ARTICLE BY JOVANNA REYES/PHOTOS BY LAUREN BROWN

I’ve never been the one to be front and center.  For me there is safety being behind the lens, staying backstage.  I can control what happens there.  This time I threw caution to the wind and jumped in front of the camera.  Why now?  After all these years, I’ve had the intention of doing an editorial but couldn’t find the right time or a collection that worked for me or my casual style.  I finally found one.  The Tracee Ellis Ross collection for JCPenney.  She announced it on Instagram and as soon as I peeped the garments, I knew this was it.  JOYFUL. DELIGHTFUL. INSPIRED.  Tracee’s style theme. 

 

Ms. Ross’ collection wins points not only for design but for the price point as well. The haul total was less than $400.00 for eight items. My first intention was to purchase it online but decided at the last minute to check it out at the brick and mortar.  It was a nice surprise to see the visual presentation.  Her choices of textiles and colors were perfect for mixing and matching.  You could wear the duster with the wide leg pant or the duster with the print maxi.  My mind was running with all the possible combinations.  The Rejoice sweater dresses in Aura Orange/Grey and the Kindness print maxi, Groovy Geo were only $34.  The Bliss Duster Coat and Trouser were $59 and $44 respectively.

 

 

 

 

 

Tracee’s Heaven Pant is the perfect trouser for an evening event. I purchased a size 20W and it fit perfectly. I paired it with a Brooks Brothers vest and men’s tuxedo shirt with an ascot. The platforms are TUK Shoes Creepers. The last look is my ode to the 90’s. I wore a similar dress with my denim jacket for years on end. It was my staple look. Don’t forget to stop by your local beauty store for cheap and trendy accessories. The red leather bracelets were only a dollar!