February is the month of love in all its forms, including loving the fashion in which you wrap yourself each day.
Trends come and go, and right now they’re all about extremes, said Victoria Baldwin, owner of Slimflyy in Pensacola.
“2024 fashion trend is all about the drama! Metallics, ruffles, voluminous structured garments, oversized clothing,” she said.
While February loves red and pink — and Mardi Gras sparkle — calming blues are making a big fashion statement currently.
“Color palettes are pastels and neutral tones,” noted Baldwin.
Looking ahead to spring, designers are showing sheers in modest cuts. Preppy looks are back but more streamlined.
Jeweled chokers, long layered necklaces and simple retro pendants are popular jewelry picks. Bold power pearls, mermaid core jewelry, huge hoops and statement rings are trending.
Jakima Murphy
By day, Jakima Murphy is a dental hygienist.
“I attended PJC for my dental assisting. Since then, I’ve been in the dental field 17 years strong,” said Murphy, who was born in Pensacola before moving to Las Vegas with her military family and finally back again.
“I currently work for Community Health Northwest Florida Dental, where I’ve been for the past ten years. I assist in the clinics and our mobile dental units where we treat kids in Escambia and Santa Rosa County schools.”
When she’s not promoting the oral health of area schoolchildren or interacting with her own children, parents or extended family, Murphy has found a new passion. She models and has done commercial work with A Different Swag, Pensacola’s showcase for models that represent the real world.
“Modeling has created a way for me to walk in a creative light and experience different looks through each designer, makeup artist and visionary I encounter,” said Murphy, who embraces the stage name Jakima Divinite when on the runway. “I’ve been told I inspire people to feel more confident in their skin.”
And she sings — solo and with The Smooth Soul Band.
“My passion is being a singer/songwriter/entertainer. I am a singer for hire,” Murphy said. She has music on most digital outlets and envisions more creating and performing of original music in the future.
Her first single, “Feels Like Summer,” was inspired by some of her favorite Pensacola experiences. She’s featured on “Forever Legacy” by JSapp Madstak, a project she describes as “encouraging and uplifting.”
“I think everyone should hear it!”
Loving herself well is a skill Murphy has honed over a lifetime and practices daily.
“Love yourself means to me to take care, accept, correct and protect myself, acknowledging my abilities and limits, setting and keeping boundaries. I no longer allow myself to do things out of influence from others or FOMO. I love life and let things happen naturally.”
