Throwback - Bell + Buttoms

Bell + Buttoms = 70s Quake In Full Effect

#ModelOffDuty had us under the gun once again! Right after shooting looks for this post she had to be downtown for a runway show, where she transformed from Foxy Brown here to giving us Dominique Deveraux for the show (see pics below). So the race was on to find a nice, but convenient location in D.C. quickly because once again there were competing demands and ever changing priorities. And I thought my schedule was crazy with all my #WardrobeHustle!

There are so many cool trends for Fall 2015. One being the 70s inspired styles that are big this season and I couldn't be more excited.  I grabbed the pants Symone is wearing after looking around at different locations finally finding a pair at Zara's flagship location on 5th Ave in Manhattan fortunately.  I love these particular pair of bell bottoms as they have more shape and structure as some of the knit ones that I've seen in other stores, not to mention they were a great price point too. Although they were sold out in my size, I can tell just from working with these I purchased for her that they are super comfortable and the fabric is a good weight.  Plus, these pants can be styled many different ways as in previous post #ModelOffDuty Twinning With Plaids (click link).  I could totally see these pants being paired with a cute black sequin or a black & gold glitzy top styled for a holiday party. If and when I locate a pair for myself that's just as nice and affordable, that's exactly how I'll be rocking mine, topped off with my ostrich feather bolero jacket! I finished her look with a simple ivory pussy bow top, bowler style hat and sunnies that all lend to that 70s Show vibe! #SybilStreetSTYLe

SYMONE IS WEARING

Top: Zara | Pants: Zara | Earrings: Aldo | Hat: Urban Outfitters | Sunnies: Zara

Coming Soon Blog Series - Transforming Style From the Inside Out: Women of Style & Faith #SaintlyStyle

#ModelOffDuty is now On Duty going from Foxy Brown earlier that day to Miss Dominique Deveraux from Dynasty, Lol!

DETAIL - All Black + Feathers

Season after season, I'm still feeling these ostrich feathers.  It's not just for the holidays and special occasion anymore!

You've seen me wear this jacket with the ostrich feather hem for the ump-teenth time, and rightly so, I get so many uses out of it, as I just remix it with different outfits. The feather detail around the hem just adds so much personality and pizzazz to a look, opposed to styling something with just a plain black blazer. Clothing with feathers on it use to be pretty much on special occasion pieces only, but not anymore, I've been seeing frocks with ostrich feather accents for a minute now. The brands just keep churning them out season after season, especially during the holidays - on blazers, tops and skirts etc -  I just love it!   I actually purchased my jacket by Romeo and Juliet Couture five years ago at Neiman's Last Call!  Needless to say I've gotten a lot of miles and usage out of it.  It's a cool way to use a piece which was generally thought of as 'formal' if you will, taken down a notch, while funkifying your look.  I styled the looks here with these boots for a more edgy, hip vibe. Symone has worn her top also with a pair of faux leather leggings and a zebra print pointy-toe pump which I thought was really cute, but I did something a little different for her for this post with a pencil skirt since I wanted to style the boots and show just how cute they are. I funkified it guys, and so should you lol!

See below for more style tips for wearing jackets with feathers. #SybilStreetSTYLe

Here above are additional ways I've worn/styled my feathered jacket.  I've also worn it with black skinny pants, a white graphic tee, red suede puma sneakers and a red beret cap.  Finally, I styled it using taupe color high-waisted riding pants from American Apparel, flat, tall suede riding boots and a plain white v-neck tee and big earrings! Whatever manner you choose, make it your own that works for your body-type and personality remembering that you're not limited to wearing pieces adorned with feathers for special occasions anymore!

We Are Wearing

SYMONE - Top: BCBG | Skirt: Forever 21 Old | Bracelet: Made Well | Handbag: Brahmin | Boots: Donald Pliner

SYBIL -  Jacket: Romeo Juliet Couture Old | Bodysuit: Asos Old | Faux leather culottes: Zara | Knit Cap: Urban Outfitters | Croosbody Bag: Jasper & Jeerer via Anthropologie | Boots: Donald Pliner

Coming Soon Blog Series - Transforming Style From the Inside Out: Women of Style & Faith#SaintlyStyle

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year! Let's Trim the Tree!

Deck the halls with boughs of holly! I don't have any holly, but we have plenty of jolly!

We always enjoy trimming the tree. Especially this year, it's #ModelOffDuty first Christmas in New York, in her first apartment.

We talked about some ideas for decorating her apartment and initially kind of decided on a standard green tree, but I happened to be in Target and seen a beautiful white tree and thought white would be so fabulous  in her place and coordinate so nicely with her current color scheme. Believe it or not, I found this white tree while on the road heading back to Brooklyn at Walmart for only $40 bucks!  It's not necessarily as grand as the one I seen at Target, but very nice nonetheless and it's pre-lit! Can't beat that! I also found the wreath at good 'ole Walmart as well. How cool is that!

A few of the ornaments were purchased at Target, but overall they came from - ready for this guys - The Dollar Tree! That's right The Dollar Tree! Symone says," Mommy the dollar store up the street has some really nice ornaments and they look expensive!" Well she wasn't lying folks. I grabbed up quite a bit and spent under $40. I was getting some real bang for my buck!

#ModelOffDuty did a great job trimming the tree!

The tree is pretty when lit. I generally would have went with one color (white), but the multi color lights are really nice.

The poinsettias around the bottom of the tree are a nice compliment! Overall it's styled really nicely and looks more expensive than what it is. Just as with clothing, pieces doesn't have to cost a lot, they just have to be styled nicely, making them look like they did!

Happy Holidays from Symone and I, wishing you nothing but joy, blessings and peace this season and the next to come!  It is my hope that you find yourself right in the center of God's will for your life, and that He will ensure that you get right there!

 Peace on earth and goodwill to all men. #SaintlyStyle

Holiday 2015 Kick-Off - Thanksgiving

Let the holidays begin! I turned the praise & worship on and we began Thanksgiving morning, well actually that night before, with cooking baked goods. Next side-dishes and finally a golden brown bird, then it was off to grandmothers' house we go!

Fixing pineapple upside down cupcakes. Check out Hubs photobombing - y'all see he's a Cowboys fan!

Cornbread coming out and cupcakes going in.

#ModelOffDuty lent a hand and helped her mama bake cakes!

Preparing a family fav - Sybil's homemade mac-n-cheese.  

If I do say so myself, my mac-n-cheese is to die for - it's that good!

My crumb snatcher Catan looking sad like we don't feed him! I decided to relent and share since it's the season of giving and I'm sure puppy love was thankful!

Some of the family arriving for Thanksgiving Dinner at mom/grandma's house - big brother and sis-in-law.

More of the family piling in - we clean up well, right!

#ModelOffDuty Symone and Kiyah reunited, having a moment.  Since Symone has been in New York, she and Kiyah haven't seen much of each other, so they're happy to catch up.

Cousins, but more like sisters!  It wouldn't be like them to not style & profile! #StyleIsInTheirBlood

Niece and my other twin, Leona "LeeLee" coming through.

Like I said, we clean up well, LOL!

Mama chillin with her happy, thankful self - always giving up the praises to our King and ready to welcome everyone and have good time with family!

A few side dishes I prepared: cheesy, buttery Jiffy cornbread, garlic soy green beans, my renowned mac-n-cheese, long grain wild rice w/savory sausage and my pineapple upside down cupcakes minus the cherry on top!

Golden brown and juicy, fresh out the oven!

Mom-in-law's beautiful tree, where we arrived later to enjoy time with more family! Her home is always so beautifully decorated, warm and festive! Despite the untimely passing of my father-in-law, whom we will miss dearly, my mother-in-law remains strong, joyful and the glue that holds everything together, welcoming and encouraging everyone to continue moving on and to live life fully & love one another!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  Our feast was fantastic, I was definitely full off all the delicious food, but the warmth and breaking of bread with family is what truly caused me to be full and my cup to run over. I have so much gratitude, even when conflict may arise, for my harvest of family love and blessings great & small.  I'm so very thankful! #SaintlyStyle

HYPED - Black To Brooklyn

Leaving Brooklyn on a Friday headed back to the DMV, wearing all black. Black Friday before THE #BlackFriday!

Not only is black a safe bet, it's a chic one too! When done right, black is very #ChicHappens. The thing that helps a monochromatic look, not look so flat is doing it with different textures. My sleeveless funnelneck sweater has ribbing with a sheer contrasting yoke on front and back. The Vince Camuto coat I'm wearing  (that you've seen me wear and remix tons of times) has fur on the front bodice area for some added interest and these high-waist jeans from Target are a distressed black with a frayed open knee providing another layer of texture. I finished the jeans with a Gucci belt.  To give a pop of color I threw on a pair of Brian Atwood pumps in wine and my Dior sunnies also in wine.  I have to offer that these pumps are THE most comfortable heels I own #ComfortChic!  My cream Marc Jacobs bag with the fur puff key ring  by Dune breaks up the monotony as well. Did I forget to mention my hair color, that fiery red adds a bit of drama to this look. I can't tell you how your hair color just like your hairstyle can cause your outfit to go from 10 to 60 just like that, turning that outfit into "a look" that will give 'em life!  It's these small details that truly amp up the style factor - it's all in the details, even if it's all black!  #SybilStreetSTYLe

“Mommy you look like, Set It Off from the movie, said #ModelOffDuty, Time to set it off, set it off Jada Pinkett in my Drake voice! ”

— Symone Street AKA #ModelOffDuty

What I'm Wearing

Coat: Vince Camuto | Denim: Target |  Top: 1 State  | Shoes: B Brian Atwood | Sunnies:  Dior | Belt: Gucci | Bag: Marc Jacobs

Coming Soon Blog Series - Transforming Style From the Inside Out: Women of Style & Faith  #SaintlyStyle

Cape Season w/Fringed Benefits - Aztec Cape + Fringe Boots.

Capes are On Trend This Fall

Capes are everywhere this Fall and so are fringes! There are so many options for capes around town.  This affordable, yet stylish Aztec print one from Target caught my attention among the many. Capes have a way of bringing that cool factor to a look. This one is super cozy and warm without adding too much bulk that makes you sweat. I layered it over a long light rinse denim vest and a cute graphic tee with the worlds cutest dog "Boo" (not as cute as our doggy Catan though!!!). I added my Diesel cap for a little swag, a cool neckerchief, a medium rinse skinny jean, finished off with a snazzy pair of suede fringe ankle boots by Belle Sigerson Morrison.

On Symone, I styled the same cape, with a simple raw edge denim shirt from Zara, her old pair of faux leather skinnies, an Urban Outfitters fedora, the exact ankle boots and a Longchamp bag.

Insert Model Mommy Chronicles- The rodeo I had to endure to get Symone's look shot for this post was a bit intense.   For one, it was raining outdoors, so trying to shift to Plan B to find cool indoor locations in a city that's not your original home was a challenge. Not to mention, she had a last minute casting earlier in Manhattan that day, which largely cut into our time allotted to shoot, so I was trying to do #BloggerHustle in lightning speed.  I had everything all planned out, then it was like - swerve shift gears. To say the least we were pressed for time trying to get stuff done before it got dark. I didn't want to lose light when trying to take pics outside when the rain lifted, which never really happened b/c it drizzled the whole time we were outside and the wind was blowing, ugh! You should have seen what the drizzle did to my hair, it was one big swelled up frizzy mess! You might be saying, "It looks sunny in your pics and your hair doesn't look like a frizz ball!" Well I actually shot a totally different outfit (haven't posted yet) on this particular drizzly, windy day.  The Aztec cape look I'm wearing in this post was shot on a different day in a different location, hence the sun and hair in-tact in my pics here. In my last two posts, I did our #Twinning and the remix on #ModelOffDuty as totally separate posts, but I grouped them together this time, especially since I had quite a bit going on in terms of a good location. 

Since we had to contend with the rain, wind and loss of daylight, we headed to Grand Central Station to get her shots. Umm, this was chaotic with all the hustle and bustle of commuters going to-and-fro.  I was going like folks come on this is New York, it's not like you haven't seen bloggers, photographers, stylists and models all-around town taking pictures any and everywhere, including Grand Central - HELLO!!! I was like step aside, please don't mind us and we won't mind you either! Hey, us creatives do what we need to do to get our shot! It was daunting, but we got it done, in what I wouldn't call the greatest light or use of a location, but done nonetheless. Oh, and I forgot to tell you Grand Central wasn't our first indoor location. We initially went to a new station in mid-town Manhattan which provided a nice backdrop. Because I wanted to change wardrobe.  I had to schlep this wardrobe around in a big spinner luggage case from Brooklyn on the train because parking is super sparse and super expensive in NY.  At this new station, we went into the bathroom to change and #ModelOffDuty says, "We can't change in here there are mosquitoes flying around." I responded by saying, "Look I'll be alright, I'll stay on this side and let them stay on the other." I changed but she wouldn't - the nerve of her, after all she is my mannequin, LOL!!!  It was crazy, I didn't get exactly what I had envisioned (couldn't even get the famous Grand Central clock), but the mission was complete. I know Symone, at times, was tired, cold and frustrated as was I. She's a trooper though;  you have to press on even in the midst of contradiction and that's what we did.  After it was all said and done, I was really feeling like a caped crusader guys!

I hope you find some inspiration and fun in this post, to do some cool things with your capes and fringes this season.  Fashion & style, the process, isn't always pretty or comfortable (and blogging about it sure isn't either), but as professionals we do what we have to do to make it look that way. #SybilStreetSTYLe

What We're Wearing

Cape: Target | Denim Vest: Design Lab | Graphic Tee: Wet Seal | Neckerchief: Asos | Boots: Belle Sigerson Morrison via Lord & Taylor | Faux Leather Skinnies: Old | Denim Shirt: Zara | Fedora: Urban Outfitters | Bag: Longchamp

Coming Soon Blog Series - Transforming Style From the Inside Out: Women of Style & Faith #SaintlyStyle

Worth The Celebration - Sybil's Birthday Behavior!!!

Birthday 2015 at Mastro's Steakhouse

Hubs arranged a beautiful dinner for two at the fabulous Mastro's Steakhouse! We had a great time dining and enjoying live music.

The Lobster Bisque soup with crostini to start was to die for- so rich & flavorful! The crab cakes and steak, pair with the Gorgonzola mac-n-cheese were just as good. I was delighted and so stuffed. And let me tell you these were some big  tasty portions!

Hanging with my fav boys - Hubs & Brian Atwood, Lol!

Pre-Birthday Hair - got the tresses done for my weekend of celebrating!

Birthday Bouquet compliments of my main squeeze -- thanks Hubs!

For my night out, I'm wearing Coat: Vince Camuto| Top: Design Lab | Necklace: Bauble Bar | Pants: JCrew | Shoes: B Brian Atwood | Clutch: B Brian Atwood

We ended dinner with Mastro's Warm Butter Cake! Lord this cake is everything with it's homemade whip cream-  so decadent, so rich - it's just sinfully delicious!

I had a wonderful evening celebrating LIFE; I'm truly thankful & so blessed! #SaintlyStyle

#ModelOffDuty Twinning with Plaids!

Meet my daughter Symone for those of you who don't already know her, looking like Mama in this outfit. We are still mad about those plaids, loving on leopard, but sans the fedora, Lol! She didn't need a hat like me, her hair made a statement in and of itself, wouldn't you agree! I mentioned before that I often buy pieces in doubles that I feel will not only look cute on her, but on moi too! Seems unfair that she can jack clothes from my closest and wear them just fine, but if I try that with her clothes, I would just look jacked-up (with the exception of shoes, we wear same size)!  So we're twinning; Symone is wearing the exact same plaid duster by Target I wore in my previous post.

It was a bit of a challenge to catch the #ModelOffDuty with her hectic schedule.  I could tell you some and will be sharing about our hilarious stories of the hustle when she's on duty. Thankfully, I managed to nab her as my mannequin for a couple hours, while she was off-the-clock. I told you folks, me grabbing her when need be as in-house mannequin, fit model, blogger pic bestie, whatever you want to call it, is payback to Mommy for all the hustling with her when she's on model duty! Besides we have fun doing the style thing together, because after all style is in our blood.

Love the #TargetStyle X #SybilStreetSTYLe using the plaid Target duster once again, but styled differently on Miss #ModelOffDuty! Check out the images below, and let me know what you think and how you would do this season's most trending plaid!

Also featured are high-waisted 70s inspired bell bottom trousers by Zara and leather tassel necklace by Bauble Bar. 70s is also a big trend for Fall in addition to plaid, tassels and leopard prints.  Let's face it guys, leopard isn't going away, yayyy!! 

SYMONE IS WEARING

Plaid Duster: Target | Pants: Zara | Necklace: Bauble Bar  via Bloomingdales| Leopard Jacket: Zara (Old) | Bralet Underpinning: Urban Outfitters | Shoes: Ivanka Trump (Old)

We're Doing Fall the #SybilStreetSTYLe Way!

Mad for Plaid I Loving Leopard I Having Fun with Fedoras

How about my #SybilStreetSTYLe X #Targetstyle featuring Fall's most popular plaid!!! Love Target

Here on the #SaintlyStyle Blog we've chosen to wear some trending pieces for Fall from our favorite vendors (Target, Zara, H&M and Topshop) and put our #SybilStreetSTYLe twist on them – some things old, some things now.  I'm also introducing what I call Model Mom's Chronicles.  You might say, “What's Model Mom's Chronicle?.” Most everyone that knows me, knows my daughter Symone is a professional model, and I’ve worked very closely with her from the very beginning ensuring her proper development and safety in what sometimes can be a crazy, scary industry, especially for a new, young model.  I’m not doing so much of the hustle and bustle on the New York streets for castings etc anymore as I was in the beginning of her career here in the Big Apple, but I am still around to support and push her toward destiny. Hilariously,  I still get caught up in the shenanigans and madness of model life and being the Mom of a model, thus I'll drop some memorable, funny and not-so funny moments of her career journey that we've experienced together. Also because we do work together on  some shoots, when I pull wardrobe pieces for her and other models for these shoots, I'm often compelled to keep pieces for her and will even purchase those same styles for myself. So I'll be showing you ways to wear these same pieces for the smaller girls like Symone, as well as on a fuller frame size 10/12 girl such as myself!  I figure, hey why not get my money's worth and payback for all that hustling and use Symone, my in-house mannequin as much as I can to do #ModelOffDuty post ups for my blog! Besides it's another way for us to have some fashion fun together. Of course, my normal day-to-day style as a Jesus girl and all around fashionista will remain a highlight, not only the twinning with Symone, but I want to have fun and will spotlight the overall creed of #SaintlyStyle -  inspiring others with the individuality that's reflected in my tastes, actions and way of doing style, as a Woman, Mom and Wife of Faith, which flows from #SybilStreetSTYLe –  style on a personal and professional level with substance being at the very core, that truly resonates from within.

So check out below how I layered my plaid duster with a faux-fur leopard jacket, topped with a Fedora. The leopard jacket is an old piece by Target from about four years-ago. I pull it out every season b/c it's timeless and adds just the right element of interest and added texture.  Come on take this journey with me - in style!

Love this cool mural on the streets of Myrtle Ave. in the Clinton Hills section of Brooklyn, NY. Artist Unknown

WHAT I'M WEARING

Fedora: H&M | Sunnies: MiuMiu | Plaid Duster: Target | Leopard Jacket: Target (Old) | Tank: TopShop | Jeggings: Target | Shoes: Zara  (similar) | Purse: MCM (Vintage)

Next Up #Twinning with #ModelOffDuty - Symone does plaid too!

Coming Soon Blog Series - Transforming Style From the Inside Out: Women of Style & Faith #SaintlyStyle

Saintly Style - Anointed to Cover One Another

It is one thing to talk the talk, but it’s another to walk the walk for Christ. We can look good on paper, but many times it’s not an actual representation of what truly is. Thank God for His anointing that covers us, and empowers us in every area of life to walk worthy of Him and in a true likeness of Him. Last Sunday’s  message was a powerful word as usual, basically a follow up to the previous Sunday’s about being Anointed by God. This time, the continuation dealt with the different or seven purposes of the Anointing. Respectfully, there’s an inward anointing  that’s for the purpose of fellowship and communion with the Holy Spirit and then there is an outward anointing that enables and empowers us to go forth mightily, dominating in purpose and to also minister to the needs of others.  Elder Kevin  offered all seven purposes of the anointing as follows:

Tamika Lewis, Makeup Director for Evangel's Performance Production

• To Meet the Needs of people. This is an outward anointing for ministry -  Acts 10:30. Luke 4:18-19
• To give us Spiritual Insight and Revelation -  Revelation 3:18. Ephesians 1:17-18
• To Know, for the purpose of knowing, giving us knowledge of things that’s going on around us and what’s to come and not by natural reason or natural means. This is not an external anointing, but it’s inward, it’s a fellowship.  John 20:22; 1 John 2:20;27
• To Stand, standing in the midst of trials, sickness, adversity etc. -  2 Corinthians 1:21 (Greek word for establish in the scripture means to stand).
• To Rule; for leadership whether in the church or in the marketplace of even both - 2 Samuel 5: 3-4
• To Receive the Blessing of God, in order to receive and handle the blessing of God, you have to be anointed -  Numbers 18:8-14
• To Deliver, not only in the four walls of the church but out in the world as well - Isaiah 10:27

While we may be already aware of the various purposes that the anointing provide, it’s always good to have a reminder, as reminders reinforce and in some cases they reactivate.

My #WardrobeHustle Blazer: Banana Republic Trousers: LOFT Shoes: Aldo Purse: Tory Burch Coat: Vince Camuto Sunnies: Miu Miu

But what really permeated my heart and bore witness with my spirit was when Elder Kevin began to talk about how when the outward anointing for ministry- Acts 10:30. Luke 4:18-19, comes upon a person, it’s distinctly for service or to help someone.  This ministry anointing comes upon a person, it rests on them for the purpose of service and it does not last, it’s temporary unlike the fellowship anointing that’s inward, because it’s for a distinct purpose to help others. Under this anointing individuals have power and tremendous energy.  This outward anointing is not for the one operating in it, but for the people that experience it.  The recipients are blessed greatly by it. This is how ordinary people do some extraordinary things, but when this anointing lifts, since it’s temporary, they’re just ordinary sis/brother so-n-so from down the street and they’re drained and tired.  They’re weak and they’re susceptible because of all that’s given out when operating under this type of anointing.  And a lot of times what ends up happening when people flow in this, is we magnify or exalt the persons flesh and we miss the purpose of the fact that because we’re not realizing that this is God operating on a person we go into disenchantment and shock when we hear of transgressions, shortcomings  and mistakes in the person’s life and then we get all messed up saying how in the world can God use them so mightily and they did that or they got that issue.

Beautiful people of God, I have been on both ends – serving at the altar on Sundays & mid-week service, praying for saints helping  to encourage them, helping them to break through etc and the virtue has been zapped right out of me AND I have had a hard time with individuals that I honor & respect in the Lord having flaws just like me and being able to understand that my leaders are wrapped up in humanity and are not perfect, also just like me.  FYI Sybil, they’re only superhuman when they’re operating under the anointing. God let me know that the same goes for you Sybil, you only move in supernatural power when the anointing comes upon you.

God had to teach me to not look at them, but the God in them and to cover them.  This was, and still is part of my process of being prepared for true servant leadership with the Father’s heart.  Not only saying it in word, but really being my brother’s, really being my sister’s - keeper. As an intercessor and a spiritual midwife, I not only have the awesome responsibility of helping to birth out people, but I have to cover them, whatever that thing is that’s to be covered.  And we all have some sort of ‘thing.” After all, no man is just - Ecclesiastes 7. When we see things, we have to take it to our closets in prayer. I told a sister on the other day, "That it’s my just & reasonable service to hold her in prayer and to cover her."  And it is. Thankfully someone covered me. We as intercessors, as God enforcement agents here in this earth through prayer, have to serve, protect and break the enemy’s neck.   That’s the bottom line.  I have to love unconditionally not only in word, but in action and in deed, as God does, and see people the way He does.  I have to be quick to repent, quick to forgive and quick to restore one that has fallen, with no contingencies attached.

 Let’s truly honor our spiritual leaders and the brethren and pour back into & sow seeds of love into their lives.  (Remember those that rule well are worthy of double honor – I Timothy 5:17.) Someone not only covered me, but they poured back and imparted into me.  Even Jesus would leave the multitude and go and pray tapping into that fellowship anointing to be refreshed, restored, and strengthen so He could return to flow again in the ministry anointing. Whether leaders or not, people can give out a lot, and they get tired so I have to, we have to, replenish one another and build one another up. This is the only way, along with truly covering them, that God is to trust me with the hearts of people.  And it’s my heart’s desire that I wholeheartedly be trusted by our King and to be found trustworthy by people where there heart is concerned.  I long to exhibit the heart of the father, to be fit for His use, and help turn people to Him. Lets cover and undergird one another people of faith.

Saintly Style is not only in those sweet words we speak, email or tweet, but it’s in the actions we take. Actions that magnify God’s style, which is His word and His unconditional, never ending love.

Coming Soon-  Transforming Style From the Inside Out: Women of Faith & Style Blog Series

Saintly Style - Anointed By God Through the Worship of God

From the moment Hubs and I left out for Sunday morning worship I felt a pull on me, but not necessarily a pull toward Heaven! Rather, I was feeling real antsy and irritated. I was perturbed with Hubs and pretty much everything else that morning. I tried my darnedest to not be snappy but to execute some self-discipline and temperance because me in my flesh wanted to give Hubby a piece of my wisdom! After we arrived at church and took our seats, I was still wrestling with this feeling of uneasiness and I kept saying to myself what’s going on with me. I prayed silently, Lord help me, Lord forgive me and blood wash me, yet nothing seemed to break. I still hadn’t felt a release or a sense of liberty. Saints I wondered how did I get in this rut, feeling well, so un-saintly, when just a few hours before in prayer, before going to bed I was basking in His presence dotting on Him and His awesomeness.  So I continue on in church, and as with most Sunday worship services, the order is praise then worship, which was nice and I was doing okay saving face on the outside but on the inside I just wasn’t feeling my saintly best. It wasn’t until Elder Kevin got up and began to exhort our King and sound the alarm that the chiseling began within. I felt pieces of hardness begin to crumble bit-by-bit.

Lovely, Evangel Church Worship Team Member, Aisha Richardson and her beautiful daughter Anaiya! Anaiya is a budding model and the cutest little thing ever!

Elder Kevin began teaching on how each of us are Anointed by God and discussed all the components of Anointed Oil found in Exodus 30:22-32. It's not just about all the ingredients that go into making the oil and their properties thereof, but the process that it goes through for it to be Holy. The oil was made to anoint us that we be as Christ to walk out purpose and in His service, but to also develop a fragrance of and an aroma that’s pleasing to Him. The fragrance comes by worship and the crushing and the bruising that occurs during the encounter before Him.

The first ingredient in the anointing oil was myrrh, which is like a narcotic to dull or alleviate pain. The next was cinnamon to ignite the fire of the Holy Ghost within us and the zeal and passion that comes with it. Third was calamus for the sweet aroma that comes up from crushing it’s flower petals . The final component cassia that acts a laxative to purge and extract impurities.

Me pictured with little Miss Niyomi at church, so precious and full of personality! My #WardrobeHustle Vest:Trouve' Top: BP Nordstrom Pants: JCrew Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs Shoes: Zara

As the service took a turn and shifted from teaching into unadulterated worship and I went deeper in for myself and the tears began to flow from my heart, more and more I could feel the stony and hardened places began to dismantle.  I also felt the four different components of the anointing oil speaking to my current situation, especially the myrrh and the cassia. The myrrh addressed the pain I was experiencing due to feeling so unworthy and shameful as a result of my actions that morning. We know when someone is touched by the anointing pain leaves. The cassia that was acting as a laxative that was cleansing me during my surrender, as I cried out and worshipped the King.

In Mark 15, when Jesus went to the cross He had us on His mind, when He refused the wine mixed with myrrh offered by the soldiers at the crucifixion. See any prisoner that came to the point of crucifixion, they would take myrrh before they were to be crucified to help them dull the pain. Jesus on the other hand, refused the myrrh and took on our pain, He took on our carried our sicknesses, He took on our and carried our sin. He became our substitute and took on the pain that you and I were supposed to take and deal with because of our sin.

I needed a substitute that morning.  Jesus taking on my pain during worship, was a reminder that you get that special touch when you’re broken by Him. That touch that I so desperately needed and earnestly longed for that comes when I’m broken and bruised before Him. I functioned just enough to do what I needed to do to get to church and act accordingly, but it wasn’t until His anointed presence touched me in my worship experience that I got my release. I not only need His presence, I WANT His presence. I’m like Moses in Exodus 33:15, “If God’s presence does not go with me, I’d rather not go.”   I wasn’t until I released the sound of Heaven adoring , loving, reverencing Him, but most of all relinquishing my control in my heart’s cry that the aroma went up to Him as a sweet smelling fragrance. My petals were crushed. There was nothing I could do, but surrender. I had to cave in.  I’m going through my process for Holiness, that His oil would rest on my life.

Me & Hubs after church! (I thank God for his patience and love)

Yes, saints we are anointed by God. Yes, the anointing is on our lives to enable us to go forth, to endure and to do a work for Him, but also, the anointing destroys yokes. It destroyed my yoke. It destroys your yoke. I thank God His oil is on my life and it’s on your life saints. In true God style, I love how even when we mess up and feel unworthy & very un-saintly, His mercies are new for us every morning.  He gives us His strength, which is perfect, to deal with our weakness and He gives us the oil of joy in exchange for the spirit of heaviness. That’s #SaintlyStyle!

Coming Soon Blog Series - Transforming Style From the Inside Out: Women of Faith & Style

Saintly Style - Spring Forth Spiritual Gangsters

I’m so so happy this weather is breaking, and that we are beginning to feel that spring is actually upon us. My calendar was saying one thing, but dealing with all the snow and ice was sure saying something else, not to mention those frigid temperatures was making me feel another. Moving from winter to spring is a welcomed transition for most of us I’m sure.  I’ve decided to make a slight transition in the name of my blog – I’m now officially calling the blog Saintly Style. Still my personal church flow will be noted, but I’ll also be featuring the style of other folks whether fashion or their lifestyles. So take a look at this beautiful saint below, Sister Felicia Matthews at Evangel Cathedral. Her colors were a refreshing burst of spring, I love the pop of pink on her lips contrasted with the kelly green color she was wearing. I think I'm a little biased though, my sorority colors are pink & green! In any case, such nice compliments on Felicia and an even nicer transition into spring, especially compared to my wintery, somber black and grey, LOL!

She credited her Jacket and Jumper from Nordstrom and her Shoes DSW.

Transitioning right along, you guys can probably tell I love T-shirts (#TeeParty), for those of you that aren’t aware, I recently launched a T-shirt collection passionately called, “Wardrobe Hustle” (click link to view) inspired by what I do and how I do it, as a professional wardrobe stylist. Although the tee I’m wearing isn’t one from my collection, I especially love it because it speaks volumes to who I am.  Sunday’s message delivered by Elder Kevin Matthews titled, “We Have a Guaranteed Contract” also spoke volumes to that Spiritual Gangster in me.

My #WardrobeHustle Suit Jacket & Pants: BBCG Max Azria, Tee: Spiritual Gangster, Faux Fur Jacket: Mossimo, Shoes: Truth Or Dare

Purse: Tory Burch

He began by referencing the lucrative sports contracts held by some well-known athletes, specifically Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer and basketball superstar Lebron James. In essence, regardless of whether they get hurt, sit on the bench or whatever, it doesn’t make a difference, they’ll still get paid because they have guaranteed contracts.  He said after he sat back and thought about the huge dollar amounts of these players’ contracts that are just given, Elder Kevin was like, “Man.” He went on to say that God spoke to him that he too has a guaranteed contract, and He wanted him to remind His people that we likewise have a guaranteed contract (written or expressed agreement and commitment made in the form of a promise). If you’re in Christ, then you’re Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise. The promise was not only for Abraham but the Gentiles as well – hello somebody – Gal 3:14! Note: the Abrahamic Covenant is distinctly a covenant of blessing. Although the enemy would try to deceive us into doubting and thinking that mistakes, missing the mark or life’s circumstances forfeits the promises of the contract (synonymous with covenant) - Gal 3:15-18. Nope, not the case. The covenant or contract that we have has been sealed through the blood of Jesus, who is our advocate with the Father. So if we fall short, we can confess our sins and He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sin. The bottom line, God made for provision in the contract for our shortcomings. This was once a major stronghold for me, until I learned to fully acknowledge God’s grace and embrace it for my life.  And I also began to realize that the Holy Spirit is not offended by weaknesses, as I release them to Him and trust that His grace is sufficient for me and that in my weakness, His strength is made perfect. 

So when the adversary (whether internal or external) tries to come against us, attack us or hinder us in various areas of our lives, we have to remind the enemy and ourselves that we have a guaranteed contract.  We need to pull out the contract and bring God in remembrance of it, letting Him know that this is the deal HE made with us as believers in Christ. When God makes a contract, He confirms it with an oath. We know an oath is a solid affirmation of one’s word, binding them to that word. Since He made an oath it is therefore irrevocable and God cannot lie. Because God confirmed the oath by Himself, it cannot be altered, neither can it be cancelled- Heb 6:13-18. Moreover, when you feel and know that you've been doing everything according to His will by His grace and nothing seems to be going right, don’t feel like God has forgotten you or feel like your prayers are going unheard.  God is not unjust, He has not forgotten us, neither our righteousness, nor our faithfulness to Him and others - Heb 6:10.  Once God makes a covenant or promise, He doesn’t forget, negate or neglect it. He will always follow through – Deut 7:9. The God we serve is a covenant making, covenant keeping and covenant enabling God.

Within the covenant there are articles that specify the terms & agreements and how the benefits are going to be laid out for us - Gen 12:2-3.  We have to remind God and ourselves that the blessings of Abraham is on our lives, because once again, we are the seed of Abraham and heirs according to the promise, by faith - Gal 3:14. And as the seed of Abraham we are not only entitled to new covenant blessings but to those that are of the Law in the old as well, because we're in Christ - Deut 28: 1-14.  Put it in the atmosphere, how blessed you are because of whose we are. When we start saying the right things, the right things will happen. Where the focus goes, the power flows – don’t give any power to the wrong things!  Not only do we have to be vigilant with the enemy and put him on notice, but we have to be bold and vocal with God. Bring everything He’s promised, in our contract, back to Him. After all HE’s the one that gave the contract, it’s HIS promise and since He can’t lie, it’s a done deal. Be aggressive and pull  that Word out and commence to reminding God about a few things. God has people looking out for us that we’re not even aware of and not to mention the angelic host on assignment for us. In the words of Dr. Medina Pullings, "All of Heaven is on your side!"  There is more with us, than there are with them - 2 Kings 6:16, HALLUEJUAH!!!  

DO NOT keep silent saints, give God no rest – Is 62:6-7 (read in AMP & NJV). Remember, this earth wasn’t formed until God began to SPEAK. Put the demand on God vocally.  SPEAK, “I got a contract.” SPEAK it into existence. Dare Him. God instructed us in Isaiah 62 to not get quiet and to give Him no rest, but to hold Him to what He promised and until He establishes us. The Kingdom of God suffers violence and the violet must take it by force. Get Gangster peeps. We got to be Spiritual Gangsters, demanding and expecting what’s rightfully ours because in Christ we became Abraham’s seed and if we’re his seed, that contract and all its benefits, is GURANTEED! It’s like money in the bank and it’s even better than Lebron’s. Don't get me wrong cuz I'm not saying that God is some big slot machine in the sky, but I want mine saints! No hype, all biblical truth! Read, see and claim for yourself.  Now that’s some Gangster #SaintlyStyle for you!

Stay Tuned New Blog Series Coming  - Transforming Style From the Inside Out: Women of Faith & Style

Sunday's Best - Churchin' & Worshipin'

Old man  winter just won't let up! This was the second Sunday in a row we've had to endure the perils of winter and ice storms are no joke. But as on the prior Sunday, we pressed on in. I took my Uggs off at the door, threw on those heels and threw my hands up and gave honor, reverence and worship to whom it's due - my Lord & my Saviour!

Bishop Don gave us some for real food for the soul. He admonished us as the body of Christ, that carries the anointing, to share this anointing with others, not only on Sunday or in your social media posts etc, but to a world beyond the four walls of the church. God formed us, filled us with His Spirit and now expects us to function - serving Him and our gifting to mankind thus building and advancing His Kingdom. So in short, no longer can we come to the table and just eat and be full (fat on the Word, guilty am I LOL), but we have to give out, seeking the lost that they may saved --  we have to function. Speaking the truth in love, every joint must supply their portion.   When the whole church functions, it grows and it expands, not only spiritually, but naturally as well. And why wouldn't it expand, God is progressive, and as He is, so are we in this earth!

My #WardrobeHustle Jacket: Tart Collections Tee: #SaintlyStyle  Wardrobe Hustle Private Collection Gauchos: Zara Tights: Claires Shoes: Zara

Remember to function on purpose, serving the one that formed and filled you. Function in your sphere of influence, not wasting the anointing that God invested in you.  Functioning in your God given assignments, progressing and advancing in it, carry His agenda in love, helping others to do the same, is God's style for us! #SaintlyStyle

Coming Soon Blog Series- Transforming Style from the Inside Out: Women of Faith & Style

ChurchFlow in the Snow

These last couple weeks of winter have been brutal – snowstorms and below freezing temperatures. The most recent storm here in the DMV, although not as bad as other areas in the country, still led many people to hibernate and not come out for Sunday worship service.  Folks decided to stay nestled at home and more than likely live streamed to hear encouraging sermons. Well the fam and I decided to press on in and make our way to church this past Sunday and flow despite the snow!  

Elder Kevin Matthews delivered a powerful flow of faith to stay the course and not give up on the promises God has made to you, but to be bold and vocal and to keep asking putting Him in remembrance of that which He has promised you regardless of the storms and what can appear to be a prolonged wait for the manifestation. Don't cave in, don't get silent.

My #WadrobeHustle - I threw on the Hunter boots,  my winter white JCrew jeans and Columbia jacket, grabbed my Hare+Hart purse, got shady with my Dior sunglasses, bible in hand and I braved the slush & the snow.  Mini Me donned Zara coat, Benetton blazer, H&M jeans and Juicy Couture boots.

I thank God for Hubs,  he's always pressing, providing, praying and pushing us into destiny! Not to mention, he sure is good helping me schlep my #WardrobeHustle packing up and loading my boat load of wardrobe for my shoots, and it's a lot of stuff peeps, Lol! And I love that Hubs is quite the metrosexual himself! Missing from these pics is our son, who happened to be in the main sanctuary on duty serving in the TV ministry. He hates taking pics and is so anti-fashion!!!

Faith is fashionable, especially when it's faith in action. A God fashioned life is full of faith, love, excellence, integrity and service despite the snow, the wind and the storms of life! #SaintlyStyle

Sunday's Best - Superbowl Sunday

Super Bowl Sunday was intense! My team wasn’t playing this year #CowboysNation (I’m a  fan by default, my Hubs is a die-hard Cowboys fan), but my  crew and along with so many others  were glued to the tube routing for the Seahawks.  We know the outcome, and since we’re not soar losers,  here’s to New England on their win! We raise the glass in salute – Congrats Pats!!!

So many saints were donning their favorite team jerseys. Well I don’t own a jersey, so as always, I opted to do me and don my Sunday Best #Churchflow. My look was stylish and oh-so comfy nonetheless. My #WardrobeHustle Coat:424 Jeans: JCrew Turtleneck: H&M Boots: Steve Madden Sunglasses: Miu Miu

“Remember my body is truly my temple, so I adorn it, and so should you, even if it’s not with a football jersey, LOL”

Don't forget to hit me up and share your own pics of how you do #SundaysBest or whenever you do your stylish best, I'd love to hear from you. And let me know how you like this latest post, if you like please comment and/or share! #SaintlyStyle

Stay Tuned: Transforming Style From the Inside Out Series: Women of Faith & Style

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Sunday's Best - Sybil's Churchflow

Happy New Year! Hope you’re year has kicked off to a great start. Mine has truly started off with a bang, and I’m so grateful and excited for all things New! Outside of me sharing my work as a professional wardrobe stylist, I typically don’t post pics of myself wearing my personal style choices. Being a Believer In Christ and a lover & collector of fab accessories, specifically shoes (Mama loves her a killer pointy toe pump and some knock out pointy flats I must admit), I’ll do my random post on IG of what I call #SundayBestShoes of my personal shoe stash that I rock on Sundays to church.  But this is 2015 and sistah is doing things more on purpose and something New, and doing it because it’s one of the things that I love – fashion that inspires and resonates true style from within, so why not share it when it’s a piece or pieces that I’m really feeling! My body is truly my temple so I believe in adorning it, not only spiritually on the inside of course, but on the outside as well. That said, be on the look for my Blog Post Transforming Style from the Inside Out Series: Women of Faith & Style, where we will discuss matters that help us to balance and maintain both our style and soul, from the inside out. For real, I know it’s been a minute, work with me peeps, but a sistah has been so busy working around the clock 15-hour days (I even worked Christmas y’all, how bout that), so I went and enlisted me some help to get this thing moving! I’ll be introducing my fabulous fashion helpers soon. And I’ll also be posting, over the next few days, some of the behind-the-scenes snapshots from all my recent #WardrobeHustle of the New projects and fabulous New people I had the opportunity to work with during those 15-hour work days, LOL. Although the grind is real and the hours are long, God is amazing and I’m thankful for every bit of it all!

So here it tis, last Sunday's Churchflow.  I bought these pieces - Halston Heritage Tweed Tuxedo Coat & Trina Turk Woven Jumpsuit b/c I really loved the craftsmanship and the details (click on stock image below to show more). Also, I don’t see too many jumpsuits that are more tailored and structured in construction, but rather they're drapey & slinky and typically black in color. I loved this one, and it can be styled so many different ways.

I’d love to hear your feedback and see your own style pics and individual stories of transforming style. Hope you enjoy the journey down this New road with me, I’m starting small but hang with me as I grow and hope to see you grow with me too. #SaintlyStyle  

Saintly Style

Bonjour, welcome to the premiere of my blog! Here is where I’ll touch on the typical topics ensuing in fashion such as trends, and who wore what best, my behind the scenes photo shoot moments, fashionable things, people and places that inspire me, that I feel just might also inspire you etc, but mostly I’ll dish out on matters or visuals that contain soul & style.  Some of you already know, and for those of you who don’t, I am a minister, and for that very reason I purpose to blog about subjects that are infused with style but that also touches the soul and the spirit and causes us to really think and sometimes challenge ourselves and even check the intent of our hearts.   So it won’t be a bevy of grey is the new black or the hemlines go up, the hemlines go down or an overload of info and pics about fashion events, but enjoyable nonetheless.

For my debut post, I did something fun and lighthearted – not too heavy! I caught saints around town on their way to and after church in their Sunday Best outfits, so let’s see what worshippers are wearing in the DMV and in NY!

Simply,

Sybil

Rock Church Manhattan member

Young church goers at Evangel Church in Bowie, MD

Justin plays guitar, drums and piano at Victory Christian Ministries International in Suitland, MD

Danielle goes to Tabernacle of Prayer in Dobbs Ferry, NY

Danielle's Ivanka Trump ankle strap pumps!

Nichole worships at Mt Pisgah Baptist Church in Brooklyn

Hubby on his way to church

My church shoes - Brian Atwood peeptoe platforms!

My church accessories, lol!

More NYC saints

Another member of the Rock Church

Sybil's Blog

COMING SOON...