Local ATL Fashion Blogger Chamese Bennett - stylefidelity.blogspot.com

The Sartorialist (Scott Schuman) (thesartorialist.blogspot.com) is a photographer who has been going around the world snapping pictures of street fashion for 11 years now.  He has a keen eye for style originality and has modified the ideas of designers, editors, and regular people around the world.  fem-fATL definitely supports people who are original and their own person, inside and out… through their clothing expressions.  Fashion candy for his eye and his camera include “the turn of the cuff, the rip of the jeans, the unexpected mix of pattern and color, or even just posture and attitude that somehow add up to great personal style.”  Schuman proves through his photography that great fashion can be found everywhere and anywhere, and there is no formula needed.

HOW TO CATCH THE SARTORIALIST CAMERA:

1)  ACCESSORIZE

Turquoise Necklace adding a pop of color to a LBD

You can easily change the attitude of an outfit by accessorizing with jewelry, hats, scarves, glasses, sunglasses.  Your hair and make-up are also go-to accessories that certainly effect your overall appeal. (For great accessorizing tips: contact urbansocialite@fem-fatl.com)

2)  PERSONALIZE

urbanSocialite personalizing a tank with other classic pieces

Following trends is easy, but finding a way to take a trendy piece and making it your own is how you define your style.  Schuman says its not about the price or the branding that makes an outfit stand out, it’s how you put something together.  Make articles of clothing work for YOU and and your body, without having your outfit look like a costume.

3)  DO SOMETHING A LITTLE SURPRISING

Futurista adding a surprise element with gloves and shades

Throw in an element of clothing that changes the overall look, like a futuristic shoe with a simple LBD or a thrift store jean jacket with cut off sleeves and a floral summer dress.

M.I.A. has got a unique style…either you love it or hate it.

Well, I for one LOVE it, and always have.  The mixture of the bold prints, colors, and the anti-matchy-ness (not even close to being a real word) is a Bold style choice…but she is a Bold artist after all.  Her look to me, defines “tribal-ness X eclectic“.  Many may try to emulate her look, but aren’t ready to make the bold fashion choices.  So I put together a watered down, slightly glam version….still bold, with a little Bamboo Banga thrown in the mix.

I have a passion, slight obsession, for rompers, they are the it-item of the year.  This tribal print romper screams M.I.A.  Mixed with   the turquoise strappy heels, which give a unique pop of color.  The accessories used are arrow pendent earrings, a big gold chain (an UrbanSocialite Staple) , a gold Peacock cuff, and a “tribal” mustard colored clutch.  Put all that together with a swipe of coral lipstick on your lips.  BAMBOO BANGA approved!

Items Featured:

• Dolce Vita Romper
• Rafe New York Yellow Clutch
• House of Harlow Gold Peacock Cuff
• Bex Rox Gold Cord Chain
• Tribal Arrow Studs
• Saint Lipstick – Coral
• Sergio Rossi Turquoise Strappy Heels

BIG things are happening with BLISS SKATE CO. since my interview with the CEO of BLISS (godBLISSamerica). Now the head of marketing of BLISS & NanoTech (Clayton Nesmith) has created an ever so cool limited edition BLISS watch with the company NanoTech. The design drops in 30 days & I can’t wait to get my hands on it!! Here is a sneak peak…

This watch captures the different elements for personality and functions that can be added to the identity of its
brand. In creating the cell phone watch we must express a strong personality within a small volume, at the same time we satisfy a whole series of practical functions. It is sufficient to attentively examine any mode to understand the extraordinary importance of the slightest details the type of function indicates its usage from sporty, casual, trendy, diamonds, and everything imaginable in between.

Clayton Nesmith

Features:

• Glowing icons on the face
• LCD touch screen
• MP3 player, MP4 video player
• Video recorder you can also take a still shot while recording
• External memory slot allowing increased memory capacity for images, music and film clips
• 2.0 mega pixel Camera
• Text features along with hand writing text mode, template text for simple response, and you can set in 5 different languages.
• Ebook reader, FM radio, caller picture, caller ringtone, games, stylus pin, security features, SIM card lock
  feature.
• You can also surf the world wide web, email functions, chat rooms, black list privacy function, voice recorder, sound recorder, voice calling, voice functions, blue tooth enabled, stopwatch, alarm, calendar, to do list, & oh yea… its a clock lol

Nanotech Cell Phone Watch can now be found on the wrist of Hollywood’s Moguls and Sports finest athletes – Ashton Kutcher, Serena Williams, Selana Gomez, Tyrek Evans, Jay Z, Memphis Bleek, Omarion, Jeremih and Nicole Richie, just to name few…

Check them out! www.nanotech210.com

Be sure to follow Clayton (@Flyguyof_Bliss) to know when this new HOT watch hits the streets of #ATL

OMG

Supposedly Gaga’s Alejandro and Katy Perry’s California Gurlz songs are at the top of the summer song list, but I don’t really care for either. Userh’s OMG on the other hand, has me bouncing. Maybe it’s because Will.I.Am is the mastermind behind it and he’s a master at summer fun music. The other day I went to YouTube to play the song and got caught up in the video. It is a great video! I don’t normally say that about music videos anymore, but it was FUN to watch. The video is like James Bond meets Michael Jackson meets old Hollywood. I’m not even a big fan of ATL music artist Usher, but something was hot about him in the video and it was his fashion. His clothes… looked good.

In the opening sequence, his standout apparel was a black handkerchief he wears around his neck mixed with a jacket with standout gold trim, hat, and gold knuckles. In the second scene, he enters in a fresh white suit, black fitted tee, and red handkerchief. It was this second outfit that had me inspired. All three colors are power colors and the white was clean and sexy. In the sequence he puts on some super reflective shades that scream… bad ass. In the third sequence, Usher is doing some ‘Dancing in the Rain’ or ‘Vertigo’ like choreography with dancing shadows in a militaristic jacket, white collared shirt, and skinny tie. I’m a sucker for lapels. In this outfit and in many of his other attires, he pairs his pants with high-top boots. The way the pants are tucked in and crinkle up is a good look. He looks comfortable and flexible for all that movement. Finally the last sequence has Usher giving an ode to MJ Smooth Criminal style. His mannerisms and style make his performance convincing and updated. In this outfit, a leather jacket, boots, and fedora give Usher a  retro MJ sensibility, but again the white collar shirt and skinny black tie feel Hollywood glam and modern.

Guys to get this Usher look, stick with some basics: a nice casual blazer with a fitted t-shirt or white button up shirt with a skinny black tie. Pair the top with some loose but straight cut denim with boots that go up above your ankles. Top it all off with a fedora. Try a handkerchief… it’s a good look and easy way to give off the gentleman with finesse vibes.

OMG

OMG

OMG

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OMG

Body Politik

On May 15th at WonderRoot, the talented Onisha Roman will showcase the latest adaptation of her fashion line Body Politik for the fundraiser artist market and fashion show Gypsy Caravan. On occasion I run into the ambitious fashion designer while out on the town, typically at art walks or shows where she is more likely to be found than the party scene. Ms. Roman is and always has been an artist, and Body Politik is just one way of releasing her creative energy under the noble tasks of both sustainability and perpetuating the body image of a natural woman. I synched up with Ms. Roman, who we like to call “Oni” for a quick interview before her upcoming show. She talked about her fashion background, the philosophy behind Body Politik, tips on summer fabrics, and of course details on her upcoming fashion show.

WonderRoot

Body Politik

Oni told me she’s beginning to feel like she wears a uniform with her rolled up, knee length, cut off pants/shorts, tee, and sneakers. Her hair is bravely cut boy short and bleached on the top. Even with a bare face (no makeup), she’s the type of girl who gets noticed. She’s an individual, confident, and opinionated. She is a total tomb boy… not exactly the type you would expect to have a studio filled with needles, thread, sewing machine, fabrics, dyes, pushpins, and a tailor’s mannequin. I wondered how did this come to be?

Oni shared with me some insight into her past. When I asked her how a tomboy came to be a fashionista, she answered simply, “I like dressing up!” She went on to explain how when she was in highschool she was a bit over the top and liked wearing costumes. She even had a stint as a Goth. When she started going to raves, she was the candy kid! Oni recalls having fun with her dress up and getting a good response from others. She realized she could make a career out of the creative outlet she found in dressing up, and after bouncing around different art programs, she found her way into fashion school (in London no less). In fashion school, Oni was trained in pattern making, textile manipulation, and the entire fashion process.

Body Politik

Body Politik was started about two years ago as a creative outlet and a return to the studio environment Oni missed from her school days. From the beginning she made to sure to include ethics for sustainable materials and maintaining domestic production. All Body Politik production is made in house and all fibers used are sustainable in one shape or form. On these efforts, Oni commented, “I feel we, as entrepreneurs, should have ownership on what we do and the effect it has on our surroundings”.

Body Politik will be showing three different looks at the upcoming fashion show at WonderRoot. The looks are an extension of the designer Onisha Roman’s previous collection, restyled, re-purposed, and remixed for an all new concept. Alot of Oni’s work touches on textiles and the manipulation of dyes and techniques. The looks that can be found from Body Politik are classic shapes and comfortable fabrics. The richness of the colors makes the looks vivid and striking. Oni says her goal for what she makes is “to have it have longevity and it is all about the styling”!

Check out a few videos from my interview with Oni below. Make sure to check out her tips on summer fashion fabrics and don’t forget the Gypsy Caravan fashion show at Wonderroot this Saturday, May 15th to get a glimpse of Oni’s latest work for Body Politik.

For more info on Body Politik please check out the website www.bodypolitik.net

So if you didn’t know by know, im an accessory fiend *scratches arm*…

Seriously, I will shell out the $$$ (well not the mortgage) when it comes to having an accessory that either nobody else has, or an extremely unique and eclectic piece.  Im always on the hunt for something that will wow the up factor.  I usually try to look outside of ATL for dope pieces, and  Im a fan of LA based jewelry designer Linda Lovemade, and Recently I discovered this bag, and I just had to share!!

“I would describe the Lovemade design aesthetic as being focused on unique silhouettes, mixed with multi-functional and technical features. For this collaboration with Matahari, I wanted to create an original hand bag design that was unique in shape, function and detaiI while maintaining a luxury feel” – Linda

Lovemade and Hongkong based handbag brand “Matahari” have collaborated to create 2 ultra DOPE handbags named the “Linda” for their Stylist Series in their spring 2010 collections.

The “Linda” handbag design is in the form of a geometric heart, which was inspired by the Lovemade heart logo and available in 2 different color options:

• “COLOR ME BAD“ features a black suede base with magenta, and pastel shades of blue, yellow and purple leather appliquéd on the surface of the bag in a mosaic inspired pattern.

• “PEEK-A-BOO” (black perforated leather) is a more subtle and classic option, made of a custom perforated leather with underlying gold foil that shines while peek-a-booing through the holes.

Interested???

The bags are Available July 2010, and the retail price is $90.  Not only will you be the first to know when the handbag releases, you can be the first to own the “Linda” weeks before it hits retailers and on top of that they will even give you an additional 15% off the purchase!!  The bag is availiable on www.love-made.com and www.80spurple.com, and is being released July 2010…but PRE-ORDERING is highly recommended ladies, especially since this color way is limited edition!!!

Pre-order deadline: 5/17  Delivery: 7/17-8/17

Damn this bag is HAUTE, I need to go ahead and place my order!!

Follow Linda Lovemade on twitter @iheartlovemade

MATAHARI

I love Zoe Saldana, she’s one of my favorite actresses and a GORGEOUS woman of color.  So when I saw her on the cover of the new issue of Nylon Mag I was too excited.  And look at her cute chill outfit: a basic yellow tee, jean shorts, black fingerless gloves, embellished belt, and simple gold chain.  Too bad we can’t see her shoes, Im sure they were TO DIE FOR! I decided to recreate this look by finding High End items that would go great with this chill look and creating my own magazine looking layout.

Im in love with the Bright oversized clutch bag and the Alexander Wang lace up peep-toe boots.  The high waist jean shorts with the cuff go great with the yellow boyfriend cardigan.  I love racer back tanks with dope graphics such as the Chanel No.5 inspired one above, and the Gold Chain!!! Need I say more??  Very chill.

Items featured:

• 5Preview Tank
• Thakoon yellow cardigan
• Miss Selfridge High Waisted shorts
• Alexander Wang Double-layer boots
• Mogil Oversized Clutch
• Giles & Brother Mixed Chain necklace
• Trina Turk Ring
• Renee’s Accessories studded fingerless gloves
• Miss Selfridge Gold beaded belt

Springtime means…..

shorter dresses, shorter skirts, booty shorts, short short short.  Time to show the legs that have been hiding all winter.  Bare legs look even better when paired with a hot ass print.

I love wearing floral prints, it makes me feel like the ultimate girly girl.  Rompers with floral prints are pretty hot, especially when paired with a blazer, or in my case a jean vest.   I also love the vintage pin-up’y look, so I throw a huge pin up style bang in my hair, and throw on a pair of clip on earrings…and va-voom, you’ve got yourself the floral Bang theory.

My Tools:

-Forever 21 floral romper

-Vintage CK vest

-Aldo wedges

“Bliss” – (A complete state of happiness)

The new definition of BLISS began in 2006 when and Indiana kid (Darius) skateboarded his way to ATL (not literally of course) and found himself trying to fit in as the new guy. Skateboarding seemed to be his welcoming pass and passion. Not only was he skateboarding but still had a side hobby of experimenting with custom painting shoes, skateboard decks & clothes. After finding a diverse crew to skate with they began a skate crew called R.U.D.E (Remaining Unified During Escapades) Woodpusha’s. After many occasions of Cops vs. R.U.D.E Darius began to expand his thoughts on his love for both fashion and skateboarding.

“As time progress, I realized you can’t fight fire with fire forever. I started to grow mentally and physically searching for something that really complimented who I am. So Heaven was my first pick for the name. It was too cliche. I wanted something more subtle but powerful. I sat down and asked myself, “What makes me happy?” I answered, “skateboarding” and that’s where the name BLISS derived. That’s when the clothing line started to fall in place for me.”

2006 was the Summer where skulls and crossbones were “super dope” and Darius used that idea to build the BLISS logo but instead with a twist. He combined two skateboard trucks and four skateboard wheels with a halo at the top instead of a skull to show his love for Christ.

Paulding County, GA was the only place where you could find BLISS clothing in 2006, at the Inland Board House skate shop. But now BLISS has be found online as well as in ATL fashion shows.

“Year after year I run into people who feel BLISS is for skaters ONLY. They are wrong. I want all my customers to know you dont have to be, act, or look like a skater.You can be who you are just trying to live a blissful life doing what makes YOU happy. I found my BLISS now let me help you find yours.” – Darius CEO

Get BLISSed!  –>>Click here to get your BLISS t-shirt!

BLISS Blog! –>> www.godblissamerica.blogspot.com

Follow BLISS! –>> @blissskateco

Hola companeros. Here’s another quick lookbook from my everyday outfittings. Here I am keeping it simple again with a few new items. I wanted to go for a fitted look, lean mean, with no extra baggage – woot woot! So this is me with some new skinny pants from Zara in a teal green. What’s great about these pants is they are TIGHT like spandex, but THICK so that you don’t feel like you have just a thin line of cotton separating you from nudity. I love spandex and I am not a fan of jeans. I like materials that give me a little room for flexibility, so anything stretchy is right up my comfort alley. Next I’m also wearing a gray quarter length shirt also from Zara with… let’s call them GaGa puffs on the sleeves.  Again a basic item from the closet, fitted, and with a little flair of excitement. I’ve tucked in my shirt and adorned with a skinny little belt. I could have gone with some more edge with a cool chain looking belt, but I don’t have one, so I stuck with the minimalist route. Down below I’ve thrown on my Jeffrey Campbell wedges for a little bit of attention. However my Campbells are currently out of order, one of the shoes has some back talk aka the heel is coming off (lol), so when I wore this out I paired with a simple pair of black pumps. Finally to top it off I wore a new pair of pink shades from Aldo. This little bit of Pink works like blush on the face and its that little lining of color in the outfit that calls attention.

A little bit of sexy & cool to balance the crazies I keep in my head! I hope you enjoy my casual no effort looks that you can pull off too if you just stock up on the basics and a few interesting peices!