By Erika, Resident Fashionista
OK, so maybe I haven’t exactly been around the world (but come October, when I head to Dubai, that will absolutely be the case!) but I have been out and about. If you keep up with me or YCS via Facebook and Instagram you may have seen some of the adventures I have had over the past few months. In the last 60 days alone I have been to seven (yep, seven!) states and have been keeping myself plenty busy with work, play, and, of course, fashion! Below you will find a pretty random sampling of what I have been up to as well as shopping information for some of the looks you have seen featured on Instagram and Facebook.
#jetsetterproblems
I love to travel! And, it’s a good thing because my full-time job has kept me pretty busy on the road for the past couple of months, including trips to Utah and Minnesota! Of course, I always try my best to travel in style and keep it fashionable!
Jetsetting in a comfy, casual, and stylish outfit. Jetsetter tip: If you’re flying dress in layers. Airplanes are usually chilly, but airports and destinations will vary in temperature. You don’t want to get stuck buying a $50 hoodie because of poor planning!
[Shirt: ADIVA I Jacket + Leggings: Avenue I Glasses: Tory Burch]
The hallway in my home has looked like this for the longest time! I wasn’t a believer in hardshell luggage until I bought my first piece last October. Now, I love it and I recently purchased a carry-on size to add to my collection. Jetsetter tip: 360 spinner wheels are a MUST on rolling luggage.
I just adore the beautiful monogrammed pieces from Boulevard and couldn’t resist picking up a couple monogrammed “Amelia” luggage tags in “Poppy.” And, at only $28 each, they’re a steal! Visit their website to pick up your own!
Beautiful Minnesota sunset!
The mountain backdrop was gorgeous as we hit the highways of Utah! Even though it was April we experienced spring-like weather and a snow storm all on the same trip!
#ForeverHU05
Anyone who knows me knows that I am a proud graduate of Howard University in Washington, DC. I basically work to get HU into every conversation any chance I get. This year, I celebrated my 10-year reunion with my classmates and we had a blast! Howard is KNOWN as a fashionable and stylish university, so, of course, I had to come to the reunion with my A-game. What do you guys think?
All smiles before the first night of festivities began!
Rocking my “Howard Made” t-shirt from Sweet Knowledge Clothing Co. Everyone should definitely check out the website and support this business. Again, at only $28, this t-shirt is a steal!! Links can be found below in the outfit details.
[T-Shirt: Sweet Knowledge Clothing Co. I Skirt: Eloquii (similar here) I Shoes: BCBG (not pictured)]
Sitting pretty at the official “Forever HU 05” Day Party. Jetsetter tip: Pack clothing in the same color family so that you can reuse accessories without over packing. I intentionally chose a black and white color palette for the weekend to save space (I was also traveling for work).
[T-shirt: Official “Forever HU 05” Reunion T-shirt via Coliseum Apparel I Jacket: Dressbarn I Skirt: Mossimo for Target I Clutch: Nneka Saran I Sunglasses: Oscar de la Renta]
#loveyourcurves
During my adventures I also had a chance to check out the Ashley Stewart “Love Your Curves” Tour during it’s stop in Philadelphia, PA. You all know that around YCS we are ALL about embracing our curves and loving the skin we are in. So, it was a no brainer that I had to check out this event. The tour, which also made a stop in Chicago, and will be heading to Baltimore, Detroit, New York, and Atlanta, was all about embracing your curves and connecting with some of the cities most stylish women. Hosted at the West Philadelphia location, the event featured a model casting, red carpet, giveaways, and, naturally, shopping discounts.
The lovely host getting everyone ready for the model casting.
My (and probably everyone else’s) favorite personality from Praise 103.9, “ya Big Girl Dezzie” joined in the fun at the “Love Your Curves” Tour.
Of course I got in on the shopping action, snagging this pair of joggers with a sheer tuxedo stripe down the side! These joggers are no longer available, but check out the new selection of joggers they have available.
#givingback
As if all of the aforementioned fun wasn’t enough, I’ve also attended my fair share of fundraising events over the past two months. One event that I am always happy to support is the Kappa Beautillion program sponsored by the Burlington-Camden Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. I have been a long-time support of this program and it is always a pleasure to watch these boys grow into distinguished, young gentlemen. Additionally, for the first time, I attended the “Wall Ball” sponsored by the Mural Arts program here in Philadelphia. The event featured live mural painting and design, a live auction, a fantastic DJ, great food, and, duh, fabulous art!
The dress code for the “Wall Ball 2015” was “festive cocktail” attire. I don’t think cocktail attire gets more festive than metallic gold!
[Dress: Eliza J (currently unavailable)]
Don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot wear a patterned gown to a formal event. You will look fabulous and stand out in a sea of dark dresses. Pro tip: If you’re wearing a patterned gown that could skew “maxi dress” be sure to dress it up with jewelry and the right heels.
[Dress: Jessica Howard]
#bestoftherest
As if all of that wasn’t enough, I’m also in the middle of redecorating my 2nd bedroom (for real this time) to turn it into a grown-up office! I’ve hired friend to YCS Cherise, of Ispaci, to help with the project and it’s going amazing. I can’t wait to share the finished results with all of you on YCS!
#currentsituation. Except now there is also a chaise lounge in the middle of my living room! It’s going to be so worth it at the end of all of this!!
So there it is, a chic peek into my life over the last few months. What have you guys been up to? I want to hear all about it!