with Faith Evans
with my models
February 14, 2015
Celebrating Black History Month With Fashion and Style
I’m so excited! In celebration of Black History Month, tomorrow on FOX-46 Good Day Carolinas I’ll be showcasing some wonderful fashions and accessories by African American designers who all either live in or have ties to the Carolinas. Be sure to watch live (between 7:15 and 7:45 am) as I introduce you to:
on set
Watch the segment here: http://www.myfoxcarolinas.com/clip/11138830/fashion-show
JEZIGN by JEZ MARSTON
Designer Jez Marston was born in Jamaica to a Jamaican Father and African American mother and grew up in Maryland. Notably, his grandmother, Sara Lou Harris Carter from Wilkesboro, NC, was one of the first African American models to appear in national US ads.
Jez came up with the idea of illuminated footwear while studying design principles at the School of Architecture & Engineering at Howard University. In the year 2000, he applied for a patent on the invention and ended up receiving two patents for his technology.
The shoes have an on/off button on the side, allowing for continuous or selective illumination in the sole and a replaceable battery compartment in the tongue of the shoe that powers the technology. There is no blinking or flashing once the lights are on.
Jez’s designs have been featured in numerous publications including NY Daily News and STAR Magazine and are very popular with celebrities including Chris Brown, who wore them one year to the American Music Awards.
You can find his newer designs later this year in Downtown Locker Room (DTLR) retail stores and other select retailers or get additional information at www.jezign.net. Follow Jez on Instagram: @deuce_17.
DEJABOTIES by DJ BOYD and STEVEN ALSTON
In 2013 DJ Boyd and Steven Alston had the idea of making just a few bow-ties for themselves for formal events. Later, they decided to turn it into a business with the help of DJ’s mom, who was an established seamstress in South Carolina. The entrepreneurs took custom orders and she made them. They eventually converted part of their home into a what they call a “sewing sweatshop”, often staying up late nights making, packaging & shipping orders. They both knew that sacrificing and dedication came with the territory if they wanted to get their business off the ground. They encourage everyone to “allow your passion to align with your purpose” and to live everyday with a purpose and passion for what you do!
My first model, Michael French, will be wearing pieces from their Black History Line which includes a leather & kente cloth bow-tie, matching pocket square, burlap lapel flower & Egyptian-inspired cufflinks, as a nod to African American heritage.
All of their creations are custom made; bow-ties are adjustable/1-size fits all; and they also design lapel pins for men as well as lapel flowers.
You can find their designs at Silverfly in Charlotte or place custom orders at www.dejaboties.com
MANAZHE’ by ALESHIA MATTHEWS
Aleshia Matthews has been designing since she was a child, growing up watching her mother and grandmother sew. After studying clothing & textile design, graphic design, marketing and advertising at the University of North Carolina Greensboro she launched her strong, sexy, fun & fearless line in 2011!
All of Aleshia’s designs focus on the bodies of the people wearing them. Her brand motto is “The idea inside the clothes”.
Her model Billie-Rose Tachter will be wearing a Manazhe’ statement piece that can be worn as a coat or evening dress. Underneath, a green body-conscious lace dress is the perfect compliment to the white silk fabric with black damask print. With this outfit you’re ready for anything!
To shop Manazhe’ Designs or for more information on Aleshia Matthews, please visit: www.manazhe.com
ROBERT CRAIG
Robert Craig also started designing at a young age, creating clothing in high school at 15. He studied at Norfolk State University and the Fashion Institute of Technology and has designed for clients throughout the United States including four-time Grammy Award Winner Karen Clark-Sheard.
Joining fashion expertise and hair artistry, Robert is also a cosmetology instructor at the Paul Mitchell School in Charlotte, NC.
Model Tyree Murphy will be wearing one of his beautiful black & off-white creations which is a wonderful example of why Robert has been invited to show collections in New York’s couture fashion week as well as Paris’ fashion week.
Connect with Robert Craig on Facebook.
January 10, 2015
Fashion forecast on Good Day Carolinas
Enya Flack of It’s a Glam Thing presents a 2015 narrative re: Girls/Boys/Teen fashion while presenting clothing and accessories to include brands from:
Video coming soon.
Laura Ashley
Nautica
Vionic
AZUL by moussy
Pret a Porter
SINGLE
Lola Shoetique
January 4, 2015
2015 Fashions on Good Day Carolinas
Today I presented my 2015 Forecast for Men and Women’s fashions.
Watch the segment here: https://itsaglamthing.com/video/2015-forecast/
Models Hadleigh Painter, Katie Bacon and Stephen Mull showed this year’s clothing and accessory trends including designs from:
Lace and Whiskey (women’s clothing)
Lola Shoetique (women’s shoes)
SILVERFLY (men’s fashion), Charlotte’s destination for polished & reinterpreted menswear classics, including clothing, shoes & accessories. The specialty shop opened up in 2012 at The Metropolitan in Midtown. SILVERFLY offers a sophisticated take on urban living.
Here’s what Stephen wore:
Light Blue Stripe button up dress shirt –Sand of Copenhagen– Clean look, sophisticated, blue buttons blue stitching ribboning from the collar to the hem & on cuffs. The buttons & ribbon really dress up a shirt. It has a very flattering athletic fit. ($180)
Jacket –7 Diamonds– Patch Pocket unstructured Blazer Sophisticated but yet polished and versatile. You can wear with slacks or dress down with jeans. ($275)
Grey Slacks – 7 Diamonds – Modern fit grey slacks. No pleats, fitted, more tapered and better fitting around the legs. A steal at $89
Brown Wingtips –Dahlin– Italian Leather wingtips, Brown is in no matter what color you wear. Match brown belt with brown shoes. ($325)
Socks –Happy Socks– A way to show a little style and dress up the shoes. Another way of stepping out of the crowd and having some fun with style. You can get as crazy as you want with socks! There are a lot of different colors and patters for everyone!
Beaded Bracelet –Charming by Camille Marie– accessories for men are a great way to complete an outfit and show some style. Can be very masculine and lots of options for jewelry. ($55)
Thanks to all of the suppliers and models!
December 30, 2014
Product shots from Enya Flack’s Christmas Day Fashion segment
December 26, 2014
Pictures after the show
After my segment aired Christmas Day on Good Day Carolinas and the show ended, we had “breakfast” cooked by chefs from Emeril’s restaurant e2 🙂
on set
On set
Breakfast
December 25, 2014
Party Style on Good Day Carolinas
On Good Day Carolinas on Christmas morning, I will present an assortment of party fashion and style items to include:
On Good Day Carolinas
Watch the video here: https://itsaglamthing.com/video/new-year-style/
Rhonda Shear Shimmer Seamless Tanks. They come in black and red shimmer ($29.90). This New year, treat yourself to this fabulous shimmer tank from the Rhonda Shear collection! Comfort stretch • Silver fog foil gives shimmer effect on outside only • Easy dual sizing • Wide non-adjustable straps • Fabric: 95% nylon, 5% spandex
https://www.rhondashear.com/seamless-shimmer-tank.html $29.90
Rustic Cuff was created by Jill Donovan. Cuff bracelets have adorned the wrists of some of the most beautiful and powerful women throughout history. So why not start off the New Year with beauty and power of your own with a Rustic Cuff. Rustic Cuff can be found in over 250 stores across the country as well as on Nordstrom.com and in select Dillard’s stores. Rustic Cuffs are available in prices ranging over and under $100. For a complete list of retail locations visit at www.rusticcuff.com
Fold-Over clutch from Alex and Ani’s new Gabriel Collection in the beautiful Amethyst color ($168) was inspired by Archangel Gabriel, the sacred messenger, this divine clutch securely holds your treasured belongings. The Path of Life symbol is embossed on the leather by artisans, making the bag a perfect, meaningful accompaniment to the day’s adventures. Featuring a unique fold over functionality, a leather zipper pull fringe, and a zip top, this clutch travels with you from day to night seamlessly. http://www.alexandani.com/handbags-1/gabriel-fold-over-clutch-amethyst.html
Kitsch Bun Pins, ($24)Kitsch Bun Pins are a perfect accessory for instant style for your hair this New Year season. Simply put your hair up into a top knot and place a Kitsch Bun Pin in front for the perfect finishing touch! Available in designs like: Deco, Crystal, BoHo and more. http://www.mykitsch.com/bun-pins/
Lindy Bop Designs are obsessed with fashion, the vintage kind! For generations, fashion has adapted as the decades have passed. Taking a closer look at the 40s and 50s, it seems like these decades had the biggest impact on the classic styles which we still wear today. There were many style icons who influenced the direction in which fashion followed. At Lindy Bop you will find styles like ‘Gina’ Glamorous Golden & Black 40’s 50’s Vintage Tea Party Dress, ‘Valerie’ So Sophisticated, Polka Dot Edged 50’s Vintage Swing Dress, ‘Cindy’ Popularly Pretty Polka Dot Print Vintage 50’s Party Dress, ‘Lisette’ Exquisitely Elegant Deep Blue Lace 40’s 50’s Style Party Dress and many more designs. www.lindybop.co.uk
Carmen Steffens Shoes are sold worldwide. Founded in 1993, Carmen Steffens manufactures extremely exclusive, limited-run products that are very diverse and of the highest quality. Carmen Steffens Shoe designs include wedges, boots , flats and heels perfect for ringing in the New Year. Price range upwards of $100 http://www.carmensteffens.com/ Carmen Steffens collections also include handbags and accessories.
November 19, 2014
Gift Idea: Vintage Black Glamour
I have a lot of friends who are pretty tough when it comes to buying gifts. So, I’m always looking for something unique. This morning I found a really interesting BBC video clip spotlighting a new book called Vintage Black Glamour that looks fabulous!
The author, Nichelle Gainer, started a Tumblr page on the topic after discovering that black actors, entertainers, models, etc. were greatly underrepresented in most depictions of Hollywood’s golden age of glamour. The resulting recently published coffee table book not only contains those photographs but also biographies of some of the men and women who paved the way for current-day celebrities.
I can think of at least three friends who’ll be getting this for Christmas! Take a look…Maybe you know someone who would love it too:)
Lena Horne | Vintage Black Glamour by Nichelle Gainer
More about the book: http://vintageblackglamourbook.com/
October 30, 2014
Fall into Shape
Fall is by far my favorite time of the year. And since I’ve been spending more time on the east coast recently, I’m getting the chance to experience some REAL fall weather! The only downfall to the colder weather for me is that I’m not always as motivated to work out. Thank goodness I’ve come to learn that I’m not the only one who needs a little bit more of a push at this time of the year!
There are a lot of great bodies in Hollywood, but my friend Elizabeth Morrell is one of the MOST fit people I know….I’m mean, the woman actually has an EIGHT-pack…and an incredible story of how she got there. She’s also a fitness trainer and the star of her own tv show Ms. Fit One. So, I figured we could all learn a thing or two about keeping in shape at this time of the year from her. Here’s what she had to say:
I am the new kid on the block, literally. I recently moved to Charlotte, North Carolina from Southern California where it is sunny all year long. I can ride my bike outside in any season, the weather is always beautiful – however Charlotte, not so much. I am not accustomed to this cold weather, yes, I said COLD…. to me, but cool to the natives. I guess I can’t stay bundled up under my warm blanket on my big comfy couch, I must find ways to stay in shape in cool weather.
It doesn’t matter if you are already in shape or trying to lose weight, here are a few great workouts for fall season. Spin class, yes, I still must get my ride on. Maybe I can’t ride with the wind blowing in my face but I can still get in my jumps, hills and sprints in a spin class. Spinning is one of the best ways to burn calories without all the pressure on your knees. You can burn up to 1,000 calories in a one-hour class.
I really don’t enjoy Yoga, I said it!! But it is an essential practice for the mind, body and spirit – though I admit I am a seasonal Yogi. When it’s cold outside, I seek warmth and why not get a good workout in a controlled heated environment. Hot Yoga calls my name in the fall. Yoga is so necessary for not only your body but your mind. It is a great way to increase strength, gain flexibility and tone your body as well as keep your mind centered and focused, all in one nice HOT place. Namaste.
My favorite is resistance/strength/weight training, whatever you call it, (I am that chick in the weight room with the big boys). I love resistance training is all seasons. You can throw on your scarf, hat, coat and gloves and make it to your local gym or you can simply move your furniture around and get busy in the comfort of your own home. Resistance training is so important! It is not just for body builders! It improves muscle strength and tone; it boosts your energy, improves your mood, and increases your self-esteem. I can go on and on about the benefits of strength training but the bottom line is, pick up a pair of dumbbells, a resistance band and a ball and you have a total home gym.
There you have it three things you need to keep you in shape for the fall: Spin for cardio, it builds your endurance and burns fat. Hot Yoga, for your flexibility and focus and resistance training for building your muscle strength and overall total body wellness.
Check out your local fitness centers to find the nearest classes near you and fall into shape with me!
You can read more about Elizabeth Morrell in a recent article here in Courageous Women Magazine.
October 13, 2014
Jamaican Glam
Hi everyone! I’m so excited to tell you about my latest adventure! I’ve been back from Jamaica for about a week now, things are just starting to slow down a little so I wanted to fill you in on my trip.
As one of a lucky group of guests of the Jamaica Board of Tourism and Global Renaissance Entertainment, I had the chance to spend four incredible days at the beautiful Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall in Montego Bay, participate in several fun island activities, and was treated to an exclusive “Destination Experience” finale party at the legendary Goldeneye Resort in Oracabessa.
The whole weekend was built around a press conference at the famous Rose Hall Estate where Global Renaissance announced that they will be filming a trilogy of films based on the old sugar cane plantation which is legendary and rumored to be haunted. Media from all over the US and abroad were there and had the chance to interview Final Destination‘s creator Jeffrey Reddick; the producers of the franchise, Arthur Wylie & Dale Godboldo; film investors and some of Jamaica’s elite. Principal shooting for the first of the films will begin in the spring of 2015 and will surely benefit the Jamaican economy.
Just so you know, this wasn’t only a pleasure trip! I was also there to do some location scouting for a new travel show that I’m developing with Global Renaissance. Unfortunately I can’t say too much about it at the moment, but I will say that I’m super excited about it and will definitely fill you in as soon as I can….to be continued!