The Way She Words It

So its Sunday night and I’m at home watching “About Last Night” and the scene when she says I love you comes on and he doesn’t respond. If you’ve seen About Last Night, you should know the scene I’m talking about. If you haven’t, let me catch you up real quick. 

Debbie and Danny are a couple who start out having a casual sexual. They both eventually catch feelings and inevitably end up in a…

This is for the million times I’ve heard “Your so pretty to be dark. You sounded white over the phone. Your really nice, I thought you would act “different”. Why you talk white? 

This is because my people are more than just another hash tag, I’m tired of my people being another brown filler for a body bag.   This is for my sistas with thick hips and full lips. The nappy roots. my brothers in…

I met Kesha, or perhaps Kesha met me at a networking event. She walked right up to me and introduced herself, confident and controlled and I liked her immediately. She started telling me about her business, Pure Glamour and everything else she had going on. When she was finished she asked me about myself and my business and I told her I was a blogger. In this day and age, its very rare for someone to ask me “well what is a blogger? what do you do? what kind of service do you provide” and not knowing in the moment, Kesha forced me to level up. Before then I had not taken into account exactly what that meant to me, besides me obviously being a writer. I didn’t  have a clear definition but I wanted Kesha to know I meant business so I did what I thought Beyonce would do, I created my own definition lol. I can’t remember exactly what I said or did but Kesha basically hired me for her upcoming event on the spot. This was one of the best feelings I’ve ever felt and confirmed for me some things I wasn’t so sure of.

Now, Let me tell you about Kesha!

Kesha Pruitt is the owner and creator of Pure Glamour Cosmetics. She’s pretty much a Jill of all trades, whatever Kesha needs, Kesha does and gets it done (to name a few, from PR to makeup, event planning, designing and recruiting). Pure Glamour is a cosmetics line designed for the everyday women, inspiring us (yes, this is me)  to be BOLD and BEAUTIFUL in a tasteful way. Kesha has a gift for color and wants women to be confident and wear the colors we may not feel so confident in wearing. Pure Glamour offers a range of lipsticks, lip glosses, 3D fiber lash mascara, glam glitter, beauty blenders and brushes. Kesha is working to make Pure Glamour a Household name and a brand that every girl will LOVE!

I had the pleasure of attending the Pure Glamour Cosmetic launch and it was an amazing event. I’ve never been to a cosmetic launch but I thought it would just be like a small party with cosmetics on trays and people just standing around sampling them lol. Well no, this wasn’t that. There was a platinum carpet (no, not red, platinum baby lol), 2 Chefs,  vendors, a photographer and even a Pure Glamour signature drink. There was a fashion show held by DPC, Diane’s Personal Collection and a hair show put on by Shear Ingenuity. Oh, and lets not forget it was Semi formal attire. This was the most extravagant launch party and everything was beautifully done. Kesha out did herself and set the bar for many cosmetic launch parties to come. I mean, how can you top this? Basically, you don’t.

I had a chance to speak with Kesha and pick her brain about being a lady Boss and entrepreneur. I wanted to know what she felt were the pro’s and con’s of entrepreneurship and if she had any advice for someone looking to follow in her footsteps. Kesha felt that there are no con’s in chasing your dreams. Being an entrepreneur means having the freedom to create and express your own art, brand and grow your craft. Believe in your vision and “if  your lucky, the rest of the world will get on board with your vision as well”.  Kesha’s major keys to remember is to always educate yourself, know your brand and chase purpose, not paper and you will always win.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

To get your lipstick poppin, shop PURE GLAMOUR at  www.pureglamourcosmetics.net. Make sure you follow @pureglamourcosmetics on instagram and hashtag #pureglamour cosmetics.

Happy Shopping,

xoxo C

Back in 2010 I went to see a movie by Tyler Perry called For Colored Girls. I’m usually not excited or moved enough by Tyler Perry to actually pay to go see his movies but the previews for this particular one had me intrigued. The movie was adapted from a play with the same name featuring several different women of color living through their own experiences and how each experience impacted the women differently.

The combination of poetry, movement, and music with powerful spoken word by various shades of beautiful brown women was exhilarating and I had to experience it for myself.

Seeing this movie brought about so many different emotions and feelings that I had never felt before and it scared me, but also opened up my mind to the world of art and the different outlets of expression. So you know what I did, went home and did some research.

“For Colored Girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf” Is a choreopoem/ stage play written by Ntozake Shange In 1974. For Colored Girls is only the second play written by an African American woman to reach Broadway. The inspiration behind Ntozake’s poems are based off her own life experiences. Her battles with depression and several suicide attempts led to this remarkable work of art and also inspired people around the world to open up the discussion about their battles with issues like depression, abuse, and racism.

For Colored Girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf is a collection of 20 poems about 7 different woman experiencing oppression. The women are nameless, only known by their specific shade of color and coming together to create a rainbow. Love, empowerment, domestic abuse, abortion and mental health issues are all topics covered by the 7 different women throughout the play.The rainbow represents a different obstacle and how we as women prosper and move through them and coming to the end of our different rainbows. Before this movie, I had never heard of Ntozake Shange or her collection of poems. Honestly speaking, before this moment I don’t think I was mentally prepared or in a place to grasp the understanding behind it or appreciate this work for what it is.

I had the pleasure of attending the opening reception for the art exhibit held at the African American Museum in Philadelphia for the choreo-poems 40th anniversary curated by Souleo Wright. This exhibit pays tribute to Ms Shange and honored her heroic steps to shed light on the many social and cultural issues women endure. Ms. Shange is a proud feminist who gave many of today’s artists a platform to speak out and the courage to fight for equality and women’s rights. I encourage each and every one of my readers to go and read this work because there is surely a moment in this book that will resonate with you at one point or another in your life. If you have ever been sad, mad, happy, in love, abused, angry, sick, depressed or bitter, trust me honey this book is for you.

I have included some photos from the exhibit (click the picture to enlarge them), photos of myself with artists whose work is on display and also of Ms. Shange. The exhibit is up now through January 2nd, don’t miss it!

XoXo C

Lets get naked, you ready?

It’s the middle of the night and neither one of us is tired. I can hear your heart beating with every breath and the rise of your chest. With each passing moment, I get anxious. The quiet remains uninterrupted, but as the minutes pass, our curiosity increases.

He feels it too. he’s probably wondering if I’m asleep. Thinking about what might happen and exactly how  far we’ll go, how deep is too…

Enter Art Beam gallery: To my right is the runway outlined on both sides by 3 rows of white benches. From what I can see, promotional items and place cards are strategically placed indicated by row and seat number. To my upper left is the red carpet, I’m taking pictures to capture every single detail. The UPS truck strategically placed off to the side, the set up of @simply7snacks, and the paparazzi in the back capturing candids of the crowds of people streaming in.We make our way to the red carpet and take turns getting our picture taken. I can’t stay still, my need to see everything has me wandering around the room saying hello and smiling at randoms. I love people watching, taking pictures of them interacting and the stylish outfits around the room.

Its time for us to take our seats and I’m thrilled to see that i’ll be on the second row, right up on the action. Tonight’s show features 3 different designers, Cashmere song by designer Song Hong, NIKISTAVIA by designer Adeline and Syu Syu Han by  designer Syu Syu Han. Just as the lights are dimming, in walks Teyana Taylor and her Fiancee Iman Shumpert, her walk is reminiscent of the way she walked in the fade video, all eyes are on her with the flash from phones guiding her to her seat. It wasn’t until after the show that I recognized the pieces she wore were from the Nikistavia line by Adeline.

Lights dim, the music is cue’d and out walks the model for the first line. I’m in awe, it’s exactly like it is in the movies. The way you look to the right to see the model approaching and when she struts by, your head sliddddeeessss to the left to watch her walk away. The way each model owns their outfit, Confidence oozing out of their pores as they walk with such authority. The photographers are huddled up at the end of the runway, cameras flashing away, but the models are un-phased, they never miss a beat.

I feel conflicted,  I want to put my phone away and just enjoy the show. Disconnect from everything else and focus on what’s happening, but I also want to capture every moment. The clothes, the models, the audience, music,  the photographers,  I want to snap chat everything for my friends at home, this is for all of us. But every moment spent in my phone is a moment I could be missing something. Like how I almost didn’t notice Mischa Barton sitting across the runway, or Derek Warburton.Each designers music is tailored to the style of the clothes and the mood they want to set. The show transitions with ease and and the dim and brightening  of the lights as the set starts and finishes serves as a silent MC. Conversation is kept to a whisper, and standing during the show is like breaking code. If you can’t get your footage from your seat then its a shot your not meant to have.

This experience was really really really awesome. Although  I want to write, this fashion show experience inspired me to go so much harder and to pour everything I have into my work. You can see the gratitude and appreciation on the faces of the designers as they took their stroll on the runway. They wore that expression of someone who knows the feeling of hard work paying off,  knowing that people enjoy and appreciate the hard work you put in to create a really amazing product.

I’m going to work my ass off to guarantee that the next time I’m at a NYFW show i’ll be wearing the best piece, a laminate card with the word “Press” on the front, and some Ruby woo of course. And before I forget, Much thanks to Breezy, you are much appreciated.

XoXo, C

I’ve been dreaming about attending New York Fashion Week for so many years and finally my chance to attend finally came. After a long week/weekend of grueling over the decision to attend, I took a leap of faith and landed on Fashion Ave lol (literally, 27th and 7th). I’m headed to the 8pm showing of Nolcha Shows  located at ArtBeam Art Gallery in Chelsea.

The night before, I went through my entire closet with about 5 people on standby going over outfit ideas because of course, if your going you must look the part. After about 10 outfit changes, I finally settled on a Leather Peplum H&M skirt, a sheer turtleneck top, and a strappy bralette from Urban outfitters; oh and lets not forget my favorite ankle strap heels I’ve had since college.

I arrive in NY at 6:33 p.m on a mega bus. I wear my tights during the bus ride to keep my skirt  from wrinkling, of course I forget to take it out my bag and it wrinkles anyway, and change in the bathroom. I hold my breath and try not to throw up while changing and simultaneously trying not to touch anything. If you’ve been on a Mega bus you know how small the bathroom is and how impossible this feels. The things we do for fashion. Before hand I connect with one of my high school/college friends Sarah,  so we decide to link up and go together.

Walking the 7 blocks to Sarah’s is almost good enough,  after I figure out which direction to walk in, I start feeling like I own the place! Taking in the traffic and marveling at the sights has me really geeked, New York is really just that kind of place.  I can’t help but to stop and take pictures of random things; a Bakery with at least 10 different macaroon flavors on display, the Museum of Sex, a random street of busy traffic, and a building named in my honor lol. My skirt rises with every couple of feet I walk but after about 2 blocks I get tired of pulling it back down. I feel like this is something a tourist would do so I just let it be, besides, the fashion Gods got me (or the people behind me have a pretty nice view). Meeting up with Sarah feels just like old times, she’s easily the life of the party. Always cheerful and vibrant and you know me, I’m no slacker, so together we are what you would call, a big ball of fun! Also along for the fun is Sarah’s coworker, who was really sweet and nice and her older sister whose so lovely and fits right in with the 3 of us. Sarah insists she’s much older, I still need to see I.D.

We catch a cab, maybe 10 blocks… and arrive to the place where greatness awaits.  The walk up the block builds so much anticipation, I can’t believe I’m living this life right now! There are photographers outside taking photos as we walk up and of course me in all my hypeness looses my Shit. I have gone over this moment so many times in my head I just knew I would keep my cool and act like this is normal life. Guys, I so did not. I Smiled. No it wasn’t a nice little smile, it was hard and big with teeth like a child. I felt like I had to pre-warn ya’ll.. you know.. just in case you see me in a magazine or something.

Anyways, breezy comes out and greets us, we do the intro’s and hugs and he gives us our tickets. Boom! This the pivotal moment in my life.

In my hand I have my very first ticket to my very first fashion week show and it feels like I always knew it would… SO DAMN PERFECT..

Stay tuned for part deux to check out the rest of the story.

XoXo, C

Is sex talk still taboo? Does that include Masturbation?

A study done by AdamandEve.com revealed that a very low percentage of 27 Americans admit to masturbating once or twice a week. I personally feel that this number is far to low, especially being that this number counted for both male and female.

For arguments sake, lets just call this a “Why I should love on myself article…” Masturbation or,…

I’ve been thinking about a few of my favorite things, items that I have been on the hunt for or have already purchased for my spring & summer wardrobe. Because I’ve been vacationing frequently, I am constantly purchasing items for all seasons. For me, some items that I have been absolutely obsessing over have been floral dresses, off the shoulder shirts & dresses, denim cut offs, wrap dresses, sequin shirts, platform heels, nudes and bodysuits.

First off, there isn’t a season that passes when shoes aren’t on my mind, especially during spring and summer. I’ve been going crazy over any and everything Lucite, platform, floral, and metallic. Platform sandals is and have always been a closet staple no matter what decade we are in. This style of shoe is timeless and the styles offered get better and better every year. Lets not forget that the added thickness of a platform and chunky heel make it easier for some of us to walk in.

Oh and lets not forget about open toe mules. I’m not even sure there is a sexier shoe out right now. The perfect mule accentuates the calf muscles, and highlights the arch of your foot. Mules can be very versatile and can transform those outfits from work to play or straight from church to dinner with the girls.

  LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – SEPTEMBER 16: Models walk the runway at the Erdem show during London Fashion Week SS14 at on September 16, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)

  When it comes to accessories, I will always be a believer of “less is more”. I enjoy a good statement necklace, rings, simple hoops and a watch. One trend that I have been watching and silently falling in love with is the choker. When worn correctly, chokers add a wow factor and spice to any outfit.

My friends and were going on Vacation to Brazil for memorials day weekend. I started packing and I got frustrated because I felt like all the things I had were the same. Denim shorts, off shoulder tops, wrap dresses, maxi dresses and tee’s. I said to myself, this vacation i’m going to switch up, try something new and dress different. It wasn’t until a couple days before my trip that I decided, no, i’m going to continue to dress like myself. These items I have listed, these are all pieces that makeup my personal style. I dress for how I feel, I love the simplicity and comfort of the items I purchase.

I would recommend any of these items to any women no matter your size. Wrap dresses especially because they are soft and feminine and because of the wrap feature, they compliment any shape.The different textures, patterns and lengths make them easy to chose because they also provide versatility.

Off the shoulder shirts and dresses give sexy a new meaning. You don’t like your arms but still want to show some skin? Choose a off shoulder shirt with long embellished sleeves. You don’t always have to wear a low cut top or your belly out to show some skin, Especially when your shoulders can be just as sexy as any other part of your body.

Xoxo, C

I recently had the pleasure of attending a DIY workshop entitled Think Creative, put together by the lovely Ayashe Jamison.

“Ayashe grew up with a passion for design and creativity, encouraged by her mother to pursue the many avenues of creating Art. She learned early that she loved to use her hands and immediately began capitalizing off her artistry. She did everything from baking, making personalized gifts to hand sewing pillows. A moore college graduate, Ayashe majored in Interior design with a double minor in textiles & business. Ayashe decided to form ThinkCreative, a series of workshops to give people a chance to develop their creative side. She wants people to believe in themselves and feel comfortable enough to get messy and make their own version of art. She feels that “WE are all artist in some way, shape or form no matter what field we work in”.

The workshop took place at the Urban art gallery in West Philadelphia. The open room was decorated with art work on the walls and gold & white décor. Ayashe has an excellent eye for detail and presentation. The refreshment table catches your eye with custom cup cake holders filled with the most delicious cupcakes and candy covered strawberries (provided by Cupcake Nation). Fresh fruit is laid out with fruit infused water and a sweet & subtle citrus named “lush”  that had everyone raving.

Can we stop for a minute to appreciate the beauty that is her step & repeat? I absolutely love love love those flowers. Did I mention she did the decor herself?

Ok so this DIY workshop focused on making “watercolor mugs”. With the purchase of your ticket you received complimentary refreshments, supplies, 2 mugs and a raffle ticket for a painting done by the talented Rocky. Ayashe took the time to carefully explain how we were to go about creating our mugs, breaking down each step and showing us so that we can get a visual for the result we were to achieve. She also provided us with Instructions to take home so you can of course, DIY.

Who would think everyday items you have in your home could turn into the best DIY project. Its easy enough to do with your kids, fun enough to do with your girlfriends and cool enough to get bae to play along. With that said, all you need to create your very own watercolor mug is:

A white mug

nail polish

Gloves

nail polish remover

Q-Tips

paper towels

a bowl/plastic container big enough to lay mug in

warm water

foam brush

modge podge dishwasher safe gloss

Instead of typing out the instructions, I have included a photo of the directions provided by Ms. Ayashe herself. I have also included mugs that Ayashe has done and also the result of the mugs I made ( click the photos to enlarge them). I will also be posting a video of how I created my mugs at home this weekend so you can see how its done. So don’t forget to check back!

  These are the Mugs Made Ayashe

The DIY Instructions

My first Mug

My second mug

I hope you’ll give this a try at home and post photos so I can see.. USE the hashtag #Ayashetaughtus so we can see and comment!

Ayashe will be hosting her next event this October and I would highly encourage everyone interested in art, DIY and a good time to attend. Keep in mind that she does host parties for both adults and children and will bring the party to you. To keep up with the upcoming events and projects Ayashe has planned, follow her on Instagram @awhya and @tidbitsanddetails.

XoXo, C <3

Fashion Feature: Miystasia Style!

Meet Anastasia, Owner and designer of Miystasia Style. Miystasia Style is a women’s fashion boutique specializing in custom garments. Conveniently located in Northern Liberties, Miystasia Style caters to all women and pretty soon the men too. About 90% of the products she carries (clothing, jewelry, accessories) are completely hand made, her customers prefer it.

Anastasia has always had a passion…