MAST Chocolate, Rihanna, Ruffles, Coral, Ri Ri, Street style, war, camo, diy fashion, playboy, dope hair, urban hair, texture hair, sneakerhead, architecture, vetements, hot pink, track jacket, marilyn monroe, braids, cornrows, unqiue hairstyles, urban trends, trendsetter, fashionista, la blogger, ootd, reebok, ZOKU RUNNER, new sneaker, colorful sneakers, maverick, dtla, athletic wear, hoops, snoop dog, urban, style blogger, personal style, reebok, champion,

R E E B O K | ON | THE BLOCK

April 18, 2017April 20, 201729 Comments

(Note: I received the product mentioned in this post for free from Reebok. This post also contains tracking links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.)

“Great acts are made up of small deeds.”

– LAO T Z U

| P R E F A C E |

As many brands are jumping on the athleisure train, there’s one thing I note when determining which will make it into my wardrobe. First a great brand has to have a superb brand image. Secondly, they must remain true to who they are in an ever-changing landscape, evolving with the times. The first is easy if you have good creatives behind you. The second, well that takes some practice and self-awareness.

The ability to keep the brand identity while looking forward is a feat many struggle with. A few that come to mind that successfully balance the two are Nike, Adidas and Victoria’s Secret. One brand that didn’t originally dawn on me was Reebok, which now is in my top five. If I’ve learned anything from this brand, it’s to go beyond your comfort zone.

In the past when I heard Reebok, I instantly imagined an older women wearing comfort sneakers; you know, the granny steeze. Clearly I had discounted the brand who has made major improvements and adjustments since the late 90’s. It wasn’t until I caught wind of their “Be More Human” campaign that I was re-introduced to the brand and their unique messaging. Then came the launch of their new design, the ZOKU RUNNER. Needless to say, I was sold.

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Reebok-9

| MORE ABOUT THE B R A N D |

The American-inspired global brand is known for their sports and lifestyle products. Built upon a strong heritage and authenticity in sports, fitness and women’s categories, Reebok’s history and values run deep. They are dedicated to providing each and every ‘athlete’ – professional or recreational- with the opportunity, products and inspiration to achieve their full potential. Much like my own personal beliefs, Reebok champions that we’re all worthy of pursuing and achieving greatness.

Reebok-12

| NEW ERA, SAME HERITAGE |

Drawing inspiration from the Reebok Classic designs of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, the ZOKU RUNNER nails it by fusing the brand’s rich heritage with advanced design. I have a thing for brands that go beyond the surface. One way to achieve this is through symbolism and deep intentional meaning. The ZOKU RUNNER does just that by paying homage to the Japanese translation of Zoku, which means ‘to be continued’ or ‘to be part of a tribe.’

The ZOKU RUNNER, a descendant of the original Classic, celebrates the continuation through its modernized and updated silhouette. Crafted with ULTRAKNIT material, a superior digital knitting technology, the ZOKU RUNNER has a sock like feel and futuristic fashion appeal. Wearing it through out the whole shoot, the comfort was undeniable, which now I know is due to the seamless knit upper and heathered materials. It’s breathable, lightweight and extremely comfortable. On top of it all, the technology reduces material waste.

Reebok-15

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| THE B A C K S T O R Y |

Sometimes we justify discomfort for superficial reasons. After experiencing a back injury that left me inactive for about a month, I now consider many factors when purchasing a shoe. For instance, long-term comfort and support comes first and foremost. Then style and design. If it can provide all the above, even better. I kid you not, the ZOKU RUNNER is one of the most modern in terms of style and technology and the most comfortable shoe I own.

After this injury I also began to take note of other things that could act as a factor for poor back health. I looked straight to my everyday tote. Most of us girls throw any and everything into one big bag, which we lug around all day. Sounds great for your back, I know. This in and of itself could be considered a workout, a safe one? Not so much.

Initially, what I loved most about this pair of shoes was how light they were. I threw them in my bag on my way to the gym and barely noticed I had been carrying them. For most of us “on-the-go” women, we go from one thing to the next. Luckily this shoe works with you not against you, allowing you to move freely without weighing (or slowing) you down.

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Reebok-22

| SHOE SPECS|

– One piece knit upper for a lightweight, sock-like fit

– Low-cut design for a sleek and sophisticated silhouette

– DMX Lite midsole cushions for a superior feel

– Heathered upper

– High abrasion rubber outsole for traction and durability

Reebok-38

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Reebok-47

Click here to buy the ZOKU RUNNER.

___________________________

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| CREATIVE DIRECTION |

| PHOTOGRAPHY |

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| STYLING |

Reebok-50

THAT’S SOME BUN, HUN.

September 16, 2016September 16, 2016Leave a comment

“Appreciation is an excellent thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us, as well.”

-V O L T A I R E

I had the pleasure of working in studio at the Paul Mitchell HQ with an exceptional team this year. The individuals involved were passionate, dedicated, thoughtful and precise in execution. This is something I truly appreciate as a creative. There was an undeniable sense of collaboration and zeal that filled the room. We were all there with a similar mission: to create art.

I seem to fall in love time and time again with the creatives involved in the transformation as well as the look itself. The rose bud braid—a romantic, seemingly intricate half-up ’do is actually easier than it looks and a whole of a lot safer, sans the prickly thorns. Perfect for date night or ideal for you brides-to-be. Here’s how to best achieve the look!

| ROSE BUN TUTORIAL |

First, apply Sculpting Foam™ to clean, damp hair from roots to ends. This gives the look a perfect foundation and helps it last and last.

II.

Comb through and blow-dry.

III.

Use your favorite smoothing iron to create natural-looking waves and dimension (this summer we’re crushing on the limited edition Beauty in Bloom Express Ion Smooth®+). Create natural waves by simply twisting the smoothing iron as you move through each section of hair.

IV.

Gather the hair above your ears with a sculpting brush and secure a small ponytail at the back of your head with a clear elastic.

Take the ponytail and build a loose braid from top to bottom and secure with another clear elastic.

VI.

Wrap the braid around the base of your ponytail, gently pinching and pulling as you go, and secure with bobby pins. For a more polished final look, keep the braid tight, and your bun neat and symmetrical.

Finally, set the look with your favorite flexible hairspray (we’re digging Hold Me Tight™ for this look). and in a couple of minutes you’ve created a beautiful, feminine look that will attract loads of attention.

Get ya hands on the Limited Edition ProTools used here.

The Wanderess

February 24, 2014February 24, 2014Leave a comment

“She was free in her wildness. She was a wanderess, a drop of free water.

She belonged to no man and to no city.” – Roman Payne

Arsenic Magazine Feature
Photographed: Ev Marquee
Hair/MUA: Daisy Palos

Elysian Park, Los Angeles. January 2014

As snow falls in New York, it seems as if Summer has arrived in Los Angeles. I arrive in Elysian Park as the sun shines over the City of Angeles. Palm trees line the left side of the dirt path that I drive along, windows down and the sunroof peeled back. My face greets the cooling breeze. As I draw in a dose of sunshine and a breath of fresh air I couldn’t imagine a more perfect moment-That’s when I caught a quick yet distant glimpse of the Hollywood sign as I turned the corner. I marveled at the sight of the infamous letters that lay staggered in the hillside. I had never seen them at eye level. |That’a the thing about corners, you’re guaranteed a few surprises|.

The park was so grand that I got lost a few times before finding the set location; Whether that was by choice or default I will not say. The views were spectacular and characteristically different from the next. In one instance I felt as though I was in Palm Springs and just around the bend I was promised a sight similar to that of Northern California. I wanted to see where the road would lead next, but I was already lost and 15 minutes late so I refrained.

I pulled up to the location where I found Ev and Daisy awaiting my arrival under the shade of a tree. We made our way to a park bench to set up for todays transformation which was that of a woodsy, hunter wanderess. Daisy got situated and propped open her make-up case which effortlessly unfolded into two levels like a London double decker. I likewise proceed to get comfortable, situating myself in my usual cross-legged ‘Indian Style’ fashion facing Ev. I noticed in those moments sitting with Ev there was a peacefulness. A comfortable silence washed over allowing me to focus on the present moment of the atmosphere. I gently closed my eyes as Daisy began to work on my makeup and my senses sharpened. I listened to the natural music made by the birds who sang lightly from the same relative direction of the sun above that kissed my skin.

About 30 minutes had passed before I was handed a mirror. The usual tinge of excitement mixed with fear rushed through my veins as I pick up the mirror to reflect on who I had just become. A few auburn wisps fell beside my face and danced playfully in the afternoon breeze. I slipped into a burgundy one piece and draped a faux-fur jacket over one shoulder.

“Wow,” an onlooker mumbled under his breath and then proceeded to stumble over his own two feet. All three of us looked at one another and giggled like young teenage girls at the affect I seemed to have over the stranger. With the tone set, we were ready to shoot. We jumped in Ev’s Jeep Wrangler and headed off into the winding streets of our next adventure.