Atlanta celebrates Natural Hair at the Glam Bar Salon

Last night, Fashiona went The Glam Bar Salon to celebrate natural hair in the ATL.  All the big and beautiful natural hair on display reminded her of her Fort Greene/Clinton Hill Brooklyn days and made Fashiona's heart soar to see so many women in Atlanta embracing the look.

All Photos by Paparazzi

Mae from Natural Chica

The ladies at Tress Talk shared great tips for making that tough transition from permed hair to a natural state as well as styling tips for maintaining a lasting look. 

• Patience: Growing out your hair takes time and there is no substitute for that.
• Moisturize: Natural curly/wavy/kinky hair tends to be drier than straight hair.  Shampoo with a moisturizing product and deep condition your hair often.  One way to sneak in a much needed treatment is to wash your hair at night and leave a rich condition in your hair overnight.  Rinse it out in the morning and then style.
• Avoid towels and let your hair dry naturally as much as possible.
• Embrace flat twists as a transitional styling technique.

Invited guests mingled and indulged in complimentary cocktails and appetizers provided by Seraphin Cognac.

Now Fashiona, natural  since 1999 would have LOVED to have known about flat twists when she was growing her hair out...

Tipster Thursday: Get Esperanza Spalding's look

Fashiona noticed that she was getting a lot of  searches for  Esperanza Spalding and her necklace.  Esperanza's necklace is a  Native American dream catcher.

The history of dream catchers  can be traced to the Native American Ojibway Chippewa tribe. The Ojibways would tie  sinew string around a frame of bent wood that was in a small round or tear drop shape. The patterns of the dream catcher was very  similar to  their snowshoe webbing.

Originally, dream catchers were made to protect sleeping children from nightmares.  Legend maintains that the dream catcher will catch one's dreams during the night. Bad dreams will get caught in the dream catcher's webbing and disappear with the morning sun.  However, good dreams will find their way to the center of the dream catcher and float down the feather. Fashiona has had one over her bed for 10 years.


Navajo artist Lorenzo Aviso creates some beautiful handmade Dream Catchers and sells them at Tribal Impressions in Texas and on-line. and  These two are pieces are made from sterling silver and turquoise.

 

Zoe Salanda at the 2010 Oscars: The dress that almost could

Fashiona and Sis have just collaborated via cell phone on Zoe Salanda's Haute Couture Givenchy purple Oscar dress. The verdict is...they both love, love, love  the top half and the bottom half not so much at all.  The overall effect is half elegant and half Carmen Miranda.

Photo Credit: The Huffington Post

Photo Credit: Amazon.com

So Zoe my dear, in nod of your Dominican heritage you get the "Casi te amo"...I almost love you(it).

Nicole Richie:Queen Bohemia at the 2010 Oscars

Fashiona has been loving soon to be officially hitched Nicole Richie these days.  Motherhood and steady coupledom seemed to have mellowed her out just enough without robbing her of any of her style.   Last night she rocked Reem Acra in a way that we aren't used to seeing.  Nicole just looked stunning in the striped gown with the skirt and sleeves cut on the bias...what is not to like.  Loved, loved the cat eye eyeliner and the elegant pulled back hair.

Fashiona just has a teeny tiny suggestion for Joel.  We all know you are DJ and all but can't you just wait until you are  BEHIND  the turntables to don the sunglasses?...Just asking!

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Sade's new album: Soldier of Love

Nothing  ushers in a new decade quite like a Sade album.  Her last official album, Lover's Rock dropped in 2000.  Sade, just shy of her 51st birthday hasn't visibly aged in at least 20 years,  has men across all races with a  "get out of jail card" with her picture all over it.


Sade is stunning by any mirror but Fashiona thinks her real draw is the air of mystery that surrounds her.  Unlike new artist like Lady (let it all hang out) GaGa, Sade only emerges from her private world when she has something to say.


Brilliant concept...her album cover seems to be "saying" a lot doesn't it?


Her personal style, like her voice is all her own.  She is known for her very dark long hair that she almost always wears off her face.  She embraces her freckles and has some of the best groomed eyebrows on the planet. Her jewelry ranges from big hoop earrings to ethnic necklaces, bangles and bracelets.

Since Sade exploded on the music scene in 1984, she has been an sensation. Her beautiful voice, part jazz, part R&B is all soul and her hypnotic lyrics are certainly worth waiting for...even 10 long years!

Vivica Fox hosts A Gift of Love opening night starring Ruby Dee

Friday night,  still recovering from bronchitis, Fashiona made her way to Rilato Center of the Arts to see the legendary Ruby Dee in The Gift of Love.  The play written by James Cockerman, stars Ruby Dee as Ya Ya, a African story teller, who narrates the Nativity in chronological order from Joseph first meeting Mary to the birth of Jesus.

The opening act of the show was so fun and energetic, it reminded Fashiona of an Alvin Ailey performance.  The dancers leaped, shimmied and strutted across the stage in African-inspired garb.  The ladies had head wraps and scarves expertly tied to stay put during their acrobatic moves.   Ruby Dee was absolutely regal as Ya Ya and kept the story moving between the elaborate musical numbers.

Prior to the start of the show, Vivica A. Fox was the red carpet host.  She wore a purple dress,  a gorgeous statement necklace and fabulous cage stiletto shoes all courtesy of Berdorf  Goodman. 

After seeing Vivica at several events around Atlanta in the last few weeks, Fashiona finally had a chance to interview her, visit her Urban Examiner page to see what Ms. Viv had to say.

Isn't Mrs. Obama lovely at the First State Dinner?

The Obamas  are hosting their first State Dinner for India and the virtual world is literally atwitter.  If you go to the Huffingpost site, you can follow the tweeter of your choice that can be your eyes for the evening.


So Fashiona isn't on the White House short list just yet but she is still keeping up her All things Obama vigil...not quite on the level of  Michelle voyeur Mary Tomer, creator of Mrs-O.org, but Fashiona is dedicated nonetheless.

Photo  Credit: The arrival ceremony/Getty

Mrs. Obama looked beautiful in her orange Isaac Mizrahi dress earlier today as she greeted India's First Lady Mrs. Gursharan Kaur.  The Huffington Post says that her outfit  was:

Inspired by India

Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton

Hmm...with Mrs. Obama seated next to Ms. Kaur who  is wearing a traditional Indian sari, the  supposed influence is a bit of a stretch but whatever the influence, the bright color looks lovely against her rich skin tone.

Now Michelle's gown that she is wearing for the formal dinner...that does indeed look Indian inspired...as it should since it was designed by Indian born designer Naeem Khan.  

Photo Credit: Nicolas Kamm / Getty Images

Fashiona in Vera Wang's Lavender Label & Vaseline Sheer Infusion

Fashiona enjoyed her first black tie of the season last night held in Buckhead wearing Lavender Label Vera Wang.  The dress she intended to wear, lovely grey and black tea length dress was no match for her new svelte figure supplied by her infamous stress and worry diet and her two cardio intensive jobs.

Embellishments are very in this holiday season  from sequins to crystals on everything from heels to dresses to handbags.  Fashiona's  silver grey dress featured a  black belt with several large crystals attached.  No necklace was needed but she did accent her look with a chunky blinged out bracelet.  Her silver shoes  also had very fine sparkling stones across the straps.

The relatively mild Atlanta evening, remember she is used to New York Autumns,  was great for showing a bit of skin...okay a lot since she wound up wearing a strapless dress.   Showing skin means lots of lotion and lately she had been using Vaseline Sheer Infusion...Botanical Blend is her favorite.  The scent is light and doesn't compete with her perfume collection...something was she grateful when she met her "Mr. Big" for a drink after the event.

When it was all over....she took off the trappings of the long day with Pond's Wet Cleaning Towelettes...leaving her sensitive,  temperamental complexion  in tip top shape for her next evening out.

Fashiona meets R&B Singer Monica: Still Standing

Fashiona had a good weekend.  Her best friend Topaz sent her a Halloween care package since it will be her first Halloween outside of New York...her costume  choice will be revealed on Halloween or the day after:)

So last night in her first outing since her breakup...Fashiona went out  (in full regalia...black dress, false lashes and fish nets)  to R and B Singer Monica's Upscale Cover party and launch for her upcoming BET show Still Standing.

Monica looked absolutely gorgeous.  Apparently she is loving life... and it shows, she positively glows.  Her hair was on point, skin flawless  and she dressed in Gryphon with  some smoking over the knee Chloe boots.

 Photo Credits: George Butler Photography

Do check out her article in November's Upscale and of course her show "Still Standing" on BET  starting on Tuesday October 27 @ at 10 pm Eastern.

Fashiona on Haute.lanta Fashion Week® founder Layla K.

 "Fashion Week" is really a six week marathon of fashion shows that start in New York and end in Paris with many shows in both American and International markets. At the tail end of the New York shows, Atlanta was showcasing its fashion talent.  Haute.lanta, the official Atlanta Fashion Week,  is the brain child of self self-proclaimed “Entrefashionista,” Layla K.  BTW...Fashiona really loves that term.

Layla K. studied journalism before pursuing design and merchandising at San Francisco State University.  She was known for her enveloping pushing  work as a couture designer starting in  1998.  Having since retired as a couture designer, Layla K. lends her extensive fashion industry knowledge to produce Haute.lanta Fashion Week®   now in its fourth year.

 In addition to producing the annual show,  Layla K. is also committed to helping others by serving on the Board of Directors of the Positive Edge, a nonprofit organization, that provides career wardrobe for economically disadvantaged women.  She  mentored many youth interested in fashion careers.

Layla K. is the one of the very talented few that has been blessed with a creative and an equally business oriented side.  Her efforts have been recognized by the Atlanta community that she gives so much to. She was nominated for the 2008 Atlanta Entrepreneur of the Year and   Haute.lanta Fashion Week®  runway shows  were recorded and aired internationally by The Travel Channel for Samantha Brown’s Passport to Great Weekends (www.travelchannel.com).

 This year Fashiona was only  able to attend  Haute.lanta Fashion Week® for one night but will be certainly be back to see what Layla K. produces next year. 

Fashiona attends the Atlanta screening of Latino in America

Fashiona met her idol last night...Soledad O'Brien...true story.  She(Ms. O'Brien)  was wearing fishnets. Starstruck Fashiona,  had on a 3/4 sleeve black turtleneck and winter white slacks.


Where did this  miraculous meeting happen?  It occurred on Monday night when Fashiona  attended the screening of Latino in America at  Atlanta's Woodruff Arts Center.   The red wine was flowing and Fashiona sampled the best cubanos that she has had since her last trip to Miami.


The preview itself was 45 minutes and touched on the all the aspects of the documentary. One of more memorable parts of the night was the Garcia segment. Garcia is the eighth most common name in America; the documentary cleverly follows several families with the surname Garcia from all walks of life.

After the screening, Soledad moderated a panel with the final question being what should be explored in Latino in America 2.

 PHOTO CREDIT: Jeremy Freeman/CNN:

Left to Right: Millie Irizarry, CEO of the Latin America Association, Alex Garcia, NASCAR driver, Jerry Gonzalez, executive director of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials, Claudia Goffan, CEO of Target Latino,  Soledad O’Brien ,CNN anchor and special correspondent and Mark Nelson, vice president and senior executive producer of CNN Productions

Watch Latino in America starting tomorrow October 21 on CNN at  9 pm Eastern.

Compliments By Day event: Save the Date Oct 22,2009

Fashiona (like many of her readers) is trying to balance 2 jobs and her freelance work...some days just seem to go more smoothly than   others.  Anywhoo...she was at the boutique until after midnight prepping for the new store set and will make an appearance at the testosterone factory later this evening.

Fashiona did want to interrupt her Thursday Breast Cancer Awareness series to  let you know of an event coming up next week on Thursday October 22.  Her friends Tyree and O'Neal over at Archives,  sponsor of Fashion Fights Cancer NewYork/Atlanta, is putting on the first ever Compliments By Day event.

Archives in-house stylist the fabo Shay Baker is sharing some of her styling tips along with beauty and hair experts from 6-10pm at the 

CHIRBIT BUILDING
467 Edgewood Ave. NE
Atlanta GA 30312

Save the Date!

Barbara Campbell: a NY Jewelry Designer with global appeal

If you have been reading Fashiona for a while then you know she loves jewelry, real and of the costume variety.  She got her nose pierced a few months before her 30th birthday partly for spiritual reasons and partly because she wanted a piece of jewelry on her person  at all times.  For Fashiona wearing jewelry... is as natural as wearing lip gloss is for some women. 

For  Barbara Campbell of Barbara Campbell Accessories the love of elegance is in her blood.  Fashiona was able to meet the Cuban-American designer via  a series of e-mail chats. 

Alicia “aka” Fashiona: I see you are of Cuban descent and raised in Washington Heights.  How does your heritage influence your designs?

Barbara: My Cuban heritage and my Washington Heights upbringing has been a blessing. My mother, Fina, was born in Cuba and her twin sister, Neri, still lives there. My mother's fashion sense was passed on to me. She always emphasized elegance and simplicity, yet with the passion and sensuality  that comes from growing up on a Caribbean island. Her sense of rhythm also has influenced creativity,  as a seamstress, a hair designer and now as a jewelry designer. I think you feel the heat, and see the elegance in my designs.

Alicia “aka” Fashiona:  Si muy caliente!! How do you name each collection?

Barbara: I name pieces after family and friends, objects of desire, and the environment. Usually as a piece takes form, the inspiring object gives me the name.

Photo Credits: www.barbaracampbellnyc.com

From the Renaissance Collection

 

From the La Vida Collection

  

From the Renaissance Collection

 

Alicia “aka” Fashiona:  Companies that have established a good customer service record seem to doing better in these tough times.  Your website disclaimer says that you will repair any items that get broken  through “normal wear and tear.”  That commitment can be seen as great customer service… or a risky move.  What was your decision process and what you say to the naysayers?

Barbara:     As a consumer, I always appreciate good customer service, and a feeling that I am being treated as if I was a very special and unique individual. In my business, I try to convey to each customer their uniqueness  and that my designs are especially made with them in mind. I also want the customer to know that not only have I solely made the piece from beginning to end, but that I will be with them for the life of the jewelry. These pieces are like my children and I want to see them grow, graduate and have a life their own. I take great pride in the quality of my designs and the materials they are made from. I always stand by my pieces and the customer. I want the customer to know that, and I want them to come back whether it is just to chat, look at new designs, or purchase another piece. So far that strategy has paid off in satisfied customers, and a very good "word-of-mouth" reputation.

Alicia “aka” Fashiona: Your line is at several  boutiques.  Any plans to approach department stores?

Barbara: Right now I am in boutiques in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Hamptons. I like the fact that I have a one on one relationship with the owners and the salespeople, which is difficult in a department store. Also my pieces are one-of-a-kind, so a boutique is a much more appropriate setting.

Alicia “aka” Fashiona:  What is next for your company?

Barbara: I am currently designing a new collection with Rock Musicians in mind. I am also working on a new catalog for 2010. I hope to increase my presence in the Hamptons. I have just entered into an arrangement with Guild Hall Museum in East Hampton that I am very excited about.

Alicia “aka” Fashiona:  Sounds like you are making big moves and I wish you all the success in the world.  Thanks so much for chatting with me.


Barbara Campbell  Accessories is available on-line at www.barbaracampbellnyc.com and several boutiques in the New York area.  Click here for a complete listing of stores that carry Barbara Campbell Accessories.

Malia Mills NY  220 Columbus Ave. 70th St.  NYC  (212) 874.7200

Malia Mills  1031 Lexington Ave. 74th St. NYC  (212) 517.7485

Mongo  246 Smith St.  Brooklyn   (917) 671.7696

Therapy  77 Jobs Lane.  Southampton (631) 259.2555

Fashiona at the Atlanta " I can do bad all by myself" premier

Fashiona has been a busy girl as of late but she and her friend Mr. Baller ventured out to Atlantic Station to Tyler Perry's "I can do bad all myself."

Last night's crowd was pretty mellow but Fashiona did see some sights.  Eva Pigford was there looking lovely in a denim shirt dress, with fiance Lance Gross by her side.  Producer Roger Bobb  was  looking dapper as ususal.

Photo Credit: http://www.talkingwithtami.com/

From left to right: Roger Bobb, Eva Pigford, Lance Gross

And finally  ladies and gentlemen... presenting Little Richard's clone.  Fashiona thinks that it took 10 cans of aquanet, gel and maybe a foam form to achieve this...uhhh look!!

The movie itself  was pretty good.  Taraji Henson gives a great performance as a self-indulging songtress, April.  Mary J. Blige plays the tough love giving friend.  Adam Rodriguez's character teaches Miss April  about life, love and family.

Like all of Tyler Perry movies: You will laugh A LOT, tear up a little and leave feeling good.  "I can do bad by myself" opens on September 11.

Fashiona shops AJWright

Mr. Baller flocks to movie openings, Sis loves trying new spas...Fashiona loves store openings.

Last night Miss Fashiona was given $100 and 3 hours to shop AJWright in Lithonia, GA...a bit more than a hop, skip and a jump from downtown Atlanta but was well worth the trip down I-20. Once there, Fashiona could have blown her $100 on shoes alone because their collection was that great.





But she decided to use the one practical bone she has. Yes she has one...ok maybe two and decided to buy some gifts and some items for her under furnished apartment. 

So what does $100 buy... Fashiona style?:

1. Queen size sheets...green of course!
2. A shower curtain liner
3. A table for her entryway...perfect for setting her keys on
4. 3 baby gifts.. for a shower she is attending in September
5. A dress for a lucky little girl
   
6. A book that she will gift to someone
7. Blue strappy stilettos...super cute
8. Black Platform heels
9. A Black blouse...Yes Fashiona will be always be a New Yorker with all the necessary black!

Grand total=$98.32 including tax.


Find an AJWright near you.

Fashiona

Fashiona's Fall Wardrobe Updates via TJ Maxx and Marshalls

If you have been following Fashiona for awhile..then you know that she LOVES to shop but alas is on teeny weeny BUDGET courtesy of the recession and the mandate by Mr. Numbers (her ever nagging accountant). Today she had a reprieve due to her angel Victoria from RocketXL. The lovely Victoria sent shopping deprived Fashiona 2 gift cards a few weeks ago; one for TJ Maxx and one for Marshalls.

Fashiona did herself and Mr. Numbers proud. She found 3 great lovelies and had money left over to donate to TJ Maxx's charity Save the Children.

Photo Credit: Alicia "aka" Fashiona

Wallet and Scarf from TJ Maxx.


Photo Credit: Alicia "aka" Fashiona

Batik Dress by Lapis from Marshalls


Photo Credit: TJ Maxx


.... applause please!!!



Fashiona