A Fashionista In the Pandemic

The Golden Diva Who Branded The Brand!!!

fash·ion·is·ta
/ˌfaSHəˈnēstə/
Learn to pronounce

1.a designer of haute couture.

2. a devoted follower of fashion.

“sleek designs that press all the fashionistas’ buttons.”

Happy Wednesday, Golden Divas!

Now that you know the definition of the coveted word fashionista, let’s dive right into this exclusive interview.

This Golden Diva interview is all about fashion in the PANDEMIC because the world of fashion has not stopped because it has been tilted on its axel. Fashion is still thriving right through COVID-19 into 2021.

Fashion is not just a means of clothing your body, it is the essence of your personality and beliefs, and you know what, designers are well aware of the power they hold, and so are our local fashion influencers.

Golden Diva’s, did you know Designers’ predictions and designs for the coming season are more hotly anticipated than any other revelation in the world? If you didn’t know, now you know.

Ladies, pandemic, or not the variety of different styles can bring out the beauty in every woman and this diva hanging out with me at the club, beauty is shining through and through.

Whether it’s fashion couture, retail shopping, or thrift shopping, it takes a fashion-forward woman to brand the brands with style and grace. There’s nothing like a confident woman being fashion-forward who knows how to make her clothes and her hair work for her.

As you might know, there’s always a fashionista in every Golden Divas tribe that is very stylish. You know the one, ‘THE SHOW-STOPPER!’  The diva that turn heads everywhere she goes, whose closet is filled with all of the classics and latest trends.

My guest, today at Club Fifty, is a fashion influencer who gives most women closet envy. She has branded the brand of top fashion designers, executed their label, and made it her own. Her excellent taste in fashion (especially those eye-catching hats), jewelry, shoes, purses, and her more-than-perfect outfits, coupled with her ability to turn any piece (no matter the cost) into a must-have number, is something to be desired in every woman’s closet!

Now dare I say it, that’s a confident woman, that knows she is not competing with other women, but empowering, and connecting through the sisterhood of fashion. 

Golden Divas, one thing I truly love about this exquisite diva is she is always willing to tell you where and how much she paid for her eccentric piece of clothing. Don’t you love it, when a woman with impeccable taste who is not threatened by other women tells you how to get the same deal she got?  

Ladies this stylish maven has an eye for bringing pieces together. She knows how to mix classic pieces with extravagant and daring ones, a risk that most women dare to take; this RISK-TAKER has been making fashion statements a priority all of her life.

In other words, this fashion icon understands that balance is a vital asset, and it’s the little things that make an outfit a gorgeous one. Take, for instance, an oversized polyester t-shirt dress with a logo phrase only a boss lady will understand, topped with a fedora hat, pearls, and white ankle boots? Yes, please, to the woman walking the runway of life every time she steps out of her house in an attention-grabbing outfit.

From the high end of fashion to a modest way, she has the magic touch!

Let me introduce you to one of my dearest friends. I had the pleasure of interviewing her four years ago in May of 2017 when I first started my Club Fifty blog, her topic was on fitness and wellness and she has been killing the game of fitness ever since. This golden diva is a master fitness trainer ( who is one of the baddest sistahs in the business) and one of the most influential trendsetters I know. Yes, she evens look pretty while she is working out.

I met her at First Chicago over 28 years ago and our friendship has gone beyond friends at work, it has blossomed into a bond of sisterhood. However, back in the day and even, now I had mad respect and admired this bowlegged diva as she walked the floors of Corporate America looking like a fashionista every day. She never blended in; she stood out in the crowd with her impeccable taste in fashion.

Her plucked-from-the-runway look has many elements that draw the eye, from the balloon sleeves to the bow on the neckline to the sequin evening gown. It all works together to make a statement — and to bring attention to the person wearing it. Chicago’s very Own Fashionista Icon!

Her fashion of choice is undeniably beautiful but also incredibly fun to wear. Her clothes are not stuffy or uncomfortable — instead, they’re often bright and bold, dramatically influenced, making her look like the supermodel that she is in the Windy City. She even brings the heat in the wintertime with her fashion!

My girl loves designer brands such as Gucci, Dior, Prada, Chanel, MK, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Louboutin (the classic Red Bottoms), Yves Saint Laurent, and many more high-end designers. But let’s be clear the label doesn’t make her, she makes the label, by putting her own spin on the fashion and branding it ‘ERNI’S WAY!’ 

This fashion diva has swept Chicago with her fashion trends. She has taken me under her wing to dress under a dime, at thrift stores, jewelry stores, to mixing expensive pieces of clothing and accessories. Although this fashion queen may have the ‘MAGIC TOUCH’, don’t be fooled that she woke up this glamourous. This beauty planned out her attire for the morning from the intricate details to look on point in all of her designer brands. She gives herself enough time to get ready in the morning, and it shows in her fashion throughout the day.

This Golden Diva is a prayer warrior, my fashion guru, and one of my most supportive friends, and she loves ‘HOUSE MUSIC.’ Most of all, she is beautiful on the inside as well as the outside. My fondest memory with this beautiful soul is how we both love the song ‘FLASHLIGHT’ and how we automatically start singing it whenever we hear it together. We also tend to laugh at how we met back in the day (you will have to be there with us in person to listen to this story).

My Big/Lil Sis (as I affectionately call her) is as pretty and flawless as they come wrapped up in her Fendi cape, and her go-to Louis Vuitton Hiking boots, ready to fight your spiritual and physical battle side by side with you. Whether you are trying to get right with the Lord, lose some weight, or you’re trying to feel better, ‘THE PAIN DOCTOR’ my Westside diva (you have to say it the Chicago way…WESTSIDE!!!!) will always be in the trenches with you to get you just right. She is your biggest cheerleader, to cheer you on to much success while looking like a million bucks!

There is no doubt that she has branded the brands of fashion designers with style and grace. Ladies…

MEET EARNESTINE DAVIS

Wife, Mother, Entrepreneur, and Friend to All.

Earnestine is a visionary and game-changer. She is the CEO and Founder of Present Your Body Fitness and The Adullam Journey (a 12-week holistic journey to physical, mental, and spiritual wellness). She is also the proud owner of her online Cannabis Dispensary, Wakanna; The Crown Jewel of CBD.

Earnestine has been married to her wonderful and supportive husband Ken Davis for over 26 years and has four children; Ernesha, Tory (Meaghan), Lundyn, Jaelen, and her beautiful grandson; Knox. She is a Licensed Minister “Minister Erni” and attends New Life Church South East, Pastor John F. Hannah, Senior Pastor. Earnestine is a fashionista and has set the fashion world on fire with her sense of style, elegance, and grace. Earnestine is a show-stopper and never disappoints when she steps on the scene.

She has been committed to helping hundreds of men and women maintain a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition and exercise.

Earnestine is a Certified Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, and Influencer. She holds over 20 certifications from Cardio Kickboxing, Boot Camp, Yoga, Pilates, Metafit, to name a few. She prides herself on her no-nonsense approach to exercise. Earnestine’s newfound passion has been her fascination with Cannabis and the Endocabanoid system.

She continuously educates herself on the Hemp plant and all the healing properties that the plant provides. Her goal is to educate and inform all people about Cannabis and remove the negative stigma associated with the Hemp plant. Earnestine is known as “The Pain Doctor” because she knows the Wakanna products have helped hundreds of people live a pain-free life, including herself and her husband, who suffered bone-on-bone hip pain.

Earnestine is excited about her next chapter because she’s stepped out of the ’50s and has turned the page to her 60’s. She’s excited because she’s living in Ephesians 3:20; “He is able to do IMMEASURABLY more than all we ask or imagine.”

Happy 60th Birthday to My Fabulous Fit Friend!

IN CONVERSATION WITH EARNESTINE DAVIS

C50: Erni, what does the word “fashion” mean to you in a world where fashion seems to be less fashionable during the Pandemic?

ED: Fashion is a state of mind: from rocking hair, lashes, makeup, lips, facemask, bomber jackets to capes and ponchos, leggings, dresses, Louboutins, timberlands, whatever makes you feel comfortable is your fashion statement.

C50: What’s trending in ‘The Master Workout Queen’ closet, athletic, comfy or stylish clothes?

ED: When I work out with my fitness team, I always dress to look fabulous, especially when working out. I NEVER come to class in a Big ole shirt and sweat pants. When I show up, I’m representing my brand; my hair is laid, I may have on lashes; lips will always be popping, and my workout outfits match from my sports bra to my gym shoes. The image in my profession is important. When my clients see me, they want to be me. It may sound vain but think about it. If I’m not the full package, you will shop elsewhere.

C50: What are some of your current fashion obsessions?

ED: I’m obsessed with legging’s ponchos, boots, over-the-knee, riding, and Louis Vuitton Hiking boots (OMG! My go-to boot). I love a hot gym shoe.

C50: Have there been any fashion twists on a tradition for you?

ED: Yes! Since the Pandemic, I have not had a chance to wear a lot of my fashionable outfits. Fashion is geared around my home base fitness business, so I have to rock my workout hoodies, compression sleeves, and crop tops and make them a fashion statement.

C50: Have your fashion rules changed since this calamity began? Has the impact of COVID-19 affected your fashion choices?

ED: Yes and No. The rules have changed, but not the fitness game. We now rock fashion masks; I have pearls; rhinestones, designer, basic black, neon, you name it. Please put on the hospital-grade and rock your Diva mask over it! Remember, we always want to look and feel pretty.

C50: Erni, do you venture out to shop for clothes, or are you doing a lot of online shopping, and are accessories an oversized go-to item for you in the Pandemic?

ED: I do both; Online and boutiques. YES! My accessories are my everything. Sometimes I’ll buy an outfit to rock the accessories. I purchased an incredible costumed hat, still looking for the right outfit to rock it with. I will probably get the outfit costumed.

C50: I know you are rigorous and responsible, so I have to ask the fashionista, do you match your masks with your outfits?

ED: Hahahaha refer to question 5.

C50: What is your style and beauty guide to fashion essentials during the Pandemic?

ED: Ladies, get those facials, manicures, pedicures, massages, and PLEASE moisturize, especially the hands. We are over-spraying the sanitizer due to the Pandemic.

C50: Have you started experimenting with different fashion styles during this epidemic?

ED: YES! I’ve been playing with hair! BIG HAIR AND BRIGHT COLORS. I flew to Vegas for my birthday, and I was stopped every other block by all ethnicities loving the BIG PURPLE hair. OMG, I felt like a celebrity. Some even asked to take my picture. I was on Rush street here in Chicago, and this Caucasian guy asked if he could take my picture. I reluctantly asked WHY?? He responded, “BECAUSE YOU’RE F*&%KING FABULOUS! I couldn’t stop posing! Lol!

C50: Erni, how do you stay fashionably on point in a world of calamity?

ED: Fashion, for me, is a way of life. I started collecting Kaftan’s (it’s an African garb); you can wear them as loungers, pajamas, or you can rock them going to the grocery store. So I will accessorize with a head wrap or pull my hair up in a bun. Again, it’s all about your mindset.

Bonus Question

C50: Since we have been sheltering in place, fashionista, do you dress up at home, or are those days long gone and forgotten?

ED: It depends. One of my friends had a virtual pool party! Yes! So you know most black women who go to the pool party don’t get in the water. So we had on our fabulous bikinis (yes, bikini, I have a 26″ waist) cover-ups and beautiful straw hats and fabulous oversized sunglasses and our martini glasses. We sipped on our adult beverages and had a blast over zoom.

C50: There you have it, Golden Divas, the Fabulous Fit Fashionista who has taken Chicago (and Vegas) by storm! By the way, she just had a big reveal for her virtual 60th Birthday party, and this diva cut off all of her hair and is looking fabulous!! Do your thang Erni!!

Nearly a year into this new way of living in the pandemic, every girl has a ritual of holding on to some form of normalcy.  What are some of your fashion must-haves during the pandemic?