Hi, I am Cassandra Edouard, a single mother of three beautiful children. As a child, I remember dressing up in my mother’s clothes and heels like any little girl. I wanted to be classy and dress high-end. I loved fashion—so did my mom. I dreamed of being a model, just to be the mannequin. While in college, I began doing fashion shows, and after having my first child, I ventured into the fashion industry. I started modeling, doing runway and photo shoots. Even though I was in the industry, part of me wasn’t confident enough, but I still enjoyed the idea of being a model.
As I got older, fashion became my first love. I felt I didn’t have the money to afford high-end, quality clothing like the celebrities I admired. I love good material—quality over quantity anytime. However, I started to realize it’s not just what you wear, but how you put it together. When shopping, you have to be mindful of color, texture, and materials that complement your body type. I firmly believe you must dress for your body type and choose colors that complement your skin complexion. Accessories are just an add-on. I would also say: dress your personality—who you are and what speaks to you.
For example, I like to dress classy and sassy. I love bright colors, and I am dark-skinned. I know polyester, satin, velvet, and certain cotton materials complement my skin, depending on the color, dress, and fit. Lately, I’ve been venturing out and trying new things. I’ve learned that being simple speaks volumes. Some mornings I wake up, throw on heels, and feel like Beyoncé. Other days I feel like Taraji P. Henson from Empire, Ciara, Rasheeda from Love & Hip Hop, Fantasia, or Sarah Jakes Roberts. And I can’t forget Coco Chanel or Marilyn Monroe. In my head, I envision myself—how I would want to look and how I would style myself.
As social media grew, trends began to look different. Style started to reinvent itself. Now we have influencers and brand ambassadors shaping the fashion industry. They teach us how to put pieces together and what’s trendy to keep that sass, sexy appeal, and seductive look.
I would play dress-up, purchase items from different places, and try to put them together to create a look that spoke to me. After having my children, my body wasn’t the same. Mothers understand how the body changes. I tried to find clothing that fit my body type, but it didn’t speak to me. I knew I wanted to lose weight, and even in losing weight, I struggled to find the right size that felt like me. I understand why women want a mommy makeover—to feel confident, to look good in their clothes, and to not worry about hiding certain areas. We all want to feel snatched and confident.
I became insecure. My self-confidence was at zero while I was trying to find my identity in my femininity. I wanted a mommy makeover. I wanted to look good—not just for my future husband, but for myself. I wanted clothes that fit well and defined my body. I didn’t care about a bigger butt; I just wanted a flat stomach and perky breasts. I wanted to feel confident in my clothes.
But my relationship with God changed that. I prayed about it, and He told me no. I went back and forth with God, explaining why I wanted it, but He told me I would regret it in the long run. He said the man He had for me would prefer my natural body. He also showed me what I would look like after losing weight naturally, without surgery. I have nothing against women who choose surgery—do whatever makes you happy. I’m just sharing my conviction. I do feel a way when I see women get surgery and come out looking great, but I also felt saddened by Jackie, who lost her life during her mommy makeover. As a mother of three, I understand the desire to feel confident, feminine, empowered—“womannality” (yes, I made that up, but it sounded good).
So I decided to lose the weight and get back into my fashion game. I know how to style women. I can look at a woman and tell her what would look good based on her body type. A lot of times, we follow trends, but trends are often marketing tools to sell products. What looks good on someone else may not look good on you. Everything is not for everybody, and I learned that.
I’ve bought clothes that looked amazing on the hanger but didn’t look good on me. Some outfits require fullness on top or bottom, balance, or certain proportions. I loved what I saw, but it wasn’t for me. I would already know who it would look good on and call that person to tell them about it—and it always worked. Fashion is trial and error.
My aunt told me, “You never know what looks good on you until you try it.” That stuck with me. We take risks in relationships, finances, and careers, so why not fashion? For those scared to step outside the box—like me—try something new. Even hair color changes your whole look. Hair must be cohesive with your outfit.
I learned that if my hair wasn’t giving, my outfit wasn’t either. Fashion has to make sense from head to toe. I love styling from hair and makeup down to the outfit. Simple always speaks volumes, but if you’re dramatic, give Beyoncé-level energy.
I’m a mix of both—sassy, classy, simple, but bold. I used to be afraid to be myself because I didn’t want people to judge me. But people judge you whether you’re doing good or bad, so who cares? I admire Gen Z for being bold and confident. They dare to step out and try, and I respect that.
Some days I dress based on my mood—and you should too. I love a bodycon dress and heels; it complements my body well. My friends always joke stating that "if you go out with Cassandra, you better dress up and wear heels." No, not true. I’m a girly girl—I love pink, heels, and a purse. Think Sex and the City meets Fantasia and Sarah Jakes Roberts.
I’ve also learned to be versatile. I was never a sneaker person, but I embraced it. I was good at styling others, but not myself. As a stylist, people want to see receipts. If you don’t look the part, they won’t take you seriously.
To all mothers, wives, and women: let’s change the game and slay in our own beauty. Let’s accessorize our personality, speak volumes, wear confidence, and walk gracefully.
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