Recently, I was blessed to be a part of a beautiful carnival-style baby shower. The shower was filled with hot dogs, soda, popcorn, nachos and every candy you can think of. It was a treat if you had a sweet tooth like me.
Below are some photos that I took with a Canon Powershot SD790 IS ( Thanks Kirie )
Alondra ( mommy to be) with Barbie ( god mommy to be)
Model posing fiercely in her HB earrings with bold colors
A sea of bow ties, bold cheetah prints, fitted cardigans, velvet blazers, suede pumps and Christian Louboutin pumps were worn by hundreds of fashion lovers waiting in line to reach the fashion promise land created by HeadBanger Accessories known as HB –N- 3D at The Crucible in West Oakland on November 15th. This isn’t like the usual fashion show ,in that the profits are donated to a local non-profit fighting against domestic violence.
Shayla Jamerson and Tasha Dial of HeadBanger Accessories
Headbanger Accessories, a small business started by three Oakland natives Shayla Jamerson, Tasha Dial and Tiffany Stapleton, who make customized jewelry pieces. This is their second annual fashion show that showcases new pieces for their upcoming collection.
HB –N- 3D the theme of the fashion show was good for Oakland’s fashionista – experience tasteful art, preview winter fashion ideas and appreciates home grown fashionable creativity. The event was packed with local entertainers like Netta Brielle, Erk Tha Jerk, R.O.D. and Johnny Fresh. A Bay Style File girl was present, a local fashion blogger as well as Bay pop-culture bloggers from 38th Notes. As well as local vintage boutique owner Chenir.
Singer R.O.D. with his cupcake
Singer R.O.D. said he came to the event to show love to his little and big sisters of HeadBanger Accessories.
Pop group Johnny Fresh
Berkeley pop-trio came to support in part because they created HB’s theme song
“ Headbanger.”
The show opened with local radio disc jockey from KMEL DC and spoken word artist Prentice Powell of Hot Watered Cornbread. Prentice asked the audience members who were in their 50’s and 60’s to come on stage and do a few dance moves for the fashion lovers in attendance. A few people came and the audience began to scream. The Dj began to play hit songs from their decade and the participants began to boogie. One of the men began to thrust his hips, a high kick dance and even the splits. The audience roared with laughter and amazement. Prentice said he chose to do this mini –contest to bridge the intergenerational gap in a creative way.
The creativity continued with an electric violinist who screamed fashionista with her rhinestone -encrusted corset and black closed pumps. The violinist stroked the violin with such intensity and swagger. It was a creative way to begin a show.
The sounds blasting from the speakers on the balcony of the venue began to sing,
“ Oh na na… What’s my name “ by Rihanna
The crowd of fashion lovers sipping on alcoholic beverages waited in anticipation for the heavenly HB-N-3D to take them to a place where bold colors, new shapes would drive their imagination wild. When model Hazel strutted down the runway, her eyes were focused and she modeled her earrings well, describing them as “ wearable art, reminiscent of cotton candy and very playful.”
A wonderful woman rockin’ her HB’s
As wardrobe stylist Majuan Frankin said, “ All the accessories stood out [and gave the] allusion of 3-D. The fashion wasn’t too much or too little. I guess you could say, it was just right.”
Marjuan Franklin, wardrobe stylist and F.I.D.M. Alum
Long, feathery and bold earrings
Bright, Bold and in 3D
The earrings in this collection were big, eye-popping, bold and multi-colored. A few pieces in the collection that debuted were the “ Special Spirals”, “ Hipstar” and “Girls Rock”.
Hot male model
HeadBanger Accessories fall collection includes the basics of great accessories for a woman who wants a distinct look. Their products represent many women who want to be vibrant colorful and bold this winter. Their collection inspires fashionists to embrace color, bold prints and think outside the box this winter. Fashionsitas don’t have to stick to nudes, grays, blacks and browns in 2010.
Editor’s note: This is me caught in action trying to get the story. My bow was tired and it fell.
** Check out the Fashion Show with Backstage passes
I have noticed that I see less sneakers worn by men in the Bay Area. Of course, there is the occassional pair of Jordans but not like a few years ago. Therefore, I conclude, that this winter season is all about the following shoes for men : Desert Clark boot, Timberlands, Vans, Toms, Sperry Topsiders and Generic Surplus. The classsic sneaker ( nike) is falling into the same category as the ” Hyphy movement” that the Bay once loved.
Vintage Ralph Lauren Saddle shoe replaces classic sneaker
Evan Adams
Mills College graduate student – Electronic Concentration
Urban Outfitter Plaid long sleeve shirt
Levi Super Skinny
Desert Clark Shoe
Why I chose him ? He modeled the winter must haves that I posted last week .
My observation was validated by a Mills student who works at a shoe store and understands what is popular this winter season. Her expertise was appreciated since she wore a great pair of bass boots, ” The Nikki”, when we spoke last week. We both agreed that sneakers are losing popularity in the Bay this winter among our male counterparts.
Sneakers like Nike and Converse are simply not “in” this winter in men’s fashion. This is surprising because the almighty sneaker is a “go-to” for many men in the Bay Area. This winter is different because men are returning to more of the classic shoe or boot. The Desert Clark boot has gained popularity these past months because of it’s look, price and comfort ability.
The ever-so-popular Toms gained popularity this summer 2010 and has remained a top shoe for men in the Bay Area. Vans, have been a Bay fave before The Pack rapped “Vans” which encouraged every person and “they mama” to purchase a pair. So it is no surprise that Vans are still a fave for men in the Bay.
The Sperry Topsider and Generic Surplus( boat shoes) have been an instant hit for men’s fashion this winter. The Generic Surplus and Spurry Topsider boast shoes add to the preppy look that college students like Joesph love.
Mills College graduate student – Electronic Music
Grey Sweater
Brown Levis
Vintage Shoes
Why I chose him ? He was a modeled his style so effortlessly and the setting was too good to not capture the moment.
Why I chose her ? Her winter coat was well fitted, vibrant, well-structured and a good buy for these seasons. Her denim were nice and perfect for a day at school. Melanie’s boots were cute, short and definitely had personality.I love big bags and she was rockin’ a nice one.
Emily Betty aka E.B., Junior at Mills– Business Economics Major
Why I chose her ? I really liked her dress and overall look. It was refined, classy and could be worn to almost any occasion. I liked the fact that her dress had a bit of a loose feel at the top which added another dimension.
Team Pelosi bag, a bag that demonstrates the collaboration between fashion legend Diane Von Furstenberg and political powerhouse Senator Nancy Pelosi. Nancy Pelosi, was the first woman speaker of the house of representatives in the United States of America.
For the Fall/Winter season, many college students find themselves trying to find great pieces to keep their swag right during the cold months. Below are a list of Must Have items for the Fellas and the Ladies.
** After this post, I noticed that The Fashion Bomb had posted this Letterman Jacket as a trend amongst male celebrities. This furthermore proves that this season, the letterman is a must have.
During the winter season, it is very important to stick with classic pieces. Being trendy is fine but you want to be able to wear your pieces throughout multiple seasons. Plaid shirts can be worn with thermals and vests. You can stay warm with a classic American look.
Even though it is fall-winter in the Bay Area, does not equate to boring colors. You can wear rich colors that allow you to stand out.