“S-W-A-G!” Who has it?? Well, we know for a fact that Zeddie’ Lukoe and Sydney ‘Syd’ Owino have it down pat!  The Kenyan designers of Blackbird Designs are the original creators of the fly  ‘Something We Africans Got’ t-shirt line.

Mixing bold and flavorful prints, the talented designers allow their Kenyan culture and background to  shine in each piece of clothing.Working with a variety of colors, everyone can find a piece of their style in this dope clothing  line. The collection consists of  everything  from their trendy  t-shirts, to  custom denim, to their impeccably tailored suits s that will make any male look eye catching! They first received major nationwide attention at the Africa Fashion Week New York in June 2011,where they showcased their unique and innovative collection.

Check them out…

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Blackbird Designs

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-Ellisa Oyewo

An expert dating coach, savvy entrepreneur and award winning relationship author, Tionna Smalls knows what it takes to have both a booming business and a successful relationship! For years, Tionna has been sharing her secrets and knowledge to women on how to shift their mindsets when it comes to men and dating.From being  Chili’s dating guide on “What Chili Wants” to her honest book “Girl, Get Your Mind Right!”, Tionna Smalls gives us the truth about our actions even if it is sometimes a hard pill swallow.

Not leaving us starving for more, Tionnna recently published her new book, Men Love Abuse: The Guide to Losing the Image of Being the Nice Girl & Getting the Man You Want! This empowering  guide discusses how women need to tap into their inner strength especially when dealing with  men. We all know sometimes as  women we can become timid towards men because we don’t want them to leave but Tionna is here to shake us out of that zone and reminds us to take the power back in our own hands.

Let’s see what other piece of advice that Tionna has for us…

Your newly released book Men Love Abuse: The Guide to Losing the Image of Being the Nice Girl & Getting the Man You Want! is a powerful book telling women they need to tap back into their own strength, what inspired you to write this type of book?

Over the past two years, I have met so many women who tell me their stories about love and lost and I realized that they were entirely too nice. I thought it was time for someone to speak about this issue so I decided to write a book.

Why do you feel as women tend to play the “nice girl” role instead of putting their foot down in order to try to snag the man they want?

They don’t want to scare a dude or since the penis is so scarce these days, they just don’t want to do anything to ruin it with the guy. We women were raised to be soft and gentle but I say no more. That ish is played. It is time to put your foot down and let these dudes know what it is.

What is one piece of major advice would you give to women that are trying to find their man of their dreams?

Don’t go looking! He will find you when you are least expecting it. Some of the greatest couples in the world met by happenstance. Like me and my fiance’ met when we were both trying to buy a car from a dealer. It was crazy and I wasn’t expecting to meet anyone or date anyone. I was celibate and ready to be alone. lol.

Many of your fans recognize you being Chili’s dating coach on “What Chili Wants,” you have recently began filming a new dating show can you give you a sneak peak of what we can expect from your new show?

We actually just been meeting. We haven’t started filming but the main thing you will see is me being me. I was good on Chilli show but that was Chilli show. Now it is all about T to the I to the O to the double N, A. I am ready for the challenge. Banging outfits, Tionnaology (my ideology), my lingual, and most of all me being entertaining and of course it is all about loveeeeeeeeeeee which is my favorite topic.

You are also the owner of the hip and flavorful boutique Lovey’s located in Brooklyn, What Spring trends can we expect to see appearing in the store?

I love how you said hip and flavorful because that is what it is. We are adding a lot more body products, definitely some studded bras, some banging sunglasses. We are gong to go hard. Loveys will be here twenty years from now and keeping up with the trends.

What makes you a Styleaholic?

I am cute, I am sassy, I know how to dress to impress, and most of all I am a trendsetter. I don’t try to be anyone other than myself and I love to be creative and innovative.

Check out more of Tionna here…

TWTTER

*DON’T MISS OUT ON A CHANCE TO WIN YOUR VERY ON COPY OF TIONNA’S NEW BOOK, MEN LOVE ABUSE THE GUIDE TO LOSING THE IMAGE OF BEING THE NICE GIRL & GETTING THE MAN YO WANT! JUST MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW NAJWA MOSES ON TWITTER AND TWEET “MEN LOVE ABUSE!” TO ENTER TO WIN!!*

-Ellisa Oyewo

One of my all time favorites– here I catch up with some of fashion and entertainment’s biggest moguls to discuss the influence of fashion and hip-hop on modern culture!

Whoa my hair!!

These elegant and honest words were said by none other than the fabulous and inspirational Demetria Lucas. Being the the go-to voice for women everywhere, Demetria is the shining light for single females who are waiting for Mr. Right. Not only does she give real life dating advice and experiences but encourages women to not play victim in the game of love. She pushes the fact that you can live a full and flavorful life with or without a guy by your side!

The National Dating coach started diving into relationships in 2001 where she was the editorial assistant at BET Books. Soon after being surrounded by fictional characters she decided to bring Black Romance to life when she created her very popular blog, www.ABelleInBrooklyn.com. In 2007, Demetria’s down-to-earth demeanor and raw advice caught the attention of Essence Magazine who then asked her to join the magazine as their relationship editor and dating advice coach.

She recently introduced her new book A Belle in Brooklyn: The Go-to Girl for Advice On Living Your Best Single Life. In  her new book she gives honest advice and shares  personal experiences to paint a vivid picture for her readers.

Let’s get to know her just a little better…

Since many people refer to you as the Black Carrie Bradshaw, What intrigued you to write and open up about relationships?

It’s a topic I’ve always been interested in, and long before there was a Carrie Bradshaw. At the time I began blogging in 2007, I wasn’t finding images in pop culture, or in books, that reflected the dating lives that my friends and I were living. Sure we were single and there were some headaches, but there was also a lot of fun too. I was tired of single living looking so tragic and depressing so I started writing about a different side of dating life, a happy, hopeful, optimistic one, that wasn’t typically shown, especially not for Black women.

Even when first starting your blog you were very open about your relationships, How have your personal dating experiences encouraged your book/writing?

You must read the book! I infuse a lot of my personal experiences into A Belle in Brooklyn, especially those— good and bad— that I think can be of use to others. So many women go thru similar circumstances when it comes to interacting with the opposite sex. If I can pull from a situation I experienced and share what I did wrong, and right, with another woman so she doesn’t make the mistake, I will with no holds barred. My debut book tackles a lot of touchy subjects in an uncommonly candid way.

As single women, embracing your freedom can be a bit difficult when media always encourages you to be in a relationship. What are 3 pieces of advice would you give to ladies who are still waiting for Mr. Right to come in their life?

One—if you want a Mr. Right, don’t wait for him to just show up, be active about getting what you want. Dating is the only arena where we expect what we want to magically appear. We work for degrees, promotions and everything else. Finding a good partner is no exception.

Two— Stop worrying! Do you really, honestly think that you’re going to live another 50 years and no one worthwhile will come along? It’s not even logical. And where is the worry going to get you? It causes wrinkles and stress. Stop! No, seriously.

Three— ignore what other people want for you and focus on what YOU want. Block out all the chatter. Are you happy? If not, what would make YOU happy? Maybe it’s a man, maybe it’s starting a business venture, maybe it’s a trip around the world. Figure out what you want to do when no one else is influencing the decision, and do that. Not anything else.

Going from writing articles to a full book can be both exciting and challenging, What was the major difference from writing articles to writing your book, A Belle in Brooklyn: The Go-to Girl for Advice On Living Your Best Single Life?

Articles are quick. Even features can be knocked out in a couple days if necessary. But there’s no rushing a book. It’s a very time consuming process of which I had no clue what I was getting myself into when I started. When I was an editor, authors often compared the process of writing to giving birth. I thought that was ridiculous… until I had a book deal and a looming deadline for a manuscript.

What advice would you give to young writers who wanted to follow in your footsteps?

Don’t wait for the right time to do what you love. There’s no such thing. If you want it, make time for it. And don’t worry about the marketplace being too full and so many people doing what you wish to. You bring you to the table and YOU are unique. No one can outdo you at being yourself. Infuse your personality into everything you do to make it one-of-a kind.

What encouraged you to host your fab events “Cocktail with Belle” and “Brunch with Belle?”

They were the types of events that I wanted to attend, but no one was throwing them. I decided to create the type of parties I wanted to go to. It was all about filling a void. I’m honored to see that positive, women-friendly are more common now. We have a lot to offer each other and can learn so much and go so far when we work together.

What makes you a Styleaholic?

Knowing that fashion isn’t what’s hot, but works best for you and reflects your personal style and unique energy.

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A Belle in Brooklyn

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La Plume Ethere is a vintage-inspired clothing line which consists of tons of feather bouquets, bridal fascinators, veils, bridesmaids fascinators, feather bouquets, feather boutonnieres, and more! To ensure your special day is celebrated right, each unique piece is handmade to perfection.

La Plume Éthéré pulls inspiration from the elegance of the influential eras of the past. From the allure of the flappers to the vamp of the pinups, all the years of history is included throughout their collection. Many items infuse one of a kind vintage materials in the final design. Most important, 10% of all sales is always donated to the American Cancer Society.

Check out pieces here..

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La Plume Ethere

Micamade is a collection filled with unique, vintage-inspired pieces. The talented 26 year old, Michaela Oehrlein, is from Germany. Mica Made designs trendy clothing and accessories that would add flavor to any woman’s wardrobe. From oversized, detailed scarves to cutout tops, you’ll find a one of a kind selection at Mica Made.

Oehrlein states, “All styles are designed and realized by myself. Made with a lot of passion and love…”

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Micamade

Gypsy 05 was established in the Spring of 2005 by creative siblings, Osi and Dotan Shoham. The inspirational collection focuses on using a variety of color. From rich colors to light softer tones the collection gives a wide color selection to choose from. Gypsy 05 also concentrates on exclusive dye techniques and processes, which gives dimension to the light fabrics used throughout the line.

This boho chic brand has grown into a well sought after brand with representation in over 1,000 stores around the globe. This trendy line has been rocked by Heidi Klum, Lisa Rinna and Chloe Bridges to name a few star studded celebs. Gypsy 05 has also been in featured publications such as Look, Cosmopolitan and InStyle magazine.

Check out more here…

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Gypsy 05

Cineflix Productions seeks fabulous women age 25- 40 with extraordinary, untouchable style to compete for a cash prize and the title of ultimate fashionista! Sorry, stylists, models, and industry pros- this casting is for everyday women with killer style and big personalities! Must be within a drivable distance from Manhattan.

We seek women who are at the top of their fashion game and completely self taught- you must be confident and unafraid to dish on other people’s style- your mastery at completing the perfect look must be obvious and your opinions must be loud and uninhibited!

We will ultimately cast four contestants from the New York tri-state area to compete against each other! You will need to be available for four consecutive days of shooting in September and there is a possibility you will need to travel up to an hour from your location.

We are accepting individual applicants, however if you can come up with a group of four fashion frien-emies to compete against each other, your chances of getting selected are much better!

To apply, please email a recent photo of yourself in a hot look to shoppingcomp@cineflix.com and tell me why you are the ultimate style goddess and a fierce competitor- send as many pictures as you’d like! Include a good phone number to reach you and the name of your hometown in the New York Tri-State area. Please let us know if you are applying with a group or as an individual. We will send you a link to the application if we think you’ve got the goods to take home the title! Feel free to call with any questions: 646-873-6532.

Link to Application: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MVL5VGQ

Good Luck!

Saying Jamie Joseph’s collection is simply bold and brilliant would be an understatement! D’Nalel Designs is a mixture of her love for interior design, Art and fashion all wrapped into one! Her beautifully detailed collection, Victorian Vintage, consists of detailed crafted clutches that will you in “awe” each time you pass one.

The collection has a vintage flare with dashes of color that every woman would love. The patterns are both inspiring and gives you an unique look that is unmatchable to any other handbag on the market. Each handbag was created to be look at as a magnificent piece of wearable art which makes each bag easily a statement piece.

The Victorian Vintage has appeared on Victorian Vintage the ABC Family summer series “ The Nine Lives of Chloe King.”

Check out her amazing pieces below…

Empire

Rococo

Venetian

Valance

Check out more here…
D’nalel Designs
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-Ellisa Oyewo