2016Faces of Black Fashion: 2016

Friday, December 16, 2016

Baby, It's Cold Outside - Stylish Winter Coats

It's below freezing in the NYC area today. While I love winter style, staying both warm and stylish in frigid temperatures is skill I'm still trying to hone.  The moment it hits blow thirty degrees, I reach for almost anything that keeps me warm. This is where I'll most often choose comfort over style. Yet, style and comfort aren't mutually exclusive in the winter, especially with a stylish coat and the right winter accessories. Plus, if it's frigid, who cares what you're wearing if you're not going to take off the coat anyway? A few months ago, I decided to cultivate a more neutral closet, including neutral colored outwear.  The photos below have me rethinking that decision - at the very least I want a statement making coat in red, pink or blue. As the weather gets cooler, I'll continue to keep my eye out for winter style inspiration. Enjoy the stylish inspiration and shop a few coats I've linked below.




Image via Pinterest, Similar Coat here




Photos via Urban Bush Babes




Photo via today.com; find a similar classic grey coat, here


Tiffany Battle of The Werk Place


I adore this look, photo via Fashion Bomb Daily, chic light blue coat here


Cheers,
Nika

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Supermodel in the Making: Willow Smith for Vogue Magazine

Born to be a supermodel? Sixteen-year-old Willow is breathtaking in these photographs for Vogue Magazine's December/January Issue. We've seen Willow experiment with her style, which is uniquely versatile. I love the classic high fashion look here and can't wait to see more of Willow modeling in the future.





See more photos here.

Friday, December 2, 2016

Bad AF: Naomi Campbell for W Magazine

Diva extraordinaire, Naomi Campbell, stuns in W Magazine. I am convinced that Ms. Campbell is not only stunning, but she's ageless and doesn't take a bad photograph. She's as BAD as she was in her 20s.









See the rest of the photos here.

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Coffee Table Book Featuring: Misty Copeland




These photos give us a first look of the stunning images Photographer, Gregg Delaman, captured of Ballerina, Misty Copeland. Last  summer, Misty Copeland made history when she was appointed  the first African American female soloist at the American Ballet Theater.

The book, whcih was released, a little over a week ago is already an Amazon Bestseller. 






Images via Huffington Post. 

The book is available on Amazon:

Friday, August 12, 2016

Black Motherhood: Stunning Maternity Shoot


I absolutely love these maternity shoot photos that Buzzfeed posted a few days ago. Mom-to-be Keturah Antongiorgi looks stunning and the photographer captured the beauty and vulnerability of impending motherhood. See more of Keturah on Buzzfeed










Wednesday, July 27, 2016

She's Gotta Have It - Nia and Nika strike a Pose

Anyone else enamored with this mural in Fort Greene, Brooklyn? I immediately stopped and posed for a photo when I saw it a few Sundays ago. This past Sunday, Nia Long shared a photo of her posing in front of the mural, letting us know that she has to have it "all day everyday!"

Nia Long 


Me striking a pose!


Wednesday, July 20, 2016

#ProudAuntie: Solange Knowles Shares Adorable Photos of Blue Ivy

Today, Solange Knowles shared a #proudauntie moment by posting photos of her beautiful and uber stylish niece, Blue Ivy. Per Solange, Blue Ivy does her own photo efits, go Blue!

Look how mcuh, Blue Blue has grown. She's a beautiful and stylish little lady. 





Monday, July 4, 2016

Friday, July 1, 2016

Three Years of Fitness, Where I am Today + Body Confidence









Three Years of Fitness

Three years ago, I started my fitness journey and it has been one of the best decisions I made for my overall health. Not only did going to the gym and working out transform my body and help me meet my goals, I discovered the therapeutic benefits of fitness. On a tough day I look forward to exercise, which helps me to reduce stress and increase much needed endorphins (the body's natural happy chemical). 

A few years ago, I shared by struggles with body image and body confidence in my skinny black girl post.  Body acceptance eventually came, but it was a process, and one that started with me deciding to accept my body as it is naturally. With this newfound acceptance, I started my fitness journey, tailoring my goals to my natural build. In the process, I became stronger, healthier and more disciplined. I paid more attention to my diet and became more intentional about making better food choices. The journey hasn't been perfect, but no journey needs to be. I wasn't always consistent with working out and eating healthy, but each time I faltered, I forgave myself and got back up. You can read more about my fitness journey and routine here and here.

Body Confidence
I have reached my first few goals and feel more confident about my body than I've felt in years. When I look in the mirror, I see the reflection of a decision I made, of hours spent in the gym, of hard work and discipline and of me challenging myself. It feels great, and the confidence that comes with feeling good about your body motivates you to continue to make fitness a lifestyle choice.

Where I am Today
Today I continue to work out at least three times a week, and I have made new goals that I want to achieve. I no longer feel like a beginner in the gym and so I've tailored my routine to reflect my growth and new goals. Fitness for me now, is a lifestyle decision!

Are you on a fitness journey? How long? What are some things you've learned and/or achieved since you started your journey?

Cheers,
Nika


Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Summer Slay: Five Haute Swimsuits created by Black Designers to add to your Collection this Summer

Summer has officially begun, and with summer comes trips to the beach, pool parties and vacations. Below I've hand-picked five haute swimsuits from some of our favorite black swimwear designers.  Enjoy!


1. Label: Andrea Iyamah
    Nagha Bikini



2.  Label: Jae Jolly Designs
     Watermelon Bikini. Visit Jae Jolly Designs Facebook Page for ordering details




3. Label: Nakimuli
Kente Zip Front Swimsuit






4. Label: Asherah



5. Red Star Collection


Thursday, June 9, 2016

Instagram Style Inspiration from Afro Punk Paris



I attended the Afro Punk Festival in Brooklyn for the first time last year and found myself surrounded by beautiful self-expression and individual style. Last weekend Afro Punk Paris ushered in the same amazing style into my Instagram feed. Here are a few of my favorites. Be inspired!