Blak Friday; Blogger of the Week

It’s the last Friday of April and my April reign (get it? April reign à rain? I made a funny!) is coming to an end!  But with it brings new opportunities, new beginnings and maybe a new hair-do! I know I’m not the only one who gets that “I need to do something different” itch when the weather starts to get warmer. But who can you trust with your hair? This brings me to my Blogger of the Week! This week is another friend of mine from college whose skillful hands are touching the manes of models & natural girls all over! Say hello to hair stylist/ blogger Ashley Lee of Ashley Lee Styling!

I admit I was surprised that Ashley didn't start a fashion blog. I’ve always known her to be stylish, polished and dressed to impress! I was convinced fashion was her calling! However, when she launched her website and started posting videos for hair care and her work at photo shoots, I was pleasantly surprised! Her work has been featured on Whim online magazine, ThatsFoxy.com, SevenTribes magazine and the latest Txture magazine (hasn't been released yet)! Also the way she hooks up her own natural hair can seriously leave a girl with hair envy. I reached out to Ashley to ask my standard “simple” 4 questions.

BL: Do you feel there are more or less beauty products available for women of color?
I believe the market is greatly expanding to accommodate women of color (black women in particular). When it comes to makeup, I think women of darker skin complexions have the most difficulty whereas if you are a woman of color (black, Hispanic or Asian) I do feel as though beauty products are readily available.

BL: If you have to recommend a makeup brand or represent one, which would you choose and why?
I'm not really a make up buff, more of a drug store junkie. However, for low prices makeup I've found that maybelline has always made me happy with both foundations and lip color. I particularly like the mousse line that they have and am now using a liquid foundation of theirs. I get great coverage, in other makeup I find that they have great pigments and the cost is low which makes it accessible to almost everybody.
BL: What is one basic item that every woman should have in their makeup/ hair care arsenal?
For makeup, I think every woman should own a brow powder. No matter how little makeup you have on, if your brows are done, you look alive. As for hair care, I think every woman should own a wide tooth comb to safely detangle and avoid breakage.

BL: What do you love most about blogging?
My heart and soul is committed to hair care and advocacy. Although I love being trendy and fashion forward, I find myself obligated as a cosmetologist to spread knowledge about all things having to do with hair and beauty in my power. Just like you go to your doctor about your health, I want people to come to me about their hair.

 

Her site, Ashley Lee Styling, also offer services ranging from basic shampoo and blow out/set to spa services such as lash extensions and facials. She also does in-home visits! Book her through Prettier Please and have the salon come to you! Don’t forget to follow her on Instagram and Twitter, @alstyling! Two snaps for Ms. Ashley Lee! 

Blak Friday! Blogger of the Week

As a new comer to this competitive, versatile, vast "new world" we know as blogging, one can easily be intimidated. Kind of like being the new kid in high school in which all eyes are on you because you're an alien in their town but they can really careless if you come or go.  I have come to appreciate all the bloggers before me because this is not easy (I swear I lay awake at night just thinking about my next post. Nerd much?)! Starting off my Blak Friday: Blogger of the Week is Monica Awe-Etuk also known as Awed by Monica!

Monica wearing Ladyee Boutique skirt
w/ ReneeQ.  Intuma Belt

This outfit is what made me fall in love and click the follow button on Instagram! Its simple, chic, clean, lean and different all wrapped up in a fashionable ensemble. What's also make this outfit stand out for me is the fact that the belt and skirt are products of Black owned boutiques! A two for one, sweet! The belt is by Renee Q. Boateng and the skirt (yes, its a skirt not a long black dress. Love the illusion!) is by Ladyee Boutique. Her style is always classy and modern while adding an individual flare all her own. Plus she's the mother of two! I heard too many times where moms tend to lose focus on how they look because they're caught up on taking care of the family. So I definitely commend her for being on top of her game. I reached out and asked four quick questions to get a peek into the creative mind:

             

BL: What era of fashion do you relate to the most?

I would say for right now, definitely the 50s, I am obsessed with the midi, lady-like, meets modern trend.

BL: Which celebrity's closet do you covet?

 It's a tied between Solange ‎Knowles and Kim Kardashinas, they both get everything sent to them so why not lol!

BL: What is the one basic item every woman should have in her closet?

 LBD, the black dress is still the most important item to have, it always works

BL: What do you love most about blogging?

Expressing my personal style and style inspiring my followers.

Make sure to follow @awedbymoni, @reneeqgh and @ladyeeboutique on Instagram and give two snaps to Ms. Monica Awe-Etuk, blogger of the week!