Accessories / August 26, 2013

VMA’s 2013 Fashionable Moments: The Editor’s Likes and Issues…Let’s Talk About It!

The Video Music Awards is one of the most fashionable moments where a music artist can shine.

Celebrities can push the limits while introducing a new trend or bring back a touch of “rock and roll” glamour.

And then there’s the select few that leave us confused and wondering what happened to their look. Needless to say, no matter how it’s addressed, fashion’s a huge component of the VMA’s and it’s always fun to recap the selections that we saw (on our television screens.)

Photos below are from Elle Magazine.

Ciara

My Like: The dress is very couture and her body looks great! The bead work mixed with orstrich feathers looks amazing. My Issue: This is very similiar to a look we have seen at another event.

Miley Cyrus

My Like: The beading stitched on the top and leggings looks gorgeous. My Issue: I am not sure what’s going on with her hairstyle (looks very pre – k) and maybe a pair of stilletos would’ve pulled this look together.

Taylor Swift

My Like: Taylor looks very grown up and elegant. My Issue: This entire look would be great for the Oscars. She could’ve pushed the limits a bit more.

Ellie Goulding

My Like: She did it just right! The spikes on her dress add a touch of rock and roll also her nude pumps are the exact shade of her dress which elongates her torso. My Issue: I don’t have any issues with this look!

Rita Ora

My Like: The tail on this dress is very eye catching with orstrich feathers and a beautiful shade of blue. The bodice also stands out because it’s completely beaded with a plunging neckline. My Issue: This hairstyle has been seen on another artist (smile.)

Selena Gomez

My Like: She did it just right! Her hair style and dress fit looks perfect. And I like the trend of wearing a hint of lingerie. My Issue: I don’t have any issues with this look!

Joan Smalls

My Like: The chanel boots look great with her legs and skirt length. My Issue: This look is a bit premature for the celebrity.

Lady Gaga

My Like: This is a very cohesive look. She gave us the exact amount of “goth” with a hint of feminity with an oversized bow and heart shape neckline. My Issue: I don’t have any issues with this look!

Jennifer Hudson

My Like: The houndstooth print (which I think is also leather) coordinates well with her skirt and pumps. My Issue: I don’t have any issues with this look!

For more VMA’s photos, visit Elle Magazine.com Opinions are welcomed; you can post below (smile.)

Beauty / August 20, 2013

Wearing my TWO 7 SEL Tshirt and Supporting the Speed Hustle Brand

Two months ago I received a tshirt from my cousin in law’s (Chico) entertainment brand Speed Hustle. The shirts from his brand are edgey and speak directly to the hearts of all that are on their “daily hustle.”

The phrase “being on your daily hustle” can refer to anyone who’s motivated and inspired by what they do professionally. From a sales associate working in a local retail store or CEO of a technology company, we are all on our Speed Hustle.

I decided to style my TWO 7 SEL (which is a representation of Selma, Alabama) tshirt with a pair of thrifted denim shorts, fishnet tights, and black lace – up booties. The make up for this photo was a smokey eye and black cherry lipstick. This was a fun look for me and look forward to more tshirt designs from his brand.

Beauty / August 20, 2013

Jemily Designs: The Idrissa Collection

The Idrissa Collection is inspired by the romance of the castles from Spain to Senegal.

The legend behind Tourmalines is that the stone passed a rainbow on its way up from the center of the Earth. So they are called “gemstone of the rainbow”

The word tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese word turamali which means “stone attracting ash”.

Brazilian Tourmalines are also called Verdelite.This name comprises the Latin ‘viridis’ (green) and the Greek suffix ‘lith’ (stone). The vibrant green actually comes from trace amounts of other materials. These stones are”Chromium-Tourmaline” a rare emerald-coloured tourmaline which has traces of Vanadium and Chromium. Though once only found in Brazil where the mines are now depleted, these deep green stones called Brazilian Tourmalines now come from other parts of the world, notably Africa.

Tourmalines amaze scientists with their “pyro-electricity” properties. Pyro is Greek for “fire”. When heated Tourmalines become electrically charged. When cooled Tourmalines have a positive charge at one end of the stone and a negative charge at the other.

The deep rich transparent seafoam color that illuminates these rare stones, the mined in Brazil Green Tourmalines from designer Catherine Marion’s private collection featured in her JEMILY DESIGNS . Resembling emeralds, one of the most precious of stones, these precious Brazilian Tourmalines are highly coveted indeed.

Accessories / August 17, 2013

Ashley Madekwe Rocking The Pajama Trend

Take a look at Ashley Madekwe wearing the new pajama trend. Did you know that she’s also a fellow blogger? Take a look at her site here: Ring My Bell

Beauty / August 9, 2013

Product Review: Virginn Pure Mineral Makeup

Last week I received a package in the mail from Tonja, the CEO of Virginn Pure Mineral Makeup. Of course, I was super excited to test out the products because I love makeup. But most importantly, this line of cosmetics is considered to be a mineral product.

For those that are not savvy about the use of mineral based makeup, the Virginn Pure Mineral Makeup line’s considered to, “give skin a natural glow and feel as if you have nothing on.” According to sources, mineral makeup is also helpful for women with sensitive skin and need assistance covering blemishes.

Many people are not aware that I suffer from having eczema (all over.) Having this skin care issue is my driving force behind developing a regiman and wearing the proper makeup for my skin type (to protect my skin from environmental debris.) That purpose alone is a positive incentive for anyone to test out this brand.

Upon opening the package, I received several makeup brushes, shimmering bronzer, and foundation. And I have to agree that this product did indeed live up to it’s testimony! When applying the foundation and bronzer, I only needed to use a small amount of each product. The makeup brushes felt wonderful and my face looked great throughout the remainder of the evening.

To place an order with Virginn Pure Mineral Makeup, click on the link and see photos (of me) below!

Accessories / August 6, 2013

Fall 2013 Beauty and Accessories Trends: Part I

From a blogger’s perspective, I always like to know what’s “hot” for the next upcoming season. And honestly, I do not consider myself to be “trendy” but I do believe in the concept of “refreshing” your wardrobe.

Life is too short to wear boring clothes (via my Instagram post) and dressing is a form of personal expression. It’s how you present yourself to the world and most importantly, it shows everyone how you feel about yourself.

My philosophy is that anyone can refresh their wardrobe without having to spend their life savings. A simple bracelet or new shade of lipstick can do wonders for your wardrobe, mood, or even your professional life.

I have to give credit to one of my favorite magazines, Instyle (I’ve been reading since I was a teenager) for telling us the new, runway inspired looks.

In conclusion, it’s fun and easy to select a trend but don’t forget that true style is making a look your own!

Beauty Trends

Oxblood Nails

Wide Headband

Nude Nail Polish

Matte Skin

Accessories Trends

Animal Print Heels

Pointy – Toe Flats

Strappy Sandals

White Pumps

High Heeled Loafers

Pendant Earrings

photos were taken from Pinterest.com

Beauty / July 30, 2013

Product Alert: The DIVA PRESSING IRON by {Sultra}

Ladies, take a look at the newest pressing iron for women with the coarsest, curliest and frizziest of hair! The Diva Pressing Iron has a ThermaGuide Plate System with an advanced Ceramic Heater.

In addition, the temperature settings are designed for natural or relaxed hair, which is a plus. If you’re a natural girl (like me) who’s searching for a really good straightening system, I suggest you try this product (because I will be grabbing mine soon.)

The Diva Pressing Iron can be found at Sultra or Sephora.com

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / July 16, 2013

Style Life Fashion Interviews (Celebrity) Singer-Songwriter Dawn Richard

We had the opportunity to stop for a second and interview Dawn Richard (singer-songwriter.) You guys remember her from Making The Band 3 and she was also an artist with Bad Boy Records.

Now Dawn has released a new album and her look is “very serious!” She can (now) be seen wearing the latest couture, gracing magazine covers, or blowing up on social networking site such as Instagram. I was eager to discuss with Dawn her singer career, style, and musical inspirations.

Style Life Fashion Interviews Dawn Richard:

As an American songwriter and artist, when did you first start singing?

When I was 6 in church. My father was a choir director

Who are your musical inspirations (or what artist do you love?)

I love artist who aren’t musical but more visual. Marina Ambramovic, Gustav Klimt, and Charlie Chaplin

Where would you most like to perform?

Art Basil or Glastonbury

Aside from singing, what are your hidden talents?

I like to fly on Wednesdays

In terms of fashion, what are some of your favorite trends for this summer?

Hippie fringe and thigh high boots with minimal t shirts

How would you describe your personal style? What are some items you can’t live without?

Whatever works .. I can’t live without Givenchy thigh highs

Don’t forget to check her out on Instagram and Twitter

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / July 15, 2013

Target’s Beauty Concierge Progam Launches in Baltimore: Contributing Post by Lydia Rochelle

Just in case you needed another reason to shop at Target, the store known for the “Expect More. Pay Less” brand promise has launched a Beauty Concierge program in 27 existing stores in Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Baltimore.

This program started in Chicago, and launched in the DMV on June 28, 2013. The Beauty Concierge is available at select times during the day, to answer all of your beauty and skincare needs with personalized and unbiased information.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit with Melody, the Beauty Concierge at the store in Towson. Her impressive background as a professional make-up artist and extensive training in skin care and hair care, guided me through my beauty journey. During my visit, we perused the vast amount of ethnic hair care products (the largest selection that I have seen at Target) and developed a regimen that would work best for my hair type. Melody provided personalized and unbiased information and we also had a great time!

Additionally, the program will launch in 96 stores in Los Angeles/Orange County, 36 stores in Minneapolis and expand to 41 stores in Chicago, with approximately 200 stores implementing the program in 2013. Check with your local Target for additional locations with the Beauty Concierge. Happy shopping!

Beauty / July 6, 2013

Summer Beauty Trick: How to Wear A Nude Lipstick

Wearing nude lipstick this summer is fun, sexy, and very sophisticated. And I love wearing a nude lipstick because this color practically goes with any dress for any occassion. But there’s a fine line between wearing a neutral lip color and appearing to have just “rolled” out of the bed.

When trying to achieve a neutral look this does not mean simply wearing clear lip gloss (and nothing else.) This effortless look still requires make up application with the selection of the right products. Lucky for us we have tips on how to wear a nude lipstick!

How To Wear a Nude Lipstick

Select a color that matches your skintone; the color should be at least two shades between your natural skin complexion.
Fair skintones should purchase lipsticks in a pink nude; Brown skintones should purchase lipsticks in a beige nude.
Use a neutral lip liner to help lipstick last longer.
Don’t forget to play up the eyes with dramatic eye shadow, mascara, and liquid liner.
Add bronzer to the cheeks for a beautiful summer glow!

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Category: Beauty