Fashion

A little Island Gyal with Forever21

by fashionlayn2 Comments on A little Island Gyal with Forever21
A little Island Gyal with Forever21

Can you believe it… Its the first day of summer ! Wow I can say this so many times , this year is going by so fast !  woMAN! So if I could be anywhere right now I would love to be on somebody’s island enjoying a nice pineapple beverage with the sun warming my skin with a nice tropical breeze.  Let me stop day dreaming … since the island can’t come to me I will bring it to me. Guess I will post up in the city  until  the day comes I get the chance to sip a drink by the pool .

fullsizeoutput_1fe1

I wish yall could have seen me in Forever21 trying to put this outfit together. LOL I walked around the plus size section about 20 times to get the right outfit to match the headband. Mad woman on the loose !   Before I even started looking I came across this leaf inspired headband. Now if you been reading my blog you will know that I love floral aesthetics. Anyway, my braids were freshly done and I wanted to rock a cute headband… so lets the finding of an outfit commence! First, I ran across an eyelet off the shoulder crop top. The color had me sold!  You would also know that I have outright relationship with the color yellow. It has been dub my color !  Back to the outfit, I don’t know what it is but a nice off the shoulder top to show off my shoulder does something to me. It  so subtle and seductive at the same time when my shoulders are out and exposed.  Also I love the fact that it has the elastic band at the bomb to hold the crop top in place. While I was in the store I found these linen shorts that I thought match well with this fit. I could have bought these shorts in a 1x but I stuck with 2x because I wanted to fit a little baggy.  Linen blend fabrics are super comfy to the touch for me. Lastly, the gold Monsetra leaf earring in my opinion sent this outfit out of orbit ! Man on man it was sooooo bomb . It was complete. (Sidenote: Let me say that Forever21 need go ahead a partner up with me because I spend so much time in the store it crazy !)  I feel like this outfit can be worn up or down.  It has slight of city vibes mix in with a island glow!  City Boho …. hmmm. I am picturing  this outfit at a island theme night party with drinks with a umbrella in them and awesome pool decoration and globe lights nestle around the fences !

never stop chasing your summer 

fullsizeoutput_1fd2
Monstera Leaf Drop Earring// Forever21

Little sidetone:

Go out and enjoy your life. We never know how many summers we have left so make each summer you have on this earth a good one. Enjoy time with your family and your closest friends. I just want to stress how important it is to enjoy your life to the fullest. We do not have time to just focus all on the serious stuff. Have some fun and smile ! 

fullsizeoutput_1fdd

when you sprinkle city vibes with a little island gyal vibes 

Leaf Headband// Forever21

Monstera Leaf Drop Earrings // Forever21 (LINK)

Mustard Eyelet Off the Shoulder Top // Forever21 (LINK)

Linen Blend Strip Shorts// Forever21 (LINK)

Bamboo Purse// UrbanOutfitter

Freya Peeptoe Cut Work Shoe Boot// BooHoo (old)

Location: Mexicantown -Southwest Detroit

Photographer: Mom – Always a special shout to my mom always being down and available to take my pictures. You are and always will be the real MVP !

 

So what are you looking forward to this summer ?

Let me know in the comment section below.

Like, comment, and share 

push forward.

Alayna

 

Advertisements
Lifestyle, Motivation

The Importance of Female Camaraderie

by fashionlaynLeave a Comment on The Importance of Female Camaraderie
The Importance of Female Camaraderie

The stereotype when women come together is that we are always divided.  Trying to find any reason to claw out each other eyes. I also heard that we don’t root for one another when other wins. As a black woman I know it all to well. It is a huge stigma against black women I know yall believe because you see  it all on TV.. reality TV tell women that we will rather see yall drag each other to make a quick buck.  Do I really need to name the shows… come on now you probably watching one of them right now ! I’m not going to lie to you sis I am guilty as charge. I keep up with the shows too. Women against women sells! However, in all honestly I am over it! I am over seeing women fighting each over men. Or women not rooting for one another because of their own insecurities. I simply over the jealously, and unhealthy competitiveness . Please do not get caught up in that nonsense.   We need to stand up for our sis. Have her back !  Be a true friend because it is hard out here trying to navigate these waters,  we need all the help we can get. So I teamed up with my favorite blogger and friend , Leah V  to express the importance of female friendship/camaraderie and female empowerment  with African inspired prints! We got some work to do, so lets start at the foundation .

What is female camaraderie ?

It is really another word for friendship!. Closeness and loyalty shared among a group of women. Yes ladies we need some loyalty,closeness and respect! I believe female camaraderie is an understanding between woman. That we all can come to the table and have respect for one another. Be able to deal with our differences, empathize, and empower one another.  That would be an outstanding girl code.  Friendship and kinship can never be replace and I believe that camaraderie is the foundation.
_DSC0548

Ways to Promote Female Camaraderie Wherever, Whenever, However !

Jealously needs to go! I know women have a tendency to compare themselves to next woman.  Guilty as charge: I have don’t it. Let be clear even the strongest woman in the room has doubt. It plaques us all but we need to be vigilante when we are doing this to ourselves. Jealous definitely taints our perspective. So with that being said we need stop the comparing and embrace what makes you.. you!  Build up your self esteem, set your goals, have tunnel vision, and celebrate your wins.

I need your support Another way to build female camaraderie is to support one another. Show up for your girl when she launching and brand. Hold her up when she is going through it. We need to support one another.

Something got ahold of you, Its the Past! Grudges between women can linger for along time. When women have a confrontation it really hard to repair those relationships. I believe in order to get past all the mess that we need to let go of what happen in the past. I really want women to try to find some common ground and some mutual respect.

Respect goes a long way With all that being said we have to have respect for one another. No matter how different we are we still have to respect and try to empathize with one another. It simple as that!

IMG_7283

Camaraderie is Important.

Simply having her back, being honest without the confrontation. “Were all in this together” mentality. I want women to win so I believe camaraderie is important because of the support/ console, mutual respect for one another, and identity. If we as women can create a solid foundation to stand on, the door can open for us all to have a seat at the table and have a conversation and try to figure it all out.  Respect goes a long way so lets put the right foot forward .

IMG_7021

Behind every successful woman is tribe of other successful women who have her back.

_DSC0672

A few of my favorite pictures from the shoot !

IMG_7391

IMG_7156

_DSC0393

Location: Midtown Detroit & Downtown Detroit (Cadillac Square)

Model: Leah Vernon- The creator of the Beauty and the Muse

Photographer: Nicole & Daniela Photography | Website: NicoleDanielaPhoto.com | IG: @Danielalisi & @Nicolegafa

i believe that camaraderie between unrelated women can win. what do you think ? 

let me know your thoughts below in the comments 

push forward.

Alayna

Fashion

How to Add a Pop of Color to Your Wardrobe

by fashionlayn2 Comments on How to Add a Pop of Color to Your Wardrobe
How to Add a Pop of Color to Your Wardrobe

I wanted to express that this look was inspired by the late Kate Spade. Her love for pop of colors and polka dots was really inspiration and showed up a lot in her bags and other items.  Kate Spade will definitely be missed, she was one of the main reason why I got so into fashion.

look inspired by Kate Spade- “The Things We Love”  great coffee table book

If you could take a look at my closet you will see that most of my clothes  are  black and white or  neutral colors… not many colors. I have to consciously remind myself that you need more colors, you love color. What is is the problem. Either I am constantly reaching for my jeans, black body con, or graphic tees. How can I bring a small dose of color to my everyday looks?   So my number 1  way to add a pop of color to my outfits are through my handbags.  Now most of friends will say I always see you with a backpack. That is true,  I prefer to keep my hands free however I love handbags. Anyway, my love for handbag started when I got my first Coach purse for Christmas. I think I was maybe 10 or 11. My mom calls it my “training purse”.  I love handbags because it goes with me everywhere. It can be worn up or done and completes my look.  A handbag carry all my most important things I need with me everyday.  The love for handbag grew more and more for because I felt the need to coordinate it with my look of the day ! A handbag is the way I express my personality and my sense of colors …..

Now if you are not a purse lover like me, there are a few others ways to bring color to your outfit.

Other ways to add color to your outfits ?

  • Add a vibrant pop of colors to your nails
  • Maybe a colorful pump or shoe
  • Poppin lip color
  • Nice belt
  • Flattering scarf
  • Earrings
  • Bright color jacket

fullsizeoutput_1ea9.jpeg

fullsizeoutput_1e8e

Pink like the halls of your heart

-Janelle Monáe -Pynk

fullsizeoutput_1e84

So I was going to the store with my mom.  You know how you first go into Target, you find yourself right in front of the women clothes. I have tried so many times to come out of Target with exactly what I need only. No, I came across this cute polka dress. Now this dress is outside my normal attire. I love cool, edgy outfits ……. I am street theme kinda girl . However, we all have to step out of comfort zone when it comes to fashion.

My mom made me try it on! Yall really need to understand how much I hate trying on clothes at the store. I don’t really know why I just know I don’t like… maybe because sometimes it leads to disappointment.  Anyway, I love how tall this dress makes me appear and I love the polka dots.  It is super comfortable and it is not tight at all.  After trying it on my mom said you need some shoes to go with it.. Let’s go for color my mom said.  We came across a pink chunky pump… the shoes in the picture. I tried them one and pair them with the shoes. Super cute.  I was so impressed.  Lastly I ran across the crossbody , the same color as the shoes and yes!!! it was on sale. So I go the whole outfit from Target. Oh yeah I only came into Target for a lip liner ! So I add a pop of color to this fit by incorporating the colorful shoes and purse.

The only downsize to this dress that little cut open area makes it really hard for me to hide my bra. I did try it without my bra however my under boobs were showing. That was my only concern. However the dress is super cute and chic. It so girly and flirty and I love it. You can wear this dress on super sunny day in the city or walk on a unpaved country road. It just does it.

White & Black Button Down Knot Polka Dot Midi Dress// Target (LINK) **On Sale**

Magenta Krysten Block Heel Pumps// Target (LINK)

Magenta Mini Camera Crossbody Bag// Target (LINK)

Location- Mexicantown – La Gloria Bakery

Photographer: My lovely mother !

 

How are you going to add color to your wardrobe ? 

let me know in the comments below ! 

push forward.

Alayna

 

 

 

 

Fashion

Summer Vibes X Striped Shirt Dress

by fashionlayn2 Comments on Summer Vibes X Striped Shirt Dress
Summer Vibes X Striped Shirt Dress

Summer is among us and I am so happy to shed off these layers that I have been carrying around. I ready to let my arms and legs breathe and feel the warmth of the sun on my skin. Yes !!

Lets have a little blast from the past.  I had a conference call with Natalie from Eloquii. We were discussing Detroit and all the wonderful things you can do here. Also, the new Eloquii store had made it arrival to Detroit. On the call I was invited to the grand opening party as well able to pick out few pieces as a gift. I was so excited and thankful at the same. So I stumble upon this shirt dress. Now normally I always go for something that is a little more form fitting. You know body con dress!  I love to show off my curves. So anyway all this month I wanted to focus on wearing items that are outside of my comfort zone. While I was online looking at  all the super chic items that Eloquii had to offer I found this dress in black and white stripes first. I started to go for black and white fit. I had to consciously tell myself no more black and white. Pick the red and white dress! Remember color !!!!

untitled(77of155)

Eloquii designed a beautiful button down crepe woven shirt dress.  The contrast of the print is beautiful. I think this dress can stand alone.  Also it has puff sleeves…. puff sleeves are in style this season. Also the sash belt made the outfit in my opinion. I love items that a belt because brings my figure back. It can be worn or you can do without it if you want. This dress is so simple and comfortable. This can be worn on cool summer days,  a take a nice walk or you can sit down have nice espresso or tea at the local cafe.  I

Summer’s in the air,baby, heaven’s in your eyes 

untitled(25of155)

Striped Dress Shirt-// Eloquii (LINK)

Check out Eloquii !! They have so many other beautiful dresses !!

Special thanks to Eloquii for letting me pick out this lovely dress and to my awesome photographer. She is amazing at what she does. I am thankful for her !!

Photographer: Richelle Marie Photography | IG: @richellemariephoto

Location: Harmonie Park

 

Thank you so much for reading !! Let me know what you are looking forward to this summer ? Let me know in the comment section below. 

 

push forward.

Alayna

 

 

This item was gifted by Eloquii under no obligations or terms. All opinions are my own.