BY LATIFA PINNOCK

I don’t know about you, but my closet can easily be separated into four different categories: casual, dressy, sweats and of course, blazers, they definitely need their own category!

These bad boys are arguably, the most versatile piece of clothing, and given the fact that you probably own one, or five classic blazers you probably know how easily a blazer can elevate your look.

Truth be told, blazers are a lifesaver, and there are so many ways to style them, no matter what look you’re trying to achieve, you can create a variety of looks, pairing your blazer with items you already have in your closet. Your favourite pair of denim, paired with a bright coloured blazer, matching pumps, and a tank top/ wife beater, would be a stylish yet comfortable fit for date night.

How about that floral summer dress that you bought 6 months ago? Casual Fridays at the office will never be the same again! That floral dress, yellow blazer and wedged heel, will have heads turning everywhere.

With fall slowly approaching, fall fashion trends are on display, and though trends come and go every season, the blazer is one of the few trends that can be styled more than one way. It is a must have for any season and everything you need to style your blazer is right there in your closet.

These multi-style beauties have taken on a league of their own. In 2020 they introduced the very fashionable, blazer dress, in a multitude of colours, and let me just say, bravo to the original creator(s). Blazers have never looked so sexy, and that classic blazer cut adds class and elegance to a very simple fit. The blazer dress is a must have item, and can also be repeated to create different looks.

This fall you can expect to see more neutral colours, prints will also be quite popular as well, and when in doubt, go for a full suit. Suits are perfect for any occasion.

Before the blazer, suit jackets were very popular, even for women. They provided a more tailored look and they were usually worn as a coordinate, with a matching pants/vest. Suits are for both formal and business events, where the choice of colour will convey the tone that you are trying to reflect, whereas blazers are more casual in look and fit, providing you with more room for breathability and layering. Even the details tend to be more casual: metal buttons, contrast stitching, and a ticket pocket, they are tailored to fit like a suit jacket and they are more affordable.

If you haven’t hopped on the blazer trend, simply because you don’t own a blazer or you weren’t quite sure how to style your blazer, I hope these little tips have inspired you to give it a try. If you are into thrifting, you can find dozens of options for under $30, and when thrifting, there is no telling what you will find.

However you decide to do it, just have fun with it.

BY LATIFA PINNOCK

One of the biggest questions asked of children, very early in life is “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Back in the days, the typical answers would be, lawyers, doctors, police and firemen. If you were to ask children of the new millennium what they want to be when they grow up, their answers would be mind-blowing.

Back in the days, leading up to the late 90’s, children were way more susceptible to walk in the footsteps of their parents. In fact, in some households, it was almost forbidden to follow your own dreams and become who you want to be. “I am so glad that we are past that era!”

As a young adult I have always been fascinated with the industry of fashion, but my biggest fascination was watching people in the industry doing what they love to do and having so much fun while doing it; to me, it was the epitome of a dream job.

Do you consider the job that you’re doing to be your dream job? Does it bring you joy? Do you wake up each morning, with new and exciting ideas relating to your job? If you answered yes to all three questions, this article is not for you, but we all know someone that can certainly relate. Studies show that 8 out of 10 people are not doing what they love, and are simply working for the sole purpose of a paycheck, but what if you could get paid while doing what you love?

Truth is, most entrepreneurs start their careers working for companies for many years, before they decide to start their own business. Some use their skills/years of experience, simply to start their own companies within the same field, while others branch off into something totally different. The decision to be your own boss is one of the biggest life decisions you will ever make, and one should first test their passion for the business, before making the transition. Start off by making the business a side hustle. Unless you win the lottery, then it’s a completely different ball game.

My passion for fashion was not a childhood dream, to be honest. If someone told me years ago that this would be my dream job, I probably would have laughed and said, “As much as I love fashion, I don’t think I’m going to become a big designer or anything.” Well I guess I would be putting my foot in my mouth, because, in 2022, that is exactly what I am striving to be!

I started my brand in 2015, but I didn’t have the drive or the passion that I have today, but the one thing that kept me going was when I realized that people were willing to pay for what I was selling. It took me a few years to realize that I had something special, and another few more years to even foresee a future in fashion. I didn’t have a plan, I had no money put away, but some way, somehow, I was going to make it happen, Once the decision was made, I knew that in order for me to succeed, I was going to have to juggle my day job and my dream job for a while, until I am able to figure out a flexible plan and budget.

To be continued….

BY LATIFA PINNOCK

The great Denzel Washington once said, “When you do not understand something, you label it, and condemn it.”

Wouldn’t it be nice to live in a world, free from judgment and condemnation, a world in which freedom of expression does not sustain scrutiny or backlash?

Truth is, it is not what you grow through that defines you. It is how you perceive and handle it that leaves a lasting impression about your character.

One of the safe havens for freedom of expression is fashion!

The evolution of fashion has found its era in the year 2022. By that I mean the fashion industry has never before been so transparent. Not only are brands being more open regarding public interactions, they are creating next level designs, and amazing product content. Fashion as we know it has hit a remarkable phase, and it will only continue to evolve to levels beyond our imagination.

As a creative designer, I am always looking for ways to expand and elevate my brand, and 2022 is definitely the year I can say that I have found my niche. Not only did I showcase style at my recent fashion show, I showed off versatility through art.

In 2022, I can honestly say that fashion and style has reached a new level, and I am loving all the inspiration. Designers are taking old ideas, adding a new fashion industry is currently one of the most competitive and profitable industries.

If you pay close attention to runway styles, you will notice that it is looking more like an art show than a fashion show, and social media has given us a front row seat to all of the latest styles and trends as soon as they hit the runway. Social media is the greatest influencer on the planet, and it has impacted the fashion industry in a delightful way. Fashion has always been at the forefront of innovation, and today fashion technology is growing at a faster pace than ever.

My advice to any entrepreneur or individual looking to start up a business that is not within the fashion industry is to do some research on fashion and technology to see how you can incorporate fashion into your business plan. Fashion can be incorporated into any business, and it will keep you one step ahead of the game.

Hooters gained popularity based on their waitress’s uniforms, and even though many might argue that it is all about sex appeal, the uniforms were fashionable then, and still are today.

One of the most common phrases used to boost someone’s self-esteem is “Be yourself.” It sounds so simple, but sometimes being you is one of the hardest things to do. A great way to start is expressing yourself through your style, and social media is a great tool to display freedom of self-expression.

“Fashion comes and goes, but styles last forever”

Coco Chanel