Character Study: Martin's Pamela James

When we talk about television characters with style in the 90's, you just can't have a conversation without mentioning Pamela James of the 1993 sitcom "Martin". James, or "Pam" as she was known- played by actress Tichina Arnold- did not hold back on the tongue lashing and roasting sessions she got into with the show's title character Martin Payne, played by comedian Martin Lawrence. She also did not hold back on her style choices either. Her best friend and Martin's girlfriend Gina, played by Tisha Campbell, was downright conservative in her classic primary colored blazers and skirt suits whereas Pam made sure she was both seen and heard in loud form fitting body con dresses, hip plaid swing skirts and chain belts, ruffled blouses and she kept us guessing what next week's hairstyle would be- French rolls, ponytails, updoes, braids and more. Nobody was flyer than Pamela James! Her wardrobe was on point throughout the whole series and she was the epitome of 90's ghetto fabulousness, so how would I style her character today? Read on to find out:

1. The first outfit looks deceivingly simple, but it's the details that make it stand out. Pam's dark skin looks good in many different colors including a silky Kelly green blouse with a deep plunge and a slit in the back and is sexy enough without being too over the top. Paired with a black leather skirt and accessorized with button sized statement earrings that say "Nope", a stack of plastic black bracelets, a Gucci clutch and a pair of no nonsense maroon pumps, Pam is ready for whatever!

2. The second outfit is perfect for a semi casual brunch date with the homegirl Gina. Ruffle shirts were all the rage in the 90's and this white cropped version brings the look up to date when paired with distressed boyfriend jeans, a Chanel chain belt, some Gucci cat eye frames, an Apple watch, a sassy shoulder bag and white pumps. WERK PAMELA!!

3. The last outfit is definitely a club look for Pam! Ms. James had body-oddy-oddy for days and was not afraid to show it off! This multi colored baroque Kenzo dress would have sent her lover Tommy running after her for sure, especially when worn with a dark purple lip, gold Gucci horse-bit earrings, a gold Saint Laurent clutch and a velvet crisscross sandals by Rossi.

Yes, under my direction I would make Pam a soft label whore meaning she would not be wearing the whole collection of the current season, but I would do a high low mix of designer, boutique and big box store styles and accessories with vintage finds, and consignment shop treasures. Pam is high fashion, but she's not a slave to it and will not hesitate to pick up a gaudy bauble ring she spots in the beauty supply store in her old hood when she stops through for some edge control lol.