Halle Berry looks stunning on the red carpet only 4 months after giving birth to baby boy.
Jordin Sparks at pre-Super Bowl event
Lala Anthony - Good Morning America
Tika Sumpter visits the Wendy Williams Show. I love Tika's bob!
Friday, January 31, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Saturday, January 25, 2014
My Personal Style: The Midi Dress
I am very much a midi dress/skirt enthusiast. They very much embody the classy and feminine style aesthetic that I love. Plus, they are so versatile, you can wear them to work, church, or a night out. Since I wore this look to church, I paired the dress with a blazer, but I can easily take off the blazer, add higher heels and bam! I'm ready for a night out on the town.
Dress: John Zack Midi Dress
Heels: Topshop
Bracelets: J Creww & Accessorize
Bag: Gift from my Mom
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Blogger Feature: Fashion Pad
Today I'm excited to feature Shanequa and her blog, Fashion Pad. Learn more about Shanequa and her fab style below:
Tell us about yourself, who is Shanequa?
Tell us about yourself, who is Shanequa?
I am a child of God. I love him and am so thankful for the full and happy life that I've experienced so far. I am a family person and a loyal friend. I've been blessed to have a wonderful group of individuals in my life and they are so supportive....and irritating, lol. I am a clinical pharmacist, a Zumba fitness instructor, and I volunteer with various community groups.
What inspired you to start a blog?
Initially, I started my blog to curb my spending habits. It worked for a brief time, lol. Afterwards, it became a platform for me to interact with my readers and showcase my new wardrobe additions, personal style, and other events.
Do you have any New Year style resolutions?
Absolutely; my goal is to shop my closet! I am also going to participate with my church in a spending fast for Lent. My shopping is ridiculous. I have to be more disciplined and enjoy the garments I have now. The poor items hardly see the light of day because it takes so long to get to rock them.
Who are your style icons?
Michelle Obama, Princess Dianna - glamorous dolls
Rihanna, Miraslova Duma - edgy/fashion forward divas
Anything else?
I appreciate this opportunity to share my style with this community of amazing fashionistas. Thank you kindly :-)
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Nika Notes: Authenticity - Being and Loving Yourself
I first wrote this post for my previous blog in 2011. I decided to share in here today, because self-love is one of the greatest gifts that we can give to ourselves. It's a journey we all NEED to take to reach our full God-given potential and one that I encourage you to take, don't wait until tomorrow to start, begin today! I hope you enjoy!
Some people seem to know who they at a young age, some people seem very confident early on....
I use to envy those people, because I was not one of them.
I clearly remember being at a party in college, scanning the room and feeling inadequate. Looking at my smiling face, you wouldn't know that inside I felt insecure. Why was my body this way ? My hair? Why did I talk this way? Why wasn't I more outgoing? more relaxed? more...? Why did I feel so different from everyone else?
These thoughts I had in the middle of the party are only a small glimpse into the thoughts that were my closest confidants each and everyday. Sadly, most of the times, I felt inadequate. No matter what my mother, friends, and family members said, deep down I just did not believe I measured up. This view of myself affected the way I interacted with others, because I had this nagging fear that they too would realize I was not good enough. As self-destructive as I knew these thoughts were, I did not know how to change them. I felt stuck, and I struggled. I had so many questions, I really wanted to learn how to love myself, but I didn't know how.....
As I asked these questions of myself, I started discovering answers. I discovered the power of your thoughts and words, and so I began reading and researching information about positive thinking and positive self-image. Through my research, I discovered that the negative thoughts I harbored, shaped the way I viewed myself. This was enlightening, but scary. No wonder I often felt the way I did, my thoughts about myself stunk! I started to counter those negative thoughts with positive ones. Each time I thought something negative, I replaced it with a positive thought. I also began to be more careful about the things I said about myself. Words are incredibly powerful, and I wanted to make sure that the words following "I am..." demonstrated self-love. Additionally, I started journal(ing), praying and inundating myself with positive messages. I began a practice where I would look at myself in the mirror and tell myself I was beautiful, worthy and lovable just as I am. I also ended relationships that did not serve my new found self-development. At first it was difficult, there were days that I slipped back into my old stinking thinking (old habits are hard to break); but I pressed on. I decided I was going to fight for me in a way that no one else could.
Slowly but surely, my concept of myself began to change. I don't remember exactly when I noticed the changes, but I began to change. I started owning my voice and expressing myself, I started to see value in my personality and my character, and I saw beauty when I looked in the mirror. My relationships with others started to change. I pursued quality over quantity and my standards changed - the bars became a lot higher.
More importantly, I found comfort in my relationship with God as I started to get closer to Him. As a Christian, I found comfort in the Bible. I realized that I was "fearfully and wonderfully" made by my Creator in His image. He who knew me before I was even born, He who sent His Son to die for me, He who loved me unconditionally, gave me strength.
Today, I am happy with the woman I have become. In essence, I fought to become her. I can honestly report that I love me. The differences I did not like before, are the things I love about myself. I embrace who I am, because it is who God created me to be, and she's fabulous!!! Quite often, people tell me I seem very sure of who I am. I usually chuckle, because it is a far cry from how I was a few short years ago.
Each of us bring a special gift to the world, and we deny the world that gift when we aren't true to ourselves. I cannot stress this enough, please be you. Be truly you! Please do not rob the world of your unique and special gift. If you get the urge to compare yourself to others, Stop! Please stop right there, because you are fearfully and wonderfully made just as you are. You are deserving of love, just as you are. If you didn't know if before, please start believing it now. I think my struggle with self-acceptance has made me particularly fond of those I deem genuine. If anything, it's what I find most attractive in a man. A man who is truly himself is a winner in my eyes.
It's funny, in my high school yearbook, I chose the quote "Be a first-rate version of yourself, not a second-rate version of someone else." I graduated from high school over 10 years ago and that quote cannot be more true.
Cheers,
~Nika
Some people seem to know who they at a young age, some people seem very confident early on....
I use to envy those people, because I was not one of them.
I clearly remember being at a party in college, scanning the room and feeling inadequate. Looking at my smiling face, you wouldn't know that inside I felt insecure. Why was my body this way ? My hair? Why did I talk this way? Why wasn't I more outgoing? more relaxed? more...? Why did I feel so different from everyone else?
"You were born an original. Don’t become a copy "
These thoughts I had in the middle of the party are only a small glimpse into the thoughts that were my closest confidants each and everyday. Sadly, most of the times, I felt inadequate. No matter what my mother, friends, and family members said, deep down I just did not believe I measured up. This view of myself affected the way I interacted with others, because I had this nagging fear that they too would realize I was not good enough. As self-destructive as I knew these thoughts were, I did not know how to change them. I felt stuck, and I struggled. I had so many questions, I really wanted to learn how to love myself, but I didn't know how.....
As I asked these questions of myself, I started discovering answers. I discovered the power of your thoughts and words, and so I began reading and researching information about positive thinking and positive self-image. Through my research, I discovered that the negative thoughts I harbored, shaped the way I viewed myself. This was enlightening, but scary. No wonder I often felt the way I did, my thoughts about myself stunk! I started to counter those negative thoughts with positive ones. Each time I thought something negative, I replaced it with a positive thought. I also began to be more careful about the things I said about myself. Words are incredibly powerful, and I wanted to make sure that the words following "I am..." demonstrated self-love. Additionally, I started journal(ing), praying and inundating myself with positive messages. I began a practice where I would look at myself in the mirror and tell myself I was beautiful, worthy and lovable just as I am. I also ended relationships that did not serve my new found self-development. At first it was difficult, there were days that I slipped back into my old stinking thinking (old habits are hard to break); but I pressed on. I decided I was going to fight for me in a way that no one else could.
"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are"
Slowly but surely, my concept of myself began to change. I don't remember exactly when I noticed the changes, but I began to change. I started owning my voice and expressing myself, I started to see value in my personality and my character, and I saw beauty when I looked in the mirror. My relationships with others started to change. I pursued quality over quantity and my standards changed - the bars became a lot higher.
"A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down."
More importantly, I found comfort in my relationship with God as I started to get closer to Him. As a Christian, I found comfort in the Bible. I realized that I was "fearfully and wonderfully" made by my Creator in His image. He who knew me before I was even born, He who sent His Son to die for me, He who loved me unconditionally, gave me strength.
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
Today, I am happy with the woman I have become. In essence, I fought to become her. I can honestly report that I love me. The differences I did not like before, are the things I love about myself. I embrace who I am, because it is who God created me to be, and she's fabulous!!! Quite often, people tell me I seem very sure of who I am. I usually chuckle, because it is a far cry from how I was a few short years ago.
"But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous "
Each of us bring a special gift to the world, and we deny the world that gift when we aren't true to ourselves. I cannot stress this enough, please be you. Be truly you! Please do not rob the world of your unique and special gift. If you get the urge to compare yourself to others, Stop! Please stop right there, because you are fearfully and wonderfully made just as you are. You are deserving of love, just as you are. If you didn't know if before, please start believing it now. I think my struggle with self-acceptance has made me particularly fond of those I deem genuine. If anything, it's what I find most attractive in a man. A man who is truly himself is a winner in my eyes.
“To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance”
It's funny, in my high school yearbook, I chose the quote "Be a first-rate version of yourself, not a second-rate version of someone else." I graduated from high school over 10 years ago and that quote cannot be more true.
Go on and be a first-rate you!!!!!
Cheers,
~Nika
Monday, January 13, 2014
Kerry Washington and Lupita Nyong'o Shine at the Golden Globes
Kerry Washington debuted her baby bump at the Globes last night. She looks darling!
I have already voted Lupita as red carpet's best dressed from last night awards. She is gorgeous in red!
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
As Seen on Being Mary Jane: The Perfect Spring Coat
Two-Toned Trench Coat
While watching Episode Two of Being Mary Jane (aren't you already hooked?!), I could not help but notice Mary Jane's fabulous two-toned trench coat that she wore in the opening scene. It's the perfect classic spring trench with a modern twist - the color blocking detail. I looked and found a similar version, Sam Edelman's Mixed Media Trench Coat:
It's available for purchase at Loehmann's and in select sizes at Nordstrom .
Cheers,
Nika
While watching Episode Two of Being Mary Jane (aren't you already hooked?!), I could not help but notice Mary Jane's fabulous two-toned trench coat that she wore in the opening scene. It's the perfect classic spring trench with a modern twist - the color blocking detail. I looked and found a similar version, Sam Edelman's Mixed Media Trench Coat:
It's available for purchase at Loehmann's and in select sizes at Nordstrom .
Cheers,
Nika
Monday, January 6, 2014
Encouragement for Your Fitness Journey
It's the New Year, and this means that for many people it is the start of a journey to being fit and fabulous. A few months ago, I started my own personal fitness journey, and it's one of the most life-enhancing decisions I made last year. Achieving your fitness goals is a journey, there are ups and downs, and some days you may feel discouraged, so I created this video to encourage you on your journey. Know that you can do it! I hope you enjoy!!!
Friday, January 3, 2014
All Black Everything: Philipp Plein SS14 Campaign by Francesco Carrozzini
In a groundbreaking move, Italian Fashion House Philipp Plein's Spring Summer 2014 Campaign features an all black cast of models to showcase the label's creativity. The campaign is innovative ans has been described as "captivating and sensual" and features "luxurious materials, seductive silhouettes, cheeky sport details and a strong underlying current of sizzling sexuality."
Campaign Video
What do you think about this campaign?
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Throwback Thursday: Beverly Johnson's Vogue Cover
In August 1974, Beverly Johnson became the first African-American model to appear on the cover of Vogue.
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