LoveBrownSugar Chic: One Dress From Work to Play

For the fashionista who lives a professional lifestyle from 9-5, and an active social life after hours, finding the perfect piece to make the transition from work to happy hour seamless is no easy feat. If this sounds like you, a tailored dress in a a great color and a figure-flattering shape will do the trick. Check out how I take this Casey Peplum Dress ($178.00) from Ivy & Blu Maggy Boutique, from work to play:

The Work Look

Depending on how corporate your office is, a simple well-tailored peplum dress is a great option for girls with curves. What's great about a dress like this is its versatility. You can wear it under a suit jacket or just by itself. The ruffle detailing on the front makes it unique and the v-shaped neckline is flattering without being too revealing for the office.

Pair the look with simple, yet functional accessories like black pumps (Steve Madden, similar here for only $42) and a leather carryall (Zara, similar here). Makeup is minimal with a lined eye and a neutral lip!

The Play Look

To spice things up for nighttime, pack a change of shoes and your favorite statement clutch.

Adding in a bright-colored clutch and printed peep-toe heels takes the look from corporate to cocktail.

As for makeup, I added a matching pink lip - MAC's Girl About Town ($15), to complete the look.

Dress c/o Ivy & Blu Maggy Boutique ($178.00) | Shoes: Nine West (similar here) | Clutch: Nordstrom Rack (similar here) | Watch c/o Caravelle by Bulova | Cuff c/o Stella & Dot | Lips: MAC "Girl About Town"

How do YOU take your work look from day to night? Leave a style tip in the comments section.

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LoveBrownSugar Chic: Back to Cool

Seeing as the weather has already started to change up here in NYC, it's about that time for me to retire these summer dresses and ease into my Fall wardrobe...

The "Back to School" season used to be my absolute favorite time of the year. New teachers, new classes, new clothes. I would get SO excited. And every year, my Mom bought me a new backpack. Fall just didn't feel real without a new backpack.

I wore this one on the first day of NYFW and through Fashion's Night Out. Best decision I ever made. It's okay to pull from retro classics every once in a while to update your look.

Another thing I love about the season's changing is how nature responds. Obsessed with leaves and trees - can you tell?

Dress: Zara | Backpack: Forever 21 | Shoes: Steve Madden | Cuff & Ring: c/o Stella & Dot | Necklace: Street Vendor | Watch: Michael Kors

What were your Fall staples as a child? Would you ever bring them back?

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LoveBrownSugar Chic: White Lace & Leopard

This is my typical day to night look. I can wear this to work or to play.

Dress: Shop Akira (similar here), Shoes: Steve Madden (similar here), Handbag: Handbag Heaven (similar here), Watch: Michael Kors, Ring: Glitterrings

Hair courtesy True Indian Hair, Styling by Dana's Loft
Photography by Sharifa S. Daniels

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LoveBrownSugar Chic: Long Walk

I've always been leggy. In elementary school, I was always the last person in line when we arranged ourselves in size order. I was always the girl assigned to shut off the lights when the class left the room and it was very rare that someone else trailed behind me. So growing up, I've always had a love/hate relationship with my legs.

Considering I spent my childhood summers scraping my knees on NYC concrete, and fending off uncontrollable mosquito bites in the bushes of my backyard - it's safe to say you won't catch me in one of those Nair commercials any time soon. But with age comes maturity, and I've learned to accept them - flaws and all.

I'm ok with my cellulite, my stretch marks, my dimples & scars...

"Scar tissue is stronger than regular tissue. Realize the strength, move on." - Henry Rollings

Vest - Urban Outfitters, Shorts - H&M, Belt, Bag, Earrings - Vintage, Shoes - Steve Madden, Silver Ring/Cuff - Street Vendors.

Is there anything about your body you've struggled with? Leave a comment. Your story could inspire someone else...

Photography by Erfu Wang

Kickin' It Behind The Scenes: Janelle Monae for Honey Magazine

 So is the life of a budding editorial assistant; steady picking up the pieces and miniscule specks so the finished product is impeccable and flawless. Well at the tail end of Honey's Cover Shoot with futuristic songstress Janelle Monae, one of the photographers caught me doing just that!

The theme for Janelle's shoot was bullfighting. So in true fashion, we had sand scattered across the studio. The photographer thought it was utterly hilarious that I was sweeping up sand off the studio floor in my 4 inch heels once the shoot was over. Cue the Beyonce soundtrack: "I'm a-ah div-ah! I'm a I'm a-ah div-ah..."

Cardigan: Vintage, Leggings: Zara, Booties: Steve Madden, Hat: Street Vendor, Ring: H&M

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Purple Haze

 So remember way back during New Year's when I told you I was planning to start style blogging soon? Well, here's my official debut! Hopefully I'll have LoveBrownSugar Chic posts for you guys every week...

I called this set Purple Haze for obvious reasons. This has been one of my go-to outfits for the season. Perfect transition from winter to spring...lose the winter jacket and throw on peep-toe heels in place of boots...and there you are!

Blouse: Vintage. Side-Zip Leggings: H&M. Shoes: Steve Madden. Leather Satchel: Vintage Lord & Taylor. Bracelets: H&M. Tassle Rope Chain: Vintage.

 I'm new at this so please tell me...fierce or foolish? ;)