for myself, as well as some that I want to introduce to my clients and try on models. A few trends that I see emerging and making their way around for the upcoming seasons are dramatically oversized outerwear in eccentric shapes, suits and co-ords being done in vibrant colors such as magenta, royal blue, lime green and citrus, as well as patent leather separates. All of these are dope looks spotted on the runways to incorporate into your wardrobe for a look that’s ahead of the curve.

Shop our Looks: Comfort and I both channeled slight 70’s vibes for our Day1 looks. Comfort is wearing a two piece plaid set and white ankle boots from Nasty Gal, and a thrifted DKNY blazer (shop a similar one here) I am wearing a ribbed fringe sleeve mini dress by Akira, PLT studded belt and snakeskin thigh high boots, double disc earrings from Forever 21, vintage clutch, bangles and ring I got forever ago.

I always leave fashion week with a new found sense of creativity, and feeling so inspired. Whether working behind the scenes doing what I love, or watching it all take place, it’s always the best time for me to network, build connections, and get inspired. I already can’t wait to do it all again for September! What were some of you guys’ favorite designer collections this NYFW? Let me know in the comments!

Sharra,

“The definition of walking art.”

CONVOS WITH CLAIRE NYC 2018 RECAP! MAJOR NETWORKING VIBES AND INSIGHT FROM THE INDUSTRY'S BEST

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE & PHOTOS BY LAURENCE JAMES

So, this past weekend, I attended the well-anticipated Convos With Claire fashion networking mixer. I’m pretty sure most know who trailblazing fashion media maven Claire Sulmers is (especially if you follow posts on here because she’s my role model) , but for those of you who don’t know, Claire is the founder and editor in Chief of Fashion Bomb Daily, one of the world’s most influential fashion websites. She also maintains her own lifestyle blog called The Bomb Life, while serving as an influencer and brand ambassador for the likes of Verizon, Martini & Rossi, and more.

I finally met Claire during fashion week back in September, so I was definitely excited to link with her again! At her mixers, Claire is known for bringing together the stylish and ambitious discuss various topics in fashion and business with some of the industry’s best. For this particular event, Claire brought out a star studded panel to drop gems on us, at the Flat NYC on 24th Street. Panelists included Celebrity Stylist, Designer, Instructor, and Global Creative Partner of MCM, Misa Hylton, Television Personality & Entrepreneur Bevy Smith, and Designer and Furrier to your celeb faves, Duckie Confetti. The event’s theme was animal print.

Starting with a BOMB VIP Brunch and red carpet welcome featuring DJ JFK, the atmosphere was intriguing and inviting as fashion creatives settled in to vibe and shop. Claire typically uses her events to bring awareness to dope brands that many may not be familiar with already. Vendors included: Black Tag Apparel, Mess in a Bottle, Nroda Sunglasses, Red Eye Luxe, Boutte Rouge Boutique, Yvonne Jewnell, LaMonique Cosmetics, and Vanity Storm.

I instantly connected with a few fellow bloggers as we helped each other flick it up while bouncing our creative ideas off of each other. Not long after, the panel began as my photographer arrived to help me get content. I literally gained so much knowledge and insight but a few of my main takeaways included…

“MAKE STRATEGIC MOVES WITHIN YOUR BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS THAT WILL LATER ON BE PROFITABLE IN THE LONG TERM” -via DUCKIE CONFETTI

Talking about doing “work for free”, so to speak, is often a topic that is considered almost taboo in the fashion industry. As fashionistas questioned what type of “free” work was the right move, Duckie gave insight on how he strategizes when it comes to this. He shared how he gave Meek Mill’s stylist a leopard sleeve hoodie free of charge, knowing that seeing the very well known rapper in his merch would influence people to shop (he was right, this one move alone made him 6 figures). He stressed to us the importance of making sacrifices for your brand that will likely have a high upside, financially.

“THE STRUGGLE IS GOOD FOR YOU, IT GIVES YOU CONFIDENCE, SUBSTANCE & GRIT!”- via BEVY SMITH

Though Bevy is now a very well established professional, she shared how there was a 7 year era where she would have to “go out and hunt and kill” for work. She stressed how though this was one of the most difficult times of her life, it was the time in her life that built her character the most. Bevy encouraged those on the quest to manifest big dreams to not be in the rush for “success” or “stardom” and to embrace their current struggles because quite often the struggle itself is what’s propelling you toward the life you dream about.

“YOUR VISION IS CLEAR, NOW JUST CONTINUE TO EXECUTE” - via MISA HYLTON

Upon me asking iconic stylist Misa Hylton what moves I should make to continuously set me apart in my craft, she asked what makes me unique. Once I told her how it’s my passion for who my clients truly are and using that to create looks that speak to their highest self, she reassured me how clear my individuality already is.

Misa shared how it took her a while to gain confidence as a stylist being that she first got into the business with her then boyfriend. But it took for her to keep going after they ended to really recognize who she was and what she wanted to achieve as a stylist. She let me know that from here on out, its all about using the knowledge I gain from each experience to move forward and do what works for me because the path for everyone is not the same.

“KEEP GOING, YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOU’RE POSITIVELY INFLUENCING “ - via CLAIRE SULMERS

While sharing with us how she felt so close to giving up lately due to the challenges that Fashion Bomb Daily had been facing as a business, she simply didn’t. She got emotional looking at the AMAZING turn out of the event, saying that was just what she needed to reassure her that she was doing something right. She inspired us to keep going because we never know who we’re motivating and influencing. The mixer’s turn out was living proof of that!

After a little more networking and connecting, I left the event SO ready to execute on the new insight. It’s crazy because this past week, I hadn’t been feeling well at all. A couple days before leaving for the event, I came down with the worst cold I’ve had in a while so I was feeling so drained. Honestly, as excited as I was for the meet up, the last thing I felt like doing was going out. But this weekend definitely taught me that you never know what blessings and great opportunities you give up when you only focus on what you feel like doing.

I wanna encourage you to also push past your comfort zone, even when you may not feel like it. Take time to invest in your craft and don’t be afraid to seek out experiences that will contribute to your growth!

Shop My Look: I am wearing a snake print mock neck top and faux fur coat from Boohoo, Missguided burgundy wrap faux suede mini skirt, Miss Lola thigh high boots, House of Rehab bag, and Forever 21 drop earrings.

Sharra,

“The definition of walking art.”

P.S. There will be many more Convos With Claire meet ups for those who wanna attend in the future! Keep your eyes peeled on the @convoswithclaire Instagram page and Fashion Bomb Daily.

Want more recap content? Check out this recap on Style With Sharra: The Podcast Series.