Nail Talk

So, first of all let me say, I have a problem. My problem is with nail polish. I know I know, you are probably asking yourself, “What sort of problem could a woman have with nail polish?” Well to be honest, I think I have a slight addiction to nail polish. Isn’t that what you’re supposed to say when you have an addiction? Rule #1: Admit you have a problem. I absolutely LOVE everything about nail polish from the wide variety of colors, to the awesome textures and let’s not forget about the gazillions of creative and unique designs! The way I see it, your nails are that one accessory piece that you can never take off, yet, they are so versatile. So many statements can be made by just your nails alone; they are subtle yet so powerful at the same time.

Some of my polishes, not all could fit

Let's take a trip back down memory lane to where it all began. I believe I may have been 3 or 4 years old when my mom first painted my nails. Even as a child, I loved to play in nail polish. I would put 2 or 3 colors on one nail or mix my own colors. I probably even ruined a few of my mom's polishes from mixing so much, sorry mom. For me, the fact was I had discovered a new way to express myself and I became so obsessed with it. As I got older, I was introduced to acrylic nails. With acrylic nails, if you didn’t have healthy nails of your own, or if you just wanted to elongate your nails, you could get tips put on that would then be overlaid by this acrylic powder mixture to create a new beautiful nail. Well, let’s just say the addiction got worse in middle/high school. To me, acrylic nails made me look and seem more grown up. When I turned 16, I was allowed to get my first full set (acrylic nails on all 10 fingers) and from there, it was no turning back.)

While in college, I had a job on campus in food service that required us to make food and clean which required me to have polish-free nails. It was definitely a struggle for me, but in the end, I gave up fake nails which forced me to learn how to take care of my real nails. It also allowed me to give my nails time to grow out nice and healthy. Now that I've been out of college for a few years, I have not had fake nails in 5 years. I won’t lie, there are times when I get that urge and I am tempted to go into a nail salon and ask for a full set so I can walk out feeling like a million bucks, however, I have yet to give in. As women, we always get that new burst of life when we buy new clothes, shoes or a new purse and when we get our hair, nails, and eyebrows done. That is just a woman thing. Since going “nail natural”, I have began to get that new burst of life when I do my nails and freshen them with new colors or designs on my own nail without having my nails covered up by acrylic. It is so refreshing and let me just say that the addiction is stronger now than it has ever been. I want to share how I take care of my nails naturally so that you can start or enhance your “nail natural” journey. Keep reading…

Pictured: Cuticle cutter, nail buffer, nail file, nail clipper, cuticle pusher.

My At Home Manicure

1) Clean/ remove nail polish from nails

2)File/ buff your nails in any desired shape

3) Soak your nails in warm water for a few minutes (3-5 minutes)  *Note: I added coconut oil to soften my cuticles

4)After soaking nails, push back your cuticles then use a cuticle cutter to clean up your cuticles

5) Take a hot cloth and clean off hands or wash hands to get off excess oils

6) Once hands are dry, you can apply your base coat polish

7) After base coat is dry, apply your first coat of polish; be sure to switch hands between coats so nails have time to dry between coats

8) Apply second coat of polish

9) Allow nails to fully dry before applying a top coat

10) Once top coat is applied and dried ...you are good to go!!

* You can do this while watching your favorite week night show. I do not recommend painting your nails right before bed unless you want smudged nails in the morning.

 

* clockwise- The maroon is a American Horror Story polish, Essie: deep purple and a light purple ( can't remember the exact names), Julep:Cheyenne (matte metallic) , Julep: Kirby, and Essie: Perennial Chic

*Secret: If you are not good at polishing your own nails but still want the cool designs, you can always apply nail wraps to your nails. They are fast and easy and involve zero drying time. A tip to getting good at painting your own nails is PRACTICE! Over time, you'll be a pro!

                                                           Product Review

Julep- Julep is a beauty brand that offers nail polish, Korean skin care and beauty products. They have a monthly subscription program for $20 or 3 months at $70 called Julep Maven where they send you a mix of nail polishes and a skincare/ beauty products. To figure out your style, you take a quiz to see what your interests are and from there they curate your monthly box. You also have the option each month to switch out products or change boxes if you do not like what you have in your box or you can skip the box altogether. I have been a Julep Maven for almost 2 years now. Two of my friends that I have referred to the program have loved all of their products. I as well love all of their polishes and their beauty/ skin care products.Their products can be found at Nordstrom , Sephora, Ulta and Julep.com. 

Price Range $14-$28

* when you are a maven you get the full sized products at a cheaper price

Become A Maven  (find more information about becoming a maven)

http://refer.julep.com/v2/share/6258251375665274754  -  my personal Julep referral link

A few of my monthly Julep Maven boxes.

Essie-I like to use Essie brand polishes and they also have really good top coats that I like to use with my Essie & Julep brand polishes. Essie products can be found at Sephora, Ulta, or any local drugstore.

Price Range $8-$10

A few of my favorite Essie top coats (lft-rt Essie Gel Setter, Essie All In One, Essie Good To Go) 

Jamberry Nail Wraps- Jamberry is a type of nail wrap. Nail wraps are perfect for when you're on the go and want to switch up your nails without all the polish and wait time. The wraps can be applied by first heating the wrap up with a blow dryer to soften the wrap. Next apply to your nail then file off the excess. I do recommend using a top coat when using nail wraps. I have had issues where the a nail design would start to fade after a few days or start to peel at the edges. Jamberry nail wraps can be found online at Jamberry.com. You should be able to get at least two wears out of one set.

**This brand of wraps tend to be thicker when compared to Essie nail wraps.

Price range:$15

Jamberry Nail Wraps 

 I only used half of one strip per nail

Once the wraps were filed down this is the end result

Oh The Places You'll Go...With Sass on the Go : Macy's Celebrates Black History Month

So a few weeks ago I got a chance to attend Macy's Annual " Macy's Celebrates Black History Month: In Conversation".  Macy's holds this annual event in different cities (NYC, Chicago, D.C., and LA) during Black History month featuring different hosts for their panel type discussion that also includes a meet and greet. The conversation takes an in dept look at today's black culture.

Our panelists were none other than Actress Jurnee Smollett- Bell known for her roles on Friday Night Lights, Tyler Perry's Temptation not to mention she's also the little sister to Jussie Smollett from Empire. Next we have Grammy award winner R&B singer Monica, she has been singing since the age of 16 with hits like: The Boy Is Mine, For You I Will. Last but not least Mr. Terrence Jenkins, you may know him from his roles in the Think Like A Man movies and ex-co host of E! News.
 

The panel was moderated by Essence Magazine's Fashion Editor Joiee Thorpe. She asked some questions and then opened the floor for the audience to ask questions.

Featured Lft-Rt ( Joiee Thorpe, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Terrence J, and Monica)

 

She started off the conversation by asking each panelist, "What is a saying/aphorism you live by?"

Monica: "Walk by Faith" - She explains how she's been through so much in her life and when things got tough she relied on God to help her see her way through the darkest times.
 

Terrence J: "Go Hard or Go Home"- He Explains how you have to work hard for what you want and nothing can stop you.
 

Jurnee: "You can't believe them when they say you're great, because you'll believe them when they say you're not. Go by God's standard." -  She says know your worth and what you stand for and take responsibility for yourself, don't leave your life in someone else's hands.

An audience member asked, "What point in your career were you at your lowest? Nothing but two pieces of bread and nothing in the middle."
 

Terrence spoke about his challenge with Vitiligo- (Vitiligo occurs when pigment-producing cells die or stop functioning. Loss of skin color can affect any part of the body, including the mouth, hair, and eyes. It may be more noticeable in people with darker skin). This skin disease has no cure, but can be medically treated. He was very insecure about the disease and how he would wear makeup outside of work ( he wore make up daily for his TV job). It wasn't until he saw Model Winnie Harlow embrace her vitiligo and use it to her advantage. He then gained the confidence needed to be able to go out in public without wearing makeup and embracing his own skin.

 

Monica said some things that really stood out to me, she goes on to say "You can have everything you want between your two pieces of bread and still be at your lowest." It doesn't matter what you have or don't have materialistically, you can still be miserable. She shared about when she lost her grandmother and when she witnessed her boyfriend's suicide at the height of her career.
 (Below is a small clip of her speaking about her experiences)

When asked what's next?
 

Terrence J: Perfect Match- movie in theaters March 11, 2016

 Perfect Match is a romantic comedy about an agent (Terrence) who meets a girl who breaks his heart. Terrence states how there's not enough black love stories. "We have to make and produce what we want to see." Perfect Match is a real love story from our (black) perspective.  The film is directed by Billie Woodruff and executive produced by Queen Latifah. The film features:
Terrence J, Cassie, Paula Patton, Donald Faison and Dascha Polanco to name a few and others.

Monica: Code Red  album out now...purchase on Itunes or Google Play
 

On her new album Monica says she is speaking for a genre of music she loves (old school R&B).  She states how songs had meaning back in the day. Code Red got it's name because she feels like this album is a state of emergency to pay attention to the message you're sending to the listeners and younger generation. It is also here to help people going through tough experiences and also to teach everyone that it is okay to be loved and how to accept it.
 (Below is the audio of one of my favorite songs off the album called "Alone In Your Heart")

Jurnee: Is starring in a new series called Underground
 

Underground is a new slave drama series about the Underground Railroad executive produced by John Legend set to air on WGN March 9th, 2016. Underground is a series that follows a group of slaves and abolitionists trying to make their escape to freedom from a Georgia plantation. It really celebrates the kings and queens from which we came from and the sacrifices they had to make along the way to freedom. Be sure to check it out!! 
(Below is a preview for the new drama series)

 

When asked what advice would you give to others getting started in their careers, here's what the panelists had to say.

 

Terrence J- "Don't take no for an answer. Don't let fear stop you, use this time we have here on earth to make a positive impact."
 

Jurnee- "Make sure you read your contracts and be responsible for yourself."
 

Monica- "You have to do for ourselves what we do for others." In regards to supporting other artist and cultural appropriation."

My free Underground shirt with my meet and greet ticket

Complimentary drinks from one of the sponsors Ciroc

My friend Tory and I got a picture with Jurnee's husband musician Josiah Bell

New Post Coming Soon!

New Post coming Soon!!!

Black Denim Meets Adidas

Black Denim Meets Adidas by ashlea-symone-m featuring hand bags

Oh The Places You'll Go..with Sass On The Go

So if you're wondering where I ended up this time, I'll give some hints. A famous fashion designer, beautiful gowns worn by many famous celebrities, and he's also the current Creative Director at Brooks Brother. If you guessed the amazing and talented Mr. Zac Posen then you are correct. You can also catch him as a judge on Lifetime's Project Runway.

 

So last week I had the pleasure of attending a meet and greet with Zac Posen. He spoke on his role as creative director an his women's collection at Brooks Brothers. When describing what "the Brooks Brother" women was he says " A woman that is creative, theatrical, with a strong mind and body. For the collection at Brooks Brothers he said that he focused more on transitional outfits. "You can go from work to out with friends."

One of my favorite parts of the talk was the Q & A portion. I didn't ask any questions but I still walked away with  some answers. He spoke on building your brand, getting your name out there, and how to start off as an up and coming designer. I was listening really hard for this part because my friend and I are in process of starting our own fashion business. "Your brand power is built on how many people you reach." he says. Brand power is very important for any business it also leads to  brand loyalty. Zac says "The customers like to feel like they have a connection with the creator." That is very true especially with social media making everyone's lives so transparent. I admit I am one of those people that follow certain designers, bloggers and celebrities. You get a chance to see what they like, what they're working on and you also get a chance to see that they are human just like everyone else.

Mr. Zac Posen being interviewed

 

Mr. Posen shares some wise words for new designers "as a designer you must immerse yourself in different cultures. Go to museums see what people are wearing and talking about , walk the stores see what's on trend." "Be true to yourself, make your vision your own. If you start to doubt yourself it's okay to take a step back, trust in what you do. Make it unique and create your response.  Find your own voice and know your fashion history." It is very important to know your history. That is very true, while in school I took a history of costume class, I learned a lot. In today's fashions styles and trends are repeating itself, if you don't know it's origins then you don't know what's coming next. He says "Luxury means Rarity", I truly believe that. You can never create something that's already created. You can take something and tweak it or make it your own, stand out in the crowd.

So what's next for Mr. Posen. As well as being the creative director for Brooks Brothers he is also launching an e-commerce site for his own Zac Posen line. He wants to create something that makes everything accessible to the customers, you can shop his handbags to his runway looks. He currently has a bridal line with David's Bridal. He also hopes to make clothes for women of all sizes and says that there is "no ideal shape" of a woman.

Zac Posen Brooks Brothers Collection
Image from Pinterest 

Gina Rodriguez in Zac Posen at the 2016 Golden Globes
Image from Pinterest

Truly Zac Posen for David's Bridal
  Image from Pinterest

                           

               

" Be driven by those you work with. Surround yourself with friends, food, and family." - Zac Posen



Oh The Places You'll Go!...Let's see what adventure is instore next!!