Oh my God, it's me!

I haven't posted a normal picture of myself in ages. My style is simple with an edge. I'd say my edgy piece is the neon pink lucite collar I'm wearing which I'm I love with. I topped it off with a simple black tank along with floral trousers and flatform shoes. Not to mention my trusty black satchel. 

Ready, Set . . . New Internship.

I want my life story to be inspiring and things that happen always seem to take that direction. How you ask? Well, in September 2011 I came across 'College Fashionista' a website dedicated to those passionate about the latest college fashion styles and trends on campuses worldwide. As I scoured their site I could instantly tell that this was something I was interested in doing. I clicked the "APPLY TO BE A STYLE GURU" link and it led me to an email address. I stated my interest with some details about my passion and university. About a day later I got an email back saying all slots were filled for fall and to check back because availability may become open. I did check back but the answer was still the same. For spring I was occupied with my current media internship so I put off another try. Long story short, I sent in my resume early April and I was chosen to move to round two. Bam! I completed my task of creating a mock style report (which was the reason for the shoot with Ty'shon btw) and . . . .  . they liked it because I was chosen to be a Summer 2012 style guru. 

Never give up if you want something! I challenge all my readers to go after something you want, email me (mariciajoe@gmail.com) and share your story.

Conversation with Inspiration: Dani Stahl

Factory Girl and Style editor at large for NYLON magazine, jewelry designer for Lia Sophia, stylist, an expert on E! Scouted and not to mention a great person with great shoes. All of this is the reason why she is a real inspiration whom I've been following for about 5 years. Dani Stahl is someone who I've spoken about so often on Musings of Krav. Four or five years ago I bought my first issue of NYLON magazine and I was amazed by the uniqueness of its content. Specifically the Factory Girl articles in which Dani went to a new factory and talked about her experience. In my last post about her I closed by saying "my dream is to interview her one day and I'll do any and everything to make that happen", well that dream has come true. We spoke about everything from her college years at NYU to her ever growing closet that takes up her whole apartment. I felt so comfortable and it felt like a regular conversation between friends. (I wish lol) Needless to say, it was something I'll always remember and cherish. Here is the interview portion of my conversation with Inspiration: Dani Stahl. 

 Krav: Over the years what has been your favorite experience while doing Factory Girl?

 Dani: Off the top of my head I'm just wildly in love with Chanel, I mean who isn't?

I've been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to do it with them three times over the years now. I've been to the bag factory, I've been to the shoe factory and I've been to their perfume factory. Anything to do with that brand just lights up my face and my heart. I really enjoy them all. 

What influences your style?

I tried to define my style. Like, am I preppy? Am I rocker? And I realized that I'm not just one of those things, I'm all of it. I think fashion is fun, so have fun with it. Whatever I'm kind of in the mood for. If you feel confident in something, then it'll look good. If you don't feel confident in it, then it won't. I think everything influences my style, I would say my style is eclectic and fun. Note: The original question I wrote was; "Your style is so eclectic and fun. What influences your style each day?" I told her about it and it was just like wow ! 

Have you always been interested in fashion? 

Always into it, I had a mother and a grandmother that were into it. I was always playing around with stuff. I was always drawn to it. Especially with an art background, just creatively and visually. Your clothes are thee ultimate way to express yourself and I guess my hair and nail color.

What's the craziest hair color that you've had? That green ombré. That definitely takes the cake and I've had like, lavender extensions.

Vintage clothing already has a story, while new clothing allows you to make your own. Which do you prefer?

Well, they're both pretty on point. I mean I love vintage, I particularly love vintage jewelry. My mother is a vintage jewelry collector and I design jewelry too, it's called Lia Sophia. Me: I know (we both laugh) It's always sort of vintage inspired. Really, all very good design is. I love vintage but I love something chic and brand new for sure.

So, what's it like designing jewelry?

It's very cool. You find inspiration from anywhere, again really rooted a lot in vintage inspiration. You can find inspiration in architecture, art, photography. I mean, you really could find it in anything. It's a really cool creative process. I've been doing it for like 7 years now. I started with 10 pieces now I make about 40.

If you could pick a song that describes your view on life, what song would it be and why? "Girls just wanna have fun" by Madonna (laughs) self explanatory. A little cyndi lauper? 

How does it feel when people tell you that you inspire them?I feel so lucky to be able to have people look at what I'm doing. As you can tell I love to talk to people so I'm very appreciative. It's very cool when people like what you do.

What's it like filming E! Scouted?

Scouted is great, I'm super into the TV thing. I've always done NYLON tv so I'm comfortable. It's sort of a natural progression to all the other stuff I do. So Scouted's amazing, I love my team. Second season you will get a little more of me.

Over the years, what has inspired you to keep following your dreams?

I think the thing that has been cool in my career is that it keeps changing. I keep getting the opportunity to improve on what I'm doing and doing new stuff, so it never gets boring.

What's your advice to those following their dreams? As you know things can happen that may discourage someone.

The path is never straight and it's never going to go exactly as you plan it, nothing does. So, you just have to keep an open mind and try to remember to stay positive. You know especially on a creative path, it should keep you interested. I hate to see anyone give up. It's your dream, right?

Project 21: day 3

Project 21 is the project I came up with last year to break a habit we all have, judging a book by its cover. To interview 21 people over 21 days is the goal and it ranges from strangers on the street to strangers on the internet to strangers at my university. Everyone has a story. This time it features Lu Bobby of Bobbyism.com. Style is something that so many would like to think they have but most never get it quite right. This first generation Somali- American has style for days and then some. I first became familiar with "Bobby" when someone re-blogged a personal picture of a pair of Marni velvet-bow glossed leather brogues. I said to myself, this person has insanely good taste. Now curious, I clicked on the picture and I was right. Instant inspiration in the form of high end duds simply styled on a beautiful lady. Her favorite designers are Stella McCartney, Max Mara and Calvin Klein which is fitting; considering each designers design aesthetic is similar to her style of dress. Meet the 24 year old North Carolina native.

What or whom inspires your personal style? 
My style has the worst mood swings.  One day I'll have on a pencil dress and YSL's and the next I'll have on a flannel and Jordans but nothing inspires me more than a good suit. I'm fascinated by women in menswear especially, a feminine touch to traditionally masculine pieces. There is a something very appealing about a well-tailored suit paired with a silk camisole and killer heels. 

 When it comes to life is there something specific that keeps you going in rough times ?

Music is truly my salvation. It's amazing that there is always a song to describe anything you are going through. Weather it maybe a death, break-up, finding love, or enjoying life, there is always a song to accompany that feeling. 

 If you could pick a song that describes your view on life, what would it be and why?

Queen - Don't Stop Me Now. Life is short so I try to enjoy it every single day. 

Name your favorite outfit combination.

White button-up, fitted dark denim jeans, loafers. 

 People tend to ask you a lot about money. Does it become annoying at any point?

Sometimes. I think people my age are just curious about how I can afford my lifestyle. As if they're looking for a blueprint.  I work hard and play even harder. 

Other than being able to dress impeccably, what are some of the other things you are good at/interested in?

Well thanks. I love reading, actually I'm obsessed with it. You will hardly ever catch me without a book near by. I plan on writing a book on balancing cultures soon so that has all my attention and interest right now. 

Now Playing: Tah Y

Classic, dope, tasteful hip hop from a good friend of mine Tah Y, produced by another good friend of mine Rose Gold. Please listen. . . . as I stated in a previous post , he is what hip hop needs in a time of gimmicks. Enjoy, Halftime.

A day in the life of Krav: Photo shoot

You may remember Ty'shon from the first day of Project 21. I did a mini shoot with Ty'shon last week for something special (you'll find out in due time) and as you can see she stole the show with her 70's style vintage psychedelic maxi. This shoot was one of my favorites, I loved the energy and we mesh well so it was a fun time, Enjoy.

Dreams: Thank You

I'm working my butt off at this point in my life. I have a dream that has come true but can and will blossom into so much more. It's not about the money or attention for me, its about this deep passion I have to touch people with the way I put words and to tell the story of those who are just as great and talented and beautiful as the most famous people . . but get overlooked. It's not easy and sometimes I want to give up but that feeling never ever lasts because God has a plan for my life that cannot and will not be altered. My goal is so close but so far . . to me at least. I'm probably wrong, you never know. One amazing thing I've experienced is the warm reception I've been getting from many people I don't know. The emails, tweets, messages on tumblr. . . gosh it does so much to/for me. It means so much, I don't think anybody will ever understand or realize. Thank you for visiting musingsofkrav.com and supporting me because quite frankly nobody has to.

Signed humbly,

Conversation With Inspiration: Model - Coralie Jouhier

Not many inspire me and when I find those that do, I stop at nothing to try and get to know them on a personal level. In THIS post I introduced you all to Coralie Jouhier, a model from Paris that I first discovered when she did an ad for United Colors of Bennetton. I find that the internet is not a place to really get to know or understand an individual. That and there is so much more to a person than what is displayed. So I put on my thinking cap and after a little journey I got in contact with Ms. Jouhier.

During the interview process she kept apologizing for her still developing english. - She's learning pretty well because I understood her completely. Coralie is the sweetest person you'd ever meet and insanely modest. At 22, she is beginning to be noticed by many due to her striking beauty. I learned that her beautiful hair is not so pleasant to deal with it and though great at it, funny enough Jouhier's main goal is not to be a huge model.

 Where do you live? What's it like compared to other places that you've traveled to?

 I live in Paris, I do not travel a lot so I can't really compare with other places. I was living on a small island before, so it's very different; it's another style of life. I love Paris for the atmosphere of the city ,the tasty food, the great museums, the wonderful parks and the sense of style of parisian people.

How did you get into modeling? Have you always wanted to model?

I got into modeling when I came to Paris, people kept asking me on the street if I want to take photos. At the beginning I didn't want to do modeling, I was really shy. I use to say no all the time until one day I say yes. Very good things happened to me.

Intern days: Fro Fashion week

 As I pulled up to the Melin Hotel to cover the "Fro Fashion Week Show as an new/old intern, my nerves started to get the best of me. Why? Well they always do before an event. They kind of let me know this is what I enjoy doing. I walk in and I traveled up the hotel escalator, only to see Liberty AKA "boss lady" peak her head out at the end. She hands me my press pass and I got even more excited. We walked into the showroom and since nothing started yet, I walked around and began taking photographs of all the women that scattered the audience. Big afro's, small afro's, curly afro's, twists and updo's; an amazing array of natural hair. "Black is beautiful", this saying applied now more than ever. Remember those nerves I told you about before? They were long gone. The show started and I got comfortable on my knees mid stage. A few spoken word performances that cut deep and a rap show that has everyone up on their feet dancing and laughing. Next, the fashion show. As the natural hair clad models strutted down the runway, I began shooting and shooting and shooting. I felt good and I was in my "zone". In the blink of an eye the show was over and I said to myself "hey, I could get used to this", it was truly a great experience.

The Founder Tarin Boone

Now Playing: Jesse Boykins III – Zoner [Demo]

                

"There is a misconception when one is lost in themselves because society can miss the truth behind it"

 This video is a pure introduction to Jesse Boykins III’s soul and takes a piece of his mind and displays it for the world be a part of. There is the reality of being alone, but also the desire to long for something that inspires and assists the creation of beauty, a Zoner. Shot in Berlin while on his “Way Of A Wayfarer” Euro Tour. Free Download : http://jesseboykinsiii.com

Directed & Edited by Dr.Woo

Produced by Andreea Pavel & Jesse Boykins III

“We Are The Reawakening Of The Romantic Movement”

Im back.

A month hiatus,  It's over and I'm back. Tons of inspiring emails from you guys, asking when I'll post  . . saying how inspiring I am, asking for advice. Im grateful to have such loyal, beautiful, smart readers. You guys inspire me, truthfully. So much has happened. Went back home to visit NYC  . . .  Finished one internship, started another, I was featured in the february issue of Zuri Mayhem magazine, bad news, good news.Oh, just life and I have a lot in store for Musings of Krav. I've learned not everything that glitters is gold. I've learned to believe in myself even more because people will try to bring you down. I've learned to be patient because its the key to life. I've become MORE humble. I've grown and that is most important to me.