It's In The Bag: Mansur Gavriel

Hey Santa! I know Christmas if over but if you are still making late deliveries like UPS, send this bag my way!

I first started hearing about the handbag line Mansur Gavriel two months ago. Doing some competitive shopping for work on my favorite sites Steven Alan, Net A Porter, and Bird. I kept seeing the bag pop up. Now updating my wardrobe and paying more attention to the quality of my accessories, I now found myself paying attention to this collection and I will tell you why: The average designer handbag is $1200 and ironically the bag will be out of style a year later.  So a lot of people save up, go on Ebay (like I did) to get the bag they want and hope that it is in style for a few years.    

What I love about Mansur Gavriel's bags that it is a mix of feminine and masculine without the typical handbag price at $500 and under.  The contemporary marketplace has enough hobos with decorative hardware. What Mansur Gavriel filled a gap in making their handbags modern and unfussy using Italian leather at an affordable pricepoint.  The styling is so timeless and versatile: the outside of the bag are neutral leather, while the inside have a contrasting bright coating. The bag has no hardware, no logos or major signifiers.  This is the anti-it-bag lol and I love it especially working in this crazy industry.  It is so chic and effortless!

xo
Kosi

My Archery Class Experience

I took an archery class with Hidden Gems Archery over the weekend and it was an amazing experience!

My instructors were really cool and helpful there is so much I learned in a short amount of time, there are are a few steps actually I learned that I wanted to share with you.

1. Stance 

Your stance serves as the foundation of your shot, providing you with stability, balance, and most importantly consistency. 

2. Nocking the Arrow 

This simply refers to placing the arrow ‘nock’ on the string. 

3. Gripping the String 

You will use your index, middle, and ring fingers when shooting. 

4. Mindset 

Taking a Zen moment to set an intention as to what you hope to accomplish, and eliminate all other thoughts and distractions. 

5. Drawing the String

With the rear shoulder blade set back, draw the string back to just below the chin keeping the drawing forearm and fingers as relaxed as possible without losing control of the arrow. 

6. Anchor 

Easily the most important part of the shot, you must use the same anchoring position every single time you shoot, allowing your head to be a reference point to help you aim. 

7. Aiming

With your mind clear, your face and upper body relaxed, gaze through your sights at the target down range. 

8. Release 

The release is accomplished by allowing the draw fingers to completely relax, letting the string slip forward. 

The experience again is not really one you can describe... I just wanted to stay shooting pretending I am one of the tributes in the Hunger Games or an Elf in Lord Of The Rings lol ... SERIOUSLY. It was very liberating!

It was great to give this Christmas gift to myself, I plan on doing more experiences like this in the future. Happy Holiday's everyone!
xo
Kosi

Take A Bow

Super quick blog post. I am literally getting dressed while I type (such a multitasker right?) anyway, I am going to do something I've been wanting to do for a long time in about 2 hours. I guess you can call it an unique sport. I am so amped right now! 

If you're good at putting 2+2 together you have probably figured it out by now haha I mean there are only so many things it can be. I found these images rather appropriate these fictional icons have one thing in common.

LOL I am honored to be in great company!

xo
Kosi 

One Small Step

"Beauty is universal," she says. "These doors have to open."-Joan Smalls

That quote was from the upcoming January 2014 issue of Elle Magazine with my favorite model Joan Smalls gracing the cover. The combination is great and a positive step towards more diversity in this crazy fashion industry. 

Calling it "the return of the supermodel," Elle has ditched the familiar irrelevant movie/TV star cover girl for its January issue to feature Smalls. Joan ranks as the No. 1 model in the world, according to Models.com. 

"People hide behind the word aesthetic," she tells Elle. "They say, 'Well, it's just that designer's aesthetic.' But when you see 18 seasons in a row and not one single model outside a certain skin color…? There are people in the industry who are advocates, who support diversity. And there are people who do not. I don't get it."

Amen sister!

I do apologize for the lack of posts, there were a lot of things going on some good, some bad, all busy (I'm not sugar coating anything like other bloggers do, and frankly I just needed time for myself). I am glad to have a break in a few days by heading to Vegas with a few of my close friend's.  I'll be refreshed and ready to take on the rest of 2013!

I hope all of you are well!

xo
Kosi 

HERE, KITTY, KITTY

Coat: BB Dakota, Shoes: Rag & Bone, Top: Gap

Photography by Steve Zak

Leopard has been my obsession for a while now.  Leopard coats were popular on the fall 2013 runway, where Diane von Furstenberg paired a leopard trench coat with a silk leopard blouse for a sophisticated wear-to-work ensemble,  and Saint Laurent layered leopard with a moody floral dress and moto boots for a rocker chic look.  Pairing leopard with a neutral is completely and utterly chic.  The neutral I chosen today was this denim shirt from the Gap. I definitely recommend getting a denim shirt it's the best staple to pair with statement pieces. I see myself pairing this shirt with my leather short in the near future.

Disney Villans Do It Better

How amazing is this Maleficent poster staring Ms. Angelina Jolie? Such the perfect role! All the Disney villains had the best outfits and the best skin!  The trailer for Maleficent was just released making all scifi fanatics like me, marketing the release date. Mac Cosmetics is even getting into the action by doing an exclusive beauty line based on the movie. See... villains do it better! Do we see people wanting Snow White's make up? No!

Trailer for Maleficent, love the laugh at the ending!

I decided that Maleficent will be one of my costumes for next year's NY Comic Con! I already put some of the outfit together:

T By Alexander Wang Satin Maxi dress:

Horns from ETSY that I found:

Who else is excited for Maleficent, as I am?

xo

Kosi

Jewelry Essential

Statement necklaces are my favorite pieces that can add dimension to any outfit! The chain necklace from Julie Vos has been great for weekend outfits, where the multi jeweled JCrew necklace is great to pair with my knits. There is something about statement necklaces that feel untra luxe and effortless. It's not a trend for me it's an essential! 

xo

Kosi

Battle On

Saturday nights with my friend's are a blast! We laugh, drink, watch roasts and catch up on what is new in our lives.  One Saturday night, we ended up watching Battle Royale, a movie my friend Jerome was recommending we watch it for a while now. It's SICK! Background story: Battle Royale, by Koushun Takami  is one of Japan's best-selling - and most controversial - novels.  The movie is cult classic available in on Netflix (subtitle heaven). It is a potent allegory of what it means to be young and survive in today's dog-eat-dog world.

With the emergence of "The Hunger Games" phenomenon of the last few years, the inevitable comparisons between that franchise and "Battle Royale" have been plentiful. Yes, the two do share strong thematic and narrative similarities, but each has a distinctly unique vibe and explores the back story behind the violence in a different way. 

A few examples: 

• The reason for having the annual death game
• The way the game is conducted
• Who is behind it and what their motive is
• The strategies and outcome are all dissimilar

Trailer for Battle Royale

Battle Royale should be evaluated on its own merits.   The novel was written years before the Hunger Games novel was written. The tone of the story is gritty, there are no TV shows or outfits to show off.  The story does a good job of making you feel for every character, question authority, question allegiances. The Hunger Games is about a girl who questions authority by accident, she becomes a symbol for a starving society. Battle Royal gives every character a chance to tell their story where as the Hunger games tells one character's story. 

Rent Battle Royale on Netflix to see for yourself! Halloween is coming up, if you need a thrill, you won't be disappointed.

xo

Kosi 

In The Red

Most of my wardrobe is filled with neutrals, so I've been on the search for some pops of color to add this fall. That's why I immediately turned my attention to this vintage red leather pencil skirt from Etsy (for $48!).  The skirt is so comfortable, I see it being a lifesaver for future outfits.   You could never go wrong with red and grey, it's one of my favorite combos! 

Tee: Zoe Karssen, Vintage Red Leather Skirt

Photography by Steve Zak

The week was great, I just finished working Lucky FABB with amazing results. The right outfit and a positive attitude goes a long way, I was fortunate to have both to start the week!

Have a great weekend everyone!

xo
Kosi

Fall obsessions right now

Fall obsessions right now by kosiharris featuring TIBI

Feeling the crisp autumn air has put me in a MAJOR shopping mood lol I have been organizing when and where I am going to purchase things, doing wish lists at work (thank you clothing allowance) Fall is always so much fun to shop because there are more options! I have been obsessed with leather, anything red or leopard, hats, and simplistic jewelry,  a statement tee: BROOKLYN stand up! 

I haven't shut up to my friend's and family about the boot I have been talking about since the summer: The Newbury Boot by Rag and Bone, called one of the best boots ever made and the most comfortable. I tend to wear boots a lot and I always have to get them repaired! I rather invest in 1 good boot then have a few that I have to repair all the time as I get older. Style maturity at it's finest :) 

Zoe Karssen raglan baseball t shirt
$120 - harrods.com

Again draped tank
farfetch.com

Mango
mango.com

TIBI skirt
tibi.com

J Brand skinny jeans
farfetch.com

Rag & Bone black boots
farfetch.com

Michael Kors silver jewelry
saksfifthavenue.com

Gorjana ring
shopbop.com

Wool hat
otteny.com

BP. Basic Beanie (Juniors) Mint One Size
nordstrom.com



What have you guys been shopping for this fall? Do tell!

xo
Kosi