New Music by Sonya Teclai!

An extremely creative Hip Hop and R&B songstress and previous Friday Feature here on Pumps and Lipstick, Sonya Teclai is everything that you don’t expect…and I love that! She has such a confident style aesthetic, unafraid to mix and match eras and prints. Sonya is such a driven individual and you can not only see it, but hear it in her music and lyrics where true poetry floods your mind– something that you don’t hear on the radio.

Just a few days ago, she released a new single titled “Detached” and an interlude named “Kick My Game” from her upcoming solo project dropping next month. I encourage you to check her out! Click here for her new promo page. Ready to hear the beats? Then click here to play her newest tracks. I promise you’ll fall in love!

Look of the Day: Metallic Skirt + Embellished Belt

I’m so happy now that I have my beloved camera back in my possession. Hence, I am now posting photos of my dad’s birthday dinner from two weeks ago!

Anyway, we all celebrated and had a beautiful dining experience at Enotria in Sacramento. The staff surely made the celebration special with a personalized menu for Pops and impeccable service.

That night, I wanted to dress up, but still keep somewhat of a casual feel. I chose a metallic textured skirt and embellished waist belt to dress up and a black button up blouse with rolled sleeves and simple leather open-toe wedges to tone down to casual.

Scroll down for shots of the celebratory evening:

Monday Motivation: Oakland Half Marathon Edition

Yesterday, I completed the Oakland Half Marathon with my dear friend, Emily aka Shorty. I cannot stress how much motivation plays such a key part in accomplishing this goal. Even though this was my second time running a half, I was still psyching myself out a couple days before the big race. On and off throughout the days before I would question myself, “Did I train enough? Am I ready? Can I do it?”

Team Hella Fast: Emily Esguerra & Xiomara Rosa-Tedla

The start.

Parents made us each a sign 🙂

Our reaction every time we saw my family cheering our names. What a boost!

So glad we ran the half!

Lake Merritt. When we knew the end was near.

A 7-year old beat us! Now that’s motivating!

We did it!

About to cross the finish line!

Resting/posing at Snow Park.

The ‘bag man’ of the day. “Can you hold this please? And this too? Thanks!”

Beers were one of our biggest motivators during the last 2 miles!

Having a great running partner was one of the key reasons why we both overcame the aches and pains and finished the race with no breaks in-between. Another motivating factor was my family driving all the way down from Sacramento, meeting up with my boyfriend, making signs, and cheering us on all throughout the race. We didn’t know where they would be, but they surprised us on four different occasions and with each wave of encouragement, bursts of energy started bubbling and pushed us on. Strangers even filled us with loads of energy, endless cheering, cowbell-banging, bands playing, DJs posted up everywhere, flaming art structures, and lines of high-fives. We saw the funniest signs that put big ass smiles on our faces. They read, “Stop reading, keep running!” “Why do all the cute ones run away?” “Move yo ass!” “Just finish (that’s what she said)!” I mean, how could you NOT laugh?!

All the energy I received from my family and friendly strangers made me want to motivate my fellow runners. I randomly cheered on a woman who had abruptly stopped running towards the last 1.5 miles in the race. I clapped on by and cheered, “C’mon girl! You can do it! We’re so close. We can see it!” After we crossed the finish line, she tapped me on the shoulder and said, “I just wanted to thank you for motivating me towards the end. You really helped me to keep running! Your belief in me helped me believe in myself.” OMG my heart melted.

This whole event made me realize how real and important the transfer of positive energy is. The encouragement from everyone and everything gave us so much energy to stay happy, keep going, and finish the race strong. For that, I am so grateful. And another plus, my goal was to finish the race in 2 hours and 15 minutes…we did it in 2hrs and 10 minutes. How sweet is that?

Happy Monday.

All photos are original. All rights reserved.

I’ve Got An Orange Crush On Spring Lips

When it comes to makeup, are you getting tired of the same ol’ same ol’? Feel like you’re reusing the same look over and over? Me too! How do we solve that? The easiest game changer is lipstick (duh!). With spring officially here, I’m itching for new colors to spice things up. Usually, I tend to go for bright magentas and pinks because they’re easier to work with and more natural.

I want to wear more orange. I currently have two lipsticks of the orange/tangerine family, but I just never fell in love with them. I tried and tried, but it felt more like I was forcing the shade to work, convincing myself that I loved it, and trying to believe what the makeup counter ladies told me. Overall, I should have invested more time in research in finding the perfect shade. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have this longing for my long lost best friend or in this instance, the perfect shade of tangerine.

So, here goes my search! Thanks to Allure Magazine, I have some lipstick suggestions to guide my way on this quest. Check out shades and beauty inspiration below:

1. Senna Sheer Face Color in Terracotta 2. NYX Matte Lipstick in Indie Flick 3. Yves Saint Laurent Crème de Blush in 4 4. Kevyn Aucoin The Pure Powder Glow in Fira 5. Clarins Rouge Eclat in Juicy Clementine

What are your thoughts on this lip trend? Loving or loathing orange lips? Let me know in the comments!

Images via allure.com, bubblews.com, barbie-que.blogspot.com, usmagazine.com

Pretty Spring Things

As the temperature is slowly creeping up, I’m slowly transitioning my heavier and dark clothes into the back of the closet and bringing out my fun brights and lightweight pieces. As I like all of my clothes (or else I wouldn’t have bought the damn things), some pieces I’m just plain tired of. I guess it’s probably my own fault for posting a bajillion photos online and seeing the same strapless sundress in both of my vacation Facebook albums, not to mention loads of pics on Instagram in a variety of filters. Am I double-wearing out my clothes by seeing them over and over via social media? Probably. How do I fix that? With accessories, jewelry, shoes and purses. By simply pairing new pumps and a different skinny belt, you can create an entirely new look. How about adding some texture with a fun raffia fedora hat and colorful raffia fringe sandals? The more you mix different accessories, shoes, and jewelry, the more looks you can achieve and keep from getting bored of the dress, blouse, or denim you once loved and adored.

Check out the darling spring pieces I selected that inspired me to jazz up a few numbers in my closet. For the specs on each piece, click here.

Leather + Sneaker Wedges

Contemporary Wear by pumps-and-lipstick featuring black tops

I’m really feeling sneaker wedges these days. They sure bring on a whole wave of nostalgia from my mom’s 80s/90s aerobic high tops to my Sketchers platform tennies during the Spice Girls era– all mixed with a futuristic and modern feel. I’m still on the hunt for the perfect pair, but when I finally cop some, this is how I’ll style myself (see above). Contemporary is definitely how I’d feel wearing these babies so, leather pants are a sure thing plus a loose knit sweater that’s more on the sheer side. This look is edgy, a hint of sexy, mixed with comfort thanks to the sweater and sneakers. It’s screaming city-urban-cool.

Look of the Day: Graphic Tee + Leopard Loafers

On this rainy day, this wasn’t the smartest outfit to put together. Unfortunately, it started to drizzle as soon as the bf and I closed the front door as we were heading out to Target and house hunt in the East Bay. Dodging puddles of water in loafers is not the business. Oh well! At least I was comfy (insert shoulder shrug here).

Vintage leather jacket from Dad– butter soft! Plus my fave graphic tee of the legendary, Bob Marley.

A sale steal I snagged from Macy’s for $30. Can you believe these calf hair loafers are Aerosoles? So damn comfortable!

Slicked high bun is my number one go-to look for lazy days.

Monday Motivation: Surrounding Yourself with Inspiration

Over a year ago, I partnered with a new company and started my own business from home. It was extremely exciting in the beginning— as most things are— and as soon as the gates opened, I ran, ran, ran! I experienced many successes in my business. Although, with success, there are guaranteed obstacles that every person is will face. This can easily discourage a person from pursuing their goals because “it’s too hard” or they get “tired” of the work. I know because I said and felt the same exact feelings of disappointment, low confidence, bla bla bla. Working from home, by myself, I needed inspiration to keep me going, to turn that frown upside down, and remind myself of my goals and why I pursued the business in the first place. So what did I do? Hung up inspirational quotes on every wall of my home so, that I could look anywhere and find uplifting motivation to press on. I also posted photos of vacation spots, cars, homes, and checks that I wanted to receive. Til this day, they’re still posted on my walls— some have switched out because I had already received them!

I encourage you to do the same! Here are some inspirational quotes to give you an idea of what to hang around your home or office:

 

Happy Monday!

In Love With Bobbi J Jewelry

It’s a beautiful thing when one of your best friends is a jewelry designer. I’m a huge supporter for anything that my friends do, because that’s what friends are for. Plus, her sh*t is dope! I have been eyeing almost everything on her site, but especially for a pair of one-of-a-kind earrings. The ‘La Bella’ earrings were it! So I ordered and little did I know, a custom necklace was also placed in my shipment. A brass pendant necklace was the best surprise. To top it off, ‘PUMPS’ was hammered onto the lovely piece. Thank you Jessica for all the love!

Scroll down to check out my newest pieces from Bobbi J:

Loving wax stamps. So personal!

La Bella earrings. Hand sawed brass and crystals.

Hand sawed and hammered brass on sterling silver chain.

Yeah baby!

Go online and grab yourself beautiful, handmade pieces from the heart of San Francisco by my dear friend, Jessica Linehan!

Friday Feature: Blogger + Actress, Javicia Leslie

Have you ever met someone that you just automatically clicked with (not romantically)? Pretty rare, right? Well that’s how it was when I met blogger and actress, Javicia Leslie. We were both bridesmaids for our dear friend and previous Friday Feature, Felicia Gangloff-Bailey, so it’s pretty safe to say that we would get along very well. What I admired about her most was her impeccable personal style. Unafraid to try new styles and play with eras and prints, the lovely blogger and actress is what I call a true style chameleon.

Click below for an exclusive Friday Feature interview and for more fabulous style shots of Javicia:

Xiomara: When did your love for fashion and style begin?

Javicia: Fashion has always been an interest of mine. However, during my college years began my real passion for fashion. I really began to express who I was with my style.

Xiomara: How long have you been blogging and what inspired you to start?

Javicia: I’ve been blogging for two years. My official blog (JaviciaLeslie.blogspot.com) is exactly 1 year old! During college I started to read blogs frequently, but it was rare to find a black female fashion blogger. Although there are some great black fashion blogs, I knew it was void that I could definitely fill. Blogging allows me to express my self to the world through fashion, photography, and the beauty of natural settings. Since I’ve been blogging, I’ve expanded and diversified my style! Blogging has also allowed me to see how I present myself to the world.

Xiomara: Favorite prints and colors?

Javicia: There isn’t a color I stray from. I love bright and bold colors that make statements. As for prints, I really love stripes and polka dots. They are classic prints that you can really have a ball playing with! 

Xiomara: Describe your style. 

Javicia: I don’t believe you should have one style, my style varies! It’s funny, you can look at my blog and really see how much my style has changed over the past year. Currently, I’m really feeling the hippy vibe (It may just be my current obsession with Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, lol). I love long flowy bottoms and loose crochet tops, then changing into some baggy jeans and timberlands.

Xiomara: Who are your favorite, all-time fashion icons? 

Javicia:

• Olsen Twins – I absolutely love their hippy style!!!! They make a statement every time they step out. 
• Karla Deras – Although she’s no mega star, her style is impeccable!!!! 
• Rihanna – Do I really need to explain why?!

Xiomara: What are some of your top beauty products and regimens?

Javicia: There are a few products I live by. To start, the only face wash that touches my face is Cetaphil. This product is 100% dermatologist recommended. I love that there aren’t any fragrances, it’s made for sensitive skin, and doesn’t dry out my face. Lastly, I would die without my crest white strips! Using these 2 to 3 times per year will keep those money makers pearly! As for a regiment, the most important step is to remember to wash you face before you go to sleep. You don’t want to build up oil and dirt on your face while your sleeping.

Xiomara: As an actress, what are some of your goals and aspirations for in 10 years?

Javicia: My goal as an actress is to impact people by using my talent. I want the roles I choose to tell stories of strength and determination. In ten years I see myself developing my own tv series or film, I definitely won’t be limited to one side of the industry.

Xiomara: Favorite quote you live by?

Javicia: “Wisdom is the principle thing; therefor get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding”  Proverbs 4

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There you have it! For more on the fashionista, check out her fabulous blog here.


Photos courtesy of Javicia Leslie.