Page 106 – Style [+] Life [+] Fashion by [@kwest1908]

Accessories / July 14, 2017

What I Wore: African Print Midi Flare Skirt and Accessories

I have not moved beyond the excitement centered around Essence Fest 2017. The iconic “party with a purpose” is a must-attend experience!

When packing for such an event there are a few rules to consider. Always plan for the weather in that region and review the itinerary in terms of walking.

I couldn’t cover the festival without packing my favorite African-Print (Ankara) midi skirt. Several people stopped and inquired about this particular piece. Here’s the secret: it was purchased at a flea market in Alabama.

The style photo was taken in the New Orleans, Central Business District. Against my better judgement, I stood in the middle of street traffic to capture a decent shot.

Was this a little scary? The answer is yes. Was this mind-blowing? The answer is definitely a strong yes!

Fashion / July 13, 2017

PLANET FASHION PRESENTS SWIM WEEKEND MIAMI 2017

Planet Fashion, one of the nation’s leading fashion media and production companies, has announced its sizzling showcase of next season’s sexiest swimwear as part of a three-night cutting-edge fashion phenomenon featuring today’s iconic designers and some of the nation’s most buzzworthy bikini brands.

Planet Fashion Presents Swim Weekend will take place Thursday, July 20th through Saturday, July 22nd at the renowned SLS South Beach and Hyde Beach, located on Collins Avenue, with doors opening for each nightly runway show at 7:00 p.m. Industry aficionados who descend on South Florida each year for Miami’s Swim Week are already requesting front row seats for the inaugural event featuring exclusive presentations by Versace, Cavalli and DSquared2, among other leading national and local Miami designers, whose latest creations will be adorning some of today’s top runway and swimwear models. The weekend will also feature an exclusive Pop-up Shop and Gifting Suite for attending celebrities, social influencers and VIPs, as well as surprise musical performances by special guest artists.

“We’re bringing back the “sexy” to swimwear,” says Celia Evans, founder and owner of Planet Fashion Media. “Miami’s annual Swim Week has become too predictable and familiar over the years, so we wanted to create something that would turn heads and break the mould of the traditional format that has been tailored for the retail industry. Our three-night Swim Weekend is for everyone – whether you’re a serious buyer, a woman interested in the latest cutting-edge styles or someone who simply likes a fun night of fashion. Our inaugural Swim Weekend will not only showcase the world’s leading designers, but also shine a spotlight on some of our homegrown and emerging talent, who are equally loved and admired by their own followers across the country. As with all our fashion shows around the world, each night will be full of steamy runway revelry and plenty of energy that Miami is known for in the heart of summer.”

The Opening Night on Thursday, July 20th will feature individual runway presentations by Roberto Cavalli Swimwear, Nash Beach and the massively popular Revel Rey by Washington based designer, Audrey Swanson. After making her debut at Swim Week last year with her “Funk n’ Sol” Spring/Summer 2017 collection, Audrey returns to South Florida with a huge following by those who admire her custom and hand painted prints that combine fashion and art in to vibrant and unique bikini patterns inspired by her explorations to places like Bora Bora, Rangiroa and Maui. Planet Fashion has invited Swanson to give attendees a sneak peak in to Revel Rey’s latest print innovations.

The Main Event on Friday, July 21st will feature runway presentations from Versace, DSquared2, and two of the swim industry’s brightest stars – Karma Bikinis and OMG Miami Swimwear. Julienne Worring and Antje Worring founded Karma Bikinis in 2014 through their combined passions for ocean conservation. Their commitment to fair trade standards and sustainability means limited collections are released every six weeks in each design, to eliminate environmental offsets and to keep their clientele at the forefront of the latest styles. Furthermore, the sisters formed a commitment to donate 7% of all proceeds received by Karma Bikinis towards ocean conservation efforts. With more than half a million followers on social media, OMG Miami Swimwear is the explosive sensation from the streets of Miami Beach by Andrea Gaviria, who built the company in 2016 after struggling to find a bikini that fitted her well. After making her own swimsuit and posting it on social media with a viral effect, OMG Miami Swimwear was born with the mission of creating fashionable and feminine swimwear from conventional and innovative designs and trends. Celebrities such as Sofía Vergara have chosen Andrea’s designs for their curvaceous form and function.

The Designer Showcase on Saturday, July 22nd will feature especially selected runway presentations by Just Bones Boardwear, Hot Miami Styles, Gabriela Pires and Art Hearts Fashion. The brand known for “Reinventing The Boardshort” is Just Bones Boardwear, designed by Jennifer Weisman, who garnered attention on the Miami Beach runways last year, when surf style models were showcased wearing her colorful printed boardshorts. In response to retail and consumer demand, Weisman has now unveiled her line of bikinis, which are designed to complement the boardshort collection. Since its initial launch in 2011, Just Bones Boardwear has garnered a huge following, especially in the northeast, for the perfect fit provided by the boardshorts’ patented adjustable waist, suitable for kids as well as men and women. Gabriela Pires is the luxury beachwear brand by the renowned Sports Illustrated editorial designer from Brazil. After moving to Miami at an early age, she studied at the Istituto Marangoni of Milan, before starring in her first New York Fashion Week at the age of 21 years old. The brand was first featured in the 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition and during the same year Gabriela launched her own line of lingerie, forcing her to open a brick-and-mortar boutique for the brand in Manhattan. Today, Gabriela’s swimwear styles are a force to be reckoned with and still exemplify her hometown roots of Rio de Janeiro.

As a unique addition to the Friday and Saturday of Swim Weekend (July 21st and 22nd) “Swim Pop” will present an exclusive Pop-up shop and gifting suite for invited attendees to browse, featuring an Evian Water Bar, La Croix Beauty and Nail Bar, as well as apparel from designers Karma Bikinis, Masahua and Logophile The Labelamong many others.

Planet Fashion Presents Swim Weekend 2017 will take place July 20th—22nd at SLS South Beach, located at 1701 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, Florida, with doors opening at 7:00 p.m. Following each nightly series of fashion shows will be the Planet Fashion After-party at Hyde Beach, the property’s luxe indoor-outdoor hotel lounge with crudo by José Andrés, serving a selection of handcrafted signature cocktails by the bar or for relaxing poolside. Follow the conversation for regular updates by using #planetfashionswim.

Accessories / July 13, 2017

Michelle Obama Cushie et Ocs Dress: ESPY Awards 2017

Last night, Michelle Obama looked stunning at The ESPY Awards 2017. The former first lady’s known for having amazingly toned arms and the Cushie et Ocs Fall 2017 dress exemplified this statement.

Her sleek hair, tailored dress, and designer heels were the epitome of style during the event. Michelle Obama presented the Arthur Ashe Courage Award to Timothy Shriver.

Stylist: Meredith Koop

Dress: Cushie et Ocs

Makeup Artist: Carl Ray

Hairstylist: Yene Damtew

Birmingham / July 12, 2017

Liberated Specialty Foods: Healthiest Secret in the South

The self-proclaimed “Healthiest Secret in the South”, Liberated Specialty Foods is the first-to-market Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) commercial bakery, selling dozens of food items online and nine distinct items for wholesale, including coconut and cashew bread, Paleo pizza crusts, pizza sauce, ketchup and more. Based in Madison, Alabama, the unique health-crazed company is taking the nation by storm and becoming more and more popular in areas all over. Having grown immensely in the last year, they can be found in major retailers (Whole Foods, Earth Fare, Nugget Markets, Raley’s, the Health Nuts, and more) and are baking up more and more new, delicious foods daily.

Liberated Specialty Food’s motto is they go “Beyond Paleo” by taking the paleo diet and removing the starches (like tapioca, cassava, arrowroot) and other additives (like guar gum). This makes their offerings even more simple and able to be consumed by those on a wide variety of diets outside of Paleo, such as the SCD, Keto, GAPS, Bulletproof, Feingold and more. They are an ideal brand, and the only brand, for many people who need to rethink their eating habits but don’t want to deal with the brutal elimination of favorite foods and the feeling of being left out when surrounded by people eating their most desired guilty pleasure foods. Imagine enjoying a delicious pizza crust with only 3 net carbs? Count us in!

Not only does Liberated Specialty Foods fill you up with delicious, clean foods but the story behind the company fills you up with inspiration and motivation for a better you. Founder Stacey Schlaman was inspired to start the business through her own struggles providing grain-free meals, with simple ingredients, to her own daughter who suffered from a number of autoimmune diseases. After breaking down in tears over the lack of ingredients and the immense time it took to prepare these types of food herself, she vowed to dedicate herself to making these foods available for others so that she could, in some way, help alleviate the heavy burden many of her customers were already carrying.

Liberated Specialty Foods™ goes Beyond Paleo and gluten-free eating to provide foods that can be consumed by those on special diets. In doing so, they use the healthiest ingredients for the highest quality foods. Five unique things to know about their products:

Products do not contain most starches and are gluten and grain free.
The Paleo branded products contain no dairy products.
The SCD™ and GAPS™ products may include the following dairy products: approved cheeses, farmer’s cheese, ghee, and specially made yogurt.
Products are sweetened with only honey, fruit and/or vanilla extract.
Consists of no unlabeled ingredients, such as “spices” or “natural flavors”

For more information about Liberated Specialty Foods or to view all product offerings, please visit http://liberatedspecialtyfoods.com/

Accessories / July 11, 2017

Sun Damage and Eye Health: Fashion Expert Zanna Roberts Rassi

It’s officially summertime, and the hottest accessory you can add to your wardrobe arsenal is sunwear. You may be surprised to know that while nearly 75 percent of Americans are concerned about the potential side effects of UV eye exposure, only about 21 percent say they always wear sunglasses.

Fashion expert and TV contributor, Zanna Roberts Rassi joins us with some tips to make sure our look protects our vision AND keeps us on trend.

Zanna Roberts Rassi is a British fashion editor, the senior fashion editor of Marie Claire US and a fashion correspondent for E! News. She also appears on the reality television show Project Runway All Stars as a mentor to the contestants and consults for the American retail chain Target.

Beauty / July 10, 2017

Aveda Essentials: Eco-friendly Hair and Skincare Products

Eco-friendly hair and skincare services are considered the philosophy of Aveda products. The company believes in wellness as it relates to beauty.

Product Review:

I had the pleasure of receiving a few of their latest products in the mail. Let me start by saying, that Aveda did not disappoint on any levels. Before I opened the box there was a beautiful well-wrapped package. Each product had a distinct, natural aroma and instantly filled the room.

Aveda Essentials Products

Smooth Infusion Style Prep Smoother

Be Curly Curl Enhancer

Thickening Tonic

Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair

Air Control Light Hold Hair Spray

Phomollient

Shampure Composition Oil

Hand Relief Moisturizing Creme

Based on my daily routine, I was in desperate need of the Thickening Tonic and Air Control Light Hold Hair Spray. I’ve also suffered from breakage and decided to use the Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair.

In terms of skincare, the Hand Relief Moisturizing Creme not only fights dryness but diminishes the signs of aging.

Overall, this package was perfect in terms of my monthly beauty needs! Stay connected for more about Aveda‘s latest hair and skincare products.

Beauty / July 10, 2017

Protect Your Skin and Hair: Hot Summer Sun

As the summer starts getting hotter, it is so easy to fall victim to the damage the heat can cause. Make sure you are protecting your skin and hair with these easy tips and tricks from TouchBack, Sun Bum, Smashbox, John Frieda and Sophia Gushee.

Revive your hair color with TouchBack Marker

TouchBack’s mistake-proof marker delivers true, temporary hair color instantly. The pocket-sized marker makes for easy application when you want it, where you want it.

Sooth your skin with Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Gel

Replenish skin with this tried-and-true classic—a beach bag essential.

Hydrate your face with Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil

Photo Finish Primer Oil from Smashbox Cosmetics is the first-ever primer specially formulated in a lightweight, luxurious oil to create radiant skin that glows on and off camera.

Tame the frizz with John Frieda Satin Finish Straightener

Pin-straight hair has never looked sleeker or felt softer. The revamped, premium flat iron now features generously sized 1 ½” inch plates that allow for quick, easy straightening using an advanced ionic generator.

Ask an Expert: Sophia Gushee, detox and wellness expert

Minimize your exposure during the sun’s strongest hours (generally 10am to 4pm)
Wear clothing that guards from the sun, like hats and light, long-sleeved shirts

Fashion / July 7, 2017

Body Shape Fashion Tips – Look Great All Year

It’s very difficult any time of year to show off your body. One common issue is that a lot of us perceive that we don’t have an attractive body. In the summer it can be a bit embarrassing to show off unflattering parts of our body. But we all have different body shapes, and the trick is about dressing for each body type. So whether you are an apple, a pear, an hourglass figure, or you’re rectangle-shaped there is something to suit you. So let’s go through them one by one:

Apple

The trick to pulling off style when you are apple-shaped is about picking the colors, prints or patterns to suit. Try dark neutral colors like black, navy, forest green, or charcoal gray. When wearing darker colors, try to keep them on the bottom when you combine them with lighter colors on the top. You can also try an all-over color such as what is called a monochromatic look; this instantly makes you look slimmer. The best types of prints to go for are subtle ones like stripes or polka dots as prints and patterns help to complement fuller figures when they are on the lower half of the body. So think about skirts that have this style and if you have wonderful legs, as many apples do, then you should show them off! Many apples have thinner legs, so if this is you, you should take advantage of this and invest in a good leg-shaving kit. And there are plenty you can find online such as 99Cent Razor; 99cent Razor is a “Dollar Shave Club” for women where you can find different styles of razors to suits your legs. But the trick is to highlight your attributes where you can.

Pear

If you have a pear-shaped body, there are many ways to highlight your features by doing any of the following. Adding colors from various ends of the spectrum works really well on the top half of a pear-shaped body, so it is worth experimenting. But the lower half of a pear shape is very curvy so you should go for darker shades to make the hips, thighs, and the rear look a bit slimmer. It’s best to avoid an all-over print when picking styles and patterns because it will draw attention to the larger areas of your body. It’s important to avoid fabrics that are heavy, such as leather and wool because they will add bulk to your body. The best thing to wear as far as accessories are concerned are scarves which will elongate your neckline, and when it comes to shoes, high heels will work great because they will make your legs long and more streamlined rather than just curvy.

Hourglass Figures

It’s not difficult when you have an hourglass body as they are naturally very curvy, so you can wear almost any type of color and there is not really much you need to avoid. There are colors like cream, white, and baby blue that can make your lower body look larger than it actually is, so be careful with this. It’s more important to wear prints or patterns that are not too busy; a lot of busier patterns of prints can make the bottom half look larger. Accessorizing an hourglass figure includes things like belts, size in tops, as well as skirts or dresses. They are all flattering to the hourglass figure. You can wear high heels or flat they as they are both flattering to the typical hourglass figure, but if your legs tend to be curvier, you may want to steer clear of shoes or boots that cut off down at the ankle.

Rectangles

Rectangles are generally quite “boyish” for a lot of us girls, but you can make your shape appeal by creating curves. The great thing about this body type is that you are essentially a blank canvas and you can add accessories and clothes that will add that necessary shape to your body. Choosing light and bright colors help your body to look bigger because they will reflect light; you could try dark colors that will outline the silhouette, but it will slim you down, so be careful! You can try bold prints and patterns because as you don’t have a curvy figure to break the silhouette up, it makes for a good figure.

Collaborative Post

Accessories / July 7, 2017

What I Wore: Hollow Lace High-Low Dress

This summer my family hosted a reunion and required everyone to wear white attire. I wasn’t sure if the midi dress I currently owned would measure up to the event.

For evening occasions, lace is always a perfect option because it’s elegant and chic. I purchased the Hollow Lace High-Low Dress because the straps where adjustable (due to height) and upper fit would compliment my petite frame.

The mirror belt elevated this look and helped to define my waist. This dress had a neutral tone slip which complimented my gold studded, nude heels.

The reunion party was memorable and my dress was appropriate for dancing, laughs, and all around fun!

Nude Studded Heels Comparison: Macy’s | Lipstick: GloGirl Cosmetics | Eyelashes: Salon Perfect

Beauty / July 6, 2017

Jada Pinkett Smith, Solange, Karrueche Tran, and Kofi Siriboe: Essence Festival 2017 Event Recap

Essence Festival 2017 was exhilarating; packed with panel discussions, games, giveaways, and high-energy concerts.

Fashion editors, beauty bloggers, and celebrity stylists were present while the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center was filled with beauty vendors such as Palmers, Creme of Nature, Cantu, Olive Miracle, and Shea Moisture. Attendees at the Palmers booth received free samples, demonstrations, and prizes.

The daytime main stage featured performances by India Arie, John Legend, Rhonda Ross, Afrika Mamas, Junior, and Diana Ross. Saturday afternoon guests included Jazmine Sullivan, Monica, Ari Lennox, Jill Scott, Chaka Khan, and Mary J. Blige. Solange, Trombone Shorty, Chance The Rapper, and Ithwasa Lekhansela were at the main stage on Sunday, July 2, 2017.

Additional conference expos included the Path To Power: Entrepreneurship and Business Conference, Essence Eats, and Shops at Essence; featuring global vendors with African print apparel, framed art, paintings, and jewelry.

Hollywood actors and actresses were interviewed in the pressroom. Spike Lee and Janice Bryant Howroyd shared millennial career advice while additional cast members and comedians discussed their upcoming projects.

Also known, as the “party with a purpose” Essence Fest is a must-go event! To attend the 2018 star-studded weekend, check the Essence website and register for more details.

See pressroom photos below: