Guest Blogger Gigi: N Harlem Event

Hey, hey!
So I haven't yet bitten the bullet for my Macbook (I'm stupid, I know... I'll do it during lunch!), but in the meantime, my friend Gigi was nice enough to guest blog for me today. She attended a charitable fashion event last week, and gave us the scoop on some cool designers for men and women.
Enjoy!
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Hi Fashion Bomb Readers!
I'm going to step in the shoes of my homegirl Claire and help her out while her computer's sick...I’m excited about my first foray into the joys of blogging.
I attended a charitable event last Saturday evening that incorporated one of my favorite activities: shopping! The event was hosted by the men of Triumph Entertainment , and it was held at a trendy boutique in Harlem called NHarlem (114 W 116th St bet Malcolm X and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd)...
... a portion of all the sales were donated to the Metro Manhattan Community Foundation.
NHarlem brings to Harlem what exists below the 96th street dividing line (Paper Denim & Cloth, Citizens for Humanity, Hugo Boss, Joe’s Jeans, etc), but it also showcases the unique creations of local designers such as “Minoritees” and Nubian Gardens.
What I loved most about the evening was that a few local designers were in the house to meet and greet shoppers. The first I came across was a handbag designer named Severe Erase who makes a slew of beautiful totes, shoulder bags, and clutches. Here she is with some of her bags in the background...
...Her online shop (www.sevybags.com) features purses that range in price from $200-$500. For a working girl, that’s not bad at all. What do you think?
The next designers I met were the two ladies of a line called Sukari...
..Sukari stands for "sweet" or "sugar" in Swahili and the name of each bag in this collection is inspired by a different place the designer has visited. I loved these bags, but for a diva on a budget, these may be a bit out of reach. My personal favorite was the espresso brown alligator skinned clutch (featured in the bottom left corner of the photo). HOWEVER, at a not-so-cool $3600, this bag amounts to way more than my mortgage payment...so even though I loved it, I had to say bye bye alligator, I’m gon’ have to catch you later (if you’re as frugal as me)! This may just have to be that type of bag your splurge on as if it were a Gucci. I can say this though—the quality is definitely on par with a Gucci or LV bag. If you’re interested in owning one of her creations, you can find them at www.sukaridesigns.com
I’ve also gotta give it up for NHarlem for coming equipped with their own in-house tailor, Omar...
Although he tried to play coy at first, I discovered that this man makes unique custom shirts and suits for men. Check him and his sleek designs out at at www.omarxomar.com...cop one for your man if you’re inclined to love a man in a suit or any other type of finely tailored outfit….
Now onto the patrons of the evening….
I thought these two ladies—Desiree and Harrah—looked wonderful….
Love that Gap shirt dress and the LV bag!
I also thought these two divas--Andrea and Brooke--were working it…..
I loved how Andrea paired a bright casual skirt with a cute denim jacket. Brooke’s sophisticated pleated purple dress was definitely an eye-catcher all night.
Of course the men of Triumph Entertainment (Mike, Abdel and Kwame) were profiling in the shop…
Blazers, jeans, and subtle accessories made for a very casual chic look.
Cute!
I’ve gotta say, this was a wonderful way to altruistically spend my Saturday evening while simultaneously pampering myself. Next time you’re up in Harlem, check out NHarlem and see for yourself all it has to offer…
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Great job Gigi! I'm already in love with Sukari Designs' clutches! That might be on the top of my wish list this Christmas! Sevy Bags are very cute as well. Stay posted to the Fashion Bomb for more Triumph events!
Smootches!
PS My girl over at YBF is having a hot party in NYC tomorrow!
I'll be there!
Want to come and meet the uber fabulous Natasha? RSVP to ybfnyc@gmail.com.
PSS Model Casting Call! James Jeans (www.jamesjeans.us), which I absolutely LOVE, is seeking a model or model-like woman that can work a press preview (2 days) at the end of this month. She'll be modeling James' hot jeans for top fashion magazine editors. Compensation is cash (to be determined) and jeans! Requirements: Must be 5”8-5”10 and a size 2. Email your photo, measurements and contact info to genevieve@jamesjeans.us. They'll get in touch if you're chosen for a fitting.
PSSS I'm clearly obsessed with Facebook! So what? Anyway, join The Fashion Bomb Group and write on my wall!