In the "skin" of Men!



We have embarked upon fashion's new year and embraced fall/winter; anxious to show our readiness to express our inner style and display our strength. Once upon a time, in the land of the No Confidence,  it was not the norm for men to be seen in fur (real or faux). The versatility of fur causes a transcending effect from casual to evening, with very little adjustments needed to the garments in which it is adorned. Durability & Comfort are two of  it's known features, while being plush but yet warm. With the help of the world of fashion, designers have empowered their men's fall/winter lines with skins that reveal that inner power that demands the attention all. Men all across the nation have come to the conclusion that skin is in. This revolution of skin has developed another level of masculinity to be on display thru any and all garments including; blazers, coats, pants, boots, hats, gloves and scarves. As mother nature continues to be unpredictable with the weather conditions, prepare for the inclimate weather with a purchase of fur. Remember garments do not  produce masculinity, but your mannerisms will.

Men be confident and feel comfortable in the skin you're in while displaying your style in your "Men's Skins"!



Bow Flow

Who would have thought that a ribbon of fabric tied symetrically around the collar of a shirt would create such an amazingly fab dapper accent called the bowtie?

Fashionistory (History): The bowtie originated during the Prussian Wars of the 17th Century among Croatian Mercenaries. It was then used to hold together the opening of their shirts.

It was a stereotype that those who wore bowties had a hint of intellectualism. This accessory was known to be worn by doctors, professors, lawyers and magicians. More importantly it was "a way of broadcasting an aggressive lack of concern for what other people think". The bowtie no longer carry its association with professions or formal attire. Now the bowtie is worn in all settings, professions and within both genders. Approximately around the 1980's the bowtie made it's way into women's professional wear, addorned with their button-up blouses, pleaded & tuxedo shirts.

As shown above, the bowtie is a great accessory for any outfit; addorned for cocktail parties, school, formal events, musicals concerts (all genres) and for your night out on the town.

The next time your going for a noticeable chic look, go for the bow flow!

Royalty with Different "Accents"

Deidre "Dee Dee" Showell was known to many locally and abroad as not just one who produced perfection within Interior Decorating but one who was a walking mogul in fashion. A trendsetter, risk taker and inspiration to many, lived as an example of elegance and her amusing beauty commanded the attention when entering any venue. I've had the opportunity to learn from her how to change an outfit just by changing the accents. Did you ever think you could take the same outfit, wear it three times, but have it look different each time all due to a necklace or maybe a broch? Numerous lesssons accompanied and followed this one important deposit. Her confidence could not be found on any scale as she reigned in a category where only few fit! Often displayed was the importance of a combination that could take you further than the world would allow; that combination being confidence and multi lingual. Your accent is more important than you can ever imagine. Accent brings character and life to both wardrobe and furniture. One year ago, the world lost another legend who has left an imprint on so many. All who have tons of valuable lessons and experiences to apply as a guide through out life.

Family, friends and associates from near and far gathered to support the Black & White Ball and Award Ceremony held in "Dee Dee's" honor. These events were just a start of many events to come to assist current and future students of Interior Design & Mortuary Science. These are two of many areas inwhich Dee Dee's hand of creativity & perfection were found to satisfy and comfort many.

During these events the common denominator was fashion! Captured above are two elegantly dressed women (Levolia Johnson & Pamela Reeves) of power who continue to impact many just as Dee Dee. These two women have been noted to posses not just beauty, but "Beauty with Brains!" Giving back to their communities thru their local churches, society groups & mentoring, are just few of many ways these fashion queens are found depositing positivity and life into the lives of men and women both young and old. These women exude royality and priceless smiles that display achievement, one of many characteristics of their beloved friend Deidre. Here's your peek at what I call "Royalty with Different Accents".

Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show Experience

When hearing of the show, I was instantly excited about all the possible models, celebrities and designers pieces that could be found under the roof of the Manhattan Pavilion on February 3rd & 4th. Just as suspected, the house was packed with models floating and tons of designer labels old and new. Over 90 vintage dealers from as far as Florida and abroad brought designer pieces by Christian Lacroix, Fendi, Prada, Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Balenciaga. It was one experience that could not be passed up.



Another highlight of my day spent with friends, was coming across two of fashion's edgy styled bloggers Jean and Valerie (http://www.idiosyncraticfashionistas.blogspot.com/). I enjoy viewing their blog as well as having caught them on a stint on Fashion Hunters. There were really nice people to come across. They made my visit worth it as I was making an exit from the venue. Thanks guys for the picture!









Photographed with two friends who are dear to my heart (http://www.dcamilleon.com/ and D. Evans). The day was most memorable! We all arrived the Manhattan Pavilion unexpectedly color coordinated in wardrobe as well as on one accord mentally. We came to enjoy the vendors and to have a day dedicated to fun and fashion; that we did! Fashion has no limits and with these two there were no limits with the purchases that kenj is awaiting to capture and upload for you guys to view. There's more to come very soon in fashion from these two. We welcome them into the Galaxy of Fashion!!




Great minds think alike! The color scheme was amazing and the energy from our vibe was even more fashiontastic. Sarah, is a tailer from Florida who has the heart and spirit of a saint and the fashion sense of a Fashion Goddess. A pleasure to have met and will look forward to our future in fashion.

The Luxury of Variety

You can never have too many articles of clothing!

When the doors of a closet are pulled open, inside shinning out should be a wardrobe with a wide variety. A variety inclusive of formal, semi formal and or casual. The combination of formal, semi-formal and casual provides an individual the ability to show diversity within everyday living. For example : attending a Black Tie event, a casual outfit would not be viewed as too appropriate. However now days you are afforded the apportunity to mix and mingle wardrobe as displayed on the red carpet of numerous award shows. Entertainment icons such as Kanye West, Lauryn Hill and Ashton Kutcher are a few who inspire all viewers how to incorporate formal with a twist of casual; a fashion combustion. Creating a combustion is a luxury. Why a luxury you would ask. This combustion can be looked upon as a luxury as it is a rarity that adds pleasure and comfort.

KenJ goes into the home of a "fashion edge walker" (one who displays individuality through fashion) Dustin E, and discussed just how fun it is to mix and match wardrobe to produce a combustion. During this visit great minds began to work together soaring into a galaxy consisting of creativity producing some of what is displayed in the following images.



from left to right: (blk leather sweat shirt, blk dress sweat pant slacks & blk vintage combat boots), (blue & white crochet tam, vintage blue velvet blazer, red turtle neck & blue tie dye jeans), (red lumber jack tuxedo jacket, white Cult tank, gray skinny jeans and blk patent leather opera pump)


Until we meet again, take a trip into your wardrobe, take inventory, add the luxuy of variety and I'll see you in the next KenJGalaxy!!!

Street Sweep

Fashion is artful, fun, relaxing and sometimes viewed as therapuetic to many. To start your day off, you sometimes need that one cup of coffee to give you that kick to get your engine moving. That coffee to me is fashion. In the streets, the fashion of those you past can be an inspiration and a breath of fresh air. It also can inspire you to grab a concept that will bloom into a wonderful canvas (your outfit).

While roaming the streets of Baltimore, I came across a few that offered me a therapy session that came with no cost. Below you can view the relaxed look of Ashanti Williams, Kenyatta Williams, Chimere and LaShay.

(tan newsboy, red hoodie, relaxed jeans, red/white/silver ree-bok pumps & blk leather motor cycle jacket, burgundy/blue sweater, blk leggins, brown vintage boots and vintage clutch)


(navy peacoat, blue oxford, navy sweater, pasley bowtie, indigo straight jeans & blue jack purcells and Fresh Fro, vintage black/white tweed coat, vintage royal blue sweater dress, blk fish nets, gray knee boots & funky gray purse)

(Rock'n her fro, plaid shirt, brown vest, blue skinny jeans, blue & gold high top Adidas, gold necklace and gold bangles)

The fun of fashion makes viewers feel inspired and give them direction on where to go with their relaxed look.

Check out future Street Sweeps

To Be Continued.......................