Zoe Kravitz @ ASOS

Oh yeah! 

See her video, photo shoot and full inner-view here.

Read snippets of her inner-view here.

Video: Solange, Cassie & Selita Talk Hair With Lisa Price

UK Artist: Pepperstorm Arts

This art bite features a UK based artist that I have been a HUGE fan of for a while! When I see her work, it always reminds me of having a really "cooling spiritual water-energy" feeling... there is a flow about it. Does that make sense lol?!? I have also seen her work on numerous flyers around culture shops in London, promoting events (talks, open mic etc) and other artists.

About the artist:
"I am a painter, jewellery designer and sculptor living in London. I began my career as an artist in the mid-eighties designing backdrops and promotional material for warehouse parties and clubs. During this time my work took me to Japan, Australia, North America and Europe where my interest in the arts grew and I began to express myself through painting and sculpture.

The biggest impact on my working technique came through the first visit to my homeland of St Vincent. I was completely overwhelmed by the vibrancy of colour and richness of the culture, something that I had expressed previously in my painting without understanding where the inspiration had come from. This visit inspired me to paint more frequently. I later traveled to Senegal and The Gambia which gave greater meaning and understanding to my work. I spent six months working with artists and sculptors and have made many return visits

I have a BA in Jewellery Design from Central St Martins. During the time studying my paintings took on a sculptural quality with many of the pieces showing the delicacy of fine jewellery and a sculptural quality in the form of collage, print and surface decoration.

I have enjoyed working as a freelance designer and maker producing processional sculpture and costumes with EEA and educational work with KORI. I also work with the Indigo Collective and I am a member of the art group Colour and Movement. My main project at the moment is the commission of two outdoor sculptures for the Altnegelvin Hospital in Derry Ireland.

I work from my studio in South London. Although I love the time I spend locked away in my studio, I also enjoy working on collaborative projects with other artists and in community settings."

Visit Her Website

Inspiring!

Products I LOVE: Dr Organic Range

My Top 3 choice from this range of Dr Organic natural products:


Organic Manuka Honey Body Butter 200ml

A luxurious, deeply hydrating natural butter containing a delicate blend of Organic Manuka Honey, Aloe Vera, Shea butter, Jojoba oil, Sunflower oil and Vitamin E. This light textured butter, which is easily absorbed, restores and nourishes dry skin areas; it brings silky softness to the skin by attracting and retaining moisture and gives it a supple softer, firmer, younger looking feel. It helps improve elasticity and promotes a healthier skin tone and smooth natural glow.

Organic Aloe Vera Conditioner 250ml

A soothing conditioner suitable for all hair types formulated with Organic Aloe Vera, Shea butter, Hydrolyzed milk protein, Panthenol, Sunflower oil and Vitamin E. This incredibly effective formulation gently reinforces the hair’s natural condition by coating and penetrating the external cellular keratin fibre of each follicle, allowing the Aloe Vera complex to soothe, nourish and moisturize the condition of the hair leaving it soft, shiny and protected from the damaging effects of the sun.

Organic Vitamin E Lip Balm 5.7ml

A rich soothing, protecting and moisturising balm, designed to hydrate dry lips. It combines the hydrating properties of Organic Vitamin E with the nourishing and emollient properties of Shea butter and Beeswax. It restores the natural moisture content of the skin leaving the lips noticeably supple and beautifully hydrated. This moisturising lip balm also provides SPF 15 protection from the suns harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Music & Fashion Love: Celebrate "You"

If you liked the tees in this video, you'll love their website

www.cyevolution.com

Inspirational Beauty: 

Hazel "China" Ward

Napptural Inspiration: Maiya Boctor

Maiya Boctor
@ Herb N Life Productions

British Curlies Website/Shop

British Curlies Website + Shop

There used to be a huge problem of finding products in the UK/Europe that are normally widely talked about on hair forums. In fact, it drove me nuts lol - especially in the days when I was a serious PJ (Product junkie) and got excited about every product review out there for curly/kinky hair. Along with previous posts of UK/Europe based online shops, there is this website that I recently came across by accident...

Great products, natural hair articles and information!

Fashion Inspired: Afrodesiac Worldwide

Greetings Holistic Locs fam!

A few years ago, I was blessed to have come across a lady on myspace who was starting out with her own line of African inspired clothing... fast forward ------> And I'm so pleased to see how her work has grown and grown!

Check out her Myspace and facebook pages to see more lovely pics! You might spot mine too ;o)

MySpace

MIMI Magazine: A Voice For African Women

MIMI Online Magazine
A magazine that celebrates African women all around the world and has featured many famous faces over the years... don't forget to have a look through the archive for past issues and inspiring material! Enjoy ;o)

UK Natural Hair Shop: Curl Harmony

While reading the above article in the UK Precious Magazine , I came across a link to an online website that sells products for kinky-curly hair: Curl Harmony

Most UK nappturals would probably agree that it used to be the case that when we wanted products for our hair, we would have to order from abroad to get the kind of products that are always mentioned (and celebrated) on hair care forums. So it's refreshig to see that there are a growing number UK shops that are catering for natural afro hair - yay lol!

Has anyone tried this line of products? Do tell ;o)

Fashion Fix: Desigual - New Autumn/Winter Collection

I ((heart)) Desigual



About Desigual
Desigual is already something of a household name in Europe and its logo is a familiar sight. Positive attitude, happiness, unconventional, lack of inhibitions, emotion and involvement are the key brand values.

Offering a directional range of men and women’s casual wear, as well as childrenswear and accessories, Desigual, Regent Street has something for everyone.

The brainchild of Thomas Meyer, Desigual began in 1984 with the objective to create a fun and differentiated clothing range at accessible prices. The decor of the store is perhaps testament to Meyer's style, with the white walls decorated with graffiti that passers by might write on a wall at a party.

The first slogan for the brand was 'Desigual is not the same', and this continues to be the driving force behind the label over twenty years on.

Oyin....Oh-YUM!

As many nappturals know, Oyin handmade has been a great source of inspiration and natural products for some time now... First it was the podcasts that made me smile and now these clips...

African Inspired Style - WeWe Clothing

Nothing says Summer more to me than a floaty dress... And this clothing line offers a fantastic African inspired range of beautiful dresses and other clothing items for the whole family to enjoy Summer in style! Something I'm adding to my wish-list of upcoming buys ;o)

"Wewe, pronounced (weh-weh) means “little ones” in Yoruba, the language and culture of one of the three main tribes in Nigeria, West Africa. Wewe Clothing was born of our deep love for kids and the inspiration they provide. Wewe also aims to fill a void; over the years, we have rarely found fun, ethnic boho pieces for our own children. We hope Wewe will be a great guide for our children, aka “the wewe’s” of the world, to learn about all the different, exciting cultures this world has to offer.

A great deal of our fabrics, trims, and other materials are imported directly from Nigeria. Wewe’s founder and chief designer, Folake Kuye Huntoon, who has been a designer and stylist to celebrities, editorial/fashion magazines, and commercials for years, is a Nigerian based in Beverly Hills, California."

Enter WeWe Shop

Celebrate Indie Fashion: NEET Online Magazine

I love this UK online mag! If you love shopping on indie-creative websites like Etsy, this is a great mag that brings together many indie shops and products to try! And if you love sewing up your own designs, these creative treats offer some inspiration to get you going on new projects...

Out Now

Erama Hair Ties & Loc Buns

Treat your locs to some fabulous hair ties by Erama Hair Ties
(visit etsy shop)

As the weather is due to heat up - we're slow in the UK with getting the sun lol - my favourite style that is so easy to do is the bun. It keeps my locs off my shoulders and neck and can be dressed up/down according to what you wear. I was on the look-out for a little something to add to my buns. I am super lazy and quite useless with styling, but these ties have been amazing and simple to use! It also offers a variety of ways that it can be used to style - see model's pic.

More information: "The hair tie is comprised of a hairpipe (The long bone shape) on one end, and a pendant on the other. Elastic cord holds the two together. You take the pendant and place it where you want it to stay put on your head. While holding the pendant in place with one hand, you take the free hand and wrap the cord around the hair you want in the ponytail. You can wrap it around a small patch of hair for a half up, half down effect, the entire head for a head band effect, around all of the hair for one ponytail, or you can experiment and come up with new ways. Once you have the cord wrapped around and achieve the desired tightness and location, take the hair pipe and stick it through the hole on the pendant. This secures the hair tie in place. Now you are all ready to go!

It is simple, affordable, stylish, and makes a huge difference. The days of the homely pony are over! Hello Stylish Natural Folks! Hello Hot Mamas and Papas!"

Amber (creative creator of Erama Hair Ties) says,"I specialize in custom order jewelry that accents any kind of hair, especially curly hair, thick hair, natural hair, sisterlocks, traditional dread locks, or any type of hair that doesn't fit well with traditional ponytail holders. If you have hair that falls into any of these categories, then you know how difficult it can be to find a pony tail holder that fits all of your hair into it, allows you to determine how tight or loose you want the hair to be pulled, DOES NOT pull your hair out, AND is FASHIONABLE and accents your style and taste.

For all of my stylish moms and dads out there: some days are definitely ponytail days. You know the days, you wake up sluggish, but there is a toddler pulling on your pj bottoms. You see that cute face and you know what time it is. Just because you don't have time to wash, blow dry, straighten, curl, flat iron, moose up, etc, doesn't mean you don't have time to be cute. It is time to dress up the ponytail; to make it not only functional, but gorgeous!

Look no Further!

My hair jewelry is made with natural stones, metals, bone and horn hairpipe, and elastic cord. They are easily adjustable, affordable, stylish, and gentle on the hair."

My Loc Bun:As my locs are very thick, it has been a chore looking for hair accessories that wouldn't snap or break while trying them on. These are GREAT!

OM! Beauty: Botanical Scents

Gentle and natural scents to keep you in tune with nature!

I was on the look-out for natural botanical perfumes that would bring Spring/Summer to full blossom.

Here are some shops, links and products to try:

Sakura solid perfume by Lush

Solid perfumes are different from alcohol-based scents as they melt into your skin in an earthy & sensual manner, melding with your own scent, and becoming a scent unique to you. Yes, this will smell slightly different depending on who is wearing it. Solid natural perfumes are a discreet way to wear a scent as it will scent you rather than the entire room. Lush has a whole range of other fragrances in different forms too!

Eau de toilette fraîche Lilas by Yves Rocher

Oh my! I have to say that I am the last person to choose a floral perfume - I used to avoid them like the plague before, until this came along! Subtle, fresh, super feminine and can be worn on any occasion. This feels beautiful to wear. And the floral scent is not overpowering at all. Like Lush, there is a whole range of fragrances to try!

Etsy does many online shops that sell botanical perfumes.
If you still feel like exploring botanical perfumes and want to support handmade creativity, these are great Etsy shops to buy from! A wide range to suit anyone.

Roxana - Illuminated perfume - Etsy shop

Arte del Profumo - Etsy shop

If you wish to learn more about botanical perfumes, visit this blog.

Release Your Inner Ingredient Junkie!

Freedom to KNOW exactly what is in your food, beauty products, home cleansers etc. And knowing that instead of being harmful to you, it’s actually nurturing/feeding you… on all levels.

More and more people are conscious of how ingredients (both used internally and externally) affect us… and want to choose to buy – or make – their own.

It couldn't be easier! The number of online shops selling raw 100% natural ingredients and products are growing… a fantastic opportunity to catch the ingredient/product junkie bug and take the time to mix it up at home.

Our 3 top picks of UK online shops are:
www.akuawood.co.uk
www.akamuti.co.uk
www.anitagrant.com

... Raw ingredients, great all natural products, packaging for your own homemade goodies and blogs!

And for natural recipes, we love the healthy and green living section of the Care 2 Website. A quick search will find you endless natural recipes to try for all areas of your life!

Enjoy!

A Natural You... When Did You Start The Journey?

(I can only speak from what my experiences are and of those I talk to... so this is not a topic that I wish to use to generalise anyone. It's just an observation from my life... And a space to hear your thoughts on your observations and natural journey.)

A huge part of my own curiosity in natural living and ingredients was sparked during the period when I began my locing journey... Every forum and friend (online and offline) who has been part of my locing journey have all inspired me further to learn on this topic. So, I was curious to hear your experiences...

When did you start being more aware of the ingredients in your life?

For those of you who have natural hair - did your journey in learning about your natural hair also connect with your learning in natural ingredients?

Do you have any home-made recipes that you would like to share?

UK Love: Spread The Word, You Beautiful... NERD!

@ Black Nerds Network HQ

Super cute, fun and with a GREAT message behind it!

I especially love their blog.

Look out for sales!

WE