Urban Thought Collective

Dear Lovelies,

When I fall, I go all the way. I’m speaking of Fall season, by the way. It’s only my favorite of all! A little bit of sunshine and a slight breeze through my hair, purple sunsets, and lots of layering. I’m the kind of gal that wears it all. Getting dressed for me is not reserved for special occasions and holidays. Everyday is the perfect opportunity to wear the things that make you feel great. Thank goodness the California sun is finally starting to bow down giving us a break from the scorcher. I’ve already pulled out my chunky knits, scarves, jackets, tights, and my gloves…oh my gloves! I pulled them out during the heat. I had convinced myself that if I held on, fall would come! In the Spirit of ALT, “Gloves after all, are very much the “it” accessory…”

Ask Love About it!
I will do my very best to answer your fashion, beauty, and style questions.
“Dance-life-my-life” emailed, “Do you have any suggestions on how to make my conservative style look more pulled together or updated?”

Well “dance-life” this is any easy one. No matter what your wardrobe dilemma is the key to maximizing your wardrobe is to first be organized. If you can see it you will wear it. Knowing what you have in your closet and easy access to it makes a huge difference in getting dressed in the mornings. I like to think of my closet as my personal boutique, and getting dressed is like shopping for the day. For your conservative personality make sure that your clothes fit you well. Well tailored items in classic shapes with modern details will keep you polished and current. Monochromatic or monotone looks are a very chic way to pull a look together. I suggest looking at ads for brands like Calvin Klein, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, for inspiration. Also check out other labels that have a more conservative aesthetic. Monochromatic also works if you are not used to or comfortable with mixing colors and prints.

Tip: When pillaging through magazines pay attention to the concepts that speak to your personality. Magazines tell a story for all personalities and styles. Clip pages that inspire you. Most of all don’t forget to have fun; your style is an expression of you.

Behind the Seams
I went behind the seams with a few of my fashionable friends and asked them about their fall must haves, what they are storing away, and what they will be bringing to the holiday dinner table. Read on and get to know some of the people that I work and play with. Maybe you could send me your responses too. My favorite question to ask is, “what’s the one item you don’t care about repeating?”

Kehinda Akikiwowo
Heart & Soul Magazine

What’s your must have for the season?
A pair of tan Hugo Boss boots.

What can’t you wait to wear again?
My bikini, I’m headed for South Africa this winter!

I don’t care that I’ve repeated I just love my…
Goddess braids… a la Cicely Tyson (more than fifteen years before Bo Derek)

What’s your favorite holiday dish/ dessert?
Beans for prosperity…what can I say, this is a Nigerian home.

What are you bringing to Christmas dinner?
Me and my holiday cheer.

During fall/ winter my favorite cold weather activity is…
Taking long walks through Manhattan while sipping steaming hot apple cider!

Daisy Lewellyn
Style Expert

What’s your must have for the season?
Hands down a statement necklace! I just am over the moon for them. They are available in every price point. J. Crew is a winner for mall goers and Kenneth Jay Lane will make your days sparkle and shine.

What item are you storing away?
Living in LA allows me the luxury of sunshine in December, so I pair my bright dresses with tights and coats. So my wardrobe seems to work year round.

What can’t you wait to wear again?
My bare bronzed glossy legs with my fave Louboutin cork wedges. It’s just a match made in heaven.

I don’t care that I’ve repeated I just love my…
My favorite dress that I got made in a trip to South Africa! It’s my guilty pleasure and I am indeed responsible for being a repeat offender on this one.

What’s your favorite holiday dish/ dessert?
Seafood dressing. This bite of heaven completes my holiday season. A savory flavored compilation of goodness I tell ya! Oh darn, I’m suddenly craving it.

What are you bringing to Christmas dinner?
Triple layer coconut cake w/ freshly sliced fruit. I love to make it for my loved ones, it makes them smile, which makes me smile.

During fall/ winter my favorite cold weather activity is…
Christmas lights make me just as happy as sequins and lame! My niece and I drive around looking at the homes in LA, oohing and ahhing down the block as we marvel at the holiday splendor.

Diana Bianchini
Di Moda Public Relations

What’s your must have for the season?
No girl should leave home without stiletto suede boots in gray, chocolate or deep purple.

What item are you storing away?
My triple thick and chunky belts and wearing away the skinnies.

What can’t you wait to wear again?
Boho- chic summer dresses and big rimmed linen sun hats.

I don’t care that I’ve repeated I just love my…
…denim all season long and love every minute of it.

What’s your favorite holiday dish/ dessert?
Gingerbread Houses.

What are you bringing to Christmas dinner?
Brandy filled bundt cake.

During fall/ winter my favorite cold weather activity is…
…to watch old movies with my best girlfriends, with vodka and a splash of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice in chilled martini glasses. With my furry slippers on. 

Totally Obsessed, xoxo Love

Love Collins is a custom clothing designer and stylist who studied fashion design at Howard University and FIT. Her thoughts and interviews from the fashion world are exclusive to Urban Thought Collective. For more information, visit www.ilovecollins.com.