new york, new york

pretty depressed about the yankees loss to the texas rangers.  unfortunately, we will not be heading to the world series this year.  this post is dedicated to my team, although their performance was pretty poor today.  new york, concrete jungle where dreams are made of (just not today).   

besos jenna pearle*

olsen quotation

                                                             my sentiments exactly!!!!

besos jenna pearle*

little cuties

i couldn't help myself from sharing these adorable but striking little tots with you.  i'm sure you appreciate it.  aren't they cute??

pics courtesy of foodmusiclife.tumblr.com
besos jenna pearle*

zoe quotes

besos jenna pearle*

that 70's show

the other day we explored the perfection of cher's style in the 60's and 70's. i gave you a gorgeous black and whit photo of the legend to feast your eyes on. in the meantime, i've found an image that i'm sure you'll love. this is a candid of cher, sonny and twiggy looking so mod. the colors, line and patterns are to die for.

besos jenna pearle*

Michael Jackson, Keep It In The Closet...video voyeur

i came across a post about the top top 15 stylish music videos on coco and creme. and in true carrie bradshaw style, it got me to thinking...what beautiful music videos took my breath away over the years?  so, i've decided to share some selections i found visually stimulating once a week.  at the beginning of my blog, i shared with you 16 reasons why i love cool by gwen stefani.  this time, i chose one of my favorite michael jackson songs/videos "keep it in the closet" starring the one and only stunner, naomi campbell.  michael beefed up for this one, showing off his muscular tone in that wifebeater and black jeans.  he pulled back his signature curls into a ponytail and proceeded to give us sexy mike.  the sepia coloring give both them and the scenery a sensual aura.  there is really nothing to dislike about this art, as far as i'm concerned.  as usual, these talents do a superb job.
besos jenna pearle*

nicki and the secret garden

loving this pic of ms. minaj.  gorg-eous!!!!!!!!!!!

besos jenna pearle*

holla back, young'n

kids with great style just blow my mind.  take a look at this young'n, styling and profiling...too cute!

besos jenna pearle*

don't u forget about me

Hi guys! Remember that I'm still waiting for your fab outfit photos for our new segment showcasing chic street style. I've gotten quite a few (thanks to you earlybirds)that were pretty impressive. BUT I WANT MORE!!! Remember to mail your pics to passionistaplace@live.com. Include your hometown, description of your personal style, email address and,if you like, your occupation or aspirations. Then you're on the way to winning the pink pearl of the week. besos jenna pearle*

Chang Chang Dancing to "Whip ...

the cutest thing on ellen.  eileen aka chang chang whipping her hair and bringing the sassiness.  get it, chang chang!!!
besos jenna pearle*

home shopping networks

lately, i've been completely addicted to shopping networks.  my mom is a dedicated fan, always flipping to her favorite stations to see whats being featured.  finally, i started clicking over myself and found myself headed over to the websites to order my great finds immediately before they sold out.  i think you'll be surprised at what kind of stylish, trendy pieces these channels offer.  as a matter of fact, many of your favorite celebrities and celebrity stylist have lines with qvc or hsn.  mary j. blige, joan rivers, jessica simpson, kardashians, twiggy, serena williams and susan lucci are just a few who choose to peddle their wares on these home shopping channels.  some of the frumpier looking choices may actually be some of your favorite pieces once you get them home and style them to your liking.  above you will see a cable knit sweater vest with faux fur collar.  it may not look like much there but by the time i cinch in that waist or add some great accessories, it will be gold.  plus, you can't beat shopping that presents itself at your door in a matter of a few short days.  and anything that doesn't fit or isn't to your liking, you can send back hasslefree.  below are a few qvc products that are on my wishlist.  many of them are from rachel zoe's fab line. B-A-N-A-N-A-S!

besos jenna pearle*

and if you like online shopping, check out the posh brown boutique {theposhbrownboutique.bigcartel.com/}

where blair waldorf meets debbie harry

emma in color

you know how i love a short cut...emma made the right choice.  pretty before of course, but this style distinguishes her from her peers. 

besos jenna pearle*

turning back time-Cher

did you SEE cher in the sixties and seventies?!!  the epitome of style (for that particular era).  that gorgeous ebony bone straight hair, outrageous bohemian outfits and unique facial features...cher was certainly a contender for THE  it girl  during that funky time. if eclectic bohemian love child is right up your personal style ally, then look no further than the talented, beautiful CHERilyn. 

besos jenna pearle*

knit knacks

isn't this a great idea for your laptop?  its so cute, i want to wear it myself.
don't know how to purchase this but thought i'd share it anyway.  maybe it will spark your creative skills...
besos jenna pearle*

the distinguished gentlemen



that's my commander-in-chief right there with one of the biggest actors of our time, george clooney.  i can barely take all of this sexy sophistication.  seriously, this is a pic taken at the white house when mr. clooney and President Obama met to discuss the crisis in sudan.  philanthropy is a such a great thing.  jump on the bandwagon, asap! 

besos jenna pearle*

artistic frid-om

this combines some of my favorite things: frida kahlo, fashion and models.  these beautiful young ladies are none other than jaslene (former winner of antm) and victoria brita.  frida kahlo has always been a style icon (well, an icon in all respects) and i think these gals do her and her artwork justice.  wouldn't you agree?

besos jenna pearle*

its a hectic life

life has gotten pretty hectic lately. hence, i haven't been able to update passionista the way i'd like to.  but don't fear, lovelies, i'm back!  for now, i've given you this awesomely badass pic to brighten your day and hopefully provide you with some inspiration.  and for you east coasters, you can use this image to think back on the hawt summer we had cuz today is a bit chill.  be back to chat later.  remember, you are beautiful. jenna pearle says so!
besos jenna pearle*
(pic courtesy of blackfashion.tumblr.com)

classifieds-style wanted

calling all passionistas!!!  i'm looking to start a new feature here where we celebrate those of you who are passionate about your personal style.  so, i'll need you guys to email me pictures of you in your cutest outfits.  try to select the ones that demonstrate your style the best.  each thursday, i will display the photo with a bit of your information and explanation (whatever you care to share).  bloggers, this is a great way to promote your blogs.  i'm so excited to get this started so please send soon.  email your pics to passionistaplace@live.com.  please include

• your name (or what you go by these days)
• your hometown (optional)
• occupation (optional)
• how you describe your style (in a few words)
• your blog (optional)
• your stylish pic (obviously!)

i think that's it. i am very much interested in street style and would love to incorporate it into our lil' blog.  it certainly fits into the main theme here of inclusive beauty... thanks so much, guys! 

besos jenna pearle*

men i'm in the mood for

i like em' cute and scruffy...i like em' cute and clean cut.  moral of the story, i like em'!!!!!
enjoy...

besos jenna pearle*

follow me

do me a favor, lovelies?  Follow my blog with bloglovin!  pretty please and thanks in advance...


besos jenna pearle*

introducing gala darling

last month on my birthday, i attended a blogger's conference.  i had signed up weeks before and couldn't wait for the day to arrive.  like many things in life, it turned out to be a whole lot less than what i had built up in my mind.  this was THE top bloggers brought to discuss what made them so successful.  unfortunately, most didn't seem to have an answer.  what was worse is that many were inarticulate as well.  i went in thinking i was going to learn about what more i could do to improve passionista place and received plenty of cliches like "be true to yourself", "be patient" and "let it grow organically."  if i heard the word organic one more time............i will say it was still a good experience (there were a few bloggers with relevant information) and i met a great friend.  more importantly, i was introduced to the phenomenal gala darling.
actually, i had stumbled on to gala's website/blog earlier that summer and was pretty impressed by what i saw there.  in person, however, she was even more magnificent (especially compared to some of the other speakers).  adorned in sequins, pink and skulls, ms. darling served up wisdom, humor and style.  after the conference, i was eager to hear more.  this is what i found.  like me, gala is the beacon of self love and acceptance.  she has no problem being different and in fact relishes it.  simply put, gala is darling!  that's why i had no problem plucking down twelve bucks to buy chapters of her informative book that  she sells as podcasts.  honestly, i'm addicted.  i've listened to four different chapters already and highly recommend them.  you'll love it!  more importantly, you will probably learn great lessons.  if you don't believe how unbelievable gala darling truly is, don't take my word.  go see for yourself here at galadarling...look for the book here at  love & sequins.

besos jenna pearle*
(pics courtesy of gala's blog)

miranda pressley

remember "the devil wears prada?"  that movie had me scared to pursue any fashion related career, especially ones that dealt with fashion magazines.  i don't really have the patience for rude behavior so i was convinced this wasn't the right move for me.  but alas, i have decided not even miranda pressley can interfere with me achieving my dreams.  the devil may wear prada but i'm wearing armor.

besos jenna pearle*

jude and sienna

hi guys!  you know how i love a stylish couple.  well, jude and sienna are no exception.  these photos demonstrate how well these on and off lovebirds can coordinate on outfits.  there is nothing that either of them are wearing that i don't already own or want to own and rock myself.  by the way, did you ever see the movie that brought these two together in the first place, Alfie? Sienna Miller must have been hard to resist because besides from her beauty, her outfits were perfection.  anyhow, bravo for the miller-law collabo!  you done well!!
besos jenna pearle*

first day jitters...happy school year part iii

tomorrow is the first day of school.  no, seriously.  i'm taking a course about wardrobe in television, film and theatre.  there is a LOT of pressure to choose the right outfit.  this is not just the first day at any school; its the first day of fashion school where image is certainly everything.  what to wear, what to wear??  i'm pretty sure the weather is suppose to be working against me.  keeping in mind my blair jett, the broad from brklyn stylist, i'm thinking stripes, belts, jeans, blazer, hoops, pearls...or something like that.  here is a taste of what i have in mind visually. 

besos jenna pearle*

black and proud

this is a piece i read on a blog i follow. from what i gathered in the time i've followed her is that she's a beautiful nigerian young lady who has great taste in clothing and cartoons. this piece touched me because of her honesty and eloquence. follow her at we're all liars.  her blog name is ironic when you take her candor into consideration.  so please read, think and discuss...

 Dark Skin
Tar Baby, African Booty Scratcher, Blacky, Midnight. “Kids can be cruel” is an understatement. Growing up being dark skinned seemed to be a curse. I couldn’t understand why I couldn’t look like the rest of my Nigerian family members (cousins who are part Egyptian and Yemenese) with lighter skin and hair that was still “presentable” when wet. As I got older, I didn’t grow more accepting of my skin color but more aware that being dark skin was not only a sin on the playground but it was taboo in the media. Music videos that were full of girls whose skin tone told stories of mixed ancestry. Then I got older and the media was no longer my dictator of beauty but instead it was the men I met on a daily basis. The typical qualifications for a “bad bitch” never failed to entail light skinned, red bone, or yellow. I was none of the above, so where did that leave me?


A few years later I can say that I have finally accepted who I am. It is not going to change. I am Nigerian. I am dark. I am very dark in fact. I have a pointy nose and eyes that are almond shape. I am 5’4 , 105 pounds and will most likely never be thick. When men describe their perfect woman…I often do not meet the physical qualifications. I have accepted this.


I have stopped letting the standards and constraints of those around me define what I think is beautiful. I see beauty in all types of people, things, and places that you may not find beautiful. You may even call me crazy if I described what gorgeous looks like to me.


I not only accept my skin color but I now embrace the fact that God found me tough enough to wear a skin tone that comes with hardships. A skin tone that requires confidence to pull off. A skin tone that may sometimes be overlooked but holds spirits that can never be crushed.


I am Dark Skinned. This will never change, and finally 22 years later, I would never want it to.
we're all liars...

good, right?  feel free to comment on how you've learned or are in the process of learning how to love yourself...

besos jenna pearle*

bookmarcs and question marks

are you aware of the fact that there is a bookstore on bleeker st in the west village in nyc?  did you know that this yet another marc jacob project (he has several businesses in the area)?  will you be supporting?  just asking...
besos jenna pearle*

bird ink

i've been pretty obsessed with tattoos with the birds flying free theme.  here are a few i've come across online that i found impressive in some way.  i don't know exactly what form i will choose or where i will place it but i'm pretty sure this matches my sentiments exactly.  endless opportunities to be pursued...besos jenna pearle*

janis has a piece of my heart

this here is the legendary janis joplin, queen of soul and rock.  talk about bohemian chic!  no one did it better or cooloer than janis.  worn in jeans, crocheted long vests, peasant blouses, endless bangles and perfect bed hair, this creative genius knew how to put together a fabulous ensemble... besos jenna pearle*