Posts tagged #MarkellCreativeLN
COS SS20 Collection.
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We’re all no strangers to H&M and the huge impact it has made in Fashion globally with affordable clothes that everyone no matter race, gender and cultural background can enjoy. Every brand starts of with a vision and branches off to create something even greater and with H&M they’ve created something great that is COS.

SO WHAT IS COS?

COS is a fashion brand for women and men who want modern, functional, considered design.

Offering reinvented classics and wardrobe essentials, we create pieces that are made to last beyond the season. Traditional methods and new techniques merge to form timeless, understated collections.

Since launching in 2007, we have opened stores worldwide in carefully considered locations, applying an architectural design concept that preserves buildings’ original features whilst creating a modern, welcoming space.

So the coolest thing happened to me. I was personally invited to COS SS20 preview collection and Party at the COS townhouse in Soho. The event took place November 14, 2019 from 6pm - 9pm with some pretty amazing people in the house including DJ Amrit who brought some endless tunes that I think every guest would agree was soothing to our souls and feet. Upon entering the event guest were welcome by host followed by some Champaigne and various delectable hand foods from burgers with guac, kale and steak wrapped in fries.

The night was filled with meeting some familiar faces as well as new ones, tapping into the love and culture of the COS brand. The collection was fresh, vibrant and brought a sense of charismatic style that anybody fashionable would appreciate. What I do appreciate about COS SS20 collection is the quality of the clothing, it’s made to perfection for your size and height. The different shades of colosr in this collection are pretty neutral with some pop out colors such as blues, greens, purples and Auburns. What made the night even better was that every floor offered something compelling from the mens floor to the third floor. YES THERE’S 3 FLOORS. Most of the reaction I got from some of the guest I mingled with was that they had no idea that there were three floors and to be honest neither had I. I usually go to the basement floor for mens and even the ground floor to see some women pieces if I’m trying to pull some looks for a photoshoot I may have to style. To see every floor offer exquisite frames of art through the SS20 collection was amazing, This event gave guest the opportunity to explore the entire store layout because if you didn’t know a big part of COS brand is Architecture and design.

COS ESSENTIALS
THE BUILDING BLOCKS
MODERN, FUNCTIONAL, CONSIDERED DESIGN
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It’s fashionable to say that COS is my choice of style for all of 2020 bringing not so tradition but modern style to the streets of NYC, LA, London, Paris, Switzerland, Germany, China and Japan. So be sure to check out the latest and greatest that is COS and shop the new SS20 Collection at www.cosstores.com and hashtag #COSSTORES to show the world your modern looks.

American Son

Imagine finding yourself at a police station pacing back and forth trying to figure out where your missing son is. Netflix taps into the heartfelt and powerful Broadway Play writing by Christopher Demos Brown starring Kerry Washington as Kendra who waits for the arrival of her ex husband Scott played by Steven Pasquale. As Kendra waits she’s faced with racial profiling not only towards her son but to her as well.

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The storyline of this Netflix movie is confined behind the walls of a police station 3am in the midst of a thunderstorm as Kendra a concern mother for her bi-racial son Jamal ask a rookie officer a load of questions of his whereabouts. The rookie cops seems to not be concerned because with a black woman standing in front of him at 3am raising questions for her child gave him the notion that he’s a thug, 6’2, cornrows and all the misconceptions of a young black male in America today. That setting alone already starts out dark and suspenseful. 15 minutes in and you’ll find your heart racing with fear but in the back of your mind that some type of hope will prevail as you continue to watch.

I want to give my honest opinion on this movie with every emotion in my body because movies such as this hits hard for a Black man like myself. Everyday of my life no matter how well I speak, dress or carry myself, society doesn’t see anything but the color of my skin. The very skin thats ugly, the curls, twist, locs and weaves they said was ghetto, the Markell’s, Jamals, Shannequa’s and Chantel’s they said wasn’t acceptable in the real world. Or maybe that we aren’t smart enough to graduate high school because graduating in the streets was certified made and that college isn’t for everyone so take that minimum wage and that beautiful brown baby boy and girl you carry is a burden so get in the system that provides food stamps, housing and all of the government assistant that’ll keep you uncomfortably comfortable that you forget about purpose. The one thing we can never deny is the love mother has for her child. Kerry Washington was phenomenal, every actor in this film was extraordinary. This film brought tears to my eyes because everyday this is my reality.

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When you’re ready please head over to Netflix and prepare yourself for this heartfelt story that is American Son.

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FALLing For Fashion
Click the photo and see more of MarkellCreative at MC^89.

Click the photo and see more of MarkellCreative at MC^89.

I Believe it’s safe to say that Summer 2019 was absolutely killer from Hot Girl Summer, City Boy Vibes and people feeling totally comfortable in their skin and letting nothing tell them what to wear and what not to. Well my favorite season has started and I’m absolutely excited for all of the incredible trends to hit all social media platforms to inspire everyone.

Thats right Fall is here. The season of the year between summer and winter, during which the weather becomes cooler and many plants become dormant, extending in the Northern Hemisphere from the autumnal equinox to the winter solstice and popularly considered to include the months of September, October, and November; fall. Thats just the definition of Fall for you and in Fashion that means to get creative with sweaters, cardigans, boots, scarves neutral, orange, yellow, green, brown and nude tone colors. Lets not forget the popping hair styles and makeup on the ladies that compliments the Fall trends.

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@88BEAMS & @HILTONTURNER_

Showcases exceptional style for the Fall with pops of color Corduroys. Definitely invest in some Cords they will be trending all Fall and Winter for a stylish and warm look. Also be sure to check both of them out on Instagram as well as Hilton website www.hiltonturner.com for the latest and greatest.

Guys Key Essentials For The Fall

  • Layers

  • Trench & Puffer Coats with a pop of color

  • Corduroys & Plaids

  • Denim (Ripped as well), Dress

  • Boots & Sneakers that compliment your look

  • ALWAYS ACCESSORIES - Scarves, Jewelry, Hats


Ok Ladies Now Lets Get In FALLmation!

When it comes to Fashion during the Fall season, women NEVER and I do mean never disappoint. There is a endless gateway to Style and how you can perfect the perfect look that will most certainly have heads turning and wanting to feel inspired by “That Look”.

Fri has a unique style that I adore and believe that everyone can appreciate when it comes to Fashion. Hair, Make-up and Accessories compliments her everyday look giving Fall vibes. I know I said that Layers are Key Essentials but that doesn’t mean you have to always follow it. She gives skirts, crop top and ripped jeans a new meaning because not every fall season is the same. Sometimes its warm, sometime its a cool breeze and in this case @Frilancy KILLS it effortlessly. Be sure to check her out at https://rabeccaonassisboutique.com/new-arrivals/ to get some of the looks she has from her Boutique.

HAIR + MAKEUP + CONFIDENCE

All Makes for a perfect Fall Look.

KEY ESSENTIALS FOR FALL LADIES!

  • Turtle Necks

  • OVERSIZE TOPS

  • Accessories

  • All Denim as seen by the amazing Jordan Gill ( @newyorkstylist ) Be sure to check her out at https://newyorkcitystylist.com for the latest and greatest. She is stunning and her content is timeless.

  • Thigh High Boots, Booties, Flats and Heels that gives Fall a new meaning to SEXY

  • Layers

  • Skirts

  • Hair & Makeup can make even the simplest outfit shine.


So tell me what makes you FALL for Fashion in the comment section below.
AfroPunk Festival Brooklyn 2019
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AfroPunk Festival

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@Ericpayne.co

https://www.ericpayne.co

It’s no Surprise that this years AfroPunk Festival 2019 in brooklyn would be one to remember. Not only was Jill Scott the headliner but people from all over the world came and boy were our brown skin men and women presence everything and more. The phenomenal took place this year at Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn, NY.


“WHO ARE WE

Afro: as in, born of African spirit and heritage; see also black (not always), see also rhythm and color, see also other, see also underdog.

Punk: as in, rebel, opposing the simple route, imbued with a DIY ethic, looking forward with simplicity, rawness and open curiosity; see also other, see also underdog.

AFROPUNK is defining culture by the collective creative actions of the individual and the group. It is a safe place, a blank space to freak out in, to construct a new reality, to live your life as you see fit, while making sense of the world around you.”

https://afropunk.com/festival/brooklyn/


AfroPunk is defining culture in so many ways that talking about it does no justice you would’ve had to actually witness such beauty that surrounded me. Jill Scott literally serenaded the crowd with hit songs A long walk, So in love, Golden, Hate on me, The way, He loves me, Brotha and a band that jammed the entire night.

There Are No Rules To Success
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Beyonce Performing at Coachella. Making history as the first Black female artist to headline the festival.

Beyonce Performing at Coachella. Making history as the first Black female artist to headline the festival.

There was a time when society deemed having a two parent household decided who you are, being low middle and high class factor every bit of success you would claim, that your sexuality determined your masculinity, being black already stamped you as ghetto, unfit, uneducated and the inability to rise about the standards of what the white man placed before mankind. The stress of the standard of who we should be, how we should be and how we built walls beyond what Donald Trump could depict in our own perceptions of life. A very good friend of mine told me that “THERE ARE NO RULES TO SUCCESS BUT DON’T STOP” and with those wise words I couldn’t help but think about it, so much that I find myself typing these very words to encourage someone else along their journey in this thing we call life. for the past five years I’ve had those ” what if’s” in my life. I know I’ve had my fair share with Love, Friendships, Careers, Family you name it. I found myself contemplating over the thoughts of everyone else, the me caring so much, investing as well as sacrificing to still be stuck in limbo. Afraid to hold on, afraid to let go, too scared to venture into the unknown. I conditioned myself to be comfortable with possibility but placed rules in front of me.

Beyonce didn’t let the fall of Destinys Child, her father and the peoples opinions stop her from being a survivor, Barack Obama didn’t allow the ignorance of this country stop him from not only running for Presidency but winning. He didn’t even let a million turn downs from our forever FLOTUS Michelle discourage him from shooting his shot. Chris Gardner didn’t allow the struggle and competitor stop his Pursuit of Happiness. So what is Success? What does it even look like? Everyday I find myself growing in ways I couldn’t see fit for me. I’m not perfect, I make mistakes, I struggle, hurt some feelings and even cry. The one thing I’ve always found myself doing is making the next day better than yesterday, being vibrant, transparent, understanding, spreading love and positive energy no matter where I am or may go. Not because I feel like everyone is telling me to but because that’s what makes Markell happy. This journey of self discovery is worth the daggers being thrown my way but the impact that motivate and inspires the ones near or far is far beyond anything I could’ve prayed for and I thank God for that. Oh those opinions and made up rules from someone who finally gets a position of power to tell you no is fuel to keep building and growing within who you are. So don’t stop being a work of art, turn those a thousand no’s into yes I can, yes I will because THERE ARE NO RULES TO SUCCESS. Go for everything you want in life. Be sure to comment below your thoughts and experiences when it comes to limitations and rules that measures our success. Hashtag #markellcreativeLN

The 44th President of the USA Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama

The 44th President of the USA Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama

Chris Gardner and Will Smith The Pursuit of Happiness

Chris Gardner and Will Smith The Pursuit of Happiness

FOOD

Brunching has become a phenomenal for millennials even more so it’s a time to get together with friends and family and enjoy delicious selections. Whats the big hype about it, I guess for me is the UNLIMITED MIMOSAS for two hours that I enjoy the most, I mean come on who doesn’t enjoy an early drinking moment with the ones you vibe out with well? Being in NYC has made the brunch vibes for me seem endless. So every chance You get BRUNCH the hell out with your loved ones. The Music, Food, Drinks, Endless Laughs and Atmosphere makes for an enjoyable experience.

This past weekend I took a few of my fraternity brothers to one of my favorite brunch spots in NYC called Made In Mexico. I know I know pretty self explanatory but listen here the food is pretty amazing, the energy is incredible and the price for an appetizer, entree and unlimited bellini and mimosas for two hours all for $31.99. Talk about a deal, I call it a steal for my stomach and a two step after my fifth Bellini. So if you’re ever looking for a good spot to enjoy good music, food, drinks and great customer service by all means check them out at their two locations in Harlem. I gave y’all my little piece of the pie of Brunch for now so give me your thoughts, opinions and Brunch Vibe Spots y’all like to go to on the weekend. Comment below with some of your experiences in your city for brunch, Hashtag #MarkellCreativeLN on all social media platforms and as always stay tuned for more awesomeness with the latest and greatest that is MarkellCreative. Be sure to head over to L.O.D and check out some Brunch Looks to live by and let me know what y’all think.

NYFW 2019: Spring/Summer 2020

What better way to kick off a conversation here other than FASHION? That’s right the official New York Fashion Week schedule for September is up and I’m thrilled to share it with you! This years line up will go a bit different from the normal seven days. According to CDFA Board Chairman Tom Ford and CDFA officials decided to change that by shortening the dates to five days and five nights and stating “We listened to feedback from both the domestic and the global fashion industry to tighten and strengthen the Official New York Fashion Week Schedule ,” said Steven Kolb, President and CEO of the CFDA. “i am excited for the strong September lineup which will continue to showcase and celebrate the creativity and diversity of American Fashion.”

Non the less NYFW will jumpstart September 6 with Talfar and end September 11th with Marc Jacobs. Other lineups includes Vera Wang, Pyer Moss, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger Jason Wu, Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren and my good friend from Cleveland, Ohio Ontavia Roulette. Check some of the trends on all social media to get a bit of insight on some of the looks that could be hitting the runway this September. Be sure to Hashtag #MarkellCreativeLN (MarkellCreative Latest News) on Twitter and Instagram and let us know what designers, stylist, models and dope influencers you look forward to seeing this September. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the latest news with NYFW as well as giving you some MarkellCreative looks to inspire along the way. Be sure to use #MarkellCreativeLN (Latest News) on all social media outlets!

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Self Care

Photographer: @MyeshaEvon

Myeshaevon.com

Self Care sometimes can be a complicated thing when you’re young, in a new city with no family and being a creative. You learn that being a kid and teen was sort of a safe space for you but you want to dive straight into adulthood. For me I struggle with this subject because I dedicate so much time working trying to afford to live in NYC. Everything could all be so simple if I would’ve stayed in Cleveland, OH or maybe even dear old Frankfort, KY. I didn't see my future and the goalsI I set for myself as any of those cities. Don’t get me wrong I love where I was born and raised in Cleveland and all the values my mother taught me in life and even the values and traditions I learned in at Kentucky State University. I think at the age of 29 I’m starting to value my time and the process of giving Markell what he deserves.

Self Care is something I think that we all should invest in. Your time, mind, body and soul all connects with the time you give yourself. Some key things I find that gives me peace of mind are.

  1. Time to myself

  2. Walks in the park

  3. Coloring

  4. Working Out

  5. Listening to Music

  6. Meditating

  7. Reading

  8. Cooking

  9. Having a glass of wine

  10. Getting your hair, Nail and feet done

These are a few of the things that I do to keep me lifted up. I also started living in my purpose rather than saying what if, I can’t, and simply doubting myself just like with this website. I doubted if I was good enough but with the right mind and remaining positive it’ll change a lot of things for you and you’ll look damn good. Of course this is just me but I would love to know everyone’s thoughts and routines they follow for a more confident, beautiful and vibrant self care you. So please give me your thoughts in the comments and remember to #MarkellCreativeLN On all social media outlets on this topic.

Hopes and aspirations

I really didn’t know where to begin on this subject. If I should make this about me but this is bigger than me so I’m making this a open space to tell me your Hopes, Aspirations and Expectations in…

  1. Love

  2. Life

  3. Friendships

  4. Family

  5. Career

  6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years

    Give me your thoughts on this and comment below. Be sure to use #MarkellCreativeLN (Latest News) on all social media outlets!

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FOOD
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Whats the deal with this new way of Food Life? Living in NYC Im seeing more and more Juice Spots and Vegan Restaurants being implemented in the community. Do I love it? HELL YES… Now here’s the thing about Kell I call myself a part time Vegan because truth of the matter is that I love Bacon and I don’t care about all of the politics of how bad it is, guess what I don’t care. I will say hanging around my friends has molded me into this eating right mode, Part Time that is.

Eating a healthy diet is not about strict limitations, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, improving your health, and boosting your mood. I’m learning everyday that to keep my energy and spirit lifted I have to eat way better, workout, Drink a lot of water and laughter to keep my spirit up.

I SO JUST CONTRADICTED MYSELF BUT HEY NOBODIES PERFECT!

Check out eatrightpro.org to get some dope insight on eating healthy and feeling great

So now that I gave y’all a little snippet on feeling great let chat about some of the food choices you have in the comment section below. I surely will not judge you if you like bacon. Be sure to #MarkellCreative LN on all social media outlets about this subject PERIOD.

Has Social Media and Technology Changed The Way We Engage With One Another?

I remember a time where hanging out with your friends and family total engagement was 100 percent. That meant great laughs, eye contact, a bit of intense debates with some great food and drinks. The engagement would be so incredible that by the time you look at the time it was way past your bedtime, but the day was worth spending it that way right? Maybe I’m referring to the 90s and early 2000s where social media hardly existed and cell phones were in the beginning phases that only consisted of text, talk and free after 9pm. Maybe I’m old fashion but i do enjoy a face to face interaction then again i’d be lying if I said my phone is completely silent and my eyes aren’t easily glued to Instagram and Facebook.

So how does this affect us?

  1. Depression and anxiety

  2. CyberBullying

  3. Fear of missing out

  4. Unrealistic Expectations

  5. Negative Body Image

  6. Unhealthy Sleep Patterns

  7. General Addiction

It’s safe to say that we’ve all experienced one of these 7 things and if not you’re either lying or probably ancient history. Being an Educator I do see a lot of my students on their phones extremely too much that they're go to for inspiration, advice, to learn something is pretty evident. Actual human engagement sucks in 2019 because everyone is so easily distracted.

Some Positive aspects of Social Media and Technology.

  1. Growth in Business

  2. Confidence

  3. Sometimes people find the love of their life

  4. Opportunities in various fields

  5. People are speaking up on social issues

  6. Instant News around the world

  7. A form of communication near or far with Friends and Family

I guess we can agree to disagree on this matter. Definitely can say that it has its pros and cons, I just hope that we can keep face to face conversations healthy and alive. Before you know it technology will have advanced and we’ll be talking through Holograms. Some advice i would say is when you go out to Brunch, Lunch and Dinner try putting everyone’s phone in the center of the table and whoever can’t resist the urge to be on their phone has to buy everyone a shot! I WOULD FAIL MISERABLY only because I love capturing the moment for memories.

So now that we’ve covered this topic of discussion please let me know your insight on Social Media/Technology and how you handle engaging with the people you surround yourself with in the comment section below. Be sure to use #MarkellCreativeLN (Latest News) on all social media outlets!

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In The World of Politics
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The Battle For Presidency

Has anyone noticed that the past four years have been extremely bizarre, from Bigots totally being aware of their incompetence equalling up to their ignorance to race, handicap people, belittling women to the overflowing candidates for the Democratic party. What does the future hold for us. Kamala Harris has raised a tremendous amount of love and support followed with some uncertainty from some of the minority community who doesn’t know if they can trust her. Harris served as San Francisco’s District Attorney from 2004 to 2011 where she supported a city policy that required law enforcement to turn over undocumented juvenile immigrants to federal immigration authorities if they were arrested and suspected of committing a felony, regardless of whether they were actually convicted of a crime. Dealing with the constant battle with African American men in and out of a broken system really doesn’t help hearing this about her. Give me your thoughts on the current candidates for both parties below in the comment section. Lets debate on what’s going on in our Country and what the future looks like for the next four years In the comment section below. Be sure to use #MarkellCreativeLN (Latest News) on all social media outlets!