Blush + Biggie

Moto Jacket: Loft //  T-shirt: Spencer’s // Denim: Express // Sneakers: Aldo

I took these pics a couple of weeks back and I debated when to publish them. My answer arrived when I learned that this past weekend, March 9th, marked the 21 year anniversary of Biggie’s death. I watched “Notorious,” and never did I imagine that I would leave the theater in tears. Not that I didn’t know how it would end but still. Recently I’ve seen documentaries featuring his mother, Puffy, Jay Z, and Faith and of course you get a first hand account of the man Biggie was. But the craziest take away of this story is how young he was. This man was twenty four years old and he lived as big and as colorful a life as one could ever imagine.

On a much lighter and brighter note (there is no perfect way to transition from a tribute…but here goes) we are six days away from Spring 2108. Our weather is much cooler than one would expect which makes me think that we may pause before we put away all our winter clothes, cuz it’s chilly. One of my favorite jackets is a moto jacket, especially if it’s in a pastel tone. I am also rocking a lot of denim jackets, whether they are fit or boyfriend. Love each style. And I don’t want to (but I am) over emphasize the biggest trend that you will see this spring- sneakers! Any style, and shape available. With or sans platform, studded, perforated, metallic, you name it. Whatever style you choose you will not fail. These faux fur blush sneakers are the most adorable things I’ve owned. I am also obviously obsessed with graphic tees and if they include the face of an iconic figure even better.

Until the next post.

XOXO,

DdC

 

Affirmation

Photos by: Joshua Bourgeois.

Dress and top: Express// Boots: Head Over Heals // Hoops: Baublebar

I want you to step into March with the affirmation that you will SLAY this year. Fresh out of a February filled with wonderment and promise… how amazing was Black Panther amirrrrrright?!!! March carries over the promise of being AHMAZING and I will tell you why. Across the country our youth has found their voice and they are taking action. Out of great loss we find great strength. But it is not strength alone that will get us there but the will and the conviction to bring about change. To paraphrase the words of 18 year old Emma Gonzalez, nothing about who we are and where we come from matters but what we do will.

NOW! Let’s talk fashion shop chat. This Spring you will layer and you will layer right. The slip dress with a plain tee is such a grunge era style and it’s making a comeback in a big way. Velvet in this interim period between winter and spring is hot for a hot second. Oh, and hoops will be your go to accessory so get your hoop game right, right now.

Oh, and what am I obsessing over right now you ask? I know you didn’t ask but I’m going to tell you anyways. Rihanna’s Fenty make up. This (super super super talented beauty) superstar thought of EVERY possible skin tone, or shade, and released a soft pro matte foundation that had me going to Sephora on several occassions to figure out my shade. Here is a piece of advice. At Sephora they have a tool to help figure out your “suggested” shade but grab the associate with the fiercest face and ask her to help figure out your tone. But first go look at all the shades and you can usually tell which one kind of looks like your color, and then ask for help. Because as you well know no one knows you better than yourself. Snap ya fingers three times now.

And on that note I leave you. But I seriously want you to have a fabulous weekend. I’m going to have some English tea at a posh place in Covington.

Until the next post,

XOXO,

DDC

Baton Rouge Fashion Week Year 5

Well it’s a wrap for Year 5 of Baton Rouge Fashion Week and I am happy to say that it’s Big night was a big success. Hosted by the beautiful and talented Chelsea LeBlanc from WAFB,   and the equally talented and dapper Gerron Jordan from NBC 33, the night was filled with witty banter and unbelievable high fashion.

Designs included a whimsical vision of haute couture as visualized by the twelve year old (YES! you read that right…twelve) Alexandra Bujan, a sexy mod vibe by Just Joe, social messages on IME’s t-shirt line, dreamy lace creations by Altrage by Kelby Bell, and vintage with a modern take from Your Mother’s Closet.

There were several precious moments during the show. A two year old model in the making stole people’s hearts as she placed one leg in front of the other, hands on hips, and a face that meant business. She was there to give the people what they wanted and the crowd went wild. I must admit that I got a little emotional, and there were several proud momma judge moments when I saw several of the models walk down the runway. Some of these young men and ladies have been doing this show for several years now and when you see them grow up in front of your eyes, it just tugs at your heart strings. There was also a lot of genuine gratitude too for the opportunity of participating in a fashion show.

It was a very special night. Congratulations to Brandon Campbell and his incredible talented and hardworking team for bringing this vision to life in the Capitol City.

Until the next post.

XOXO,

DDC

Evil Eye

Dress and faux fur vest: Aria (n/a) // Boots: Aldo // Earrings: Aldo

One of my favorite symbols, or amulets, is the evil eye. If you watch TRHNJ you will notice most of the ladies wearing the evil eye. And taking it way back to the beginnings of the TRHOC franchise it was that infamous evil eye hat that Tamra wore to ward off Vicky. But I digress as usual.

Growing up in the Caribbean you are surrounded by spiritual tales and mysticism. We call giving someone the evil eye “hacer Mal de Ojo.” I wear it, like many do, for protection. I also love wearing the hamsa, which is the hand of God. The hamsa is more middle eastern, and the evil eye has origins in Ancient Greece, much like my dress that has a decorative greek step pattern (which trust me I’ve sat through research lectures on this pattern because it’s that historically important) vase and the figure of a greek god.

I promise this is the last winter look with my OTK’s, Ok? It does show the versatility of the pair and how much bang you can get for your dolla dolla bills.

Until the next time,

XOXO

DDC

 

OBRFW MODEL CALL

This is year 5 of One of a Kind Baton Rouge Fashion week and it’s going to be a great one. In less than 5 days aspiring models (or YOU) can answer the call, the model call that is. I am including all the details below.

Oneofakind Baton Rouge Fashion Week Model Search
January 20, 2018 at 1 pm – 4 pm
January 21, 2018 at 3 pm – 6 pm

EBRPL – Main Library 
7711 Goodwood Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Males and females of all ages and sizes, children & plus size models included! Wear plain Black T-Shirt/tank top (no logos), jean pants, no make-up, and no accessories. Wear no wigs, and arrive with your hair straight or natural and out of your face. Ladies bring heels. In order to expedite your audition process, fill out the on-line application here.

HOTEL for OBRFW Model Search:Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
201 Lafayette St
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
$114 per night
Mention “Baton Rouge Fashion Week Model Call” when making reservation
225-344-5866

LBD + Puffy

Dress: Tie Sleeve Ponte Shift Dress from Express // Boots: Aldo // Jewelry: Own

I can’t write Puffy and not think about Diddy, or “Brother Love.” Puffy just needs to accept he will always be Puffy, or Diddy in our eyes.

At any rate, this was my second look for the Christmas Party Season (now gone). On this particular day I had 4 parties to attend (not bragging), I only made it to 3. I found this dress at Express, and after rewatching seasons 1 through 7 of the RHNYC you learn that wearing black is downtown chic in NYC. All of that to say that if you are unsure of what to wear you can never go wrong with choosing the classic LBD for any special occasion.

As far as my shoe game goes my goal was to pair each look with these boots from Aldo. I already had some Vince Camuto OTK boots but they did not have the platform to up my look. So I jingled all the way with these OTKs.

I hope your holidays were very Merry and Bright! And have a very, very, very happy and prosperous 2018!!!

XOXO,

DDC

 

OTK OK

Photos by: Joshua Bourgeois

Dress: Aria (old) // Boots: Aldo // Earrings: Aldo

I cannot believe we are five days away from Christmas Day. I just survived a whirlwind of Christmas parties and I pranced my way to each party with these Aldo suede over the knee boots (OTK).

Anywho, I kicked off my first party with this navy pin striped shirt dress. I love this look. First off, it’s easy and comfortable. Secondly, it’s the closest I will get to doing that pyjama trend.

When I think back to what inspired me to start this blog I believe it all started with Christmas parties, and doing casual photoshoots in them. Oh what fun. And possibly a bit awkward but lucky for me others were drinking and having fun so I got away with it. But being a plus one to a lot of these parties I can share some tips with you:

  1. Don’t overdress. Be fashionable and on point but you know that beautiful red dress featured on Jasmine Sanders for the Bebe Fall campaign? As gorgeous as it is ZON’T DO IT. It is not the time nor the place. And we have Mardi Gras for that. Christmas parties as much as they are for everyone they are really a time for all employees to get together, celebrate the past year, and have fun. So as much as I like to walk in to a joint like Tyra Banks, some times it is necessary and ok to tone it done.
  2. Don’t over drink. You may notice that there are cash bars or drink limits (or tickets) at Christmas parties. And there is a good reason for that. You never want to be THAT person. In other words a hot mess fool.
  3. Always thank the host. There is always a talented Queen (or King) Bee in every company who worked her/his tail off to pull the event off. So make sure to not only greet them when you enter but also thank them when you exit.

I will post looks for the party season in the next few days. So stay tuned.

Heart y’all.

XOXO,

DDC

 

Sundays are for Brunching

Photography courtesy of Bria Spears, Twajoku Photography

I’ve said this a couple of times on the blog, and in real life conversations too, but one of the most rewarding aspects of participating in Baton Rouge Fashion Week each year as a judge is seeing new faces and familiar ones too. Making connections and being part of the process of selecting talent to me is priceless. It gives me life.

So it was a no brainer when the beautiful Cynthea Corfah, model and blogger, who I met at Baton Rouge Fashion Week a couple of years back, reached out to me about her Brunch for the Soul series. I was there in a skip and a hop. With only 15 seats available everyone there was not only beautiful, talented, accomplished and smart, there was a true collaborative sense in the air. From the ice breakers to the guest speakers, to the decor and the food, everything was amazing.

Bria Spears caught some truly great moments from this event. And what I love most is that most of the shots with me in it I am sipping. Below is my favorite shot because clearly my  facial expressions are everything, and I am next to Elle Marie which makes the pic even more special!

Thank you Cynthea from the blog Laced In Cyn for sharing these moments with all who attended. Her next Brunch for The Soul series will be Thursday, December 16, at the Parlor. It’s a yoga brunch party so it’s going to be a real treat. Tickets are available here.

 

Bey Day

Dress: Topshop from Nordstrom //Shoes: Head Over Heals // Jewelry: Dillard’s

I’ve been wanting to do an ode to Queen B ever since Lemonade dropped last year. It took some serious cojones to drop such a heavy visual album like that. And when you think about the body of work she has created all you can do is bow down to a true queen. And then 4:44 drops and I can’t even deal! I mean….LEGACY, LEGACY, LEGACY.

So when one of my co-workers gifted me this bat (which I know what you are thinking, it’s an odd gift but when it comes to gifts I welcome them all) all I had to do was find the dress to lemonade the heck out of a post. Obvi that the dress is not Cavalli like in the video but it is the chicest brand around, Topshop.

I keep telling you guys that I have some sort of fashion ESP when it comes to predicting colors and trends so write this down when I tell you that mustard will be a pretty big deal this fall. Gah’on, take notes.

At any rate I know it’s a sort of a two for one special on September 4th but time is of the essence (cliche; sorry I ain’t sorry).

Happy Bey Day!

Until the next post,

XOXO

DC