Fly

Starburst Vintage Boots

These vintage boots from the CandyStore Collective are fab!

Link of the Day

So originally I had a Link of the Day about Color Me Badd before learning one of the members was recently arrested for domestic violence. Not cool. So here's a replacement. I've always loved this video.

Music Friday: Lady Day Illustration

Beautiful illustration of Billie Holiday by Jody Hewgill.

Music Friday: Paper Mag's Soul Train

Next time you're at the bookstore, pick up a Paper Magazine's Summer 2010 issue dedicated to music. There's an article and great fashion editorial spreads dedicated to the TV classic Soul Train. Photographs from Jeff Chessum.

Link of the Day

The Gap collaborates with Pierre Hardy to create a line of fun clogs and wedges?

Fly 10 Questions with Ariana Pierce

Ariana Pierce is an actress, author, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and blogger and get this — she's only twenty years old! From creating her own line of brightly colored nail polish, called Superstar Nail Lacquer to hosting the recent Young People’s Success Conference, Ariana stays busy inspiring young people to follow their dreams.

In your travels and speaking engagements what is one experience that inspired or motivated you?
My experience with The Young People’s Success Conference I hosted this year inspired me like non other. When hundreds of young people showed up to learn from my guests and myself, it pushed me to keep achieving and making it to the top. When you see that others look up to you, and they tell you that you have inspired them, it is so touching. It motivates me to go to new levels, to show them that there is a way to the top that is honest and legit. [[read on]]

Essimar Paper Earrings

Essimar is known for elaborate animal cutouts and fun stationery. I was visiting Black*Eiffel and saw that Essimar also carries paper earrings. I had no idea! See more of the pretty layered paper jewelry here. Check out previous Essimar posts here and here.

Link of the Day

Inc.'s 30 under 30

Naomi Yasuda Nail Art

Saw this in Paper Magazine and had to share. It's really cool nail art created by Naomi Yasuda of Hello Beautiful Salon in Brooklyn. It's so amazing to see how a small surface can be transformed into little works of art. See more of Naomi's work on PaperMagazine.com or on the salon website. Image by Carlin Mayer for Paper Magazine.

Turk + Taylor Tees

Great t-shirt graphics from Turk + Taylor.

Put a Ring on It

Are you tired of that "Single Ladies" reference yet? Ha! Yes this post is ring related, but not your typical flashy, diamond encrusted engagement ones. No these are fun acrylic rings that come in bright and metallic colors. It's cool that you can layer them depending on the chosen thickness. With these rings you can buy as many as you want and not break the bank. See them all here.

Link of the Day

I like these beaded bracelets.

FGOTW

Who? My name is Christiana Mbakwe and I'm 23 years old.

Where? I'm born and raised in London, England however my parents came over here from Nigeria after the Biafran Civil War.

What do you do? I'm currently a freelance writer and blogger. My blog Christiana Rants explores the issues facing young women in our current social space. The content varies from questions such as (What am I going to wear?) to more serious and pressing questions such as ('How do I define my self worth'). I later migrated to filming video blogs, tackling topics that young women tend to shy from discussing in public, yet talk about freely in private. My main ambition is to eventually translate what I do as a blogger into a career in TV and radio, and use that as a tool to bring women's issues and rights to the forefront.

What inspires you? I'm inspired by anyone that manages to overcome the limitations the world places on them. I'm inspired by my mother's spirit and her ability to selflessly sacrifice herself for her daughters. I'm inspired by my father's drive and humility. I'm inspired by the greatness in my little sisters.

Why are you fly? I'm fly because one day I decided to be myself unapologetically. I haven't looked back since!

Advice: The most empowering thing a woman can learn to do is love herself and no matter what happens retain the belief she deserves to live the best version of her life possible. 

Shinjuki Jumpsuit

Colorful vintage jumpsuit from Nasty Gal. Very cute!

Ruffle Booties

I'm a huge fan of summer but this heat has me looking forward to fall already. These silver open-toe ruffle booties from Marc by Marc Jacobs has me daydreaming about the next season as well. Swoon!