beauty

A Girl’s Night Out in Hoboken

Posted on May 4, 2017 by tiabanks

My friends and I did some birthday celebrating in Hoboken a couple weeks ago. I hadn’t been to Hoboken in so long so it was nice to get out there for a night full of shenanigans.

We started our night by finding parking. That took just as long as it did to get to Hoboken (exaggeration but you see what I’m trying to say). We rode around and around and around looking for someone to pull out at the same moment we were riding down the street.

We finally found a spot that was a few blocks away and headed for the first bar, Wicked Wolf. It was super crowded and the music was a blend of upbeat techno. We met the rest of our group, had a drink, and took some selfies before we moved on to the next location, Biggie’s.

This place was a few blocks over from Wicked Wolf and was more of a dancing scene with a nice mix of pop, hip-hop, Today’s Top 40, and some throwbacks. It was really a great time, especially when you’re with your crew.

The lines for both the bar and the bathroom were relatively short and the place is a decent size too. Not too big and not too small. We had a great time in Hoboken and it is a place I would highly recommend for a fun night out.

So, if you ever want to go out to Hoboken here are some tips:

1.Take an Uber if you are close enough, don’t like to walk, or are wearing six-inch heels

The walk from and back to the car in heels is not for the weak. It is totally possible but definitely isn’t the highlight of the night. Plus, you don’t have to worry about parking. I also recommend an Uber because then everyone can drink like a fish and you don’t have to worry about having a designated driver.

2.Explore

And by “Explore” I mean don’t just stay at one bar the entire night. The bars and lounges are all within walking distance from each other so take the opportunity to check out as many as you can. Hoboken is also right outside of New York so as you’re walking, check out the view of the city.

The Fashion Behind It:

I wore a simple black fitted t-shirt dress and a pair of open-toe nude heels. Hoboken is a little more fancy than your local bar, however, you shouldn’t over think it. Dress cute and comfortably. Heels are not a must.

unnamed-3 — A low quality snapchat photo

Jumpsuit on a Budget

Posted on April 10, 2017April 10, 2017 by tiabanks

Heyyyyy Everybody!

I am writing a post about a jumpsuit I bought a few months ago and haven’t had a chance to wear yet. This time around, I had a new photographer and shot at a different location. As I am editing the photos, I’m happily surprised with how they came out. I am slaying at all angles! YASSS! Shoutout to America’s Next Top Model for showing me how to smize, booty tooch, and model H2T (you will not get these references unless you watch ANTM religiously like I do).

Jumpsuit: Charlotte Russe

Shoes: Madden Girl

Jacket: Vintage

Let me start with the fact that God is good and capable of amazing things. I walk into my local Charlotte Russe with the intention of returning some things I bought online. I decide to browse the store because you never know what you might find. I run into this jumpsuit and think ‘Okay I really want another jumpsuit. Let me try this on.’ I try it on and fall in love with how comfy it is and how it fits. I say to myself ‘Self, you need this so just get it no matter how much it is. You know you’ll wear it.’ I proceed to check out and the cashier tells me that the jumpsuit is a clearance item and costs $7.

Thank. You. God.

Walked out of there with a whole outfit and had plenty to spend on some Chipotle afterwards.

I love one piece outfits like jumpsuits and rompers. They are so simple, require little effort, and still allow you to look bomb. They are really the greatest thing since sliced bread.

This jacket that I photographed with is vintage. By vintage, I mean I got it out of my mom’s closet and she’s had it for years. I love a black and white color scheme so for me it completed the look. Plus, everything comes back in style. Okay, maybe not everything, but most things.

Sunglasses are courtesy of my photographer

Yes this is new hair courtesy of Ali Moda. It’s a full lace frontal wig I constructed myself ;]

Warby Parker Spring 2017

Posted on March 28, 2017March 27, 2017 by tiabanks

Hey all,

Lately we’ve been experiencing warmer and sunnier days, which means we will be able to break out our shorts, dresses, and my favorite…sunglasses!

Sunglasses are an obvious summertime essential and now is the time when you should start scouting out the frames you plan on rocking this summer. My friends over at Warby Parker just launched their Spring 2017 collection of sunglasses that feature new silhouettes and acetates for the season! I’m telling you, these glasses are on a whole new level of diva. Plus, these glasses won’t leave your bank account empty. If you’re like me and like to ball on a budget then this is perfect.

I’m thinking add a flower crown (or the snapchat filter) and I’m ready for Coachella 2017

How about an all white jumpsuit, nude clutch, and these bad boys right here

So, say you like a pair but, like me, you like to try them before you buy them. Well, Warby Parker offers the option of being able to try on sunglasses in your own home with the Home Try-On. You can select the frames that stand out to you or take the quiz and they can give you suggestions based on your results.

Warby Parker is also great because they partner with non-profit organizations like VisionSpring to make sure that when you buy a pair of glasses, a pair is also given to someone who is in need.

Time to get ready for summer!

Tia

Big Chop: 3 Month Update

Posted on March 10, 2017March 10, 2017 by tiabanks

What’s Up!

So three months ago, as you may or may not know, I cut off all the hair on my head that was chemically relaxed. That left me with a short, tapered, and curly fro. I was unsure about the look at first, however, I knew it was a step in the direction of being able to enjoy my natural curls.

Since the chop, I’ve been keeping a very low maintenance hair routine (depending on what you call low maintenance). I shampoo and condition my tresses for 45-60 minutes every 7-10 days and keep it in braids underneath my wig.

The wig that I’m currently wearing I made with two 18-inch bundles, a 16-inch bundle, and a 14-inch closure.

I wear it on a regular basis because it has the texture of what natural hair would feel like if it was blow dried and maybe flat ironed, which is why people always stop and ask “Wow! Your hair is so long! Is it all yours?”. That’s when I have to let dreadfully let them down and tell them the truth. Why not just tell them it is my hair? Because why lie? That way, I can also promote myself as a wig maker :]

Here are some updated pics:

This was after I took my cornrows out. AKA a braid out

I’ve noticed some length between when I cut my hair and now. It’s literally not even an inch but it’s growth !

You know I had to throw a little filter on there.

I could always use some hair inspo, so if you have encouraging words drop them in the comments below !

The Shirtless Blazer

Posted on February 25, 2017February 25, 2017 by tiabanks

Blazer | Targét

Pants | Targ….wait, this whole look is Targét, except the shoes

Shoes | Shoedazzle

Hey, what’s up, hello

I literally put this look together last minute. I was out and about all day and there was still a couple hours of sunlight left so I challenged myself to put together a look to post.

Now, I’ve ALWAYS been a fan of a great blazer. That’s just something every working woman should have, especially in black. A black blazer is equivalent to a pair of jeans. You just need one. However, the look that spices things up a little is when women, influencers, and celebs wear just the blazer…no shirt. It’s so fab, fierce, and effortless.

So tried it out myself. It was a difficult look to shoot, especially with the breeze that was going on outside (I guess that’s why they make double-sided tape). I also did the look with a bandeau underneath for a more reserved, but still fierce look.

At the end of the day I think I’ll stick to the shirtless blazer look when taking photos and throw on a bandeau when I go out to have a good time. No nip slips over here! But, shoutout to me for trying something out of my comfort zone :]

Try-Day!

Posted on February 15, 2017February 17, 2017 by tiabanks

Dress | TjMaxx

Shoes | Target

Necklace | Somewhere in Ibiza

What’s up everyone —

Today, thanks to Dia&Co., I decided to step out of my boundaries and try an outfit that I normally wouldn’t wear (Hence, my title, Try-day). I, myself, am a girl with curves all over and have never felt comfortable in tight fitting bodycon dresses, so when I was invited to be apart of this project, I knew what look I wanted to pursue.

When I tried on this dress for the first time, I fell in love. I like the simplicity of it as well as the color. Especially the color. The fit wasn’t my favorite at first, however, after looking at myself in the mirror for a few moments, I realized that my curves aren’t going anywhere any time soon (especially with the way I love cookie dough ice cream) so I might as well embrace them. Plus, bodycon dresses are not going out of style anytime soon, if ever. Girls of all different shapes and sizes are wearing them nowadays with extraordinary confidence and it’s about time I hop on that bandwagon.

The necklace I paired with this bodycon dress was a souvenir I bought when I traveled abroad. My friends and I took a trip to Ibiza, Spain and on the last day, there was something equivalent to a flea market going on and I found this necklace at one of the booths. It was the only one they had so I’d like to think I’m the only person in the world with this necklace. A girl can dream right?

My shoes are a treasure I found at Target last summer. I ran in the store for one or two things and found myself stumbling upon the shoe department, which was obviously not on my list. There was one pair of these shoes left + they were my size + they were on sale. Boom. I had great karma that day.

I want to thank Dia&Co. again for inspiring me to step out of my fashion comfort zone. Check out their website and take their style quiz!

Now, I’m curious as to what styles my readers have tried. I want to hear about it!

Shout out to Mama Banks for allowing me to turn our living room into a makeshift photography studio since it’s snowing…again

So it’s also about your angles and the camera. I learned that my angles looked better on a stool.

Boss Mode

Posted on February 1, 2017February 1, 2017 by tiabanks

Dress | TJ Maxx

Boots | Macy’s

Coat | Vintage

Hair | Best Lace Wigs (wig made by me)

Hi all,

I’ve been MIA lately when it comes to fashion posts and I’ll tell you why. It’s winter. I unfortunately don’t live in a place where it’s warm all year long. So, when it comes to doing a little photo shoot in the middle of winter, I usually take an L and fill my blog with other topics. However, it was a little warmer today so I’m hoping this means that Spring is soon to come!

This outfit was inspired by my mindset. Lately, I’ve been in BOSS MODE trying to balance finding a full-time job, working my part-time job, developing my brand, doing some freelance writing, being a full-time caregiver for my mom, and having a social life. I’ve been working hard and getting it done *insert hair flip*.

With that being said, I threw on my Olivia Pope inspired trench coat with a simple cream color dress I found at good ol’ TJMaxx. I found this dress at the end of last spring and it’s super comfy because the texture has a velvety feel to it. Simple dresses like these are so great to have in your closet. You can do so much with it. Dress it up and keep it simple.

My black thigh high boots have become my life and one of the best birthday gifts ever. I love love loooooove my boots! They take any and every outfit up three notches. This thigh high trend was definitely one of my favorites this fall and winter. Now if I could just find them in another color, I’d be set.

Now, if you notice at the top of the page, I told you my coat was vintage. This coat and I have a long history. I mean, I’ve had this coat since about junior year of high school. It has seen me grow up and it has been here for my Glo up. This coat came with me to college, has been to multiple college parties and was there to cover my shoulders as I walked to brunch the next morning. This coat has had buttons pop off multiple times and been sewn right back on by my dear mother. It travelled with me abroad to other countries and has been through the snow, rain, and hail. To be honest, I just haven’t gotten around to getting a new one. Maybe I’ll save that for next fall. Haha.

My dress looks super short here due to the way I’m sitting. But, I guess doing my squats has paid off. Yass!

January Must-Haves

Posted on January 3, 2017January 3, 2017 by tiabanks

* * * * H E L L O J A N U A R Y * * *

“…and so the adventure begins”

It’s a new year and it’s time for new beginnings. Not only should we set goals for ourselves, but we should create a plan of attack on how we are going to achieve them. And if you are still trying to figure out what you want to accomplish this year, take your time. It will come to you even if it’s three months down the line. I, myself, am still finalizing some goals of mine. I’d love to hear about your 2017 goals in the comments below!

Now, as I stated earlier, it’s time for new beginnings. On that note, this month’s must-haves are all about the basic things in our closet that probably need to be replaced going into the new year.

1. Sneakers

I took a look at my white (or at least when I bought them they were white) sneakers and did myself a solid and bought a new pair. Knowing myself, I decided against another pair of white sneakers because they probably wouldn’t stay white very long. After hours of shopping, I found the Nike Air Max Theas. When I realized they had them in my favorite color, olive green, it was a wrap. SOLD.

2. White t-shirt

So every once in a while, we need to replace our favorite go-to white tee. It’s been through a lot this year. There have probably been stains on it that took a few washes, bleach, and a prayer to get out. And at the end of the day, it’s probably not as bright white as it was when we bought it.

3. Bras and underwear

New year, new lift. Treat yo self by starting off the year with a new panty and bra set. We all know that feeling you get when your bra matches your underwear.

hair flip 2.gif

Makes us feel a little extra put together.

4. Jeans

Okay, so our jeans are probably not old or anything but a girl can never have too many pairs, right? This year, go for a new style that you’ve never tried before. If skinny jeans are your thing, look for a pair of looser fitting boyfriend jeans. Switch it up!

CORE Magazine presents Beautifully Bold

Posted on December 20, 2016December 20, 2016 by tiabanks

This past Saturday, I was fortunate enough to be invited to Beautifully Bold, an event presented by CORE Magazine. Geared towards young girls, this event covered the do’s and do not’s of skin care, health, makeup, nails, and hair with a full panel of experts. I took over their Instagram account for the day to cover the event via live video and spoke to some of the panelists and influencers one on one about my own beauty needs.

There were sooooo many amazing things I learned from all of the experts, so I’ve complied a list below of the top ten things we covered that day. Some of these tips we already knew but needed to be emphasized again.

Your eyebrows are NOT twins, they are sisters.
There is no such thing as conditioning too much.
If you are worried about the amount of acne building up on your face, cut out dairy for a week.
Contrary to popular belief, EVERYONE should use sunscreen no matter how old you are or how much melanin you have. It is the best anti-aging cream!
Putting gel on your nails can be a healthy way for them to grow, however, if not properly cared for, it can have a negative effect.
The best time of the year to straighten your hair is in the winter. No humidity, no frizz.
Never, EVER fill in your eyebrows with black.
You have to properly prep your skin before putting on your makeup everyday.
Co-washing is like rinsing with water and conditioning. It isn’t totally necessary to buy one, but doesn’t hurt either.
Everyone has a different beauty routine that works for them. Don’t knock your own routine because someone is doing something different than you.

The Beautifully Bold event ended with a quick makeup tutorial showing how to do a fresh face for an everyday look and some giveaways. We also received a goodie bag full of hair products which I will post about soon!

Peep some pics below …

Unarthodox | Chelsea, NY

(From Left to Right)

Nail Artist: Melissa (works at The Nail Suite where Yoncé gets her nails done)

Skincare Expert: Seven Brown (owner of Harlem Skin and Laser)

Hair Care Experts: Monique & Yessenia (creators of the hair care line Curls)

Makeup Artist: Shani

Nutritionist: Michelle Maldonado

The lovely ladies that attended the event 🙂

A little fresh face tutorial

…aaaaaand a quick flick of the founders of CORE Magazine ❤

Peace & Love

December Must-Haves

Posted on December 9, 2016 by tiabanks

W E L C O M E D E C E M B E R !

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

This month dedicated to

December is that special month of the year when all the magic happens. The holidays are finally among us, which means it’s time to decide what you’re going to show out in at the family gatherings or for those holiday parties. So let me just remind you of this: You can never go wrong with a little sparkle.

1. Sparkly Tops

Cute tops like this are an easy way to add a little pizazz to an outfit. It takes the look up a notch and can be dressed up or dressed down.

2.Sparkly Shoes

Now, this is a different take on the sparkly shoes that Dorothy wears to go see the wizard. A totally different take. I like this gold ballet shoe below because it is a neutral, which means more outfit options as well as the fact that it’s flat. Every girl loves a good pair of heels but our feet thank us when we wear flats. Plus, if you’re going to a holiday party these are super cute to switch into when your feet get tired from your heels.

3.Shiny nail polish

If you are a true nail polish wearer, you would know that sparkly nail polish is the hardest to get off. It takes more than a cotton ball and some acetone. You need strength and a lot of patience. That’s why I am not going for sparkly nails this year, but rather shine. Shiny/metallic nails are also becoming a cool trend too!

4.Shiny velvet dress

This is more for the New Year’s parties that will be happening. Typically we think of New Year’s outfits as lots of sparkle, but with the new velvet trend that’s going on, I think this year might be different. I think we are going to see a lot of velvet because it has a shine to it and you still get that “New Year’s theme”. I also think velvet is so classy!

Merry Christmas!

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