Achieved this awesome fro with Motions Define My Curls Creme
Category Archives: FASHION
A Classic Style for My Bestie’s Wedding
This past weekend was my best friend’s wedding, and it was perfect. I felt so honored to be her Matron of Honor. There was a bit of a struggle on my end as to whether I should straighten my hair for the wedding or go with a natural up do. So, I left it up to the bride and she wanted me to go with a classic up do, so that’s exactly what I did. Here are some pics from start to the final look. She was very pleased which was my number one goal. I used the Cantu Creamy Hair Lotion and Eco Styler with Olive Oil to achieve this look.
Pushing the Corporate Envelope
I LOVE pushing the envelope when it comes to wearing my natural hair at work. I’m in a corporate environment Monday – Friday 7:30 to 4:30 so every day I do my hair in the morning I’m thinking of yet another way that I can do something a little more outstanding than the day before. Being one of 3 african american individuals on the floor I work on, blending in isn’t really an option. And I am truly thankful for that! Outside of the fact that the Book calls me the salt of the earth, intended to offer a bit of spiritual flavor to an otherwise bland atmosphere, I love the idea of contradicting a corporately correct fit with a curly fro or super high mega bun. I love being different. My natural hair affords me the opportunity to be different every single day. Holy Spirit lives in me and my every day goal is to change the atmosphere he puts me in. Some love me and others love to hate me. At the end of the day the only thing that matters is that I love me.
Don’t be afraid of wearing your natural hair styles at work. Don’t fear that they could potentially hold you back from advancement. God is your source, your job, is just a resource. Love yourself. Be yourself. And the next time you think about wearing that style you’re just not sure is ok for work…go for it. And don’t just wear it, OWN IT!
Curly Support
I partnered with an incredible woman tonight who owns a fabulous fashion mobile boutique. White Tent Runway is leading the mobile boutique revolution in the Tampa Bay area and stays on the cutting edge of fashion trends.
I had the opportunity to talk to several ladies who are either natural or currently transitioning at the boutique’s first Friday event, Style Studio. As I encouraged them on their journey’s and offered various natural hair tips based on my experiences I couldn’t help but think about the importance of that kind of interaction when you are in the midst of such a significant change as transitioning.
You may not realize it initially, but not everyone is going to be supportive of your decision. Unless you are fully committed to your natural hair journey there is a good probability that you will not make it to the point of truly being able to enjoy your natural hair. During your transition or post big chop people will look at you sideways and make rude remarks, and unless you are confident, know who you are and love yourself completely, you could easily be persuaded to give up on your journey and revert back to your relaxed hair. If you’re going to do this, you’re going to need curly support!
Staying encouraged by surrounding yourself with people who are supportive of your decision to embrace your natural hair texture is critical! Find inspiration and motivation to stay committed to your journey through other naturals. Visit YouTube and find channels that keep you positive. I encourage you to check out my channel here. Talk to other naturals that you know and trade products and tips. Keep it fun. This is an exciting time in your life. Don’t let people who are unsupportive bring you down. The quote below sums it up It’s only a matter of time before they start asking you how you achieved such gorgeous hair so don’t give up!
Mad Morning Essentials
It’s hard not to feel good about yourself when you’ve had an opportunity to genuinely apply yourself in the morning. You’ve paired a perfect outfit for the season, created a new hairstyle sure to turn heads and finished it off with a sensational face beat. Unfortunately our realities don’t typically run this smooth. So, how can we assure self confidence in our appearances on those days when we can’t find anything to wear, our hair doesn’t cooperate and we struggle to find time to even apply foundation? Here are my essentials, especially for days like this:
1. Self love on point: this is where loving who you are really comes into play. Recognizing my natural beauty allows me to be confident even on days like this.
2. Mandatory JC check in: usually on days like this I’ve gotten off to a rough start which can have a negative impact on the rest of my day which shows! Getting some prayer/devotional time in during the morning and sporadically throughout the day helps to keep me positive and peaceful.
3. BREAKfast: Even if my rough morning has caused me to run late I always make sure to eat breakfast. A hungry tummy will only contribute to any festering negativity.
3. GLOSS: it’s amazing what a little lipgloss can do. On days when I don’t have time for a complete face beat I rely on my lipgloss. I find that it keeps me looking fresh throughout the day even when the rest of my face is naked.
That’s about it! Those are my mad morning essentials. The next time you’re facing a mad morning of your own try some of these ideas and see if they don’t help get you back on track
Be you beauties!
No Better Season for Shoes
I don’t think there is a season better than fall for rocking ridiculously awesome shoes. The options and versatility of shoes for fall are endless! From strappy heels to pumps, wedges, booties, boots and sneakers, it doesn’t get much better for a shoe lover than the beautiful season of fall.
I recently happened upon this incredibly unique pair of Zigisoho wedged booties. I wore them for the first time today and I don’t think I’ve ever had so many conversations with so many different people in one day about my shoes! It was crazy. I absolutely love the color contrast between the gray on the shoe and taupe chunky strap Not to mention the texture of the shoe which also suites the season nicely I’d definitely say these shoes are well worth the $30 I paid on clearance with my $10 coupon at DSW. Doesn’t get much better than that. As a Florida girl I welcome the season of fall to the sunshine state just as happily as I welcomed this great pair of booties to my feet!
Mirror Mirror in the Handicap Stall
Sometimes, going to the bathroom has absolutely nothing to do with going to the bathroom. That’s probably more true for me than most other people. I go to the bathroom several times a day just to look at myself. No, I’m not narcissistic and yes, I have a healthy level of self-esteem. My reasoning is completely rationale, at least for me.
Part of my Be You Beauty is my love for makeup. Doing an incredible face beat always makes me feel good. They say that when you look good you feel good and it really is true! Despite what may be going wrong in my work day all I have to do is take a trip to the ladies room, lock myself in the handicap stall and look at myself. I know that probably sounds crazy but in addition to some chat time with JC, it really helps me get through! I figure hey, it’s ok to have a rough day, but don’t look like it. And you know what I’ve noticed, the way that I look has a positive affect on the people around me too. I can’t tell you how many conversations I have a day with different people about my makeup, hair, clothes or nail color. I think that the effort I put into my appearance inspires others and encourages them to separate themselves from their every day grind. This is not at all my primary intention but it makes me feel good to have a positive affect on others nonetheless. Anything I can do, consciously or subconsciously that encourages women to embrace their Be You Beauty is part of me walking in my purpose.
So tomorrow if things get rough, maybe you should take an extra trip to the bathroom.
My Color Obsession
There’s nothing like have a trending style fall totally in line with something you already love. That’s pretty much how I feel this fall about the trending color of cobalt blue, my absolute color obsession. This color is so rich, vibrant and beautiful. I honestly can’t get enough. Spring, summer, fall, winter…whatever! I wear it year round. But how awesome it is to actually have it trend for the fall season this year. As a result, I’ve taken it to the next level because, well, why not! Whenever I have an opportunity to pull this beautiful blue tone into my look, I do it. I especially enjoy using it as a pop of color but am NOT afraid to to pile on the cobalt and pair it with a deep colored lip for a more dramatic look. I am totally looking forward to discovering new ways to wear this great color. I was inevitably going to bring it into my look for fall anyway, it’s just a bonus that it happens to be trending. Rocking my Be You Beauty has never been so fashionably colorful and fierce! Here is a sampling of me styling my ultimate color obsession!
My Color Obsession
There’s nothing like have a trending style fall totally in line with something you already love. That’s pretty much how I feel this fall about the trending color of cobalt blue, my absolute color obsession. This color is so rich, vibrant and beautiful. I honestly can’t get enough. Spring, summer, fall, winter…whatever! I wear it year round. But how awesome it is to actually have it trend for the fall season this year. As a result, I’ve taken it to the next level because, well, why not! Whenever I have an opportunity to pull this beautiful blue tone into my look, I do it. I especially enjoy using it as a pop of color but am NOT afraid to to pile on the cobalt and pair it with a deep colored lip for a more dramatic look. I am totally looking forward to discovering new ways to wear this great color. I was inevitably going to bring it into my look for fall anyway, it’s just a bonus that it happens to be trending. Rocking my Be You Beauty has never been so fashionably colorful and fierce! Here is a sampling of me styling my ultimate color obsession!
A thrifted jacket & Big hair
Paired this super nice thrifted jacket with this sort of snake skin patterned dress from Macy’s with pops of cobalt and purple. Topped it off with a beat face of purple tones including this incredible lipstick by Revlon VaVa Violet. And I can’t forget this 5 day old wash and go with tons of volume. Love! Happy Friday :o)
TJ Luvs Being Natural 