HELLO 2012

 In 2012 I'm looking forward to more travels, fashions, family, friends, food, culture, fun and adventure, the list goes on and on. All this wouldn't happen without my divine team. Meet the faces behind the photos.

Marie Ntam- Make-up maven, Alice Ntam- Clothing connoisseur
Perry Amati- Hair extraordinaire

Motto to kickoff the year

Thank you all for your continual support of Ordinaryfashionistas. Please stay tuned for more hullabaloo in 2012...xoxo

Extraordinary Fashionista: Lisa W. Pickrum

It's with great enthusiasm that I  kick off my first edition of extraordinary fashionistas with none other than Lisa W. Pickrum- Executive VP and COO of RLJ Cos., a diversified holding company with portfolio companies in financial services, hospitality, real estate, gaming, media, and entertainment. Pickrum handles the company’s legal matters, strategic partnerships, and new business developments. She is a fantastic role model for women in business.

For those unfamiliar with her background, here is an insightful autobiography http://www.rljcompanies.com/management/lisa-pickrum/

Lisa is a gorgeous woman with style and grace, who has a tenacious drive for everything in her life. She runs a household with two boys, keeps in shape by running five miles a day and is at the top of her business. 

Suit-Chanel, tights- Wolford, Shoes-Christian Louboutin
(a must have for every woman a power suit, hers just happens to be Chanel-she's earned it)

Dress- Parker, Earrings-vintage
(amazing smile- modern day Mona Lisa)

Dress- TaLisa Michelle, Necklace and Earrings-vintage
( sexy sophistication)

Loving the Hair

wow and she handles her biz in red bottoms. WERK!

Name:

Lisa Warner Pickrum

Occupation:

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, The RLJ Companies

(Manage a holding company of 12 different companies)

Saturday morning wardrobe:

Flat boots, J brand jeggings, any kind of scarf and my lovely cross body lucky brand messenger bag – soccer mom uniform!

Dress for:

Comfort and confidence - always

Motto:

A smile is the best accessory 

What’s the best fashion advice anyone ever gave you?

Invest in a few key pieces that will never go out of style (that was you Alice!)

(Hair- Perry Amati, Make-up- Marie Ntam, Photographer- Marco Antonio, Stylist- Alice Ntam)

XOXO

Diamond-Encrusted Baby Skull

They say Diamond are a girls best friend, but which girl will purchase a diamond encrusted baby skull? Not sure, but let me know if you would.

Damien Hirst, famous for his controversial sculptures, has done it again with his latest work of a baby's skull cast in platinum and studded with thousands of pink and white diamonds. The skull is believed to be of a less then two-week-year-old dead baby, acquired by Hirst when he bought a 19-century pathology collection.

 $7.1 million pink diamonds set at the forehead

Hirst describes this as "quiet bling". It was set with 8,600 diamonds

Hirst is quoted by the Telegraph as saying: "When you look at a skull, you think is represents the end, but when you see the end so beautiful, it gives you hope. Diamonds are about perfection and clarity and wealth and sex and death and immortality. They are a symbol of everything that's eternal, but then they have a dark side as well."

(photos courtesy of artobserved.com and telegraph.co.uk)

Important Part of Ghanaian History: Elmina Slave Castle

While I was in Ghana I visited one of the historical slaves castles. It took me a while to put into words what I experienced, what can you say when you hear the history. Let's just say it was a humbling experience. For a more detailed history of the Elmina Castle go to www.wikipedia.com.

Attached is photos and  video footage narrated through the mouth of our wonderful tour guide Richie. Thank you again for such a wonderful tour.

Reflecting on the side of castle

(Photos and videos-ordinaryfashionistas)

Ghana Beach and a Red scarf

Recently I was in Ghana, an amazing country with beautiful beaches. The first beach I attended was Tills Beach in Gomoa. The beach is filled with white sands, clear blue waters, good food and it's even better with great company. My bff Perry and I decided to do an impromptu photo shoot on one of the mountains near the beach with my red pashmina scarf.

Fierce, looks like an editorial

Pink toes in the sand

Yummy, I could eat this everyday

We were there all day, I love the shadow against the water

One last view, breathtaking

Enjoy!

Random: I'm feeling this dress

I'm about to be in Ghana for a couples of weeks. I was just feeling this dress, it gave me a very African feel.

Getting ready in the mirror

full view of the dress

seriously what's so funny, I just love life

(Dress-vena cava, earrings and dress pins-vintage, hair-Perry Amati, Make-up-Marie Ntam)
Photos- Jeffrey Fowler

Have a great week!

I want it all: Versace for h&m

Tomorrow November 19th is the day. The Versace for H&M is hitting North American stores. Did you hear that the stores in London sold out the first day. I can believe it, this collection is super cute. These are some of the items, campers set their eyes on and what I'm most looking forward to.

Love the dress and leather jacket

You can be sure, I will be picking up a lot of accessories

Loving the dress and bag

Another animal print I don't own

Men don't feel left out, there is enough swag for you in this collection.

I heart this look

mesh shirt and black suit screams sexy!

Kanye recently wore this for a performance, I love the versatility of this jacket

seriously I love this with the leather jeggings/pants

Retail prices for this collection runs from $20-$300, with most pieces falling into the $150-$200. Don't forget to check H&M for locations.

Happy Shopping!

(photos courtesy of hm.com)

Amazing Bodies: Meet Inez

I was asked by a friend of mine Jeffrey Fowler (www.sharperimagery.com) to style a fitness shoot. Jeff is an amazing photographer with a great eye, so I knew it was going to be a blast and nothing short of spectacular.

I was taken away when I met Inez Sobczak a beautiful, muscular model, who made me want to run to the gym. Seriously I went the next morning. For the past ten years Inez has been a personal trainer, taught group fitness classes, organized wellness programs and successfully competed in national figure competitions. What more can I say she is awesome.

Here is the outcome of our photoshoot. Enjoy!

Beautiful lady with an incredible body

All I can say is WOW

Perfect arms

The perfect arch. Amazing!

If you are ever looking for a personal trainer and nutritionist, look up Inez at www.fit-nez.com

xoxo

Ivo the Perfect Gentleman

I was in London, not too long ago and I stumbled across, this man in the train station. Seriously, I was memorized by his demeanor and appearance. He had this vintage aura and I felt it in his presence.  Introducing Ivo an Englishman with a Sierra Leonian background. Looking at him was like a scene from an old movie. He walks around in a top hat and a cane, who still does that. What I appreciated was that he didn't even know how great he looked, it's the norm for him. What a life! Seriously he was so shy, that I almost didn't get a picture.

I just thought it would be proper in black and white

How great, a vintage suitcase with the latest sports issue

One last look

After that, he kissed my hand and bid adieu. A true gentleman. 

WE LIKE TO PARTY

I'm loving this new Beyonce video for Party ft. J Cole. It's stylish, fun and reminds me of my party crew. Looks like my type of summer throwback party. Bey's outfits, makeup and hair are flawless. Kelly looks amazing too.

You a bad girl and your friends(sisters) bad too. This is my go to party crew, cuz we like to party

A great party is not where you are at, but who you are with. I love my sisters!

Enjoy life!!!

Augustine Kum Ntam: My Daddy, Greatest Man Ever

In the words of my sister Linda, five years ago our lives were altered by an unexpected change, the death of our father. Today I want to take the time and recognize the man who shaped the person I am. Augustin Kum Ntam was a loving father, devoted husband, caring friend, and just a wonderful person. He touched everyone he met and changed many lives. We miss your smile, laugh and most importantly your touch.

A man of dignity

Daddy had the perfect features, so handsome

It's crazy that all the boys resemble him in this picture

Daddy loved to danced (dad and mom)

Family picture, can't believe we all fit

All 13 children

We miss you daddy. Looking forward to seeing you again!!!