The Custom Made Chief Executive Woman
Prior to organizing The Chief Executive Women's Empowerment Brunch & Networking Mixer, I would be quick to tell you I am no designer and I am no longer styling. This event has pushed me outside of my comfort zone and into the space where I am destined to be. We all have gifts and talents, yet I am still discovering what my gifts are. I've owned a sewing machine for two years now and have yet to touch it. It sits on my desk like a home accessory, stylish addition to my room.
One week before the event I decided i would get an outfit custom made. God was working behind the scenes, because somehow, out of 3 seamstresses and 1 fashion designer they all failed to answer my phone calls or follow through. Okay, no big deal right I'll just order something in hopes of it being here in time for the event. God said, no, try again...your bank account is not allowing shopping ventures at the moment. I am extremely picky when it comes to looks. I didn't want to look generic and blend in with the guests. I wanted to stand out if I am one of the hosts. What I thought would be the answer I was looking for ended up being an unwanted message. My favorite designer friend tells me two days before the event she is unable to make my outfit, after saying she would make it (rolls eyes) !!
It's okay Desiree don't panic, God has been there to turn the situation around for you before and he will do it again. I can tell this was a test from God. The day before our event I went shopping in times square after 9:00pm like a maniac. Frustrated because everything looked too cheap or had a mini hemline. For one, I was not about to be exposing my hamhocks at this event. The one store I was excited to go to closed before it's actual closing time and I was beyond livid. Zara change your hours on google! On the brink of a nervous break down, I called my partner. He calmed me down and being my motivation speaker spoke life into the situation at hand. He reminded me by shouting, "Aren't you a Stylist, you should be able to turn any cloth into a look, why are you crying?" Laughs out loud, because I seriously was crying grown woman, I have nothing to wear tears. But the irony was that same morning he asked me why don't I like Forever 21? In my head I replied it's because I'm custom made, instead I just said it's not that I don't like them...however I prefer a more chic and couture look not trendy and fast fashion. Hahah.. Well the unused fabric I bought will have to be put to use some kind of way.
At this point I'm a little at ease but still nervous because it's been years since I actually did a DIY look. My highschool/early college days were made up of scissor happy, safety pinned looks. How was I going to pull off this with no scissors or sewing machine ? Having faith even the size of a mustard seed is what separates the Chief Executive Woman from the rest. Faith goes a long way.
The morning of the event, 8:00am my friend in our hotel room is reminding me of the task I am dreading to do. Dede wake up and cut your fabric. She was even making me nervous, because I could sense the, “Oooh girl I don't know how you're going to pull this off, but it better look good,” tension in the room. Honestly I had a slight anxiety but I was confident it would all work out. Luckily I had to check on my car to make sure NYPD didn't issue any tickets. I got some fresh air and planned how I was about to slay this custom fabric look lmao. I purchased baby scissors from Duane Reade because shears was costing unnecessary amounts of dollas.
The countdown began, after a hot shower I gained inspo from O'RAY on IG. She does this no-sew custom made life really well. I've witnessed her in person cut and rip expensive fabric and make million dollar custom looks out of it. (I modeled for her brand back in January 2017). I was going for this look down below....
One thing I would say is that God was like no Desiree you are not a carbon copy, you are custom made. The look I came up with looked nothing like my inspiration and I was pleased with the outcome. I was like how am I going to hold my boobs up and cover up my curves and still be chic at the same time. Well it was easier then I imagined. Three snips and two tears later we had #ALook ! It may not be perfect but that's how I like it. Sometimes a little jagged edge creates more character in a LQQK.
Rachel Zoe Demi Braid Leather Sanda
After going with this neon green fabric, I cannot stop seeing this color throughout my news feed. I've always wanted to be a Fashion Trend Forecaster. I believe I have the ability to foreshadow trends and the color of the year before WWD, WGSN, or Fashion Snoops does. Pink and green will always create a harmonious palette.
I felt proud of myself after tying and securing this look all day. Perhaps sewing and customizing looks is really a talent of mine. I just need to tap into it more and stop saying I am not a designer. God was the first designer and creator, his artistic mastery designed this entire world. If he can do it, so can I ! Thanks for reading.
xoxo
-Dede
I got expensive fabrics
I got expensive habits
-Beyonce Ape S***