I Did Something Kind of Crazy #AssataDesigns

I love fashion. I love creating fashion. Looking at trends, prints, patterns and working with textiles is kind of my thing. It's the project that gets my blood pumping and also something that gives me creative purpose.

So.....

I opened an Etsy store! Introducing "Assata Designs". You can read my post here and here behind the meaning of Assata Designs and who Assata is (spoiler alert: I get it from my mama).

You can visit the shop here and right now I'm exclusively focusing on accessories for Men, Women and Baby. I wanted to share this with you all because I am finally ready to do this. 

Note: The Etsy store is debuting, and like me, it will evolve over time. A full bottle of Shiraz was a fuel for this project so be gentle with your thoughts.

And since I turned 27 use code "ASSATA" to get 27% of your very first order. 

Assata Designs Shop

Assata Designs Facebook

Assata Designs Instagram

Enjoy! 

I'm Not Biker Chic, I'm Metallic Chic!

It's that time again, folks! So let's get straight to our Hump Day Post :)

The Internet is a blaze as of late, with Spring, Pre-Fall/Fall 2012 Trends and one that seems to be here to stay is the Motorcycle Jacket. Here is the thing: We have seen Biker Chic before, and while Leather is truly a closet staple in any form, I personally don't have a style aesthetic that matches "Grunge" or "Biker". HOWEVER! I can completely agree with Metallic (remember: Let It Shine ?), Glitter (how about Glitter Is A Girls BFF ?), Or Sparkles as Outerwear: 

IRO Spring 2012

IRO Spring 2012

Atelier Versace Spring 2012 Couture

Photo Credit: Monica Rose  & Fashionologie.com

These jackets are BEAUTIFULLY constructed. They have the same Edge-y feel as the Moto frame, but there is a lot of POP going on. With IRO, the jackets have strategically placed zippers, stained leather, and a fashion fave: sequins. With Versace, glitter & revolutionary detailing create the beauty of these pieces. These Jackets are a far cry from Harley, (Sorry Mr. Davidson) and should be in every girl's closet ASAP!

So, how do you do it?

• Again, this trend is obviously NON Biker Chic. Everything you wear underneath should be clean. Straight-legged or Skinny Jeans, and simple colored Tanks/Tees, or Dresses. The idea is to be innovate with the jacket - step outside the Moto box!
• Play up the color! As seen in a few pieces above, there is nothing wrong here with matching. You can match one (if not all) the colors of the jacket to a piece you are wearing, OR you can make your own suit and add color to your bottom half.
• Don't over-accessorize! This trend is in a very central location. You won't need a lot of 'POP' elsewhere. Try and stay simple with jewelry - Gold and Silver Studs or plain colored Bangles.
• Identify your shapes - be mindful of where on your body the Jacket ends. If it hits you at the waist, identify your waist with either a belt, or a long top so this fabulous trend doesn't "chop" your body. Show your silhouette from head to toe.

Look at some of these for inspiration:

ASOS Metallic Collarless Leather Biker Jacket

KARL Octavia Sequined Biker Jacket

Royal Underground Ruffle-Trim Metallic Motorcycle Jacket

Calvin Klein Faux Ultrasuede Metallic Moto Jacket

Ralph Lauren Jenski Metallic Suede Jacket

Blaze the trail in a Glam way!

-TLW

TLW: Designer Profile Series - LaQuan Smith

Hello and Happy New Year! It is officially 2012 and I am happy to be starting the new year with all of you, my awesome readers!

For my first post of the new year I wanted to try something a bit different and help you further understand my style aesthetic, as well as introduce and discuss worthy Fashion Engineers (let's be honest, they are more than just designers). Today I wanted to introduce you divas to LaQuan Smith.

Lala Anthony wearing LaQuan Smith F11

I first caught Mr. Smith's designs on Lala at the VH1 Divas Celebrate Soul 2011 special, and fell in love because of the print and asymmetrical hem lines. This dress shows off Lala's legs while being conservative and form fitting at the top, which to me is creates the perfect balance in this garment.  This dress is from his Fall 2011 Eclipse collection, and as I dove more into his designs my admiration and respect for his craft grew:

LQS Fall/Winter '11 - '12

LQS Fall/Winter '11 - '12

LQS Fall/Winter '11 - '12

LQS Fall/Winter '11 - '12

Photo Credit: LaQuan Smith

LaQuan Smith is a 23 year old New York based designer. He has shown in 2010 and 2011 New York Fashion Week and started with a dream, his grandmothers sewing machine, and rejection letters from both FIT and Parsons (seriously?!).  His craftsmanship, beyond the fact he is a self taught designer, is impeccable and his relation of garments to the body is a phenomenon to be reckoned with (peep the ruffles!). I am officially LaQuan Smith's number one fan and my first purchase from his RTW line will be these 3D Gold Leggings

LaQuan Smith

You can check out his past collections on his official website,  LaQuanSmith.com and follow him on Twitter @LaQuanSmith - I know I am :)

Until next time Divas and once again Happy 2012!

-TLW