ESSENCE FASHION HOUSE

Better late than never right…

Ok, so this post is suppperrrrr delayed but honestly there just aren’t enough hours in the day, days in the week and weeks in the month, ok? It’s been a long year and it’s only March lmao. Work is crazy busy at the moment (and always, honestly) so I haven’t had time or energy to update the blog or social media. But I did want to feature this outfit and speak a bit about Essence Fashion House so here we go.

I almost gave up on this event. I ended up going alone and was standing in line in the cold for what seemed like hours and I WAS OVER IT. I was just about to leave when I remembered that it wasn’t free and that I had spent $40 on a ticket previously ha. I’m cheap, I don’t enjoy wasting money. So, I decided to stick it out and was happy that I did. As soon as I walked in I saw so many beautiful black women celebrating each other and it was such a breath of fresh air. Everyone was trying to get the shot and their friends were patiently shooting every angle, fixing their hair, telling them how to pose, etc. Strangers were hyping people up, everyone was doling out compliments. It was so cute! I met a few people and chatted with one of my IG friends. Took several pics, listened to a panel discussion featuring Misa Hylton, was asked to be in a video recap. It was a good night!

The main event was a fashion show by a previous Project Runway contestant named Venny Etienne. His line entitled “Levenity” was gorgeous and I felt a sense of pride as he walked out to close the show. I watched his season of Project Runway so I felt like I had seen him progress as a designer and I loved all of the looks in the show.

I really enjoy events like this one — they’re a space to champion black designers and fashionistas and give us a platform to shine and showcase our creativity. It was a night well spent. My look was comprised of a few pieces that I’ve had for a while but never thought to pair together in the past. The H&M oversized blazer (similar here), gold Shein turban and faux leather joggers paired well with my old PrettyLittleThing snakeskin booties. Tbh, I was a little blown because these joggers were so ill-fitting and big when I bought them so I just threw them to the back of my closet and figured I would decide what to do with them later. Then, maybe a year or so passed and I decided to try them back on. To my surprise (and slight dismay), they fit perfectly. :-/ WTF. Mama is getting a little too big for her liking and she needs to do something about it asap lol. Anyway, the look came out good so I guess that’s the silver lining here.

I’m a big jogger fan (on men and women) and for some reason, I don’t have nearly enough pairs. Definitely adding those to my list before it gets too warm outside. I just bought a really cute lightweight jacket and some cute Nike sweats so I’m excited to get some new packages in. Every time I see a new package at my door I get unbearably excited. Does anybody else understand that feeling? Is that a symptom of being a shopaholic? Questions that need answers lol.

Anyway, I’m off to a house party tonight and then I’ll be up early to do some work and then head to a shoot in the afternoon. Can’t wait to share some new images with you soon! Thanks for checking in.

xoxox - Ashley

This sweet girl saw me at the end and said “oh I have pics of you! You looked so chic sitting on the front row.” ;) ;) ;)