Kerry Washington: A Woman On The Move With A Purpose. #Isupport

Photo Credit: usatoday.com

I read a lot of celebrity interviews and magazine cover stories. Like a whole lot. I even watch interviews on youtube.com, specifically listening closely for the dim messages spoken...that essentially highlights the core values of certain celebrities. And whether they consciously intend to elaborate on those values or not — the beliefs are there — really tune in and you'll hear. Based on those values, I will choose whether or not to support the work or brand of an actress, artist, or author. In other words, dope fashion, punchlines and beats will not suffice. What are you really saying? What are you really about?

I look at the total package. I don't focus solely on "what's trending."

Kerry Washington Is The Total Package.

And she's got my undivided attention! Here's why: Kerry Washington (KW) is an actress and activist that devotes a considerable amount of time on making a difference in the world as it relates to diversity, politics, humanity and ending violence against women [Women's Health]. Washington's philanthropic passions are consistent and transparent by way of her (acceptance) speeches, which magnifies the beauty of her brand. Moreover, the acting roles she lands compliments a larger vision in terms of female empowerment, especially her starring role in ABC's hit TV series, Scandal, as Olivia Pope. Washington's enormous love and commitment to all-the-above, as well as her great fashion sense, leaves her fans in awe and wanting more. I study celebs with brands that are infused with worldly impact-driven values and endeavors, like KW. Hash tag, #Isupport. 

Kerry's Stance On (Person)al Style.
Unless you've been living under a rock, I'm sure you've heard of the Met Gala. A sea of fashion enthusiasts have been banging away on computer keys to write about 'failed' fashion on the Red Carpet. C'mon, do we really care that Kim Kardashian allegedly jacked Beyonce's Met Gala look from a billion years ago? And now according to reports, Queen Bey allegedly has been copying Jelena Karleusa's style for a hot minute. (Jelena, who?) 

Are you guys really wow'ed by this stuff? Kerry and I are not. Hash tag, #EndRant.

Washington was recently quoted in a mainstream fashion magazine 'on style' specifically on criticism. As a result, my admiration and respect for KW tripled. Hash tag, #Isupport.

"I don't like this thing about who got it right and who got it wrong, because we're not all trying to be the same person." - Kerry Washington

Kerry's right: We're not all trying to be the same. Let's remember that :)

Photo Credit: eonline.com

Sunday Swoon - A Rising Star: UK Singer-Songwriter, Jess Glynne

Photo  Credit

A Rising Star! When I first heard the song "Rather Be" by Clean Bandit I jumped out of my chair and wanted to know who the girl was that's singing. I thought to myself: What a powerful voice, a bit Amy Winehouse-esque. So I Google'd and learned that 24-year-old "Jess Glynne" is the featured artist on the track. Actually, Jess is a featured artist on many tracks with other artists. Look it up. Anyways, Jess is from London, which is no surprise due to the fact that there's a considerable amount of creative talent in the UK.

In an April 2014 sit-down with MTV (UK), Jess talked about her passion for music and being inspired by Frank Ocean, who essentially stuck to creating/developing a unique sound that was somewhat unfamiliar to mainstream music, and then putting a stamp on it — the Frank Ocean stamp. Furthermore, Frank started a career as a ghostwriter for notable artists; people knew Frank's work due to its authenticity. Perhaps Jess is following in Frank's footsteps, by sprinkling her (raw) musical talent as a songwriter and as a featured artist in efforts to build a dynamic portfolio * i.e. obtaining street cred.

Photo Credit

Jess' voice is rock-star quality and her image is original and infused with a standout style. Plus, I have a thing for redheads. [This London Lady] is the real deal — packaged to pounce on the music industry, internationally.

When I am not blogging and freelancing, I'm a FT business operations professional, specifically crunching numbers and managing components of Human Resources. I particularly enjoy the part of my job in which I am searching for, and developing talent. In terms of forecasting, I can spot individuals with rising star potential and I own that expertise. That said, I'm keeping a close eye on Jess Glynee via Twitter. I can't wait to see what's next for the UK beauty.

Sarah Jessica Parker Doesn't Understand 'Mean Girls'

Photo Credit: mixlova.com

“I can’t STAND [it] when women say UNFRIENDLY things to other women. WHY does it have to be like that?” — Sarah Jessica Parker

Dear Sarah Jessica,  

The fact that women can be so cruel and unsupportive towards one another is unfortunately the norm and has been for decades. Thanks to social media, hurtful commentary has only skyrocketed because it is wicked easy to 'bump them gums' anonymously. Though admittedly, I've seen considerable improvement by way of well-known women in media promoting sisterhood, like Tyra Banks and Love In The City's Chenoa Maxwell. 

However, unfriendliness, as you say, will continue to suck the life out of humanity if women do not seek understanding as it pertains to their own insecurities (first) — fix or accept them — and perhaps some of the negative energy that is clogging up the universe will start to fade. A lack of self-awareness, I believe, is a mental sickness that hinders ones ability to grow, prosper, and see/accept the inner and surface beauty in others. Eckhart Tolle's thoughts on awareness is brilliant, and I invite all to read a few lines.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

In closing, no, it doesn't have to [be like that] Sarah Jessica; the act of kindness starts with self: I learned that kindness is infectious, yep. And I never hesitate to congratulate another female on a job-well-done, or stop her in the streets to tell her she's absolutely gorgeous. Those exchanges will not only spread like wildflowers, but will create room for new friendships. 

Thanks for asking the question, Sarah Jessica, it's an important one. So, Ladies of the World, will you join the #Kind campaign?

Being "kind" upgrades personal style adding just a simple touch of unforgettable awesomeness to any outfit — an accessory that's always on-trend! ;) nikki

  
Source: The Edit

Some of My Favorite Websites

Direct Marketing News

Happy Friday! So, all week long I've been sharing my favorite websites on Twitter. And no, they're not style or fashion blogs (this week...); the sites I've shared are geared towards professional and personal development with a creative twist -- very clean platforms that have a wealth of knowledge and brilliant takeaways. Also, they're guaranteed to prompt right brain arousal! Hello? Cheers to stimulation. Below are my shares. What are YOUR favorite lifestyle sites?

XoXo :) nikki

The Everygirl

Career Contessa

CreativeMornings

Too Many Magazines. What To Do? FAB Readers, YIKES, Help Me Out.

Photo Credit: nikkistyle.net

Brainstorming! I have 7 years worth of magazines, yes seven. That's a whole lot of time to be collecting something; what you see in the [image above] is not even a 1/4.

I started to, unintentionally, build a magazine collection around the same time I started blogging about fashion, style, and beauty. Magazine articles and images gave me inspiration for new blog posts, encouraged me to stay current with what's trending, what's hot, what's not, as well as allowed me to gain a better understanding about the publishing industry as a whole. I enjoyed staying in-the-know regarding staff movement (i.e. new EICs, new editors, new writers, new contributors, etc.), and still do! Furthermore, it's really interesting to learn how readers respond to selected mag content, via social media.

Photo Credit: Social Ribbit

But I'm faced with having to make a decision: What should I do with all these magazines? Sure, I will certainly continue to store the glossies that I know I will refer back to which consist of my fave articles and cover stories. But other than that, what do I do with the rest? I thought about charity, or giving some to a University—ugh I just want to see my beloved magazines be put to good use. So, I'm making it my mission to figure out a plan: And I'll create a mind-map to help me brainstorm ;)

Aside from recycling and creating personal collages and vision boards, what have you done with your old(er) magazines? 

Talk to me: nikki@nikkistyle.net , or @nikkistyle

Photo Credit: vaultmagazine.com

Related Posts:

• My September Issues
• On My Desk (Today): Magazines...

Let's Get It Trending: #LoveInTheCity

From left to right: Chenoa, Tiffany, Bershan, Kiyah [Source]

Love In The City is a phenomenal docu-series on OWN Network about four fabulous friends embracing both life's charms and challenges in New York City; "they are learning that there is much more than just sex in the city." #Pow

Photo Credit: Source

Here's my round-up of the cast of characters: Bershan Shaw is the supportive best friend; she is genuine with a can't stop/won't stop outlook on life despite insecurities. Chenoa Maxwell is a bit eccentric. I haven't quite figured her out yet, but I do sense that Chenoa is hard on the outside and fragile on the inside; outward vulnerability is far-fetched. And, I'm about to go out on a limb with this: I think Chenoa is the friend that most is envious of, because she appears to be so well put together regarding mental strength, style, and sophistication. C's intriguing. Kiyah Wright is the cool "tell it like it is" friend that enjoys a good time—cocktail in hand—especially after a long day of beautifying females at the salon (prob listening to endless drama. Draining!) Tiffany Jones is the petite, cutesy friend (w/sass!) Tiffany has a snap-back personality, BUT it's a characteristic that's useful for someone that's constantly raising awareness for philanthropic causes. Tiffany likes to be heard and you'll hear her all right...the voice is piercing :) 

The show is a realistic portrayal as it relates to the lives of everyday African-American women (actually, all women) that are either married, single, searching, or satisfied. And from artsy to advocacy, all four women are professionals with admirable careers and aspirations. Ah yes, finally, a show that's not ratch-ay. I haven't seen any physical brawls, the word "bitches" has not been blurted out every 10 seconds, and malicious gossip is pretty much non-existing. These are women that I can relate to; these are "my" friends. 

Watch Love In The City on OWN, Saturdays at 10/9c. Let's get it trending!

XoXo :) nikki

Photo Credit: Hype Hair

Words of Wisdom, By Maya Angelou

Photo Credit: Source

“When you know better you do better.” — Maya Angelou

Celebrity Style': Beyoncé Nailed It

Photo Credit: essence.com

Style Notes! It is no secret that Beyoncé often hits a home run in the personal style department. The featured Kenzo-Topshop combo nailed a perfect balance of comfort and fashionably cutesy. The pops of pink adds a playful element to the entire look — and the imprinted tiger symbolizes strength, royalty and regal beauty.

Source

Source

The Woman Behind Super Soul Sunday, Oprah Winfrey {Inspiration}

O magazine, April 2014

Today I am sharing one of my favorite quotes by Oprah  Winfrey about passion. Some people that [I've come into contact with] are reserved when talking about their dreams and aspirations. Perhaps fearful? Truthfully, I find it refreshing to either discuss or discover with family and friends...their true passion...and believe that relationships deepen tremendously.

 “You've got to follow your passion. You've got to figure out what it is you love--who you really are. And have the courage to do that. I believe that the only courage anybody ever needs is the courage to follow your own dreams.” —Oprah 

Lesson Learned: Have open discussions with yourself or with others about what it is that YOU really want in life. I learned that in order to follow your passion you must step outside of your comfort zone. Take calculated risks! The unknown can be scary yet liberating at the same time. Girlfriends, new experiences are priceless. xx :) -ns

Betsey Johnson Pays Homage To The "Pretty Woman" At #NYFW

Runway Notes! Spotted: A Pretty Woman-inspired look on Betsey Johnson's vivacious FW/14 runway. I mean, did you expect anything less dramatic from Johnson? Ah, please. The seasoned fashion designer is always pushing industry limits whilst embracing the "fashion is freedom of expression" philosophy. Obvs!

"Hard times always lead to something great." -Betsey

Pretty Woman (1990)

Photo Credit: hollywoodlife.com

 Pretty Woman REMIXED(2014)

Photo Credit: elle.com

Happy Valentine's Day, Lovers! Trendspotting: RUNWAY REDS

Fashion is RED, Fashion is YOU below is some style inspiration that will WOW your boo! The FW/14 fashion runways are heating up with plenty sweetheart reds — and you've got options — whether you're looking for something sexy, sophisticated, or sweet. Good luck in choosing the perfect V-Day outfit tonight! ;) XoXo 

Helmut Lang

Marissa Webb

Prabal Gurung

Ralph Rucci

Tadashi Shoji

Vivienne Tam

New Year. Fresh Start.

Photo Credit: marketingpilgrim.com

Happy New Year! 

My New Year’s resolutions are straightforward: 
a) to explore the unknown b) to stay innovative c) to skydive and d) to embrace my challenges not complain about them. 

 A Personal Development Coach told me earlier this year to surround myself with individuals who share similar interests as well as values—to not lower my standards for the sake of “fitting in” with those who have no standards—or lack thereof. So, I listened, and thankful that I did.

 From the bottom of my heart, I sincerely wish you all the opportunity to bathe in passion in 2014! Do what you love. xx -ns

Holy Apron! Look Cute in the Kitchen!

via an older post on nikkistyle!

A Chic Approach To Baking! I am not much of a Betty Crocker kind of a gal. And not because I don't want to be. I work full-time, so by the end of the day I am straight-up beat and ready to go to bed. However, things may change; today I am featuring chic aprons that might encourage me to 'werk it' over the stove more often. And here's the crazy thing, these aprons are so super stylish that I would wear them out in public, like to a cocktail party! Is that weird? Tweet me. 

Signed, not your average "fashion blogger." :) 

Photo Credit: Source

Photo Credit: Source

Photo Credit: Source

Flick of the Day: My BFF! Best Fashion Friend! Olivia Palermo In All White

Photo Credit: InStyle magazine

Hey-Guess What? You Can Absolutely Dress-Down (the trendy) Sequin!

Photo Credit: refinedstyle.com

Style Notes! I've been wrestling with how to best dress-down sequin -- until now. The fashion gal in the featured photo (by the way, who is she *ahem* Refined Style?) is showing us how to wear a sequin piece without looking overly flashy. Honestly, I shied away from rockin' sequin in fear of looking like a damn disco ball-that's not going to work-nope. Disclaimer: I do, however, love looking fashionably forward, just not in excess, ya know? 

Style Solution: I believe the balance, for me, is to pair sequin with "downtown" distressed denim (either shorts, or a skirt). Also, the featured outfit would look perfect with a pair of tennis shoes, or heels-at night. OoOo there I go again...with that "transitional" talk.

Below are more trendy sequin looks that I'm simply adoring. Yuuuuuuuup!

Olivia Palermo, People StyleWatch

Sincerely, Jules

Questions/comments about this post? Write to me: nikki@nikkistyle.net :) xx -ns
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Scoop Neck Tee and Ippolita Jewels

Photo Credit: Nordstrom

I love a cool t shirt -- and one with a clavicle-revealing scoop neck style! Personally, I don't care to over-accessorize my (white) tee, as I think the look itself is clean and sharp enough. Although I might spruce up with a watch, or a chic tennis bracelet. But I do favor the featured look; the stylist has layered a few simple yet awe-inspiring pieces around the neck. And, to top off an already great look, the model's skin tone is stunning.

Accessorize Like A Pro: 

• 'Glamazon - Bastille' Sterling Silver Link Necklace
• 'Desert' Large Teardrop Semiprecious Pendant
• 'Rock Candy - Lollipop' Long Necklace

The featured jewelry by Ippolita is a bit pricey, but absolutely breathtaking. WoW!


 

Flick of the Day: A Taste of Street Style

Photo Credit: CFDA via Wannabe magazine

Designer Spotlight: Jennifer Fisher

Photo Credit: The Aestate

Jewelry Designer Spotlight! This morning while sipping coffee and browsing my Twitter feed, I was wholeheartedly excited to see the following headline: Jennifer Fisher: The Reigning Cool Girl of the Jewelry World. I have been keeping a close eye on Jennifer Fisher from the very beginning, as I was (am!) totally inspired by the designer's authenticity. In other words, I can so spot a piece of Jennifer Fisher jewelry. 

Excerpt via The Cut:

Who is the Jennifer Fisher Girl? Someone who does not

want to be like everyone else. I make sure to have enough variation in the line to give everyone access to express their own personal identity. 

How would you describe your aesthetic – your personal style as well as for your collection? Utilitarian with a laid-back sensibility. I dress from day to night daily which brings a casual edge to everything I wear. You will never find me in a skirt. Ever. As for design, all of my pieces are meant to be layered and worn daily, year round. The pieces are utilitarian too. 

What inspires you? I am constantly inspired by photography and architecture. Clean lines and geometric shapes are constants in my collections. 

What inspired the fall collection? I wanted to darken the line a bit and give it a moody aesthetic. Not in a Goth way, but in a simple, abstract way. Currently, I am loving Stanley Kubrick’s pictures he took for Look magazine in the 1940s. 

You sold privately for a long time. What encouraged you to make the move to sell more commercially? When Mark Lee and Danielle Vitale (Barneys CEO and COO, respectively) show up in your showroom, you do not say ‘No.’ I had actually been creating larger statement pieces in brass for editors and editorial stories when Barneys came to me. It was the perfect partnership at the perfect time. 

After the success with Barneys, do you see expansion with other retailers in your future? Timing is everything and Barneys continues to be my one large US retailer. I never intended to sell commercially and I still do not. We keep the line to limited distribution for a reason. Who wants to have the same jewelry as everyone else? Selling directly to the consumer is our main business here for fine jewelry and the new revamped website will be launching in September, hopefully changing the way women shop for fine jewelry on the web. 

You are known for piling on your jewelry and making it look effortless. How would you encourage others to adopt a personal style when it comes to jewelry? The key is to be yourself. None of my employees, friends, or clients wear the jewelry the same way. That’s the point. As for me, I never wear earrings so I make up for it on my hands and wrists. That is why my line is so heavy in bracelets and rings.

Read more via The Cut.


Video - "Things I Love With Jennifer Fisher"

Photo Credit: JF Facebook

Rachel Roy Launches Digital Magazine

Photo Credit: rachelroy.com

Boss Lady Inspiration! I love Rachel Roy's social media presence, and overall marketing strategies (Yes, I'm paying close attention to the folks that handle their online image, well.) Miss. Fashion Designer-Extraordinaire is owning it.

"Design the life you want to live." -Rachel Roy

Rachel Roy recently launched a Digital Magazine called, The Life; she is slated to discuss an array of relevant lifestyle topics from fashion, to beauty, to philanthropy and everything in between, a definite must-read. Roy is the "perfect" mentor and should be recognized and admired for many things—in addition to her talent for designing sharp clothing. Rachel is a polished businesswoman, a dynamic public speaker, a philanthropist, and wonderful mother. And, she gives great advice. Rachel, you seriously rock! 

Source: VIBE Vixen | Follow Me on Twitter: @nikkistyle