This February marks my 9th year attending New York Fashion Week. In the beginning, I was challenged with immense imposter syndrome as I felt I wasn’t worthy of being in certain fashion spaces. But as I’ve learned more about myself and how showing up authentically is my superpower, I have managed to find my stride and get in my bag. Truth be told, NYFW is not for the faint of heart because it calls for you to bring it each and every season which can be exciting and overwhelming. As a fashion lover, I challenge myself to raise the bar every time because it’s such a fascinating art. This go-round, I wanted to center all of my looks around my outerwear since wintertime in New York City is no joke.
Outerwear is such an essential staple during the colder months and they are a surefire way to make a statement without saying a word. In a world full of bland jackets and coats, I just want to stand out in the most unique pieces. Ahead, find the fly outerwear I donned during the fall/winter season of New York Fashion Week.
Coming In Hot
Courtesy of Joce Blake
When I read the product description for the Willa Red Vegan Fur Leather Coat from Finesse, I knew I had to have it: “Having the WILLA red will give you the diva card. She’ll be leaving her red lipstick kiss as a memory.” And all I ever want is to make a lasting impression at New York Fashion Week, so I coupled this fiery red coat with a blue-striped button-down top from Kahlana Barfield’s Target collaboration, maroon vinyl pants, and denim Air Jordan 1s.
To bring it all together, I switched the white laces out for red ones and grabbed my red puffer Telfar. It gave exactly what it was supposed to give especially as I started my morning with the Black in Fashion Council at Christie’s to celebrate the legacy of our superhero, André Leon Talley.
Solid Gold, Baby
Courtesy of Joce Blake
Since metallics are having a moment right now, I wanted to center an entire look around a gold trench coat. I looked to LBV. Official for their Metallic Vegan Leather Trench Coat, which was designed with pronounced shoulder pads, a classic waist belt, and adjustable wrist belts. For accessories, I copped a custom NY hat from Rebel P Customs embellished with gold applique and threw on my ever-so-stylish Brandon Blackwood bamboo tote.
All of the gold accents coordinated like a dream, especially since I selected gold cowboy boots to bring the look to completion.
I Can Buy Myself Flowers
Courtesy of Joce Blake
One thing about me, I am going to give myself flowers. That’s exactly what I did with this Neon Rose oversized belted padded jacket in the most gorgeous floral print. The aprés-ski aesthetic is prominent every winter, so I decided to pair it with leather lavender pants, a furry top, and white booties. The runways are proof that this winter trend is here to stay, as evidenced by designers like Miu Miu and Prada.
Keep It Collegiate
Courtesy of Joce Blake
Nothing is more essential for streetwear than a varsity jacket. Just call me captain of the bad bitches because this jacket had me feeling like I was leading my team in style with this black and green varsity jacket. I tapped Finnesse again for this piece because their products are just too good and this Bobby Black Varsity Jacket was no different.
Between the striking green lettering and the fun quotes like “Purrrr” embossed on the coat, it really speaks to the way the collegiate Americana style mixed with streetwear flair has infiltrated fashion trends.
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Featured image courtesy of Joce Blake
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"Pay attention to hidden sugars in packaged food by checking labels and opt for low-sugar alternatives. Preparing your own beverages like iced herbal teas sweetened with a touch of honey or fruit-infused sparkling water gives you full control over the ingredients and helps you avoid sugar overload while staying refreshed this summer.”
If you're curious to know which drinks you should avoid, check out this list of the seven worst summer drinks compiled by fitness experts at Live Football Tickets and Offbeat Marketing.
Energy Drinks
There's a reason why the UK proposed a ban on energy drinks for those who are under the age of 16. They are loaded with caffeine and taurine, which can raise your heart rate and blood pressure. Because it's a sweet drink, the taste can trick you into overconsumption, leaving you dehydrated, especially when paired with alcohol. Some of the other risks include abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, and mood swings.
Bubble Tea
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This trendy drink, unfortunately, has some downsides when consumed excessively and is best avoided on your health journey. It's high in calories due to the combination of sweetened tea, milk, and tapioca pearls,and it contains 7 to 12 teaspoons of sugar. The tapioca pearls can also cause gastrointestinal issues like bloating, gas, and constipation, as well as artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Sweet Cocktails
Sweet cocktails like margaritas and frozen daiquiris are very deceptive, as they can be refreshing on a hot day. However, a classic margarita can account for over 70% of your daily sugar intake. A good trick that the study suggests (and also something my dietician recommends) is drinking a glass of water for each cocktail. This helps keep you hydrated.
"Your body is mainly made up of water, so staying hydrated is essential, especially with the extra sweating that happens in the summer," says Donna Callander, personal trainer and director of Offbeat Marketing. "While everything is fine in moderation or as an occasional treat, it’s important to be mindful of the hidden calories, sugars, and salts in what you consume.”
Lemonade
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It's probably no surprise that lemonade was voted as most people's favorite summertime drink. But as popular as it is, we may forget about the sugar and acidity that it has and this blend can have negative affects on our health and teeth. It can spike blood sugar levels and erode tooth enamel, which leads to cavities.
"Your body is mainly made up of water, so staying hydrated is essential, especially with the extra sweating that happens in the summer. While everything is fine in moderation or as an occasional treat, it’s important to be mindful of the hidden calories, sugars, and salts in what you consume.”
Smoothies
I know what you're thinking: aren't smoothies healthy? They can be, but they are also often packed with sugar. The fruits and vegetables that are used in smoothies are good for you, but it's all about moderation. When fruit is blended, it breaks down its cell walls and releases natural sugars as free sugars that are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.
Frozen Coffee
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I'm a sucker for a Frappuccino, but with all the whipped cream and syrups inside, it's essentially a sugar bomb. Drinking frozen coffee and Frappuccinos can lead to weight gain and possible health problems like type 2 diabetes. While the National Health Service (NHS) says adults should consume a maximum of 30g of sugar daily, some of our favorite coffee shops' drinks, like a Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino with semi-skimmed milk, have a staggering 48.5g of sugar.
Soda
The high sugar and caffeine in sodas can lead to dehydration, which is the last thing you want on a hot summer day. A typical can have around 39g of sugar, which is about nine teaspoons, and this excess sugar forces your kidneys to work harder to process it, leading to increased urination and subsequent fluid loss. If you're craving a fizzy drink, try unsweetened sparkling water instead. Unsweetened sparkling water and fruit-infused water help improve digestion and constipation.
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