Hey Bombshells!
So in addition to twirling in the pages of Essence’s September 2011 issue, I’m also featured in a behind-the-scenes video on Essence.com documenting the many personalities and fashionistas present during the shoot:
Check out interviews with creative director and Essence.com Managing Editor Emil Wilbekin, social maven Bevy Smith, stylist June Ambrose, DJ Kiss, designer Tracy Reese, style expert Tai Beauchamp, and yours truly:
See more pictures here:
Can I just testify real quick: Years ago, while working in the research department of a national magazine, I got business cards printed with the title, “Claire Sulmers, Fashion Journalist.” No, I wasn’t getting invites to shows, and I wasn’t even in the fashion department of my magazine (though I was allowed to write occasional fashion articles). I just printed my title, handed my card out to everyone I encountered, blogged my butt off, and truly believed I could one day live my dream. I am so amazed to see my name next to the title of Fashion Journalist, now, almost five years after I initially printed those cards. I guess it’s simply a testament to believing strongly in yourself, even when others don’t. Sorry to get all sappy, but I’m truly touched.
xoxo
August 18, 2011 5:45 pm
What a testimony! You deserve it from all your hard work and you look beyond fabulous! Best fashion blog.
August 18, 2011 5:49 pm
[...] Claire has an inside scoop on ‘The Fashionistas’ Story for Essence ‘s September Issue… Fashion Bomb Daily [...]
August 18, 2011 5:49 pm
Congrats Claire I am happy for all of your success you are a great example that with hard work, determination, being positive and believing in yourself you will be truly blessed. S/N Your pics are beautiful.
August 18, 2011 5:53 pm
Fab! Congrats again!
August 18, 2011 6:17 pm
Congrats Claire. I’ve been reading your blog for years. You’ve earned this!
August 18, 2011 7:26 pm
Aww congrats Claire. Well spoken and your interview made me smile cause you look uber friendly.
August 18, 2011 7:39 pm
I love it!!!!
August 18, 2011 7:48 pm
One word INSPIRATIONAL!! I can’t even express how I feel watching the video and reading your story..Congrats Clarie!
August 18, 2011 7:51 pm
Very inspirational and beautiful :)
August 18, 2011 8:00 pm
Your testimony and story directly speaks to where I am now…in the very beginning of my journey. Such an inspiration and a celebration to see your dreams to come true! You are such a beautiful woman, inside and out. Many more blessings your way!
August 18, 2011 8:14 pm
You look great Claire and carry yourself beautifully, representing no only women of color but those women of color in the fashion industry or striving to follow in your footsteps! Very inspirational women at the photoshoot. What an honor for you…
August 18, 2011 8:28 pm
CONGRATULATIONS! your looks in the mag were on point. you stood out among everyone, no bs.
August 18, 2011 9:12 pm
Claire you are such an inspiration!!!!
August 18, 2011 9:39 pm
OMG this is so inspiring! Congrats Claire!
August 18, 2011 10:08 pm
Amazing! Congrats!
August 18, 2011 10:11 pm
IReceived my magazine in the mail yesterday and I can say you ladies look amazing… Claire I wish you would share your workout secrets your legs are Fabulous
August 19, 2011 12:06 am
awww, great job! CONGRATS!
August 19, 2011 12:20 am
Claire,
You’re so inspiring. It is all about following your dreams and just believing in S.E.L.F. Do your thang,girl!
-Amanda xoxoxo
August 19, 2011 12:24 am
Congrats Claire!
August 19, 2011 12:26 am
Amazing, amazing, amazing! Congratulations!
August 19, 2011 12:28 am
I just got all verklempt after reading your testimonial! Where’s my hanky?
CONGRATS!!!!
August 19, 2011 12:32 am
Everyone looks gorgeous. Congratulations!!
August 19, 2011 12:41 am
Great testament to the fact that thoughts become things!!!! Loved the spread and you ladies looked very nice. Keep reaching for the stars.
August 19, 2011 1:28 am
oh—and someone was reading “The Secret” back then :)
August 19, 2011 7:40 am
Thanks for sharing your testimony Claire, it is proof that hard work, believing in yourself and staying positive works! Congratulations on being in this issue. Cheers to more opportunities.
August 19, 2011 9:00 am
Beautiful story Claire!! Congrats on being a positive influence in the fashion community. Kudos to you– I LOVE this site!!
August 19, 2011 9:07 am
Congrats Claire!
August 19, 2011 9:07 am
You look beautiful, gurrrl ! Congrats. I am new to this blog and I have learned so much! I have upped my Fashion quotient by 50 points taking tips from you are your readers
August 19, 2011 9:24 am
I had goosebumps watching that video Claire. You made it and I am so happy to be able to watch you on your journey. Stay Blessed, congratulations darling.
XoXo
velvetpout
August 19, 2011 9:31 am
Claire, many congratulations to you! You deserve that & much more! May God continue to bless you! Continue to live your dreams, you’re an inspiration to many!!!
You look way FAB-btw!!!
August 19, 2011 9:31 am
Congrats Claire! I’m a huge fan of your site, I read it daily. I was so excited to see you in Essence along with all the other beautiful fashionistas. You are proof that dreams do come true, even for us. *high five
Black Girls Rock!
August 19, 2011 9:39 am
You and everyone else look HOT HOT HOT.
August 19, 2011 9:45 am
It’s been said before but is worth repeating; you really are inspirational! I too have had cards printed (I’ve called myself Mangaging Editor of my blog – why not?!) and am blogging my backside off as well.
You show me it can be done (and there are days I certainly feel otherwise). Well done you.
August 19, 2011 10:02 am
Go Claire!!!! As a loyal reader from the beginning! I’m soooo proud of you! Keep rising to the top!!! :)
August 19, 2011 10:38 am
I first thought that was christette michele and Kandi…like, since when are they fashionistas?? Anyway, congrats
August 19, 2011 10:46 am
love u claire! and you were so cute on camera! i will actually go buy an essence mag this month lol
August 19, 2011 11:28 am
looking as fab as you did between the sheets of essence mag, being interviewed along with the likes of Ms. Ambrose…this is definitley got to be one of those “I’ve made it moments!” You deserve it all. Still waiting on your book.
August 19, 2011 12:06 pm
Congrats you have to claim it in advance!
August 19, 2011 12:48 pm
your a true inspiration. that’s all I can say. I have been following your blog for years and it’s so great to see someone grow in such a positive light! you made my day :)
August 19, 2011 2:51 pm
You look amazing!! We have the same style hair cut and i love what they did to it!!! That is all.
August 19, 2011 7:46 pm
OMG I finally get to hear the voice to the lady behind this amazing blog!! You looked absolutely amazing! So did everyones else!! FAB FAB FABULOUS
August 20, 2011 5:04 pm
Such a high-light to my day. This video was so fun, fashionable, and inspiring. All that positive energy just radiated! Blessings to ALL!
August 21, 2011 3:55 am
Yay Claire! Just beautiful story and beautiful testimony! I’m proud to say that I was given one of those cards and believed right along with you! You go head! (C:
August 21, 2011 10:09 pm
Picked up this magazine last week and I was so excited to see you in there Claire…you are an inspiration to me and so many!!! Keep up the good work… GET IT GIRL!!!
August 22, 2011 1:19 pm
Love this video so much! All of you women are uniquely gorgeous, inspiring and charming. Bevy Smith has always been one of my favorite personalities and Miss Claire, it is such a pleasure to actually hear your voice. Great testimony!
August 24, 2011 10:39 pm
Thanks for that testimony about the business cards.. I needed the inspiration! & again, you all looked FAB!
September 18, 2011 5:20 pm
Awe!*tear* Congrats on all your success, Claire. You look absolutely ravishing.