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

Introducing TNEMNRODA x Greene Soap Co.

Sooooo I hand-make soap (in case you didn't know)... It's something I've been doing for a while, but not for sale (strictly for hobby of course) and recently, I was approached by the owner of TNEMNRODA (an ultra chic accessories/jewelry line based here in NYC) with the idea of collaborating on a limited edition soap. I met her (Samantha Smikle) months ago and sent her some of my soaps in exchange for a lovely midi ring... turns out she liked them and here we are many months later with the birth of our Belle & Homme soaps by yours truly (Sam & I). Hey, it's fashion week and we're introducing our fashionable soaps collab that will leave your skin feeling fashionably phenomenal after showering or simply washing your hands with them, and if you're not sold by that very statement, I don't know what to tell ya... just kidding, kinda... but seriously, we think you'll love it because we sure do... it was made with love (how fashionable is that?!) for goodness sake!

The Belle blend

The Belle bar has a very sweet yet sensual smell, which includes:

rose oil - healing properties such as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, help refines skin texture

rosebuds

lavender oil - relaxes the mind & skin

dried lavender flowers - calming effects with a mild exfoliant

vanilla oil - aphrodisiac, antidepressant, antioxidant

honey - healing properties such as antiseptic, can treat acne & eczema

food coloring

glycerin - moisturizing & skin protectant

shea butter - moisturizing, anti-aging, skin protectant, healing agent

body shimmer powder

The Homme blend

The Homme bar has a sweet yet spicy smell to it, which includes:

orange extract - brightening & anti-aging

tangerine oil - mind boosting, antiseptic, purifying, skin refining

shea butter - moisturizing, anti-aging, skin protectant, healing agent

nutmeg - anti-aging & refreshing (circulation stimulant)

cinnamon - purifying

rose oil - healing properties such as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, help refines skin texture

rosebuds

eucalyptus oil - healing agent & stress relief

honey - healing properties such as antiseptic, can treat acne & eczema

glycerin - moisturizing & skin protectant

food coloring

The TNEMNRODA x Greene Soap Co. limited edition soaps were first introduced at AfroPunk this year

Hurry, there are literally only 20 bars (that were handcrafted with love, haha) now left and they are limited edition, meaning these are available only until these last bars are sold and are not available any where else... To check them out or to grab 'em before they're gone, click here

For any Greene Soap Co. inquiries or if you have questions or suggestions, email greenesoap[at]gmail.com (website coming soon)

Check out TNEMNRODA's lovely designs at www.shoptnemnroda.com