May 2013Faces of Black Fashion: May 2013

Thursday, May 30, 2013

The First Step to Natural Beauty

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tree Hut for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

During the Summer months my feet require three things: chic (preferably) embellished sandals, fresh pedicures and a great moisturizer. We often neglect our feet in the winter months since they’re mostly hidden behind socks, boots and closed toe shoes. However, summertime calls for a lot of outdoor activities, open-toed shoes, and plenty of opportunities to flaunt your feet. Let the good times roll!

To get my feet ready for the summer and to keep them soft and moisturized all throughout the summer months, I am looking forward to trying  Tree Hut foot cream and Tree Hut foot scrub. Tree Hut Hand & Foot Care products are developed to keep hands and feet feeling smooth and healthy. Made with certified organic Shea butter and natural oils and extracts, the products make skin smooth and soft.  The products also restore the skin’s elasticity and moisturize and repair skin damage. “Bye Bye” to cracked calloused feet!

 photo treehutfoot-GoogleSearch_zpsdd84afd4.jpg

Unlike many other products on the market, Tree Hut’s products are 100% Paraben free and contain no DMDM.  Using Tree Hut’s environmentally friendly products shows that natural beauty does not have to come at the expense of the environment. I love it when we can achieve a win win. Maxi dresses and embellished sandals will definitely be apart of my style rotation this summer. In celebration and support of #naturalbeauty, I chose earth tones in creating ths polyvore look:

Natural beauty
 
 
 
To learn more about the prducts like Tree Hut on Facebook and follow Tree Hut on Twitter You can purchase Tree Hut’s product at Walmart stores nationwide. Here’s to being #naturalbeauty this summer!

 

Visit Sponsor's Site

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

The Black Bride Feature

In honor of wedding season, I'm sharing photos of beautiful black brides. Enjoy!!! If you are getting married this wedding season, a heartfelt congratulations. If you aren't blog shy, please submit your wedding photo(s). We'd love to feature and celebrate you. 











Cheers,
~Nika

Monday, May 27, 2013

Nika Notes:Ten Things to Do While You Are Single



Today is my fourth installation of Nika Notes. I created Nika Notes as a segment to share my thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas on a variety of topics. If there's any topic you would like me to discuss in a Nika Notes post, please leave a comment or send me an email and let me know. Today's post is an edited version of a post I wrote for my old blog. I hope you enjoy!



It's natural to want love.  On some level,  we all want to experience true love. We want to be loved fully for who we are by a person we love in return. For everything there is a time and a season, and while there will be a time where we (hopefully) find the love we crave, there is also a season called singleness.

If you are single, how are you  spending your season of singleness?  Are you going after our dreams and cultivating your talents and gifts? Are you taking full advantage of opportunities that might be difficult to enjoy once you are a spouse or a parent? Or, are  you moping around and complaining about the lack of a mate in your life?  How do you want to look back and remember your single years? How are you spending this season in your life?

Singleness affords you the kind of  freedom where you can accomplish a whole lot. Take full advantage of and enjoy this time. You do not want to look back in regret saying you "would have," "could have," or "should have."  

Here's a list of things I think every single women should do before she gets married:


1. Strengthen your faith

2. Travel.  There are many different places to see and experiences to  have, now is the time to do it.

3. Volunteer

4. Chase your dreams.  It's sometimes easier to do this without a family in tow.

5. Live in a new city, if even for a little while. Discover a new city, a new culture and a new way of life. Even if you decide to settle down in your hometown, you will be a more well-rounded person because of it.

6. Get your financial life in order. Now is the time to really cultivate/develop good financial habits.

7. Treat yourself to nice things/gifts.  Do nice things for your self like going to the spa or treating yourself to nice gifts. You deserve it! 

8. Spend time getting to know and affirm yourself.  You will  be better equipped entering a relationship knowing who you are and what you want and knowing the value you bring to the table. 

9. Address past hurts.  Take the time to forgive transgressors and address past hurts. Do not bring unneccessary baggage from the residue of unforgiveness into your future relationships.

10. Develop strong meaningful friendships.  We all need someone to turn to and good friends can often provide good advice and a fresh perspective on life.  Meaningful friendships enhance and enrich our lives.  

Is there anything else that you would add?


Cheers,
~Nika


Friday, May 24, 2013

Black Fashion Week Montreal

This past week Montreal hosted its first Black Fashion week. Senegalese Fashion Designer Adama  Ndiaye created Back Fashion week to promote diversity in fashion.   Adama launched the first Black Fashion week in Paris to amazing reviews. She plans to expand Black Fashion week to Brazil and the United States. Black Fashion week Montreal featured designers hailing from Senegal, Jamaica, Haiti and Cameroon. Adama also showcased her newest collection from her line Adama Paris. Below are photos from her collection:





Video of the show


Cheers,
Nika

B.Des Collection Giveaway Winner


 The winner of the B.Des Collection Jessi dress giveaway is Shana McCreary. 

Congratulations Shana!!!!!

Please email me with your information so you can receive your lovely dress!


The winner was chosen by Random.org.

Cheers,
~Nika

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Introducing Stephanie of Boucles La


 Today it's my pleasure to introduce Stephanie, a stylish and chic blogger from Paris with fabulous style and equally fabulous hair. Read Stephanie's interview below: 

Tell us about yourself, who is Stephanie?
I'm a french blogger living in Paris who enjoys life. I like taking photos of this beautiful city, Paris, or my every day looks. I also love cooking and having tea with my friends. 



What inspired you to start a blog? 
I always got great compliments about my outfits. Several times in the streets, people ask me where I bought this or that item so I decided to start my blog.  



Where do you find inspiration?
On the street, in magazines, or in books.  

What are you looking forward to wearing this summer?

Lots of colours and prints.


Anything else?
Welcome to my world!


Find out more about Stephanie's world at her blog Boucles La.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Five Things I Love About Solange Knowles' Style

1. Solange is the queen of mixing it up.  When I think about someone who mixes prints and patterns well Solange easily comes to mind. She's the  queen of putting together the most unlikely pieces into a fashionable masterpiece. Mixing prints can be tricky, it takes skill, a good eye and a daring streak to not only pair the right pieces but to wear them with confidence.



2. She's retro glam! Solange wears vintage-inspired and vintage clothing very well. She adds her own unique flair to vintage aesthetics in a way that makes them chic, wearable, and glam. I love her interpretation of vintage.




3. Solange is a sartorial risk-taker. Solange is in a style league of her own.  Because she takes risk, kicks the rules to the curb, and follow her own style bliss, her style is inimitable. She has skillfully crafted her own unique style aesthetic by taking risks.





4. Solange has a mean shoe game. Solange's shoes always take her outfits to the next level. I want  her shoe collection.






5. Her style is Sassy and Classy.  Solange knows how to strike the balance between sexy and classy. It's not always an easy balance to strike, but she does it very well. 


Are you a fan of Solange's style? What do you like about her style? Do Share!!!

Cheers,
~Nika

Get more style inspiration. See my post, Five Things I Love About Erykah Badu's Style

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Personal Style: Pink Cropped Pants







Olive & Oak Cropped Pants: Similar HERE
Express Leopard Print Top: Similar HERE


Cropped pants are a top trend for this Spring/Summer.  It took some convincing to get me to buy into this trend, because I wasn't a fan of the cropped look. Nevertheless, I've found a few great pairs, and now I can't stop wearing them. I like them in bright stand-out colors like the pink ones I'm wearing in this look.

Remember to enter the B.Des Clothing Dress Giveaway!

Cheers,
Nika

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Naomie Harris and Solange Knowles at Great Gatsby Cannes Premiere

Both ladies  look absolutely  stunning. Naomie's dress is sleek and elegant while Solange's look spells haute couture.





Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Fashion Designer Spotlight: Brittany DeShields (+Giveaway)


Are you
Detailed
Trendy
Sexy
Original
Exclusive?

If so self-taught fashion designer Brittany DeShields has the perfect collection for you. Brittany's ready to wear collection, B.Des, was created with the sexy, intelligent and fashion forward in mind.  Brittany is keenly aware of how her collection works to enhance and highlight the unique qualities we all have. Read more about her collection below.  



Introducing Fashion Designer Brittany DeShields
Philadelphia native, Brittany DeShields is a self-taught seamstress and fashion designer who realized that sewing was her passion. At the age of 12, her grandmother brought her a sewing machine and she hasn’t stopped sewing since. 

B.Des Collection
In 2008, Brittany DeShields created her own company and launched her very first Collection. B.DeS. Brittany DeShields is brave enough to challenge herself with
each new collection that she creates. This New Collection, Spring 2013, really shows the growth
in her creativity and in her work. Some find their talent by training while Brittany's talent was
nurtured by birthright.

Here are some of the pieces from the B.Des Collection  

Jessi Dress

Telia Skirt

Paradisa Swim Wear

Navy Panther Top

View the entire collection HERE

GIVEAWAY!!!
Brittany DeShields is also sponsoring a giveaway for Faces of Black Fashion. One of you lucky readers will have the chance to win the Jessi Dress (pictured above). To enter all you have to do is follow the blog and comment on this post naming your favorite piece from the B.Des Collection.  The giveaway closes on May 22, 2013. Good  luck!!!

Cheers,
Nika

Monday, May 13, 2013

Personal Style: Light Blue Shirt Dress + Yellow Wedges

Blue & Yellow: Shirt Dress and  Wedge Sandals


The shirt dress is one of those pieces that represents stylish simplicity. It's easy breezy, and the perfect outfit for everyday casual activities like shopping, running errands, or catching up with friends. The shirt dress is a versatile piece that you can have tons of fun with by accessorizing with belts or jewelry or creating a completely different look by layering.  









Forever21 Shirt Dress: Purchase HERE
Yellow Wedges: Similar HERE
Tan tote bag: Similar HERE

How do you usually wear the shirt dress?

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Happy Mother's Day!



"God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers."

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers!!!

Happy Mother's Day to my mother. My sister and I are beyond blessed to have her in our lives.


My mother is a true example of a woman with grace and class. From her I learned so much including the importance of compassion, faith and prayer. She encouraged me to be and express myself and nurtured my sense of style and love for "pretty girly things" when I was a child. I distinctly remember going shopping for my kindergarten (or basic school as we say in Jamaica) graduation where she allowed me to choose my own dress. I chose the frilliest, and what I thought was the prettiest, dress I could find and felt like a princess on my "big" graduation day.
My mother is an absolute joy, she's been constant source of support, encouragement and love. 

Happy Happy Mother's day to my dynamite 
mother!!!!


L to R: Me, my sister and my mother on my sister's wedding day.

Friday, May 10, 2013

Caribbeans Arriving In England: Style, Elegance and Class

I discovered these photos and sat marveling at the profound history staring back at me. Afro-Caribbeans began immigrating to Britain in droves to fill shortages in the labor market after World War II. My own grandparents migrated and lived in London for years before returning back to Jamaica. 

There is so much style, elegance, and impeccable dignity in these photos. Look at the little girls' matching coats, dresses and hats!!! These photos are inspiring. 



Check out this post for more vintage photos.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Menaye Donkor on the BBC

Former Miss Universe Ghana and current philanthropist  Menaye Donkor, recently appeared on the BBC's Focus On Africa program to speak about her charity, the Menaye Charity Organization, which was established by Menaye in 2004. Menaye's charity supports the welfare of underprivileged children in the Central Region of Ghana. 

 In speaking about her charity Menaye has said: 
 “I have always been taught that education is the most important gift you can give, because no one can ever take it away from you, and I know that we are giving these children the opportunity to go on and achieve great things. I am therefore delighted that everyone is coming together to support a great cause and help raise awareness.”

Menaye is just one of the many dynamic women that I love to feature on the blog. She's a woman who wears multiple hats while looking fabulous. I love Menaye's look for the segment, but I most admore the work she's doing with underprivileged children in Ghana. 






Monday, May 6, 2013

Personal Style: Rain in Southern California - Structured Blazer + Shorts



One of my nearest and dearest is in town for a visit, and I am so happy to have her here! Though I love L.A., there's nothing like having friends and family visit me, it's like having a slice of home away from home. In other news, I passed the bar exam!!!! I have been celebrating the past few days. To say  I'm ecstatic is an understatement. Having a very close friend here to celebrate with me makes this accomplishment even better. 


Today we had a relaxing day, it was rainy but we still found time for fun. 







Todays's outfit



Cheers,
Nika