The Sophisticate Chronicles

I am so excited to to kick off the Fashion/Style column for Urban Voice New Magazine.  I have the pleasure of bringing to you all things fashion and of course sophisticatedly urban. Each season I feature a list of "7 Essentials" right here on my Blog "The Sophisticate Chronicles" for your overall style look. My list are versatile and I cover each facet of fashion. From the latest "IT" Handbag to the latest trend in accessories to compliment your look. This is to ensure that all basis are covered for the everyday woman. However for  the Urban Voice "Top 5 List" I had the pleasure of visiting Dillard's department store and checking out everything they have to offer for the upcoming season. Each item that is featured can be found and purchased at your local Dillard's department store or online at  http://www.dillards.com Check out the Top 5. . #1 Boots Every Fall (and Winter) wardrobe should be equipped with a

Hey Everyone!! I am SUPER excited to present to you a few items that I have put together as apart of the official Fall 2014 Style Challenge presented by Bonobos!! I was contacted, given several selections from their Fall 2014 Men's Suit Collection http://www.bonobos.com/b/mens-suits  , and was asked to create different looks for them. Anyone that knows me. .Knows that I absolutely LOVE Men's Fashion and Styling our guys!! There is just nothing like a well dressed man who has his on flare and style.  Check out a few of my looks I put together earlier this week and be on the look out for more options from me featuring other pieces. Also Thanks to Bonobos for this opportunity!!  Be sure to visit http://www.bonobos.com/  TODAY and check out their fine selection of the latest in Men's Fashion!! @TheeSophistiKat @SophisticateChronicles

Now I am a very simple yet sophisticated person.  I don't like anything over the top when it comes to Fashion, Hair, Shoes, etc. With me my style is my own!! However each year I do a list of 7 essentials for your overall style look for each season. Everything from the "IT" Handbag to the latest OPI Collection.  Here are my Top 7* "Must HAVES" for Fall 2014. . #1 Boots Every Fall (and Winter) wardrobe should be equipped a a boot that can be versatile. When I use the word "versatile" I am referring to a piece that can take you from the office to volunteering in your community.  The "Iman" collection available online via HSN has the perfect "Riding Boot". It is leather, durable, and extremely comfortable. I have it featured here in "Chocolate" but it also comes in 2 other essential colors "Cognac" and "Black" $199  http://www.hsn.com/products/iman-platinum-rock-the-runway-leather

On this past Saturday I hosted the "Special Edition" of my event "Sistah's Chat" at the downtown Public Library here in Chattanooga. I must say this was one of the BEST chat's ever!! The Brother's on the Panel came to enlightened the audience on their views of what is currently happening across the country with racism and the plight of the black community. Also the Sistah's were not mute at all!! They were actively participating and providing their views. Here are a few photos from the event!! Thank you to each of my Panelist and Supporters!! Be on the lookout right here for the date and time for the next "Sistah's Chat"!! @TheeSophistiKat

It's that time again!! October 4-5, 2014 The 2nd Annual "Weekend of Service". I have always been passionate about giving back to my community and city who have done so much for me. God has blessed each of us with many talents but I truly feel that those very talents are to be used for the benefit of us all. Equally. The Kick Off: "Show Up, Clean Up" The 928 Project will be out in full effect in its efforts to beautify our "Inner City" communities. These are the very communities that have educated some of  the prominent black judges, lawyers, doctors, and entertainers. Be there as we help clean up the Westside!! And the return of "Sistah's Chat"  This is truly an event that is straight from my heart. We have had some phenomenal panelist!! Authors, Entreprenuers, Musician, Motivational Speakers, etc. Each has come ready to give "the real", discuss prevalent issues, and solutions/ideas to bring forth change. This is a "Special

The RED carpet at the Costume Institute Gala aka "Met Gala" an annual fund-raiser for the Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute is one of the most watched of the season. It is a crossroads of the arts, fashion and entertainment as the Biggest and Brightest of the stars come out. Anna Wintour issues the dress code with the Costume Institute’s fashion exhibition in mind. This year's theme Charles James: Beyond Fashion. Of course I watch for all of the Sophisticated and Eloquent looks.  Here are my FAVorite for this year!! Rihanna in Stella McCartney Reese Witherspoon in Stella McCartney Chanel Iman in Topshop Lupita Nyong'o in Prada Charlize Theron  Janelle Monet Gabrielle Union 

I Today Audrey Hepburn would have celebrated her 85th Birthday!! This Iconic, Actress, and Philanthropist is still loves today just as much as when she was alive.  Always a Sophisticated Lady and true SophistiKat. Here are posters from my FAVorite movies BreakfastAtTiffanys  Sabrina  My Fair Lady @TheeSophistiKat

Today is not an ordinary Sunday but a special day known to all Christians across the world as Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday commemorates the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-9), when palm branches were placed in his path, before his arrest on Holy Thursday and his crucifixion on Good Friday. It thus marks the beginning of Holy Week, the final week of Lent. In many Christian churches, Palm Sunday is marked by the distribution of palm leaves (often tied into crosses) to the assembled worshippers. The difficulty of procuring palms for that day's ceremonies in unfavorable climates for palms led to the substitution of boughs of box, yew, willow, olive, or other native trees. The Sunday was often designated by the names of these trees, as Yew Sunday, or by the general term Branch Sunday. I pray that each and every one of you has enjoyed this day and reflect upon the life of our savior as we enter into the last days leading up til the resurrection "Easter Sunday" #HeIsR

It's #SoulSunday and no other song came to my mind this morning but this one. . "Golden" by Jill Scott Just knowing that we have been blessed to see another day is Golden . Having family and friends who truly love and want the best for us out of life is Golden . I challenge each and every one of you to be thankful. .be grateful for the mercy and grace that covers us each day.  Don't be afraid to Do YOU!!  As a wise lady use to tell me all the time. . "Be the BEST YOU can be"!! Enjoy!! @TheeSophisitKat

This month I have teamed up with "Edwina Lashan Fashion Blog" to bring to our city a new, lively, and refreshing event "Urban Renaissance". A night of Fashion, Networking, and to honor the Blogging movement here in the city. There will be a Fashion Show featuring pieces from Fredonia Boutique styled by myself and the sisters of Edwina Lashan. Music will be provided by Chatt Town's own DJ Pretty E!! Also at this event. ."Queen's Closet" (an initiative of Shine421) is back!! In honor of #LCMaysDay2014 I am asking all the ladies to clean out your closets and bring lightly worn and clean clothing to the event to be donated to a local women's shelter/non profit organization.  I encourage everyone to come out for a good time and enjoy this new experience. If you have any information you would like for us to share at the event or want to send a donation please email me at sophisticatech

This week we lost 2 fellow ‪‎Brown‬ Sistah's in Blogging. Kayrn Washington‬ founder of "ForBrownGirls"‬ and the ‪Dark Girl Red Lip‬ project. "For Brown Girls" was an online platform to inspire and provide love for your true self. I remember speaking with her about my vision and wanting her to be apart of "Sistah's Chat". Being a young woman she had such a big heart and truly wanted to evoke change. I love everything "For Brown Girls" stands for and still stand behind Kayrn's mission to this day. It is hard enough sometimes living  in a world where just because of your shade of brown you will be discriminated against by others but the true damage is done by our own people and it has to stop!! Continue to let your voices and stories be a tool to inspire and help others. DominiqueBanks‬ was a contributor to ‪the successful  "Black Girl Long Hair‬" blog. Better known as "Long Hair Dont Care 2011&q

One thing I love is a Bargain!! Now don't get me wrong. .if I see something I want and it's not on sale I will buy it, however if I can get something at a discounted price. .I am overjoyed. My Mother introduced me to Thrift Stores and Yard Sales at an early age. I used to LOVE getting up on Saturday morning, gathering my snack, crossword puzzle books, and heading out to the exclusive subdivisions here in the city for their annual "Community Sales". We used to find all types of steals. From designer handbags/clothing/shoes, toys, games, paintings for the house, home decor, etc. You name it. .we could find it. The BEST part is that my mother and I always had a great time!!  Thrift Stores are another FAVorite of ours. We have several that we go to here in the city and we always find others to check out when we are out of town. Today we stopped at one of our FAVorites!! My Mom found 2 pairs of BaDD shoes for me for the upcoming Spring/Summer seasons. The highlight. .We bo

I always enjoy a smooth and refreshing drink while out with friends. We are headed into a new season (even though it still feels like winter) Spring.  With Spring comes moderately warm weather, daylight savings time, and of course fabulous events.  April is already looking to be a jam packed month of excitement. From annual Philanteopic galas to networking mixers.  For this month I figured I would give you all a FAVorite of mine that can be enjoyed just about anywhere. The perfect blend of two classic that will satisfy the taste buds of anyone. Here's my recipe for Sparkling Strawberry Moscoto Lemonade!! Ingredients: 1 Bottle of Barefoot Sparkling Pink Moscoto 1 Bottle of Welch's Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade 1 Bottle of Circoc Red Berry Vodka 1 container of Fresh Strawberries Directions: Pour Moscoto, Strawberry Lemonade, and Vodka into a Glass Pitcher or Punch Bowl. Add ice (as you desire) Stir lightly (to minimize fizz) Add sliced strawberries. Stir again. Ready to serve. Le

I can honestly say that after each "Sistah's Chat" I feel invigorated and blessed. The 3rd installment was truly a success and I was extremely excited to see the Men who came out with their daughters or wives. The men present made a conscious effort to be apart of the conversation and let their voices be heard. They shed light on a lot of the topics from a boy/mans perceptive and it was MUCH needed. Here are a few highlights. . Author, Katha Blackwell and her sister Leeora Panelist April Johnson, Marquita Ector, and Myself Door Prizes, Miss Jessie's Bags of Goodies, and Information from the American Heart Association Myself and the Sistah's  Discussing various topics "Not Another Victim" Author's table DaNietra Hall (FairyGlamMother) and Sabrina Hagood (CFO, 2 Divas Jewelry) Special Thank you to the Panel and