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Laila Ali Introduces New Sportsbra Collection from Marika for Lane Bryant

Feb11

Lane Bryant, a leading fashion retailer, Laila Ali, one of the world’s most recognizable female athletes and a champion of health and fitness, and Marika, the California-based women’s activewear and bodywear company have joined together for a new sportsbra collection. On this past Thursday night, Laila Ali helped Lane Bryant debut Marika’s new exclusive line of plus size sports bras at the Culver City, CA store location. Ali chatted with guests, signed autographs and shared her tips on the importance of finding the right sports bra for any figure. Guests had the opportunity to shop the new collection and were able to get personal bra fittings and consultations by Linda Lewis, Lane Bryant’s Senior Buyer, Cacique. Refreshments from Jamba Juice were provided throughout the evening and guests received 30 percent off their purchase. XX was the lucky sweepstakes winner, being given a $500 gift card by Laila herself! 

Known for her boxing career, Lalia focuses her attention on an overall healthy lifestyle and renders her fitness expertise to the field on a daily basis. She is currently the President of the Women’s Sport Foundation, and can be seen on the new ABC show, Everyday Health, which focuses on people who have overcome or are overcoming health related issues and are paying it forward to assist others in similar positions of need.

Microfiber racerback sports bra by Marika MiraclesMolded underwire sports bra by Marika Miracles®Cotton criss-cross sports bra by Marika

Purchase the Laila Ali for Marika line from Lane Bryant here

The Look For Less: “Viola Davis in Marchesa for the SAG Awards”

Jan31

Did you see actress Viola Davis at the SAG Awards this past Sunday? If not you missed her not only accept the award for best actress from the movie, “The Help” but you missed her beautiful dress from designer Marchesa. If you liked her look but don’t wanna shell out thousands of dollars for her dress, then check out this more inexpensive version:

(Above) Viola Davis in Marchesa

(Below)   Ivory & Gold Beaded Strapless Sensational Gown; $378, Sizes 0-12, www.unique-vintage.com

Beth Ditto and MAC Are Set To Do a Collaboration This Coming June

Jan26

Beth Ditto, known for her outrageous fashion sense and singing voice, is now doing a collaboration with #1 makeup company MAC.  Women’s Wear Daily reports that Ditto, who often boasts her own bold eye makeup, will create signature products to hit MAC stores and counters in June. In celebration of the partnership, Ditto will attend this evening’s Gala Sidaction Dîner de la Mode as a guest of John Demsey, group president of the Estée Lauder Cos. Inc. and chairman of the MAC AIDS Fund, and Karen Buglisi, MAC global brand president. The MAC AIDS Fund will donate 190,000 euros, or $246,620, to Sidaction this year. No word yet on what the products will be but if it’s as great as her Evans collabo, I’m sure to be the first in line for it!

Story via The Huffington Post and WWD

Fashion Déjà Vu: “Bella Styles vs. Queen Latifah in the Zebra-Print Miss Tina Dress”

Jan19

I always say I like a good bargain and it seems that actress/rapper Queen Latifah does too. I’m a faithful watcher of “The Wendy Williams Show” and spotted the Queen wearing this zebra print dress while on the show yesterday. All day I have searched the internet high and low to ‘verify’ this info, but my sense of style is telling me that this is the ‘exact’ same Miss Tina dress that I purchased from the Fall/Winter 2010 collection. I wore it during a visit to NYC for a style symposium and interview.  I’m making a point of writing this post to show that you can look great in clothing that doesn’t always have to cost you a fortune. This dress cost me only $18, as all items are less than $20 from the Miss Tina collection, and it fit like a glove. 

I have purchased several Miss Tina dresses since this one because of the great  fit and quality material. Now being a fuller-figured woman you must always make sure to wear the proper ‘foundations’ under a form-fitting dress like this and if you do it right, the ending results will be marvelous. It’s also really great to see designers supporting one another as Queen Latifah also has her own line of clothing out for HSN.  Well even if this isn’t the exact same dress as Latifah is wearing, which I’m almost sure it is, it’s mighty close. If you like this style, and price, then you can still find more similar choices of the Miss Tina collection at Wal-Mart. Sizing goes from a S-XXL so there’s something for every shape and size!

 

(Above left) Queen Latifah in her zebra-print dress

(Below) Me in mine

 

The Look For Less: “2012 Golden Globes Edition”

Jan17

So everybody and their mother has posted a fashion blog about the Golden Globe Awards that took place this past Sunday night. I originally said to myself that I wasn’t gonna do a blog with my commentary on the event, but I just happened to come across some “looks for less” of a few of the red carpet gowns and I just had to share them since I love a good bargain. Plus, if any ladies are looking for similar styles for the upcoming prom season, here are a few Golden Globe looks for a fraction of the price.

All clothing is available from www.unique-vintage.com

(left) Kate Winslet in Jenny Packham, (right) Mignon Keyhole Dress   $258  Sizes 0-16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(left) Rooney Mara in Nina Ricci, (right) Faviana Mesh Gown  $398   Sizes 0-12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(left) Paula Patton in Monique Lhuillier, (right) Yellow Ruched Taffeta Gown  $330  Sizes 0-18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(left) Julianne Moore in Chanel Couture, (right) Black Mermaid Gown   $196  Sizes 4-18

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for 2012

Jan16

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I’d like to share some items that I think would be great gifts for your significant other, friend, wife, mother and so on. I have everything featured from lingerie, perfume to gadgets. You’re sure to find something that may suit your gift list:

Ladies even in the winter we must still keep our feet looking fresh and smooth. I mean who really wants to cut up their nice sheets with rough feet? If you you plan on giving someone a gift certificate for a pedicure my first idea is for you. For those winter time pedicures instead of freezing your feet off with those salon slippers, try these “Bootie Pies” pedicure boots. You simply slide them on right before you get polished and flip down the tab. Only $88, size 5-11, www.bootiepies.com

If you happen to be doing an at home pedicure with your “Bootie Pies”, then you’re gonna need salon worthy products. I suggest this Jasmine Vanilla Sugar Scrub from www.bathandbodyworks.com. When I say that I absolutely love this product, I mean it. I have been using it for years. Not only can you use it on rough heels but on your entire body. You instantly feel the dead skin falling off as you scrub and once you rinse, you won’t even have a need for lotion. The exfoliants & jojoba oil in this product leave skin as smooth as a baby’s bottom. $16, 32 oz.

Sensual - Jasmine Vanilla Sugar Scrub - Aromatherapy - Bath & Body Works

Then once your feet are all pretty and soft, why not slip into these cute pumps from Hello Kitty for Torrid. The peep-toe has the signature Hello Kitty emblem on it making these so adorable. (P.S.- I have these already and plan on doing a review soon). $95, Sizes 6-11.

If you’re looking for a practical dress as a gift and are on a budget, then this Belted Shirt-Dress in Rust from Miss Tina for Wal-Mart is the thing. It’s from the new Miss Tina Spring collection and is only $18.98. Sizing goes from a  S-XXL. A shirt-dress is appropriate for just about any age bracket and body shape and size.

If you’re in need of a great new bra, then try this one by “Leading Lady”. I recently had the opportunity to try this baby out and the seamless structuring was very smoothing under my blouse. I like the wide shoulder straps and the front-closing snaps on this bra  didn’t disappoint. Comes in Nude or White, Sizes 38C-46H, $39,  www.leadinglady.com

Molded Seamless Wirefree Front Closure Full-Figure Bra (5057)


Now Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to gift the gift of scents. I personally prefer to receive them in sets as I like to layer my fragrances. I may have told this story before but I fell in love with the Victor & Rolf “Flowerbomb” Perfume while on a flight from New York. The stewardess had it on and every-time she walked the aisles serving passengers, the scent was a  pleasant refreshment. (Which is a good thing when you’re on a small plane because odors can tend to really linger among passengers).  Anyway I just had to ask her once we landed what her wonderful fragrance was and that’s how I got hooked on it. Nordstrom has the whole set for $182.

Now for the diva on the go you must stay up to date at all times. But there’s only so much you can do, and see, on your phone. That’s where this little gadget comes in. It is the Nextbook Tablet. Small enough to fit into an average size purse but large enough to read ebooks, emails and movies on the 8.4 inch screen. Available at www.kmart.com for $199

Need the perfect gift to give maybe your single female best friend? There’s nothing wrong with relationship advice books. Give the gift of Tionna Smalls new book, “Men Love Abuse”. (Also available for tablets and ereaders). Available now for tablets and in print January 27th.  $14.99, www.talkdatishbooks.com

 (Personal Plug: I styled Tionna for this bookcover)

Now to curl up and read your new book, you probably want something comfy to slip into. Try this little number from Lane Bryant. It’s the Sheer mesh Babydoll for only $39.95.  Available in sizes 14/16-26/28. (Or enter my “Valentine’s Day Giveaway” for your chance at winning a new lingerie set from Lane Bryant)

Lane Bryant Sheer mesh babydoll - Women's Plus Size/Black

“The B-Styles Curvy Girl of the Day” (Celeb Spotlight): CoCoa Brown of the Tyler Perry Sitcom, “For Better or Worse”

Jan3

For the past month or so I’ve been hooked on the new Tyler Perry sitcom, “For Better or Worse”. Mainly because of one actor in particular. The always outspoken and funny “Jennifer” played by actress and comedian, CoCoa Brown. “For Better or Worse” is a spin-off of the movie, “Why Did I Get Married?”. The character Jennifer is a salon receptionist and always has advice for the ladies while they’re getting their services done. You can so relate to the Jennifer character because it seems like almost every salon across America has a Jennifer in it. So after watching the show for weeks I decided to reach out to Ms. CoCoa. I’m so glad I did too, come to find out we’re both native Virginians and she attended college right here at VCU. That instantly gave me inspiration that you can make it no matter where you’re from. So I got a chance to get to know CoCoa a little better with a Q & A session and here’s what she had to say:

I see that we are both fellow Virginians. Was it difficult for you to be discovered here? If so, how did you end up finding fame?
 I actually started my comedy career in Washington, DC. I had recently graduated from VCU and took a job offer in the DMV area. I was there about a year when I was approached at a BBQ held by Tom Joyner Morning show personality Chris Paul’s home, by his manager Pop Thomas, to host a night at the now defunct Comedy Spot comedy club. There I was “discovered” by my mentor, Darcel “The Fat Doctor” Blagmon and was given the tools and wisdom to become a “real” comedian. 
What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?
 I would have to say working with Tyler Perry and being part of the Tyler Perry family on the TV series “For Better or Worse”.
Do you prefer a career in stand-up comedy or acting?
 If you had asked me this question a few years ago I most likely would have said stand up, but after working consistently over the past year with Tyler Perry and various other TV series, I now wholeheartedly say acting! Its something about being able to tap into various characters and make them your own I find extremely fulfilling. 
How did you get the role on Tyler Perry’s new series “For Better or Worse”?
 I saw the breakdown for the role and asked my agent could he get me an audition. At the time the character I felt most connected to was loosely based on the Jill Scott character from the “Why did I Get Married?” movie franchise. I got an audition while in Atlanta working at the Uptown Comedy Club and auditioned for the role. After many months of patiently waiting I was told that I got the part and the part had been rewritten especially for me. I was ecstatic!!! 
Can you relate to your character “Jennifer” on the show? 
 LOL! Of course! Who doesn’t know a Jennifer! or have a little (or a lot) of Jennifer in them. I’m not a single mother but I have very good friends who are and I was able to talk with them and build my character on their experiences. But Jennifer is loyal to her girls and her family almost to a fault. She is a “ride or die” friend, lover, sister and Mother.  She’ll have your back but will tell you bout yourself all at the same time. Every woman should have a “Jennifer” in her life. 
Your character Jennifer is such a snazzy dresser on the show and really represents that the “woman with curves” can be fashionable. In real life, what is your fashion sense and is it similar to Jennifer’s fashion taste? Where are some of your favorite places to shop?
 Almost everything they put Jennifer in on the show, I would wear. I believe you can be classy and sexy at any size. If you ask my husband, my fashion sense is “pure diva”, never without my heels, but I like to break it down with sweats and Nikes too. I believe your personality and swag make the clothes, not the other way around. My favorite places to shop are Ashley Stewart, Macy’s, Nordstrom’s and Lane Bryant. But I’ve also found some cute pieces in Target and Wal Mart. Like John Witherspoon says…You gots to coordinate!  
What are your future plans or projects that you’re currently working on?
 Well my plan for the immediate future is Motherhood. I am expecting my first child, a boy, in the Summer, and this I know will be my very best accomplishment! I also will be launching my own show, “No Cut Cards with Cocoa Brown”, on the Foxxhole station on XM/Sirius satellite radio in the later part of January. I also will be teaching a virtual stand up comedy class on the web via Ustream, tell help young, up and coming comedians learn the “true” business of this game. I also have a re-occuring role on the new Cedric the Entertainer sitcom, “Cedric” coming to TV land hopefully by the Summer. I am still touring as a stand up comedian and people can find out where I will be by following me on Twitter at cocoabrown22 or on my website, www.cocoabrown4life.com.

You can catch CoCoa Brown on the TBS sitcom, “For Better or Worse” on Friday nights at 9pm

www.cocoabrown4life.com

The B-Styles Curvy Girl of the Day: “Alysia Joy Powell”

Dec27

A couple of weeks ago there was this guest on “The Wendy Williams Show” who caught my attention.  She was vibrant and outspoken and had a sass that was undeniable. I liked her TV presence right away. Then when she gave one of my fave plus-size retailers, “Ashley Stewart”, a shout-out, that sparked my attention even more. Come to find out her name is Alysia Joy Powell of the new hit movie, “The Sitter”. I immediately reached out to Alysia for an interview and she politely agreed and made my day. So ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you Ms. Alysia Joy Powell, whom I’m sure you’ll be seeing more of on the big screen soon……

Alysia hails from Los Angeles. Born of parents who met at an acting class, it was no wonder that she would have the gift. Some of those gifts are acting, singing, writing (poetry and screenwriting), stand up comedy, directing, and producing. She’s had a career in Film and TV including credits like: Desperate House Wives, a reoccurring role on Everybody Hates Chris, Scrubs, NYPD Blue, and The Shield, just to name a few. Four years ago, she got a deep passion for all things more true and cultural. That’s what brought her to NY and she has been on her grind ever since. She, now, reigns as the Two Time Manhattan Monologue Slam Champion. Alysia was in the amazing stage production of “Who Is A Virtuous Woman”, directed by the fabulous Wendy McKenzie and is in the 20th Century Fox Film, The Sitter with Jonah Hill  and is working on a One Woman Show. Alysia, Just finished shooting “Excuse Me For Living” with the talented Tom Pelphrey from Guiding Light, Dick Cavett, Robert Vaughn, and Chistopher Lloyd, and is work- shopping at The Gotham Comedy Club with her stand-up skills. Did I mention, she has a beautiful jewelry line called My Diva-Tude. Please enjoy my Q & A with Ms. Alysia Joy Powell.

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How did you get discovered in the acting world?

I grew up in the business. I wasn’t allowed to play, though. My parents met in an acting class. My Dad had a career in acting and I was his riding buddy. I went everywhere with him. I wanted to sing, act, and write. On movie and TV sets, on location, the theater, etc. I soaked it all up. I wrote plays when I was little and put them on at my school. Lol. My parents forbade me from doing anything more or deeper than that. I think my Dad was afraid for me to enter the entertainment business. It’s funny how God can bring you full circle with your gifts. I started out in my late 20’s singing Gospel and singing back up. I then started my own management co. I managed gospel artist with a business partner. It was after that that I had a calling to go into acting. A friend called out of the blue and gave me info to an acting class in the San Fernando Valley. Did I tell you, I’m from California. From that class, I got representation. My first gig, was a Co-starring role of The Shield. It’s been 14 years in the business for me. Perseverance is everything. I’ve been in NY for 5 years, now.

What has been your most challenging role yet?

I would have to say, working on Virtuous Woman.  Wendy McKenzie of In The Wink OF An Eye cast it and directed it. I fell in love with this stage play because the characters were so rich and deep. I had to dig real deep for that one. The Trailer is on You-Tube.  I regret that we didn’t take that show on the road or Off Broadway. It deserved a good run. The ensemble cast was so tight. It’s rare to be able to have a cast that is so equally talented and bring so much to it. That was the one that got away.

Do you feel any pressure from Hollywood being a full- figured woman on the big-screen?

I have been very blessed in my career. I have never been asked to lose weight or the change.  Actually, the opposite. I’ve have been told not to change. I can’t speak for everybody, but I think if you’re comfortable in your own skin and you’re fabulous being you, what could they say. If you don’t know who you are, they will try and come up with something for you. I’ve had to say “No” a couple of times and had to turn down some project because it wasn’t right.

How did you land the role in “The Sitter”?

The old fashion way, I earned it. Lol.It was funny. I had a manager, at the time, that submitted me for  the role opposite me that was a larger.  I auditioned for it and did my thing but it didn’t feel right. Soon after that, I went to L.A. I still have my agent in L.A. He called me and told me he submitted me for this movie in NY. I told him I was in L.A. He said, I had better get my butt back and I did. I went in for the role and it just fit. The director was in the room. After I went through it twice, the director said,” OK, put down the script and give me something. “ I’m good off the top of my head. When I left there, I thought I had it but I didn’t hear anything. It was a month later that my agent called me and said I had it.

First, the script was very well written but I had a whole slew of curse words to say. So much so, I had to get an acting coach to help me. Needless, to say, I must not have been too convincing because they edited it all out. Lol

I recently saw you on” The Wendy Williams Show” and you shouted out clothing store Ashley Stewart. What is your fashion sense and what are your favorite stores?

Well I’ve been collecting fabric and designing wardrobe since I was in high school. I want to have my own clothing line one day. I, currently, have a jewelry line. I like to pattern styles from the 20s-30s and 50s- 60s. I love I Love Lucy for the fashions. I have a couple of designers in Brooklyn that I work with. My dress for the Red Carpet for The Sitter was a Monif C dress. But I, also, shop at Ashley Stewart and Lane Bryant. It has to be something that can fit my curves and looks good. I’m not the trendy type. I like to set trends and have all eyes on me when I enter a room. Somebody’s going to say, “ where did she get that!” 

What projects are you working on for the near future?

I have a lot of irons in the fire. Some things on the acting side, producing and film packaging side, my jewelry, my stand up, writing, and I’m working on a One Woman Show. I am taking meeting and choosing very wisely.

Follow Alysia at: http://facebook.com/alysia.powell

Here’s the trailer for “The Sitter”: http://www.movieweb.com/movie/the-sitter/trailer-2

 

Skorch Magazine’s December 2011 Celeb Spotlight: “VH1′s Tionna Smalls and Her New Book, “Men Love Abuse”

Dec12

In last month’s Skorch Magazine I did a photoshoot with VH1′s “What Chilli Wants” star, Tionna Smalls. So for the December issue of Skorch I have my actual interview with Tionna and part two of our photoshoot. Tionna served as TLC singer Chilli’s relationship expert on the show and is now releasing her second relationship book entitled, “Men Love Abuse”. In last month’s Skorch issue I featured Tionna in all Ashley Stewart clothing to show her more urban glamour side. This month I’m styling her in Holiday 2011 looks from Lane Bryant. I’m so happy to announce that Tionna also chose one of my looks for the “Men Love Abuse” book cover.

I got a chance to do a Q & A with Tionna and that interview is below:


 

Now, for the bookcover styling, I wanted to have Tionna in a more sophisticated look. I called upon my friends at Lane Bryant and told them who I was styling and what for and within hours, they had me in store pulling looks for the shoot. I had seen this velvet blazer and gold lame skirt in store early October and really thought it looked great together. But you can still be sexy while dressing classy and that’s why for Tionna I had her wear this lace bustier along with the blazer and skirt. Turns out, this is the look she chose for her upcoming bookcover. She even said herself that it was good to step out of her usual element. She proclaims that she would normally have never chosen this outfit for herself but liked the finalized look.

Black Ruffled velvet blazer  $79.95  Sizes 14-28  www.lanebryant.com
Gold lamé A-line skirt  $64.95   Sizes 14-20  www.lanebryant.com
Lace bustier top   $56.95   Sizes 14-28    www.lanebryant.com
Necklace and Bracelet from www.ashleystewart.com
Shoes and Earrings: Tionna’s Own

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What was your inspiration for writing your new book, “Men Love
Abuse”?
I wrote “Men Love Abuse” based on my experience with men and being around men. I realized that men didn’t act nice to women who were nice to them. I realized then that men loved abuse and needed to be called out on that very fact.


What important message would you like for your women readers to take away from this new book?
I want them to be strong and realize that they can’t be too nice to a man if they plan on keeping that man. I want them to know that their happiness is the most important thing in the world.

Do you plan on doing a nationwide book tour or motivational seminars to inspire women on the topic of relationships?
Yes I have some great plans to do that. I also want to teach women that love for self is the most important and greatest love of all.

In addition to your wonderful career as an author, I also hear of another passion of yours, fashion. As a Richmond, VA girl I’m so excited to learn that you’re opening a new plus-size boutique here called, “Majesty’s Closet”. How did this venture come about and what made you decide on the boutique name?
I dressed my behind off on the second season of “What Chilli Wants.” Fans from all over used to ask me where did I shop and I realized that there wasn’t one specific spot. I shopped all over. So I said you know what, its time for a place where a thick girl can shop for all kind of items and be fabulous while doing so. I told my sister about the idea and she loved it and we decided to be business partners. Majesty is my niece’s name (my business partner’s daughter) and it also means “queen”. I remember seeing Queen Size on the tights we bought back in the day. So Queen meant plus and it all just added up. Majesty’s Closet is all about the thicker girl being fabulous and dressing better than her size 4 friends.


What type of clothing and designers do you plan to carry in Majesty’s Closet?
We plan to sell everything fabulous from dresses, leggings, hot sweaters, and even larger sized shoes. We will sell any designer who has the hot ‘ish whether they are known or unknown. Its just all about the plus size girl being majestic.

What is your personal fashion style?
I’m just a fab girl. I love vintage stuff like half hats and hair pieces. I love cute bags and accessories but most of all I just love looking extra! I change my style up all of the time because I love a variety of things.

If plus-size ladies would like to model for your boutique or better yet shop there, when is the launch date and contact info?
If you are a plus size model who would like to model for Majesty’s Closet, you can email my partner who is our fashion director at toni@Majestyscloset.com. We plan on launching the site in January and our showroom will be opened in February/March. We can’t wait. We will definitely change the face of “plus size.”
You can learn more about Majesty’s Closet at www.majestyscloset.com and follow us at twitter.com/MajestysCloset.

(Tionna and Bella having a little “twin” fun on the set):

Ponte knit colorblock dress   Now $69.99   (Tionna in ‘Deep Purple’, Bella in ‘Fanfare’)  
Sizes 14/16-26/28   www.lanebryant.com
Tionna’s Necklace by www.ashleystewart.com
Tionna’s Shoes: Her Own
Bella’s Shoes: Jessica Simpson “Vadio” in Blue Violet  $98  www1.macys.com
Bella’s Hat is from Dots

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Photoshoot Info:

Celebrity: Tionna Smalls (www.tionnasmallsonline.com)
Fashion Stylist: Bella Styles (www.bellastyles.com)
Photographer: Kermit Gresham of Beau Monde Fashion Group (kermitgresham@gmail.com)
Make-Up Artist: Charlene Easter of Epiphany Beauty ( www.epiphany-beauty.com)
Hairstylist: Tahnesha Ervin (www.topnotchstyles1.com)

My Photoshoot With VH1′s, Tionna Smalls, For Skorch Magazine and Her New Bookcover, “Men Love Abuse”

Nov4


On Tuesday, October 25th I had the wonderful opportunity to style Tionna Smalls for her new book cover as well as for Skorch Magazine’s November/December issues. Tionna is best known from VH1′s, “What Chilli Wants”, where she was a relationship advisor to singer, Chilli, of the group TLC. I had Tionna as my “Curvy Girl of the Day” last July but it was great to finally meet her one-on-one and get to know her on a more personal note. I tell you what, Tionna taught me a lot about “the business” during our photoshoot and I so appreciate that info. 

I had such a great time on set that you wouldn’t have believed all this was pulled together in less than 24 hours. Tionna called me on Monday and said that she was in town and wanted to do the shoot if I was available. I immediately called upon my “Bella Beauty Squad” (Photographer Kermit Gresham, Make-Up Artists Charlene Easter & Manaya Latrice and my hairstylist Tahnesha Ervin) and to my rescue, they came, lol. 

I wanted to style Tionna in versatile looks so I went for both “Urban Fashionista” and also “Holiday Glam”.  Her urban looks, courtesy of Ashley Stewart and featured below, will be in the November issue of Skorch Magazine.  The Holiday looks, courtesy of Lane Bryant, which Tionna chose as her bookcover, will be featured in the December issue of Skorch.

For the first urban look I went edgy with an animal print jumpsuit. In my opinion animal prints are here to stay and will never go out of style. Since I am a featured blogger on Ashley Stewart’s website this month, I chose from those looks that I styled for them to also showcase on Tionna. (Read more on that here). I added a faux leather jacket and bronze belt to give the jumpsuit more flare. The outfit by itself is a knockout so I didn’t want to overdo it with accessories. Therefore, I only had her wear these coin drop earrings and no other jewelry. Tionna can wear this outfit to a book signing or it would be befitting for her launch party. 

Next was what I call her “boardroom ready” look. When I first laid eyes on this faux fur collar cardigan I said this is for the “boss business woman”. Well that’s Tionna. She can wear this outfit to a meeting with a client and make power moves. I switched it up a bit though from my original styling for the AS website. This lavender ribbed turtleneck went so well with Tionna’s makeup that I used that instead of the aqua. The high-waisted plaid trousers have a lavender print in them too and once I added the purple belt, that made the outfit complete. As a stylist I often find myself purchasing items on a whim not even knowing where I’m gonna wear them. That was the case with this grey faux fur clutch. I’ve had it in it’s shipping package since last year and haven’t had a use for it until now. The clutch went perfect with Tionna’s collar of the cardigan.



For the last Ashley Stewart look I went “all out” edgy. While shopping in the store last week I saw this faux lamb vest and started thinking, “that would be great for a photoshoot”. Tionna calling me was perfect timing because I was able to style her in this and it looked fab on. I used the same jumpsuit as I did above but instead this one is plain brown instead of leopard print. I added a brown belt to accent her waistline and the bold gold/ivory earrings and bracelets were all Tionna needed to complete her edgy look. I think this was my favorite outfit of the entire shoot.



Be on the lookout for the second portion of my photoshoot with Tionna, featuring Lane Bryant, in next month’s Skorch Magazine December issue!!!

http://skorchmagazine.com  (Pages 44-49)

www.tionnasmallsonline.com