Showing Skin

While I'm not your conservative type, I am very cautious when it comes to showing skin in my outfits. A little skin can be fun and certainly sexy; however, you definitely have to do it correctly.

In this outfit, I chose to show a little skin with this cutesie little croptop. I work in fashion retail and I see a lot of women who want to sport a cute croptop but they are apprehensive because they aren't comfortable with their stomach. Well ladies, I have the answer for you...HIGH WAIST! Pair your favorite high waist skirt, shorts or pants with a crop top and boom!

Also, I tend to gravitate more towards croptops that are more shirt like than croptop like if you know what I mean? I usually prefer those because they are little longer in the front and will only show skin if I raise my hands or move a certain way. I think it is a lot sexier that way. Kinda keeps people wondering...you know?

DRESS LIKE JO

The skirt I have on is from Express, check it out HERE!

What do you think about this similar skater skirt HERE?

Give A Little Love

With all the love that was in the air yesterday, I started to think about something. I started to think about how amazing it is that love is so contagious on February 14th. How awesome would it be if every day was a day of love like valentines day. I think as a people we need to learn to give a little love everyday. Whether you are single or in a relationship, I challenge you (and me) to show some act of kindness and love every day. I think we would be a happier set of people.

Yesterday was Valentines Day and although I opted out of being all decked out in red, I let my feet spread the love for me. When I was picking out this outfit I realized I don't have a nice pair of red pumps so I did what any sane girl would do -- I raided my mother's closet. Thanks mom for this classic pair of patent red Nine West pumps that I'm secretly never giving back. **hopefully she doesn't read this post**

I hope you all had a WONDERFUL Valentines Day and remember to give a little love EVERYDAY!

DRESS LIKE JO
Respect The Call Time Crewneck available at www.ellabent.com
Similar pair of Red pumps HERE!

About Me

My name is Joanna Coker and I am the blogger behind She's So Me. I currently reside in Atlanta, where I work as a Public Relations Assistant. I named this blog "She's So Me" because I believe my readers can truly relate to my daily life experiences. In this blog, I speak for the average girl who is seeking advice and inspiration from someone who's shoes she can actually see herself in. I post about fashion, life, family, friends, music, and my natural hair trends. 

 I am also a devoted advocate of female empowerment and I wholeheartedly support my fellow women. In the "Who Is She" segment of my blog you will find interviews I conducted with several hard-working career women - detailing the ins-and-outs of their journey to success. I believe these interviews will assist other women who are interested in finding out what it takes to become successful in that field and to also achieve their career goals. My goal is to make a difference one woman at a time.

Time Out

If you haven't heard already, Lala Anthony wrote a book and it's titled "The Love Playbook." I recently purchased the book and I have really been enjoying it. The metaphorical title of the book is extremely appropriate as she basically compares the relationship game to the game of basketball. She uses appropriate terminology like the term "TimeOut," which appears quite a few times.

I was particularly intrigued by her definition of the term timeout.

"A halt in the play. this allows the coaches of either team to communicate with the team, e.g., to determine strategy or inspire morale. Timeouts are critical components of the game and can be the difference between winning and losing." - Lala Anthony

In life, sometimes we need to realize that it is okay to call a timeout. This doesn't mean taking some elaborate vacation or planning an extravagant trip (although there is nothing wrong with that). To me, a timeout is simply a chance to regroup, re-evaluate, and re-energize. Life can be stressful people! Don't be afraid to call a timeout. Gather your team of friends, family, or mentors every now and again for a quick pep talk and discuss your strategy to get back in the game. Like Lala said, the purpose of a timeout is to "inspire morale" and it can really be the difference between winning or losing. If you never regroup, there will be multiple occasions when your head isn't in the game and that's never a good thing.

Moral of the story is this...don't be afraid to call a timeout in life. Whatever the best method for you is. Maybe it is a bubble bath or maybe it is time with nature. Take timeouts seriously!

DRESS LIKE JO
Check out this dress similar to mine that I am currently obsessed with here. 

How To Style A Crewneck

HEY EVERYONE! So, my good friends at Ella B Entertainment are having a VALENTINES DAY GIVEAWAY and you know I HAD to share! 

Basically, all you have to do is make a small purchase from the #RespectTheCallTime collection to #EnterToWin a FREE BETSEY JOHNSON BAG! Fella, don't think they forgot about you all! The lucky male winner will also win a FREE PACO RABANNE cologne gift set!

When you make your purchase SCREENSHOT your confirmation and show it to them on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook using HASHTAG #RespectTheCallTime so they can find you! Who wouldn't want to win these awesome gifts for FREE!!! You leave with a FREE gift AND an DOPE #RespectTheCallTime item! WIN WIN!

Check out how I styled my #RespectTheCallTime crewneck in the video above! Purchase yours today so we can be TWINSIESS!!!  www.ellabent.com

Romance Me

I am so proud to announce that one of my best friends and the mastermind behind my Youtube channel released her very first album on Saturday, February 1st. The night before this wonderful accomplishment, a few family and friends gathered to celebrate Arielle and congratulate her on her endeavors at her album release party.

The album, titled Romance Me, is collection of amorous tunes that take you on a journey through the different stages of love! (Link To Purchase Album Below). As Valentines Day is rapidly approaching, I definitely recommend that you hop on iTunes and purchase this album for you and your loved one to enjoy. I guarantee that you will fall in love with them all over again!

To my darling Arielle! I know I have told you a million times, but I want to tell you again how proud I am of you! I am so excited for the future and the great things you will go on to do. This is only the beginning. The grind doesn't stop here, it just started.

For the album release party, I thought it was only appropriate that I wore a shirt illustrating one of the greatest musicians of all time -- Bob Marley. I honestly believe my friend is a musical genius also and I believe she will go on to do great things. Click HERE to purchase Arielle's piano album --  Romance Me

I got a lot of compliments about my skirt. I purchased this skirt at the clothing store Express. Click HERE to check out a similar skirt that I also have my keen eye on! 

Who Is She: MUA Moshoodat Sanni

WHO IS SHE? 
She is Make Up Artist (MUA) Moshoodat Sanni and she is someone you NEED TO KNOW! Moshoodat embarked on her journey as a Make Up Artist as something she just did for fun. However, over-time she realized that she was blessed with a gift and decided to use her gift to "put a smile on people's faces." Thus far in her career, she has been so fortunate to work with a variety of talented photographers, crews, clients, and agencies. Because of the variety in her exposure, Moshoodat has experience working with clients of all skin tones, skin types, and ages. Her skills have reached many weddings, special events, magazines, celebrities and even music videos. Check out my interview with MUA Moshoodat Sanni below! The interview portrays examples of some of her work.

1) How did you get your start in the make up industry?

I went to a community college and studied advertisement and design. I loved how hands on arts and craft can be, but when it was time to get on the computer I absolutely hated it! I started to do my research for a career that I felt would always be hands and allow me to be creative! That being said, I got my hands on the legendary Kevyn Aucoin's makeup book "FaceForward." After reading that book, I knew that I wanted to be a makeup artist! This realization was kind of weird for me since I was a huge tomboy before makeup came into my life! 

2) What types of occasions and events do you work and why?

I absolutely love doing weddings! It is a blessing to be able to contribute to one of the most important days of someone's life! I love seeing how beautiful the bride looks and feels! I also have a love/hate relationship with fashion shows. The thing about fashion shows is that they are always intense and you have to constantly think on your toes! I always freak out during the process and ask myself " Mo what the hell were you thinking!!'" However, when its all said and done and I witness the finished product,  I have the urge to do it again! 

3) How do you keep a loyal and steady clientele?

Be you! As cliche as that may sound, people love knowing that they aren't dealing with cosmetic robots! I hate going to a makeup counter and hearing too much information! It pushes me away from the product and the artist! 

Also, treat every client like they are Beyoncé! This is very important. You have to make your clients feel like they are queens! Of course things happen but remember they are always right! It takes one bad experience to ruin your name! and reputation. Bite the bullet!

4) Describe the process behind working an event. What do you do to prepare for an event? What is your role during an event? 

I think I speak for all artists: makeup artists, apparel stylists, and hair stylists, when I say I play the role of a therapist. For example, when a bride is freaking out on her wedding day, it is my job to constantly remind her of how beautiful she looks and to ease her stress. Also, when my weekly client is having relationship issues, while I am doing her makeup, she is probably going to talk to me about it. It's not only important I leave my client looking great but I think its more important that they also feel great! What's the point of wearing red lipstick is you don't show of your beautiful smile?

5) What qualities do you believe a person who wants to get into a career in the Make Up Industry should possess?
You definitely have to be Resilient. It is a very saturated industry so you have to bounce back through it all.

6) When you work bridal events, what is your main objective as you prepare the bride and/or her bridal party.  
My main objective is to make everyone feel at ease and of course to make them feel fabulous! I also seek to keep the energy positive by cracking some jokes. Oh and of course I aim to do a wonderful job with the makeup.

7) What is a common mistake women make when applying make-up? 
Picking the wrong foundation shade for their face! Too may times women pick the wrong undertone. 

8) Are there any helpful beauty tips you have to offer to women of color? 
Yes! When buying foundation, test it on your neck! It's always important for your face to blend in with your neck. 

10) Today, the average woman is on-the-go and very busy. How would you recommend transitioning a day-time look to one that can be used for a night out? What are the best long-lasting products?

The easiest way to turn a simple and quick day-time look into an evening look would be to either 
1) pick a sexy evening lipstick. Or 
2) Get a little sultry and smoke out your daytime shadow with a dark color on the crease. 

11) Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

 I see myself owning at least one standing store of my own (beauty bar), gaining some fame, and traveling to clients all over the world! 

  

12) Would you ever consider launching a line of cosmetics some day? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes of course! It would probably consist of a very wide range of foundations! I usually can never find my perfect shade and I always have to mix and match different products to get the perfect complexion! I would love to make it easier for the everyday woman to find the right shade for herself.

13) What 3 Make up items should every woman have in her purse? 

Mascara

Lip balm

Gum/candy ( makeup for the breath lol ) 

14) A lot of people think that the make up industry doesn't require any education. Can you help enlighten us on this? Does this field require a certain degree?

Yes and no! You just really need experience! Experience is the best professor on planet earth! You have to enlighten yourself! I read a variety of makeup books and asked a diverse group of other makeup artists around me for advice! Even till now I always ask. You are never too experienced to learn

15) What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your pursuit to become successful in this career thus far? 
Support! This was a huge issue!  Being that I'm Nigerian, my parents weren't too keen on my dropping out of school to become a makeup artist! This took a huge toll on me. With that being said, I thank god I'm a very stubborn in nature because I still continued to follow my dreams. My experiences only made me stronger and I learned to be more independent. All that said, this past summer a lot has changed and my family members are my number one supporters!! 







She's So Me would like to thank Moshoodat for taking time out of her busy schedule to speak with us! Make sure you check Moshoodat out on her website www.moshoodat.com and follow her on  twitter @moshoodat. You can also check out more of her work on Instagram @moshoodat. If you are interested in booking Moshoodat for your event, you can email her at moshoodat.mua@gmail.com.