Miss Black USA 2015 Returns to the Nation’s Capital

Miss Black USA 2015 Returns to the Nation’s Capital with Contestants Competing for Top Honors

Not Just Highlighting Beauty, but Education, Confidence & Self Worth

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On August 9th, 2015 Miss Black USA will make its return back to the Nation’s Capitol to crown Miss Black USA 2015. The big night will be held at the Theatre for Performing Arts at the University of the District of Columbia. The pageant will be hosted by Kalilah Allen-Harris, M.D. who is an actress, physician and a former Miss Black USA (2007). The crowning event will also showcase a special performance by Grammy Nominated Singer, Producer and Musician Johnny Britt performing his hit single “Beautiful Queen”. In addition, the newest addition to this year is Miss Black USA will be live streaming through the website www.MissBlackUSA.org.

Miss Black USA was founded in 1986 to provide educational opportunities to outstanding young African American women. To date, the pageant has awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships. It’s mission is to provide educational opportunities to outstanding young women of color and to develop the “whole woman mind, body, and spirit”. In addition, there are two key factors to the Miss Black USA pageant.  The belief of scholarship and community. Miss Black USA celebrates scholastic achievement and believes that education is the key to lifelong success and empowerment. The winners of the Miss Black USA title is provided scholarship opportunities. For community, the two leading social issues are health and education and the winner will use her civic platform to promote awareness of these issues during her reign. When asked about Miss Black USA and what the pageant offers the African American community, founder Karen Arrington states”Miss Black USA redefines what it means to be a courageous, compassionate & a CONFIDENT black woman today! Eighty percent of Miss Black USA queens are in graduate or professional school. They represent a new generation of powerful and intelligent Black women not portrayed in mainstream media. Anytime you are part of a subculture, it’s important to have your own reward system and need more role models and we need them now.

Leading up to the crowning on August 9th, contestants will participate in a series of preliminary competitions. All preliminary competitions are open to the public and the Miss Black USA Talented Teen & Jr. Teen National Pageant will also take place during the kick off week. The full list of events is below:

  • 8/7/15 – Miss Black USA Fitness & Evening Gown Preliminary
  • 8/8/15 – Miss Black USA Talented Teen & Jr. Teen National Pageant
  • 8/8/15 – Miss Black USA Talent & On Stage Q&A Preliminary
  • 8/9/15 – Miss Black USA Pageant
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Tickets for all preliminary events, Miss Black USA Talented Teen & Jr. Teen and Miss black USA Pageant are on sale now at www.missblackusa.org.

Miss Black USA would like to thank the following: Arik Air, The Kairaba Resort, Lamik, NYS Collection Eyewear, Beautiful Textures, Contemporary Family Services and Anestasia Vodka.

 

Teen Vogue Back-To-School Saturdays: Arundel Mills Mall

Teen Vogue will host it’s Back-To-School Saturdays event at Arundel Mills Mall on Saturday, August 8, 2015 from 1 – 4 p.m.  I grew up reading Teen Voguegetting all of my makeup and fashion tips right before school started.  I will forever be a fan!

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EVENT DATES: 8/8/2015 – 8/8/2015

Join us before it’s time to hit the books with a sneak peek at the hottest back-to-school trends at Arundel Mills.

DATE: Saturday, August 8th

TIME: 1-4PM

LOCATION: Fashion Court near Starbucks

Cupcake and mocktail bar will be available as well as a Beauty station.

Show your back-to-school fashion discovery using #foundatsimon #contest, for your chance to win $2,500.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter Contest by: 12/31/15. To enter and for Official Rules, go to www.simon.com/foundatsimonrules

If you like this post, click here: Teen Vogue Handbook Careers in Fashion

Ann Taylor Safari Looks and Style

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Take a cue from celebrities like Diane Kruger and Olivia Wilde and be adventurous with your style by incorporating thesafari trend into your wardrobe.  Ann Taylor offers a variety of elevated khaki styles with cargo pockets and accessories in exotic and earthy palettes that are sure to spice up your ensemble.

Take on fierce femininity with a midi-skirt or flattering cargo skinny jeans paired with a light sweater or jacket for an easy, in between season look.

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Accentuate your look with printed flats or a tortoiseshell belt to make a statement. Add a pop of color to your neutrals with a pair of red pumps that will leave you looking sophisticated in your safari look.

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Target Lainee D’Orsay Pumps – Nude Pumps for Women of Color

I shared a post last month titled the “Nudes Pumps Collection Spring 2015.”  Since that time, I decided to research a collection of affordable nude pumps for women of color.  I love my red bottom shoes but we shouldn’t sacrifice cost for real fashion and style.

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After searching the internet for months (and canceling my shoe order) I found myself shopping at Target. Something told me to visit the shoe department because I am a sucker for a good sale. Sitting on the rack for $20.00 dollars was the Lainee D’Orsay Pumps!  I was super excited because although they’re not considered to be a nude pump, this shoe is the exact color of my skin complexion.

Lainee D‘Orsay Pumps

I like to wear nude pumps when I’m hosting Lifestyle Segments at the news station.  They’re also a great style option for attending fashion events or date night.  I have truly mastered the art of mixing “high and low end pieces” to create a total look.  For example, thrifted jeans with a Nordstrom bangle; dress from Target paired with a Louis Vuitton Neverfull.

Lainee D‘Orsay Pumps

I also discovered the Melanie Classic Pumps which are very similiar to the Patent Red Sole Pump.  For future references, I will always visit Target to find a sale on stylish shoes!  Follow me on Instagram @kwest1908 to keep up with my shopping deals.

This is not a sponsored post – 

The links in this post contain affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link.

 

MYHABIT Clutch Handbags – Favorite Brands and Prices

MyHabit offers customers an inspiring daily destination to discover new and favorite brands at exciting prices:
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Alexander McQueen Demanta Piccola Clutch, Gold

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Buji Baja Zig Zag Madagascar Clutch, Multi

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Lauren Merkin Tatum Clutch, White

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Jessica McClintock Hiss Cage Minaudiere, Bone

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Jessica McClintock Asymmetrical Clutch, Leopard

 

Jennifer Hudson Soho Jeans and New York & Company

Jennifer Hudson‘s new Soho Jeans collaboration with New York & Company

The new face of Soho Jeans? Who else but Jennifer Hudson. With her modern aesthetic and fashion-forward style, she’s the perfect match for our lineup of denim with a downtown vibe. From better-than-ever bootcuts to super sleek skinnies (and every style in between), our Soho jeans are key to mastering fashion’s hottest trends — from retro-cool 70s to glamorous boho-chic (and beyond).

Get the Fit. Looking good and feeling your best? Done and done. Our super-flattering fit solutions are designed to be ultra-stylish and ultra-flattering. Secret slimming panels, curve-creating cuts, faux front pockets — all the details are taken care of.

A Leg Up. Classic, chic and totally comfortable, our leggings are an absolute must. Complete with trend-right twists (hello, sparkling rhinestone accents!) in hot-now high waisted and cropped cuts, they give a stylish jolt to any laid-back look.

A Bootcut Above the Rest. Behold: the time-tested silhouette is better than ever. Thanks to ultra-slimming faux scoop pockets and whiskering details to highlight those curves, our classic bootcut has reached the next level. Topped off with washes from basic to bold, these essential jeans are the perfect pick for wherever you’re headed — day or night.

Sophisticated Skinnies. Mornings, evenings, weekdays, weekends — it’s always the right time to strut your stuff in the super versatile skinny. Created to flatter in all the right places, these sleek and polished jeans jumpstart your style any day of the week. Just add an on-trend top, throw on some sky-high heels or chic sandals, and you’re good to go.

The Best BF. Your boyfriend has never looked this good! Effortlessly taking laid-back style to new heights, our boyfriend jean brings you a modern silhouette in a slightly sleeker fit. Elevated with vintage patchwork, destroyed details and contrasting topstitching, they’re the perfect way to amp up your downtime.

The Long & Short of It. The stress of looking for the right fit? Out the window. We’ve made finding petite & tall jeans a snap! Our lineup brings you classic cuts and favorite colors in right-for-you lengths.

from New York & Company.com

 

 

lululemon athletica Harbor East and The Baltimore Love Project Capsule Collection

Michael Owen teams up with lululemon athletica Harbor East for The Baltimore Love Project Capsule Collection, a limited edition of 500 lululemon garments adorned with Owen’s Baltimore-inspired designs.  

Designed exclusively for lululemon Harbor East, each women’s What The Sport Tank and Men’s 5 Factor Short Sleeve will feature the commissioned street artist’s unique take on the yoga brand’s technical athletic apparel with an effort to spread the message of LOVE to the city of Baltimore.

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Barcocina Baltimore, MD, Thursday, July 16th, 2015

—On Thursday, July 16th, from 7:00PM– 9:00PM, lululemon athletica Harbor East will launch The Baltimore Love Project Capsule Collection at Barcocina, 1629 Thames St, Baltimore, MD 21231. The event will feature a VIP shopping reception. 40 % of the proceeds will go towards the next installment of Michael Owen’s LOVE murals in West Baltimore.

“I’m excited to partner with lululemon athletica and focus energy towards bringing Baltimore together especially considering all that our city has been through recently,” says Owen.  “This new collaboration is a response to the unrest through-out Baltimore. The garments reference the LOVE pattern sprayed on boarded windows during the riots, while the mural will act as a permanent memorial.”

The Baltimore Love Project Capsule Collection for lululemon athletica will be available for sale in store only at lululemon athletica Harbor East, 820 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 528-5485, beginning Thursday, July 16th.  This collection is limited to 500 garments available exclusively at this lululemon location.  In addition, they will also be featured at Grateful Phlow, a jam band inspired yoga flow event happening Saturday, July 18th from 6pm10pm at Union Craft Brewing, 1700 Union Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211.

 

About Michael Owen and the Baltimore Love Project:

The Baltimore Love Project expresses love by connecting people and communities across Baltimore City through love themed murals.  Michael Owen is the creator and lead artist of the Baltimore Love Project.  After living in Seattle, Cleveland and Orlando, Michael moved to Baltimore to attend Maryland Institute College of Art. Since receiving his BFA in 2004, Michael has been painting all around the United States, utilizing galleries as well as the streets, including one of the world’s longest murals at 1/4 mile in length. Owen has collaborated with numerous brands including Faberge, Seagram’s, Toyota and Woven Accents.

For more information, visit www.michaelowenart.com.

Christina Milian – We Are Pop Culture Store Grand Opening

Continuing to build her entrepreneurial repertoire, actress and singer-songwriter Christina Milian opens the doors for her store, We Are Pop Culture, this past Monday. The store began online back in November 2014. Shortly after launching the online version, We Are Pop Culture was featured on KTLA. Ever since, the brand has grown immensely. Eight months after the feature, Christina made the decision to open the brand new store front on Melrose Ave in Los Angeles.

We Are Pop Culture, as a brand, highlights lifestyle, pop culture, and its influences on the world today. The company focuses on providing customers with visually stimulating, thought provoking, and trendsetting products that fit into their everyday lives. This Street-wear and Casual-wear clothing for the modern-day woman is edgy, funky, comfy, and trendy.

For more information on the brand, We Are Pop Culture, please visit their website http://wearepopculture.com/.

Tamar Collection | Stylish and Well – Made Clothing

Sharing photos and clothing from The Tamar Collection

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Teal Pumps & Accessories
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Fluffing my Natural Hair
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Smiling & Posing

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of The Braxtons and especially Tamar.  Their sister dynamic reminds me of my own family with the laughs and craziness!  I’m also the youngest child and can relate to Tamar in the perspective of  being outspoken, fashionable, and loving everyone unconditionally.

I was excited to receive items from the Tamar collection and eager to share with my audience.  The two pieces shipped included the Vegan Leather Pants and Striped Shadow Skirt.  Both items are simply gorgeous and very well-made for all body types.

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Striped Shadow Skirt

For styling purposes, the striped shadow skirt can be worn with a blouse or jacket to dinner, church, or brunch. The vegan leather pants are perfect for a girl’s night out and perfect in terms of size and length.

I decided to pair the skirt with teal accessories for a fresh summer look; and wear a white jacket with the pants for a sophisticated color combination.

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Vegan Leather Pants & Hair Change

I hope that everyone will check out the Tamar Collection.  The site updates frequently and trust me, you will not be disappointed!

Amazon Prime Day – Exclusive Deals on Electronics, Clothing, and More

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Mark your calendar! Prime Day is right around the corner,Wednesday, July 15, 2015.

What is Prime Day?

More deals than Black Friday, exclusive for Prime members.

Prime Day is a one-day shopping event on July 15, 2015, with more deals than Black Friday. Prime members can shop exclusive deals from electronics, toys, video games, movies, clothing, patio, lawn and garden, sports and outdoor items and more.

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Prime Day is a global shopping event, offering more deals than Black Friday, exclusively for Prime members. On Wednesday, July 15 new and existing members will be able to shop thousands of Lightning Deals, Deals of the Day, and will receive unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping. Members will find deals starting at midnight PDT, with new deals starting throughout the day, as often as every ten minutes. Not a Prime member? Try Prime today and get immediate access to deals on July 15.

Prime members can find deals on products across categories including electronics, toys, video games, movies, clothing, patio, lawn and garden, sports and outdoor items and more. Members will enjoy deals on items perfect for summer adventures, their to-do list, family road trips, back to school supplies, and everyday essentials. Prime members can shop on any device, including smartphones and tablets and enjoy deals anytime, and anywhere.

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