The Right Style » Style

Let Bruno Mars Uptown Funk Up Your Day Job

Kerri Estella — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 17:43:02 +0000

Friday. I’m so restless. I want to be out in the wide world, frolicking and dancing, singing and twirling. But mama’s got bills to pay, so I’m at work. Fortunately, I’m a creative and blasting the jams is part of my PROCESS. Producer Mark Ronson’s newest release, “Uptown Special” is near ready-made for getting the creative juices flowing. The first release from the album is “Uptown Funk” featuring my petite brown prince, Bruno Mars. The groove flowed all the way through me. All the way. Before long, I had the song on repeat and Bruno was practically my cube-mate. Since Bruno was bringing ALLA the funk to my day job, taking sartorial inspiration from the man was a natural next step.

Do that dance, boy!

The elements that made Bruno’s outfit retro and hilarious could easily be translated into a sophisticated but eclectic workday style.

The result:

Uptown Funk You Up by kerriestella featuring slacks pants

Armani Jeans white sleeveless blouse, $230 / Emilio Pucci one button blazer / STELLA McCARTNEY slacks pants / Ted Baker patent shoes / Yellow gold jewelry / McQ by Alexander McQueen print scarve / Rag bone white crown / Gucci eyewear

Trading the baggy undershirt for a sleek sheath, the shapeless salmon blazer for a structured magenta jacket, and the multiple gold chains for a layered gold necklace takes the look from masculine to undeniably feminine. Though I cannot guarantee your job security if you try to sport that scarf underneath your fedora, let me know if you try it. I love a good laugh.

Go get your hair done and get ready for the freakin’ weekend!

Roller set recommended but not required.

Take me home, Bruno! Get “Uptown Special” available on iTunes.

The post Let Bruno Mars Uptown Funk Up Your Day Job appeared first on The Right Style.

Michelle and Alicia: Sisters in SOTU Style

Kerri Estella — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 05:29:31 +0000

It was a shady, shady night folks! If you were watching President Barack Obama’s penultimate State of the Union speech, then you know just the moment I’m talking about.

Obama: “I have no more campaigns to run.”
Republicans: *applause*
All: *laughter*
Obama: “I know because I won both of them.”

Damn, Son!

But the real star of the night (for me, my mother and my sister, at least) was First Lady Michelle Obama’s fly suit. The grey, nubby suit was perfection on Mrs. Obama and seemed to be made to be worn by a powerful, self assured mother of two— gasp! I had seen that suit before! Michelle was channeling the other First Lady, Alicia Florrick.

Ok. Alicia, played by the luxuriously-browed Julianna Marguiles, is a fictional character. She lives inside of the television and fabulously-armed Michelle is a real person. But I insist that this was a coordinated plan to unify the strongest woman on TV with one of the strongest women in America. Sisters in Style. Michelle and Alicia forever.

Michelle Obama is on her Alicia Florrick tonight — and I am here for it. (cc: @emilynussbaum, @SPBVIP): pic.twitter.com/XL8wsMeBhq

— S. Alexander Smith (@SAlexanderPhD) January 21, 2015

I am in negotiations to have this suit, well the jacket, really, as my very own. You can match me and get the jacket here.*

*Update: It looks like the jacket has sold out in the 20 minutes since I started this post. I am actually crying real tears.

The post Michelle and Alicia: Sisters in SOTU Style appeared first on The Right Style.

Movie Style: Selma

Kerri Estella — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 15:03:12 +0000

I am an ENTHUSIASTIC viewer of the Golden Globes. Every year, I take to the couch and limber up my fingers in preparation– this night is Twitter intensive. I have tons of opinions and dammit, I’m going to share them. This year, my dog in the movie race was the powerful and utterly moving, Selma.

I had my reasons for going hard in the paint for Selma.

Harpo Films. Oprah executive produces it? I’m there.
Common. I’m afraid that if I have to explain this to you, than our relationship may be in trouble.
Carmen Ejogo. I don’t have any explanation. I just kind of love her.
David Oyelwolo. British accent. Beautiful man.
Ava Duvernay. Read this article, dare yourself not to cry and then you will have my explanation.
An amazingly compelling and heart-wrenching true story.

The movie could not have come out at a more opportune time. 2014 brought a lot of pain particularly in the heart of minds of many Black Americans. Violent reactions from those sworn to serve and protect brought upon Black boys and men committing either minor offenses or occasionally, just living their lives, has become an unfortunately commonplace scenario. Revisiting the events of Bloody Sunday at this point in history was, for me, almost too much to bear.

As I’ve talked about before, fashion has always been political in the African-American community, and in Selma, the appearance and dress of the characters played an essential role of conveying not only the times but the sensibilities of the people represented and their ideology.

Costume designer Ruth Carter intentionally dressed Common’s James Bevel in the denim overalls that were generally found worn by the younger and more radical members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). She chose to dress this one character in denim in order to pay homage to the history, but not distract from the story.

Diane Nash (Tessa Thompson) and James Bevel (Common).

Coretta Scott King, played by my girl Carmen, was always dressed beautifully, both as a representation of the real Mrs. King’s elegance as well as a representation of many of the Black women of that era, where dress and grooming were of the utmost importance in a world where they, at times, have little control.

David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King, Jr and Carmen Ejogo as Coretta Scott King in “Selma”‘s final march.

Having worked as a costume designer and being an image consultant myself, the power of costume on stage and screen is not lost on me but after reading the words of designer Ruth Carter, I’m looking forward to re-watching and re-visiting the costumes with my new context. Read Carter’s interview with The Root here.

Coretta ties Martin’s cravat before his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance. He expresses uncertainty at the fussiness of the neck piece.

The diversity, ethnic and religious, of the protesters is poignant as they march toward the violence of “Bloody Sunday”.

Have you seen Selma? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

The post Movie Style: Selma appeared first on The Right Style.

The Weekender

Kerri Estella — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 23:50:38 +0000

I am exhausted, guys. I woke up this morning at 6:30 as per usual, but I felt like perhaps I might be waking up for the last time. I had actually gone to bed the night before– I am notorious for falling asleep on the couch. Or on the living room floor. Whatever. Don’t judge me.– but I woke up feeling like I had slept on a hardwood floor, perhaps in a ball gown, definitely something with boning. What in the world was I so fricking tired for?! I drug myself out of bed, put on an extremely colorful winter ensemble and took my butt to work.

So, as I’m plugging away at my editing station, it hit me. I am the busiest that I have been in a very long time. It’s the end of the year so naturally, it’s award ceremony time. And with the award ceremonies come cocktail hours and hotel dinners. It’s also holiday time aka the most travelingest time of the year. I spent a weekend away once this season and am planning at least a couple more before the season is out. But I am woefully WOEFULLY unprepared. Unfortunately for me, I realized this as I dragged my Kate Spade tote and schlumpy duffle all through the New York subway system.

Dealing with my out of alignment back and probably dislocated rotator cuff got me to spring into immediate action. I call this shopping trip, Operation Jetset.

I immediately bought the Olivia & Joy backpack in Turquoise. Anything turquoise is a hit with me and along with yellow and orange, functions as one of my power colors. (Don’t ask.) I snatched the Kenneth Cole suitcase, as well– I don’t know why I have been messing around with two-wheeled luggage now; this baby is nice. I am waiting on the Henri Bendel Jetsetter Backpack…you never know, it is the holiday season, after all.

The post The Weekender appeared first on The Right Style.

The Essentials: Outerwear

Kerri Estella — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 01:51:26 +0000

Ok, so the cold finally broke through. Though I, foolishly, have my legs out and exposed to the elements today, I also have the heat on. This weekend, I am going someplace cold. I’m freaking out. I haven’t dry-cleaned any of my coats from last winter so they’re all stashed in various cubbies and holes in my apartment awaiting their re-emergence and return to glory. This started me thinking, “Maybe I should just buy a new coat!”

The Essentials: Outerwear. by kerriestella featuring long woolen coats

Alexander McQueen black double breasted coat / Superdry parka coat / River Island coat, $115 / Long woolen coat / Formal coat, $60

Sigh. Do I ever love coats. Though I do have a tendency to favor coats of the woolen variety– I love the slightly-more-dressed look a wool coat brings– it is necessary that you pick up a army green parka this season. It’s not only wildly on trend but it is practical and able to be dressed up or down. Don’t believe me? Try layering a parka over a black maxi dress with a stacked heel boot. (Send me a snap when you do!) The Superdry Parka is my TRS pick, ringing in at $390.00.

I went with two light colored coats this go round. Though light coats are like DIRT MAGNETS, they are a wonderful break from the endless cycle of greige that the colder months seem to have in endless supply. I love the open drape of the oatmeal colored coat from Black Five but 100% stand behind the 60 dollar wonder of the cream formal coat. Make like Olivia Pope and snap that one up. It’s one hell of a TRS pick.

Light colored coats not doing enough to brighten up your winter days? I’m with you, Sister! I am absolutely dying for the orange cocoon-shaped coat from River Island. At $140 USD, the coat will keep your bank account happy as well. The cocoon shape is modern and on trend and I am a solid believer that orange is an adept neutral. Don’t go matchy-matchy on this one– throw this orange wonder on top of everything, no matter the color.

And finally, a TRS dream pick. Alexander McQueen is still my favorite place for structured, royalty inspired clothing and this coat is no exception. I did try to be a little practical with this pick; who doesn’t need an elegant, black coat in their wardrobe? This pick is aspirational, it’ll set you back a cool $2785.00. I will absolutely send you a thank you card when you have it delivered to my address.

The post The Essentials: Outerwear appeared first on The Right Style.

TRS Picks: A’s, Blue’s and Double C’s

Kerri Estella — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 14:00:28 +0000

It’s just too wrong that the weekend is so short. The end of October is signaling that I am running out of time to march about in shorts so I’m going IN.

Fall is too often the place where color goes to die but I, in my vaguely Jamaican style, can never have too much. I paired this incredibly bold sweatshirt by drawing out the reds and blues and incorporating them into other elements of the outfit. Anchoring everything– because when you’re wearing a lot of color, you need an anchor– are all the black leather accessories.

This outfit is definitely for the young at heart— Are there any looks you are holding onto from the warmer months?

ABC’s of Style by kerri-estella-grinnage featuring navy boots

Sweatshirts hoody / Forever New black zip jacket, $115 / Current/Elliott red hot shorts, $720 / Office navy boots, $135 / Black leather knapsack / Vintage button earrings / Linda Farrow cateye sunglasses, $650

The post TRS Picks: A’s, Blue’s and Double C’s appeared first on The Right Style.

So Many Stripes.

Kerri Estella — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 14:00:44 +0000

There may be nothing that I love more than stripes. I love stripes so much that sometimes I like to wear all of my stripes all at one time. I’m something of a stripes collector, if you will. This series of black and white striped looks happened largely by accident. As Richmond continues to tease back and forth with the idea of cold weather ( I was teeth-chatteringly cold last week. Tomorrow, it’s going to be 82 degrees), I have found myself needing to layer my transitional separates.

It started out with my Lush jumpsuit. It’s light and gauzy and comfortable and airy– absolutely perfect for humid days in the South. But the thing is, it was now freezing in the morning. I was dashing to work so I grabbed a light sweater. When I realized what I created, I was fascinated. It was by far the most pajama like thing I had ever worn to work, yet it was somehow eye-catching and quite well-dressed.

I took my five stripiest outfits and mixed and matched and created 3 of my all-time favorite looks. Which is your favorite? Do you like to play with patterns?

Jeans by Rich & Skinny, Missoni for Target blouse, blazer by BLACK Saks Fifth Avenue.

Blouse by Missoni for Target, Lush Jumpsuit.

Jumpsuit by Lush, Sweater by Max Studio, lipgloss “Rebel” by BeautiControl.

The post So Many Stripes. appeared first on The Right Style.

Farewell, Oscar.

Kerri Estella — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 14:30:32 +0000

Oscar de la Renta was…IS…legend. He was the man behind some of the most beautiful and iconic runway looks the world has ever known. He was the man who could turn fabrics into frocks covered in ruffles that turned the wearer into a blooming flower. He made first ladies and actresses all look equally like the most beautiful woman in the world. He rose to prominence dressing one of the most famous First Ladies in American history, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The Dominican de la Renta came to embody American fashion and American elegance. Who could forget the words of Carrie Bradshaw, played by de la Renta uber fan Sarah Jessica Parker:

Carrie: How about I read you a little bit of my favorite poetry?
Aleksandr: Please.
Carrie: [reads from Vogue] “Cocktails at Tiffany’s calls for classic charm. Oscar de La Renta sleeveless silk full-skirted dress with black patent leather bow belt.” Now that is pure poetry.

Oscar was a man who let his work and his actions speak for themselves. Here he is presenting his 2012 Resort Collection within the walls of the largest bullfighting arena in the world, Plaza des Toros in Mexico City, Mexico.

OSCAR DE LA RENTA IN MEXICO CITY from Oscar de la Renta on Vimeo.

The post Farewell, Oscar. appeared first on The Right Style.

The Big Chop. One More Time!

Kerri Estella — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 22:03:04 +0000

I keep things from you, oh fine readers of The Right Style. I keep lots of things from you. For example, about two weeks ago, I got a hair cut. Quite a dramatic haircut, actually. I cut my hair allllllll the way off. Now, if you’ve known me for any length of time, you’ll know that I’m not afraid of scissors. I first cut all of my hair off when I was 16 years old. This was about 13 (gasp) years ago, before Black women fully mobilized around the cult of natural hair. I remember walking into the salon fully intending to get a touch-up on my relaxer and asking for my long-time stylist, Gloria, to cut it off instead. She looked at my mother.

“Can I cut this child’s hair off?”

Mommy shrugged. “It’s her head.”

And then a surprisingly short time later, there I was, free of my shoulder-length straight hair.

My mother has, fortunately, never put any kind of value on the texture or length of my hair– I think that this is one of the things that has enabled me to feel so confident when I decide to change it. A lot of people felt strongly about that first cut. Most of the reactions were good, great even. But my, oh my, was there shade. People would smile at me and ask me why I wanted to cut off all that pretty hair. People told me that it would grow back.

But we’re in a different time and place and this haircut and the many ones that came before it, were much less impactful than that first one. I had grown my hair out into a wild and unmanageable afro this time, all resplendent with brown roots and sun-bleached reddish-brown tips. I had previously dyed my hair a deep auburn black but my hair is always eager to return to its natural, kind-of-wacky color. One of the reactions to my new hair cut? My friend, Carmen, “That’s so you. It always was.”

My hair, in its (old) usual style.

Immediately pre-hair massacre. It was a wildly humid/rainy day–my hair had shrunk 3 sizes from that morning.

This is the new me. The new old me, you could say.

Have you made any big style changes? How did the people around you react? Tell me in the comments!

The post The Big Chop. One More Time! appeared first on The Right Style.

#be Fashionable: MY Fashion Week

Kerri Estella — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 14:43:54 +0000

Last month was one of the most fashionable months on the calendar. If you’ve been keeping up, the fashion elite all converged in New York, Milan, Berlin, London and Paris to watch the world’s top supermodels and the top designers premiere their collections for the upcoming season. But for some reason or another, I was not invited to participate in any of the festivities (strange, I know) so I took it upon myself to make the month of September as fashionable as possible.

When the president of your company comes to town, it is mandatory that you pull out all of the stops. The “BeautiBar” is something that is known to all the ladies in our Beauti world: It’s a event, usually an intimate affair where you invite guests over and spoil them with samples of the latest and greatest of your sale items. (Remind me to show you our fabulous monthly sales brochures!) But for President Nikola, we took the BeautiBar and blew it up. We invited every one we knew and ADDED a fashion show. When you’re having a fashion show it is essential that you go for hig-impact pieces so one of my teammates arranged for us to work with a signature brand. When we contacted Ellen, the manager of Caché at Short Pump Towne Center, it was like kindred spirits had aligned. The “models”, three of my Spa Crew sisters and I, worked with Ellen to dream up looks that would take our BeautiControl models from our personal “work” style all the way to “WOW.”

I absolutely loved my dress— a sexy, bodycon number featuring a Lurex chainmail chest detail and cutaway neckline with leather piping. I love it so much in fact that I think a trip back to Cache is in my immediate future. Shop the look here.

The night was chockful of makeovers and glamorous details and some seriously awesome giveaways: one of our guests walked away with an overnight getaway for two at The Westin and one more with a 200 dollar gift certificate to Shoes of Prey! Now who doesn’t want some custom-made shoes?!

It was a fabulous night with some equally fabulous guests but since I said it was my fashion WEEK, I’m not quite done yet. Stay tuned for part 2!

The post #be Fashionable: MY Fashion Week appeared first on The Right Style.