Pretty Tomboy

Emily D Vegan Leather legging

Pencey "Pretty Tomboy" Tee

Phillip Noel clutch

Photography by Margie Harris

Bright blue skies+ sun= Spring! Spring like weather dominated this past weekend ironically when daylight savings time kicked in! Brooklynites like myself were out and about soaking in the beautiful weather as you can see. 

I always considered myself a tomboy ever since I was a kid, girls would like sundresses, I would like overalls, comic books, and Batman cartoons! I have been obsessing over this "Pretty Tomboy" shirt for weeks now and decided to get it. I balance my tomboy style with a vegan legging, ankle boots, and a minimalistic clutch.  I have been using this clutch from Phillip Noel for a few weeks now and it is becoming a staple in my wardrobe!

The tease of spring weather this past weekend has been so amazing for my creativity. There are so many projects coming up it's a very exciting time for me, cheers to spring!

xo
Kosi

Sisterhood

Ever noticed the way the other women look at a successful or attractive woman when she walks into a room? The sideways glances, the whispering, the rolling of the eyes. Remember those girls that talked behind your back in high school when they didn’t even know you? Remember when your college sorority hated the other sorority just because some of the girls were pretty and dated the guys the other sorority liked?  The “who does she think she is” comments? Or landing a significant job, only to be bullied by other women you worked with? I have, and if you are a woman reading this I am sure you have too.  

It is even more intense 11 years ago since I graduated high school with social media. I was disappointed to see a news story about Rihanna and her best friend Melissa tweeting a picture of them watching Ciara sing acapella to her fans. The picture was making fun of what Ciara was doing instead of celebrating it. 

It is disappointing to see, as teenagers/young women look up to these ladies.

Ciara's response to the tweet:

I see why Ciara 'went there', she was provoked. Like she was in the infamous twitter banter with Rihanna a few years ago:

I'll be honest I have been guilty of playing the mean girl as well, I did it because it was done to me first similar to what happened to Ciara. I saw comments women made on facebook or women being rude to me at a mutual friend's party, and yes it made me angry so much I did things I regretted.  As I get older, I am realizing it's not worth it, there should be more "sisterhood", more ignoring, and less beefing. We should be supporting one another and praising each other's accomplishments, not putting them down.  I plan to do this going forward, ironically, March is women's history month.  Hopefully more women will do the same so there will be less mean girls and more sisterhood in 2013.


xo
Kosi

Not-so-sloppy seconds with Etsy Vintage

My recent vintage find is this awesome coat I ordered from Etsy in January, just cost me $22, yes $22!  Those not familiar with Etsy should get familiar with it, it's awesome. 

Etsy is focused on handmade or vintage items. All vintage items must be at least 20 years old. It makes it different from Ebay in regards to what is really vintage or not! 

Prices on Etsy range, which is another reason why I love the site!

Check it out for yourself!

xo
Kosi

The Power of Me Time

Hello March! Seriously , hello March! Ha! February was such a busy month for fashion pr girls: fashion week for some, then the trade shows in between, making sure product is placed in trade magazines, and launching fall 13 seasons on top of still promoting Spring 13/Summer 13 to media outlets. 

Being burnt out was an understatement this the past few weeks and honestly, I felt myself getting 'fashion out'. My blog, the place where I have 100% control of content, I was feeling 'fashion out'.  Work isn't work usually, I love what I do and the thrill of it all. There is truly never a dull moment and I wouldn't have it any other way. I am fortunate to do what l love.

The past few weekends I deliberately stayed in Brooklyn and did absolutely nothing but just relax, walk around the neighborhood and spent time with family. It felt great not to have to be somewhere or have to do something. I'm making it a point to make my weekends this spring more about "me" it doesn't mean my passion for fashion has left, not at all! If anything it increases it!

Took this picture walking around my neighborhood

Today, I got the official confirmation on the new project I will be working on. I can't announce it to you guys yet but it's NYC based, retail, and I get to plan a launch party! I am coming back to work this week refreshed and cannot wait to get started developing a marketing plan, brainstorming, and researching. 

If you work or don't work in the fashion industry we all have something in common with having the feeling of being burned out.  The best solution is to step back and devote time to yourself.

xo
Kosi

You're So Vain

There are a few things that I can't live without nowadays, one of those items is the Belkin LiveAction Remote. I tested out earlier this week. I can't wait till the weather is nicer in NYC to use it for future posts. 

I usually keep the remote on my vanity with my other valued possessions:

I thought it would make sense if I broke it down section by section:

 Bratz Doll given to me by my brother Nei years ago, Coach Planner, Codi lotion, and Ipad-covered with a custom made comic cast from Etsy.

Belkin remove, Nars Orgasm Blush, Smashbox mascara and blue, Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Syrum, and Lisbith eyebrow shaver.

My sister India made this beautiful pillow for my birthday years ago, I love having it on display!

This masquerade mask was a gift from my sister Tika from her recent trip to Arizona. The picture next to it was taken when I was in junior high school of my siblings and I.

Some of my bangles, the compact was a gift from my mother when I was 14.

My vanity means a lot because it has a lot of memories a lot if items on it tell a story. It is also a reminder to be grateful for the people I have in my life and what I have :)

xo
Kosi

The Black Swan Effect

Last Sunday I had the chance to go to The Black Swan, a pub just a 10 minute walk from my house! 

Photo from Black Swan's website

Formerly an auto-body shop, The Black Swan's interior is rustic but sleek; with semi-exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and a back porch that has outdoor seating.  

Photo from Black Swan's website

For a Sunday, a week after the blizzard, the place was packed!  A few friend's have been telling me about the pub so we decided to go and catch up. Irish coffee, life talks, and mimosas were on the menu!

My friend Dimitria and I had the Eggs Benedict with Salmon:

Our friend Athena went with the Steak and Eggs:

Aiesha went with the Chicken and Waffles:

Their extensive beer selection and appetizers is motivating me to come back sooner or later especially for Friday night basketball games! I came back for take out on Saturday, it was a raining day and I couldn't get brunch out of my head. The general manager James remember me from my last visit, lol I felt special!

Brunch at the pub is available Monday-Friday 11:30am-4:30pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-4pm. The Black Swan has been open for 2 years now and it is one of the "go-to's" for dining in Bed-Stuy.  The restaurant has a relaxed vibe, but it is a spot to to take a friend or if you are (like me at times) too exhausted to go into the city. Stop by and you will not be disappointed!

xo

Kosi

Kos' NYFW Fall 13 Diary #5: Clover Canyon Fall 13

Voluminous skirts, original prints, and dresses with sculpted sleeves; were among the highlights of Clover Canyon’s Fall 2013 collection at Lincoln Center. Clover Canyon is designed and produced in Los Angeles. They are known for their eclectic prints that showing the joyful spirit of California.

The sweatshirt trend is not going away anytime soon, thank goodness!

The Fall 13 collection is an homage to Russia with lavish prints, crystal ballerina flats, and vivid colors. The design team was inspired by Imperial Russia referencing the country’s “extreme luxury, extreme ideals, extreme vastness and extreme passion”. This was apparent in the background of the Siberian plain and a Russian palace. 

A treat for all that attended was to see actual ballet dancers who stood en pointe throughout the presentation.

Sorry I've been mia it's been hectic, kind of over it but at least it's better to be hectic than not busy at all. Glad the weekend is almost here.

xo

Kosi