Swimwear is a closet staple for the summer. It comes in different shades, fabric, and (these days) sizes. The swimwear game has definitely stepped it up in the style department, with a number of celebrities and influencers trying their hand at some of the hottest swimwear collections, complete with cover-ups, tankinis, and more. As a plus size consumer, I am overwhelmed with love at the strides the swimsuit industry has made in the past few years.

Still, there are some characteristics of of the swimwear industry that fall..flat. After the warm spring and summer months are over, our swimwear hits the back of the closet, not to be seen again for another 10-12 months. Wardrobe longevity is definitely an obstacle not mastered by swimwear...just yet. But sometimes, you run into a line that defeats the odds, doing so in the most unique way. 

Enter STAY by Stacey Angela , a high end luxury swim/resort wear label that caters to the edgy fashionista who loves to travel and express her individuality. Founded in  April 2002 by designer Stacey Angela Williams, each piece is a one of a kind tailored, handmade, custom crochet design where every detail is selected with the customer in mind. The Stay by Stacey Angela has expanded recently to include boy shorts, cover-ups, ponchos, two-tier miniskirts, hats, earrings, gloves, and bowties. 

The STAY brand has reached multi-location notoriety and recognition at a number of fashion weeks, pop-up shops, and magazines. I took some time to sit down with fashion designer extraordinaire to talk about the origins of her brand and her inspiration. 

Why did you decide to choose a career as a fashion designer? I decided to become a fashion designer after being exposed to the fashion industry by my mother and my cousins. My mother took me to tons of Fashion fair/ Bob Mackie  fashion shows. I fell in love with fashion instantly.

What skills are necessary for a successful fashion designer? The most important skill and tool that a designer needs is there mind. You have to be able to be open to all walks of life in fashion and art. Inspiration is everywhere if you pay attention.



What's up next for STAY? Paris City Fashion Week! You can get a sneak peek of the spring/summer line over at staybystaceyangela.com. Take a look and tell her i sent you! You wont be disappointed!






Faithfully,
Brieana

What do you get when you mix sophistication, glamour, and around the way fashions? You get a personalized stylist, one of a kind pieces, and a fashionista's paradise! This is She Boutique has been keeping me LACED for the past few years, with unique items for the unique lady, with an emphasis on the hood girl at heart!

Founded by Adrienne Randall, This Is She Boutique is located in Reading, PA. Don't let that stop you from getting all the latest pieces though! Adrienne also offers personal shopping and styling services. If you're already sure of what you need, expect to find reasonable prices for the diva in you!

Geared towards the urban community, Adrienne Randall says her clientele is the 'urban sophisticated fashionista', where she specializes in high fashion. A face like this is especially important for us hood girls! I mean, Rainbow and 10 Spot will ALWAYS be great places to shop, but with This Is She Boutique, gone are the days of possibly running into another diva with the same dress!

                                                                                  

"...fashion is a confidence booster. It feels good to purchase and wear the pieces you love. It gives a woman an extra pep in her step and a swing in her hips. To me that is the best feeling in the world to know I was apart of that." 

Chances are, you have a complaint or two about your skin – whether it’s age spots on your cheeks or varicose veins on your calves. All women want to put their best skin forward, but it’s hard when you’re coping with acne, varicose veins, age spots, moles and more. Aestheticians, also known as skin care specialists, cleanse and exfoliate, wax and laser, moisturize and apply makeup to enhance a person's overall appearance. A skin care specialist will first assess the condition of his or her clients' skin and make recommendations on what can be done to improve their skin quality. An aesthetician will also cleanse the skin, and in so doing, educate the client on which face washes, lotions and creams are best suited to him or her. Applying makeup is another piece of the job description, as is advising the client on a personalized skin care regimen.

“What do women want? Shoes.”

“For women, shoes are the most important. Good shoes take you good places.”  

“The stiletto is a feminine weapon that men just don't have.”  

There's lots of good quotes about women and their most coveted item of clothing; shoes. Let's face it; it's a love story that will go on and on, chapter for chapter. What started as a love story to find the Missus at the ball (Cinderella anyone?) has carried on through the ages in making us feel sexy. powerful, and meaning business.

Enter the beloved shoe store. The gatekeeper of fashions, trends, low prices, and lots of sizes. But my biggest gripe about shoes stores? The long lines, the lackadaisical customer service, and the well-meaning clerks who just don't get me. They don't REALLY know what I want. They don't quite get what I need. And as hard as they try, a busy shopping hour in a shoe store can leave me at the corner of  a meaningful shoe purchase and "Ill try again another day"

So I went on a quest to find a store that had all of my needs for a successful shopping:
1. Personalized customer service
2. Styles that every store doesn't carry.
3. An online website (you guys know I love a good online shopping hall)

Nchantment satisfied all three of these needs and then some. With their vision to "empower women financially and personally through their passion and love for fashionable, well-branded shoe and accessory products", NChantment held me down with pieces that don't break the bank. I got to preview some of their selection, and I promise you that you won't be disappointed. Just in time for spring, they promise lots of metallic pinks, rose golds, and much more! I loved it so much...I had to get in on that action! Say hello to resident blogger and  virtual style visonaire. I'll be heading back to my roots over at Polyvore, featuring some items soon to come from NChantment. And if there's anything you don't see online, don't fret! It's coming soon!

For now...check out some of these collages and head over to the site. (You might find a coupon there.)

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Link to items: Polyvore

Link to items: Polyvore

Link to items: Polyvore

Interested in any of these fab finds right now? Don't fret! Contact Tiffany Viorla-Calder, personal fashion and styling consultant of NChantment.

Faithfully,
Brieana

Transparency moment: Sometimes I jack my boyfriend's style habits. We've been together about 4 years and sometimes we dress drastically alike. Its amazing how much women's and men's fashions have crossed over in the past decades. Especially for me, on a casual Friday, when all I want to do is throw on a baseball cap and some sneakers.

I threw a feminine flair on one of my love's favorite outfits to wear; a hat and his favorite Adidas inspired outfit. That will include a tracksuit of some sort and his favorite pair of Adidas classics for the perfect ensemble of tri-lined wear this side of the pond. Those Brits and their "Addis".

Sneakers: Here

It was hard to stay away, but I finally allowed the Adidas bug to bite me and purchased a pair of their classic Adidas Superstars collection. The simple black and white took my back to my Missy Elliott
days, the iconic female rapstress with style to boot. And for those who know me well, you know I cannot resist a pop of gold in my outfits, and these sneakers were definitely after my heart.

I stayed true to my fashionista bones with some girly elements, one being this chic leather cap I got from Charlotte Russe. Paired with my sheer cardigan fro Haute Life Plus, I'm ready to slay the day away....in a pretty funky way *drops mic*

Leather baseball cap:Similar| Similar

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Faithfully,
Brieana

Happy Friday everyone! To say that I am as happy as a clam would be an understatement. Why you ask? Because as of yesterday September 22nd, the fall season is officially underway. This doesn't quite mean that we can pull out our fall boots and trench coats, but who says we can't be prepared. So in the spirit of proactiveness (word?), I dusted off (and unwrapped) some of my pieces for the fall. Get ready to see lots of green garments, colorful booties, and the recently re-incarnated bomber jacket

Outerwear:

As easy as it is to just throw on your favorite leather jacket (because let's face it...it's convenient and matches with EVERYTHING), a true fashionista has a couple of fall choice jackets in her arsenal. This is a time to make sure the wind stays outside, while also looking cool with minimalist colors and features. Many of my jackets follow suit with this, while differing in lengths and fabrics. I give you a few examples here:

Similar|Similar

The not so basic moto leather jacket, that creates a scarf of sorts when zipped up. I got this from JCPenney a few seasons back, but the updated leather jacket is everywhere for those of us who are sick of black (not!), or would rather something more than a vertical zipper.

Similar

This purple trench coat screams fall with it burgundy undertones. Trench coats are especially good for the rainy days (we know they're coming). The collard neck will be sure to shield you from Mother Nature's wet kisses.








Longline Cardigans/Vests

One of the best ways to be chic, unique, and comfortable all at the same time?! The long cardigan. Their usual flowiness makes it look like you tried, while the coziness makes you feel like you didn't have to try too hard. Score two for you! These babies are my literal go to for everything; running errands, going to work, laying around the house, etc.

Sweater: Forever 21+

Longline cardigans: Similar

Sleeveless Blazer: Here

 Bomber Jackets:

And on today's episode of Fashion History repeating itself, we have the Bomber Jacket, straight from the 90's. Those were the days. Contrary to my fashion musings when I was 14, the bomber jacket has come a long from its big, sometimes lifeless form. It now features fab colors (some even still come in that Pepto Bismol pink), and even more fabulous pockets. I was even able to score this silk one from one of my favorite boutiques,  Stacked Apparel

Satin Bomber

Similar

What kinds of items have you stocked up on for the fall? Leave a comment, quip, or photo below with your favorite fall outfit, or store to shop for fall staples. I love hearing from you!

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Faithfully,
Brieana

Happy Sunday everyone! This week's Fall into Fashion series features the coveted vest; a staple item in any fashionista's closet as of late. These vests come in a number of colors, shapes, and fabrics for an easy transition to dressed up or down ensembles. The open concept vest has been all the rage throughout the summer, in flowy and sheer fabrics. I'm re-introducing it in a heavier fabric; the scuba. If you're unfamiliar with a "Scuba Knit" fabric, think of it as a lovechild between polyester and spandex, with less breathing ability and less drape. These fabrics are perfect for the "in-between" seasons, as they don't allow for so much wind to get through. They're fabulous for windy days, especially since they're normally double knit pieces. So even though this piece was sleeveless, I was definitely warm.

High waisted jeans: Similar|Similar

I got this sleeveless blazer from one of my favorite boutiques, Stacked Apparel.  I'm in love with the ivory color, which I had to have to compliment the crisp air we're sure to  experience in the next few weeks. The mid thigh length will also come in handy.

Gold cuff bracelet: Similar|Similar

I paired the blazer with this gold boomerang choker necklace I got from Wish. Look at that gold! I'm still getting used to this whole choker thing, but it really does add an element of regal goddess to any look.

Choker: Similar

How are you combating the wind? How are you getting ready for the fall?What would you like to see next? Comment below.I love hearing from you!

Don't forget to subscribe to the blog!

Faithfully,
Brieana

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