The Kinky New Yorker

Well Looky Here..."Skirting the Issue"

2014-06-16T09:04:00.001-04:00

It's creeping into summer...with the season only a few days away and with the surge of heat rising...so are our outfits. Skirts and dresses are where it's at in the summertime. It's a way to keep cool and look great at the same time. The outfits on LookBook are showing that the ladies are ready for the weather...showing just enough leg to keep up with the temperature. Here are some of my favorite skirt styles on LookBook this week:

Love, love, love the ethnic pattern of this long skirt. The addition of a plain white button
down, tied in the front, leaves all eyes to focus solely on the skirt.
The yellow printed headband and red lip pie adds to the beautiful retro feel of the outfit.

Denim skirts are baaack! And apparently here to stay. Fringed and looking
as if it was cut and sewn from an actual pair of jeans and jelly sandals, this
look is a throwback to the 90's with a modern twist thanks to the nave linen shirt.

Embroidered patterns and sweet spring/summer colors are complimented with
a brown shoulder bag and brown rimmed hat.

Baby doll dresses were a beloved staple of the 90's. Again another
resurgence of the trend is here, modernized in a blush tone perfect for spring,
strapped heels tied at the ankle and a cute bag.

Sleek and simple. Black and white goes on all year round

Summer days are all about loose crop tops and mid calf floral skirts.

The green striped shirt and everyday green espadrilles relax the intense sexiness
of the black leather slit skirt.

A sleek white box shaped top works well in proportion to the flouncy full look
of the ice blue skirt. The heels add the finishing touch

A mix and match of color that just screams summer nights!

How are you pairing your skirts for the summer?

My Hair Stories..."Curly Sue"

2014-06-15T15:14:00.001-04:00

I tend to prefer to keep my hair nice and safe during the summer. The heat can be a bit much and hiding my hair in one of my protective styles for part of the warm weather season was definitely the way to go. Now I know weaves are always the safe route, but a straight weave was not on my mind...I have always been more partial to the curly pieces, lol. I went to Nellie's with the hope that she would help me figure out what kind of curly I wanted to be..long and wavy, short and kinky, or somewhere in between.
After quite the search at the hair store...I found my answer....shoulder length and wavy/curly (A good in-between decision). A few hours in the chair and a little bit of a cut to form the overall shape for my newly sewn in hair from Nellie and I was good to go. I loved the results!

I hope to have this hairstyle for most of the summer. I think this look just epitomizes some of the freeness that is associated with the beauty of summer, lol. What do you think of this hairstyle...summer worthy?!

P.S. Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads, grandfather's, mom's who play dual roles and all the father figures out there!!

Just A Little Something..."Love is Power"

2014-06-14T17:32:00.003-04:00

Art via: hi-imcurrentlyobsessed.com

Sorry for the lack of posts over the last few months. Life has been a bit busy...so busy that I couldn't keep up with doing something that I love: Writing on my blog! Here's a little something to tie you over until the next post! I fell in love with this drawing the minute I laid on eyes on it. A heart full of love and a head full of hair....'nuff said! If you know the name of the artist...let me know, would love to give credit!

Something New..."White on White"

2014-01-28T22:04:00.000-05:00

There is absolutely something beautiful about wearing white in the wintertime. I looked for white in particular when I was craving something a little casual to add to my closet, which is soon to be cleansed (It's almost time for Spring shopping, although we are only in mid-winter...I need to make room!) I saw a couple cute finds at Zara that fit just what I was looking for and had to get them! Besides...they were on sale...which completely justifies anything, right?!...well, at least for me :)

A pair of sneakers in white, gold and black are versatile in my book and something that I can get a lot of use out of. I also couldn't resist the heel in the sole. I love wedge sneakers! However, I am still a little on the fence about this purchase.

Love the color combo! Shine on!

What do you all think? Keeper?!

I also wanted a nice white jacket. Not quite leather, but faux, I thought this would satisfy . The quilted pattern and gold zips just scream luxe for me and at $79.99, it was a not to be given up!

Perfect for a year round look, White quilted jacket hits the mark in my book!

Cannot wait to wear this jacket! It's just so cute :)

My Hair Stories..."Kinky Twists and Curls"

2014-01-27T21:30:00.000-05:00

After pressing my hair back in November...I needed to give my hair a much deserved break. I wanted to place my hair in a protective style to give it some shelter from the ridiculous cold weather that has been attacking the Northeast as of late (Thank you Polar Vortex!). I opted after washing and deep conditioning my hair...(Yay to no heat damage by the way!!) to place my hair in my beloved kinky twists. I didn't want them to long as I prefer that waist length style for summer, so I was thinking of going more of mid back length. I of course looked through sites and on Instagram to find a style that I could wear all the way through to my birthday and beyond, or at least until sometime in March, lol! I found this hairstyle courstesy of Natural Belle on Instagram:

I just loved the way her curls fall in this photo and was completely inspired to try something similar. I made my way to my hairdresser Nellie in BK, to have one of her girls work their magic:

After 5 hours sitting in a chair...I was pleased with the results! Not as long as the original pic from Natural Belle, but close enough for my liking :) I enjoyed the curls even more about a week later as they dropped a little more and became fuller and longer

Love this look! I will see if this can last as long as I predicted...I have no idea what I will wear for my bday next month otherwise, lol!

Beauty Profile..."New MAC Lipstick and Becca Cosmetics"

2014-01-26T21:46:00.001-05:00

I love picking up new makeup for my every growing makeup bag. Sephora might as well be my middle name at this point, lol. I picked up two new products, one to replenish what was already used and a brand new one that I have been dying to try!

I have been on a lipstick craze as of late and finally have been able to become more and more comfortable with wearing colors that I normally would shy away from. I was always nervous about having my lips stand out more than they already do naturally, but the older I get, the confidence in what I have been given grows and so does the chance to try something new.

MAC lipstick in Heroine

Here enters the new lipstick Heroine, a M.A.C favorite, this bright, vivid purple/fuchsia color is just what I was looking for. The in your face bold color takes center stage on my full lips against my brown skin and lights up my face. The matte finish is just perfect where it lets the color come through without being too overpowering. Little to no makeup is needed besides a dab of concealer and eyes lined with mascara and black eyeliner. The perfect color for a bright and blessed 2014!

Becca Cosmetics Dual Coverage Compact Concealer

My second makeup choice was an oldie but a goodie. I'm always on the lookout for the perfect concealer and powder to help enhance my skin tone without looking caked on and super made up. That search alone can be exhausting and stressful. The more makeup brands I try and the more makeup counters I go to cause disappointment and fear (down with the clown makeup!).

Some time late 2012, I was having a terrible time with my skin and breakouts were the norm. Because my use of makeup is minimal for the everyday routine, I needed something to help hide the marks that were taking forever to fade away. I made my way into my favorite makeup chain store Sephora and went on a search for the best concealer for my brown skin. I had a Sephora makeup expert help and after trying on concealer after concealer...I found it! Becca Cosmetics, an Australian brand founded by Rebecca Morrice Williams, has a wide variety of concealers, powders, foundations, blushes and lip colors for every complexion. There is literally a color for every woman! My favorite find in the line is the Dual Coverage Compact Concealer in Almond.

The color blends perfectly with my skin to a point wear it is almost undetectable. Perfect for my everyday life. Depending on how I want to wear my makeup on a particular day, I can go from Extra to Medium coverage. The choice makes me feel as though I own two different concealers, which I love!
To add to the look, I put on Becca Cosmetics Perfect Skin Mineral Powder Foundation in Mink.

Becca Cosmetics Skin Mineral Powder Foundation in Mink

Love the color! Also comes in a cute carrying pouch!

It blends in with my concealer and complexion so well, it gives me that no makeup look I crave. Extra perfection for my somewhat oil prone skin and the final touch to my everyday face :)

Have you tried Becca Cosmetics and/or M.A.C. lipstick in Heroine? How do you like them?

Baked Goods..."Red Velvet and Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies"

2014-01-17T07:21:00.000-05:00

Over the Holiday Season I scored an amazing magazine filled with different kinds of treats that I couldn't wait to try out for myself. I love to bake and when I saw a recipe for Red Velvet and Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies...I just HAD to make it. Nothing screams delicious to me more than red velvet anything! The recipe was easy to follow and quick to bake so it was a great little dessert to give out as gifts and as an end to a terrific holiday meal. Here is the recipe below with a link to the magazine from Hoffman Media, that has even more scrumptious desserts to try!

Recipe: via Holiday Entertaining Magazine 2013

Ingredients:
1 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups sugar, divided
5 large eggs, divided
1 (1-ounce) bottle red food coloring
1 tsp distilled white vinegar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 (8-ounce)package cream cheese, softened

Steps:
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees
-Spray a 13x9-inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray with flour
-In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter and cocoa until mixture is smooth.
-In a large bowl, beat 1 and 3/4 cups sugar and 4 eggs at medium-high speed with an electric mixture until fluffy.
-Reduce speed to medium-low and beat in food coloring, vinegar, vanilla and butter mixture, beating until combined.
-Gradually beat in flour.

-Spoon batter into prepared pan.

-In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and remaining egg at medium speed with a mixture until smooth.

-Drop cream cheese mixture by heaping Tbsps on top of the batter in pan.

-Gently swirl the mixture with a knife.

-Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a wooden pick comes out clean.

-Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Enjoy!

Style Profile..."Peter Pilotto for Target"

2014-01-15T22:18:00.000-05:00

I'm really looking forward to the new designer collaboration for Target! British designer Peter Pilotto and his codesigner, Christopher De Vos, have lent their talents to successful store chain to create an amazing collection of dresses, tops, skirts, pants and even swimsuits, towels, shoes and totes for a vast audience to get their hands on. Known for their statement prints, the Peter Pilotto collection is out of this world amazing. Just looking at the pieces will light up the eyes of any fashion enthusiast! The shapes, designs and colors will make the days of Spring and Summer, feel as though they are just around the corner. And with prices ranging from $15-$80 for clothing items and $17-$40 for all of the accessories, you cannot go wrong. Knowing that the anticipation is high, the pieces will be sold not only at Target, but around the world through Net-a-Porter. The only thing disappointing about the collection is that it won't hit stores/ on-line until February 9th. Don't fret...here's a sneak peek at the collection to tie you over:

all photos: via popsugar.com

Just gorgeous! I can't wait!

Some Hairspiration..."Up and Away"

2014-01-12T12:02:00.000-05:00

What better way to change up a your hairstyle than to experiment with updos. Easy and elegant all at the same time, you can do just about any with your hair when you pin it up. For work or for play, updos are the perfect solution to a hair rut. Buns, pompadours, and for-hawks...anything can be done as long as you have an arsenal of bobby pins and creativity at your fingertips. Here's some inspiration for your eyes. Enjoy!

Twisted updo and color galore

Pompadours are the way to go for instant class

High bun....high style

Putting your long twists into an updo is easy and quick change

From wearing it out

The color in the bangs of this updo is everything.

Ombré will be the answer to any color rut

Fro-hawk excellence!

Placing your hair in a high ponytail and twisting it

Into a bun can be the finishing touch to an outfit for a night out

All photos: via hi-imcurrentlyobsessed.com

Style Profile..."Chanel No. 5 Bag"

2014-01-09T23:38:00.001-05:00

My oh My, you both are fine!

Ummm...Yes Please!! Is literally all I can say about these bags designed by Chanel. Made in the shape of the iconic perfume bottle and hanging from the brands signature chain, these bags are classic and fly all at the same darn time! In Black and Clear Lucite, this is definitely the new IT bag of the season right now.

Rihanna and her No. 5's
photo: various sources

And of course Rihanna got her hands on not one...but BOTH of these beautiful items! This would make sense in every sense of the word, because well..it's Rihanna, a fashion muse in the making. Now for us mere mortals...owning even one of these may be a stretch. The Chanel No. 5 bags retail at a pricey $9,500 each. So unless you are sitting on a large savings account...I think just looking at them will serve me fine, lol! A girl can dream of course ;)

My Hair Stories..."From Straight Lines to a Curly Road"

2014-01-08T09:02:00.002-05:00

Earlier in the holiday season last year around late November, I went for a drastic change with my hair, well at least for me, lol. I am always in the mood for a new and different hairstyles. I love seeing what look my hair can achieve every time I turn to look at myself in my hairdressers mirror. Racking my brain, I couldn't figure out what I wanted to do for the next visit to my hairdresser's chair. As I thought and thought about what to do next...I realized that there was something that I hadn't done in 3 years to my hair and decided to press it. Yes...add extreme amounts of heat to my natural hair that I hold so dear to my heart, but I did it, not only for a length check but for a thorough trim as well. I was always used to standing out with my styles so I figured...why not? Normal can be a good change:

Now I was beyond excited with the results and I whipped my hair back and forth as I paraded out of my hairdresser Nellie's salon. I should have known better, that this would not last as I have the most stubborn hair known to man. After a few days in the cold, but high humidity weather found in November, my hair had done everything but revert back to my beloved 'fro. Especially after my trip to San Francisco, my hair ended up looking like this:

The frizz is here...

I flat ironed twice after the frizz reared its ugly head and realized that I could not allow this much heat to come in contact with my hair. The fear of heat damage was real y'all. To salvage the press without using heat, I went another route...and twisted my hair in sections and pin curled every twist before bed to create a style that looked like this:

NYE hair

The technique of twisting and pin curling my hair allowed my press to last for basically an entire month. My hair went from straight, to frizzy, to curly all by figuring out what I could do to my hair without heat. It turned out that I am definitely more comfortable with my protective styles, but the chance to wear my hair out and about....wether straight or curly was a great change from my normal routine.

Well Looky Here..."Warming up in Winter"

2014-01-07T21:48:00.000-05:00

With winter weather at it's worst right now on the East coast (3 degrees anyone?!)...all I can think about is keeping warm this time of year. The best way to do so is to invest in a warm, but stylish winter coat. The key is to always go for a coat that will keep the heat in, but not sacrifice the personal style of the wearer...something very hard to do when its 35 degrees out, sigh! For inspiration, I of course found my way to LookBook to see what others wear to keep themselves bundled, but every so chic. Here are my favorite looks:

The weather may not seem so cold by the looks of the photo, but that baby blue wool coat

makes it seem as though you can wear anything and still keep out the cold.

Think Pink! And go for a long wool coat with a large collar to keep the cold away.

The bright color will always send away the winter blues.

This black dress coat with the flared out bottom is so sexy and to die for!

With a sleek fit, high collar and perfect knee length, it can almost pass for a dress.

For inspiration, wear your winter coat over your shoulders like a cape.

Stylish and effective, especially with a thick scarf to keep the cold at bay.

Winter white can make any outfit seem dressed up

The Timberland boots, skull hat and Chanel purse go hand in hand in this cold weather ensemble.

I need to get a white winter dress coat ASAP!

What's the purpose of owning a winter coat if it isn't leopard print, lol!

This coat looks plush and soft and the style can be seen for miles away.

To tone down a loud coat...always go for an all black everything outfit.

Gray skies call for a gray coat.

Perfect color pallete against the black sweater and the white winter snow

I think I really may just pick up a pink winter coat.

This adds so much life to the outfit that it protects

Mad for plaid? Indeed! This wool jacket looks warm

and is just colorful enough to even wear in the Fall!

all photos: via lookbook.nu

The Start Of A New Year...

2014-01-07T00:18:00.002-05:00

Happy 2014!! Here's to wishing everyone a happy, healthy, prosperous and amazing year!!! I just love the start of a new year...It's a fresh start in some ways, to do all of the things that you wanted to do the year before and never got a chance to. There's so much to look forward to and so much to achieve. I feel as though the possibilities are endless! I hope you all feel the same way too :)

Nicole, Jenn and myself

I had a blast on New Year's Eve celebrating with friends and ringing in the year in which I leave one decade of my life behind and enter into a new one. For me it's all too exciting!! I look forward to it all as I feel as though this year will be a beautiful one as many beautiful things are in store.

MunaMoon, Jenn and myself before heading out on NYE.
Black on black on black...

I know I have been a tad bit MIA on the blog over the last couple months and for that I have been truly saddened. But this year, I have a little more time to focus on giving as much love as I can to the blog that I started a year and a half ago to show insight into all the things that I love in life and what interest and inspires me. I hope that it gives you as much inspiration as well! Yay 2014!!

Just A little Something..."Full Lip Beauty"

2013-12-29T23:59:00.001-05:00

Drawing: via hi-imcurrentlyobsessed.tumblr.com

I am absolutely just in love with this drawing...the illustration is so lifelike yet playful. Leaving everything black and white, the pop of red in her full lips drew me in and makes everything from her bright eyes to her moles to every strand of natural hair just stand out. I'm not sure who the illustrator is, but I would love to give credit to whoever created this.

A Few Of My Favorite Things...

2013-12-20T09:16:00.001-05:00

A Few Of My Favorite Things... by kinkycurlynyc featuring a white dress

Style Profile..."Isabel Marant for H&M"

2013-10-27T22:42:00.002-04:00

So excited for the Isabel Marant for H&M collection to arrive! Inspired by pieces from her past collections, French designer Isabel Marant is giving her usually high priced items a chance to be worn by a wider audience. This...of course...I absolutely love! I always wanted to buy a pair of her infamous sneakers, but they were way beyond my budget, so for this to be an option, is a great way to own one of her creations. In muted colors of black, white, and gray, with hints of beautifully bold red, the pieces in this collection are perfect for the Fall/Winter seasons. And with items for women, men and children, who could possibly say no, lol. Ranging from $25 to $400, Isabel Marant for H&M, hits stores on November 14th. Here is a preview of the line below:

all photos: H&M.com

What do you think of the collection?

Some Hairspiration..."Freestyling Naturally"

2013-10-26T22:08:00.002-04:00

There are so many looks to achieve with natural hair. I absolutley love the versitility and expression that can come with playing around with it. The different textures and curls patterns are for me what makes natural hair so beautiful. Every woman will get a different result from twist outs, braid outs, bantu knots, curl formers or even from simply teasing our hair with a comb. The excitement comes from just letting our hair be!

Big, long and loud...

Short and sassy curls...

Tight and powerful kinks

Ringlets galore...

Love this fluffed out fro...I need to get my hair to do this without frizzing

Curls, curls, curls...

A rod set is a great way to change up the wild n' free style

Color can give a fro a new outlook on life

All photos: via hi-imcurrentlyobsessed.com

Teasing out a fro can take it to new heights...

My Hair Stories..."Pomps and Buns"

2013-10-17T23:02:00.002-04:00

Over the weekend I finally took out my beloved long twists and opted for a style that was a little less...cumbersome, lol. I found a photo on one of my favorite sites and wanted to style my hair in the same fashion. It was too beautiful not to try:

photo via hi-imcurrentlyobsessed.com

I didn't want my hair to be that high....work appropriate it would not be, so I had my hairdresser Nellie use it as a canvas to have her girls style my hair in a similar fashion. Here are pics of the results:

Using only my hair, it may not be as high as the original beautiful pompador that I laid my eyes on, but as always I loved the style created in the end!

Product Junkie..."As I Am Coconut Cowash"

2013-10-15T22:12:00.000-04:00

As the true product junkie that I am, I always have to try a new product every now and again to see if I should change up my hair routine. I realize that the longer my hair gets, some of my tried and true products don't quite work the same. Dabbling in new products helps me figure out what works still, from what doesn't, to what I may need to use now. Walking in the hair product aisle, I stumbled upon the brand "As I Am".
Created by Dr. Ali N. Syed,"As I Am", was made specifically for women of color with naturally curly and coily hair. Offering a wide array of new cleansing and styling products, I got overly excited! I finally removed my long twists over the weekend and realized that my hair was in need of some TLC. I decided to try out a new co-wash, since its a great way of removing all of the residue that was sure to have been hiding in hair once I removed my twists. I picked up "As I Am" Coconut Cowash Cleansing Conditioner to treat my strands after my usual routine of Henna.

Advertised on the website, "As I Am" Coconut Cowash Cleansing Conditioner is said to be: "different from any other because it contains a special blend of natural ingredients that work to promote healthy hair growth from the follicular level." That alone had me curious as to how well my hair would respond to the product, plus anything with coconut oil usually has me grabbing it off the shelves!

The website also lists the benefits and ingredients found in the product:

Spreads easily throughout hair
Gently cleanses hair and scalp
Maintains moisture, adds more moisture and helps hair retain moisture until your next cleanse.
Makes detangling a breeze
Rinses easily from hair.
Helps promote a healthy environment for hair growth
Gentle enough for daily use. Safe for color-treated hair

Key Ingredients: Tangerine, Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Saw Palmetto and Phytosterols

Aqueous (Water, Aqua Purificada, Purified) Extracts: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) and Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine)¹, Cetyl Alcohol², Cetrimonium Chloride, Cetearyl Alcohol², PEG-40 Castor Oil, Stearlkonium chloride, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil², Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil¹, Phytosterols¹, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract¹, Quaternium-18, Potassium Sorbate, Fragrance/Parfum, Limonene, Methylisothiazolinone. Source: 1-Natural, 2-Coconut

Taking all this into account, I kindly parted my hair into my usual four sections to start my cowashing process. The consistency of the product was not as thick as I would have liked and at times it seemed a bit watery for my taste. Once the cowash was in my hair, it did spread through my strands very easily and combing it in was a breeze, tangles were not really a huge issue with the product especially since my hair has grown. Once I washed it out of my hair, it felt soft and moisturized, something that always makes my hair day, lol. My scalp felt clean and fresh and when I added in my deep conditioner, this cowash actually helped the process of combing it through my hair a little easier...another plus in my book. My overall thoughts after applying "As I Am" Coconut Cowash Cleansing Conditioner to my hair: although the consistency is not my favorite, it's final results makes it definite keeper in my hair arsenal.

Some Hairspiration..."Head Wrapping it Up"

2013-10-13T21:34:00.003-04:00

On a bad hair day, head wraps are a girls best friend. It can take a blah hair moment and turn it into an "AHHH-mazing" one. In the beginning of growing out my hair, I often did not know what to do and I knew I couldn't walk out of my house with a big ol' mess, so I often opted for head wraps. Now, don't get me wrong, although they are super helpful for when your hair wants to do everything but what you want, it's also just a beautiful hair statement within itself. So much life is found with wearing colorful designs and patterns on head wraps. They also can make a great statement accessory piece for an entire outfit or completely inspire an outfit as well. If you're thinking about rocking a head wrap, here a few pics to get inspired by:

When in doubt just wear black...works every time

The head wrap clearly takes center stage in this outfit

Patterns galore!

Love the simple style of the red head wrap

The camouflage head wrap flows beautifully with the black and green

ensemble

Choices, choices...wrap just a little bit of hair or wrap up the entire head....hmmmm

all photos via: hi-imcurrentlyobsessed.com

Love how adding just the headwrap can change the entire feel of this look

Well Looky Here..."Autumn's Calling"

2013-10-11T00:23:00.000-04:00

It's finally time!! Bring on the cute boots, long sleeve shirts and jackets because Fall is here! I know most people usually become excited about Summer, but for me...it's all about Fall. The rich hues of orange and gold, the layering of clothing and the smell of pumpkin coffee is all I need to get in the mood, lol. It's also inching towards the holidays which is also a plus in my book! Check out some of my favorite outfits on Lookbook to help get yourself step into Fall:

I need to get an outfit like this for work. White pants and blazer paired with a chambray shirt... it's an amazing blend of structured and laid-back! Who says you can't wear white after Labor Day!

I absolutely adore this jacket. It adds a bit of classiness to an otherwise rocker chick look

Not much to do with Fall....but I am in love with the eyelet cutouts and back of this leather top. Coupled with a pair of leopard print boots, it's just badass!

A striped tee, cute flats and overcoat all in black and white!? Yes please!!

An orange boxy jacket over a plain white tee and cuffed blue jean pants = casual cool. Penny loafers and a snakeskin clutch adds a touch of cool.

Say yes to a lightweight Fall trench coat. The burgundy wide brimmed hat and matching bag brings warmth to this look.

The warm hues on this southwestern inspired mix material jacket if everything!! Paired with black booties, skinny jeans and berry red lips...Doesn't this look just scream Fall!?

The length of this skirt and shirt is perfect for a nice walk on a cool Autumn afternoon

Pants and heels in oxblood are great for Fall. The patterned white and oxblood blouse helps separate the look so it's not completely monotone.

all photos: lookbook.nu

This whole outfit seems perfect for a relaxed Saturday afternoon of shopping and hanging with friends. The leather jacket, cute panda tee and bright orange kicks, it's completely chill, but the matchup of red lips and clipped back hair adds just a little bit of sexy, cool.

Just A Little Something..."Brown Princess"

2013-10-09T21:30:00.001-04:00

BROWN PRINCESS by Keturahariel

photo: via hi-imcurrentlyobsessed.tumblr.com

Another cute find on Tumblr! There is so much art celebrating the beauty of natural hair that I can't seem to get enough. With her caramel skin, curly fro and huge colorful earrings that match her nails, against a simple grey background, this painting was just too cute to not re-post!
P.S. - I know I've been MIA, but I'll be back with more posts....promise!!

Style Profile..."Michelle Williams for Louis Vuitton Fall 2013"

2013-09-10T20:15:00.000-04:00

Have you seen the new Fall 2013 campaign for Louis Vuitton yet?! Starring Michelle Williams, looking flawless with her pixie cut and red lips, the collection offers the classic Capucines bag as well as the new W. Ready in colors appropriate for Fall, the ads, photos taken by the talented Peter Lindbergh, are running in September and October issues of fashion magazines everywhere. The bag collector in me wants them all!! If you haven't seen them, here's a peek below:

all photos: courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Some Hairspiration..."Wild and Free"

2013-08-27T22:22:00.001-04:00

I just love, love, love the look of big fro's, blowouts and twist outs....its something that I used to do all the time when I first went natural and my hair was shorter and in my opinion easier to style. I can stare at these all day! Maybe one day I will be able to strike up the nerve to wear my hair out again for a little break from my usually pinned up protective styles. For now, however, these pics will do, lol. As my friends like to tell me...LET YOUR HAIR OUT!!

The timeless 'fro

I have a weakness for the shaved side and twist out style

Blonde ambition...

I just love this pinned look!

Amazing blowout

Cut and colored

The classic middle part twist out

And if you're just starting out...there is nothing but pure

beauty in the fade!! Adding color is a perfect way to standout!

all photos: via hi-imcurrentlyobsessed.tumblr.com

What I Wore..."Hot Graffiti Dayz"

2013-08-25T21:07:00.000-04:00

Ow, Ow, Ow!!!

Strolling in Brooklyn on a hot summer Saturday is one of my favorite things to do. It was such a beautiful day out that we took notice of every single thing. My girl MunaMoon and I eventually located this cool brick wall that we thought would be perfect for an impromptu photoshoot!

Dress: MNG by Mango; sandals: Zara; sunglasses: H&M; bag: Kate Spade