Phoenix Shaving

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Do you even wet shave bro? Douglas Smythe from Phoenix Shaving is teaching me why every man - and woman - should ditch multi-blade razors in favor of traditional shaving.

Douglas broke down why those multi-blade disposable razors are bad for your skin and how we all got tricked into thinking they were the best thing since sliced bread.

We also discuss whether or not you need beard oil and more details about men’s grooming habits.

Most importantly Douglas is teaching me how to help a man upgrade his grooming! He’s sharing tips on how to gently let a man know his beard or hygiene could benefit from a little TLC.

Check out these links to products, guides and events Douglas  and I discussed on the show:

Click here to purchase Phoenix Shaving products

Find Douglas’ Beard and Moustache Conditioning Manual here

Check out Douglas’ YouTube show ‘I’d Lather Be Shaving’ here

Find out more information about the Big Shave East conference here

Learn about StyleCon here

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Making Sense of Mudcloth (with the Tiny Closet)

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What is a mudcloth?

That's what I asked Natalie Harris of The Tiny Closet during our discussion!

Mudcloth as fashion is a new concept I was introduced to when I spoke to Melody Asherman of Everrything Rrouge last January. I'm learning more about the fabric, including how it's made, which West African country it comes from, and which city in America seems to like it more than the rest. 

We also discuss East African fashion (specifically leather goods from Kenya) and of course... Wakanda forever!

Shop Mudcloth pieces on The Tiny Closet

Read The Tiny Closet Blog

Follow The Tiny Closet on Instagram

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The Tiny Closet

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Also available on Spotify, Google Play, iHeart Radio or wherever you listen to podcasts

What would you do if you threw out 90% of your closet and still didn’t like what was left? Natalie Harris decided to find her personal style and launched a blog turned boutique The Tiny Closet!

I spoke to Natalie about what it really takes to be a minimalist, finding personal style, and why you should try on EVERYTHING in the store.

Natalie also introduced me to the concept of “aspirational shopping” and how fashionable TV makes us buy clothes that don't really speak to our lifestyles.

Make sure you:

Shop The Tiny Closet

Read The Tiny Closet Blog

Follow The Tiny Closet on Instagram

Like The Tiny Closet on FacebookFollow The Tiny Closet on Twitter

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Louis Vuitton? Aint Nobody Thinkin About that Brand!

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Talking about the hottest beauty and fashion stories this week so far. What Virgil Abloh's appointment at Louis Vuitton means for luxury brands; Kim Kardashian encouraging her fans to have more fun with makeup and going from a Fenty Face to a Fenty bawdy! 

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Spring 2018 Trends

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Also available on Spotify, Stitcher, Acast, Overcast, iHeartRadio, Podible or wherever you listen to podcasts!

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It's (almost) spring so you know what that means... new fashions to add to your wardrobe!

I'm sharing the top trends that have me excited for warm weather and the trend none of us should get into, unless you're the queen of England.

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Everrything Rrouge

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I sat down with Jersey-bred, Parsons educated fashion designer Melody Asherman of Everrything Rrouge. We chatted about how her Liberian heritage influences her designs and her thoughts on how authentic Project Runway actually is!

Melody also told me about her decision to transition from pursuing a career in psychology to chasing her fashion dreams and taught me a thing or two about Liberian style!
 

Follow Melody Asherman on Twitter and Instagram. Check out  her website at everythingrrouge.com.

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Grammys 2018 Recap with Inside Pop's Amita Patel

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If you miss Joan Rivers red carpet commentary as much as I do you'll love my Grammys 2018 Recap!

I'm playing Fashion Police with guest Amita Patel from Inside Pop Podcast, judging all the noteworthy looks from this year's award show.  We discuss our thoughts on Alessia Cara transitioning from grungy teen to young lady, the faint presence of white roses in support of Times Up, and how one is supposed to pronounce Lil Uzi Vert's name.

Of course we also picked our best dressed and worst dressed of the evening!

Keep scrolling to see the looks we discussed:

Actress Anabelle Acosta at the 2018 Grammys

Beyonce Knowles Carter Grammys 2018

SZA at the 2018 Grammys

Khalid at the 2018 Grammys

Alessia Cara 2018 Grammys Best New Artist Winner

Lil Uzi Vert at the 2018 Grammys

Janelle Monae at the 2018 Grammys

Lady Gaga at the 2018 Grammys

Joy Villa at the 2018 Grammys

Sam Smith at the 2018 Grammys

Ne-Yo at the 2018 Grammys

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Winter Day Dates - What's a Girl to Wear?!

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What would you wear to a lunch date in the winter? Didi (host of Channel Ascension) needs some fashion advice so I’m telling her how to stay cute - but warm! - on a casual lunch date in New York City!

I’m also introducing a new segment called “Retail Therapy” in which I release what's currently weighing heavy on my heart. Hear me out!

Want to see some examples of the types of dresses/ shoes I suggested Didi wear? Check out these selections (be sure to sign up for Ebates first so you get cash back on all your purchases!) :

Winter Day Date Boots:

Stuart Weitzman Over-the-Knee Boots

Chinese Laundry Krush Over the Knee boots

Calvin Klein Polomia Platform Over the Knee boot

Christian Siriano for Payless Thigh High Boots

Donald Pliner Echoe Tall Boots

Ted Baker Niida Tall Boots

ALDO Marye Tall Boots

Aquatalia Suede Tall Boots

Madeline Girl Merit Wide Calf Boots

Winter Day Date Dresses:

Express V-neck Ruffle Hem Fit and Flare Dress

Express Black Floral Ruffle Wrap Dress

Express Plunging Tiered Fit and Flare Dress

Zara Mini Dress with Ruffled Sleeves

Zara Draped Dress

Zara Floral and Polka Dot Print Dress

Keepsake Floral Print Dress

Parker Maje Floral-Print Silk Mini Dress

CeCe Noelle Cold Shoulder Pleated Dress

Don't forget to make my (birth)day and leave a 5 star rating and brief review on Apple Podcasts!

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New Year, New Skincare Routine!

Happy New Year!!

It’s 2018 so of course we’re kicking off our New Year’s Beautylutions! I’m sharing what I learned from last year’s challenge and how I’m planning to step up my skincare game this year.

Of course I’m also sharing my favorite trends from 2018’s fashion forecast and my excitement for Pantone’s Color of the year… Ultraviolet!

But first I had to pour one out for 2017 since I didn’t get to put out a year-end episode due to good old fashioned technical difficulties. I’m shouting out some of the amazing pocasts/podcasters (Bri’s Books, Tea with Queen and J, Journey to Launch, The Mariah Report)I met over the last year, those who allowed me to appear on their show (Inside Pop and Bodega Box Office) and sharing love for two podcasters we lost last year, Stevie Ryan of Mentally Ch(ill) and one of my podcasting idols Combat Jack of Loud Speakers Network.

I’ve also got a new fashion statement! Sharing my thoughts on Hollywood’s decision to wear all black during award season as an act of #MeToo solidarity.

Corrections:

Stevie Ryan’s co-host who is now the sole host of Mentally Ch(ill) is Kristen Carney.

Gigi Hadid’s brother’s name is Anwar Hadid. Sorry guys!

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Ruby Red Roots (Barri)

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Did you know certain hair types shouldn’t use permanent color?

Me neither. Then Jersey-based hairstylist Barri, aka Ruby Red Roots, schooled me all about dyes, porosity, and other things you need to know to maintain healthy hair.

Barri tells me about how she decided to turn her lifelong passion for hair care and styling into a career and became an Aveda Institute trained stylist. We also chat about the changes you should make to your hair care routine as the weather gets colder and how to choose the best shade color based on your hair type and undertones. 

These are the shampoos Barri mentioned:

Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo

Aveda Dry Remedy Shampoo

Aveda Smooth Infusion

Mizani Fiberfyl

Follow Barri on Instagram at @rubyredroots; Book an appointment with Barri on StyleSeat. Visit her salon at 313 Irvington Ave in South Orange, New Jersey.

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Let's Purge Our Closets!

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When was the last time you purged your closet?

If you start today you can have a fully cleaned out closet by New Years! I’m breaking down the foolproof questions you need to ask yourself so that you can make smart decisions about what deserves to stay in your closet.

I’m also introducing a new segment called Over It!

Links:

Box for storing "sentimental" items

Places to sell used clothing:

Poshmark

Grailed (menswear)

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Sampat Jewellers

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I’m drippin in diamonds with Jinal Sampat of Sampat Jewellers!

Jinal joined me to discuss her family jewelry business. She’s breaking down how to tell if your diamond is quality, what size engagement ring you should aim for, and the current need to bridge the gap between traditional Indian and contemporary American styles.

She’s also putting me on to a gemstone I wasn’t familiar with called tourmaline and sharing her thoughts on non-Indian women copying Indian fashions.

Links/Resources:

Sampat Jewellers Website

Read about the four Cs of diamond jewelry or

Follow Jinal at @sampatjewellers on Twitter, and Instagram.

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Should I trust this beauty review?

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How do you know you should trust a beauty review?

This week we’re talking about how to verify if a beauty review is valid! I’m breaking down what you should look for in a reviewer and how to determine if their feedback will be helpful for your specific beauty needs.

I’m also participating in Inside Pop’s #BigSell30 challenge! Sharing a piece of pop culture I think you should check out!

Links:

• My review of an unnecessarily expensive oil
• My tarte foundation review
• My #BigSell30: Sneaker Shopping by Complex

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Fall 2017 Trends

Would you rock Grandma couture? I wouldn’t.

This week I’m sharing some of the hottest trends for Fall/Winter 2017. Listen to this season’s it colors, the fresh new take on a boudoir-inspired style and the one look I’m not here for in ANY decade.

Links/Resources:

• Club Monaco’s Onyekachi top
• Express Tie Waist Rolled Sleeve Tee
• Mango Printed Culottes

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Fenty Beauty Review

Bonus episode!

When Jessyca Renee was here we also spoke about Fenty Beauty, so here's a bonus episode with our thoughts. We walk through every item Fenty Beauty offers, paying special attention to the highlighters. Open your notes app and jot down our recs before you order your own.

Make sure you stick around for exciting news about Fenty Beauty's next launch!

Links/Resources:

• Shop my Rihanna recs from Sephora here.
• But first, sign up for eBates to get at least 4% cash back on your total purchase!

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Manolo Blahnik Documentary with Jessyca Renee

Did you know there’s a Manolo Blahnik documentary in theaters right now? I saw it with luxury planner Jessyca Renee and we agreed it’s a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.

We’re discussing our first impressions of the film including what we learned about Manolo the man, why the title of the film is trash and how we think Naomi Campbell could use a geography/history lesson… or are we just not well-traveled enough to match her knowledge?

But first - Jessyca shared her background in the fashion industry and gave her professional insight as to why Kylie Cosmetics sold out quickly but Fenty Beauty is still in stores.

Links/Resources:

• Manolo website
• Manolo: the boy who made shoes for lizards premiere dates

Follow Jessyca at @_jessycarenee on Twitter

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The September Issue

My summer vacation is finally over and I'm sharing the highlights with you guys!

Taking this episode to fill you in on what my break taught me about rest and share details about what I did during my two month hiatus. Hear about my first gel manicure, my trip to the Podcast Movement in SoCal - including the best shopping LA has to offer -  and advice for how to stand out when you attend a conference! 

I'm also introducing a new segment called "The Fashion Statement" in which I provide hot takes on current fashion events. For the first installment I'm discussing the First Lady's style decisions.

Links/Resources:

• Gilt/Gilt City
• Asanda Aveda Spa
• eBates (for cash back on all your online purchases - including Gilt deals!)
• Applolodine Nail Salon

Follow @PoisedPodcast on Twitter, like the Facebook page and keep up with @itsestafiesta on Instagram!

Check out poisednpolished.com - it's been updated with a complete episode archive and a few relevant videos!

While you're there please remember to sign up for the newsletter where I'll provide exclusive content to supplement the show.

If you're interested in any of the other projects I work on including my blog, writing for other sites, videos or features on other podcasts, check those out at itsestafiesta.com!