Posts Tagged ‘Fashion in Detroit’
“Style It Local” Feature
Posted on: October 29, 2015
Photo: Reel Clever Films
October 17th, 2015
Downtown Detroit
Detroit Garment Group Feature
“Style It Local”
Jewelry:
Earrings, necklace, and bracelet: F21
Midi Rings: Torrid
I was chosen to be featured in Detroit Garment Group‘s blog “Style It Local” for the month of October.
As you can see, I was very much excited.
Clutch: Avenue
My makeup was courtesy of Madinah. And the photos were taken by my buddies at Reel Clever Films. Thanks guys.
Diva much?
Turban: Caniff Gift & Variety
Faux Fur Vest: Burlington
Dress: F21
Turtleneck: Wal-Mart
(Thanks for the pics JB!)
September 24, 2015
The Fillmore
Hour Detroit’s Best Dressed
Downtown Detroit
(Custom lace gown by Ann Nahari)
I heard about Hour Detroit’s Best Dressed for two years in a row and somehow never got a chance to attend. I called Somerset. I emailed and even called Hour Magazine. And no response. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be, I thought. Finally, a few days before the event, their PR firm contacted me with a press pass. I was ecstatic.
I felt like an all black dress would’ve been too blah…I wanted to make a splash at the event. I decided what better color to wear: red!
Hawt like fire.
Explosive like lava.
Spicy like peppers.
I adore this photo. It says curvy fashionista conquers the world.
By the way: hat and sunnies from Forever 21, neck piece from Burlington, and belt was from Rainbow Clothing.
Close-up. Tried new foundation from Lancome. Lipstick by Kat Von D. No, Madinah didn’t beat my face. I had to do it all by my lonesome. My wing liner is getting a little better.
Oh, Hey at Lil Miss JB Style and Colour and Grace.
Bumped into these rowdy youngins’ outside the venue.
Best Dressed Trio goes to this beaded and laced gang.
Best Dressed Male goes to this velvet suit and embellished loafer gentleman.
Black & Gold Soiree
Posted on: September 28, 2015
(L to R: Maryam, Tasneem, myself, and Fatimah)
Tokyo Club
Black & Gold Birthday Soiree
September 28, 2015
Downtown Detroit, MI
(All photos courtesy of Scott Mitchell of Worldiction Arts)
The wait is over. I am finally blogging about my Black & Gold Birthday Soiree photos last month. Although it was stressful, we had a great time. I was even able to style the models above with wardrobe courtesy of Thrift on the Ave and Green and Glamorous. Thanks loves 🙂
My big sis came and boogied down.
The owners of Thrift on the Ave! Go check them out in Downtown Detroit.
The photographer of the night, Scott.
The hubby and I.
My friends, thanks for coming and helping and taking the verbal abuse. Ha. And of course, thanks to Madinah for the makeup.
More of my friends!
My buddy Dierdra and Mike.
Model Shia and I.
Oh, and my dress was designed by myself and brought to life by two designers/seamstresses: Mahgrib of Chimiwear and Taqwa of Ziarra Collection.
Nafeesa and Fatima.
We had a lil’ runway competition. And Maryam won!
My cake cutting ceremony.
Roberto’s Bakery did a wonderful job. We smashed it.
Thanks everyone for a fun filled evening.
And I’ll send you off with a pic of my sis dropping it like its hot. Oh, boy. lol
Lil Miss JB Style Does NYFW
Posted on: September 15, 2015
(Photos: Worldiction)
Jordan: Hey guys, I’m Jordan the creator and curator of Lil Miss JB Style! When I’m not styling clients or working out I enjoy stuffing my face with great food, dancing around my house to music that’s entirely too loud and exploring MI with my trusty sidekick & dog Ana! www.lilmissjbstyle.com
*And it’s her birthday today!*
Detroit Does NYFW Series
Eastern Market
Detroit, MI
Sept 16, 2015
Q: What was the inspiration/story behind your look?
Jordan: This look was actually inspired off of a few different NYFW shows for this fall/winter season and was spotted on Olivia Palermo shortly after.
Q: How would you define your style?
Jordan: Honestly I can’t define my style, I’m a Jill of all trades, well…of all styles. I think the crux of my style revolves around ease, comfort and wearing what makes me feel confident regardless of if I am dressing for work or the weekend.
Q: Who are your style icons?
Jordan: I honestly draw inspiration from so many people, but if I had to name a few they would be: Esther Quek, Olivia Lopez, Mary Seng, Christina Caradona and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
Q: Where do you like to shop?
Jordan: Everywhere! Lol no really, I don’t like to limit myself because you can miss out on some gems that way. My favorite places to shop are definitely ASOS, H&M, and TJ Maxx.
Q: Have you ever been to NYFW, if so when and what was your fave part?
Jordan: Sadly I haven’t been yet, but I’m saving up for next year 😀
Q: Who is your fave designer?
Jordan: Gaaah, honestly I don’t hang on designers like most fashion people but I definitely enjoy Altuzzara.
Q: Whose show are you most looking forward to this year?
Jordan: I really am interested to see Pyer Moss, especially since he’ll be showing a video addressing racism.
Q: What do you like about NYFW more, the runway shows or the street style and why?
Jordan: Street style hands down! Unless you’re a fashion maven or celebrity a lot of the ready to wear clothes just don’t seem functional to me, but the street style always gives me awesome ideas on how to re-wear what I already own.
Q: Links to any social media pages?
Jordan: –Instagram: @lilmissjbstyle FB: https://www.facebook.com/lilmissjbstyle Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lilmissjbstyle/
(Model: Amanda Sweet and myself, doing whatever it is that I do)
Ashley Stewart
Lathrup Village, MI
August 29th, 2015
#LoveYourCurvesTour
(Tamara from Ashley Stewart and Coco the Comic from 105.9 FM Detroit)
I had a photo shoot planned that morning that I’d been working on for the last few weeks. Tamara of Ashley Stewart emailed, asking if I’d like to cover the event and be a special guest. I couldn’t refuse.
The fashion show was awesome and the energy was high.
Here are my top “Three” picks:
1. The tulle skirt. It can be paired with a cami, a denim button-up, or a blazer. Such a versatile piece.
2. A tribal print dress.
3. The Fringe bag. Basically anything with fringe on it is this fall’s trending detail.
It isn’t an event unless you have paparazzi.
As a special guest, I was able to join Ashley Stewart’s “Runway Competition”. I did win! Ha. But I had to take a pic with one of my fiercest competitors.
Fan Usie.
Fan Selfie. Digging the hat all the way!
My makeup artist, Madinah and my buddy, Cassy of The Fuller Women Network.
Style Trifecta was in the building.
It’s not about having the perfect picture, it’s about having the perfect attitude.
I was feeling myself like Yonce’. Wardrobe breakdown:
Stripped Shirt: F21 Plus
Jewelry: VictoriousMe Canada
Tutu: I made it
Style Blog X Self
Posted on: August 11, 2015
(Photos/MUA: Madinah M. Stylist/Model: Leah V.)
July 31, 2015
Z-Alley
Downtown Detroit
Style Blog X Self
I’ve been blogging for a little second now, but just beginning to take it seriously. Hell, I’ve just started to take myself seriously. Instead of treating my blog like Instagram or Facebook, where I post pretty pictures, I should be treating it like a diary–a virtual diary. Isn’t that’s what blogs are for? Blogs were created to be that independent platform where creatives and internet revolutionaries could have a voice.
Since I am turning the big 2.8. and embarking on different journeys, I am self-reflecting on who I am, what am I doing, and what had I initially set out to do? In these days and times, the world is so fast, people have quick access to so many avenues and channels that no one has time to stop, mediate, and think. And since, I am nearing 30, I feel the need to take a breather and take it down a notch.
Life is everything vs. self. You always have to come back to self at the end of the day. I think that’s important to say, but so easily forgotten. I need the same reminder as well. That’s why I am so grateful to have creatives around me so that they can say, “Hey, you’re getting crazy. Come back to life and we’ll talk. K?”
Like my buddy, Madinah 🙂 Who beats my face and takes photos of me. What more could I ask for? Haha.
I think everyone should walk through life with a long cape on and a smile on their face. We’re getting old, have fun sometimes!
I had a lot of fun with this shoot, even though it was hot as heck outside. Us, Michiganders, aren’t used to very hot days. lol.
Stubby ‘n’ fierce. Bye Felicia!
(Photo: Worldiction, Bloggers L to R: Jordan of Lil Miss JB Style, Leah V. of Beauty and the Muse, and Melissa)
Renaissance Center/The Riverwalk
Downtown Detroit
July 26th 2015
Empowerment: Fashion Blogger Style
(Photo: Worldiction)
Life is funny. The right people kind of just fall into your lap when you least expect it. I met these crazy fashion bloggers at different times, but it is like we’ve known each other for years.
(Photo: Worldiction)
I’ve been blogging for about 2+ years now and didn’t even know there were other local bloggers like myself floating around the city. We’ve bounced around from fashion show to fashion show, colliding at the last step. And this happened.
(Photo: Worldiction)
We decided to do a silver and black themed shoot, geared towards empowerment, strength, and entrepreneurship. Basically, everything we aspire to be and want to inspire others to partake in. Scott M., Worldiction, a local art photographer allowed our creative juices to flow without interruption.
(Photo: Worldiction)
Each of our personalities and styles are different, yet we all have a common goal of wanting to empower each other through our blogs and vlogs as well as our audiences by encouraging creativity and individuality, a strong sense of self.
(Photo: Worldiction)
Shall we do a wardrobe breakdown?
Turban/Scarf: Borrowed
Neck piece: I made it, booyah!
Lace Dress: F21 Plus
Snake Bracelet: Deb’s
Earrings and Ring: Joanne’s Fabric
Lace Hand Piece: Claire’s
Ballet Flats: Pay-Less
(Photo: Worldiction)
This year has been a whirlwind of successes and failures. But as I keep pushing and meeting new people who inspire me every moment, I find the failures shrinking. Life is about living through our experiences and finding out what we’re supposed to learn from them. I am thankful to have a set of empowering women–and men–who push me to be something more, something greater than myself.
A photo of the crew and Scott! The man behind the camera.
(Photo: Worldiction)
My last photo of the day! And I have the whole city behind me.
xoxo
Ragin’ Turbans X Atlanta Edition
Posted on: July 15, 2015
(Photo: Sumiyyah Abdur-Rasheed, MUA: Bertina B., and Model/Stylist: Leah. V.)
The photo above shows a lady who just got off a plane, had about four hours of sleep, and curated an entire photo-shoot with wardrobe included for four models from another state. Mind blown.
(Model: Jonda, Photo: Sumiyyah, MUA: Bertina, Turban/Stylist: Leah V.)
So basically, I was introduced to Sumiyyah of Ann Nahari earlier this year. We clicked immediately. She told me she had equipment. I told her I could get models and curate the shoot. We came up with this set of beautiful photos. Our concept was ‘Ragin’ Turbans’.
(Model: Jonda/ Stylist: Leah V.)
I wanted this shoot to be culturally diverse, as well as body-diverse. We wanted to show people that anyone could rock a turban!
(Model: Brittany, Wardrobe/Turban: Leah V.)
I found Brittany off Instagram. She’s also an Atlanta-native. Boy, did she transform!
I fell in love with this “Golden Girls” sequin top.
So fierce. I can’t even handle it. I love when my team’s work comes to life!
(Model: Erica, Photo: Sumiyyah, MUA: Bertina, Stylist/Turban: Leah V.)
Erica is also a local Atlanta model and a dance choreographer. Such a pleasure to work with 🙂
For this look, I was going for African Queen. I love how the prints mix and collide.
Queen Erica.
I had an idea for a dress. Sumiyyah took my idea and made it come to life. The dress fit like a glove. I love designing!
So, at the end of the day, this was an amazing shoot. Everyone chipped in when I started to freak out. Clothes and bits of fabric was everywhere. All in all I had a wonderful time curating this shoot. Thanks to everyone who was involved :0 🙂 😮
(Photo: Davide Photo, Model: Griselda U., MUA: Madinah M., and Wardrobe Stylist: Leah V. )
June 29, 2015
Pontiac, MI
Leah V.’s Hepburn Inspired Photo Shoot
When I begin any photo shoot or creative process, I always choose a theme or an era. Then I allow it to grow, piece by piece, brick by brick. I wanted a dark-haired model and I wanted to create a billowy tulle skirt in black.
Griselda and I are friends on Facebook, she responded to my post looking for a sultry dark-haired muse. And it was set. I usually do colorful ensembles with a lot of print and pattern, so for this shoot I wanted to do the complete opposite.
Initially, I was going for a modern ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ inspired shoot, but then it took a creative turn. Griselda has this Lady Gaga’esque nature about her, so we went with the flow.
Griselda slayed the shoot. She was easy to work with and high-energy. Here’s what she had to say about working with us: “Working with Leah was such a wonderful experience. She let me know her vision, but also gave me the opportunity to give her my personal thoughts. Through laughter and jokes, she kept it professional. I look forward to working with her again.”
I love working with a team of down-to-earth creative individuals. Davide did a wonderful job (as usual) being patient and adding the cool smoky background. And of course my MUA, Madinah, beat her face to perfection.
Outfit Details:
Shirt: (turned backwards) Regeneration
Blazer: Regeneration
Velvet Stockings: Pay-Less
Tulle Skirt: Custom Made by Leah V.
Turban: Wrapped by Leah V.
Heels: Model’s own
Thank you 🙂
Bass Queen x Nik West
Posted on: June 6, 2015
(Photo Credit:Fred Smith Photography)
I was invited to the “Black Girls Rock” concert in Detroit a few months back. This girl with a huge colorful Mohawk and sweet metallic shoulder pads passed me in the audience. In my head, I was screaming. She’s go it!
Fast forward. I saw her again on a panel discussion the next day. I worked up the courage to talk to her. She was super down-to-earth. And here we are. I am excited to show you these dope photos! And you get a double dose of awesomeness from vocalist and bassist, Nik West.
(Photo Credit: Fred Smith Photography)
LV: What were your fashion inspirations growing up?
NW: Fashion inspirations were my mother and my drawings. I was an avid illustrator from the age of 4. The only things I would draw were people’s hands and fashion illustrations of clothing that my mom wore to work. I would add little belts or big jewelry to the drawings. I had a big imagination.
LV: Describe your fashion/identity as a young adult?
NW: I really didn’t get into fashion on myself. It was mostly drawings of what I imagined on paper. I wore boy clothes. I have a much older brother and I wanted to be like him so I tried dressing like him as much as possible lol! Then all of my friends started dressing like me. So we had a group of girls that dressed like boys in middle school and the first two years of high school.
LV: When did you decide that you wanted to be involved in the arts?
NW: When I was 15, my mom took me to a modeling showcase because I was so tall and long. To my surprise, multiple modeling agencies wanted to sign me. So I decided I would see where it took me. Later I became Nordstrom’s jean girl. I was the model that was photographed weekly in their newest lines of jeans from all designers.
(Photo Credit: Michelle Shiers)
LV: What magazines, campaigns, organizations, and/or media have you been featured in?
NW: Teen Vogue, Black Hair Magazine, Image and Style Mag, American Idol (special guest) Metro Times, Seattle Times. Multiple runway shows, Fashion weeks, and publications.
LV: What types of setbacks or obstacles have you faced as a woman in the industry?
NW: With music, the boys wouldn’t even give me a chance to play with them. I wasn’t good enough I guess. But my dad gave me an identity with my musicianship. He inspired me to keep playing and not to worry about the boys’ opinions. I used it as ammunition to be the best and to be unique on purpose.
(Photo Credit:John Beckett)
LV: What are some of the projects you are working on currently?
NW: I just finished my EP Say Somethin’ and I am very proud of this because it describes who I am not just as an artist, but as a producer and writer. I am currently working on my Bass In Your Face Tour which is how WE met while in Detroit. I am in the process of wrapping up the Queen of Strings Competition, which is a worldwide female bass and guitar competition that I founded. We have some amazing talent and for our first year we had an enormous amount of entries. I am also starting a mentorship program through the Queen of Strings to mentor young ladies on their instruments and just in the industry. Everyone needs a mentor, and mine happen to be male, but I would love to have a system that involves women mentoring other women in the industry.
I am also doing commercials (I don’t have my mohawk on in them so you may or may not recognize me much…and that’s okay lol!) and I am in the process of creating my signature bass for the masses.
LV: How would you describe your individual style?
NW: Very eclectic. I’m part rocker, part punk, part hippie, and part anything else I feel on a particular day. I don’t really have a specific style. But I like anything out of the ordinary. I love bright colors. If someone else is doing it, I tend to go the other direction. I think my hair has inspired others to do something similar as well. I wear it because it means so much to me. It is a brightly colored mohawk molded into the shape of a bass clef and it continues into a long braid on one side of my body. For instance, Janelle Monae wore something similar to the Met Ball this year with the long braid and many of my fans posted the Nik West inspirations on her page and tagged me many times. I thought it looked beautiful! It’s very flattering to have others take notice of my style and wear it so elegantly as well.
(Photo Credit: Demann Crawford)
LV: Define beauty and confidence…
NW: I think they both deserve their own definitions from me lol!! Beauty is anything we want it to be at the time. It is not what society tells us it is. Beauty can be that ugly sweatshirt we cut up and made it into our own masterpiece. Beauty can be the scars we have that tell our true story. Beauty is sometimes those things we like to cover up because society tells us to. But Confidence is doing just the opposite of covering up the scars. It is the internal understanding of who you are and who you are not and being able to flaunt who you are in a way that inspires others to do the same. Confidence IS beauty
LV: What advice would you give other women who are in your position or want to get to your position?
NW: Don’t wait on others to make it happen. God gives us all everything we need to succeed. We just have to recognize that and take baby steps toward our goals. Write down your goals daily and do something every single day (even the weekends) that push you toward your goal. Be yourself and learn to master the art of differentiation, meaning, don’t try and be like everyone else. Be different, be bold, be confident, and most of all, BE NICE to others. If it doesn’t uplift someone, try and hold back on speaking about it. When you get, be sure to give. Be thankful for every little success no matter how small. It sets you up for bigger successes.
(Photo Credit: Fred Smith Photography)
LV: Leave us with an awesome quote.
NW: “Talent is the ability to hit the mark no one else can hit. Genius is the ability to hit the mark no one else can see.” I strive to one day be marked as a genius (in more than just calculus LOL!!)
Follow Nik West on Instagram @ NikWestBass
And check out updates on her website @ www.http://nikwestbass.com/
Beauty and the Muse 