Friday, January 20, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Counterculture Stuff
Join me @ Urban Chocolate next Wednesday - Friday for Counterculture Stuff. Clothes, accessories, housewares & more for sale!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
RE-Vamp!!!
Ya'll know I'm constantly changing and innovating, making moves and leaving people wondering what's next. For some reason I'm settled in the fact that when something in my life is not working, too boring or just not fitting, I re-vamp!!! This is true in ALL aspects of my being from the spiritual to the physical and even the material. I'm sure some would see this as a downfall, but honey if you ain't moving, then you are definitely stagnant and stale, two things I just refuse to be. So allow me to give you a taste of a few re-vamps I'm dwelling in at the moment:
This week I'm working on upcyling some unwanted pieces. Upcycling simply means the process of turning trash into treasure...so stay tuned!
EMPOWERMENT!!!
My friend Asharkii and I finally sat down long enough to discuss our organization for young girls!!! What we didn't want to do was wait for things to align just right before we got started. We may not have everything in in stone, but as long as we have a place to meet every month and legs, arms and a mouthpiece, then we figured no sense in waiting, we'll just plan as we go. Our main focus is to encourage young women in grades 7-12 to aspire to be and do more in life...a tough job, I'm sure, but it's got to get done.
We're hosting an informational meet and greet for parents or guardians and for women interested in volunteering their time and talent. Click HERE to link to the FB event page and we'll share more details soon.
I probably ordinarily wouldn't have put an exclamation point behind single parenting, but what the heck. It is my life right now, right, so I might as well be excited about it. By far, the toughest undertaking of my complex life is being a single parent. But PRAISE GOD I have a solid support system and Maddie has a father who loves her just as much as I do. I've recently dwindled down my hours at the shop to be able to spend more time with her and I can't tell you how tough but necessary that decision was. I never want to be in a place where I devote more time to my career than my child...been there, done that. God has dealt with me intimately this issue and I've come to the conclusion that I love fashion, but I LOVE family...feel me? I want to be sure when God sees fit to me send me a husband, that he understands that he and my child come before any passion I have the audacity to pursue. I've since discovered that Maddie has a knack for writing so I'm sincerely devoted to developing and nurturing that God given gift.
I sincerely thank you all for your continued support of Urban Chocolate. I promise, I'm just a girl with a sincere desire to make a difference in my circle of influence, forget about changing the world...and when others believe in me enough to share in my story and my struggle, it is revealed to me that I'm not in this thing alone; for that I am truly grateful.
Love Ya!!!
STYLING!!!
I don't know how in the world I got away from styling...I mean, I'm not too crazy about the long hours and how physically grueling it can be, but it has got to be the most fulfilling aspect of nurturing my career in fashion. Take a look at some of my recent shoots with Audria Arnold Photography and Arekah the Goddess Photography... Oh yeah and a huge, fanatical thanks to Shoenista and Kpresha Boutique for allowing me to pull from their shops to enhance my fashion vision. Be sure to support these locally owned, indie boutiques. 
DESIGNING!!!
I cannot paint to save my life, but I have always had an eye for colors, lines and shapes. Here are a few of my newly designed pieces available for sale in my online shop.
My friend Asharkii and I finally sat down long enough to discuss our organization for young girls!!! What we didn't want to do was wait for things to align just right before we got started. We may not have everything in in stone, but as long as we have a place to meet every month and legs, arms and a mouthpiece, then we figured no sense in waiting, we'll just plan as we go. Our main focus is to encourage young women in grades 7-12 to aspire to be and do more in life...a tough job, I'm sure, but it's got to get done.
We're hosting an informational meet and greet for parents or guardians and for women interested in volunteering their time and talent. Click HERE to link to the FB event page and we'll share more details soon.
SINGLE PARENTING!!!
I probably ordinarily wouldn't have put an exclamation point behind single parenting, but what the heck. It is my life right now, right, so I might as well be excited about it. By far, the toughest undertaking of my complex life is being a single parent. But PRAISE GOD I have a solid support system and Maddie has a father who loves her just as much as I do. I've recently dwindled down my hours at the shop to be able to spend more time with her and I can't tell you how tough but necessary that decision was. I never want to be in a place where I devote more time to my career than my child...been there, done that. God has dealt with me intimately this issue and I've come to the conclusion that I love fashion, but I LOVE family...feel me? I want to be sure when God sees fit to me send me a husband, that he understands that he and my child come before any passion I have the audacity to pursue. I've since discovered that Maddie has a knack for writing so I'm sincerely devoted to developing and nurturing that God given gift.
RE-VAMP SALE!!!
I'm celebrating my continual life re-vamps with a sale. Yes, my life change is your gain!!! Next Wednesday-Friday I'll be opening up shop for a mark-down sale on clothing and accessories I've used in recent photoshoots. Plus I'll be introducing upcycled pieces and bringing out some pieces from my personal closet that I've never worn or have been gently worn. I'll post that info soon!I sincerely thank you all for your continued support of Urban Chocolate. I promise, I'm just a girl with a sincere desire to make a difference in my circle of influence, forget about changing the world...and when others believe in me enough to share in my story and my struggle, it is revealed to me that I'm not in this thing alone; for that I am truly grateful.
Love Ya!!!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Addicted
I can remember the day I first heard about Old Navy. It was back in the late 90's and I was standing with some friends, one of them pulled out a purple keychain shaped like a shoe...whatever shoe was popular at the time. She mentioned she picked it up at this store called Old Navy and immediately I conjured up a picture of an army surplus store. Note to self at that time...Kim, that store sounds lame.
But oh imagine my shock when I walked into Old Navy for the first time. Fashionable clothes at affordable prices AND it was young, hip and fresh. But what I absolutely adored the most about Old Navy was their always limitless collection of print tees...one of my first being black and short sleeved, it simply read Brooklyn in white block lettering. I blame this store for my absolute addiction. I can imagine that I have purchased at least 30 tees from Old Navy alone, but I have owned over 100 maybe in the last 12-13 years.
Every now and then I happen upon one that matches my entire wardrobe, so naturally I end up rockin the mess out of it...case and point the tee below.
But oh imagine my shock when I walked into Old Navy for the first time. Fashionable clothes at affordable prices AND it was young, hip and fresh. But what I absolutely adored the most about Old Navy was their always limitless collection of print tees...one of my first being black and short sleeved, it simply read Brooklyn in white block lettering. I blame this store for my absolute addiction. I can imagine that I have purchased at least 30 tees from Old Navy alone, but I have owned over 100 maybe in the last 12-13 years.
Every now and then I happen upon one that matches my entire wardrobe, so naturally I end up rockin the mess out of it...case and point the tee below.
I Was Natural Before the Hype was gifted to me by the owner of Natural ADDICTees and her daughter, Ashley. How do I love this shirt, it'll be my pleasure to count the ways:
1) The wording alone speaks for itself. I've been on and off natural since 2001, after the birth of my daughter.
2) As mentioned, it goes with practically everything in my closet. I can dress it up with a pencil skirt and stilettos or caz it down with a boyfriend cardigan (as pictured above)
3) I wear it about 2 times a week (don't judge me) that means I have to wash it often. It has not faded!
4) It hugs my curves in all the right places. I can easily say out of all the baby doll fit tees I own or have owned, this has been the best fit so far.
So a big shout out to Sonya, owner of Natural ADDICTees and her line of tees dedicated to us sistas with natural tresses or better yet to sistas like me with natural hair AND an addiction to tees!
Sonya Burks, Owner
(Her daughter Ashley pictured above)
Click a link below to connect with Natural ADDICTees
and
Go ahead and like her page and be sure to let her know I sent ya!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
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.
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.
the white boy...
some of Lalah's "Glam Squad"
Delilah Blu, the make-up artist
Arekah, the photographer
we had to tell our social circles about our swell night
my new favorite boots from my mom's closet
Good night, beautiful people...
Friday, December 9, 2011
The Blueprint by Andrea Fenise
Last Thursday I had the pleasure of attending a focus group
hosted by Andrea Fenise, Owner and Creative Director of Style Junkie and Andrea
Fenise Lifestyle Design Group. This was
the second edition of her Blueprint series, designed to help women put their
best fashion foot forward. May I also
mention that she stated the attendees made her job that night so easy, as we
were all already quite fashionable.
Andrea opened the intimate gathering by sharing the vision of the Blueprint and my heart fluttered at the thought of how this
young, African-American, single mother has decided to create the life and
future that she wants. I truly admire
Andrea and am pleased to have had the pleasure to collab with her on a few
projects.
I invited a good friend, Shyretta, who is also one of Andrea’s
sorors, so I knew she would enjoy. We
work within the same suite of offices , which you think would give us ample
time to connect. Yet with us both being
so busy on a daily (she’s an attorney), we rarely talk. But when we do, it’s usually about the challenges
of running a business (or practice in her case) and being single, sprinkled with
our hopes of one day not being single…ya feel me. She and I also grew up at the same church
which was big on knowing your Bible, so quite naturally and inevitably, we end many
of our talks with a Bible story and its application to our lives! Yes, that excites me because if you’re a
Christian, you need someone with whom you can connect that walks a path similar
to yours AND is strong and steadfast in his/her faith.
There was a wide array of success driven women in attendance
including another attorney, a professional singer, a couple of architects, a
jewelry designer, professional model and professional singer and a woman after
my own heart, a wardrobe designer! The
best part about it was that all of us owned businesses. How refreshing is that!
Now meet these ever so fabulous women and I don't have their cards with me as I type this post. I'll formally introduce them later, for now just enjoy their awesomeness ..a word used frequently by my fifth grader and her classmates.
I didn't get myself in any of the pics, but you can check out more on Andrea's blog at www.andreafenise.com. By the way, Andrea's in the middle with the gray and raspberry colored heels.
I do want to leave you with a pic of me with my new obsession, a scarf tied as a bow! Been wearing this look about a week or so now. It's fun, but it's time to retire it for now. Ya'll know I have to switch my style!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
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