Serena Williams Nike Collection Celebrates Black History
Since I pretty much live in athletic wear now, I’m always looking for the cutest outfits to wear to the gym or some fly sneakers I can show off in during classes. Check out the Serena Williams 2012 Nike collection that celebrates Black History month this year. Nike designers used their signature apparel and added patterns and vibrant colors that reflect the culture. I thought it was pretty hot seeing Serena debut her collection in Australia a few days ago!
Getty Images
The collection consists of the Nike Sportswear Destroyer Jacket, Seasonal Knit jacket, the Nike C72 Bag, and the Nike Air Max Mirabella 3.
SF Event: Rock The Runway For Domestic Violence, Host NeNe Leaks Feb. 4th
If you are local, into fashion, and want support a good cause, I’d come check out Rock The Runway for Domestic Violence, Saturday, February 4th, 2011. This will be an inaugural event for the San Francisco based organization, Lift Up Lives (LUL) that caters to women affected by domestic violence. This red carpet event will be hosted by infamous Real House Wives of Atlanta, NeNe Leaks and will feature a runway show, silent auction, and a VIP brunch.
There will also be live performances by Kim Hill (former member of the Black Eye Peas and Nesta Rae. Tickets range from $25 – $1,000 with an opportunity for VIP access and tables. You can get your tickets here.
Lifting Up Lives is a non-profit organization founded by Mark Rogers in San Francisco. Since January 2010, they have been serving women in the community through unique programs such as fitness and character building. This gives women who have been effected by domestic violence a platform and support system to share their passions and go through life changing effects of Fitness and Health. The awareness of Domestic Violence doesn’t get enough publicity so in my eyes I think this is a great event that LUL and the San Francisco Community are putting on in February!
Event Details
Date: Saturday, February 4, 2012
Location: The Clift Hotel
495 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA
Time: 11:00am-2:00pm
Attire: Fashionably Chic
LoveBrownSugar & GabiFresh Curvy Girl’s Guide to Fall
Shout out to Essence.com for the post their latest Curvy Girl Muse with Gabi Fresh and Christina Brown. Check out these fashion bloggers 5 Fall Must Haves… You don’t have to be curvy to agree on these key staples for when the new season.
- Cropped Pants (check)
- Silk Blouse (check)
- Statement Jewelry ( I need more!)
- Leather Jacket (check)
- Satement Wedges (all I wear!)
Visit full article here . . .
Theophilus London x Cole Haan Limited Edition Buck
On Tuesday (September 13th), Theophilus London teamed up with Cole Haan to bring you limited edition blue suede buck. He claims his fashion inspiration comes from his dad’s closet and I believe it. This Brooklyn based MC has hit the ground rolling setting his own style and share with us great music. If you are local go check him and the shoe premiere out at the NY location Cole Haan Soho on Prince Street. I’ve had a pleasure to see him live and he’s quite the character. I’m glad he’s able to expand as an artist not only in music culture, but the fashion scene as well. Fellas, blue suede?
You can check out his latest video for “I Stand Alone” off the debut LP Timez Are Weird These Days.
Nightie Aphrodites x New York Times Magazine Celebrates Afros
“How to pull of a Heartbreaking evening gown? Just Use Your Head.”
This is so dope. The New York Times magazine, “T”, fall fashion 2011 shows off Afros in a black and white spread by Alice O’Malley. The natural hotties are of course Solange, Esperanza Spalding, Les Nubians, June Temple, and Corrine Bailey Rae. They are modeling beautiful evening gowns and their gorgeous natural hair. Which one is your favorite photo?
Vibrant Doll x “Live Life in Color”
Check out this super cute fashion line “Live Life in Color” by Bionca of Vibrant Doll. As creator of her own online publication wwww.vibrantdoll.com catering to fashion, beauty, and music Bionca has extended her brand onto cute babydoll tees, and crop tops that have been the ultimate staple for the summer. “A doll is a woman or girl who lives life vibrantly. They are confident, motivated, and inspired.” Bionca explains, “They are beautiful individuals who accomplish their goals be the person they always dreamed of being.”
If you love color and getting dolled up, I suggest you support her line and purchase a shirt for only $34. A birdy told me she’s in the works for an accessory line so keep Vibrant Doll on your style watch and support!
Click here for the Vibrant Doll Online Store —->> http://shop.vibrantdoll.com/
MsStarStyles “Hair Haven Chic” is Reesa Speaks
I know this gets a super late pass However, I was selected as the “Hair Haven Chic” of the week from Ms. Star Styles’ hair, fashion, and makeup blog a few weeks ago. I was given questions on how I became natural and my favorite hair products and natural hair styles. I get a lot of these questions while I’m in the streets so why not share you this awesome post. Star is an awesome fashionista and I love visiting her blog. You can check out the “Hair Haven Post” post HERE and the rest of her blog for more tips and fashion indulgence.
6. What are the advantages to having natural tresses?
“Versatility. You can wear your hair curly or straight. I love how long it grows. Also, It’s pretty cool to be that black girl who doesn’t have to run for cover when it starts to sprinkle or can take a dip in the pool with no worry. One last thing, it saves me a lot of money. I only go to my hair stylist to get my ends trimmed twice a year and I do my hair myself, so…..you do the math.”
If you would like to be the next “Hair Haven Chic” please send your interests to msstarstyles@yahoo.com 
Reesa Speaks Goes “Dope Only” with Rod Campbell -The Creator
If you have been to concerts in the Bay Area, or attended any events that have showcased arts and culture you might have seen someone wearing an “Oakland USA” or “Dope Only” logo. I’ve always wondered what the meaning was, so when I came across the creator I had to share it with you. Rod Campbell is an Oakland native that is the man behind the brand that you see. He describes it as “an interest in all things, fly, fresh, and raw”. The hip-hop culture has used the term to describe just that so he stamped it with the “only” to make it his own.
Dope Only was created the summer of last year from his pilot project called Oakland USA. “People understand what lives within them so that’s where Oakland came from. Dope only is the greater umbrella”. Rod has built a foundation in his own hometown networking with local entrepreneurs like himself. He makes sure to use his marketing and savvy techniques to produce a business and develop a team that he works with to promote through out the bay area. Artists like Nate, Esinchill, Ryan Nicole, DJ D Sharp, Kmaxx, and DJ Toure’, just to name a few are representatives. Dope Only currently endorses a weekly Monday showcase called “Monday Soul” where local artists perform and young and affluent music lovers gather at the New Parish in downtown Oakland. Dope Only has been worn on known names like Andre Ward, Raphael Saadiq, Dwayne Wiggins, Too Short, Richie Rich, and even Shamar Moore.
Rod in the Streets
Dope Only and Oakland USA clothing comes in the form of hoodies and t-shirts. There are different colors that are customized and individually selected. When learning more about the brand, I gathered that it’s almost an official approval if you were caught wearing one- you are officially dope at what you do whether it be in music, art, or entertainment. Rod Campbell plans to expand the brand beyond just clothing and recognition to campaigns catering to youth development and networking. This summer he plans to bring his business to Oakland ‘s annual “Art & Soul” festival and plans to work on future expansions with San Francisco and other major cities outside the Bay Area.
Rod Campbell’s best advice he could give to aspiring entrepreneurs, “Don’t be afraid to get your feelings hurt. You are going to get a lot of doors slammed on your face but when you do find one that opens go through it.” He has definitely followed his passion and has created a brand that will continue to open a lot of doors.
Think you’re “Dope Only” material? Check out the official website for more info here.
Blogger Afrobella creates MAC lip glass
Congratulations to one of my favorite bloggers, Afrobella, for being selected in the MAC Cosmetics “Bloggers Obsession” Collection. I absolutely love her lip glass creation called “All of My Purple Life” (purple is my favorite color). Check out Afrobella’s exclusive and behind the scenes HERE.
Afro Chick’s Pick: Nakimuli x Dookie Bracelets and Leggings
These super cute Dookie Bracelets + leggings are to die for! Nakimuli is a designer from Brooklyn who creates funky clothes for creative girls. I was browsing through her blog and noticed that she is debuting shorts to go along with her collection of dresses, leggings, coats, accessories and more. visit Nakimuli Online Store to view her full line.
These are my Picks:
Feminine Funk: Fearless, Funky, and Feminine Clothing for Real Women
An avid reader of Reesa Speaks as well as aspiring Fashion Designer, Nicole Grier created Feminine Funk; a clothing line catering to plus-size women who dare to be fearless, funky, and feminine. Founded in 2010, Nicole decided to take matters in her own hands about the forced society’s perception of beauty and fashion by creating a clothing line that accentuates the positives of the female figure. She has created eclectic t-shirt designs that have been perfectly sewn to tailor a “real” women figure. The shirt that I’m wearing is called “Sassy” and the stiletto pump was exactly what I needed for a girls night out.
Feminine Funk comes in sizes 1x-4x and range in very cute and humorous expressions. Not to mention, Feminine Funk is black owned in the Bay Area. Be sure to look out for their new collection this summer!
Visit www.femininefunk.com and get funky!
Vogue Italia May 2011: Tribute to Black Beauties
Check out Vogue Italia’s tribute to “Black Beauties” in a 15 page editorial spread featured in the May 2011 issue. There has been quite a buzz in the journalist world whether it justifying the “color blind” theory to beauty and fashion and whether it was necessary for a race-based issue. I give these magazines props for featuring black models in high fashion because we may not dominate this industry but we do represent well. What do you guys think, is an all black issue necessary?
Solange, Cassie, and Selita Ebanks New Ambassadors for Carol’s Daughter Multiracial Campaign
Solange, Cassie, and Selita Ebanks are the new Faces of the Carol’s Daughter Multiracial Campaign. By soliciting “Beauty is Diversity” these ladies are on the newest cover of WWD Style Magazine representing the three nationalities that make up the recent demographic shift reported by the U.S. Census. According to Lisa Price, founder of this line, she wanted her spokesman to represent the multiracial diversity that makes up the country today. I think it’s dope that Carol’s Daughter is not limiting her products to one ethnicity, but instead providing skin and hair products for mutli-ethnic women. Just a side note, Solange has really revamped her image and I am really enjoying her new representation. Her confidence is at an all time high, must have something to do with being the new spokeswoman. Way to go!
Toccara Talks Fashion with Miss Tina
As always, I was excited to get the latest issue of Essence magazine with Regina King on the cover and as I flipped through I came across Toccara’s exclusive interview with Tina Knowles (Beyonce’s Mom) as she discussed her new line Miss Tina which is a plus size friendly line that can be find exclusively at Walmart. I think it was so necessary for Tina do bring this line to Walmart so that curvy woman can have affordable and fashionable selections when shopping for their own size. I also like how it’s not just plus size women, she has sizes for everyone!
I’m loving the jumpsuit Toccara has on!
The Miss Tina line ranges from dresses, casual wear, swimsuits, jeans, and more. I checked out the line for myself and there are a few pieces that I could pull off as well as my mother.
You can find Miss Tina exclusively at Walmart stores or online at www.walmart.com
YaYa DaCosta Goes Vogue
YaYa DaCosta landed a feature in Janurary 2011 issue of Vogue. I’m a little late on the news but it’s something special to have followed this natural model and actress through her successful journey and breakthrough from America’s Next Top Model to a fabulous career. She’s looking good!
Interview Exclusive: Rachel Stewart Jewelry
If you ever wondered where my earring game comes from, I have to pay my respect to Rachel Stewart and her jewelry line Rachel Stewart Jewelry. I found her online store www.rachelstewart.bigcartel.com and have been posting jewelry that’s so so creative and unique regularly. It’s not often you find a designer who embraces her creativity and creates art that match your own style. Check out this exclusive I had with Rachel Stewart, as I got the inside scoop behind the North Carolina designer.
When did you first discover your passion for art and jewelry? What rooted your business?
A few years ago I decided to take a break from painting and try another creative outlet…it was just a natural transition for me…
Where is your store based? Do you also travel and have booth at festivals and events?
I don’t have a store, all my sales are made online, you don’t need a physical building to have a business anymore, everything can be virtual….I haven’t had the desire to travel or do festivals and events, I may branch out next year and do some events but I’m really a homebody and prefer to stay home with my family…even though it would be great for business…I’m satisfied with the the way things are now.
I absolutely love your style and fashion. How would you describe yourself as an artist and where does your inspiration come from?
I really don’t like to label myself. I let others do that, I don’t limit myself as far as art is concerned, I just make what is pleasing to me, I cant pinpoint inspiration, for me I just make what I feel like making, I don’t need a stimulus to create.
I have also noticed how proudly natural you are. How long have you been natural? Do you think part of your inspiration derives from your hair being natural?
I have been natural for over 20 years, my hair has no impact on me as far as inspiration, its a part of me just like my hands and feet…I don’t wax poetic about my hair or obsess over being natural, to me its not some magical, spiritual entity sitting on my head.its me..the way I was born to be.. simple as that.
I am always looking at different fashion styles for full figured women, and you have immediately became my retro, urban, vintage, inspiration. Where do you shop and find all the cutest clothes? Do you design your own?
I do most of my shopping online, Ebay, Etsy, and any vintage shop I can find, I also love Target and I stay in thrift stores for dresses and jackets, I don’t design my own clothes..One day I hope too!
For all the beautiful artistic ladies out there, what advice would you give to entrepreneurs like yourself who are striving to my a career out of their creative abilities?
I tell everyone to just DO IT..Dont wait for permission or approval from anyone, all the tools you need to have a business are here, you just need to take advantage.
Rachel Stewart Jewelry not only has earrings that I love, but she always makes bracelets, necklaces, and little trinkets for men too. Go ahead and order you a pair today at her online stores:
Beyonce vs. Alessandra Ambrioso
I’m not so surprised to see Beyonce making appearances now as I am to see her skinny body on the December issue of Vogue Beauty. Supposedly her head was photoshopped on Alessandra Ambrioso’s figure but something just makes me wonder if Beyonce really did lose all that weight. I look up to her curves, so I’m confused. Are you?
Clutch Fever at “Priss” The Shop
Priss The Shop has some of the cutest clutches. You know I’m a sucker for the etsy store so when I came across this boutique I couldn’t resist. Here are my top picks! check out more at http://www.etsy.com/shop/prisstheshop?ref=top_trail
Nican Robinson: A Look into a Photographer’s Soul
It’s always interesting to watch an artist’s life unfold right before your eyes and I had a chance to meet one that was so inspiring it immediately took my weekend into a world of creativity. Nican Robinson is a local photographer in the Bay Area that may be seen at your Monday soul events or local concerts but he possess a talent that I rarely see in people that take pictures; it is his ability to capture the beauty of the human body. Born and raised in Oakland, a graduate of UC Berkeley, college athlete, and a salsa dance king, Nican Robinson proves me to be one of the most outstanding and illustrious photographers in the Bay Area.
Reesa: When did you first start doing photography?
Nican: This may be a surprise but how long do you think?
Reesa: I’m not good with guessing but your work is phenomenal so I would say in High school.
Nican: February 14th at 9 pm 2009. My life was surrounded by athletics, all the men in my family played basketball and football. After the big game with Stanford, I sat down with my dad and expressed to him that I wanted to pursue photography so immediately my dad ran into the room and brought out a Nikon B50 and just gave it to me and from then on it was history.
Reesa:It’s not so often that you find a photographer who started only two years ago and has built a professional platform that can rank with some of the veterans. So what do you have an eye for or what is your inspiration when shooting?
Nican: Different aspects or occurrences that happen in my life are my inspiration. I come from a very loving and nurturing family, sometimes my family is referred to the Cosby’s…like no joke. My father does not wear the sweaters but were pretty much Cosby-like.
Reesa: (laughs) Ok, I was looking at your photos on your website and I really liked your black and white portraits. What makes you choose to do black and white versus color?
The Blackout
Nican: That a good question. The reason why I think that black and white photos should be used is number one; depending on what you photograph, colors tell you the answer but when using black and white it has to be read and felt. And two; the energy of the photo is locked into your imagination and you really have to feel the emotion.
Reesa: How do you go about capturing the perfect photo?
Nican: When I go about capturing a picture I use all different type of models and bakcgrounds. Whether you are big, small, tall, the human body is a model. It all depends on the situations on how I’m feeling. I’ll go and reach out to a certain person and express the situation through my photography.
Reesa: One of my favorite models you shot is Adryan Sterling. I love how you can capture her beauty from a different perspective. How do you define Beauty in the human body?
Model: Adryan Sterling
Nican: My answer is very simple but my meaning is deep. Everything is beautiful. Everybody has a beauty about them; they may not see or recognize it. As an artist/photographer you can pull the inner beauty out of someone. When you look at my photos you can feel the beauty in every one of my models. My goal is to define the beauty that people ignore within themselves.
Reesa: As an artist we tend to appeal to all of our senses when it comes to creativity. So choosing one of the five; what sound or noise do you love the most? And why?
Nican: I like the sound of the dishwasher. It’s really calming. My mother would turn the dishwasher on and it at night and it would be soothing to me when I fall asleep. Also, I love the sound of Sam Cooke, even the song “Keep Moving On” he talks about how things in life happen but you have to keep moving on.
Nican Robinson is currently working in Oakland to pursue his career as a professional photographer. Every week he has current projects that he displays on his blog www.thee-exhale.blogspot.com and his portfolio at www.nicanrobinson.com
http://NicanRobinson.com
http://www.flickr.com/nicanr
http://twitter.com/nicanr
http://thee-exhale.blogspot.com/
The Black Ivy x Street Etiquette
Photo Courtesy of Street Etiquette Website
The “Young, Gifted, and Black” is a beautiful thing in society today. I’ve noticed a buzz this week about “Black Ivy” which is an editorial video done by www.streetetiquette.com illustrating the prep fashion that is so common amongst Historically Black Colleges and University. And as an Hampton Alumna, I would know this fashion style pretty well. Street Etiquette is a fashion and style blog owned by Joshua Kissi and Travis Gumbs of New York. When you watch the video take not of the different faces of black men on a college campus. They covered the books, the sports, and the looks quite well. I just love short films and black men especially.
Direct Link: http://streetetiquette.com/2010/09/23/the-black-ivy-2/
Shout Out to Clutch Magazine for being a great source
Afro Chics Pick: Curly Chicks Expression Tees
Curly Chicks is an online boutique designed specifically for the naturally curly sistahs. Stocked with accessories, jewelry, and apparel you will be sure to find something that fits you. I love expression tees and have featured many and I find Curly Chicks to be so adorable because they have a line for the little ones. Whether you are a curly chick or know one, these make great stocking stuffers (yes I’m thinking Christmas already).
Here are the Logo Designs:
Make sure you visit www.curlychicksonline.com for more details!
FASHIZBLACK Sept/Oct Issue: Solange Knowles
Solange Knowles graces the cover of FASHIZBLACK September/October issue this year and she is rockin’ that faux fro like no other. This magazine is pretty dope, after viewing the layout online, I am pleased with the features on Africa Fashion Week. It’s not so often you get a spread on Cape Town or Dakar. Nonetheless, Solange seems to embrace her afrocentric side well so I approve.
Afro Chic’s Fall Picks: 16 Stone Vintage
One of my favorite online Vintage stores is 16 Stone Vintage . I’ve done a feature of her store last year and decided to show my newcomers the new stock in for fall. Make sure you check out their store on Etsy.com for affordable trendy pieces to add to your fall wardrobe. Here’s what caught my eye!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sixteenstone16
Evans Plus Size Clothing Brings Trendy to Fall
I was so syked to come across this international clothing line designed specifically for the trendy plus size. I couldn’t help but share it with my fellow curvy divas because I know that although designers are trying, we are still limited. Not to mention, Tocarra Jones, who is one of my favorite models apart of their new campaign. So this is another reason for us not to have to squeeze into barely there junior sections! HA! Need I say more, visit the website Here and indulge into some back to school shopping.
Here are a few pieces I picked out but there is so much more to choose from; accessories, shoes, dresses, tops, tunics, pants etc.
What are you Talking About?