GIRLS THAT DO : LATONYA YVETTE

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As I was trying to write this glorious feature,

 I had a climbing toddler throwing beads all over the living room, 

a pot of boiling water screaming at me, 

a dryer steaming up the entire house, 

and strands of uncooked spaghetti tumbling behind the stove!

Let's just say this day is going....swell.

(I'm not gonna cry! I'm not gonna cry!)

I tried to escape a bit and retreated to fantasy land aka instagram and

stumbled upon one of my favorite mom do-ers 

Latonya Yvette posing ever so chicly with a plant while moving house. 

First thought was, "Damn it! Now need some funky printed pants."
(update: scored some dope ones at H&M for $15!!! Toe-Touch!!)
Then..."Shoot! I forgot to water my plants earlier!" 

Afterward, "Wow! What an amazing being she is."  

I challenged myself to write about more than a swoon sesh 

about her smile, but it is quite infectious and is admittedly, the thing

that lured me in.

The mother of River and Oak has been a breath of fresh air on my feed for 

a few years now and a welcomed sense of foundation in this blogging world. 

Lending her unique styling tips with a pro-self love undertone and her damn-near poetic takes

 on the reality of motherhood and womanhood are resounding.

She has become this sort of muse for me. 

Whenever I create a palette for my pieces, I present to 

an imaginary panel of women that just get it and have 

Pattexlor magic (aka an eye for color, prints, patterns, and texture. 

She sits beside Solange, Justina, Tamu and my grandmother and 

give nods of approval or scrunched faces of disdain.

Aside from being a urban - bohemian style ingenue, she has willingly

peeled back the layers and allowed us to see (slash read) the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

All whilst staying very grounded and veering away from being commercial. 

I would definitely say check out her styling portfolio for some serious inspiration
and add her blog to your morning cup routine.
(yeah, just drag it on over to your taskbar now and post it note my thank you card for later)

For more peeks at those that inspire check out the
Girls That Do section of the blog

Until next time...

xo,
Kel 

  

GIRLS THAT DO: MARIAN KIHOGO

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"Trends are fickle, but innate style should be lauded, celebrated, and put on a pedestal."

When you can't pin-point what is phenomenal about something, 

you are typically found gobsmacked. 

That is precisely my reaction upon discovering Marian Kihogo.

Her Headwear.  Her Wristwear.  Her Footwear. Her Everything

is everything.  And she is absolutely correct. Mastering style should be celebrated

because layering gobs of texture, color, and enamel is no easy feat. 

Go ahead and find yourself hypnotized by her. 

For more style inspo, check out my Style Crushes and other Girls That Do. 

Until next time...

xo, 

Kel

STYLE CRUSH: SOLANGE

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Yes. 

She still reigns supreme as my style crush 

numero un! 

Check out this great write up in this months Harper's Bazaar .

**photos taken from Harper's Bazaar and edited for ATD

STYLE CRUSH: SHALA MONROQUE

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discovered here

The Effortlessness.

The Skirts.

The Turbans

The Legs.

The Smile.

The Prints. 

The list could go on and on, but I think I would just be repeating 

exactly what you're already thinking. 

so let's just sit together and swoon a bit

and play "imaginary besties" with Shala.

Proceed....

--Kel

STYLE CRUSH: TAMU McPHERSON

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This post was long over due. 

Fashion Week has arrived and I am here waistline-less dreaming

 about what I would wear if I were to ever grace the city 

during its' gilded hours. 

Thinking of all the style/girl crushes I would hope to bump into, or

share a cab with while chatting about the days and nights itinerary.

One person comes to mind when I think of documenting all the 

lovely that will be taking place. 

Tamu McPherson of All The Pretty Birds

I can't express just how much of an inspiration Tamu has been to 

the blogging world for me.

Aside from the obvious risks and leaps she takes that 

no one else dare to make from a stylistic perspective. 

She. Is. Poised.

I discovered that she is also from my home-home town of Nyack, NY.

I freaked out a bit, because if you are familiar with Nyack, you know 

it is indeed a morsel in comparison to it's surrounding cities. 

Another coincidence is that she has a son, who's name

is Pierrot, the name of my late Grandfather. 

I love witnessing the rise of the passionately working mother that

 excels in their field. 

Especially, when it is artistically driven.
I'm always amazed at the shot of her twisted and determined legs anchoring her

great style shots.

Her dare to give the fashion industry her all editorially, yet still remain so 

tangible and un-phased by what could easily jade her, makes her

a beacon and much more than a style crush.

 

I hope you all enjoy the out pouring of yesness that will 

soon dance across your screens.

Cheers to another lovely NYFW!---Kel