Make A Statement: Stripes

Sporting a dress and belt I bought from a thrift store, shoes from Lulu's, and a wooden bracelet with gold studs.  The entire outfit cost me under $25.  Another woman's trash is my treasure. 

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Peek-a-boo!

Spring is here, and it's time for a makeover! One of the brands I love is about to launch a new campaign. I'm talking about Free Your Mane. The haircare company has brought me back for another go, but is also incorporating some new faces.

You might remember Erica Gluck from The Game.  Well she's on board again has one of the beauties for Free Your Mane.   This talented girl has been working on so much from movies to music, that it's hard to keep up. I wanna be just like Erica when I grow up.

 The cutie swinging her hair like she just don't care is India Benet.  She's a great singer-songwriter and also the daughter of, yes that's right, Eric Benet.  You've got to check her out ASAP.

These ladies are so gorgeous.  And I'm loving those natural curls! Look for the new Free Your Mane campaign coming soon.

Xoxo,

 Model Liberation

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Peachy Keen

Get the look: Heart and Bow Earrings,  Fresh Peaches with Cream Lip Shine, Satin Clutch

I remember seeing this Whitney Houston album at my aunt's place when I was a little girl.  Whitney's voice in songs like "Saving All My Love For You" and Greatest Love of All" was like heaven.  My cousins and I belt our hearts out as we tried to sing along with her.  I know we weren't the only ones. 

This is still my favorite photo of Whitney.  Timeless.  Soft.  Regal.   She looks so fresh and poised.  Beauty doesn't always have to be in your face and over the top.  Sometimes simple elegance is the way to go.  
Thanks for the inspiration, Whitney.


What's your favorite Whitney Houston song?

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Polaroid Queen

The phone rings.  It's my agent in NY calling to check up on me.  At the end of the conversation he says "Oh, and we need some new polaroids."  I say, "Yeah sure. No problem."
We hang up, and my heart starts racing.  WTF?!  I need to exercise.  My forehead is breaking out. What about my hair?  For someone who talks a good game about natural beauty, I sure am freaking out.
If you don't know, a polaroid is a snapshop of a model in minimal to no makeup preferably wearing a bikini or something form-fitting so clients can see what you look like normally.  Have you ever seen a photo of someone and noticed that person doesn't look like that in real life? Well, polaroids show you the Real McCoy.

Back to my panic attack.  I have to figure out what to do and how to do it fast.  My agent needs those photos ASAP.  Breathe.  Stop.  Wait.  Why am I making such a big deal?  I'm a model.  This is what I do.  I've got this!  I brush my shoulders off and start preparing.  

Here are my tips for how to avoid the mugshot and look good in photos.

Tip 1:  If you've got time, hop in the shower.  The steam allows your skin to look dewey and fresh, so you won't need much, if any makeup.  And if you're a natural girl,  this will also helps revitalize your hair. 

Tip 2:  Make sure every inch of your body is moisturized.  Lightly massage your favorite oils or lotion onto your skin. Pay special attention to any problem areas you may have and give those spots extra love.  If you're still feeling a little bare, use tinted moisturizer to give yourself a boost of color. 

Tip 3:  Stretch and loosen up your body.  You don't want to look stiff like a mannequin.  Clear your mind too. This will help you relax and be able to move through poses and facial expressions with ease.  

 
Tip 4:  About those poses... you're not in a beauty pageant.  Forget the hand on your hip, because it's played out.  You want to look like you're chillin' and looking cool.  Think of your favorite song and dance to it.  I always hear Steel Dan's Peg or Q-Tip's Vivrant Thing in my head when I'm shooting.

Channel that positive energy and you'll be a Polaroid Queen.
Such A Vivrant Thing.  Vivrant Thing!  A Vivrant Thing!

Xoxo,
 N

P.S.- Send me your favorite polaroid and I'll post the cream of the crop. Can't wait to see what you've got!

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This is Me

  I am so overwhelmed with happiness at this moment.  It's taken weeks, but I've finally finished my "About Me."  I know it still leaves many questions unanswered, but it serves as introduction.  Where I'm from, who I am, how did I get my start... it's all there.
Thank you to everyone who helped me out with this.  You're awesome!
Click the photo to read more.

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Scream for Ice Cream

Every Spring, I look forward to one particular holiday, Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day!  Around the world people unite to celebrate ice cream by indulging in flavors like Chunky Monkey, Late Night Snack, and Cherry Garcia.  I went for Imagined Whirl Peace, a creamy blend of caramel goodness with bites of toffee and fudge peace signs.

Free Cone Day is also a great time to help out your favorite charities. Volunteers from my local fire department were on hand serving up scoops and taking donations for Jerry's Kids, an organization that helps children with Muscular Dystrophy.  What a treat! The firemen were so hot they were melting my ice cream!

Thanks for the good times, Ben and Jerry's.  I'll see you again next year. 

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Make A Statement

Dressing up feels a little funny in Cali, the land of casual comfort.  People here wear jeans and a t-shirt to work.  Forget the standard dress code.  No shirt. No shoes. No problem.  The reality is most of us only get decked out for red carpet events.  But being raised a Southern belle,  I know that a lady needs to dress for the occasion.
I had a meeting today that I wanted to look spiffy for.  I needed something age appropriate and something that fit my style.  I also didn't want to look like I was trying too hard.  Who wants to do business with a desperate woman?
I decided to go with a very simple navy dress and flat boots from LuLu's.  But the cooler weather called for layers, so I threw on this cute plaid jacket by Grey Ant.  It grabs your attention without being overpowering.  It's nice to pair patterns with something a little muted.  You don't want your statement piece to fight for attention.
What's your favorite thing to wear when you want to be bold and beautiful?

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"A View to a Kill"

Styling by Miriam Sternoff and Micaela Beckwith. Makeup by Gigi. 

This is how we do it!  I haven't shot fashion in a while, and this was a good way to break back in.  It's a little challenging to try and channel a fashion icon, but I made a good effort. Can you guess who?  The title may give you a hint.  

Remember, this is just a little peek.  The real deal from photographer Daniella Hehmann is coming soon. 

  Special thanks to Micaela for these photos. 

xoxo

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Are You a Curl Duchess?

A few months ago, Angel of K is for Kinky was working on something top secret.  She would drop really vague hints about "it", but wouldn't tell me exactly what "it" was.  Then one night, she finally revealed Curl Duchess.  

My mouth dropped to the floor.  Was I really seeing hair extensions that looked like my hair?  Extensions are nothing new, but I've never seen anything match my kinks and coils. Then Angel showed me all the pretty colors.  Lawd, I died and went to hair heaven!

If you're a girl who likes to change up her hair style or add a little color, Curl Duchess is definitely for you.  I love products that encourage you to embrace what you were born with.  

Check out Curl Duchess now! 

P.S.  More behind the scenes goodies soon. 

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