August 2012Faces of Black Fashion: August 2012

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Back to School Giveaway!!!



Madrag Stores Giveaway
MadRag stores is hosting a back to school Facebook giveaway where you can win a $100 gift card by entering through their Facebook pagehttp://www.facebook.com/madragstores.  It looks like a fun contest where shoppers can go out and put together their “first day of school look,” make a video showing it off and  share it on Facebook.  One lucky shopper will be chosen to win a $100 gift card! And you don’t have to be a student to enter – anyone can go out and create a fun “first day of school look.” As a thank you we will also be giving away a $25 gift card to one of our readers (and you can tell them a simple way to enter). “ Please see the flyer below for the rules on entering the Madrag Stores Video Haul contest:



Madrag/Black Fashion Bloggers Giveaway
Madrag has also teamed up with BFB to giveaway a $25 gift card to one lucky reader. To enter:
-You must be following Black fashion Bloggers; AND
-Comment below telling us something you're planning to purchase this Fall.

The contest is open until September 07, 2012.

Enjoy!!!!



Monday, August 27, 2012

Introducing Elle of Eat Style Play

I love Elle's style! The woman can rock a dress or a skirt with a fab pair of heels with ease, you'll see what I mean when you her pictures below.  I prefer dresses and skirts to pants so she's a woman after my own heart. Along with owning and expressing her fab personal style, Elle is a sweetheart. How do I know this? She supports her fellow sister bloggers. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Elle and her fab blog, Eat Style Play. 


So tell us about yourself, who is Elle? 
I'm a native Washingtonian, who's passion is to create food delicious food, create my own style, and have fun. It took me a few years to get to a point where I was confident about my love for all things aforementioned. 



 What inspired you to start your blog? 
 4 years ago, I started a gossip blog. It wasn't until my grandfather made a comment about how America is sucked into celebrities and don't have priorities that I changed my blog. I then went for an inspirational blog finding cool items, and sharing my ideas of style. Eventually I started posting personal post. I was hesitant about posting style pictures, and finally started to do so after a little encouragement from my other blogger friends. My food post were inspired by my grandmother who taught me how to cook, and blessed me with the skill of creating a meal out of nothing. 



 How would you describe your style? 
 This is hard, I have style that changes, I love wearing leather, I love having an edgy feel. But there are sometimes when I want to just throw on jeans and a vintage tee. My style is all over the place depending on my mood. Just the other day I felt a little gothy. I wore a long black lace coverup, dark wine colored lips and a fang necklace. It wasn't too crazy, but i had watched all 3 or 4 Underworld Movies, I wore it well, and people loved it. Sometime i'm inspired by the craziest things. 



 Where do you get fashion inspiration?
I get my inspiration from magazines, like V magazine, Nylon, People Stylewatch. I find it in blogs as well, my favorite being Where Did You Get That. I love Karens style because she is able to dress in so many styles, and I feel like I'd wear so many of her outfits. I'm also inspired by the Man Repeller, simply because she doesn't care, and we both share that feeling of loving fashion no matter what men think. I've always had a weird taste growing up and showing up in head to toe red wasn't the best when trying to bag a little boyfriend in junior high haha. I never got hit on and I know it was because I scared half of them away with some of the crazy stuff I used to wear like platform Chanel Shoes that my step-dad found at the thrift store. I was already tall, and now I was taller then most of the boys. I got Zero play. 



What are three of your favorite pieces in your closet? 
 Lanvin Oxfords that I'm ready to rock this fall. Prada Color Block Wedges that I brought on my vacation in Rome. American eagle Outfitters Skinnies, that I always run to when I'm out and about.


Be Sure to visit Elle's lovely blog HERE

Thursday, August 23, 2012

A Touch of Elegance

Elegant, Classy and Beautiful!

Friday, August 17, 2012

Blog Birthday: Happy Birthday Black Fashion Bloggers

Black Fashion Bloggers is one years old!!!!!!!!



I got the idea to start Black Fashion Bloggers a few weeks before the first post. I created the blog but hesitated to post wondering "Will people be interested in reading this?" "Is it separatist?" Nevertheless, a few weeks after creating a blogspot name, I received an e-mail from someone who came across the blog. She wanted to let me know that she thought the concept was great, and that she was excitedly awaiting my first post. Her e-mail provided me with the gumption to get Black Fashion Bloggers off the ground when I posted the first feature.

In one year, I've gotten tremendous words of encouragement in support of the blog, and I thank you! I've "met" and discovered a range of beautiful bloggers who I've had the pleasure to feature on BFB. Through the blog, I learned that no, BFB is not separatist in any form. It's celebratory. It celebrates black fashion, black beauty and creativity. It's a platform that shows the diversity of style, beauty, and fabulosity we bring to fashion as black women and (men).

I excitedly look forward to see the continued growth of BFB. Thank you so much for reading and contributing. It means a lot to me. Happy First Birthday BFB!!!!!!!!

Monday, August 13, 2012

Introducing Courtney of Color Me Courtney


Courtney's blog is INCREDIBLE, and I'm not sure that word in it of itself fully captures the gem that is her blog. It is meticuously designed with the right touches of creativity, her photos and style are dazzling, and her posts are fun and informative. I discovered Courtney's blog via a Facebook link, and was impressed with her individual style and her blog. I am awed by how she stylishly mixes colors and prints. Additionally, Courtney has a knack for engaging her readers with her upbeat and fun posts. It is my pleasure to introduce Courtney and her blog Color me Courtney.



So tell us about yourself, who is Courtney?
Who is Courtney, that is always a fun one to answer. My personality is really a direct reflection of my person style: I am bold, adventurous, confident, creative, curious  and above all colorful... hence the name Color Me Courtney! I just turned twenty two and am excited to see what this year has to offer! I work extremely hard (I just received my MBA in business marketing & management) and play even harder (I love to host extravagant themed dinner parties). I am always looking for my next big adventure; last year it was San Francisco and next year it will be New York! I am a shopaholic, but am also really cheap so I love to treasure hunt at thrift stores and also end up making a lot of my clothing, accessories and home decor. I am a geek at heart (I love me some harry potter) and a total book worm. I often burst into song, off key and without warning, just for the fun or it and am always dancing! I dare to be different and enjoy standing out so I walk, twirl and dress to the beat of my own drum without fear of ridicule or rejection and with a big smile on my face. Above all, I am fearless when it comes to fashion and love to share my style with everyone interested via Color Me Courtney



Who or What inspired you to start a blog?
I have always been into fashion & known for dressing outside the lines, but my mom really inspired me to start a blog. She read about some fashion challenge where a woman choose 15 articles of clothing to wear for two weeks, my mother challenged me to do the same. I am crazy competitive and always up for a challenge, so of course I resorted to make twenty days worth of clothing with only six articles of clothing while documenting my time on a blog I created. After that I was hooked! My blog has evolved quite a bit since then, and still is a continuous work in progress. Now I am continually inspired by designers (kate spade, Moschino, Trina Turk, Valentino), fellow bloggers, vintage pieces, celebrity looks (Emma Watson, Sarah Jessica Parker) & really anything else! Above all, my fabulous followers keep me inspired to continually push the envelope and produce valuable posts that can enhance their worlds & wardrobes! 


Who are your style icons? 
Well that's always a fun question to answer! First and foremost, Jacqueline Kennedy! She has a classic and timeless style that every woman can relate to. She was one of the first women to take fashionable risks while maintaining a level a sophistication and taste! Even now, women can still learn a lot from reviewing old Jackie O outfits. In white denim & a simple tee or a designer gown & pearls Jackie always made an impact while exuding confidence and a silent power that all woman can and should strive to achieve! Don't worry, I am smitten with some fashionistas from this decade as well. At the top of my list? The Adorkable Zooey Deschanel! Not only do we have some of the same pieces, but we both wear glasses and embrace our inner geek! Not far behind is Gossip Girl's Blair Waldorf! Queen B is no stranger to Color Me Courtney, where she is featured and style stalked often, and who could blame me for doing so! For Blair, every day is a fashion show where she's wearing classic shapes with touches of whimsy and taking chances with colors and patterns!

What are three items that a woman needs in her closet?

Yay, necessities! Every woman needs to invest in key basics! I suggest doing so every year, because even a budget-ista can rebuild their wardrobe with a few key pieces! Black cigarette pants are a must for all! They wear well for work or weekend & can look good on any body (as long as you tailor correctly and choose fitting details: If you are tall make sure they hit slightly above the ankle, if you are curvy opt for basic back pockets and slimming side seams). Wear them with flats and a tee or high heels and a classic blouse! Show stopping soles are another closet must, If you love spots you need a pair of polka dot pumps! And if you are a leopard lady make sure you have some wild heels! Flats can be just as fun or festive if you invest in ones with great details or in a bold color. Whatever you choose for south of your ankles, make sure they are comfortable & good quality so you can wear them for life! Thirdly, button down blouses can be wardrobe workhorses! Wear them with denim, layered under sweaters, tucked into a skirt, knotted over a tank or layered under a dress... the possibilities are endless! 

What have you been wearing this summer? 
 Peplums! I first started putting the pep in my step last year, and have been all about the perfect peplum ever since! Luckily, peplum were crazy popular last spring so I was able to add some pretty peps to my closet! Peplum tops work great with pencil skirts, ciggy pants, high waisted shorts or full skirts! You can layer under or over them & synch them tight with a belt! Peplums can also be crazy flattering for a lot of body types because they pull you in while helping you look & feel thinner!


 
Anything else?

About Color Me Courtney: My blog is a place where I share my life & style while encouraging people to push fashion boundaries. I am dedicated to living, dressing and blogging outside the lines to deliver valuable content to women (and men) everywhere who dare to be fabulous. Fashion is all about expression and experimentation and cmc provides me with an outlet for taking chances and playing dress up! With color me courtney, I hope to brighten the worlds & wardrobes of fashionistas (or the fashionably challenged) everywhere, by sharing my style tips, tricks and over-the-top outfits, which will hopefully inspire readers to have as much fun with fashion as I do!


Be sure to visit Courtney's awesome blog HERE

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Introducing Kimberly of Diary of My Stylish World

Today I am delighted to introduce you to Kimberly, a well-rounded and dynamic woman who is showing us that you can wear many hats and still look fabulous. Wife and mother are just two of the hats that Kimberly wears, and she joins the ranks of the fabulous features who are showing us how to be well-rounded, dynamic and fabulous all at the same time. As she says, "motherhood and womanhood can be amazing when paired together." It is my pleasure to introduce Kimberly and her lovely blog, Diary of My Stylish World


So tell us about yourself, who is Kimberly?
Kimberly is a married mom of 3 kids. Their ages are 14, 4 and 16 months. I'm often very silly but serious at times, goofy but then reserved.  It's hard to describe myself because I feel like I'm always changing.  My favorite thing to do is ....What else , Shopping ! And not just shopping for me I love shopping for everyone.






What can readers expect to find when they visit your blog?  

My blog is all about allowing readers into my world. From date nights with my husband to fun days with the kids to shopping tips or just fashion pics of mine and my lil ones style. My goal is to inspire mothers and single women not to loose site of their self expression. That motherhood and womanhood can be AMAZING when paired together.



How would you describe your style? 

My style is Urban, Classic and sometimes Edgy. But it changes a lot depending on my mood.





Where do you get fashion inspiration? 

 Honestly , everywhere. I go on multiple blogs a day, thumb through magazines. I also get inspired by random people on the street. Oh and tv shows (reality tv of course). Lol




What are three of your favorite pieces in your closet? 

I have so many pieces that I love but I guess if I had to choose 3 I would say first my Fendi chain cross body handbag,  it's the perfect size for day and night and it goes with everything. Second my American Apparel red clutch bag , it always adds a very modern and chic look to everything especially paired with red lipstick. Last my Abercrombie & Fitch denim jacket it's like 10 years old and I just love throwing it on over funky tees or cute day dresses.

Anything else

I'm new to the blogosphere so bare with me and show me some love and I'll do the same.
www.Diaryofmystylishworld.com
www.facebook.com/
DiaryOfMyStylishWorld
Follow me on Twitter @MyStylishWorld
www.bloggers.com/MyStylishWorld
http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3919385
Email me at  mystylishworld@aol.com

Thanks Nika !! :-)



Be sure to check out Kimberly's lovely blog HERE

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Solange + Madewell - Match Made in Style Heaven

Solange Knowles is the new face of hipster clothing company Madewell. In my opinion they couldn't have made a better choice given Solange's knack for expressing her individuality and having fun with her unique style. Go Solange!








Video of Solange on set with Madewell

Friday, August 3, 2012

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Introducing: Stevie of Cut-rate ChiChi


I discovered Stevie's style (and natural hair for that matter) on an online forum. Because I loved both her style and hair (inspiring to say the least) I clicked the link to her blog for more inspiration.  It is my pleasure to share the inspiration with you in introducing Stevie and her fab blog Cut-rate ChiChi.  

So tell us about yourself, who is Stevie? 
Of all the questions this seems to be the hardest. I don't want to be too boring with a list, and then I don't want to ramble as I'm doing right now. So, who is Stevie? I'm a mother of two  (a 6 year old son and 12 year old daughter), FAMU Alum, creative spirit (wtf) and my mother says I have ADHD; my mind goes a mile a minute. I have tons of great new ideas, I just can't seem to stick with one. What's that about? lol... Oh yeah, and I'm 31.


What can readers expect to find when they visit your blog? 
My intent was to do daily updates of what I wear and to post about fashion in general, but there's so much more that I want to do with the blog (see answer to question number 1 above). I'm a newbie blogger, so there isn't much content to sift through right now, but please stop by for a visit and check me out.


How would you describe your style?  

Honestly, I wouldn't. I'm not being a hard ass or anything, I just don't know how to. I wear what I like and what I think will look good on me. My three favorite places to shop are Forever 21, Goodwill and JCPenney. My wallet is always full, and so are my shopping bags, Win Win! But some days, most days, I will throw on an old t shirt and some jeans, not exactly fashion forward. Then there are days when I call myself trying to put pieces together to create new looks. My wardrobe isn't huge, my kids have more clothes than me, so I'm constantly Tim Gunning it "Making it Work"

Where do you get fashion inspiration?  

Everywhere. Women on the street, fashion blogs, friends, old pictures of my mom and grandmother, magazines... The list goes on.



Do you think your natural hair has an impact on your style? 

Not really. While I do love my hair, I rarely wear it out. I wear a wig (My Tammy) 75% of the time, I'm just really lazy. I get up just in time to get myself ready for work and its a struggle, so one less thing to do makes life easier. 

What are three of your favorite pieces in your closet?  

I have a pair of red knee high boots from Aldo that I have never worn, but they have this vintage look, they're gorgeous. I love those darn boots, they look so pretty in that big white box on top of my shelf. That's the story of my life though, buy clothes and shoes and let them sit in the closet looking pretty. Told you I'm a t-shirt and jeans girl. My Lumiani booties, they are a pain in the ass, more like ball of my feet, but I love those things. I've had them for four years and they're still on trend. Lastly, my Blank NYC Denim pull on bell bottoms. You can dress them up or down, no matter what I wear with them I always feel so good when I walk out of the door.



Anything else? 

I'm currently in the process of opening a vintage shop on Etsy next month. Please follow the blog to stay updated. You can find me amongst the rest of the internet dwellers at these places 



Be sure to visit Stevie's blog HERE