black girl bravado

hi passionistas!
long time, no hear, i know.  that only means that i've been quite the busy bee.  several projects have been occupying my attention since we last spoke.  the current passion that i've been diligently working on is called black girl bravado. {black girl bravado} it is a website/blog dedicated to how awesome black girls are.  it's aim is to empower and celebrate our young girls, boost their self esteem and self worth.  if you've followed along here, you know that it in alignment with what i've always been about.  a few girls who have been featured include quvenzhane wallis, the gold olympian, claressa shields and chimamanda ngozi adichie.  please show your support by visiting the blog and donating, if possible.  this blog is destined to become a movement with many other positive programs emerging from this.  anyhow, i look forward to catching up with you guys there until posh brown returns.  
http://blackgirlbravado.blogspot.com/

besos jenna pearle*

stay tuned...the carrie diaries edition

alas, my once favorite and most fashionable show, gossip girl, has finally ended.  it was past it's prime quite a few seasons ago really.  still, it was hard to say goodbye.  but before i could shed a proper tear, the cw came along with something fresh and fierce to fill in my monday night slot.  enter.......the carrie diaries!!!  this show is a prequel to the sex and the city hbo hit.  we find a teenage carrie bradshaw navigating her way through the suburbs on her way to the fabulous new york life she's known for.  there are quite a few reasons why i love this show but i'll narrow it down to three for you.

1.  the great storylines...
 although some parts are a little far-fetched (magically becoming an intern at a prestigous magazine at                sixteen by chance?  yeah, right!), most of the show show is fairly realistic and relate-able  (especially if you're a teenager or was once one).  boy trouble, sibling issues and drama with friends and frenemies abound.

2.  the fashion, of course
although i was far from a teenager, i did witness the wild and wacky and sometimes tacky eighties fashion for myself.  (droops head in shame) and yes, i even participated in it.  that's why i look forward to seeing eric daman's interpretation of what was worn in the era of excess.  so far, i think he does an excellent job of showing what kids were rocking to school and lets his creative juices splash all over the blank canvas when dressing the ny it girls.  
check out this blog for more about the clothes:  http://thecarriestylediaries.com/

3.  the diversity of the cast
by now you've heard of the controversy with the hbo show girls and how they've whitewashed the rainbow that is new york.  according to lena dunham, a diverse nyc has not been her reality.  if that's true, the sheltered writer  should certainly get out more.  in the carrie diaries, people of color are more than cab drivers and homeless people taunting the main characters.  in fact, we are play central roles in carrie's life (unlike the grown up carrie) even in the burbs of connecticut.  her best friend (mouse), nemesis (donna la donna) and it girl mentor (larissa) are all women of colour and charisma.  her guy pal (walt) is teetering on whether or not he's gay (he is) and her other bff maggie...well, she just might be white but her ethnic features are gorgous as well as ambiguous.  

check out carrie diaries-le book for more.

besos jenna pearle*

mentor #1: j'adore jessie adore

hola, lovelies.  so a couple of days ago, i was mentioned how i was taking on some fashion mentors this year.  i told you how i wanted these individuals to #1 keep my routine stress free #2 further develop my personal style and #3 maintain my "dowhatchalike" and "idgaf" lifestyle.  that was the plan.  therefore, it's time to reveal my first style maven mentor: jessie adore.  now,i've been meaning to tell you about this lovely lady for quite some time.  i've probably been stalking her blog for close to two years because i so "adore" her lifestyle (you'll see her at the top of my blogroll).  she's so cute, her hair is cute, her clothes are cute, her apartment is cute, her friends are cute.  who wouldn't want that?!  plus, she's all short and curvy (so, a gal like me can identify). 
but what i love most about her is that nothing seems forced.  nothing that she wears or does seems to be because she thinks that's what's hot (as paris would say).  i believe this is just her genuine individual style.  this is the case whether she's dolled up in a dress fit for a 40's siren  or in her jeans at the park.
so, it is official...jessie will guide me through 2012 and remind me that i can do as i please. i, too, can have a fabulous, fashionable life, if i so choose.  it was written... 
stay tuned for my next two fashion fairy godmentors... 

besos jenna pearle*

thrifting...good for the wallet, wardrobe and the world

photos by dex r. jones (my fb buddy) via coco & creme

http://www.cocoandcreme.com/2012/01/thrifting-how-to-expand-wardrobe-for-the-new-year/

a great thrifting article i spotted on coco & creme. read it and then come over to the posh brown boutique and try it out...the posh brown e-boutique (thrift central)

besos jenna pearle*

walking in a winter wonderland (in Style)

you know how in winter, you end up looking like a stuffed snowman with all that heavy layering?  and you know how the alternative seemed to be look chic and freeze your ass off?  well, inStyle magazine has brought you the solution on how to look cozy-chic without looking dumpy.  click the link to see the answer:
7 ways to look cozy-chic (& not dumpy).  and you're welcome!


http://theposhbrownboutique.bigcartel.com/

besos jenna pearle*

the link up-advance style

all pics courtesy of advancedstyle.blogspot.com

i've been contemplating making changes to passionista place to make it better for you and easier to keep up with for me.  my plan is to have specific features you can count on each week.  in other words, i'd like it streamlined like a magazine and their "in every issue" format.  one of those features is giving the spotlight to one of the numerous fabulous blogs/websites i come across on a daily basis.  i had a whole list of sites i've been meaning to share with you.  but then i recently (as in the day before yesterday) came across the blog called advancedstyle and knew it would be perfect.  advanced style is all about celebrating inclusive beauty just like we do.  they have a particular set area they showcase however: fierce, fashionable mature women!  oh, the outfits, the hair and the infinite wisdom..........sigh.  i love this blog!  below is some advice from one elder who knows her stuff:

1.”Gloves they make an outfit, if it’s the right glove it can do everything for you.”

2.”Getting a good black dress that you can fix up with different wonderful colored scarves.”

3.”Marvelous Jewelry, it doesn’t have to be real or expensive, a strand of pearls can make an outfit.”

4.”A wonderful large fiocco, a beautiful bow or boa.”

5.” The right neckline, if you have a beautiful Décolletage then by all mean shows it.”

6. “I look for the brightest colors in shoes, don’t be afraid to wear them with a dark dress. A bright scarf and shoes and gloves of the same color will stand out against the black background of a dress or suit.”

7. ”The older you get the more elegance you want, you can use great color, but in an elegant way.”

8.”Don’t be afraid to be unique to be different.”

9.”Fishnet stockings, Incredible.”

10. “The real secret is being in love with life and realizing what you have.”

be sure to click the link to advanced style.  be prepared to be entertained and educated.  tell 'em the passionista sent you.

besos jenna pearle*

If You Have a Tummy… | Real Simple

the battlle of the belly rages on for many...if you're sick of fighting, you can settle for a bathing suit that comouflages the not so flawless and accentuates the positives.  i have the perfect article that can help.  appropriately titled: If You Have a Tummy… Real Simple.  you're so very welcome.

besos jenna pearle*

our lady of fatima

found a great article (jonesmag.com) on antm alum fatima.  this girl is so gorgeous, it hurts.  and she can model her ass off as well.  anyhoo read this to see and learn more :Model Spotlight: Fatima Siad

besos jenna pearle*

rocking my knickers (amare and rachel roy)

thanks to my new best blogger friend made to travel (jamillah), i heard some interesting news.  it seems rachel roy and ny knick amare stoudemire are collaborating on a sporty line of clothing.  rachel says this line is for the girl/woman who attends sporting events and needs something appropriate to wear.  what giselle or kate moss might don to watch football or basketball... are rachel and amare both tired of seeing ladies in six inch heels and tight, uncomfortable clothing at the stadiums?  i am!  rachel has such a classy, sophisticated style that can only enhance amare's quirky but magnetic signature look.  i'm eager to see what the duo comes up with...go ny, go ny, go ny, go!!!!!

besos jenna pearle*

links a la mode features passionista

great news!  my post on melody ehsani was included in the independent fashion bloggers' links a la mode.  this is where a few chosen bloggers have their posts highlighted and included on all the participating blogs.  here are the chosen ones for this week.  check them out; many are quite interesting.  anyway, thanks ifb; its great to be appreciated!

It’s Not All About the Clothes

Edited by Meghan Donovan at WIT & Whimsy


If you’re a fashion blogger, you know that personal style is often not just about what apparel you put on each day, but it’s about accessories and shoes and beauty, but even more so, it’s about the little elements in every day life that inspire you and influence your taste. As fashion blogging continues to evolve I’ve watched more and more bloggers share little intimate looks into their every day lives, the moments that fill their weekends with joy and those unexpected experiences – as trivial as they may be sometimes – that have you taking to the keyboard and storytelling to your readers.

Links à la Mode: April 7th

• Aqui: DIY Vintage Manicure
• Are You Dressing Up or Dressing Down: Designer and High Street Collaborations
• Awakened Aesthetic: ASOS Goes Eco-Friendly for Collection with Jessica Ogden
• Chic n’ Cheap Living: Jewelry: Going for the Unexpected
• Fiamma’s Fashion Spot: The Importance, Influence and Evolution of Fashion Shows
• Haute World: A Visit to the Oxfam Curiosity Shop at Selfridge’s, London
• IFB: 7 Magazines Every Fashion Blogger Should Read
• In Her Stilettos: SXSW and Texas Style Council Recaps
• Khola’s Kloset: Ode to Yves Saint Laurent
• La Moda Inspire: The Best in Tribal Apparel
• Mimosas in Bed: Inside Look at San Francisco’s Charity Fashion Show
• Notes From a Stylist: Notes from a Stylist at the TriBeCa Ball 2011
• Passionista Place: A look at Jewlery Designer Melody Ehsani
• Pretty, Shiny, Sparkly: Style Icon, Kristen Stuart? Not Quite.
• The Simply Luxurious Life: Going Parisian Chic
• Snapshot Fashion: Colorful Pants for Spring
• Studded Hileeery: How Not to Wear Leggings
• Two Birds: Vintage, Re-mixed
• The Well-Appointed Catwalk: The Artisan Corner at Gucci Boston
• WIT & Whimsy: Styled 3 Ways: The Chambray Shirt
• Wonderpug Graphics: Portrait of Fashion Illustrator Jessica Durrant

SPONSOR:
Shopbop Skirts: A Line, Knee Length, Maxi , Mini , Pencil, ADAM, Odylyne, Pencil, ADAM, Odylyne, Rebecca Taylor, D&G, & Chloe


besos jenna pearle*

spotlight: ms. melody and her jewels

i don't know if you've heard about melody ehsani but she has become a bit of a hero to me.  a woman who turned away from what was expected of her to pursue a passion is someone i feel the need to celebrate. leaving law school behind, melody chose to work on design and has become one of the hottest accessory designers in the business.  how do i know?  well, there is hardly an it girl celebrity that i can name that hasn't been seen rocking ehsani's cool designs.  cassie, ms. badu, rih rih, ms. minaj, kerri hilson, amber rose...i assume you get the point.


  melody's pieces are not for the wallflower type.  they are bold, fearless, colorful and expressive and usually have a feminist girl power message behind them. i'm sure you can see, whether her accessories fit your style or not, ms. melody should be applauded for her moxy and brave heart.  learn more about melody ehsani and her wares at her website.

 besos jenna pearle*
(pics courtesy of melodysblog.tumblr.com)

braids-don't call it a comeback!

bad chick from beautifulboulevard.tumblr.com  (love her)

ciara

rihanna, of course

it girl, va$htie

present day brandy w/ her signature braids

queen of the pack, patra

don't call it a comeback; braids have been here for years, (centuries is more like it).  but these days, you can find this hawt retro look on all the fashionable first ladies of cool.  braids have taken form in a number of stylish ways.  there's the fishtail that is oh so popular on the streets and catwalks.  french and cornbraids can be found crowning the heads of the sophisticated and/or sassy.  even the circa nineties poetic justice box braids have worked there way back into our hearts.  box braids use to be a favorite option of mine.  in fact, it was even a bonding exercise between me,my mom and sisters.  we would spend countless hours hooking each other up while catching up.  even after its heyday, i still rocked this look at my college graduation at the turn of the century (cuz thats just how i do).  so go ahead and channel your inner patra or brandy and get to braiding.  you know you wanna be down......
(ps-the numerous african braiding salons must be ecstatic!)
p.s  check out the posh brown boutique for clothing and accessories that work perfectly with those ballsy braids.{the posh brown boutique}

besos jenna pearle*

ten ways to think yourself beautiful

marilyn monroe (pic courtesy of suicideblonde.tumblr.com)

i came across a phenomenal article on msn about how to feel and therefore be a stunner.  the method: the power of thoughts.  i included the article here (10 ways to think yourself beautiful) but since it was difficult to navigate, i thought i would just paraphrase for your convenience.  let me know what you think!

 10 ways to think yourself beautiful

1. don't call out your flaws
2. know you're prettier than what you think (beyond the mirror).
3. beam a gracious smile
4. turn your personal heat on
5. look at your best photos for a pick me up
6. change up your look
7. do a media detox
8. watch real women; discover something beautiful about each one.
9. hang out with a buddy, you know...the one that appreciates your inner and outer beauty
10. adopt a different persona (an alter ego)

besos jenna pearle*

how to walk in heels (in style mag)

many fashionistas would love to know the secret for surviving the mean streets in heels.  really, as far as i'm concerned, there is no miracle answer.  its just not that comfortable.  and for those of you who say otherwise, you lie!  (kidding...kinda).  nevertheless, there are ways to make it more bearable and this article from in style tells you how... Know Your Shoe - How to Walk in Heels - Inside - Flash Player Installation


besos jenna pearle*

flyguy sosa

hola, kiddies.  i just wanted to let you know about my new blog on tumblr.  the purpose of this one is to showcase some daily styling i do on posh brown's fabulous muse, flyguy sosa.  please be sure to make your way over and check it out. above are a few sample pics you'll find over at http://flyguysosa.tumblr.com/.  let me know your thoughts!  

 besos jenna pearle*

links a la mode

here is the links a la mode weekly roundup.  some really great articles this time around.  i've already mentioned lovebrownsugar in the last post.  tell me what else you like.

Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup

7 Comments 28 October 2010

Costume Drama: A Break From All Things Outfit

Edited by: Holier than Now
It’s the Halloween season, when some of us choose to experience the thrill (or horror) of looking nothing like ourselves for a night. For those of you who blog or socially post your outfits, perhaps it’s a chance to take a break from the judgmental eye of the spotlight (consider Love Brown Sugar and One More‘s pieces on the subject) – one night where you turn in “looking good” for looking scary, time period-accurate, or just … a little sexier than usual. Inspired? Find last minute costume inspiration from Tickle Me Chic and more.
And for those of us who don’t celebrate the witching hour, there’s still a chance to step away from the closet and remind ourselves that great lingerie, shoes, bags, and jewels can make even a white tee and jeans look scary good.

Links à la Mode: October 28th

• A La Modest:7 Common Reactions to Style
• Best of Bklyn: In Favor of Knickknacks – How to Personalize Your House Into A Home
• Boheme Noir: The definitive IN/OUT list for Fall 2010 bags
• Closet Confections: Fashion Bloggers Take On Product Placement:A Video Response
• Cute and Little One: Product placement and blogger responsibility: a blogger’s role in influencing product advertising.
• Daisy Dayz: Inspiring locally-designed headwear
• Fashion Cents: 3 Tips to Consider for Open-Toe Boots/Shoes for Fall
• Fête à Fête: YSL’s new Rouge Pur Couture lipsticks
• Holier than Now: 11 Great Jewelry Sites You Might Not Know About
• Hunting and Gathering: Why Classic Jewelry Never Goes out of Style
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: Want to be a professional blogger?
• Interrobangs Anonymous: On going grey in your twenties
• Love Brown Sugar: Why Don’t You Love Me? A curvy girl’s ode to outfit posting on fashion communities
• Miss Viki: AND_i captivating jewelry show coverage, with video
• OK, Bowtie: Underneath: why everyone needs pretty underwear
• One More: Does a bloggers dress size affect readership and is the blogging community becoming divided over it?
• Ruby-Eyed Okapi: A Modest Approach to Halloween Costumes
• Style Every Day: How to change that horrible mess of jewelry on your dresser to supreme organization
• The Lingerie Addict: How to Buy Vintage Lingerie for the Perfect Pin-up Figure
• Tickle Me Chic: Fashion-inspired Halloween Costumes
• Vogue Mornings: Ten Tips for Achieving Work/Life Balance

SPONSOR:
Shopbop bags: Clutches, Hobos, Satchels, Totes, Black handbags, Shoulder bags, Women’s Wallets

besos jenna pearle*

Why Don't You Love Me...A Curvy Girl's Ode to Outfit Posts

i just found the cutest, stylish girl on ifb's links a la mode (i'll post that later).  her post that was featured was so fantastic and heartfelt, i had to share it.  plus, it deals with the topic of inclusive beauty that we're so obsessed with here at passionista place.  so please click Why Don 't You Love Me, read all about it and share your thoughts on the issue.  always love hearing what you guys have to say.

besos jenna pearle*