Shades Of Nude - Christian Louboutin

As if I didn't already have a million reasons to love Christian Louboutin! Now, the brand has launched a nude pump collection with colors that match every skin tone! How amazing is this? I know this is especially amazing for my fellow women of color, who are always forced to buy "nude" pumps that are totally NOT our shade of nude. If I am going to buy a pair of "nude" pumps, I would like for them to actually be MY shade of nude! Kudos to Christian Louboutin for actually thinking of us and launching this collection of nude pumps.

Below is the spin wheel that illustrates all the different shades of nude the collection has to offer

This may not be a big deal to you, but it is to me because it starts with designers considering women of color when creating their shoes and eventually it will lead to more women of color on the runways. We have to start somewhere. So personally I think this is awesome. 

Women of color, how many times do you pick up a magazine and the section "Hair Tips" or "Makeup Tips" offers no advice on how to manage your tresses or what shades of makeup will look good on you. Well, it is moves like this one that Christian Louboutin has made that will bring us closer and closer to change.

Read the full story here on Glamour

Photo Credit: Glamour.com

Hope you enjoyed this post! Feel free to comment and ask questions. If you have other inquiries you may also leave those in the "Talk To JO" box on the right hand side.

Jo 

Sequins In The Daytime

Anybody who knows me and actually anyone who has been keeping up with my blog, knows that I am a lover of prints and texture when it comes to my clothing. For instance, I absolutely love sequins. I have a sequin blazer, a sequin cardigan, sequin shoes, and as you can see, a sequin skirt. I just love sequins. They are so much fun to play around with. However, I often hear people talk about sequin pieces as only useful for nighttime events like going to the club. I completely disagree. To be honest, as long as the outfit itself is appropriate, I will wear sequins to the office. Come on ladies, lets get into wearing sequins in the daytime. It makes you stand out and not in the "omg, she's doing too much" kind of way. Check out the breakdown of this outfit I wore the other day.

This outfit is totally work appropriate. When you decide to wear something as elaborate as sequins during the day or to work, the idea is that you tone down the rest of your outfit. This doesn't mean you have to make the rest of your outfit boring though. For instance, I totally would have been out of line if I wore this skirt AND a tribal print shirt or a sequin cami. I love this outfit because it was the best of both worlds. It's a little party on the bottom and work on top.

If you like my sequin skirt, then you may want to check out this gorgeous gold sequin mini skirt on Rarelondon.com 

I'm wearing a V-neck sweater with a chiffon blouse underneath it. 

A little sidenote: these peep toe sandals that I am wearing are from Forever 21 and they have been through it all with me. They are my go-to shoe when I don't feel like wearing high heels, but also don't want to be too casual in flats. I'm going to be so sad when they give out on me. lol

By the way, check out how Kristen Cavallari wore her sequin mini skirt. I love it!

Photo Credit: http://news.popsalad.com/2011/12/our-favorite-celeb-fads-of-2011/kristin-cavallari-sequin-skirt/

Hope you enjoyed this post! Feel free to comment and ask questions. If you have other inquiries you may also leave those in the "Talk To JO" box on the right hand side.

Jo

Green, White, Green: Nigeria Turns 53

As promised, this post is featuring my outfit of the day. Today I wore the color green in honor of my country of heritage, Nigeria, celebrating its 53rd year of independence. If you watch the news at all, I am sure you are aware of the struggles Nigeria faces as a country. However, with all these struggles and negativity also comes a beautiful land filled with beautiful people and an incomparable culture. I come from a culture that celebrates life and everything it has to offer, a culture that instills values in you that sets you apart from your peers, a culture that pushes you to be the best you that you can be and scolds you when you don't.

It means everything to me to know where I came from, and not only know where I came from but actually be familiar with the culture. I love talking to other African children and sharing our "You know you grew up in an African house when..." stories. The little things that used to annoy us about our strict African parents are the very things that made us who we are today. Hard working, strong willed, opinionated, driven, motivated individuals.

HAPPY 53RD BIRTHDAY NIGERIA!

MY PIECES

Blazer: I love my blazers. But you all already knew that about me ;)

Arm Candy: The black and gold spiked bracelet was one of my ChinaTown pickups. I miss you New York City! The gold one in the middle was a gift from my grandma and it is real gold. My grandma is pretty much awesome. The pink and gold Swarovski bracelet was a graduation gift from my lovely friend Lydia. I have pretty awesome friends and family don't I?

Riding Boots: I love the black and brown riding boot combo. I actually got these last winter but it seems like they are just as poppin' for this Fall/Winter.