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Wear Your Spirit Leads You
*struts in the room to a standing ovation and applause after a somewhat summer hiatus* LOL
Yesss thank you thank you for the love, you all may have a seat…now let’s Get on Whit It ;-)
Been doing less documenting and more discipline in other areas, drinking my water, aligning myself with the right souls, fully downloading in my new apt, challenging myself physically, styling the girls of CLT, and much more. What about you? Listen the girls have been outside all summer as far as I saw on the gram, and I loved to see it. However, for me, that boiling heat had me inside heavy I won’t lie to ya!
I am so glad this is officially the final week of whatever that was. Time for the real fashion girls to shine in their boots and men in their brunch boots haha ;-)
Speaking of aligning myself with the right souls, a year ago, summer of 22’ I met a pretty young black girl killing it, in a room full of other black girls killing it at #TheBlooming, a floral educating workshop, and creative community, aimed to put black women on pedestals for their light and honoring them by “giving her, her flowers”, hosted by artist, Olivia Chisolm of To Live In Color LLC. There, I met Jasmine.
Jasmine, Founder of Black Girls Guide LLC and newly, Melanotion newsletter, gracefully introduced herself and what she does and I matched her infectious energy. At the time we discussed content creation and the opportunity to connect sooner rather than later. After several attempts to connect, cancellations, rescheduling, and more, we manifested it a year later. Persistence is key!
So what Jasmine didn't tell me was that she’s a whole vibe behind the camera! YALL. Timing is everything.
I was fresh from an appointment with a client almost feeling like I should reschedule once more but I said, no we’re doing this…we are committing today. I had no clue what I was going to wear truly. I’m going through this NYC consumption detox phase while simultaneously replacing former sizes 6’s with new weight gains, and size 10 bottoms (which I’m so happy about)
But I said, let’s keep it essential, we’re just going to build on a black canvas. A scarf around the (at the time) new wig that hadn’t been shaped…check. Jacket layer to bring in the main character energy…check. My current favorite bottoms that hug my new expanded curves:-)…check. Finished strong with an open-toe elevated situation… 10s across the board. Grabbed my keys in a frenzy as I was now fashionably late - so on brand.
The vibrations were instantly so high as Jazmine started flickering as I walked on location, haha LOVE it! Black girl magic in full effect. I love it when the shooter (phtotog) taps into their groove naturally and everything just flows. Jasmine was catching all the angles and even interviewing me in between shots having this enriched deep dialogue about the culture that I’ll share clips of soon.
Before we knew it, we both were feeling alive and embracing the moment as it was as we documented. It felt like we honored our ancestors by just showing up for each other that day.
And so it was, a really beautiful session. Thank you Jazmine for having me as your muse for the day and allowing me to just be free, and in my element. We hugged each other creatively that day. These images are some of my favorites from this 37th chapter of Whitney. :-) I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. As we transition into the fourth quarter remember this...
Go wear/where your spirit leads you. It’s typically a sweet sweet message or lifeward moment awaiting all by just showing up.
Even if you have to wear the look twice Chile…show up!
Hello Q4, it’s game and Prime time baby! Literally. I’ll tap in and strut the through later darling.
xoxo,
Whitney
I'm Walking - Wardrobe Workshop Q1 Recap
*que gospel group, Mary Mary soundbite* “Look at me, I’m try-ing, eve-ry-day, I fall down, make mistakes, get back up, try again, next time that you see me…I’M WALKING I’M WALKING”….this is the song that plays in my head when I think of how Q1 treated me.
Clemson University campus - “Career Week” 23”
You have to be careful what you manifest, you just might get it. At a very young age when learning how to pray/manifest what I wanted to see as I aged, I used to ask to reach the highest my talents could take me and to one day bring that expertise and education back to where I came from in some shape or form. No lie, very words.
Girl look, be careful lol or maybe stay dangerous?
Stay dangerous it is, FOREVER. To be on the other side of all my movement during Q1, I’m honestly still in awe. But guess what I did? That! To be busy is a blessing and Whitney’s Wardrobe Workshop had me on GO and I wanted to share some of my favorite captures along the way.
It brings me so much joy to be able to share my gift and point of view with the youth/masses. When I was young, I used to aspire to attend events like Wardrobe Workshop. I always wanted to be apart of something that aligned with the direction I wanted to grow while in grade school.
Presentation is key in Wardrobe Workshop. I loved this venue space.
*Insert campus tourist shot*
Intimate group. Beautiful.
Whitney’s Wardrobe Workshop was a concept officially established in 2019 in Brooklyn, NY but embedded at a young age. My mother believed in stepping out of the house and “looking like something.” I’ve been programmed to present my best presentation ever since.
I’ve created a stylishly safe space to take a deeper dive into the ways we present ourselves via garment to the world. We discect buying behaviors attached to shopping consumption, how to present your best visual resume, a guest favorite moment, a mini fashion show experience titled “Who You Whit?” and more. My curated submission to wardrobe essential information I find priority to understand for everyday life.
Leading the pack in during mini fashion show.
SC 4H Pickney Leadership Roundup 23” - Florence, SC
When you look good, you feel good. The purpose of this excercise is to reinforce the workshop motto, “Dress How You Want To Be Addressed”. As I share in sessions, 55% of our first impressions are based on how we visually present ourselves. During the fashion show, the volunteeres get to see how receptive the audience is to what they are wearing. Volunteers also learn to walk with your head high in every room you enter while owning your look. A concept instilled in me at their age and one that has taken me to high places.
We highlight the Do’s but also acknowledge the Dont’s (pictured LOL) and discuss.
And of course, what’s a wardrobe workshop with no clothing samples? I love to educate on different garment designs and appropriate attire for the professional workspaces. As a visually driven person, it’s important to see and touch what I’m speaking on. I won’t spill my entire workshop recipe here ;-) but know that a good time is always had.
This is my 2nd year in deeper partnership with Clemson University and I can’t tell you how it excites me to see the rooms light up and to hear what attendees have learned that they may not have known prior to attending. These rooms are filled with several middle and high school student leaders in multiple counties in the SC state. Clemson is doing amazing outreach and I enjoy collaborating with the organization to drive the mission of leadership and how that connects to styling.
Many thanks to the great leaders and organizers who thought of Whitney’s Wardrobe Workshop as an asset to their programs and events. I hold so much gratitude for allowing me to take up space.
“You can have anything in life if you dress for it. ”
If you made it to the end, thank you for being here truly. Before I leave you, I’ve heard the adult workshop request, I’ve heard the e-book request. I’m walking, forward motion - stay tuned to Get Whit It in other capacities. ;-)
Until we speak again, be well presented. See you in Q2.
Xoxo,
Whitney
Unstructured Structure
For me, simple is the new black. Something about simplicity and betting on black just sounds like a winning recipe. It’s the structure it provides for a non complex wardrobe and the clean curation. Lets dig a little deeper though…shall we?
Signature Whitney, in Soho, NY.
Recently, I’ve been adding more structure into my daily routines and even more with how I approach my looks for the day. I like to build looks, add, subract, and divide all the moving parts to create a balanced serving.
With this thought process I allow my mind to stick to the basics. You could actually apply the Four Types of Structure as a template to your outfit formula like so:
Frame - 2. Shell - 3. Solid - 4. fluid
“Structure is the way the subject is organized. Style is the manner in which an author presents information and ideas. ”
Frame is to select separates that can be put together. A shell encloses or contains its contents. A solid is made entirely of mass. And to be fluid is to break even.
To me, structure is about two main things. First, it is about revealing the details of your physical structure, like your waist or shape. I went with a fitted woven turtle neck dress as my shell and solid. Second, it is about accentuating those details. Example would by a sharp shoulder, or panels on a jacket that draw attention to your shape.
Structured items are normally tailored and detailed. My staple DKNY cape blazer provided the perfect framing and instantly leveled up the entite look. Adding an unexpected flair with baseball cap gave it some “umph”.
Leopard Family Reunion: Kurt Gieger handbag x June Ambrose felt leopard boots.
here are 5 ways to Get Whit It adding structure to an outfit: (Can be used in combination or on their own)
Add a structured jacket to an unstructured top, bottom, or dress: I’m in love with how an outer tailored topper reins in the volume of the bottom layers underneath.
Add a structured dress or separate under an OPEN unstructued toppers: This method does the opposite creating visual structure on the inside of the volume as opposed to excess fabric from outside.
Scruch the sleeves: I didn’t have sleeves in this look but I naturally do this alot with my blazer looks. A bare forearm can instantly add a tailored element to both a casual or dressy ensemble because showcasing skin creates some structure.
Wear a belt: A belt can provide volume in a dramatic way when worn on the natural waist. My current favorite are thin leather belts. It’s like the perfect attention to the waist but subtle by being worn on the lower hip with a loose blouse/top tucked in.
Wear tailored footwear: Meaning sleek styles that fit closely on the foot and leg. My lepard boots offered a more refined look with a kick. A simple strapped sandal, loafer, pump, or bootie can be inserted here.
Are you doing wardrobe planning for Spring? Use these 5 tips and the 4 Types of Structure as a go to formula and find the bones of your inventory. Create a clear sense of your current wardrobe. If you need another eye involved, you know where to find me darling.
Before I leave you, you know I have to bring it all back to a “life+style” POV.
3 ways I’ve been challenging myself recently and adding more strucure to my life are by way of Consistency - mainly showing up even when I don’t feel like it.
Predictability - expecting what the outcome will be by what vibration I put in.
Lastly, Follow Through - enforcing the consequence. Saying what I mean, and meaning what I say - as I always have but more of a Me vs Me era if you’re picking up what I’m putting down. ;-)
Unitl we chat here again, be well presented.
Xo,
Whitney
Photo Credits: Katie Nunez Rodriguez of Phe Studios
GET WHIT IT
que the soundtrack “Who’s That Girl” by Eve -She’s that girl, la la la la la la la laaa.
Hello, good morning and Happy March to you! Allow me to re-introduce myself, my name is Whitney lol. If you’ve been here before or have been following my many fashion lives for a while now, I’d like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you are new here, I am sending you a warm wardrobe welcome into my world. Thanks for stopping by.
It has been one hell of a ride so far and I’ve worn many hats. Somehow I always come back here to write my little stylish heart out or provide some inspiration and motivation. To know me is to know, I used to take up space as a “style blogger/expert”, - these days I don’t try to keep up with the algorithm but now allow things to flow as they may.
“Affimation: “I am grounded in my purpose and what’s meant for me naturally enters my life.” ”
Frames/ Savant & Scholar Bag/ Topshop Trench/ASOS Knit sweater/H&M Scarf/Unknown
My business baby Wardrobe with Whitney has been growing up and taking up more space recently and I can’t tell you how big that has been for my professional growth. I have always been a conscious stylist who believes that great style has everything to do with personal acceptance, and nothing to do with a specific price point.
It is important for me to drive that internal alignment before motivating you to consume and shop for new things. For when you feel good on the inside, the fashion will flow effortlessly because you know how you want to arrive better. This is also probably why I don’t gravitate towards the popular style sharing formula social media has become anymore. I’d rather be a representation of the work over the wardrobe.
This next chapter is more personal than it’s ever been for me. The only thing I want to do, is do better. In every aspect of my life. What does that look like? More discipline, more self work, more self love, more showing up, more occupying space, more dedication and strategic routine. We should all be trying to out do ourselves.
Recently a friend said to me, “Hey Miss What’s Next”. I laughed, because it’s true, I am always looking for the next best thing to attach myself to. This time though, I’m steering my own ship to the safest shores. I have better discernment of what I align my time and energy to or entertain. It’s vital to know yourself and your value and stand ten toes in that. My dears, It’s past time to GET WHIT IT.
“The funny thing about life is accepting you don’t belong everywhere or with everyone. It’s about really grasping your place in this world. Life pushes you to where you actually belong.”
It’s giving Rich Auntie Whitney vibes, as it should.
Is this a love letter to myself? Perhaps, lol but I will always write from a POV of life’s teachings and gratitude. Hoping that some part of it will resignate and inspire you. While letting the style food be eaten up silently. ;-)
This look was so killer, and came together seamlessly combined with the location. To tell you the truth, the universe is ALWAYS aligning me with the right setting when I least expect it. My outfits are always on beat like Beyonce routines LOL, no but serously. The world continues to be my runway, and I’m always excited to share with you how it plays out in my favor.
Shoes/ Calvin Klein Hosiery/ Wolford
Special shout out to my NY photographer, Katie on these insane captures. She is always so fun to collaborate with and gets my vision.
So darlings, here’s to putting our best feet forward and taking it one step at a time to our wildest aspirations and goals for the year. You and source are all you need. Show em’ how to move in a room full of vultures.
Xoxo,
Whitney
Photo Credit: Katie Nunez - Rodriguez of Phe Studios
April Showers Bring May Flowers
Wow, we made it to the other side my good friends. Miss May, girl we have been waiting for you at front, side and back door! Now sit down and behave miss mamas LOL but you know what they say…
April showers will bring you a cute set of tulip flowers, or whatever they said. ;-)
Obsessed with nature’s set design here, it was perfect.
A soft life, a soft love, and an easy wardrobe are all I’m manifesting - read that first part somewhere on the gram and I couldn’t relate more these days.
Being a woman is beautiful and exhausting at the same time. Today I wanted to use this space to recognize you, girlfriend! You deserve all the rose petals dozens on dozens of bouquets.
The current plague against women in this country recently is so disgusting that I can’t even. I could never wrap my mind around a man telling a woman about how anything functions concerning her body. Make it make sense Amerikkka. Anyways chile…
We still have to proceed, and progress forward right? And DO.
If the trees can withstand the storm, so can I.
As a black girl growing up, most of us have watched our mothers and grandmothers be strong and solid for generations. Now the only thing we desire is a much lighter laundry load. And I love that for us.
Giving Yourself Flowers
What does that look like? For me, it can look like a nap or a good home-cooked meal, a massage, or a regular trip to the nail salon. I think it’s so important to take the world off of our shoulders and get cute and treat yourself as you’d want to be treated. And that’s on self-love.
That also includes giving yourself grace while balancing all the things. Let someone show up for you. Let someone love on you and lastly, let someone swipe the AMEX for you, Ase’.
What Whitney Wore: Italian fabric kimono/ Zara + Basics/H&M + Leather snakeskin sandals/Diane von Furstenburg + Pearled handbag/Topshop + Flower adorned necklace/Kate Spade + Frames/Savoir Faire
Giving Other Women Their Flowers
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Giving Other Women Their Flowers +
I have always lived by uplifting and motivating women to be their best while looking their best. I love the way black women in particular big up our own. It’s nothing like acknowledging another black girl killing it. It hits different because we know our plight is one of a kind.
Another way I practice giving women their flowers are by investing in them. I have purposely for about 5 years now gone out of my way to find and support female-led, founded, or operating businesses. We are just a get the girls together kind of species ok?!
Big shout out to Shayla with EYE’Monea Photography, a lifestyle photographer I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with for today’s visual moments. Ate that right on up!
Give some flowers to a lovely young lady today, not tomorrow. Love and light the way this May!
Happy Mothers Day to all the mommies and milfs. You definitely deserve to not lift a finger and I hope you have that.
Wishing you an amazing new month.
The Art of Being Unapologetically You
So April can go, like today. Cause why is she taking so long to turn the temperature up? I’m over what? It. LOL
Anyway, hey yall heyyyyy. :) How are we doing? Everything, good? Good. And even if it ain’t, it’s still all GOOD.
The Art of Being Unapologetically You
〰️
The Art of Being Unapologetically You 〰️
Listen, it’s been a journey learning how to truly be unapologetically me. It’s one thing to do you, but to be unapologetic about it is another level. It’s an art you’re constantly sharpening.
For some of you who’ve known me since grade school or college, you’d probably say - but you are! And you’re half right. If it’s one thing Whitney is gonna get?? Is IT!
Imma get it. On mamas.
I think I’ve always been fluent in doing me, but it’s something about this year that just feels different. Or maybe the feeling feels familiar?! Hmmm. I recall a time in my grind when all I saw were my goals and sought out any and every solution to eat them up.
I’m talking about Whitney Wonder with it. I saw nobody. Nobodies low standard son, no wishy-washy friends, nothing that had NOTHING to do with me. - I love it here, I must say.
It’s giving alignment. It’s giving, me, myself and my creator in this til the wheels fall off. It’s giving *sing Priscilla* “finally it’s happened to me…right in front of my face and I feel so excited.
Please note: I would never change any part of my journey because it all helped shape me into who I am today.
However, taking people along for the ride or picking other people up on the ride has finally free’d me. All I ever needed was me. It’s very much no rideshare available these days.
I watched an inspiring clip on IG with Dame Dash and Stephen Jackson from the podcast “All The Smoke” recently. If you know how Dame Dash is coming, you know he’s dropping gems. A quote that sat with me:
“You have to dream big enough that you’re not the only one affected. You can’t help nobody if you can’t help yourself.”
Is that not the truth? A sermon in a sentence.
So in closing - use more time helping yourself, thank somebody else. Be unaplogetic about not seeing anybody but you and YOURS. Stop saving people. Sometimes we get in God’s business. Let’s stay in our pew fren’s!
So here’s a few ways you can truly perfect The Art of Being Unapologetically You:
Hold yourself accountable and hold yourself down. At all times.
Put yourself and God first. At all times.
Live the life YOU truly want to live.
Create small, healthy habits. Habits turn into routines. Routines turn into a lifestyle.
Wipe and lint roll your self down. At all times.
Brush your shoulder off, eat them up, and let them have.
Wardrobe: “Harley Hoodie” by Rock n Remix , “Belted Cargo Pants” by Karen Brit Chick via Amazon The Drop, 98C Round Shades by Dries Van Noten, Bobbie Ankle Strap Sandal by Sam Edelman
Remember, you are good enough. Matter of fact..you’re probaly overqualified. Act like it!
Thanks for tapping in with your girl! I’ll be chatting more about some spring wardrobe must-haves as it officially warms up next time we link up. Smooches.
With Style & Grace,
Whitney
On My Own Terms
Well, well, look who pulled up on me :-) don’t just stand there come on in, and have a seattttt. Big Wardrobe Welcome! I’m glad you’re here.
I told you I was going to give y’all a call. I know, it’s been a minute since I’ve said LOL. Miss Q1 has had me moving and Harlem shaking - literally.
It’s been a long time, I shouldn’t have left you..Timberland vc*
So some of you know, she is not new to this but she’s very much so true to this. Allow me to re-introduce myself and walk you through a short history course…
I’m Whitney - you’re favorite it gworl who’s worn many fashion-forward hats - one formerly being a habitual style blogger. I used to twirl and pose through the Atlanta and NYC streets and gained a love for creating content for over 10 years now.
Throw Byke. Shout out to Claire and Fashion Bomb!
Formerly co-writer and creator of unisex blog “Off Glass” where Tracee Ellis Ross read and acknowledged a “Black is Fashion” tribute I wrote. And “stylishlYours” my longest style blog run - where I was featured in NYLON Magazine, Fashion Bomb Daily, and more. I later advanced to attend many NYFW season shows before I became a “fuller” time wardrobe stylist. I also gained many creative friendships and some bomb talent! From photographers to videographers and more.
I’m wearing one of my favorite second-hand men’s blazers, distressed H&M denim (the only thing I’ll shop there these days), and my white mules from Zara.
Those were the days when creating content and story telling was a much more appreciated art in my opinion. Eventually I came to a place where it began to feel unauthentic to me. I no longer wanted to keep up with what came with it. I also didn’t feel like I was living life fully when always trying to capture the best styled moment or sharing what I just bought, etc. It wasn’t fun anymore.
However, I could never deny my love for writing, storytelling, and creating authentic content.
What’s being called “blogging” now has become what I compare to a microwaved meal. Instant, quick, potentially forgettable, and gone as soon as I started it. Instagram has become a land of look-a-likes, where everyone defines luxury as designer labels and fashion nova and shein are the new mega fashion giants. (yes, lower case because low vibration apparel LOL*) Plus the constant efforts to drive sales for brands that lack diversity.
Just gross.
Do you see my camera stand shadow? Cmon Lensbuddy (an app I capture my shooter-less moments on. Normally that would bother me…but, shrugs!
I have gained such a different perspective on how I want to use that platform (IG) after my recent page hack Q3 2021. That following I’d organically worked for and produced years of content for is now gone and I have started over from scratch. I honestly believe it was the best thing that could have happened because this time, it’s on my terms. I want to try this again, this time for WWW!
Here are a few POV’s that have changed since I last published a blog entry:
I no longer feel a need to overly promote brands that don’t represent what I believe in ethically or sustainably or want to shove sales down my reader’s/followers throat.
If it’s not my brand or a brand I feel fully represents me, I will not share them, sorry not sorry.
I no longer feel the need to create content at a high level. I am only interested in what feels good and authentic. My pace, my terms.
I am here to create, love, inspire and impress my creator.
I’m doing the best with what I got! Or whatever Miss Mariah C said…
I look forward to sharing more of my current space with you all and hope that you’ll tap in Whit me! I have so many great things otw. You can expect real rap, raw - because I don’t know any other way.
I encourage you to live on your terms in this second quarter of the year and be unapologetic about it.
Thanks for stopping by, don’t be a stranger. Saying that to you and myself! Ha. ;-)
Xoxo,
Whitney