Make a Statement: Tiger Print

Deciding what I'm going to wear to a special event is never as simple as I'd like it to be.  I had my eye on this once sequins animal print dress for months, and it was finally on sale.  I even had dreams about the thing.  But when it came down to the wire, I decided not to spend the money on the dress and opt for an oldie-but-goodie.  

Enter my  Hourglass Lilly Tiger print dress.  It's a classic long-sleeved wrap style that flatters my figure and with those tiger stripes, it never looks drab.  I paired it with cute Mossimo glitter heels, a vintage brown clutch and rhinestone earrings I swiped from my mom's closet years ago.  The old gal's got good taste. 

That special event I got all done up for... the NAACP Image Awards. Taye Hansberry of Stuff She Likes was my date for the evening, and she was knocking them dead in her dress too.  I think we represented pretty well for young Black Hollywood.  

Are you a fan of animal print?

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Beauty With an Edge

CK One is a brand that defines hip and cool.  It got its start in the 90s with a unisex fragrance that has since made a come back.  Now the new kid on the block in the Calvin Klein family is makeup.  CK One color will include products for both men and women including eyeshadow, lipstick, and a lightweight 3-in-1 face makeup (serum, primer, and foundation).

CK One color doesn't roll out in the US until April with a full worldwide launch in September, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the great ad campaign now.  Featuring models like Lara Stone, Herieth Paul, and newcomer Ehren Dorsey, these ads encompass everything we already love about CK One: simple, edgy, and youthful.

Will you try CK One color?

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Skin

Never say never.  Remember that time I talked about posing for photos in your bare essentials and how you should proceed with caution if you decide to do it?  Yeah, well I took the leap... tastefully.  

A few weeks ago, I shot an art project for a well-known photographer and director.  Before I even booked it, I knew that the project would require a little nudity.  Funny thing is, I was actually okay with it.  Then a few days before the shoot,  the casting director asked if I was alright working with snakes.  Uh, yeah sure... I guess.  So not only did I have to be comfortable enough with my body to pose nearly naked, but I also had to pose with a snake or two around my neck.  No pressure.  

The day of the shoot,  I was ready for the challenge.  I swear, it felt like one of those crazy assignments you see on America's Next Top Model.  I went thru hair and makeup pretty swiftly.  The photographer wanted me to look pretty natural, so makeup artist Mylah Morales moisturized my skin and gave me lashes.  Then off to wardrobe where I was basically handed a pair of heels.  Once on set, my final accessories were added: the snakes.  I started off with two small snakes, then moved on to a really huge snake that was squeezing the life out of me.  The grand finale was a Black King Snake who tunred out to be my favorite.  

All in all, I had a great time.  Posing in the nude wasn't a big deal for me, I guess because now I'm secure enough in my own skin to do it.  And the snakes were a piece of cake.  Now I can cross those two things off my Model Bucket List. 

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Dear Fairy Model Mother: How is Natural Hair Treated on the Catwalk?

The stuff that dreams are made of is here... Fashion Week. From London to New York, and pretty soon LA, we're all celebrating the latest runway presentations. What we see will dictate our ideas of what's stylish from head to toe.  For many years, I've noticed a trend that really gets under my skin.  Not only is there a shortage of models of color on the catwalk, but there's also a lack of naturally curly and kinky hair too.  What's up with that?


Let's investigate together.  Read about my fashion show hair nightmare and why we need a curly revolution in this week's Fairy Model Mother on KISFORKINKY.


As always... if you've got questions, the hotline is open. 

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Being Joan Smalls

She's starred in campaigns for Lacoste, Stella McCartney, and David Yurman just to name a few. She's walked the runway for some of the best designers. Not to mention she's also the face of Estée Lauder. I'm talking about none other than traffic stopper Joan Smalls.

After watching this story about Joan on CNN, I have officially fallen head-over-heels for her. This Puerto Rican native has taken control of career and soaring high. What an inspiration.

Joan Smalls is determined and beautiful. Learn from her experiences and live your dream.
Love.

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The Look of Love

Boxes of chocolate and roses.  Diamonds and lingerie.  Romantics around the world are celebrating Valentine's Day.  Young hearts will be overdosing on love tomorrow, but I'm getting a head start.  Why celebrate love for just one day?

After being a single girl for years, I couldn't stand V Day.  I used to sulk because I was lonely or boycott the day all together. Now I look forward to it.  I've realized that Valentine's Day isn't just for lovers.  It's a time to rejoice in love for all, and that includes you.

No matter if you've got a beau or you're flying solo, pamper yourself this week with shiny gifts. You know those old granny panties you've been holding on to?  Well, toss them.  It's time for an upgrade. Buy that lace lingerie you've had your eyes on.  Who cares if it's not practical.  Give your body a nice glow with bronzer or illuminator.  Make your lips irresistible with a kiss of lip gloss.  Dress yourself up in sexy heels and eye popping jewels.  Get all done up and prance around your house just because you can.

All of this may sound silly, but you've got to be good to Number 1.  You are making an investment in your love.  Remember, every relationship takes a little work.

Happy Valentine's Day!

xoxo,
Nikia

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I Heart Whitney

Her voice, spirit, and beauty inspired a generation. As a kid, I idolized Whitney Houston. My friends and I would put on her albums and try to sing just like her, although we never got it just right. Nobody could do it like Whitney.

Houston made her mark not only in music, but also in fashion. She was a model before making it big as a songstress. Besides the campaigns and fashion spreads, Whitney was the one of the first African Americans to grace the cover of Seventeen Magazine. Whitney's smile and energy paved the way for me and so many other black models.




Thank you for sharing your gifts with us, Whitney Houston. We will miss you.

What are some of your favorite Whitney moments?

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Glow

Somewhere deep inside you, there is beauty no one can take away.  It's been cultivating since your conception.  It comes from the love your parents have for you and the love that you've created for yourself.

We don't always believe in our own power.  I know what it's like to feel ugly, even though you're really quite brilliant. Don't let anyone tell you that you're not worth anything.  No matter how you look on the surface, there is gold buried in the soil.  You've just got to dig.

Dust yourself off and GLOW.

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"Fake It Till You Make It"

Just the other day my friend and I are perusing our fav social networks when we see a few profiles that catch our attention. I decide to check one out since I like connecting with new and interesting people. So, I click and the words "top model" practically  jump off the screen.  But when I look further at the girl's  bio, she's just an everyday girl.  Immediately my friend I scream out "Oh no she didn't!" We felt like she was faking the funk by claiming to be a model when she clearly was not. Then again, maybe she's just speaking it into existence. This brings me to my question:

Can you call yourself a model if you don't do it professionally?

The example above is something many of us see on social networks more often than we'd like. You've seen the wannabe rapper, actor, or model promoting themselves as the real thing. You decide to give them a shot and check out their stuff only to be disappointed by the lack of professionalism. I've got my own pet peeves about this practice. As someone who's worked hard to establish myself, it does bother me when a person tries to say he or she is a model just because he or she has a Model Mayhem account, a Tumblr, etc. On the other hand, I can't knock the hustle.

Ever heard the phrase "Fake it till you make it"? Well, it's something you hear a lot amongst the aspiring and working crowd in Hollywood. Basically, you've got to act like you're the next big thing in order to be the next big thing. Proclaim it and it shall be.

But you can't just tell the world you're a model and have nothing to back it up with. Have you done any photo shoots or runway shows? Do you have a portfolio or someone within the industry that can vouch for you? Saying that you're a model but have no experience is like applying for a job you're not qualified for. Arm yourself with the proper tools to be what you want to be. Sign up for a modeling network. Go to a workshop. Do test shoots. Set up a simple website. Remember, in order to be a professional you need to present yourself as a professional. If you dress for success, you may actually be successful.

On a personal note, It took a while for me to actually stand up proudly with my chest out and say "Yes, I am a model". Even though I got paid for it and continued to work, somehow I still didn't feel legit until I had an agent. Now I know that my own insecurities were keeping me from owning what I am passionate about doing. Don't let that happen to you. The sooner you talk the talk, the sooner you'll be able to call yourself the real thing.

Sound off: do you believe in "fake till you make it"?

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