Natural Hair | Scarves Are All The Rage

When the weather gets a little cooler, the scarves come out. Scarves are all the rage this Fall from solid vibrant colors, animals prints to florals. Scarves are a naturalista's perfect accessory, because they can be used for warmth around the neck or head. 

If you are a scarf connoisseur, we want to see your best looks. Send your scarf pics to info@kurleebelle.com to be included in our Fall fashion looks.  

Or tag us on Instagram or Tumblr using #kurleebelle

Kerry Washington Covers Elle Magazine

Kerry Washington aka The Fixer aka Fitz's mistress aka Olivia Pope graces the cover of Elle Magazine's June Issue. If you no idea what the alias's refer to in the opening sentence, then you must not have access to a TV or smartphone. 

Scandal, a major hit on ABC, comes on Thursday night's at 10 pm i.e. when it is not on sabbatical. Explanation: Scandal is supposed to be a weekly series but it has a history of taking two weeks off between episodes--leaving its fans wanting for more. Any who, back to the Elle Magazine cover.... since Kerry landed the role of Olivia Pope, she has been the talk of the town and red carpet. This role has landed her a new title of fashion icon. At Kurlee Belle, the only thing we love more than natural hair is fashion. We cannot wait to get our hands on this new issue of Elle (hits newsstands May 21st) and see what The Fixer has to offer. 

FLOTUS, Sasha & Malia: New Hair, Designer Sketches and Twitter

Nanette Lepore Sketch

The inauguration of the President of the United States is January 21st, 2013. Barack Obama "President with Swag" was elected for a second term (2 Termz) to serve the people of the United States. As with all major events, there must be major fashion. 15 designers are battling to style the First Lady, as everything that she wears is sold out in minutes. Since the Obama's have been in the White House, we have watched FLOTUS's style evolve and that of Sasha and Malia. A few designers including Nanette Lepore, Tommy Hilfiger, Bouchra Jarrar, and Chanel had the opportunity to design looks for the budding young fashionistas (Sasha & Malia). 

Tommy Hilfiger Sketch- Sasha Obama

Tommy Hilfiger Sketch- Malia Obama

Chanel Sketch

For the inauguration, designers such as Michael Kors, Tracy Reese, Derek Lam, Naeem Khan, and Prabal Gurung to name a few have provided looks for the First Lady. In addition to her attire, Mrs. Obama has new hair. In the below photo released by the Associated Press or AP, Mrs. Obama sports a new hair style with modern bangs.

Stunning past looks of Michelle Obama. I am dying to see what she will wear to Inauguration 2013. 

Don't forget to follow FLOTUS's new twitter account, created on her Birthday (@FLOTUS)!

Which Designer Look Should Sasha and Malia choose for the 2013 Inauguration? 

Do You like FLOTUS's New Hair? 

photo credit: styleblazer

How To Tell If You Are High Maintenance

Usually, high maintenance women get a bad reputation. We have been called stuck up, uptight, crazy, opinionated and most men are intimidated by us. Why is that? It is mainly because we know what we want and will not stop until we get it.

My girlfriend and I was having a discussion about "High Maintenance vs. Down To Earth Women". Her theory was that, one could not be down to earth and high maintenance. My rebuttal was that they are not one in the same. I consider myself to be very high maintenance and down to earth. We went through the below exercise and turns out you can be high maintenance and down to earth:

You know the old saying, 'Birds of a feather flock together."? This is true of high maintenance women.

Do the majority of your friends care about their appearance? Do you have special days set aside when you get manicures, pedicures or hit the salon? When Drake came out with "Fancy" was that your national anthem? Nails done, hair done, everything did?

If you have answered yes to one or all of the above questions then you my dear are high maintenance!

• High maintenance women love to look good. They take pride in what they wear and it's not just to be noticed. It is because they genuinely want to look good for themselves. Many women like to dress nice to attract men and when they get a man, they let themselves go. A high maintenance women dresses up for herself. Just because she has a man does not mean that taking care of herself goes out the window. She looks and dresses nice because it is apart of who she is. It is ingrained in her DNA. 
• She is not afraid to express her true feelings or tell it like it is. If something is bothering her, she lets you know. High maintenance women tend to have a high self esteem and look for perfection. If there is a problem, she will either try to fix it or scream it from the hills. 
• All of her girlfriends have very similar attributes. They are either smart, sexy or dress to kill. When you get them all together, they are a force to be reckoned with. Think the ladies from Girlfriends or Sex and The City.  
• As in her appearance, she is very serious about her goals and career. She does not drop everything she is doing for a man or anyone. She understands her true worth and any guy that wants or deserves her will understand the same or can wait! 
• Her standards are high, when it comes to relationships and friendships. She knows what she wants in a man and never settles for the first guy that says "I love you" or "Hello". With a truly high maintenance women, the guy has to work to gain her love and trust...and he is never 100% sure because she runs a tight ship. Friends are high on the priority list and loyalty is the main criteria. She has no time for nonsense or drama since she is mostly focus on achieving her goals. The first sign of "You said and I said" or arguments...you can expect her to call you less or be missing in action.
• She may seem aloof, cold or made of stone but this is not her intention. She is really down to earth and friendly (once you get to know her). She does not give affection and praise to just anyone. When she gives a compliment, you know it's genuine! She is the friend that you can always run to when you want her honest opinion. 

Of course, not all high maintenance women meet the above criteria to a T (tee)...but they come close.

Here are some shows of high maintenance women that I love! 

So tell me....Are you high maintenance? 

Fashion & The Work Place

Fashion is a popular trend, prevailing custom or style of dress. Work is defined as employment, as in some form of industry, especially as a means of earning one's livelihood. When the two are merged, it maybe unclear as to what is fashionable for the work place. Therefore, many organizations have produced employee handbooks with a lengthy section dedicated to "The Dress Code". If you work for a corporation, I am sure you have seen, heard or been reprimanded in reference to "The Dress Code".

As of recently with the plethora of blogs and YouTube channels, it seems as though everyone is a fashion expert. Do not get me wrong, I love the arts, self expression and everything pretty but when it comes to fashion I have tunnel vision. My style is classic with solids, prints and leather. Style icons that I look up to are Michelle Obama, Victoria Beckham, Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel. Give me a black pencil dress, simple jewellery, killer pumps and a chic clutch and I am ready to take on the world. 

Let me just say, I am not a Fashion expert or guru but here are some guidelines when it comes to the work environment. 

Sequins, Spandex and Transparent Clothing

If it is shiny or glow in the dark then you probably should not wear it to work. Ladies, there is no such thing as a transferable piece when it comes to the club versus the work place. If you can wear it to the club you cannot/should not wear it to work. Tight or ill fitting clothing or any piece of clothing where others can see your stomach or lace bra its a no. 

Clothing that shows your religious or political beliefs

Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing but when someone else is cutting your check you should keep your religious and political beliefs to yourself. I am not against religion or supporting your political party but they have no place in the workplace. These are touchy subjects and can cause you to lose your job. 

Social Media

I know you are thinking social  media...that is not fashion but it is. Social media is a popular trend in which many use to express themselves. Adding coworkers to your social media pages can do more harm than good. In work environment's where team building and "making friends" is encouraged, it may seem normal to add your coworkers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram but ask anyone who has been fired because of their indiscretion on social media outlets...This is not a good idea. My advice is to block your coworkers from your pages. Not DELETE them because this can work against you too. Either block them or open up another account under an alias and do not add coworkers to your personal social media accounts. 

Designer Shoes, Handbags and Jewellery

Louboutins, Cartier and Gucci are nice to have but anything in excess is trashy. Heard the saying "Less is More", this is the same with designer items. Yes you have a nice bracelet, necklace, earrings, handbags and shoes but you don't have to wear every designer piece you own "AT THE SAME DAMN TIME". :) 

Hair

Work appropriate hair depends on your industry. Once your hair is well kept, I think that is all that matters. Of course, if you work for a conservative company then you should stay away from unnatural bold colours and any hairstyle that would be seen as an attention getter.

What would you add to the list? 

Solange Knowles Dressed By African Designers on the Cover of Elle SA

Solange's wardrobe is as colourful as her personality. The stylish singer graces the cover of Elle South Africa in African mix and match prints. Printed top by Tart and shorts by South African designer Loin Cloth. We know that Solange loves colours and patterns. Check out her Brooklyn home featured in an earlier edition of Elle (Brooklyn's Finest: A Look Inside the Home of Solange Knowles).

Do you like Solange's Look? I think it's Cool. 

Kurlee Fashion Frenzy: #NYFW Trends

Many of you fashion fanatics ventured to New York City to participate in one of the most fabulous events of the end of summer i.e. New York Fashion Week! Unfortunately, I was not able to attend but I watched the trends like a hawk from my computer screen. If you are into keeping up with the latest trends here are the threads that the Fashion Gurus have deemed appropriate for Spring 2013 and beyond:

My Favourite Collection of New York Fashion was that of Carlos Miele.

Bold, Tropical and Animal Prints!

I love color and animal prints. Don't believe me? Check my closet. Carlos' collection gave me life as I browsed through his tropical inspired lookbook.

Carlos Miele 

Spring 2013 Collection

Shades of Gray and Bondage!

Shades of Gray and Bondage captivated the runway and I am not talking about the infamous "Fifty Shades of Grey". I do think the grays and bondage was inspired by the book....What do you think?

My Favorite Designer that captured Shades of Gray and Bondage? BCBG Max Azria. I own a few runway pieces from BCBG Max Azria and can't wait to get my hands on his latest designs. 

BCBG Max Azria

Spring 2013 Collection

The Brocade is Back! 

Jill Stuart lit up the runway with her romantic brocade dresses during Fashion week. Makes me want to dust off my old brocade from 3 seasons ago. 

Jill Stuart 

Spring 2013 Collection

Which trends are you lusting over from New York Fashion Week?

Street Style: Afro Punk Music Festival

The only thing hotter than heat this summer was the cool sounds and styles at the eight annual Afro-Punk Music Festival in Brooklyn, NY. 

Photo Credit: NYTimes

Kurlee Fashion Frenzy: The Collar Necklace

Fall is fast approaching and we know it means layers, scarves and boots are in the near future. Collar necklaces are a fabulous accessory that can spice up any look. As of recently, I have been searching for bright colored and cool shaped collar necklaces. A bright color neckalce would make any white tee or blouse look amazing. Cool shapes ad a little hardcore je ne sais quoi, to your look. 

Gold flower Collar Necklace- Forever 21 (purchased forever ago)

Multi-colored bead collar necklace- H&M (purchased forever ago)

I found these collar necklaces that I absolutely adore! 

Kate Spade- $278

Buy Now

Nasty Gal- $20

Buy Now

Aldo- $25

Buy Now

She Inside- $12.64

Buy Now

Check out my instagram to see which one I got! :) 

IG: terrinique

Solange Knowles for Madewell.

Shop Now @ Madewell. I know I will! 

Fashion Has A New Look: Simone Tetteh, Vogue Booking Associate

Working at Vogue is a job that many of us fashion addicts would die for. I believe, it's one of the reasons I have seen the "Devil Wears Prada" about 50 times...not to mention "Sex and the City" (probably seen this about a 100 times) where Carrie Bradshaw was filmed wearing several designer wedding gowns for a Vogue photo shoot. Unlike Ann Hathaway in the "Devil Wears Prada" and  Sarah Jessica Parker in "Sex and the City", this type of coveted lifestyle is Simone Tetteh's reality.  

Simone Tetteh is a booking associate at Vogue and one of the few people to be employed by the BIBLE of the Fashion Industry. Unlike Andy (Anne Hathaway's character in the "Devil Wears Prada"), Simone has a very stylish and high fashion look. She is not the typical bone thin and straight haired girl. She has a unique look and most of all natural hair!

Photo Source: Vogue

You Rock Simone! 

How has being natural changed your style?

Do you have a favorite outfit? No matter how you're feeling, when you wear it, heads turn? How has being natural influenced your clothing choices? Do you still look great in all past outfits? Or do you have to style your hair in a certain way to pull off your new look.


I'm a big fan of party dresses....I remember when I got my first job out of college, I would buy one dress a week out of Bebe! Yes silly decision, now Bebe has all of my money and I have a closet full of dresses...unlike Carrie Bradshaw who likes her money where she can see it .i.e. is in her closet. I like my money where it is bearing interest i.e. my bank account.


Have you ever heard the saying "Hair completes an outfit?" You could have on the flyest dress but if your hair isn't right the entire look is off. Since I've been natural, I've had to change my hair style depending on the outfit. When I had straight hair, my wrap seemed to go with every look from beach bum to party chic.


Here's how I adjust my natural hair to fit my outfit:


Cocktail dress: Curly Updo works like a charm
Work: Flexi rod curls for an elongated look
Beach Bum: Curly and wild afro
Gym Flow: Afro + Non slip head bands

How do you change your hair to fit your outfit?