Naima's Closet

In the Mix: Summer Wind Down Music

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 20:34:00 PDT

I came across these musical downloads for listening pleasure. Great mixes to wind down the summer with and enjoy some relaxation vibe.

Akili One on Podomatic.

DJ Jamad also posted some mixes on Twitter. Follow him on Twitter @djjamad to keep up with his latest releases. Follow this link for "Spring Water" and explore the site for all of his musical news and niblets.

And finally, Jazzcat posted lounge vibes on Mixcloud. His selector talents always put a smile in my jazz mood.Take a listen, it is the ***beeeep****!

Off the shelf 13 by Jazzcat on Mixcloud

... I cannot forget Brian Hurst of The Hurst Selection from across the pond. No longer on Saturday night vibe duty at WCLK in Atlanta, he can be easily found flexing his musical skill on his site soulandjazz.com. His podcasts are also on iTunes to stay connected with his loyal ATL fans and fans around the world.

Check out these musical storytellers, painting a picture and a vibe with their musical selections and enjoy!

Not on the Runway, Vagrant Mag Stole the Vitamin Water Inspired Fashion Show

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:45:00 PDT

Tuesday evening was a night of fashion for budding local designers at the Vitamin Water Inspired fashion show held at the W Hotel in Buckhead in the tres chic Whiskey Blue lounge. The packed house of spectators viewed designs inspired by Vitamin Water flavors for the competitive design contest with the winner snatching up a $1000 cash prize. The excited crowd ooohed, aaahed, and cheered for their favorite designers while the panel of judges contemplated the most fashion forward design worthy of the title. Additional runway looks from the Tulipiano boutique were featured at the Jezebel magazine event, providing for a full evening of fashion.

But wait, I must tell you who and what stole the show. Not on the runway, but in the crowd.

In the crowd, donning the platinum and enviable mohawk was Tomik Dash, editor-in-chief and creative force behind the up and coming Vagrant magazine. Tomik is serving up some fashion and style like Atlanta has not seen, but needs soooo desperately. For me, he was the highlight of the evening. I spoke with him in a very casual conversation about the mag and his endeavors and I was inspired by his approachablity and just stood there soaking up the FASH-ON (not just fashion),
FASH-ON dah-ling.

Definitely check out the July issue of Vagrant, get caught up on the June issue, and get a taste of what the Atlanta fashion scene is serving up with this cat. Catch more inspiration on Tomik's blog Vintage Clothes- Designer Drugs to follow what is hot and new in the ATL.

Fashionable Atlanta: Shout Out Edition and More Events this week

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 11:00:00 PDT

The first annual Fashionable Atlanta Blogger Meet-up was a smashing success last Saturday. Held at Envy Boutique in L5P (you have to drop in, it is truly a one stop shop for style), the event was a great opportunity for me to put faces with all of the names that I see in the blogosphere and Twitter universe. The event was hosted by bloggers Ebony Ife of The Fashionista Next Door, Breck Bennett of Fashion Without Guilt, and Charee Lenee of ChareeLenee.com. Those ladies circulated and hosted the event with much fashionable poise while Jai Marie of Southern Fashionality and The Bare Skinny clicked great candid shots, capturing many moments. Sponsors for the event China Glaze and Sole Society provided incredible swag bag gifts for attendees, and the raffle item pieces were very covet worthy! There were mini make-overs, jewelry, fashionable art, and gift cards given out to almost every attendee. I don't think anyone walked away empty handed.

The stylish crowd sipped, socialized, and shopped while partaking in lots of fashion talk to keep the energy in the room buzzing. One of the tasty highlights of the evening for me were these delectable cake pops from The Cupcake Genie. Ma goodness, ma gracious... the red velvet cake pops were it! Try one and you will be hooked.

Photo courtesy of Jai Marie, Southern Fashionality.

I'm going to do a shout out roll call! I was so glad to meet...

Dearroka Winfrey of Pretty Girls Rock Dresses
Alicia Parkes of Icon Status
Jasmine Pearl of Fabulous Dresses and J. Pearl Couture
Kymberly Glass of The Chicest Geek
Jazmine Harrod of Fashion Rouge
Nikka Shae of Oh! Nikka
Keren Charles of Two Stylish Kays
Jai Marie of Southern Fashionality

The evening was just what I needed to get blog motivated and crackin'. It was great to rub elbows with such a gracious and fashionable bunch.

Well, this week has lots to do to keep the local set mixing, mingling, and style gazing. Check it out:

Enjoy!

Gone but HOPEFULLY not forgotten...

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:10:00 PDT

So here I am...in my Rakim voice...

It's been a long time...

I have not been a faithful or diligent blogger lately because it is summer and I got, well, tackled and wrangled by my kids, swept away into summertime FUN, FUN, FUN!!!!!! (Mind you, the caps are to denote my frazzled, frantic, and frenzied state). I've been locked into a dizzying array of summertime activities. It is hard to be fashionable while on duty with Camp Mommy, but my summer service will be over soon.

To get me motivated and back into the swing of things, I am looking forward to a local blogger's assembly of sorts this Saturday. Fashionable Atlanta will put together local bloggers to meet, greet, share, and shop and it looks like it will be lots of fun. It is just what I need to step up my style and blog trajectory. Writers of the Fashionista Next Door, Fashion Without Guilt, and Two Stylish Kays will be there and I am looking forward to meeting all of the bloggers at the event.

So that is the plan to get plugged back in to fashion, style, music, and great local events. I will add that one of my summer highlights was catching Julie Dexter at the High Museum for Friday Jazz. It was a great show for my music loving readers. I have to put together a post of some great free downloads that I have found over the summer too.

AND here is some additional info that may be interesting...

This Saturday:

Ms. CEO presents
2011 Shop, Show, and Tell

Free with registration. Click registration link for all the details.

Puritan Mills (near Atlantic Station)
916 Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard NW Atlanta, GA 30318

Saturday, July 23, 2011

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM (ET)

And to help you keep life luxe on a discount in Atlanta, Gilt Group has created Gilt City to keep members in the know with discount tickets (some events are free) to exclusive events. Check it out and join using my link, http://www.giltcity.com/invite/naimascloset.

Tell me something good! E-mail me at naimascloset@gmail.com!

Be Eco-Chic and Funky in Vintage: Upcoming events

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:52:00 PDT

PrettyCity presents Green and Gorgeous in Atlanta, GA!

June 21
6:00 pm- 9:00 pm

Environment Furniture
1170 Howell Mill Road #P-18, Atlanta, GA

From the beauty editors of Pretty City...

"Join PrettyCity.com in partnership with SHAPE magazine and Organic Spa Magazine as we celebrate our 3rd annual Green and Gorgeous series.
Enjoy complimentary green services and shopping from the best salons, spas and retailers in the area. Sample tasty organic appetizers and beverages. And best of all, leave with an eco friendly tote full of our favorite green, organic products featuring Weleda, Chi, Belegenza, and Whishbody. A retail value of over $235."

Click here to purchase your ticket!

Also coming up, Funky Flea is back...

Happy Thursday with a style punch! Black n' Blue

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 07:23:00 PDT

Get ready for the weekend and take no prisoners with this look.

Leather Jackets by Burberry
Platforms by Alexander McQueen

Many events are coming up on the fashion front in June. Stay tuned for an update!

Check out this link for a fashionable event tonight!

Cool Colors in Summer Style

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 07:52:00 PDT

Here is the first lookbook of the 2011 summer season. I've matched a pretty patterned romper with gray wedge sandals, yellow clutch, and accessories for this look.

Sandals by Steve Madden
Clutches by Piel

Stay tuned for more looks this summer on Naima's Closet. Follow me on Twitter for more info! Stay stylish and cool for this hot summer season!

Mingle with the Arts on Opening Night

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:36:00 PDT

Atlanta artist Fahamu Pecou will be unveiling his curatory efforts on behalf of the National Black Arts Festival's 2011 season. The commissioned exhibition titled Home will feature new mixed media work by emerging Georgia artists with a featured theme as described by NBAF as...

"an exhibit that presents a new awareness of how politics, education and culture are coming to redefine life in the state of Georgia. Home features work by emerging GA talent and seeks to give a glimpse into the future of the GA cultural landscape through the work of young minds. This exhibition features new names, new ideas, new approaches, and a new sense of the notion of what it means to call Georgia 'home'."

Sooo, put on an artsy ensemble and check it out. Opening night is free and open to the public.

Opening Reception: Friday, June 10, 2011, 6p.m.- 9p.m.,
Chastain Arts Center

Exhibition: June 10 – July 23, 2011
Free and Open to the Public

Source: nbaf.org

Celebrate Luxury this Memorial Day Monday @ Estella Boutique

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Sun, 29 May 2011 16:56:00 PDT

...a quickie...

To close out the Memorial Day weekend, Estella Boutique is having its one year anniversary soiree Monday evening from 4- 7pm. Estella boutique proprietor, Tameka Raymond, features upscale, luxury brand consignments... get your Gucci and YSL on!

Estella
1158/9 Canton Street
Roswell, GA 30075
Mon - Sat: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

770-594-3333 (Closet)

Style Your Weekend: ATL Events

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Wed, 25 May 2011 18:29:00 PDT

Summer is here! Check events to kick off the weekend.

The Damn Salon rocks the hair.

Poor Little Rich Girl rocks the vintage.

Natural and Stylish at Poor Little Rich Girl THIS WEEKEND

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 20:06:00 PDT

The ladies at PLRG Vintage have put together a naturally vintage and stylish sip and social to get you styled up for spring. Definitely stop by this weekend for tips on wardrobe styling and natural hair with fun shopping.

More details on the World Natural Hair Convention.

Fashionography Benefit Fashion Show This Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 18:22:00 PDT

Cravestar Productions will present Fashionography..."Mission: A fashion event dedicated to spreading the love and passion of fashion, and the positive impact it has on today’s generation. For elite people in the fashion, and entertainment industry, as well as everyone who dares to wear."

This is a charity fashion event to benefit. Check the video for more details.

Boycott Radio Today!

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 06:55:00 PDT

Okay, so on my daily commute driving here and there, if I play the radio, I hear the same 5 songs which drives me crazy! Join me on this beautiful Saturday and boycott conventional radio. Check out these internet musical havens for real, feel good music. If you know of any others, e-mail me!

Laid Back Radio posts mixes from international DJs that put together some really tight mixes. Sample the latest below.

A Deeper Groove satisfies the house music lover in me with their mixes that really put great music together. Music cats out of Glasgow... yup, boycott the local radio with me...

Jazzcat mixes help me soothe my jazz soul. Check this weeks mix honoring the Japanese connection to real jazz sound.

Mr. Leenknecht - Sugar, Spice & Everything Nice by Laid Back on Mixcloud

Adg - March 2011 by Adeepergroove on Mixcloud

Shibuya Jazz Classics by Jazzcat on Mixcloud

Enjoy your weekend with some serious sounds and don't touch that radio dial! No need to even go there...

The Weekend...Finally!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 03:17:00 PDT

It has been a long week, but Friday has made it to us with a warm weather forecast.

Weekend events

Tonight, Friday Jazz at the High museum, snaps for the jazz cats!

Saturday

And on Sunday, Mimi J will be hosting a beauty brunch to give pointers on everything glam for the beauty set. This will be a great event for mingling and information.

My Monday Desire

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 02:23:00 PDT

All weekend long, I have been watching the stories of tragedy unfold related to the earthquake and tsunami that rocked Japan on Friday. The distance of my TV and computer make it hard to fathom the real devastation that many are facing, but even still, my heart breaks to see these images on all of the media outlets. On this Monday, take the time to dig deep into your spiritual foundation, no matter your faith, to pray for the spirits of many. Lost lives and shattered futures need our support as humans to rebuild what was destroyed.

On this Monday, hug those you love even tighter when you see them because in the smallest of moments, big things can happen to change your life in unimaginable ways.

Saturday musical vibe: A.D. AKA Acey Ducey AKA Anthony David

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 07:04:00 PST

Anthony David is promoting his upcoming album As Above, So Below to be released this month with a free download via the BamaLoveSoul website. The 25 track mix was worked by DJ Doc, DJ Trauma, And DJ Mars of the Superfriends, to introduce new fans to David's music while satiating the tastebuds of David's underground following. The mix is entitled the The Sound of Love and it brings you a peek into the musical stylings of this talented vocalist's collection of old and new.

Download available here.
And check out BamaLoveSoul's website. They are always dropping the best new *ish...hush yo mouth...

Enjoy this beautiful Saturday!

Fashion Heat on the Runway This Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 13:19:00 PST

Check the flier for Saturday's event.

Style Spotting at Toast on the Coast 3.16.11

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:49:00 PST

Check out the Toast on the Coast event coming up next week. RSVP to attend this free champagne soiree. Break out your spring sexy and be seen...

RSVP: http://www.toastatcoast.eventbrite.com/

Beauty Breeze + Pretty Girls Rock Dresses Challenge + Supafly for 3.1.11

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 08:03:00 PST

March is about to roll in, stay tuned for these events...

Atlanta make up artist and rising star socialite Mimi J will be hosting ‘Beauty Breeze’ on Twitter, March 1st from 8- 9pm. The Twitter chat will be a focused beauty industry discussion related to products, techniques, professional recommendations, and entrepreneurial tips. This chat will be an open forum for you to ask questions and get great tips on creating a fresh spring look. Use the Twitter hashtag ‘#beautybreezechat’ and follow the conversation.

As a make-up challenged individual, I will be tuned in to find out the best products for low maintenance, natural beauty. I have always wanted to master the smoky eye...but I am challenged. Help me Mimi, help me!!!

Also starting March 1st, The Pretty Girls Rock Dresses Challenge!

Mission:

1. We will rock dresses and heels like our mothers & grandmothers at least THREE (3) times a week.

2. We will reject the impulse to throw on jeans, jogging suits (even the cute kind), & dress slacks.

3. Exchange our revelations and thoughts throughout this challenge.

4. Invite a Friend(s), Take Pics, & HAVE FUN.

5. Everyone is WELCOMED to participate.

6. Exceptions: Flattering Dress Suits with nice accessories are allowed.

7. If you have a blog share it with your followers.

Let's bring back:

*GLAMOUR. *GRACE. *CHARM. *FEMININTY. *PRISSYness (is that a word?) and most of all BEAUTY.

This style challenge is the brainchild of Dearroka Winfrey, an Atlanta blogger, to bring feminine style back. Read her blog for informative articles on beauty, inspiration, and self-empowerment. Embrace your inner Prissy...

Do you know of any events coming up or are you planning a smashing event? Let me know at naimascloset@gmail.com.

And before I bounce, leaving you with some Euro mixed, hip hop, jazz jams for the week... Check out DJ MikiGold of the Brussels femme powered Supafly Collective. Her February Suite is just what I need to kick start my productive week, dope. WORD.

Mikigold - February Suite by Laid Back on Mixcloud

Visions of white for spring

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 10:34:00 PST

Because the weather for the past couple of days has been really warm here in Atlanta, my seasonal case of Spring Fever is beginning to take hold. One girlfriend I spoke to recently said that she is ready to unleash her toes from their winter cocoon to showcase them in strappy heels in all of their pedicured glory. For spring this year, I have white on the brain for a fresh and inspired look. It will easily help you thaw out from the winter blahs. Covet these beautiful white dresses with me to get ready for spring...

More American Apparel...

Beautimous! I am really ready for spring. What does your spring style call for this year, e-mail me and tell me all about it! naimascloset@gmail.com

Destination for Hair and Fashion this weekend: ATLANTA

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 14:25:00 PST

Hair and fashion are on the schedule this weekend, get your stylish infusion at any one of these events.

Fashion Uncorked

Fro Fashion Week

Nairobi Hair products & Sheen Hair magazine
Tweet and Greet hosted by celebrity stylist Derek J (RSVP required)

Click on the links for details. Just a quickie post, feeling way under the beautiful weather. Enjoy the events fashionistas!

Saturday Musical Vibes

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 11:34:00 PST

Celebrating love today with music. Enjoy some neo soul with the temptress Jill Scott and some smooth old school funk with Curtis Mayfield... some really good begging from Robin Thicke.

Enjoy the weekend!

Chocolate Spa Indulgence for Valentine's

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:03:00 PST

Greetings all! I have plugged back in to the blogosphere after a brief hiatus... a large dose of real life, but here are some things that are about to happen in the name of love and hearts with a dose of fashion.

Sat, Feb. 19

7:00pm to 10:00pm

Artist Trifecta – 106 Walker Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30313

TICKETS $25 – $75

The details...

"FASHION UNCORKED, a high-profile design competition to benefit Easter Seals North Georgia’s efforts to assist adults and children with disabilities, will unleash Georgia’s top fashion talent as they compete to win an all-expenses-paid, behind-the-scenes studio tour with an international fashion designer in New York. With exciting collaborations from notable celebrities, media personalities, corporate sponsors, and the design community, Fashion Uncorked promises to be the must-attend charitable fashion event of the Spring 2011 season.

Beyond the runway show for the Top 10 Design Finalists, the evening will include a silent auction filled with fashion-related items, a tasting of specialty wine selections from premium vineyards, delectable bites from noted Atlanta chefs and a surprise celebrity host – all set against Artist Trifecta’s sprawling eco-chic 20,000 sq ft gallery space and inspired by high end fashion jewelry provided by Kaira Akita’s A Clothes Encounter."

The groundhog told us that spring is around the corner and I cannot wait.
Know of a great event? Planning something fabulous? Let me know, e-mail me at naimascloset@gmail.com.

Funky Flea ATL + Jazz @ the Soundtable + Love @ the High = Fantastic February

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 13:56:00 PST

Mark your fashionable, deal seeking calendar for the upcoming Funky Flea ATL extravaganza on February 12 at the Spring4th Center in Midtown. This shopping event features vintage apparel, accessories and current fashion merchants in one space with music, complimentary cocktails, and affordable deals. The brainchild for this event is Shay B. of Fashion Rebirth, a local fashionista with a penchant for vintage. This is the second Funky Flea ATL marketplace and with vintage being really popular, creative fashion awaits at this event.

Event info:
Funky Flea ATL
Saturday February 12, 2011
1- 6 pm
Spring4th Center
728 Spring Street

Complimentary admission

You may also want to clear your calendar for love and music this month. The High museum is featuring a special evening for lovers at the museum on the 12th...

Valentine's Day at the High

February 12, 2011, 6-10 p.m.

High Museum of Art
$25 per person, $40 per couple, Free for members

In celebration of the "Toulouse-Lautrec & Friends" exhibition, the High will host a special French Cabaret themed Valentine's Day event.
Schedule of Events:
• 7 to 10 pm: Cabaret singer Marsha Dupree (Robinson Atrium)
• 6:30 to 9 pm: Musee du' Coeur - Learn to cancan and enjoy French dance performances! (Location: Robinson Atrium)
• 6 to 9:30 pm: Classical French guitar with Myles Brown (Location: Taylor Lobby)
• 6 to 9 pm: Drawing in the Galleries (Location: Skyway Level)

And last but definitely not least, Brian Hurst of WCLK and Soul and Jazz, along with Jamal Ahmed, ChaCha Jones, and Apple Jac are going to be spinning some real, soul stroking vibes at the Sound Table on February 17th. This will assuredly be an off the chain event not to miss. I missed the first set, but I will not miss this one. Tune in to one of my favorite stations, WCLK, for a taste of what these DJs do to save Atlanta from the other mega-commercial radio choices.

Event details
$10 cover
483 Edgewood Ave
February 17
10p- 2a
Do you know of another really great event? E-mail me at naimascloset@gmail.com to let me know all abou it!

Need a Bjork moment?

noreply@blogger.com (Rowdy and Chic) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 18:35:00 PST

Now I admit that Icelandic singer Bjork's whimsical manner kept her in the spotlight as being an odd bird of sorts, but her album Debut was a favorite of mine when it was released in 1993. Interestly, the entire album is very worthy and her voice, no one can deny, is definitely one of a kind. Check out this musical reminisce with the video Human Behavior.