Dressing well is a nonnegotiable

Being put together, dressing well and investing in yourself should be a top priority despite popular opinion simply because how you look on the outside is the first impression you give someone before you even open your mouth.

Dressing well goes beyond putting on a cute look for this or that occasion, its how put together you are on a day to day basis even in your chill clothes. You want to present yourself well at all times because you never know who you might meet or see and when you look good you feel good. Find your style, try different things, dress for yourself and stop caring about what people have to say about it. Invest in your wardrobe so even when you don’t feel your best you don’t look like what you’re going through.

Invest in statement pieces, professional/work attire, great accessories like bags, shoes, jewelry etc., great outerwear and great day to day basics. When you invest in great pieces you don’t always have to spend so much time putting together each look because no matter what you grab from your wardrobe its going to look good because you’ve invested in your wardrobe.

Don’t let anybody tell you looking good doesn’t matter because it does. You can have all the money, all the intelligence and be well decorated with all the credentials, but you will still fall short if you don’t look the part.

As you can see you see I’m wearing the same coat in several pictures but completely different looks and it looks good each time. I’ve had this coat for years and it still looks as good as when I first got it. That’s what happens when you invest in good pieces, you can keep rewearing them.

Grab my ebook How to live a Stylish Life to learn how to build a wardrobe that will work for you

10 things you can do to look pulled together

As a woman that is building a life and growing into herself and her career it is important to look pulled together. No matter what your style is make sure you do it well and you’re constantly refining it

Being well put together is the least you can do for yourself.

Being well put together is not only about how you look but it is a full body experience

1. Learn how to do a your go to makeup look and constantly learn how to perfect it

2. Invest in your knowledge and education

3. Find your style then start building your wardrobe

4. Invest in where you live. Your home should be a safe space and reflect who you are

5. Constantly build your skills

6. Learn how to speak well, learn how to properly pronounce things

7. Learn people skills and how to operate in social environments

8. Be open minded, go beyond home base and experience the world. Always be expanding your experiences

9. Be well rounded, learn about different things not just the things you’re interested in

10. Find your look. How do you want to present yourself to the world? What types of things do you like?

BONUS 11. Find a good skincare and hygiene routine

Grab my ebook How to be a boss to learn more about being the full package you’ve always strived to be and looking damn good while you do it. Its never about looking good to please anybody else but about feeling good and confident in yourself while you move through the world

STAY DOWN UNTIL YOU COME UP

Life really is in God’s hands and its up to us to do the best we can while letting him be the real change. We can’t be so stuck on how we wanted the journey to look that you don’t realize how beautiful it actually turned out. It’s way easier said than done but life teaches us constantly that it may not turn out how you wanted it to but it turned out the way you needed it to. Even with that said there’s still a flip side of staying down and continuing to push forward when your path or vision is altering or just taking longer than you expected.

So often I find myself reflecting on my life up to that current point and just seeing how beautiful things ended up even though life may have had me confused or outright whooping my ass but it turned out wayyyy better than I imagined it would, I may have learned a lesson that I will need as I move closer to my goal, I may have gained some blessings that I needed to accomplish as I’m striving forward. During the turmoil it may have not looked bright but it was really a blessing in disguise and things were always working out in my favor.

Anything worth having doesn’t come easy and it doesn’t come quick. You have to put the work in, be persistent, be consistent, be disciplined, pivot when necessary, get out of your comfort zone, think outside the box and constantly be evolving yourself, this process is not for the weak and truly only the strong survive. You can’t give up during the fire because you’ll never get to see it being put out and see how its restored. You gotta make it to the light at the end of the tunnel. The hard truth is life is hard so you have to pick your hard, do you want to work hard to get what you’ve always dreamed of or do you want the hard of living with not getting what you imagined your life to be like.

You heave to stay down for your come up because its coming just maybe not on the timeline you anticipated.

Black women are going to spend money and be loyal

Recently I went to the opening of the Savage X Fenty store in Downtown Detroit and I couldn’t stop thinking about just how strong Black buying power is and Black women are a main contributer to that. We are going to spend money and we are going to be loyal to the brands we like.

RIHANNA has not failed us yet!!!!! The Savage X Fenty store has officially opened in DETRIOT and I’m SO happy for me, Rihanna and my city because this is major! The store opened August 30th and you know I was there, cute and ready to buy. I waited in line about two hours and it was hot as hell but I was too deep in to turn back. Once I got in the store it was definitely worth it. Think Victoria Secret but 10 times better and BLACK OWNED. There were mocktails, good music and Black women spendingggg, which is what this post is actually about. Black women shop the most, spend the most money on the things they like and they’re loyal customers. We are the blueprint, so we make shit hot. Doing a disservice to Black women is doing a disservice to your business, because the grass is greener wherever we are.

One thing for certain and two things FASHO Black women are going to get out and SHOP and that is why you should market to us and include us, because if we like it we’re going to buy and and we might buy our mothers, sisters, friends, kids and nieces one too! And on top of that when we find something we like we’re going to buy it again and again AND spread the word. Like yes of course the store opening was filled with Black women and they were spending a BAG and buying for everyone in their family but in my teenage years I’ve worked at some of the top THAT GIRL stores two of those being Forever 21 and Victoria’s Secret. When Victoria’s Secret had a sale or were giving out a gift with purchase when you spent a certain amount Black women were in there SPENDINGGGG, and don’t let it be Black Friday. But even growing up especially in a family full of Black women going to the mall on Saturday (really just period but Saturday for sure) or going to TJ MAXX, Marshalls and Homegoods was literally a weekly activity. BLACK WOMEN are going to make that money so they can spend it on what they want. Which is why anytime you see a company come out with an actually great product and its marketed towards Black women they do WELL and don’t let it be Black owned, think Topicals, Fenty companies, Cecred, Black Girl Sunscreen, The Lip Bar, Glamaholic Lifestyle and so many more. we spend well and we create AMAZING businesses. Focus on the consumers that actually shop with your company and that are going to tell other people about it, because when we like something we will show up to stand in line in GROUPS, payment ready.

All in all Black women push the economy forward, that’s it.

xo ShaKayla Diamond

Summertime Living

top: Zara// Shorts: Leyton’s Boutique// Shoes: Asos// bag: Shein// Sunglasses: Shein//

First let’s get into this look! I loved this look so much because it was chill yet still very feminine, and the first time I wore the two piece set that these shorts are apart of it was styled very different (super chill and comfortable), the first time I wore the shorts with the matching crop hoodie, my Hanifa shirt and some slides (here’s a pic) versus this time I did something completely different. I paired these super comfortable shorts with an open back silk shirt from Zara and these very cute sandals from Asos. I definitely played with the colors in the shirt and brought it all together with my accessories. To me style is truly about knowing how to style and wear your pieces different ways because we are not one wear wonders over here. Be comfortable, have fun, look cute and do real hot girl sh*t.

Now to what the post is actually about…

This summer has honestly been a vibe, everything isn’t perfect but my vibe right now is literally just living life. Whether that’s saying yes to every trip that comes my way (because why not), waking up and doing what I want because I have freedom, learning different things about myself, trying to be better at giving myself breaks because I do work hard and I deserve them, telling myself that I don’t have to feel like I have to conquer the world everyday to feel accomplished, having fun with no worries everyday if I want and kicking my feet up and going with the flow while simultaneously working towards my goals.

Sometimes we have to sit back and realize that we’re right in the middle of the things we used to dream about and pray for and the reason why we may feel like we should be doing more is because we’ve done so much and haven’t stopped to even realize or congratulate ourselves because we’re too deep in the work. The summer is ours for the taken and it’s made me realize even more that we aren’t meant to just work ourselves to death but also enjoy the fruits of our labor.

I hope you’re enjoying your summer, because you deserve. It’s okay to have off days but make sure you pick yourself back up.

May Thoughts

1. Let go and let God

2. Don’t overthink your ideas

3. Don’t hold back on your work, put it out and get better along the way

4. You can shop and save.

5. At 40 the only social media I’ll be doing is unboxings

6. I need someone to give me an unlimited gift card for Home Decor from anywhere

7. At different points of your life your past you is looking at present you in amazement and your future self will look back and smile at how far you’ve come

8. I want to vacation every month at minimum

9. Insecure was an era

10. Black people are so creative in so many different ways and do it WELL

May was a start to an amazing summer that I have been having so far and I know for a fact it will continue. I said I wanted to have a summer like a Rick Ross song and that’s exactly what’s happening. In May my trips started and they’re still just beginning, I did another photoshoot, and lots of other things. Life is full of ups and downs and that’s the whole point.

Click here to see my April thoughts, I saw @lashontae doing this on her Instagram and thought it was a cute way to get more personable on here

April Thoughts

1. As we get older we get better, age is what you make it not the number of years you are

2. Take time to reflect on where you arer because 9 times out of 10 its further than you used to be

3. Don’t be afraid to evolve into different versions of yourself

4. Take time to do nothing

5. Just because you may not be busy right not doesn’t mean you’re available or have free time

6. Take a deep breath

7. You won’t get everything done on the list everyday, its fine

8. Don’t box yourself in

9. You’re the first you, do wtf you want

10. You literally have the freedom to do whatever you want if you decide you’re the one in control. You just can’t be scared to take risks

Many thoughts go through my head on a daily basis but these are 10 that I wanted to share. Everyday we grow and realize something different about ourselves or life, you’re in charge of your life and you have the power and ability to change whatever you don’t like at anytime you just have to get started. Limitations are sometimes things you put on yourself, don’t let something that you can end at anytime have control over you.

It's a Hot Girl Summer and I can't wait

Being at home is cute and all and I really enjoy being at home but ya girl is ready for it to be summer and to be out in these streets. All summer all I’m doing is making money, traveling, looking fly and living my life, that’s always the vibe but this summer its going down like never before and I can’t wait, I just feel like there’s so much to celebrate and why the hell not.

I’m gone be where all the good food and drinks are, where the money resides and where real life sometimes feels like an amazing dream and I can wait to be doing this all while the sun beams on my skin. Aside from everything I want to be doing I hope that lots of great music is released for this summer to play as the soundtrack to all the hoodrat s*t I’ll be doing, sometimes I wish I could watch a movie play back of my life because I know it’ll be lit and it only gets better with time.

I saw a post on Instagram that said “it costs more to plan for the trip than the actual trip” and another that said “I have more trips planned than money but God got me” and both of those posts resonate me because ain’t nothing or nobody stopping these summer plans, even as an adult I love the summer because it just feels like the weekend everyday. Adulthood is not a thing to waste and is not something that the fun should be drained out of year by year as you get older but somehow you have to find a balance of having fun enjoying your life and being responsible, its possible and don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise.

Don’t look at enjoying your adulthood as a thing of the past but more so something to celebrate because you want a life you can enjoy and look back on the memories and enjoy those too.

I challenge you to have the time of your life this summer (safely of course), get dressed up even if its to go nowhere and do the things that bring you happiness.

“I want a summer that feels like a Rick Ross song”

Keep up with Kay: How to Keep up with what I'm doing

With so much going on and how the Instagram algorithm is set up it may be hard to always see things when people post them so I wanted to make a dedicated post about all there is that I do, where you can find it and how you can be apart of my platform that is a true reflection of me and my interests.

If you don’t know by now I’m ShaKayla, I am a multidisciplinary creative and entrepreneur. I have three businesses which are Stylish Life Academy the digital platform created to empower, motivate and inspire Black women to go for everything they want, Young Stylish Lifestyle the Fashion news outlet and luxury lounge apparel for a boss by a boss, and Kocktails with Kay a cocktails togo business. Aside from my businesses I am also a wardrobe stylist and creative director which is something I’ve been doing since my sophomore year of college and something that I am getting back to creating many projects for as well as a digital marketing consultant that specializes in social media management and content creation for entrepreneurs and small businesses, you can book me for fashion or business and marketing services by filling out the form on the contact portion of my website or by emailing Shakaylae@yahoo.com

As an entrepreneur and someone with many interests and talents my business portfolio will continue to evolve, but all in all my interests evolve around the realms of fashion, business and lifestyle and that is the content I show and create on my Youtube channel and Instagram page aside from here.

I’ve had this blog since 2016 and I may not post as much as I used to but this is a place that I talk about fashion, real issues and things I love. Here I am even more honest and raw (even though imma be me wherever) because this is my platform, this is my space to say what I want, when I want about what I want and I will continue to do that. You can keep up with me more on my social media especially my Instagram as well as keeping up with my videos on Youtube, if you want my tips and advice outside of my blog head to the shop section of my website to purchase my ebooks.

I hope y’all love it here because I love y’all and I will be posting much more than I have been because this has been my baby and always will be. Subscribe to my site and follow all of my social media to catch these looks and everything else I bring y’all.

Instagram @keepingupwithKay

Youtube ShaKayla Diamond

Twitter @ShaKaylaDiamond

XO ShaKayla

Let's get it!!! Its 2021 and I'm ready

2020 is over and we are now officially in 2021 and today marks the first Monday and the first work week of the new year and I’m so excited. I took a few days off from the end of 2020 through today simply to just enjoy the holiday and get ready for the new year and all that I have planned and in store. I felt like instead of me trying to do everything to prepare for the holiday and trying to create and upload additional content I wanted to just pause, be still and prepare to get ready for 2021 so I could off the clip on all of the ideas I want to breath life into this year. The past few days I have been working and planning but now officially marks day one for me of getting things done and its time to hit the ground running and turn everything up a few notches because all of the goals your write down means nothing if you never put the action into getting them done.

2020 taught me to always be prepared for anything and everything because truly ANYTHING can happen and sometimes there’s nothing you can do about it aside from adapt and make it work for you. For me there is an energy surrounding this new year that feels like positivity, sustainability, growth, good times, great experiences, business growth, personal growth and money. Despite it all some great things happen for me in 2020 and there are memories I made that I will never forget but 2021 for me just feels different. I was excited and anticipating but when the clock struck 12 and the ball dropped I felt the switch and I’m so ready. This year my theme is going with the flow, not overthinking myself out of certain ideas, being present, creating the things I want to see even without all of the resources, having a blast per usual and being where the money resides.

I am implementing more structure and schedules into my work days so I can get more done and still be organized and feel motivated with being a full time entrepreneur and having multiple businesses. When you work for yourself yes there are many pros to it but with being your own boss it takes discipline and discipline takes a lot of strength to make it a habit. This year I will be making decisions that will allow me to have more free time to do other things and handle bigger projects but will also allow for the day-to-day tasks in my businesses and life to get done 10 times better. This year is about health, wealth, love and good memories as it always is.

Don’t give up on yourself or dreams but figure out how to make it work. Nothing is perfect so don’t expect perfection from yourself or other things/people but just be ready to do the work that will yield you the results you desire. I’m wishing anybody who s reading this a happy new year and I hope everything you want this year comes to you or better.

Get Prepared for What's to Come: COVID-19 is NO Joke

So we all knew or should have figured that COVID wouldn’t be magically going anywhere anytime soon and many of us figured there would be a second wave just from seeing that stats during the peak of quarantine and even it being spoken about on the news and media outlets but I think the confusion and disbelief comes into play because if we’re being honest many people didn’t and still aren’t taking this seriously. Many people have continued to be out and about and careless as if this is all a make believe story because many people think that it is and even though we do have these careless people there are also people that thought or hoped this would go away and there would be no second wave because most of us have never experienced anything like this and fear of the unknown is definitely a thing. But I’m here to give you some tips on how you can prepare for this second wave whether you figured it was coming or if you’re just realizing how serious this is or even if you’re scared and don’t know what to think, all feelings are valid to feel.

Things you need to Understand first:

1. First things first stop thinking this is fake if you think that, this is not up for debate. This is real, people are dying. This may be being called a second wave but it never stopped, people still have been getting sick but the numbers are just getting back super high and this is especially due to the change in weather, it being flu and cold season so people are getting sick easier, people not wearing masks and many moving as if nothing is going on.

2. Stop emptying the grocery stores, many people lack consideration for others and emptying out the grocery stores and stacking up on all these things you won’t need is unproductive. We will still be able to leave our homes so yes stock up but don’t stock up like the world is ending and keep taking all of the essentials and leave the bare minimum for others especially when we have been dealing with this since March and clearly see that the world didn’t end and you din’t need all that toilet paper and paper towel you stocked up on.

3. At this point we need to do the simple things properly and stop worrying about everything else. Your health and the people you do and don’t know health is important so stop risking people’s wellbeing just because you want to be selfish. Simply be considerate of others, there is much we don’t know but what else do y’all want to know if the things we do know people can’t even follow like wearing a mask.

4. This will not just go away by acting like its not happening.

5. This is affecting everyone differently (in all aspects) and some people more than others so be conscious of that.

How to get Prepared:

1. WEAR THE DAMN MASK, and OVER your nose. Like I don’t understand what is so hard about wearing the mask. I am really starting to believe people just like to go against the grain even if its in their best interest to just listen and follow the rules

2. Be responsible. If you are sick stay home as much as possible, if you cough or sneeze do it into your elbow, use hand sanitizer always, wash your hands to get rid of germs, if you need tissue use it and properly dispose of it.

3. Social distance. It is okay to miss out on events and going out especially during this time. Stop thinking its okay to be in the club. Not saying be stuck in the house but stop going to heavily populated places and remember to social distance. YOU WON’T MISS ANYTHING if you choose to hang up going out for awhile for the betterment of health. The quicker everyone follows the rules the quicker we can get this under control and find some sense of normalcy.

4. Stop thinking that the shutdowns are some sort of government conspiracy when people are literally dying and its necessary. Even if there were things to raise our eyebrow about so what real people are getting sick and some more than others.

5. Realize that this is REAL and always has been, it didn’t just become real because now someone you know or that you’re close with has COVID. People are sick, businesses are closing, people are losing their jobs, people are losing their homes, people can not afford basic necessities etc.

6. Take care of yourself. Make sure that you are taking vitamins, that you’e drinking enough water, that you are eating enough and properly, that you are getting adequate sleep and that you are protecting yourself and staying on top of your health. You want to do what you can to build your immune system before you even get sick. Do your part and be responsible.

7. It is flu and cold season and this happens every year, not everyone who has a runny nose or cough has COVID, but with the current state of things if you feel like you have more than a normal cold you NEED to get tested just to be on the safe side and make sure you aren’t potentially passing along what you may have to others, don’t have symptoms and be in denial and trying to just ignore it until it magically goes away that’s immature and irresponsible.

8. You don’t have to be stuck in the house, BUT make sure that if you are going anywhere that there is limited people, that it is social distancing and COVID friendly and that you keep hand sanitizer on you and aren’t touching your face after touching things and that you are wearing a mask. But if I’m going to be honest many things are going back into shut down if they haven’t in your state or city yet its coming so it is definitely best to stay home and if you can’t deal with being at home or by yourself then there may be something bigger that you need to work through. The weather is getting colder meaning more people have the possibility to get sick so just stay home, everything will be there when its safe to go back out.

9. Stay layered. It is now cold out so make sure you have on a proper coat, hat, scarf or gloves if needed and warm clothes and shoes, because who wants to be sick or cold COVID or not.

Effects on Holiday Season:

1. SO yes we all know that it is holiday season and Thanksgiving, Christmas, Black Friday and the New Year are right around the corner but this year fallback on the huge family gatherings for safety reasons. You can still celebrate and enjoy yourself but just be safe and take correct precautions and stay away from large gatherings.

2. It is possible for this to still be the most wonderful time of the year SAFELY. Since the beginning of quarantine in March people have still found safe and very fun and innovative ways to celebrate things, so do the same for the holidays. It is going to definitely be different but none of us could’ve predicted this so just get creative in your celebration ideas to still celebrate with family but safely and in a social distancing friendly way

3. Love on the people around you a little more. This is effecting everyone and their emotions differently so check on people more often or do nice little things for them to uplift their spirits and especially make sure you are checking on and loving on yourself more. The holiday season can already be hard for many people so just be more kind and patient this season

4. Gift giving and shopping are a major part of the holiday season especially because of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. Support Black Owned and smaller businesses this season because they need it a lot more than big corporations right now and there are so many amazing ass Black Owned businesses to support with great quality products and experiences (holiday gift guide coming soon, but check out my Black Owned business directory)

5. So much has happened in 2020 in every part of the world so it is important to appreciate, be grateful and thankful for even the smallest things. Even if you can only celebrate the holiday with the people in your home at least be grateful that you still have a home, that you had the money to be able to afford to do anything for the holiday and that you still have your life and made it through the year thus far. You don’t have to physically be around people to enjoy their company, pick up the phone, have a zoom party, group FaceTime etc.

I hope you learned something from this post even if it was just a different way of thinking. Be safe, Be smart, Wear your damn mask and OVER your nose and wash your damn hands. Realize the bigger picture, take care or yourself and be responsible.

5 Reasons Why and How to be High Maintenance

“Never test my patience Ni**a I’m high maintenance, high class, if you ain’t rollin’ bypass.”

— Amil 'Can I Get A' Verse

I hate that people try to make something wrong with people taking good care of themselves or requiring others to treat them with the same energy that they give themselves and I especially hate it when people do it to Black women. There is NOTHING wrong with spending money on yourself, buying yourself things even if they are on the expensive side, having maintenance that you budget into your finances etc. You should take care of yourself and be HIGH MAINTENANCE because being low maintenance isn’t anything to brag about no matter what people say.

Being high maintenance to me is caring about yourself and catering to the person that you are whether that means monthly nail, hair and spa appointments, shopping for yourself often, liking to make luxury purchases and wanting others to do the same for you, liking a certain quality of living and making sure that you look and feel like your best self at all times. Being high maintenance shouldn’t just be something that stops at what you look like but should extend to who you are inside and making sure that you explore yourself and find out what makes you feel your best self, it should reflect in your home life and how you make your living spaces feels and look, it extends to your career and what you are willing to accept, and how you make sure that you are being responsible financially. If you are not high maintenance I just gave you the answer to what it means to be, how you can be that and why you should be so moving forward begin learning yourself and who you are and elevate yourself to be high maintenance and you’ll wonder why you haven’t been did that.

To elevate is to be high maintenance and to be high maintenance means to properly care about yourself in all aspect, no matter how much you are spending make sure that you are taking great care and upkeep of how you look, how you feel and the moves you make.

5 Ways on how to be High Maintenance:

1. Invest in your appearance.

   Let’s be forreal, your appearance speaks before your personality. No one is telling you to go splurge money on clothes, bags and shoes that you don’t have but invest in grooming like having your hair done, making sure your skin looks good, getting or doing your nails and toes, buying quality body and haircare products etc. because you truly feel good when you look good and too many people undermine and minimize that statement when it holds so much value in many different aspects. Now to clothing, invest in flattering clothing that fits your style, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have quality pieces but if you have the money to spend YESSSSSS SIS GO FOR IT AND COME BACK AND TELL ME WHAT YOU GOT! Find your style, figure out who you want to be and what you want to look like ad what best represents your best self then do that. Investing in your appearance doesn’t just mean spending money but investing time, like investing time into working out to build the body that you want, taking the time to cook more home cooked meals for yourself, taking time to drink more water, taking time to care about the quality of the food you eat and much more,

2. Take time to figure out who you are, build a strong mindset

   Yes appearance is important but what’s even more important than that is taking time to learn and explore yourself to find out truly who you are and then after you figure that out building a stong mindset and confidence to properly carry that power. This isn’t a job that happens overnight but something that is continuous because we are constantly changing, once you figure out what your strengths, weaknesses, emotions and thoughts are you will have found your power and once you find out that information you can start changing or loving whatever things you wan to keep and whatever things you want to change. In order to be taken seriously in this life or to even take yourself seriously you have to be confident in who you are and what you have to offer, you have to be strong minded in what you believe, what you know, what you want to learn and where you want to go. Like I said this is a lifelong task but once you have it you continue to carry it with you and strengthen it as you go, if you haven’t gone down that journey of figuring yourself out start TODAY, START RIGHT NOW

3. Figure out what do you want to do in this life to afford the lifestyle you desire

   Figure out where you want to go in life and what things do you value more, for instance do you want to stay in a “comfortable” position for secure money but you’re unhappy or do you want to take a chance on something that brings you joy and could eventually bring you money? What’s more important to you money or your happiness, because once you figure out what makes you happy with handwork it will start to make money for you. What is it that you are interested in? It doesn’t have to be one thing, you can come up with different things and find ways to try them all and whatever doesn’t work leave it but if you know what you love to do then do that. Do you want a more corporate structure or do you want to create your own lane and become a business owner or entrepreneur or even do both? Even if you don’t know what you want to do just start the process of at least figuring out what you like and don’t like because you have to start somewhere. Don’t let people, family, society, social media or friends decide what you should do, go down your path even if its less traveled.

4. Be responsible

   Figure out how you can make your finances work for you. Plan, save, invest, always learn. Figure out how whatever you’re doing can afford you to have the things you desire. If you want to fit shopping, saving, traveling, investing, monthly maintenance appointments, outings with friends etc. into your budget be strategic with how you spend and make a real budget to afford those things or use that as a tool to fuel your hustle so you can work and make the money to afford those things you desire in the life you want to live. If you want to go have brunch or go out with your friends a few times a month figure out how you can do that by properly using the money you have or figure out how you can add more income to yourself to make that happen because those things make you happy. I am not saying to be materialistic or worry about spending your money on things that you shouldn’t be, but I’m a firm believer in hustling and having ambition and work ethic to make happen what you want to come true so if you being able to go to Sunday Funday brunch with the girls, go shopping once a month, get your hair done, a wax, you nails done and eyebrows monthly is what motivates you to get a bag then so be it, but just make sure that with doing those things you’re taking care of your responsibilities like bills if you have them, business if you have it, groceries, saving or whatever else.

5. Do it for you and nobody else

   Being high maintenance is an all around thing over here it doesn’t just stop at how you look like I said before but it does include that, being stylish isn’t a hobby it’s a lifestyle and that’s exactly what I mean by that. Everything that I’m telling you is for you and not anybody else, do this for you to feel good, for you to feel motivated to elevate and do more, for you to feel inspired to look like and be your best self, and to just be everything you imagined and making yourself happy by doing that. You matter the most to you, nobody else’s opinion should matter especially if they care more about you and your life than their own.

Invest lots of time into yourself from the inside out, it will truly show in the way you talk, the way you talk and your mannerisms. Be high maintenance because its about more than buying things but taking care of yourself like a luxury item because you are. If they’re bragging about being low maintenance and accepting the bare minimum from people then they are definitely not who you should be listening to, so teach yourself to look within for answers and truly trust and be confident in yourself.

5 Ways to Remix your Pieces

On the internet people love to make people believe they can’t wear their own clothes more than once for all of these reasons that make no sense, but I’m here to tell you that you can because I do it all the time and I have a closet full of clothes and could buy more when I want but when I shop I shop for pieces that I can get multiple wears out of.

So I’m here to give you some tips on how to remix your pieces and wear them as many times as you want and if you do it right people won’t even be able to tell its the same piece, but if they do notice so what they’re in your business and shouldn’t do that.

5 Ways to Remix your Pieces:

1. Get quality and/or statement pieces

   When you invest in pieces that truly are wardrobe staples you don’t have to worry about wearing the same things twice because you can wear it so many different ways

2. Don’t shop per outfit

   When you only by pieces when you’re buying a whole outfit you limit how you can wear it, don’t get pieces that only go with the things you bought at that time because then it’ll be hard to figure out what else you can wear it with

3. Wear it a different way

   When you want to repeat an item in your closet try to wear it completely different than the first time you wore it or style it differently by adding a different shoe, bag or accessory piece

4. Stop caring about what other people think

   This actually is rule number one, once you stop caring about what other people think and trying to look and be like everybody else you will feel more free to try different styles and looks and wear your clothes as many times as you want because you bought them and its your business. As long as you wash it wear it as many times as you want, period.

5. Know your style or hire help

   A part of being able to remix your looks is actually having style and knowing what your style is. Anybody can buy fashion or clothes but not everybody has style, take the time to figure out what yours is and how to bring it to life but if you don’t have the vision for it or you’re having a hard time hire a stylist or personal shopper because you would rather pay someone to help you that knows what they’re doing than to keep wasting your money on stuff you don’t need or won’t wear.

I hope that these tips will help you in remixing your pieces and getting enough wear for the price that you pay for your things. The goal of a good wardrobe is versatility. For closet consultation and wardrobe styling services you can email me shakaylae@yahoo.com to book a consultation and we can get that wardrobe in order.

5 Tips on How to Make Your Home Quarantine Comfortable

So we’re in the house and most of us have been for the last seven months, whether you’ve been working from home and your job is keeping it that way, you work for yourself or went back to work but you may be returning back home soon due to the seasons changing and the second wave of COVID approaching due to flu and cold season, and as we all know if you have to be home all day everyday you want to make sure your home is a space you actually want to be in.

When working at home you want to make sure that your home is a place that motivates you to work or that you feel comfortable enough to be in, and no everyone may not have their own place and that’s okay but whether the whole place is yours or you just have a room or other spaces you can use I wanted to give you some tips on how to make your spaces quarantine comfortable.

5 Tips on How to elevate your Space for Quarantine:

1. Make sure it smells good

   There’s nothing better than a space that smells as good as it looks and makes you want to be there

   -Get candles

   There are lots of amazing Black Owned Candle businesses, check out my Black owned business directory, Google and Instagram. One of my favorite Black owned candle companies is Lit BKLYN, as well as overall great candles at different stores and online. Browse the internet for good recommendations.

   -Get a humidifier

   Sold at Amazon, Target, Homegoods, TJ Maxx etc. at all different prices and you can get sets of essential oils

   Humidifiers are a great way to not only keep your space smelling good but to purify your air and help keep your mind and body calm and destress you without you even having to do anything. They are good to have and good for your health

   2. Keep your space clean and organized

   Whether you have a room, apartment or house make sure you keep it CLEAN, there’s nothing worse than being in a dirty or cluttered space (especially for me being the germaphobe I am) take the time out of your day to clean up your space and pick up after yourself if you make a mess so the job doesn’t pile up

   Stay organized, hit up Homegoods or Amazon for some storage organizers or whatever you need to buy to make sure everything has a place. A cleaner space helps to declutter your thoughts

   3. Make it pretty

   Make sure your space looks like something you want to see, not saying you have to go full blown HGTV, but by surrounding yourself with things you like to look at it makes your work space more comfortable and it may inspire you to even work harder.

   Check out Pinterest for ideas on decorating everything from your desk to your whole room or space, you can get low cost decor from Amazon, Homegoods, TJMaxx etc. take a little more time to care about other things that may brighten your mood and you’ll see and feel the difference

4. Find a designated area where you will work

Yes you may be at home but that doesn’t mean work from your bed everyday, not having a designated area to work can make you more lazy and off task. Set up a work area that includes a desk or something to work on and all of the things you will need to get things done

Working from the bed may be something you end up doing once a week just because you need a break and you’re human but don’t make it an everyday thing.

5. Set the tone

Working from home can start to make your home feel less enjoyable if you let it.

Set a time of when you will work and make a space for where you work so you know that your work doesn’t leave that area and you are only at that area from this time to that time, also take breaks for lunch or just to chill even if you’re not leaving out the house

Play some music, a podcast or a show in the background so you have something to get you going and keep you entertained while you work.

Open the blinds for some sunlight and get yourself ready to be productive whether that’s eating breakfast before you start working, drinking some tea, working out before work or whatever else you see fit.

Not to say that everyday will be perfect but Working from home doesn’t have to be a drag if you can spruce up the place where you are working and living and now this is where you are most of the day, if you set the tone for how you want your work day to go and if you set the vibe to get yourself in the mood to get things done!

Know is a better time than any to make renovations and spruce up where you now lay your head and work.

5 Tip on How to Plan Your Month

When a new month or a new quarter rolls around the planning begins if you are a planner like I am, it takes a little more time and effort than planning your day or week. When its a new month or quarter and you have a business or businesses or you just have a lot on your plate it is important to set goals and have an organized way to go about accomplishing them.

5 Tips on How to Plan Your Month:

1. Try to do it before the month starts if you can

   This will allow you to get ahead of yourself and to plan out what you want to accomplish before the month can meet you with things you didn’t expect. Don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t get around to this before the month starts but if you can then do so. Take a little bit of time after your other obligations are maybe at the end of the night or do it while you’re working and plan out what you want to get done personally and with business, what growth do you want to see, what things worked in the current month that may not work in the next and what do you need to do more or less of. Write it out and make it plan, also don’t be so stuck in your plan that things don’t have room to change especially if the change is for the better.

2. Set realistic goals

   Be honest with yourself on what you have the time and energy to complete, you don’t want to set unrealistic goals that you don’t have the current capacity to complete and then end up disappointed at the end of the month because you got nothing done, I’m not saying be easy on yourself or don’t try to challenge yourself but be aware of who you are, how you work and what is already on your plate. If what you need is more resources or information to accomplish larger goals focus on getting that.

3. Break down your goals

   Break down each of your goals on how you can go about accomplishing them. What do you need to do daily to meet your goals, how much time do you need to dedicate to each thing, what things does each goal require you to do. Take the things on your monthly to do list and break them down on your daily and weekly to-do lists if to-do lists are your thing. Don’t just write things down but put action into accomplishing them and making them real.

4. Allow yourself grace

   Sometimes things happen that we didn’t expect and can’t prevent so if those things happen and they alter your plans don’t beat yourself up about it because it was out of your control, but figure out how to adjust and change what is necessary. If you don’t get a few goals done but don’t feel like you have a valid reason it is okay, you are not on a deadline and if you know that you gave your best then that’s all you can do and just try harder the next month to get more accomplished. you don’t want to beat yourself into burnout or depression and not want to do anything at all. You are only one person and you are not a superhero, remember that you are now where you used to pray to be.

5. Put relaxation on that list as something to do

   With all the goal you may have that you want to accomplish you still have to make sure that you are giving yourself time to enjoy your life outside of work, to recoup in order to be able to continue working, to enrich yourself so you have the energy to keep elevating. Don’t think that the grind and hustle are the only things that are important, your well being is more important than that because if you aren’t well then you can’t even enjoy the fruits of your labor and the things that you’ve worked to accomplish. Take days off. implement them into your schedule, allow yourself to unwind at night and get adequate amounts of sleep (definitely talking to myself too)

I hope that everyone accomplish all of the goals that they set for themselves and go out with a bang this year especially since there has been so much going on. Remember to enjoy your moments while they are happening, you deserve relaxation too and slow progress and small ins are still worth celebration.

Why Wearing Gold Jewelry is Important

All Jewelry is from Shein// Top: Pretty Little Thing//

You NEED Gold jewelry, here’s why….

1. Gold jewelry looks AMAZING on Black people

2. Gold jewelry looks luxurious

3. Gold jewelry goes with everything

4. Gold Jewelry is perfect for ALL seasons especially summer

I love gold jewelry, I love the way it bounces off of my skin, I love the way it goes with every look, I love the way it can be the final piece that a look needs, I love that it always looks luxurious and upscale, I love what it represents and I personally feel like its a neutral color and definitely can fall under basics

From Gold jewelry to gold packaging, gold home decor etc. gold just always looks amazing but it has to be just the perfect shade and quality for it to not go from luxe to cheap looking real QUICKLY. Of course you have to have the right eye and vision to find the perfect “gold” depending on what you’re buying but gold anything always catches my attention!

Here’s some great places to get affordable luxe gold jewelry:

Shein

Pretty Little Thing

Third Crown Black Owned

Aziza Handcrafted Black Owned

Sucre Couture Black Owned

Take a Step Back from the Work and BREATHE

Sometimes you can be so deep in that everyday can start to feel like you’re on a hamster wheel just going and going and not stopping to take in what you’re doing, not stopping for fresh air, not stopping to give time to other things, not stopping to pour back into yourself after all of the pouring out you’ve been doing and overall just getting so caught up in the “bigger picture” that you don’t even appreciate the things that are helping to paint that bigger picture on a day to day basis, and also working so much and focusing on grinding and hustling that you don’t even really realize how much you’re accomplishing.

So as a person that goes through this as well I wanted to give you a few tips on how you can simutaneously work and give yourself a damn break

1. Set boundaries

   -By setting business hours even if you work for yourself

   Don’t let people text you about business or needing help with something in the middle of the night if you know their job not calling them at 2am to work

2. Give yourself time off

   -Schedule or plan to take days off or give yourself vacation days or decide that you aren’t working on the weekend (I recently did this and it was such a game changer and breath of fresh air)

   -Schedule in advice if you can so you can plan for your business to still move during the days you are off

3. Set aside time to get inspired

   -You can’t keep working if you burn out or your mind is so clouded that it can’t even think of new ideas

   -As much as you work take that same amount of time to keep those creative muscles moving and creative juices flowing

   -Indulge in whatever inspires you or makes you think of new ideas

4. Set aside time to just enjoy yourself and have hobbies and things that bring you joy aside from work

   -Find things you like that you aren’t trying to monetize

   -Find things that bring you peace

   -Find hobbies that you may not be perfect at but they make you feel good by doing them

5. Don’t let go of your passion and spontenaity

   -Your passion is what keeps you going

   -Its okay to just do some things on a whim if they feel right

6. When you do something good celebrate yourself

   -This will help you to stop and smell the roses and see what you’re accomplishing while you do it instead of realizing later down the line

   -Buy yourself something nice as a celebration

   -Pamper or wine and dine yourself so you can bask in the fruits of your labor

Best Movies to Watch on Netflix: Black People Edition

So if you’re like me and work from home or you love just chilling and watching movies here’s a list of things on Netflix that you can watch. I love Black sitcoms, Black movies from the late 90s and early 2000s, and Black people in general so I’m so happy that over the past couple of years Strong Black Lead (if you aren’t following them on Instagram you should be!) has been doing the groundwork that needs to be done to bring Black Classic Movies, sitcoms and shows to Netflix. If you don’t know most recently they got The Game, Moesha, and Sister Sister on Netflix which is major and shows that we all loved. Can’t wait to see what they get on Netflix next, make sure you’re following them on Instagram because they have some amazing content from interviews with actors to BTS.

Here’s some Movies and Series that you can sit and enjoy on Netflix:

1. Double Platinum

2. The Brothers

3. Players Club '

4. Soul Plane

5. Bad Boys I & II

6. National Security

7. She’s Gotta Have It

8. #blackAF

9. Sextuplets

10. Sleepless

11. A Fall From Grace

12. This Christmas

13. For Colored Girls

14. Get on the Bus

15. Self Made

You can also check the ‘Strong Black Lead’ Category on Netflix for more options. Grab a snack and turn on Netflix and chill because everyone deserves a break.

Black Owned Home Goods

So as you all should know about me by now I support everything Black and in the words of Issa Rae I’m rooting for everybody Black and Black owned brands and when I hear about a new business I definitely check it out. For the past month or two there’s been a surge in the support for Black owned businesses especially from Black people and it’s amazing to see from directories of all different types of businesses being created, to forums for Black creatives in different industries being created by Black people, to Black people promoting and buying from other Black people’s businesses. There is so much money and support circling back into the Black communities right now and more people learning about the importance of supporting Black owned businesses and I’m so here for it.

I love when people share Black-owned businesses that they love or businesses that they have heard about and are promoting it because it gives me the chance to be exposed to a new business and possibly some bomb a*s products and I may become a potential customer and a repeated customer if its good. This is a reason why it is important for businesses to be tagged or promoted if you like it, you don’t know how many new or potential clients you could give that business.

First off let me start by saying I’ve loved LIT BKLYN for a few years now from the story of the owner and how the business started to the quality of the product and the service. These candles (in the gold canisters) are amazing, they smell so good and are hand poured and packaged by the creator as many products from Black owned businesses are. The packaging is one thing that attracted me to this brand because with the gold it sticks out and whenever you see it you don’t have to question who created it but if you haven’t heard about it it definitely grabs your attention and makes you wonder what it is. The candles come in this size which is the travel size and full size options, I have three of the LIT Brooklyn candles and badly need to re-up because every time I get some they only last me like two weeks because I’m always burning them (they just smell that good), I have MUSE, and two of the BLUSH scented candles. I would highly recommend LIT BKLYN to anyone , but if you want to purchase you gotta be quick on your feet and your fingers because she sells out in like a minute! Click here to head to the website.

Secondly is the “Dirty Laundry” detergent in the scent Bergamot & White Thyme (smells SO good). So all my life I’ve been using the regular popular detergent like Gain and the others because that’s just what I grew up on and never really thought too much on venturing out, but I was on Instagram one day and came across either an ad or someone promoting BKLYN Bar soap and went to the website because I love seeing new Black owned businesses especially those that create natural body care or home care products and I already use natural soap and would love to purchase from a Black owned business something I already use anyway if I see something I like. On my first and only order thus far I purchased three bar soaps in different natural scents (all natural ingredients in everything) and the detergent and I will say that I was honestly satisfied and one of the soaps is definitely going to be a staple in my home. The detergent smells really good and has a clean natural scent with minimal to no additional or harmful chemicals, I could definitely tell the difference in how my clothes looked and felt compared to how they are when I wash clothes with the Gain I use (the results were even better). If you want to check out there products or website click here.

Lastly is the Rose Quartz candle that I ordered from Lulu Holistics which I found because someone I follow was promoting their body butter saying how much they liked it so I headed to the website and purchased the candle and an exfoliating scrub that literally smells like Black joy and Black people. I truly love both products that I ordered and will definitely be ordering again. The candle is made with real rose petals in it and a small rose quarts on top and the exfoliating scrub literally works wonders and makes your skin feel so good after using and its so good to use before shaving. I usually make my own scrubs but I will definitely be buying more from Lulu’s Holistics and checking out their other products. To check out their website click here would definitely recommend and she gives you a coupon code in your package to use on your next order.

All three of these brand’s products are amazing and I would definitely recommend you purchasing some things for your home as well. Take a little extra time to purchase the things you use from a Black owned business. Also when you purchase from a Black-owned business post about it and tell others so they can support as well or be introduced to something new especially if you like the product you receive or had a good experience with the business.

Keeping Going Even when you don't see the Result you Want yet

Blazer: Forever 21// Bra: Savage X Fenty// Jeans: Pretty Little Things// Lip: Stunna by Fenty Beauty

We all are working hard, we’re trying to reach our goals and we’re trying to overall make things happen and not all the time will we see the results we want right at the moment we want them or you’re working really hard and always have been and start to get down on yourself because you feel like you should be further and its not because you’re comparing yourself or your situation/progress to anyone else, but because you know what you are capable of, you know the worth of your work, you know how much time and effort you put in and you know that you haven’t given up then you feel like you should be further than you are at times.

But we just have to keep in our minds to just keep working, to not give up and that your hard work will pay off, they say you need to put in your 10,000 hours if you want your success, well keep focusing on doing that and doing the groundwork so that when it does pay off you can truly enjoy it and be present in those moments. Being an entrepreneur or business owner during this time can be very hard, we’ve been going through a pandemic and pretty much been on lock down since March, there’s a damn near civil war going on, we’re dealing with 10 times the racism as usual it seems like, some people are experiencing a lack of finances because some people have been laid off, some people are getting paid less because they have to work from home, many people aren’t receiving unemployment and never even received a stimulus check so there’s a lot that we have to handle right now aside from just business. When you’re grinding and hustling you have to also take care of yourself and your mental state and right now with everything going on this is a lot for people mentally.

Be patient with yourself and know that sometimes but especially now you are doing enough, you are on the right path and your time is coming but there are circumstances that happen in the world that you have no control over that can slow things down. Be patient and just keep preparing for when your moment comes.