My Very First Photo Shoot

I'm fairly certain I never posted these pictures like I said I would. My best friend && I were laughing and joking && he suddenly got serious and said, "You've come along way from your first shoot. It's like you come alive in front of the camera now."

And in honor of that amazing compliment. I decided to post the best pictures of my first shoot. I modeled with my love Tavie. Do you guys see the improvement?

Get Money

Another Photo Shoot

A photographer wanted to shoot with me && I told him that I would. Just a few shots from the shoot. 

Light Brights

Featured

To be recognized is good, but to be recognized by your peers is amazing. With that being said, I am featured on teensavvy.com! Teen Savvy is an amazing site && if you want to stay on top of the trends I think you should check it out!

You can check out my article here: http://www.teen-savvy.com/2012/03/teen-fashionista-renee-alise-of-leather.html!

&& once again thanks to Nesha for featuring me! I truly appreciate it!

Psst...Hey...

I'm featured on Allurementmodels.com. It wasn't my usual type of interview but I was asked to do it as a favor so it got done.

Check it out here:

http://allurementmodels.com/2012/03/interview-w-rene-alise/

Song of the Day

Diddy && Faith Evans- I'll Be Missing You

In honor of the life of Nolan Ryan Henderson.

"I know you're still living your life after death..."

Justice For Ryan

On March 25, 2012 Nolan Ryan Henderson was murdered at Jackson State University. He was not a thug and he was not a troublemaker. In fact he had a 3.0 GPA.

JSU's football team and athletic department had a meeting yesterday and said that if anyone spoke about the case scholarships would be lost, and players would be suspended or kicked off the team.

Witnesses at the party where he was killed have said that Ryan bumped into a football player. He apologized but it wasn't enough. The football player hit Ryan and then the rest of the team members in attendance surrounded him and jumped him. Witnesses say Ryan was chased and jumped 3 times until he was eventually shot in the face. 911 was called but Ryan lay bleeding on the ground for 30 minutes before an ambulance arrived DESPITE THE FACT THAT A HOSPITAL IS UP THE STREET FROM WHERE THE PARTY WAS BEING HELD. A girl that he didn't even know held his hand during his final moments and said that the police told her to get away from him and to let him die.

Clearly the JSU police department is also at fault here. If they had responded to this tragedy you have to wonder...would Ryan still be alive? There negligent behavior clearly played a role in why this tragedy played out the way it did.

An innocent man has lost his life and we may never know who pulled the trigger that fateful night, all because one of their players is supposed to be going to the NFL draft. This is appalling. Going to the NFL draft is more valuable than a human life? You're more afraid of losing your scholarship than having blood on your hands? (FYI: if someone does come forward && they lose their scholarship, they could definitely sue JSU for that.)

"A coward dies 1000 deaths, a soldier dies but once." Ryan was a soldier, he died and now he is in heaven. The coward that shot him and the cowards that are covering for him are going to die every day until the truth comes out.

You can guys can help by tweeting #JusticeForRyan and informing everyone you can about this. You can follow his brother @iDamien on twitter to be updated with the case and you can also sign and share this petition on facebook/twitter http://www.change.org/petitions/jackson-state-university-s-athletic-department-and-board-of-directors-stop-hiding-information-about-the-death-of-nolan-ryan-henderson. Please help anyway you can. #JusticeForRyan

The GOOD$ x TFDS

The Goods is a clothing line created by friend Devon. He draws all of his designs himself and I'm sure that his clothing line will take over Atlanta when it's released. He also is a talented graphic designer! Get at him at devonmarcus@yahoo.com. :)

Also be on the look out for TFDS (The Five Dollar Signs)'s 16s on the 16th. It comes out every month on the 16th lol! Watch Bug, Kenny and whatever special guest they feature for that month spit 16 bars. Here's this month's 16s! :)

Song of the Day

This song describes the relationship I have or have had with two guys I have had perfectly. It was kind of interesting to hear what happened between us from the guys perspective.

"I ain't the man you want me to be. I guess that's what's been bothering me..."

Bling Bling.

New Endeavors

So as of now I can add writing to my resume. I love to write. Writing is truly my second love (after fashion of course :p) and now I have the opportunity to do both. I have started writing a fashion/styling column for PrimetimeX magazine && I can't wait to see my article in this upcoming issue! :)

Also I was asked to help with Au Courant, a fashion/music/entertainment magazine that will be released some time during the summer. I'm going to be writing, styling, and modeling in this issue! I truly cannot wait! :D

I scrapped the concept for my online store and I'm just going to create a website instead. A website that has several tabs, one for my modeling, one for my jewelry, one for my writing, and one for my styling! I'll be sure to keep you all posted! :)

Live.Leather.Love.Lace.

Mmmm...

Interview W/ Ariel of Couturing

I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to interview Ariel over at Couturing (couturing.blogspot.com). She was one of the first people I followed when I started my blog && I quickly became a fan of her style. Bold enough to get you to take notice yet chic enough to look polished. Read my interview with her && I bet you'll become a fan of her too.

At what age did you realize you wanted to work in fashion?

It's probably a cliche answer, but I think I've always known. I used to draw a lot when I was younger and I was always very into dressing up (embarrassingly so). It took me until high school to realize how common it was for people to think about what they were going to do with their lives. I'm just happy I don't have to.

How would you define your style?

I think about this pretty often, and to be honest, I have no idea. I find interest in so many styles that I come across but I don't shop often enough to know how it affects my actual style. I would say that I always love a mix of masculine and feminine. I like free flowing, delicate, and floral mixed with clean-cut, rough, structured. Things like that.

What people, places, or things inspire your style and/or fashion choices?

My biggest inspirations would probably be Tumblr and Youtube. I love finding inspiration for outfits through the endless amount of street style and runway fashion I see on Tumblr and through the fashion vloggers I subscribe to on Youtube. High school inspires me as well, which is kind of odd to say. The wardrobe is a little less than diverse, so it keeps me motivated and inspired to find things that are diverse and can be appreciated. Fashion bloggers like myself and those with much higher acclaim inspire me as well because they are who I want to be.

What made you start your blog? 

Every so often, I would check through personal style blogs on Blogger and on individual websites. It was something I wanted so badly to do and to be. I wanted to be creative and show off what I could do. I'm still trying for that.

What advice would you give to others who want to start their own fashion blog?

A) Know what you want to do. You don't have to know all of the ins and outs of "blogging" per se, but you have to have somewhat of an understanding of what you're doing. B) Look for inspiration anywhere you can and try to be creative with it. Don't get lost in a sea of uniformity. And C) don't do it because it looks cool. Get into it because you can see it as an enjoyable/continuous part of your life.

What content do you think a fashion blogger shouldn't have on their blog?

I suppose I would say beware of anything that gets easily annoying or distracting from the point of your blog. Personally, I would say that this includes auto playing music, too many ads, things like that. Also, being gifted items from shops is wonderful, but a great blogger (jeangreige.blogspot.com) brought out a point that I liked--you shouldn't endorse a brand or something that they send you if you don't truly like it. Compensation for blogging about something seems much more worthwhile when it's genuine.

Who are some of your favorite designers?

This is pretty challenging. I haven't hooked onto any specific designers since I've only been watching for 2-3 seasons, but I've enjoyed Ashish, Prabal Gurung, and Peter Som. I can't go without mentioning Jeffrey Campbell though. Those shoes are amazing.

What spring trends will you be rocking this season?

Definitely the whole nudes-and-neons trend. I am in love with these Cole Haan brogues (http://cheekychicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/CH-OXford.png). They're really unique which makes them super easily paired with a casual outfit. Masculine jewelry like cuffs and lots of rings really appeal to me. I like the prints-on-prints and sheer as well, so I'll be trying that out.

What trends do you not like? 

I'm not a huge fan of color blocking, really. I can see it working on other people, but I won't likely be doing it.

What I Wore 3/15/2012

For some reason I've been really into mixing prints. I can't get enough of it.

Thursday, was the Georgia State University drag show. My best friend was performing so I dragged my other friend Alex along && we went downtown. We had a ton of fun and most of the performances were good!

Shirt: Sparkle && Fade (Urban Outfitters)
Skirt: Heritage 1981
Shoes: Shoe Republic LA
Bag: Michael Kors
Watch: Michael Kors
Rings: Leather.Love.&.Lace
Earrings: Leather.Love.&.Lace

Prints Charming

It was 84 degrees in Atlanta yesterday. :O so I decided to break out a skirt. A simple white v-neck tee, a black floral print skirt && leopard booties. A black chain side purse, Leather.Love.&.Lace accessories && MAC Rebel lipstick.

Shirt: Ambiance Apparel
Skirt: Forever 21
Multi-Finger Cross Ring: Leather.Love.&.Lace
Watch: Michael Kors
Purse: BCBG Max Azria

Oooh La La

Another Photo Shoot

This one was for a photographer that wanted to do a PSA on conflict diamonds. He said that he loved the photos we got but he decided to scrap the concept because the effects he wanted to put on the picture didn't come out right.

He was really cool && I seriously enjoyed working with him.

Here are some of the photos:

New Beauty Products

I tore Maybelline a new one when I bought their mascara, The Falsies. I was so disappointed in it. I went back to my CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion && waited for the next mascara to come out.

I tried L'Oreal Voluminous False Fivee lashes. It was nice but for some reason when I applied it, it got all over my eyelids. ._.

&& then Maybelline came out with Illegal Length Mascara. 4 mm of false fibers added onto lashes. && then they also released their color tattoo eyeshadow. I couldn't resist a trip to the Maybelline section of the cosmetics aisle. I picked up some Illegal Length mascara && the Color Tattoo Eyeshadow in Tenacious Teal.

I love the mascara! It makes my lashes look long && full. I've yet to break out the false eyelashes I have in my make-up case. I haven't tried the eye shadow yet but when I do I'll post a picture!

New Nails!!! (Magnetic Nail Polish)

Today I went && got my nails done! I haven't gotten a fill-in since the day before I left for New Orleans (Valentine's Day) because I just haven't had the time. >_< my schedule gets so packed.

So I decided to file my nails a pointy (just for a couple of days), then I'm on to another nail shape. && I gave that magnetic nail polish a try. It was pretty cool watching the polish move under the magnet! I'd definitely try it again.

&& now I can finally get back into spring/summer colors! Yay! :D

Song of the Day

On Twitter, Curren$y is probably one of the most slandered rappers lol. All everyone talks about is how boring he is. I could definitely see how people would think that but that's not my opinion. I like Curren$y. I play him && just relax. This is one of my favorite songs of his.

Enjoy. :)

I once was that really negative girl. Make me mad? I would be mad for the rest of the day && there was almost nothing anyone could do about it. However, in April of last year my father passed away. I was very upset but I knew I could let it break me, or I could let it make me. Make me into the person I wanted to be. 

Instead of being angry that my father was taken from my mother && I, I decided to be happy that he was no longer in pain. He no longer had to suffer through the pain that he was in. Slowly that attitude took over other aspects of my life. My air conditioning goes out before I'm supposed to head to Auburn before my friend's birthday? Stop crying, get in your car, open your sunroof, roll down your windows && go! I changed how I thought about things && then my life changed.

Life is all about perception. Either you perceive things negatively or you perceive things positively. If you can't change the situation, change your mind frame. It'll make a world of difference.

Why Hello There....

Gisele Bundchen for Vogue

He Said What?!?!

So today I was talking to this guy, he was asking me questions about my love life && then I told him that I didn't see myself getting in a relationship anytime soon. I was annoyed && it was the second time today I'd had a conversation about the topic. Then he started asking me why. Did my last ex break my heart? (No. I don't care about him like that anymore.) Was I gay? (If a girl is hot I am.) Do I hate men? (No. Not at all.) and so on && so forth.

Why is that most of the guys our age don't want a relationship && it's fine but when a girl wants to just enjoy dude's company && not get too serious she's a bitch or she's crazy and bitter. 0_o No I'm not bitter. I've been screwed over but I'd put that on me before I put it on them. I've got to be smarter. No, I'm not crazy or insecure, I'm very sane and confident in my abilities to be a good girlfriend. I just don't want to be in a relationship. I don't want to settle. I don't wanna just talk to a dude for a year && then be upset when it doesn't go anywhere. I don't want to get into a relationship with someone that can't hold their own and doesn't have any goals or aspirations they're working towards. I'm out here working. What are you doing?

I can't say this enough. I REFUSE TO SETTLE. So if that makes me bitter, crazy && insecure I'll gladly be all of those things. As I work on myself with my peace of mind intact.

Song of the Day

Chris Brown (Featuring Benny Benassi)- Beautiful People

First, I love Benny Benassi. I seriously need to post his song Satisfaction on here. It makes me happy. Second, I didn't particularly care for this song when I first heard it but the message behind the lyrics && the beat made it grow on me. Now I love it. This song has been stuck in my head for a few days so I thought I would share! :)

Blind Furry

Like Blind Fury, the rapper! Get it? Haha I'm so lame lol! :p

But today I needed an outfit for a fro-yo run. I'm disgustingly addicted to birthday cake frozen yogurt. In fact it's overtaken my shoe && Starbucks addictions. 0_o So I put on a white blouse, a pair of red skinny jeans, my black wedges && my fur vest. All of my accessories were made by me.

Shirt: Forever 21
Jeans: BDG for Urban Outfitters
Wedges: Target
Fur Vest: BB Dakota
Rings: Leather.Love.&.Lace
Earrings: Leather.Love.&.Lace

What I Wore 3/10/2012

Yesterday I was out && about, running errands for LLL && for my mother. I had a horrible night the day before (my battery died in the middle of Tara Blvd X_x) so when I was finally reunited with Lucille (my car lol) I was ready to get in her && ride off in style.

Any time I want to feel classy and sexy, all black with a red lip (usually Ruby Woo) is the way to go. I pulled on black liquid leggings, a black V-Neck sweater, and black peep-toe wedges. A fur vest, a red lip (MAC Red), a red clutch && silver Leather.Love.&.Lace cross earrings completed the look.

&& lol yes I took these pictures in Wal-Mart. Do NOT judge me! -_-

Black V-Neck Sweater: Vintage
Liquid Leggings: A Boutique In Little 5
Wedges: Target
Fur Vest: BB Dakota
Red Leather Clutch: Vintage
Cross Earrings: Leather.Love.&.Lace

These are my favorite photos from a photo shoot that I did a couple of weeks ago before I left for Orlando. I had a lot of fun shooting && the photographer told me that he wanted to work with me on another shoot that he had coming up! :)

Song of the Day

Kendrick Lamar (Featuring Schoolboy Q) - The Spiteful Chant

I've really been feeling Kendrick Lamar lately. I've been listening to him since May of last year but for some reason I've grown to appreciate his music so much more. In fact, I'm playing Section 80 as I type. This man is so talented, and he's easily one of the most lyrical, if not the most lyrical rapper, out right now.

Enjoy. :)

"Anything's possible. You gotta dream like you never seen obstacles."

Live.Leather.Love.Lace.

The Stop Kony Movement

From the moment I heard of this movement I was skeptical. As hell. From the moment celebrities began tweeting #StopKony2012 all of twitter became civil rights activists over night && began tweeting links && how they couldn't believe the travesty that was going on in Africa. >_>

I chose to do research instead. I wasn't about to get suckered into supporting a cause when I didn't know all the facts (much like what happened with the Troy Davis case. If you think he was innocent or unjustly being denied another trial, you should probably read the case file. There were 22 witnesses, and 7 of them did NOT recant their testimony, as widely reported. Even if 7 people did recant their testimony though, there was still 15 people saying he did it. So now what?)

However, when I began to research this cause I found that Invisible Children only donates 31% of the donations they receive to the actual causes they were intended for. I found forums with Ugandans claiming that Kony has been dead for years. I also found out that oil has recently been found in Uganda and that this is just a ploy to invade Uganda and take control of their resources. I'm going to post the video of the girl saying that Stop Kony is a crock of BS, and hopefully that will inspire you to go out and do your own research, not just jump behind a cause because you see everyone else supporting it.

Drop the sheep mentality. Become a shepherd.

Exhausted.

Today was a long day but I'm awake blogging, e-mailing this photographer, doing online work (on my spring break I might add. Grrrr.), and STILL working on my online store.

I'm not complaining though. I'm gonna take a deep breath, accomplish as much as I can before 2, then wake up at 10 and start working again.

I would love to take a day off and just rest. No days off until it pays off.

WERK!

R.I.P. Notorious B.I.G (May 21, 1972- March 9, 1997)

Today marks the 15th anniversary of the death of Biggie. For some reason I've gotten really, really into Life After Death. I can't stop playing Niggas Bleed for some reason. R.I.P. to Christopher Wallace, a talented rapper, who was taken from the world too soon. Your spirit lives on through your amazing music.




"Picture me being scared of a n***a that breathe the same air as me."




"Beef is when you roll no less than 30 deep."

Yes.

Live.Leather.Love.Lace.

Song of the Day

Have I mentioned on here that I think Kanye West is a genius? No? Well then I think Kanye West is a mothereffing genius!!!!! This song is so amazing && it's one of those songs that you can put on repeat and work to, vibe to, or even just think to.

"You ever wonder what it all really mean? You ever wonder if you'll find your dreams?!"

Photoshoot

Just a few pics from today's photo shoot! Hopefully I like the pics && they get the job done! *Mac Miller two thumbs up*

Two of my looks. I blogged about the sweatpants && heels trend. I mentioned that I wouldn't try it but I never said anything about a sweatshirt && heels. ;) The shirt is my ex's (thank God he's not super big!) and it looked awesome tucked into my UO paper bag pants && worn with my Steve Madden Pammyy wedge!

My Steve Madden Pammyy wedges! They're crazy cute && crazy comfortable! Love them!

Trend Watch: Bird Print

I've been seeing bird print EVERYWHERE lately. Well not everywhere because I haven't seen it on the street yet but you get the idea.