Awww

Just had one of those moments and had to share. I’m just like my mother and almost everything brings me to tears. Lol, I often make fun of her for this despite the same sensitivity gene we share, I just know how to play it off better than her. Just had a sweet moment though was too sweet to keep to myself. I tend to be a perfectionist in alot that I do, well things I do that mean something to me anyway. So trying to keep up this blog and make it what I ultimately want it to be can be a daunting task for me (By the way you’re ALWAYS welcome to share feedback that you feel is pertinent to the success of this endeavor of mine). As you may or may not know, the blog is named after my Grandmother. I am her namesake, but her maiden/middle name is Bray, which is why I am referred to as Little Bray & hence the name for the blog.

So as not to further bore you and get to the point, lol, my Grandma made my day & my hesitation about the “goodness” of this blog fade right away. She knew that I had started something inspired by her, but she had never seen the product with her own eyes. I am overjoyed and on cloud 9 because as I read it’s purpose & comments directed toward her she gushed & cried, and was equally as excited when she saw the photos of herself. I always felt it was the little things that count, and her simple, genuine reaction to my efforts will count for more than she’ll know…

Love You Grandma

Fave 8 Designers

“I keep my already tiny closets half empty, filled, and spread out with only great pieces.” – Genevieve Jones

I’m not too sure about the tiny closets thing, lol, but if the funding was readily available my closet would be filled with great pieces from these designers. Once again, these are in no particular order, with the exception of MY #1 Ralph Lauren. The list was quite difficult to narrow down as I have so many, but Mike & Chris, as well as Chris Benz and Derek Lam get honorable mentions.

Ralph Lauren – His looks are effortless and timeless.

Rachel Roy – Is a favorite because she always delivers ultra feminine looks.

 

Phillip Lim 3.1 – Always out of the box, yet still practical.

Diane Von Furstenberg- Love DVF for her timeless & continual modern looks, all the while remaining effeminate.

 

 Oscar De La Renta – One word, Gorgeous! Oscar De La Renta’s frocks always evoke emotion from me.

 

Michael Kors – American Style at its best.

 

Catherine Malandrino – Always bright & dainty.

My Favorite 8…

I don’t know about you, but I eagerly await this time of the year, and it’s not why you think. I always looked forward to the end of the year, because besides the fact that you can be grateful you made it through another year, you have all those countdowns. The only time there actually is something to watch on TV, besides when MAD MEN is on of course!

So I’ve decided to do a couple of list of my own, none of which are in a particular order unless indicated so. Every day until the end of the year I’ll post a Favorite 8, for the year 2008. So on the heels of the last post I figured to start the countdown making a list to publicly Thank & Acknowledge those who are a constant source of encouragement…

Favorite 8 Motivators of 2008

Courtney – An incredible friend and my personal Angel who always complements me on my look & refers to me as her Fashionista. Lol. Your opinion means a great deal to me, so thank you for acknowledging & appreciating my style.

Dontaine – We probably live less than 20 minutes away from each other, and I haven’t seen you in over at least a year BUT you are a endless source of encouragement. Trust me, it means the world and I promise I’ll put you on!

Jerome – You too are a constant encouragement, reminding me daily it’s not where I’m at now, but where I’ll end up. Serving as my personal blog troubleshooter, lol. Glad to have you as a friend, though we may piss eachother off occasionally. :-)

Kenny – You motivate me not by anything you may particularly say, but seeing you grind serves as a constant reminder to me to keep on mine. You motivate me just as anyone else because you do so by example.

Daddy&Mommy(Trust me they count as one) – You constantly remind me of my INNER beauty and challange me to better. You raised a lady and remind me to carry myself & emulate such in my speech,demeanor, & presentation. Daddy, your style is a drving force in molding my own and attempting to create my own signature aesthetic.

Lola – Lol, I promise you’ll get your house before Mommy. You always believed in me! (Inside) Your admiration of me and inclusion of my opinion immensely warms my heart.

Leondra – You always push me , and participate in both my victories & losses.The cab ride we had down Madison (2006, After Concert on your birthday) will reoccur, and we’ll stop in every store, I promise.

Grandma – The Muse. You are the single most important inspiration for my vision. Your beauty. Elegance. Grace. Taste. Style. I could go on & on.

Thank you & I love you all!

If you were not included, PLEASE do not take it personally. I love you just as much, in regards to what I aspire to these individuals have played in active role in helping to realize it, whether they know it or not, hence their recognition.

Thank You!

So I just finished watching this Charlie Rose interview featuring Ralph Lauren, one of , if not THE greatest designers EVER. Yea, I said it! The interview was not only an indication as to why he is that, but for me it was affirmation as to the things that are to come in my future. I was most definitely inspired by the interview.

Prior to watching this I was aware of surface similarities between the two of us, being that he is both a Bronx native and a fellow Dewitt Clinton Alumnus. Though, as I watched the interview I was both, excited & shocked, because several answers he had in regards to his vision were ones that I’ve thought or shared with others about what I wish to do. Some of the answers were even verbatim.  You might be thinking big deal people have the same thoughts all the time. But for me it isn’t that simple, better yet, viewing that interview was a driving force for continuing on with my vision that was much needed because as a human I sometimes get discouraged just like anyone else.

Should any doubts or discouraging thoughts arise now, I have both those around me who encourage me, as well as this interview to keep me going. If you have any interest in it, you can find the clip here.

I’m Falling Too…

In love with Prada’s Spring/Summer ‘09  shoe collection, that is. Not literally falling, as did many of the models did on the runway. Stumbling, Fidgeting, Falling, it all went down(Pun Intended) at the show for the upcoming season’s collection. Due to the incredible height of the shoe Mucia Prada declared that the heels would be lowered when they went into production, which they have and why I’m so in love. They’re nothing short of Dainty & Feminine. The clothes are just as lovely as the shoes, might I add. Here’s a leaked pic from the Women’s Campaign below with the improved heels.

Prada S/S '09 Womens Collection

       

[VIA]

Here are the former sky-high pumps. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are my FAVORITE!!!

You Win Some, You Lose Some…

That definitely is the case, for the current Fashion Industry. This Recession thing is definitely no joke, and it’s taking a toll on EVERYONE. From major designers cancelling their outlandish or over the top Holiday soirees their known to throw (Marc Jacobs) to major designers bowing out of showing at The Bryant Park Tents (Betsey Johnson), the economic climate is wreaking having on everyone from the top of the socio-economic structure all the way to the bottom and across industries.

Lucky for you the consumer (if you have the funds) EVERYTHING is on sale as well! In stores, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, Barney’s, and Kate Spade, just to name a few, have had sales going on for longer than usual. As well as a slew of sample sales going. Speaking of which, La Perla has one going on now until the 19th, with items going as low as up to 90% off. That’s what I call a steal.

If you ask me though, where it’s REALLY at is online. I’d say for about the last month or two I’ve been consistently getting emails anouncing sales, and several follow-ups announcing extension of those same sales! Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Ralph Lauren, ESPECIALLY J.Crew and Kenneth Cole(They have a very special place in my heart). So if you want to shop around, I’d indubitably do so online. You can stay warm and get more for less!

Happy Holiday Shopping !!!