August 2013Faces of Black Fashion: August 2013

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Nika Notes: Lessons from the Civil Rights Movement - Living Heroically



 

I first learned about the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in college. I remember reading and looking at pictures of the freedom fighters captivated by the young people who helped to change a nation.  As I studied their faces, I imagined their lives. Like me, many of them were college-aged with goals, hopes and dreams. Many of them were fist-generation college students who had overcame insurmountable barriers in a world that tried to stifle their aspirations and choke their dreams.  To quote Maya  Angelou, they were “the dream and the hope of the slave." Thus, they had every right to be selfish, to think in terms of "me and mine." Yet they chose to be a part of something much larger than themselves to achieve the goals of justice and equality. Their non-violent call for change did not offer any guarantees; there was no promise that the end result would align with the moral arc of justiceNevertheless, they courageously risked their lives and dreams, and today we reap the benefits of those sacrifices.

This past weekend, I had a flashback to that college memory as I sat watching Lee Daniel's the Butler. With one hand tightly clutching my armrest, I cringed as scenes of brutal beatings and many other humiliations flashed across the screen. Beating and humiliations they endured with dignity and strength of resolve. The gravity and importance of these acts of bravery both inspired and overwhelmed me, and I felt compelled to share this incredible part of history with everyone I know. I wanted the world to know about the courage, dignity, and altruism, because the history of "from whence we came" greatly informs our beliefs about not only where we are going, but where we CAN go and how much we CAN achieve. 

If we are not careful, we can miss the key lessons that African-American history offers. There’s a rich history of courage, wisdom, resilience and strength that we can pull from. Far too many sacrificed for us to forget. Far too many bravely paved the way for us to dim our lights, talents and gifts in order to play it safe or make others comfortable. There is far too much dignity for us to undermine our potential and not go for our dreams. Tears streamed down my face as the movie ended with the symbolic election of President Barack Obama. Despite my tears, had found a new vigor, a new perspective, a new appreciation, and a new resolve.

Our predecessors were heroes,” I thought to myself, we owe them the duty to live our lives heroically. That much, we can do.

Photo Book: Celebrating Sisterhood

















Monday, August 26, 2013

5 Pieces to Help You Transition Stylishly From Summer to Fall

1. Cardigans: the perfect layering piece. Cardigans are great to layer over Summer dresses or tanks.


2. Flat ankle boots add a chic stylish touch to any look: summer dresses, shorts, leggings and jeans. You're options are endless.



3. Add Tights.




4.Maxi Dresses: transition your maxi dresses to Fall by adding a blazer or vest or  wearing a light sweater underneath. 


5. Add a scarf. As the weather gets cooler, pair a chic scarf over a tank (like Zoe Saldana below), with a blazer or with a lightweight jacket.




Cheers,
Nika

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Get Her Look: Ciara in Red Leather Pants



I love, LOVE this look! Ciara looks absolutely stunning. 







Get Her Look

Shoes: Zara; Top: H&M;  Red Leather Pants: Here; Watch: JC Penny; Nail Polish: Essie Recessionista

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Makeup for Brown Skin: Fall 2013 Makeup Trends



 Wine Colored Lips




Jewel Toned Hues





Try this Duwop Crush Eyeshadow Palette for a beautiful jewel toned  look



Cats Eyes (I really want to try this Indigo Cat Eye look)




Monday, August 12, 2013

Nika Notes: Tips for First Generation College Students

I created a video with tips for college students.  Enjoy!



Saturday, August 10, 2013

My Personal Style: Summer White Dress

I am all about wearing white in the summertime. White clothing is so white and crisp and looks great against sunkissed skin. These photos were taken earlier this summer on my way to an event.





Dress: Topshop
Wedges: Steve Madden

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Miss Jamaica: Celebrating the Beauty of Diversity

Happy Independence Day Jamaica!!! Yesterday the country of my birth and my childhood, Jamaica, celebrated it's 51st birthday. Jamaica's motto "out of many, one people" celebrates and honors the country's diversity. In celebration, I am posting photos of the last six winners of the Miss Jamaica title.These women represent the true diversity of beauty. Beauty IS Diverse.


Miss Jamaica 2007, Zahra Redwood

Miss Jamaica 2008, April Jackson

Miss Jamaica 2009, Kerrie Baylis

Miss Jamaica 2010, Yendi Phillips

Miss Jamaica 2011, Danielle Crosskill

Miss Jamaica 2012, Deanna Robbins

Miss Jamaica 2013, Gina Hargitay


Jamaican singer, Chino, dedicated the song  "Miss Universe" to Miss Jamaica 2010 winner Yendi Phillips. 


Cheers,
Nika

Monday, August 5, 2013

Five Things I Love About Zoe Saldana's Style

Timeless aesthetic. Zoe Saldana mastered the art of a timeless style aesthetic that looks fabulous on her and withstands trendy fashion fads. Additionally, the simple elegance of her outfits always makes her  effortlessly chic.



She wears clothing that flatters her body.One of the keys to great style is finding and wearing clothes that flatter your body shape and enhance your best features. 




Effortlessly Chic. While I adore Zoe Saldana's red carpet looks, she best embodies the effortlessly chic aesthetic in her everyday wear.  Her everyday outfits provide me with tons of inspiration and makes her style accessible. 




She isn't afraid to experiment. Although Zoe usually sticks to a classic aesthetic, she isn't afraid to have fun with her outfits. I love the contrast here of a pretty dress with tough girl shoes. 



She knows how to rock the Red Carpet. 


For more fashion favorites check out Five Things I Love About Solange Knowles' Style and Five Things I Love About Erykah Badu's Style.

Cheers,
~Nika


Thursday, August 1, 2013

Arlenis Sosa for Flare Magazine

Dominican Beauty, Arlenis Sosa covers Canadian Fashion Magazine Flare August 2013 issue. Arlenis looks "Fall ready" in some of the season's hottest trends.











Photos via Fashion Gone Rouge