#SLAYOFTHEWEEK -- BlackTOBlack

Today's #SlayOfTheWeek theme is "INSPIRE." This week I felt extra motivated to accomplish my dreams. An old classmate of mine recently made a Facebook video that put things into perspective for me. 

In the video he is telling his viewers about his weight loss journey. Apparently, he was on the verge of congestive heart failure and plenty other health complications. After prayer, hard work, and dedication he is down 100 pounds, and he's showing NO signs of stopping anytime soon. 

What stood out to me the post was the message he was trying to get across in this video. You can do anything on this Earth you set your mind to. But, not only that... "You CANNOT, no you WILL NOT die until your work here is done!" 

Be inspired! 

INSPIRE top: Forever21 $4| Wrap Skirt: Dillard's Outlet $13| Bag: BCBGeneration| Shoes: FashionNova $25| Sunglasses: BoujieMe $15 

stay classy, stay true 

xo, Kenya

S L A Y M A S T E R K -- #SlayOfTheWeek

Hey ladies! I know I've been MIA lately, but let me tell you post grad life is not a joke! I've been working nonstop and trying to plan my next move. Luckily though, I have some things in the works, and I cannot wait to tell you all about them. 

But, enough about that let's get to the good stuff. I've decided to add a weekly segment to my blog titled, "S L A Y M A S T E R K's #SlayOfTheWeek." It's just a little something I decided to do in between writing posts. It's a way to keep my blog fresh and fashionable. 

Most (if not all) of the outfits featured will be budget friendly. I am a recent college grad, so let's be real, I'M BROKE. (Sad but true.) With that being said, all of my outfits are definitely affordable. I'm here to help you look like a BOSS on a peasant's salary. 

The first outfit featured I wore to a job interview. The reason I chose such a laid back outfit, is because the job was very laid back. It was for a local magazine, and the founders are really nice, chill people. I would only recommend this style outfit for an interview only if you get a chill type vibe from your interviewer. 

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Paisley Top: H&M | Khaki Knit Trousers: Boohoo |  Necklace: CharlotteRusse | Shoes: Dillards Outlet | Bag: Kenneth Cole (thrift store)

stay classy, stay true

xoKenya

I GRADUATED !

I Graduated …

Ya Feel Me?

Hey gals! I know it’s been awhile since you all have heard from me, and it’s because I was off being great. Friday, May 6, 2016 I became an alumna of the amazing Troy University!

I finished off the semester strong with 4 A’s and 2 B’s. (I really wish it would’ve been all A’s, but it what it is!) Anyway, this post is all about everything I’ve learned my four years in college. I guess it’s kind of a college do & don’t list. So, let's get started!

WHAT TO DO:

• Make Friends

I know, I know when you first get to college you’re completely nervous about stepping out of your comfort zone and making friends, but trust me it’ll all be worth it! If you stay in a dorm try your best to get to know the girls on your floor. Maybe even host a room party the first weekend after classes. Pre-party mixers are a great way to make friends. And, you know what they say college friends are your life-long friends (well mine just so happen to be more like sisters).

• Stay focused

Transitioning into college life is a huge adjustment. It may take some time to get into the swing of things. It’s so easy to fall into a life of partying or sleeping in or cutting class, but do not forget why you’re here. You came to college to better yourself and receive a higher education. Never lose sight of your dreams.

• Go to parties

Look, I know this kind of contradicts my last point, but it is OK to party. Try your best not to OVER party, though. Parties are a great way to spread your wings and blossom into a social butterfly. Trust me it’ll be so worth it. So break out your freak ‘um dress with your favorite pair of (painful ass) shoes and show everyone what you’re made of!

• Get a job

Not everyone has the time to work in college, and not everyone has the luxury of getting work-study (jobs given to students through financial aid), but if you can GET A JOB! It’s so important to be able to prioritize and manage money within your first few years of college, so by the time you leave you’ll be set. Don’t overwork yourself though, understand that your school work comes first!

• Find yourself

College is the time to experiment (I don’t mean sexually) and discover what you love. It wasn’t until I was in my second year of college that I realized I wanted to be a radio talk show host and entrepreneur. I took the time through trial and error to find out what worked for me and what didn’t. Eventually, I stumbled across something that I loved and I began shamelessly chasing my dream.

• Graduate!

Not everyone makes it this far. I remember in my freshman orientation they said, “Look to your left and look to your right. The people you’re sitting next to right now most likely won’t be here next year.” And they were right. Some of them didn’t even make it to the next semester. Don’t let that be you. Make a plan, study, find time to enjoy yourself, but most of all stay focused and graduate!

WHAT NOT TO DO:

• Lose your focus to boys

College boys are cute. They are way more mature than high school boys, but they run twice as much game. They’ve been around the block quite a few times and freshmen girls are, well… fresh meat. They are the lion and you are the prey girl. Guard your cookies, and know that no man is ever worth your education. Boys come and go, but your education is something no one can ever take from you! Trust me when the time is right God will send you someone just for you.

• Skip class

Some teachers don’t take attendance, but some do. If they do, GO TO CLASS. Trust me (I speak from experience) you do not want to fail a class due to failure to attend. It’s embarrassing and it’s honestly downright stupid. Get your lazy butt out of bed and GO TO CLASS!

• Eat at the cafe’ daily

The freshman 15 is real, and ladies it’s not fun! The cafe is so good, yes, I know but don’t get caught up in the hype. It’s definitely not worth losing your figure. I know it’s hard to eat healthy as a college student, but try to pick a healthy option at least twice a week. Also, workout regularly.

• Take your college experience for granted

College is an amazing place. I honestly would not trade my college years for the world. I laughed, I cried, I partied til I passed out, I passed classes, and I failed classes. I made friends and I lost friends, I developed a love for myself, and I found my passion, but most of all… I made it. The feeling is like no other!

You rock girl, go leave your mark on this world!

xo,Kenya

Just Keep Swimming... Ya Feel Me?

Just Keep Swimming… Ya Feel Me?

The best decision I ever made in life was falling in love with Jesus. No, seriously… it is the best decision I ever made. Since I began spending more time with him and getting to know his word, I’ve had a much more positive outlook on life.

I used to be the one to cry about situations going wrong. I would shout, “woe is me”, “nothing good ever happens to me”, or “why me?” But, now I ask myself, “why NOT me?” Why not go through the trials and tribulations? Why not be able to pass the tests that God has placed before me? Because, you see, you have to go through the storm to be able to appreciate the rainbow at the end.

What you may deem a horrible situation, I deem a stepping stone for greatness. You see God takes us through things, because he is preparing us for the blessing that is to come.

Believe me when I say, your current situation is NOT your final destination. God has bigger and better things planned for you, you just have to get over a few bumps in the road first. We have to struggle to be able to appreciate God’s gifts.

I used to always say, “I wish I was rich” or “I wish I had what they had,” but now I realize what God has been doing all along. You see if I had a lot of money, or I had what other people had, I would not be able to appreciate the things God has already given to me. I wouldn’t be able to appreciate his future blessings either.

Everything happens for a reason, and that is what I am slowly starting to realize. I embrace my struggle, because I know my breakthrough is right around the corner. I now know that when I’m faced with a “bad” situation, God is only preparing me for a better one. Learn to dance in the rain. Learn to embrace your struggle. Learn to appreciate the small things in life. Know that this is only a test, and the best is yet to come.

Just Keep Swimming…

Stay classy, stay true

xo, Kenya

HOLD UP! She did what ??

HOLD UP! 

She Did What???

Photo credit: Beautysauce.com

Yes ladies, you are seeing the above image correctly! This model is wearing her shirt BACKWARDS! At Spring Fashion Week '16 this was a trend that everyone was wearing from New York all the way to Paris. At first glance it looks a little odd, but I knew the minute I saw this trend it was something that I would be following. 

First, let me give you all a little backstory as to how I came across this trend. So, I finally buckled down and made an ipsy account. (Which I highly recommend because I absolutely love it.) Anyway, I somehow managed to get signed up for a years supply of Glamour magazine. (Whoop de doo!) At first I had been tossing the magazine's to the side, but lately I've found myself anticipating next months arrival. 

So this month, I'm flipping through the pages, completely interested in everything I'm seeing, then I come across this page with a woman wearing her button down BACKWARDS! As I'm sure you can imagine, my mouth fell to the floor and my eyes widened in shock. The first words to leave my mouth were, "HOLD UP! She did what???" and from there my blog post was born. 

Photo credit: Natalie Hartley

WARNING: This trend is NOT for the faint of heart!

Natalie Hartley, the fashion director for GLAMOUR, can be seen above rocking her button down backwards, and I must say she is killing it! The open back gives off a sexy vibe, and the necklace turned backwards adds a little bit more class to the look. 

This style is definitely one that can only be pulled off by the most daring of fashionistas. It is a bold, exciting, and fun spin on the classic button down shirt. People may look at you a little weirdly upon first glance, but I'm more than positive after a while they will be giving you a saluting you for being able to rock such a unique outfit. 

The best thing about this trend is that most of us already own the items necessary! It's almost a necessity that a woman has a button down in her wardrobe. To take this trend to the next level, pair your shirt with a pair of denim jeans. High waist jeans are one way to add a little flavor to your attire. Also, try black skinny legs jeans, and you could even add a pop of color by pairing your top with a pair of mustard high waist pants, shorts, or a pleated skirt. 

Let me know what you guys think of this trend, and when I try it out I'll definitely be sure to post pictures. 

As always...

stay classy, stay true

xo,Kenya

WHO THE #%$! IS CARDI B???

WHO THE #%$! 

IS CARDI B ???

Photo credit: Complex Magazine

If you're a Love&Hip Hop fanatic then I'm sure the name Cardi B rings a few bells. If not, by the time you finish reading this post, this feisty Bronx native is sure to be etched into your memory foreverrrr. (Only my Cardi fans understand that reference.) 

Cardi B, born Belcalis "Cardi" Almanzar, is an ex-stripper turned rapper/internet sensation. And as we all know, with fame comes negativity. Words like "slut," "stripper," "ghetto," and "hoe" seem to follow and define the young artist. 

But one word that I think best defines the wild, carefree entertainer; STRONG. In an exclusive interview with VLADTV Cardi explains how she used stripping as a means to escape domestic violence. At the time, she was living with her ex-boyfriend (who was abusing her) and was not making enough money to save up and move out. So she started stripping. 

But while Cardi keeps a light and humorous outlook on her past life. She is not encouraging other girls to make the same decisions as she did. In fact on her song "Everything", which is on her first mixtape titled Gangsta B!tch Music Vol. 1, Cardi explains how hard it was for her growing up. She talks about wanting to become successful so her family will no longer have to suffer. She also recounts the haunting thoughts of having to "trick" herself just to eat.

"That's the sh*t I did and it really makes me weak

I would close my eyes dying for it to be over

The thought of a stranger inside I just can't be sober

Dirty a*s breath breathing all over my shoulder

And no b*tch gone tell you that just respect a soldier"

What I love most about Cardi is her willingness to be open and honest. She is a great example for women everywhere. Even if you haven't been faced with the same hardships as Cardi you can relate to her. She's a very raw and real person. I admire her strength, and I admire her courage to tell her story. 

Her success and rise to fame inspires me daily. Not letting her past hold her back from her bright and promising future, Cardi stayed true to herself and rose to fame. From short 15 second rant and comedy videos, to a lead role on Love&Hip Hop, and even to dropping her first mixtape; Cardi is a force to be reckoned with. And what's even more inspiring, she uses her new-found fame as a platform to encourage girls to get their education, and follow their dreams. Cardi is a universal symbol of GIRL POWER. 

Continue to shine, Cardi B. Never let anyone stop you from chasing your dreams. This is only the beginning. 

stay classy, stay true

xo,Kenya

GET READY WITH ME: Simple Everyday Look

GET READY WITH ME: 

A Simple Everyday Look

Today, I had to do a mock-interview for my senior seminar class, and I thought what better time to do a "Get Ready with Me?" 

I used to rock this simple, glam look just about every single day of the week. Lately though, I haven't really been feeling the whole make-up thing. So toady as I was getting ready for this interview I figured, why the heck not?! 

Hope you guys enjoy this tutorial. 

 First, you'll need to start with a clean, bright face. I usually use Mary Kay timewise cleanser and age-fighting moisturizer. But, I just purchased this new daily scrub by Garnier and I absolutely love it. 

Next, I start with my face. The picture above shows my Crown Brushes (which are my favorite at the moment), my foundation and sponge wedge, face primer and concealer. 

Once you've applied the foundation and concealer, you should look like this: 

(( VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!!!!! ))

Ahhhh ! Try not to get too frightened. 

Moving on to the next step, eyebrows. My brows are my absolute favorite thing to do. Why? I don't really know, I just take pride in them. 

Okay, so I know I said eyebrows, but we're going to be doing the eyes completely. Here I have my Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow pomade, which I absolutely LOVEEE! It honestly doesn't get any better than this when doing your brows. 

I purchased this product last April, and I literally just ran. This stuff is from God himself. 

Also, I have my L.A. Girl pro-concealer. I just started using this one, and honestly it's okay. It's great for the price, but I prefer my Mary Kay concealer in Bronze2. 

The lashes are Demi Wispies natural lashes by Ardell. 

And of course, my Mary Kay eye shadow palette.  

When done correctly, your brows should look like this. Yasss honey! 

The brown at the top left is the eye shadow I used for my eyelids.  

Okay, now here's where it gets a little weird. This is my face after applying eye shadow, eyeliner, and lashes. 

And also, I'm contouring. I tried something different this time and used my L.A. Girl concealer instead of a contour palette. 

So contour your face based upon your facial structure. This is the method that I found works best for me. 

I use Ben Nye Luxury powder instead of Banana powder to set my highlight. 

I contoured with a darker L.A. Girl concealer. 

Now for the finished product: 

And there you have it, a simple, everyday look with KENYA. 

stay classy, stay true

xoKenya