Time to showcase another #BombBlogger!

And, I’ve got quite the treat! So, today, I’m highlighting the lovely Charisma Monroe of the impressive blog Chronic Teachings of a Regal Fatty.

According to her ‘About Me‘ section, Charisma states, “My sole mission is simply to be the undefined, uncensored, unrestricted, fearless person I once desperately sought (growing up). Always has been, always will be. While carrying out the task, I put my journalistic skills to use, showcased my personal style and wit, and people happened to “like” me. With any recognition comes feedback. Sometimes it’s empowering and beautiful, sometimes it’s hateful, critical, and disapproving. Either way, seeking acceptance from anyone besides myself is something I’ve outgrown. Label me as you desire. As long as I’ve caught your attention. “

As you can see, she caught my attention! Her undeniable literary presence coupled with her impeccable eye for fashion instantly set Charisma apart. I also respect her confidence and the fact that she uses her platform in efforts to spread body positivism and self-assurance.

In my opinion, style is personal. Style is an expression of one’s feelings and emotions through the use of sartorial creativity. Now, as I examine Charisma’s style, I see fearlessness, I see boundless confidence and I also sense evident self-love. This fashionista’s wardrobe is filled with daring hues, eye-popping prints and bomb accessories. (And, her smile is the icing on the cake!) She’s the epitome of chic with a hint of sass!

Slay on, hun!

Want to know more about this dynamic diva? Well, follow Charisma via Instagram @charisma_monroe or feel free to check out her blog here.

 

Thoughts?

 

Signing Out — Esmesha

 

Zoe Kravitz went all out at last night’s ‘Allegiant’ Premiere, slipping on a Valentino Spring 2016 fishnet dress and bodysuit:

Zoe rocked it almost exactly as the model on the runway, instead pinning her hair up and going for a muted red lip.

The dress comes from Valentino’s Spring 2016 ready-to-wear collection and features a sheer fishnet lined-dress with fringe detailing at the bottom over a black bodysuit.

I think this look is Bomb and shows why Zoe slaaaays! What do you think? Hot or Hmm?

 

Hot!…or Hmmm: Zoe Kravitz Allegiant Premiere’s Valentino Spring 2016 Black Fishnet Dress and Bodysuit

Hot! Serve Zoe!!!!

Hmm…not flattering.

 

pollcode.com free polls

Rihanna chilled and grabbed a drink in Miami, sporting a Dries Van Noten Printed Satin Coat:

Her orange and mauve satin coat features a self-tie wrap front and allover print.

Rih loves herself some Dries!

Get Rih’s coat for a splurge here.

Are you feeling it?

Inclusion on the runway and in fashion campaigns is progressing, but at a snaillike pace. In a story published today on TeenVOGUE.com, Naomi Campbell recounts a story from the start of her career that demonstrates how little the industry has advanced when it comes to hair stylists’ and makeup artists’ experience with working with models of color backstage.

“When I was younger, I encountered this same issue,” said Naomi. She continued, “I would be backstage at shows and there would be stylists who didn’t have any experience working with black models. It’s disappointing to hear that models of color are still encountering these same issues all these years later.”

Icon and inclusion champion and pioneer, Bethann Hardison, lent her thoughts on the subject. “If you don’t have models of color [being booked for a show], there’s no point in practice. “Often girls didn’t get the job if there was difficulty for the technician to actually do their hair.”

She would always bring her own products to shows and was well-versed in doing her own hair and makeup because of the technicians’ lack of experience. She suggests today’s models of color learn how to do the same. “I’d always bring my own products — my own makeup colors, hair products everything — just to be sure that I had everything I needed to achieve a certain look. I came along during a timeframe when girls with darker skin knew how to make their own makeup. They learned from Naomi Sims. If the makeup artist didn’t have [their shade], they knew how to mix [foundations] together to get their exact color.”

Naturally, she doesn’t view this as an excuse on the part of the technicians and notes the inequality when it comes to skill sets between white artists and those of color. “The technicians should start learning. People need to be educated. The average black technician can do anyone’s hair and anyone’s makeup because they have to in order to get the job.”

Naomi, Bethann, and Iman are a part of Balance Diversity: an initiative started by Bethann’s advocacy group Diversity Coalition. “I think this issue only underscores the importance of what Bethann Hardison, Iman, and I are doing with Balance Diversity. We’re using our voices to encourage the industry to be inclusive of racial diversity. And this applies to everything from casting models of color to having resources they need for shows, like hair and makeup.”

Bethann believes the media—both diversity reports, stories, and social—are great ways to bring awareness to the issue and make change happen. “You need the press. To make things change, there has to be a blow-horn. It puts pressure on technicians to learn. It makes them stand on their toes and they become more conscious of it. Speak your piece. If you have even one or two people’s minds change or become aware, you’ve accomplished something.”

What are your thoughts? Read the full story here.

The Smith family was spotted in New York City, where Will is busy shooting his latest movie ‘Collateral Beauty’. The family was out and about, with Jada Pinkett Smith rocking a Fausto Puglisi coat:

The coat is from the Fall 2015 Ready-to-Wear line, and features bright black, white and cerulean diagonal stripping along the fur.

Jada finished the look off with black pumps and a matching clutch.

Personally, I love the look and I think she’s rocking the coat! What do you think of her look? Is it Hot or Hmm?

 

Hot!… or Hmm: Jada Pinkett Smith New York City’s Fausto Puglisi Fall 2015 White Black and Cerulean Coat

Hot! Go Jada!

Hmm….I’m not digging the coat.

 

pollcode.com free polls

 

Karrueche stepped out in West Hollywood wearing a pair of $798 (on sale!) Giuseppe Zanotti Alabama OTK brown, suede boots.  Ciara was spied in the same pair one week earlier.

Both ladies choose black as their dominant color.  Karrueche showed off some leg, while Ciara opted for black jeans and a black long sleeved shirt.

Ciara’s entire look screams comfortable and chic.  She’s my pick!  Who do you think wore it best?

 

 

Who Wore it Better? Karrueche vs Ciara in Giuseppe Zanotti Alabama OTK Suede Boots

Karrueche! Duh!

Ciara definitely!

Both women looked phenomenal.

Eh, they both looked bad.

 

pollcode.com free polls

 

 

 

Tracee Ellis Ross shimmered and sparkled at The Paley Center For Media’s 33rd Annual PALEYFEST Black-ish Panel. For the occasion, she was clad in a Naeem Khan Spring 2016 Multicolor Sequin Stripe Dress and $845 Paul Andrew Navy Stanton Sandals:

Her dress was paired with a matching headband, statement-making earrings, and sky-high platform sandals on the runway.

Her simple suede sandals feature buckled ankle straps. Check out the brown pair below.

She’s always flawless.

What do you think? Hot! or Hmm…?

Hot! or Hmm… Tracee Ellis Ross’s The Paley Center For Media’s 33rd Annual PALEYFEST Black-ish Panel Naeem Khan Spring 2016 Multicolor Sequin Stripe Dress and Paul Andrew Navy Stanton Sandals

Hot! Tracee looks fab

Hmm…not feeling the dress

 

pollcode.com free polls

We’ve all heard the terrible, heart-clenching and provoking horror stories of unpaid internships in the Fashion industry. Quickly written off as the “you’re doing it for the experience and not the money” understatement for the lives of thousands of hopeful workers, it’s been a huge topic of discussion over the past few years as interns and agencies have fought for monetary rights as a result of long hours and strenuous circumstances.

Experience doesn’t pay bills.

Well, now there’s a gleaming thought of hope for all those wanting to pick up their fashion experience in the Big Apple this summer in an internship. A new initiative, entitled NYC Fashion Forward, will created a variety of paid internships to students aspiring to work in the fashion industry. Backed by the CFDA, Mayor Bill De Blasio and the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the initiative will provide 100 selected high school students and college undergrads with paid internships at a multitude of fashion companies.

The best part? It’s not just one part of fashion, but limitless possibilities with internships ranging from fashion and jewelry design, public relations, manufacturing and much more. Although the list is still growing, companies such as 3.1 Phillip Lim, Diane Von Furstenburg, Opening Ceremony and Kate Spade have already signed up to join the initiative!

Those who are chosen for the NYC Fashion Forward initiative will receive up to 30 hours of preemployment training, and the internship will officially start sometime in July. Students will work around 25 hours per week for a span of six weeks.

Are you interested in scoring a paid internship in New York City this summer? Applications are open until April. 15, and interested candidates can apply here.

 

House of uBuhle’s Lwazi polka dot fitted jumpsuit is a great piece to help you transition into the spring.

The long sleeved, black and orange polka dot jumpsuit is made of 100% wax cotton.  It’s light-weight material will keep you cooler as the temperature begins to heat up.  If you’re looking for a great brunch or happy hour ensemble, the Lwazi jumpsuit is a great option.

You can purchase here for $129.  What do you think of this piece? Would you wear it?