* WOWSTYLES *

Happy Birthday Dr. Maya Angelou

2015-04-04T17:46:00.001-07:00

With Love.

AHHHHHHHHHHHH, SUMMER

2014-07-06T13:00:00.003-07:00

Summer and Style just, go together. Beaches, cut off shorts, pools, sandals, summer jobs, heat, natural hair (for all of my natural hair-ers), top knots, tank tops, bike riding, outdoor concerts/ festivals. Need I say more? The ambiance of this season evokes, Peace. As we believe style is much more than clothing but how you use the clothes to express who you are. Your individuality. Self expression is in itself, Style. In addition to style we will be adding other forms of self expression to the blog and as an ode to summer would like to start off with this poem by Louis Rams that makes you see just how much Summer and Style and Self expression simply, go together.

It came upon a summers night
The wind was cool, the stars were bright.
Never in her life did she have such a thrill
As she felt her heart start to fill.

The beauties and splendors of the night
Created such a beautiful sight.
There was a feeling of love in the air
Wiping away all troubles and cares.

Music being played in the streets
Children dancing to the beat
Elderly couples walking hand in hand
This was a night that no one planned.

The summer nights tend to set all hearts free
And this is where you want to be.
Looking up at the stars at night
And seeing all of gods beauties
In my mind take flight.

Recalling times of summer s past
And hoping that it would forever last
But each season has a beginning and an end
And new memories in your mind to
Your heart will send.

But I will take my summer nights
And look upon my summer days
And to god for this I give him praise.

Writer: Louis Rams

Stay Tuned for more Style updates for the Summer! Peaceful Sunday!
LOVE,
WOWSTYLES

Summer Style

2014-07-05T19:25:00.000-07:00

Summer Is Here! Even though wedges are probably something that you want to keep out of your diet (at least for pool season) they're definitely something you want to keep in your closet this Summer. Usually have to choose between beauty and pain as far as the perfect shoes to go out in? Not this summer! (That sounded like an infomercial you hear when you fell asleep with your tv on and get up at 3 am for a potty break. Did I say potty break? I've digressed..) Wedges! This style of shoe is more than welcomed during these summer months and the decrease in pain they offer does not automatically mean they have to look like big mamas orthopedics. Here are some top pics for summer wedges.

LOVE,
WOWSTYLES

Happy Memorial Day!

2014-05-26T19:04:00.001-07:00

Love, WOWStyles.

Turbans, hair wraps and more!

2013-07-13T12:15:00.001-07:00

Head wraps and Turbans. Nothing more to say than LOVE. When you want to add "something" else to your style on any given day, a head wrap or Turban will surely amp up your outfit. Now, for those who don't know how (links to "how to" videos are below) to tie a Turban or add a wrap bun or may want to be more demure with their head accessories can choose to leave hair out, only use a head wrap as a headband or use a Turban hat. Forever 21, Urban Outfitters and H&M all carry different styles of the turban or you can choose your own style of fabric from Hobby Lobby or other arts and crafts stores and create your own style. Erykah Badu has been showing us how it's done, for years.

Rita Ora for Chanel

Absolutely love this method of tying a head wrap and still leaving hair out

This model used the same method but without leaving hair out. Still perfect!

Solange Knowles is not new to knowing how to wear a turban

America's Next Top model cycle 2 winner Danielle Evans wearing a polka dot color Turban

@everybodylovestee was unique in how she styled hers

Just because everything about this is gorgeous

Solange Knowles

Make it your own!

Nikkimae2003 has a turban style how to:

http://youtu.be/uvRQeJyDw1k

Est Are LIVE shows 3 different turban styles in 1 video:

http://youtu.be/dfWO7S0827o

Follow wowstyles1 on Instagram!

LOVE, WOWStyles

WOWStyles is new on Instagram!

2013-03-25T21:07:00.001-07:00

Follow us on Instagram at WOWStyles1 for even more photos, style updates and inspiration in addition to what's on the blog! ❤

ALL Leather Everything

2013-03-04T22:34:00.000-08:00

There is leather shirts, leather shorts, leather sweatpants, leather socks don't believe me? Just... never mind. I feel as if I sound like the little step brother of Bubba (from forest Gump) and Trinidad James, nonetheless leather is not going anywhere! See for your self...

LOVE,
WOWStyles

Back in style again! SSI: Silent Style Inspiration

2013-02-24T22:06:00.002-08:00

Ok so semi-silent style inspiration. Since the last post (last summer, yes it has been ThaT long) many life experiences and a yearning for personal growth influenced my decision to not blog for what felt like a decade... or so. Glad to be back. This weeks' SSI images are a few that inspired me style wise or in other ways during my time away. More details about that time and the occurences thereof soon. Very, soon. Enjoy.

LOVE,

WOWStyles

THIS WEEK: SSI: Silent SUMMER Inspiration.

2012-06-17T10:58:00.003-07:00

LOVE, WOWStyles.

THIS WEEK: ALL White Everything.

2012-06-10T23:17:00.002-07:00

As my excitement for summer continues, being able to wear all white ~~errrthang~~ everything (and still be within fashion rules of no white after Labor Day) is just another reason to go on and embrace the higher temperatures and mosquitoes. All black everything is chic, yes. However the true test of your personal Style prowess can be tested when you dare to wear…dun dun duun!...All white everything. <<<< Was that too much? None the less, pictured below are some pieces that can be put together to assist anyone in pulling off the all white look. Also below are pics of a few folks who - in the words of my dad- hit the nail right on the head.

Here are a few Style staples to classically pull off the all white everything look:

White cut-out detail button down shirt

White wide leg trousers

White lace detail blouse or any white lace article of clothing to mix up the textures

Waffle-knit cotton-blend midi skirt

White silk blouse to up your all white Style ante

Last but my first fav piece, cropped trousers. If you find (or get altered) the perfect fit, there are only two things I can think of in life that get better than wearing them. Maybe Ill tell you exactly what they are in the future! Well....thats all folks! Have fun with your all white errrthang.

LOVE,

WOWStyles.

P.S. I came across a video by urbanog.com, very animated and fun. All of the five methods that she pointed out on various ways to wear only white, I give a nod of approval. Check out her video below:

LOVE,WOWStyles.

THIS WEEK: Summer Beauty Trends!

2012-06-03T23:26:00.003-07:00

Summer Summer Summer Time is here! Short shorts, sun block, tank tops, sandals and flats. Oh. Yeaaah. This summer however, two things are definitely in: Bold Brows and Ponytails & Updos. First off, achieving the look of "bold brows" do not necessarily mean that you have to skip your eyebrow threading, waxing or other hair removal- beautifying and sometimes relaxing (call me crazy but the pain has turned into a type of calming routine for me by now) procedures. In order to achieve this look for the summer you can also choose to make your brows significantly darker or lighter than the color of your hair by dying or the less permanent method, penciling in or using eye shadow to fill your brows with your desired color. Another option for bold brows is to, if you’re feeling as bold as you want your brows, pluck a few stray hairs, only underneath the brows. Doing this will give your brows a clean look while still being thick and bold. I decided about a month ago to let mine fully grown out and I chose not to pluck anything and just leave them as is. I’m loving them, by the way. Ponytails and updos for the summer are a must and we all know they're great if you have long hair, who wants heat induced frizzy and poufy hair mixing with sweat to find a comfortable resting spot on their neck? Not I. Here are a few ideas for updos and classic ideas for ponytails to try asap!

Full brows with only the under brow plucked.

A classic part down the middle gives an easy but appealing change from the usual high bun.

Unique but still quite simple, three ponytails connected.

LOVE,
WOWStyles.

THIS WEEK: Happy Memorial Day! (Outfit Ideas)

2012-05-28T10:49:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day is a day we honor the spirit of courage. Being Bold. Fearless. Confident. Standing and fighting for something that you Love. In other words, being a Leader. All men and women who died and fought in the United States armed forces are acknowledged today especially. Thankyou. Per tradition my family and I go to visit the grave of my grandfather who fought, every year. While some of you will be doing the same or perhaps spending time gathered with family, watching fireworks, going to the beach or enjoying some of the Memorial Day sales, here are some ideas to help you do it with Style, WOWStyle. <<< notice my James Bond reference there.. ha!...Ok my comedy show is done. Check the pics.

A HAT IS A MUST...

Preferably a nicely fitted Fidora.

AND STRIPES.

LOVE,
WOWStyles.

SSI: Silent Style Inspiration.

2012-05-20T22:22:00.003-07:00

December 31, 1948 – May 17, 2012

LOVE,
WOWStyles.

THIS WEEK: Love your Mother...

2012-05-13T21:57:00.001-07:00

...always! As women- previously girls- our mothers were the first female figures that we got to watch and be influenced by growing up. Whether you think your mother is the best one ever created or ...not so much, it is important to love our mothers simply because we learn from them. We learn SO much from them, even unconsciously. Any negative experiences or positive ones that we may have watched them go through, we learn what to do and or what not to do when we're faced with similar situations in our own lives. Any advice we WILL need as women, we get the most honest answers/examples from our mothers on how to apply knowledge and wisdom to our life simply, by observation. If your mother is in your life, LOVE her. If for whatever reason you don’t have your biological mother in your life, adapting a mother is one of the greatest and most rewarding things you can do! Getting a mentor is a great way to adopt a mother, just asking for advice from an older woman that you admire is another way of building a mother/ daughter relationship. Taking the previously listed steps make you feel like you can actually pick-a-mom, put her in your shopping bag, take her home with you and do your own personal shopping haul. Only instead of clothes and beauty products that you use and apply to yourself, its the advice, wisdom, encouragement, inspiration and when-needed-scolding that they give that we can use forever. No shopping spree in the world can top that. My mother is wonderful and I still take advantage of the opportunity to adopt a mom (even though some of them I've never even met in person). For example, if you know me you know that Oprah Winfrey is my long lost mother. She is so considerate that she allowed me to be raised by the man and woman who reared me because she felt that they would be the perfect people for the job.... well, with her being so busy with her talk show, other aspects of her career and all. All the same, she really wants to see me soon but I don’t like heights so I can’t fly to go see her. We'll get together one day soon Mama O! (That’s what I call her... since I’m her daughter, of course.) Another one of my mothers is Maya Angelou, she wrote me a letter once. Don’t believe me? Here’s proof...the letter was entitled "Letter to my Daughter". See, she was obviously writing it especially for me. Others are Martha Stewart, Ms. Cynthia, my grandmother who is also my namesake, Tyra Banks and even sometimes my older sister. So many of my commendable behaviors and beliefs which are both strong factors that add to one having impeccable Style, are a part of me because of all of my mothers. We as women should always celebrate the Style contributions that mothers give to us freely every day, not just in May.

But for the sake of the holiday, Happy Mothers Day!

Beyonce with her mother Tina Knowles, who she recently wrote an open letter to for mothers day.

Kate Hudson with her mother Goldie Han.

One of my mothers Tyra Banks with my grandmother.

One of my other mothers Martha Stewart with Big Martha aka Martha Kostytra.

LOVE,
WOWStyles.

THIS WEEK: Take a risk!... No Makeup!

2012-05-07T05:51:00.000-07:00

So this weekend I took advantage of the sun and went to Schlitterbahn. Mind you, I’m not a fan of roller coasters, heights excite me in a way that I don’t prefer and I had a near death experience with a water slide as a child. Although the last truth was exaggerated...a bit...you get my point. One would think this would be the highlight of my thoughts prior to the trip. It wasn’t. My concern was to wear or not to wear makeup. Trivial to some, I know. However seeing smokey eyes, cat eyes and some makeup styles that had to be inspired by Ru Paul himself once we arrived was a clear indication that I was not alone in my apprehension. In the end I decided to do no makeup. Sounds simple huh? Well if it doesn’t come as easy for you to try I've listed some tips from chinacandycouture.com on how to help you take that risk and go without makeup. Speaking of risks, I am proud to say that I got on all of the rides mi amigas got on! Without thinking I closed my eyes, cut off the blood flow of a couple of peoples arms while on a few of the rides and did it. All with... no makeup. I had a good day.

Rihanna posted a pic on her twitter of her sans makeup

Miley Cyrus without makeup... & with.

Lady Gaga

Adriana Lima without makeup

Tips on how to go without makeup

Start with the basics. Ask yourself "why do I wear makeup?" Finding the TRUTHFUL answer to that question will help you to reach your goal.

Set your goal. Will it be for one day, one week, one month, six months, or forever? Make sure you are a setting a realistic goal for yourself.

Start by removing all of your makeup daily. Make sure you are using a great makeup remover to get eyeliner, and mascara off completely. (I personally use Neutrogena oil-free makeup remover)

Start a skin care regimen. Cleanse & Moisturize! Exfoliation is imperative to your skin because you want to free your skin and pores form the makeup that has been consistently used on your face. Moisturizing is just as important because you don't want your face to get dry from your exfoliation.

Get use to seeing yourself makeup free. Take it one day at a time, changing your daily routine and breaking habits takes patience and perseverance.

Find out what your favorite attributes are without makeup. Do you love your smile, your eyes, your freckles, etc.? Find something you really like about your natural yourself and embrace it.

Share your journey with family & friends. Let people know that you're taking a step to go natural and you will be surprised at the response and support you will receive. Even if it's just through your social networks!

Be yourself and find another way to substitute your beauty products. With or without makeup you are YOU. Create a new hairstyle or buy new clothes to make up for not wearing your makeup. You have to find out what else makes you feel good besides makeup!

If this helped you please share it with your social network buddies and just remember "Confidence builds character!".

-China Renee

(P.S. go checkout her blog!)

LOVE,

WOWStyles.

Send in your pics taking the No Makeup Challenge,
Good Luck!

Truly yours.

April took the challenge today. I must say, nicely done!

Send your pics to wowstyles1@gmail.com

THIS WEEK: Flats and Loafers... over Heels? Beyonce says yes.

2012-04-29T18:52:00.000-07:00

This week Beyonce talked to People magazine about an array of topics in her life. What we're most
concerned about however, are her distinctive ~~heels~~ flats. Since giving birth to Blue Ivy, the new mommy
has been seen with some very nice eye catching flats. From cat shaped leopard prints to shoes that don a
strap around the ankle, flats are definitely becoming a staple in her closet. In an article that is on stands
now, Beyonce tells people magazine "I never thought there would be a day when I wouldn't wear heels.
Now that I have a child, I walk around holding her all day, I'm buying loafers and oxfords. I love them,
because they're comfortable and shorter heels too." While wearing flats might be a new experience for
Bey, other women such as Gwen Stefani and Ciara (another avid heel wear-er) have usually always
made flats an exceptional part of their style. With summer here, (so excited for it by the way) now is the
perfect time to make flats a comfortable part of yourown style and get creative about how you want to add
them into your wardrobe. Depending on how you wear them they can be just as feminine as your favorite pair of heels.

Beyonce

Blake Lively

Ciara

Amanda Heard, Nicole Richie, Gwen Steffani, Mary Kate Olsen all opt for flats.

Janelle Monae pulls off Oxfords like no on else but please, feel free to try.

Bet you never thought you'd see Jennifer Lopez in flats. Almost as astonishing as watching Bey take Oxfords over Loboutins. Your eyes are not betraying you.

Milla Jovovich in the latest Marella spring/summer 2012 campaign.

Rita Ora in Loboutin red velvet Intern flats

Loboutin velvet Intern flats in black

                                                        LOVE, WOWStyles.



The Girlfriend's Guide: How To Stay Up When Life Get’s You Down.

I believe that style is not achieved by simply having your own individual sense of fashion. There are other components that all add up to equal style. Always remaining inspired is one of them. Essence.com has an article that offers advice for us girls on how to stay inspired, focused and optimisitic even in the toughest of times. Here are tips that they gave written by @DeeCMarshal:

BREATHE: It sounds simple but I promise you one big deep breath in and out will help you. We know the impossible happens in a breath. Every girlfriend reading this right now knows it was one breath that helped you get through the pain of pushing a 6, 7, or 9 pound baby through your birth canal. If you haven’t had that experience yet, know that there was one breath that created man. My point is if you don't breathe you may go down immediately but when you are intentional about breathing you proactively guide your emotion.

PRAY: It is universal no matter what your faith or spiritual beliefs are. When you get the bad news I say remember what you were taught to do in a fire: drop to your knees, turn to your source, lean on the source and depend on your source for strength and comfort. Cling to your source. It is the place you turn to first and remember there is a source that is more powerful than you.

TAKE A STAND: This is about making a choice. When you get a “gut punch” make up in your mind where you stand and what you believe the outcome to be. You have the freedom to choose your position and speak to the situation. If it’s illness you come up against, believe and speak healing. If it’s divorce, believe and speak reconciliation. If it’s job loss, believe and speak promotion. If it’s overwhelming financial loss or lack, believe and speak of your increase in your life. During that first conversation with my mother, I declared our united position out loud. We choose to believe in healing, wellness and long life for my Godmother.

DON'T CARRY IT ALONE: It goes without saying for some of us but I’ll say what we already know— there is comfort in sharing your moment of despair with a trusted girlfriend. Don’t suffer in silence. Share whatever it is you are going through with your confidant.

STAY POSITIVE: While I don’t know the medical benefit, I certainly am a witness that a turnaround is possible just by being optimistic in your time of trouble. This is about choice; you can choose which colored lenses you wear in your situation. I recommend you choose the rose colored glassed because it is that energy to cause vibrations to tap a positive frequency in the earth. Whatever you put out to the universe comes back. It is the law of attraction that says thoughts become things. If you think positive you will attract back positive.

LOVE
WOWStyles.

THIS WEEK: Leather Pants.

2012-04-22T23:53:00.002-07:00

Never thought I would cosign leather pants. None the less, there are more reasons than one to say yes to leather pants. If you have not noticed I am a sincere advocate for keeping neutral pieces in your wardrobe that with little effort, can be worn for various types of events or casual outings. Leather pants definitely meet the criteria. If the classic black leather that Kim Kardashian has been seen with this week while out and about with Kanye West doesnt do it for you, try a pair of colored leather pants as seen on Katie Holmes, Ciara and Lala Vasquez- Anthony. Leather pants can be dressed down with a baggy tank and flats or sandles and even boots...they can be dressed up with a blazer, simple button down or your own creative upper body ensemble.

Love,

WOWStyle.

THIS WEEK: Silk Blazers

2012-04-15T19:06:00.003-07:00

Blazers are great pieces to have in a wardrobe. Among countless other fashionistas Khloe Kardashian has recommended the blazer as one piece that is a necessity to have in your wardrobe, as it can pull together an outfit like no other. If an ordinary blazer can add a touch of debonair to the simplest of outfits, a silk blazer just might be magic. A silk blazer can be worn with pants, a skirt, dress and my favorite ...jeans. I believe the silk blazer adds an instant elegant facet to any style of dress. So after you run your errands, add a silk blazer to your ensemble and head straight to that wedding, club or dinner. Easy.

Love, WOWStyle.

THIS WEEK: I Just Want My (Print) Pants Back!

2012-04-08T17:41:00.000-07:00

Although math and I never exactly saw eye to eye I have managed to learn quite well, that print pants + nothing to wear = life savers. There are endless ways to wear print pants. I think printed pants can be made fitting for an array of events. I personally have an ever simple approach when it comes to styling them. A solid color top and solid color but funky shoes is my common approach. Excuse my use of the word funky...it just seemed to fit. The good folks at Fabsugar have conjured up some suggestions as to how to wear print pants in 5 ways that may... tickle your fancy.

1. For a Spring-appropriate evening ensemble, don sleek heels, a lemon-hued tee, and quirky jewelry to offset the loud trouser print.

2. Embrace your sportier side with more athletic pieces. A sneaker wedge, racer-back tank, and a bold bra will pull the brightness of the Camilla and Marc pants together perfectly.

3. We love this geo-shaped trouser à la Milly Spring '12 — to keep it funky, add an embellished crop top and textured accessories.

4. Play up the youthful Monet-inspired printed pant by adding a chunky collar necklace and even chunkier wedges.

5. Pair ikat trousers with a colorblocked complement — blouse or sandal — and top off the print with a pop of neon.

See how some others prefer to wear theyre printed chinos below...

LOVE,
WOWStyles.

THIS WEEK: Circular Sunnys.

2012-04-01T19:06:00.003-07:00

I guess its true what they say, everything comes full circle. Thats easy to see especially with sunglasses that have lenses each shaped in a perfect circle. I remember owning a pair in the 90's when I was 9 or 10. I might be telling my age but on the sunny side, even then I had my very own sense of style. Although my parents never favored them (and even today give my spectacles distasteful looks) I happen to like these glasses for my own sentimental reasons. Growing up I was definitely an individual and bought the shades for myself and absolutely loved to wear them with a red plaid dress, black lace up boots and a fossil hand bag that I used untill the zipper told me "no more". I'd imagine if it weren't for my memories of these John Lennon reminiscent sunglasses, I may not really be into them as much now. Beyonce has recently donned them as her favorite without exactly saying it, as she has been seen in them a lot lately. Check the photos!

Love,

WOWStyle.

Sent via BlackBerry

John Lennon

P.S. sunglassesonstage said, "When Proenza Schouler introduced round sunglasses in spring 2008, the designers were actually so far ahead of the trend that they were at a disadvantage. Circular frames are not face-friendly, Ms. McCabe said, and usually look best on women with strong jaw lines, so the line’s initial styles were difficult to sell. But newer versions, which are slightly larger and more angular, with the stems positioned higher on the frame, have been a success.
Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, the designers of the label, said in an e-mail message that they had been bored with the prevailing Wayfarer look and that, while looking at images of midcentury factory workers in goggles, “something about the simplicity of that shape against the face turned us on”.
Me too Mr. Hernandez and McCollough ...me too.

You can find more affordable styles at H+M stores, Charlotte Russe and Ebay.

THIS WEEK: Ombre!!

2012-03-25T23:06:00.002-07:00

Not to be mistaken for hombre, Ombre is two toned hair. Although both words can constitute as a greeting; Hombre commonly = "Maan!" in the spanish language, while Ombre commonly = "Im here!" in the language of Style. No, not highlights and not just mixing two different colors of hair... which have been seen on the likes of rapper Remy Martin and Cruella Deville. Ombre is the gradual lightening of the hair usually with the roots being the darkest. If you think its a look youll want to try lizlizlive shows us how to achieve this look at home below. But first, check out the look on some of these celebs...

ALEXA CHUNG

HILLARY DUFF

CIARA
(digressing...her outfit? YES.)

ASHLEY SIMPSON

KEKE PALMER

Love,

WOWStyle.

Happy Birthday to Ya. <3

2012-01-16T17:13:00.001-08:00

SSI: Silent Style Inspiration. No words. Just an image.

2011-10-02T06:42:00.000-07:00

SSI: Silent Style Inspiration. No Words. Just an Image.

2011-09-25T22:07:00.000-07:00

SSI: Silent Style Inspiration .no words. just an image. (Remembering 9/11)

2011-09-11T11:18:00.000-07:00