Thursday, July 28, 2011

OOTD: Dainty in Pink

Welcome the return of the fashion nerd!

I hope you all are doing great! I so appreciate the lovely comments you all give on a daily basis. Without you all CRB would not be what it is today! After much complaining to myself about my lack of full length OOTDs, my niece finally got the chance to snap a couple of pictures of me after an outing with my dear friend, Lomar!

I have been dying to wear this top for the longest, and after getting a call from him telling me he was in town, I had to wear it! Though I was reluctant to wear this top as a dress, I paired a very mini black body con skirt underneath for a bit more length! With my Pompadour inspired up do, I felt that my outfit had a creative touch to it. So, what do you lovely ladies think?

Fit Rundown:

Glasses-Forever21
Necklace-Banana Republic
Top-Forever21
Skirt(not pictured)-WetSeal
Purse-Target
Sandals-Walmart

fashion on a dime feels wonderful

dainty in pink

an over the top photo for my niece :)

Smooches!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Oh Baby Whether Your High or Low....

Hello to my new and veteran followers!!

After tweeting that I was a hair chameleon, I thought it was extremely necessary to show off my new do!! Last weekend after eight hours of a sore bottom and a tight scalp, my hair turned out amazing! I have been dying for some Poetic Justice inspired braids or twists, and I finally have them! I had to show my lovely followers how I rocked my hair last nite before an outing with an amazing coworker!!

What do you think? I would love to hear from you all!!
Love.Life.Life

Mini Fit Rundown

Necklace-Banana Republic
Chiffon Bow Top-Forever21 Plus


Monday, July 25, 2011

The Misadventures of Buffalo Exchange

Hello Lovelies!!!

I'm back with another thrift post! If you are a CRB veteran you all may remember me talking about Buffalo Exchange, a chain of amazing thrift stores throughout the states, and how I needed to check out what it had to offer. So finally, on one sunny, turned rainy, Saturday my wonderful friend Lauren and I checked out the local Buffalo Exchange in Charlotte. I was surprised at the modern merchandise that they carried! I was looking for more of a vintage thrifting experience, but overall I was satisfied with the unique dresses that I had a chance to try on!!!
This French Connection dress was a perfect match on me!!
But it was too steep for my pockets, nearly $40 and pay day was a week away!

This photo was actually taken in a vintage boutique called Hong Kong Vintage, across the street from Buffalo Exchange! This store was the epitome of vintage! This bag was to die for!

I wasn't ready :)

Cute tank dress, just a bit too snug around the tummy.

My girly Lauren in Hong Kong Vintage with this dope 90s chain purse! Very "Salt-N-Pepa"

Smooches!!!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

OOTD: Tunics and Lace Trim

Welcome to all fashion nerds and true blog lovers!

Hello Lovelies!
Excuse my lack of OOTDs, I have been so busy working and preparing for school in the fall. Time has passed so quickly, I am pretty excited about this up and coming semester as a junior English Major! This is finally my chance to exhibit my love for the English language!
In honor of my fashion/English obsession, here is a OOTD dedicated to all fashion nerds (including me)!

Love.Live.Life
(Check out the new hair! I finally straightened my hair with a flat iron with success!!)
Still Natural :)
Fit Rundown:

Readers-Forever21
Tunic-Forever21+
Jean Shorts (DIY-Lace Trim)-Old Navy
Purse-Target
Shoes-Doll House


Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Style is Eternal: Quinette Jefferies

Fashion Runs Deep

I would love to finally introduce the world to my lovely FIRST cousin, Quinette Jefferies of Englewood, New Jersey. Since birth Quinette and I have been thick as thieves, with only five months in between us we were raised like sisters. Just like our lovely curves, fashion is something that runs deep in our genealogy. With fashion icons like our mothers, aunts, uncles, and grandmothers, we have developed into fashionable young women with a mission to uplift other cuvry girls! With that being said, I would love to introduce my gorgeous cousin, Quinette!

Beauty Rundown
Name: Quinette Jefferies
Age: 20
School: George Washington University
Location: New Jersey and Washington DC

Where are you favorite stores to shop in?
I LOVE forever 21, especially "Forever 21 +. I'm also a fan of H&M, and Target.

I know that you are located in the DMV area, how does that environment inspire your personal style?
Well my school is in NW DC so that means a LOT of walking, so I always make sure that my footwear is comfortable. I tend to stick to flats, but comfy heels are a must for clubs and parties. I am also in a very business centered area, so my style definitely reflects my location in that sense. I tend to dress more sophisticated, lots of flowy satin and silk shirts, blazers(my fav is from Torrid) and pencil skirts.

Who inspires your personal style?
I have to say that my lovely cousin Chakayla inspires a lot of my choices! I have to admit I get inspiration from your style, I love your bold color choices and daring accessories. I also get a lot of inspiration from my grandmother. Lately I find myself taking a lot of her old clothes and making them my own, she was such a vixen when she was younger, so I want to embrace that fierce style.

If you could describe your personal style, what would you say it is a combination of?
My personal style is a mix of fun and eclectic pieces with a bit of sophistication and class. I definitely gravitate more towards the "preppy" look, with a lot pearls, oversized collard shirts, and cute ballet flats, but this summer i decided to try my hand with bold colors and prints, much more of a casual look.

How do you feel about being a voluptuous woman that many women look up to for fashion advice?
I love it! It took my a while to find my confidence and my sexy, but now that I've found it, I want to share it with the world. I think that this world should embrace the curvy race, embrace what you have and work it the best way you can, that's sexy, that's fierce, that is fashion. I love giving advice because I love fashion, its something that I think everyone can relate to in some way, it doesn't have to be couture or expensive, it just has to be you.

What advice would you give to young girls who struggle with their curves?
Love yourselves girls! It may sound cliche but it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about you as long as you love yourself. Don't lose hope, there are going to be people who are going to dislike you because of your size, but keep on keepin' on and own those curves!

Monday, July 18, 2011

High School Friends and Late Nite Fashion Chats

"A single rose can be my garden...a single friend, my world."
Leo Buscaglia
As time passes the people you may have met in the past decade may have transformed into close friends and confidants. Just like my wonderful friend Angela! She has been a constant friend no matter what. Since we haven't seen each other in a year, it was super important we catch up! Along with great food, great convo, and wonderful fashion, me and Angie snapped a couple of pictures together! I hope you all enjoy this mini OOTD post.
Love.Live.Life
Tanned skin and brilliant smiles
Angie giving LIFE to the camera.
Check out the top and wonderful haircut!
Fit Rundown:
Revamped from Tanned Beauty: OOTD
Fashion Staples in My Closet
Strappy Wedges-DollHouse
Forever21 Readers (glasses)
Cheetah Print Scarf-Charlotte Russe
Skinny Belt-Forever21
African Print Pant-Thrifted
Combo Necklace-Banana Republic

A Thick Girl's Closet Feature

Even though I was away, Classic.Raw.Beauty has been shown major love in these past few weeks. Shainna, The wonderful blogger of A Thick Girl's Closet, featured me on her new blog series Real Life Runway . Also known as Shay Shay, this diva has shown me much love and has climbed new heights as a plus size fashion blogger, please support her work and check out her amazing blog!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Welcome New Fashionista Followers....

Into the world of Classic.Raw.Beauty!!
....and they shall eat cake!

Classic.Raw.Beauty gets Animated!

Classic.Raw.Beauty. gets dressed up and animated!

I think I look better this way, what do you ladies think? I had the amazing opportunity to contact Julia of http://www.ordodi.blogspot.com/ , and got a wonderful drawing of myself in one of my favorite outfits, Coral &Lace ! I think she did an amazing job! Please check out Julia's other creations on her amazing blog, http://www.ordodi.blogspot.com/

By the way, she got my outfit perfectly and the fro even more chic!!

Smooches!!

Monday, July 4, 2011

AND THE WINNER IS.....

FASHIONISTA FOLLOWER NUMBER 3:

NISA of CHEMISTRY COOKIE!

Thank you to all my new and present followers of Classic.Raw.Beauty! I wish I could have posted the random generator calculator to show you all, but i promised GIRL SCOUTS honor contestant number 3 is the winner!!! I love you all my dolls!! Stay tuned for a fashion haul I will be having very soon!

Smooches for an Eternity,

Chakayla

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Revamped Fashion

"Baby I got a pocket full of dreams."
-Cher Lloyd

Over this past year and a half, Charlotte Russe has become a staple boutique in my wardrobe. Many of the posts I have done, I've had on something that I purchased from Charlotte Russe. Since I believe in penny pinching at times, I will cut something and sew it back real quick. This post represents just that, my passion of redefining a piece of clothing to fit your needs and wants.

My summer has been both inspiring and motivational, and I will do whatever it takes to share it with you guys!!

Live.Life.Freely
Spring 2010 Summer 2011

The simple revisions that I made to this garment are:

1. Spaghetti Straps cut and made to tie behind my neck (4os inspired flair)
2. Dress is actually cut to the mid-drift
3. This Maxi Skirt is actually an Old Navy Dress
4. For a more polished look, I paired a belt from Old Navy with this outfit

Its as easy as a few snips and staple pieces to recreate a whole new wardrobe without spending boat loads of money.

CRB GIVEAWAY!!

ENDS: July 10, 2011

Winner Receives Thrifted DIY Cropped Top and Lace Earrings

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Tanned Beauty: OOTD

"Everything I'm not, made me everything I AM"
-Kanye West

These past few days have been great! Since I am constantly working during the week, going to the beach was a wonderful trip for me and my family to unwind and enjoy each other's company! While at a local homemade ice cream shop in town, I had my niece TJ take a couple of pictures to show off my simple, casual outfit of the day. I hope you guys summer plans and trips have been amazing!!!
Love.Live.Life

Fit Rundown:

Tube Top (bodycon skirt)-Wetseal
African Print Pant-Thrifted
Sandals- Walmart

I love this backdrop :)

Savant's Soulful Tune

"The gloss of her skin seemed to glow and glisten, stood in awe and resented how the sun kissed her."
-Savant

After featuring my lovely friend Makeda in her Artist Profile: You May Enter , I have gotten the chance to interact with many up and coming artists in the area and beyond. After getting an email from Savant, a Chicago native, I had to feature his song "Skin" that he recorded with Makeda. This song is something special and I really wanted to share it with my lovely followers!! On top of that, I got a chance to do a mini interview with this dope artist !!

Check out Savant's single 'Skin" here: SKIN



I'm originally from Chicago but currently based in Tucson, Arizona where I'm a student. My music moniker is Savant (aka Stanstro). I'd describe my music as high quality, high soul, low frills and low filler. My influences are scattered all over the spectrum of urban music from Mos Def and Rakim to Van Hunt and Rahsaan Patterson to Amel Larrieux and Erykah Badu, to Bob Marley to Billy Corgan to Eric Clapton, to Sia Furler and Gretchen Parlato.

Smooches!!!

CRB Salutes Followers: GIVEAWAY!!!


I would love to thank my wonderful and genuine followers of Classic.Raw.Beauty. I can't believe this blog has reached out to 100 fashionable readers! Without you lovely ladies reading each post and leaving heart felt comments, this blog would not be what it is today. So in honor of my 100 followers, I am doing my first giveaway!! I love you all so much! The winner will receive this DIY thrifted cropped top (1XL) and a pair of my custom Lace Earrings.

TO ENTER
(valid for US residents only)

1. You must be following CRB (Classic.Raw.Beauty).
2. Comment on this post and tell me what inspires your inner fashionista to come out.
3.Leave your name and email address.

Contest Ends: July 10, 2011

Good luck my lovely fashionistas!! The winner will be chosen randomly by a number generator.

Smooches!!

Chakayla

Friday, July 1, 2011

100 Fashionistas Paving the Way!

Thank-you for the endless support for the past year and a half! This would not be possible without my dedicated followers!!

With All My Love,

Chakayla