April 2014Faces of Black Fashion: April 2014

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

My Black is Beautiful

*Hey Lovelies, It's my pleasure to introduce Tiana, Faces of Black Fashion's newest contributing blogger. You can learn more about Tiana here. Enjoy her first post below!


Some people may not always feel like the blacker the berry the sweeter the juice, not even the women who bare this beautiful skin tone. It took me years to get comfortable in my own skin. Media drowns you with images of fair skinned women & portrayed that as being beautiful, all the while not realizing somewhere in the world a little black girl questions if she is beautiful, because of the color of her skin.

There was a time in my life when wearing lipstick of any color was out of the question, I simply was not confident enough to pull it off. How many women do you think wake up and tell themselves just that, I'm not good enough! We most remember everything is not for everyone, some fair skinned women do not look right in certain colors. We should not be afraid to at least try something new in spite of ourselves. Below I show you some of my favorite lip colors that I think would compliment women with a darker skin tone. 







*Note: 1st picture the color is Cherry Pickings by Wet N Wild
            2nd picture the color is Mocha-Licious by Wet N Wild
            3rd picture the color is Rebel by Mac

I challenge you to step outside your box and try something new, you just might like it!

~Tiana
Instagram: natural_allure
Twitter: natural_allure1Facebook: naturalallurememoirs
Youtube: natural_allure

Thursday, April 24, 2014

My Fitness Journey: Part 2

Here's to celebrating ten months since I started my fitness journey. The last time I checked in about my journey was five months ago. Wow, time flies! The past five months have been research intensive as I worked on tweaking my workout routine and diet to help me meet my goals. I've learned a lot and completely understand the phrase, "Abs are made in the kitchen."

Although I saw a lot of progress in my lower and upper body, I didn't notice any changes in my abs. Despite my sit ups, crunches and planks, I needed to change my diet. I decreased my sugar intake and focused on eating complex carbs, protein, fruits and vegetables. Guess what? Progress!  Six pack, here I come!

I also tweaked my workout routine. Starting out, I only lifted heavy weights. Yet, I noticed that many of my fitness inspirations use a mix of light, heavy, and body weight when exercising. I now mix it up, and there are times when I work out at home where it's just me and my moves.

My word to you. There were times when I wasn't as consistent with my regimen. I had a few days where I slacked off. If that's you, it's o.k. Just start right back the next day or the next week. Don't stop altogether. Even if you need a couple of days or weeks to regroup, do so, but stick with your routine. You will reach your goals!

Tweaks I Made with My Diet
Drinking more water: I hardly drink juice or any other drink. I constantly drink water throughout the day and keep a glass/bottle at my desk.
Green Smoothies: My breakfast of choice. I blend spinach/kale, almond milk, fruit(s) of choice, a scoop of plain greek yogurt and water
Complex Carbs: I stay away from simple carbs as much as possible. Instead of white rice, I cook brown rice or quinoa.
Lower My Sugar Intake: I do have my cheat days (that's what cheat days are for right?). I only purchase healthy snacks like unsalted almonds, dark chocolate, or fruits. If it's not in my house, I'm probably not going to eat it.

Progress Photos

Month Six
My fitness journey


Month Seven



Month Eight


Month Nine (Showing progress from beginning to nine months of fitness)


Month Ten 


Cheers,
~Nika

Style Profile: Hannah Bronfman

New York city based DJ, model and restaurant owner, Hannah Bronfman, serves amazing style.  Her chic looks exude New York City cool.  This beauty is also the creator of Beautified, an App that helps you find and book same day beauty services.

Check her out!


Style Profile Hannah Bronfman





via FashionBombDaily



Monday, April 21, 2014

Introducing Vivi of Heart, Print & Style

It's my pleasure to introduce Vivi of and her amazing style blog Heart, Print and Style! Check her out. 


Tell us about yourself, who is Vivi?

 I always stumble on these kind of questions because I don't do well describing myself. Hmmm. Vivi is a Nigerian-American who loves style. She's also a big fan of the NBA (Hey, Melo!). Lover of thrifting, music, TV shows (Long live "LOST"!), writing, and reading a good book/magazine.


What inspired you to start a blog?

 A number of things but the main one being my sister. She was hip to style blogs before I was (I was more into personal blogs). She kept pestering me to start a blog especially since she only saw just a handful of plus size bloggers at that time. While that was going on, I found out about GabiFresh (back then it was Young, Fat, and Fabulous). She had a feature called YFF of the Day and I decided to submit a few photos. Well, she loved my photos and selected me to be featured. Even though I waited almost a year later after the feature to start my blog, it was definitely the kick I needed to do so.





What are some of your favorite trends/pieces that you're wearing this Spring? 

Black/white, mixing prints, monochromatic






Who are your style icons? 

Gwen Stefani is my numero uno. Gotta add Solange Knowles, too. The queen of mixing prints.

Anything else? 

Thank you for the feature! Your readers can follow me at Instagram (@HEARTPRINTANDSTYLE), Twitter (@Vivi_HPS), Facebook (www.facebook.com/HeartPrintStyle), Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/HeartPrintStyle), and Tumblr (http://heartprintandstyle.tumblr.com/).



Be sure to visit Vivi's fab blog HERE

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Black Celeb Style at Coachella

Model Jourdan Dunn


Amber Rose shows off her post-baby figure


Cassie Rocks blond braids and Jersey

Bey and Jay

Sister love: Solange and Beyonce performing together on stage
Celeb Style at Coachella


Monday, April 14, 2014

Guest Post: Hairdresser Haters

Have you ever had a hairdresser "hate on" your hair?
How did you deal with it?

Read Tyra's Story Below



One day I was walking down a popular shopping avenue, and found myself in a strange position.  I had just taken down a protective style, and was proudly rocking my fluffy fro, while I ran a few errands.  As I walked past a beauty salon, I was approached by a hair stylist.
“You want a PERM?!” she asked loudly. I turned, looked at her head to toe, but did not respond.  I kept walking, my fro waving in the breeze.... 

No I didn’t want a perm. Why would she ask that? My hair was just passing the TWA phase,  and I had a healthy  4 inches to work with. I was happy with its progress, and my hair was healthy.  Why didn't  she ask if I wanted twists? Or Braids?  Why did she pratically yell that question? If she was really interested in gaining a new client, (Or being a decent hairdresser) she would have noted my style and suggested a hair style to match. My Conclusion, She was a HATER. 
Her own hair was fried, dyed, and laid to the side. Her short crop appeared damaged, and dry, despite the tons of gel she used to slick it down. And her salon chair was empty. Could it have been her work as a hairdresser, her attitude, or her own appearance keeping her business down? I don’t know.   There are a few things I am sure of:
Your hairdresser should take the time to understand your needs, and the needs of your hair. Your hairdresser should never tell you, that you need a relaxer in order to achieve a certain style. (You should accept that natural black  hair will curl, Embrace it, & discover alternative styles). And most importantly you should be able to communicate with your hair dresser.    I have had to walk out a of couple salons, because I wasn’t happy with the way they detangled, or braided. If your uncomfortable speak up! You may come across a lot of haters in your lifetime, don’t let your hairdresser be one of them.
Peace & Love
Tyra
Tyra is the Creator of Indigenous Curls. She is a  trained hairdresser, curly hair enthusiast, writer, and recruiter. She has loved her tightly coiled, 4c hair for the past 4 years. She share her tips, antics, and curl  must haves on her blog.  

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Introducing Cherrie of Cherrie Amore


Today it's my pleasure to introduce the lovely and stylish, Cherrie, of CHerrie Amore.


Tell us about yourself, who is Cherrie?
Cherrie is the blogger behind CherrieAmore.com. She loves being fabulous on a budget and inspiring other to as well. Besides her love for fashion and beauty Cherrie, is an aspiring public health professional that is passionate about nutrition and helping others attain a healthier lifestyle. 


What inspired you to start a blog?
I had recently moved to a place where I didn't know anyone and I had a lot of idle time on my hands. I needed an outlet to help me cope with my move and was propelled start CherrieAmore.com. I always loved looking fashionable on a budget and wanted to share my affordable fashion, beauty, and DIY tips with others.



What are some of your favorite trends/pieces that you're wearing this Spring?
 
I am really loving full midi-skirts, abstract prints, caged sandals, and pointed-toe strappy heels. 




Who are your style icons?
 
My style icons are Solange, Lupita Nyong'o, Brandy Norwood, June Ambrose, and Jennifer Lopez.
Anything else?
 
Thank you Nika for featuring me! Don't forget to check out my blog, CherrieAmore.com, which is full of affordable fashion and beauty tips. I am also on Instagram & Twitter: MsCherrieAmore.  



Be sure to visit Cherrie's fab blog, HERE


Friday, April 4, 2014

Nigerian Actress, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde is a Nigerian actress, singer, and philanthropist of an Ondo origin from Lagos, Nigeria. Omotola is known by her fans as the "Queen of Nollywood." In 2013, Time Magazine named her as one of the top 100 influential people in the world.  










Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Model & Computer Programmer Lyndsey Scott for ASOS

Lyndsey Scott shine on the May 2014 cover of ASOS Magazine. A VS runway model, Lyndsey also works as a Computer Programmer. We are proud of Lyndsey, she is what epitome of the dynamic women we celebrate on Faces of Black Fashion. See what Lyndsey has to say about modeling and computer programming here












Photo Credit: Fashion Gone Rogue