Category Archives: Careers in Fashion

New Fashion Pleasure: Styled By June, Jump Into the Juniverse!

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Hey everyone!

Now, the world knows I simply adore Ms. June Ambrose, who I often refer to as my “STYLECON”,  the woman whose style is elegant, effortless, and always memorable. From the over-sized shades, to the turbans wrapped to a T, to the color blocking genius she emulates, every fashionista I know looks to June as a style maven. Aside from that and more importantly, June Ambrose is a stylist to the stars and has catapulted many of your favorite celebs’ style to the top. Name a few? Well, you know that Missy video called…”The Rain” where she wore that ever so haute trash bag that sent everyone into a frenzy? June Ambrose… Oh, Jay Z’s swag? June Ambrose…. Chrisette Michelle on her latest album cover? eh em.. June Ambrose. This isn’t even tipping the styling iceberg that June sits on, and she continues to wow us, if not with her own daring and unexpected sense of style that she shows to the world, with how she helps others find and work their own unique style.

 

When I heard the news that June Ambrose was going to be getting her own show, Styled By June, excited was NOT the word! It was like a “FINALLYYYYYY!” moment where I even let out a little screeching “Yes!”. She’s worked so hard in her career and is always willing to help us “Stylesocials”, as she calls us, to discover and cultivate our unique style by giving tips, tough love, and suggestions. I just got hold of the link to June’s first episode of Styled By June with Hollywood star Mischa Barton and I absolutely loved it. No, I’m not just saying that because I love June Ambrose, but because I love the whole essence of the show and I’ll tell you why.

Many times we think of Stylists as these ultra fab people who just dress celebrities and make sure they look good wherever they’re going, but we never consider the other aspects of what they do that is far more important if you ask me. From watching the first episode of Styled By June, I really learned much about the stylist’s role not only as a stylist, but as a confidant, friend, supporter, and tough love giver to the client. As June began working with Mischa, she made clear that it wasn’t just about dressing her, but that it was about totally reinventing her and some of her attitudes and behaviors revolving around the reasons she needed June’s help in the first place. In conjunction, she made it a point to get to know her client, build trust, and always make sure that anything she did was in the best interest and a mirror of the clients personal style. No, it’s not a Dr.Phil scene where it gets all deep and somber, but June is able to pinpoint almost immediately the specific problems clients are having that is stopping them from being great in style, personality, and being noticed in they way they are wanting to be noticed. She creates a 3 point plan that is attainable that will effectively get the client where they need to be. The show is uplifting, informative, funny, exciting (it’s like getting to hang with June Ambrose..AHHHHHH!..lol), and gives us a glimpse not only into the hard work that goes into being a stylist, but shows us that it’s much more to it than having a great sense of style and knowing the right people. June said it best, “It’s not just about playing dress up, it’s about rediscovering oneself”.

I absolutely loved it and will be having an online (Twitter of course) viewing party when Styled By June premiere’s this Monday, 3/19, at 9:30 pm ET on VH1! Be there or be…just be there! Watch the super trailer and the first full  first episode of Styled By June featuring Mischa Barton below!

 

 

 

Stay in the Juniverse by visiting the official Styled By June Page on VH1.com, on Facebook, and on twitter using #StyledByJune

 

So, will you be watching Styled By June? Will you be at the Twitter viewing party beginning promptly at 9:30pm ET 3/19? Hope to see you there!!!

 

Sincerely,

with style~ Sharontina B.

America’s Next Top Model: British Invasion!

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Tyra Banks is back with another season of her hit show, America’s next Top Model, but this time there’s an interesting twist! A British invasion…literally! I have to say that I commend Tyra for having such a big pool of ideas to have this show be in it’s 1000th season (exaggerating), but honestly, she always finds something she’e never done before and goes for it! For this season of ANTM, Tyra brought past contestants from Britain’s Top Model across the pond to America and will have them compete against the American girls. the premiere episode aired last night, and let’s just say that these girls are at each other’s necks already! It was actually hilarious.

For the first challenge, of course it was the Brits against the Americans where they were paired and each had to embody a powerful celebrity from their respective countries. Amongst the celebrity look alikes were Michelle Obama, Elton John, Madonna, and others I’ve never heard of. Ultimately, I think this season will be MESSY( in a good way), because these girls are so competitive and willing to stop at nothing to get that title! Some of the American girls feel it’s a little unfair that the Brits have already had experience with being on Britain’s Top Model, but I think that it just poses more of a challenge and that if the American girls can beat the Brits with experience, it says a lot about their work!

Ok, so I just LOVE that Tyra banks will be showing her judging outfits before the show comes on and giving the credits!!! For the premiere episode judging, Tyra wore an ivory on-shoulder gorn by tadashi Shoji, tassel earrings by  Bijou, and black suede Platform pumps by Giuseppe Zanotti! Love it!!! To view Tyra’s judging outfits before the show airs, “like” her Facebook page and get exclusive access!

Tyra wearing a gown by tadashi, earrings by Bijou, platform pumps by Giuseppe for the first judging of ANTM: British Invasion!

Here are a few images from last night’s episode, courtesy of CWTV.com.,

 

ANTM British Invasion: AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL Pictured (L-R): AzMarie, Mariah, Candace, Kyle, Eboni, Seymone, Laura, and Tyra Banks (US); Louise, Annaliese, Sophie, Jasmia, Catherine, Ashley, Alisha (Brits

 

Team U.S..

 
 

Kelly Osbourne as guest

 

Team U.K.

 
 May the best country win!
 

May the best country win!

 
Be sure to watch America’s Next Top Model: british Invasion Wednesday nights at 9pm ET. For more photos and to watch full episodes, visit CWTV.com
 
Sincerely,
with style~ Sharontina B.
 

African Americans in Fashion: Commander In Chic, Mikki Taylor

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Mikki Taylor

Yes! We’re the beginning of a month dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of all of our beautiful brown (and caramel, and mocha, and dark chocolate etc. etc. etc.) people of the world! We have so much variety in all aspects of who we are, from physical appearance to the many talents and characteristics of ourselves we share with the rest of the world. As a young African American woman, I look up to many of the beautiful black women close and far for inspiration because they serve as representations of where I can go and beyond. Today, I’m honoring Mikki Taylor, former Beauty and Cover Director for ESSENCE magazine, current Editor-at-Large, author of Commander In Chic, and all around beauty and fashion AUTHORITY that makes it her duty to help us become our best selves through fashion and beauty. Every single Friday (without a doubt), Mikki Taylor hosts “Follow Up Friday” via twitter where she answers our most burning fashion and beauty questions with honest, genuine, and well thought out advice. I say it like that because she doesn’t just throw a “wear a blue shirt” or “find what works for you”, she really digs deep and gives thorough advice that always helps you find your way through your fashion/beauty issue or concern.

Besides being a fashion and beauty authority who admits to wanting to use her platform to uplift women of color in any way that she can, you can always tune into her “Mikkiisms” via Twitter when you need a word of inspiration. They always come at the right time! I believe that Mikki’s following is so strong because she continuously empowers people and is inclusive and interactive as opposed to just dishing out information and leaving it at that.  Getting back to fashion, Commander In Chic is really a great book that serves as a guide to helping women discover a sophisticated style that doesn’t only consist of stuffy suits of uniform value. It’s filled with information or various items of clothing, accessories, and beauty tips  that can be worked into classic looks and taken from the workplace to an evening out. After reading it, you could totally be prepared to do a full closet sweep…as well as an everything else sweep. I could go on for days about Commander In Chic, but the point of it is to show Mikki’s dedication to taking us all up a notch or three.

This Black History month, we honor Mikki Taylor for her continued contributions to fashion and beauty with the mission to help us all look and feel like our best selves.

p.s. Mikki Taylor will be launching a nude nail color line in spring!! I can’t wait!!!

Also, check out the other featured African Americans in Fashion

Sincerely,

with style, Sharontina

African Americans in Fashion: Honoring “African Queen”, Iman

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Happy Black History Month!

I’ve see many people say that they don’t particularly agree with the idea of only honoring the greatness of African Americans during ONE month (be in the shortest month) of the year, and that it shouldn’t be separated, and rather integrated into a celebration that never ends. Although I “get” it, I’ve been celebrating Black History month since as far back as I can remember, and with it being put on super blast in elementary and middle schools, it’s become something I’m used to and love to celebrate. As this is true, I was thinking of what I’d like to do to honor us brown beauties this month, and decided to feature African American pioneers in fashion and style. There are so many, and I’m sure I won’t get them all, but they definitely should be recognized for what they’ve done to change our world of fashion.

For my first feature, I’ve decided to honor my “Fairy Fashion Godmother”, Iman, one of the most recognized supermodels in the world.

Iman is a native of Somalia, an African queen whose captivating and ethereal beauty has been a representation for so many of us for years. She was discovered in 1975 by photographer Peter Beard, who invited her to New York City where she rose to the top of fashion in no time…literally. Iman is known as the world’s first black supermodel, and was so coveted in her reign that she served as Yves Saint Laurent’s muse for his “African Queen” collection. A few months ago, I was blessed with the privilege to do a Q&A with Iman and I asked her my most pressing questions about her journey through fashion up to her role now as CEO of Iman Cosmetics. During the interview, Iman spoke about her amazing experience being YSL’s muse and one of her most memorable…
“Out of the many shows you have done throughout your career, which was your absolute  favorite? Why?Mr. Yves Saint Laurent when he chose me as his muse for his “African Queen Couture Collection”. He cut the fabrics from bolts on my body… I stood for hours on heels and sheer silk pantyhose and nothing else but it was a once in a lifetime experience and to top it all I did the campaign for it with the legendary photographer David Bailey. Unforgettable!”

As a pioneer of fashion who showed the world a beautiful representation of black beauty, I honor Iman this black history for her contributions to fashion through not only her physical beauty, but through her humble and pleasant spirit. I also got a chance to meet Iman last year, and it’s not normal that you see a woman of Iman’s celebrity walk into a room full of people and greet and thank them with hugs before she can fully get in the door. A beautiful experience indeed and a testament to show that black beauty is not only on the outward appearance, it starts from within.
So, to Iman, on this Black History month we thank, appreciate, and honor you.
Sincerely with style,
Sharontina B.

Careers In Fashion: Tips from Fashion Illustrator, Jacqueline Bissett

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Hey fashion lovers,

As the world continues to be infatuated with the fashion industry in hopes to claim a piece in the ever changing industry, it seems to be a box of sorts that encase specific careers in the industry. You know, the “fashion designer”, “the model”, “the creative director”, “the fashion editor” etc. etc…but there are other fab professions in the fashion industry.  I see and hear a lot that people have a hard time “breaking into the industry”, but I wonder if they ever consider going a different direction? Not to say that you have to change your passion just to get in, but just be open to various opportunities and resources that may also spark your interest. Since I’m an artist and have found much joy in drawing since I was a kid, I particularly love this one….. “Fashion Illustrator”. I’m pretty sure you’ve all heard the title here and there, but ever really look into their role in the fashion industry?

Fashion illustration has been around for nearly 500 years and once served as the primary visual component of editorials in most magazines, but has gradually become less popular as these magazines began to use real images of models. As this is true, fashion illustrations have not gone extinct and are still seen as a unique form of art that the fashion industry still rely on. Fashion illustrators can work in a variety of settings such as design studios, fashion houses, and of course as freelancers. Usually fashion illustrators that work alongside designers bring their visions to life for the first time, interpreting their ideas into a visible piece of art. Fashion illustrators also work for companies that produce sewing patterns, where they develop the patterns that will be used to construct garments and illustrate images of what it should look like when complete. These artists can also work for large ad campaigns where their illustrations are used for campaigns that give the companies a unique competitive edge. basically, fashion illustrators wear many hats because they also serve as forecasters as they predict upcoming season trends and even give designers inspiration of what people may be attracted to.

I was happy to be able to ask the phenomenal fashion illustrator, Jacqueline Bissett, for tips and advice for those who may be looking to start a career in fashion illustration. She was very candid and gave great advice and an overall view of what her job is all about. Jacqueline Bissett has over 20 years of experience in her field and has created images for clients such as Givenchy, Elle, Glamour, and many others.  Here’s what she dished about being a fashion illustrator and what it takes!

Jacqueline Bissett:

“I think that the most important thing with fashion illustration is passion in what you do. Be passionate about fashion and the new looks that are ever changing and have a natural talent for drawing, figures especially. Draw from life models as much as possible. Combined with an utter devotion for drawing beautiful things in different ways. I LOVE art materials and ‘playing around’ with them to discover new techniques, I’m not so mad on computers but they certainly do have a place for being another ‘tool’.

Don’t worry about being the next ‘big thing’, your style will go out of fashion too quick! Although it’s important to have a recognizable ‘style’, be prepared to move with the times/ fashions – fashion illustration styles, like fashion itself, are forever changing, you have to adapt to keep ahead! The great thing about that is that your interest is kept ‘up’ and you’re always challenged to try new things. If you’re adaptable you’ll get work in many different areas from websites, advertising, magazines, book covers, in house presentations, store promotions, advertising storyboards.
Finally and most importantly is commitment to your work- be prepared to work ALL hours- a deadline is a deadline and sometimes you are given a ridiculously short amount of time to complete a huge amount of work! Stay calm, focused and try your best to keep standards high, even if you’re extremely tired! Oh and when you’ve worked a little and got some commercial jobs ‘under your belt’, get a good agent- mine’s the best!!!”

I hope this helps and inspires anyone who may be considering a career in fashion illustration! Remember, keep your options open! To see some of Jacqueline Bissett’s work, visit HERE
Would you like to know about more careers in fashion? Comments? Questions? Let me know!

My little “fashion/beauty illustration”…sort of. Portrait I drew of Sam Fine painting Iman.
xo,
Sharontina

My NEW Fashion Guilty Pleasure: 24 Hour Catwalk w/ Alexa Chung

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24 Hour Catwalk judges from left: James LaForce, Alexa Chung, Derek Blasberg, and Cynthia Rowley. (Image from MyLifetime.com)

I can honestly say that there is a new reality show being premiered like every other week, and since I’m sort of a reality TV snob and shy away from them often times, it’s odd for me to even watch TV since that’s all the comes on! What I will say, is that I LOVE when I see that there is a new fashion related reality show because they are always spicy!!  Today I happened to be watching Dance Moms (so much for a reality TV snob, huh?) and I saw the promo commercial for the new show, 24 Hour Catwalk with host, Alexa Chung! Of course I HAD to watch, and I must say that the premiere episode was a hit!! First of all, Alexa Chung was a great choice for a host, along with famed fashion designer Cynthia Rowley, Fashion Editor Derek Blasberg, and media and communications powerhouse James LaForce. On the show, four designers are chosen on each episode and must first compete against each other in a challenge where they have to transform a random item of clothing that is pulled from a trunk of secrecy; it’s kind of like Iron Chef meets….’you have TWO hours to do this’! That challenge weeds out the weakest linkS as two designers are cut, leaving the remaining two for the ultimate 24 hour challenge!

The remaining two hopefuls are then presented with another trunk full of surprises where they have to incorporate the items in the trunk, are provided with three professional sewers, and have exactly 24 hours to design and produce a collection of three different looks based on the assigned theme. Tonight’s premiere episode was fun!! The first challenge was for the contestants to transform a football jersey into something a soccer mom could wear. I’ll admit that it was hilarious, yet intriguing to see what the designers came up with, but they were judged based upon creativity, aesthetics, and utility. In the final 24 hour challenge where they had to create a collection of three looks, the two remaining designers were told that the woman they were designing for was going “GLAMPING”, “Glamour camping”, and were given beautiful Swarovski crystals that they had to incorporate in each of their looks. After a crazy all-nighter filled with stress, uncertainty, and sewing, the designers finally pulled it together and showed off their collections in the first catwalk of the show!

What I love most is that the show doesn’t focus on one big group of designers and eliminate them one by one in a long 10 episode series; instead, there are four new designers given a shot at winning the $10,000 prize EVERY episode! This means that we can always expect something new and fun, because we’ll never know what personalities the designers will bring! I’m overly excited about next week’s episode, can’t wait to see what the catwalk will bring us!

Stay tuned for a recap and thoughts of next week’s episode and make sure to tune in on Lifetime every Tuesday at 10pm ET! THIS my friends, is my NEW fashion  guilty pleasure!

xo,
Sharontina

Fashionably Late NYFW: Tolla Cole Spring 2012

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One of my new year improvements is to be a little more consistent with posts. Fellow bloggers know the challenges that come along with posting, you mean to and then something comes up and throws you completely off track! In any event, during NYFW  S ’12, I got the opportunity to attend a very special show, Tolla Cole, that premiered a new collection of gowns inspired by “Ibiza, vibrant color, and luxury”, says designer Atoia Scott . I loved the collection because of the soft lines of the gowns that were played up by bold color and defining motifs like feathers and contrasting trims. The showcase was very intimate and welcomed attendants to closely marvel at the beautiful gowns as shown below…

The GORGEOUS statement piece accessories were designed by She’Luxe Couture Accessories!

Each gown had a uniqueness about it, embodying a different personality that would be brought to life on its muse. I see much promise in Tolla Cole, as a new line it sure has made a BOLD entrance in the industry and I’m sure future collections will bring us more great designs.

xo,
Sharontina B.

A Holiday Blowout with Crystal Wright Live!

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As we’re all coming down from the food and fun highs from holiday celebrations with family and friends, we all know what happens the day after Christmas. Sales SALES sales everywhere! It makes Black Friday seem like casual Friday at work…for example’s sake. Any who, with being bombarded with sales pitches from every retailer on the face of the planet, it can sometimes be a little difficult (or not) to decide where to spend your bucks. Since we are less than a week away from welcoming a new year, I’m pretty sure many of us are writing lists, forming new affirmations, and making way to welcome the new year the right way to afford us a promising and prosperous year. In doing so, making an investment in yourself is definitely a sure way to make it all come true.

Many of you under the “sound” of my “voice” know who Crystal Wright is, the “Empowerment Diva” that helps people get where they need to be in their freelance and BEYOND careers. When I saw that Crystal was doing a holiday blowout sale, I decided to write this post because 1. What she offers has been very helpful in me reaching my personal and professional goals, 2. I love to share information I KNOW will help others, and 3. In order to start a new year that we want to be filled with GROWTH, we have to water those seeds…. and Crystal Wright Live has a fruitful assortment!

Until 12am TONIGHT (Dec 26th) (PST), Crystal Wright will be offering great deals on her famed Packaging Your Portfolio Workshops, DVDs, The hair, Makeup, and Fashion Styling career Guide, and more! Below I’ve posted flyers from Crystal Wright Live that will give you all the details you need to pick and choose the details of what will frame YOUR promising freelance career in 2012! You know I speak truth, so take it from me if you don’t take anything else…get you a piece of the Crystal Wright way!!! …AND, you get a FREE T-shirt with everything you order TODAY!

All of Crystal’s products and services can be found/purchased at TheStore.CrystalWrightLive.com .

Happy shopping!

xo,
Sharontina