What to Wear for the Holidays

I had the pleasure of writing a guest post for Cocktails and Conversation on what to wear for the holidays. Check out an excerpt below:

The holidays are here and women are contemplating on what to wear this year. However the question most women ponder over is what do I wear? For some this is an easy question, but for most women the decision on what to wear is a complete nightmare. It is important to have a general idea of what you would like to wear. First, check your invites so you are aware of the dress code. It would be a tragedy to show up to an event that is formal and you are dressed semi-formal. When deciding what to wear it is important that you know the difference with what you can wear to a work holiday party versus a night out with friends..... (read full article here)

If you are still undecided about what to wear for the holidays read the full article....New Years Eve is right around the corner.

Quality vs Quantity

Residing in the Capital Region for several years I have observed that most women prefer quantity over quality. Quantity is a particular or indefinite amount of anything but we are referring to clothing, accessories and shoes. Quality is character with respect to fineness, or grade of excellence. Many women have chosen clothing of poor quality to instead have a mass quantity, when in fact you should have items of fine quality. I am not advising anyone to have wine taste with beer pockets but that is why you SAVE. If you save for quality items you can never go wrong. A quality item will last you a long time and does not have to be replaced as often as an inexpensive piece. I remember my mom telling me as a young girl "don't ever buy cheap jewelry or clothing because in the end its not worth the pennies you paid". There are several items you should NEVER buy cheap:

• little black dress


• black pumps (must own at least one pair)


• handbags


• pearls (earrings, necklace and/or bracelet)

It is okay to buy inexpensive BASIC and a few TRENDY items but if your ENTIRE wardrobe is full of cheap clothing believe me people will notice. Cheap clothing will have you at the mall every week replacing those same items. Focus on the quality of a garment rather than purchasing a ton of fashion forward clothing. Get into the habit of paying more attention to the seams, stitching, fabric, and fit of items. I hate to make shopping sound difficult but if you want to look your best all the time as well as have long lasting wears than INVEST in good quality clothing. Yes I used the word INVEST because quality clothing is an investment. Can you take the clothes you bought from Forever 21 and re-sell them on ebay? Will you have those same items 5 years from now? Once washed do you get the same feel from those inexpensive clothes? These are questions you should ask yourself prior to purchasing clothing. Again if its a piece here and there (sporadic) than I say go to inexpensive stores but I encourage you to purchase key pieces that cost a pretty penny. It will all be worth it 5 years from now when that Little black dress is still a crisp black. What are your thoughts Lovies?

The Perfect Little Black Dress

Since its initial introduction in 1926 by the infamous Coco Chanel, the little black dress has become the epitome of classic style. The most important clothing item in a women's closet is an LBD (little black dress). For those who are unaware an LBD is a simple yet timeless, staple piece that can be worn often. Have you ever faced the "I don't have anything to wear" dilemma? Owning the perfect LBD eliminates the stress of feeling you need to spend money on multiple items because the versatility is endless.

Read full article and receive tips here.

Angela Burt-Murray Resigns from Essence Magazine

A little over four months ago Essence (a Magazine which caters to the African American community) Editor-in-Chief Angela Burt-Murray made headlines due to hiring a Caucasian Fashion Director (Ellianna Placas). Burt-Murray made it clear to readers that her reason for hiring Elliana Placas was based on her resume working for both O: The Oprah Magazine and US Weekly. Her decision caused an uproar amongst black women and men. Angela has now made headlines again for her choice to resign from the Magazine.

Read the full article here.

Love It or Leave It: Spirit Hoods

What do Khloe Kardashian, Method Man, Fergie, Lindsay Lohan and Ke$ha have in common? They all absolutely love Spirit Hoods. Spirit Hood Creator Ashley Haber used tribes has her inspiration for her line. Read the full article here.

What is a Fashion Stylist/Image Consultant?

I have had many people ask me: What is a Fashion Stylist? Several have mistaken or compared the role of a Fashion Stylist to that of a Fashion Designer. The two differ tremendously, so I thought it would be best to give you some insight into the world of Styling. I am a Fashion Stylist/Image Consultant and have been for the past year. Although Designers and Stylist work together on a daily basis they are not one in the same.

Read the full article here.

Fashion Trend: Turbans

No matter your personality, head wear; turbans specifically allows you to explore a completely different look. Turbans known for its religious purpose has made its way into main stream fashion and is a huge trend this season. Before we can appreciate the velocity of this style that celebrities have dared to wear we need to understand the original meaning behind it all. Click here to read the rest.

Fatima Tan'ia: Albany Fashion Examiner

Hello Lovies...I have some great news to share. I have been offered a position as the Capital Regions Fashion Examiner/Editor. My first article is up and I would love your support. Be sure to read the article as well as "like" the link. Thanks in advance for your love and support.

Here is the link to the first article: Fatima Albany Fashion Examiner