Atlanta Content Creator Inspiring [life] style

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

YouTube Vloggers I Love

Social media is ruining my life, lol. Last month I was really into Snapchat and Periscope (still am), and right now I simply can't get enough of YouTube. The funny thing is, I was never really into YouTube -- like, ever! But I found this one vlogger (via someone else's tweet on Twitter) two weeks ago and never looked back! So here are a few of my favorite channels to watch on YouTube (and none of them are beauty or fashion bloggers either).

TodayWithTray -- A family in Toronto, Canada who vlog about their life as an interracial couple, their daily adventures and their adorable kids. It's mainly run by Tray -- a former college basketball player/model -- and features his two biracial kids and his fiancee Keshia. You'll fall in love with their personalities, accents, children (especially their daughter) and their realness.
Subscribers: 200k+
Views: 28m+
Favorite Video: 2 Year Old Pranks Her Dad & the one below:

MacDoesIt -- All I can say is, I don't know how someone can be this funny at age 19. Mac is very over the top, but when his jokes are on, they are poppin! What I really love about his channel is how he can even make mundane things ridiculously hilarious. Enjoy a midweek laugh on Mac!
Subscribers: 66k+
Views: 3m+
Favorite Video: Suffocating While Putting On 100 T-Shirts & the below:

Travis Garland -- It's YouTube, so obviously, it's a huge outlet for musicians. But it's nice to listen to artists who aren't as popular. Travis makes his own music, but I really enjoy pretty much all of his covers of hit songs. If he looks familiar, it could be because he used to date Aubrey O'Day and was on a reality show once (and I featured him here), but honestly, his covers are lit!
Subscribers: 267k+
Views: 35m+
Favorite Video: Earned It Cover & the below:

KevOnStage -- This guy, though...so funny! One of my friends posted one of his videos on Facebook a while back and I was hooked. On his channel, you can find his quick skits and even his hilarious Periscope rants. He basically gives his views on current events -- from politics to celebrity gossip -- and just things that the general public can relate to!
Subscribers: 181k+
Views: 50m+

Luv JJP -- So the funny thing is, Jasmine of Luv JJP has a YouTube channel, but she really puts most of her content on Instagram and Facebook (maybe because her skits are super short). Feel free to follow her on any of those social networks to enjoy some of the funniest moments of your life. All you need is about two minutes to be sold on all the hilarity that she's selling.
IG Followers: 317k+

Photoshop Training Channel -- Finally, this is a little plug to my friend's YouTube channel, and I was featured on there a couple times. But seriously, he's pretty genius when it comes to Photoshop. If you're looking to up your photo manipulation game, then PTC is your channel. He'll show you how to do it! Don't mind my terrible outfit that never made it to the blog, lol.
Subscribers: 190k+
Views: 6m+
Favorite Video: Design a Magazine Cover & the one below:
SHARE:

Monday, July 25, 2016

Too Big to Fail

I love these jeans. But I think they're about two sizes too big these days, but I really can't fathom getting rid of them. Even though I don't even wear them as much as I used to (clearly because they don't fit), but I have so many good memories with them. I should just replace them with the similar pair that I linked below, but it's so hard...to say goodbye...to these jeans (a la Boyz II Men).

The bow sleeve Chicwish top is a little big, too, but it fits beautifully once tucked in. Don't you love the bow details at the elbows? And if you love this Wanderlust + Co marble necklace (seriously loving all things by this brand right now), then get it from Rocksbox. Just use my code cherylbff59 to get your first month free! And happy almost August, luvs!

On the Muse: | Winsome striped off shoulder tunic c/o Chicwish (similar | less expensive) | | American Eagle Outfitters ripped jeans (similar) | Bow heels (in various colors) | Wanderlust + Co marble bar layered necklace c/o Rocksbox |
_________________MONDAY MINGLE LINKUP_________________
I'm hosting the Monday Mingle Linkup today! Be sure to check out my linkup partners Take Time 4 Style and Momtrends to see what they're styling. And add your fashionable post below!
SHARE:

Friday, July 22, 2016

The Nine Best Fashion Apps in 2016

Image courtesy of Style By Alina and the Posy App

In an industry obsessed with beauty, there has never been a better cultural pairing than fashion and technology. From daily street style inspiration to the perfect beauty how-to guides, these 10 apps will make even a casual interest turn into a full-blown obsession. Load up your smartphone and start scrolling because the digital age is introducing you to new buys, new looks and new loves all in one convenient package.

VSCO Cam
No fashion guru's Instagram is ever complete without the perfected street style photo, and for all the editing photo apps out there, VSCO Cam is my favorite. With excellent filter collections, a feed of amazing user photographs to grab inspiration from and a direct upload into Instagram, it’s the perfect add-on for any daily photo lover.

Stylebook
All the Clueless lovers can rejoice because technology has finally spread to the masses, and Stylebook is here to deliver the best digital closet app available. To get started living the dream, photograph your closet and import it into the app to customize your outfits. You can then record it on your calendar to conveniently track your outfit history. With the bonus of creating magazine style layouts with your clothing, you can always screenshot your choices to upload to your blog or Instagram and share instantly.

Posy App
Posy is another great app that allows you to share your style and get instant feedback, especially for "outfit of the day" gurus who love to post daily. Using the Posy App, upload your photos, add a question and then release your query into the world of savvy fashionistas for quick, fashion-minded answers. You can also join in on the conversation by posting your own comment on other user's photos and sending feedback to your responses. This app is a great way to increase your influence as a stylist and build those much-needed relationships in the fashion industry, while also making friends along the way. Still not sure how it works? Check out this video!

RedLaser
RedLaser is the perfect accessory for the budget fashionista. When you're shopping at the mall, the in-app scanner can locate the product that you're considering to purchase across different distributors to show you the competitive prices. You’re never going to regret a purchase ever again. With additional perks like product reviews and a loyalty program, this app just begs its users to be smarter shoppers.

Zara
Zara stands out from all the other retailer apps by also providing its users with excellent lookbook and campaign images that you can pull inspiration from. Gift cards are now accepted through the app as well, making purchases easier than ever. Fair warning to all Zara lovers—in the hands of the untested, this app can mean a closet full of the brand’s beautiful clothing so handle with care!

LOOKBOOK.nu
LOOKBOOK is great for two reasons: it’s in real time, and it’s by real people. As the ultimate street style app, users can upload and track their favorite street style stars all over the globe for instant coverage of what’s hot, what’s new, and what’s trending. Users can also share outfits by uploading their own photos and have the opportunity to become the next LOOKBOOK favorite.

WWD: Women’s Wear Daily
While Vogue may hold the most esteemed publication position in people's hearts, it still can't compete with the industry's ever-present obsession with Women’s Wear Daily, and for good reason. With insider tips, retail industry know-how, and the latest news circulating in the fashion world, this app is your go-to for all the juicy gossip going on from the atelier to the runway. For a true insider’s guide, update the free app with a subscription and you’ll have an all-access pass to the news.

Daily Street Snaps
If Leandra, Miroslava and Gilda are your go-to style inspirations, then Daily Street Snaps is exactly your kind of app. With a clever, easy-to-use interface and constant updates, this app provides the latest on the street updates and will provide plenty of new fashion stars to follow and obsess over. Whether you're a fan of the Tokyo, Milan or New York City style, this app is the answer to getting the global update on what's being worn in real time.

ChicFeed
Your one-stop shop for getting the latest from top style and fashion blogs from all over the world, ChicFeed is how gurus get access to their favorite fashion voices and keep up with every new post. Featuring blogs like The Sartorialist and Jack and Jill, it’s more or less the best newsfeed you can imagine, with daily style inspiration, options to customize your news feed, and plenty of room to discover your next favorite.

Whether you’re a newbie fashion app user or a hardened veteran, these 10 picks will change the way you get your daily fashion dose by giving you easy access to more diverse fashion voices. So get ready to digitize your love of fashion and enjoy all the new updates headed your way!

This is a guest post written by Isa. She is a culture junkie with a penchant for great books, great fashion and even better technology. A self-proclaimed digital nomad and entertainment writer for Culture Coverage and Secure Thoughts, she hopes you enjoy flipping through these fabulous apps for style inspiration!
SHARE:

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Like a Girl - Always Keep Playing


You throw like a girl.
You run like a girl.
You hit like a girl.

Let's break the stigma that doing something like a girl is a bad thing! I've teamed up with Always Infinity to help redefine what it means to be and do #LikeAGirl.

Growing up, I was a combination of a girly girl and a tomboy. I loved playing with Barbies and doing my nails, but I also enjoyed dressing in clothes that were less form-fitting. I didn't really play any sports (other than gymnastics) when I was very young, so I didn't have to deal with a lot of the phrases that I mentioned earlier in this post. But sometimes I did hear that boys wouldn't like me if I continued to dress the way I did. 

There is a certain way that girls are supposed to look; supposed to dress; supposed to act. And when you defy that, some people feel the need to say something simply because they don't understand. So it's important to Always Keep Playing. And what I mean by that is we should teach the girls of this generation that it's totally OK to wear baggy overalls. And that it's totally OK to want to play quarterback. And that's it's totally OK to break past obstacles and go for your dreams, even if they aren't typical of your gender.

The more girls portrayed as active players in sports roles, the better. A lot of times young girls lose confidence in going for their goals because they've never seen anyone who looks like them achieve it. And soon, doing something like a girl will only have a positive connotation because the girls of today become the role models of tomorrow.

What are your thoughts on the Always #LikeAGirl - Keep Playing video? What steps do you think we can take to turn the phrase like a girl from something negative to something positive, especially in reference to girls in the sports world?

I’m sharing #Always in my life as part of an Always  sponsored series for Socialstars™ #ad
SHARE:

Monday, July 18, 2016

Shoot the Breeze

First, I must say that it's a total shame that I haven't worn these mules since January of 2015. That is just a travesty! Maybe my mind was just waiting for the perfect look, and honestly, this is definitely one of my favorite shoots of the year! Is it because I'm a sucker for matching separates? Or because gingham is fab? Actually, it's because I'm wearing lashes again...yaaasss!

The only other thing I want to say is, I've been thinking about doing less on Instagram. After taking the small break the other week, I just started to feel less and less interested. What do you think? I just want to practically go somewhere with less social media influence. I'm just in a weird space. Dammit July -- you're killing me, smalls. Bitch, don't kill my vibe. Yada, yada, yada.

On the Muse: | Catch the Breeze gingham set c/o Chicwish (similar) | Zara bow mules (similar) | CoverGirl Katy Kat Matte Maroon Meow lipstick c/o | Hammit LA 101 North clutch c/o |

And today is the Monday Mingle Linkup that I host with Momtrends and Take Time for Style! The linkup is hosted at Take Time for Style today, so go add your post!
SHARE:

Friday, July 15, 2016

Stitch & Sew

Last weekend I took a break from Instagram (and a bit of a Snapchat break as well). It was so needed, and I think I might start doing it more often. Seriously, I've posted an image on Instagram every day for more than a year, but I really started to feel a bit overwhelmed with a constant need to post. Taking just a couple days off was totally worth it.

Plus, it gave me time to catch up on Orange Is the New Black, lol. Have you seen the latest season? I actually think it was quite good -- very socially aware. They found a way to talk about the Middle East, the Black Lives Matter movement, feminism and so much more, all while making everything so entertaining and funny like they do! But I'm not going to lie -- that finale had me in tears. Still, Netflix and chill with season 4, homie.

On the Muse: | Folksy Embroidered Playsuit c/o Chicwish (similar | similar) | Make Me Chic Fringe Stud Sandals (similar) | New York & Company sunglasses c/o |

A few of my favorite embroidered pieces below:
| Revolve - $41 | Endless Rose - $77 | Last Call - $48 | Neiman Marcus - $90 |
SHARE:

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

What I'm Loving July 2016

Lord, please save me from social media! Most of my social media time is spent on Instagram and Snapchat, but lately I've been getting into Periscope. I just got one this month and I follow about five people. I like the idea of being able to talk continuously without the interruptions (like Snapchat). And I like being able to interact with the people watching right in the moment (unlike YouTube). I haven't posted anything yet (done any scoping -- I think that's what the kids are calling it), but I really want to, but only if people would watch. So, if I did a Periscope would any of you watch it? My handle (on all social media) is ohtobeamuse -- keeping it simple.

Have you heard about One Two Cosmetics floating around in the ether? I can't remember where I saw this brand last week, but after watching their video on their One Two Magnetic Eyelashes, I was hooked. Remember how I said it took me 30 minutes to put on falsies in this post? That was no joke. Applying false lashes is too time consuming for me to do often, even though I absolutely adore the way they look. So a product like magnetic lashes (there is a top lash and a bottom lash -- each lash has a tiny magnet -- you hold the top lash above your natural lash and the bottom lash below it and they just snap together) is just what the beauty doctor ordered. They come in original, bold, accent and filler. The price tag is steeper than normal falsies, but that makes sense because these are reusable and take about five seconds to apply. Jump on that wait list!

I'm not afraid to admit that I watch my fair share of reality TV. I watch really great scripted shows, too, but sometimes I just want to not think and to simply be entertained. It's the same reason why I like the first song on this list. And right now, I've been really into Are You The One: Season 4 on MTV. It's a show where 10 men and 10 women try to find their perfect match and win money. It's fun because this Are You The One "cast" is more entertaining and social media savvy, and I find myself invested in one "couple" in particular, lol. But then I remember that I'm watching a reality show that features people who are 10 years my junior. And then I feel old.

I have yet to try this, and the reviews aren't particularly appealing, but I just love the idea of a spray on nail polish. The China Glaze Coloured Nail Spray is pretty fab because these are the steps: polish on a base coat, spray on two coats of the polish, then polish on a top coat. The fact that you can simply spray on nail polish is like a hallelujah moment for me. The only issue I see is that the polish seems to chip after one day. I've never had any luck with polish not chipping anyway, unless it was a gel manicure. So I think I might check it out as $10 is worth a try.
SHARE:

Monday, July 11, 2016

Ribbon in the Sky

The twists are on and poppin' for the summer, muses. And I'll probably be rockin' a lot of hats this summer as well. With this particular hairstyle, I always get a very Janet Jackson/Poetic Justice vibe going -- you guys remember that one?

Quick, funny story about this ribbon top: I bought it from F21 Contemporary, where everything runs a little bigger. I ordered the small, but when it arrived, I noticed that I was sent the medium. I couldn't return it because at this point all the smalls were sold out. But it fit me like the getup that Rihanna wears in the This Is What You Came For video, lol. So I busted out my DIY skills, cut the threading so the ribbons could separate and then tied them like shoelaces. Voila!

Oh, and how cute are my feather accents today? Both the hand cuff (so unique, right?) and the feather ear cuffs from SpotLight Jewelry are summer favorites. These are the best ear cuffs I own right now because they don't hurt at all. Could wear them all day without a problem!

On the Muse: | Forever 21 Contemporary ribbon accent top | NY&Co studio shorts c/o (pink version) | Forever 21 Diamond cutout sunglasses | Feather ear cuffs c/o SpotLight Jewelry | Aldo Colyn flats (similar) | Forever 21 Burnished feather hand cuff |

And today is the Monday Mingle Linkup that I host with Momtrends and Take Time for Style! The linkup is hosted at Momtrends today, so go add your post!
SHARE:

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

July Buys: 80% Off Jeans

Similar to the June Buys: Blazers & Shorts post from last month, I'm going to share the best thing for you to stock up on in this month. And for July, you should really get your hands on all things jeans! According to the experts, spring jean styles are up to 80% off in the month of July, and being a jeans girl, this is two hands up emoji for me. So here are few of my favorites!

Everything here is under $100 because that's what's up!
| onetwo | three |
|  four | five | six |
| seven | eight | nine | ten |
Some of my favorites here are #3, #4 and #9. Honestly, I love them all, which is why I chose them, but those really stand out to me. And the fact that each piece is under $100 is amazing! A couple are even under $50.  So let me know which pair of jeans is your favorite in the comments.

SHARE:

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Summer Music Playlist 2016

Can you guys believe the last time I did a summer music playlist post it was in 2013? I decided it was time to bring it back because I feel like we've all been looking forward to the summer season this year (what a scorcher, right). And, I've also found a ton of fab music lately that I seriously didn't even know I was sleeping on. You probably didn't know you were sleeping on these either.

Desiigner: Panda -- When I first heard this song, I was just like everyone else: "what the hell is this shit?" But then I heard it a million more times on the radio and it grew on me. I realized that I don't care what it's about (a BMW X6) or how silly it is because it makes me dance, which is summer perfect.

Kiiara: Gold -- Remember when I played this while on the boat on Snapchat? I think it's my favorite song on this list because if I were a recording artist, this is the type of music I would make. She's got a similar vibe to Lorde, right?

Sia: Cheap Thrills -- You might notice a bit of a reggae/dance hall vibe with a couple of the songs on this list, and that's totally on purpose. Sia is killing it this year, and if you haven't already done so, you must click through and watch the hilarious video.

Flume: Never Be Like You -- When this song comes on the radio do you get chills? Because I totally do. And I also turn it way up when the beat drops. Much like Kiiara's song, this is another that I would put on my own mixtape. Kai's voice is flawless.

Rihanna: Needed Me -- Seriously, this girl is fiyah right now. Even if I don't agree with everything that she does, I'm totally cool with her music. I'm too old for a role model. I just want a Caribbean girl who can kill it, and RiRi does it every time.

Travis Garland: One Dance/Turn Me On -- Obviously, Drake's version is pretty great and probably the biggest song of the season. But this mashup by Travis Garland is killer. Definitely give him a listen as all his covers are boss.


Mike Stud: Swish -- If any of you have the Esquire channel, then you've probably heard of him. I had no idea who he was before the show because I'm old and have no idea what's "in" these days. But I gave his songs a listen and realized that he's pretty good. This isn't like a summer jam, per se, but it's lyrically amazing.

All these white rappers are coming up in 2016, including Mike Stud, G-Eazy and Logic (who is biracial). Move over, Macklemore?

So, I'm dying to know...what songs are you listening to this summer?


SHARE:

Monday, July 4, 2016

Lust for Lashes

Happy 4th of July, muses! Aren't you happy that I spent 30 minutes putting on these false lashes just for you! I'm the complete opposite of skilled when it comes to applying falsies -- do you have any tips? Still enjoying the long weekend (but I work from home anyway, so it's always a long weekend for me). You know how I spent my weekend if you follow me on Snapchat (ohtobeamuse). But what did you guys do? Also, let me know if you'd like to see me on Periscope. I feel like it would be fun to answer some questions and talk about whatever, but only if you guys care to watch, lol. Don't forget to add your blog posts to the linkup below!

Are you loving this cute Sage necklace by Judith Poe? It's handmade here in the Bay and the collections are full of delicate, beautiful pieces. And this lovely Hammitt clutch you might remember from Instagram a couple weeks ago. They're another awesome Cali brand that I think you'll love. I couldn't be summer ready without my new Jack Rogers that I've been wearing all month. Yes, they were my "I'm on a boat" shoes from last weekend (if you saw on Snap). Plus, they have a large selection of sandals and a collection for both men and children, too.

And yes...this OTS tie striped blouse will be on heavy rotation all summer long. How could it not?

On the Muse:  | Off shoulder bow tie striped blouse (similar) | Ripped skinny jeans (similar) | Bandana scarf (similar) | Sage necklace c/o Judith Poe | 101 North clutch c/o Hammitt | Reese suede nautical anchor flats c/o Jack Rogers |
_________________MONDAY MINGLE LINKUP_________________
I'm hosting the Monday Mingle Linkup today! Be sure to check out my linkup partners Take Time 4 Style and Momtrends to see what they're styling. And add your fashionable post below!

SHARE:

Friday, July 1, 2016

True Story: Free State of Jones

Alright. Alright. Alright.

You probably haven't really heard of the movie Free State of Jones, even though it stars Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Belle, Concussion) and Mahershala Ali (House of Cards) and is directed by Gary Ross--the same guy who did The Hunger Games, Seabiscuit and Pleasantville.

What drew me to this film was the fact that it's a true story about the Civil War that I've never heard before. We all know that the north fought against the south (more so over cotton than equal rights), but did you also know that the south fought against itself?
Matthew (calling him by his first name because his last name is ridiculous) plays Newton Knight, a Mississippi farmer in 1863 who works as a medic in the Confederate Army. After his nephew is killed in battle, Newt goes home to Jones County to bury him and realizes that he doesn't want to fight a battle for slavery. The Confederates deem him to be a deserter and he is forced to hide out with runaway slaves in the swamps as the punishment for deserting is hanging.

Other farmers of Jones County get tired of seeing their farmlands and belongings stripped when the rich plantation owners get all the spoils. So they decide to take up with Newt and the runaway slaves and become army deserters as well. An alliance of runaway slaves fighting for equality and southern farmers fighting for their homes is formed, which forces a rebellion against the south in the middle of the Civil War -- something that I didn't know ever happened.
And there are some great scenes featuring strong female fighters and a court case all about miscegenation laws, which is definitely something that rings loud and clear these days. Plus, it sheds some light on the fact that even though slavery was abolished in 1865 and black people were allowed to vote in 1870, it took many more years for anyone to truly live by those rules.

With the Independence Day weekend ahead, come together and treat everyone like an equal!

Rating: ♥
SHARE:
Blogger Template Created by pipdig