Tastemaker Tamera Darden, is taking NYC to another level. On her site, Tha Look Book, she spotlights all the hip and happening trends that have made an impact on the world of entertainment and fashion. Ms. T is a SuperWoman of sorts, by day she works at the mammonth “Big Fashion Company” and by night is a social butterfly networking through the city like a speed of light. When she has down time Tamera is also building her new wardrobe consulting business, LaShawn Denise Consulting which will launch in September! Her site is a kalideoscope of all the information that NEEDS to be on your radar. Upcoming events. New designers. Hot accessories. Music. Random thoughts. Tamera has got you covered.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE:Right now, what are the essentials in your purse?
I try not to carry many things, but I always have in my purse in any given time Clinique Moisturizing Lip Balm, Mac lipstick in Syrup, my wallet, my tiny silver card case, bliss hand cream, my ipod, my red journal to write whatever comes to mind, a camera and I always keep an international Vogue handy.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE:How long could you survive without your Blackberry?
There have been times when I’ve “accidentally” left my blackberry at home. If people really, really needed to contact me, I can be reached at work when at “retail giant” or via email since I have three accounts. I am definitely reachable most of the time.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE:What are the trends for fall in fashion?
Definitely a return to femininity for starters. Exaggeration is at its decadence with thigh-high boots from Louis Vuitton and the heel-less heels from Nina Ricci. Bold colors are still in including neon pinks and greens (Marc Jacobs) to purple hues (nina ricci). I really loved Ralph Lauren’s Fall ‘09 line as well as Louis Vuitton Fall ‘09 Paris and Dolce and Gabbana Fall ‘09 lines for the return of the power suit.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE:You are a classy 20-something, how do you stay fly and eat in NYC?
The recession has affected everyone, including the chic. I usually bring lunch from home. However, if I do dine out, I like to go to chill spots throughout the city: Cafetasia, Cafeteria, Habana Outpost and Native to name a few. I think the better question is how do I remain fly and fit with so many choices?!
STYLE & SUBSTANCE:What is your mantra for success?
When I was younger, I went through life not speaking up for myself. Then I realized you never get what you really want because you do not speak up. The worst anyone can say is “no.” And the majority of the time, just from my experiences, people will actually say yes because you said something.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE:You work for a “Big Fashion Company” how do you juggle your full time commitments with aspirations for FULL FASHION-world DOMINATION?
Wow, I wouldn’t exactly say World-Domination, but close. Juggling both masks is definitely a task in and of itself. Sometimes I can easily pull 12-hour days at “Retail Giant” and then come home and work 3-4 hours towards my business and blog. It is simply just a matter of knowing when to push yourself and when to just say its time to take a chill pill before the body naturally shuts down.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE:Has urban fashion really run its course? If so what is next, your predictions?
I actually talked about this with a friend of mine not too long ago. It is funny because not too long ago, fashion houses looked to the urban cities for inspiration to make a profit in the end of course. Now I feel like the tables have turned, with the popularity of skinny jeans, converse sneakers and plaid shirts, it is as if those same neighborhoods are playing catchup because some are still in the baggy jeans mentality. Just only a few years ago like 2 years ago did you really begin to see people wearing slim-fit jeans and the like. I say this long dissertation to say urban fashion is slowly but surely evolving. It is almost as if urban fashion is beginning to assimilate into mainstream style.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE:Besides Rihanna, who’s style is really making you take a second look?
Someone’s style that has me question anything is Amber Rose. She definitely takes risks. But I would too if I dated Kanye West.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE:What’s next for you?
Still working at “retail giant” and waiting for that promotion wink wink. My blog ThaLookbook is definitely on the rise and I am happy to see that my hard work is beginning to pay off. I am also expanding my fashion emporium in my plans of full-fashion world domination (laughing out loud) being a fashion stylist and image consultant. There are so many things that I want to do before my time is up on this earth. I just want to make the most of it doing the things I love to do.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE:In your own words what is style and substance?
In the words of Yves Saint Laurent, “Fashion fades, Style is Eternal.” Therefore, substance is achieved when your style is truly an extension of your personality. Fashion should never consume you.
Contact: info@lashawndenise.com
