Shopping Disaster: Plato's Closet

   

We all love giving back to our community whether it is doing a local charity or just donating clothes to families that are in need.  Many shoppers buy numerous items that they cannot wear because of many reasons. Some of these reasons are weight gain, season’s change and trend changes.  I personally like to donate my clothes to the local thrift store and receive tax credit during tax season but this time around I did the opposite.  One of my good friends told me about a new store opening in Laurel, MD that was accepting used and new fashion clothes.  She thought of me because she knows I am a fashion queen and my closet is packed.  I immediately went to goggle and I searched Plato’s Closet and so many locations came up I clicked on the Laurel store, which was the closes to me.  I went over exactly what they were looking for and I read the history of the store.

Plato’s closet has over 400 store locations and they specialize in trendy designer styles that people can't live without.  They are not your typical second hand consignment shop they strive on trends.  They offer used clothing at very reasonable prices and when you go into any of their locations you get your cash right on the spot.  While reading all of this information I was thrilled to go into my closet and start pulling items that I no longer have an interest in, I also was thrilled to pass on my items that I consider to be fashion forward.  After packing up three bags of jeans and one bag of dresses that I have worn only once for birthday celebrations, I was ready to experience Plato’s Closet.  I finally reached the Laurel location after being lost twice due to my crazy GPS, I collect all of my bags and I proceed into the store.

Upon entering the store I was greeted by two employees that were very friendly and they had the biggest smiles I have ever seen you can tell that they enjoyed their job.  I checked my three bags of jeans and my one bag of dresses in by filling out a form with my contact information and I was told to come back in 40 minutes. It didn't alarm me until I left the store as to why I need to come back in 40 minutes, why couldn't I just stay and watch the buyers go over my items. So I just ask the employee to call me when the buyers have reached a decision.  I finally received a call that my buy was ready for pickup, I was filled with amazement and somewhat nervous because what if some of my items were not good enough for the store maybe my sense of style no one really cared for.

As I came back into the store there were more buyers then earlier so people were starting to come in with their items.  One of the employees took me to the buying section and I looked on the counter and all of my items were being returned back to me.  When I saw those items on the counter my heart dropped the employee stated to me that my items were very fashionable but the jeans were worn too many times.  Ummmmmmm I was a little puzzled and confused when she stated that because I was under the impression that they were accepting used clothing. My jean collection were filled with many designer jeans I had two pairs of Lucky Brand Jeans, Joe’s, Seven For All Mankind and also H&M jeans just to name a few and none of them were chosen, my dresses were not accepted because they were not accepting formal wear.  Had I known this before coming in I would have left my formal dresses at home.  Since, that information was not listed on their website I saw no harm in bringing the dresses.  The items that were chosen by Plato’s Closet to me were not my most fashionable pieces in my collection.  They were items that I had during my second year of college and they were not in style.  The items that were chosen were nice, because it was from my closet.  However, they were not of the current trend or style.

Reading their reviews via twitter and online I had a really different opinion about their store.  The appearance of the store is geared toward a young but mature adult. In my personal opinion they do not know what trend is and they don’t know what Fashion is. They state that their stores only accept trendy fashionable items that seemed to be the opposite.  It wasn't about the amount of money I would receive for the items it was about passing down my fashionable finds to someone else that would love it.  Plato’s closet is a store that needs to invest in better customer service and they need to educate their employees on the world of fashion. Fashion and trends are forever changing but giving from your heart remains the same.

Met Gala 2014: Fashion in their Blood

   Well it is that time of the year again where the hottest stars come out for a night of fashion and fun around the town. From Beyoncé in Givenchy, Rihanna in Stella McCartney, LaLa Anthony in Cushnie Et Ochs and Blake Lively in Gucci Premiere, these are a few of the best dressed stars of the night.  With fashion running through their bloodstream here is my top best dressed of the night…..

    Rihanna wore a stunning white Stella McCartney gown. Last year she wore almost the exact same style of dress by Tom Ford that had all of us going WOW she is beautiful but this year she gives us a little bit of skin, elegance, and sexiness.  This dress is literally the embodiment of RiRi’s personality: sleek and sexy.

 LaLa Anthony graced the gala in a violet customed Cushnie Et Ochs gown. She looked absolutely stunning. Compared to all of her other choices for red carpets this was her best pick. Her makeup and hair was stunning as well.

 Queen B better known as Beyoncé wore a sheer black Givenchy dress that had a plunging neckline and cheeky see-through underlining that showed off all of her curves. She also had a birdcage head piece with dark chandelier earrings paired with burgundy color lipstick that complete the vintage inspired look.

Color blocking has been the style for the upcoming seasons. It has also been the number one fashion trend.  Actress Emma Stone showed up on the red carpet in a color blocking Thakoon gown that was to die for.  With her side loose braid she looked amazingly beautiful at the gala.

We all love the older Kardashian sisters but this year the younger sister Kendall Jenner has been gracing the runaway at Paris Fashion Week, she has been on numerous magazine covers and this year she graced the met gala red carpet. She wore a custom blush mermaid Topshop gown paired with 82 carats of chopard diamonds.

                                                                
  With Blake Lively being the new face of Gucci’s fragrance it was only right that she graced the red carpet in a custom Gucci Premiere silk chiffon blush gown that had embroidered rose gold paillettes. She paired the gown with ruby colored jewels and a pair of blush stain heels. We all loved her fashion on the hit show Gossip Girl and seeing her last night on the red carpet made us love her even more.

        Kim Kardashian has not always been the best dressed at previous gala’s. Last year her dress was completely a fashion NO but this year she has won me over just a bit. I was not too thrilled about her shoe but overall her dress was beautiful.  Kim wore a Lanvin gown paired with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.  

     Blue was definitely a good color at the gala last night. E News Correspondent Alicia Quarles graced the carpet in a blue Zac Posen gown. She looked just like a princess in this gown. It fit her curves perfectly. The color of the gown brought out her skin complexion as well.

         

Fashion is about taking a risk and Joan Small took that risk but it paid off. She looked incredible in this elegant, strapless, silver dress designed by the remarkable Vera Wang. Her dark purple lipstick suited her olive skin tone.                               

Suki Waterhouse dress by Burberry was absolutely breathtaking no matter what angle you viewed the dress it was just amazing to look at. All of the beautiful layers of tulle were just wonderful. She paired her dress with studded sparkly earrings and with her hair she went for a more relaxed simple updo. 

                                                                                                     

Paris Fashion Week.

Now everyone can’t wait for NY Fashion Week to see all the new designers and the fall collections but apparently Paris Fashion Week is the place to be.  From the Chanel Supermarket show to Rihanna risque outfits and Alexander McQueen these are a few people/ designers that everyone loved at Paris Fashion Week.  Here are a few favorites……

Superstar and Fashion Icon Rihanna was front row at almost every show in Paris. At each show she graced the front row with daring and over the top fashion that kept the people talking. From all of her looks we can definitely crown her Fashion Icon.

    When you take that trip to your local supermarket you want to look your best even if you are only picking up a few items for dinner. This year designer Chanel transformed the runaway into supermarket.  This fashion show was fun, relatable and exciting. I believe most critics stated that this was one of the best shows throughout Paris fashion week. Models wore designs from the Chanel’s Fall/Winter collection for 2014-2015.  Here are some favorites from the runaway show…

   Compared to last year show designer Alexander McQueen graced Paris Fashion Week with Elizabethan silhouettes that have become very familiar to the brand under Sarah Burton.  From the models twisted braids and pale painted faces with a black, white and purple palette it gave a dark fairy tale element to the show. Here are some favorites from the show….

Paris Fashion Week is one week filled with excitement, celebrities and fashion.  Next year I hope to be front and center or at least be a fly on the wall catching all the trends. 

Best Dress: 2014 Oscars

The Academy Awards is always the most anticipate awards show of the year. While we wait to see who wins, the Red Carpet is really the main event. From Lupita Nyong’o in Prada and Kerry Washington in Jason Wu here are the best dressed at the Oscars.

Winner of Best Supporting Actress category Lupita Nyong’o was glowing in a pale blue Prada goddess gown. She was the Cinderella of the Red Carpet. She paired her gown with a sparkly gold and diamond headband which was design by Fred Leighton.

 Jennifer Lawrence was stunning on the red carpet in her red/ orange strapless dress by Dior. She paired her dress with 100 carat diamond necklace from Neil Lane.

 With her glowing baby bump Kerry Washington wore a lavender hued grown designed by new designer Jason Wu. The dress was strapless with a high- slit she paired the dress with Jennifer Neyer jewels.

Winner of the Best Actress category Cate Blanchet wore a beaded light tan Armani gown with opal shape huge drop design earrings.

Kate Hudson channeled Old Hollywood glam in a sexy white gown by designer Atelier Versace she also paired her gown with Neil Lane jewels. 

Dreams Do Come True: Suite_G

What is a Dream? Is it something that you have a night? Is it something that has an age limit? What exactly does a dream consist of? All of these things are questions that we ask ourselves when we have many dreams that we want to see come true.

            Genee Robinson is a dreamer that happened to make her dreams come true. She is an inspiring Fashion illustrator and designer from Washington, DC.  with  a degree in Fashion from Howard University. Genee always knew that she would be on that runaway in New York for Fashion Week.  Once she graduated it was time to be on the ultimate job hunt for the perfect job. She worked in a non-profit in DC for three years and then she worked as an Executive Manager at Target.  While she was there she used her position as a vehicle to pursue her dreams, she recently quit her job at target to commit to pursing her dream full time in LA.

Many people that love fashion always dream to have their own clothing line, shoe line or their own store, but many of these people don’t have the talent of fashion illustration. They just want to style. Genee is a talented fashion illustrator and with this hidden talent she opened up a lot of opportunities for herself,  which she always knew she could accomplish.  I call this talent hidden becasue she never shared her work publicly because it was so special to her and she was very sensitive about her work. So all of her posts on Instagram and Tumblr was her reveling moment to the public.  While she is  still adjusing to sharing her talent publicly Genee is very vulnerable about being so open, but with the support and encouragement from her family and friends she is going to go far.

With her new talent in hand, Genee is in LA sharing her illustrations by doing a lot of contract work and designing business cards. Suite_G is the name for her design line.  I personally had a chance to look at her designs and I can truly say I was in fashion heaven.  When she is ready to release her new line I hope that all the other fashion lovers and dreamers are ready, because her line is colorful, stylish, and very fashion forward. Throughout her line she has something for everyone no matter your shape, size or style.

 

When I asked Genee what was her ultimate goal when it came to her designs she responded; “she would love to open a boutique in the LA area but she would like to stay very small ”.  I’m anticipating her line expanding beyond the DC and LA area,  because her designs are incredible. When you look at her designs you can see the authenticity in every piece and with that she is going to go a very long way. 

When you think of the definition of a dream coming true Genee is a true example she leaped out on faith by quitting her job and moving to another city with no family or friends and she made her dream into reality. Never be afraid to chase that dream no matter what the situation may be with dedication, hard work and time your dream will turn into reality. Since Genee jumped out on faith I am sure her beautiful, outstanding, creative and different designs will take her right to that runway at New York Fashion Week.

To get a better look at Genee’s designs you can follow them on Tumblr at suiteg.tumblr.com and on Instagram at Suite_G.

 

 

 

 

Fashionable Stocking Stuffers

The calendar shows that we have fifteen more days until Christmas that means last minute shopping. If you find that you are one of those people who can’t seem to find that special holiday gift I have the perfect stocking stuffers. With these items you will stay true to your budget and you will also get that big gorgeous smile from the ones you love.  So let’s go shopping…..

My first stocking stuffer comes from the amazing Sephora. This item can be purchased inside the store or online at www.sephora.com. They have a fragrance roller back sampler which has a collection of popular women scents. Inside the collection you can exchange a voucher that comes inside for a FREE rollerball of any featured fragrance. The set contains Chloe See, Gucci Flora, Juicy Couture, and Marc Jacobs: Dot and Viktor’s Rolf: Flower bomb.  This gift set suggested retail value is $40.00 for the holiday season it is $24.00.

Every fashionable girl needs and loves lip gloss in any shade. Sephora has a mini ultra-shine lip gloss set that is perfect for any young female. The set includes a set of four ultra-shine lip glosses for every mood. The colors are Precious Pink, Perfect Nude, Rose Petal and Pin up Pink. The suggested retail value is $32.00 but for the holiday season it is only $16.00.  

         Now we all know diamonds are a girl’s best friend but they may be a little too expensive to purchase this Christmas. I have the perfect alternative for those diamonds; at Top Shop they have Rhinestone Drop Earrings that are stunning. They are square acrylic earrings with crystal rhinestone detail. They can be purchased for $25.00 on the top shop website www.topshop.com or wherever top shop clothing is sold.

            Around Christmas time the temperature always drops. With that being a known fact you can give that special person an item that will keep her warm during the holiday season. Top Shop has a pair of leather metal eyelet gloves that are absolutely lovely. Your friend or family member will be keeping warm in a very fashionable way with this purchase.  The suggested retail price is $50.00.

By the fireplace the mistletoe is hanging waiting for that perfect couple to give that ultimate Christmas kiss. When you give him his stocking with that perfect fashionable gift inside he is definitely going to give you that kiss that you been waiting for. At H&M they have a bow tie + handkerchief set made out of satin fabric.   This particular item is sold out online but I guarantee you can purchase it at any local H&M store. Your perfect guy can wear this set on New Year’s for that outstanding New Year’s Party.  The gift set is $14.95.

            My last stocking stuffer is a pick that most college guys and even young males will love. H&M has a jacquard-knit socks and boxer shorts set.  This set was very popular around Black Friday that it is sold out on online but I am pretty sure that you can purchase this item at any H&M store. The price of this wonderful gift set is $12.95.  

            With all these amazing stocking stuffers I am sure that your Christmas shopping will become very easy. These fashionable stuffers will bring many, amazing and a beautiful smile to your loved ones faces but most importantly you won’t break the bank with these purchases.

           

 

Anthropologie Summer Sale

All fashionistas beware summer is here! That means hitting the beach, vacations and doing some summer shopping. For me, this summer has been all about finding amazing summer pieces that are affordable. With the economy being so bad, I am on a strict budget and I know many can agree. This past weekend I had a chance to surf the net and while I was surfing I came across one of my all-time favorite stores Anthropologie. This particular store has been around for a very long time and their mission is to have pieces that reflect your own personal style. They have over 175 stores throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Let's just say that most of the summer sales start on or before Labor Day. In store items are always the best because you can always try on the items and most of the time depending on the store you can return sale items within 30 days with a receipt. Online summer sales are also good because you can get free shipping if you spend up to a certain amount as well as additional percentage off.

 I had a chance to go and visit one of the locations here in DC and I found that there were various items on the sale rack. Most of the items consisted of handbags, accessories, pants, swimwear, shirts and shoes. I happen to ask one of the sale associates when do they perform their mark downs, and she stated that unfortunately they are not allowed to disclose that information. I was so bummed at her response because how are true fashionistas to know when the big summer sale is coming. The sale rack at Anthropologie really caught my fashion eye because there were some many items to choose from that I couldn’t just pick one. Instead I chose a variety of pieces.

My first  selection is their Sunburst Eyelet Shorts which are perfect for the summer. They are mango colored cotton shorts with two sided pockets. You can dress them up or down depending on your own personal style. In my opinion, I would dress them up with a nice neutral silk color blouse and a pair of gold sandals. The shorts were originally $88.00 but were marked down to $29.95 which is a very good deal. You can purchase these shorts in-store or online at (www.Anthropologie.com).

 

Have you ever been horseback riding? Do you ever have a problem trying to determine what to wear? I have the perfect solution for you. While searching the sale rack I came across the Holding Horses Denim Jumper. This jumper caught my eye as soon as I walked over to the sale rack. I had to try it on and when I did, it fit me perfectly. The jumper has front and back pockets, the denim is very soft and thin and by the material you can tell it is a quality jumper. This particular jumper can be worn in many different ways. I personally, would wear a tank underneath and pair it with some heels. The price of the jumper was originally $148.00 it is marked down for $39.95. You can purchase this item in-store or online (www.Anthropologie.com).

 

Every summer you need at least two good items to complete your summer wardrobe. The first item is a fashionable swimsuit and a pair of good sandals. Online at anthropologie they have many swimsuits that I wanted to purchase. I am on a very strict budget so I had to settle for just one.

The Six Road Marina One Piece is absolutely amazing. The colors remind me of the ocean and the fit is perfect for a girl with a little bit of curves. The swimsuit is strapless and has a cut-out towards the lower back. I would recommend wearing a nice colorful cover up to put over the swimsuit and a nice pair of sunglasses to complete the look. With the purchase of this swimsuit you will be beach ready. The price of the swimsuit was originally $138.00 but it has been marked down to $69.95.

 

Color blocking is a must this summer and it happens to be a very popular summer trend. You can color block with almost anything, whether it be shoes, clothes or even accessories. On the sale rack there was a pair of t-strap sandals that were perfect for the summer. This particular sandal comes in three different colors which are silver, turquoise and black motif. The turquoise and black motif color will give you the color blocking trend just because they have additional colors added. I personally like the turquoise color only because the colors scream summer!! The scandal is true to size it has an adjustable buckle for your own comfort just in case you may feel that are a little big. They will go great with jeans, crop pants and dresses. The price of the T-Strap sandals was originally $78.00 they have been marked down to $49.95.

 

Many retailers are going to have their summer sales to get us fashionistas summer ready but in my opinion I don’t believe their sale is going to top Anthropologie’s. Their summer sale is very trendy, affordable and very fashion forward. Before summer is over I recommend going to the closet location near you or even visiting their website to take advantage of their summer sale. Keep cool and trendy!!