Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?

It's my favorite time of year...Thanksgiving!!! I seriously love this holiday more than my birthday. There is nothing better than meeting up with my family and friends, eating great home cooked food, all while watching football in my cute outfit for the day. My grandmother's house was the place to be and we all knew upon arrival you went straight to her for approval on your attire for the day. Since I was a little girl my grandmother made sure we were all in the latest fashion trends and looked like a million dollars even if we only had $10. Don't laugh but $10 was a lot of money back in my childhood days. The only thing that I hated, wait didn't like, about going home for Thanksgiving was the one questions I heard every year

Jennifer where is your man?

They asked this question every year knowing I wasn't dating. They asked this question only to start debating my ability to transition to a domesticated woman. I learned to stop debating and start a fight about our football teams instead as I stuffed my face on plate number 2. For this segment of Everyday Runway I wanted to live through my friends who were dating or in a serious committed relationship. I asked three of the most stylish men I know to join me and showcase their style. I am pretty sure my family would be happy with these looks and think that I was doing well in the relationship area.

Check out these three looks and tell me what you think?

Featured Runway Guest

Tie My Knot creates custom Panthers Bowties for the segment.
 
One bowtie you can wear three different ways with a front clip so you can self tie or clip on. To grab these or other custom made bowties to show your team pride, visit their website.

Lerone, Sam Jennifer and Brandon after the segment. 

Be sure to tune in for the next segment of Everyday Runway December 1, 2015. We are talking stylish looks to get you through the New Year!

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2015

 

This segment of Everyday Runway is dedicated to my grandmother "Sweet" Lucy Mae Brown. 

You are deeply missed.

 

Media, Model and More at New York Fashion Week

Photo credits www.nyfw.com

For the Spring/Summer 2016 show, #NYFW introduced fashionistas to a  new look, new venues and a new automotive sponsor.  Lexus secured one of the most coveted spots in sponsorship glory that had been held by Mercedes Benz since 2009.
The beauty of Fashion Week is the number of shows throughout the city highlighting the well known designers and the emerging designers claiming their spot in this world of fashion.

September 10th - 17th for many is like opening presents on Christmas morning. The excitement of ripping the wrapping paper off.  The anticipation knowing there is something waiting to be presented to you that you can't see until mom or dad decide its time. Yes, its  definitely like Christmas.  For me it was like ...

Christmas before I realized who Santa Claus was because this was my first year attending!

After landing I ran through the airport excited to drop my bags off at the hotel, freshen up and hit the scene. 

First up for me and Alea (my fashion partner in crime for the weekend) was the fashion lounge hosted by NOLCHA fashions. 

Swimwear for the beach bumbs in us all.

Summer is coming and the one thing everyone thinks about, whether they like it or not, is swimwear!

For this segment of Everyday Runway we are helping men and women by providing tips you need to find the perfect swimwear for your body type.

First, let's talk men and the fashionable options available.

Men, believe me there is life outside of speedo's.  I saw so many men walking around on the beach while on vacation that I just began to weep inside at the odd out of shaped  men so proudly wearing such ill fitting pieces of spandex.

Don't be that man that causes women like myself to cry because you are stuffing some body parts and letting others hang, drag or droop in those things.

Ok, clearly you can tell I am traumatized and so sad for the men who do not understand that speedos are not everyone's (almost no ones) friend.

MEN

Your suits are custom tailored, those eyeglass frames hug your face, and that CEO-impressing watch took days of research to find. So why do your swim trunks look like spring break 1997? Sure, they cover the territory, but a style slipup at the beach is like kicking sand in your own face. (Remember, those vacation snapshots live forever on Facebook!) So find the right trunks for your body and share those photos with pride.

Show Some Thigh
Who wears short shorts? Until the '90s, everyone did. (Clyde Frazier's '70s court shorts were probably shorter than the boxers you're wearing now.) And anytime you're shirtless, short shorts still look best. Trunks should stop at least a couple of inches above the knee, says Faherty Brand swimwear designer Mike Faherty. "Any longer and you start to shrink."

Our model Kelly M is wearing a pair of European swim trunks from 2eros. I know there are some men who will want to hold to the speedo idea so I offer this as an acceptable alternative.

Model Kelly M wearing Icon Swim Shorts by 2eros.

 

DON'T: Wear Them BaggyA slim guy in oversized clothing, whether it's a suit or a swimsuit, looks emaciated. If you can fit more than a bottle of sunscreen between your shorts and your leg, they're too wide.. Plus, you risk giving your junk an unfortunate cameo when you sit.

Below our model Cedric Q. is wearing a pair of J. Crew navy and white swim trunks with a pair of blue Toms. As you can see this is a great option for you guys to wear that provide style and comfort with a great fit. These are perfect for the beach, the pool and a quick meal afterwards when worn with a white tee.

Model Cedric Q wearing blue and white navy J. Crew swim trunks.

 

WOMEN

Women come in all shapes and sizes.
We have long legs. We have short legs.
Some are apart of the itsy bitsy teeny weeny bikini crew.
Some have curves for days in all the right places causing massive waves.



Everyday women modeling swimsuits

 

Nikki is modeling Kenneth Cole

Regardless of your body type and assets you are working with, there is a swimsuit out there just waiting to be added to your wardrobe collection. The key to finding the perfect swimsuit is knowing the parts of your body that need enhancing, minimizing or support. Colors, patterns and design play a key role in being the right fit for you.

For this segment I enlisted the help of my fashion blogger sister Alea of Get Style Daily.  We headed over to Belk South Park Mall to find swimsuits for four completely different body types.

Watch the segment here

Quick Tips:
For support women should look for tops that have underwire, molded cups or halter ties.  For larger busted women, look for tops that are sold in cup size instead of general sizing.

Jennifer modeling Trina Turk

For coverage women have more options than ever.  Tankinis and monokinis are perfect for women who want the illusion of a two piece with the comfort and coverage of a one piece.  Bottoms are also available with ties on the waist to allow for more or less coverage.


All cover ups are not created equal.  Be bold.  Be creative and have fun.  Find something that provides the coverage you want.  Mesh is in and available in skirt, pants and hoodie styles. Toss that towel on the beach and use these stylish options for walking around after a quick dip.

Of course this didn't cover every body type so I am leaving you with a couple of additional sites to help you out. 

Pop Sugar's article Swimsuits for your body

Real Simple article Best Swimsuits for All Bodies

Fitness Magazine article Swimsuit Intervention

Spring with Tsvety Fashion

Tsvety Fashion

European designer Tsvety McAuliffe understands patterns, textures and the woman's body.  Designs are form fitting, elegant and sophisticated styles to be worn with confidence.

 Tsvety will be presenting Friday, March 27 at the NCFA Style Week held at Label House - NC Music Factory.  Click here for more information and tickets.

Oh another treat for you fashion enthusiasts . . . Gregory Lawrence is beauty director once again.  The looks created by him and his team of hair and makeup artist for the last showcase were AMAZING!

Watch today's segment below.

 

 

BEHIND THE SCENES 

...

Spring Trends for a Blooming Look

BELK is bringing floral prints, graphic designs, and lace back for the spring. Single sole pumps and chic althetic wear will all be in bloom at BELK. Here are a few of my favorite looks.

And yes, I am in love with dresses!!



   
View the entire collection here.

BEAUTY TREND

MATTE LIPS in Pantone's color of the year MARSALA

Watch the next segment of EVERYDAY RUNWAY on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 at 8:30AM

WCCB News Rising.

Check local listings for channel.

Everyday Runway - RECAP

 

It's A Deep Wine

For this segment I decided to pull a couple of my favorite looks and trends from our 2014 segments. Why? It's my birthday (January 8th) and I want to share my favorite beauty and fashion trends for 2015.

 

2014 Segment Features

Holiday Style Segment

 

Summer Beach Style Segment

 

Dapper Dads Segment

What was your favorite look?  What would you like to see more of?

 

SHOP TODAYS LOOK

Julian Chang is a designer based in Miami, Florida that has created custom designs for celebrities Britney Spears and Gloria Estefan.  I am absolutely thrilled and honored to showcase this piece from his collection.

Wardrobe Julian Chang

Makeup by Gregory Lawrence
Hair by Steven Duliepre



Be sure to tune in February 3 for our next segment featuring date night looks for Valentine's Day with two of Charlotte's power couples.



 

Watch Now

 

 

 

Hot Holiday Styles

It's starting to look like Christmas, especially my social calendar. I have three events on one night and have to find the perfect look to carry me through the night.

HOLIDAYS no longer mean getting together with family and enjoying a great meal.  For the socialite, it means juggling the task of securing a babysitter, packing the perfect lip stick and selecting the right tie.

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions.

SHOP THE LOOKS

(L to R)
 Tarsha Hamilton Styled by Saks Off 5th Concord Mills
Jennifer Michelle Styled by Five 13 Studio
Victoria Renee Styled by Five 13 Studio

Carlo Wilkes Styled by DW Designs

Special Thanks to the Glam Squad for this segment!
LaShanda, DW Designs
Jekia, Five 13 Studio
Sara, Saks Off 5th Ave
Gregory Lawrence (not pictured)

WCW BCA 40

For the first time I am posting for #WCW, one of the most popular hash tags during the week on social media. 

Joanne Borgella       Photo Credits

#WCW, Woman Crush Wednesday, is the day when social media enthusiasts post a picture with a caption explaining why the woman they selected is their #WCW.

 

Many wait anxiously to see if they have caught someone's eye. YOU know; made the cut. I must admit, I was a little excited and honored when I was tagged as a followers #WCW (twice now).

 

Eventhough I have reached #WCW status , I have been hesitant to use this hash tag and participate in #WCW because I have always equated the word crush to that gorgeous chocolate man I had a crush on in college. Blame small thinking and blinders for such foolishness!  Well today, the blinders are off and I am thinking of two women who shall be crowned my #WCW.

Make A Statement

On this segment of Everyday Runway I was honored to work with two Charlotte entrepreneurs who specialized in making statements with their wardrobe and accessories.

Jekia Benson, owner of Five 13 Studio and Chanel Murphy, owner of All Things Fabulous put together five statement looks for the fashion goddess we all are.

I'M PROTESTING!

Boutique owners (l to r) Majesty, Jennifer, TaQue, and Renita

On the last segment of Everyday Runway I invited three very chic e-boutiques to join me. Why? I refuse to participate in Black Friday and wanted to give some options for looking fabulous without getting trampled in the process. 

Black Friday sales are taking over Thanksgiving Holiday! Businesses are opening earlier every year and some crazy people are already camping out on sidewalks for the anticipated savings. I don't get it and probably never will because I enjoy the warmth of my home, good food and family too much to sleep in a tent on the sidewalk for a discount.

Models (l to r) Infinite Style, Blake Riley, & Born Majestic

Lucky for me and anybody else that cringes at the idea of shopping on Black Friday, boutiques like Born Majestic, Blake Riley and Co, and Infinite Style exist. Offering stylish clothing for women of all sizes, these three boutiques have grown from e-boutiques to being housed in local boutiques in the Charlotte area as well. This makes them the perfect fit for my fashion fix during the holidays.

Make sure to check out their websites for great deals and unique finds for the holidays or "everyday".

To purchase Black Olivia Body Con dress modeled for Infinite Style visit www.shopinfinitestyle.com

To purchase BoHo Chic look (tie dyed skirt, shag vest, pussy bow blouse) modeled for Blake Riley & Co visit www.blakerileyandco.com

To purchase Plum maxi dress or Sequin party dress modeled for Born Majestic visit www.bornmajestic.com

Greg & Jennifer before going live!

Oh and let me not forget to mention that my fabulous makeup artist worked it out yet again for this segment.

I honestly needed somewhere to go because I didn't want to wash my face.
Gregory Lawrence is MY makeup artist and he beats my face like no other!

We have to start doing photo shoots after the segments to make the most of our fabulous styling and makeup creations. Interested photographers please email me.

If you'd like to book Greg for an upcoming event or makeup lesson email him. I promise you wont be disappointed.

To view more behind the scenes photos, click here. 

Special thanks again to Majesty Timberlake of Born Majestic, TaQue Thomas of Black Riley and Co., and Renita Martin of Infinite Style for providing the looks for my Anti Black Friday segment.


TUNE IN

Tuesday, December 3 with the gorgeous men modeling for SilverFly. Only on WCCB News Rising during the 8am hour. #EverydayRunway

Follow Jennifer on these social media sites for the complete "More Than A Mannequin" experience.
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Jennifer Michelle, MTAM

www.jmichellemtam.com

80's Flashback Friday

The Carrie Diaries.

I have to admit I have never watched this show until presented with the opportunity to do a fashion segment for it. I am absolutely hating that I never watched this show before.

I loved many things about the 80s and this show definitely took me back to the good ole days. Worthy of its own mention is the music for the show. Bananarama Cruel Summer, Madonna Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and The Bird and The Bee Material Girl are just a few songs you can expect to hear.

Since this is a fashion segment lets travel back to the world of 80's fashion and give it a modern makeover.

All looks are provided in its entirety from Saks 5th Ave Off 5th located in Concord Mills. Make sure to ask for "my people" Jameka, Alyssa, Enjaneek or Sara when you visit.

View the segment Everyday Runway, The Carrie Diaries

Model Looks in order of appearance

Model 1 Jacie

Chanel Sweater
5/48 Leather Skirt
Tory Burch Handbag
 Kate Spade Pumps


Special love for Jacie! I had the pleasure of teaching her during a runway modeling workshop at Carolina Talent!! 










Model 2 Alyssa

Rag & Bone Blazer
Citizens Of Humanity Denim
DeLuxe Handbag
Edmundo Costillo Pumps
Saks 5th Avenue Necklace

Model 3 Enjaneek

Collective Concepts Dress
Jenn Handbag
Boutique 9 Neon Pumps
Saks 5th Necklace












and of course ME!

Inspiration for my look!

Chanel Jumper
Boutique 9 Wine Stilettos
Saks 5th Avenue Bib Collar Necklace and bracelet












I think we look totally awesome dude!

Pictured left to right:  Kristen Zell  Jennifer Michelle, Enjaneek, Alyssa, Jacie

Be sure to tune in November 19 as we share holiday ensembles for Thanksgiving Day festivities.

Follow Jennifer on these social media sites for the complete "More Than A Mannequin" experience.

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram 

Do the Right Thing

My new issue of EW (Entertainment Weekly) arrived this morning and I noticed two stars and a catch line, The Reunions Issue. 

My eyes quickly scanned the cover to see if there would be anything for "me" and to my surprise there was one movie I wasn't expecting to see listed. 

The cultural mega hit from 1989, Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" was featured!

Yes I'm aging myself here but I don't care. This movie introduced me to Radio Raheem and the biggest boom box ever!

Spike Lee as Mookie did this with a cast of allstars, some being the classy Ruby Dee, loud Samuel L Jackson, feisty Rosie Perez and comedic icon Robin Harris (RIP).  

The six page spread with a major centerfold of the cast made me want to turn on Netflix and take a trip back down memory lane. 

If you've never watched it, now would be a great time. You'll see Martin skinny Lawrence in a role that probably birth his Rosco character. Giancarlo Esposito as Buggin Out was classic. Everybody has a friend like Buggin Out. Trust me, you won't be disappointed with this movie. 

If you've watched it before just enjoy the smooth sounds of the five second jazz intro that transitions to Public Enemy's Fight the Power with Rosie Perez doing all the dances I will be doing at GHOE next month. 

Kudos to EW for including this movie as a part of your reunion issue. 24 years later and I still love watching it! 

Gotta go, the movies starting. 

Quick fashion notes:

Ruby Dee is gorgeous as ever. She will always be a classy woman with impeccable style and grace. 

Rosie Perez poses in a white jumper with a clean, natural look. From the look of things, she's still dancing and keeping her arms in "running man" shape. It's a dance for those who don't know. 

The men and their fedoras showcasing their individual style was a very nice touch. Men and hats are nice but my favorite accessory of all was the boom box sitting by Radio Raheem. 

This is a big change from our fashion and style back in 1989.








Ok, I'm gone for real. Watch it and tell me what you think. I would love to hear your favorite one liners or scenes from the movie.

Jennifer Michelle, MTAM

For the complete "More Than A Mannequin" experience connect with me on these social media sites. 

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr 

Be sure to tune into Everyday Runway this Tuesday morning on WCCB News Rising as we support Breast Cancer Awareness month. 

Transformation Tuesday with Ebby K

Transformation Tuesday. Its the hash tag that gets people on social media sites posting pictures to show their progress from one stage of life to the next. Not all are good but some show pretty amazing transformations. Whether its a high school geek that's now an adult stud or braces wearer showcasing a beautiful smile, transformation Tuesday gives them the platform to show off.

For this edition of Everyday Runway, I worked with Ms. Ebone Kittles aka Ebby K for a fun makeover. 

Ebby is the owner of Classy Fit Gals, a business designed to give women the opportunity to share their journey and words of encouragement towards a healthy, fit life. 

See what we did with Ebby for this hair, makeup and styling transformation. 

The hair. 

The makeup.

The styling. 
All dresses available at Off 5th in Concord Mills

The REVEAL

Congratulations again Ebby on your success thus far. Know that I will be cheering for you as you continue your journey to living a classy fit fashionable life!

Raw footage:  Here's a fun recap taken behind the scenes.

SPECIAL THANKS
Off 5th Avenue of Concord Mills for providing the attire for the day. Jameka Haynes, Store Manager, can be reached at (704) 979-6000 if you would like to schedule a styling appointment. Shop online.

Group photo of the glam squad  (Tara not pictured)

Glam Squads

Jennifer Michelle
Styling:  Alyssa, Off 5th Avenue
Hair: Jennifer Keen
Makeup:  Gregory Lawrence

Ebby K
Styling:  Enjaneek, Off 5th Avenue
Hair: Tara, Salon Transitions
Makeup: Laron, Elle So Beautiful

Jennifer Michelle, MTAM

For the complete "More Than A Mannequin" experience connect with me on these social media sites. 

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr 

Be sure to tune in to our next segment on October 22 as we support Breast Cancer Awareness month.