By Katrice
My aunt gave me the heads up about Flipboard, and it is now my answer to browsing magazines on my iPad. I can select which ones I want to aggregate there and just flip through fluidly. It's brilliant.
Vintage-looking photos are always cooler and Instagram gives you so many treatment options that you're never bored.
Sleepmaker just may be my most fave app. I can't tell that I'm not still in Jamaica falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing against the shore.
Before I got Pageonce, I would literally log into each of my bank and utility accounts one at a time. It was so tedious. Now, they're all in one place.
Tweetdeck = A constant stream of Facebook and Twitter updates with a single sign-in.
TuneIn Radio is like having Sirius Satellite Radio. {Thanks Jon!}
By Katrice
I have always loved clothes though I don't consider myself much of a fashion maven. I can't look at a piece and tell you who designed it or when it was on the runway. I can with handbags, but that's another story. I digress. For a second, I thought I wouldn't have much to say on this topic; But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that this very subject comes up often with my friends and family. Not only has blogging expanded my closet, it has totally transformed the way I shop and what I am daring enough to try. I'm still pretty conservative, in my own eyes, but I am a quite few notches further along the daring continuum.
1. Since you began blogging, do you notice a change in the types of things you gravitate towards while shopping?
Yes, definitely. I shop every inch of a store, instead of stepping through the door and scanning it for a section of items that look like what I'd typically like and already have {from clothing to shoes and makeup}. I say it so often -- blogging has literally brought me out and literally made me adventurous with my style. I tend to gravitate towards color and frill, and much more toward trend pieces than I ever have.
2. Do you find, as a fashion blogger, that you dress differently from your family and friends? Do they comment on that?
I do {though I constantly say I'm not a fashion blogger}. There are literally items that I've picked up in the store, while shopping with a family member or friend, that immediately start a discussion about it either being a tad eclectic or how it will be worn. {Enter: Leopard booties} Sometimes, I'll ask if they like something and the answer is usually no. {LOL}
3. What’s the weirdest fashion that you secretly like, even if you aren’t bold enough to wear it?
I wouldn't call this weird, but it is bold. I love closely cropped hair cuts as much as I love a wild afro. The look is so fresh and clean. A couple of my friends have shaved their heads for various reasons over the last few years and I always ask myself, "could I wear that style?" It can be everyday casual and high fashion all at the same time.
I wouldn't call this weird, but it is bold. I love closely cropped hair cuts as much as I love a wild afro. The look is so fresh and clean. A couple of my friends have shaved their heads for various reasons over the last few years and I always ask myself, "could I wear that style?" It can be everyday casual and high fashion all at the same time.
4. Looking at current trends -- what would you like to try but need to build up the courage to do?
I'm feeling pretty good about the fact that I can't think of anything that I'm still trying to build up the courage to try. The latest was turbans. I haven't worn one yet, but I intend to in the next couple weeks.
5. Toot someone’s horn – what fashion blogger out there inspires you with her bold fashion choices?
I absolutely adore the fashion sense of Karla - karlascloset.blogspot.com. Her style choices are flat out exciting.
By Katrice
I know I thought it at some point in my life.
I'm not quite dark-skinned, but I'm also not light. I'm sure, however, as a young girl, I was happy that I wasn't one who was singled out for being "too dark;" in those days, the immediate equivalent of unattractive. I thought we were past that ... likely because I am ever reconciling my own perceptions of beauty and am surrounded by sisterfriends doing the same. Not so.
My brilliant sister Fajr Muhammad {of Stylish Thought} dedicated a post to the "Dark Girls Movie" today and I was inspired to mirror it.
"Dark Girls" is a documentary that explores etched ideals that inform biases and attitudes around skin color among African Americans. The victims -- Black women. These stories are familiar and painful to hear. But, the conversation -- a necessary evil.
Dark Girls: Preview from Bradinn French on Vimeo
The documentary is scheduled to premier October 8, 2011, during the Nashville Film Festival, but directors Bill Duke and D. Channsin Berry are still working to raise funds to finish filming and post-production. You can make a donation as little as $1 to help here. It's not enough that we discuss change; we must make change happen.
Rise women, rise!
By Katrice
I swoon! {Let's hope the stores in Atlanta get a few pieces.}
{Source}
H&M does it again; this time teaming with Versace for a celebratory collaboration full of signature styles from a fashion legend. Yesterday, the brand tweeted "Nov 19th is the big day! #versaceforhm women’s collection includes 40 pieces/20 accessories, mens' 20 pieces/10 accessories."
The promise: Bold. Iconic. Glamorous.
{Source}
I swoon! {Let's hope the stores in Atlanta get a few pieces.}
{209B, Candy-licious}
I ran into Target while moving a few weeks ago for a summery nail color to tide me over until I was situated with my mani/pedi kit. I found Wet 'n Wild's Megalast Nail Color. Ahhh! I love it! Good Luster. Good Finish. Spectacular Price!
I've already tried two colors {Candy-licious and Private Viewing} and for just $1.99 per bottle, I'm positive I'll be back for more.
MVL Radar: The Secrets of Going Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Loving Your Natural Hair
The Secrets of Going Natural June 14, 2011
By Katrice
People often stop me on the street to chat about my hair and exchange styling and product tips. I love to talk natural hair. Well, actually, I love to talk about anything beauty ... especially when I've found something that works well with my regimen of upkeep. Enter: "The Secrets of Going Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Loving Your Natural Hair."
Zenobia Jackson shares an insider perspective on shaping your own beauty paradigm, different transitioning methods and her kinky/curly hair product picks. But, above all else, Jackson's declaration that straight hair is not the only way to look beautiful or even professional was all I needed to read to be all in. She had me at Hello.
"The Secrets of Going Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Loving Your Natural Hair," $9.97 [paperback]
By Katrice
{Naeem Khan bead and sequins gown, Alexis Bittar bangles}
How many first ladies would be bold enough to wear a stack of chunky metallic bangles to the White House state dinner (in honor of German Chancellor Angela Merkel)? #Love
By Katrice
"The Color Purple, The Musical of Love" is coming back to Atlanta and MVL has teamed up with Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine to make sure you're there on opening night -- June 15th.
Want two tickets? Be one of the first five people to purchase to a two-year ASuite
Subscription to Atlanta Tribune for just $24 (22 issues of the magazine, retail value: $86.90) and you'll get tickets for you and one guest.
"The Color Purple, The Musical of Love" is coming back to Atlanta and MVL has teamed up with Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine to make sure you're there on opening night -- June 15th.
Want two tickets? Be one of the first five people to purchase to a two-year ASuite
Subscription to Atlanta Tribune for just $24 (22 issues of the magazine, retail value: $86.90) and you'll get tickets for you and one guest.
*Click the top promo photo or ASuite Subscription link to be directed to Atlanta Tribune's e-Store. Showtime is at 8 p.m. Offer valid for new subscribers only.
By Katrice
Get these! I'm not an authority on seamless panties {LOL}, but these are as comfortable -- if not more -- as the ones I have from Victoria's Secret. The microfiber material is extra soft, the fit is perfect and you have no panty lines. All bases are covered (no pun intended).
By Katrice
1. L'Occitane Shea Butter Body Lotion, $30, L'Occitane
2. 3-Pack Nail Lacquer, $15, American Apparel
3. West Avenue Jewelry Square Monogram Silver Necklace, $110, MaxandChloe.com
4. Biela Espadrille, $225, All Saints
5. Jersey Knit Flared Skirt, $13, H&M
6. 3-Ring Set, $10, H&M
7. Coloured Plated Belt, $16, Zara
By Katrice
I snatched these G by Guess Lattie sandals up at TJ Maxx for $24.99. I was searching for them in the bone-colored leather, but could only find black. What do you think? Stylin' or stuntin'?
By Katrice
Not too long ago, I was feeling good about having become a savvy packer. I even wrote a guest piece for The Crave Company in December on efficient packing {Comfy Chic Travel Tips for the Holidays}. I had things down to a science and then I found out I was going to Jamaica for the first time. I fell slightly off the wagon with my sensibilities about taking only what was needed (and my commitment to carry-on traveling). Then, I was invited to Paris ... and the bottom fell out.
I'm working on a recovery.
Not too long ago, I was feeling good about having become a savvy packer. I even wrote a guest piece for The Crave Company in December on efficient packing {Comfy Chic Travel Tips for the Holidays}. I had things down to a science and then I found out I was going to Jamaica for the first time. I fell slightly off the wagon with my sensibilities about taking only what was needed (and my commitment to carry-on traveling). Then, I was invited to Paris ... and the bottom fell out.
I'm working on a recovery.
1. When it comes to packing for vacation what’s your mantra?
Before I started traveling more recently, my mantra was to choose a black or brown shoe/handbag base and to work my way out from there. Somehow that has gone out the window and my luggage has been unbearably heavy ever since. So, I guess I'll try to set a new mantra now. The lesson I learned while traveling to Paris is that I know if I'm probably not going to wear something when I'm packing it, so I shouldn't ignore that small voice. Mantra: Be honest and strategic. Pack only what I need and know I'm going to use.
2. What are your must packs?
At least two shades of blush -- one bronze and one pink
A satin bonnet
Cardigan
Comfy but chic flats
iPad
Sunnies
At least two shades of blush -- one bronze and one pink
A satin bonnet
Cardigan
Comfy but chic flats
iPad
Sunnies
3. What are you happy to leave behind?
My laptop because the weight of it has worn me out on my last two trips. I have sworn off taking it on any more trips that I can make due with just my iPad. And my robe; There is generally one for me to use in the hotel room.
My laptop because the weight of it has worn me out on my last two trips. I have sworn off taking it on any more trips that I can make due with just my iPad. And my robe; There is generally one for me to use in the hotel room.
4. Any packing secrets that help you get everything into one suitcase?
Rolling my clothes tightly works wonders and carrying just one pair of jeans. I'm always able to get enough clothes for four to five days into my carry-on if I'm focused.
5. Beach reading … what are you taking with you to read in the sand?
I recently finished Aliya S. King's "Platinum" while in Ocho Rios. My next beach read is "32 Candles" by Ernessa T. Carter as well as my daily browsing of The Cut and Flipboard via the iPad2.
Rolling my clothes tightly works wonders and carrying just one pair of jeans. I'm always able to get enough clothes for four to five days into my carry-on if I'm focused.
5. Beach reading … what are you taking with you to read in the sand?
I recently finished Aliya S. King's "Platinum" while in Ocho Rios. My next beach read is "32 Candles" by Ernessa T. Carter as well as my daily browsing of The Cut and Flipboard via the iPad2.
By Katrice
Am I the only one who doesn't want to wear anything but barely there makeup that makes me dewy and bronzed in the summer? I actually recently purchased my first tube of red lipstick, and it is fierce. But, I'm stuck on peach and nude glosses. I've even passed over my favorite pinks since the temps have turned steamy. It's definitely time for me to hook up with my pal makeup artist Londyn Juwelz. If anyone can convince me to change things up, he can.
What are your summertime makeup essentials?
{Stila, Long Wear Lip Color, Coral}
Am I the only one who doesn't want to wear anything but barely there makeup that makes me dewy and bronzed in the summer? I actually recently purchased my first tube of red lipstick, and it is fierce. But, I'm stuck on peach and nude glosses. I've even passed over my favorite pinks since the temps have turned steamy. It's definitely time for me to hook up with my pal makeup artist Londyn Juwelz. If anyone can convince me to change things up, he can.
What are your summertime makeup essentials?
NARS blush, Torrid, $27 |
Yves Saint Laurent, Rouge Volupte Pearle, 102: Coral Sun, $34 |
butter LONDON, '3 Free, $14 |
Mac Lipglass, Florabundance, $14.50 |
Armani Beauty, Eye Quator Heat Palette, 1: Bronze, $58 |
By Katrice
Solange Knowles at the Carol's Daughter Spokesbeauty & Monoi Repairing Collection launch at Sephora in NYC.
{Source}