Warm Welcome

Photography by Steve Zak

An eclectic mix for the weekend errands. The knitted cap was made by my sister Katika, the coat was a steal from Nasty Gal, and the boots were a 2014 gift to myself from Rag and Bone.   Super simple days where all you want is that tee, a chic pair of leggings, and barely there make-up.

This cap my sister made for me is honestly the warmest and most beautiful 
thing known to man. If only you could feel it in person. Thank you so much sis!

The next few weeks will be busy but fun ones for me, there are so many changes going on they are all exciting, necessary, and scary at the same time,   comfy weekend outfits will be essential to get through. Bring it on!

xo
Kosi 

Lupita Nyong: A Different Type of It Girl

How amaze does actress Lupita Nyong look on the cover of Dazed & Confused? As if she didn't dazzle us DAYS ago at the Golden Globe awards! I'm happy to see a different type of "It Girl" emerge in 2014! It is great to see the media so welcoming to her as the average "It Girl" of color usually has long hair.

In the next few weeks we will see Lupita in Spring 14 magazine issues, she is one of the new faces in the Miu Mui Spring campaign.

Go ahead Lupita, congrats on your well deserved Oscar nomination!

xo
Kosi

New Obsession: The Mule

Whether downtown chunky or uptown sleek, 1990s-influenced mules are cropping up in stores and online for resort and spring 14, I'm totally digging it!  The mule has taken a chic turn, with designers such as Phillip Lim, Dries Van Noten, and Celine, showcasing the backless slide in various ways. Yes I know it's 5 degrees out there BUT with a blink of an eye the spring season will be here.  Mules are a trend everyone can rock, as they come in an array of heights.  Below are a few favs!

New Obsession: The Mule by kosiharris featuring leather shoes

Oscar de la Renta Spanish Mule embellished linen and leather slippers
net-a-porter.com

Alexander Wang pumps
shopbop.com

Vince leather shoes
shopbop.com

Vince leather shoes
shopbop.com

TIBI shoes
modaoperandi.com

French Connection shoes
nordstrom.com

Cesare P black shoes
yoox.com

NEWBARK 'Veronique' slide mule
farfetch.com



Are there any trends from the Spring 14 runways you are excited about trying?

Best,
Kosi

MINIMAL WEAR

Pumps: Jean Michel Cazabat

Alexander Wang "Coco" Duffel bag, Blazer: H & M, Tank: Theory

Photography by Steve Zak

This may be the simplest look, but it's still my favorite. Last weekend in NYC it was incredibly warm, opposite of the snow storm coming towards us tomorrow lol.  I've had this blazer for a while now, 100& wool and a winter white. But check out these pumps from Jean Michel Cazabat! I don't have a lot of colored heels but this cobalt color caught my eye. Because of it's color, I kept the rest of my look understated with a slinky tank and slouchy pants. 

I wanted to wish all my readers a happy and prosperous new year, one resolution for me in 2014 is to post more! Thank you for your support in 2013.

xo
Kosi

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