Style Spotlight: Suzanne Boyd

Fashionistas don’t come more refined than this. Anyone who moves within fashion circles will know that the name Suzanne Boyd is synonymous with style and grace. Boyd, who grew up in Dominica and studied in Jamaica, moved to New York in 2004 to head-up the now defunct ‘Suede’ magazine. The magazine closing down shouldn’t make you question her talents. Boyd came to the publication with eight years experience under-her-belt working as the editor of Canada’s leading fashion magazine, Flare. It’s a shame Suede folded, I still have all four issues! I love the vision Boyd brought to magazine. The fashion pages were fresh and innovative and it was gratifying to read make-up tips I could actually use. There’s no word on what Boyd’s next project will be but I’m sure it’ll be effortlessly chic, much like herself. Read this 2004 New York Times article on her which was written soon after she’d taken up the position at Suede.

Photo: Suzanne Boyd attending the Vera Wang Spring 2005 fashion show during the Olympus Fashion Week Spring 2005 at Bryant Park September 10, 2004 in New York.

Style Inspiration: Eclectic

Erykah Badu looking chic and polished, but why the unhappy face? She always looks like she's about to 'shank a hoe!'
Suzanne Boyd, former editor of Flare and Suede magazine, and Kelis work their respective looks.
Red Top: Satin Spaghetti Top, $19.80, Forever 21; Round-Toe Shoes: Round Toe Heels, $22.99, Charlotte Russe; Clutch Bag: Surburban Snake, $38.00, www.amiciaccessories.com; Shirt: Bronze by Chulo Pony, $168.00, www.paper-doll.com; Flat Sandals: Tally Thong, $14.99 (On Sale!), www.hotkiss.com; Heels: Flux, $79.00 Franco Sarto; Jacket: Birdie Stump Trench B by OK47, $64.00 (On Sale!), www.paper-doll.com; Kimino Top: Satin Kimono, $24.80, Forever 21; Belt: Rhinestone Buckle Belt, $39.00, www.spiegel.com; Blue Bracelet: Maureen Braclet, $5.99, www.gojane.com; Tote Bag: Soft & Slouchy Sash Shopper, $82.00, Nine West; Dress: Moon Dress, $228.00, French Connection; Earrings: Green Shell Earrings, $6.50, Claire's; Skirt: Tropical Pleated Skirt, $27.80 Forever 21; Hat: Light Black Denim Fedora Hat, $26.95, www.goomoo.com

I'm really trying to broaden my style! I'm a basic colors kinda gal, who is always drawn to the black items in the store rather than the funkier stuff! So I took inspiration from the ladies above and found these cute pieces that I think I might actually wear... but not all at the same time!

Unburnable...

Author Marie-Elena John, Yvette Noel-Schure, Senior Vice President Media, Sony Urban Music, and Suzanne Boyd, contributing writer at Vogue and former Editor in Chief of Flare and Suede Magazines at the party for the release of John's new book "Unburnable" - Don't they all look fabulous?!
John Legend & Marie-Elena John; Marie-Elena John & her husband, William Smith II
Marie-Elena John's book cover

I had to tell you about a local writer who recently released her first novel ‘Unburnable’ (and by ‘local’ I mean Washington D.C!) The book follows female protagonist Lillian’s decision to confront her colorful past at the age of 36. It turns out her mother was a prostitute and her grandmother a serial killer! As Lillian travels back to her homeland, the Caribbean island of Dominica, a suspense-filled story unfolds as Lillian tries to answer the questions surrounding her families circumstances. The book has plenty of vivid sex scenes, but they add meaningful value to the plot and author Marie-Elena John abundantly references African, Caribbean and African-American culture - I certainly recommend it!! By the way, Marie-Elena John is a former Africa-development specialist and originally from Antigua ;)