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| overcoat: Express, top: Club Monaco, trousers: thrifted, necklace: Forever21 |
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| Image via Google search |
This universal pattern is a great choice for this holiday season, just imagine all the wonderful possibilities with it?!
Xoxo,
Jacqui
20121130
Stripey Chic
Xoxo,
Jacqui
20121129
Organizational Skills (or Lack Thereof)
Like many other fashionistas, I have a home for my jewelry. After a while, and a growing collection, things just get piled on top of each other causing what I like to call an "organized mess!" I try to keep things organized, I have a jewelry armoire with a drawer of bracelets, rings, earrings, two compartments with pegs for necklaces and a drawer filled with even more necklaces. It's my way of trying to keep things sane!
Recently I was introduced to this product that is supposed to maintain an accessory addict's headache to a minimum, it's called the Necklace Saver. The product is a pretty colored bag of organza fabric with a slot to insert the necklace in and keep it untangled. You also have the choice to pick from 3 colors (aqua, orchid, or light pink) and 2 lengths and 3 widths.
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| Necklace: Anthropologie |
I made sure to utilize an abstract shaped necklace to test it out!
To my surprise the necklace fit in the organza pouch really easily. As a side note, the transparent purple compliments the green of the necklace really well too, seems like the perfect holiday color combination! Just imagine a drawer filled with these pouches and necklaces neatly tied in, an "organized mess" no more!
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| Necklace: Anthropologie |
Tried it again with a different necklace, no success. The widest width the Necklace Saver offers is 3 inches, which doesn't work with a lot of my big "bib" necklaces.
All in all, I'd give this product a 4 out of 5, I didn't give it a full five because it doesn't offer wider widths to fit the growing trend of non traditional necklace shapes. It's still a great product to maintain your necklaces, keep your jewelry area organized, and save yourself some time by not having to untangle knots, which I need! Plus every purchase of the Necklace Saver donates a portion of every sale to help support children in need, around the world. Christmas is just around the corner, this would make great stocking stuffers!
Dear readers, what do you think of this product? Would you buy it?
Xoxo,
Jacqui
20121126
Androgynous Style
Have I mentioned my love for the menswear inspired trend going on?! I seriously love the big shoulders, the defined lapels, the boxy shapes, and the cigarette straight pants that the trend has to offer. Not to mention that it just feels so much more comfortable than skin tight skinnies or body contouring dresses!
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| Trousers: Club Monaco, overcoat: Express, bomber jacket: Guess, tee shirt and scarf: H&M, belt: J.crew, booties: Steve Madden |
I absolutely love these pants from Club Monaco, they're the perfect pair of trousers to influence the menswear trend. Cigarette styled, wool, leather trim around the pockets, with a great color blocked inspiration... makes me think of the old school law enforcement uniforms! I'm just a big fan of androgynous and unisex pieces, those are the pieces I like to consider timeless because it really won't go out out of style. When a woman can rock pieces that are originally for men or inspired by mens clothes, that woman truly knows great fashion!
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| Photos by Chaucee Stillman |
With this look, I really tried to play down the "dressiness" factor of the pants. It's very expected to throw on a silk blouse and a blazer with trousers, but what about a white tee and some chains? End result an edgy, casual look! It's a fun way to take something in your wardrobe that may seem to dressy for taking your dog to the park or running errands and reinventing it to fit into your schedule! How do you take something dressy and give it a more casual appeal?
Xoxo,
Jacqui
20121124
Plaid is Back!
Plaid, one the 1990's biggest mainstays is having a major moment right now.... but it's not like it ever left! Whichever way you want to call it, plaid or tartan are both similar. and have roots that date back to the ancient Scottish history, think kilts! It is also synonymous with the punk and grunge scene. As seen on many tv shows, music videos, and actors. One of my favorite 90's show, My So Called Life, frequented the plaid trend and Gwen Stefani, No Doubt, one of my fashion idols always looked great in her tartan ensembles!
Recently, the trend was spotted on the F/W 2012 runways, specifically Michael Kors' show and J.Crew. It's back and better than ever, it's not just on pants and pleated skirts. Plaid looks great paired with so many different prints, textures and colors. Its one of the most versatile patterns in history that can be worn streamlined or unconventional.
Here are a few ways I like to incorporate plaid into my wardrobe!
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| plaid button down: thrifted |
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| tartan skirt: Forever21 |
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| plaid blazer: Guess |
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| plaid coat: Club Monaco |
It has become a pattern that's inevitable for me to avoid! It also has a comforting effect on me, I guess it's why I wear it so much! Are you a fan of plaid? How do you like to wear it?
Xoxo,
Jacqui
20121120
Feast- ival Dressing!
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| By Jacqueline Davis Moranti |
The time has come to that time of the the year, where we spend most of our days with families and close friends, and we stuff our faces with a little more than we are used to because we don't know when the next time we'll be getting that fabulous meal again! Thanksgiving is only a few days away, so it's time to think of an outfit that will impress and look great with all the family photo taking!
The perfect Thanksgiving ensemble should be comfortable enough to contain a full belly, kitchen helping, table setting, tv watching and chasing your little niece and nephew! Another thing to keep in mind, which may not mean much to some, is dressing in seasonal colors.
During this time of the year, neutrals play a big part in fashion and bold, less saturated colors too. I love mixing in jewel tones with the neutrals, think burgundy, ochre, forest green, sapphire and plum strewn in with navy, black, camel, grey and wintery white!
The first outfit, top left, combines this gorgeous forest green blazer with a camel/ gold sequin dress. This is an outfit for the girl who wants all eyes on her! What's great about this dress is that it's a shift/ sheath style, meaning it is more of a straight line. Making it a pretty forgiving style!
The top right look is for the edgy girl who has no problem with standing out! Put together a sapphire blue maxi dress with a metallic silver blazer and a black and white striped blouse and you've got a winning look! Maxi dresses are a great option, hides bloated tummies really well and provides you with a long, lean, flattering figure.
The bottom left image is a more low key look. A black and white A- line dress paired with a long sleeved, sheer blouse. One of the key points to think about when it comes to family functions is to not be overtly sexy.... unless, for your Thanksgiving dinner it's just you and your significant other! Honestly, when you show too much skin, it tends to make you feel a bit uncomfortable because you start to wonder whether this or that is too short or too low. It's not fun going a whole day thinking that way. The sheer blouse under the dress, provides the right amount of "sexy" plus it's a great way of updating a summer dress into the cooler months! This dress has an a - line shape, making it the perfect amount of forgiving!
For the girl who wants to wear pants rather than dresses or skirts, try patterns! Patterns help distract the viewers from one part of the body, to the part with the patterns, in this situation, the legs. But why not mix it up with another pattern?! The key point to mixing prints is pairing a smaller print with a bigger print, that way it doesn't look confusing. Wearing a chunky sweater is also very comfortable and accommodating to a full belly.
The best thing to remember this Thursday, is to be comfortable and suited to your personality. Have fun, eat as much as you want, get rested and then prepare to shop afterwards! Happy Thanksgiving readers!
Xoxo,
Jacqui
20121115
James Oliver Gallery
Excuse my lateness on posting these photos... that's what happens when you take out a memory card and place it somewhere without acknowledging where! The James Oliver gallery in Philadelphia hosts a first Friday event every month, displaying art of many variations. The event is held by Tyrone Dixon, who is apart of a creative marketing group striving to rejuvenate the scene in Philadelphia. This event in particular featured an art exhibition by the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation, in honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month. The event also featured fashion designs by Tay Gaye of Modisch.
I was really moved by the art that I saw on the walls, they were so genuine and raw. Also, since most were breast cancer related, many included nudity which I won't disclose here. As an illustrator, I understand the need to tell a story and make an impact with an image, which is why I felt so connected with the art that I saw there. Art has a way of talking that plain ol' conversation just can't accomplish!
This was my favorite piece of the Modisch designs that night. I love the silhouette of a lean maxi dress, major plus for it being all leather too! It also has that aspect of business in the front and party on the back, by applying the exposed back and a high slit. Makes for an interesting cocktail party dress!
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| The brains behind Sukkatash |
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| Complimentary Sangria and wine cocktails! |
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| DJ Josh Hey |
The music that night was played by DJ Josh Hey, one of my good friends. If you're familiar with the sweet tunes of Flying Lotus, Dabrye, Prefuse 73, then you will love his music!
All in all, it was a good evening chatting with local artists, good friends and a look at new fashions.
Xoxo,
Jacqui
20121114
Frumpy No More.
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| by Jacqueline Davis Moranti |
I have a few big cardigans, but this one, top left, is by far my favorite. It is the perfect length for a makeshift sweater dress! If you have a big cardigan why not pair it with an oversized oxford shirt and make sure to add a belt to define the waist. OR if you're feeling a bit more adventurous, wear the cardigan backwards! Either way you'll definitely turn heads with your fun aura of casual chic!
Top left image combines an oversized, asymmetrical sweater with an asymmetrical maxi dress. Ever think of what to do with those silky, or chiffon summer dresses? Long or short, try it with a big sweater on top, You'll love the variety it can accomplish with just a simple layer.
How about taking that chunky, knitted sweater (bottom left image) that you got from your grandmother, last holiday season and pairing it with something seemingly unconventional like a leather skirt? It will make that sweater go from 4th grade to college alumni status, in no time! Make sure to tuck the sweater into the skirt to show off your curves!
The last image is for all of those gals that love to wear their leggings as pants. As we all know, leggings worn as pants are a major fashion faux pas, no one wants to see your panty lines! The right way to do it is by pairing it with your tunic length sweater, and then try layering it with a vest or a cropped jacket to display your feminine features, under all of that fabric.
Hopefully i've demonstrated four great ways to inspire you into diving head first into this wintery season. Chunky knits can be easily worn, you just have to get the right balance of opposites. Next time you look at your closet and pull out your oversized sweaters, you'll consider sophisticated ensembles that are anything but snoozy!
Xoxo,
Jacqui
20121110
Illustration Moment
As you all may know, I'm a visionary, a creative and conceptual individual. With that being said, I obviously have peers and others that I look up to and draw inspiration from. I wanted to take a moment out of the fashion field and introduce you all to my good friend Darren Toliver. He is an artistic genius with many huge projects to show the world. He's a young illustrator, alumni from attended University of the Arts. Like many other creative individuals, after college he packed up and moved to the big city, NYC. But because of hardships and realizing that Philadelphia is actually a booming and bustling city full of potential he came back to the city of brotherly love.
Here is my Q + A with him.....
Discuss some of the influences, inspirations and ritual habits that are incorporated
into your work?
All I've ever wanted to do was be an artist, I'm a daydreamer so growing up I always was fascinated by 'make-believe' things. I loved anything that would take me away to far away place, I was really into movies like Wizard of Oz, Aladdin, Jurassic Park, the Star Wars trilogy, and anything by Disney. I grew up in the 90's so I also had the best of the best with cartoons like Rugrats, Dexter's Lab, Dragonball Z, Batman and Scooby-Doo just to name a few. I think being exposed to all of that you can't not have any of that rub off on you in some way. So I would say those are my influences, as far as inspirations go I don't really aspire to be like any other visual artist that's out there. I love film directors, poets, musicians, and writers. My work incorporates my culture, which is Black culture, but it also is a combination of everything I experience.
What are some of your recent accomplishments?
I'm working on a children's book with a first-time writer and me being a first-time illustrator I think the combination is a great one. Hopefully the book gets published [crosses fingers].
How do you find time in between your deadlines to work on personal projects and
paint for the sake of art?
I think if you really love something you will make time for it no matter what, I couldn't imagine living without doing artwork for myself at some point during the week. Whether it's for a couple hours or a couple minutes of drawing at a computer desk, I always make time for me.
When did you understand the power of visual language and that you had the ability
to speak it?
When I first got to artschool I really wanted to be an illustration major, now that I look back on it I really had no idea what illustration was. I quickly discovered that pictures spoke volumes without being literal like the comic books of my childhood. After spending four years in school I understood more that every piece of work should have a story even if its a simple one. Once I realized that I had a story to tell I began to really enjoy making artwork that told little pieces of my story, so I guess now I'm exploring visual language, slowly but surely.
Is it easier for you to connect with people through art or through real conversation?
I think I do a good job at both, I like to talk in person but sometimes speaking through your artwork does more for a person than just having a conversation.
Choose one of the following: lose your eyesight, use of your hands or you lose one
leg? Which will it be?
Leg! LOL
Where do you see things evolving in the next 10 and 20 years? What are you excited
about witnessing and being apart of?
I think there will be way more opportunities for creative people, you can already sort of see it now, just check out sites like Indeed and Craigslist they are full of titles that didn't even exist years ago. Creative platforms are popping up everywhere, I see myself getting paid, hopefully.
What is your life philosophy? Is it developed yet?
I don't know if I have a philosophy just yet, but I do know that I wil always go after the things I want. Life is short, I want no regrets.
What is one thing that art school didn’t teach you?
Patience. It all takes time, but waiting can be unbearable sometimes, I just keep pushing through though.
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| All images by Darren Toliver |
Also, I forgot to mention that he is a watercolor genius! Watercolor is one of the harder mediums to control, trust me, I know! It's just so fascinating to see all the depth he can achieve with watercolor. I'm looking forward to seeing more from him in the future! And if you take a look at his blog, you'll see some wonderful fashion related illustrations!
Xoxo,
Jacqui
20121107
Denim On Denim
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| Top, jeans and trench: thrifted, vest and necklace: Forever21, belt: Club Monaco, wedges: Shoemint |
I'm a big fan of the monochromatic look, so naturally experimenting with denim in the same way was just the next step! This is my way of creating my illusion of a denim jumper, this so reminds me of a photo i've seen of my mother, circa the 70's! Dark rinsed bell bottoms and dark denim western shirt equal the perfect leisure suit. Walking on rocks in wedges equals not so comfortable!
Xoxo,
Jacqui
20121105
Unisex, Revamped
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| Sweater and pants: American Apparel, scarf: H&M, trench: DIYed from Forever21, shoes: Nastygal |
Everyone of us has "that" sweater. The one that we wear for comfort and are okay if it isn't quite flattering. That is how I feel about this sweater, don't get me wrong, I love it! The fact that it is unisex makes it a plus! Tops and sweaters like this are the perfect combo for shopping escapades, dental visits, dog walking, movie date nights at home and endless more possibilities.
I used to think that unisex meant shapeless and ugly. Unisex is actually quite fun because it gives you and your SF (that's if you're okay with letting him/her borrow it!) styling options and its fun to see how they will wear it!
Next time you see this sweater, my BF will be wearing it in his own way. Style off!
Next time you see this sweater, my BF will be wearing it in his own way. Style off!
Xoxo,
Jacqui
20121104
On The Prowl
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| By Jacqueline Davis Moranti |
Since the recent hurricane, Sandy, I've read several articles of looters on the prowl, especially in NYC. The NY metro was down for some time which meant many people were left to go home from work (or vice versa) via shuttle buses or walking miles to their destination. A lot of people nowadays tend to carry laptops, tablets, smartphones or other covetable items with them, which makes thieves glow with hunger for the strike to attack. People have become walking dollar signs to many. It's unfortunate, the desperate things people try to do to make some quick cash. This can happen to anyone, but the most at risk are young, adult women.
It's something that as women, we must be aware of. As a blogger and freelancer, I'm constantly on the move from place to place which means I have to keep myself protected from potential, scary situations.
1) Keep your wallet fairly empty, this means keep your cards that you don't need, at home. That way, if your bag does get stolen with your wallet, you won't need to worry about calling your credit card company or bank to deactivate your card. A plus side to this is that it prevents you from making impulse purchases while you're on the go!
2) Stay low key! Don't be too obnoxious with your outfit, crooks tend to go for the well dressed people. There was an episode of Sex and The City, where Carrie gets mugged in broad daylight for her purse and her beloved Manolos. Ah yes, so terrible, but honestly with the way she and her friends carried themselves around, i'm surprised it didn't happen so often. Usually when I go to events, or anywhere, I carry my shoes and sometimes, change of top/dress/skirt/etc in my bag.
3) Travel with friends, single people are the most opportune to get mugged. If you can keep a buddy close by, don't hesitate!
4) Keep luxury items hidden, that means don't check your smart phone until you are in a reasonably safe area. This is something I constantly have to keep reminding myself. So make sure you read and see everything you need, on that glorious 4 inch screen before making your way in the public. It only takes a second for someone in the crowd to snatch up phone or tablet right out of your hands.
5) Be alert of your surroundings! Probably the most important tip, if you know that you're in an area where things just always seem to go awry, then keep a clear head and focus on getting where you need to get to!
6) Put the headphones down! This one always bothers me, the easiest way for a pilfering to happen is when one of our top senses, hearing, is desensitized. If you can't hear the footsteps running up, behind you then watch out! Being able to hear keeps you alert.
I hope that my tips may have helped some of you, I know from experience that muggings are tremendously, scary situations and I would hate for it to happen to any of you. Safety is something that I truly support because what fun is being outgoing if you always have to look behind your back?
Xoxo,
Jacqui
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