Bring on the drama

So as stated on IG, my friend Kristina (also a jewelry designer) came over my house one rainy day and decided to style & shoot me. She's the bomb.com--a hidden talent was uncovered (photography skills). She took the photos below on her iphone5s--if that's not badass, I don't know what is.

And there you have it, my most dramatic shots ever. 

Kristina's IG: @thewaywild 

Her jewelry: @seethesis seethesis.com 

Bag Ladies

I had the pleasure of modeling a second time for Vavvoune, a handmade leather goods company created by my homie Val Blaise (@vavvoune). It was captured by my homeboy (haha, I love that word) Shen Williams (@shendig27), who's an amazing photographer. Val and I were actually discussing how he's so poppin' and doesn't even know it haha, but anyway, I'm obsessed with my cream leather drawstring bag I have--It's literally the perfect size that takes me from day-to-night...just like that! Her bags are amazing...check out her latest collection below along with some behind the scenes.

           Me & Tierra (@info.tierra)

BEHIND THE SCENES...

There were more, but I don't have them...I need a shot of Val and Shen!!!

To see more of her handbags or to shop, visit Vavvoune.com.

Braided

On Halloween, I decided to get box braids for the first time... I had no idea what to expect or how my hair would react to it. I was hesitant for months and would set up appointments and then cancel because I'd chicken out--needless to say, it was a lengthy process beforehand and during me getting them done. It took 17 hours with maybe less than an hour break all together. My entire Halloween was spent getting my hair done. Now, I can say I've had them and I probably won't get them again any time in the near future. I really loved having them in and not having to worry about doing my hair, but the weight took a lot for me to get used to and when I took them out, my hair was pretty tangled. However, because I kept them super moisturized during the entire 5 weeks of wearing them, my hair was in decent shape after I took them out (minus the tangles). Check out some of the styles below (all of 3 styles, haha) and see what products I faithfully used everyday to keep them fresh and healthy. I was so inspired by all these natural and protective hair style blogs and IG pages and I just had to try them out. I do think everyone should try braids at least once.

 Yup--I used Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla products on them everyday. I would spray them with the leave-in conditioner and hair sheen and then wrap them with a scarf at night before going to bed. In the morning, I'd use their edge control smoother when necessary and once a week, I'd put their pure hair oil on the root of the braids. This stuff was really a blessing for keeping my hair in great shape while I had the braids in.

Bag Ladies

Last month, I had the pleasure to be a part of a really cool look book for Vavvoune, a super chic leather goods brand based in Brooklyn. The brand is focused on simplicity and sustainability. The products are made of full grain lambskin that's locally sourced—how cool is that?! Val Blaise (the designer) hit me up to see if I was down and of course I was like "totally!!" and the rest was history. It was shot by photographer Shen (sorry, don't know his last name, but his IG is @shendig27) and the lovely Sage White (@sage.white) did the makeup. I modeled with the gorgeous LaBrie (@tiedyetrappin). After the shoot, we hit up Peaches in Bedstuy for dinner + dranks. It was a great way to spend the last day of summer.

See what we cooked up...

Since I'm a tote bag type of person, this was my fave. It's like a super fancy tote.

Ready to put my life in it.

This purple was stunning... especially with grey.

Great way to add a pop of color to your wardrobe.

These cuties were great to carry around too—right on trend with the bucket design. Love the croc detail on the leather.

I just LOVE this photo of LaBrie—the color combos are perfect and she looks gorgeous.

I really love the leather pattern on this one. So bold and chic.

For those of you who carry purses to a party/concert, this would be ideal—small, but not too small. 

This is a great overnight type of bag. Perfectly oversized.

To shop Vavvoune or learn more, visit Vavvoune.com

Also, follow Val Blaise on IG @Vavvoune + @vavvoune.handmade

Afropunk 2015, Brooklyn

I've decided to really start blogging again because I have a lot of things I'd like to share with people and just things I find interesting that I feel others will too. I wanted to start small with this little simple post about Afropunk this year. I don't have many pics because I spent most of my time taking in the scenery and just enjoying it. 

Anyway, this marked my 3rd year attending Afropunk and I have to say it was really cool bringing my siblings with me this time. I missed Saturday this year, but I was able to go on Sunday. Below are just a few snapshots (camera phone pics) mostly from the early part of the day when there was barely a crowd. 

My bro Zach and sis Mia. They also had school the next day.

Mia at the awesome Carol's Daughter booth. 

This lady had the coolest headbands and natural hair t-shirts. 

Handmade awesomeness. 

The designer herself.

I also bought amazing handmade soap from the Blue Bee Bars booth. Our selfie of course.

Loved the statements on these shirts... 

Graffiti. 

The message. Graffiti by Rising Red Lotus @risingredlotus

The lovely Jasmine Nichole. She's pretty & talented.

Maureen Saturne of Indivijewel & a friend.

Watching Lenny from afar.

Me & bae. pic from alerobuttercup.com

I have to admit this was much different from the previous fests I've attended. More commercial than before, more vendors, less performances, probably the same amount of people and just as many beautiful black faces if not more. Also, I really wish there were more punk rock performances because the 2014 fest had an entire stage dedicated to punk rock bands and even had the mini skate ramps set up.