She's My Mentor (In My Head): Kelly Cutrone

[caption id="attachment_1830" align="aligncenter" width="468" caption="Kelly w/her assistant Andrew Mukamal"][/caption]

About two weeks ago I experienced one of the most memorable & exciting days of my life,  I finally got  the chance to meet a woman who I greatly admire face to face! My partner in grind Aly from Le Modern Girl & I headed up to Bryant Park's Reading Room to catch a discussion/q&a with  Kelly Cutrone of People's Revolution. It was a very intimate setting outside in the park with about 100 ppl in attendance not counting all of the onlookers.

First let me say if you have not read Kelly's book "If You Have To Cry Go Outside", please do yourself the favor and read it ASAP! I finished the book in 2 days & would have finished it in one if I didn't have little distractions here & there, I really did not want to put the book down! I think people watch the City & because of the way they edit the show for the most part, derive that Kelly is constantly more harsh & cut-throat than she is in real life. I mean granted she doesn't play games & she is very straight forward, after listening to her speak  I learned that she is an extremely selfless & compassionate human being. She answered the audiences questions thoroughly about how she balances her career & personal life-she doesn't to how you should go on interviews looking like you are apart of the brand. Very practical information that everyone is not knowledgeable of, but that all woman should know.

[caption id="attachment_1831" align="aligncenter" width="468" caption="Meeting Kelly Cutrone at the Bryant Park Reading Room"][/caption]

After the discussion ended, she stayed behind to sign copies of her book & graciously took the time to chat with each person. My friend & I stood in line for about an hour I believe, but it was so worth it(she let us cut the line too ;)). I couldn't believe how giving she was with her time & knowledge, she really talked without rushing to every person that stood in that line to have their book signed. I took away a lot that day from her discussion & from the brief chat we had, I felt more empowered as a mother & a woman!

[caption id="attachment_1832" align="aligncenter" width="468" caption="Afterwards in Bryant Park Library wearing a floral patchwork Vintage dress from Calico Vintage www.shopcalico.com/shop/"][/caption]

Photos of the Week

(All Photos taken by me throughout NYC)

On Set: Free Peoples Rebellion Lookbook Shoot

For some time now, I've been nagging my good friend & photographer Kwesi Abbensettes to let me tag along on one of his many photo shoots. Finally last weekend I got the chance to see him in action! We met in Brooklyn at a really beautiful brownstone that served as our headquarters for the day. The shoot was for emerging line, Free People Rebellion's look book.  Designer Sarah Williams creates handmade accessories using various metals &  authentic African textiles from her native Liberia. This recent collection was inspired by British phenomenon Ebony Bones tune W.A.R.R.I.O.R.  Most of my collections are inspired by some music or song that I really love, W.A.R.R.I.O.R influenced my incorporation of metals & more strong pieces throughout this collection which convey a strong statuesque type of woman!

Watching the shoot unfold from beginning to end was pure excitement for me. It was great watching the chemistry between all of the talents involved from the MUA Jennifer Knowlden to the gorgeous model Folasade Adeoso (Naija girls rock!) everyone was in sync (especially since it was the first time the model,designer & mua were meeting). Sarah already knew the creative direction she wanted to go in & Kwesi just vibed off of her energy & direction while shooting. There were about 4-5 looks that were shot, each look getting a subtle upgrade by MUA Jennifer Knowlden another amazing talent to watch. Model Folosade Adeoso blew us all away working the simple green vine backdrop including our never-ending slew of onlookers or should I call them the Fola Fan Club lol. Overall the shoot was a success & a great experience that I'm grateful to have been apart of & look forward to more to share with you here at Nuvany Nice!









http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xdrn1e_fpr-lookbook-shoot_lifestyle

Make Me Wanna Buy It: Hampden Clothing

Browsing Hampden Clothing's site has become one of my sweetest pleasures as of lately! Based in Charleston South Carolina, owner Stacy Smallwood continues to implement the invaluable knowledge and skill she acquired as a former buyer for Neiman Marcus. Hampden offers a diverse selection of emerging & established designers from around the world including Tucker, Smythe, Rodebjer, Kimberly Ovitz & Alexander Wang. Smallwood keeps a more simple aesthetic when styling the merchandise, a white mannequin with a pop of red on the lips against a neutral gray background. These minimal details help the buyer to envision how the garments may look in real time. I've compiled a few of my favorite pieces below! Be sure to visit Hampden Clothing to view the entire collection including shoes & accessories, you can thank me later.