July 2011

happenings

Making the Brand. Tips and advice for marketing You

July 29, 2011

Atlanta makeup artist and beauty expert, Mia “Mimi J” Johnson, spearheaded a beauty industry brunch at Marlee’s Coffee and Tea House in Atlanta. The consortium featured a panel of beauty and fashion industry entrepreneurs who offered insight into the industry as well as advice on effective ways to market your business and image.

I must say that the attendees were treated to a wonderfully informative discussion on the current state and direction of the fashion industry. The topics covered the essentials of becoming a beauty professional including self promotion, brand marketing and the importance of leveraging social media channels, defining beauty retrospectively, and the impact of the economy on the TV and film industries.

The discussion was facilitated by Mimi J, owner of P3 Lab who asked the panelist to give their perspective and experiences within the beauty industry.

Mimi J (center) and the panelists (left to right), Alexandra Butler, Evelyn Mims, Courtney Hammonds, Karin Lang, Synthe Maria, and Janelle Landgford

Panelists:

Synthe Maria, a Professional Airbrush Makeup Artist and educator, spoke about the importance of preparation and educating oneself on your prospective clients’ needs, and the value of working hard at your craft.

Courtney Hammonds, Fashion Director at the Art Institute of Atlanta, expressed the importance of recognizing beauty from the inside out, effective ways of defining ones image, as well as the value of your image as it relates to your business.

Alexandra Butler, a Professional Makeup Artist, discussed how she got her start in the makeup industry, her personal experiences within the industry, and how networking has played an integral part in her business’ success.

Evelyn Mims, Community Relations Specialist and Associate Producer at 11 Alive, emphasized humbling oneself and being patient within the process, as well as hard work and punctuality when fulfilling ones commitments.

Karin Lang, Branding and Graphics Specialist for Prospect Images, and owner of Adore Life Clothing Company, provided website and marketing tips and advice, and discussed how to leverage your business through social media marketing channels.

The event was coordinated and marketed by Janelle Landgford, publicist and Creative Director for Urban Suite PR, a public relations marketing firm.

During the discussion, the panelists recounted their individual experiences within the fashion and beauty industries, and I couldn’t help but reflect on my own personal testimony. Throughout this fabulous journey that I have been blessed with, I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of the most incredible women and men who’ve inspired me to fulfill my dreams… in Style!

In closing, Mimi stated that she will be conducting these types of networking events every quarter in an effort to continuously educate and empower women who are looking to brand themselves and their business.

Bravo!

happenings

The Envy of the party

July 27, 2011

WARNING: The following article contains an excessive amount of fashion related lingo such as chic, glam-packed, Fashionistas, and fabulosity, just to name a few…And that’s just in the first paragraph! Enjoy!

ATL's fashion bloggers converge at Envy's Boutique

The Fashionistas of the ATL converged on Envy’s Pretty Party and Boutique in Little Five Points for their 1st annual Fashionable Atlanta Bloggers Meetup. And, with over 40 of Atlanta’s top fashion bloggers in attendance, this Fashionpalooza was destined to be a night of glam-packed fabulosity wrapped in chicness. (Hey, I tried to warn ya!) 😀

Fab styles to Envy

Envy’s Boutique, with its eclectic, super chic ambiance and decorum, played the consummate host to this FAB event as we enjoyed mini-makeovers, a photo shoot, shopping, a nail bar, and swag bags that were to die for. Take me now!!!

There were so many cameras flashing that it felt like we were in the midst of a paparazzi frenzy at some gala event. And, let me tell you that the divas of the fashion blogosphere were all glammed up in the hautest trends, and showing why they are the “je ne sais quoi” of fashion and style.

The Fashionistas strike a pose. Great event ladies!

Eboni Hudson (aka The Fashionista Next Door) coordinated the event with the help of Jai Marie of Southern Fashionality, Charee Lenee’ at chareelenee.com, Priscilla Brown, Redd Gadling of Sadiddy Magazine, and Breck Bennett of Fashion Without Guilt. It was great to meet and network with my fellow bloggettes for a fun night which included door prizes, giveaways, and many more surprises.

Cakepops Anyone?

Did someone say cupcakes?

Cupcake Genie provided the dainty delicacies which featured miniature cupcakes in the shape of lollipops called “cakepops”. Dee-lish!!! So, the question is…How many licks did it take to get to the center of a cakepop? Hmmm…After the first bite I stopped counting. 😀

Check out all these swag bag goodies

Ok, so the swag bags where like mini “spas in a bag”. Each contained goodies such as China Glaze nail polish, discount coupons for Steve Madden and Charming Charlie (one of my fav places for jewelry) , beauty care products from Aneka’s Butter, fab tights by We Love Colors, facial cleanser by Bambola Beauty, body bars by Danaes Creations, and we each received a free pair of shoes from Sole Society (Yeah!!!). It goes without saying that those babies will be a welcome addition to my ever-expanding shoe collection.

The event was a “Success In Style”! And, I must say that it was nice to finally meet some of my BFF’s (Blog Fab Fashionistas), as well as meeting all the other style mavens of the fashion blogosphere.

Jilene Coggins owner of Envy's Boutique and Nikka Shae

I was especially honored to meet one of my fashion mentor’s, celebrity stylist Jilene Coggins, who is also the owner of Envy’s Boutique. It was a crazy happenstance because I used to faithfully watch Jilene’s weekly TV show The Envy Life when I lived in Houston …crazy huh? I would tune in to pick up a few tidbits of fashion advice from Jilene and get the latest dish on celebrity styles; all the while I’d get a glimpse into the Atlanta fashion scene. I’m certain that I raised my Fashion-IQ a few digits because of her show. 😀

You can check out past Envy Life episodes on Envy Boutique’s YouTube channel here.

As the event ended we all felt enthusiastic and motivated about what was “in store” for fashion, as well as getting back to what we do best…blogging about any and everything fabulous.

So, Watch Out World! The Fashionistas are on a mission to make you over… and into the Envy of the party!

Nikka Shae-The Undercover Socialite

happenings

No shoe left behind…

July 23, 2011

Great shoes for a great cause

It was “All Divas on Deck” as the 1st annual Heeling Diabetes Shoenista Auction kicked off its charitable event at Shula’s Atlanta, and I must say it was definitely one to remember. The Heeling Diabetes Shoenista Auction is a shoe and accessory silent auction benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation which is the leading charitable funder and advocate of type 1 (juvenile) diabetes research worldwide. Guests were educated on the efforts that the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) has made to help find a cure for this devastating disease; as well some guests shared their personal experiences and how they’ve coped with diabetes in theirs and their families lives.

The Shoenistas were out in full force to bid on a smorgasbord of womens shoe styles that would send anyone to the nearest asylum if faced with the decision to choose just one pair. It was an amazing evening of fun, food, entertainment, networking, education, and of course there were all of those fabulous shoes and accessories that were auctioned off for a great cause.

Fab shoes on display to the highest bidder

The shoes were donated for auction by stores such as Macy’s, Nordstrom, Nine West, Bakers, and K&G to name a few, as well guests were presented with a beautiful assortment of accessories to match. Other sponsors and volunteers to note are Images by Patrick & Carline, Crystyles Boutique, Walking Model, Pretty Feet, LA Lynn’s Jewelry Shop, Kingdom Klothes who provided fabulously bejeweled tees, Unique Faces Studio had the ladies all glammed up, Kustom Kreations and Elbee Emagery captured the event in photo, and LA Bonds Studios provided the videography.

Nikka Shae with Nye Bowen of Eventista Productions and Nadia Mathews of Grace & Peace Productions

The event was hosted by Nye Bowen of Eventista Productions and Nadia Mathews of Grace & Peace Productions. And, I must applaud both Nye and Nadia who were gracefully cool under pressure considering they were in the midst of several bidding wars. 😀

Fab shoes being served

During the auction, the shoes were paraded through the crowd on a crystal platter as if they were hors’devours being served before a grand meal. And, I deliberately skipped “lunch” at Saks so that I would have an appetite when the bidding began. 😀

Nikka Shae showing off her prized picks for the eve

Ok, now I must admit that I have a pretty extensive collection of heels so much so that it would humble Imelda Marcos and make her blush with envy. Lets just say I’ve often been referred to as the “Shoe de Grâce” because I show no mercy when I’m rockin my stilettos; or, more affectionately known as “The Roberta Flack of Peep Toes” because of my knack for “killing them softly” whenever I wear my heels. 😀

Throughout the event I met some wonderful women of all walks who gave generously of their time and service, and I felt honored and privileged to be a part of such a great cause as we have all experienced the effects of diabetes whether directly or indirectly.

And as the night ended, we departed knowing that because of our contributions and support, we touched the lives of those affected by this disease; and no shoe was left behind. 😀

Nikka Shae-The Undercover Solcialite

Photos courtesy of: Kustom Kreations and Elbee Emagery

Check out this cool video slideshow of the event along with more photos.

style setter

Chic looks for cheap

July 13, 2011

Hey all my fellow Fashionista’s!

Recently a friend asked if I could write an article for all the Divas out there who want that chic celebrity look, but don’t have a celebrities budget to pull it off. A fab look for a “Discount Diva” or a “Babe on a Budget” OR (my fav) “Chic for Cheap”. 😀

And, let’s face it ladies; times are tight these days, BUT we shouldn’t let our sense of fashion suffer because of it.

So, as I was on my way out to lunch for a quick bite, I pit stopped at the Goodwill store to see what hidden treasures I could find. YES, the Goodwill! I’m sure you’ve heard of it. It’s the place where you can find designer garments without the designer prices.

Jessica Alba in her Miu Miu shades

You will NEVER guess what I found.

A pair of 70’s retro shades that are similar to these Miu Miu beauties that Jessica Alba has been spotted wearing.

Nikka Shae rockin these Miu Miu inspired shades

Now, you may want to be sitting down and/or within fainting distance of something soft when I tell you how much I paid for these bad boys. Take a wild guess… Give up?

Total price = $1.81

Don’t worry…I’ll wait a moment while the EMT’s administer CPR. 😀

In case you don’t know about these super HOT accessories, Miu Miu shades easily go for $150.00 or more at any high fashion store.

Hmmm….Looks like I’ll be paying the thrift stores another visit in the near future. 😀

So, while you’re out and about looking for the perfect piece to finish your fab look, AND, your credit card is screaming “No Mas!”, you should have a little mercy on it by dropping into your local thrift shop for a spell. You never know what hidden gems you’ll find there.

etc, etc

Haute Off the Press!

July 11, 2011

The ultra trendy and artsy district of Castleberry Hill played host to an interesting art exhibit called “The Fashion Newsstand – Subscribe!” by acclaimed pop-culture artist Leann Marie Zafuto. The exhibit, on display at the Emerging Art Scene gallery by host/owner Denise Leitch Jackson, showcased Leann’s work in mixed media where she manipulates print magazine covers and images to create layered collages using acrylic, oil, spray paint, and resin appliqué techniques to transform them into fashionable works of art.

Denise Leitch Jackson of Emerging Art Scene gallery

Waste Not Want More by Leann Marie Zafuto

So, upon entering the Emerging Art Scene gallery, I was immediately drawn to the “Waste Not Want More” piece. Ok, imagine this…Chanel couture on canvas, bespeckled with black and white flecks, with acrylic brush strokes abstractly interpreted using paint daubes and splatter effects. Ultra chic, right! It was definitely a beautiful collision of modern art and high fashion. Bravo Leann! I could easily picture (pun intended) any of her works hanging on the wall of any ultra fab boutique… and/or my living room wall (of course). 😀

Leann showing off her fab neckwear

Upon speaking with Leann I could immediately sense her passion and love for art and how she seamlessly marries it with fashion. And just as her work suggests, Leann is definitely “Changing the art of fashion”.

Oh, and who can forget that super-FAB necklace she was wearing! 😉

These works draw you in and refuse to let go

Leann successfully blends art and couture in a “Warhol-esque” manner. The works in this showcased collection seemed to leap off the facade with an in-your-face-like bravado that grabs your attention and takes your imagination on an intense visual ride. Her use of modern magazine covers, urban landscapes, and fashion images, abstractly resemble ripped and torn high fashion garments that begged to be worn with a pair of Alexander McQueen stilettos. The “Fashion Newsstand” collection is an ode to edgy fashion magazines such as Elle, Vogue, Bizaar, Vanity Fair, and the like. And, while the collection plays on a kindred theme, each piece distinctly stands on its own.

Leann blends chic with canvas

Now I’m no art critic by any stretch of the imagination, but “Fashionista Extraordinaire” is a badge that I proudly wear 😀 …and, I know FAB when I see it!

Leann’s work will become a welcome addition to my art collection…And, if you’re ever in the Castleberry Hill area and/or looking for some sizzling abstract art to add to your “Glam-pad”, you should check out Leann Zafuto’s work and her latest collection “The Fashion Newsstand – Subscribe!” while it’s still on display at Emerging Art Scene.

It’s definitely “Haute” off the press!

style setter

The “New” Cool

July 1, 2011

“Your style is so capashi!”

So, what is capashi you might ask? Well, capashi was a term used in the 70’s which means bitchin’ or BAD! (in a good way of course) or more commonly associated with just being “cool”.

Coposhi co-owners and visionaries, Russell Wyche and Eric Love

You remember the 70’s, right? With its bold fashion forward styles like the platform shoes, miniskirts, and bell bottom pants. The music; with its synthesized disco tracks that made you wanna get down and “Boogie Oogie Oogie”, to love ballads like Donny Hathaway’s classic serenade to his lady in a “Song for You”. And who can forget the infamous afros. Yes! If you were born in the 70’s you had some variation of an afro at some point…thankfully most were by accident (at least that’s what my mother told me about mine). 😐

The 70’s were a movement. A movement in establishing ones identity. A movement in defining ones individual style.

So, let’s fast forward some 40+ years later only to find that the vibe from an era gone by; an era that redefined a generation, is still going strong. But, now its moniker is of a “sexy cool style”…or “Coposhi” (pronounced: Ka-PAH-SHEE).

Coposhi is a fashion convergence of old school moxie blended with new school swag. Coposhi is a refreshing take on the concept that style is not defined by fashion…but, each individual defines his/her own style. Can you dig it!? 😎

Nikka Shae with Coposhi co-owner Eric Love

Recently I was invited to an event at Coposhi’s swanky boutique in Buckhead for the grand unveiling of their latest installment of men’s apparel, dubbed KSINO. The KSINO line is an ode to the gamblers lifestyle with queues borrowed from Vegas-like symbolism and metaphors. And just like Las Vegas, Coposhi is an “oasis” in the desert of style. Coposhi looks to distinguish itself from the cookie-cutter fashions that seem to fade into the landscape as quickly as they emerge. Coposhi defines itself as the “avant-garde” of cool, with swag that rise from the horizon like a phoenix in flight.

Shirts artfully displayed like Picasso's

Upon entering Coposhi, I was immediately drawn to their clothing displays which adorned the walls like abstract art. And after speaking to co-owners’ Eric Love and Russell Wyche about the Coposhi concept, I could easily sense their passion and attention to detail, and it was evident all around the store. From their chic selection of women’s apparel, to the ultra “swag-ulous” men’s collection, Coposhi seemed to hit on all cylinders. This two level boutique carries ultra-stylish men’s and women’s fashions from dressy to casual, along with trendy accessories to finish any look.

Avant-garde fashion on full display

On the first floor, there’s a shoe bar that boasts everything from stilettos to sneakers, and while there are plenty of high-end fashions to be found, there’s something for every budget. And, they confidently boasts about their in-house tailoring service which can transform your newly acquired purchases AND any items right out of your own closet into exclusive one-offs.

So, just like their name implies, COOL is back! This time it’s wrapped in sexy style.

Making the Brand. Tips and advice for marketing You

The Envy of the party

No shoe left behind…

Chic looks for cheap

Haute Off the Press!

The “New” Cool

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