The Art of 'Columbusing': Give Credit Where Credit is Due

If you've been paying attention to social media over the last year, you may have seen the word "Columbusing" being thrown around. If you were anything like me, you may have been like "What in the world does that mean?"  So of course, I looked it up on the web only to find the definition in one of the most reputable sources out there: The Urban Dictionary. *insert sarcasm here* The Urban Dictionary defines Columbusing as: "When white people claim they have invented/discovered something that has been around for years, decades and even centuries."

I'm all about humor and really trying not to make everything a black or white thing so naturally I tried to see what recently has been "Columbused." So here's a few examples.

Miley Cyrus and the "Twerk" 

Apparently after Miley went Twerk crazy all over the universe, gyrating from one stage to the next...folks attempted to credit her with the newest dance craze--only to realize that black people have been doing the "twerk" or some similar version to this dance for years! I'm not sure if this is something to necessarily brag about or get a trophy for, but I can even remember "doing the butt" as a kid and yeah, pretty sure Miley wasn't around during that point in time. The Twerk = COLUMBUS'ED!

Bo Derek, The Kardashians and Cornrows

Bo Derek, one of the more popular sex symbols of the late 70's and 80's, is famous for being pictured as a bombshell on the beach with her cornrows hairstyle.

Fast forward to current times and all of the Kardashians from Khloe to Kim to Kendall have all rocked the hairstyle. It wasn't until Khloe rocked cornrows earlier this year and her younger sister, Kendall followed suit--that sources like Marie Claire coined Kendall with "taking bold braids to an epic new level" or when Hollywood Life referred to Khloe's cornrows as a "dramatic new look." Again...COLUMBUS'ED! African-American women and women of African descent have been rocking this "epic hairstyle" for years...heck decades! There's nothing new or "bold" about this hairstyle and they were popular well before Bo Derek--it's just that she was "bold" enough during that time to wear them as a Caucasian woman.

The Art of "Co-Washing"

So after all of my valuable research on Columbus'ing over the past year, I regretfully ended up putting it to use. I was browsing my Instagram feed the other day when I came across a post by a very well known celebrity esthetician (who shall remain nameless). She was going on and on and on about how she started co-washing her hair. PAUSE.  For those of you unfamiliar with co-washing, it's a term that simply means that instead of washing your hair with shampoo and then conditioner, you only use conditioner to wash your hair. You eliminate the shampoo part completely. Hence, 'co' (conditioner) washing. African-American women especially have to do this, as the chemicals and soaps in shampoos strips our hair of its natural oils. The effects of using shampoo are much harsher to African-American hair which is why co-washing has been used amongst African-American women or women of African descent well before the beginning of time.

Anywho--so I read on to see her thoughts and I was really amused as she went on to make it like "co-washing" was just invented.  That it was the BEST thing ever and here's the kicker...she gives props to Lisa Rinna and Chaz Dean of Wen Haircare products for putting her on to this "new" phenomenon. 

So I took a deep breath, and replied politely that African-American women with natural hair have been doing this since the beginning of time and that companies such as Cantu Beauty, Carol's Daughter, etc. already have a wealth of products dedicated to "Co-Washing".  Pretty much just politely informing her that this is not new, and Lisa Rinna and Chaz are not the ones who should receive the credit. Co-Washing = COLUMBUS'ED!

After I posted, she replied back that she was aware of that, which I beg to differ, because if you were aware, you would have properly given credit. She also proceeded to tag one of her African-American friends who appeared to have a haircare line to see if she had a co-wash product in her line.

Let's face it. It could have been an honest mistake, but I just had to let her know that this was not a new phenomenon and please give credit where credit is due. At first I thought the whole Columbus'ing craze was funny, but yesterday was one of the first times where it really made me scratch my head and think. I guess I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for more "new discoveries" that aren't properly credited. 

Have you noticed something that was Columbus'ed? Please share in the discussion!

Senegalese Twists at Fine Plats Braiding Salon in Coppell

It's that time of year in Texas where the weather is hotter than hot and for us "natural hair" girls...we have decisions to make.  Either we can go all summer continuously washing and moisturizing our hair (who has time for that?) or we can opt for a protective style to protect our hair from the heat and any heat damage. Well, because I have such a hectic lifestyle, I'm opting for a protective hair style this summer--plus it's stress free, easy to maintain and simple.

For the past year, I've noticed an upsurge on social media from all of my natural hair bloggers sporting the Senegalese twists. Normally these twists can go all the way down to your waist so that you have more options as far as elaborate updos or versatile styles. So once I decided to do a protective style for the entire summer, I decided to venture to my friend's new salon, Fine Plats Braiding Salon in Coppell, TX to get the Senegalese twists put in.

Me before my braids were put in. Hair washed, dried and put up in a bun.

The atmosphere of the salon was extremely laidback and it was exceptionally clean. Also, because I have an issue with sitting in a chair for too long, they offered two braiders who would braid my hair simultaneously (one on my right side and one on my left) to get me out of the salon faster. THANK YOU! When I made my appointment, I gave my hair type to the salon owner over the phone so by the time I arrived with my hair already washed and dried, the hair was in the chair and we were good to go.

Looks like Cousin "It" died in my chair...but here's my hair before they got started.

Getting started: two braiders, thick hair and an A.D.D. state of mind...hopefully this goes quick!

Halfway done!

My twists are probably 1/2 an inch in width, go down to my mid-back and took 3.5 hours with two braiders. My twists are not tight, so I will still have my edges once they get taken out. I didn't even have to tell the braiders to go easy on the edges--they already knew.  So I didn't wake up with headaches the next day or have hair bumps from the stress of the braids.

The best braiders at the salon!

I'm really in love with these twists and this new salon and plan on going back for touch-ups throughout the summer. I've received A TON of compliments on these braids--and let's face it, my self-esteem is through the roof with these.  I definitely feel like "Leah-Yonce" and no-one, I mean no-one, can tell me differently! haha If you're contemplating a protective "do" or are looking for an affordable and laidback place to get them done, please give Fine Plats Braiding Salon a try! For more information, visit their website here.

Feelin' like a million bucks!

Hint: P.S. When putting the address for this salon in your GPS, make sure you put the entire address including the city of Coppell and the zip code--otherwise you will end up on the other side of Irving like I did and be 20 minutes out of your way! Oops!

The NeoBantu Awakening: A Beautiful Insight

Dallas-based African brand, NeoBantu is more than just bold and colorful prints, playful patterns and all things vibrant. It's a brand that encourages community and culture--and for me, it was an introduction and window to my roots.

Bantu of the name "NeoBantu" is a tribe in Africa that lives by the motto "I am because we are."  There are so many powerful things about this statement in and of itself. When I was interviewing NeoBantu co-founder Tendai Tawonezvi for a write-up for DFW Style Daily (see the article here), she candidly described the Bantu culture--one that believes in community all the while celebrating individuality. I instantly became intrigued because it was as if I was attending a class to learn more about myself, my roots and where I am from.

As Tendai was describing Africa, the Bantu culture, her adventures in researching current African fashion and trends, I kept mulling over the statement "I am because we are."  How often do we really attribute success and growth based on our connection to community or the fellowship with others?  To me, I immediately began to think of Ecclesiastes 4:12.  This revelation in scripture is how I know that NeoBantu will be an ultimate success.

"And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken." ~Ecclesiastes 4:12~

The fact that the Bantu community recognizes strength in numbers and thrives off of the fact that we are not self-made by any means--we each deposit and take from each other, is so powerful to me and made me smile from the inside out. Community, culture and fellowship is the recipe for meaningful living and to a balanced life.

After my brief history into the background of the brand, Tendai gave me a tour of the showroom. I immediately noticed that I was smiling from ear to ear.  I was instantly in a good mood as I browsed through the clothing, touched the fabrics and conversed with a woman that I genuinely felt was my sister. There's no other way to describe it.  I felt as if the clothes had reached into the depths of my soul, knocked on the door and said "Awaken Leah. Arise."

I looked over to Tendai and naively began to describe just how joyous the fabrics and clothing were making me feel. It was something natural within me that was drawn to them--I was opening the door to another part of myself. I went on to describe to Tendai how playful and vibrant prints can be intimidating to some and how recently I have just stepped outside of the box to mix prints on prints because it was "on trend."

The look Tendai gave me was priceless...as if I had defied my African roots. She explained that bold prints, colorful patterns and mixing prints is all that she knows, especially since she is a Zimbabwe native.  So this is not something that is "trendy" or intimidating--this is purely African fashion and what embodies the culture. I immediately became embarrassed--to think that I have been raised culturally to fear prints, patterns, colors and the likes; to associate a negative connotation to something that is so beautiful; to dull my inner African roots to merge into American culture. Thus, the awakening began.

I likened this experience to when I first went natural with my hair 3 years ago. We, as African-American females have been trained to dislike our natural hair--that straight is more beautiful, that long length defines beauty, etc. so we damage our hair with permanent relaxer treatments. When I first went natural and started transitioning from relaxed hair to my natural hair, I remember being embarrassed to go out into public with curly roots--again something that society has taught African-American females is negative and unattractive. I fought through these negative associations and immediately begin to re-train my thinking as to what is beautiful.  In doing this, I instantly became angry--to know that we have been trained to despise our hair--something that I have learned over time to be beautiful, unique and definitive. Another awakening.

As I exited the NeoBantu showroom, I felt revived, excited. It was just another glimpse into me and why "my black is beautiful." In this moment, I couldn't be more proud of where I'm from and I can't wait to explore more. Everything about this brand is natural and I wish them nothing but eternal success. I thank NeoBantu for letting me test out their apparel, especially this colorful hi-low skirt for my photoshoot. I need to gradually merge into the prints on prints, but I subtly paired the NeoBantu skirt with an animal print belt and shoes to tap into my African side.  I'm a creature of comfort so I casually tucked a cotton tank into the skirt for a completed look.

Want to see more from this emerging brand?  Visit their website here. How do you NeoBantu?

*All images by Thomas Garza Photography / Skirt: NeoBantu, Shoes: Nine West (old), Crossbody Handbag: Hobo Handbags, Wild Flower Tank: Flourish Girls, Necklace: Lia Sophia, Rose-Gold Watch: Caravelle New York*

St. Patty's Day Dallas Style: Greenville Greatness and Ludacris Craziness

So this was my first St. Patty's Day parade and concert in Dallas and I see now why it is nationally recognized and why Mark Cuban shelled out $50,000 last year to save the parade when it was threatened to get cancelled. This is an ULTIMATE Dallas staple and I will never miss a parade again.

Oscar-like selfies with the people of Dallas..my hair included...it's its own person. I think this was after me and my friend Karen had about 3 jello shots from the random "jello shot vendor" on Greenville Ave.

I've done some great (*cough cough* *wink wink*) St. Patty's Day celebrations in my hay day back in college but um....I thought I had matured since then.  Clearly not.

Just give me my beer (in a koozie) and I'm a-okay! I think this pic was when I was telling my friend that I was happy my hair was natural...I didn't give two flips that it was raining.  NATURAL GIRLS ROCK! Oh yeah, and check out the green beer bottle cap earrings...made by 12 year old Brandon Belanger.  His company is Urban Art 12.  I got SOOO many compliments on my earrings...and yes, they were sober...I think.

Anyways, everyone's inhibitions were thrown to the wind and just there to have an all out good time. My hair seemed to be the icebreaker for everyone who came up to talk to me but I don't mind it...it usually is.

Me and friend Karen...so glad she came out to experience Greenville Ave. craziness with me!

After the parade was greatness.  The Ludacris concert...for all of only $15.  Dallas Observer....you did that.  And for the people who cheated the system and stood in the parking garage next to the concert (for free) and then had the nerve to complain that they felt the concert was wack...ummmm...you got to see Ludacris perform all of his top hits (FOR FREE) and in a "COVERED" parking garage while the rest of us GOT OUR LIFE...in the rain jammin to all of Luda's hits.  Take several seats...cheap Dallas people! I digress.

The carefree people of Dallas jammin' to Luda.  As for me...I was standing on a wet picnic table rappin and dancin my life away.

I was SO happy to be a Dallas-ite that day.  We came and PACKED out the sold out show...and danced and rapped in the pouring rain and it was seriously so much fun. I didn't realize how cold I was until I got home and it took 2 hours for me to warm up...but oh well. C'EST LA VIE!

This was my first St. Patty's Day Dallas experience and it will definitely not be my last. If you missed it...well...so sorry for you. There's always next year.

Poppin with Print Blocking

So for the past several years everyone has been obsessed with color-blocking and mastering the art of layering one bright and bold color on top of another one...think having a fuschia blouse on with a mustard pencil skirt. And while I absolutely love color-blocking (when it's done right), it can be down right atrocious if you don't know what you're doing.

So now the fashion Gods have moved on....as they always do...and have placed more emphasis on print-blocking than color-blocking these days.  Don't worry if you've gone out and bought a ton of bold and bright colored tops and bottoms to color block..this trend is still in. If you can master prints on prints, you'll be more ahead of the game.  

This was simple print-blocking for me.  It was more of the printed TopShop romper paired with the crazy printed tights.  Prints on prints = FUN!

In my opinion, print blocking is much harder than color blocking. With print blocking, you can have a plaid print paired with paisley...or floral prints with stripes. While these seem completely opposite (they are), if done right, it can make for a completely fashion forward and unique outfit combination. If done wrong, and I've seen a TON of designers fashion shows where it was tres "wrong", then it will not be a good look.

So my first attempt at print-blocking was while I was headed to a photoshoot to shoot for a local accessories company.  I wanted to be comfy but fashionable...so I paired a striped dress with an animal print scarf and then two-toned wheat colored Tims.  Now if that's not a bold mixture of colors and prints, then I don't know what is.  All in all, I was very pleased with how this turned out and received a ton of compliments.  I can't wait to try it out again! 

Natural Hair's Best Friend: A Darn Good Shower Cap

Every naturalista knows that it takes an insane amount of time to twist and lock hair, to bantu twist or to do an intricate protective style...only to step outside or into humidity to have the hair fall or frizz. One of the best things a natural hair girl can do for her hair is to protect it when she showers, whether the hair is still in twists or in a full fro.

I've gone through my fair share of shower caps, some specially ordered and others recommended by some of my fabulous natural hair friends, but I must say...that the shower cap that tops all and is a MUST for a natural hair diva, is from the Dry Bar.

The Best Shower Cap Ever! Photo Credit: TheDryBar.com

I purchased this shower cap for $15.00 at the Dry Bar when I was waiting on my sister-in-law to get her hair done over a month ago.  The inside is lined with terry cloth and it's super thick...and there is NO WAY that water or moisture is getting inside to ruin your hair.

Purchase this shower cap on location at the Dry Bar or online and I promise you will not be disappointed!

Blaine's Tamed My Mane....and I Liked It (Giveaway Included)

Blaine's Salon is one of the top salons in Dallas and is located in the trendy and posh area of Uptown off of McKinney Ave. I personally know the owners, Blaine and Sharon Schlaudt and wanted to see if their salon had what it took to tame my "natural" mane. Blaine, a guru of ALL hair types, gladly invited me in and wanted to show me why his salon knows no bounds and can tame even the toughest of manes...MINE! haha

My hair type is super coarse and after a 4 day old twist-out, I really wondered whether or not Blaine and his crew could fulfill the task.  But just as any professional stylists would, the Blaine's Dallas crew welcomed me like family, poured me MANY glasses of the champs (fancy word for champagne....I was in Uptown so you know...gotta get a little fancy) and had me feeling like a million bucks in a couple of hours.

I came into Blaine's after work after sporting a 4-day old twist-out that I had smooshed up into a bun with a double-wound headband.  Let's face it, I was a "natural" disaster.  I guess this is what you get when you're a full-time attorney, writing for 6 publications, with clients that I'm styling and attending social events several times a week. Pic 1 is after we took my bun down, pic 2 was after Manny finger-combed my twist-out.  Pic 3 and 4 is after straightening. 

Hair done by Manny at Blaine's Salon in Dallas. God Bless Him! I have a lot of hair and it is thicker than a snicker too!

While Manny was testing his skills out on my hair, I had a chance to talk to Blaine about the products that he was using...because as you know, us naturalistas are VERY particular about what products we put in our hair.  We steer clear of heavy concentrated alcohol hair products and if the first named ingredients aren't water or some form of organic oil (i.e. coconut oil, argan oil, etc.), then it's pretty much a no go. 

However Blaine's Salon uses their specially made products that Blaine personally created and tested in the labs to ensure that they have the highest level of concentration of organic oils and ingredients. And...you know me...not that I didn't believe Blaine and all...but I had to look on the back of the products and sure enough the first ingredient was water so major points for Blaine on that one!

And did I mention the smell???  The products smell amazing! I was practically in spa-mode when I was getting my hair massaged and shampooed at the bowl. *Sigh*  Pure Bliss.  *Future boo--take notes!*

I must say that after all was said and done and my hair was straightened, this was THE softest that my hair has felt in YEARS!

Manny trimming my ends.  2 years and 8 months natural.  Look at the length!!!

2 years and 8 months natural.  I'm going for bra-strap length.  Hopefully the next time I go to Blaine's I'll be 2 inches closer to my goal!  Look at the healthy sheen!

The finished product! I felt amazing!!! *fingers crossed that it wasn't humid outside...we all know what that means...*

All that to receive one of the best straightening experiences that I have received in awhile. If you're a naturalista like me and you're looking for a salon in Uptown to straighten or tame your mane, then Manny at Blaine's is the guy for you. Get your hair straightened, sip some champs, and then walk across the street and grub out at Del Frisco's Grille which has some amazing flatbreads and a fantastic wine list.  Now if only Blaine's can tame both my hair AND these obnoxious guys in Dallas, then we would be on to something here!

For more questions on Blaine's and to see what all his salon has in store, then click here.

Now for the giveaway....one lucky reader will receive full-sized bottles of Blaine's Salon products to try out and tell all of their friends about. The contest will run until November 8, 2013 so good luck!  Products will ship between November 9, 2013 and November 10, 2013. 

Leave a comment on this blog with your email address to be entered to win. Earn extra entries by following me on twitter @diamondicon, following me on instagram @beautyforeashes and/or by liking my styling companies' Facebook page "Diamond Icon Image and Styling Consultants."  Good luck!

(If you're having troubling entering a comment, choose "Anonymous" from the dropdown and enter your email that way.)

Fun Festival Styles by Apricot Lane

This summer has literally been the summer for music and art festivals. I have been completely getting more involved in the Dallas scene and with the weather still blazing...I linked up with one of my favorite stores, Apricot Lane, to show you guys some of my favorite festival styles.  I can't wait for my next music festival here in Dallas!

Photo Credit: Thomas Garza Photography, my make-up by Melanie Ann
Me and my good friend, Amber LaFrance, posing in our festival styles by Apricot Lane.  Everything from clothing to accessories to Amber's shoes are at Apricot Lane.  Unfortunately my shoes are from Steve Madden because I wear a size 11...boo! :-( 

Photo Credit: Thomas Garza Photography
Festival Style accessories by Apricot Lane.  I love the leather wrap bracelet!  Close-up on the stretch shorts....STRETCH is always a good thing! LOL!

Pretty in Peplum

Peplum is still an ongoing trend and one of my favorites.  I linked up with one of Dallas' top fashion photographers, Thomas Garza, (at a secret location) to showcase one of my favorite Vince Camuto peplum tops.  What do you guys think?

(Photo Credit: Thomas Garza Photography, Make-up by Melanie Latauska
Vince Camuto lace peplum top from Nordstrom Rack, Express jeggings & Enzo Angiolini peep toe pumps)

My Little Blue Obsession

My blue obsession continues with a Daniel Rainn studded blouse from Nordstrom Rack, jetsetter jewelry by Chelsea Bond and heels by Steve Madden.  I'm also particularly pleased with how my twist-out turned out this time around (Big thanks to my big sis Marquea for giving me a new way to twist my hair) using the L.O.C. method ("Leave-In, Oil and Creme Moisturizer). Love!

Lately, I've been trying a lot of layering with different shades of the same colors.  So...even if I'm wearing one shade of blue with my top, I might do a lighter or a variation of blue for my accessories.  I've received a lot of compliments when I do this with blues and corals.  I'll post my pics of this as I continue to do it.

Fashion for Compassion - Love Thy Neighbor

Several days ago, I attended my first Muslim fashion show.  The title was called "Fashion for Compassion" and it was geared towards fashions for the modest and conservative woman.  As I got ready for this event, I ignorantly thought that this was going to be like all Dallas fashion events so I got dressed to the nines in high-waisted shorts from Urban Outfitters, a low v-necked blouse by The Limited and studded ankle-strapped heels from Nine West.  Little did I know, one of my many life lessons was lying ahead of me.

Medina Bib Necklace - Stella & Dot, V-Necked Black Blouse - The Limited, Polka Dot Pleated High Waisted Shorts - Urban Outfitters

Studded Ankle-Strapped Heels - Nine West

Upon arrival to the event, I exited my car and entered the event only to be one of the few with excess skin exposed.  Most women were adorned in embellished tunics and floor-length dresses with their heads covered by some of the most beautiful scarves I've ever seen.  Quickly my idea of what was "dressed to the nines" or what was "beautiful" began to change.

I have NEVER committed a fashion violation, as I always adhere to the recommended attire for the event so this was the first time that I needed to be apprehended by the fashion police.  Could it be that I was too self-absorbed to have actually thought that I would have needed to be more modest for this event?  Could it have been that I was too vain to think that at a Muslim fashion event there would still be American-influenced fashion principles, where at times the less clothes you wear the more beautiful or accepted we are?  In that moment, feeling embarrassed was an understatement.  I'm a fashion writer for SEVERAL publications, so committing a fashion violation is not something that I do...but in that moment I was forced to reflect.

Fashion for Compassion, Dallas Contemporary 6/1/2013; Photo Credit: Leah Frazier

Fashion for Compassion, Dallas Contemporary 6/1/2013; Photo Credit: Leah Frazier

As I watched the fashions come down the runway, I was moved to tears.  These women were the epitome of elegance and beauty.  They were confident, vibrant and shining from the inside out.  I wanted to be that woman.  How is it that they were covered from head to toe but some of the most beautiful women that I have ever seen?  They were being seen without being seen (if that makes since.) This is entirely backwards from everything that has been ingrained in my head for all of these years.

Fashion for Compassion taught me above all, compassion and respect for other cultures; that the old saying "Less is More" is so true.  These women were stunning--only showing the outlines of their faces and leaving much to be desired; but this in itself made them goddesses and some of the most gorgeous women I have encountered.

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous... ~1 Peter 3:8

This event started out as just another fashion event that I was covering but literally within hours changed my perception of beauty and what it meant to love my fellow sisters as we all look to achieve the same goals and aspirations for ourselves.  It taught me to step outside of myself, my culture, my spirituality and my lifestyle to embrace others and their quest for self-expression.  Now more than ever, the phrase "Love they neighbor" has taken on a whole new meaning and as I progress through life in this world of fashion and dating, I can rest easy knowing that modesty and conservative approaches with style can speak louder volumes than anything I could have ever imagined.

Black and Brown: Opposites Attract

I remember being told a long time ago never to mix black and brown.  I don't know why this is, but it was just one of those things you were forbidden to do.  Kind of like "no white after Labor Day."  Well, me being the "insubordinate" one...decided to start mixing and matching more black and brown outfits.  What do you guys think???

Brown sunnies by Kate Spade.  Natural Hairstyle: Wash n Go using Mizani Detangler and Olive Oil Eco-Styler Gel

Natural Hairstyle: Curlformers

Black Dress: Throwback from Macy's, Belt: Express, Gold Tassel Necklace: Lia Sophia

Black Maxi: White House Black Market, Denim Jacket: Gap, Belt: Banana Republic, DreamCatcher Necklace: Express