June 2014Faces of Black Fashion: June 2014

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

#Flawless: Outfit Ideas for the On the Run Tour


Today I polled my friends, "If you were going to the On the Run Tour, what would you wear?" Everyone agreed that the look would be sexy but comfortable. They voted for comfortable shoes (wedges or chunky heels) and clothes that allow you to move, because as my friend T said, "King Bey will have you backing it up." With my friends suggestions in mind, I created three comfortable yet  sexy looks to have you looking #flawless for the tour. Please let me know what you think about my selections.


1. Skinny Jeans and Cropped Top

tour


1. Lavender cropped top, similar here;   2. Maiyet heels   3. & For All Mankind High- Rise Jeans  


2. Rocker Chic: Playsuit and Translucent heelsRocker chic

 1. Romper, available at Urban Outfitters  , similar romper here ;  2. Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Soiree , similar but more affordable shoes here;   3. Purse: Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Mini    4. Vince Camuto Gold Rimmed Translucent Cuff    





3.  The Jumpsuit





tour2

1. Cerise Belter Crossover Jumpsuit  2. Ted Baker Aeleyah 3. Sole Society Cocktail Ring  4. Colorblock Clutch 5. Double Strand Necklace  


Black in Style: Brianna

Brianna.........The Grove, Los Angeles 


Black Street Style

Monday, June 23, 2014

Nika Notes: How to Find a Job After Graduation



How to Find a Job After Graduation



Congrats new graduate! You did it, you earned that degree, and you should be proud of your accomplishment. For some of you, you are the first in your family. I am proud of your accomplishment. For those of you who have already secured jobs, congrats again. In this economy, that’s a huge feat and a load off of your shoulders. For those of you who haven’t already secured employment, reality may have started to set in, and you may feel worried, but don’t fret! It can be done, it just takes tenacity and a little creativity on your part.

Below I am sharing tips on how I secured a job after graduating from both college and graduate school: 


1.  Have your career services edit your resume and cover letter. Yes,  you need a cover letter. Even if the job posting doesn’t ask for one, submit one, unless of course, the posting specifically says,  "no cover letters."  As someone who has  been on the hiring side, have another pair of eyes review your resume and cover letters. Mistakes happen, and a mistake on either document can hurt your chances of getting an interview. 

2. Sign up with a head hunter or a placement agency. I was fortunate to secure my first post-college job before graduation. Nevertheless 18 months later, the company where I worked felt the impact of the economic downturn. As a result, my hours were reduced. As a young adult living in NYC, I needed extra income to survive, so I got TWO other part-time jobs to supplement my pay cut. Working three jobs meant that I  had a limited amount of time to job search. I signed up with an employment agency that specialized in my area of interest. After meeting with the folks there and taking the requisite skills assessment tests, I got an interview and an offer for full-time employment within two months of signing up. Bye, bye three jobs!  Sign up with more than one agency if you can! 

3. Volunteer with an organization within your field of interest. I cannot say this enough, volunteer! I know this can be difficult especially for people without financial safety nets and/or support. I get it.  I am not recommending volunteering full-time. Work a part-time job  and volunteer at least two days per week. This will help you gain real life experience and build your resume while you seek full-time employment. After I left graduate school in 2012, I didn’t have a job right away. I volunteered at a legal services organization and loved it. It was my first post-law school experience and I learned a lot and expanded my network. Shortly after  I started volunteering, I found my current position.   

4.  Move if you must. My first post law school job came in an offer 3,000 miles away.  I jumped at the opportunity. Was I afraid? Yes, but it was a great opportunity for me to develop and grow professionally.  The truth is, some markets are hit harder than others or are more saturated than some. You may find more opportunities for employment away from home. If your life allows it, move.  

5. Tell everyone you know  that you’re seeking employment. We live in a world that’s powered by relationships. You never know who may know someone who is looking for what you have to offer. Don’t be shy. As my mom always says, “a closed mouth doesn’t get fed.” Additionally, stay in touch with your career counselors, let them know the jobs that you’re interested in and ask them to forward anything they come across that meets your interests.  

6. Don't get discouraged by rejection, simply see it as a part of the process. Stay in the game! You may get a lot of "Nos" before you get your yes. Brace yourself for possible rejection by realizing it's a part of the job hunting process. 

7.  Do mock interviews or practice answering common interview questions. As the quotes goes, "success is where preparation meets opportunity." Prepare in advance so that you can bring your A game to your interviews.

   Go and get 'em!











Saturday, June 21, 2014

Stylist Highlight: Luxury Law



What better way to represent the faces of black fashion, but with the uber talented, stylist to the stars, Luxury Law. He keeps some of our favorite celebrities looking their absolute best. Law spent the earlier part of his career on the hunt for the hottest vintage pieces, eventually opening up his own vintage boutique.



Law's ability to create style that goes beyond fashion makes him the most sought after stylist in the industry today. Styling the likes of Monica, Brandy, Lala Anthony and we cannot forget about the stunning Zendaya. 
 
 

 
 


 

Aside from being a stylist Law has additional accolades such as image architect, creative director, cofounder of stylewiseacademy.com and lifestyle liaison for easybeautypro.com

I am not sure about you, but if I want to bring my style A game Luxury Law would be the one to follow.  Being a stylist takes more than just picking out clothes, it's the overall ability to see someone's vision and translate that into an amazing look. Luxury Law Faces of Black Fashion salutes you!

Make sure to follow Luxury Law and his work at lawroachstyles.com

 ~Tiana

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Black in Style: Black Street Style, Elle

Los Angeles Museum of Art...Los Angeles, CA 




Sunday, June 15, 2014

Personal Style: California Dreaming - Mini Skirt and Booties

Hi Lovelies,

 I made an outfit of the day video post featuring a mini skirt and booties look, if you'd like to see photos of this look check out my personal style blog here. Be sure to subscribe to the channel, there are more videos to come ;).


Friday, June 13, 2014

Building Confidence



Building Confidence


How do we raise confident black children? I’ve been mulling over that question lately, not because I have children…yet. I think about it in the context of possibly raising children in the future in a world that sends harmful messages about blackness. Last week I asked the question of a gentleman who runs a program for youths living in the inner city. He stressed the need to instill self-knowledge and identity in early childhood. His curriculum requires children to make an “I am” board to give them a visual of who they are and the value that they offer to the world.

I have read about and watched far too many accounts of black women struggling with confidence, and while I readily admit that self-confidence is a universal struggle for men and women, certain societal standards and expectations mean that black women face unique challenges on the road to self-confidence and self-acceptance. I have had my own struggles withself-confidence and acceptance. Yet at first I shied away from speaking about them. Discussions about self-confidence seem to skew on the side of blaming and shaming the person for not having the confidence that they desire.

I am not interested in those discussions. As a solution-oriented person, I seek answers. To get to the answers, of course we do have to look at the issues, uncover the roots and do the work. My inquiry into raising confident black children does not end there; I also want to know about instilling confidence within ourselves and our communities at large so that we can realize our full potential. Confidence plays a huge role in not only how we view ourselves, but in what we achieve and goals we create for ourselves.  


So readers, I ask you how do you instill confidence in your children and/or those around you and how do you develop your own-self confidence? 

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Fashion & Beauty Books: My Faves



1. Beautylicious by Jenyne M. Raines

It's not a coincidence that this book is #1 on my list. Raines shares solid advice on how to take care of your outer appearance, but  the book takes a holistic approach to beauty: she emphasizes the importance of emotional and spiritual health, and encourages the reader to take much needed time for self-care amidst life's busy schedule. Raine also shares tips on relationships, friendships, travel and wine ;).  Buy Here













2. Essence: Beauty Basics & Beyond

This book was my go-to guide in my late teens/early twenties for all things beauty related. I used the guides and tips in this book to do my first at-home manicure, pedicure and facial. The book is chock full of great advice about taking care of your hair, skin and nails and on being the best and most beautiful you that you can be. It's also stocked with photos of beautiful black women in all our diverse hues. It would make a great gift or a nice addition to your coffee table.













3. Fabulosity by Kimora Lee Simmons


As Kimora says, "Fabulosity" is a lifestyle. While Kimora shares great fashion and beauty advice, I love the overarching theme of this book: the importance of self-confidence and self-love. She also shares insights and quotes from other women who dared to chart their own paths.














4. The Lucky Shopping Manual

This book is THE BEST book I've read on wardrobe and personal style development, yet! Although I first read this book years ago, the tips are timeless and I still pick it up every now and then when I need tips on improving my closet. My favorite feature of the manul is the comprehensive guide for casual, professional and formal wardrobe building . It also has tips on the best looks and pieces for your body type.














5. Classy by Derek Blasberg

If you want advice on how to be a modern day lady and/or a  a good laugh, get this book! Blasberg's writing style is hilarious and he shares a number of tongue-in-cheek advice on how to remain a class act in today's overexposed culture. I like the "classy style" visuals and his book, art and movie recommendations for those interested in being more well-rounded/cultured individuals.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Introducing Gisele of Fashion Fabrications

It is my pleasure to introduce the beautiful and stylish, Gisele, and her blog Fashion Fabrications. Not only is Gisele chic and stylish, she has a beautiful outlook on life. Read the interview below to learn more about Gisele and her blog. 


Tell us about yourself, who is Gisele?

I think my passions speak volumes about who I am. I love fashion and music. Both of these things are creative outlets and they lead a lot of the things I do in my everyday life. Music and fashion are both always growing, evolving and changing, and I want to be the same way. They both are things that always brighten my days, and thats exactly what I want to do for others. So, in terms of myself I am always growing and changing but as long as I am brightening the days of others I am maintaining the roots of what is really means to be me. 
 



 What inspired you to start a blog?

First and foremost, what is inspired me is my love of fashion. Fashion is something that I truly get excited about, and I wanted to share that love with the world. Over the past few years I have really gotten into reading blogs and have gotten inspired by other bloggers. Finally, one day after much debate I decided to just go out on a limb and start my own blog. I felt like it was something that I had to do for myself and now that I am doing it I love it. 



What are some of favorite trends/ pieces that you'll be wearing this summer?

For me this summer I want to be bold by wearing bold patterns and bold colors. I am loving neon colors this summer and also large floral prints. I feel like summer is a time where you can be completely crazy and daring with fashion and that is exactly what neon and florals are to me. In terms of clothing I am loving maxi dresses and flowy shorts. Both are very comfortable and in the blazing Arizona heat comfort is key.



 Where do you get your fashion inspiration? 

I honestly get inspiration from everywhere. I feel like the world has so much to offer and to get inspired by, so I always try to keep my eyes peeled for inspiration. As well as just getting inspired by what is around me, I read magazines every month and make collages of things in each issue that inspire me or of things I want to try. I find this is a great way to stay in touch with the industry while also keeping a log of things that I love. 



 Anything else?

Love yourself and remember my favorite quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, "No one can make you feel inferior without you're consent." So never give up and go out and make your dreams happen!

Thanks again for the opportunity! I am very grateful! If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask me.


Be sure to check out Gisele's blog HERE

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Black in Style: Black Street Style

I am excited to introduce a new feature on Faces of Black Fashion: Black in Style. Black in Style will feature Black Street Style Photos taken by yours truly.


Braylen....Miracle Mile, Los Angeles





Monday, June 2, 2014

Tracee Ellis Ross: Self-Love



Tiana highlights the lovely Tracee Ellis Ross and how she shows us how to love ourselves.


When you think of phenomenal African American women Tracee Ellis Ross should be one on your list. She is daughter of Legendary singer Diana Ross & music business manager Robert Ellis Silberstein. Following in the footsteps of her mother entertainment is definitely not only in her blood, but a very important part of her personality.


I remember the first time I saw Tracee, on the television sitcom Girlfriends, I was total captivated by the character she played. After learning that she was even more amazing in real life I was in love. She is an amazing role model for African American women. Tracee not only embraces her ethnicity, she represents all women. She is aware of her flaws & understands the dynamic of loving yourself first.

Tracee is unapologetic for who she is and offers no explanation for simple just being who she is. She gives us a glimpse into her life with her website traceeellisross.com(link: www.traceeellisross.com) and her youtube channel Tracee Ellis Ross (link:www.youtube.com/misstraceeellisross).  She is not only an actress, performance artist and motivational speaker she is also a style icon. She blazes her own path when it comes to fashion, not falling victim to any one trend.






In a world that is so focused on superficial things it is nice to know someone In Tracee's position would be so involved in helping women all over the world be more comfortable with who they are.

You can catch Tracee Wednesdays this fall on the new ABC sitcom Black-ish.