Blake Von D ::

Apr 9, 2013

4 Ways To Define Your Personal Style

After years of struggling to find my own unique style, I’ve finally found my wardrobe identity. There was no epiphany or “a-ha” moment, I simply got to a point where I didn’t want to be a carbon copy of my closest friends, no matter how fly they were.

My inspiration stems from tons of research. I’m not delving into Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar because my wallet would laugh at me, but I do find little gems in everything from home décor magazines (I have an affinity for prints) to other fashion bloggers.

Here are 4 tips that may prove helpful to defining your personal style:

1. Create A Lookbook

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Photo credit: WhoWhatWear

Fill a large notebook with various sources of inspiration. The obvious would be cut outs of clothes that appeal to you, but don’t stop there. Include pictures that make you happy and colors that bring a smile to your face. Copy quotes from anyone whose style you admire. Research current/past trends and find ways to incorporate them into your daily wardrobe. If it doesn’t work with your personal truth, skip it and move on. Trends changes like the wind so don’t beat yourself (and your wallet) up trying to stay on the pulse of fashion.

2. Take Daily Photos

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Photo credit: Style Hive

 Don’t always rely on mirrors. We’ve all had those moments when the that was cute at home in the full length mirror just didn’t translate on camera. Even if it doesn’t work, make a mental note of what was good, what wasn’t and what you’d change if you wore it again. You’ll notice a huge difference in the way you dress yourself and learn a lot about your shape and proportions.

3. Come Up With A Style Concept

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Photo credit: WhoWhatWear

Come up with a rough concept of what you’re into at the moment. Right now I’m really into lace and leather. So I’m immediately drawn to anything that captures that lady-like, demure essence, but add leather to create a look that’s polar opposite. Whatever it is, allow your imagination to roam.

Take Your Time

Photo credit: Tiffany Pinero Style

Photo credit: Tiffany Pinero Style

Usually the most stylish people don’t just magically come up with their looks. Often times it’s a result of list-making, hunting and being inspired by different things, colors and patterns. It’s okay to make fashion mistakes so don’t be afraid to redefine your style concept to make it more wearable for you.

How do you define your personal style? 


Apr 8, 2013

Beauty Bag: 6 Great Lipstick Shades for Women of Color

It’s no secret women of color often have a hard time choosing lipstick shades. I’ve chosen a few shades that I think can be worn in a variety of situations, look great on women of color, and can be found at Walmart, Target or your local drugstore.

Check them out!

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What’s your favorite shade?

FTC Disclaimer: All products mentioned in this post were purchased by me with my own money. I am not being paid, sponsored, nor affiliated with any company mentioned above. All opinions are my own.


Mar 29, 2013

What I Wore Today

Another day, another all black ensemble. At this point, I really can’t help it.

It’s a sunny spring day so I opted to show just a little bit of skin with this casually glam look created by pairing a simple asymmetrical maxi dress with a pair of studded sandals.

Maxi dress – $20, KnowStyle | Bubble Metallic Necklace – $15, Cherry Bomb Atlanta | Boyfriend Blazer – $32, H&M | Studded Sandals (Sam Edelman) – $16, Buffalo Exchange

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Get the Look!

Get the Look
1. Maxi Dress – Clubwear21, $45 | 2. Quilted Handbag - A’GACI, $35 | 3. Gladiator Sandals - Sam Edelman, $165 | 4. Boyfriend Blazer - Topshop | 5. Snake Chain Necklace, $26

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Head over to my Facebook page for more pics of this look!


Mar 20, 2013

The First Date: The Do’s and Don’ts

Every girl dreams of meeting the perfect guy, getting swept off her feet, falling head over hills, and having that happily ever after. But before you can arrive at that happily ever after, you have one small, but, yet, oh so significant hurdle to get past – The First Date.

While first dates can be pretty awkward, they can be a lot of fun too. You just have to take a deep breath and relax. You can’t force chemistry, either it’s there or it isn’t. Whatever happens, just be yourself. Follow these Do’s and Don’ts and you’ll be sure to coax your way right into a second date!

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Mar 14, 2013

Dressing For Your Body Type

One of the most beautiful things about women is that we have some crazy, incredible shapes. And yes crazy in an absolutely good way. While we may be wired the same genetically, the curves on our body all tell a different story.

We’re thin. We’re full figured. We’re shaped like bottles of Coke, Smart Water, Figi, Capri suns and milk cartons.

We’ve either seen or heard the whole define your body type by fruit thing. While it can prove useful, it’s something about a real life woman in everyday, normal clothes that prove to be a bit more realistic. So I scoured the web to find beautiful, natural looking women, who dress their amazingly gorgeous shapes in equally amazing threads and included a few tips on how to dress each particular body type.

Let’s dig in.

Tanesha Awasthi – “Curvy”

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We won’t spend tons of time talking about Tanesha’s gorgeous shape because we’d be here forever. Instead notice how she accentuates every curve on her body by wearing…her actual size. It seems like a no-brainer, but when you’re full-figured it’s important to avoid wearing clothes that are too big in an attempt to hide your problem areas. Shying away from color and/or prints is also a no go. And let’s face it, it’s kind of safe. And boring. Stripes, dots, zig- zags and plaids are just as appropriate on a size 18 as it is on a size two.

Tosha Eason – “Tall & Lean”

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Facts are fact. Tosha’s gams are heaven. She plays up her lean figure well with midriff-baring tops and asymmetrical skirts. Most women who are tall and thin tend not to have very big breasts and/or have a sort of boyish figure. To camouflage a small chest, add layers and go for an exaggerated neckline. Dresses and skirts with details create more girly curves. Try a tulle skirt or a Peplum top.

Nini Nguyen – “Petite”

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The average height of a woman is somewhere between 5’2 and 5’5 but there is absolutely nothing average about Nini. She dresses her small torso in high waisted bottoms to create a flattering illusion. Adding a crop top is an idealistic choice as well. A long dress with the right pattern is another option. Prints add dimension and depth and makes for a shapely silhouette. While not at all necessary, heels instantly give the impression of a longer leg.

Emma D. – “Hourglass”

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Women with an hourglass figure have to be especially careful that they don’t present themselves with too much sexy at the wrong moments (i.e. church, work, kids birthday parties). Emma from London does a great job flaunting her curves but she also provides balance. One of the biggest keys to appropriately dressing a coke bottle shape is to proportionally dress the top and bottom of your body while accentuating your waist.

Which body type are you? What tips can you offer to flatter your favorite body part?


Mar 13, 2013

What I Wore Today

Black and I pretty much go together like peanut butter and jelly. I also go pretty well with breaking fashion rules. In fact, I hate most fashion rules. So, trust me when I say I didn’t have any problem tossing on these white sling backs after Labor Day. Sue me!

Today I rocked an all-black ensemble with a white slingback shoe just to add a little visual interest. (I was feeling kinda “Kanye-inspired”.) I paired my favorite black boyfriend blazer and a black racerback tee (both from H&M) with a pair of harem pants from Forever 21. The blazer retails for $32, the tank retails for $10, and the I got the harem pants on sale for $8.

576693_10151587550301019_1654318544_n Total cost (minus shoes): $50

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Mar 13, 2013

10 Ways To Get Over A Broken Heart

Heart break. Most of us have experienced it. If you haven’t, you at least know someone who has. It’s one of those sad facts of life. People always say that no one ever died from a broken heart, but when you’re suffering from one, it sure doesn’t feel that way (at least not at first). Relationships can be hard and break-ups are difficult, and sometimes the emotions are so strong that it’s hard to sort things out and get on with your daily life. Luckily, there IS hope. Life will go on. These tips are healthy ways to help you or someone you know ease the pain.

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Mar 11, 2013

Beauty Bag: “Viva Glam Nicki 2″ + Dupe

Spring is approaching, and a pale lavender lip is in! (And beautiful on every skin tone.)

Nicki Minaj recently released her 2nd lipstick “Viva Glam Nicki 2” as part of the Viva Glam Collection. What I love about the Viva Glam Collection is that all proceeds go towards helping women, children, and men living with HIV/AIDS. Lipstick with a cause!

This color comes in both a lipstick and a lipglass. I’ve been wearing either with a purple or burgundy lip liner.

MAC’s Viva Glam Nicki 2 Lipglass has some shimmer. Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lipgloss does not.

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Mar 7, 2013

Beauty Bag: Wet-n-Wild, Covergirl & Maybelline

I recently came across Wet n Wild’s Fergie Center Stage Collection at Walgreen’s and decided to give it a try. The collection includes crème liners, lip color, eyeshadow palettes, eyeshadow primer, shimmer palettes, mascara, and nail colors.

The To Reflect Shimmer Palettes caught my eye because it reminds me of MAC’s Mineralize Skinfinish. These metallic powders work perfect as highlighters and work GREAT on darker skin tones!

Retails for $5.99/each

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Mar 5, 2013

Turban Tuesday: “Nubian Knot” [Video]

You guys know that I LOVE me a good turban’d look. So I decided to start a new segment called “Turban Tuesday” where I will be featuring different ways to tie a turban once a week. Today I tried out a new style for the first time and I can’t wait to show you guys a few more!

Check out this video of the first “Turban Tuesday”….

Will you be joining me for Turban Tuesday?!