I'm LIVE! Art Detroit Ep 2

In the summer, i had the opportunity to shoot with host, Sheila Grant from the City of Detroit's new segment called 'Art Detroit'. 

I was really nervous, but it turned out really, really good. This 9-min video will also air on Detroit Comcast Cable Network on channel 21 (if you live in the city and want the exact times just comment below). 

I encourage you to watch and comment on the video. Let the City of Detroit know that they took a step in the right direction by highlighting a Muslim artist in the city! 

Let me know what you think *Squeals*

xoxo,

Leah V

Beauty Review: Zahara Cosmetics

So, this week were going to get a little light-hearted. Last week, I bogged you guys down as well as educated you about mental illness and this time were talking about makeup???

On my blog, you never know what you’re going to get.

Zahara Cosmetics (located in Malaysia) sent me a nice little package filled with eyeliner, nail polish, matte lippies (oh, yes!), and eyeshadow pallets. It took about two weeks to get all the way over the sea and to my doorstep, but I was excited to try out the products.

As consumers, we are bombarded with tons of cosmetic companies telling us that we ‘need’ ABC product. When I link up with someone or tell them that I’ll write a review for their product there’s gotta be something that makes them standout. What makes Zahara Cosmetics any different? Well, I’m not a spokesperson for this brand, but let’s start with the nail polish. The polish is water-permeable and the formula allows oxygen to pass through to the bed of your nail. So, if you happen to be Muslim it is ‘wudu’ friendly. Also, Zahara’s polish doesn’t contain the five main harsh chemicals that other popular nail polishes have. They also have a ‘small business’ feel, which is cool.

Polish: I used the polish (Lovender) for my Tribal-Inspired shoot. And it glided on easy, dried fast, and I actually didn’t need the 2nd coat. It lasts about as long as other polishes on the market.

EyeLiner: I have very sensitive eyes. So the liner didn’t bother my waterline and it glided on smoothly.

Matte Lippe: I’ve tried all kinds of lipsticks, especially the cream mattes, so I know a thing or two. I’m wearing ‘Mystery’. So, the lippie glides on great. And the coverage is very good. No thinning like Colourpop or some of Kat Von D’s lip line. When it dries, it does gets a little gritty. I suggest exfoliating your lips before application. I’d say the lippie is far from Colourpop but slightly underneath Anastasia Beverley Hills in quality. There is minimal transfer as well.

Eyeshadow Pallets: I used the ‘Fifth Avenue Pallet’. Overall, the coverage was pretty good. The only complaint that my MUA had was that all the colors were very ‘shimmery’ and she wished that they had a few mattes available in the set of four.

Overall, I enjoyed the products, especially the lip colors.

You guys check out Zahara Cosmetics and let me know what you think.

Model + Stylist: Leah V.

xoxo

Leah V.

Detroit's Style Butteryfly: Lala Trips

In life the cosmos arranges themselves that at the right moment in time you meet someone who is phenomenal in more than one way. When I first met Lala, I didn’t say much. It was a group setting and I was ‘feeling’ everyone out. What I got was that she was about her business. A few days later, she texted and asked if I wanted to take some pics with her. Yes, cuz that’s what bloggers do. Lol. Anyway, we chatted after. Lala shares a lot more with me than I thought. Our upbringings pretty similar. She’s a girl from Detroit whose been through some things, who has strong aspirations, and possesses a work ethic like no other. Lala is a grinder and she does it so gracefully:

LV: Let’s talk about your self-perception as an adolescent. How did you see yourself as far as beauty and self-esteem?

LT: In middle and high-school, I was bullied and disliked by other girls for whatever reason. I kept to myself and wasn’t into gossiping and the typical high-school bull. I was into the arts and academics. The bullying definitely played a role in my self-perception. I felt misunderstood because I was into art rather than whatever everyone else was into at that time. When I think back on it all, it’s hilarious! It gets to a point in life where you shrug off the fact that people actually take time out of their lives to judge and belittle others.

Photo: Robyn Maria

LV: How’d you get into blogging?

LT: I started blogging in 2009 when I was in college. At that time, I blogged about local Detroit shops and was into profiling Detroit's street style. I was the girl behind the lens. One of my first articles was about the then newly opened Somerset City Loft downtown. I’ve always had a deep love for fashion and style. I mean my first job was at a clothing boutique, and I ended up changing my major in college to Fashion Design.

LV: Explain what the body positive movement means to you?

LT: To me the body positive movement is an empowerment movement about embracing and respecting our bodies and differences. Be beautiful, be courageous, be bold! It’s about remaining true to our individual spirited selves with respect. I think this movement is geared more so towards girls and women.

Photo: Nicole Muster

LV: Are you apart of the body positive movement?

LT: I am not really active in the movement. Though my styling work has allowed me to help my clients with self-image and building a better perception of themselves through fashion. I would like to become more active by being a positive role model for young girls. This is definitely one of my goals in life.

LV: Describe your style/attitude. 

LT: My style is a mix of contemporary street-style, streamlined classics, bold statements, and attention to detail with an edge. Fashion is an emotional experience. If I love it, I wear it. I want my audience to be inspired by my style and perspective. Also, I love rocking my short hair and my tattoos; it’s my signature.

Photo: Robyn Maria

LV: Share a part of yourself that you may not be so confident about but working on.

LT: I am confident in the woman I’ve grown to become. Nevertheless, whenever I have a day that I am not feeling myself: I get up, take a shower, remind myself of my accomplishments, listen to my favorite tunes, and just go! Each day I work on remaining positive and productive.

LV: What is the biggest difference in your life post-blogging?

LT: Now, I’m in front of the camera! For the longest time when I started blogging, I didn’t want to be.

LV: What would you say to someone who said that they hated themselves or how they looked?

LT: Focus on what inspires you and work on shifting your perspective to one of acceptance. Love all over yourself and be your own cheerleader. And go to your favorite store and buy yourself something that makes you feel fabulous. There is a power and fierceness in facing yourself in the mirror and smiling! There is also a power in buying yourself something new that you love :)

Photo: Robyn Maria

LV: What are some of your top fashion influencers?

LT: I love Maja Wyh from Germany. She’s my favorite! Her style is effortless, chic, and eclectic. I’m such a fan. I also love @Kyrzanda, @NotJessFashion, and @SongOfStyle, amongst others. I love all of their perspectives and individual approaches to style.

LV: What's the climate of fashion bloggers in Detroit?

LT: I think Detroit bloggers have a way to go to make Detroit a standout fashion city. I’d like to see some of us bloggers that have style to push our brands to be just as explosive as bloggers in New York or Cali. To contribute to the Detroit fashion movement, I’m focused on fine tuning my own brand to be a force and prominent voice in the movement.

LV: Last thoughts.

LT: I'm also a singer-songwriter. Check me out and follow my Soundcloud at soundcloud.com/lalatrips.

And you can see more of the glam Lala on her social media feeds:

Website: www.lalatrips.com

Instagram: @LALATRIPS

Twitter: @LALATRIPS

Tumblr: lalatrips.tumblr.com