Cocolah ♥ Funky Lobes

Fashionista and Jewelry Designer Marie is surely more than meets the eye. She's not only a talented designer but a savvy business woman and is quickly creating a name for herself in the underground fashion scene.

Her designs are unique using yarn as her medium to create delightful yet sophisticated pieces. You could totally where her jewelry with jeans out on the town or dress them up.....especially her bangles which I LOVE. Her use of color makes my heart smile but not as much as her telling me her moms helps her out somethings...too sweet. oh stop it...no time to get mushy so let's keep this moving along..

She's positioning herself as a stylist's bestfriend with her Brooklyn based "Marie's Closet"....But I'll let her tell it.

What is the first thing you think about before getting dressed?

The first thing i think about before i get dressed is: "what is my mission for the day?". That way i know if i have to put on heels, converse sneakers, or cute vintage boots. ♥

How long have you been designing Funky Lobes?

I have been designer Funky Lobes for 11 months. It will be one year in April.

How did you come up with your technique?

I came up with my technique out of boredom and an intuitive feeling that yarn can be used in fashion in more ways than knitting and crochet.

What can we expect in the future of Funky Lobes?

Funky Lobes is in the process of launching a line of vintage and reworked vintage items. I love vintage, always have but I am committed to bring vintage to fashionistas in a different way.

Funky Lobes will commercialize vintage for the masses. Watch out for us on college campuses, street corners, and many unexpected places.

You're also a stylist, what part of the job do you most enjoy?

My favorite part of styling is shopping and borrowing super cool clothes and play dress up with my subjects! so much fun.

Tell us a little bit about Marie's Closet?

Marie's Closet is a part of my company that allows fashion professionals (Stylists, models, photographers) to pull garments on a rental basis. We are also giving our clients to option to buy and rent out our studio for photoshoots.

What is your fashion pet peeve?

My fashion pet peeve is definitely those ugly, miserable, super duper annoying 'UGG BOOTS'. I think they are absolutely unacceptable. I dont care how comfortable they are.

Share one of your fashion secrets?

One of my fashion secrets is Grandma's Secrets wrinkle remover. It's absolute magic!

Name a recent fashion inspiration.

The cover of the current V magazine with Grace Jones on the cover reminds why I am so in love with what I do. Fashion is forever. Definitely inspiring.

What trend do you see in the future for underground fashion?

Underground fashion doesn't, well shouldn't have forecasts. I think the younger kids will determine what will be new and hip. I dont really follow much forecasting or fashion prediction in my daily life, but i have to for styling but it's pretty unpredictable what we will be the next IT fashion statement . If MC hammer inspired pants can make such a huge comeback, anything can.

What trend do you wish would just die, die, die?

I wish those damn ugg boots will go away. and i wouldnt' mind men being a little more masculine sexy in the way they dress

If you could travel to any country for a all paid shopping trip where would it be?

oohh, oh my. lets see. i would love to go Paris. I hear they have really good vintage shops and good coffee. I love coffee!

What would you choose: a personal tailor or unlimited shoes?

Unlimited shoes because I can always hire a good tailor, but unlimited shoes, now that's hard to resist!

Any advice for the future designers?

I think future designers really need to develop a strong business sense as well as their creative sides. I truly believe that your talent will become a hobby if you cannot make a living from it. I am still in the process of making a full transition but I fight for it everyday.

What do you think is the must have item on www.cocolah.com

I really want the Butterfly bag from Nit Ra Sit. SSSSOOOO cool. I have been drooling over that bag for a while!

For more information about Marie's Closet please contact marie@funkylobes.com

Cocolah meets Tr3y Stylez

1. What is the first thing you think about before getting dressed in the morning?

WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR TODAY?!!?

2. How would you define your style?

My style is a mixture of new and old, an influx of all my influences wrapped into one entity. An never ending growth process which can't be duplicated.

3. What is your hustle? How does that thing you do influence your style?

Well my hustle is acting…previously I was a perpetrator on the abc show Life on Mars! This influenced my style in many ways because it made me think outside of the box because it opened my mind to options as far as clothing options and how I mix and match various pieces to create something that no one can match!

4. Tell me one random thing about yourself.

I go off topic a lot meaning when im having a conversation with someone I just go off on a tangent out and start talking about anything random without any notice…I know its awkward well imagine being the person sitting there clueless.

5. What is your current fashion inspiration?

Russell Brand

6. Who is your fashion muse?

Jimi Hendrix

7. As a stylist where do you draw inspiration as to stand out in the over saturated field.

Well I draw inspiration from everywhere…whats going on around me as far as what the people are wearing and flipping it to my own signature look. I pull a lot from fashion magazines…and many fashion photography from the past…as well as the present…and from music artist! All of this fuses what resonates unto my work.

8. How often do you shop?

Not so often because I love to challenge myself with what I already have in my wardrobe which is a lot.

9. Do you have an alter ego? If so, who has better style?

Well people call me Tr3y Stylez…so I guess that's my alter ego….well he does has extremely better style than the old me.

10. If you were given the chance to have a full on shopping spree in one country where would it be?

Japan hands down!!!

11. What do you see in the future of underground fashion?

Well the future of underground fashion will be taking more of a move into the future as far as the fabrics, fit and color scheme but I feel that's going to be happening in fashion period.

12. What do you think is the biggest influence in fashion these days?

The biggest influence in fashion right now is taking from the past and making it current…fashion right now is becoming artsy so that's what all of the fashion houses and major fashion magazines are getting their inspirations from!!!!

13. If you could buy one thing without money being an object what would it be?

An amazingly impossible to find diamond ring!!!

14. If you could choose: personal tailor or unlimited shoes?

I would definitely chose personal tailor because I feel that if your cloths don't fit you to the utmost of comfortably you will not feel the best you can feel in your clothing! Its all about the fit.

15. What do you think is the must have item on www. cocolah.com?

House of Nassat Handmade crochet and suede jacket

From DR To FL to BK to Holland in 15 Questions

Fashion is all about inspiration, many things inspire style; art, music, street scene, location and transportation. I've loved Nadege's style from day one, its sorta a relaxed understated sexy, no fuss, no fluff, just strut. 

She's traveling the world making art and looking fresh in the process all without trying too hard. Check it.

1. What's the first thing you think about before getting dressed?
What underwear should i wear with this outfit. (Yah: she's just being a tease ya'll)

2. Be honest, how long does it take you to get dressed?
Well depends on if i am feeling the first choice. if so, then it takes me 10 min. if not who knows...(Yah: oh I know what you mean, once I start thinking too much its a wrap)

3. You recently relocated to Amsterdam, how has your style changed?
Its changed some. i don't shop as much, and i have to think about whether i can ride my bike on it or not. good thing is - heels are ok now, since i dont have to walk.

4. What can you say about the Amsterdam street style?
Dutch women and men are super european trashy as you might imagine, but every now and then you will see a gem or two. its more carefree, more hair gel, and more blonde.

5. Real question is, how are the thrift shops in Amsterdam?!?
The thrifts are good. yet its all the same as in NY. some are overpriced and some are decent.

7. How often do you shop?

Once a month i might go and look for stuff.

8. Has the economy affected your shopping habits?

No i still catch myself pressing the "add to cart" button.

9. Share one of your fashion secrets?
Simple is best and accessorize accessorize. also i don't like mixing silver and gold. call me old fashion.

10. Name a recent fashion inspiration.
I dont have any fashion inspirations, my mom was always the biggest one. she made her own clothes and bought expensive leather boots (cause she couldnt make them)

11. What trend do you see in the future for underground fashion?
ive never thought about future fashion, i just do me. if anything i see big hair, tiny belts, baggy/tapered pants, and a lil 40s fashion (not all together)

12. If you could buy one thing without money being an object what would it be?
i'd buy and open ticket to go to the portobello flea market once a month in london in notting hill. (Yah: trae chic!)

13. Who is your fashion muse?
The weather is my fashion muse. (Yah: good one dege!)

14. If you could choose: personal tailor or unlimited shoes?
Personal tailor all the way. i am not really a shoe chick. i think they are nice, but id rather be shoeless. but a tailor! can make anything look good on you even shoeless.

15.What do you think is the must have item on www. cocolah. com?
i am really feeling the sexy secretary dress, i would wear that everyday, if i didnt have to ride my bike everyday or walk in 40 degree weather.

The Agytators in 15 Questions

My granny would often look at me square and say "Dime con quién andas, y te diré quién eres" which means....Tell me who your friends are and I'll tell you who you are....mmm hmm you know that's right!

These ladies right here!!! I'm honored to call them my friends! LOVE EM!! Soon as I met them I knew there was something truly special about these ladies. That they'd someway, somehow make history. They are not the type of women who fade into the background.

Point blank they're Agytators.

Not only do they have style for days and days and days but these chicks are HUSTLAS!!! The Agytators understand the visual and psyche game the masses love to play these days and they play it well. They're quickly becoming super talented photographers, scratch that MEdia Queenz, style icons, social butterflies, one of those "need to know people"....Buzz Queenz. Is that an official term?? Might need to copyright that.

I asked my favorite girls a few questions...wanna hear um? here it go!!!

What is the first thing you think about before getting dressed?

COCO BLACK: I think… I need to watch some Best of Soul Train from the 80’s. And I do (Got it recorded).

MELLY SHABAZZ: First thought: I gotta make more money! My desire to develop fresh new looks for myself will probably drive me to become a millionaire (or insane) faster than any of my art forms.

Fashion drives me mad!
Fashion drives me mad!
Fashion drives me mad!

When dressing for an event what's more important: being cute, comfort, dress code or weather?

COCO BLACK: Being myself… which is undeniably cute.

MELLY SHABAZZ: Confidence is the most important item in any wardrobe. Without it, you’re not going to be cute or comfy.

What's your hustle?

COCO BLACK: Today I’m a Superhero Artist. Photography, film, music, and events. And tomorrow? Anything I want!

MELLY SHABAZZ: The Church of Manifesting Your Destiny Through Multi-disciplinary Arts Youth Outreach Ministry.

Does your hustle pay rent or do you have a side/day job?

COCO BLACK: I only write what will be. It pays the rent.


MELLY SHABAZZ: A hustle that doesn’t support your needs i.e. shopping, rent, mortage (if you got it like that), and food, is a dream deferred. I feel like a bootleg fortune cookie.

Who has a better style, you or your alter ego?

COCO BLACK: They both are pretty dope and keyed in. If Coco picks the dress, Tasha picks the shoes. Both say BE BOLD.BE BOLD.BE BOLD.BE BOLD.

MELLY SHABAZZ: Both are pretty fly. Mel is more of an emotional dresser than Melly.

How often do you shop?

COCO BLACK: Everyday! How? It’s a MYSTERY!

MELLY SHABAZZ: Every extra dime goes to fashion.

Has the economy affected your shopping habits?

COCO BLACK: A little little bit. Shop thrift, then you won’t have to worry about recessions cause you get the good sh*t dirt cheap. Valuable advice.

MELLY SHABAZZ: You can’t lose what you never had. Recession or no recession, I’m thrift store pimpin all day!

What is your fashion pet peeve?

COCO BLACK: Extreme Jodhpurs. They can’t be worn anywhere (even on horses) and they make everyone look like fauns. (Think Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.) Yuk!

MELLY SHABAZZ: Man capris…utterly digusting!

Share one of your fashion secrets?

COCO BLACK: Ebay. I will say NO more.

MELLY SHABAZZ: I gotta agree with Coco….EBAY.

Name a recent fashion inspiration.

COCO BLACK: Jeremy Scott, Viktor Rolf, random 80’s castoffs that can be reinvented.

MELLY SHABAZZ: Coco Chanel, 80’s and early 90’s sitcoms, and Rock Music.

Rock Music is a chief influence in what I’m transitioning into. It’s been very hard for me to accept rock music because of it’s blatant stealing from Black musicians without proper recognition. But since I’ve been able to get pass the thievery and embrace rock music, it has given me an exciting ambiance in which to consider my style and fashion.

What trend do you see in the future for underground fashion?

COCO BLACK: Big Russian Fur hats + foxtails with chains. ;)

MELLY SHABAZZ: Red lipstick on dark skinned girls = Super cute! Multiple chains + long pearls

What trend do you wish would just die, die, die?

COCO BLACK: Those hoodies that zip up over the head. Talk about stupid and pointless. Fashion should always have utilitarian value… no matter how ridiculous/audacious it is.

MELLY SHABAZZ: Square tipped nails--I hate them. Round-tipped nails are classic. Square tipped nails are gaudy and awfully tacky. I wish nail salons would refuse to shape nails in such a hideous manner.

Who is your fashion muse?

COCO BLACK: Myself. Hmmm… Grace Jones, Kelis, Soul Train dancers circa 1980’s (that’s a good secret), Peggy Moffit, David Bowie if he was a woman. So many.

MELLY SHABAZZ: Grace Jones- she’s the mother of fierceness and i’m extremely taken by Coco Chanel.

What would you choose: a personal tailor or unlimited shoes?

COCO BLACK: Personal tailor. I can always bind my feet, steal my mom’s ever-expanding mountain of shoes, and fit my size 9 foot into her size 5 shoe. Ha ha.

MELLY SHABAZZ: Personal Tailor—oh the magic we’d create!

Any advice for the wannabe fashionistas?

COCO BLACK: Be innovative and unique. Nothing worst than looking like an H&M mannequin. Nothing worst in the whole entire world! (Well, maybe this depression is pretty bad!)

MELLY SHABAZZ: Develop good taste. There’s nothing worse than good clothes on a person with bad taste.