Friday, August 29, 2014

Healthy is the New Blak




https://www.facebook.com/healthynewskinny?fref=nf

Check out this amazing Facebook Page: Healthy is the New Skinny 

We are definitely on board with "The New" anything but this one is special to us! We decided to to a new series called Healthy is the New Blak. We are girls of all shapes and sizes here! We do not judge each other for our looks but love each other for our personalities! We are launching a new series of blog posts that will be all about how we stay healthy! Healthy Body, Mind and Soul!

Share your healthy photos with us on social media with #healthyisthenewblak!


Wednesday, August 27, 2014

#BreeBaresAll -- My Last "First Day" ......Hopefully



The first day of school is something that everyone gets nervous about, including teachers and parents.  As a college student, I find that I still get very nervous.  I'm wondering if I'm going to get up on time for my 8 am class.  I'm wondering if I'm going to know anyone in my classes.  I'm hoping that I'll be able to find my classes fairly easy.  And I'm also just a little bit sad, as I know other seniors on campus are.

I'm a fifth year senior, which is really not that big of a deal.  I know a lot of people that have had to do a fifth year.  I'm not ashamed of the fact that I couldn't get done in four years.  I changed my major a few times, so it really isn't that shocking.  The part that makes me sad is that some little part of me feels like I have let my family down.  Now I know that it isn't true.  I didn't let me family down.  They are very proud of me and the fact that I haven't given up.  I am very proud of me for not giving up.  I've had a rough couple years.  From having problems with classes and anxiety issues to my mom getting sick; I've had to deal with a lot.

I haven't let any of that stop me.  

I WON'T let any of that stop me.  

I will never be given anything that I can't handle.  

Every experience I have will always make me stronger, whether it is good or bad.  

As I go through my last first day I feel encouraged.  I woke up (on time) to a text from a new friend wishing me luck today.  I got my favorite coffee from Starbucks and now I am sitting here writing this post.  My last "first day" post.  The only thing that I found to be a little discouraging is that all of the friends that I had made in classes for my major are gone, except for a few.  This made me a little sad; at least now I have The New Blak girls around me as well.  I know that I'll be okay because all of my new professors seem really nice and are very encouraging so far.

So to all you fifth year seniors out there, that just did what they hope is there last first day, you'll make it.  This might be the roughest year of all, but all the years before this have prepared you in one way or another.

Good luck this year!! 
Study hard! 
But remember....Work Hard but Play Even Harder!!



Wednesdays We Wear Blak -- Amanda



Amanda was ready for a Girls Night Out! 
Check out her amazing accessories below!



If you are interested in being featured on our blog for #WednesdaysWeWearBlak 
then check out our Instagram and Twitter. Use the Hashtag #wednesdayswewearblak 
We will re-post our favorites!






Tuesday, August 26, 2014

#HowToTuesday --Feel Sexier

How To.... Feel Sexier!

Hey Newbies!!

Amanda Dare is here to help you feel sexier!
These are all tips and tricks that have helped me. Definitely try one or two at a time or you may spontaneously combust from all of you SEXINESS!

1.Sleep Naked 
Feel you skin again the sheets as you snuggle in to sleep or well get it on with the boo thang that is laying next to you! This is a great way to become more comfortable in your body! You wake up in the buff too so don't put on that robe so fast! Take time to just be with yourself naked. This is you so its about time you got used to it!


2. Flirt with Everyone
I mean this in a harmless way..don't overstep any boundaries with your friends boyfriends because I told you to flirt with everyone. It is simple... if you think something positive, then say it! Anything that I think that is nice about someone else I will tell them. This has greatly improved my mood and my realtionships with others. It will create a more positive environment for everyone to feel comfortable in. When you feel comfortable you can feel sexy too!

3. Invest In Your Appearance
This is the business deal part of feeling sexy... do you believe you are a good investment?? ABSOLUTELY!  I don't care if you have never thought about it like this before. This is the time to invest in bettering yourself. No matter what makes you feel better a haircut, manicure, eyebrow wax, new outfits, etc. Make sure you have a little in the budget on making yourself feel pampered and feminine! (for me it is my nails- a manicure/pedicure make me instantly feel sexier)



4. Read a Sexy Book
Have you seen the trailer for 50 Shades of Grey. Well I have.... Oh My God! It is soooooo...(drool)....... ummmm SEXY! Makes me want to read the book! I know, I know I am a little late getting on the 50 Shades of Grey Train. Don't worry about me! Just read it !

5.Wear Sexier Underwear EVERYDAY
Ohhhh and an equally sexy matching bra. This will ensure that you are always dressed to impress in any situation that might scandalously occur. You never see a romantic comedy where the sex scene comes up and the blushingly confident woman has on awful underwear. I know life isn't exactly like the movies but this is an easy adjustment to get a little closer.

 

6. Have a Good Support System 
Good friends and loved ones can make all the difference. If you are hanging out with someone that puts you down physically or emotionally then you DO NOT need to have that person in your life! If you express your feelings and nothing changes with that person. You may need to cut them out of your life. Hopefully then they will get the picture and change their behavior.

Well these are some of the steps that I have taken over the last year that have really helped me!

I hope you all feel more confident and sexy each and every day!






Monday, August 25, 2014

#DianeCan -- Ways to Wear Leggings


Just bought crazy new leggings? 

Feel uncomfortable showing off your butt? 

Don't know how to wear the new leggings you found in your fav store?

 Well here's the solution! 

 
If you just bought leggings or tight skinny jeans (jeggings) with a crazy print or a print you're too shy to try, then all you need to EASILY complete an outfit is an over-sized graphic tee and an accessory! 

The over-sized shirt will one- hide your booty, and two- cover any excess skin that's pushed out from those leggings! If your leggings are pretty wild and you're nervous to come off too strong, pick a regular/single-toned tee with a neutral color!  And according to your taste, grab either a gold or silver long necklace to bring the whole ensemble together!!!

#DianeCan and you can too!

Thursday, August 21, 2014

#BreeBaresAll -- Walk of Shame VS Stride of Pride




Okay everybody! This is for men and women alike. Urban Dictionary defines slut shaming as degrading a woman because she has sex a lot, likes sex, or is just rumored to have sex. This is horrible!! People do not need to be slut shaming anyone, be it a male or a female. The first, and most obvious, reason that this is ridiculous is that it is not YOUR body. You can make your own decisions when it comes to your body. As long as whoever you are slut shaming isn't sleeping with you or your significant other, it is none of your damn business. So many people want to act like they have never made a mistake in picking a sexual partner, but lets face it, almost everyone has.  There is that one guy (or three) from that party freshman year you wish you never made out with.  There could also be the one night stand from that crazy party this summer.  The point is, we have all made mistakes.

 The next thing I want to address when it comes to slut shaming is The Walk of Shame. Most everyone has had some version of this. (I've had to do my own walk of shame through my parents house at eight in the morning.) I want to get rid of The Walk of Shame and give it a name that screams 'Yeah I just got laid!! So what?!?!' I mean really? Since when is getting laid a bad thing? It isn't people!! So I suggest that we change the name to The Stride of Pride. Pride is the opposite of shame. It fits because we really have nothing to be ashamed of, whether we are walking home at eight in the morning or at noon. You just need to rock that hair, make-up, and outfit from the night before!! (Unless you are like me and steal some of your guys clothes.) Put your shoulders back, carry those heels, and walk with purpose!

 The last thing I want to address when it comes to slut shaming is the most important. It does not matter who thinks you are a slut and who doesn't. What does matter is that you are having safe and protected sex. In this day and age, having unprotected sex is sooooo ridiculously dangerous. At best, you might catch a disease with a cure or a baby. At worst, you could get HIV or another STD that does not have a cure. I also think that it is a bad idea to go home with someone you don't know.  You never know what is going to happen when you bring home a stranger.  They could be a rapist or worse.  So, slut or not, be safe.  And remember, ALWAYS trust your gut instinct. 



Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Wednesdays We Wear Blak --Amy



Amy is showing off her bohemian side in this amazing black maxi dress and gold accessories. She is our choice for this weeks Wednesdays We Wear Blak!

If you want to be considered Instagram a pic of your fabulous blak outfit and tag us @thenewbalkblog or #wednesdayswewearblak.







Monday, August 18, 2014

#ASKAmandaDare -- Mixing Prints



As you all know, I am the Print Queen. 
Many women think that it is difficult to mix prints, so let me share some advice.


1. Choose complimentary designs.
I think that the easiest way to mix prints is to choose complimentary designs on the fabrics. For example, flowers and polka dots both fit in a whimsical-with-a-splash-of-vintage category, so they would look good together.


2. Don't totally overwhelm yourself. 
If you choose two prints that have a big bold design on them it may be too much! Think about mixing a wider stripe with a smaller design of floral instead of two large geometric prints.


3. Also, think about color. 
If one print had a noticeable background color you may want to match it with another print with a design that uses that color for an accent.


I hope this helps you all experiment with your wardrobe. 
Changing the way you style something can open lots of different opportunities 
for a better bigger closet.


Saturday, August 9, 2014

#DanyellsDownload -- Pact App

Hey guys! And welcome to my first installment of #DanyellsDownload. If you need a refresher on what these types of posts will be about click here.

Last month, there were a couple of techy things I was super in to that I really have to share with you! I've been on a fitness kick, so most of my favs this month really pertain to that.

Oh, and don't forget to leave a comment down below, or reach out to me on twitter, if you have more ideas for what I should review in the next #DanyellsDownload.


The Pact

I have been using this app for only about a month now, but I have to say--it's really got me motivated, and it definitely keeps me accountable. If you're the type of person that needs a reason (other than looking good and being healthy) in order to work out, then this app will be perfect for you, too! Plus, who doesn't want to make money while working out??


Pact forces you to set the stakes and fork out some cash if you don't make your goals. But don't worry, you choose how much dollar pressure you want and how often you plan on working out. You literally make a pact with this app, and they keep you accountable!

Step 1) Make a pact. Set the amount that you will pay other users if you don't reach your goal.
Step 2) Meet your goals. Use the Pact App to track your progress every week.
Step 3) Reap the benefits! Earn cash by living healthy, paid by others who don't.

You can choose to set a workout pact, a food logging pack, and/or a veggie pact. (Personally, I only choose to track my workouts; however, the more you choose to log then the more you will get paid--and the more you can loose.)


Pact is really simple and easy to use, it motivates me a ton, and gives me a community to lean on if I feel like I need some help with my fitness. If you want to check out more about this app--visit their website!




Don't forget to leave a comment down below letting me know what techy thing I need to download next!


Thursday, August 7, 2014

#BreeBaresAll -- A Girl's Best Friend

Despite what everyone says diamonds are NOT a girl’s best friend.  A girl’s best friend can be her brother, sister, mother, or father.  It could also be, as in my case, the girl you sat beside in History in eighth grade.  The girl you became friends with because you knew it could go one of two ways.  The first way, you guys would be friends. The second way, she would hate your guts and make your life a living hell. 

That girl, the one who would either be my friend or make my life hell, is my best friend Brandi.  We became friends when we were eleven and are still friends at the age of twenty-two.  I literally told her that I knew when we got sat beside each other in that eighth grade class that she was a force to be reckoned with.  

Now, I’m realizing as I write this that we have been friends for over a decade.  It is so hard to even begin to tell you what all we have went through.  The number of heartbreaks we have helped each other through is startling.  Our first loves, which broke us, were met with tears, hugs, ice cream, and partying.  Medical emergencies have been dealt with throughout our friendship. First kisses, first times, birthdays, and deaths.  We have been through so much together it is ridiculous.  Nothing has driven us apart for more than a couple weeks.  They say once you’ve been friends with someone for seven years, you’ll be friends for life.


I can honestly say, that outside of my family, Brandi is one of my biggest protectors.  She would do anything to keep someone from hurting me.  Proof of this is the threat she gave my first boyfriend. And I quote “If you hurt her, I swear to God, I will cut your balls off and bury you in my back yard.”  It definitely scared the crap out of him when she said it too.  I swear I almost pissed myself I was laughing so hard.  My little five foot nothing best friend just scared the shit out of my six foot something boyfriend.  It was soo funny.

I also have another best friend.  My Mama. 
             
   
She is the one person who has continuously been there for me no matter what.  I definitely took her for granted when I was younger, but now I don't know what I would do without her.  She would rather do without than have me do without.  I can (and have) called her at three in the morning drunk, because I twisted my knee and hurt it.  I’ve called her crying my eyes out over a boy. No matter what the circumstances, my Mama always has the best advice. 

She is someone that I should really listen to more often.  She tries to help me learn from her mistakes, but that usually doesn’t work.  And when I make the same mistake that she warned me about, she doesn’t say I told you so.  She helps me figure out how to fix it and deal with it. Literally I could not function without this woman in my life and I don’t know what I would do without her.

Recently, I have made some new friends.  They are the ladies here at the New Blak.  I have had so much fun working on the new project with them.  If I am having problems, I know that I can call them and they will give me their best advice.  I trust them with just about anything, from school to family and boys.  I know that they only want what is best for me. 


So, my advice today is, find your best friend and listen to your mama.  It doesn’t matter if you have one best friend or five.  As long as you know that your best friend will bail you out of jail or answer your call at midnight, you have a good one.  You need to appreciate your best friend and your mama as well.  They will love you like no one else ever has.  Also, if you can find a group of friends that love what you love, don’t take them for granted.  Enjoy what you have in common and take advantage of it!!

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Wednesdays We Wear Blak --Alicia

Alicia looks stunning in Chicago for our Wednesday we wear blak! She is so much fun you guys! Oh and pretty soon she is starting a YouTube channel too! We can't wait to check it out! More details soon!

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

How- To Tuesday -- Fashion School


Interested in becoming a fashion design major? Where should you go to school?How -to decide?? How-To Tuesday answers that question with Diane's experience at Indiana University! Come to IU in Bloomington and hang out with The New Blak Girls!


In the midst of cornfields most people wouldn’t go searching for fashion design in the Midwest, but Indiana University has an amazing fashion design BA degree.  The degree is through the College of Arts & Sciences. The professors are amazing designers and have incredible backgrounds. 

One of the most influential professors basically recruited me to the program. I fell in love immediately. The studios are filled to the brim with sewing machines, sergers, dress forms of all sizes, original drafted patterns, and so much fabric.


The Fashion Design degree at IU is extremely time consuming, but filled with amazing experiences. I’ve learned to draft patterns for tops, pants, jackets, and skirts as well as sew from a pattern, draw and design functional outfits and collections, tailor, etc. All of the hard work from the student designers is collaborated in the Spring for a fashion show open to the public.

I love this school, and I know the rest of the girls on the The New Blak Team are a part of something so inspirational and amazing! I truly urge everyone who is looking into going to fashion school, or pursuing a career in this beautiful side of the world at all, then please consider Indiana University. You won't regret it!


Monday, August 4, 2014

#ASKAmandaDare: Pop of Neon


How Can I Look Good In Neon? 

Add pops of neon in with a neutral palette. The most successful way to do this is to is with a mostly gray/tan outfit. This great sweater has neon piping! #obsessed  Another possibility is a gray skirt with a white top and neon yellow shoes like these ones that we found on pinterest.

Pop of Neon


A statement necklace with a BLAK dress can be a great date look! Or consider any casual outfit with a neon bag. Spicing your basic pieces up with bright and colorful accessories is perfect if you're scared of that pop of neon!

    


Obsessed with NEON and can't get enough?? Try a sheer top and wear a textured piece underneath to create tons of depth and interest to your look. All of us at TNB love, love, love the way this girl (above) is rocking out in her neon confidently.

I love to see different colors in neon, as well. There are more options than neon yellow and pink, even though they are the most popular. Consider wearing something a little less expected, neon green, red, or blue for example. Your manni/pedi can really stand out (like this one) if you choose neon nail polish!

Remember color is always in style. It is a great way to show your vibrant personality through your clothing. If you are feeling bright and colorful add a pop...or more of NEON!


Saturday, August 2, 2014

Amanda Dare --Three Ways to Wear a Crocet Top


 

Hey Ladies!
Sorry for the technical delays. The Video is now complete! 
Check it out!



First Outfit:
Dress: Forever 21
Necklace, Belt, Sandals, Watch, Headband: Charlotte Russe
Cuff: Rue 21



2nd Outfit:

Denim Ombre' Top: Maurices
Cami, Skirt, Sandals: Charlotte Russe



3rd Outfit:

Kimono Jacket: Francesca's
Stone Necklace: Francesca's
Long Necklace, Sandals, and Leggings: Charlotte Russe




Friday, August 1, 2014

Street Style | Madison



This is Madison! She is the wonderful lady who helped The New Blak get our fabulous tees. Her and her team and Underground Printing were amazing help! If you want to support us check out our Big Cartel Shopping Cart http://thenewblak.bigcartel.com/ and get some TNB swag.