New Trend Alert: Ear Cuffs!!!

Ear cuffs have been around for quite some time. However, they have just recently become a very popular fashion trend. 

Lupita Nyongo ate Women in Film Pre-Oscars event,
 http://www.fashionnstyle.com/articles/21108/20140617/rosario-dawson-emily-vancamp-lupita-nyongo-mena-suvari-all-wild-in-wave-ear-cuffs-by-graziela-gems-celebrity-must-have.htm

People often wore ear cuffs to give their look an edgier take. While ear cuffs are still obviously edgy, they have become a common popular accessory for high-fashion looks. 

Rihanna at the Grammy Awards,
http://www.gemobsessed.com/celebrity-jewelry/climbing-ears-at-the-grammy-awards/

You don’t just see ear cuffs when being cool and edgy, but they have accompanied some very glamorous looks. Several celebrity women rocked ear cuffs at the Met Gala awards, the 71^st annual Golden Globes, the Grammys, and even the Oscars. 

Zendaya Coleman at the Grammy Awards,
http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2015/02/08/grammy-awards-2015-zendaya-pixie-haircut/

Ear cuffs have become so popular, that there are now cuffs for every look and occasion.

Naomi Harris,
http://hellomagazinenigeria.com/accessorise-with-ear-cuffs/

Unconventional Chicers, tell me what you think of ear cuffs. Do you like them? If you wear them, how do you wear them?

Leave a comment, start a conversation!!!

Color Review: Thanks a Windmillion

So for my Valentine’s Day deluxe manicure/ pedicure I decided to step out of my comfort zone. When looking at nail polish I typically go for a red, sometimes a hot pink. Though red is obviously a classic color, and it’s compliments my skin magnificently, we all need to experiment sometimes. Especially with color!

 So as I scrolled through the colors, I ran across this wonderful color from O.P.I. It was a combination of green, blue and grey, named “Thanks a Windmillion”. I was immediately attracted to the color, but I was skeptical of whether it would indeed go with my complexion. I went for it anyways.

Nails done by New Millennium Nails, Los Angeles

 REVIEW: I love love love this color! It goes wonderfully with my complexion and it also complimented by ensemble for the day, which was a red dress and gold jewelry. It also has received several compliments and rave reviews from others. It also looks great on my feet. I like this color because it is has a tropical field, it feels very much like summer. It also is soothing and has a spa like feel. I like this color so much I can envision myself using this color in my home or even my wedding in the future. I am happy to say that stepping out of my comfort zone worked out very well for me.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9ntqUNOQ8cc/UEYZEa9-WHI/AAAAAAAACuU/QqkDb9WjDH0/s800/DSC_4154.JPG

Unconventional Chicers: Let me know what you think about “Thanks a Windmillion”? Do you love it? Do you hate it? How do you feel about experimenting with new nail colors? Or new colors in general? Leave a comment, start a conversation.

Crochet Braids! A New Twist on an Old Classic

Looking for a new, easy hairstyle? Try Crochet braids! They are especially great if you are natural and looking for another protective style.

Crochet braids are a new twist on an old classic. When I was a child latch-hook braids were really popular. The process was very similar to the tutorial found below, but we actually latched little braids through our hair. The style took a little time, but it ended up being very cute. It also looked nice for quite a long time.

If you are interested in trying out this style, please check out  the tutorial below!

Crochet Braid Tutorial

 

Crochet Braids Q & A

What are crochet braids? 
A crochet needle is used to weave in hair into natural hair that has been braided into cornrows.

How long does this style take to install?
Typically, this hairstyle takes about two to three hours.

What supplies do I need?
You will need a latch hook, which can be found from some local beauty supply stores or Wal-Mart. Also, weave of your choice- about two to three packs.

What kind of hair do I need?
You can use any brand hair- it is up to you! Some options are, but not limited to, Marley braid hair, kaneleklon, wavy or curly hair etc. Typically, voluminous hair is used.

How should I maintain my crochet braids?
Very simple! Just wear a satin cap at night, no manipulation needed. In the morning remove your cap and simply shake and go.

Avoid wetting your weave hair and make sure to keep your scalp moisturized.


Unconventional Chicers! What do you think of this hair-style? Do you think the process is too complicated? Would you wear this style? If you have worn the style, how long did it last? Did you do it yourself? Was it worth the effort?



(Much of the information found in this article was replicated from an article found at: http://blacknaps.org/2014/08/25/need-a-new-protective-hair-style-crochet-braids/ )

What to Wear to an Interview

Brand new year, brand new job or internship, right?

But what to wear to the interview!

Searching for a new job or internship is stressful enough. While, getting an interview is a great sign, there is a great deal of pressure that comes with interviews. What will they ask me? What will I say? What are they looking for? Will they be nice? Etc.

You are also dealing with the pressure that your resume was one of the few selected out of hundreds or thousands, thus the organization already has a great deal of faith in you, and that this interview will pretty much make the difference between you having a job and the alternative. They say that if you get an interview, you only don’t get the job if you blew the interview. I don’t know how much truth is in that, but that certainly gives us all something to think about.

So you have all of these things going through your mind, in addition to the hated topic of what to wear. With so many qualified applicants and a struggling job market, what you wear plays a significant role in whether or not you will be hired.

This is my advice, as a law student searching for an internship.

 

Outfit

 

Well the legal field is very conservative, and it especially places a lot of emphasis on what is appropriate attire for women. My advice is to wear a dark grey, black, or navy skirt suit that goes past your knees. Some people in the legal field are uncomfortable seeing the knees of a woman. They are also uncomfortable with women wearing pants. I know *rolls eyes*, but unfortunately these people are in the position to offer the job. Also, this is only the interview that we are talking about. There is a lot more leniency when it comes to the typical work day, or so I hear. Outside of the legal field, I think that a nice dress, or a blouse and a pair of slacks would be appropriate as well.

 

Pantyhose or no pantyhose?

http://www.everyoneloveslegs.com/2014/06/should-pantyhose-be-part-of-professional-attire-in-the-summer/

 I would say definitely wear stockings. In my opinion, stockings do look very nice on a woman. They make me feel professional and mature. Which is certainly important for me because people still think that I am seventeen years-old. I guess that stockings also serve to cover up your skin, which is important in a field that is intimidated by femininity. I always wear stockings to interviews; I go with partially sheer stockings.

 

Shoes

http://highheelsdaily.com/2012/05/15/the-perfect-black-work-pumps-comfortable-pointy-and-reasonably-priced/

For an interview, I wear black heels, with a short (2 inch or less) heel, a slightly pointed toe, and not to shiny, but also not dull. I think that a style of heel along this vein is very smart, whether they are black or navy. I would say definitely wear heels!

 

Jewelry

http://www.pearldistributors.com/White_Freshwater_Orient_Pearl_Set_7-8mm.html

 My advice is definitely to wear some jewelry. When you show up to an interview it is important to show that you care about the way that you look. Your appearance speaks volumes about what kind of employee you will be (or so they say). Self-care practices can definitely translate to employable skills.

For your ears: Small studs or a simple pearl set.

Necklace or no necklace? I never wear necklaces to interviews because I think that they are too distracting. If you do decide to wear a necklace, I would go with something very simple and/or classy like a pearl necklace.

 

Make-up

http://www.makeupforblackwomen.net/makeup-products-for-black-women/

 Again, I think that some form of make-up is important to wear, because it shows that you care about your appearance. However, it should not be over the top. I think  a little foundation, eyeliner, and mascara should be enough. For some people lipstick is too much. I typically go with a little bit of lip balm. I make sure my lips are never too bright or shiny. I want the interviewers to focus on what I am saying, not the glare coming off my lips. However, if you don’t usually wear make-up or you are unsure, I don’t feel that make-up is a necessity.

 

Purse/Briefcase

http://briefcasesforwomen.org/

I don’t think either is necessary, but they do add an aesthetic touch that is favorable to you case. I typically take a purse that also looks like a briefcase to interviews. I use it to hold my fancy law school pad holder. Again, I think that it adds an air of professionalism.

 

Hair

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/320951910918544975/

Now, hair is a touchy subject, especially for naturals and those that like to experiment with color. Black natural hair is often seen as “unprofessional”, which is obviously quite problematic when you consider the fact that that is how it grows from our scalps. I would love to say that I wear an afro to interviews and that I still successfully attain the job. Sadly, I don’t. I typically wear my hair pulled back into a low bun. However, I don’t use smoothing agents, as I want them to know that I am natural. I am proud of my natural hair and my heritage, thus I refuse to hide who I am. However, these are my personal feelings. Obviously everyone is free to wear their hair in the way that is most comfortable for them. However, I want my personal life and choices to be reflected in my professional life as well.

 

Nails

http://www.elementslifestyle.co.uk/hands-feet/

First and foremost, make sure that your nails are clean and neat. Neat usually means  shaped and at a “natural” length, which means a small section of white above your finger. Nail polish? I generally wear a clear coat of nail polish, and I have been complimented on this choice before. My advice for polish  is a color that is not too distracting, and a finish that is not too shiny or dull. However, I don’t think that nail polish is a necessity.

 

Conclusion

What is most important about your interview ensemble is that you look like you practice self-care, and that the way you look does not distract from the words that are coming out of your mouth and your resume.

Unconventional Chicers! What did you think of my interview attire advice? Was it helpful? Did I leave anything out? Leave a comment, add to the conversation!

10 So-Cal Fashion Staples

This list below is  based on my own personal observations after having lived in Southern California for a year and a half. Much of this segment applies to a certain age group or sector of the population, such as college students.

Sweater/Cardigan

http://kellygolightly.com/cute-fall-sweaters/5

If you have spent any time in Southern California you know that the weather typically ranges from moderate to hot. In comparison to other parts of the US, So-Cal has very few cold days. However, it does occasionally cool down, especially along the coast, close to the beach. That is where sweaters and cardigans come in. Everyone and their mother has an array of fashionable sweaters/cardigans, or what I like to call makeshift jackets/coats. In Southern California most people don't own coats, let alone wear them. So when you get chilly you throw on a cute sweater or cardigan and you keep it moving with your shorts and sandals on.

Boots

http://everythingexclusivemag.com/2013/10/07/fall-is-here-2/

From my personal experience, people who don't necessarily need winter fashion, LOVE winter fashion. Many days of the year, you can get away with wearing sandals or lightweight shoes in Southern California. Yet and still, many Southern Californians have impressive Boot collections, collections that rival my own, as a Michigander. In other parts of the country you wear boots to keep the cold and wet out. Here, Boots are a fashion statement. People rejoice when the temperature drops below 75 degrees so that they comfortably wear their boots. But then again 60 degrees is cold here in Southern California.

Scarves

http://wheretoget.it/look/202786

 When some people think of scarves, they think of the big heavy duty things that beat back the freezing air that attempts to creep between the gap in the collar of your coat and your neck. Covering much skin as possible is the objective of this game. However, many Southern Californians have impressive scarf collections. However, these scarves tend to be very pretty, lightweight, and colorful. They don't provide warmth, they are an embellishment that complements your ensemble.
 
Brightly Colored Denim

http://www.be-mod.com/tag/denim/

Californian's are known for their laid back relaxed style. California is home of the Boho Chic and the hipsters. Thus, this often doesn't include too many bright colors. However, you can find every color of the rainbow in a Southern Californian's closet if you are looking at their denim. 

Prints/Patterns
 

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/floral-shirts/

You can definitely say that So-Cal has it's own unique style. This included some very wild and interesting prints and patterns. These prints and patterns can make a bold statement and they definitely give you a whole new perspective of print/pattern usage. It also seems that Southern Californians are not afraid to step outside the box and mix things up, especially when it comes to mixing and matching patterns and prints.

Leather/Vegan Leather

sweatshirtdressshirt.blogspot.com

I have seen an abundance of Leather/Vegan Leather since moving to Southern California. Whether it is full leather ensembles, full leather pieces, to leather accents on various parts of a piece such as the shoulders, elbows, pockets, or knees. Before moving here I didn't think that I was a leather kind of gal. However,  So-Cal has given me a change of heart. Also, please note that it is "Vegan Leather", not "Pleather".

Chuck Taylors

http://slamxhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/converse-2013-spring-summer-chuck-taylor-all-star-specialty-camo-pack-2.jpg

Whether you call them "Chuck Taylors", "Chucks", or "Converses", these shoes are definitely a So-Cal fashion staple. It is my firm belief that everyone who lives in Southern California has to own at least one pair of Chuck Taylors. I personally love "Chucks", so So-Cal is a blessing to me because they have such a wide variety of styles and colors. I currently have my eye on the all-black high-top leather "Chucks." My birthday is coming up so...

Muted Colors 
 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/503277327078540432/

Along the vein of showcasing a laid back style, Southern Californians like to rock muted colors. Bright flashy colors tend to be reserved for denim and pattern accents. In So-Cal, you are going to see a lot more of burnt orange as opposed to plain orange.

"Cool Kid" Backpacks

http://www.dqmnewyork.com/news/entry/herschel_supply_co/

Southern Californians are the quintessential cool beach skater kids. Anyone ever seen Rocket Power? So of course, if you are skate-boarding or just generally being cool, you can't carry your books in a regular old backpack. Nope, a "cool" backpack is the only option. The Herschel "Little America"  packs are really popular as of late.

Skin

http://tallahasseescene.com/2014/06/why-frat-bros-shouldnt-dictate-what-you-wear/

Of course, what would So-Cal fashion be without skin. When it is sunny and 75 degrees plus, skin is a must. It is nothing to see booty shorts in the middle of "Winter", and to see bare midriffs all year around. In Southern California, skin is in!!!

Southern Californians: What do you think of my Observations? Was I spot on? Or way off? Did I about sum it up? Or did I miss a few things? 

Leave a comment, start a conversation?

Solange Knowles’ Wedding: The story of a bike, a jumpsuit, and a cape!

http://www.people.com/article/solange-knowles-marries-alan-ferguson

Now usually I don’t do this, this is definitely not a celebrity gossip site. But you have to give credit when credit is due.

So I was surfing the internet when I came across the headline that Solange Knowles just got married. I decided to follow the link because who doesn’t love love and weddings? I more than likely always click on links to wedding photos or celebrations. I also like to get ideas about my big day. The wedding of Solange Knowles and Alan Ferguson, congratulations to the couple on their nuptials, gave me plenty of ideas.

http://necolebitchie.com/2014/11/heres-a-look-at-solanges-official-wedding-portraits/solange-and-alan-ferguson-arrive-on-bikes-to-their-wedding/

First off, I love the quirkiness and playfulness of the ceremony. The fact they arrived riding white vintage bikes, and took party  pictures in an aging, borderline dilapidated, building with everyone wearing white, gave the photos in instant classic vibe. The wedding seemed very vintage and chic. Two things that I am all for. It also says to brides and grooms, “this is your special day, do it your way.” It was understated and absolutely wonderful. I am not going to be a traditional bride and it is nice to know that I am in good company.

http://necolebitchie.com/2014/11/heres-a-look-at-solanges-official-wedding-portraits/image-by-rog-walker-6/

So let’s start by saying I love cream, I love gold, I love the combination of cream/white and gold, I love jumpsuits, and I LOVE capes! I was thinking about writing a piece on fall summer trends and I landed on capes. Capes are so wonderful! I tend to lean towards pieces that were popular in a time now past. Capes have that vintage feeling, but they are also very dramatic, luxurious, and regal. Let me just say this again, I LOVE CAPES! I can just imagine myself in New York City with knee-high boots, a thick beautiful cape, a muff for my hands or elbow length leather gloves. So classy, and so classic. So chic!

 http://www.thefashionspot.com/style-trends/449489-fall-fashion-trend-2014-capes/#/slide/15

Back to Solange’s particular ensemble. Everything is right about her outfit. It kind of feels like a throwback to the seventies, but the cream color, the material, and the plunging neckline, not to mention the cape of course, gives it a wonderful playfulness while remaining classy and gorgeous. And of course, nods to her red lip and afro, two of my staple looks.

P.S. She didn’t only wear a cape with her cream jumpsuit!

http://necolebitchie.com/2014/11/heres-a-look-at-solanges-official-wedding-portraits/image-by-rog-walker-5/

Brava!

http://necolebitchie.com/2014/11/heres-a-look-at-solanges-official-wedding-portraits/image-by-rog-walker-4/

What are your thoughts on fashion found at Solange Knowles' Wedding? Do you love it? What are your thoughts on capes in general? 

Leave a comment, start a conversation!