Howard Homecoming Yardfest Delivers Food, Fanfare, and Fanciful Fashion

It’s homecoming and Howard has a distinct annual feel--- more people, more entertainment, more to look forward to. First stop is the school’s esteemed Yardfest, themed The La Grande roué Royalfaire in honor of the anniversary of the nostalgic homecoming fanfare here at “the real HU”. In addition to enjoying the event repertoire, the Stylish Reality team set out to find some of the most unique styles amongst the thousands of Yardfest goers.

Although most attendees stood out with their eccentric, well-planned fits, we were honored to make acquaintance with these four, distinctly-different individuals during our time on the yard. Some looks are attainable, others personify eccentricity. However, each can be described with one word…

Mr. Stocks proves a smile can accent any fit

Daring- Teron Stocks, @n0_apologiez: We caught up with the ever-so-stylish Mr. Stocks near Douglass Hall after spotting his style minutes earlier amongst the crowd (notice we said amongst the crowd). Maybe it was his elegance, made apparent by his veiled beanie with his Jackie O –adjacent shades. Or perhaps it was his red and black color blocking with his Aztec print shawl and dark-turtle timepiece, matching his Louis Vuitton clutch. On the contraire, after meeting him, we realized it was his smile that has set his style apart from all others.

    

Choosing a bold lipstick can set any contemporary look off

Trendy- Desiree Clark, @afro__thunder: The Fro. The Fit. The Fabulosity. Her look embodied trendy, from her stand-out rouge lipstick to her matching Chuck Taylor's. The components to her look may be “simplistic” separately, but combined they make for a perfect look for a day out in the DC sun. Want to achieve Desiree’s look? Combine your favorite crop with shorts, sneakers, and a waist-wrapped shirt. Oh yeah, don’t forget to wear it with a spunky attitude to tie it all together!

   

A look of mystique for an outfit that bares it all

Unique- Nicolette McClendon, @2welve: Sitting gingerly on a bench in the middle of Yardfest, we met Nicolette, a young lady who's look was unique, but familiar. Conservative yet spunky, Nicolette captured us with her flannel-shirt dress and black patent leather booties accented by her sizable bracelet combination and golden rod crew socks for a pop of color. She brought a new, revitalizing twist to a style that we all know so well, but it was her radiating beauty that enchanted us the most, illuminating her sweet demeanor and courageous sense of fashion. 

The "Voodoo Rebel" enchants us with his medley of
medallions and trinkets  

   Bold- Donovan Vega, @voodoo_rebel: We were at a loss for words upon spotting Donovan, coincidentally holding a conversation with Nicolette (pictured above). His style was nothing shy of bold, from his gorgeous dreadlocks, to his symphony of rings on both hands. He welcomed us in for an interview, proving that humility in fashion still exists. To list the components of his look would be understating, but the harmony of his fedora, bow tie, and rolled cropped pants were some of our favorites. To achieve his look would be to ask to raid his closet, seeing as how it would be almost impossible to wear this fit as wonderfully as he. 

       

    

Under Construction: One Year Anniversary Celebration

Stylish Reality is undergoing site construction in anticipation of our one year anniversary week. We're removing some old material to make way for bigger, better stories, interviews,  and features. Feel free to read the works we leave up and visit the site to see announcements about our revitalization. Be patient for what we got coming!!

If you're interested in a feature or have questions about what's up next, email us at stylishreality901@gmail.com

From the Office to After Party: How has Business Casual Evolved?

Over the past decades, the workforce has seen full-force cosmetic changes from the entry of women into the workforce to evolution of business casual. However, what proves to be acceptable business casual? What's considered After 5 attire? What's the true meaning of "business casual"?
Business casual is just what it says-- the unity of business professional to casual wear. It allows women to wear fashionable pantsuits, men to rock modern fit slacks, and brings a personal touch to dull office wear. After 5 attire, like business casual, also incorporates the wearer's unique style into the fit. It differs from biz cas in that it has more of a club look. After Five wear is designed to be worn to the office, then to an after work shindig. Men's after 5 can be a "skinny suit" with bright Oxford's and women's after 5 is usually a dress with a shawl that can be removed when it's time to clock out. With both business casual and After 5 evolving with the times, most people (especially older members of the workforce), can't distinguish them from business professional. I've comprised some looks that can be suitable for Men's and Women's After 5 and business casual wear:

"The Grandiose Empire" has Remarkable Rookie Year, Looks to Future for More Success

Polo Ralph Lauren. Gucci. Versace. Michael Kors. Greatest common factor? Over worn, unoriginal, and losing value as the days go by. Trends? No, these labels and many more are merely fads waiting to be replaced by the next look from the biggest celebrity of the time. Now say the Grandiose Empire. How'd that feel? Different? Sparked your imagination? Well, you just uttered one of the rising trends of 2013 that's going nowhere anytime soon. The "corporation-style" independent business broke ground in November of 2013 after careful planning and over a year's worth of hardwork. After speaking with the head trailblazer for the Grandiose Empire, Ariel Rogers, it was apparent that her goal was to save the sinking ship that is the clothing line game. The Grandiose Empire targets the gamut; from urban wear enthusiasts to professional dressers, they aim to remain versatile to both men and women. Like most entrepreneurs, Ms. Rogers plans to continue building her fan base, giving opportunities to those interested in Grandiose Empire, and most importantly, stay creatively relevant in this ever-so-changing fashion market. My opinion? I love the styles I've seen from the line and am anxious to see what they reveal during 2014. I'm definitely one of those fans that Grandiose Empire is "keeping on their toes". So now it's all up to you.. will you go follow @grandioseempire & @901indallas on Instagram for more info or will you continue to fall victim to the next fad? 

Contact Info:

Instagram: @grandiseempire & @901indallas

Email: grandioseempire@gmail.com

PR: (901) 281-4531 & thomasbaileypr@gmail.com 

Thrifting "Wacky Wednesday" Boasts Several Great Finds

$40. Nothing but time. Me vs. The Salvation Army Family Store. The day? Wacky Wednesday. What does that mean, you ask? A store full of the new shipment of clothes, all half off. Thrifter's heaven. It took everything in me not to bring the whole women's section home, however I settled with these 9 pieces. Be honest, are they drab or Fab? Take a look see:

1. Westbound Multicolor Windbreaker: Used to achieve that '90s style that's making it's way back into pop culture. Paired with a cuffed light wash jean and cute sneakers & You're GTG. 

2. Coldwater Creek Denim Jacket: the all-too-versatile denim jacket can be worn with just about anything. Dressed up or worn down, it's sure to add flair to any outfit.

3. Adidas Originals Track Jacket: RUN-DMC inspired, I plan to break out the all-white shelltoes and a gold chain for the throwback look for a casual weekend look.

4. Lauren By Ralph Lauren Striped Shirt: Nothing's says accomplishment to a thrifter like finding name brands at such low prices. This simplistic striped baby blue button down can be worn with khakis and Sperry's or denim and Converse.     

5. Charter Club "Trinidad James" Button Down Collared Shirt: What's bigger now than black/gold/red outfits? This shirt features gold chains with accents of red. Personally, I'd wear it under a black leather jacket, black pants, and your favorite neutral colored boot for that regal 'Yeezy' look.

6. L.L. Bean "Wrinkle Free" Pint-Striped Button Down: just as simplistic as #4, the wrinkle-free material is great for this weather. It'll go great with some navy searsucker pants and some dark Brown Cole Haan loafers. 

7. Royal Park Plaid Creased Slacks: I couldn't leave these in the store. The white, navy, and orange accents would work well with a solid cardigan and a white Oxford shirt. 

8. New York & Company Everyday Slacks: gray with a barely visible black pint stripe pattern, they can be worn for business casual or business professional. 

9. Betsey Johnson Oversized Boyfriend sweater: with the amazing color combination, this sweater is key in color blocking. Throw on a basic legging & some UGGs and you'll be warm and stylish. 

So how did I do? Did I inspire any of you thrifting fashionistas? Hopefully your haul was just as lucrative if you participated in Wacky Wednesday. Until next time, good luck & happy thrifting! 

Alexa Chung: The Nombre Behind Ombrè

2013, although now a thing of the past (Happy New Year btw), ushered in the trend of ombrè hair. Oblivious to what ombrè is? It's a style of coloring the hair where 2 or more colors seemingly fade into the next (check out the pictures below). Ombrè technique is not only a style, but has become a lucrative business for all those talented enough to do it correctly. The trend spread like wildfire after celebrities such as Keyshia Dior, Nicki Minaj, and Trina dazzled style enthusiasts rocking ombrè at various red carpet events. But who is the actual originator of the ombrè trend? The answer lies in the editor of British Vogue, television host, and all-around "it girl", Alexa Chung. This 5'8" bombshell, who's also named the originator of the Peter Pan collar look and black-tie appropriate flats, is Britain's hidden gem. Her youthful face combined with her simplistic, yet trendy style has gained her a fan base including several fan pages on Instagram and Twitter and even the creation of the hashtag "#whycantIbeAlexaChung". Not only is she stylish in her own being, but boasts several stylish friends like Lana Del Rey and Kate Moss. Overall, Chung is incredibly humbled by her work and truly feels her calling is to inadvertently style the world. So whether you're rocking flats to a gala or expressing yourself by ombrè'ing your hair, remember to thank Alexa Chung for navigating us into the future of modern fashion.

MUA Makes Her Way Into the Major Leagues

Seems like every young lady that crosses my path with an eyebrow archer and some lip liner wants to be a make up artist.. but notice I didn't mention their possession of talent. However, here's one of the most talented young ladies I've come across. As you can see by these photos, her title as "amateur" make up artist is pure clichè. The artist?  A miss Brianna Norris residing in my great city of Memphis, Tennessee. Bre is the person on every girl's speed dial for make up tips, event make up, and other special occasions.. not to mention she keeps my brows LAID whenever I'm in town. I personally wouldn't let anyone else touch my face, but you be the judge of that if you're in the Memphis area. She accepts appointments and is quite affordable. Tell her Whitney sent you ;)

IG: @_brebeaute
Email: