September 2014Faces of Black Fashion: September 2014

Monday, September 29, 2014

Introducing the Baydian Collection by Tamara

Today it's my pleasure to introduce Tamara and her line of fabulous hand-painted scarves - the Baydian Collection.


Tell us About Yourself,  Who is Tamara?
My name is Tamara Holder and I am the sole owner and designer of Baydian.  I'm 23 years old and from the beautiful island of Barbados. In addition to running Baydian , I am also pursuing my MBA and I work as a Graduate Assistant at a local university in Circleville, OH.Recently, I began the Baydian  Girl blog to share how I wear my scarves on the everyday runway. The goal behind the blog is to help others increase the versatility of their wardrobe with Baydian scarves. The idea is that everyone is unable to buy numerous statement pieces, especially if they're on a tight budget. However, if you have 2 or 3 statement pieces, you can increase the versatility of your wardrobe and I think adding scarves to your wardrobe is the perfect way to do that!





Tell us about your Company Baydian
It's a fashion company that I began in January 2014 that specializes in hand-painted scarves that add color and style to our clients' wardrobes. Its inspired by my Caribbean heritage but the products are statements since each scarf has a story. You can see each story in our lookbook here: http://www.baydiancollection.com/lookbook.html.




The Baydian Collection





What are some of your favorite trends/pieces that you'll be wearing this Fall?
This Fall, I'm so excited to wear full midi skirts, leather bottoms (whether it's a skater skirt or a pair of leggings), combat boots (my absolute favorite shoe!), pullover sweaters, hats (beanies and fedoras), and of course scarves! My favorite fall trend this season is the belted scarf made popular by Burberry during their Fall 2014 runway show!




Where do you get fashion inspiration?

I get my fashion inspiration from Fashion magazines like InStyle, Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. I also have a fashion inspiration wall in my bedroom that I see every morning I wake up (picture attached). Besides that, I frequent Pinterest and I'm mostly inspired by color combinations.


Tamara's Fashion Inspiration Wall


Find out more about Tamara and the Baydian Collection HERE.

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Stars for a cause: Kerry Washington Helps Survivors of Domestic Violence


Everyone knows Kerry Washington from her infamous role on the hit series Scandal. When Washington is not lighting up the big & small screen she is giving back in a major way. Recently she joined the Allstate Foundation purple purse program as an ambassador to help in the fight against domestic violence.


Kerry Washington Helps Survivors of Domestic Violence




Kerry is shedding light on financial abuse, by teaming with Allstate Foundation to create this amazing purple purse. Kerry had this to say to InStyle:



"I realized the opportunity to work with Purple Purse by designing a bag that represents empowerment, encourages awareness, and aids in getting women the help they need, would be a tangible, concrete way to make a difference." Click here (http://news.instyle.com/2014/09/22/kerry-washington-purple-purse-fight-domestic-violence-women/) to read the rest of the article.











It is always refreshing to see celebs taking time out to deal with real life issue that we all face. Domestic violence is a real issue and hundreds of women live in silence. Kerry Washington FacesofBlackFashion salutes you!!

~TIANA


CONNECT WITH TIANA: BLOG ~ TWITTER

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Milan Fashion Week: Photos From Emilio Pucci Spring 2015

Supermodels Walk the Runway at Emilio Pucci Spring 2015
                                                                     Photo via The Mode Official

Binx Walton walks the runway at Emilio Pucci, Photo via Next Management

Naomi Campbell walks the runway at Emilio Pucci, Photo: Imaxtree

Joan Smalls walks the runway at Emilio Pucci, Photo via The Mode Official


Emilio Pucci Spring 2015
 Photo via The Mode Official

Monday, September 22, 2014

Hiking My Way to Health, Wellness, and Rewards

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BalanceRewards #CollectiveBias




Before moving to Los Angeles, my idea of a fun Saturday morning primarily meant meeting up for brunch with friends. Of course that's still fun, but I've added something else to the roster. Soon after settling into my new city,  I fell in love with hiking, and I now look forward to Saturday morning hikes. Not only does it help me to clear my mind and sharpen my creativity (I think it's the adrenaline rush), it also helps me to meet my health and wellness goals.  Since my first hike, I've challenged myself with increasingly difficult trails. It's always a treat when you reach the top of a trail and get to take in the breathtaking views of the city I now call home.  





Thanks to Walgreens that's not the only treat. Walgreens Balance Rewards program helps you to earn rewards while you shop. The healthy choices program rewards you for living a healthy life. Through the program you can earn points by logging  activities such as running, walking or going to the gym. You can also earn reward points for weigh-ins and blood pressure readings. You may even connect your fitness devices such as Fitbit to your account. It's really easy.  All you have to do is register online or download the App to start tracking your progress. I usually log my progress on the go. 


It's a satisfying feeling to earn #BalanceRewards for making healthy choices. 







I am looking forward to redeeming my points for Walgreens gift cards  in the future  as I continue to engage in more fitness activities. So, tell us where do you live and how do you stay fit in your city? 


Friday, September 19, 2014

Introducing Shanay and Her Blog, The Brisk Life

Today it's my pleasure to introduce the lovely, stylish and regal Shanay and her blog, The Brisk Life.

black fashion blogger

Tell us about yourself and what you love most about blogging.
Hey! My name is Shanay, and I am a college student-athlete currently living in Austin, Texas. Aside from blogging and school, most of my days are spent working out at the track. The past 4 years I was on the track & field team at the University of Texas where I competed in the high jump. I've been jumping since I was 10 years old and couldn't imagine my life any other way. I started blogging because I wanted a space where I could talk about anything that is important to me. Most people know how big track & field is in my life, but I wanted to share other passions of mine.  I have always had a love and appreciation for fashion.  I started The Brisk Life so that I could share all of my life interests with the world. From track, to fashion,  to travel, you will see it all on my blog. 


Shanay, The Brisk Life


What I love the most about blogging is that I have the freedom to do what I want, when I want, and how I want. I can be as creative as I want, and I can add my own flavor to my little online space. Blogging for me is something that I love to do just like I love to high jump. I feel like I can just let go and be myself when I blog.  I write my posts like I am talking to someone rather than writing a school paper because that's how I feel most comfortable. If I wake up one morning and want to talk about my struggles at practice yesterday, I can do that. If I want to get something off my chest, I can do that too. The blogging world has no boundaries and that is what makes it so exciting for me. I know what I put out there is strictly my decision and purely a representation of the real me. 

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

I am loving big hats for the fall. It took me a while to find the perfect one because my head is pretty large, but I finally found one in black that is quickly becoming one of my favorite pieces. Now, I am looking for a navy and tan hat to complete my collection. Big hats are so on trend right now and perfect for those days when I am too lazy to do my hair (most days) but still want to look put together. 

Also, I will forever be a fan of tights with a pleated skirt and heeled booties. I always get so excited for the cold weather because I love wearing this combo. It is my go-to outfit on those chilly nights when I want to dress up, but don't want to wear jeans. 

Printed pants outfit


Where do you get fashion inspiration?

I get my inspiration from so many places. Pinterest, blogs, and magazines are the main ones, but I try to get inspired by what I see around me in my everyday life. Whether it's other girls in my classes, my friends, or just random people walking down the street, I love getting inspired by other people's style and putting my own twist on it. 








Anything else?

Thanks so much for asking me to do this! 




-Shanay 

Check out more of Shanay's amazing style, HERE.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

London Fashion Week: Instagram Edition

Eve attends Ashish UK Fashion Show during London Fashion Week. She looks fabulous!
bomber Jacket and shades

The Ashish Spring 2015 collection featured an all black cast of beautiful models and lots of sequins. See a clip from the show here.  
black models

Gorgeous natural hair!!!
London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week Swag
Swag Style

Street Style
Street Style LFW

Monday, September 15, 2014

How I stay Consistent With Working Out at the Gym

It's been 15 months since I started my fitness journey. Fifteen months of going to the gym consistently. Through this journey, I've stumbled a few times, attempting to figure out what worked and what didn't. Here are a few things I've figured out that keeps me consistent and disciplined with working out at the gym.

How I Stay Consistent with Working out at the Gym



1. Go to the gym on Mondays or Tuesdays. I go to the gym three days a week. If I miss a Monday or Tuesday that means it's unlikely that I'll fulfill my three day goal. Completing at least one of my workout sessions  at the beginning of the week makes it easier to finish two more later on in the week.

2.  I get fitness inspiration on Instagram. There's nothing that gets you going than having a bunch of fitness inspiration in your social media feeds. On the days that I feel like slacking, all I need to do is browse through my Instagram feed for a reminder that skipping the gym won't get me closer to my fitness goals.

15 Months of Consistent Training


3. I go straight to the gym after work. Going home after a long work day often means that I won't leave. As a result, on my gym days, I go straight to the gym after work. This means that I get to settle into the comforts at home guilt-free after my evening workout.

4. I take progress pictures. Sometimes it can be difficult to see your progress by staring in the mirror at yourself everyday. Once a week or so, I take photos for a week-to-week look at my progress. Seeing progress (no matter how small) keeps me motivated to continue to live a healthy and fit lifestyle.

5. I challenge myself. My workouts largely consist of weight training. I started out squatting a 30 pound dumbbell, now I'm squatting 140 pounds on the Smith Machine. Every few weeks I challenge myself by increasing the amount that I lift. Here's to getting stronger and healthier!

How do you stay consistent with your workouts? 


Connect With Me!
INSTAGRAM~BLOGLOVIN'~TWITTER~PINTEREST~FACEBOOK

Friday, September 12, 2014

Sister Style: New York Fashion Week Edition

The Simmons sisters and babygirl Ava at Angela I Am Fashion Show

Zoe and Cisely Saldana at Boss Fashion Show


Thursday, September 11, 2014

Sharam Diniz For Elle Portugal October 2014








Photo Credit: Way Model Management, See more photos HERE

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Recap: Ankara Fest Los Angeles 2014




If you follow me on Instagram, you would have seen my live updates from Ankara Fest this past weekend. I had the amazing opportunity to cover Ankara Fest LA last Saturday. As one of the largest Ankara festivals on the West Coast, Ankara Fest highlights the work of young African designers and/or African designs in the United States.

The Event

Held at the Belasco Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles, the Fashion Show was the highlight of the event, but before the show, attendees had the opportunity to walk the red carpet and look/shop for African inspired jewelry, clothing and accessories from event vendors.


Necklaces by BLM Glam Jewels

Hand-crafted apron by L'Oven Fresh



Actor Duain Richmond (who's in the next Drumline movie) and Actress and Comedian Yvonne Orji did an excellent job hosting the show. They had great chemistry and were both hilarious. I laughed until I (almost) cried at the the Nigerian mother jokes.



The show featured a number of Ankara and African Inspired designs by talented designers throughout the United States, dance and song performances and a highlight of the Red Pump Project,  a non-profit organization that highlights HIV/AIDS awareness among women and girls.  To my delight, the show flowed seamlessly, and the pieces on the runway reflected sheer talent and creativity, there were a number of times where I thought  "I want that piece for my closet."














I had a wonderful time!!! Visit my Facebook Page for more photos from the event.


Let's Get Social!!!!



~Cheers,
Nika

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Black Models Walk the Runway at New York Fashion Week

Black Models at New York Fashion Week

Visit Style.com for photos of the full collections. 



Nicole Miller, Spring 2015

Jason Wu, Spring 2015
Black Models New York Fashion Week


Tadashi Shoji, Spring 2015


Tome, Spring 2015

Cushnie et Ochs, Spring 2015