NATURAL CHIC IN THE CITY - RENEWED

Hello Dolls!  Happy Sunday!

I had am amazing weekend .... although there was a passing of a very good friend of the family on last Monday...I managed to pushed through it ....

On a happier note!  "Natural Chic in the City "  has returned ..after being on hiatus for some months now and relaunching my brand...my company and my life...it all boiled down to me returning back to the things I love in my life in order for me be happy.

One of my LOVES & PASSION  is Natural Hair and my Natural hair t-shirt line, clothing and accessories, designing, sewing and event styling.

I created my brand over 5 years ago and got really frustrated with having more inventory then sales.   But I am in love with the culture and the lifestyle...it's me and I have been hiding all my gifts and talents from the world because of FEAR!

I realized  that it is up to me to define my destiny and no matter what anyone thinks of me...I have to fulfill my lifes journey by any means necessary.


.Saturday was an amazing day for me and I decided to wear one of my t-shirts from my Natural Chic in the City apparel line...  and it gave me a renewed  Life!  I even put on some Purple Lipstick!   I was headed to a Balloon Release for my son's best friend that passed away on Monday and guess what!  her favorite color just happens to  purple which just happens to be my favorite color as well.  Everyone  in attendance was instructed to wear "Purple T-shirts"   I decided to wear one of my custom t-shirt and a purple skirt that I made some months ago. .maybe last year or so, and for the first time in a long time I felt confident about wearing it and representing my brand, Neka and myself.  It was a transitional moment.  Not to mention that me son gave me the thumbs up and said "Neka would love to see you dressed in your t-shirt. .to represent who you are, MA!"

Ironically ...I had been thinking about her the night before and although I hade created the skirt months ago...now called Neka, in honor of her...

The relaunch of my brand is dedicated to Neka...

T-shirts ...mugs and skirts are on Sale!

 To purchase mugs, t-shirts and skirts purchase here, use the drop down for items

Natural Chic in the City

Neka - Purple Skirt (S) $45.00 USD Naturalista Purple Hair T-shirt (L/XL) $35.00 USD Naturalista Purple Hair 8 oz mug $10.00 USD Naturalista Purple Hair 15 oz Mug $15.00 USD Neka - Purple Skirt ( M) $45.00 USD Neka - Purple Skirt ( L/XL) $45.00 USD

BE HONORED  BE YOURSELF
HAVE THE COURAGE TO DO WHAT YOU LOVE WITHOUT FEAR  AND HAVE THE STRENGTH TO MOVE FORWARD....

FREEDOM .... is in my CUP.  ...but I sip "Hibiscus Tea"

"4th of July" - Style & Fashion

Hello Queens,


So the 4th of July is fast approaching, do you have any plans or have you even thought about it/.. Can you believe June is almost gone and we are half way into 2018.


Here's an outfit that I designed for the 4th of July / Memorial Day & Labor Day holidays...


Cute little Picnic in the Park on the 4th of July outfit.... Ripped Boyfriend Jeans, RED, White & Blue KIMONO, Red Gingham Sandals, Tassel Earrings, White Tank, & Red Gingham Head Wrap.


STYLE OVER 40 can sometimes be "TRICKY", because you want to dress age appreciate but still remain "TRENDY" at the same time.   My "MOTTO"  dress for the occasion and style for how you feel.  Style is "FREEDOM of EXPRESSION"

Red Gingham Double Bow NAVY Ankle Sandal

Red & Blue Tassel Earrings

Be the TRUTH & get it in BLACK & WHITE

Everything created & designed by me except .. Jeans & White Tank

thestyledialogues@gmail.com

Dress by Me, shoes by Aldo, clutch by Steve Madden, Earrings by me

WAKE UP & BE FABULOUS!

Hi, Fashionistas

So, let me tell you, I was so excited when I finished this little beauty...yes... this DRESS is giving me LIFE! 

This is a custom made African print Off Shoulder Maxi Dress, that I custom made.  Guess what you guys can order this Dress!  That's right! 

If you would like to order this DRESS!

This Custom DRESS is made to ORDER $75.00 plus shipping

Please email me to discuss size at thestyledialogues@gmail.com

The Style Dialogues

presents

SIP & SEW!

Sip & Sew Workshop

Early Bird Registration (In-person . online) $200.00 USD Registration (In-person . online) $250.00 USD Two Day Registration (In-person . online) $150.00 USD One Day Registration $75.00 USD Private Sewing Workshop $200.00 USD Mobile Party Package (6 attendees) $350.00 USD Shoe Design $75.00 USD Clutch/Handbag Design $150.00 USD Kimono Design $150.00 USD Styling & Personal Shopping $150.00 USD

click drop down to register for all workshops

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS

FRIDAY, July 1, 2018

 

Adult Summer Sewing & Design Workshop

Learn to Sew & Sip Wine!

 

Are you a FASHIONISTA?

Do you have a passion for Design & Sewing?

Well this is the class for you.

 

Your passion, your style  and your creativity!

 

This is a 4 week class (Beginner or Advance)

 

Learn how to draft your own pattern,

design your own MAXI SUNDRESS,

handbags, design shoes,

custom pillows ( home accessories),

jewelry & MORE!

 

SPACE IS LIMITED!

 REGISTER TODAY!

Early Bird Registration for Online & In-person Starts June 18 - 22, 2018

Early Bird Registration $200

2 Workshops Available

July 10-July 31, 2018 (4 Tuesdays)

6 pm to 9 pm

Registration $250

&

July 12 - August 2, 2018 (4 Thursdays)

 6pm to 9pm

Registration $250

One Day Workshop  In-person or Online $75

(Tuesday or Thursday)

Two Day Workshop In-person or Online $150

Tuesday & Thursday or Two Tuesdays or Two Thursdays

"Sip & Sew"

Mobile & Private Party Packages Available

Get your "GIRLFRIENDS" ... Sip Wine & Design!

This is a 3 to 4 hour event

Registration $350 to book a "Sip, Sew & Design" Party

6 attendees min

Choose One of the following Projects:

Pillow Design

Jewelry

Clutch

Sundress

Shoe Design

Reversible Throw/Blanket

Draft your own pattern & Design your own Sundress

(This is a B.Y.O.B event, students supply their own Wine)

Students must have a sewing machine for Sewing projects

email us to book a private event, questions & concerns

thestyledialogues@gmail.com

 

This is a FUN & FABULOUS way to CELEBRATE your CREATIVITY!

To Register for Workshops or Private Parties:

Sip & Sew Workshop

Early Bird Registration (In-person . online) $200.00 USD Registration (In-person . online) $250.00 USD Two Day Registration (In-person . online) $150.00 USD One Day Registration $75.00 USD Private Sewing Workshop $200.00 USD Mobile Party Package (6 attendees) $350.00 USD Shoe Design $75.00 USD Clutch/Handbag Design $150.00 USD Kimono Design $150.00 USD Styling & Personal Shopping $150.00 USD

 

The Benefits of Learning to Sew: 

 

What are the benefits of learning to sew? 

I come from a long line of seamstresses, as a matter of fact  

I started sewing by hand at the early age of 5 years old, that was the beginning

of my passion for fashion. 

It has always been a dream of mine to share my talent with others,

and what better way than to teach children and give them the opportunity

that I didn't have growing up.  

I attribute learning to sew as a child, to my love of sewing as an adult. 

I learned to sew because I had a desire and passion to be creative,

not because I had to, and that is one of the keys to any child developing

a life-long love of sewing. Sewing is really a life skill that teaches discipline

and extends itself into other areas of life. Which brings me to the benefits of

learning how to sew that will create key life skills. 

 

For Children & Adults:

Stress Reliever

Team Building Skills

BUILDS RELATIONS

Develops discipline & Concentration

Patience

The ability to follow instructions

Develops mechanical & motor skills

Brings out CREATIVITY

Independence

SELF-CONFIDENCE

 

 

 

Clinical Study:

 

"Sewing Stimulates Creativity"

 

The Associated Press writes "sewing stimulates creativity",  "Children

who know how to sew are likely to have an edge the high-tech economy of

the future" says the Home Sewing Association.  Activities like sewing and

problem - solving skills, according to clinical study commissioned by the H.S.A,

stimulates creativity.  

But the children who spend their free time playing with

handheld computer games or watching television, does not.

The study involved 100 students between ages of 8 to 12 and was designed

by Dr. Robert Reiner of New York University psychiatry department.

Sewing's choices of color selection, fabric options, design and proportion

help stimulate and focus creative energy and build self - esteem, according

to the study.

Sewing allows you to express yourself in a FUN  positive

harmonious environment.  Sewing is a skill that lasts a lifetime!  

The opportunities are limitless!  Sewing can provide great financial rewards.

For Styling & Personal Shopping

Inquiries please email thestyledialogues@gmail.com

 

 

Hope Boykin: "Petite Powerhouse"

Hope Boykin: "Petite Powerhouse"

On February 2, 2017, I had the pleasure of interviewing the lovely, talented, and stylish: Hope Boykin. She is an educator, artist, dancer, choreographer, creator and writer:  the “Petite Powerhouse”  of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.  Boykin grew up in Durham, NC, at the age of 4; Hope’s mother introduced her to dance and gymnastics, as a great outlet for her being a very active and energetic child.  As a little girl, her mother took her to The American Dance Festival in Durham, North Carolina, to see a performance by Alvin Ailey where Mr. Ailey received the Scripps Award; this was the beginning of Hope Boykin’s love of dance and she tributes her mother for being the catalyst for her dance career.

Later, Ms. Boykin became a three-time recipient of the  American Dance Festival’s Young Tuition Scholarship.  She attended Howard University and while in Washington, DC she performed with Lloyd Whitmore’s New World Dance Company. Ms. Boykin became a student and intern at The Ailey School. She joined the dance company in 2000 and was assistant to the late Talley Beatty and an original member of Complexions. Ms. Boykin was a member of Philadanco and received a New York Dance and Performance Award (“Bessie”).   In 2005, Ms. Boykin choreographed Acceptance In Surrender in collaboration with Abdur-Rahim Jackson and Matthew Rushing for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Most recently she choreographed Go In Grace with award-winning singing group Sweet Honey In The Rock for the Alvin Ailey’s 50th anniversary season.  

Boykin’s divine spirit and incomparable gift as a dancer and choreographer transcends ingenuity.  “Ailey Jazz” program features Boykin’s latest original choreographed piece “r-Evolution, Dream”, premiered at the Fox Theater in Atlanta, GA in the interim of their annual tour on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 8 pm which highlighted original music by Ali Jackson (Jazz at Lincoln Center) and narration by Tony Award winner Leslie Odum, Jr. (Hamilton).

As, I sat in my seat at the Fox Theater, I was in awe of the movement and fluidity of the dancers. The choreography of Hope left me speechless, for me it was a dream come true, because I had always wanted to see an Alvin Ailey Dance Company performance for years. I had always wanted to be a dancer in my other life...LOL... it's true! Imagine me, I have always had a love for dance. If you have love for the arts, please make a must do list to see the Alvin Ailey Dance Company.. it is an awesome experience.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Matthew Rushing's ODETTA.  Photo by Mike Strong

Revelations

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Hope Boykin in Matthew Rushing's ODETTA.  Photo by Steve Wilson

Hope Boykin and the cast of  “r-Evolution, Dream”. Photo by Naya Samuel

Hope Boykin

Hope Boykin and Actress Phylicia Rashad Photo by Naya Samuel

Courtesy of  Moments by Hope Boykin

Ms. Boykin’s inspiration for creating such a thought provoking and prolific commemorated ensemble “r-Evolution, Dream” was influenced by Dr. Martin Luther King’s sermons and speeches, which she experienced during a visit to Atlanta’s Center for Civil and Human Rights. In honor of Dr. King, she felt motivated to add movement to the way Dr. King spoke in his speeches. The most important thing that Boykin wants to convey to her audience is that we must continue to march on; we must embrace love and must continue to come together and never limit ourselves. There is more to work to be done and there is more to fight for and it is our obligation to keep the Dream alive, as we are not finished, and fight is not over.  Our self-revolution has to happen with us first and the more we work on the transformation of our mind and spirit, the more we evolve and that is why the evolution is primary...in the revolution.  ”r-Evolution, Dream” is a monumental achievement and is relevant to date.

Courtesy of Moments by Hope Boykin

As a dancer, Boykin has her own personal dance expression called “movement language”.  Her dance is majestic and it defines who she is. To get to know Hope, is to watch her move… it forces her to be transparent... choreography and her mission as a dancer is a foreseen vessel with the use of movement and dance to tell a story.

Faith has played a very important role in the success of Boykin’s career professionally and in her personal life.  Nothing that she is or to do with her, that is not a miracle, she has clarification that she is walking in her calling and that her steps have been ordered, she understands that she is not perfect and she has grown in her faith, she has witnessed the things in her life that was thought to be impossible, somehow has become the possible. She is blessed to be a traveling missionary and cultural ambassador to the world through dance.  Ms. Boykin has written a self-published book and she frequents open-mic night.  Ms. Boykin has an Instagram page called Moments by Hope where you can read her writing passages.  Ms. Boykin’s words of wisdom for aspiring artists... “Do the thing that is calling you and never let anyone put limitations on your dreams”.  All dreams.. hoped for ..can be achieved, if you believe.

Courtesy of Moments by Hope Boykin

Courtesy of Moments by Hope Boykin

For more information on Hope Boykin and the ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER

tour dates, performances and press information please visit:https://www.alvinailey.org/

Get to know more about Hope Boykin and her writing.

follow Hope Boykin on IG: MomentsbyHope

Hope Boykin and Alvin Ailey American Dance Company Director/Robert Battle