I am officially back and haven’t forgotten about you guys.  I’ve been back in Tennessee for 2 weeks now and I am still getting myself adjusted…trying to turn off my city brain and get back into my southern girl state of mind.

In the coming months I will be working on making the AfroChic Lifestyle an original brand, and a part of this process will be me getting my creative on, and really focusing on the areas that I feel scream AfroChic.

One part of the business that I am hoping to get going first is a line of homemade hand canned goodies. So in prep I am taking a Canning Class at the Cohn Adult Learning Center in West Nashville.

A big part of my being back in my city is really and truly discovering everything Nashville has to offer.  There are so many hidden gems and resources in this city so a fun part of the process will also be rediscovering all the great things this city has to offer.

So there are more pics from my Adventures in Pickling after the Jump and my OOTD for the class as well. You know me!

This is Russell the instructor.  He is a pretty funny guy and fairly new to the canning game.  (I’m not new just refreshing my memory as I have a mom an a granny who have canned religiously.) After he realized I was photographing the class he began setting up shots and posing. Hilarious!

He also rocks a mean Cowboy Boot!

 The first class was simply to just learn the basics of canning and to watch his process.  Cohn Learning Center has a Fig Tree and Grape Vines on their campus which we are both using in this class.  Grape Leaves act as a firming agent for the pickles and well Figs are simply delicious and can be pickled/jammed as well.

Concord Grapes, they were super sweet!

Figs, Grapes, and Catnails (which need to be re-painted)

Pickling Cucumbers

Pickling Spice

Grape Leaves and Ball Jars

pickle spears

Bubbles releasing has the jars seal

Russel bought some of his pickles for us to sample

they were a bit on the salty side but we had been warned that he was still tweaking his recipe. Next class we will begin out own recipes and I am starting with Pickled Green Tomatoes!!!

and here’s what I wore.

This dress was one of the first that was a part of Targets Go International Program. It might be the Proenza Schouler Line but I’m unsure and this was before they started tagging with the Designer’s name.   Winter 2007

Shoes Aldo Silver Tipped Flats

Skinny Patent Leather Belt H&M

Oversized Hoops Dots Fashions

Silver Statement Ring F21

Malcolm X Specs Target

So I should have posts coming more regularly now. I need to setup a photography layout for my OOTD posts, I’ve got to move my photos out of cell phone land and into the land of real cameras if I really want for my style to be noticed and effective.  So baby steps but I promise I am getting there.

I would love to know what summer projects you are taking on this summer.  How are you continuing that thirst for knowledge while having fun at the same time?

BespokeCurry

AfroChic Lifestyle

TheNeoAfroe

BodyLove

Carrying Africa with me Daily

Happy Hump Day, Ya’ll!

Just a quick post as I have two events today.

Dress H&M and I did a little DIY on it

Hat F21

Bow Specs Vendor Eastern Market DC

White SeaHorse Sandal Miss Trish for Target

Purse KimChi Blue via UrbanOutfitter

Strawberry Earring Divided by H&M

FYI I absolutely love this whole ensemble!

The  Old School Stawberry Candies were my Inspiration for this ‘Fit

Happy Saturday, Love!

BespokeCurry

The NeoAfro

AfroChic Lifestyle

BodyPositive

Carry Africa With me Daily

Today is my last day in the office, but I still have to work this weekend. The true celebration will begin on Sunday. I’m sure here is where I am supposed to say how BitterSweet this, but it’s not, my leaving DC will be bittersweet and leaving all my hard work with SunFest, but not leaving this job, the atmosphere, the people, the toxicity not gonna miss it at all.   They are throwing me a going away lunch and so I am playing along. I am still waiting for that moment when I can finally exhale and I don’t think it will be until I officially cross the Tennessee State Line!

I am loving this statement necklace that I got from H&M (shown above)

Be sure to click after the jump for the rest of today’s OOTD and details!

Dress Gap 2008?

This dress hit at a really weird length when I purchased it which is a problem I have sometime with Gap so of course I chopped the hem. But I love love the Rackerback on this dress and it makes me Busties look lovely, and this is one of the few dresses I can rock without a bra and I mean a FEW!  Oh and there are pockets, in general I think every piece of clothing should come with some sort of pockets, they are such clever things.

Sandals Poetic Licence via Piperlime 2009

Necklace H&M Summer 2012

Black Rhinestone Studs Divided by H&M Summer 2012

Rings and Bracelets Miscellaneous

Vintage Coco Chanel Leopard Print Bag via My Mommy (One of my most prized possessions)

Anyone have anything fun planned for the weekend? I’ll be working and packing and still trying to get rid of all the stuff I have …grrrrrr

Happy Weekend Kings and Queens!

BespokeCurry

The NeoAfro

AfroChic Lifestyle

BodyPositive

Carrying Africa with me Daily

]]> http://bespokecurry.wordpress.com/2012/06/21/currynoootdbutbcardsinsteadcurls/ Thu, 21 Jun 2012 16:48:23 +0000 BespokeCurry http://bespokecurry.wordpress.com/2012/06/21/currynoootdbutbcardsinsteadcurls/

No OOTD today cause the weather is set to hit 101 and I’m in a funky mood…

but here’s a couple of BCards(BespokeCards) as I work to develop my styling skills.

Be sure to let me know your thoughts.

BookClub Boss

Daytime Disco Queen

A Tribe Called Queen

But the teeny little super guy is helping me to Wooosaaaaaaaaa

BespokeCurry

The NeoAfro

AfroChic Lifestyle

BodyPositive

Carrying Africa with me Daily

You know what time it is! Pretty sure the weather went from pleasant to hell overnight.  I am not complaining I would rather have heat than cold, but sheeesh can you ease me into it just a bit.  Guess not, out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Click after the jump for the details on my Toucan Ma’am OOTD 

I love having fun and funky pieces in my closet.  The fact that I can wear this little vest with cute pair of mid-heels and then switch into my green chucks as needed and still feel AfroChic, is the kind of versatility I love.

True story I own probably more heels than I care to share about but they get little play these days. I’ am a producer and I need to be able to be flawless and functional all in one.  I love a pair of fierce heels but am no longer interested in the pain that comes along with.

I need to be functional during the day and not worrying about where I can find the nearest seat.  I would  like to invest in more mid-heels.  They still give you that long and lean feeling of heels with the functionality that a working woman like me needs. The pair I am wearing in this post I’ve had for more than a few years and this is my first time wearing them… sad I know, but there’s plenty of stuff in my wardrobe that just has to wait its turn, but this is also a prime example of how if you invent in the right pieces for your wardrobe you will be able to use them even as trends change.

Toucan Sweater Vest Dorothy Perkins Winter 2010

Belt H&M Spring 2012

Camel Patent Leather Mid Heel Pumps H&M Winter 2009

Orange Slice Stud Earrings and Yellow Lucite Divided by H&M

Orange Bracelets Aldo and Miscellaneous

Yep still photo app addicted!

This was done is Pixlr-O-Matic

Happy Wednesday Dope People!

BespokeCurry

TheNeoAfro

BodyPositive

Afrochic Lifestyle

Carrying Africa with Me Daily

Tuesday’s OOTD and I’m still rockin my No Makeup Face just some mascara and gloss.  Another reason I’ll be happy to get back to Tennessee,  I had issues with my skin when I lived on the West Coast, and issues on the East Coast though not as many, and as much as I complain about the HumidSouth my hair and skin act best under those circumstances.

Click after the jump for more details on today’s ‘Fit and also a Natural Hair Quick Tip for easy texture.  I’m planning on getting back into the habit of doing more posts on natural hair, these posts just require more time and effort and will be easier for me to do once I am back home!

Here lately as I continue on my natural hair journey, I have really been evaluating the obsession with “well-defined” curls and length.  It seems we go from one extreme to the next and keep finding ways to divide ourselves within a movement that clearly has the ability to bring us back together as a community.  ”Undefined curls now suddenly means your hair in  unkept and ragged, and well if you rock a TWA you’re just at the beginning of the process and it will get better once you have more length.

These responses are ALL WRONG .  I honestly am in awe of the diversity that you find amongst women of color and our curls locks and it bothers me that the default on the majority  of the natural hair blogs I see out there, and  yes I mean the majority, are all focused on Long Hair.  Actions speak louder than words plain and simple, and while blogs cover women who have Big Chopped, the majority of the photos posted and praised are of women with long hair, rockin twist outs, or roller sets etc.

What about the fierce women out there who are rocking TWA’s as a permanent option? Or the women who hate twist-outs etc. and the maintenance that come with aka Solange.  Who I respect more than anything for basically telling those “whoever they think they ares” to F off in so many words.

I am disgusted by the actions of some of our Black Women, it makes me furious, cause these were the same girls who when I was rockin my natural back in high school told me I looked like a slave girl because I wore two french braids with ribbons tied to them.  I honestly have room for this kind of ignorance.  We have so much further to go and while Natural Hair is the amazing movement that it is, this to me proves that there are still people out there still rockin their Natural Hair with a  Relaxed Hair mentality.

I  too struggle with the excess of “long hair well define curls” same images. This time last summer I had shoulder-length curls.  But why am I so consumed with long, sleek, defined hair? Plain and simple it is not the way my hair grows, and I couldn’t be happier about it.  I understand completely that for some women Natural Hair has been the gateway to long hair because they’ve seen their hair grow in ways that they didn’t think was possible, but that doesn’t excuse looking down on another person because their curls may be undefined or short.  This is exactly what the masses/media wants us to do though, and it already happening.

The obsession with looking for products that will give you the most definition, finding inspiration only in the photos of girls with long, define curls… on an on the cycle goes…but are you bold enough to break that cycle?

The next time you go to make and snarky comment about someone’s natural hair, stop, think about why, ask them about their hair if you are confused or don’t understand, compliment them, celebrate them, but can’t keep dividing. Make a conscious effort to love us, all of us, if not for yourself, for the future of our community.

Before

Ok so major rant above back to my Natural Hair Quick tip.  I said all of that to say that I am challenging myself to not be so obsessed with definition, or the perfect product for definition.  I just wanna let my curls be who they be.  So twist outs are great and most of the women I see doing them are rocking them for protective styling but also leaving them in for weeks at a time to get that definition.

So I am switching from completely defined curls and hoping just to highlight my texture.  I love when my hair is a mish mush of everything define, undefined, chunky, fluffy …

• One way that I do this is first thing when I am up in the morning before I show I head to the bathroom and put in two flat twists and do some finger coils on dry hair (pictured above).
• When done I spray with a curls refresher and my fav oil blend. Then I continue with the morning.
• I get in the shower, no shower cap, I like to let the steam invade my curls.
• Once I am dressed and have done everything I need to for the morning before heading out the door I untwist my hair and run through my finger coils.
• Depending on the day I leave my hair it the state above from 45 mins – 2 hours. 

After. You can see all kind of texture in my hair from coils that didn’t get completely pulled apart to different fluffy bits and pieces! Me loves!

Now for the OOTD

Over-sized T-Shirt Dress H&M Winter/Spring 2010

Necklace F21

Spiked Stud Earring Fashion To Figure

Silver Dipped White Flats Aldo

Bracelets Miscellaneous

Fun Shot from Yesterday’s OOTD

Love, Peach, and AfroChic

BespokeCurry

The NeoAfro

I hope that everyone had a great Father’s Day weekend! I wasn’t able to be home with my family but of course I still felt the love. Sent a ComicBook Card off to my dad because well he the reason why Im such and AfroGeek anyway.  His comic book collection as a kid was borderline obsessive and well he was really into the Black Comic Heroes which was even more exciting to me, and well it still excites me today. I’m sad when I ask little Black kids about Black Comic Book characters and all I get is Storm from X-Men.

I am less than 10 days away from heading back to Tennessee and well I can’t say that I’ve packed much of anything.  I’ve put most of the items up in my apartment for sale, I’ve sold a few pieces but I need to sell much more!

I am so happy to be headed home and yet the fancy mix of emotions I am experiencing is getting on my nerves.

So this is just a round-up of my the weekends OOTD’s and whatever other little bits and piece of me I can find to throw in.

Be sure to click after the jump!

So I have already posted this OOTD but I entered in it Africa Fashion Week Los Angeles’ contest to win tickets to the year’s Africa Fashion Week in August.

A little shameless plug for self! But I would be most appreciative if you could go and vote for me, and If you have already voted, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!

Just look for the pic above and hit the “Like” Button, and while you’re at it if you like the blog and my AfroChic Lifestyle you might also want to like my Facebook Page 

Shameless Plug now Complete!

Saturday’s AfroChic OOTD

Black and Turquoise Tribal Short Shorts Gap Summer 2011

Light Pink Sheer Racer Back Blouse H&M Summer 2011

Black Leather Criss Cross Sandals Urban Outfitters Summer 2008

Wood Drop Earrings SunFest Vendor Jah2

Animal Tooth Tribal Necklace F21

Bracelets F21 (Peacock Feather), Miscellaneous, Pink and Blue Handmade Ghanaian (SunFest 2012 Vendor), and my Bugs Off Bracelet from my June CurlBox. The Bugs-Off bracelet is a must have for everyone’s summer adventures.  I Googled the bracelet and while I didn’t find the exact brand I have there are lots of them.  I am actually looking into these and seeing if this might be a DIY project I can do, they do come in various colors, but I would love to make some that look like a new dope addition to your wrist party ensembles.

a close up of the pattern on the shorts.

Arm Party, Wrist Party, Bangle Swag!

Saturday Relaxin, I spent most of the day in the house, waiting on folks to come over and buy stuff. I have to say I’ve met more interesting people in my last few months here in DC than my entire two years here. Isn’t that how it always happens?

Scored some more awesome photo apps. RetroGram, PolyFrame, and FilterMania 2.

Finally found some apps that allow you to collage one photo into multiple frames.

If you haven’t noticed another way that I carry Africa with me daily is through my love of all things bright, patterned, tribal, anything that speaks to me that lends itself to our traditions of being a bright, bold, and regal people!

Picked up some steals from the one and only Forever Twenty-One. Everything I bought this time around was from the straight sizes. One tip I have for women of all sizes is to try it on. US sizing is so off anyway, stop looking at the tags and trust your gut instinct.  You never know what kind of awesome pieces you may come across.

This burnt orange sweater I purchased with cut-out shoulders is probably my steal purchase of the weekend.  I always look for distinct pieces that look high-end even if they’re really not!  Most of time in F21 it means you’re going to need to try it on, cause there are some items that look cheap on the hanger but once your body you get a different effect and vice versa.

As I said I missed out on Father’s Day Seafood Lunch in Tennessee but I’m not the only one who loves to take pictures in my family, so I felt as if I was there.

The Bestie is also super geeked I’ll be home cause this is the first time we’ve been back in the same city since undergrad!

Great things are on the horizon for the both of us as we prepare to undergo our first business venture together.

and finally we have today’s AfroChic OOTD

It’s a rainy Monday and I was up early and just really grabbed the first things that came into mind.

Black and White Stripe Oxford Old Navy (its really old)

Black Mesh Cut-Out Leggings Asos Curve Winter 2009

Silver Peep Toe White Flats Aldo Spring 2010

Malcom X Specs Target Spring/Summer 2012

Bracelets Miscellaneous

MudCloth, Arm Gathering(not quite a party), Mesh Cut-Out Leggings.

Happy Monday my Kings and Queens!

Stay AfroChic  and don’t forget to love your body and to encourage someone to do the same!

BodyPositive

BespokeCurry

TheNeoAfro

]]> http://bespokecurry.wordpress.com/2012/06/15/currypattern-mixingootdcurls/ Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:26:57 +0000 BespokeCurry http://bespokecurry.wordpress.com/2012/06/15/currypattern-mixingootdcurls/

So here’s the deal.  I LOVE PATTERN MIXING.  There are so many different way to put together an outfit that involves really paying attention to the details.  I often do this sometimes without even realizing. Funny thing is when I was in High School I wanted everything to match perfectly, which makes me cringe today.

So even when I pattern mix I still try to find some sort of theme. I’ve got plenty of tribal patterns in my closet. In this OOTD I am playing around with geometric shapes (triangles specifically here) Which  you can see echoed in the top, shorts, and sandals!

Tips for Pattern Mixing

• Pair a Large Print and Small Print
• Find a Theme. It can be based on color, shapes, design, or whatever your creative minds finds.  The clothes you wear should be a reflection of you.
• Don’t think about it, if you are too worried about mixing the wrong patterns, close your eyes and pick, then try pulling the outfit together with accessories.

Pattern Mixing is def one of my signatures, what is a signature look for you?

Cropped Top F21 Summer 2011 I DIY Chopped to make it Cropped

Shorts originally Target Jumpsuit Spring 2010. I chopped the halter top off it has an shirred elastic waist which made it an easy snip and no need for sewing.

Oversized Brown Leather Belt Target (some years ago)

Rhinestone Sandals Target Summer 2007

H&M Zebra Pouch (yes I am pretty much wearing this with everything)

I am so in LOVE with the re-usable bags that F21 is selling.  They are only $1.50 and they come in so many different patterns. I’ve actually DIY’d one and made it into a clutch. Guess I should do a post about that. Either way they are a great steal,  and if you’ve always got too many things to carry with you they are convenient too!

Hammered Bronze Earrings (quite possible my all time fav pair) F21

Bracelets all miscellaneous

Malcolm X Specs Eastern Market Vendor DC

Happy Weekend Beautiful People!

BespokeCurry

TheNeoAfro

AfroChic Lifestyle

Carrying Africa with me Daily

In Jr. High I swore off yellow, it seemed like every time I wore anything yellow folks would comment on how I looked sick, I didnt get it then, but now I know its about the shade of yellow.  Either way Yellow is probably one of my fav colors for 2012. The Neons are crazy popular right now and I love them too but Im not a fan of looking like the rest of the crowd.  For me especially in a season where something might be trendy even if I like the trend I always aim to find different way to play around and also to make the trend my own.

How do you find a balance between trendy and your own style?

Get the Outfit Details after the Jump!

Yellow & White Polka Dot Blouse Old Navy Spring 2012

White Linen Drawstring Pants Old Navy Summer 2009

Yellow Sandals Old Navy Summer 2010

iPad Holder Threads of Change-

“proceeds from each sale of our one-of-a-kind handmade cases, bags and accessories help support the Manya Krobo Queen Mothers Association. Their motto: “Every Child Is Our Child.”" This case is one of the ways that I carry Africa with me Daily, my mom and I both have one and I plan to invest in another at some point in time.

Zebra Pouch Spring/Summer 2012

Bangles/Braceleets Miscellaneous

Earrings Akente Express(Denver, CO)

Don’t forget to love your Body just the way it is!

Happy Weekend King’s and Queens!

BespokeCurry

TheNeoAfro

AfroChic Lifestyle

Just a quick little something about todays OOTD. Its inspired by the South African Necklace that was gifted to me by one of my SunFest2012 Vendors.

Tank Mini Dress H&M Spring/Summer 2012

Tribal Look Chevron Cardigan F21 Spring/Summer 2012

Multi Snake Skin Platform Shoes BCBG Winter 2009

Zebra Pouch H&M

Leatherette Fringe Earrings F21

Bangles Miscellaneous

Let me know your thoughts, and what pieces inspire you to trying new and daring outfit ideas?

BespokeCurry

TheNeoAfro

AfroChic Lifestyle

]]> http://bespokecurry.wordpress.com/2012/06/12/currysunfestmadnessootdcurls/ Tue, 12 Jun 2012 18:09:39 +0000 BespokeCurry http://bespokecurry.wordpress.com/2012/06/12/currysunfestmadnessootdcurls/

The past week of my life has pretty much been a whirlwind of activity and I couldn’t have done it without the folks in the pic to the left. I have to admit that I have some awesome friends who are there for me when I need them most.  SunFest 2012 would have been a no go if it wasnt for Spoon, Coco, and Madame CJ(not pictured)

So this post will have a few of my OOTD’s for the past week and also some goodies that were gifted to me by some of my fabulous vendors!

Check out more after the jump!

OOTDs for the next few weeks probably won’t be of the best quality. I’m about to begin the process of packing so I can get back to Tennessee at the end of this month which means mirror pic, ah well, you’ll get the jist. Once I’m home though we should be back in action.

Its rainy today but still humid and warm so I adjusted appropriately.

Cropped Tank F21 Spring 2012

High Waist Leggings American Apparel

Combat Boots Steve Madden Winter 2009

Faux Bow Specs (I LOVE THESE) Eastern Market Vendor DC

Black Rhinestone Studs F21

This is what I wore out to lunch yesterday with the fab folks above before getting BSpoons to the airport.

Dress F21 Spring 2012

Oversized Wood Earring Jah2 SunFest2012 Vendor (Philly Based)

Black Beaded Necklace (2) H&M

Bangles Miscellaneous

Wood Ring F21

Zebra Pouch H&M Spring 2012

Black Leather/Metallic Sandals Gap Summer 2011

SunFest2012 was a raving mad success and while the day was exhausting I couldn’t be more proud and satisfied.

My McLoud9 Original turned out awesome and I can tell you the amount of comments I got on the bustier top and skirt.

The 3rd pic is Water Mother one of the big puppets that is used in the opening procession  and last is one of our favorite performance groups Roda Movements doing their Capoeira Demonstration!

Purchased from Jah2 a Philly based vendor who participated in SunFest 2012.  I saw these from afar and knew I had to have them.  They are huge and well when it comes to earrings for me, the bigger, the better!

This is authentic Ghanaian Beaded Jewelry that was gifted to me. Love love love!

authentic South African Beaded Necklace made in Soweto Gifted.

And of course I snagged some delicious shea butter from Berry Butter, LLC.

I got Zanzibar which is HoneyDew Scented and Zanzibar which is a men’s musk but it smells delicious on women too.

All in all I scored some great items and Im still rockin my AfroChic Lifestyle carring Africa with me in any and everything that I do, not just how I dress. I know I still owe further definition on the AfroChic Lifestyle and I promise it is coming soon.

Either way I love snagging one of a kind items at festivals and other unique events, and its a great way to diversify and personalize your wardrobe.  What are some of your fav one of a kind pieces?

Until then have a Dope week my Beautiful People!

BespokeCurry

The NeoAfro

The heat is back after a few chilly days which means no more last minute OOTD changes.  Its always a goal of mine to step  up my pants game simply because I don’t like pants.  I love alot of the new trousers and peg leg style pants that Ive been seeing. The work well for us less hippy Queens. Today’s OOTD is hopefully a step in that direction, let me know your thoughts? And don’t forget to Love your Body today, flaws, fineness, and all. More details after the jump!

White Linen Top (with POCKETS)  SoCal Boutique 2010

 Cuffed Peg Leg Light Blue PinStripe Pants Gap Spring 2010

(These pants are a 14 and usually snug its was night to have them fit just right today, but I wouldve made them work too snug too, more for me to love)

Straw Fedora Hat Target Spring 2012 $3.98 on Clearance

Nude Patent Leather Sandals Gap Spring 2010

Straw Bag with Gray Stripe Old Navy Summer 2011

Wooden Bangle Miscellaneous

Wooden Ring & Feather Earrings F21

How do you encouraged someone else to love their body just the way it is?

Ive been playing around with some new Photo Apps on the iPad. Be sure to check out Snapseed, Phonto both used to edit these photos.  What are some of your favorite photo apps?

Love the back of the shirt sorry for the crappy shot.  Also lets have a brief moment on strapless bras.  Being a busty chick Im  pretty serious about my bra game and well it seems no matter how hard I try strapless bras are a joke. If it fits right it leaves bumps under my clothing.  If it doesnt leave an outline the Queens looks droopy…what gives… Jill Scotts Butterfly Bra is prob the best concept, but its hurts after a while and you can wear anything plunging or backless with it and I do both often.  Honestly ya’ll the afro hippie is about take over in full force and just be free  “Up with Boobs Down with Bras” well at least it makes sense to me!

BespokeCurry

AfroChic-The Lifestyle-Carrying Africa with me Always

TheNeoAfro

CurryCurls

]]> http://bespokecurry.wordpress.com/2012/06/06/curryootdskincurls-2/ Wed, 06 Jun 2012 14:03:40 +0000 BespokeCurry http://bespokecurry.wordpress.com/2012/06/06/curryootdskincurls-2/

SunFest is a mere 4 days away so all of my creativity right now is being channeled into the festiva.l Which means any remaining creativity left equates to me wearing what’s easy, low maintenance, yet still feminine. This isn’t one of my get em girl ensembles but I still feel like the me I know and love!

Get todays AfroChic Lifestyle OOTD Dets after the Jump!

Dress Gap (DIY Chopped the Hem)

Belt & Bracelet H&M

Sandals Cynthia Vincent Target

Earrings Akente Express

No MakeUp Face-

I’ve been having crazy breakouts on the forehead=stress and cheeks =hormones, which I have just now gotten under control.

I’m a big advocate of the Oil Cleaning Method( especially for Black Skin) but usually when my breakouts get out of control that even oil cleaning isn’t helping. I oil cleanse in the morning and wash with Black Soap at night.  Using My Yes to Tomatoes Skin Clear Skin Clearing Facial Mask , wearing it overnight.  During the day I use the Yes to Tomatoes Acne Roller Ball Spot Stick and SPF 50 Sunscreen, and a bit of mascara and lip moisturizer.

How are you loving your body and self today?

Body Love

Body Positive

Body Acceptance

BespokeCurry

The NeoAfro

More about the AfroChic Lifestyle in upcoming posts!

The Bikini Dilemma on K is for Kinky by Nikia Phonenix made me want to write a brief something.

So heres the deal.  I realize some people don’t have access to me through other various Social Media Outlets and I want to do a quick post about Loving Your Body.

Lots of chatter going on around the interwebs as summer approaches about body acceptance and the two piece swimming suit.  Often times folk think that this is something that only plussize girls have to worry about it but the sames trials and tribulations we suffer also happen at the other end of the spectrum.

I struggled the most with my Body Image from 6th grade probably until my Sophomore Year in College. There no reason to list all of the insults that I received, but we all know how it goes. At my largest I was a 22 and at my smallest I was 10. So truly for me this is both ends of the spectrum, before we begin to cast judgement.  Ive always been DOPE and had my own sense of style, I was never hood enough for the Black Chicks and I aroused suspicion in the White Kids. Either way at some point in time during that trek I came to realize that I love me.  Yes, I’m a plussize, but honestly I’m just me.  I have no desire to be teeny tiny just as I have no desire to be back at a 22.  Ive maintained my weight for the last 2  years at a 14-16 which I honestly feel is my natural size.

I say all of this to say there is no shame in my game when it comes to rocking whatever it is I feel like wearing and I look forward to summer cause it means less clothes and two-pieces. So below you will find a few pics of how I rock my two piece style and I encourage you to do the same.  Love your belly, love your body, love yourself, and other folks wiill have no choice but to fall in line or get gone!

(Above) Ocean City, MD Old Navy Bottoms, F21 Cropped Top

Home in the DMV celebrating the pool opening at my complex. Pool Time!

InstaGram: Bespoke Curry

Twitter:CurryCurls

TheNeoAfro

Ive been wanting to try the Nubian Heritage Line and was a bit confused because their branding is very similar to Shea Moisture, ironically if you aren’t a fan Shea Moisture then you probably won’t like this line either because it is oil based.

I had used Moringa Oil before in the Heutiful Hair Masque but that masque just sat on top of my hair.  Alone I am not a fan of EVOO either but this recipe works for my hair, their concoction also includes, henna, quinoa, and fennal which all act as moisturizers and protect the hair shaft.

I love the repair and extend hair butter, I could feel it coating the shaft of my hair and as soon as I applied to to freshly cleansed hair it softened my hair immediately. I also love the light floral scent it leaves.

The hair gel directs you to use only the gel and nothing else, and I would agree. I used the first time around with all 3 products and my hair was too oily, which is saying a lot for me .

I tend to use entirely too much product in general so this line will help me to learn to use it sparingly, but overall I am impressed. Even though I applied to much on my first application I left it on overnight and my hair sucked up all that moisturing goodness.  My hair was soft and most of the excess oil had absorbed.

As far as Shampoo goes, this is where I tend to find more hype than results.  So because of that Ive gone back to what I know. Herbal Essences Hydralicious is a great shampoo that has never left my hair feeling stripped. It’s not all natural but it works for me.

My sister turned me on to the Natural Hawaiian Alba Drink it Up Coconut Milk Conditioner  while I was in Denver, and while we have two different hair textures it works for both of us.  This is another example of me having to try an oil in a differnt form.  Cocunut Oil is another oil I havent used because it also sits on top of my hair shaft, but not with this conditioner.

I have to admit this is the most delicious conitioner I have ever used.

IC Polisher is my go-to gel, Nuff Said.

I used the  SoftSheen Carson Mango Oil and Cupuacu Butter Curl Reviving Spray this morning on dry hair and feeling it this afternoon it is still soft, no crunchy piecs and my hair actually settled better today than yesterday.  I also dont have any oily residue being left behind on my finger tips.  Not sure if this has to do with my using less product or the Curl Reviving Spray contributed.

I absolutely love the Shea Moisture Line, and anybody who knows me knows its going to be one of the top 3 lines I reccommend especially to New Naturals.  I had the Curling Souffle earlier this year but gave it away as a gift.  I have a love/hate relationship with this product.  I love the way it shines and defines my curls, I do not like the stick residue that is left on my hair when I use it.  On the days I use this product I know it a “No Hand in Hair” kinda day.

Another oldie but goodie IC Polisher Pure Tea Silky Gel Moisturizer. It does exactly what it says. Makes my hair feel silky, and it mixes well with other products.

Skin Update Too!

Updated my oil cleansing method as well. Using a mix of Avocado, Castor, Grapeseed Oil right now, and for the breakouts I am still loving Yes to Tomatoes.  I just tried the face masque for the first time and it is also amazing.

TheNeoAfro

Photo of the Day

RollerSkatinRoundMyCurlPattern

TheNeoAfro

Remembering to stop and take a break, enjoy life, pay attention to the world around me is sometimes hard for me to do… but my camera helps more often then not is my little reminder the paradise thats around me if I’d just stop to look…. its also more likely to happen when the weather is nice. 72 degrees in DC, summer hurry please…

ADayInTheLife

Its a one way but Mamas not interested and frankly neither am I

Blue(Plate)Special

MamasMenu- Ill take 10 of each please.

She is also wondering what is Filed Mignon and Lamb Shop?

The(Georgia)Ave

DogView

What helps you to stop and smell the roses?

TheNeoAfro

Since my 2nd Big Chop, I’ve managed to dye my hair as well as completely re-work my hair regimen.

My main concern right now is moisture. The more my hair is short like this, the more I am beginning to fall in love all over again with my curls.

Its funny though because I remember when I was in 7th or 8th grade. I was super scissor happy with hair when younger and I got it in my mind that I wanted short texturized locs.  I will never forget after my hair was all cut off I kept waiting for the woman to add some product, to say something encouraging, anything but she just left me and my hair.

When I got home I cried for days, I was sure I had ruined my life. The jokes came as soon as I set foot in school.

But the difference between then and now, is that now, I love the skin Im in regardless of onlookers.

Growing up it was hard coming from strong family foundations where I was encouraged to be me and then going out into the world and encountering the exact opposite. Add to that confused hormonal teenage angst and identity for a young Black girl can explode and its not always positive. Honestly I am so thankful for that struggle, and am thankful that I still continue to struggle, but as I stand and look in the mirror at this me I can’t help but giggle and cringe at the same time.

I dyed my hair just a little over a week ago and it was DIY. I have dyed my hair before and most of what I do with my hair is DIY. Honestly my salon experience has not been a good one and anytime my hair has been permanently damaged its been by a licensed hair stylist. Due to my last experience Ive decided no heat until 2017 (5 years) and I want to see if I can make it that long.  My advice on doing things DIY is you are your best judge, Ive been dealing with my natural hair since birth my fear is less than somone who has only ever known their hair in a chemically altered state.

What I Used:

1. 30 Creme Developer (The higher the number in the developer the more lift you are going to get on darker hair) This time I used a 30 but next time I will use a 40 lift. I wanted more blond but played safe just to be sure.

2. Clairol Professinals in Sunrise Gold and Applicator Bottle. If you see this color on the shelf it is majority blong with a mix of red and copper tones.

3. Gloves, and a thick Oil to protect around your hair line. I use Castor Oil.I use my fingers for application because my hair is so short.

4. Timer

Application:

1. I set my timer to count down from 50 minutes. Section hair in to four sections. Place oil to protect hairline. 1st bottle of dye mix with  2oz developer. For my first application I applied the dye leaving it about 1/2- 1 inch away from my roots. Place gloves on hands and apply dye to each section of hair.

2. After about 20 minutes of having the dye on my hair I mix a 2nd bottle with 4oz of developer. I then go through my hair and apply this mix to the 1/2 inch or so of hair I left at the root and work the dye all the way back to my tips.

3. After Ive finished the second application I put a shower cap on my head for the remainder of the time. Dye should be left on dark hair for 45-50minutes.

4. After time is up completely rinse all of the dye out of your hair before shampooing. I then shampoo, condition, deep condition, and style. The dye can release your curl pattern. My curls do release a bit but after about a couple of weeks and a few washes they are back to their standard shrinkage.

My Hair Regimen:

1. Clean, Condition, & Detangle Morrocan Oil Moisture Repair Shampoo and Conditioner & Morrocan Oil Intense Hydration Mask ( I actually was recommended this line by a saloon stylist. I don’t like the styling aids but the shampoos and conditioners work well, my hair feels clean but not stripped)  No my hair is not in need of mositure repair but with dyeing it I want to make sure that it doesn’t get to that point, so I often use products that are for dry and brittle hair. I am still using my tangle teezer though I don’t have much to detangle usually its just my fingers that do the job.

2.  Moisturize Dr. Miracles Follicle Healer Hydrating Oil.  This isnt my fav oil to moisture with but it has menthol in it and it feel great on a freshly washed head, it tingles and really opens up and moisturizes my scalp and hair follices.

Next I apply IC Fantasia Silky Gel Moisturizer and Activator

I stumbled across this product accidentally and wanted to give it a try, it is much much lighter than a standar hair gel but it keeps my curls soft and defined. This is not a gel that is good for edges or keeping hair in place.

3. Seal I seal my end with Dax Pomade. I’ve heard lots about Dax and all of its ingredients are the things I shouldnt be using on my hair, but I love the way it works. I usually go through and shingle my end for extra definition with Dax.

At Night I spray with water apply a small amout of Dax and the Moisturing Gel and cover my hair with a silk bonnet.

Right now my regimen is really simple and I am thankful for that, eventually as it grow I will begin to fold in some of the tools and techniques I used in the past and hopefully I will come across some new ones as well. What is your current natural hair regimen?

TheNeoAfro

]]> http://bespokecurry.wordpress.com/2012/02/20/curryteenyweenyafrowrap-aka-t-w-a-wcurls/ Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:15:40 +0000 BespokeCurry http://bespokecurry.wordpress.com/2012/02/20/curryteenyweenyafrowrap-aka-t-w-a-wcurls/ Going from 10 inches of hair to 2 inches or less can take a bit of a re-adjustment, but one option that works for any hair length is the Wrap/Turban.  I have been playing around with ways to wear wraps that compliment my face and my new shortstackcurls.

Check out more after the Jump!

A co-worked gifted me with this sheer animal print scarf and its the perfect length to wear as a wrap or turban.  I’m not obsessive about animal prints but I do love accessorizing with them, and I have more than a few leopard scarves to play around with and now we can add this one to the collection. This technique is really simple and its one that I use often.  

1. Pull the scarf from the nape of your neck to the top of your head.
2. Tie the scarf in a single knot at the center of your head.
3. Then continue to tie knots on top of the original (do as many as you need)
4. After youve tied your knots, pull them down toward your forehead so they lay flat.
5.  Pull the remaining two sides of scarf down and back around head creating a second band
6. Tie the scarf in a single knot in the back and tuck each side back into the second band.

I rocked this turban today.  I was late, work meetings on the holiday, bleh!

The NeoAfro

]]> http://bespokecurry.wordpress.com/2012/02/13/currybigchopcurls/ Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:56:21 +0000 BespokeCurry http://bespokecurry.wordpress.com/2012/02/13/currybigchopcurls/ It wasn’t planned, didn’t even know I was going to do it.

I Big Chopped!

See more after the Jump!

Last Summer was a golden era for my hair and instead of leaving it be I decided I wanted to have it pressed and get my length checked. I ended up going to a Natural Hair Salon in Columbus, Ohio while I was visiting my best friend. The shop seemed great, it was newly opened, the staff was attentive, and the prices seemed to good to be true.  I was asking about the products they used in the shop and they told me the owner had created her own line.  I’ve been to a few shops where this was the case but I wasn’t alarmed.  I asked if they used a heat protectant when straightening hair and the stylist ensured me they did.

The press turned out great but when I went to wash my hair a couple of weeks later all of the curl on the sides and at the nape of my neck was gone.  With close to 10 inches hair on my head I wasn’t ready to jump the gun and cut it so for 6 months I left it alone did a lot of pony puffs and wraps, went back to the basics, and my curl pattern did begin to return. The hair on the left side of my hair seemed to be permanently straight. I did some research later and found that one of the products the owner was making was actually to release curl. I don’t know if this exact production was used on my hair but either way the damage was done.

I stood in front of the mirror a couple of days ago thinking that I was just going to do some major search and destroy and by the end of the night all of my hair was in a pile on the floor. I’m pleased, my curls are back and the length will return with time.

In the meantime

I need to re-learn my hair at this length

I’m thinking about dying it … something coppery

I’m swearing off heat permanently

Begin the hunt for the right shampoo, conditioner, products etc.

TheNeoAfro

Mary Frances Dickerson...My Grandmother...My Roots...Me

Sixth from the right underneath the “of” in the sign is my maternal grandmother Mary Frances Dickerson (19 years old)~237 Vance St. Memphis, Tennessee, 1946 and my mother’s 1st cousin Miss Inez third from left bottom row. This is her graduation from beauty school … and while I have never attended beauty school her hair doin skills run deep through my veins…this is a piece of me before me existed …If I ain’t have family and love… I’d be lost…

(CurryCurls)

a pretty sweet deal.

Winter and my hair don’t get along to well and figuring out that routine was rough. Now that spring is here I am in a familiar place. I may try keeping it in some sort of protective style for three weeks and wearing it out or in temporary styles for two weeks. I took out my first few braids and my hair was super soft, I thought it was a fluke, but it weren’t. Really, ever since I’ve started using the Hydratherma Naturals line, specifically the daily growth lotion, my hair has been sicksoft! While I wore my braids, I mixed a small amount in my Shea Moisture Thickening Moisture Mist that I sprayed on daily and it seems to have worked. When I installed the braids I blew dry my hair on low and used only a bit of IC Polisher Gel, Hydratherma Naturals Daily Growth Lotion and Hair Growth Oil.

Make sure you check back for a strictly Curls Post where I will be updating my Spring/Summer hair routine and reviewing my standard ol’ faithful goodies and some ones. To include: Hairveda’s Herbal Green Tea Thick Hair Oil Creme, Whipped Jelly, and SitriNillah Ultra Moisturizing Deep Masque.

As proof of my spontaneous pretty shiny thing syndrome, I was eager to take out my braids but realized there would be no time to wash my hair

Long gone are true washNgo days for me. Washing my hair takes at least an hour if not longer, and I did not wash my hair while I had braids. So the wash was going to have to wait until after work.

Instead I smushed in a small palm full of my oil blend, a bit of Shea Moisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie, and a dab of IC Polisher Styling Gel leaving me with ….

Ta Daaaaa!!!! A NoWashNGo,  it wasn’t much but it worked well enough to get me through the day. It shrunk some, but I also let it get some steam while in the shower.

Headed to work, snapped a few shots on a site visit I had to make to Lincoln Cottage for an upcoming event. I was pleased and felt semi ok about my outfit today and so because I’m nice … you’re getting a TwoFer… I realize that for more detail I should probably start using my digital camera but until I fall out of love with this camera app, it shall be!

1. Dress Old Navy Swim Suit Cover Up (Summer 11) & Aztec Print Bucket Bag

2. H&M Lime Mini Skirt and Lemon Lime Aztec Earrings (Summer 10)

3. Gap Limited Edition Sandals (Spring 08)

4. F21 Brown Ikat Scarf (Summer 11)

5. Assorted Misc Bangles (who knows where they came from!) & GeoStone Ring

6. Mood Ring (local gas station)