So, Olivier Rousteing of Balmain thinks that “…the face is the sexiest part of a woman’s body…” and it shows in the latest runway show for Spring/Summer 2025. From the bold lines and silhouettes to the beading and accessories, Balmain’s spring/summer 25 show is one of my favorites of the season. Some of the accessories have lipstick and perfume bottles incorporated into the design. What a genius collection, see more below.
Sincerely,
“Fashionably-Late”
Malinda F. Knowles
How are you doing? So, recently I copped this Mariah Butterfly Bralette from Sammy B. designs as I’ve been her fan for years. It was actually sold out and I had to wait for it to come back into stock. But when it did, I was one of the first ones buying! Samantha Black is a Jamaican designer that lives and produces out of New York City. I went to one of her fashion shows and heard of her through Harlem Fashion Row.
I never realized that racism was so rampant and horrible in the fashion industry until I got in it. I remember a teacher telling me while I was in school at the Fashion Institute of Technology that she would never support me because I am not white. And, most recently, I’ve been approached about lightening my skin and never reporting any wrongdoing by whites to the police. It’s really sad that we are still here as a society, but I love supporting my fellow black designers like Samantha Black.
If you want to support more black designers, check out Nordstrom where they partnered with Harlem Fashion Row recently.
Sincerely,
“Fashionably-Late”
Malinda Knowles
How are you doing? Have you been watching the Spring/Summer 2025 fashion shows? I have been following digitally as I am working down here in South Florida. I cannot help to notice how many of the shows include socks and stockings worn up to and even above the knee. Simone Rocha even featured some bedazzled socks. Is it me or is this a trend that I am spotting? Would you wear socks or stockings like this?
Jane Wade
Natasha Zinko
Sincerely,
“Fashionably-Late”
Malinda F. Knowles
Even though it’s still very hot in Florida, Fall is almost here. What better way to wear pre-fall than some grey cargo pants? Throw on a blazer and this would be a perfect look for fashion week. This look is great streetwear. I got the ensemble from Micas (cargo pants and bodysuit here), an online boutique I found on instagram. The pants are actually quite light and airy, perfect for a pre-fall look. I wore them with my favorite Isabel Marant black sneaker heels (similar here) that give a little height to my five foot two frame. What casual looks have you been wearing for pre-fall?
Photo Credit: Sergey Yusin
Sincerely,
“Fashionably-Late”
Malinda F. Knowles
So happy New York Fashion Week! I am down here in Florida working but am following digitally. Anna Sui showed a beautiful Spring/Summer 2025 collection full of ruffles, bows, straw handbags and curled hair. I just loved the looks and I couldn’t help to think some of them are perfect for a spring or summer picnic. Cutouts and see-through are still on trend for next spring and Anna Sui partook in the trend with the below blue and white dress. She also featured a few dressed perfect for a cocktail party or even prom for the kids. What shows have you been loving thus far?
Sincerely,
“Fashionably-Late”
Malinda F. Knowles
Hey there folks! How are you doing? I recently went to Palm Beach and grabbed a beautiful Max Mara dress from their shopping district. It is perfect for that garden party or brunch with the girls. There are sewn-in silver and sparkly brooches to make the perfect accent. And, there are pockets! I just love the dress and will definitely be wearing it as it is somewhat a classic piece. What dress have you been wearing in these last summer days?
Photo Credit: Sergey Yusin
Sincerely,
“Fashionably-Late”
Malinda Knowles
In a nod to Japanese culture, Naomi Osaka hit the US Open in style with a Nike x Ambush green outfit. Bows, tulle and ruffles were designed for the tennis star and she absolutely glowed and made quite the fashion statement. The outfit had a removable tutu and windbreaker that she took off to reveal a green tennis ensemble. She was returning to the court after a break for her mental health as well as a pregnancy. Check out more of the tennis champs’ look and original sketch below.
Photo Credit: Mike Stobe; Robert Prange/Getty Images
Sincerely,
“Fashionably-Late”
Malinda F. Knowles
So what’s going on? I stumbled upon this brand Sisterparty fishing around on instagram and really enjoy their sets. Some of the items are very sexy and bold but a woman should feel sexy, right? Anyway, peep this new orange set I found on their site. I wore them with my Good American clear heels (similar here) and some gold jewelry. It’s so hot this summer that the set is perfect to stay cool but look cute at the same time. Check out the outfit below.
Photo Credit: Sergey Yusin
Sincerely,
“Fashionably-Late”
Malinda Knowles
Happy Monday! Time to throw on that work gear, be productive and make some money. I recently copped a light baby blue Cinq à Sept summer shorts suit (blazer and similar shorts here) that is perfect for this heat. I paired it with some Dolce & Gabbana floral print heels and my Marc Jacobs blue handbag. I’ve been in financial services since 2006, working independently now with Knowles Financial Group.
Who says work clothes have to be boring? With a statement necklace and shoes, you can really jazz up a suit. Anyway, what have you been wearing to work?
Photo Credit: Sergey Yusin
Sincerely,
“Fashionably-Late”
Malinda Frances Knowles
This has to be one of the hottest summers on record. It’s been so hot here in South Florida that I’ve had to take multiple showers quite often during the course of one day. This God Save Queens Kiss & Ride Monokini is perfect to cool off in a pool or at the beach. I just love the design and the purple snaps that connect the chest. Down here in Florida, it probably won’t cool off for a while. But if you are up north, enjoy the last dog days of summer and go to a pool near you in this monokini. I’ve collected many bathingsuits living here in Florida and this one just might be one of my favorites. It makes me feel fashionable and sexy at the same time.
Where have you been getting your swimwear this summer? And, which is your favorite?
Photo Credit: Sergey Yusin
Sincerely,
“Fashionably-Late”
Malinda F. Knowles