#WCW Marie Carter of "The Classic Shoppe"

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Keep it classic with this month’s #WCW Marie Carter the owner of “The Classic Shoppe”.

She’s an educator, a soon-to-be mommy, a business owner and did we mention she’s full of #BlackGirlMagic.

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Born and raised in Milwaukee, Marie decided to go to Tennessee State University after her earlier education in the suburbs. Her experience in the the HBCU taught her how to embrace and appreciate her culture but also was where she first saw Black kids taking pride in their education and handling their business. It gave her a sense of pride and made her want to inspire others to gain the same new found strength.

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Marie has her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and went on to earn her Master's in Curriculum and Instruction concentrating in Reading. She’s currently teaching middle school in the heart of Milwaukee. Yes, this is part of her #BlackGirlMagic.

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She started her company after realizing there was a need for this in the market. “She did not want to wear something with a band she never listened to or a face of someone that she really did not have that much in common with, just because the colors matched what was needed to complete an outfit. And when she did find a rare gem with a person or a quote with whom she could identify, it seemed like it was the same person or quote, just served up different ways.”

We all can relate to that.

The Classic Shoppe is her way of appreciating and putting her culture in the clothing she loves. Because like they said on their site:

“It all boils down to this: if we don't honor and preserve our culture, who will?”

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Shop The Classic Shoppe to support the culture. Find it on there site here or follow their social media to get the newest part of your wardrobe. FB: The Classic Shoppe IG: @theclassicshoppe

Introducing #CWEverydaySteez

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Fashion is a constant and style never sleeps. It is a way to express yourself from the most lavish garments to simple threads of comfort with all the minute details in between. Here is Everyday looks from our Fashion Editor Vato.  We hope you become inspired by his everyday self-expression and send us your own looks to add to the "STEEZY" collection.

Be Bold. Be Confident. Be #Urban.

 

This Weeks style: Flip Mode

#WCW Rachel Vasquez

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This year’s agenda for Rachel Vasquez: Continue to build her empire.

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Our #WCW Rachel Vasquez is the owner of Fame Clothing line, Sheek 911 boutique, and the owner of Vasquez printing.

If that’s not enough for you, let’s add her other full time positions: Mom, Wife, Friend and self-proclaimed Queen of recreating jeans.

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A woman with a lot of hustle and “Your Local Fashion Dealer” to say the least; she's been working.

Now normally I would go into a rant about how this boss lady is not stopping until she gets what she wants for herself, her family and the people she loves but I’ll let Rachel give us her perspective.

“Having a dream is about working late nights, sacrificing, and believing in yourself when no one else believes in you. In life there are workers and dreamers. I choose to be both. Taking my passion and making it my reality. Dreaming is not good enough if that's all you're doing, you have to take that dream and work until that dream gives you tunnel vision, until you want it as bad as you want to breathe. Started my dream back in 2012 with little to nothing in my bank account. It is now 2017 and I can see my growth in my work, growth is my mindset, growth in my sacrificing. 2017 is all about the revamping of my self. The next level up💪🏽 People see you working but they don't get to see the sacrifices you have to make every single day to get the lifestyle your family deserves. The work never ✋🏽 Stops, you never get to sleep 😴, your time is always taken.”  

We hear you Rachel.

Check out some items from her collections below to see some of her work. Then follow her and her organizations on IG: @Sheek911llc IG: @vasquez.collection17 FB: @Rachel Luis

Let us know who you want to see as our next #WCW in the comments.

All images owned and provided by Rachel Vasquez and her social accounts.

Milwaukee Fashion Week 2017 - Perspective

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Milwaukee Fashion Week is back at it again with the controversy.

MKE FW 2017 event, hosted at the Milwaukee Athletic Club had already retrieved “local” traction before the week had even arrived. From culturally disruptive media pre-coverage to the grassroots MKE fashion world feeling once again slighted by the “politics” of the event, there was already some pushback to even attend.

CW staff attended the last day of the event, hoping that just observing a sample of this year's show would be more beneficial to MKEFW and our readers since our presence last year seemed to create a little bite back behind the scenes. (Reading the press credential agreements this year was quite insightful). Nonetheless, we saw what we saw.

Our favorites of the night:

  • Sarah Lauren Fashion, with her satin bases, smooth transitions, and unexpected use of material.
  • Em.Ris, with the dark tones, concepting, and staged fashion experience (the headphones….genius!)
  • Ieri Designs by Allison Jarrett, For the tailored suits with vibrant color and pattern selection.

Things we could do without:

  • The unfinished and unhemmed worked that was allowed on the runway.
  • The very unproportional crowd demographic. (Analyze the culture).
  • The stage setup.

Instead of going on we rather give you a glimpse at ONE narrative participants and the community are having about MKE FW:

Richon for EmRis
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(From Facebook- Both Richon & Lupita were told their perspectives would be shared.)

 

We also received a perspective submission by another one of our readers and MKEFW models, Roshá Brister:

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“It was my first time being a part of Milwaukee’s Fashion week and I have to say the experience wasn’t as hectic as my time at New York’s Fashion Week. I walked for designer Em’Ris, whom I have had the pleasure of working with on several different occasions. Hair and makeup prep was at 3 p.m., on the last day of the event. When I walked into the venue I was very surprised as to how un-athletic and elegant the club was, which I most certainly did not expect. I got to the hall and checked-in and took a seat. The halls setup was really nice and well put together; it definitely fits the mood of a fashion show. One thing that caught my attention was the stage, I was a little perplexed about its setup. It was about a 2ft. stage that models had to step onto when coming from behind stage. In my opinion, it would have just been best to leave it out altogether.  However, I did like the lighting; it brought out the light pink walls and white lining of the walls. This made the hall have an ambiance that was soft and inviting.
Behind the stage was organized in regards to understanding who was doing what and it was easy to locate your designer. I really enjoyed their model call system to ensure each model had their hair and makeup done on time and in an orderly fashion. Though this was well set up, I will say my hair and makeup experience was not the best by the slightest bit. The makeup/hair stylist that was assigned to my designer was not well versed in how to beautify and style darker complexions and hair types. I mean the lady did not brush my edges, honey! That’s important. I’m natural with locs, and still, I manage to have my edges looking together. Although that was simple for me to take care of, it was very disheartening that she was not prepared to do darker complexion women make up. She did makeup for another model and I, and honestly, it looked a hot mess. Good thing as a model, I brought my own foundation, mascara, and eyeliner; unfortunately “we” just have to be prepared for the unprepared.
The show started at 7 p.m. and Em’Ris line went on just before the first half. As a model, this was the least stressful setup that I had experienced. The staff was very organized in informing us when we needed to be dressed and where we’d go to enter the stage. The group of models and of course the designer Emily were amazing and we really killed our segment on stage! I would definitely participate in MKE Fashion Week again.”


So there you have it. Perspective is key to making the proper impact on the community in which you claim to serve, no matter what event it may be.

Like we say here at CopyWrite… #DoBetter

/CW

PS/CW: Personal Style with CopyWrite - Lexi's Weekend in Cali

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PS/CW: Personal Style with CopyWrite

Not all looks are meant to turn heads and break hearts. Fashion can be transitional, functional, and simply a way to feel confident in your own skin living your life, and not keeping up with the Jones's.

Our Editor-in-Chief Lexi a.k.a Dirty, recently took a weekend trip to the Bay (San Francisco & Oakland to be exact). On her quick trip, she reflected on her personal style, crossing over from travel, business, artsy pass times, and of course exploring the city. Here are some snapshots of a few of her looks, reflecting style with purpose.

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After shopping, packing and catching a flight to Cali and all while getting things CW approved, Lexi’s look shows she is ready for comfy Urban business handling; networking, running errands or meeting with people. In this photo, she’s styled her in an all-purpose outfit.

 

Suitcase Check List:

  • Black fitted bodysuit
  • Black/White Adidas kicks
  • Black hoodie
  • Embellished Army Fatigue jacket
  • Big sunglasses

 

The next outfit you see Lexi wearing was inspired by her blond hair, adjusting to weather changes and busy day. Here she is on Berkeley's campus after attending an Urban Design critique.  As you see she is prepared for the summer day with the black and white pinstripe romper & cover up. This definitely brings out her hair style (sassy new blonde). Lexi is ready to handle business in style.


 

Suitcase Check List:

  • Romper
  • Lightweight coverup
  • Fitted choker & chain
  • Tie up flats
  • Gold earrings
  • Large gold bracelet.

 

The last look is awesome & my personal favorite!

For Lexi’s day around downtown San Francisco, shopping, seeing art exhibits and visiting design studios, she wore an oversized blouse, paired with every girl must have, black leggings. Everyone loves this lazy look but Lexi made it look professional and stylish. With her heels, matching her choker and her purse, she gave her look a consistent pop that is played up by accessories.

 

 

Suitcase Check List:

  • Flowy button down dress shirt
  • Black leggings
  • Camel colored bootie Heels
  • Camel colored choker
  • Matching handbag

*As you can see black and white was the main colors pallet for this trip; this gave her lead way to adjust the outfits for the appropriate activity. Transitional looks keep you prepared for any environment.

You never know what may be on the agenda, but you always want to look good and be yourself doing it.

 

/Vato

Slay with The Style Hub

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At CopyWrite, we think that your style is a quick snapshot of self.  Since it can quickly tell people who you are without you having to speak.

In the music industry (and sometimes in life), the way you dress and your appearance can get someone to take that extra second to stop and ask "Who is this person? And what do they do?" It's just how it works. Having a style, a steez, a look; can get you far; as long as you have the talent to match.

This is why we're introducing you to The Style Hub, an online directory offering an one-stop shop for style.

A women-owned and operated business, The Style Hub is there for all your style needs.

As a client, The Style Hub connects you to the people you need by managing all of your stylists needs in one. Need a wardrobe stylist? Need a makeup artist? Need a beautician? They're ready to help you with your needs from photoshoots to video shoots to parties. You name it.

As a stylist, The Style Hub works to feature talented stylists in the Milwaukee area increasing the stylists awareness and credibility as well as showing off their talents by hosting styling events in hair, beauty and fashion.

Check out some of the photos from their last event below.

And if you want to know more, subscribe to their website and stay informed on the official launch of the web and app coming May and July 2017 by liking their Facebook or Instagram page... 

IMAGES provided by The Style Hub.

** THIS IS A SPONSORED POST. **

However, we only sponsor businesses we believe in and would support regardless. No fake frauds here. You want in? E-mail us at copywrite.mke@gmail.com with your business information.

#SupportTheLocal