SELF-DESTRUCT

I cant hold this world up around me any longer... so before the world collapses on me, I will do what I must. Like a samurai, my sword is poised in the air. Like a world leader, my finger hovers over this button.



Duality seeps like a virus into my mind and my decisions suffer. Do I enjoy this? Does it please me to act this way? I care no longer. Thinking becomes a task, so I choose not to.



I carry the truth like a burden on my back... and it has brought me to my knees. I want to cry out but this burden is mine to bear. So I moan in secret, and weep in isolation.

But this will not end me. My spirit is resolved now... I whisper His name and my call is answered. He gives me one more day, and I.AM.GRATEFUL.



Stylishly Yours
-JaKeen Couture

Model: Stephanie Hines
Wardrobe Stylists: JaKeen Couture and Redgi Woods
Photographer: Andrew Gruppe
Hair Stylist: Tennae Lachey

(If you would like to work with any of the artists mentioned in this post contact me at JaKeenCouture@hotmail.com)

REMNANTS

I DESIRE MORE...



How do I recover from the sins of my past? How do I smile through these scars on my face? How do I love with this fear in my heart?



They ask of me to be reborn, but I am battle scarred. They ask me to forget, but I will stay diligent. My armor is taken off, but not thrown away.




I AM SO CLOSE...

Stylishly Yours
-JaKeen Couture

Model: Stephanie Hines
Wardrobe Stylists: JaKeen Couture and Redgi Woods
Photographer: Andrew Gruppe
Hair Stylist: Tennae Lachey

(If you would like to work with any of the artists mentioned in this post contact me at JaKeenCouture@hotmail.com)

An Obsession By Any Other Name...

I need that... It must be mine... I have to possess that or I can not go on.



What makes an obsession? Is it always a negative force that overwhelms the mind and dominates the spirit... or could it be something else? What if an obsession was more than that... would it be alright?



Would it be alright if that obsession was a driving force that took you where you needed to go, to achieve what you needed to achieve? Would it be alright if that obsession transformed into passion? A flame ignited by your wants then fanned by an inner need to fulfill a purpose... your purpose.



That's what I have discovered. A passion so fervent, so absolute, so true that it has become undeniable to any that stand before me. Some could mistake this for obsession, but doesn't it feel good to know the truth for yourself? To know that I would do this just for the memory.



My "obsession" makes me smile... Or is that a smirk?

Stylishly Yours
-JaKeen Couture

Model: Stephanie Hines
Wardrobe Stylists: JaKeen Couture and Redgi Woods
Photographer: Andrew Gruppe
Hair Stylist: Tennae Lachey

(If you would like to work with any of the artists mentioned in this post contact me at JaKeenCouture@hotmail.com)

This Ship I Captain

This Ship I Captain... is heading toward rougher waters. My mind has changed and the weather with it. I'm leaving this norm I unknowingly created for the unknown I knowingly long for. Still waters are no longer my friend. My anchor is drawn up and I push forward, putting my fear away.



Complacency was that anchor and I can no longer afford to be bound. I have braced myself for this moment, my legs are strong, my back sturdy, my eyes focused, and my mind alert. Change is the wind that fills my sails and I welcome the gusts it sends to propel my journey.



I recognize this storm of my own creation and I am thankful. Thankful for the chance to test my skills and study the craft of living my life in a way that only I can. This storm will not capsize me... These waters will not trouble me... and those clouds will not shadow me for long. My victory is acknowledged and already written. I captain this ship and before I left the shore, I set my course.



Stylishly Yours
-JaKeen Couture

Model: Stephanie Hines
Wardrobe Stylist: JaKeen Couture
Photographer: Jasmin Wright

(If you would like to work with any of the artists mentioned please contact me at JaKeenCouture@hotmail.com)

The Sun Rises On The Other Side...

REFUGE... where do I find it? How will I know it? Why do I crave it?




When this world becomes just too much, when my dreams and imagination overwhelm me with emotion, when my visions turn to reality... where can I find solace?




There is this place I know. A place that allows me, just for that instance, to be still. To let my mind rest, and my spirit soar. This place is a beach. A beach that visually represents exactly what my heart yearns for. Where reality ends at the waters edge, and hopes begin just at the horizon.



If you do not have this place, find it. Find a place in your world that you can make your very own and then spend time there. You deserve every bit of peace you can grasp in this world filled with trouble. So I dare you to take it.

There is this place I know. A place of REFUGE... it's on the other side... where the sun rises



Stylishly Yours
-JaKeen Couture


Model: Stephanie Hines
Wardrobe Stylist: JaKeen Couture
Photographer: Jasmin Wright

(If you would like to work with anyone mentioned in this blog please contact me at JaKeenCouture@hotmail.com)

COUTURE: What's In The Name?

Someone once asked me what it meant to be couture... When I named myself JaKeen Couture, I pondered that same question. The world has its own meaning COUTURE: being, having, or suggesting the style; very fashionable. But I have come to a place in my life where the opinion of the world no longer affects my own. So I went forth to discover what makes my namesake, why it felt so right to choose it... or why it chose me.






Someone once asked me what it meant to be couture... When I named myself JaKeen Couture, I pondered that same question. Some believe that couture is high fashion. A privilege reserved for the rich and well off. A symbol of status, power, and entitlement. They believe that couture is worn by today's version of royalty; Celebrities, Politicians, Socialites and the like. So I went forth to discover what makes my namesake, why it felt so right to choose it... or why it chose me.






Somone once asked me what it meant to be couture... When I named myself JaKeen Couture, I pondered that same question. There are those that think couture is that special piece. The unique little black dress found at that thrift shop on the corner, the charming necklace buried deep in your grandmother's vanity, maybe even those amazing pumps with the bow grabbed from another's hand at a vintage boutique. The one-of-a-kind piece that you didn't know you couldn't live without, until the light hit it just right. So I went forth to discover what makes my namesake, why it felt so right to choose it... or why it chose me.






Someone once asked me what it meant to be couture... When I named myself JaKeen Couture, I pondered that same question. Then I answered it. It meant to be the one-of-a-kind person I was meant to be. Even without the clothes, the fashion, the lifestyle, I would still be JaKeen Couture. I could still walk into a room and demand the attention because I adore the skin I am in. I could still be your friend from omaha because I acknowledge that my geographical location has nothing to do with my spiritual, mental, physical, or fashionable journey. Couture, I realize, is a mindset. When I put on my clothes in the morning, I adorn my mind in what it means to be couture simultaneously. When I style a model for a photoshoot, I wrap her in confidence. And when I tell my friends to try those other earrings, I set them up for a night of decadence. All these things make up the essence of couture. So I went forth to discover what makes my namesake, why it felt so right to choose it... or why it chose me.







Stylishly Yours
-JaKeen Couture

Model: Stephanie Hines
Wardrobe Stylist: JaKeen Couture
Photographer: Jasmin Wright

(If you want to work with anyone mentioned in this blog please contact me at JaKeenCouture@hotmail.com)

Chic. Classic. Cool. CHICAGO

The woman here has many faces. Many styles. Many ways. She has a certain flair recognziable to those that are cultured and well traveled. An elegance demonstrated in the her stride. An ease that disguises her magnificent strength, and a smirk that shines light on her jazzy soul. This woman is CHICAGO. A mixture of what womanhood and feminity is all about. She has inspired me to make her my home, and demanded that I share my inspiration with others. So I welcome you to this place. An oasis of fashion, culture, art, beauty, life, and dreams. I welcome you to CHICAGO, as seen by myself, JaKeen Couture. Enjoy her, she's divine.


At first glance she is CHIC. Captivating, Hard, Inspiring, Controlled. Represented by a vintage jumper with an embellished, strong shoulder detail. The deep v collar is given texture with suede trim. A braided rope belt and suede knee high black boots. This look exudes Chicago because of the obvious details. Still elegant without losing the boldness of it all. *I adore her, she doesn't even notice me*




Walk down her streets and tell me what you see... CLASSIC. The ease of life wrapped in designer apparel. This feeling is expressed by the beige minidress, effortlessly sexy with a sweetheart neckline. You can never go wrong with a nude shoe, but being who she is, its given a twist by being a patent leather ankle boot. What sets her apart from others is that classic doesn't imply colorless. The shape of this 3/4 sleeve jacket has staple piece written all over it, but the pop color keeps her young and fresh. *She breezes by me and I had to look again*





This look is the heart of her. She defines COOL... then redefines it everyday. What I love most about her is that she allows you to be who you are. She makes it clear that she knows herself. The way she wears high fashion so casually displays her sophistication. A monochromatic look is trendy enough for the young, but permanent enough for the veterans. Her choice of a white and cream corset paired with a beige calf harem pant is almost devastating in its simplicity. The shoe is all the drama she needs on a day like this. The mustard yellow platform with a pointed toe shows that she is thoughtful in her selection. The accessories are dialed down to diamond studs and an on trend pearl/chain bracelet. This look shows that sometimes less is much much more. *I need her in my life, she gives me life*

Stylishly Yours
-JaKeen Couture


Model: Stephanie Hines
Photographers: Jasmin Wright and Mg Oania
Wardrobe Stylist: JaKeen Couture

(if you are in the Chicago area and you are interested in working with any of the above mentioned artists contact me at JaKeenCouture@hotmail.com)