Contributor: Nailah Marie, Stylist in NYC
About 6 months, I got a super random email from Nailah asking to feature my jewelry in a photo shoot was she was styling for. I said yes and the photos came out more beautiful than I could have imagined. Shortly after the shoot, Nailah moved to NYC to pursue her dream of becoming a fashion stylist {and we know she gone kill it cuz she got style comin out her toes!} Below is a peak into Nailah’s life!
Note: The editorial Nailah and her team put together (with my jewelry!!) landed a webitorial at 7hues magazine- check it out HERE!
From a tender age, I was drawn to fashion. I come from a lineage of entrepreneurs, tailors, seamstresses, and garment designers. In a sense, I feel like having such strong ties to the fashion world made me want to go in a different direction, but style is something that effortlessly sticks no matter where you go.
I headed into a different form of artistry- culinary arts. In high school I split my time between traditional academics and a technical high school where I studied culinary arts. My senior year, I set my eyes on New York. I attended the prestigious Culinary Institute Of America in Hyde Park, New York. What an amazing experience that was! However, between my chef coats, toques, and checks, all I really cared about was fashion. When I graduated college, I felt at such a loss. While so many of my colleagues were off to start their careers in hospitality, I felt there was no place for me in that field. I moved to Chicago, and I began working in restaurants and eventually as a personal Chef. I felt like I was stalling. I met a fashion photographer and started styling editorial shoots in tandem with a creative team. For the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of awe inside of me. I started facing my eyes towards the nearest fashion capital, New York City, and on a whim drove cross country to my new home.
I have always been inspired by the past. It is so true that life comes full circle. Fashion does too. There’s nothing new under the sun. Just as life goes in cycles, so does fashion.
With all that being said, lately I have been so inspired by color. It sounds so simple, but often the simplest things are the hardest to understand or to master. When I first discovered minimalism I was completely disciplined in a capsule wardrobe. I decided mine would be all neutrals. Mostly black, white, denim, and gray. Literally. I got rid of so many clothes, but the simplicity of it all suited me. When I moved to New York, my life felt regenerated. It was spring, and I felt like I had been reborn. Suddenly, the thought took root that all black is always sexy, but all black ALL the time can get mundane. Now color pairings and print pairings are my sure fire style inspiration.
I am also so lit about prints, in particular African prints. I found an amazing reversible African printed jacket at a thrift store in Queens, and it is immaculate. It is a statement all of its own. When I wear that thing I feel regal, and get so many positive expressions from people on the street. I have been digging the ease of adding more prints in the mix by adding a head scarf or even just a funky pair of socks. These days there’s something from everyone. I like to go downtown and people-watch too. Never ending supply of inspiration!
Below are some of the pieces Nailah styled with pieces from BeBuddhaJewelry.
BeBuddha X Amanda Gregus – Full Hand pieces
Model & Hair: Sonseeahray McHenry, IG: @sheis.sam
MUA: Stephanie Espinoza, IG: @stephanieespinoza_makeup
Stylist: Nailah Marie Ellis, IG: @nailahmarie
Photographer: Melissa Morley, IG: @melissamorley
Always BeBold. BeBeautiful. BeBuddha <3
Nailah Marie X BeBuddhaJewelry Contributor: Nailah Marie, Stylist in NYC About 6 months, I got a super random email from Nailah asking to feature my jewelry in a photo shoot was she was styling for.
