Pretty Stuff: 4 Things To Do When You're Feeling A Little Down

We've officially entered the last part of the year, aka "crunch time." It is now November, the holidays are quickly approaching, and a whole new year is on its way. Seems wild, right? I really can't believe 2017 zoomed by the way it did. It has really been one heck of a year! Things can seem a little overwhelming at this time for many, I know I can personally testify. In fact, last Thursday I posted a photo on Instagram and the caption simply read, "Overwhelmed, but it's okay." So many of my followers commented or sent me a DM saying that they could relate along with some encouraging words. That's what inspired me to write this blog post. We all have a lot going on, it's a part of life. But with the many things that seem like obstacles, there's still so much to have joy in. Let me help you get through the end of the year without feeling defeated. These are just a few things I do to remind myself that everything is okay when it seems like my world is falling apart. 

Pretty Stuff: Alicia Sanchez | Dear God, Are We There Yet?

You guys know how much I love to support and show love to any girl who's chasing a dream! I enjoy having the opportunity to share some of their work with you all right here on my blog. Today, I am featuring a very dope girl who wears many hats, Alicia Sanchez. Alicia is a fashion designer, entrepreneur, business mentor, blogger, and published writer. She has been featured on the Dr. Oz Show, Black Shopping Channel, endless publications, and various fashion weeks. How could you not be inspired?! Her latest endeavors include "A Witty Self Help Novel," titled Dear God, Are We There Yet? and I'm certain we could all use it! Its launch was yesterday, August 8, 2017, in addition to a virtual book tour! Keep reading for a glimpse into this novel.

Hello August, Let's Flourish!

Hey loves! This won't be a typical style post, so you're in for a treat. I'm gonna give the deets on my outfit, but this is mostly a post for inspiration. We are more than half way through 2017. Can you believe that a new year will be here in like four months?! Time seems like it's slipping away, but that's why I wanted to take a moment to throw some good vibes at inspo to my readers. Something about the month of August has me feeling more motivated than ever before. I think everyone deserves to feel this good, so I'm here to help out with that. 

Who's That Girl?: Q & A with Aneesha DuBois

"The mind is so powerful that the Universe has no choice but to give you what you think about."

- Aneesha DuBois

I am always seeking new inspiration and new stylish ladies to follow on Instagram. No I'm not a creep, I just love having a TL full of fashion, positivity, and boss a** women. It was "love at first like" when I came across the Instagram account of Aneesha DuBois. One look at her bio, and I was like, "Yassss!" She's a fashion publicist, shoe connoisseur, and one of the flyest individuals I follow. Nothing but black girl magic from Ms. DuBois! I've been following her for over a year now, and finally mustered up the courage to ask for an interview for my blog. I was elated when she agreed! Check out this super cute, super quick interview with fly girl, Aneesha DuBois.

Why 23 is Such an Important Age for a Lady...

When I turned 20, I was just into having fun. All I wanted to do was shop after class, eat out with my girlfriends, take bi-weekly trips to the hair salon, and read issues of People StyleWatch over and over again. I was a Viva La Juicy fanatic, and wore french manicures. I'm talking white tips only!

 21 was a bit different. I possessed the ability to order a Lemon Drop Martini with extra sugar around the rim the way Joan did on girlfriends. I had a new jazz about myself, and decided that American Apparel was the only place to shop. At this point in life, experimenting with all the many different shades of pink O.P.I. had to offer was my way of decorating my fingertips. Oh, and I traded that old Juicy Couture perfume for a fresh, new fragrance... Daisy by Marc Jacobs. *inserts glitter emoji*

Another year floated on by, and I turned 22. Still stylish as ever, I decided to stop pressing my hair and let my natural curls pop! Wash n' go's were now an every day task and leave-in-conditioner was a definite necessity. I decided that black was "my" color and wore it faithfully. I even got my hair stylist to dye my hair jet black.I took a deeper interest in my goals, transferred to a new school, landed a great job, received a dope internship, met some new friends, developed new relationships-- really, I got myself together.

While 22 for me seemed like a glorious year, I had a lot of crashes too. I've been hit with a ton of curve balls, but I am still standing! I celebrated my birthday on October 21, and I'm finally 23. I have decided that this will be my year of growth and development. My clothes, shoes, perfumes and polishes all still matter to me, but I am more concerned about getting my life in order. I will follow all of my dreams, not just a fraction of them, but every single one of them!

See, being 20-something is a very important time for a woman. You really begin to come into your own, and every decision made definitely matters. I am a firm believer that these are the years that teach the most lessons. An entire decade of living and learning! The age 23 is the stepping stone into true womanhood, and it is imperative to take advantage of each moment. 23 gives you a whole year to put in work for the benefits that you'll reap at 24 and 25. 

Each year of a woman's life hold significant value, I just know for sure that 23 is one of the most important years!

by, Janée Barbre
<3

IMAGES BY: QUANAE STARKS

My Curly Fro