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Posts Tagged ‘Clothing’

A Gentleman Of Style…

In Daily Musings on May 15, 2012 at 9:50 am

Mr. James Williams II ~ President & CEO “A Stylish Way of Life”

At a recent photo shoot with the infamous Corey Landry, I had the pleasure of meeting James A. Williams, II  who is the  President & CEO of “A Stylish Way of Life”  Washington, D.C.’s premier style and image consulting firm.  During the photo shoot Mr. Williams cuts a dashing figure in his beautifully tailored peacock-blue linen jacket, smart trousers and custom made shoes, posing with his Louis Vuitton garment bag.  Each outfit for his shoot was carefully thought out and executed with great style.  When I met James, the first thing I said to him was “now this is how a man is supposed to dress”  In my opinion the young men of today could take a page out of  Mr. Williams’ finely tailored book. 

{Photo credit ~ Corey Landry of Landry Imagry, Inc.}

A Stylish Way of Life  has been in existence since 2009, they specialize in services that include, but are not limited to wardrobe & custom clothing consultations, personal shopping, closet management, corporate  seminars on professional dressing, and visual merchandising.  James got his start as child growing up in New Orleans, where his family owned a men’s haberdashery. 

It was through the family business in New Orleans, that James learned the difference between fashion and style.  To quote him, “At A Stylish Way of Life, we are in the business of style”.  Like myself, James believes “fashion comes and goes, but style is a way of life and is forever.   While based in Washington, D.C., James travels around the world attending to the sartorial needs of his numerous globe-trotting clients. 

Mr. Williams’ Inaugural Spring/Summer Style Event was a huge success with over 100 guests attending.  The event was put on with “our gentlemen clients in mind”.  Invited guests purchased items directly from vendors and were measured and fitted for custom garments.  Throughout the event, the vendors exhibited the latest styles in men’s clothing, shoes and accessories for the upcoming spring and summer season.  James is already in the process of working with vendors for his Fall/Winter Style Event which will be held in Washington, DC on September 28, at the City Club.

 Ladies we are not forgotten, A Stylish Way of Life  also caters to the discerning woman, looking for a chic and upscale way to revamp her wardrobe.

Visit www.astylishwayoflife.com where you can view past collections and collaborations.  You can also find James at his newly designed facebook page at: www.facebook.com/astylishwayoflife. Hit the “Like” button and show some elegant and stylish love.

Sexy Never Takes A Day Off…

In Daily Musings on May 4, 2012 at 12:41 pm

Hey fabulous people! I’ve been MIA because I’ve been swamped!! Up to my eyeballs in work, work, work! by the time I get home I wasn’t even trying to look at another computer monitor, but I’ve been tirelessly writing my posts by hand while on the train, in my spiral notebook.  Hope you’ve all been well, it’s Friday once again.  Time to let your hair down!

OK ladies… lets talk about bras or more appropriately the Brassiere!  And while we’re at it, lets just talk about underthings period! Ladies do you really pay attention to the brassiere you’re wearing? or do you just throw any old one on and forget about it?  This post is not about bra size, or how to buy a good fitting bra, or the right support, etc., that has been covered a million times.  You can walk into any department store and be fitted correctly for a brassiere (I just love that word!).  This post is about wearing gorgeous sexy lingerie on a regular basis; sexy is not just for bedroom antics. 

For those of you who have to conform to some corporate  ideal of dressing by wearing a suit everyday; wouldn’t it be nice to have a sexy piece of lingerie underneath that suit? Whether it’s a lacy black thong and matching bra, a dominatrix bustier or a waist slimming corset, to me that’s one of the nicest things you could ever do for yourself.  Think about it, you’re sitting in that boring 2 hour meeting discussing charts and graphs drinking cold tea/coffee, and you’re thinking “if only they knew what a diva there is underneath all this!”

In my personal opinion, I think we should wear really nice underwear just for us, Every Day!  I know it’s not everyday that you may want to, although, I think you should make the effort.  I know you certainly won’t want to wear your nicest things on “Those” days, but believe me; if you make the effort you’ll feel so much better for it.  I’m all about making myself feel good all the time.  Let’s face it, who’s going to make you feel like a queen 24/7? Yes you may have a boyfriend/husband/significant other, but I’m not talking about that, I’m talking about doing nice things for yourself, often, not always depending upon someone else (though nice) to always give you that daily boost. My motto is Embrace Yourself and Live Out Loud!

Victoria’s Secret is NOT the only place to buy lingerie, they’re not my store of choice to buy really well made under- pinnings; but you can definitely pick up some nice pieces for everyday wear.  It’s been my experience that their product does not have a long life span.  It’s time to expand your horizons ladies; Agent Provocateur, ID Sarrier, Christian Dior, Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney, La Perla, just to name a few (I really could go on). Do something nice for yourself, you don’t have to keep wearing the same raggedy bra and panties that are so comfy you wear them for years on end.  Treat yourself to a few seductive lacy things, and wear them at least 3 days a week (everyday is better), believe me it’ll make you feel extra special.  Yes, good lingerie is expensive, but aren’t you worth it?

Please note:  It was really difficult to find lingerie images which were tastefully photographed.  Everything I looked at verged on porn. Of the hundreds I looked at these made the cut and there’s still a touch of sleaze, I’m a very open-minded person, but it’s important that the images on my blog remain tasteful.  What I found interesting during my search, was that the images of black women in lingerie were the worse (straight porn), why is that?  And who exactly are these companies marketing to with the legs wide open pose?  If you do come across any fabulous and tasteful images; send them my way to: maylana_closet@yahoo.com; I would be delighted to post them.

 Remember ladies, sexy never takes a day off!

 

 http://www.foxandrose.com/

http://www.pleasurements.com/

http://shop.sarrieri.com/

http://lingeriefriday.com/category/company/

Will I Be Forever 21?

In Daily Musings on April 30, 2012 at 12:12 pm

 

I’ve never visited the store Forever 21, I always thought it was full of cheaply made teenybopper clothing.  I was pleasantly surprised when a friend asked me to go with her because she was in search of some summer tops and didn’t want to spend a lot of money.  The store I visited in DC was 3 floors of floor to ceiling tops, jeans, dresses, lingerie, practically anything you can think of to throw an outfit together.   

You could pretty much put an entire look together for under $100 very easily or go the low-end/high-end route.  I will admit it’s not a store I will visit often, though I’d probably pop back in there for some beach things and cute tops.  Judging by the multitude of young ladies (some not exactly acting like it,but that’s another post all together) Forever 21 is a very popular spot and is in the same league as H&M, I prefer the latter.

The crochet dress would be perfect in the spring over skinny coloured jeans and some high-heeled wedges or worn with a vintage slip underneath in the summer (you could wear same wedges or some flats).  One of the other reasons I bought it; was because I’m in the business of creating crochet items for my boutique, Maylana’s Closet www.maylana.com, and I want to see if I can replicate it at some point.  It’s your basic shell stitch, it’s just a matter of figuring out stitch count, joining etc, but I digress…

 

 

 

 

I  hope this Monday finds you refreshed and ready for the new week; wishing you a glorious, fabulous and inspired week.

Smooches!

Related articles

Girl About Town…

In Daily Musings, Maylana's Dream List, New Loves! on April 24, 2012 at 10:10 am

I was out and about this weekend picking up a few things.  I  had to replace my MAC Studio Fix, I was down to the scrapings (not a good thing) I just haven’t had time to replace it sooner.  Studio fix is my go to product for daily use. If I want more coverage, I apply a little Bobbi Brown stick foundation in Warm Almond underneath and that gives me the complete coverage I’m sometimes looking for.   While I was at it, I picked up my MAC lipstick in Voice with Cork lip liner. I use this combo for a more natural look when I don’t want to go “POW” with the Tom Ford Cherry Lush.  A nude lip works every time.

I took a little wander into the Saks shoe department (why did I do that?) and found these little beauties; I’m just coveting these lettered Louboutins right now!

Then of course there were these beautiful Reed Krakoff sandals.  Everything this man touches turns out gorgeous (look how he turned Coach around!).  His own line of clothing and accessories is simply stunning. I’ll feature Reed Krakoff’s designs in a later post.

 

On my way out of Saks I came across this little number. Very Missoni inspired in my opinion.  This is a very easy to wear dress; dress it up with high wedges or create a more casual look with thong flat sandals, it all depends upon  you’re mood that day.

I finally saw my Gucci Fiat 500, how I looooove this car! the dude who owned this vehicle, just had it imported from Italy, apparently they have stopped production as it was a limited edition.  He is obviously a Gucci fanatic, because he was in head to toe Gucci,sunglasses,  jewelry, jeans, shoes; hey whatever floats your boat!

So that’s pretty much my wants from head to toe (and car); now to crack open the piggy bank and see what’s in there!

Have a beautiful day… kisses!

The Georgetown Experience…

In Daily Musings on April 16, 2012 at 11:27 am

 

I wanted this dress, but of course, they were sold out and would not remove this one from the window, which was my size...

Happy Monday dahhlings, I hope you had a beautiful and fabulous weekend.

After a really crazy day on Saturday, I decided to be spontaneous and venture down to Georgetown in Washington, DC, with its chic stores and cobbled streets (side bar – never ever go into Georgetown in clog heeled sandals).  Going into Georgetown is always a harrowing experience, hence why I hardly go down there.  Georgetown was fun and a mistake at the same time.  It was great because I got to visit some of my favourite stores,  Anthropologie, Zara, Cusp and Hu’s Shoes among others, and do a little shopping; now here’s the downside; Georgetown’s crowded cobbled streets are not meant for heels of any kind, it is strictly a flat shoe kind of town. 

Those same cobbled streets will cause your feet to start screaming and you’ll also be spending most of your time conducting a high wire balancing act on those cobble stones.  On top of all of that, there were what appeared to be thousands of people, most of them college kids on spring break, and then there was the awful traffic with drivers trying their absolute best to run you over.  If you’re going into Georgetown to shop, you’ve got to go early and be out of there by noon (remember this was a spontaneous decision on my part).  You’ll also find that Georgetown is like a black hole, it’s a hassle getting down there (no metro and driving is a nightmare, your only sane option is busing it, the Circulator is best); and definitely hard to get out of (can I get a bloody taxi please!!!).

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend, I certainly did, minus the trek to Georgetown.  The weather was absolutely gorgeous, there was no need to stay in.  It appears we’re going to have this weather until at least Wednesday.  We’ll see what mother nature decides to throw our way after that.

Wishing you a fabulous and glorious week!

Chloe, Diane & White…

In Daily Musings, Maylana's Dream List on April 3, 2012 at 11:20 am

I just love these Chloe dresses! They look so light and airy and extremely fabulous with their fine accordion pleats.  I think you’d look stylishly cool attending a outdoor summer wedding reception in one of these.  I wonder if Zara or more likely BCBG Max Azaria will recreate a similar dress?  These two among others tend to copy straight from the runway, or maybe it’ll show up next year at the Chloe outlet in Woodbury Commons, NY, that will be the only way I’m getting one.

Diane von Furestenberg S/S 2012

If you’re looking for something nice and crisp to wear while out meeting your best friend for brunch at Bouchon Bakery in New York, one glorious spring Sunday, you can never ever go wrong in this beautiful white Diane Von Furstenberg dress.  Diane’s iconic wrap dresses are forever classic.  Similar styles are available at Zara’s, Topshop, H&M and the like, if you’re trying not to break the bank.

 Note: Because I’m not from the U.S., the  whole not wearing white before memorial day doesn’t apply to me,  who created that law?  I’ve read the history, but as far as I’m concerned it doesn’t apply.  Live dangerously, wear white whenever you like!  Always remember, a Diva sets her own rules, she never ever follows!

Take my quick poll and let me know what you think!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Really Seeing Blue…

In Daily Musings on March 6, 2012 at 12:39 pm

A pop of colour.

 It took me over four hours to complete this post today, due to computer glitches and all sorts of other gremlins, so the title of my post is very appropriate.  I need a cocktail now.  Here you go…

There are some really gorgeous blues out there right now, from neon, to turquoise, to teal, to azure; there’s a whole Crayola box of blues out there.  I will  be incorporating some form of vivid blue into my own spring/summer wardrobe, you should give one or more of these blues a try too.  Get some colour in your life.

Burberry Leather Trench - I love this entire look. The little red bag just seals it!

If you’re not quite ready to take the leap and commit to a blue polish on your fingernails, how about applying it to your pedicure?  This blue would look stunning peeking out of a pair of high-heeled strappy sandals.

Essie Nail Polish in Aruba Blue

For those chilly spring evenings, wear your Maylana's Closet Mega Cowl. Go to http://www.maylana.com for details.

 

The author's own shoes.

Burberry Clutch

Let’s Wiggle…

In Daily Musings on February 26, 2012 at 2:34 pm

Those of you who know me, know that I am a huge Mad Men fan (See my January 17 post); therefore, you already know I watch it mostly for the clothes.  Dressing was an art back then, where women looked truly feminine.  I’ve just received a flyer from Banana Republic who have jumped on the Mad Men wagon and designed a line around the show.  This is their second “Mad Men” collection.  My favourite is the “Joan dress“, which is the cream and bold floral print dresses seen below, I’ve ordered the print.  Remember ladies its bold prints for 2012.  For those of you who watch the show;  you know Joan is a true bombshell, probably a US 10/12 with her red hair and Jessica Rabbit curves to match. The  Joan Holloway character with her sultry style can truly wear a wiggle dress, she’s a woman who would still turn heads today. 

The new season starts March 25, on AMC

Christina Hendricks as Joan Holloway

       

         

  

    

 

    

  The perfect shoe for this dress is: 

 
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The Ultimate Black Leggings…

In New Loves! on February 8, 2012 at 11:24 am

 Are by Sassybax!  Black leggings are a staple of every fashionista’s wardrobe.  This simple item can be dressed up or down. Start with a pair of good quality leggings, which have the right texture and thickness, there is nothing worse than a pair in cheap thin material.  With your leggings you can start with a turtle neck, V-neck or crew neck and then throw on any combination of items over it.  Try a wrap dress, an oversized sweater, a tuxedo jacket, a shift dress, a mini, your options are endless. It’s all about layering.  In the spring swap out the sweaters for tank tops or camisoles and then add a cute light weight dress with a cardi or jacket.  Try different pieces until you get your look, and always wear the right boots/shoes!  An ankle boot or knee/over the knee boot is preferable, (especially in fall/winter) if you have to wear a shoe, wear a high-heeled Mary Jane or closed toe pump. Wearing sandals can get tricky, because  if you don’t do it right, it can make you look like a “working girl”, you’ve got to know what you’re doing here ladies.  The important thing is to find a look that works for your shape and size and is completely flattering to you.  The ultimate dress up, is to throw on a fur coat/jacket, some high-heeled over the knee boots, a piece of statement jewelry and your most adored handbag and your good to go!  This combination is a shout out to the most stylish woman I know who is very special to me back home in London.

While on my own continuous quest for the perfect leggings, I came across the Sassybax range.  These leggings are something else. They are of high quality fabric and the most important thing is they give you a little lift and tuck where necessary (always a good thing!), giving you a smooth overall  appearance.  There are two versions, the bottom lifting  and the cigarette pant.  Follow this link and take a look  for yourself. http://www.joyus.com/shop/category/apparel/catalog/1-50816/sassybax-cigarette-pants?vp=169

Available at SaksFreshpair and other online stores.

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How Beautiful….

In Daily Musings on January 31, 2012 at 3:11 pm

These ladies look!  Queens of their domain. All of them regal and proud in their finery.  A friend of mine posted this on Facebook today, and I just had to share. The question my friend asked was, “What do you see when you look at this photo?”  What I saw was how proud they are, they look noble and confident. They also look as though they’ve seen a lot.  There is also an air of total grace, a sense of togetherness and a sense of family; whether they’re related or not, they’ll stick together through thick and thin.  As I said to my friend…  “I’d love to wear one of  these dresses with a pair of 5″ heels and call it a day” Maybe with my Jeffrey Campbell Lita shoes, don’t you think? Enjoy your Tuesday afternoon.

Proud black women in their finest!

 
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