Fab Facebook Tag

This pic is from my good friend's birthday party at Palm Spring Casino last week. It was a Casino Royale inspired occasion, so I decided to add a little sparkle to my fit. The top is a backless dig my back number that I've had for years. I love pulling things out of the archives for special events. Check out more pics from the night on Instagram @libertylifestyleblog.

Liberian Lone Starlette: Sang Kromah

On a rainy Saturday a few months back I attended an event with the purpose of highlighting Liberian artists and entertainers. Amongst many others, I had the chance of meeting a silent yet drop dead gorgeous beauty with the name Sang Kromah. A short time into your acquaintanceship, it was revealed to me that Sang was not just a model (and singer if I'm not mistaken) as I had previously gathered about her, but this copywriter, editor, and former Seventeen Magazine intern is also the Young Adult Author of the Concealed Series.

It is said that as a child (and my guess is still) Kromah had quite the imagination. While growing up in a small suburb in Maryland, USA her mind would cultivate strange yet intriguing stories based on the fables her parents would speak of from Liberia. In 2011 Sang's first book titled Concealed was published. To stay out of the spoilers zone let's just say the novel is about a strange girl with an even stranger ability. This natural born story teller has conveyed that writing Concealed is her biggest achievement by far, yet still plans on writing an entire series of books around the plot of it.

I don't know about you, but I have surly added reading this book on to my 'To Do List'. Copies of the read can be found on Amazon.com. For more information on Sang and the Concealed Series click here

Zutin: Zabba Designs

Zabba Designs is the creation of Miami, Florida based Liberian Mai Bradley, and has been taking the world by storm one (African) print at a time since 2010. The company’s mission is “to make women feel glamorous and elegant in African Clothing regardless of body shape and size”. The label strives in doing so by merging contemporary forms of the West with the colors and prints of West Africa.

Yes, I know, there are various brands out there providing the “African Print, Western Style” look, but what makes Zabba Designs different is that they do not just provide clothing, their products expand to handbags, clutches, bangles and earrings too. All of which can be found in African Lace, Ankara, Masai, and Kente cloth. “Zabba Designs is a movement that is set on painting the world in a kaleidoscope of bold, vibrant color combinations and dazzling patterns.”

Here are some of my fav picks. Visit them for more here.

Zutin: Tende's Closet

Today's Zutin Post tells the story of Tende's Closet, an online boutique owned by fellow Liberian, Gennet Tende Tsehaye-Henry. The business carries the belief that all women should always be "Classy and Fabulous!" This is why it is said, they focus on providing shoppers with sophisticated and trendy clothing and accessories for every budget and style. New clothing, as well as one of a kind, consignment, vintage, and gently used items can be found on the site. They also carry items by local St. Paul, Minnesota designers.

When asked where the name of the business transpired, it was learned that Tende is a traditional name of the Grebo Tribe meaning "try something new". Gennet expresses that she is doing exactly that with her booming project. Below are some of my favorite pieces, to see more click here.

Zutin: Afropolitan

I have mentioned the brand Afropolitan her on the blog many times before, but realiz I have never done a full feature on the boutique itself. Being that this fab little place has just recently been "Refreshed" as the owner and pal Tianna Sherman Kesselly likes to say, I figured the timing couldn't be any better. The store has been in Monrovia for quite some time now, and is one of the pioneers in delivering African Print in Western designs.

Afropolitan has recently gone under some fierce renovations, and is ready for you to visit them on Benson St. at the Corner of Newport St. today. They also have some new products in store just for you, the man, or child in your life. Make sure to check them out their Facebook Page for more details.

Style Diary: Divine In Blue

Hello Loves! So, I have been trying to post this for almost a week now. Yuh know internet business can be ha nah. I wore this last Saturday thinking I wanted to go ahead and mix a little hard with a little soft, and any chance I get to wear my "Divine" colored lipstick by Covergirl I take it. I think it went perfectly with this ensemble. What do you all think?

Top & Skirt- Forever 21

Shoes & Necklace- Marazetti

Sunglasses, Bracelets, and Bag- Gifted

Watch- Relic

Zutin: Elegant Essentials

Elegant Essentials is a Liberian owned boutique based in Newport News VA in the United Sates. Priding its self in providing affordable vintage, custom, and fashionable jewelry, they promise to leave you looking fabulous.

The site mentioned their items also include clothes and shoes, but I didn't happen to see any being showcased. My thoughts are they plan on expanding in the near future. Check out some of my favorite pieces below. For more information about Elegant Essentials click here.

Liberty Lifestyle for Onestar Network: Video #3

As promised here is the video from the F.A. Foreign Affairs Album Release Concert for Onestar Network . I don't know what was going on with the editing on this one, meaning you have to click here to see three separate videos instead of just one. Doesn't matter, its still great. Enjoy!

Events: Go Woman Magazine Official Launch

Go Woman Magazine made it official debut this past Saturday at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra Ghana. I first wrote about the bi-monthly, West African published magazine here, where I stated that all content will be reported by women in Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. Though I did not get a chance to contribute to the first issue (I'm still vex, but juggling the schedule I have is never easy) Liberia was still showcase which I'm too excited about! Check out some pics from the event below.

Liberian Lone Starlette: Stephanie Salamartu Duncan

This month's Lone Starlette is a buddy of mine that has been making huge efforts here in Liberia through her many philanthropic activities. Check her out.

1. Tell us your name and what you do

"My name is Stephanie Salamartu Duncan.  I like to consider myself a social entrepreneur.  I am the Managing Director and partner to Elite Staffing Agency, a Liberian owned Human Resource Company.  I’m also the founder of The Association for the Advancement of Liberian Girls (AALG), a Liberian registered Non Governmental Organization established as an advocate for the advancement of Liberian females
through education, philanthropy, and social activities."

2. How do you maintain a positive work/life balance (fun, marriage,
motherhood, personal relationship, friendships)?

"I have an unbelievable passion for life because of my personal relationship with God and my unconditional love for my two daughters. Being a single mother has helped me to stay focus and strong.  As I’ve learned, life can be tough at times.  However, I know the tough times are only a test of my faith and are a testament to my strength.  I maintain a positive work and lifestyle by staying true to my character and not dwelling on things and/or people who has the potential to derail me from my goals."

 

3. How would you describe your fashion style?

"The best way to describe my fashion style is “simple” glamour.  I love simplicity; not a lot of makeup, jewelry, accessories, etc.  I focus on a part of my body I love the most (my legs) and I find a tactful to make it a part of my fashion.  I love the simple glamour of the 1940s and 50s (a pencil skirt, a fitted jacket or blouse, with a three inch heels/pumps).  That era had all the ingredients of simplicity and glamour:  sexy, elegant, and professional.  Women were comfortable showing their silhouette in a classy manner."


 

4.  How do you think you can inspire young Liberian girls with similar goals and ambitions like yours?

"The ultimate inspiration is to encourage others to believing in
themselves.  I have a passion for life which I don’t mind showing that side of my behavior  to young Liberian girls, whether it’s through my work, my relationship with others, and most especially, how much I believe and love myself.  As a mother and a mentor, I encourage Liberian girls, including my daughters, to always believe in themselves and live life with little regrets.  As long as you don’t hurt yourself or anyone else, don’t ever be afraid to live out your dreams."