Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Charlotte!

Hello Blogger Babes!!

It's been a minute since I've been able to share with you guys, but what better time than today! I'm just getting in from the Race for the Cure in Uptown Charlotte! I had a blast coming together with people from all walks of life & from all around the city to support this cause! See a few pics below~

Ready to RACE... well walk!!

Pink People... adding a little fun to the mix!

Tons of people passing the Panther's Stadium

1 Mile Mark

Whew!! We made it to the finish line =D

*5K*

I'm producing my first fashion event, and it is to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. This is a cause I support 100%, and here are a few reasons why...

*1 in every 8 women in the US will be affected by breast cancer.
*230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to arise this year, alone.

*Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the global leader of the breast cancer movement. Having invested more than $1.9 billion since its inception in 1982, Komen is the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.

If you're in the Charlotte area, please come out on November 4, 2011, and support the cause in style!

Earth Day 2011!!

Tomorrow is both Good Friday and Earth Day!!  Though it may be a busy day, please try and find a way to support.

I have created a new blog, so please follow me at http://thesimplelifeofaqueen.blogspot.com/, and visit to view my in-depth post on Earth Day, and how you can make a difference.

"The Earth is what we all have in common."-Wenell Barry

"The future of fashion relies on both the ingenuity of design and the sustainability of the environment." -Susan Woo

Check Out The Simple Life of a Queen for more...!

Madness

Lol... these pictures are a mess!

Have a laugh with me ;)

A classic piece we should all have in our wardrobe! Yep, a sequin MJ skirt!

Camel toe on the runway... so chic! Bhahaha!

I thought I loved MJ more than anyone... but uhhhhh, I was WRONG! So wrong!

Androgyny

It's amazing... the things you learn through networking. While leaving Mercedes Benz Fashion Week this past February in New York, I stopped in the Starbucks that's around the corner from Lincoln Center. I had to get out of the cold long enough to pack up all my freebie odds & ends, and I saw a women going through model/runway pictures on her laptop.

She was obviously one of the many photographers capturing MBFW moments, and I began to chat it up with her about where she'd been that week. She cued me into a new phenomenon in the fashion industry. She told me about the first androgynous model, who was debuted into the high fashion world that week at a show in the tents. I began to think...(Androgyny- the ability to look both masculine & feminine simultaneously) now Tyra has been talking about androgynous models since Top Model began, years ago, so I know this model is NOT the first!

But then, I became aware that the model she was speaking of was actually a male.... So, she was using this word, androgynous, in different context from where my mind was going. And yes, this is news- big news for fashion as I'm concerned. It may actually make it harder for female models to get work. Not only must they compete against all the other females in the game, but now against male equivalents! Wow. Furthermore, males may also have height/weight control in their favor. They, more than likely, won't have breasts, which makes them thinner...

Well, the only thing consistent in life is change! With that being said, I'm not surprised!
Without further ado, I present to you the first "Androgynous" model.










*(Photo Credit: Alisha Petro)
I forgot the name of the model and the show she walked in, but I'll figure it out later & update this post... maybe! But you see how she towers over the other girls in the show... major competition is budding in my opinion!

*In Caption: I will say that Tyra did have a male model compete on Top Model before; I don't think they used the term "androgynous" for her.  I believe this is the first androgynous model to walk at NY fashion week, because we all know she's not the first. But this does show that the androgynous factor is becoming more acceptable in the fashion industry-similar to the 'plus size' model in my opinion.

>Just wanted to share a tidbit of info I picked up while in NY! Thanks for stopping by :)

Recess vs. Relief

I am in no position to judge, because I am just as guilty as anyone else. However, I want to send a wake up call to everyone in my grasp!

I woke up at 4:00 am, randomly, on Friday and just happened to take a peek at Twitter. The first tweet I saw was Paris Hilton commenting on the earthquake and tsunami that were taking place in Japan.  From there, everyone learned of these events, and throughout Friday & Saturday we all wrote tweets to announce our condolences to the world... but is that enough. Our prayers are invaluable, but we can always do more.

Today, as I logged onto twitter & facebook, I realized that EVERYONE was talking about the Duke vs. UNC game and again, just like the Superbowl, the lives of so many Americans are being consumed by a sporting event.  It's a pastime and stress reliever for many... I get it. I don't like sports, so I can compare it to a viewing of the Real Housewives of ATL or NY! lol

Since I am one of the few who are not into sports, I was able to reflect on what's happening in the world. And so a question came to mind. Today, right now on this leisurely Sunday afternoon, is it time for recess or relief?

Are we blinded, somewhat, as a country? Since the tragedy isn't happening directly to us, I think it's too easy to forget & move on to the next. It's so important for us to continue to keep the people that are facing these dynamic hardships in our prayers. If you can, it's dually important to reach out a hand to help. Anyone with a spare $10 in their pocket can support by going to redcross.org & donating to the relief efforts. I gave what I could, and no matter how little it may be, I urge you to do the same.  

Last time I checked, the estimated death toll was 10,000. Let the Red Cross put your donation to work in communities affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific.

Thanks

Ladies!!!

If not any other day, today is the day to be empowered! Know your strength and own it!

It's National Women's Day 2011, and we have come such a long way!

However, there is more work to be done. Our communities are still struggling, and we are not always treated equally, so I challenge YOU to make a mark in your city/state/country/WORLD.  We are supreme beings, yet we haven't allowed ourselves reach our fullest potential. "Be the change you want to see."

As I grow as a woman, I am beginning to develop a passion for philanthropy.  Pray for me, as I work in my community, that I can touch the life of another, & in doing so, bring about a positive change.

Furthermore, I encourage you to Go Red! Heart disease is the nation's largest killer, and it affects more women than you may think.  Take charge of your life through awareness and prevention. Your heart will thank you later!

http://www.goredforwomen.org/

That's all, for now :) 

Street Style @ MBFW (Fall 2011 Edition)

So, it seems I have made this somewhat of a ritual to capture the street style at New York's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week!  As you know, I love the way an individual expresses themselves through fashion.

This year I had some technical dificulties with my camera, so I wasn't able to capture as much as I'd like, but I hope you enjoy.

Cold as Ice

GoldenHip

Vintage Dior top

Grace Jonee Reincarnate

Coat Vintage

Necklace- Marie Franchesca Pepe

BoyBeFresh

Salem-Fashion Stylist

Loved the studded Louboutin loafers! *official*

FrankyJ

This is actually one of my MBFW compadres! lol

We spent a large portion of our time during MBFW roaming the city streets in search of the hottest party, and we found a few!

She put together some unique outfits, so I decided to share.

Fur coat-Urban Outfitters

Awesome jeweled clutch- Banana Republic

Velvet black leggings

Dapper Gent

He goes by the name of Rich February.

Cool people.

Custom designed his suit & fur collar.

LittleGirlRock

This young lady was dressed in a look that she picked out from the J Crew, Crew Cut, store in NY!

Love those sequin harem pants!

Oh... to be young & fabulous ; )

More pictures to come...soon! Time is moving so fast these days. Very little time to blog.
BUT, I shall be back!!

Ever wonder why people like Tom Ford so much?

Here's a hint  ;)



The renowned fashion designer debuted his first collection in six years, since he left Gucci in 2004.

I personally LOVE the textures that were seemlessly worked into many pieces shown. The intimate, yet socially LIVE runway show definitely created a buzz of excitement among the crowd. I could feel the energy... could you?

Beauty?

One thing that is beautiful is courage. Courage to show your faults in order to encourage a positive path for another. Courage to bear your soul to the world... To me, there is so much beauty in strength & courage.

However, what is NOT beautiful is harming your body to achieve societal standards of beauty (i.e. ANOREXIA).  Now that I can say I've worked backstage at several New York Fashion Week shows, I can attest to seeing bones bulging out of uncommon places on the bodies of the "beauties" who walk the runways, and also to hearing comments of how desirable it is to be that thin by intrigued bystanders. These are things I'd only heard of before, but actually witnessing someone say that they longed to have the thin, frail frame of the half-naked model whose spine I could literally see in it's entirety, was quite jarring to say the least.

There is a stigma that plagues a good bit of our society creating a negative image on what many doctors might say is a healthy figure/weight. Which is why I DO see beauty when I look at these anti-anorexia advertisements that were launched in Italy.

The images are scary & appalling, and they relay the point. This is not beauty, this is not ideal, this is a sickness. This is torture.

But I will NOT say that she, Isabelle Caro, lacks beauty, because she does have courage. Even if her reasons for doing this campaign ad were slightly selfish, (not saying they were) it is still an admirable act that has potential to touch someone's life.

Follow the link to see her story.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKUSGOB-0V8

Nature Exploration

I'm a sucker for snow days; it's like love! Probably since a rarity in NC. It's always a good excuse for an amateur photo session!!

The world is such a beautiful place... I had to share :)

12/26/2010

Addressing the Public... & Red Pump Project Info

Hi Blogger Friends!

I just want to give a HUGE thank you to everyone who voted for me in the people's choice awards! I won that award, and the pageant was an overall success for me!!

I will be representing my city, the Queen City, Charlotte, NC in the next year as Miss Black Queen City USA 2011!!

I am so ready to begin working in my community and creating awareness of myself and my initiatives throughout 2011. My platform is "Promoting Self-Efficacy in Today's Youth!"  If you know of organizations within the Queen City or across the nation (Miss Black Queen City is not bound to the QC) that need spokespersons or general support, I am of service to you! For booking information, contact me at ivey.fashion@yahoo.com, and I will refer you to the official Miss Black Queen City USA 2011business contacts!

In other news, World AIDS Day is tomorrow, December 1, 2010. What do you have planned to support the cause?

I will be making one of my first appearances as Miss Black Queen City USA at the Red Pump Red Tie Affair.  This is a benefit gala in association with the Red Pump Project, an organization that raises awareness of AIDS in women & girls.

If you will be in the Queen City, come support this movement while enjoying a taste of STYLE!! (You know how I do!!)

For more info on the event, click this link.

I attended this event last year, and it was AWESOME!! Check the article I wrote about it here!

My Princess Diary {VOTE 4 ME!!}

A little inspiration ;)

NEW interesting fact about me: I am currently a contestant in the Miss Black North Carolina USA Pageant!!

My local title: Miss Black Queen City USA 2011

I am super excited about this new venture, and just being honored enough to be a part of it! It's a great way for me to reach out to the community, and make a difference within it!

I could use your support! Please follow the link below and vote for me in the People's Choice Award!!

-->> People's Choice Award!! <<--

Thank you!!

xoxo,

Ivey

Charlotte, NC Fashion Week

September has really been a busy month for me as a Fearless Passion aficionado! It began with the ultimate fashion experience, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week (New York), and it's ending with memories of Charlotte, NC fashion week that I attended last weekend.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...Thank God for a press pass! I was, of course, covering CNCFW for Charlotte STYLE magazine! Check out the article I wrote, entitled Charlotte, NC Fashion Week Wrap-Up, here.

Needless to say, I've done a lot of great networking over the last month, and I've come up with a GREAT idea.  I have something up my sleeve and I can't wait until it comes into fruition!!

Until then...here's a glimpse into CNCFW through my eyes!!

 On the red carpet...blurry! A better look below ;)

Enjoying my natural hair!!

Day 2

Quick interview with the Queen B (Lil' Kim)!! "About what," you ask?

Her new fashion line, of course! A sneak peek below.

Glam ROCK!

Photos by Yeng Moua

Alva Page (Runway Coach Extraordinaire) & I

Cool people :)

And, back to the red carpet!

Goodbye September...Can't wait to see what October will bring!

Let's GO

Smoke Break

Note from the author. I do NOT condone smoking in any way or form. I do NOT smoke. However, I thought it would be cool to have a cigar to go with this ultra-gorgeous smoking jacket...or rather, my version of a smoking jacket ;)

Thank you!

Fashion's Night Out in Soho [Amongst a Sea of New Yorkers!]

Fashion's Night Out was great! Lots of energy in the streets of NYC! This is why I love that city. Never a dull moment. In the city where I reside, I only heard of one store participating in FNO activities, but there were so many options in NYC. It kinda made it hard to choose, but Soho was a no-brainer. Shops, and shops, and shops GALORE! The streets were flooded like it was New Year's Eve at Time Square. I actually had to wait in a line to get OUT of the subway...#Madness!

Once I met my party, we basically hopped from shop to shop. At first I was on the search for cocktails! I got there kinda late, so most stores had run out of them. Bummer. But I eventually found some!
First store was Prada. Even beyond the Swarms of people inside, I could feel the luxe-ness in the air ;)

Just a glimpse inside the main lobby of the Prada store. People everywhere.

Posing for Prada
Keri & I

Winter Wonderland by Prada!! While I was taking this shot, I was kindly told by a very large security personnel that no pictures were allowed to be taken. #YIKES! I quickly snapped and moved on ;)

We moved on to J. Crew, lots of boutiques, Michael Kors, Zara and the list goes on. Forever 21 had the best music. I heard from a few drunken friends that Nike had the best drinks. Open bar, I heard. I missed out on that one!

To conclude, FNO was really created to help bring business to retailers in the midst of this dreadful recession. Vogue's version of a bail-out plan, I guess! So, I'm proud to say I helped the fight by actually making a purchase! Steve Madden was giving away scratch off cards, and mine was for 40% off. Love my new ankle booties, and I've already gotten tons of compliments. Good purchase.

More Pics Below
                                                                               
"Shopping" at Michael Kors (lol)

My FNO look!

Stylish female DJ's on the 1's&2's in most stores!

Crazy packed in the Steve Madden store. Don't know if I would have made it working in there all night. But, I'm sure they made 1 HECK of a commission check! Took a minute to get my shoes to try on, but they were pretty quick considering the circumstances!

Harajuku girls promoting Gwen Stephani's fragrances in a pink truck on the street...cute!

Had Fun. Can't wait til next year!