October 2013Faces of Black Fashion: October 2013

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Swaggerific: Celebrating Black Men With Style







Monday, October 28, 2013

Video Post: How to Successfully Land an internship/job in College


I hope you find these suggestions  helpful!






Sunday, October 27, 2013

Celebrating the Beauty of Lupita Nyong'o

Kenyan breakout star of the movie 12 Years A Slave, Lupita Nyong'o, is incredibly beautiful. Do words even do her beauty justice? Although I adore her flawless makeup and fashion sense, I am more in awe of her natural beauty, glowing brown skin and chic teeny weeny afro. Adding to her incredible beauty is her amazing breakout performance in 12 Years a Slave (it's a must see!). Today we celebrate her beauty, her talent, and her amazing significance to little brown girls worldwide. 











via Red Carpet Fashion Awards


via NylonMag


Saturday, October 19, 2013

The weekend


Hey Lovelies,

I hope you are enjoying your weekend. The weather is beautiful in L.A. and I've been out and about soaking up the sun. 

In case the weather isn't as sunny where you are, here are a few links from around the web to brighten up your weekend.  Enjoy!


Cheerleading Dad Commercial



Choreography for one of my favorite Reggae songs, Ravin by Popcaan




Botswana Wedding Dance






Enjoy Your Weekend!!!!

Cheers,
Nika

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Personal Style Post: My Visit to Catalina Island

On Sunday, I celebrated by birthday on Catalina Island. I wanted to do something relaxing yet enjoyable so based on a friend's recommendation and my own research, I felt that Catalina Island would be a great fit. I was right!





I took the Catalina Express boat over from Long Beach, CA. The island offers a range of activities like snorkeling, parasailing, shopping, rock climbing, sight seeing  and more! I decided on a chic but comfortable outfit just so I would be comfortable, relaxed and ready to have a great time.




Dress: Topshop
Leggings: American Apparel liquid leggings (old)
Bag: Melie Bianco 
Boots: Random Brand
Jacket: Random Brand

Along with all the activities, there are a number of great dining options on the island. If you visit on your birthday, you get to take the boat over to the island free of charge! Additionally, you will get to choose from a number of birthday discounts/freebies.

I highly recommend a visit. It's truly a beautiful place and a great day/overnight getaway option.





I had a fantastic time!


Cheers,
Nika

Five Things Diana Ross Taught Us About Life and Style




For me, Diana Ross is the embodiment of fabulous - the intricately designed gowns, big hair, and commanding presence, all added to her allure as both a trendsetter and a fashion icon.  She dared to create her own unique style gained her accolades and longevity. Here are five valuable lessons from one of the most inspirational fashion icons of our time.


Embrace your God-given Beauty
When most of us think about Diana Ross, we think about her music, her style and of course her hair! I still react in awe when I look at photos of Diana Ross with her beautiful mane of kinky hair. In a world that advances a limited definition of beauty, Diana Ross created her own rules and definitions. She inspired so many of us to see kinky hair as beautiful, glamorous and regal. By embracing her natural hair, Diana Ross sent a powerful message to black women everywhere.  We are beautiful just the way God created us. Today she continues to inspire many of us who have chosen to embrace our natural hair.  

Express your Individual Style
Diana Ross pushed the limits when it came to her style and fashion choices. She fulfilled her early aspirations to become a Fashion Designer by designing and making the dresses for the Supremes and later on for herself. She embraced and explored her love for glam with feathers and sequins, choosing to wear what she liked instead of what the current fashions dictated.  Because she choose to authentically express her individual style instead of blending in and conforming to fashion norms, today Diana Ross wears the title of fashion icon.  Ms. Ross taught us that we do the world a disservice when we hide our individuality.

Accentuate the Positive
In expressing her style, Diana Ross always highlighted her best features: bambi-like eyes, big hair and svelte figure. Interestingly, those very features define the Diana Ross look. What positive features do you have that you can choose to highlight? If it is a small waist, why not rock a nice belt?  Do you have long legs? Try a great pair of heels and a pretty summer dress. Or if you have toned arms, there are plenty of sleeveless options to try this summer. Embrace and emphasize your best features.

Develop a Signature Look
Like most fashion icons, Diana Ross embodied a signature look that encapsulated her dynamic personality.  Get to know your style personality and create a signature look or piece that represents you. Here are some tips on developing your own unique style


Confidence is the Best Accessory

Diana Ross gained iconic status in fashion because she wore what made her comfortable, dared to stand out and accentuated her best features, all of which requires self- confidence.  It is not so much what you wear, it is how you wear what you wear. Diana Ross owned her style. Once you start being true to your personal style, wearing what you like and what makes you comfortable, you will be better at expressing yourself with confidence. Take it from Ms. Ross!


***I originally published this post on Regal Realness where I am a Contributing Writer. 

Friday, October 11, 2013

Fit Black Women: Fitness Inspiration

On Faces of Black Fashion, we celebrate the whole woman, and today we celebrate physical fitness. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've embarked on a journey to a healthier more fit me. I will be sharing my fitness journey with you shortly, but until then, enjoy this post of some of my fitness inspirations.
Fit Black Women
Jeanette Jenkins, The Hollywood Trainer


Nicole Murphy, mom of five children (wow!)

Kelly Rowland for Shape Magazine


Pilar Sanders

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Blogger Feature: Jackie


Full of style, class and grace, it's my pleasure to introduce Jackie and her blog SIncerely Miss J. 
Tell us about yourself, who is Jackie?
I’m a simple, laid back, somewhat timid person in large crowds. I’m currently a grad. student working on my masters degree. I’m also a thrift addict. 


What inspired you to start a blog?
I initially started the blog through the encouragement of a friend. Thus, sincerely miss j was born to keep a diary of my outfits of the day, document my fashion inspirations and force myself to utilize items in my closet. My past job required me to wear scrubs all day, so the blog also allowed me to get dressed up and get creative. The sincerely miss j blog is a sincere depiction of my personal style.


What are three of your favorite items in your closet?
I love my blazers, my dark washed jeans, and my leather jacket

What are you looking forward to wearing this fall?
I’m looking forward to wearing my leather jacket, and blazers. I love layering items due to the fact that adding layers to any outfit creates more dimension and interest.  

Anything else?

My blog show cases that, you do not have to spend a lot of money on clothing and accessories. With patience, confidence, creativity and knowledge of your personal style anyone can look and free great.  Please visit and follow me at: http://sincerelymissj.blogspot.ca/.



Check out Jackie's blog HERE.


Thursday, October 3, 2013

Fall Fashion Inspiration from Chrystelle Saint Louis Augustin


 Model Chrystelle provides tons of Fall Fashion inspiration with bold accessories, textured pieces, geometric prints and rich hues. Born to Caribbean parents in France, Chrystelle's lush locks gives her distinction in the fashion world. She explains, "People from fashion make me discover beauty in myself that I didn't know," she said. "They make me discover that wearing my hair open is great and beautiful."







Photos via Vogue Italy.