Are You Wearing White After Labor Day?

This tradition originated by some rich person who said that if you could afford to get out of the city and vacation elsewhere when summer ended? Then you could wear it…Like seriously? Labor Day represents the end of summer, a 'rule' was established that you shouldn't wear white if you didn't have the money to take fall and winter vacations. Stop the insanity please. So, this where following certain traditions become silly. I've always worn white all year long if I felt like it. Yes, there was always someone who would ask, “Why are you wearing white after Labor Day? And I’d answer, ”Because I want to”-

It’s all about your own perspective. Making your own fashion statement will definitely remove you from any traditional “folk tales”.

The BET Hip Hop Awards 2022 Red Carpet Looks

Hip Hop music’s elite were in the building for the BET Hip Hop Awards at Atlanta’s Cobb Energy Center. From Remy Ma to Dream Doll. Everyone had a unique flare of their own,

Simone I. Smith Unveils her latest collection for New York Fashion Week Fall 2022

Simone I. Smith was really introduced to the entertainment industry in the early 90’s. Ironically through lyrics. Yes, she is the wife of iconic Rap/Hip Hop artist turned actor LL Cool J.

Simone has no problem letting you know she is the original ‘Around Th Way Girl’. She has always been known for her great sense of style. Sadly, the mother of four was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma, a rare bone cancer, in 2004. She’s been cancer free for nearly 17 years now. Her story is quite inspirational one of support, filled with unwavering faith, and love from those around her.

During New York Fashion Week for Fall 2022. Simone shared what we’ve called the ultimate luxury collection. Each piece was crafted with well thought out details by Smith herself. From diamond dusted classic hoop earrings, to asymmetrical fedoras that actually highlight popular late 80’s and early 90’s hairstyles. Yes, she managed to incorporate a hairstyle into a hat design and did it well! The SIS Luxe nail lacquer collection was brought to life during the 2020 Pandemic. Simone, like many of us ladies, who had to improvise when it came to usually getting our weekly mani and pedi’s. Decided to create hues that embodied her very own personal style. Each color has a little sparkle to it. How she’s managed to not over do it is amazing. Price point is $20 and well worth it. While attending her showcase at the lavish Brooklyn Chop House in Time’s Square. Everyone in attendance was offered manicures from the services done by a nail technician. Take a look at some of the images below of the Simone I. Smith Collection. Stay tuned for the full interview on Stylers Row.

HEIGHT attended Tommy Hilfiger Fall 22 (Tommy Factory) show Sunday  (Getty Images)

The show was delayed due to the rain. As the star studded guests arrived, the rain still would not let up. The show must go on. And that it did. The diversity on Hilfiger’s runway was epic. It set the tone for what is real life - in fashion.

Classic comfort with functionality. American looks that sets his clothing line aside from the others. The elements added a since of character what is New York and Hilfiger nailed this collection.

Trends vs Fads: What’s the difference?

A trick for telling the difference between fads and trends

So how can your organization figure out if something is a fad or a trend? A helpful trick may be to consider that trends inevitably affect some form of the organization’s engagement strategy, but fads usually influence tactics. This isn’t a fool-proof trick, but it can help your organization think strategically about the differences between both fads and trends.

For instance, social media use is a trend and that affects your engagement strategy, but selfies affect how you can carry out that strategy. Screaming “YOLO” and going gluten-free are things that folks may be doing these days – and, in order to remain relevant, your organization may benefit by embracing them for now. But these fads affect your organization’s tactics (and messages and programs), not its strategy. Data-informed management affects your strategy. Embracing transparency affects your strategy. The trend toward personalized interactions and programs thanks to our increasingly individually-tailored world is a trend and also deeply affects our strategies.

If there is growing, multi-year data demonstrating that something affects the market, then you know it’s a trend. But sometimes we need to know when and how far we should move and embrace change before there’s multi-year data telling us that something is sticking around.

Fads come fast and fade away

A fad is any form of behavior that is intensely followed by a population for a short period of time. The behavior will rise relatively quickly and fall relatively quickly once the perception of novelty is gone.

There are some great fads out there! Collecting beanie babies was a fad, so were pet rocks, sending spam boards, troll dolls, water beds…the list goes on. We can thank fads for basically everything that we wore in the 80s (or 90s, or 2000s…) And there are a lot of fads going on right now that may bring us a laugh twenty years from now. 

Fads certainly have value and they can profoundly change organizations- consider the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge! Utilizing fads in marketing and programs can increase top-of-mind awareness, demonstrate the timeliness of your organization, and serve as a gateway for new audiences.

This is all great and important stuff but, remember – fads don’t stick around.

Trends solve problems and get stronger over time

A trend, on the other hand, gets stronger over time and does stick around. Trends have identifiable and explainable rises that are driven by audience needs. They help solve a problem for people.

In the words of  Seth Godin, “A trend gains power over time, because it’s not merely part of a moment, it’s a tool, a connector that will become more valuable as other people commit to engaging in it.”

The increasing use of social networks is a trend (that connects us to one another). So is quitting smoking (which lengthens our lives), evidence-based medicine (that removes the guesswork in medical-related situations), and the use of mobile devices (that allow us to look up information in real time). These are things that have grown, and continue to grow in market penetration. They solve problems. They represent new ways of life.

Organizations ignore trends at their own risk. Ignoring trends means that they will either be forced to adapt later and will necessarily be behind, or the organization will fade away.

Alexis Mack owner of CHAR Boutique is making her mark

Dope Millennial mindset of an entrepreneur would start with this young lady right here. Alexis Mack CEO and owner of the online luxury retail store, Char Boutique . We recently had the honor of meeting Alexis at the BGM Beauty & Business Fest in Elizabeth NJ this past June. Her merchandise is designed to cater to the woman on the go who knows what she wants and moves around the world in style.

Everything from flirty dresses, skirt, casual attire, swimwear and more are available. Her signature garment is the “Nikki” dress. Flattering to any figure and easy to transition from brunch with the ladies to an evening out with your beau. Alexis shared that she’s always had an eye for fashion and high-quality clothing which led to a burning desire to one day own her own clothing boutique. Take note, Char is not just exclusive to just the ladies. The Missouri native had made sure to include fashion for men under the title, the “Char Man”. Every woman needs a man to match her fly, right? Mack has dedicated herself to upgrading him all in the name of luxury.

Read more about Alexis and her journey right now in Volume III https://www.heightmag.com/get-your-copy Watch her chat with Editor in Chief Rae Ashe on HM Exclusive Interview on YouTube.

Chic wearable art designed by artist Mwikali: The KaliMay Collection

Poet, author and artist, Mwikali has created one of a kind wearable art that defies any complication to be paired with any ensemble. Each piece is handcrafted personally by the designer herself. The KaliMay Collection offers timeless stone and crystals, adding a spiritual connection to the jewelry. Well made, some rings are even crafted with actual copper. You’ll also find apparel. T-shirts adorned with the poetess’ own words. Below are a few of our favorite pieces.

Why we must appreciate ‘911’ star

Aisha Hinds

New York-Actress Aisha Hinds said “I Do” in the most beautiful way possible. In Grenada along with a stunning bridal party of ten. The destination wedding with now, husband Silky Valente was recorded to view what looks like a film short. Produced by Diane Valentine and shot by Olivier Kandyflosse is amazing to watch. Much credit to fashion stylist, Alayna Bell Price. The Fox Network ‘911’ star wore a beautiful couture wedding dress by Belle Atelier and the headpiece was from SuReina Bridal. The bridal party gowns were from Hila Atelier, Brides by Nona and Houghton-Katharine Polk. The talented Brooklyn born star has been captivating film and television for more than twenty years. With heroine roles in shows like Underground where she played Harriett Tubman or Unsolved Murders as the late rapper Notorious B.I.G.’s mother, Voletta Wallace.

As Aisha continues to give us great characters to love. Let’s talk about her personal sense of style. Hinds is always set apart from others in our opinion. Recently she wed television personality and DJ Silky Valente in a romantic destination wedding which took place in Grenada. An island country in the West Indies on the Caribbean Sea- southern end of the Grenadines island chain. The beautiful imagery of overflowing love exhibited is enough to have anyone gushing of happiness for the newlyweds. But, let’s talk about the fashion and why Aisha deserves her flowers. Not just her wedding bouquet. Each video shared via social media, captures the rich culture of the island for starters. Yet, it’s not overwhelmingly done. The bridesmaids each wore gowns that richly enhanced their personalities perfectly without overshadowing the stunning bride. Aisha created her own traditional ceremony. Yes, that’s typically the idea for every woman. But, there’s a heightened sense of aromatics and a deep cultured imprint attached to her ceremony. Elegance, paired with royalty sprinkled with theatrics and dashes of eclectic style. Hinds’ and her styling team hit every mark without making it look overdone or pretentious. Every element fit perfectly. And we’re not surprised.

Photography by Stanlo Photography Instagram