High-necked silhouettes

^^ source

The weather has been crazy cold for most of the United states, and here in Atlanta, we have record breaking lows (single digits!). All I want to do is stay inside with a good book, a mug of hot tea, and with the heat blasting. But if you must venture out into the arctic air, a turtleneck with multiple socks, long johns, a scarf, gloves, and a thick winter coat is a must.

Turtlenecks are perfect for the fahsionista who doesn't want to compromise her style for warmth and comfort - It's where function meets fashion! They may seem outdated, frumpy and geeky but they can be preppy and classy or flirty and chic. If you're still a  skeptic, here are some of my favorite ways to rock the classic turtleneck.

^^ Love this dark gray sweater turtleneck paired with patched denim jeans and a tan clutch. source

^^ Mustard yellow + houndstooth printed pants? Yes please! source

^^A navy turtleneck paired with these patterned green pants and a statement necklace makes this look super chic. source

^^ This cute a-line midi skirt is a classic silhouette and I love it paired with a black turtleneck and statement necklace. source

^^You can never go wrong with neutrals and a blazer! source

^^ The unexpected pops of color make this look super fun and flirty. source

^^ Turtlenecks not only come in solid colors but cute patterns like this black and white striped one. That statement necklace adds a nice edge too. source

^^ The classic black and white is very elegant. Love the textured black turtleneck paired with the black blazer. source

Q: Are you loving these turtleneck styles? Do you wear turtlenecks? How would you wear them? Let us know in the comments!

xx, Monia

Pat Cleveland

When you think of African-American super models, you might think of Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, or Iman Chanel, but there's was one (among many others) who paved the way, and her name was Pat Cleveland. As one of the first black super models, Pat Cleveland, was a tall and slender beauty with black wavy hair and fair skin.

She was born in New York City in 1952 to parents who were versed in the arts. Her mother was a painter and her father a saxophonist. Her modeling career happened by chance when she was only 15. She was on her way to classes at the LaGuardia Performing Arts school and was spotted on a New York Subway by Carrie Donovan, an assistant editor at Vogue magazine. The assistant editor was so impressed by her style that she invited her to Vogue to do a trail shoot. She was even published in a feature as an up-and-coming young designer in the world famous magazine.

She was soon modeling for Ebony magazine, which gave her a platform and she began to attract the attention of major fashion designers. But success was bittersweet. She grew tired of racism in the US and the modeling industry and moved to Paris in 1970 where she vowed never to return to the US until Vogue printed its first black cover (Beverly Johnson was the first African American model to grace the cover in 1974). 

Paris was a fresh start for her. She began modeling for big names designers such as, Christian Dior, Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent, and Oscar de la Renta. The runway became a new success for her because she brought an artsy flair. Janice Dickinson once said, "when she moved, she painted the air around her with the clothes."  

Cleveland continue to model into the 80s. She slowed down her modeling career when she married and had two children. Today she is still a force to be reckon with as an ageless beauty. In her latest gig, she teamed up with her daughter Anna Von Ravenstein (they look like twins!) to model for Zac Posen's 2014 resort collection.

^^ Zac Posen resort 2014 collection

Q:  Gorgeous right?! Who are some of your favorite fashion models? Share in the comments!

xx, Monia

Cozy sweaters!

Happy Monday!

You might remember this lovely Suakoko Betty Peplum dress from this blog post here. It's the perfect transitional dress and looks great styled with this orange sweater for those cold nights.

Here are a few cozy sweaters to try out for yourself!

one/ two/ three/ four/ five /six/ seven

Q: Which sweater is your favorite? Share in the comments!

xx, Monia

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Holiday gift guide for the girly girl!

The Suakoko Betty 2013 Holiday Gift Guide edition focuses on the girly-girl in your life. You know, the one who always seems to be immaculately put together, with pristine nails, flawless makeup, loves dressing up in skirts and dresses as well as jeans with a pair of heels and her perfume always lingers whenever she leaves a room . She loves bright, happy colors and believes that the more sparkle the better. To her, the word feminine is not just a adjective but a verb. 

Here are a few gift ideas for that girl in you life: 

1. Recipe box /2. Mini nail lacquer set /3. Over the rainbow macaroon collection /4. Mug with gold tone lip print /5. Hello metallic graphic card case /6. Smokey warm eye-shadow palette /7. Monogrammed soaps /8.Paris- New York earrings /9. Bow collar necklace/10. Red gloves with bow /11. Professional make-up brush kit /12. Chanel flower foil print/13. Scallop gold ring /14. Hello tee /15. Color block leather passport case/16.Ceramic jewelry tray/17. Twisted peppermint gift set/18. Quilted black cooper grand strap watch/19.Hunter rain boots /20. Metallic dottie sheet set/ 21. Busted: The Foundations Guide to Bras that Fit, Flatter, and Feel Fantastic (book)/ 22. Gold jewel cuff

 xx Monia  

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The Suakoko Man!

Who or what is a Suakoko man?

He's bold, dapper, takes risks, and doesn't shy away from prints and color. He accessorizes with sunglasses and hats and the occasional watch or bracelet. He understands the meaning of a tailored suit and mixing prints. He values eccentricity over convention, especially when it comes to fashion, and is confident in whatever he wears.

Follow Suakoko Betty on Pinterest for more style inspiration! 

xx, Monia

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