Soraya Mathias Blog

With summer coming to an end and fall slowly approaching, it’s safe to showcase a couple of fall fashion trends. Fall is by far my favorite style season. And this time, it’s all about expressions through creative layers, prints, denim, and boots. For this upcoming season, I predict basic pieces will be a hit on the fashion scene. I think it's best to wear simple pieces such as basic button ups and solid colors with denim jeans and pair them with dramatic shoes. A blazer and loud accessories will add extra flare to just about any stylish combination. And of course, as always in fashion, sometimes simple is better.

All of the following items can be found at Urban Outfitters for under $50 dollars:











Happy Shopping!

Have you ever wondered what made the fashion icons so legendary and innovative? Or what made them worthy of celebration that stems past decades in an industry that doesn't tolerate most fashion trends longer than a season? It's the greatest fashion accessory of all time and the only secret that separates the legends from the wannabees: confidence. When it comes to great style and trend setting fabulousness, you won't get very far without it.

However, in today's trendy fashion society, confidence is more of an illusion than a fashionable truth. So many of the best dressed celebrities are merely mannequins in human form, dependent on stylists for wardrobe direction; but somehow prematurely labeled as modern day fashion icons for pulling off an outfit that was put together for them by some of the industry's best.

And instead of creating the fashion trends that we rush to mimic in a watered down version of high end labels, they merely imitate what they see on the runway during New York Fashion Week...as a result, we've all become merely duplicates of the runway's best. But real style stems from our own inner fashion icon, and only those with enough confidence will gladly shy away from fashion trends and walk to the click clack of our own stilettos.

To do that, you'll need a certain attitude.

It begins with only feeling obligated to wear what you love and feel absolutely beautiful in. Fashion rules can't dictate what you decide to wear, nor should they be the final verdict for what you place in your wardrobe.

Current fashion should only serve as inspiration, not the blueprint to your overall style...to be fashion handicapped is the greatest no no of the icons.

Coco Chanel didn't become one of the most celebrated fashion icons of all time because she was trendy, she earned that title because she was innovative and could care less about what others thought was fashionable. And because of her own sheer confidence in her taste in style, she became one of the biggest inspirations to designers and fashion lovers alike. All because she understood that nothing is more chic than confidence and not giving a damn how others feel about you.

When you look for new pieces, choose looks that you love. Step outside of the box of fashion trends, and experiment with styles that compliment your body type--and most importantly, make you feel good. If someone loves your outfit, it's a bonus, but not necessary for you to strut down the street like it's a runway. It's your moment, and you own it.

Former Destiny Child superstar Kelly Rowland has a very graceful style. She knows her body and isn’t afraid to show it, but she never overdoes it. With an amazing body like hers, she always shows off her great legs as often as she can. Kelly is also a dark skin beauty like myself and wears the right colors to flatter her beautiful complexion. She wears a lot of bright colors to compliment her chocolate skin. Kelly Rowland always glows rather she is on the red carpet or on her day to day style.

Being fabulous doesn't have to cost a fortune:


Skirt: H&M for $22.50


Tank Top: Forever 21 for $6.80

Tips: Don’t worry about trends. You should only invest in items that flatter your body type. It’s all about being comfortable in your own skin.

Summer's almost gone, but here's 5 fashion essentials you have to rock before the season slips away.
1. The Jumper



Rihanna's worn them and countless other stylish celebs have made these pieces a must have for the season. You don't want Summer to end without finding the perfect jumper and making a fashion statement that can go from casual chic to runway staple in a matter of minutes. The key to dressing up the jumper is to select accessories that add the right amount of glamour.


2. Floral Accessories




We're talking fabulous floral pieces that bring the softness back to statement jewelry. Select pieces that will compliment your overall style. Favorites will be floral cluster rings, as well as statement bracelets completed with floral accents.


3. Lace


Lace tops are in and you'll need to take advantage of this look for your daytime and evening looks. A simple top with a lace accent will work perfectly for daywear, while laced cocktail dresses add more spice to a night out on the town.

4. Denim Dresses




Go back in time with this 80s favorite. Find a denim dress that compliments your shape and stays in line with your specific style. There are so many styles to choose from as denim isn't restricted to limits.


5. Dramatic Bows



From runway to your closet, dramatic bows have made a splash on fashion this season. Rather you prefer to wear them in your hair with 80s styled headbands or on your favorite tops; the bigger the better. Make a statement, but there's a thin line to cross between womanhood and childish fashion. Tread it lightly.

For most fashionable women, to become a stylist, would be to secure a dream job. But for Airest Newsome, she's living the dream and living a life that combines her passion for good style with helping others who need a little fashion inspiration. While great taste in fashion will be helpful to a large extent, Newsome is proof that it takes good old fashion business sense to get ahead in the profession. When she quit her full time job to make her passion more than just a side hustle, she learned the importance of being a business savvy go gettin' diva.

Airest Newsome talks her life as a fashion stylist and just why an internship could be your ticket to becoming a fashion powerhouse.


Urban Belle: Fashion is such a competitive field to break into. What inspired you to become a fashion stylist? Have you always known that this is the career that you wanted?

Airest Newsome: I started off doing fashion journalism as an intern. I always knew that I wanted to work in the fashion industry but I didn’t know I was going to end up as a stylist.


Urban Belle: Although you have found your passion and it's safe to say you love what you do, what are some of the most discouraging things of your job? And what things do you love about what you do?

Airest Newsome: The best part about my job is having the opportunity to meet other people with the same passion as me. The most discouraging is that you develop personal relationships with your clients which could be good or bad. Even though I have an office, my job also has to come home with me.

Urban Belle: You started from the bottom of your career as an intern, and now you are landing your own clients. How did you go from an intern to business savvy?

Airest Newsome: I studied women who were well established in the fashion industry such as Rachel Zoe. I studied how they built their business and clientele and paid attention to their craft which gave me a better understanding of what I wanted to do.

Urban Belle: With your success, what advice do you give to anyone who wants to work in the fashion industry?

Airest Newsome: Just do it! If you have the passion and drive don’t let your past bad experiences discourage you. Don’t wait around for someone to give you a title, claim the title for yourself.

Urban Belle: Fashion changes every season, and it's easy to understand why it takes skill to give great guidance on style. Reflecting on all the clients you have worked with, what is the best piece of fashion advice that you have ever given?

Airest Newsome: With all the changes in trends in the fashion industry, my advice is to ignore some of those trends because they actually stay the same. Don’t focus on trend rules, focus on what best fits you and what compliments your body type.

Urban Belle: Every stylist has their own fashion essentials, so what are the fashion pieces that you can't live without?

Airest Newsome: My look is very 50’s and vintage inspired. My first item is a black blazer because it adds an feminine flare to a look. My second item is nude pumps because they match with almost everything. My third item is a good tube of mascara.

Urban Belle: There are many great fashion trends that have been taken from the runways of New York Fashion Week. Although some are fashion forward and fabulous, others are a little bit extreme. What are some of your favorite current fashion trends?

Airest Newsome: I’m very excited about some of the new fall collections. Most designers are taking it back to basics with simple tops and blouses with quiet details. The summer trends were more about loud neon colors and different prints and I’m looking forward to the simple looks.

Urban Belle: What do you recommend every Belle has in her closet this season?

Airest Newsome: I think every belle should own quality high waist trousers. I love them because they extentuates the waist line. They can go from an office look to an evening look as well.

Urban Belle: We all have that moment when we feel we have made it in our respective fields. What was your moment, and what would you consider your biggest achievement?

Airest Newsome: Everyday I’m still trying to get to the peak of my career. The moment where I felt my career was going in a good direction is when I was able to quit my full time job to focus on launching my own business. If you are able to do what your passion is and still be financially stable, then I think that’s when you know you've made an accomplishment.

Urban Belle: Besides styling what are your major goals in the fashion industry? What is next for you in fashion and career wise?

Airest Newsome: I want to keep building my clientel and I also am working on a book that will hopefully be released next year. It will about most of the truths about the fashion industry and what steps to take to break in the fashion industry.

Angela Simmons is one trendy young woman. I’ll admit she is one of my biggest fashion inspirations. Her simple and chic style is very relatable to me and other young women. She’s not afraid to take risk with her outfit choices which is what fashion is all about!

Look fab without paying a fortune!

To achieve this comfy street look you can find a similar ensemble at Urban Outfitters.



Shirt: $15.80 Bag: $22.50 Shorts: $18.50 Boots: $32.50

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Tips: Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Its 2010 and there's really no such thing as being tacky. Many colors go with almost everything. So step outside the box and try new colors together. You might discover your creative side.

I know most women, including myself, follow and admire celebrities at award shows and red carpet events on television, while wishing we could afford the very pricey looks. With this economy in it’s depressing financial state and the disappearance of so many jobs, I decided to start a celebrity look of the week to show women that you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to achieve similar styles of the rich and famous. I also want to share a couple tips on how you can turn something cheap into chic!





To achieve this hot look for less, stores such as H&M and Forever 21 have stylish leather jackets that cost around $30.00. This same style of dress can also be found at H&M or Forever 21 for under $25.00. These black closed toe pumps are very common and chic. I was able to buy myself a pair of Guess heels similar to these from Marshall's for only $35.00. You can’t beat that!

Tips: Thrift stores are one of the best places to shop. Most creative fashionistas buy their clothes from thrift stores and vintage shops. You can find anything from a stylish dress or a 80’s inspired blazer. Thrifts stores are fun, trendy,and cheap; and you’ll be sure to steal the spotlight at any event.

I t is no secret that the modeling industry is one of the most competitive fields to break into. While it may be glamorous to walk the runway and wear pieces from extraordinary collections created by some of the top fashion designers, there isn't a model alive who doesn't hope her name will be more significant than her gorgeous face.

And for black models, establishing an impressive modeling career isn't quite impossible, but it's pretty close to inconceivable. Models of color aren't in demand in the world of high fashion, so every black model must work harder to achieve supermodel status. To Dawn Montgomery, a mental disorder has made her stronger than ever, and motivated her to achieve plenty in a field that makes it pretty tough for women of color.

Dawn has been featured in Black Men Magazine, Roll Out, JET's "Beauty of the Week," as well as campaigns for Akoo, PZI Jeans, Seagrams Gin 2009, and music videos for Ludacris and Bow Wow; all while battling Bi-Polar Disorder. She recently sat down with us to talk about battling mental illness, while pursuing a successful career in modeling. More than a pretty face, the Mississippi native plans to spread awareness of mental illness and become a voice for those who refuse to let the disorder take over their lives.


Urban Belle Magazine: You have an impressive body of work, and you have a lot of projects in the future. What age were you when you decided to become a model and what was your inspiration behind starting a career in the fashion industry?

Dawn: I was about 20 when I considered modeling because one of my good friends did a hair photoshoot with me. I was encouraged me to go to castings in Atlanta and since then I always attend many castings that I’m informed about.

Urban Belle Magazine: When did you discover that you were Bi-Polar?

Dawn: I was about 16 and a junior in high school. I was never a destructive student but I was in a state of depression often .I told my mother that I felt something was wrong. She felt I was going to be fine but It wasn’t until I attempted suicide that I reached out to my guidance counselor at school. My mother then started taking me to the doctors and that’s when I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I also suffer from a very minor form of seasonal affective disorder which means that different seasons or weather can also affect my mood. I mostly feel low when it rains to the point that I have a hard time getting out of bed.

Urban Belle Magazine: After you got the news of your mental illness, how did you manage to cope with the disorder?

Dawn: Everyday I’m still learning how to deal with my disorder. If it wasn’t for the support of my family especially my grandmother who is also a preacher and my faith in God I would not have came as far as I have. My grandmother keeps me focused. What people don’t know about me is that I’m also a writer. Whenever I get a in a state of feeling low I either write or read some of my writing.

Urban Belle Magazine: How has the condition affected your life? What changes did you have to make in your life to adjust?

Dawn: I basically have to watch my own actions and keep myself together everyday.




Urban Belle Magazine: Although you have been diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder, you have managed to have a pretty successful modeling career. Did your medical condition motivate you any professionally?

Dawn: Yes. Modeling and the work I do actually keeps my focused and motivated. I have to tell myself that I won’t let this disorder get in my way of my career.

Urban Belle Magazine: The African American community still doesn't know much about the mental illness. In a sense, it is still a subject that is considered taboo. What do you think we all can do to spread awareness about Bi-Polar Disorder?

Dawn: I think we have to put a face on it to get message across about mental illness and I am trying to become that face. It angers that many people who suffer from the same illness as I do are afraid to talk about their illness publicly and are scared of what society will think about them. I have no problem with talking about my illness and sharing my story with others I just wished more people were okay with talking about their illness publicly.

Urban Belle Magazine: In addition to modeling, you have also decided that you want to dedicate your own time to spreading awareness about Bi-Polar Disorder. You have also partnered with the National Alliance for Mental Illnesses to reach out to the communities. What is your plan to action to better educate the African American community on this mental illness?

Dawn: First I want to reach out to as many media outlets as I can to educate the black community because I feel that many African Americans aren’t educated properly about mental illness and tend to ignore it.

Urban Belle Magazine: The fashion industry seems to lack a lot in diversity, and it is usually harder for black models to establish successful careers, as the runways aren't usually home to women of color. Is it harder to be a black model or more difficult to be a model with a mental illness?

Dawn: It’s definitely harder to be a model with a mental illness. Models aren’t supposed to have a voice but I want my voice to be heard. I want to see more black models with morals and values and speak up because that’s how I was raised.

Urban Belle Magazine: Since the fashion industry is extremely competitive, what advice would you give to young women who would like to pursue a career in modeling, and even aspiring models battling a mental illness?

Dawn: Do your research. Don’t just go get your information about the modeling industry from TV. The inter net helped me a lot throughout my career. It’s very important to know what your getting yourself into before you start.

Urban Belle Magazine: Although you have already achieved a lot in your modeling career, what do you hope to achieve in the future as a model and mental illness activist?

Dawn: I want to become a national activist for NAMI. For my modeling career, I want to do more mainstream magazine spreads and fashion shows. I am a very patient person so I’m just waiting for my good opportunities to come my way. I also have goals of working for ESPN and working for sports radio. I don’t want to limit my self to only modeling.

Keri Hilson may not have been the big star of the night like Chris Brown was at the 2010 BET Awards, but her Red Carpet appearance was so legendary that the Decatur, Georgia native became a Trending Topic on Twitter throughout the entire show. And it's for very good reason. The starlet looked absolutely stunning in a leopard print dress, her new blonde do, and a pair of legs to make just about any woman just a little bit jealous.

The look worked for Keri because not only does she have killer legs and an amazing figure, she also took one of the hottest fashion trends of the moment (leopard print) and made it her very own. And although you may not be an R&B star like Ms. Hilson, you too can rock the leopard print like no one's business. You just need the right dress and just the right amount of motivation.



A Leopard Sheath dress from Speigel is perfect for those who want to show off their figures, and stylish enough for those who haven't felt comfortable enough to get into the trend.














And this Leopard Print Silk Dress (also from Spiegel) is another great pick.

Both of these dresses will compliment your figure like Keri's dress complimented hers on the red carpet. With any print, form fitting garments work better than lose fitting ones.


Get these dresses here.








You'll also need the right shoes, and Keri was wise to go for a pair of fabulous sandals. These BCBG Paris Lin Booties would add the perfect touch to just about any Leopard Print dress.


Get them here.




To finish the look, you'll need a black waist belt and a fabulous pair of hoops.

This look worked for Keri Hilson because it wasn't too dressy or too casual, and it brought out some of the best in Keri's physical features. The blonde hair brought out her gorgeous skin, the dress highlighted her great figure, and the shoes showcased her beautiful pair of legs.

Take a page out of Keri's book of style and use the Leopard Print to show off your best physical traits.

It is that time of the year...Summer Wedding Madness. If you're the fashionable social butterfly I'm sure you are, you'll have a long list of weddings to attend this season. You'll have such a thick stack of wedding invitations, that you'll begin to ponder why the hell you aren't shoving those ridiculous wedding invitations down the throat of some other highly annoyed single woman. Seriously...what's not to love (or marry) right?

While the path of a single woman may be full of fabulous fashion, stilettos fit for Carrie Bradshaw herself, and designers to die for; when it comes to Summer weddings, most belles won't have a clue of what to wear. This in no way, shape, or form means you are one of the unfashionably challenged, it just means that you are like most people when it comes to weddings...exhausted and pretty much over it.

Before you write off the wedding and decide to instead call up your single girlfriends and make the city pay for all those painful weddings you had to attend, here are few ideas on what to wear to all those undesirable Summer weddings you'd rather skip all together.


The Informal Daytime Weddings





In the hot months of summer, a lot of weddings will be informal and held outside in the warmer months. A short dress will be a great choice for those who are feeling a little more stylish, while a skirt suit is perfect for the more conservative belles.



The Informal Evening Weddings

Fashion trends come and go in cycles, but even the most fashionable know when it comes to what's really hot in fashion, even one's nightlife style most be conscious with the season's hottest fashion trends. Of course there are a few classic items every belle must have when strutting the city with her closest gal pals, but it takes a little bit of confidence to shy away from what's classic and safe for what's bold and absolutely fabulous.

Here's my picks for the 5 items you have to have included in this season's nightlife essentials. You'll find a little bit of the classic, mixed in with loads of sparkle and drama that only a real fashion powerhouse can truly appreciate.

Summer is the perfect season to get a little flirtatious, and play around with pieces that you usually wouldn't consider in the previous seasons. While the colder seasons are generally all about the bolder colors and more extreme fashion trends, Summer is a celebration of lighter hues and extraordinary palettes composed of pastels and beautiful nudes. And just like the colors of the season, fashion itself is a little more romantic in the Summer, providing fashionistas many opportunities to let their femininity shine in every piece they own.

In this week's fashion inspiration, there is the perfect blend of femininity, and the right touch of romance. In the softer side of fashion, you'll find ruffles and gorgeous pastels, with jewelry fit for a queen.

Here's a few ideas to add a little romance to your Summer wardrobe.