Fashion Africana 2013'

On Saturday Dec 7, 2013 the fourth floor of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust was transformed into the backdrop for the 12th Annual Fashion Africana Celebration.  Founders Demetria Boccella and Darnell McLaurin have made this event one to look forward to every year.  A Celebration of art, dance, and fashion the rooms were filled with music, laughter, great fashion and beautiful African themed art that was available for purchase.  Supporters of Fashion Africana have come to love the experience of what the event brings.  With every year a new venue, a deeper look into the diaspora, and a taste of just how beautiful our black can be, this year was no different. 

The models were styled by none other than Kiya Tomlin, whose clothing was a chic display of classic, timeless pieces, made specifically for the event out of Muslin Fabric and yet I still wanted to take every last piece home with me =)  Accessories worn by the models were created by Jeffrey Smith, a local designer in Pittsburgh whose attention to detail could be seen in each piece, worn around the collar bone and wrist of some of the models, the pieces were made of clay and were a compliment to the runway.  

The atmosphere was vibrant, and full of beauty in the form of art, music, and fashion, everyone who had the pleasure to experience this celebration couldn't help but enjoy it.

So how could you want anything more out of an event?  You can't, all that we can hope is that the celebration continues each and every year.  It was, as it always will be an evening reminding us all of how beautiful, talented and diverse the African diaspora is and for that we say Thank You to Demetria and Darnell, and to all of their supporters and volunteers for a night well done.  

Bravo! 

Success is Unlimited!!

On a Thursday evening at Pittsburgh's South Hills Village Mall, supporters and clients of Dress for Success Pittsburgh were able to engage with sales employees of The Limited Store #952 for a relaxed and knowdgeable shopping experience, entitled "A Limited Engagement"-(A.L.E).  You see the company The Limited is celebrating 50 years of Fashion, with lots of great items on sale for the month of October, and a bonus of an additional 15% for attendees of "A.L.E" throughout the evening.  

There were other vendors in the store during this event as well offering information about their specific products; a Mary Kay Independent Consultant & 2 Dior MUA's from Macys cosmetics counter.  Snacks were provided, a drawing for a Limited Gift Card, donations were being accepted and Personalized Service filled the store as supporters shopped for items to compliment their wardrobe.  Of course I had to get in on the specials myself and boy did I luck up, but I'm not revealing what I found cause that's a blog for another day, but I got goodies from The Limited for my purchase =)

I was able to chat with Jodie-The Development Director at Pittsburgh Dress for Success to get some info as to how someone seeking help or anyone who would like to volunteer can do so.  Monday-Friday from 9am to 4pm-Dress for Success Pittsburgh sees clients that are referred to the organization through other service organizations like The Dept. of Public Welfare, and neighboring Churches etc, all at no cost to the client and the only way to receive services is by way of the referral process.  The clients then go through Intake, are advised on interview techniques and sometimes participate in mock interviews to determine their job interview readiness.  They are then able to "shop" for FREE Attire to help them be even more efficient in their return to the job market, by way of all of the generous donations that Dress for Success receives.  Once a client has obtained a job, again through the referral process they are able to return to Dress for Success to get 1 weeks worth of clothing in order to jump start their careers in their chosen fields.  Awesome right, but volunteers are always needed, as well as donations, especially women's separate pieces, blouses, blazers, slacks, traditional button downs etc. as well as any other form of donation...like donating accessories(handbags, jewelry etc) or even helping by sharing your expertise in a chosen field to help these women, who desire to help themselves is appreciated.  Offices are located in Uniontown, Washington County, Downtown Pittsburgh, Fayetteville & Westmoreland County.  For more detailed information on The Dress for Success program in Pittsburgh contact them 

at tel:(412)-201-4204 or via email pittsburgh@dressforsuccess.org

Oh and you've got one more week to celebrate The Limited's 50th Birthday!! What are you waiting for?! The sales staff at Store#952 are eager to assist you with building your wardrobe, one piece at a time.  Check out the pics below and let me know what you think.  

Until Next Time, 

Choose Fashion, Not Fads

Kia~

Kmart Smart!!

Hey there Dolls & Gents!! It's been a while since I've shared with you guys, however i've been doing my best to stay connected with whats going on in Fashion, Culture, Art & well Family.  Today, while looking through my email over my morning toast and tea =D I had to double back at one specific email from Kmart.com, it seems that Kmart has launched a collaboration with Nicki Minaj, you know the Female Rap Artist that has a fan base that calls themselves Barbz, yeah her, so you know I had to take a look right. 

 I have to admit that I am not a huge fan of Miss Minaj but you've got to give credit when its due, she is definitely building her brand one major move at a time.  I am not surprised about her collaborating with a giant retailer, however I am shocked that she chose Kmart as that retailer for this new collection.  I feel like Kmart has been trying really hard to stay current or well alive in the retail industry.  With all of the changes in fashion there's a difference in what consumers want to see and what consumers do see when they walk into there stores.  This my friends was a very smart move on everyone's behalf, if I must say so.  

The collection consist of affordable accessories (handbags, hats and jewelry) along with attire (dresses, jackets, leggings, jeans and skirts) that speaks and stays true to that of Nicki Minaj's personality and well BRAND.  Now for all you Barbz Fans this was news to me but i'm sure if you are a true fan you've already gotten the scoop as Nicki keeps her fan base well aware of her moves.  So today I salute you Nicki Minaj for a Collab well done!  These are just a few pieces that I liked of the collection.  Check it out for yourself at Kmart.com

                         

Until next time, 

"Choose Phasion, Not Fads"

Kia