love is near

[These Shoes!]

2011-12-27T11:32:00.001-05:00

Jeffrey Campbell Kelsey Boot

[An Oversimplification of Her Beauty]

2011-12-20T14:53:00.003-05:00

[Nakimuli]

2011-12-18T20:17:00.003-05:00

♥ these leggings from Nakimuli!!!

[Leah Smith]

2011-12-14T22:35:00.001-05:00

[Feature: Ambrosia]

2011-11-23T17:17:00.027-05:00

It seems that wherever Ambrosia goes, love abounds. This vlogger and natural hair icon inspires thousands of women with her tutorials and slice of life videos. In the spirit of the Black Girls Rock movement, her creativity and strong work ethic are inspiring a humble league of young women who tune in to watch her vlog in route to her day gig, and as she showcases her other creative endeavors. Behind her signature tag, XOXO, is a smart, driven woman with a tremendous spirit and an abundant desire to share.

Where are you from?

The underestimated state of Arizona!

You are quite a busy woman - wearing many hats, possessing many talents: vlogger, blogger, jewelry designer, makeup artist, and stylist. What drives you? Your creativity?

I am a firm believer of the quote that one can do anything they put their mind to. I love a challenge and I am always finding new things to get into, just to keep busy.

Is it difficult to juggle so many roles?

It does get a bit exhausting at times, but I truly feel like a slacker if I’m not working on multiple things. I simply have a drive for success and I will get there, therefore I am more than willing to put in the work.

What advice do you have for other diversely talented creatives?

Be serious about what you want to do, keep your word and don’t ever second guess yourself. One other thing I like to do is not say a word to anyone about my long term goals, but keep it to myself.

How do you maintain balance?

I work hard, but I also know my body and the signs that it gives me. Knowing when to slow down and give your body that time to recover does wonders for your work ethic. You will get back to work feeling more refreshed than ever. I also try to eat well as much as possible and include exercise into my week

What inspires you?

As of late, my inspiration comes depending on the environment I am in. I love to work in nice modern spaces. I feel like it helps my creativity flow. Also, complete silence is the best. I am inspired by people, places, and things.

What is the inspiration behind your current jewelry collection?

Statement pieces, definite conversation starters. . . Edgy/Chic!

What are your long-term goals for the line? Your boutique?

I plan on opening a boutique location in the near future. There are also a few things in the works that I will not be mentioning to anyone just yet...expect finer materials.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about life. I love to learn. I am passionate about becoming a better me.

Are there any social issues close to your heart?

As a child I had dreams of someday becoming a Vet. I bet the internet never knew that
one! I have a huge heart for animals, and as of late, I have been big on the issue of animal abuse and neglect.

What effect do you hope to have on the people that experience you
online?

I hope to inspire individuals to create a life for themselves, follow through with their goals, and be more positive. There is so much negativity in the world, it’s ridiculous, life is so much better if you focus on yourself and work at being the best at what you do.

Thanks Ambrosia!

Ambrosia's Links:

YouTube Channel

Boutique

Blog

[Give Me Water]

2011-11-20T19:42:00.002-05:00

This sweet collaboration between John Forte and Valerie June is the kind of music that makes you feel!

[Kesha Bruce]

2011-11-20T10:04:00.001-05:00

[New Muhsinah]

2011-11-17T09:45:00.002-05:00

#11 Muhsinah "Zombie" from LIVE AT THE LOFT on Vimeo.

[Luv these bags!]

2011-11-16T16:38:00.005-05:00

Top Bag: Aldo

Bottom Bag: Jcrew

*Update: I went shopping with my mom this weekend. She bought the Aldo bag for me as a Christmas gift! It's hanging out at her house until then. And the Jcrew bag? it'll be a christmas gift to self! What's on your list?

[Epiphanie Bags]

2011-11-13T00:42:00.001-05:00

Check out the lovely new catalog from Epiphanie.

Open publication - Free publishing - More camera bag

[Mini Shop]

2011-10-21T21:33:00.005-04:00

Took a little trip to Anthropologie today...

Picked up this lovely journal for my desk

And this sweet Goji Berry Voluspa candle!

[Georgia]

2011-10-17T11:59:00.004-04:00

I never made it to Georgia's. This month they closed their flagship store and moved the salon to another location. Thankfully, the online shop will remain...

Shop
Blog

[Brooklyn Luv]

2011-10-16T21:12:00.004-04:00

You know how I feel about Brooklyn...

I Love You From Here To New York by Hop Skip Jump Paper
Brooklyn Pillow by Nesta Home
Copper Bracelet by Fugudesigns
Spike Lee Brooklyn Tee by SoYouThinkYouCanRock
Subway Print by Brooklynmade
Brooklyn Ballerina, Summer Series by Brooklit
Last Exit to Brooklyn Tee by Abject Birth

[House 38]

2011-10-11T16:09:00.002-04:00

Cute trousers from House 38!

House38
Image via House 38.

[Clutch Luv Part IV]

2011-09-28T17:19:00.004-04:00

Clutch NY

SML Bags (Brooklyn)

*This blog will officially serve as my 2011 Christmas wish list.

[Unconditional Love]

2011-09-27T19:09:00.002-04:00

Link via GeorgiaNY

[She Shops Too Much]

2011-09-23T19:39:00.003-04:00

I just picked up these cute peep toe pumps today. I got them at Marshalls for $20. Zappos has them for $44. If you luv them like I do, you may want to snap up a pair before they're sold out!

[Clutch Luv part III]

2011-09-12T20:16:00.006-04:00

I need this in my life.
Clare Vivier Oversized Clutch

[More Clutch Luv]

2011-09-07T17:30:00.003-04:00

These lovely clutches are from Patkas.
spotted on Addicted to Etsy

[Be Inspired]

2011-08-23T12:46:00.000-04:00

[Missoni for Target]

2011-08-15T00:59:00.004-04:00

Here's a sneak peek of the new Missoni line for Target: Click here to view

Via Addicted to Etsy

[Chocolate Sushi]

2011-08-13T15:27:00.004-04:00

Lovely necklaces from Chocolate Sushi.

[Zadie Smith]

2011-08-12T20:45:00.001-04:00

[Peace Images]

2011-08-09T12:52:00.003-04:00

beautiful pieces from Peace Images

[Yumnah Najah]

2011-07-31T10:00:00.001-04:00

Lov'n these beautiful hand-painted earrings from Yumnah Najah.

[Higher Luv]

2011-07-31T09:38:00.005-04:00

Free People: Malindi Platform
Julian Louie for Aldo: Deanna Shoe
Forwood Wedge

[Aja Monet]

2011-07-29T22:00:00.002-04:00

TheArtTrade presents Aja Monet in the new series, The ArtWorks Collection.

[Brandy.]

2011-07-29T21:47:00.000-04:00

[Michaela Coel]

2011-07-17T09:41:00.005-04:00

This is video #2 in a series of video's documenting the process behind the release of the new album by London's own Michaela Coel. Michaela's my friend and I couldn't be more proud of her. I'm sure that you'll notice her striking beauty but I assure you that it exists far beyond the surface. Enjoy!

Check out the entire series here.

[Clutch Luv]

2011-07-08T10:29:00.003-04:00

1. Medium Leather Carryall by Vella Purse
2. BCBG Clutch available at Zappos
3. Sassy Leaf Clutch by Prisstheshop

[Hands In My Hair]

2011-07-02T19:58:00.007-04:00

I've been wearing loc extensions for the past three months. In the past I have grown waist-length natural locs but this is the first time I've had extensions. I put them in partly because I wanted to see if I was ready to grow locs again. I thought that if the answer was no, at the least, it would be a good protective style. Though the locs were lovely and very well done, I have decided against them at this time. I realize that at this point in my life, I need more flexibility. So two days ago, I decided to take them out. The only problem is that I am on day three. I only have half of them removed. Loc (extension) removal is no easy task. At this point, I'm losing steam. The only thing that seems to help is youtube. Yes, youtube! There are so amazing video journals and tutorials that keep me inspired. Ohhh I can't wait to get my hands in my own hair and try some of the styles I've seen. These are a few of my favorites.

[Madsen Love]

2011-06-30T16:45:00.004-04:00

I'm in luv with this Cargo Bike by Madsen Bicycles.

[The Livingroom Sessions]

2011-06-19T07:47:00.006-04:00

The LIVINGROOM Sessions is a new web series by poet/artist Caits Meissner. Check out the trailer and the first episode featuring vocalist Sarah white.

[Lovely]

2011-06-14T20:15:00.002-04:00

Beautiful new adornments from Lotus Roots.

[Monie Love]

2011-06-12T07:59:00.002-04:00

When Monie Love's record came out back in the day, I was all over it. I memorized every verse and delivered each line like I was on stage performing. Monie Love was my favorite female emcee before Lauryn landed on the scene. This video reminds me of what made her so special. She still has the ability to inspire. Much love to sister Monie!

D-Nice Presents True Hip-Hop Stories

[Kimono Love]

2011-06-10T08:45:00.000-04:00

Afro Kimono from Denise Beckford.

[Amanda Diva]

2011-06-09T16:22:00.004-04:00

Episode 16 of Amanda Diva's Creative Control show Technicolor Lover. View other episodes here.

[Love Africa]

2011-06-09T12:11:00.005-04:00

Lovin this look from Amore By Tina E.

[Mataji Booker]

2011-06-09T09:30:00.003-04:00

Mataji's Blog

Photos: elementaudiovisual

[Au Naturel]

2011-06-09T09:00:00.001-04:00

Au Naturel T-shirt from 2ndcoming.

Please Love Yourself

[Bumi Thomas]

2011-06-08T16:28:00.003-04:00

The lovely Bumi Thomas covers Ayo's Down On My Knees.
More music from Bumi

[Black Spoon]

2011-06-08T16:17:00.002-04:00

Black Spoon by Ayo

[On Beauty...]

2011-06-07T13:21:00.007-04:00

The lovely Alek Wek.

Love is near...

2011-05-13T18:16:00.003-04:00

Stoop Play By Brandon King

[Lotus Roots]

2011-04-08T17:22:00.001-04:00

love love love this Maasai inspired neck cuff.
Get it here

[Know This!]

2011-03-28T19:58:00.002-04:00

Know This! Episode 1 from

Know This! on Vimeo.

[Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich]

2011-03-07T21:59:00.002-05:00

Website

[Drawing Nature. Jill Bliss]

2011-03-03T21:41:00.001-05:00

[Xhibit P]

2011-03-03T20:33:00.002-05:00

Welcome to www.XhibitP.com from Alexis Casson on Vimeo.

Xhibit P Presents: Artists In Residence (The Grammy's Exhibition) from Alexis Casson on Vimeo.

[Ruby Veridiano]

2011-03-01T07:14:00.003-05:00

Website

[Nikky Finney]

2011-02-28T13:48:00.004-05:00

Head Off & Split

[Sharifa Rhodes-Pitts]

2011-02-23T09:47:00.005-05:00

Harlem is Nowhere: A Journey to the Mecca of Black America

[Seven ways to wear a scarf]

2011-01-29T09:24:00.001-05:00

[Fossil]

2011-01-23T21:39:00.004-05:00

[Aimee Song]

During my web-shopping trip this evening, I discovered Fossil's new lookbook featuring some of our favorite bloggers. I only wish that they had included the fabulous Andrea from Fly... it's a lovely feature. Check it out here and my new watch here.

[Under Twenty Dollars]

2011-01-15T19:02:00.004-05:00

1. Starpoint Tee 2. Neon Lights Belt 3. Chain Cuff 4. Vintage Low Flares 5. Briolette Scarf
All items available at Madewell.com

[Doris and Doris]

2010-12-14T11:50:00.003-05:00

Luv, Luv, Luv these looks from Doris and Doris. ++ love the hair in the second pic!
Shop

[Shadra Strickland]

2010-12-14T10:28:00.002-05:00

Beautiful pieces from Atlanta based artist Shadra Strickland.
Shop

[Do What You Love]

2010-12-13T15:53:00.003-05:00

Love this series of video's by Pacing The Panic Room.

[The Secret of Life]

2010-12-10T19:25:00.001-05:00

Enjoy the weekend.

India.Arie

[All I Want For Christmas] pt. 1

2010-12-09T23:45:00.002-05:00

All from Madewell.

[Wyclef = Genius]

2010-12-09T23:28:00.001-05:00

Gone Till November

[Christmas Musik]

2010-12-05T17:08:00.004-05:00

These two are new additions to my library this Christmas.

Rahsaan: The Ultimate Gift

Ledisi: It's Christmas

[Holiday Gift Idea #1]

2010-12-05T15:59:00.002-05:00

Mrs. O By Mary Tomer
Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy

[Lotus Roots Creations]

2010-12-05T13:40:00.003-05:00

Lovely crocheted and hand painted freshness from Lotus Roots Creations.

Shop

[Fifi Lapin]

2010-11-21T07:51:00.002-05:00

Cute print from Fifi Lapin.

[Manchild]

2010-11-19T08:39:00.001-05:00

Luv this new song from Amanda Diva.
Free Download here

[the night shift]

2010-10-19T14:10:00.003-04:00

Lovely watercolor by VH McKenzie
VH McKenze on Etsy
Blog

[for poets & other people who feel]

2010-10-18T06:17:00.000-04:00

Aja Monet
Free Download

[Happy Sunday]

2010-10-17T08:54:00.000-04:00

[The Stuyvesants] Free Download

2010-10-15T11:58:00.003-04:00

Free download + Fresh T's
you know how I feel about Brooklyn

[saƒia]

2010-10-10T16:23:00.005-04:00

How did I ever survive without this song. I have it on repeat!
Free download at: www.vivasafia.com

via Afrolicious

[Melody]

2010-08-28T08:23:00.002-04:00

[Jcrew Love]

2010-07-20T18:28:00.004-04:00

I'm luv'n this new Jcrew video and the song that goes with it. Click here to view the video and to download the song for free. We luv free!

[Wren]

2010-07-06T16:55:00.002-04:00

Luv these sustainable bags from Wren.

[The Gift Shop]

2010-07-06T16:52:00.002-04:00

Cute!
The Gift Shop

[Trina Turk]

2010-07-03T20:07:00.004-04:00

Cute rompers and jumpers from Trina Turk.

[Tall Enough]

2010-06-17T20:52:00.002-04:00

Tall Enough from Strike Anywhere on Vimeo.

[Nathalie Lété ]

2010-06-03T20:00:00.000-04:00

[Peace]

2010-05-10T10:08:00.001-04:00

Lovely rings from Peace Images.

[Lena]

2010-05-10T06:58:00.001-04:00

RIP Miss Horne. You will be missed.

[Gidan Nodza]

2010-05-08T10:21:00.002-04:00

Luv'n Gidan Nodza.

[Miss Bruno]

2010-05-07T16:21:00.002-04:00

Lovely pieces from Miss Bruno.

[Sophie Theallet]

2010-05-02T17:02:00.002-04:00

Lovely looks from Sophie Theallet's Spring/Summer 2010 collection.

Sophie Theallet

[Luam]

2010-05-01T08:12:00.005-04:00

Converse commercial

2010-04-21T07:00:00.000-04:00

Black Girl Long Hair
"Love is in the hair"

2010-04-16T18:52:00.000-04:00

[Candice Held]

2010-04-14T09:06:00.002-04:00

Lovely scarf dress from Candice Held.

Candice Held on Shop Flick

[Wasijiru]

2010-04-13T18:38:00.001-04:00

Lovely hair adornments from Wasijiru.

[Chocolate Sushi]

2010-04-09T08:19:00.002-04:00

Lovely pieces from Chocolate Sushi.

Chocolate Sushi on Etsy

[Yoòbu]

2010-04-08T22:08:00.002-04:00

Cute bags from Yoòbu. Luv'n the patterns.
Yoòbu

[Nic Fish]

2010-04-08T08:30:00.003-04:00

Lovely Convertible Jumpsuit from Nic Fish.

Nic Fish on Etsy

[Birkenstock]

2010-04-07T13:47:00.002-04:00

Lovely new Birkenstocks by Stella McCartney via The Official Birkenstock Blog

[Lola Faturoti]

2010-04-07T10:30:00.002-04:00

Lovely pieces from Nigerian native Lola Faturoti's Spring/Summer collection.

Images via Lola Faturoti
Photos by Cecil Gillard

2010-03-31T11:08:00.000-04:00

By Brandon King

[Glove Haiti]

2010-03-30T20:41:00.002-04:00

Glove Haiti T-shirt

[Lovely Dresses]

2010-03-30T20:31:00.003-04:00

1. Alice + Olivia

2. Marc by Marc Jacobs

3. Mara Hoffman

All available at www.ShopBop.com

[On My Bookshelf]

2010-03-18T15:30:00.009-04:00

When I first saw this pic on the cover of Essence magazine nearly a decade ago, I thought, as I do now that Alek Wek was one of the most beautiful women I'd ever seen. The book cover in itself is worth the purchase price. I'm hoping to find it in my mailbox tomorrow. I can't believe that it's taken me so long to purchase.

Alek: From Sudanese Refugee to International Supermodel

The UK cover is equally as beautiful.

2010-03-01T20:50:00.006-05:00

[Makool]

2010-02-23T14:15:00.000-05:00

Cute!
Makool

[zoe de las cases]

2010-02-23T14:11:00.002-05:00

Luv this website. Via Bloesem.