Today I attended the EveryStylishGirl’s Sip N’ Slay event in New York City, and it was exactly the kind of stylish, inspiring, and empowering gathering that makes this city so special. The room was filled with ambitious, fashion-forward women — all sipping, networking, and slaying in their own unique way.
The room came alive with a spectrum of bold, bright colors — hot pinks, lime greens, electric blues. It was beautiful, but I decided to take a completely different approach. Instead of chasing vibrancy, I leaned into a monochromatic palette — polished, elegant, and undeniably sophisticated.
For the occasion, I wore the Raelyn Dress by Miss Circle, in its classic black-and-white design, I became the visual pause in a sea of color. The crisp white collar paired with the sleek black bodycon silhouette gave me an edge that was subtle, but impossible to ignore. While many leaned into boldness through color, I created boldness through contrast.
The Raelyn Dress blends business casual sophistication with vintage-inspired charm, making it a timeless wardrobe essential. Designed in a classic black-and-white combo, it features a crisp white collar and an elegant halter neckline that exude refined elegance.
The high-waist design and slim fit silhouette enhanced my curves, while the bodycon cut kept the look sleek and polished. A subtle back slit gave me effortless movement as I floated from conversations to photo moments, and the invisible zipper created a flawless finish. The dress struck the perfect balance between power and poise — confident enough for networking, yet chic enough to turn heads in the daylight.
The event itself was equal parts networking and celebration. I enjoyed the panels on The Creator Code: Influence, Income & Integrity where creators shared how they’re monetizing their platforms, setting brand standards, and creating content that converts, while staying true to themselves and the Monetize with Meaning panel.
There were moments of laughter, genuine conversations and affirmations. What stood out to me most was the atmosphere — uplifting, empowering, and full of women hyping each other up.
Walking away, I felt inspired and recharged. Sip & Slay reminded me that my goals are within my reach if I just walk in faith and belief and that fashion isn’t just about what you wear — it’s about how you carry yourself, how you connect with others, and how a dress can help you step into the room with a little extra sparkle.
Dress: Miss Circle Raelyn Dress
Mini Top Handle Crossbody Satchel Handbag
Fashion Week is upon us, and designer shows are not the only thing we’re looking forward to. There’s another show that fills the air with just as much excitement—the front row fashion. Here are some of the most memorable fashion moments from celebrities and influencers.
1.Kerry Washington at Thom Browne
Kerry Washington was suited up in a head to toe navy pinstriped blazer and maxi skirt Thom Browne look.
2. June Ambrose at Christopher John Rogers
Stylist & Image Architect June Ambrose wearing the Wiggle Dot Jacquard Dress and signature lid – this time, a royal blue fur hat by Khia Tulle.
3. Jeneé Naylor at Christopher John Rogers
Fashion Influencer Jeneé Naylor giving us an edgy twist in a ballgown inspired look for the Christopher John Rogers show.
4. The Yusuf’s at Bibhu Mohapatra
5. Kelsey Merritt at Carolina Herrera
Model Kelsey Merritt wears Look 3 from the SS25 Carolina Herrera show, a white cotton poplin oversized shirt and black wool blend high-waisted bermuda shorts.
6. Lucky Blue Smith at Thom Browne
Model Lucky Blue Smith in a plaid short suit number with a black tie and accompanying black handbag, and burgundy loafers.
As someone who loves a neutral palette, I decided to celebrate my 32nd birthday with a splash of color. I’ve noticed the trend of waistline ruching gaining popularity online, and I thought it would be the perfect choice for flattering my silhouette. The dress truly stood out against the backdrop of 53 NYC, where I enjoyed my birthday dinner with friends!
Since my birthday falls in winter, I was looking for a dress that includes the following features: A high neckline to keep me cozy, maxi length and long sleeves for added warmth and coverage, and an interesting detail for an elevated look. This made Club London’s Pietra Berry High-Neck Long Sleeve Knot Maxi Dress the perfect choice!
To style this dress, I added a little bit of unexpected color contrast to this dress by pairing it with an olive green Saint Laurent Uptown Pouch. To complete the look, I added black Ted Baker heels with a gold accent.
Shop the Pietra dress for the holidays or your next glamorous occasion!
One wardrobe staple I believe every stylish woman needs? A versatile pleated skirt that can effortlessly transition between casual days and dressier occasions. Enter the vegan pleated leather skirt from Banana Republic, a piece so chic and timeless that I styled it seven different ways!
If you’re looking for fresh inspiration on maximizing your wardrobe, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into these looks, and don’t forget to watch the video at the end for a closer look at how each outfit came together!
Look 1: Cozy & Casual
The perfect outfit for chilly days! I paired the skirt with a brown sweater dress for double the layers and finished the look with ankle boots.
Where to Wear It: Brunch with friends or a casual office day.
Style Tip: Tuck the front of your sweater into the waistband for a flattering silhouette.
Look 2: Bold Monochrome
For a polished workwear vibe, I added a tailored blazer onto the look for a sleeker monochromatic moment.
Where to Wear It: Meetings, presentations, or networking events.
Style Tip: A belt around the blazer adds definition to your waist while keeping the outfit sophisticated.
Look 3: Edgy Layers
To channel a bit of edge, I paired the pleated skirt with a vegan leather peplum top . The combination of leather-on-leather textures feels bold without being overwhelming, thanks to the skirt’s soft pleats.
Where to Wear It: Weekend outings, concerts, or date night.
Style Tip: Play with accessories like chain necklaces or a statement crossbody bag to amp up the vibe.
Look 4:
Where to Wear It: Dinner parties, weddings, or special events.
Style Tip: Opt for dainty jewelry to keep the look light and airy.
Look 5: Preppy & Edgy
This look combines sophistication and edginess perfectly. The oxford shirt brings a classic touch, while the peplum top adds femininity and flair. Pairing this combination with a pleated leather skirt introduces an element of texture and style that elevates the entire outfit. Complete the ensemble with ankle boots or chic heels for a polished finish, making it ideal for both day and night events.
Where to Wear It: Casual errands, coffee runs, or a day out shopping.
Style Tip: Knot the tee at the waist for a playful twist.
Look 6:
For cooler weather, I styled the skirt with a fitted knit top and a long wool coat. Knee-high boots pulled the entire look together for an elevated, weather-appropriate outfit.
Where to Wear It: Holiday gatherings, city strolls, or cozy date nights.
Style Tip: Choose boots in a complementary color for a streamlined look.
Look 7:
For the final look, I went for a neutral tones.
Where to Wear It: Cocktail parties, art galleries, or formal dinners.
Style Tip: Add a pop of color with a bright clutch or bold lip.
Why I Love Vegan Leather
Not only is this skirt stunning, but it’s also made from vegan leather, a cruelty-free alternative to traditional leather. It’s lightweight, durable, and offers the same luxe look without the guilt. Plus, the pleated design ensures it never feels stiff or heavy.
Maximize Your Wardrobe
Staples like this skirt prove that you don’t need a massive closet to create endless outfit options. Investing in versatile pieces helps you stretch your creativity and make the most out of every item in your wardrobe.
Ready to See It in Action?
Check out the full video below to see how I styled this pleated skirt seven ways. Let me know your favorite look in the comments—and feel free to share how you’d style a pleated leather skirt.
Shop the Look:
If you’re interested in snagging this skirt or similar pieces, I’ve rounded up some options below:
Let me know how you’ll be styling your pleated skirt this season!
Zoe Saldana, known for her notable roles in films like “Avatar,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” and “Star Trek,” made a groundbreaking debut at the Cannes Film Festival in 2018. She became the first Latin American actress to lead a film screening at the prestigious festival, presenting the biopic ‘Nina’ about the iconic singer Nina Simone.
Now, six years later, Zoe Saldana returns to the Cannes Film Festival for her new movie, Emilia Perez, a 2024 musical crime comedy written and directed by Jacques Audiard. The film also stars Karla Sofía Gascón, with Selena Gomez and Édgar Ramírez in supporting roles.
Styled by Petra Flannery, Zoe Saldana’s stunning appearance in an archive-inspired Saint Laurent look at the Cannes Film Festival turned heads and garnered attention from fashion enthusiasts and media alike.
The original dress was worn by model Pat Cleveland in the Yves Saint Laurent Spring 1986 Couture Runway Show on January 29, 1986, in Paris, France.
Model Pat Cleveland in the Yves Saint Laurent Spring 1986 Couture Runway Show on January 29, 1986, in Paris, France.
In the film, Saldaña, plays overqualified and exploited, lawyer Rita who is wasting her talents working for a large firm. An offer she can’t refuse comes her way – she’s offered the task of helping feared cartel boss Juan \”Little Hands\” Del Monte – aka Manitas – retire from his business and disappear forever. Manitas has a plan he\’s been fine-tuning in secret for years : to become, at last, the woman he\’s always dreamed of becoming. (Source: IMDB)
She shares her excitement in an interview with Vogue. “The opportunity to come back and to be in competition makes my heart so full. It’s the type of festival where films from all over the world come together. You’re exposed to cinema that is global, you meet incredible filmmakers, and you also get to share space with incredible creatives worldwide,” she says. The film received an 11-minute standing ovation, according to Deadline.
Zendaya for the May Cover of Vogue. Annie Leibovitz / Vogue
Law Roach recently discussed his collaboration with Annie Leibovitz for Zendaya’s American Vogue cover on ‘The Cutting Room Floor’ podcast.
Host Recho Omondi expressed skepticism about Leibovitz’s ability to capture Black subjects effectively.
Omondi, starts the line of questioning with a statement saying “I would never trust Annie Leibovitz to take my photo ever. I feel like it’s a high risk opportunity.”
Roach admitted he hadn’t paid much attention Leibovitz’s work of Black women, but praised her recent portraits of Coco Gauff and Zendaya, drawing shock from the host.
“Coco (Gauff) was beautiful and Zendaya was stunning,” Roach shares of Annie’s recent work.
“Coco was a no,” Omondi quips back.
Coco Gauff for the April Cover of Vogue. Annie Leibovitz / Vogue
Roach responds back stating he asked for Annie. It was part of his vision of grandeur for the iconic moment.
Omondi doesn’t think he made the right choice critiquing Leibovitz’s recent work of Coco (Gauff), Simone (Biles), Lupita (Nyongo) and Viola (Davis).
Omondi argues that these portraits lacked the vibrancy and proper lighting needed to showcase the beauty of Black women.
This critique echoes broader concerns about Leibovitz’s approach to photographing Black subjects, highlighting issues of representation and colorism.
Annie Leibovitz is a renowned American portrait photographer known for her “dramatic intimate” style. She gained prominence in the 1970s as a staff photographer for Rolling Stone Magazine.
Critics have pointed out that Leibovitz’s style may inadvertently contribute to Black women appearing dull or ashy in her photographs, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusivity in photography.
The critiques have also opened up conversations around colorism in the black community. A comment on instagram from model and activist Bethann Hardison, asks “How bad could a Zendaya photo be based on complexion alone?”
Another comment references that Zendaya passes the brown paper bag test, a term that dates back to a colorist discriminatory practice within the African-American community in the 20th century, in which a person’s skin tone is compared to the color of a brown paper bag.
Could this be an issue of colorism rearing it’s head or is Leibovitz photography style the culprit here?
Ultimately, it’s important to consider both factors when evaluating the critiques of Leibovitz’s work with Black women. It’s also important to recognize that Leibovitz may not be intentionally perpetuating biases in her work.
By addressing issues of colorism and reassessing her photography style, Leibovitz can work towards creating more inclusive and impactful portraits of Black individuals.
Lupita N’yongo for Vanity Fair / Photographed by Annie Leibovitz
Viola Davis for Vanity Fair /Photographed by Annie Leibovitz
