Falling Out

   

By: Ayana Bryant-Weekes 

        This year, Fall brought with it rule breaking weather patterns, from 70-degree temperature highs to record shattering rain showers. As frustrating as unexpected weather can be, it can also inspire a similar unpredictability in your Fall wardobe. Here are some easy, yet daring Fall Fashion trends to try this season. 

        One aspect of fall that everyone loves is COLOR! The Fall14 collections of Chloe, Gucci, Carven Wes Gordon, Oscar de la Renta, and J.Crew gave us exciting blues, greens and oranges as well as surprising pastels to work with.

         Orange is a hot color for this season. I know some say orange isn’t for everyone but I beg to differ; there are different shades for every skin tone. Find the shade that’s right for you and rock it out!

For a modern take on the Blue color trend, you can wear your favorite shade of blue from top to bottom, or go the color-blocking route with shades of light periwinkle to deep sapphire.

         The Fall Pastel color trend is my personal favorite. The lighthearted shades of spring (mint greens, pastel pinks, baby blues) take the dreariness out of traditional fall colors. The deeper shades of this pastel pallet add brilliance to your fall wardrobe. Work in coats, slim pants, or midi-skirts in with these lovely hues.

The Oversized Wrap Coat trend for Fall14 combines comfort and glamor. This trend is modest but brings back an air of sophistication in one garment. You can throw this piece on over layers, or modernize it with slim-cut trousers and a turtleneck (also an awesome fall trend). The runways of Delpozo, Altuzarra, Mark Fast, Marc Jacobs, and Giorgio Armani show us exactly how to pull off this fabulous fall look.

 

If the wrap coat trend isn’t quite your cup of tea, try on a more refined version – The Cape.  I love this trend because it’s all about that personal touch. Make it an evening look by wearing the cape over a dress, or with jeans and riding boots for a stylish weekend fit. This winter staple was spotted in the collections of Public School, Kate Spade New York, Tracy Reese, Etro, Roberto Cavalli, Burberry Prorsum, Tommy Hilfiger, Barbara Bui, and Alexis Mabille.

There are bags that show your style, and then there are bags that send a literal message. Seen at Karen Walker, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Kate Spade, and other shows, Statement Totes and Clutches  let you to make a statement without saying a word. For fall, several designers embraced upbeat bags with a twist. From the Frosted Flakes mascot Tony the Tiger at Anya Hindmarch, to the Chinese takeout containers at Kate Spade, and—of course—the McDonald’s theme Jeremy Scott showed at Moschino. Apart from the variety of imaginative and trendy bags for fall, the bag trend also features outstanding designs, forms and motifs. Among them are the treasure chests of Dolce & Gabbana, the piano-inspired bag of Betsey Johnson, and the unique Frankie Morello book clutches.

                                                         

         I know I’m not the only one with a collection of comfy t-shirts, sweatshirts and sweatpants in my closet from an old boyfriend. That’s why I love this Menswear trend! Though menswear fabrics are used, the cut is tapered and more full on top for a woman’s hips, which are a major focal point this fall. You can even try dress shorts, which are a surprisingly acceptable alternative when worn with opaque tights. Make it work for warmer months with a paler color palette and lighter fabrics. Tommy Hilfiger, Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Hermes, Elizabeth and James, and Giorgio Armani all gave femininity a masculine touch for this season. 

                                    

Speaking of Men’s Wear…

Here are a few unexpected Fall trends for men!

Turtlenecks. Lately it seems anything goes when it comes to reviving 90’s fashion. This retro-classic trend has been gaining ground for a couple of years in men’s fashion circles, and this year was no exception thanks to brands like AMI, Bally, DKNY, Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford, Gucci and Topman Design. This trend makes most guys nervous about looking too feminine, however, it’s all about the way you wear it. Turtlenecks have to be comfortable and underline your masculinity and strong silhouette (that's why if you don't think that your body fits turtlenecks, then it's better to avoid wearing them). Pair a tailored, lightweight turtleneck with a blazer or bomber jacket (or on its own), or layer a thick-knit turtleneck under a long double-breasted overcoat, to switch it up a bit. For those who like a bolder look, white roll necks are white-hot this season as well. 

The Sports Chic/ Urban Sport trend is one of my favorite menswear trends. In the Fall14 collections of Hermes and Botegga Vanetta, luxury meets sportswear in a subtle way; elemnets of loungewear are incorporated into tailoring and fabric choice. The Wearability and functionality, mixed with true design elements is what sets this trend apart from “regular” sweats. The runways of J.Crew, Sibling, Todd Snyder, Givenchy, James long, Vivienne Westwood and Band of Outsiders showed a sporty but polished look with nice sneakers or boots, a fitted-shirt, topping the look with a casual blazer or jacket. Presented in double-faced wool cashmere, suede or leather, loungewear is elevated to something much more luxurious.
                                        

Heading to a Black Tie event? Shake things up and wear BROWN. Worn as a standout jacket or as a full tux with coordinating trimmings, Marks & Spencer, Best of British, Gieves & Hawkes, and Richard James translated the classic Black Tie ensemble into a handsome fall palette.

The Importance of Dating Yourself

By: Damaris (@styled2z)

The perception of dating in your 20s is that it’s the time of your life. The media (movies and television) makes dating seem like an endless parade of bar hopping, make out sessions, and one night stands. Then there is also the expectations of family. The family structure wants the seriousness of a courtship with the ultimate goal being marriage. While many are okay with dating's casualness and lack of expectations, the bigger question is where does that leave you as an individual?

We tend to forget who we are and what we want when dating.  There is a constant need to prove to your peers that you are care free and wild like them.  Nevertheless, dating is for you so who you are attracted to and why is your prerogative. On the other hand, the pressure is still there to get approval from others on whether the person we are dating is attractive, funny, smart etc. However, we cannot forget what we want and what we like about that person in a relationship. I speak from experience. I dated someone and I felt pressured because the relationship was not ideal but I stayed because everyone was telling me that relationships take work and I had to give it time. I knew what I wanted but I ignored my own voice.

At first the relationship was meeting my needs and interests, after a while there was an overwhelming distance. Deep down I knew it was the end, yet I ignored the signs. The relationship was a secret from my family because I knew the pressure I would get on their end. If I was in a relationship it needed to lead to marriage and kids. I thought this was the answer, keeping it from them, however, the secretive element added more unnecessary pressure and it affected what I was willing to accept from a relationship. For example, I was okay with him not making an effort to come see me or only texting me instead 
of calling and having a real conversation with me. I lost sight of my self. My voice was calling from a distance. One day my voice screamed out to me and I finally listened. After the break up, I found that piece of myself and swore to never let her go.

Now the woman who wants to date by her terms and not let others, subconsciously, dictate her every move is bounded into my core to make one happy human being. Furthermore, I learned to be okay with the reality that not every date will lead to a long lasting relationship, and that just obtaining a commitment or marriage are not the ultimate goals. The ultimate goal for me has been and will continue to be happiness. I need to be happy with myself, date myself first and learn to truly love who I am. It’s okay to think about yourself in your 20s. Live the life you want and achieve every career/ personal goal possible. Never forget the woman you are in a world full of loud voices. Strive for everything that makes you happy in and out of a relationship and do not compromise who you are in the process. Life is too short to be unhappy even for one minute. Be a woman whose voice is her own mantra and guide.

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Classic Fall Lippies

The perfect addition to fall fashion is fall lippies! There are sooo many new colors out but these featured are 3 of my favorites and just about anyone can put these colors off..details are below

  Product Details  

A. Classic Nude Lip

Lipstick-Myth by Mac 

Gloss- Viva Glam Gaga 

*no liner was used*

B. Purple Vamp'n

Lipstick- Cyber by MAC

Lipliner- Nightmoth Lip Pencil by MAC

C. Retro Red

Lipstick- Ruby Woo by MAC

Lip Liner-  SPL 817 Hot Red by NYX

Hope everyones enjoys this post!! Comment and tell me what you think!

~Ambrea XOXO

I Dare You

“But when that discomfort turns into prayer and trust in a God who has plans to restore His broken world, we shut down the author of fear, the prince of darkness... Fear does not get the best of us—God does….And we pray– not just say we will. But really pray.” – The Wrong Response To Scary Headlines

           

So we’ve all seen and heard about the recent craziness going on in the world and even in our home cities. I hear a lot of people talking (Myself included) about how crazy the world is now (and will continue to get), how they don’t want to bring children into such a  world and I see them let fear run them out of their homes and push them to extreme measures of paranoia and protection. It is natural to become fearful when those headlines are filled with terrible world events that are out of our human control since these events can grossly affect ourselves and our loved ones and again, naturally we immediately go into prevention and protection mode. However this article encourages us to operate in the love power and sound mind that God reminds us of in 2 Timothy 1:7.

            We greatly underestimate the power of prayer and its effectiveness especially when done corporally. If we really got on one accord – one mindset and heart’s desire – the sky is the limit to what God can do. As believers, we should work everyday to channel our fears, frustrations and anxieties into prayers and acts of faith. It’s like performing a dare, an action that you face with fear and apprehension, you don’t really feel the courage to do it, but there’s so much at steak you will yourself to get it done. In this same way, the fear that looms over our daily lives can be channeled into an effective ministry. How daring are we?????

-Ayana

Relationship Goals

2014 has been The Year of Break-Ups in Hollywood; Jordan Sparks & Jason Derulo, Big Sean & Naya Rivera, Nick Cannon & Mariah Carey, Wiz Khalifa & Amber Rose, Future & Ciara, Michael Strahan & Nicole Murphy, Blacc Chyna & Tyga, Khloe Kardashian and French Montana, just to name a few of the celebrities who’s relationships have not withstood the test of time. I don't know about you, but a few of my relationship goals were shattered with numerous headlines announcing the demise of celebrity relationships. Looking from the outside in, these celeb couples seem to have not a care in the world, traveling to exotic lands with #bae, sitting front row at Paris Fashion Week, GETTING MONEY!!

I mean I don’t see what the issue is. I know, i know  it’s a tad bit unrealistic to think becuse they're human, but i just can’t help myself. The picture they paint looks really dreamy!!! We get on social media and watch television and movies and are constantly bombarded with these images, perfect still images that encompass our ideal relationship. We say things like “How could they break up?!” and “I thought they were going to last.” because we truly believe in the perfectly timed paparazzi snapshots that flood pop culture. Let’s be honest, If the next two names on the list of failed celebrity relationships was Jay-Z and Beyonce...how many of us would give up hope in relationships all together? I’d try not to, but the “If they can’t make it, how could I?’ questions would definitely creep into my mind.

However, the hopeless romantic coupled with the Christ-rebel in me believes that despite their (seemingly) tragic ends Love, real Love, can still flourish - I believe that lifetime love still exists. I’ll tell you why. Simply put, God, as the beginning AND the end, is Love [1 John 4:8]. The advantage we have as Christ followers, in relationships, is that we know a greater Love. We come to know God as love before we know love with our significant other and even come to understand God’s love further through God ordained experiences with our spouses. Either way, Love (God) spearheads the relationship and remains a key component in the success of a couple.

So even when our relationship icons fall apart, Even if Jay-Z and Beyonce or Barack and Michelle fall apart, we can stay hopeful in Love, wrapping our hearts around a new relationship goal given to us as a gift by the Savior. The marriage between Christ and his bride is one that will never end in divorce.

3 F's

So is it FALL yet? It Looks and feels like it to me! Check out 5 must haves for the Fall 2014 season!!!!! You can NEVER go wrong with these!!

3 F's = FAB FALL FINDS

1. Dark Nail Polish & Lipstick

2. The Oversized Sweater

3. The Infinity Scarf

4. The Tall Leather Boot

5.Stretch  Leggings