CLASSIC BLACK | OOTD

Happy Hump Day!   Wednesday's are sort of a weekly celebration for me. I have a mid-week ritual of reflection which allows me the freedom to figure out what is left to accomplish and relax with friends for dinner and drinks.  In the spirit of reflection, one of my favorite past times, wearing “Classic Black” is sort of my ode to celebrating Black History Month!  The annual celebration is time to recognize Black History and shed light on the precious gift bestowed to this country.  I'm looking forward to diving deep and learning about the accomplishments of famous and lesser-known African-Americans within a rich environment of peers.  African American style is deeply rooted in our heritage and american culture! Complex mag complied an amazing list of "The 25 Greatest Black Fashion Designers" to date, check out the article here.  Black History and the classics will always trend-send time and this post is only a tiny, tiny way I can honor the people who have paved the way for us!

PHOTOGRAPHER ~ Shawn Pilgrim  

Wearing all black will allow even a simple pair of gold hoops to shine against your monochromatic (wearing different variations of one color) ensemble.  

Trench coat- Eile Tahari (seen here)  * Cashmere turtleneck - Lord & Taylor (similar here) * Skirt - Elizabeth & James (similar here) * Booties - Brian Atwood (similar here) * Sunglasses - Miu Mui (similar here) * Earrings – Michael Kors (seen here) * Lip Stick color - Mac Flat Out Fabulous. 

Black History Month or National African American History Month, is an event that grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. To my surprise other countries around the world, Canada and the United Kingdom recognize the national holiday too.  

Provided below are various events honoring Black History Month in Oklahoma City.  Mark your calendars, grab your friends, and prepare yourself to create memories of enlightenment! 

Don't forget sharing is caring!!!!!!! 

WAKE UP "THE REAL BLACK AMERICA"

THE HISTORY OF NAACP IN OKLAHOMA 

HISTORY SPEAKS - 1968 GOLD MEDALISTS JOHN CARLOS AND TOMMIE SMITH 

AFAM BLACK FILM FESTIVAL - THE BLACK POWER MIXTAPE (1967-1975) * DARK GIRLS * FINDING THE GOLD WITHIN

FREEDOM'S HOPE WITH JANA BROWN

AFRICAN AMERICAN EDUCATION IN OKLAHOMA WITH DR. DONNIE L. NERO SR. 

WOMEN IN WAR ZONES BY EBONY IMAN DALLAS

THE BLACK PANTHERS: VANGUARD OF THE REVOLUTION 

Until next time, 

1 ❤️ Eureka  

THE GRAPHIC EFFECT | OOTD

Hope your week is going great beautiful people. We are finally over the hump!! .  As a child, I was always fascinated by graphic buildings and interiors.  Coupled with my new love for graphic t-shirts and maxi skirts, it only made sense to center this OOTD (Outfit of the Day) around buildings with super cool graphics. What better way to live out your childhood by displaying some of your favorite past times through personal style and as a colorful backdrop.  If you are worried a graphic t-shirt isn't your style, focus on pieces you can style with…..like a maxi skirt and cropped leather jacket or blazer. Give me a graphic tee, with jeans or a maxi skirt with a photo worthy thigh high split and I’m in style heaven.   The influx of these staple pieces is something I will always gravitate too. Graphics are presently taking over the fashion world and can be seen all over the runways, from Stella McCartney to Missoni. What’s so great about this outfit, the pieces are versatile and can be transitioned into my fall/winter to summer/spring wardrobe and incredibly comfy!!!!

Photographer ~ Shawn Pilgrim 

Cropped leather jacket- BCBG (similar) * Graphic Pink Floyd shirt - Saks on Fifth (similar) * Michael Kors Maxi Skirt - similar  * Shoes - Sam Edelman (similar) * Sunglasses - Ray Bans (similar) * Leather Clutch - Antonio Melani (similar) * Belt -Thrifted * Gold hoops - Michael Kors (similar) 

~Enjoy other style worthy inspiration~

Ladies do you plan on recreating this OOTD?  If so, lets connect and tag me on instagram @velvetlope.  Would love to see your beautiful style!

Until next time, 

1 ❤️ Eureka!  

MODERN LOVE | MARIMEKKO EDITION

Ankle boots and anything black are style mainstays for me, especially as the chill of January sets in. When Marimekko asked me to create a style story inspired by their new spring/summer collection, I knew exactly how I wanted to feature the "Mel" ankle boots. I fell deeply in LOVE with the modern look and luxe construction of these boots. As I slipped into the most comfortable ankle boots EVER,  my mind started spinning visions of me when I lived in Germany.......because it was bone freezing cold!  I love ankle boots styled with mid calf skirts and sweaters for a "European" chic sense of style!  

Photo Cred :  Shawn Pilgrim  

Ankle Boots - Marimekko, LAUNCHES SPRING 2016* Coat - Elie Tahari (old) similar here *  Sweater- SI-IAE (sold out) similar here  * Skirt -  Forever21 (sold out) similar here * Satin clutch - Saks on Fifth (old), similar here   * Knitted cap -handmade * Shades - Blue Seven  (old), similar here  * Cuff - House of Harlow * Lipstick color - Mac Ruby Woo. 

It was a tremendous honor and I had so much fun creating "Modern Love" style story for Marimekko’s soon-to-launch footwear, spring 2016. This marks the first collection under a  brand new creative director and first footwear since the turn of the decade! Below is a sampling of luxe worthy eye wear, accessories and footwear options from the NEW spring/summer collection.  Until the glorious launch day, click here and explore Marimekko's latest designer collection .  HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!

1 ❤️ Eureka!