The Art of African Jewelry Design

The Art of African Jewelry Design

Happy Sunday everyone! Being an African Jewelry Artisan has made me recognize and appreciate the creativity, skill, and talent that goes into making a one of a kind, fabulous piece of jewelry on an entirely new level.  During a photo shoot in Durham, NC one Saturday morning I grabbed a cup of coffee from a bakery in the downtown area, and noticed one of my favorite boutiques open.  As soon as I walked into Ngozi Design Collective, I couldn’t help but notice a breathtaking waterfall necklace made with a generous amount of seed beads.  While I don’t work with seed beads on this level, I quickly recognized the brilliant workmanship that went into this handmade stunning piece, not to mention the amount of time it must have taken to string the beads.  The colors were vibrant and fun which also attracted my attention.  That said, it wouldn’t take an artisan to quickly fall in LOVE! The necklace is designed by Lillian Danieli of Nashona, and is made in Tanzania.  While visiting and admiring the gorgeous african clothing, jewelry, fine arts, sculptures, and personal care, I had a nice chat with the CEO, Andrea Carter.  She reminded me that Ngozi also provides custom clothing, tailoring, and alterations for men, women and children.  This is a great idea if you have a special event and want a beautiful custom piece created exclusively for you. It warms my heart to see local businesses such as Andrea’s providing one of a kind and custom pieces of talented artisans, designers, writers, photographers, and musicians from all over the world!  Definitely check out the Ngozi Design...
Chain Chain Chain

Chain Chain Chain

Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world! – Marilyn Monroe Happy Friday Loves! YAY!  It’s time to kick up our heels!!  These fancy heels are from ShoeDazzle.  When I saw them it was love at first sight!  Have you ever noticed how wearing a fabulous pair of heels make you feel happy?  If you’re like me, once you’ve tasted this power, you crave it continually.  These heels are called Raenetta and they’re currently offered on the ShoeDazzle website for $39.95.  They’re available in three colors, but the rich red stuck a chord with me.  If you dare to be different, go grab these immediately before they sell out.  Be prepared to turn heads!         Photography by:  Sharon Bui What I Am Wearing: //Jumpsuit// Cache (Similar here or here or here) //Sequin Clutch// ShoeDazzle //Chain Belt// Vintage //Raenetta// ShoeDazzle  (Click this link to use my personal invite as a ShoeDazzle Ambassador to sign up as a VIP and get 75% off your first pair!)   Love, The Ultimate...
ShoeDazzle Top Picks

ShoeDazzle Top Picks

For the past month ShoeDazzle has had some amazing products from shoes to clothing!  I’ve decided to post my top 5 picks wishlist for June.  Take advantage of becoming a ShoeDazzle  VIP by using my special link here. Nelli – Sexy and playful for any evening soiree, Nelli features allover fringe with a peep toe and open-back counter. Style her with shorts and a blouse or skinnies and a tank. Odina – Odina is the perfect office heel. She’s exceptionally chic with her turnlock closure at the ankle, and wears well with all of your tailored outfits. Janis – The laced-up heel is the must-have style of the year. Go for Janis by Izabella Rue to get in on the trend with her woven laces and pretty tassel accents. Alucard – You?ll love the high-end look of this zip top faux-leather bag by JustFab, featuring a belted hardware accent and dual top handles. It?s perfect for any season or occasion. Cold Shoulder Maxi – Flirt a little with this charming off the shoulder maxi by JustFab, which features dual shoulder straps and a cinched waist.   As you can see these styles are amazing, but don’t take my word for it.  Check out the ShoeDazzle for yourself.  You won’t be disappointed!   Love, The Ultimate...
Everybody Loves The Sunshine

Everybody Loves The Sunshine

Now that summer is officially here, I’ve been enjoying the sunshine and sipping my favorite summer time drink.  You guessed it!  “Lemonade” 🙂  It’s been a hot season so far, and this is the time when most people reveal their bodies more than ever. Today I’m featuring an outfit post to help those who don’t feel quite as comfortable about their bodies, or just want to cover certain areas.  Keep in mind that layering isn’t just for colder temperatures!  There are actually many ways to successfully layer in the summer. This unexpected layering look was created with a basic white tank and shorts.  I chose white because it’s the most versatile color that goes well with any other color or pattern.  White screams a clean, sleek and modern look which suits everyone. The white tank and shorts look great together, but what turns this outfit from ordinary to extraordinary is the long statement duster, which is perfect to seamlessly transition from the heat to the air-conditioning.  This look is somewhat edgy and perfect for an event such as a concert or festival. Lightweight statement dusters, vests, jackets and pullovers paired with stylish separates are the key to summer time layering.  As you can see, I finished the ensemble with a pair of my favorite strappy heel sandals by JustFab. Until next time…. long live summer!  Cheers! Photography by:  Em Grey Photography Shop a similar look below: JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.   Outfit details //Duster// (Vintage) //Tank// (Old) //Shorts// Cache //Sandals// Nayelina by JustFab //Sunnies// Fendi   Love, The Ultimate...
Romper Room

Romper Room

Summer is just getting started and I’ve been enjoying the nice weather.  I thought it was the perfect time to wear this romper that was given to me by Molly Stillman of Still Being Molly at the Southern Women’s Show in Raleigh a few months ago in April.  Molly hosted the Fashion Show on the main stage and asked me to be one of her models for the second year in a row.  I was delighted and felt both honored and privileged to participate. Before the show kicked off on Saturday, Molly hosted a TriFABB Blogger’s Meeting to allow all of the members to have a sneak peek and meet up party at the actual fashion show location.  We had such an awesome time, and the guest speaker was phenominal! When Molly first gave me this cute summer romper adorned with a sort of tie-dye pattern, I wasn’t exactly sure how I was going to style it.  I love how rompers can be dressed up or down.  I finally decided I would provide style inspiration for dressing up a romper.  I paired this bad boy with a blazer and killer gladiator sandals to complete the look.  I love how comfortable this look is and already know this going to be my summer staple. Photography by:  Em Grey Photography //Romper// Threads 4 Thought //Blazer// Mercer & Madison //Gladiator Sandals// Romma by ShoeDazzle //Handbag// B. Makowsky   Love, The Ultimate...
Stripe A Pose

Stripe A Pose

We made it through another week and what a Happy Friday it is! Today I’m striping a pose by mixing one of my favorite versatile patterns for summer.   Stripes are a wardrobe essential because they can be mixed and matched with just about any other pattern.  Navy and white stripes are classic, elevate a look, and give a cool nautical feel. For a twist on this outfit, I decided to match my blouse with these fabulous spring sandals from JustFab.  When I first saw them, I fell in love and had to have them.  Not only did I add a lemonade yellow handbag for a pop of color, but also a long jean duster for layering. Although you may not be ready to mix and match stripes, you can introduce stripes into other aspects of your outfits such as a striped espadrille, scarf or purse.  I promise, it will quickly become the go-to staple of your wardrobe. Have a fantastic weekend! Photography by:  Em Grey Photography Shop this look below. JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content. //Blouse// Cache (Old) //Denim Duster// (Vintage) //White Jeans// Joie //Handbag// Paolo Masi //Terra// JustFab   Love, The Ultimate Fashionista  ...