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

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

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

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

Take Note, This Is Important...

Photo Credit: iblogzone.com

vulnerabilities in social media:

Social media is a powerful tool that can be used for good, and which can easily turn to evil by our very own laziness to verify what we’re posting. [Source: PR Newswire]

In a nutshell, slowdown and verify the facts before re-posting and/or re-tweeting. I make an effort to always fact-check, and refuse to cosign on something (seen via social media) without feeling some level of certainty that the information isn't bogus. That's all.

On My Desk (Today): Magazines, Water & Other Necessities

Magazine Chat! Marie Claire? Check. A couple issues of US Weekly? Check. Water? Check. Scissors for clipping articles? Check. Pink Sharpie? Check. And if you're wondering what the ruler is for...I use it as a bookmark, don't ask.

Sharing Is Caring. Everyone's talking about resolutions for the New Year, so I will share one of mine. Ready? I ditched my morning cup of hot coffee entirely, and now drinking about 4(ish) bottles of water a day, which is almost the recommended eight glasses — go resolutions! But I'm secretly praying that I don't give in to the caffeine.

Spotlight On A Great Cause

Now, back to magazine chat. I usually indulge in Marie Claire, but definitely made sure to pick-up this month's issue as the following demanded my attention: Buy this issue & a donation goes to women in need. What a neat marketing tactic! You got my support, Marie ;)

Photo Credit: nikkistyle.net