Insta-favs: Ladies edition

Hey guys!

Instagram, who knew a simple app can make so many people happy? You can connect, discover, and get inspired just with a swipe of your thumb.  I am an Instagram addict for close to 4 years now, and proud of it!

I wanted to share a few of my favorite ladies to follow on Instagram. They are all creative, different, fun, and inspiring! Enjoy!

Julee Wilson-Fashion and Beauty editor of Huffington Post.  She was previously the Staff Fashion Editor at Real Simple magazine before making the jump to online in August 2011.  

Jamila Rowser of Girl Gone Geek.  Rowser is knowledgeable about all things within nerd culture.  I connected with Jamila last year as she is also the cofounder Geek Girl Brunch a meetup group which allows fellow lovers of comics, anime, and video games to discuss their admiration over unlimited mimosas.

Victoria Gousse- real estate professional and lifestyle blogger.  I love blogs that have unique niches. In the oversaturated world of blogging, Victoria incorporates industry happenings, stats, and everything in between for the reader who is curious about the real estate market, fashion, and travel.  I knew Victoria since high school, still one of my dear friends till this day.

Jessica C. Andrews- ‎Style Journalist: Vanity Fair, Elle, and The New York Times. Jessica is also Editor-in Chief of one of my favorite blogs: Glamazons Blog,  which chronicles the highs and lows of her journey from small town girl to NYC fashion editor. The site also reports on fashion, entertainment, and beauty.   

Andrea Arterbery-Freelance writer and cofounder of Glamazons blog with Jessica C. Andrews. Texas born, Andrea also created The Art of Berry, where she writes about motherhood, beauty, and lifestyle. Check out her snaps at events all over the country and  her adorable son #arterbaby on Instagram.

Candy Washington-, Georgetown alumni, actress, TV Host, and writer. When she is not reading scripts or hosting her weekly HBO Girls recap, you can see Candy out and about in LA reporting on up and coming trends in fashion and entertainment. You may have seen Candy in last year’s heritage commercial from Wal-Mart.  Candy is also when she is in NYC my partner in crime when attending events.  She truly lives the bicoastal dream with a smile!

BLM-Bloggers Like Me-

BLM is a group of women bloggers founded by blogger Leslie Hendricks Young of fashiondujourdaily.wordpress.com.  The group is dedicated to the exchange of positive ideas, advice, and networking. 

Nicole Chapoteau-Accessories Director of Allure magazine.

Christina Caradona-Blogger/Model.  Christina was actually one of the fist bloggers I started following on Instagram.  Combining sexy and tomboy style together, Christina documents her fast paced but oh so sweet life with a sense of humor.

Akua Harris-Social Media professional/Blogger.  Yes she has the same name as me, she’s my niece believe it or not.  Akua documents her love for Star Wars, beauty,  Powerpuff Girls, and her love her cosplay even when comic con season has ended!

Monroe Steele-Blogger.  Monroe is a fashion and travel base writer in NYC. She has been featured in All on the line with Joe Zee as well as Style by June with June Ambrose. Monroe also written the e-book: Thrift and the City: A Guide to New York City Thrift and Vintage Shopping. 

Aiesha Mumford-Sales and Marketing coordinator of Archie Shoes/Stylist.  Follow my dear friend Aiesha as she takes Archie Shoes with her to The Met, hot yoga, and beyond.  

Ericka Goodman-Hughey-Fashion Editor of Ebony Magazine. 

Rajni Jacques-Fashion news editor of Glamour Magazine.  Rajni’s style is inspirational as well as attainable. One day she might take a sky-high heel and tie a flannel shirt around the waist,  the next day she might take a winter coat and pair it with a fitted Yankees hat.  

Ria Michelle-Blogger, stylist, online boutique owner. Being in NYC where the weather is cold, I tend to skim more on Miami, based blogger Ria Michelle’s Instagram lol. Not only a blogger, Ria also owns Online boutique filthymagic.com.  Busy gal!

Chrissy Rutherford-Senior Digital Editor of Harper’s Bazaar.  I am an avid reader of Harper’s Bazaar digital as of mid 2014, Chrissy’s innovative and relatable articles is the main reason for that.  I also enjoy her elevator selfies in the Heart Tower where she shows off day-to-day office outfits combining masculine and feminine elements. 

Dionne S-Blogger/Personal Shopper.  Dionne's site, The Closet Whisperer is an online fashion destination that documents her personal style, e-commerce, as well as fashion services.

Shiona Turini-Fashion consultant/Former Fashion Director of Cosmopolitan.  Last December via Instagram, Shiona hinted the start of something new.  A shot  of a logo image is of Turini’s name, followed by: “Style consulting. Creative direction. Brand Development.” Bold and inspiring to me as I branched out on my own last spring.   “One project that I’m extremely excited about focuses on celebrating, encouraging, and profiling diversity in our industry. “ Shiona told Fashion Week Daily, about one of her projects.  Can’t wait to hear more about it!

As you can see, each person is special in their own way! They encourage us to be more kind, intelligent, bold, and fresh each time our thumbs come across their pics.  Totally different then the posts that gain popularity from Love and Hip Hop or Basketball Wives stars.  It is refreshing to see positive posts where we can learn and inspire one another.  Please support these ladies, follow them, like,  and comment! 

Xo

Kosi

Shape Up

Hey guys!

Happy February to you all! Hope everyone is safe, warm and cozy. The weather in NYC has been crazy but nothing we can't handle.  Before the second storm hit, I was able to go to my bi-weekly appointment at Anastasia Brow Studio.  Anyone that knows me knows that my eyebrows are very important to me. And I am not a high maintenance person by any means.. Think about it though, eyebrows shape the entire face. Seriously I can be having the worst day but when I go get my eyebrows done, I feel better.

For those of you not familiar with Anastasia Brow Studio, founder Anastasia Soare is widely referred to as The Definitive Brow and Eye Expert. Soare, has developed her own unique method of shaping eyebrows and has an impressive roster of celebrity clients, which includes: Oprah Winfrey, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, and Naomi Campbell.  Anastasia Brow Studio opened it's first location in 1997, then migrated to the east-coast partnering up with Sephora locations.

The left shows my eyebrows untouched, the right shows my eyebrows after going to Anastasia Brow Studio.  As you can see, the different obvious.  Thanks, Hasije!

 

I asked the team at Anastasia after my appointment their insight on how to get amazing eyebrows. Follow these 5 simple steps.

1) Follow the Anastasia eyebrow stencils and figure out which ones work for you according to your brow structure.

2) Fill eyebrows in with Anastasia Brow Powder.

 

3) Wax around the eyebrows, and tweeze to shape and define.

 

4) Highlight the brow bone.

5) Set with brow gel.

Do not try to achieve your favorite celebrities eyebrow look. Go with your own eyebrow shape, and that way you will look your best. Eyebrows frame the face. Do not over pluck. If you find that you have over plucked as a teen, you can use Anastasia's brow enchanting serum, which stimulates hair growth.

Another great tool is the Beauty Express kit, it includes a brush, wax, powder, and 5 stencils to choose from. I LIVE BY THIS.  It’s a must for when you don’t have time to get your eyebrows done, or a hot date comes up, a business trip anything. 

If you have kick ass eyebrows you will truly run the world.

Purchase the stencils and brow powder at: http://anastasiabeverlyhills.com/ .  If you are in NYC you can visit Anastasia Brow Studio, at Sephora located on 48th and 5th avenue. To make an appointment, call 212-980-6534.

xo
Kosi 

Great Lengths

Hi guys!

Hope everyone is bundled up and taking it easy in the cold.  Look on the bright side, in a few months it will be Spring 15 (if mother nature stays normal, ha!).  I am already planning what I want what I need to get rid of to update my wardrobe this spring.  First two things that I want to get... drumroll please:

Diane von Furstenberg Abigail Maxi Wrap Dress how bad is this dress? It's a MUST for me and my goal to wear more color this year. I need this for Spring 15, it's perfect for EVERYTHING. A traditional body style with a non-traditional spring print. KILLER!

Zimmerman Essence embroidered silk-gauze dress

Doesn't this dress make you want to run in an open field and soak up the sun? It's so romantic and airy, this is also a MUST for me to purchase for Spring 15.

Can't think about a maxi dress without accessories.  I see myself in fresh white kicks, a distressed denim vest, and a nude pink bucket bag for the white dress.  For the printed number, a leather bucket hat, a sleek mule, and gold accessories totally screams out chick and comfy.  Ice blue leather is popping up all over the place, it is perfect as a throw on for each dress.

Just thought I bring some Spring inspiration your way, now that websites and stores are converting their floors, what are you most looking forward to seeing?

xo

Kosi