black bloggers

Fall is Upon Us!

Posted on October 4, 2017October 4, 2017 by tiabanks

Shirt | TJMaxx

Shorts | Thrift Store

Shoes | Macy’s

Shalom everyone,

My latest photo shoot that I finished has been my most successful so far (in my and my photographer’s opinion). The location, lighting, outfit, and positive energy came together to manifest something great.

I was able to shoot two outfits that day, however, I’m only going to speak on one of them for now. The shirt I wore received a lot of compliments and questions about where I got it. Yes, it was yet another TJMaxx find! Just call me a Maxxinista!

I saw this shirt and was slightly hesitant due to how transparent the material was. On the other hand, I knew I didn’t own a shirt like it and I’m grown soooooo….

I paired this top with my strapless bra to cover my goodies and high waisted denim shorts. I found these denim shorts at a PA thrift store a couple of years ago but they were a few sizes too small. Determined, I bought them anyway and motivated myself to get into them and eventually I did so kudos to me.

The boots were a nice fall touch. I can’t tell you I got them for a super cheap price because they weren’t cheap. We’ll just leave it at that.

Back to this shirt though because it was definitely the highlight of the photos. I absolutely adore the detailing and embroidery in it and I can see myself wearing it out and about. Next time, I think I’m going to try a bold lip color with it, like a classic red.

Check out the pics below!

D.I.Y and looking Fly

Posted on August 8, 2017August 8, 2017 by tiabanks

What’s up everyone!

Yeah my title this time around is a little corny but bear with me.

Sometimes as I am planning my next photo shoot, I look in my closet and can’t find anything to wear. Well, I had one of those moments this week and decided to D.I.Y a piece of clothing that I’ve been seeing on Instagram and it turned into a whole outfit.

I’m not sure what the name of this look is because it’s not exactly a full sweatshirt, however, it’s made from sweatshirt material. Kylie Jenner was seen wearing one a while ago and I’m digging the look.

So I made a trip to the thrift store and found a simple grey men’s sweatshirt and got creative. I watched a couple tutorials and then tried it on my own. Now, I did not take pictures of the process, but I have a little diagram below of what I did.

Step 1 (Purple) : I cut across the sweatshirt where the purple line is to get rid of the major excess of the shirt.

Step 2 (Orange) : Then I cut along the orange line so I could get more of the look I was trying to achieve.

*This is not an actual photo of the sweatshirt I used. If you are using a sweatshirt that has a logo. brand, etc., you should make the adjustments to your cutting pattern that allow people to still see the logo. Like in the photo of Kylie, the logo is still seen but it has more of a rugged cut.

Step 3 (Purple) : So after I was finished cutting up the sweatshirt, I went back to the first part that I cut off, which was the purple line. I flipped it upside down, and it became a skirt. I’m brilliant.

Now it looks like I have a matching outfit. Check out the photos below!

International Wardrobe

Posted on June 24, 2017 by tiabanks

Hey all you people. Hey all you people won’t you listen to meeeeeeee (If you can name where this is from, you get bonus points)

Today I want to do a little something for my subscribers who are in Europe, specifically London. Almost three years ago I travelled to London for my study abroad program and spent a semester at Regent’s University. Obviously, I went shopping during my four months there and there were a couple of stores I found myself coming back to. Those were Primark and New Look. Primark, in my opinion, is one of the best things to ever happen to me. First of all, the store is huge! Like Macy’s Herald Square huge and it’s always busy. Plus, they always have a great variety of clothing styles, keep up to date with trends, and everything is cheap. Now, while everything is cheap, you also get the quality you pay for. As in, don’t expect it to last forever.

New Look was probably my favorite.

I loved all of the clothes I found there and it was affordable. Not Primark affordable, but still great prices. New Look is also where I found these two rompers that I brought home with me from London. The first one is a loose long sleeve romper with a flowery pattern. I like this one for nights out or special occasions. It’s super comfy, but I tend to get warm really fast when wearing it so I like to carry this romper into the fall. It could be because the material is polyester.

The second romper I bought was a bright pink with scalloped bottoms. It is also a very comfortable romper that has a v-neck back and is tailored to be fitted in the waist. I love it because it can be dressed down or dressed up and the color is the only one of it’s kind in my closet. I wear it to little outings here and there ( I think it’s a little too “youthful” to wear to the club”).

So to my international subscribers, I love Primark and New Look! To my fellow American followers, if you ever happen to be in London, check out these stores. Now, I know there is a Primark in Staten Island and Boston but I’ve never been to either of them so I can’t vouch for them. I would assume it’s the same idea though. And to my knowledge, New Look isn’t in the US anywhere. But that’s what online shopping is for!

Here are some more pics from the rest of the shoot:

Snagged both pairs of sunglasses for $10 a piece at a street vendor in Harlem

Luxe Therapy

Posted on June 20, 2017June 20, 2017 by tiabanks

Good Afternoon peeps,

So recently, I was given a Scalp Soother to try by Luxe Therapy. I opened it and had moderate expectations being that I’ve used products like this before, however, this was divine! It was thin enough to slide right underneath my wig and it got those hard to reach spots that can be difficult to scratch.

As you can see, it is built just like an old school pick but it is a bit thinner.

So stop patting those weaves and get you one of these!

You can definitely use this Scalp Soother no matter what your hair type is. Just make sure you rinse it off between each wash and do not scratch too hard especially if you just got your braids done.

Check out Luxe Therapy on Twitter and Instagram @luxetherapy

Bralette Bliss

Posted on May 27, 2017May 27, 2017 by tiabanks

Bralette | Victoria’s Secret

Pants | Boutique

Bralette | Target

Pants | Macy’s

Hello hello,

Today, I am going to talk about one of my latest favorite pieces for the summer time: bralettes. Bralettes are far from new and have entered the fashion world years ago. It’s just new to my closet. I had always been weary about purchasing one because typically I notice the models wearing them in the magazines and commercials are really thin, have a flat chest and dance around in their underwear and bralettes so carefree as if the struggle is not real.

However, one day, I was at Victoria’s Secret and there was a sale going on (ya girl can’t resist a sale) and so I went inside to see what they had. I noticed a box of bralettes were on sale and since the price was right, I bought one. If push came to shove, I could always wear it around the house or give it away.

So I tried on my new bralette with some things I had in my closet. I also turned to Pinterest for a little inspiration too. Typically people wear them with open back or see-through shirts and dresses, however, I found these wide leg pants that still had the tag on them in the back of my closet. So I threw them on with the bralette and I was feeling it. Where am I wearing this outfit? No clue, but, Issa look! So that’s what I went for; a bralette and loose wide leg pants. I found another pair of pants that I rarely wear in my closet and put it with a second bralette that I bought and it was still a look!

So bralettes are definitely going to be my thing this summer with wide leg pants, backless and low cut shirts,etc. They are so easy to throw on and are comfortable while also being cute. However, I do recognize the issue that could arise for some girls. That being having a larger chest. Bralettes have no support, no padding, no nothing. It’s essentially just the lace material covering your boobs and that is difficult for women who are well endowed. So to combat that, I’ve recently seen the bustier bralette,
which has cups and offers a little more support.

rehost%2F2016%2F9%2F13%2F0cb5c361-1018-427b-aad8-697a90c95282.jpg — See, even Ashley Graham wears them!

All in all, bralettes are great and there are options for everyone! You can find them anywhere pretty much. As you read, I got my first one from Victoria’s Secret and my second one I bought at Target. They are something great to try this summer especially if you are into low cut, open back, see through shirts and dresses.

Side note: The silver line going down my chest is a metallic tattoo. They became really popular about two summers ago. I love these things and think they look awesome especially on a sunny day because they will shine super bright.

The BOMBer Jacket

Posted on May 19, 2017May 19, 2017 by tiabanks

Jacket| Diesel

Hey All,

This is a short and sweet post….

So I did a photo shoot a little while ago and had a hard time trying to figure out what kind of look I was going for. I never figured it out, however, the highlight of that outfit was definitely that bomber jacket.

This is a men’s bomber jacket by Diesel and it was super warm. This is why I stick by the idea of women shopping in the men’s section. The jacket was heavy and could withstand a very chilly day with style. Sometimes when I shop in the women’s section for bomber jackets, they tend to be thin. Really cute, but still thin. Men’s items sometimes are more durable than women’s. Most of us women tend to think cute over quality anyway. And there’s nothing wrong with that. We’ve all been guilty of wearing something a little skimpy because we were trying to look cute and do it for the gram. Am I wrong?.

So if you haven’t already, take a stroll over to the men’s section of the store. You never know what you might find.

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 ;]

GOMO:Going Out More Often Summer Bucket List

Posted on April 7, 2017April 7, 2017 by tiabanks

Hey Readers!

Does anyone have a bucket list? If so, what’s on it?

I’m working with Eventbrite to support GOMO: Going Out More Often, which reminds us that we should aim to have more memorable experiences in life with friends and family rather than be satisfied with material things. Statistics show that most of us would like to have more of these experiences anyway so let’s make it happen!

While keeping this concept in mind, I’ve created a bucket list of things I want to do this summer.

1.Hot Yoga Class

This is a trend that I’ve heard so much about and have been hesitant to try. I’m already not great at yoga and then being in a hot room could send me over the edge. At the end of the day, it would be an experience that I wouldn’t forget. Who knows, I may connect with my inner yogi and find peace and relaxation in it.

2. Tour a Brewery/Go to a Wine Tasting

No matter if you like beer over wine or wine over beer, both of these things are awesome experiences. I have done a wine tasting in the past and it was nice being able to learn about each wine that we tried (aroma, smell, and taste of course) instead of just going to the store and getting the cheapest boxed wine my friends and I could find. I’m not huge on beer but this is definitely still getting checked off my list this summer.

3. NOLA!

New Orleans is a place full of culture and one of a kind experiences. Between the food, the people, the festivals, nightlife, and the food, there is so much to take in when you’re there. You probably have to make a separate bucket list just for this place. One of the main things I want to go when I’m there is the Essence Festival. They have a great line-up for the concerts every year and being surrounded by influential melanin leaders is the icing on the cake. And don’t forget the food!

4. Go GLAMping

Glamping is the newest trend for those that want to enjoy the pros and other amenities of camping while not having to experience the cons and downsides to being in the wilderness. I am always down for anything new, however, there are some things I NEED if I’m doing the outdoors for a weekend. Nothing outrageous. As long as there is plumbing, hot water, and wifi, we’re good.

5. Start a Garden

Having a garden is an experience that can last you all summer long. My mom is big on gardening so I guess it’s time I see if she passed this trait on to me too. She usually plants herbs, lavender, lettuce, tomatoes, string beans, peppers etc. and I love it because our food tastes so much better and it’s fresh (obviously).

6. Watch the Sunrise

I put this on my bucket list because it will probably take all summer for me to get up early enough to do this. Watching the sunset is great too but the other part of watching the sunrise is knowing that I am up starting my day early. Who knows what I’ll be able to accomplish!

If you have your own experience or event you want to plan for your friends, fam, or community, head over to the event planning page at Eventbrite.

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 !

	tiabanks on Big Chop: 7 Month Update
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