Solange Knowles (Roller Coaster Magazine)
Solange is such a style icon. I love her carefree, bold and colorful looks. Mixing a chambray shirt with an elegant scarf showed her classy side and inspired me to do a few test shots of my own.
Posted in Fashion Resources, Off-Duty Looks
Tagged Blue Jeans, chambray, jeans, Roller Coaster Magazine, scarf, shirt, Solange Knowles
The less money you spend, the more money you have. Seems simple enough, right? I’ve always been a frugal person. Though I love to shop, I usually stay within my means, but I have recently decided to really challenge myself to save more. After some inspiring conversations with other frugalistas, I decided to give up on my weekly salon visits. I know, I know. But, I recently grew out my texturizer and only trusted a professional with my virgin tresses.
For the past couple of months, I’ve been doing my hair at home, which has allowed me to not only save money, but spend my “allowance” on more worthwhile things, like my new Kindle Fire (OBSESSED).
The At-Home Salon Tools
Chocolat by Carol’s Daughter
I would never straighten my hair without some form of heat protection. The Chocolat Smoothing line from Carol’s Daughter not only prevents heat damage, but it also makes it super easy to blow out my curls. I was skeptical at first, but I became a believer after I noticed that the blow dry cream cut down the time that it took to dry and straighten my hair. The only thing I love more than saving money, is saving time.
BaByliss Steam Straightener
My roomie Jenn recently changed my life when she let me borrow her new steam flat iron (BaByliss). It leaves my hair softer and uses less direct heat than other irons that I’ve used. It works on ridiculously thick hair. Trust me, I know.
The Finished Product
Voila! Straight-from-the-salon hair without paying salon money.
Posted in Beauty
Tagged Babyliss, Carol's Daughter, Hair, Natural Hair, Salon, saving money, straightening
Camille
Camille’s Career
Camille is Assistant to the Senior Vice President of Affiliate Services at the National Urban League.
“My day-to-day responsibilities include managing the Senior Vice President’s schedule, travel, meetings and documents and special projects. I am also the Editor of an electronic weekly “News Wire” publication that is circulated to the 98 National Urban League affiliates who provide direct services to their communities in need. In addition, I am the head designer for all print publications and web-based materials coming through my department.
Challenges
“Sometimes I find it challenging to be the youngest in the organization and having people take my ideas and work as seriously as an older colleague.
Rewards
“I find the overall work of advocacy and civil rights so gratifying and I really feel good helping people. It’s in my blood.
How to get into the industry
“Volunteer or join the National Urban League Young Professional network. We have chapters all over the country and they do a lot of service related projects and all of them have a positive mission of civil rights. Also, doing internships is great too! There are so many ways that you can get involved.
Style in the Office
“Business attire is the dress code, but of course, I like to put a trendy chic spin on things.
“I have a lot of statement pieces that I like to pare down with my business attire. I wear a lot of blacks, whites, and creams and have lots of funky blazers and vest that I wear with skirts and trouser leg pants and high heels. I always keep it professional, yet I never lose my own personal style.”
Singer and Model, Cassie.
Achieving sexy “rocker” look is a lot easier these days. A leather jacket, bangles, and red lipstick are worn by tons of female artists. However, Cassie pulled off a more classic version of the rocker look with a luxury watch and cross ring; proving that simplicity is key.
Get the look:
Posted in Fashion Resources, Off-Duty Looks
Tagged Calvin Klein, Cassie, classic, iman, leather jacket, Macy's, red lipstick, rock and roll, rocker
Idris Elba
This tall, dark and handsome actor is the epitome of cool. Known for his breakout role in HBO’s The Wire, Idris Elba has taken Hollywood by storm. Elba has also starred in blockbuster hits such as Daddy’s Little Girls and American Gangster along side Denzel Washington. Elba introduced us to his comedic side when he guest starred in NBC’s The Office in 2009. Idris has not only become a well-respected actor in Hollywood, he’s become a sexy symbol.
Chiwetel Ejiofor
You may know him as Keira Knightley’s husband in Love Actually. You may know him as Denzel Washington’s brother in American Gangster, or you may know him as friend and manager of Don Cheadle in Talk to Me. Often known as a supporting actor, Chitewel Ejiofor gives you a memorable performance in every movie. This British actor, of Nigerian descent has been acting since the age of 13. After getting a taste of Hollywood in his first major movie, Steven Spilberg’s Amistad, Ejiofor hasn’t looked back.
Okezie Morro
Trained at the London School of Music and Dramatic Art, this newcomer can be seen in the blockbuster hit, Red Tails. Released in January, Red Tails depicts a “A crew of African American pilots in the Tuskegee training program, having faced segregation while kept mostly on the ground during World War II, are called into duty under the guidance of Col. A.J. Bullard,” (IMDB RedTails). We love following the careers of new actors, so watch out for Okezie on the big screen.
Jackie and I love when we see stylish men on the street. Although we mostly cover women’s style here on A*cute, we like to follow menswear blogs. Below are four of our favorites.
Street Etiquette
Photo credit: StreetEtiquette.com
Blog: StreetEtiquette.com
Twitter: @StreetEtiquette
“Founded in 2008, Street Etiquette is a style blog that approaches personal style from an urban perspective. With sartorial influences stretching over many areas and eras of fashion, owners Joshua Kissi and Travis Gumbs, each just twenty years old, combine to publish a truly unique vision of fashionable menswear.” – StreetEtiquette.com
TuckedStyle
Photo credit: Justin Bridges
Blog: TuckedStyle.com
Twitter: @TuckedStyle
“I love many things about fashion. I love the ownership and individuality of fashion; where you can mold your ideas into a unique style, add in some personality, and you are now one of a kind like a fingerprint. I love discovery, from shopping in boutiques to reading some of the fashion’s liveliest bloggers writing about their insights and finds. I love writing about what I like, expressing myself with my wardrobe and my pen. I love it all, and I want to learn it all.”
“Perhaps I am the true story of “How to Make it in NY.” A young man who left a career in finance to follow his heart. Against the odds of being over- and under- qualified, no real network, and no real direction…I guess you will be following my path to DOING IT ALL & FASHION AT ALL COSTS.”- TuckedStyle.com
Black Fashion
Photo credit: Black Fashion reblogged from UrbanEtiquette
Blog: BlackFashion.tumblr.com
“There’s a new renaissance. Black Fashion Power!
“Black comes in every shape, size and color.“
“Visually appealing aesthetics that showcase and give some depth into the lifestyle and culture of black people, in all their shades.” - thecreativeroutine
Manshion
Photo Credit: Justin Bridges
Blog: Manshion.com
Twitter: @manshion
This menswear enthusiast gives you a 360 degree view of men’s fashion; ranging from daily looks, fashion events, and magazine photo shoots.
“
Here’s our round-up of NYFW!
IFB Conference
We were involved with the Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference at Milk Studios in Downtown NYC. The Conference was a great way to kick off the style marathon otherwise known as New York Fashion Week.
We worked with fellow bloggers who not only had a great sense of style, but also a fun sense of humor. All of the panelists offered honest advice for fashion bloggers which can be pretty much summed up as follows: Know your worth, be original, be collaborative, and have a work/life balance.
Here are some of our favorite shots from #IFBCon. Check out the A*cute Facebook page for more pics from the event!
Ainsley Fall 2012 Presentation/Collection
All photos by Scott Pegram from NYEsq. for A*cute.
Full many a gem of purest ray serene // The dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear // Full many a flower is born to blush unseen, // And waste its sweetness on the desert air.
-Thomas Gray (Source: @ainsleyny)
This refreshing collection took its cues from Mother Nature with natural fibers and tribal designs. The designs are reminiscent of the frontier spirit of the Westward Expansion of the 18th and 19th centuries.
What’s appealing about this collection is its practical point of view and apparent wearability. It seems like A*cute and Ainsley have the same philosophy: Fashion is a right, not a privilege. Everyone should have the opportunity to express themselves through their fashion choices.
Fashionista and designer Angela Simmons made an appearance at the show.
Visit NYEsq. for more pics from the presentation!
Justin Bridges of Tucked Style Featured in Black Enterprise
Congratulations to friend of A*cute and men’s fashion blogger Justin Bridges for his feature in “Fashion Week Highlight: 5 Top Black Professionals Behind the Runway”.
Photo credit: Black Enterprise
Posted in Events, Fashion Resources
Tagged #IFBCon, Ainsley, Ainsley NY, Black Enterprise, fashion, Independent Fashion Bloggers, Menswear, new york fashion week, NYFW, photography, style
Like the jazzy notes from Wynton Marsalis’ trumpet, the snips from the barber’s scissors and hum of his clippers are signs of an artist at work.
Back in the day, aside from the church, the barbershop was one of the few places Black people could get together and voice their opinions on issues that affect their communities. For more than 20 years, professional groomer and stylist Marvin Church has traveled the world creating polished images for his diverse clientele. I recently had the opportunity to speak with “Marv the Barb” about his journey in the men’s grooming industry.
Q. What inspired you to become a barber and what challenges did you face while developing your career?
A. As the youngest of 29 grandchildren, I was intrigued by my older cousins and tried to look like them. I started cutting hair at the age of nine. My dad took me to a barbershop and I started drawing out haircuts and using myself as a canvas.
Q. Stylists sometimes serve as therapists for their clients, listening to their stories while they’re in the chair. Do you have these relationships with your clientele?
A. It goes both ways. It’s sort of therapy for me, too.
Q. You’ve worked with a lot of notable clients, like musical legend Stevie Wonder, what was that like?
A. I worked with Stevie as a special request at the first annual BET Honors. He’s an artist that cannot see, but can feel. I’ve always wanted someone to really feel my work.
Though I’ve worked with prominent figures, all of my clients are VIP to me.
Q. Who haven’t you worked with that you would love to have in your chair?
A. President Obama. He’s right around to corner, he’s my neighbor.
Q. A lot of the images we see of black hair care are of women’s styling. Why is it important for men to be groomed?
A. We are seeing a return to the era of the gentleman. Men want to take better care of themselves. Now that men have the money to do so, they want the same feeling that women get.
Barbering is one of the oldest professions in the world. We started with shears, razors, and combs. We do not ever want to lose that. It’s a part of history that we shouldn’t lose.
Q. What advice do you have for young men aspiring to start their own businesses or brand?
A. Set the value of yourself most high. The doors are open. My advice would be to be more inventive; create within the creation. A lot of us do not know how to use tools like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to promote our businesses.
Marvin Church is a stylist at the Patrick Segui salon. He will be launching a new product line that takes a holistic approach to personal grooming.
Visit www.marvthebarb.com to for the latest on his upcoming book and other projects. Click here to book an appointment.
Posted in Fashion Resources
Tagged barber, beauty, Black History Month, haircut, maintenance, Marv the Barb, Marvin Church, men's grooming, Menswear, style
