Featured African Designer lafalaise-dion From Côte d'Ivoire
I grew up in a society where we were taught to reject, to demonize African spirituality and mystical practices. Naturally, as I grew up, I felt a fear of anything that emanated from African spirituality. The gods, the practices, created in me a psychosis. However, I kept hidden in myself an unexplained admiration for the cauri
I grew up in a society where we were taught to reject, to demonize African spirituality and mystical practices. Naturally, as I grew up, I felt a fear of anything that emanated from African spirituality. The gods, the practices, created in me a psychosis. However, I kept hidden in myself an unexplained admiration for the cauri. I could not explain how this so-called "diabolical shell" could attract me as much. I watched him from a distance, I appreciated him by forbidding me to have physical contact with him. And then, a few years ago, my curiosity as a journalist pushed me to get closer to spirituality to get away from religion. As I read, research and meditate, I discovered AFRICAN SPIRITUALITY and the power of the Cauri. I understood where my attraction for cowries came from. I learned that the history of my people was inseparable from that of the cauri ... Old currency in West Africa, object of divination, communication link between men and spirits, the cauri represents wealth, power, the protection, the woman, the creation, the femininity, the sexuality ... Its curved back recalls the belly of a pregnant woman. It is a symbol of fertility. The split that separates the two parts, represents the duality. The power of this shell is immense, its mysterious origin ... .. It is said that it comes from the Maldives. It was introduced in West Africa in the 8th century as a bargaining chip by Arab traders. It was thus adopted by my people who knew how to recognize his power. With us Dan, people from the western region of Côte d'Ivoire, cowries are part of our lives, they are our protectors, the messengers of djinans (geniuses). That's why we use them to give strength to our masks, our dancers. For our mystical rituals, to communicate with our ancestors as well as our Gods. "The cowries are so powerful because they draw their strength from the sea from which they come" "we use them because our ancestors asked us to do it" "the cowries speak. They communicate with pure hearts ". "They tell us our story, but we also predict the future." My fight For centuries, we have been told our story for us. Our gods, religions, traditions, rituals have been demonized. Our fetishes carried away. At the place, we were told how and who to pray! How to dress, what to eat. Our existence has been dictated for too many centuries. Today, knowledge is within reach, we must seize it. It is time for us black Africans to reconcile with our heritage and reclaim our culture; our spirituality, our gods and embrace it. Our history, we must write it for ourselves. Therefore, I write mine, that of my people through my creations. They are an invitation to discover my story. That of a woman in search of her story, spirituality, balance; of his Gods, of happiness! I call for a reappropriation of our culture.
lafalaise-dion
4 Sexy Elegant Sequin Evening Dresses Gowns For Sale In My Poshmark Boutique
These new sequin dresses will make you feel elegantly sexy at your next upcoming party event!
6 Raw Canvas Art Paintings For Sale In My Poshmark Closet
I am on a mission to support Tanzanian artisans, designers, and entrepreneurs!
These six acrylic paintings made on raw canvas art, was designed in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Africa, by local Tanzanian Artist ‘KABWANGA’.
I am on a mission to support Tanzanian artisans, designers, and entrepreneurs!
These six acrylic paintings made on raw canvas art, was designed in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Africa, by local Tanzanian Artist ‘KABWANGA’.
Join me on my mission in Tanzania, by visiting my Poshmark store to purchase raw art canvas paintings.
Channel Your Inner Goddess With Luxury Lingerie
The Definition of Goddess:
. A female god
. A woman whose great charm or beauty arouses adoration
Source: Merriam-Webster
. A female being of supernatural powers or attributes, believed in and worshiped by a people
Source: Your dictionary.com
It’s truly amazing how an article of clothing can make you feel. Once you really start admiring and lovin’ on your whole body, you will transform into a Goddess. You will walk differently-talk differently-act differently, and even look different!
There is now scientific evidence to support the claim that clothing can affect our emotions, performance, and mental psyches. Experts have coined the term Enclothed Cognition: the systematic influence that clothes have on the wearer’s psychological processes and abilities
A scientific experiment done by Psychologist, Dr. Galinsky revealed that
a change in clothing will prompt a temporary shift in identity. After analyzing the results, Galinsky concluded, “Clothes invade the body, blood stream, and the brain, putting the wearer into a different psychological state. When we put on a piece of symbolic clothing, we cannot help but adopt some of the characteristics associated with it.
Channel Your Inner Goddess With Luxury Lingerie
Wanna feel confident, powerful, ultra sexy, and in control? Shop these luxury lingerie items, so that you can activate, and channel the inner Goddess within.
Dreamer Chiffon Robe
Chantelle Lace Robe
Goddess of Sensuality
Goddess of Magic Kimono
Audra Luxury Robe Set
Radiant Luxury Robe Set
Juliette Lace Bondage Set
Cobalt Blue Luxury Lingerie Set
Manacor Pearls Lace Bra
Olivia Lace Slip
Lace Lingerie Set
Goddess of Poetry Nightdress
Goddess of Abundance Robe
The 23 Best Faux Crocodile Bags To Buy From GUESS 2022
Crocodile bags have always given off a look of exoticism, and a high level of sophistication. No matter the color, shape, or size, they will be forever timeless, classic, and versatile enough to wear all year around.
Here Are The 23 Best Faux Crocodile Bags To Buy From GUESS 2022
Which croc bag is your favorite?
11 Stylish Eco-friendly Caftans To Wear For Every Occasion
Caftans are one of the most versatile articles of clothing that have ever been made! When wearing a Caftan, you will exude ultra-feminine, classy, sexy, and conservative all at the same time.
You can wear a Caftan over a bikini while strolling on the beach, laying by the poolside, sashaying (and flirting) around the beach resort, wandering through local markets and malls, for breakfast-lunch, and dinner dates, and as loungewear or nightgowns.
I am currently preparing to travel again, and looking forward to adding more Caftans to my wardrobe, as I have found them to be super easy to wear and style. Caftans are also easier to fold, tuck, and/or roll, inside any size luggage, leaving one with plenty of extra space for other clothing, shoes, and travel items.
I always like to feel comfortable while traveling, and a naturally well-made Caftan never disappoints!
Here are 11 Stylish Eco-friendly Caftans To Wear For Every Occasion
Spring is Upon Us-But Don’t Miss Out On This Special 80% Off LYSSE' Winter Sale 2022
As we transition into another equinox, the time has come once again for us to start taking advantage of some out-of-season shopping sales.
While you may be getting ready to stock or re-stock your wardrobe for Spring, the fashion runways are always prepared for the next 2 seasons. You can be this organized as well If you start planning your outfits way ahead of time!
Spring is Upon Us-But Don’t Miss Out On This Special 80% Off Winter Sale at LYSSE’ 2022
If you want to save some major bucks, don't wait until the end of the summer to start shopping for your Winter wardrobe.
Here are some timeless pieces on sale at LYSSE’ that will be stylish for many Winters to come.
Best Designed Bikini Tops To Wear On Your Next Trip To The Beach
Just like lingerie, you can pair bikini tops with blazers, skirts, cut-off denim shorts, and high-waisted pants.
If you are into bright fashion arrangements, you can even get bold and creative with your swimwear, by mix matching your favorite loud colors.
I like to be a little fun and creative from time to time, by mixing and matching my bikini tops and bottoms!
Sometimes a regular traditionally designed bikini top is okay. But if you are looking to upgrade your bikini top style, look no further!
Whether you are taking a trip this winter to a warmer destination, residing in a city where the weather still feels like summer right now, or already planning for your 2022 spring vacation, here are the best designed bikini tops to wear on your next trip to the beach.
Charlotte Knot
This houndstooth print bikini top is uniquely designed with a twisted knot in the mid-breast and hip area. The lace trim band above the stomach, gives off a sexy dainty look.
One Shoulder Lace-Up
One-shoulder bikini tube tops are on trend! This oh-so-chic and sexy pink lace-up is beautifully adorned with wooden beads at the end of the straps!
V Wire
You’ll be sure to turn heads when you show up at the beach in this classic ultra sexy bikini top! This top is fabolously designed with a v-shaped underwire for the ultimate sexy cleavage boost!
Leopard Print
Leopard will never go out of style, of course! Show off your wild side while relaxing by the pool, or strolling on the beach.
High Neck Front Tie-Ribbed
I am in love with this high-neck front tie bikini top! It's cute and sporty! Easily slip it on over your head, and you are good to go.
Off Shoulder Bandeau
Off-the-shoulder tops are my fave! Striped bandeau pairs really well with bikini skirt coverups! Bardot sleeves adds a touch of glamour.
High Neck Cut Out
Look and feel like a goddess while lounging by the pool, or at the beach, in this beautifully designed, geometric, African print bikini top. Goddess top features high neck and attractive cut out design by the breast. So sexy!
Ruffle Lace-Up Corset
The detailing in this floral top bikini are something that should not be overlooked! The caged design, and gathered ruffle material underneath the breast is everything!
Crochet Bralette
Lately, almost anything crochet is in! The tight wrap-around support band underneath the breast makes this sexy natural crochet look uniquely different from any other crochet tops that I have seen.
Extra sexy matching bottoms are something that I would personally keep paired up and not mismatch!
White Strapless V-shape
A v-shaped strapless bikini top designed with soft pleats gives off a simple, sexy, classy look, for an elegant beach resort stay.
Arm Tie
How cute is this?? It kind of looks like a DIY top! The buttons and arm tie says fun and playful.
Metallic Aqua
Metallic aqua bikini top is perfectly and elegantly made-From the color, to the razorback design, to the twisted ties with gold tips!
Which bikini top design is your favorite?
Top 10 Stylish Puffer Coats and Jackets To Wear Right Now
Whether you want to present an outrageous over the top look this winter, or tone down the poof in the puff, here are the top 10 stylish puffer coats and jackets to wear right now.
Step out into the winter weather looking oh so sophisticated in this long faux- leather snap down puffer.
I love the color of this shiny jade coat with detachable hood. Go green for the winter!
Whether you want to achieve a mysterious look, or a bit of an edge, you can never go wrong with a long plain black puffer.
Uniquely styled with zipper slits on each side, this coat is all about class and sass!
Have fun playing in the snow while wearing this cute pink ombre jacket. Also, perfect to wear around your college campus. This puffer has eco fill and features quilted stitching.
Long and elegant! Stunning jet black belted coat, with faux fur trimmed hood, is sure to be a winter show- stopper!
Cozy up in trendy silver metallic with faux fur sleeves!
Keep your neck warm with an attached faux fur collar, in this popular confident and independent, Cali girl puffer jacket.
Stay all the way true to your fashion sustainability goals, with an oh so chic eco-friendly belted puffer. Made with recycled plastic.
Which puffer is your favorite look?
Best Dresses To Wear For New Year’s Eve 2021
Whether you are staying at home, or going out, I have found the perfect selection of dresses for that special Holiday party!
Show up to an in person or virtual New Year’s Eve event in one of these, and everyone will be gushing over you all year long!
Best Dresses To Wear For New Year’s Eve 2021
From shoulder to thigh, these new holiday dresses are all about the color, the style, the length, the split, the elegance, the shimmer, the dazzle!
3 Cozy Sweater Wraps By LYSSE’ You Shouldn't Leave Home Without When Traveling to Africa and The Middle East
I was super excited that I finally got the chance to wear my wraps while in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania!
Because Dar is mostly made up of Christians, Muslims, and traditional Tanzanian cultural beliefs, wearing modest attire and wraps while going to markets, and while out and about exploring, (outside of the beach and nightlife) is highly encouraged.
I actually felt honored to dress like the locals!
Seeing The Massai Tribe wear their cultural attire in Tanzania, has inspired me to add more wraps to my wardrobe.
Here I go mixing it up again!
Though I love traditional cultural wraps, I also like to mix things up a bit. A little traditional culture here, and a little modern wear there, creates the perfect wardrobe for me.
3 Cozy Sweater Wraps By LYSSE’ You Shouldn't Leave Home Without When Traveling to Africa and The Middle East
Cozy and Chic
Look cozy and chic in this beautiful sweater wrap made of faux mink and cotton.
Picture yourself wearing this while making your way through LAX, Dallas Fort Worth or Chicago O’ Hare International airports, and then onto your overseas destination. Cozy enough for travel, while staying fashionably chic, this convertible wrap can be worn 3 different ways.
Classy and Sassy
Whether you are navigating through Hamad International Airport/ Mall, shopping at the Middle Eastern Souks, or off to the African markets, this cozy sweater wrap pattern is sure to make a huge fashion statement.
I also would wear this style while dining at fine African and Arabian cuisines, or at an international business meeting.
Casual Affairs
This cozy sweater wrap is perfect for your on the go casual affairs-such as visiting new found friends, lounging around your resort or hotel, riding the bus or train, or for a casual work environment.
Lysse Sweater Wraps Covering All The Bases
All three beautiful sweater wraps are made with hand-tied fringes, will keep you warm and comfy on the plane, and are long enough to fully cover all of the required areas for modesty, (arms, shoulders, breast, and legs) when in Tanzania and The Middle East.
If you happen to be like me, and are packing sleeveless dresses for your next trip to Africa or The Middle East, you will be ever so grateful that you did not leave home without these 3 new stylish wraps.
The 10 Best Faux Fur Coats and Vests To Wear By GUESS That Will Make You Look and Feel Super Rich This Winter
Yesss! I finally get to enjoy a full season of winter here in Arkansas!
Although I prefer warm tropical weather, I am super excited to prepare my wardrobe for the upcoming cold and snow-I haven't had to do a drastic change in my wardrobe since I moved from California to hot and humid Texas!
Fur Exudes Class and Luxury
I have always loved how fur coats can make you look and feel rich and luxurious, even while wearing with sweats, a casual outfit, or jeans.
For some, cold weather is an excuse to dress down for the season. But if your anything like me, come rain sleet or snow, your going to always add a touch of class no matter what.
Let's Faux Up!
Faux Fur Vests
One of my favorite winter staples is a faux fur vest! I absolutely love wearing mine on top of a stylish modern, or vintage dress.
Oh, and if you wanna make that plain Jane dress that you have been storing in your closet for years come alive this winter, then try topping it off with a faux fur vest.
You can even layer a faux fur vest under your faux fur coat. Then, while dining, shopping, or while enjoying an indoor event, zip down, for the most stunning versatile look.
For normal everyday casual, but classy wear, style your faux fur vest on top of a turtleneck, a long sleeve top, or sweater, along with a pair of slacks or jeans.
Black Faux Fur Motto Vest
Faux Fur Coats
This Winter, give yourself more flair by adding faux fur coats to your urban wear!
Thick faux fur coats are always so soft and warm. Dont you just love the feeling of being wrapped in a luxury blanket, while on the go?
Faux Fur Trim Hood
Bundle yourself up in the perfect coat with a luxurious faux fur trim hood!
Eco-friendly Claudia Puffer Jacket
The 10 Best Faux Fur Coats and Vests To Wear By GUESS That Will Make You Look and Feel Super Rich This Winter
The styling opportunities are seriously endless with these coats. I simply adore them!
Add a bunch of faux fur coats to your wardrobe for the ultimate classy winter look no matter what you have on.
Faux Fur Spots-Sheryl Coat
Geometric Shape-Judy Faux Fur
Shaggy-Mauritzia Faux Fur
Traditional-Molly Faux Fur
Mixed Animal Print-Monique Faux Fur
Shiny Macu-Stacy Faux Fur
Oversized Collar-Gwenda Faux Fur
Leather Waist Tie-Olaia Faux Fur
Nudist Lush-Jane Faux Fur
The Only Solid Gold and Diamond Teardrop Necklaces You Need To Gift Yourself With This Christmas
It's 2 weeks until Christmas, so you are probably in the process of checking off your gift list, and making sure that you have not forgotten about any other special friends, co-workers, or family members.
In all of the holiday chaos of gift giving, there is usually one person that we almost always forget about during this time of the year.
Tis the season of giving!
Giving…
But Tiffany, this is the season that we are supposed to give to others.
Uh, yes.., and no.
With all of these amazing xmas sales that are always going on, year after year, don't you ever get tempted to splurge on yourself too?
Or maybe you tried, but then you start to feel guilty and end up putting those extra gifts back on the shelf-or you remove them from your online shopping cart.
Manifest More Riches With Diamonds and Gold
One of the best gifts that you can ever gift yourself with is solid gold and diamonds!
There is also a very important reason besides fashion and gifting as to why you should adorn yourself with these two precious gemstones and metals around Christmas-and that is the spiritual meaning behind diamonds and gold while transitioning into the new season, and then on into the new year.
In the spirit world, purchasing and wearing new diamond and gold jewelry for Christmas, is a way to cleanse out old energy, and manifest wealth, power, success, and luck for the upcoming year.
Here are the only solid gold and diamond teardrop necklaces you need to gift yourself with this Christmas
Teardrop shaped jewelry is not about sadness. It's believed to be a symbol for tears of joy.
And joy is what Christmas is all about!
These two stunning beauties are made with sustainable, recycled gold, and ethically sourced diamonds!
Treat yourself with a teardrop filled with diamonds, while decking (and dripping) the halls with falalalala gold!
Before Tommy Hilfiger, There Was Saint James!
In 1889, the nautical sweater look was originally created for fishermen in Normandy, France by then-Mayor Leon Legallais.
Fisherman sweaters were made of high-quality wool so that Sailors can endure and move through harsh weather conditions.
Why Stripes?
It is said that the stripe pattern makes it easy to spot fishermen if they fell into the sea.
Thus, the striped shirt became the official uniform for all French Seamen through the 1858 Act of France.
Throughout the years, the sailor look took upon a life of its own in men's and women’s fashion and becoming popular through brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Nautica.
Today, most of all Saint James clothing is still perfectly designed with sailor stripes. Saint James also continues to use pure wool along with pure cotton material to make all of their garments.
The Nautical Look
Whether you are going out for a sail, on vacation, or just wanna look oh-so posh and preppy, the nautical look is always on trend!
You can also dress a nautical top up with a blazer or long trench coat.
Your nautical look can go from simple to classy!
The stripe sailor pattern is versatile enough for you to wear with pants, a skirt, jeans, or shorts.
Shop Your Nautical Style
Form Fitting
multicolor stripe
textured
modern
classic
color-block
short sleeve
3/4 sleeve
shoulder button
cropped
drop shoulder
tri-color
New African Print Swimwear You Need To Get This Summer
Every African design speaks representing a certain social and relationship status, tribe, and religion.
African prints are not just on trend.
There is a deep cultural meaning and story behind every symbolic pattern, and color.
African Prints-Represent!
New African Print Swimwear You Need To Get This Summer
3 Different Types Of African Styles To Add To Your Wardrobe
Like the many people and cultures that reside on the continent, African fashion is colorful, vibrant, and full of life!
Here Are 3 Different Types of African Styles To Add To Your Wardrobe
Modern
African designers are getting more and more creative by adding a little modern flair-all while still holding true to their traditional colors and designs!
Traditional
Traditional African clothes are more conservative and are mainly worn to spiritual events, weddings, parties, church, and work. For everyday wear, you will see Africans mixing their traditional attire, with American clothes: such as a traditional African print skirt, with a tank top, or a traditional African print top with jeans.
(Whether there is a special event or not, there are a lot of Africans who still wear their traditional clothing every day.)
To complete the look, traditional African attire is worn with a matching headwrap.
Kaftan
There are so many beautifully designed African Kaftans that can be flaunted practically anywhere!
Most of you are already familiar with Kaftans, but if not, Kaftans are tunic, robe style dresses, that have been worn for centuries within the African and Arab cultures.
Designed to flow freely, Kaftans are now very popular in resort and boho wear.
You can even wear them as bedtime apparel, and loungewear!
Tips for Wearing African Fashion
Know Your Measurements
Most traditional African attire is either custom handmade, sewn, or one size. When it comes to African wear, you definitely need to know your measurements!
Depending on a particular fit and style, you may not even mind if it's a little bit large.
Care
You should never wash your African garments in the washing machine, neither should you throw them in the dryer-Always wash them by hand in cold or luke-warm water. To dry, hang your African clothes on a clothesline, hanger, or lay them down. To remove wrinkles, iron your African garments on the inside, using a very low setting.
Find Your Style
This may come with a little trial and error, but African fashion try-ons are really fun!
Take your time in choosing the perfect African style that fits your body type, so that you can wear your African outfits with confidence and pride.
Get Ethnic
You don’t have to be African to rock African fashion.
Haven’t we all worn Made in America clothing? Made in Italy…Made in The UK…Made in India…Made in France…? What about made in Africa?
Top 10 Jewelry Pieces to Gift Your Mom For Mother's Day-Shop Early!
Okay…, (big sigh).. I must confess! I’m a last-minute shopper when it comes to holidays, special events, and birthdays!
But I really want to change this!
This morning, I bought birthday cards for my mom and her husband who will be celebrating their birthdays later on in the month. (This weekend, we will go gift shopping for both of them.) That's a big start for my usual last minute self.
After seeing this special jewelry sale, I will be choosing a very special piece to “splurge gift” my mother for Mother's Day!
Mi Madre
Here Are The Top 10 Jewelry Pieces To Gift Your Mom For Mother’s Day-Shop Early
21 Beachwear Items For Sale In My Poshmark Boutique and Resell Shop
My favorite time of the year is here! Helloooooo Spring! Then Summer…
When the seasons change, moods change, colors change, and everything is rearranged…, including our wardrobes!
Are you ready to hit the beach?
Here are 21 Beachwear Items That Are For Sale In My Poshmark Boutique and Resale Shop
21 Beachwear Items For Sale In My Poshmark Boutique and Resell Shop
The beach is calling and I must go!
Dana Buchman Snakeskin Print Outfit-Tene's Armoire
My animal print obsession came in my mid 20’s, after my first 3 kids. Boy was I was changing! I was tired of wearing overly conservative “mom clothes”, and oh so ready to get back to the fashionable side of me that I felt like I had lost.
Wearing animal print for me symbolizes power, confidence, strength, and protection. It is a sign that I am ready to tackle, fight, and take on new challenges without fear.
I am a very spiritual person, therefore, believing that every time I clothe myself in animal prints, I am taking on their character traits.
Dana Buchman Snakeskin Print Outfit-Tene's Armoire
Look #1:
Dana Buchman's snakeskin and burnt orange trim blouse, with matching cropped ankle pants, is perfect for spring and summer. The middle of the neckline is beautifully decorated with a gold accent accessory! A genuine fur trim purse seals the look.
Dana Buchman snakeskin print blouse and pants
.Blouse and pants only-No Purses $50
.Blouse and pants with real fur trim purse $135
.Blouse and pants with Jessica Simpson purse $65
Look #2
For a classier look, I added an Ann Taylor Petites silk wool blazer, and a beige Jessica Simpson leather shoulder purse. Ann Taylor blazer has large brown buttons in front, on cuffs, and pleated pockets. This blazer also has elbow patches, which presents the perfect modern vintage look.
Dana Buchman snakeskin print blouse and pants with Ann Taylor Petites Blazer
.Blouse, pants, and blazer-no purses $80
.Blouse, pants, and blazer with real fur trim purse $160
.Blouse, pants, and blazer with Jessica Simpson purse $95
Truest color and texture of blazer
Look #3
For the third and final look, I unbuttoned the Ann Taylor silk wool blazer and half-tucked the blouse to give this Dana Buchman snakeskin print outfit a little edge!
Blouse truest to color
Blazer truest to color
Pants truest to color
Purse truest to color
Back of zipper strap
Interior of Jessica Simpson purse
Purse truest to color and texture
Interior of fur on purse
I am wearing Michael Kors snakeskin open toe heels
Dana Buchman Snakeskin Print Outfit-Tene's Armoire
Dana Buchman Blouse
Size Small
Breast 38”
Length 25.5”
100% Polyester
Ann Taylor Petites Silk Wool Blazer
Size 6P
Breast 36”
Shoulder to Cuff 23 1/3”
Length 22”
60% Wool
26% Nylon
12% Silk
1% Spandex
Dana Buchman Cropped Pants
Size 6
Button and metal clasp fastener
Waist 30”
Hips 39.0”
Inseam 24”
Crotch 11”
Length 33”
97% cotton 3% spandex
Jessica Simpson PVC Leather Purse
Leopard Print interior
Removable and Adjustable Purse Strap
10 3/4”L X 8”H X 1/4”W
Real Fur On Black Purse
12”L X 8.5”H X 3”W
*The entire outfit including purses is in like-new condition (2 minor flaws on Jessica Simpson purse not noticeable while carrying.)
* Blouse Pants and Blazer has been dry cleaned
*Outfit will be shipped out via priority mail 24-48 hours after your order has been placed
*FREE USA shipping (International shipping coming soon.)
*Make safe and secure payments through PayPal
Shop The Look
Dana Buchman Snakeskin Print Outfit-Tene's Armoire Modern Vintage Looks
Click on Blouse and Pants only, or the downward arrow to the far right to make your selection.
Tene's Armoire Modern Vintage Looks-Ann Taylor Loft Italian Blazer Corduroy Maxi Skirt
My first modern vintage look is here!
For as long as I can remember, I have always loved mixing the old with the new!
I also always seem to find a way to put different stylish looks together based on what I already have in my armoire or closet, thus the name tene’s armoire.
tene's armoire
My middle name Tene’ (pronounced like Rene with a “T” ) was inspired by my dad’s love for the French culture.
The story behind my store name
Before I jumped into E-Commerce, I decided to become a frequent buyer on the Poshmark platform. While signing in, I quickly tried to come up with a name for my closet-But Tiffany's closet and Tene’s closet had already been taken… After thinking about it, a woman’s first name with the word closet behind it, was quite common for both online and brick and mortar resale shops. This gave me a chance to add a little class and pizazz to my future store name.
Another French name? Yes!
Derived from the old middle French name armarie in 1571, an Armoire was originally a two-door wooden cabinet with shelves for storing war weapons and equipment, books, and precious objects. (I sell vintage home decor too.)
Armoire is defined by the Merriam dictionary as a tall moveable cupboard or wardrobe-typically one that is ornate or antique.
Nowadays, the Armoire has taken on so many different colors, styles, and designs, (including jewelry armoires) so the name suited me and my store perfectly.
Side note: Armoire is also the first 3 letters of my last name-Armstead!
Let’s Talk Resale and Used Clothing!
There was a time when most of us would cringe at the thought of wearing a piece of clothing owned by someone else.
But my perspective on this now is that millions of different people go in and out of a hotel room and sleep on sheets that have been used, washed, and sanitized over and over again. Airbnb, along with resorts and vacation homes which are rented out an infinity amount of times have the same bed in every room. Every day, people are literally sleeping in beds that millions of strangers have slept in. They do not switch out beds or mattresses every time someone books a room, and we have no problem with that!
With used clothing, only one buyer decides that they do not want or need a few garments that have been tucked away in their wardrobe. That buyer either gives them away or donates to a resale shop so that someone else can enjoy them, and also so that their articles of used clothing won’t be thrown away. This is called recycling.
I seriously doubt that clothing from a resale shop has been worn by thousands or millions of people!
Shopping as a teenager
Back in junior high, at times my mom would go school shopping without me. Every time she did this, I would say, this is cute, but where did you get it from? Hopefully NOT Kmart, or the thrift store! Her reply always was, “Who cares where I got it from, just be thankful that you have new school clothes to wear”…
While the majority of the time, we shopped at 579, Express, The Limited, Macy’s, Emporium Capwell, and other stores and outlets in Fremont, California’s NewPark Mall, where I was raised-I still had to practically beg and drag my mom to drive to downtown Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose before, and during my freshman and sophomore year in high school, for more variety, and to shop for even more expensive clothes.
A change of heart
I quickly learned how to not be so bougie when it came to where I bought my clothes!
After getting my first job at Kids R Us at the age of 16, I became a huge saver. This was because I wanted to save my money so that I could move out on my own when I turned 18.
I loved shopping at the mall, but the wheels in my brain began turning. “Well, now that I am buying my own clothes, and paying for my own phone bill, I want my money to stretch”.
One time while strolling through the mall, my best friend and I ran into a bunch of high school classmates who just happen to all be shopping at this one particular store. They were all so excited about their new $80-$100 dresses that they were about to buy. As we were giving each other hugs, I thought to myself, $80 for 1 article of clothing? (this was in the ’90s) My classmates then tried to persuade me to shop there, but I didn’t want to let go of my $80.00 in exchange for 1 blouse or dress! I decided that I was going to shop outside of the mall, in a shopping plaza called The Hub.
CHOICE
At CHOICE boutique, I could buy 8-10 trendy pieces for what my classmates were paying for 1 article of clothing! I loved shopping there. I also would get a lot of compliments on my outfits!
Although at that time, you still wouldn't be able to catch me dead or alive in a resale or thrift shop, CHOICE was training me for the future. By shopping at CHOICE, I Iearned how to budget my money when it came to fashion, and still look cute! If I were going to a special event or prom, $100.00 and up would get spent…But that was where my parents came in! lol.
Sustainable and Quality Clothing
Some of the clothing that I bought from the mall and CHOICE boutique was most likely made from synthetic material. Quite frankly, I did not even really get into sustainable fashion until I began buying and selling on Poshmark 3 years ago.
Now, I only want quality made clothes on my body. Quality made clothes consist of 100% cotton, wool, natural silk, flax, hand-painted satin, wax print, mohair, and recycled materials.
There still may be some clothes that I have in my boutique as well as in my personal wardrobe that is not 100% sustainable, but now that I am becoming more conscious, I am slowly transitioning.
Extending the Life of Your Clothes
We are learning that just because something has a rip or a stain we should not discard it.
My oh my how people are getting creative when it comes to this! Our first well-known example is the ever so popular and trendy ripped jeans.
In the ’70s, having a rip in your pants was embarrassing! When rip and holes did occur, our parents would buy a cute iron-on to cover them up. Iron-Ons was the trend back in the day!
Some sellers and creators like myself have turned rips and holes, into slits! (I did a DIY slit for the first time, and it quickly sold in my store.)
Extending the life of clothes can mean getting a zipper fixed, dying the rest of an article of clothing because of a Clorox or ink stain, or cutting clothes to turn them into a scarf, headband, sash, or legwarmers.
If you are not into DIY’s, extending the life of clothes means a simple trip to the cleaners or seamstress. Extending the life of clothes means that you reuse and recycle as much as you can, being careful not to be so quick to throw in the garbage, because imperfections can be made to look like perfections.
Lastly, extending the life of your clothes means giving or donating, so that someone else can benefit by either selling or wearing them again.
The Look
My first modern vintage look is a combination of Prep-Biz-Edge! I have paired up a few items so that you can wear them three different ways, for three different occasions, or you can wear them interchangeably morning noon, and night.
Your confidence and swagg
It’s not just what you wear, but the attitude that you exude while you are wearing! Confidence and the way that you carry yourself plays an important role in looking good no matter what you have on! You can either continue to look classy in a sophisticated outfit or look edgy while wearing a sophisticated outfit. Your facial expressions, and the way that you walk, and talk, all contribute to making an outfit pop even more.
Tene's Armoire Modern Vintage Looks-Ann Taylor Loft Italian Blazer Corduroy Maxi Skirt
Get The Look and save $10 when you sign up on Poshmark using my code TENESARMOIRE
