The MET Fashion Photo Show Presents "Shandel Jones"

Welcome back everyone. Today I am proud to introduce you to Ms. Shandel Jones. Shandel is a young, self described "Fashionista" who loves to shop. I had the pleasure of photographing Shandel and her boyfriend Raheem in the Downtown section of Brooklyn. When we did today's photo shoot, it was very cold outside. Since it's December, and we are talking about "winter wardrobes", the day couldn't have been better. Shandel was accompanied by her boyfriend Raheem. He agreed to take some photographs with her. I asked them to meet me on Jay Street in the Downtown section of Brooklyn. When both parties arrived, they were coincidentally wearing the same colors. (Black and Gray) Needless to say this made the interview very easy. I started off our interview by asking Shandel about her outfit.


ME: You both said that you had no idea what colors you were wearing for today's photo shoot. How long have you guys been dating?
SHANDEL: We've been dating for about a year and a half. We actually do pick up on each others thoughts very well. This isn't the first time that we've been out with the same colors on. We just look at each other like "Were you peeking inside of my window today?" Most of the time we will now check with each other to see what color the other one is wearing so that we won't look like twins.

ME: Do you ever dress alike intentionally?
SHANDEL: Never! He thinks that dressing alike is lame.

ME: Shandel, Can you please describe what you are wearing for the audience?
SHANDEL: My outfit is a basic, winter, work day outfit. Grey slacks, black shirt, black wool coat, and grey and black boots.


ME: And where did you purchase your outfit from?
SHANDEL: I purchased my slacks and shirt from Banana Republic. The coat I believe was purchased from Century 21. The coat was designed by Jessica Simpson. I bought the boots from "heels.com" and they were designed by "Luichiny."

ME: Where did you get your hair done, and who is your stylist?
SHANDEL: I get my hair done at a salon upstate in Poughkeepsie called "The Golden Girls Beauty Salon located at 400 Main Street. My stylist's name is Tonya.

ME: Thank you Shandel, and if you wouldn't mind, please tell the audience what you look for when you go shopping?
SHANDEL: I look for things that are loud, bold and different. Anything (Especially shoes and stockings) that will make someone turn their heads and look twice, that's what I look for.

ME: How would you describe your fashion style?
SHANDEL: My fashion sense is very versatile. But for the most part, I'm really "girly." I love heels and the taller the heel, the better. I also love dresses and skirts.


ME: What are three must have items for the upcoming winter season?
SHANDEL: Wow, only three things? There are so many things that a woman must have going into the enter. But if I had to narrow it down, I guess that I would say every woman needs a nice pair of boots that can be dressed up or dressed down. A nice coat is a must have item. Maybe a wool coat or even a Military style coat. Military coats seem to be in this season. Finally, a nice pair of snow boots, preferably some "Uggs" boots. I picked Uggs boots because they are warm and it looks like it's going to be a bad winter.












ME: The audience is now getting a sense of who you are as a fashionista. What are three words that you would use to best describe yourself for the audience?
SHANDEL: Confident, Creative and a Shoe-a-holic.

ME: Shandel I want to take this time to personally thank you and your boyfriend for taking the time for the photo shoot and answering the questions for today's blog.

MET Fashion Photo Show Presents "Starr Entertainment"

Good afternoon and welcome to another edition of the MET Fashion Photo Show Blog. New York City has many venues. One of its larger ones is the New York City Subway system. Today I traveled on the "A" train and ended up at the Chamber's Street station. I had the pleasure of meeting Rogerst Charles and Tony Brown, better known as "Starr Entertainment." These two musicians play music on the platforms of subway platforms to the delight of many passengers. Tony is the guitarist and Rogerst is the saxophone player.

As Roger and Tony played their musical instruments, passengers both young and old took time out of their busy schedules to listen to them play. In addition to giving their time, they gave their money as well. The duo play both popular and classic songs that cater to everyone that uses the subway system. I had the pleasure of interviewing the two of them in between sessions.

ME: How long have you been performing in the subway?
TONY/ROGERST: Its been about 2 years


ME: What is your favorite memory while performing in the subway?
TONY/ROGERST: A girl came up to me crying saying that she had a really bad day. She said that our music helped her feel better. She gave us two dollars and said that we are a blessing.

ME: When you are not performing in the subway where can people hear you play?
TONY/ROGERST: We perform in church (At the Zion Cathedral
in Freeport Long Island) and we have an album release date of December 18th.


ME: Congratulations, how would you describe your music?
TONY/ROGERST: It's a mixture of jazz, R & B and gospel music.

ME: What is the hardest thing about performing in the subway?
TONY/ROGERST: Being heard and playing songs that everyone can relate to. We want to reach everyone. Dealing with the authorities is sometimes a problem because they want to know if you have a permit.

ME: What advice would you give to someone who is looking to perform in the subway?
TONY/ROGERST: Make sure that you're good at performing music. New Yorker's know real talent. They know when you are faking it. You also have to get a permit to perform in the subway. It becomes a real hassle if you don't have a permit and you're questioned by the police.

ME: In keeping true to the blog I have to ask you some questions about your clothing style. Rogerst, please tell the audience what you are wearing and where you purchased it from.
ROGERST: I'm wearing PUMA sneakers, blue jeans and a black tee-shirt. I purchased everything from Daffy's in the city.
TONY: I'm wearing a brown skull cap, a brown sweater, black jeans and black and white NIKE sneakers. I honestly don't know where I purchased my clothes from but I do know that I purchased them in the city somewhere. (With all fairness Tony did not know about the interview until a minute before I started asking questions)

ME: Rogerst, how long have you been playing the saxophone? (Rogerst plays the alto saxophone)
ROGERST: I've been playing for 8 years.
ME: And Tony, how long have you been playing the guitar?
TONY: I've been playing the guitar for "Too Long!" Lol


This is the picture that I took of Tony that best describes, and shows the essense of his music. Notice the three people that are standing behind him. He was playing the guitar so well that a crowd started to gather around them. I want you to get the total picture so that you can get a sense, and a feel of what I see and hear.

Please don't get me wrong, Rogerst is just as good as Tony when it comes to playing his instrument, but you just can't see Rogerst moving about the platform like he does which truly does not give justice to his performance. A video clip would provide a better glimpse of his true talent but since we only have photographs, I am hoping that these next few photographs will do him justice.




ME: Rogerst, what are three words that you would use to best describe yourself?
ROGERST: Three words that I would use to describe myself would be 1) "Determined"
2) "Different" 3) "Always Changing" (I informed Rogerst that this was indeed four words but because of his amazing, musical gifts we would forgive him this time)

ME: Tony, I'm going to ask you the same question, please describe three words that you would use to best describe yourself.
TONY: Wow, that's not an easy thing to do but if I had to use three words to describe myself, I would say 1) Honest 2) Open Minded 3) Fun (I should have asked him for four words to describe himself as well but never the less his abilities definitely allow for a pass.)

Gentlemen, I want to take this time to thank you for allowing me and everyone else to hear your music. What message would you like to leave the audience with at this time?
TONY: Smile!

If you want to learn more about Tony and Rogerst, or to learn more about their music, please send them a message at abrownguitar@gmail.com for more information on their performance schedule.

Photo Fashion Show Presents "Janice Smith"

Welcome back everyone and thanks for taking the time to read my blog. This is our final segment from the Rockaway Beach photo shoot featuring Janice Smith. Janice is not only an aspiring model/actress, but she is also a clothing designer. Janice has created her own clothing line entitled "King Daughters by Janice". I hope to get a chance to talk to her in the near future about her clothing line, but for right now, let's get back to the photo shoot.


Janice is wearing fashions that look great for the fall season. The sweaters that she is wearing in this shoot will enhance any woman's wardobe.

Hello Janice, I just have a few questions about your outfits. On the day that we did your photo shoot, we started off at the beach. As you were standing on the steps looking out into the ocean, you looked very comfortable and relaxed. Please describe what you were wearing for the audience.

ME: Where did you purchase your clothing items from?
JANICE: I purchased my sweaters from The Canan Jean Company located on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. The Canal Jean company is a vintage Store in Brooklyn. I purchased the jeans from Macy's. I purchased them from the Downtown Brooklyn location. I picked up the boots from Bakers and the swimsuit from Starlight. Both stores are in Downtown Brooklyn.

ME: The colors of the sweaters are beautiful, what accessories would you add to your outfit?
JANICE: I didn't really wear much jewelry with this outfit. You can probably wear bracelets and earings, but no necklaces. I'm thinking about blues and purples but I would have to see them.

ME: How would you describe your style?
JANICE: I like to be comfortable, so I would describe my style as "comfortable". I love black, but I'm willing to play with a few colors here and there. I also love bouquets. I also like fancy, but not to much. I'm into comfortable, but yet designer.

ME: Thanks for your insight, if the readers want to know a little bit more about "Janice Smith", what are three words that you would use to best describe yourself and why?
JANICE:
1)Funny-I love to laugh and make people around me laugh and my personality is like that. I enjoy what I do.
2) Believer-I love the Lord.
3) Talented-I'm a designer, actress, model, artist, and I have a mind full of playful/creative ideas.

ME: Finally, in your opinion, what are three must have items for the fall this season?
JANICE: 1) A fur coat is a must for the fall and the winter.
2) Long black or brown boots. They can have a heel or they can be flat. They must be designer boots though.
3) A big bag (It must be styled) to go with almost any sweater.

ME: Janice I would like to thank you for all of your time during our interview. I hope to interview you again so that I can introduce your clothing line to the audience. Until then, take care of yourself.

The MET Fashion Photo Show Presents "Halloween 2010"

Welcome back everyone, this is a special Halloween edition of the fashion photo show blog. NYC plays host to one of the largest Halloween parades on the planet. This years crowd was estimated to be approximately 2 million people. People come to this parade dressed in all sorts of costumes. Some people say that Halloween is another way that people express themselves. Just like fashion, costumes express peoples originality, creativity and fun. Here are some of the costumes, enjoy!

MET Fashion Photo Show Presents "Charisse Werts"

Welcome back to the MET Fashion Photo Show blog. I want to personally thank you again for all of your support and positive feedback. At this time I would like to introduce you to our second aspiring model/actress, Charisse Werts. As you can see, Charisse is a very beautiful young lady who is very serious about the fashion industry as well as the clothing that she wears. As you read this edition of Fashion Photo Show, remember that the clothes that you see can be purchased in and around stores in your neighborhood. With that in mind, let's get started.


Charisse's photo shoot took place at Rockaway Beach in the Far Rockaway section of Queens. This was the last, good weekend of the year as temperatures soared into the 70's. The water was pretty warm as well. (I can personally attest to this because I had to get into the water to take some of the photographs.) As such, Charisse chose a great outfit to wear because the colors were bright, and the material was light enough to make the breeze coming off of the ocean very comfortable.



DARRYL: Hello Charisse, I have a few questions about your outfits. On the day that we did the photo shoot, we started off at the beach. As you were lying on the beach with your magazines, you looked very comfortable in your outfits. Please describe for the audience what you were wearing.
CHARISSE: Because the weather has been nice lately and we were coming to the beach I wanted to wear something lightweight. The colors reminded me of the sand on the beach so I wanted to wear these colors. The outfit also matched the swimsuit that I bought. My hair was done by Kesha from Soketha's Hair Salon in Brooklyn.




DARRYL: Where did you purchase your clothes?
CHARISSE: I purchased my blouse and scarf from Zara's. It's a store located in SOHO. Everyone thinks that the scarf is a separate item but it's actually attached to the blouse. I purchased the pants from H & M in SOHO as well. Underneath my blouse is the swimsuit top that I used for the swimsuit portion of our photo shoot. I purchased the swimsuit from Century 21 in Lower Manhattan.



DARRYL: Excluding the swimsuit, where else could you wear this outfit?
CHARISSE: I would say that I can wear this outfit on any occasion.
DARRYL: The light colors and the scarf are a very nice touch. Are there any other accessories that you would like to add, or have added to this outfit?
CHARISSE: No, I was comfortable with the entire outfit. I think it was put together well.


DARRYL: Thank you for your insight. If the readers want to know a little bit more about Charisse Werts, what are three words that you would use to describe yourself and why?
CHARISSE: I believe that the following words can be used to describe me.
1) Dependable, I am a person who you can count on.
2) Creative, I can put anything together and still look terrific.
3) Open Minded, I am comfortable with new ideas, open to criticism, and I am also a people person. I love to work with everyone.



DARRYL: Finally, in your opinion, what are three must have items for this fall season?
CHARISSE: 1) A nice fall jacket 2) A stylish hat 3) Nice high boots

DARRYL: Charisse, I just want to take this opportunity to thank you for all of your time
CHARISSE: Thank you for the entire experience.

This concludes this weeks edition of the Fashion Photo Show blog. I hope that you enjoyed this weeks edition. I will have a new edition of the Fashion Photo Show blog featuring more "real" New Yorker's coming out soon.

Fashion Pics 1

Welcome to the first edition of Fashion Pics. Today I am photographing three aspiring models. We will be taking pictures in the Long Island City area of Queens, New York. One of the many things that this area is known for is its amazing views of Manhattan.

Today I am going to focus on Suquaia “Suki” Grant. In the photo shoot, Suki is wearing mirrored sunglasses, a black top with blue jeans, and black leather boots. The sunglasses are round, mirrored sunglasses that have a sort of “retro” feel to them. I first ask Suki about the sunglasses that she is wearing. “The sunglasses are “aviator style” sunglasses. A universal look in my opinion, but can be considered “retro” to others. I found them on Fulton Street amongst the vendors at the Fulton Street Mall. You shouldn’t have trouble finding sunglasses because there are so many vendors on Fulton Street that they have sunglasses galore.”

The top is a black, cowl neck, half sleeve baby doll blouse that she purchased from Pay Half. As Suki describes it, “It fits to the curves with an attached gold buckled belt to add pizzazz to its dark color.” Her jeans were purchased from Dr. Jays and I wanted her to elaborate a little bit about them. “The jeans are skinny jeans with an unusual, but stylish spandex fitting around the ankle. The back pockets have a silver lining around them as well.” Both items were purchased from Pay Half and Dr. Jays located in the Downtown section of Brooklyn.

I finally asked Suki to describe the boots that she was wearing. “The boots are high heeled, knee highs with gold buckles and a discreet zipper. The flap folds at the top for individuality.” Suki’s boots were purchased from the Strawberry’s located in Downtown Brooklyn.


I asked Suki where she would like to wear this outfit and why. “This is a girl’s nite out/first date kind of outfit. It’s not too sexy, but it’s not too bland either.”Suki has a beautiful smile to go along with a great personality. The clothes shine because the person that is wearing them also shines. As a college student she understands the importance of getting good grades, and also looking great in school. New York City is one of the greatest fashion locations in the world. Suki is just the latest example of why New York City plays host to Fashion Week.

Well, this concludes today’s edition of “Fashion Pics”. I am interested in photographing the clothes that you would like to see, and the neighborhoods in New York City that you would like to see them in. Feel free to contact me @ darrylsfashionpics@yahoo.com. Thanks again for taking the time to read “Fashion Pics.”

Introduction to Fashion Pics

Welcome to the MET Photography Fashion Show Blog. If you've ever picked up a fashion magazine and wished that you could see people that looked like you, dressed like you, and wear the clothes and accessories that you do, then this blog is for you!


I will be photographing different people wearing today's hottest fashions. The people featured in this blog are everyday people like yourselves that love today's fashions. I will have the pleasure of photographing them and sharing their experiences, as well as their clothing with you. You will be able to view the latest fashions via pictures taken at my latest photo shoots. This is Suki, she is my first model who will be describing what she is wearing in the next addition of this blog.

I want to thank you for all of your support in my latest venture!