Monday, May 30, 2011

CheeseundPeas Thrift Tips

Hello Dolls!

A good friend of mine named Janae has a dope site called Cheeseundpeas. Last night she posted very useful tips on how to make vintage shopping a dope experience. With tips from knowing your personal measurements to leaving dated trends on the racks, you will definitely have the confidence to walk into any kind of thrift store and find that perfect vintage item.

Check out the rest of her tips on her website chesseundpeas.com

Below are some photos of Janae in thrifted finds she rocks with so much confidence. Isn't she gorgeous? Her impeccable style compliments her wonderful personality! Make sure to click on this link to check out the rest of her #ThriftTIPS, cheesundpeas.com




Smooches!

Sunday, May 29, 2011

In the Fashionable Depths of Charlotte, Look Who I Found:

Hera Nyx
of
Ode to Dawn: Aesthetics

This beautiful young lady is one of the dopest chicks I have met in Charlotte so far! Drawn to her unique take on the fashion industry through her personal clothing choices and dedication to the industry, Hera Nyx has inspired me to continue to push the limits of this industry. Hailing from the same small town in New Jersey I'm from, Englewood, we instantly connected when we first met on Tumblr over a year ago. Tossing ideas off one another and supporting each others fashion ventures has defined our friendship, and I am so glad we connected. After a year in the making, I now introduce Hera Nyx.
Blogger Rundown:
Name: Toya Brown
Alias: Hera Nyx
This is a formulation of two Greek goddesses
College: Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte, NC.
Major: Senior Fashion Merchandising & Retail Management


Ever since I was young I've always been that odd, misunderstood child, always finding a creative outlet whether it may have been writing, drawing, or cutting up clothes to make new looks for myself. Starting off as the very shy and reserved type I've always spent a lot of my time with clothes and found it as a way of expressing myself. Being heavily absorbed in different aspects of fashion itself I ventured out to find a school that could help direct me. I love taking advantage of every opportunity and finding ways to apply my skills. Working and volunteering in fashion shows, styling projects, and retail positions I have gained a better understanding which I am appreciative of. Right now I am working on my own blog (www.otdaesthetics.tumblr.com) along with a friend of mine which is based on the appreciation of humanity from all over the world. We want to embrace difference, expose individuality, and connect all as one. We travel to any and every location we can get to and embrace that environment to showcase to the world. Alongside my with my blog I am currently employed at Banana Republic which is a great experience for me as I work very closely to the merchandiser supervisor which deals with the visual of the store; I am constantly eager to learn.


Who are your biggest inspirations in fashion?
I am continuously inspired by simply ambitious people. I love to be around positivity and passion from any and everyone. Even those who may not particular have a fashion drive. Being around good vibes keeps me inspired within my own endeavors. Anna Wintour's drive inspires me to remain confident. Janelle Monae &Erykah Badu's vibe and Candance inspires me.
How has working in the fashion industry changed your perspective on the outside world of fashion?
The fashion industry is one that is very competitive. I feel my personality is quite different from the alignment of how the industry operates. I promote being true to self while embracing difference. I want to add a new page to the fashion industry, in a sense take it in a new direction. Especially being an African American female.
How does your style project who you are and what you've experienced while in fashion realm?
I am one to consider my style as moody. It alters much with my state of mental being and along with my current mood. One day I may feel Serene Marley (one of my alter ego). and go for a calm and inquisitive look. While another day I would gear towards an very vibrant live look. Overall though I would condense to say my current style is very artsy. Playing with shapes, colors, and silhouettes.
Being the fashion maven after my own heart, what would be some words of encouragement for those who want to be in the industry?
As hard it is may be never give up, dream big and stay persistent. Always remember those who have succeeded have often failed more than you would think. Stay true to yourself and keep a positive attitude.

CRB ShoutOut

Hello Lovelies!!

This weekend has been both inspirational and uplifting! After submitting this photo on 1 Thick Closet:
I also came across these wonderful words about Classic.Raw.Beauty. on The Leading Blacks

I so appreciate the love and endless support from my followers on CRB and Tumblr! Seeing and hearing these positive words of encouragement makes me happy that I have created a place for other creative people to come and relax!

Smooches!
Love You Guys


Inspirational Quote of the Day

"CREATE your own individual STYLE. i'm not INTERESTED in THE GIRL who walks into my office in a HEAD-TO-TOE LABEL look that's straight off the RUNWAY. I'm INTERESTED in a girl who puts herself TOGETHER in an ORIGINAL, independent WAY."

--Anna Wintour

Saturday, May 28, 2011

When Impostors Prowl....Fashion Mavens Dominate



Feeling like a fashion maven in the jungle of impostors....


Time to Unveil the Contents....

Lovelies!

I was asked by the lovely SheRea of My Thrifted Closet to reveal the contents of my vintage Buxton Mini Purse...here goes nothing!

Contents:

Attachable Coin Purse
Sephora Nude Gloss
Sephora Rouge LipStick
College ID
Kronos Time Card
Visa Debit Cards
Cell Phone
Bobby Pins

All the necessary items a fashion diva needs while on the go!

Divas! What is in your BAGS?

1. Post a Picture of Your Bag
2. Post a Picture of its contents
3. Tag other bloggers to see what they carry in their purses

...this is too fun!

Friday, May 27, 2011

Blogger Look-a-Like: SheRea

Hello Lovelies,

This is a special post that both me and my dope other half, SheRea of My Thrifted Closet, have been collaborating on since the end of the spring semester. She has been one of the most influential people in my life both inside and outside of the fashion blog world. Besides being an amazing friend to me, people think she is literally my blood sister (we definitely favor). This blogger-look-a-like post was adapted from Tiffany of Fat Shopaholic and Francesca of Frantic Dreams. After checking this post out me and SheRea decided to simulate this for our own followers! We hope you all love what you see!

Smooches From,

The Queen of Thrift (SheRea) and the Queen of Glam (Chakayla)


Queen of Thrift
Queen of Glam

Fit Rundown:

Vintage Earrings: GoodWill

Bangles: Jewelry Store In New Orleans

Vintage Floral Blazer: MegaThrift

Lace Top: WetSeal

Slacks: Blogger Thrifted (SheRea)

Taupe Sandals: Shoe Show (Winston-Salem)

Floppy Wool Hat: GoodWill

This outfit represents SheReas tropical flair that she loves to show throughout each outfit she puts together. She loves bold, bright colors, her specialty dope floral prints. Coincidentally, SheRea picked out this blazer while on one of thrifting adventures. This was a major push for me since I am not as bold and daring with colors like the amazing SheRea is. The thrifted vintage earrings represent SheReas love for unique jelwery that she has found while taking up the art of thrift. She has a HUGE, collection of jewelry and earrings that she has scored on great thrifting trips.

Earrings: Charlotte Russe

Scarf: Flea Market in the Bahamas

Lace Tank: WetSeal

Khaki Slacks: Blogger Thrifted (SheRea: My Thrifted Closet)

Strappy Wedges: Doll House


Ms. SheRea is big on thrifted slacks! She loves searching through the male slacks section of GoodWill. She is a true queen at the art of thrifting! There is nothing that she cant turn into a fabulous thrifted outfit. Since stepping into thick crowds of weekend GoodWill or MegaThrift customers, she always finds the most unique finds!

Our resemblance is crazy, right?

OOTD: Mixed Tribal Prints

Hello Lovelies!

I wanted to post an outfit of the day to make up for my lack of posts. I finally had the chance to mix prints with these thrifted pants and ruffled halter top! And the cherry on top of this tribal printed sundae were my Jessica Simpson Dany Platforms!! I've been raving about these sky high heels and finally had a chance to debut them on CRB!

Thank-You for the ENDLESS support!!

Smooches!!

Fit Rundown:
Ruffled Halter Top: Faith21
African Print Pant: (Thrifted) MegaThrift
Platform Heels: Jessica Simpson





Me and my photographer! My 8 year old niece!!

Play With Your Clothes!

Hello Beauties,
Ok, if you are veterans of Classic.Raw.Beauty then I guarantee youve heard me say brother thrifted, sister thrifted at some point on here. Excuse me for never really explaining what I meant, it simply means I was given the item from a close family member or friend. In the case of this tutorial, this Nautica shirt is brother thrifted.

Since you all really enjoyed the scarf tutorials, I wanted to give you all more options with your clothing and accessories. There are dozens of ways to wear one item, I love playing with my clothes, and I want to show you lovelies that its okay to step outside the box and show your creativity.

I hope you all love what you see here. Please feel free to email me at classicrawbeauty@yahoo.com

Smooches,

Chakayla

Regal Halter
Keep shirt on and slip down shirt off your shoulder and arms. Take free arms and tie to make the first knot that will rest in the middle of your chest, then tie cuffs of the sleeves around your neck.
Criss Crossed Shoulder
Take arms of the shirt tuck each arm in the opposite direction to create a criss cross effect of the top. Pin.
Classic Half Open Button Down
1990 Front Tie Button Down
Front Tied Strapless Top
With this style, you want to make sure your strapless bra is not visible in the back. Take the arms of shirt and tie around your waist. Simple, yet chic.

Enjoy!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

1 Thrifted Scarf 4 Ways

Hello Beauties!

Since I don't start work until June, I've been coming up with endless tutorials for you all! One of those being summer scarf tutorials! The turban trend has become such inspiration for me that I've decided to make one of my own with some of the awesome scarves I have. I wanted to make these tutorials short and sweet, and most importantly easy! These looks worked for me, since they are lowkey and simple, I hope you all feel the same way. Please feel free to email me with any suggestions, picture submissions, and requests on this tutorial at classicrawbeauty@yahoo.com

1. Minnie Mouse Bow

(Vintage Hoop Earrings: Forever21)

2. Criss-Cross Turband

(Green Chandelier Stone Earrings: Forever21)
In order to achieve this look, tie the scarf around your forehead and tie in the back. Take the ends of the scarf and cross over the middle section of your head.
3. Mini Urban Turband

(Chandelier Feather Earrings: Charlotte Russe)
DIY: The Urban Turban (Click Link)


4. Turban
(Chandelier Rhinestone Feather Earrings: Forever21)
Natural Belle Turban Tutorial

OOTD: Home Sweet Home

Hello Lovelies,

As the summer progresses, I've been exploring the wonders of fashion since being back home in Charlotte for the past two weeks. Along with sporting my thrifted treasures from Winston-Salem, I've kept myself busy by doing a lot of fashion DIY projects. In this OOTD I am in front of my beautiful home in Charlotte, and my wonderful photographer was my 8 year old niece, not to bad for an elementary schooler. I love my little chica! I hope you all enjoy this OOTD, can you guess which pieces are DIY? I will reveal my DIY pieces under each photo.

Love you Guys,

Smooches!
Fit Rundown:

Collarless Nautica Shirt (DIY)-Brother Thrifted
(To achieve the look of this shirt, just simply cut the collar along the seam line for a clean cut look)

Gold and Blue Braided Belt-Goodwill
Red Distressed Shorts (DIY)-OldNavy
Sandals-Shoe Show


Monday, May 9, 2011

Turban Tutorials Continued

Hello Loves,

Ok, so I still feel like I haven't mastered the turban look yet, so I've been scouring YouTube like crazy! This Youtube video from Fashion of Cultures is absolutely dope! Please check out her channel, and this video! She gives dozens of options to wear your turban in unique ways!

Blogger of the Week:

Jennifer Wallace, Head Blogger of:
This style and beauty chameleon first got my attention on her LookBook.NU account, and since then her blog has become a favorite under the tab of "Dope Fashion Bloggers." Jennifer, once a student at Bethune Cookman University, is now the new face of Miami International University of Art and Desgin's Fashion Merchandising Program. Her style and passion for the industry is splattered throughout her blog! She is definitely someone to keep your eyes focused on! I am so honored to introduce such a gorgeous fashion blogger, who embraces her natural beauty.

Blogger Rundown:

Name: Jennifer Wallace
Age: 19 years old
Hometown: Springfield, VA (DMV area)
Currently: Daytona Beach, FL

What inspires you to post on your blog?

I just really enjoy sharing my style and getting feed back. Also, the thought of inspiring someone else.That keeps me posting daily.

Do you thrift often if so, where and how often?
It all depends. At one point I use to go to the thrift store every weekend. But when school starts to get in the way, I'll go once a month if that.
I use to go so much that 90% of my wardrobe is thrifted. During the summer, I'll pick back up on it.
What was your best find(s) at a thrift store (or any other store)?

At the thrift store: blazers and high waist shorts, skirts, and pants! Forever 21: Shoes!!

How has blogging changed your perspective on the outside world of fashion?
Wow, it has definitely changed my perspective but I don't think in a good way lol. Now that I blog, I see all these interesting people with awesome styles and then outside of blogging it's blah! I just don't see how people get dressed everyday and can show no personality in their outfits. Maybe it's just me.

Who are some of your favorite fashion bloggers (send the links if you can)?
My all time favorite is Karla from Karla's Closet. Other favorites are Vintage Virgin, fashiononymous, & Qqueen Of Hearts
If you could describe your fashion blog in one word, what would it be?

Ever-changing!