The Right Style

Target Haul with Champion C9 Power Shape Sports Bra

If you’re serious about getting in shape like I am, you need to get serious about your workout wardrobe. Hold on. Stay with me now. Of course, I, blogger at a website called “The Right Style”, would turn physical fitness into an excuse to buy new clothes but let me tell you, Target’s fitness collection has got me hitting the gym on the regular.

Champion C9 Power Shape Sports Bra

The new Champion C9 Power Shape Sports Bra definitely means business. I generally play it fast and loose when it comes to sports bras– I don’t have much to control in that area. I tend to opt for thin-strapped slips of Lycra that offer little in the way of shape or support. The C9 Power Shape is NOT that bra. The thick Lycra would provide support on its own but the soft molded cups let your boobs know their proper place. The open T-back is designed to slip over your head but the bra doubles down by having a double bra-style clasp along the band. Whoa. Talk about boob security.

I was excited to nab this bra (there are tons of color options, btw. Don’t be fooled by my choice) but once I got into the store, I realized that I NEEDED some pants to complete my look. I couldn’t very well walk around with a new top with some old, raggedy yoga pants, could I? I dipped out of the sportswear section and headed straight to the Mossimo Junior’s section where I discovered the pants that I was meant to wear for the rest of my life.

Champion C9 Power Shape Sports Bra

The Mossimo Supply Co. Urban Leggings are marketed as regular legging-style pants but the fabric and design enable them to transition from athleisure to straight up athletic with no problems at all.

I base much of my life on the shoes that will be required and duh, this shopping trip proved to be no different. I love the way that this outfit pairs with my two favorite pairs of sneakers: the black and white Nike Free’s are my go-to when it comes to athletic function, the purple and fuschia printed Air Max are pure fashion, every day, all day.

Nike Free Air Max

The Champion C9 Power Shape Sports Bra will keep you fly and definitely keep you secure. Will you be picking one up at your local Target? What is your go-to gym look?

I received the C9 Core Power Sports Bra at a discount for review purposes.

6 Things You Must Do to #Festival at 30: Made in America Edition

Guys. GUYS. I’ve got to take a minute and keep it real real with you all for a minute.

I went to the Made in America Festival this weekend.  Yes. That’s it. That’s what I wanted to tell you.

Made in America is a festival sponsored by Budweiser and Jay-Z and is in its 4th year, taking over Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway for Labor Day weekend and turning it into an extreme and always epic two-day outdoor musical extravaganza.

I love a good festival (remember the Richmond Jazz Festival in August?) and Made in America is no exception. I’ve danced and sang along to Janelle Monaé and Kanye and Kings of Leon, thrashed around to Danny Brown and Odd Future and swayed to Jill Scott and D’Angelo. But something felt different this year. This year, I felt old.

I’m a young 30– no kids, single, down with the millennial lingo du jour– but I am also, let’s say, at least 5 years older than the average MIA Festival attendee. I’m here to share my wisdom of how to hang with the young ones but still act your age.

  1. Be comfortable.

 

Crop top: H&M or similar. | Overalls: Target or similar | Sneakers: BP by Nordstrom or similar

 

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Richmond Photographer Brings Men of the City Together for A Look at the “Classic Man”

Photographer Connie McGowan knows the power of having a strong network. After transitioning into creative and event photography full-time after years as a nurse, Connie knew that she needed a project that showcased her skills as a creative.

“Men are rarely photographed. They usually hate taking pictures and I wanted to change that. I wanted them to relax from their hard work as providers, showcase their personal style and have some fun!” McGowan says. Thus, the “Classic Men of Richmond” shoot was born.

McGowan put out the call for models via social media. “To identify the men, I posted a promo flier on Facebook in January and then again in June and July. I wanted men of different ages, races, backgrounds, career fields, etc.” She did her homework, researching her potential models and making sure that they fulfilled her vision of the quintessential ‘Classic Man’. McGowan says, “My definition of a classic man has nothing to do with clothes. It has to do with my top 7 non-negotiables: INTEGRITY, confidence, chivalry, humility, creativity, spontaneity and definitely a sense of humor. Without those attributes at the end of the day all you have are thread and useless fabrics.”

The #ClassicManofRVA has integrity, confidence, creativity, & humor. What is your definition? #TheRightStyle

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Kohl’s Does Designer: Milly for DesigNation

Milly for Kohl's DesigNation

Target isn’t the only game in town when it comes to the discount designer collection, though you’d hardly know it if you shop according to media buzz. Discount department store, Kohl’s stays relatively under the radar when it comes to promotion of their specific collabs, a fact that I view as a blessing– it just means MORE FOR ME! Don’t sleep on Kohl’s DesigNation; it has definitely helped make Kohl’s a worth destination.

Kohl’s debuted the Milly for DesigNation capsule collection this spring, making it the sixth designer collaboration under the DesigNation umbrella, that began in 2012 with Narciso Rodriguez. Collabs with Thakoon, Derek Lam and most recently, Elie Tahari, followed.

Take a Look at Kohl’s: Milly for DesigNation

Milly for DesigNation at Kohl's

I love Milly for the vibrant and playful use of color and pattern, and this collection is supposed to transport you to a whimsical day spent lounging in Capri. I stumbled on it quite by accident. I needed a dress for an event I was going to be attending with my family. My mother’s directives were clear: you had better look nice (duh!) and after-work business attire was recommended. As my job requires little more than nice jeans, that meant it was dress up time!

Kerri Estella in Milly for DesigNation at Kohl's

I wanted an outfit that was colorful and sophisticated, playful but not outlandish for an office setting. I kept my makeup vibrant but day-to-night appropriate, pairing a colorful (dusky purples–“Mulberry”, “Chocolate” and “Ballet” Color Impact Shadows— as nudes and Liquid Perfection Eyeliner in Black) but neutral eye with a vibrant lip ( “Magenta” HydraBrillance Lipstick paired with Beauticontrol’s Sheer lip color in the frosty “Electric Purple”).

The vibrant sheath scuba dress has a figure-skimming cut and features a black exposed zipper, giving the sheath a bit of edge.

Milly for DesigNation

Photo: Kohls.com

The event was a huge success. My forever friend, Ronald was in town to be the keynote speaker and inspired the entire audience. Even though I’ve known him since I was six and THOUGHT I knew his story, listening to him inspired a new direction for me too…I’ll be revealing more about that soon!

He and I had a blast exploring the location, a place that is near and dear to our hearts. What is now the Chesterfield Career and Technical Center at Hull used to be Clover Hill High School– our good old neighborhood high school got one hell of a makeover! We had a bit of an extended photoshoot and Ron’s skills with the iPhone caught me and this dress in perfect, playful action.

A photo posted by Ron Forbes (@ronforbes) on


Are you a fan of designer collaborations? What is your favorite collab and what are you looking forward to in the future? Are you planning on shopping Milly for DesigNation?

Men’s Jewelry: A Growing Trend

Men's Jewelry

We all know that women’s fashions come and go with the seasons and honestly, men’s fashions do too. But with menswear, the changes are often more subtle. The cut of a lapel, the slimness of a pant leg, or length of a short are considered to be dramatic changes in their realm. The re-emergence of jewelry as a trend for men is one that personally gets me verrrry excited.

According to a recent feature in The New York Times, London jewelry designer Hannah Martin, men’s jewelry is on the rise, her business seeing significant growth in the category over the past 10 years. In that same article, Mr. Porter— the brother site to high-end online retailer and Kyle Grinnage favorite, Net-A-Porter— has expanded its offering in the men’s accessories department according to customer demand.

I have always loved a man who wears jewelry. And I’m not talking about the mere presence of a wedding ring. Jewelry has the power to make a statement and reveal the wearer’s attention to detail. The presence of a cross worn around the neck. Leather bands wrapped around the wrist. Gummy bracelets supporting an honored cause.

What is your favorite menswear trend this season?