Fashion

Jackie O Sundays–How Freak’n Panache. Get Some!

How many times have I heard “girl, you look like Jackie O?” It’s been happening here a lot lately especially on Sundays. So I’m guessing … Sundays are my Jackie-O days. Jackie O as in Jacqueline Kennedy, former President John F Kennedy’s wife who married again, after his assassination, and became Jackie Onassis. So here are a few tips on how I achieve my Jackie O look along with fabulous pictures of Jackie herself. I have an old soul, so the style of the 50s and 60s appeal to me most. I swear a 1950s housewife is trapped inside me. Now enjoy one of the youngest to be named First Lady, Jackie O.

1. Oversized Sunglasses – They’re amazingly dramatic, big, and gaudy for no reason. I found these. The gradient lenses in pink lend a Miss Nikki Panache statement. And since we’re bringing back the 70s this Spring; this accessory is in season, without a doubt.

2. A-line skirt- Not to tight but it drapes on your figure, hips and all. It’s conservative, but it has style. This is a tribute to the 50s, yet these skirts are still popular today like this one … BCBG A Line

3. The Jackie O Cartier Tank Watch that was said to be worn repeatedly by her. Ok, I don’t own one of these. Very soon, my friend.

The last tip is to find pieces that emanate wealth, like cashmere and silk. For that, I wear my Cashmere Jones New York Pea Coat; it’s simply classic. Not pictured here.

Sadity in the City

I recently had the pleasure of attending a Sadity Kitty fashion show to see what the boutique had to offer for the upcoming season & to show support to my lovey, Chakayla, in her modeling debut!

Based out of Charlotte, Sadity Kitty is an online boutique offering trend-setting pieces, accessories and outerwear at very reasonable prices. The line also caters to everyone, with sizes ranging from extra small to 3XL.

Hosted at the Loft (1523 Elizabeth Ave), the show was packed with photographers, make-up artists and local designers. The drinks were strong and the DJ kept every body rockin…needless to say, I was definitely loving  the Loft lifestyle! Panache indeed!

The line offers everything from trendy accessories to  apparel appropriate for a night out on the town, career wear, and day-to-day casual pieces. I seen a few pieces that I needed in my wardrobe…like YESTERDAY! LoL Shout out to Sadity Kitty owner, Ruby Jones, and all of the models for putting on such a fabulous show! And the MAC lipglass goodie bags were icing on the cake! *besos*

Check out my slide show & be sure to stop by www.saditykitty.com!

To watch the slide show, please click the link below:
http://photopeach.com/album/19qeyfk?invitecode=34cc619f26

Animal Instinct: From Nylon to Nails, Animal Print is EVERYWHERE!

Brian Goreski & Kanye in Givenchy leopard

Gwen Stefani L.A.M.B Fashion Week 2011

Ladies (and our fabulous, most-beloved boy friends), we all know that animal print is this season’s must have! We also know that our nails can make or break an entire outfit, making them one of our smallest, yet most noticeable accessories.  So, what’s a girl to do when the weather warms up and it’s time to do away with the printed boots, jackets & scarves? Or when your red-pumped, cheetah print heels (as FLY as they are!) are a bit much for the office?

Take matters into your own hands! Add animal print to your nails! Printed tips provide the perfect amount of coquettish flare to be considered tame, but just enough POP! to let some personality shine through!

Here are some pics of animal prints that I’ve tried on both natural & acrylic nails!

I go HARD in the paint, by the way *blushing* lol but if I can do it, you can too!

Colorful Zebra Print

ROWR!

Shout out to JulieG713 for the super-easy, D.I.Y instructions!

Suits Made for Champs and Bad Boys–Suit Wearing Tuesday, Chuck Bass Edition

Monday nights are made for watching the BASS as in Chuck Bass of Gossip Girl. The new season is nothing short of the classic twists and turns of a teenager’s life having slightly matured, and yet the writers still manage to keep it fresh and fun without sacrificing it’s original theme, politics of the Upper East Side.

One things for sure, Chuck Bass is the all-time best dresser on television these days, fictional or not. The only reality TV star that I could compare him to would be Scott, Kourtney Kardashian’s beau.

Without further delay, let’s check out the mighty suit wearing Chuck Bass, his bad boy flava, and sex appeal.

Hair? Make Up? P Sak? Check! Don’t Be Left Out this CIAA

Upgrade yourself and your VIPs to the most luxurious gift bags on Earth, Panache Saks.

These bags include make up cosmetics, make up tools, and chocolate covered treats, compliments of Bill & Coo Cosmetics. You could even spot these bags at some of your CIAA events being handed to women all over Charlotte as free gift bags. Just in case you’re not lucky enough to snag a Panache Sak whilst partying this week, you can find more of them at these spots.

Make Up Artist Joy Randall. Owner of Flawless Make Up Art Studio.

Flawless Studios (704) 975-9526.

Call for CIAA Make Up Specials. Appointments are going fast …

Check out her blog.

Hair Stylist Talia Massey. Owner of Chic’lectic Salon.

Ask for CIAA Specials. Mention NikkiPanache for the best prices!

Salon Central, Independence Blvd.

(704) 779-4522

Talia is also a licensed Make Up Artist. Her work was featured in Fashion’s Night Out, 2010.

Celebrities Loving the New Hair Trend–Coloring

As the seasons change so does everyone’s hair style and/or hair color it seems, whether your bored with your old winter look or want something edgy for spring break. Last time I was in the hair salon, everyone had a reason to want to change their current hair color. My friends and I checked out a local Sally’s and learned about the many options to hair color that needs to be decided upon.
1. How much color do you want to add? Options include if you want to only enhance your color, add highlights, or completely change your current color. For instance, a rinse can add a little color to your whole head or you can follow Lady Gaga’s example and only change a section of your hair.
Lady Gaga posted a picture of her bangs dyed black on Twitter

2. How dramatic of an effect are you going for? If you decide you want to completely change your natural hair color drastically (i.e. bleach it blond or dye it black) it is a good idea to try on wigs first to see the results since such the process is so damaging to hair to and so difficult to remove. But it may be well worth it if you’re like Chris Brown and want an image change.
Chris Brown also posted a Twitpic of his new blond hair

3. How will the chemicals affect your hair? Make sure to find out if the type or procedure you want works well with your type of hair, especially if you are already using chemicals such as a perm or relaxer. (Unless you’re going for the bald Amber Rose look)

4. Will you do it yourself or at a salon? More difficult jobs should be done at a salon you have researched and seen results from. Even simple jobs you want to do yourself can use a professional consultation before your dying your first time.

“Purrringgg Trend this Spring”–Animal Print

One of my favorite boutiques offers the hottest trend around–animal print. Check out these new styles at Lotus! And when you go, tell Jackie and Effie Nikkipanache says “hi.”

Pastry Shoes: Yay or Nay?

At tonight’s game, the Orlando Magic Dancers showed off their Pastry! I’m not a huge Pastry fan, but I see a lot of potential in them. Besides, the Simmons sisters did go through all the trouble of making them actual dance shoes. What do you think?

Charlotte Seen Model Call February 26

Attention All Models & Attendees:

Charlotte SEEN is hosting a Model Casting on Saturday, February 26th, 2011 from 2- 6 p.m. at 4300 Sharon Road Charlotte, NC 28211 (The RESIDENCE IN SOUTH PARK). All models are required to wear the proper runway shoes as well bring comp cards, full body shots, and resumes. All models under the age of 18 are to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. For further information please email us at info@charlotteseen.com. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information on the event visit www.passportforfashion.com.

Kicks that Kick Ass

Are you gearing up for the Summer? I am. And there’s nothing more funky and more fun then adding kicks to your wardrobe. I usually pick retro sneakers with velcro straps, bright colors and or shiny embellishments. That’s pretty much my style; I like to show versatility. Being confined to one look, one period, really bores me and limits my expression. And the great thing is I can make anything look good. However, I haven’t yet mastered the hi-top sneaker look. As a kid, I thought it looked to masculine. Now, I’ve been advised to not wear kicks at all, being that I’m a professional/entrepreneur. All these limitations … confine me and don’t define me or my level of competency. Therefore, since I’m not living in the 20s, I’m on the prowl for kicks that kick @ss!

Cesario by Creative Recreation $90. You can find these at Bloomingdales, Upper East Side. I enjoy the bright splash of orange covering the rounded toe. These would be hot with a cream Theory tee and skinny jeans. Perfect for errands or brunch Uptown.

Shizuka High Y-3 $250. I hate to say it, but they do resemble the Supra a bit. Nonetheless, they’re identifiably Adidas kicks by the three stripes. Can you locate them? They’re apparent gromits. We’ve come a long way from the all white K-Swiss and hi-top Reebok. Haven’t we?

Hear are some cool local spots to purchase new kicks– Velocity Sneaker Boutique, Black Sheep, and O1NE.

Bill & Coo Cosmetics–STEALS and DEALS–MAC Dazzleglass 11 Bucks

MAC Dazzleglass Bare Necessity is a nudie gloss. Perfect for a flawless  look.  At only $11, Bill & Coo offers this gloss as a STEAL OF THE MONTH. This item is AUTHENTIC.

Journey to Natural Hair: An Ode to Beauty You’re Born With

I’m always inquiring my friends about their natural hair, whether in locs or curly bushes, I find myself always admiring their naturalness. It’s so funny because I often ask “can I touch it” as if it’s some new wonder. My friends don’t care; they know I mean no harm. But here’s an ode to natural chics with locs, bushes, and curly fros.

Below is a video of a woman who expresses the different changes, milestones, and thoughts she experienced while deciding to go natural and walking the path to natural hair. It’s an awesome video. She even discusses how men of different cultures respond to her during her journey. You should take a look even if you’re not interested in going natural yourself.

Check out Bush Broads. I love this blog. There’s just far too much beauty that lies on this site. I hope you really enjoyed really this post as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Is There an Age to Fashion? by C-Rose

I would like to think I’m a fashionable woman.  Who am I kidding?  I am very fashionable and everything I wear is a representation of my very spunky, very fun, very real, but sometimes quirky, personality.  Fashion is all about self expression and about representation of YOU.  So, my question is as you age should your look or style age as well?

For the past two years I’ve been planning my 30th birthday party, which will be held in the city of sin Las Vegas.  I wouldn’t consider myself a Vegas type of gal but I have to be able to say I have visited Las Vegas at least once in my lifetime so, why not commemorate my 30th birthday by visiting Sin City.  It seems my age has been coming up in a lot of conversations lately or maybe I’m finally realizing that though I feel 16 years old I’m definitely not a spring chick anymore.  Yes, 30 is still young but no matter what Jay-Z says it’s not 20 either.  I’ve never been one to care about my age especially when I’ve been mistaken for someone in her early twenties or even a high school student (I teach high school English) but 30 is kind of a big deal to me.  I embrace 30 and I’m looking forward to celebrating my 30th birthday this year but when I turn 30 can I still dress how I want to and be trendy?

This weekend I purchased a pair of Nike Dunks because I loved the shoe strings.  I absolutely loved the rainbow colored shoe strings and then the shoes themselves are bright and funky but more importantly they SCREAM ME.  I don’t own many pairs of sneakers but I had to have these.  Typically when I do come across a pair of kicks I can’t live without I get them and I rock the hell out of them; this however doesn’t happen that often.  I seriously love these sneakers and because they are so colorful I can pretty much wear them with anything I want.

I am pretty random when it comes to my style and I can be found shopping online and in thrift stores more so than in any store in the local mall.

Like everyone I’ve got my own style and I wear what I like but every now and then I need a little inspiration to see where I want to take things. So, Saturday I Googled images of females wearing high top kicks to see where I wanted to go with it myself.  There were images of Rihanna, Amber Rose, Cassie, and countless other women who were not celebrities rockin’ themselves some high top sneakers.  These ladies were wearing jump suits, military pants, miniskirts, shorts, leggings, and just whatever they wanted with their high tops but each with her own flava.  I allowed each of them to be my muses and went in for the fashion kill while remaining true to myself.  I paired my kicks with a striped button down, lime green v-neck sweater, skinny jeans, and a vintage leather jacket.  I topped it off by carrying my Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse Green Graffiti Speedy 30 handbag (a Christmas present to myself).   It was hot; of course it was hot!   It was me and I felt good. Especially when I noticed folks checkin’ out my new Nike Dunks.  How it all came together is not my concern nor was it in the beginning.  My concern is was it too young?

Is it okay for a 20 something mom, wife, high school English teacher, who is almost a 30 year old woman to rock a pair of Nike Dunks?

I can’t think of any reason why it wouldn’t be, especially when it was my money that paid for them, but is this something I will consciously have to start thinking about when I do turn 30?  What is and isn’t appropriate for a 30 year old woman to wear?  I sure hope this isn’t something I’ll have to take into consideration every time I’m getting some retail therapy in.

No one has said anything to me and this is totally C-Rose who is having all of these thoughts.  All I can think about with my sudden concern of age appropriate dress is Sex and the City 2.  There is a point in the film when Samantha and Carrie are shopping and Samantha comes across a dress she thinks is perfect for Smith Jarrett’s premiere party in NYC.  The sales lady bluntly asks Samantha, “Don’t you think this dress is a little too young for you?” Samantha replies by telling the young sales attendant her age (52), while dropping the F-bomb, and making it very clear she will rock the dress.  However, the climax of this whole dress ordeal is when Samantha is on the red carpet at Smith’s premiere.  She looks fantastic and is rocking the dress as she said she would but when Samantha looks over looking back at her is then 16-year-old Miley Cyrus wearing the exact same dress.  It is only awkward for a moment before Miley walks over and they are then photographed together, which makes all well in Hollywood.  Personally, I think Samantha looks the best in the dress but is she indeed too old to be wearing it?

I’ve been the same size for about six or seven years now.  I can still fit into my wedding dress post baby and I can wear as small as a size 4 in a dress depending on the label.  I will say I don’t look a day over 25 and don’t feel a day over 16.  Why should what I put on my youthful frame matter if I feel good wearing it?  Is there an age limit on fashion or do we make our own age limit with our state of mind?  As we feel older do we dress older or vice versa?  If I continue to feel 16 does it necessarily mean I should dress like a 16 year old?  No it doesn’t and I don’t but I don’t have to start wearing long skirts and turtle necks either do I?  Let me be clear, I am a professional and I take my job very seriously.  When I’m out with my husband I like to look and feel sexy so my attire reflects that of a grown, sexy, woman.  When I’m in my classroom and I want to be taken seriously by adolescent teens my attire reflects that too. However, even Mrs. Martin can maintain the flyness at all times.  I bring it even while teaching about clauses, Langston Hughes, and such.

How do I know what I should and shouldn’t wear as I get older if I just want to be comfortable with what I like and stay true to me?  Is there an inappropriate way to dress based on your age? If so, how do you know where to draw the line?  Fashion is such a huge part of my life and always has been, so, more than likely I’m going to do what feels good to me and keep it real.  I am going to continue to buy what I like and then rock it to its fullest power as only I can do.  I suggest you do the same.  If I’m being honest, I do feel there is an age when it comes to fashion but honey I am nowhere near being close to the fly cut off.  I never will be.

Pinking of You–Pink Nail Behavior. Happy Founder’s Day AKAs

I have a pretty sick infatuation with pink nails. Each trip to the nail salon, I leave in pink. It’s so ultra-femme and chic, and the saturation can really heat things up for some of you socialites! Talk about making a statement. Check out this video that mixes animal print and pink nail polish. You really can’t enough of this trend. Enjoy the weekend.

Pulled Together with a Maize Belt–Street Etiquette in Layers

I’ve been checking out this blog for quite sometime to see what all Joshua and Travis have to say about menswear, from the urban perspective. Here, layering is put to great use for the colder seasons. I especially enjoy the usage of a cardigan, buttoned or not, casual use of a skinny tie, and the upgrade of a collegiate jacket. Everything is modernized with a nostalgic addition, a solid pair of shoes (no kicks), and pulled together with the same maize belt. Ah-ha, did you see that? There’s much to say about these men and style. Check out the pics a little further.

Street Etiquette is ranked ‘Best Men’s Style Blog’ by the Guardian UK and selected ’40 bloggers who really count’ by the London Times.

Miu Miu Winter Deal

The cold days aren’t over yet. There’s still more wind to fight in an early morning rush to work. I don’t know about you, but I am anxious for Summer. While we are still getting through the winter, I’d like to share with you one of my staple, signature blazers. This one’s for sale at ShopItToMe. Have you checked your ShopItToMe salemail yet?

Miu Miu Cord Jacket w/Puff Sleeves

Razzle Dazzle Eyeshadow–Black Dress Approved

Celebrity Make Up Artist Joy Randall really knows how to ‘werk’ a holiday RAZZLE DAZZLE eyeshadow and make it pop especially when paired with a black dress. We know it’s a recession and women or either spicing up a classic black dress or purchasing on a budget. And no matter what you choose to put on, we want to make YOU the LIFE of the PARTY.

Here is a 3-step that’ll get your holiday started on the right track–Razzle Dazzle, Ladies!

First, apply a dark green eyeshadow from your lower to about mid eye with a flat brush (similar to a foundation brush). In this case, Joy uses a dark green pigment by MAC. Smooth it from the inner to outer corners. Check out this MAC Golden Olive.

Tip: “Because it is pigment in a jar, you can apply it anywhere from lids to lips.”

Golden Olive

Second, use Fix Plus spray to apply MAC Antique Gold to make it sparkle, continuing with the flat brush. Apply the shadow from lower to mid eye.

FB Video Link

Antique Gold

Finally, to finish your look, line lower lid with liquid black liner. Try MAC Fluidline.

MAC Fluidline

And the finished product should look as FAB as this!

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For bookings or more information on Celebrity Make Up Artist Joy Randall, click here.

Fitting For A Lion– J Zemar Clothing

Robert Mackey in canary J.Zemar Logo Hoodie

“You perform better when the lights are on.”–Mackey

On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of speaking with fashion designer and former NFL/Arena Football player Robert Mackey. He’s making great headway with J. Zemar (Jay Za Mar), a men’s collection that caters to athletic bods. Having a body something like a Greek God, 6’4” and 280 lbs, Robert faced challenges finding the right fit. And having retired as an athlete, venturing into fashion design seemed to be the perfect fit for Mackey. Now he’s capitalizing on the opportunity to cater those with similar body frames. And the people are loving him right now …

Currently residing in Chicago, Robert is looking forward to his trunk show Tuesday, January 11th  from 6-9p.m. at the posh Double A Lounge, located at 108 W. Kinzie St. beneath the upscale Mercadito restaurant. This will be a preview of active wear including men’s logo hoodies, pullovers, and tees. Attracting nothing but the best, the A-listers of Chi-Town will be welcomed and wooed by his hard work exemplified through his garments.

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Also, Mackey is looking to organizing a mini show for CIAA in Charlotte 2011. Other show dates include the following:

February 18 2011 All-Star Game Trunk Show in LA

April 2011 Ruben Brown Anguilla Classic Celebrity Invitational

Are you ready to be fitted into J. Zemar or do you have questions about this rising star designer? For more information about online purchases, buyer inquiries, and show dates, contact Lea Dalley at lea.pr@j-zemar.com. Twitter.

Take a Look–Celebrity Make Up Artist Joy Randall– Singer Fantasia’s Visage Artiste

Nikkipanache.Com took a closer look at Joy Randall‘s inspiration and lit path to Celebrity Make Up Artist–”Visage Artiste.”  Her elaborate resume in entertainment, from freelancing to VH1′s Fantasia For Real, has catapulted her into the world of celebrity, and we cannot wait to see what else she accomplishes! Here we are one-on-one with Joy Randall,  a piece written by Hope Rivers.

“Make-up is an essential part of what you’re looking at on a daily basis.” Joy Randall

NP: Complete the following sentence: Flawless Make-up Art is …

JR: A business about Make-Up Artistry

NP: Flawless Make-up Art is a fairly new venture (2yrs) and you have already arrived at the new and well deserved title of “Celebrity Make-up Artist.” You have worked with Fantasia as well as major networks and publications such as MTV, VH1 and People magazine. As the visionary behind the Flawless brand what are your thoughts on sudden success?

JR: Success is just all in perception. I found that my ideas of success have changed through my experiences. And a lot of what the general public thinks success is….someone can be just as happy having a family and healthy children as they can be being a celebrity make-up artist or a celebrity stylist or being a celebrity, period. You have no idea what people really go through on all levels.  Everybody just wants a piece of mind at the end of the day, and you just never know what people are going through. So just don’t take what you see on TV or hear on the radio for face value.

NP: Have you found yourself setting new goals quicker than you thought you would have to?

JR: No. I find that life has a way of doing what it does. And so you can set all the goals you want. We all have goals. We all have things we strive to do and that we want to do but God has to be first. And God is going to teach you lessons and lead the way….period. You can have a complete road that you want to walk and God can take you straight up to the right. I still have things I want to do of course, but I know that God has put me in specific places for specific reasons. So I honestly try not to set the goals as much anymore just pray to God that he will lead me to where I need to go.

NP: In another 2 years where do you expect the Flawless brand to be?

JR: I expect it to be more visible in this industry. Flawless is about a network for make-up artists. It’s not about working for a company it’s not about what companies I’ve worked for … Freelance make-up artists, that’s what we do. We do our artistry for a business. In terms of the networks that are coming here such as BET and VH1- corporate type gigs-  I want them to know that this is a resource for hiring freelance make-up artists.

NP: You have worked for impactful cosmetic companies that shape the way we think about make up including MAC, L’Oreal, and Cover Girl and yet you still made a conscious decision to work for yourself.  What factors led you to the creation of Flawless Make-up Art?

JR: There is one definite reason, and it’s because I want to do make-up and I don’t want to sell it per say… I have always wanted to be a genuine person. I never wanted to sell somebody 3 and 4 products because I needed to get my sales up. But if I can identify and ask you some questions to figure out what you really want and to sell you something that you are actually looking for … that’s the person that I am.

NP: What fashion quote do you live by?

JR: “Confidence is your best cosmetic.” You can put on all the make-up in the world or all the clothes in the world if you don’t feel it from the inside…you know- its just not going to sell.

 

Joy Randall makes product recommendations and lends tips/tricks for make up application!

Seasonal Make-up Trends.
Getting into Fall, the colors are getting darker. The cat eye. I don’t do as much color on the eyes any more.
Products you recommend.
I’m a MAC baby. Love there cosmetics. Black opal has a great foundation.
How do you create a flawless look?
Blending is the key no such thing as bad make-up its bad application.
What products do well under lighting for TV shows?
Tips and Tricks?
Moisturize your skin. Have a cleansing regimen. Big on eye primer. Always start with it its designed for the top of the eye and can last up to 14 hours.
Faves: make-up lines, lipstick item, foundation?
Black Opal- Foundation, Viva glam five by MAC.and Freckle Tone By MAC
Any brand concept you have identified with.
Impact cosmetics is a faith based product line sold on his story and reasoning behind it.
What’s the best beauty tip you have to offer?
It’s gonna sound cheesy but seriously. Kay, let me now say it like that. You should want to change your self. The things you like about yourself change. But the things you can’t change, embrace them. Its about confidence. It really is.

For more information on Joy Randall and her upcoming events, click here.

‘Shriek or Chic’–Fab ‘Frightful’ Look

This fashionable juxtaposition makes for great editorial and is fitting for anyone creating a fun, glamour look for Halloween!

Her eyes dressed up like a doe with extensions added to top and bottom lids. Her lips are painted matte, black, outlined in black liner. Try a silver lip liner to really make a statement. Foundation is flawless. Use a primer and concealer. Hair is thrown and slicked to the side.

Innocent but take a look again. Here’s another suggestion for a fab ‘frightful’ face perfect for the holiday. “Don’t risk the pretty.”