I Wanna Wear: 1 Top Three Ways

Maybe it's my attachment to things or it could be that I just love mixing things up.  Either way I've been rocking this Old Navy top (see here) non stop.  I was able to snag this top at a bargain weeks ago with my Old Navy discount at a skimpy $10 bucks. This top is so versatile making it super easy to mix and match.  Here are few outfit ideas that I tried.

The Black Leather Jacket Project

I told you she'd be back at it (Don't remember, refresh your memory here ).  Brooklynite and Black Leather Jacket Project founder, Antaya McKenzie will be returning with another exciting fashion showcase this year.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with the The Black Leather Jacket Project, it is a platform that was created by McKenzie to expose the talents of young independent designers. On September 6th McKenzie will be producing her second spring preview show featuring collections from Rock Wallace, Padmore, Kathy Rosa, Mathematics, Collec+ive Coutrue Junky and Rik.wahyt.  In addition to the fashion inspiration guests will be treated to a special performance by R&B songstress Ruby.  And if you were searching for other reasons to be super excited about this event, the hostess of the night will be .... wait for it... ME.  Yes,  I'll be entertaining the crowds and sharing commentary of what hits the runway.  If you are interested in attending the Black Leather Jacket Project please email  Amckenzie21@gmail.com for ticket information.  Hope to see you there!

3 reasons why H&M's online shop is great news

Have you heard the news? After a few false alarms H&M has finally launched an online shopping website for US shoppers.  Why is this good news?  Well here are my top three reasons why:

Move, Get out the way:

Veteran H&M shoppers know more than anyone that it can get pretty crazy in the aisles of the budget friendly clothing chain, especially on the weekends. With an online site you have the option to avoid those rowdy crowds we all hate to battle.

Luck Stars:

For those of who have experienced the fashions of H&M in your city, count your lucky fashion stars.  Believe it or not there are some states in the US who have no local H&M.  Now residents of those states can join in on the fashion fun.

Second Chance:

How many of you have fallen victim of seeing an item in H&M stores but only to realize they don’t have your size (raises hand).  With the introduction to the new site shoppers will have a second chance at making a purchase.

View H&M Website here

I Wanna Wear: Suit and Tie

It's so easy to spot out the kind of folks who are deeply passionate about what they do. They are usually the ones who couldn't imagine themselves doing anything else, to them there is no such thing as work only a love for their passion and they are always moving in the direction towards growth. Melissa Blemur (Run to her site now) is just one of those people.  She is a photographer by trade but I'd like to call her one who documents all things beautiful. With her years of expertise and genius eye she is able to capture people, places and things in ways that are both effortless and unique.  About a month ago Melissa asked me if I would act as her model for the day.  She had been stung by the inspiration bug after seeing a Janelle Monae video and wanted to recreate the look and feel through photos.  Of course I said yes and this is what happened.

 Photos by: Melissa Blemur

Baby Steps

Baby Steps. Those are usually the words that I am silently whispering to myself when I'm reminded that fear takes time to overcome.  I'm sure this will sound silly but showing off my arms scares me. What scares me exactly? Well maybe it's the constant thought that I'll be judged.  Will people take note of my very much visible stretchmarks? or will they gawk at my jiggly arm fat?  I don't know but what I do know is I was never crazy about how I looked in anything sleeveless and had banished myself from wearing it. Yes even in the hottest of temperatures sleeveless was off limits for me.  It's something that I have carried from my younger years into my adult life.  As I've gotten older  (and by older I mean maybe a year or two ago.  Hey I said baby steps.) I've slowly entertained the idea of going sleeveless.  To some it may not seem like such a big deal and that some would be right but I'm taking steps into a space where I'm kinda ok with this sleeveless thing and that makes me smile.  I am learning and I am growing. Gotta love those baby steps.

Makeup Files: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

Remember way back in January when I promised you guys that I would work on sprucing up my plain jane makeup routine? Sure you do. (If not jog your memory here) Well about that. While I haven't exactly been beating my face for the Gods, I am trying my best to update my makeup bag arsenal.  About a month ago I picked up a new concealer.  This new concealer was a  purchase that was  long overdue.   I'm quite sure the last one that I purchased needed to be chucked ages ago.

I had been in search of a concealer that was easy to apply, had great coverage and offered a brightening effect.  I took my search to Sephora and the sales woman assisted me with applying at least two other concealers before we landed on the NARS Creamy Radiant Concealer.  You know that feeling you get when your favorite team hits the game winning shot ? Well that's pretty much what I felt like after viewing myself in the mirror.  It was a win!  Don't believe me, check out my results below.

    

Product:  

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

Price: 

$28

Shade: 

Amdande

Pros: 

If your health conscious kind of gal you'll be happy to know that this product is paraben and sulfate free.  

The lip gloss like applicator allows for a quick and easy application and storage.

The concealer comes in a creamy form and blends perfectly for a simple and fresh face.

No creasing after a long day wear.

Provides full coverage with a light feel.

This product comes in a variation of shades.  

Cons:

A bit on the pricey side.

Makeup Grade: A

Missing In Action

Hola Boo thangs! How the heck are ya? It's been quite a while since I've dropped in and said hello or even shared a post for that matter.  Don't fret, I am still living and breathing and being some what of  a blogger.  More than lately I have been updating my Facebook and Instagram accounts more regularly in hopes of staying connected with you guys.  If you haven't already make sure were friends and connected on both platforms.  Until next time, and here's to next time being more sooner than later.  Cheers!

Are you on Facebook or Instagram?  If so let's follow each other.

Saturday Night

There seemed to be a  bit more activity this Saturday evening. Well at least I thought so. I'm pretty sure the recent rise in temperature had something to do with it. As I walked over to Guantanamera restaurant I couldn't help but notice the streets were crawling with the usual Saturday clubbing crowd  and some extras.  Those extras  possibly being tourist and other folks just out and about.  After sharing a few excuse me's to those passing by I made it to the restaurant.  Two Sangria's and a plate of Arroz Con Pollo later, myself and family sang Happy Birthday to my little cuz Cleo.  Towards the end of the night I heard whispers of continuing the party at a near by club.  That plan was a no go for me considering I was pretty much half asleep at the dinner table (That Sangria was doing it to me yall).  Instead I handed out lots of kisses and hugs, said my goodbyes and headed off home. 

                 Top: Zara Pants: Old Navy  Earrings: H&M Lipstick: Makeup Forever's Rouge Artist Intense 15

Brooklyn Love

Brooklyn love was spread all around this weekend.  Friend and Harlemite, Chyann wandered over to the land of BK this weekend to join me in making my rounds to a natural hair expo and a mini flea market adventure.  We made stops to Williamsburg, Fort Greene and Bed-Stuy where we shopped and played  cool along side the hipsters.  While I was a bum for the day, Chyann rocked an edgy and layered look that was both comfortable and trendy.  I myself was a fan of her bright coral lipstick, which by the way is from Sephora's Collection of Rouge Cream Lipsticks.  What did you loves get into this weekend?

"Spread love, it's the Brooklyn way"

Biggie

                                          Graphic Tee: Forever 21 Jacket: Thrifted Lipstick: Sephora's "It Girl" 

Winter Days

Howdy Folks!  Long time no speak.  I hope everyone is doing well and staying warm.  The winter in New York has been something fierce with it's non stop frigid temperatures.  With weather like this layering is the key to staying warm and kinda cute all at the same time.  Are you beauties layering up your outfits this winter?

Jeans: Old Navy Boots & Necklace: Forever 21 (Both Old)   Sweater: Target Coat: Gap Shirt: Thrifted

Birthday Recap

 It was a hanging with the little bro and a brunch shindig kinda birthday for me this year.  I celebrated being one year older this past weekend surrounded by amazing friends and a couple of cocktails at Brooklyn restaurant, Soco which by the way has some amazing food.  I got the party started early the night before with the little bro by my side.  Sporting his Tupac "Thug 4 Life" sweatshirt he helped me mix up some cocktail concoctions to sip on while we munched on junk food.  I am truly blessed to have reached another year and grateful to have such amazing friends and family to spend my day with.  It was definitely a good birthday.  

Makeup Files: Colored Lippies

Lately my makeup regimen has been pretty blah.  My  routine for the past few months kinda sounds something like this: a quick dab of concealer, a few strokes of  mascara  and  if I'm not running late a quick lip gloss application. I know, I know, I know that sounds so basic and boring.  With the new year here I think it's time for a makeup makeover. I 'd thought it would be a great idea to begin my makeover journey by embracing color.  On a recent trip to Sephora I tried on two bold lipsticks by Makeup Forever,  Rouge Artist Intense #15 and  Rouge Artist Natural #N31.  To my surprise I liked both lipsticks but it was the purple goodness of Rouge Artist Intense #5 that stole my heart.  I tested the waters of Rouge Artist Intense #15 for the first time on New Years Eve and it was a hit.  The color was rich and didn't require a thousand reapplications.  Even my bartender complimented me on my new bold lippie.  Yes people this lipstick has been bartender approved.  

What are some of your favorite colored lipsticks?