Take Pride in Yourself!

Hello All,

Lately, I have been seeing a lot of posts and conversations about how women should take pride in their appearance.  My classmate and friend, prophetess Tera Carissa Hodges, had a discussion on her Facebook page that stated the following:

"Ladies, be mindful of how you come out of the house. Have some pride in your appearance. I'm not saying you have to be in full face, but look presentable. Don't look like you just rolled out the bed and couldn't bother to get the lint out your hair or brush your teeth. Appearance is not all about clothes. Snap a picture of your teeth. Do they need whitening? If you are natural, don't confuse that with being unkept. Head over to Youtube for a tutorial. Looking good is not all about looking good for a man, learn to look good because you VALUE how you present yourself to the public."-TCH

When I read this on my news feed, I was so excited to give my opinion on it.  Lately, no matter if I am in my hometown, or my current city, I have seen women, especially young women, come out in public like this:

Wearing too tight/too little clothing in public

(Picture via fashionismyname.com, via justsaynoto.wordpress.com)

Wearing sleeping bonnets like this in public

(Picture via http://madamenoire.com)

Wearing see through leggings as if they are regular pants

(Picture via http://soladunn.blogspot.com)

Exposing too much cleavage

(Picture via Strange, Bizarre, Weird News- All True)

There are more examples, but it will be too much to put on here, and yes, I am in my feelings with this issue.  I want to say this to all women: our bodies are a jewel, and I am tired of seeing you all tarnish it.   So, I want to give you some tips on how to present yourself in public:

1. Wear clothing that does not show the improper parts of your body (nip slip, butt crack, almost exposed crotch, etc.)
2. Make sure your clothing fit (buttons do not look like they are about to pop open, your pants can actually fit your bottom, etc.).
3. Please take the time to comb your hair! If your hair is relaxed, either flat iron it, or use rollers.  If your hair is natural, you have so many options! Opt for two-strand twists, beautiful curls or waves, or you can wear a blow-out, but please, let the bonnet go, and take the time to comb your hair!
4. Invest in makeup.  I'm not saying to wear full face, but it is good to have some color on your face.  If you do not wear eyeshadow, consider eyeliner and mascara.  Also, if you do not wear lipstick, tinted lip balm or lip gloss is another alternative to lipstick. (Elf {www.eyeslipsface.com} has a great selection of tinted lip balm, lip stains, and lip glosses, and they are all under $5)
5. Wear age appropriate clothing!  If you are over 30, let Aeropostale and Abercrombie & Fitch go!
6. Invest in a belt!  This accessory is great for pants that have a low rise, and it also helps your pants stay on your waist.
7. Invest in pieces like blazers, cardigans, etc.  They work well with any look.

I want to leave with this quote that I found on Google+

Stay Fabulous, Take Pride in Yourself, and Invest in You!

Until Next Time!!

Haute Couture

Hello All,

I am a huge fan of Pinterest.  I'm always on the site for new inspiration, whether its fashion, home, beauty, etc.  I love looking at haute couture and avant garde looks for inspiration.  So, I was on Pinterest a few minutes ago, and I found this Haute Couture board, which was created by a young lady named Meriyay.  She has pinned the most beautiful haute couture looks you would every see.  Here are a few of them:

Nicolas Jebran.FALL-WINTER 2014-2015

Nicolas Jebran.FALL-WINTER 2014-2015

 

Nicolas Jebran.FALL-WINTER 2014-2015

Versace Atelier Fall-Winter

 

If you would like to view more of these looks, please take a look at her board, http://es.pinterest.com/meriyay/haute-couture/.

 

 

Until Next Time!

New Life in Dallas

Hello All,

As you all know, I have just moved to Dallas, TX.  Even though I have been here for over a few weeks, I have to say that I like it here.  It is very different.  It is hot (over 100 degrees!), but at the same time, there are so many things to do.

This place is also great for fashion opportunities.  Since I've been here, I've had more people to contact me for freelance work.  I'm very excited.  The job I'm working is great, and I have more opportunities in my field. 

I'm currently working to promote myself in Dallas.  I'm thinking of doing more fashion shows, and promoting myself on social media.  I've created a page on Etsy account (https://www.etsy.com/shop/ALbyAshleyLove), and put three of my looks in my shop to see who will buy.

I've also been busy creating looks for myself as well.  I've created an outfit, and wore it to school about two weeks ago.

Denim Shirt- created in 2005

Harem Kite Pants- created in 2014

Everyone loved this look! These pants are becoming very popular, so I'm thinking of putting them in my Etsy shop as well.  Will you buy these pants? 

I have to design some other looks so I can start a fashion show again.

Until Next Time!

Harem Kite

Hello All,

It has been such a long time. I wanted to give you a quick update as to what's going on with me.

First, I'm still designing original garments. That will never change. I'm always looking for design inspiration, whether it's outside, our on Pinterest. Recently, I designed these Harem kite pants for myself.

I have designed these pants before (class and family/friends), people love them. They're cute, comfortable, and stylish. They're easy to throw on and go about your day.  I did not have any black fabric at the time, so I used this colorful knit. The next pair of pants I make like this will be either black or gray.

Second, I'm moving to Dallas, TX!! I just received a job as an Adjunct Professor. I will be teaching sewing and fashion illustration classes. I'm so excited about this position, and new venture in my life. Its funny becauseDallas was not a city on my list for me to live and work, but God had other plans for me. I'm still thanking Him for this opportunity because it would not have been possible without Him.

I just want to leave you with this quote that I found on Instagram.

Go after your dream, and work hard at it. Never let anyone tell you that you CAN'T do anything. You can do whatever you set your mind to do.

Until Next Time!

Fashion Inspiration

Hello All,

It feels good to blog and talk about fashion design again. I have been looking for more design inspiration for designs I want to create for myself.  Here are the pictures and the places where I found them.

www.iamsadiddy.com

Pinterest

Pinterest

Pinterest 

TrendHunter (Fashion)

TrendHunter (Fashion)

TrendHunter (Fashion)

I am currently working on a pattern to make draped harem pants. I will post pictures.

Until Next Time!!

Physicians Formula Sexy Booster Va Va Voom Volume Mascara

Hello All,

In case you don't remember, I am a Style Ambassador for Harper's Bazaar magazine.  As a Style Ambassador, not only do I get the opportunity to attend major events and test new products.  I have tested the Olay Regenerist Luminist Tone Perfecting Cream, and now I get to test the Physicians Formula Sexy Booster Va Va Voom Volume Mascara (that's a lot to say).

The mascara came yesterday (5/13/14) and this is how it is packaged:

 

When I take a product out of its package, I immediately start inspecting it.  This is how it looks outside of its packaging:

 

I like the heel pendant

LOVE the bristles!

 

 I start using the mascara right away, and I fell in love with it. 

 

with makeup

 

without makeup

 

 

I have never really been a fan of mascara.  I started wearing it almost regularly a couple of years ago, and the mascara that I would usually choose is either Meet Mark or New York Color.  The Sexy Booster Va Va Volume Mascara is my new favorite mascara.  Although I have only been using this mascara for a day, it is my favorite for the following reasons:

• It smells like vanilla.  I have never had mascara that smelled so delicious!
• The bristles glide on very easily
• This mascara is clump free!!
• Whether you are wearing makeup or not, this mascara gives your lashes instant volume
• It lasts 24 hours

This is my first time ever using a product from Physicians Formula, and I love it.  Physicians Formula, you now have a new customer.

 

Until Next Time!



50s Style Full Circle Skirt

Hello All,

Lately, I have been busy creating a 50s style circle skirt for myself.  I have always wanted one of these skirts (also known as the skater skirt and the full "midi" skirt), and I am happy that I created one for myself.  I had to take many breaks to complete it (woven fabrics are not as easy to sew as knit), but I completed it in time for my sister's graduation.

As a fashion designer, I have to say that it can be challenging creating an illustration, flats, pattern, and sewing a garment, but I love what I do, and I would not change it for anything.

Pattern

Cut

Sewing

Now, I introduce to you, my 50s style full circle skirt, designed by yours truly.

Until Next Time!!