Urban Chocolate: Styling Lalah Hathaway: The Backstory

Here's the backstory

I'm sitting in a meeting, about to be over in five minutes and I get a phone call from a phierce photographer phriend, Arekah. Whom by the way I styled last year sometime for her own personal photoshoot and about a couple of weeks ago I had a chance to finally see again at a music event where we had a deep conversation about our dreams and desires as poor little black girls who are rich in SO many other ways oh and fashion, styling and photography....here she is.

I didn't take the call because I knew I would be out the meeting soon and I could call back. So she sends a text "call me ASAP!!!!!!!!" My response "K, in a meeting. Give me about 5 mins." Next text "Can u style Lalah Hathaway for her concert tonight? Me like 1 second later, "Ohhhh yes!!!!!"

Like, really? Me, styling Lalah Hathaway, the woman with a voice like chocolate butter, whose dad sings that song A Song for You? The first thing that runs through my mind is I've got to talk to her, cause how can I style if I don't know my client's vision or style???!!!??? But I knew talking to her was out the question, plus I didn't have time to shop. So I had took my chances and just grabbed some stuff from my shop, my closet and my mom's wardrobe.. Yep, did all that in about 30 mins and had to drive in the rain during what felt like rush hour.

Ok, long story short. I spent about an hour total in her presence. She was soooooo down to earth. As us Memphis girls, or what Arekah called the Glam Squad primped and primed her for her concert, she sat there in her dressing room listening to some old school jams, commenting on each song and singing little riffs. Something about her made me even feel comfortable enough to two step and sing along with the music like I was in my best friends living room or something.

I brought a top that she liked and tried on, but it wasn't quite right for what she was going for. She showed me the three dresses she brought and we decided on a little black dress with just the right amount of sequins. She had plenty of glitzy rhinestone jewelry to choose from...this chick didn't need my help at all. She had it all together!!! But I was there and I was asked to be there, and I was welcomed there!!!!

Oh and this white boy whom I passed several times backstage stopped me by the bar and said and I quote "has anybody told you how gorgeous you are, I mean I just had to tell you." Here I go all Blanche Devereauxish "oh thank you sweetie" and we continue in our small talk. He told me he loved my rock and roll style. I wore these flat leather boots which are really from my mom's closet circa 1990 something, black leggings, a black Madonna t-shirt, a taupe swing-type cardigan and an infiniti scarf (so glad I was at least halfway cute that day). I can't remember what happened that we got separated and didn't finish our conversation...I would sooooo date a white boy.

What a night!

I leave you with some of my behind the scenes pics as well as professional pics from Arekah. You can check her out at www.arekahthegoddess.com or on her facebook HERE.