SHOWTIME!

Tonight my handmade jewelry line
JETT JUELZ will be featured for the second time in Howard Universities "Epic" Homecoming Fashion show, "Eden to Exodus". There will be two shows, a 6pm and 9pm show full of elite DMV designers, stylist and models as well as Howard students. This is a big deal because Howard is known for its Homecoming experience and I'm honored to be apart for the second time since transferring to Howard. I started JETT JUELZ the summer of 2011 as a hobby, and that same summer was featured in a stylist showcase/fashion show with Akira Chicago, a well known boutique in the city of Chicago. Each piece is handmade free handily. The joy I get from seeing women add this to their wardrobe and become confident and beautiful is my favorite part of designing. The fall 2013 JETT JUELZ line for me is just a representation of my work ethic, being a student and a small business owner is not easy, and with this being my graduating year at Howard, I want to leave with good taste and most of all in style, letting others know that anything can be done when you work hard to get it done! The fall 2013 line is full of warm, neutral colors and a variety of styles and designs for every kind of woman, most of all for the confident woman! Stay tuned for photos and videos, and thanks for reading.
                                                     "EVERYBODY DESERVES TO FLY"

The finale

The video is in, The video is in, The video is in!!

 

A week ago I styled and pulled for Howard Universities 2014 Bison Ball promo video! The video was sent to me yesterday, and I'm so happy to share it with my readers! I'm proud of the fact my vision as far as styling came to life, and as we know appearance completes everything. I worked with some great, up-coming and humbled individuals on this project and it is up for the world to see.

 

"A night in Harlem"

 

Check it out > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ddmkb_H5UQ&feature=youtu.be

 

 

 

Harlem Nights

This weekend I had the pleasure of pulling for a video shoot for Howard Universities Bison Ball dance, which is a big event at my school towards the end of the school year. This was by far my favorite styling experience ever!! The theme was Harlem Renaissance in the 1920's, which we know was the black excellence era with literature, poetry, dance, music and fashion! I got to be extremely free with picking clothes and accessories, I took inspiration from one of my favorite classic Eddie Murphy movies, Harlem Nights. 

If you haven't seen this movie, check it out, but if you have the comical, scheme filled, stylish flick is classic for its time period and the dapper styles of the men with their classy, clean suits (white & black mainly), their bow ties, big hats and scarfs, were so influential because that was classic for their time period and you just don't see that today! The women were glamorous, Jasmine Guy played the leading lady and she was draped in fine furs, sexy silk dresses, high gloves and pearls galore! 

The shoot featured two gentlemen and two ladies, I pulled for them at the thrift store, and thank God it its Halloween season because I found every prop I visioned!

For the ladies I went for the glamorous look and sensual, sexy style. I wanted a long fitted white dress, I knew that from the start, and I got it! I channeled Billie Holiday with the accessories, the long velvet gloves, with the pearls outside of them, a feathered wrap and a lace and feathered head pieces. Topped it off with a skinny cigar, because it was pretty cool for ladies to smoke back then. This was my funnest look because it was really channeling the time period and it was like styling for the actual movies and times back then. This look screamed singer and actress of this time and I was in love! 

The second look for the girls was a more everyday glam look, I gave her a black dress which had somewhat of glitter details and sheer around the chest area, and the bottom of the dress, it came knee length. I LOVE THIS DRESS! I knew I wanted a white fur, and I found it! The thrift came through for me! I added a flower to her hair because this also was a popular trend in the 20's for women, and gave her a beautiful red circle small coin purse. 

For the gentlemen I wanted smooth, slick and to show the differences in their fashion during this time from today. My favorite piece was the black trench coat, I loved finding this because men wore trench coats over their shoulders during this time and it was just so clean to me! I went with two different styles, the man in charge (Eddie Murphy) and his bad boy side kick (Richard Pryor). These looks were challenging due to men's sizing as far as suits but it all came together. One of the gentlemen was my favorites because he could be imitated today and still fit the times. The conductor hat, suspenders, ankle length wool pants with designer socks showing and a cream button up with a designed tie.

Just wanted to share this cool experience with my readers, once the video is complete I'll be sure to post! Enjoy the pics for now!

STYLISH CHRONICLES BY JETT!

PEACE!

High Fashion & Hip Hop Collide

"Everyone’s supposed to stay in their lines and be neat. You’re a rapper. You’re supposed to rap, carry a boom box, wear chains, and go to the club—that’s all you do. What are you doing collecting art? What are you talking about? Wait a minute, you’re getting out of the zone. People hate when people cross lines," —Jay Z

Most would say from Reasonable doubt to Magna Carta Holy Grail, Jay z's albums are classics that could last through multiple generations and era's of hip hop. Most could say his business man mentality from being a sports manager and part owner of one of New Yorks biggest arenas, and well known night clubs his business ethic is just as timeless. Some could say his down to earth mentality is what got Oprah to his former home, Marcy Projects! From collaborating albums with artist such as R.Kelly to his prodigy Kanye West, he's kind of like an eclectic, modern day Renaissance man. 
I could be biased with this post but it's just exciting for me to see my favorite artist featured on one of my favorite magazines! Jay-z takes the cake once again covering the November, 2013 cover of Vanity Fair magazine.  This is legendary being that Vanity Fair has a predominantly white production and audience, but the barriers don't stand a chance with this guy Jay! He's no stranger to Vanity Fair though, him and his wife Beyonce were both featured in the magazines 2001 Music Issue. “we were just beginning to try to date each other.” Try? “Well, you know, you’ve got to try first. You got to dazzle," Jay (vanity fair issue).
Shot by fashion photographer Mario Testino, the cover features Mr. Carter in a clean, classic white tuxedo jacket and black pants. Titled "The New Chairman of the Board", the magazine promises this will be his most revealing interview to date!  In stores now, the issue discusses his Projects to Paris story, Jay's daughter Blu Ivy Carter, his marriage and his career thus far. 

Jay-z speaks frequently about his life as a drug dealer and he shared that with Vanity Fair.
"Jay’s checkered past taught him a few things that he says will come in handy in his new role as a sports agent: “I know about budgets. I was a drug dealer,” he tells Robinson. “To be in a drug deal, you need to know what you can spend, what you need to re-up. Or if you want to start some sort of barbershop or car wash—those were the businesses back then. Things you can get in easily to get out of [that] life. At some point, you have to have an exit strategy, because your window is very small; you’re going to get locked up or you’re going to die.” (vanity fair issue)

Currently preparing to tour for his Magna Carter Holy Grail album, Jay speaks on past retirements and why he's still relevant to the rap game. Jay admits that, after all these years, he still loves to rap. “I know I said I wouldn’t be doing it when I was 30,” he tells Robinson, “so that’s how I know I love it. Thirty years old was my cutoff, but I’m still here, 43 years old.” (vanity fair)
Just decided to give you guys a sneak peak but if you haven't pick the issue up in your local stores and grab those Magna Carta Holy Grail tickets! I will be attending the show January 9 in Chicago and I'll be sure to share my experience!

Peace, Love, Greatness!

Bears, Feathers and Barbies..Oh My !

It was a pleasure sitting front row at the DC Fashion week 
"Eco Chic designers showcase last night!

The designs were nothing short of unique and truly different. 

Have you ever seen a dress made out of recycled Barbie doll heads? Well I witnessed it, and although it was a tad bit creepy, the art form was eye catching and had the audience craving for more of the weirdly, unique and fashionable Eco-chi designs. 

Hitting the runway in garbage bag dresses and plastic glove night gowns the models wore it well! Designers from all over were there to promote the green lifestyle and encourage the audience to preserve the planet one dress at a time!

Colorful Recycle bag gown

Black garbage bag dress and headpiece

Recycled brown teddy bear dress

Lady in red teddy bear dress

Plastic bag dress and headpiece

Feather gown

Black garbage bag hooded gown 

Plastic glove dress

Peace and Love with Imagination

Nothing was the same!

  "You know its real when you are who you think you are," 

The Highly anticipated 3rd Drake album "NWTS" which leaked last week dropped officially today. The album has fans of the emotionally confessional, self proclaimed, singer/rapper tweeting lyrics and calling their ex's making plans for cuffing season!

A collaboration of Drake, Drake and more Drake, the album has limited features, two of my personal favorites are Jay-z featured on the track "Pound Cake" and  Jhene Aiko featured"From Time". 

When asked on 106th and Park today what was Drake's best album, he said "My next album, I'm working man". 

Being criticized for his emotional records that refer to exes and how he feels about certain women from his past , Drakes vocals are what makes him unique and regardless of how most feel about it, he's bound to catch your attention.

He almost always gives fans an insight to his family life as well, speaking on his mother, father and uncle in "NWTS" Drake bares it all unapologeticlly.
On his "WORST BEHAVIOR" the once Degrassi teen star,Aubrey Graham's gone from an unlikely middle class rapper/singer to an accepted rapper to maybe the biggest rapper out, all in four years, and he's the genre's biggest current pop crossover star since Kanye West has somewhat dimmed the emotional light and tapped into the dark side of things.

Songs like "Hold on, We're going home" is pure pop which glides away from the majority of the hip hop album that reflects Drake's career and life before music, which takes fans into the pure, sweet soft vocals of the artist that brings you back to his r&b medley's such as "Shut it Down" and "Night off".

Drake's North America tour takes off October 18th, and I will be in attendance on October 31st at the DC show I'll be sure to post about it!

"Only the real music is gonna survive, all that other bullish*t is here today and gone tomorrow"

1. Tuscan Leather
2. Furthest Thing
3. Started From The Bottom
4. Wu-Tang Forever
5. Own It
6. Worst Behavior
7. From Time
8. Hold On, We're Going Home (f/ Majid Jordan)
9. Connect
10. The Language
11. 305 To My City (f/ Detail)
12. Too Much
13. Pound Cake (f/ Jay Z) / Paris Morton Music 2

Deluxe Edition:

14. Come Thru
15. All Me (f/ Big Sean & 2 Chainz)


Peace, Love & Good Music

DC FASHION WEEK KICKS OFF IN A ECO-FRIENDLY WAY

Like my last post going Green is on the scene this season in more ways than one. Last night at the DC Fashion week premiere which featured Eco-Chic women's wear and accessory designers spring/summer 2014 collections. Designers showcased pieces made from recycled teddy bears, barbie doll heads, garbage bags, plastic gloves and recycled fabrics at the Wolly Mammoth Theatre in DC.

I can honestly say I was in awe from the uniqueness and daring designs that took the backs of the diverse group of models.

The intimate setting and swift transitions excited me most.

I interviewed leading designer and recent Howard graduate Michelle Gibson for my internship, and was so inspired I decided to share with my readers! Gibson's eco-chic line Simply L3ve graced the DC FashionWeek runway again a week after Siply L3ve took on the illustrious New York Fashion Week.

 Recent Fashion Merchandising minor and my fellow bison Michelle Gibson had her hands full accomplishing things designers who have been in the game for years haven't , and according to her it was well worth the pain and gain! She came to Howard knowing she wanted to start a creative business and combine fashion with that. Being a young, black Eco designer has put her in a class of her own and set a platform for designers who follow.

Inspired by "A new definition of fashion" and designed with a eco conscious mindset, the Eco-Chic line Simply L3ve was full of soft colors and flowing designs perfect for the Spring and Summer encouraging slow over disposable fashion. Each piece is hand made and contracted of natural, organic, up cycled and recycled fabrics and materials.

Be sure to check out www.simplyL3ve.com for timeless, eco-friendly and fashionable pieces suitable for day to night adventures!

Simply L3ve Spring/Summer 2014 Collection

Peace, Love Style to reserve the planet!

Gone Green on The Scene

For those of you who don't know what it means to Go Green, here it is!

Going green is the pursuit of knowledge and practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions and lifestyles, which can help protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations.

Going Green is becoming "the thing to do" worldwid, and hey what could be more fulfilling than saving the planet, reserving the goods into fashion and being healthy all in one?

This past Saturday I volunteered as a dresser for DC's Green Festival Fashion Fights Poverty fashion show. A Designer by the name of Elizabeth showcased her Eco bridal collection which featured white wedding gowns and unique head pieces that were all eco friendly, made from recycled fabrics.

The show was sponsored by the non-profit ethical eco organization "Fashion Fights Poverty".

 This was my first real taste (literally) of the "Green" world. As I browsed the Green Festival, I came across some pretty cool stuff from organic hair products, handmade soaps and all natural juices and foods. The smells of organic coconut oils and wheat grass would frown up the faces of most but I was actually intrigued by this community of people who have blossomed by sharing one interest, preserving the planet!

I'm slowly but surely heading towards the Green side, what about you?

Peace, Love & Green