Growing Up!

Sidenote: I LOVE this hat! It's like my little staple and it makes me feel distinguished when I have it on (even when I'm being mischievous) lol.

Yup! I'ma grown man' and I really do believe that there is a evolution to style as well.  As a kid I grew up watching my Mother and Father's personal take on fashion and remember how compelling it was.  My mother has always been chic and effortless while my father was into "bold" and statement-worthy pieces.  As I've evolved, I've noticed how my style has changed throughout the years and has become a fusion of my growth.

For example, a few years ago you wouldn't have caught me dead in a trouser and collared shirt.  However, as my outlook on style has changed so has the variation in my closet.  Now I'm noticing myself becoming a little more adventurous and taking more of an effort to dress like.. well.. a gentleman.  In today's post I decided to play with a fun yet subtly bold printed shirt and signature hat.  I kept the look streamlined by keeping the color consistant and relying on traditional cuts that complement my frame.

Don't get me wrong I will continue to rock my t-shirt and jeans but having variety, not being stuck in a box and adding adventure to my wardrobe is what I'm all about right now. In short I guess it's another way of saying, "I'm growing".

Hat: Vintage, Shirt zara, pants Topman, Shoes Aldo
Photo credit: Royal Binion         

Columbus Short Styled by Toye

One of the best parts of my job is being able to see and help people live out their dreams through styling.  Columbus Short is no exception to that rule and has also become a client that I've recently had the pleasure of adding onto my roster.  

Unless you've been sleeping under a rock you've probably had the chance to hear about or at least see the hit TV show Scandal but more importantly, become familiar with the term "Gladiator in a Suit".  In my head, a Gladiator in a Suit is a modern-day warrior that has made a commitment to see something through and will do whatever steps necessary to achieve their goal.  I can't help but to feel like (a Gladiator) myself whenever I'm called to style people at the top of their game.

So far Columbus and I have had the opportunity to

Blast From the Past

  

I love the idea of going back in time and seeing the fashion.. I guess thats why some of my favorite movies as a kid were Back to the Future, Dick Tracy,  A league of Their Own and Little Shop of Horror.  I guess I just liked the way people in the 1950's to early 60's took their time to put details into the way they dressed.  I think you even see it in way I style some of my celebrity clients as well (go figure).. Anyway check the details below.  Hope you like.. -Toye* 

Photo cred: Ashley Nguyen Shirt: Kenneth Cole, Trousers: Paul Smith, Shoes: Converse, Hat: Vintage, Leather bag by shop Toye coming soon

Styled by Toye: The Saturday's

I recently had a opportunity to work with the international Pop group The Saturdays! They currently have a show on E! Entertainment here in the States and have a huge fan base in the UK.. Although you probably wouldn't believe how many trunk full of clothes it took to pull off this shoot.. You CAN believe they're a pleasure to work with! Check out the Photo's and take a look at some of the hand painted shorts I made for the girls :)) click through to see more behind the scenes..

Print the Possibilities

I'm supper into the idea of asymmetrical print shapes and pattern.. So you know I had to grab this shirt that did a little bit of both! Remember that its okay to mix pattern and print as well.  I think the key is finding texture or colors that go seamlessly.. like camo and denim, black and white.  In my case I chose Khaki and Denim and since I'm a rebel (haha), I also found a shirt that had a symmetrical shape with a reoccurring print already embedded in it.. score!

collared shirt: Zara

khaki denim pants: G-star

beard: Mines!

Toye's Selfie's

So I have this little weird fetish I've noticed that I've accumulated.. Selfies!! Yea, I know it looks like an un-healthy ego moment but it's really something I've been doing for myself to kinda bust any insecurities I might have within myself.. Yea I know... but we all have things we can change and for its just a matter of being comfortable in "me". Hope you enjoy and get maybe some fashion/style
inspiration too.

Top: H&M
Shirt: Banana Republic
Drop Crotch Pants: H&M
Shoes: Study

Dream Day 2012

Recently I had the pleasure of serving as a "Celebrity" panelist for Howard University's Day Dream Seminar.  My role as a speaker consisted of hosting a branding seminar in which I spoke to students about how to break  into the industry and solidify themselves as a credible source in the world of fashion styling.  My day was jam packed with excitement thanks to the project coordinators Jamal Minor and Ferrell Drew who made me feel right at home.  In the first part of the seminar

Desert Shoot

  

I don't just style celebs but I also style fashion as well.  Peep this shoot I styled for a look book / editorial shoot.  My Assistant Bryon was on hand as well and we had to sneak in some fun in between work.  The funny thing is, I never feel like I'm working when styling because of the fact that I like to keep it fun while on set.  loved this shoot and the model! Hope you like... -Toye*

Rachael Leigh Cook: Styled by Toye

Recently I had the extreme pleasure of styling the beautiful actress Rachael Lee Cook.  This was an awesome shoot we did for a international fashion spread.  Loved styling her.. not to mention an over sweat spirited person.  Can't wait for you guys to see spread. (PS.. We gaaaaangsta lol.. just kidding. relax) -Toye*

Rhea Seehorn: Styled by Toye

Recently I had the pleasure of styling the beautiful Rhea Seehorn, star of the hit NBC comedy series "Whitney".  She has got to be one of my favorite actresses I've worked with so far.  She's smart, supper funny, and in killer shape.  For this shoot I styled her in a killer Black cut-out dress with gold accessories.  I wanted to try and keep it simple while styling this particular shoot so her personality could shine through so I chose a lot of simple pieces with strong details.  This is a shoot you'll be seeing very soon but I have to admit I was just honored to be apart of it!  (enjoy) Toye*

I try to have a life every now and then.. "We see you lookin"

Toye Styled Me

Recently, I had the pleasure of being commissioned to style ABC Family's David Clayton Rogers for some promo shoots.  David plays a lead actor in Jane by Design and I was supper excited because during my research I learned that David is originally from Atlanta Georgia. Upon styling him, we talked about

Shop Toye

So finally.. There's some visuals for my Store. Hope you guys like it. It shouldn't coast an arm and a leg to have statement pieces in your closet.  For example this Alice and Olivia Top its perfect for chilly nights if you can pair it with a piece that shows off your silhouette like leggings or fitted shorts.  The The 90's Skirt is sooo Saved by The Bell and can be paired with a neutral top to keep the focus on the print.  (Also, if your top-heavy, print is good for taking the eye away from heavier parts of your body) The Geo Print Dukes are exclusive only to shoptoye! I do this for the people lol.. enjoy.

How to Become a Fashion Stylist: In The Beginning

So if you are following me on any of my social network  sites then you know that a while back I made a commitment to my followers that I would be sharing insight on how to become a stylist for Free! This came after a lot of people started asking me how they could get a started in the industry and what it would take to become a successful Stylist. So after a couple of small debates

The best revenge is... to live a "good" life... I mean a really, really, really good life.