Athleta Fall Fashion

Fall has made its way to Chicago and is hitting us all hard (I am definitely curled up in bed with tea and Vicks while writing this). The other week, I hosted a yoga class and shopping event at Athleta in Oak Brook Center, and put together a few of my favorite fall looks for you guys and am here to share them!

There are SO many reasons why I love the Athleta brand and their clothing:
• Comfortable and versatile clothing
• High-quality and long lasting products
• Campaigns geared towards empowering women and girls #powerofshe
• Certified B Corporation
• 2020 goals: fabrics made of sustainable fibers, products made using water-saving techniques, etc.
Find more out here!

Office

Shirt: Marinwood Stripe Shirt
Pants: Stellar Crop Pant

Yoga/Workout 

Sweatshirt: Criss Cross Back Hoodie Sweatshirt
Pants: Saultation Modblock 7/8 Tight 

Weekend

Sweater: Switchback Pullover Sweater
Jeans: Sculptek Skinny Jean Quartz Wash

Walk/Outdoor Fitness Activity

Sweatshirt: Topanga Top
Vest: Tioga Vest
Pants: Essex Camo Hybrid Tight 
Happy Fall!
XOXO,
Gee Nicolette 

Designing a Career in Fashion

I had the opportunity to interview the fabulous fashion designer, friend and old college roomie of mine, Brianna Neal! Read more to find out how Bri followed her dreams of fashion design and broke into the industry!

Gina: Welcome Bri! Why don’t you give us a little background of yourself.
Brianna: I am an Indiana native who came to Chicago 5 years ago for college. I conquered that and now I am pursuing my dream of being a fashion designer. Since I was a little girl, I loved dressing my dolls and began sketching garments at a young age. Through the years, I continued to indulge in fashion with drawing, taking a sewing class in middle school and once high school came I knew that’s what I wanted to do! My mom always nurtured my creative mind. She was the one who pushed/encouraged me to pursue this dream.

G: What made you want to pursue a degree in Fashion Design?
B: I was already so in love with clothing/styling and having a high school course where we made beginner things such as pillows, pajama shorts, and one skirt was just not enough.. I just knew there was more to it lol. I wanted to learn how to be able to create my on garments. Ultimately fulfilling the dream of becoming a fashion designer.

G: Where do you draw inspiration from for your collections?
B: As for my inspiration, it can literally come from anywhere. I am always drawn to African culture, the beautiful textiles, colors, and shapes just feeds my imagination. Sometimes even music can inspire an outfit or even a collection.

G: Talk to me about your latest collection or project you’re working on.
B: My latest project is a collection called DAHL (Doll). It is my version of a 2018 African American Barbie Doll. Emphasizing African prints and bold colors she will be showcasing her fearlessness and passion for her heritage.

G: Where can we find your work?
B: You can find my work on blashaedesigns.com and on my Instagram @b.lashaedesigns

G: What advice would you give to someone that wants to break into the fashion industry?
B: My advice would be to be ready for hard work/long nights, always be prepared for anything; you don’t know where you next opportunity will present itself, and as cliche as it sounds DO NOT GIVE UP! You can do anything you put your mind to, keep pushing and always be positive.

Thank you so much to Brianna for talking to us about her passion for design and showing us some of her beautiful pieces! Don’t forget to work hard and follow your dreams. 

“It’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together.” 

XOXO,
Gee Nicolette 


Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

One thing that I have been trying to do more of in my life is step out of my comfort zone, whether that be trying new clothing pieces, food, or even in my yoga practice. I was never a fan of the fanny pack trend (yes, I know, I am a child of the 90s, how dare I), but I was willing to give it a try when I saw this adorable (and versatile) version from Enzee Boutique. 
One thing that really drew me to this bag is the fact that you can wear it around your waist OR you can adjust the strap and wear it around your shoulder/cross body. I am a fan of multi-functional pieces, which brings me to the next reason why I love this bag- it’s black! Yes, you always hear people say, black goes with everything, but it really does. You can never say no to a black bag because it truly will match just about every outfit. This little bag is perfect for those days you don’t have a lot to carry around or if you need to work on cutting down the number of items in your purse (guilty as charged). 

I invite you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new- even if it’s just switching up an outfit! 
Entire Outfit: Enzee Boutique 
XOXO,
Gee Nicolette