More Cool Pink All Around the 'Net: Other Blogs I Write For

Hey Cool Pinks,

So sometimes, I'm kinda serious and I write health-related articles that help us to be better women and, you know, sexier :) Here's a recent article I wrote for For Harriet  for everyone to check out. There should be another one up in the next few days as well. I'll keep you posted.

Until then, stay cool, pink--and healthy :)

--Miya

Cool Pink All Around the 'Net: Other Blogs I Write For

Hey Cool Pinks,

So, a few other fashion and beauty blogs have flattered me by thinking I'm opinionated and fashionable enough to write for them. Here's an article I did for My Thirty Spot (a pretty cool blog, by the way) about how to be fashion-forward, 30, and appropriate. Hope you guys enjoy!

http://www.mythirtyspot.com/2012/02/how-mirror-changes-reasons-for-re.html

Hair Wars: What To Do With Your 'Do

You're already late for work (you just got out of the shower, and you have no idea what you're going to wear--sound familiar?) So what are you going to do with your hair? More importantly, what will your hair allow you to do to it?

You don't have the time to book an appointment at the salon. Remember, you're already late for work (I know it's tempting, but just try to have some self control lol). And, you don't have any weave tracks laying around to create a new look. Or maybe you do. But that's for another day :) So, here are some quick fixes that will tame your mane, and get you into the office just before the boss notices that your chair is empty.

Headbands. If you don't have any headbands, go purchase like 10 of them, right after work. Even if you have super-short hair. A flower or bead embellishments offers just enough style at the office without being over the top. And even if your hair is slightly damp, or too dry, you can hide these issues well with headband. For instance, brush your bangs back and hold them in place with a headband if you didn't have time to flat iron them. Or, spray some oil sheen on your curly locks and position them around a headband with a large embellishment. Style Bakery Teen (I know, they're in the teen section, but this is a "young" trend you can get away with) has an array of headbands for you to choose from (shown above). Look at more of their selection here.

Hats. A fedora, or even a baseball cap, can hide the fact that you and your hair aren't exactly on good terms right now. A hat is also another way to display your Cool Pink sense of style:) Of course, hats aren't always allowed in the workplace. However, if you work in a creative environment and won't be reprimanded for wearing a hat to work, find your favorite hoop or feather earrings and wear a hat that compliments the neutral shades of brown, black or gray you're wearing. Check out some hat choices here.Oh, and put some leave-in conditioner on your hair and cover it with a scarf before putting your hat on. That way, you're treating the breakage and dryness of your hair all day. It's more likely that your hair will cooperate tomorrow:)

Head scarves. Style Rev features a scarf that Ashely Olsen recently wore that I'm sooooo in love with. Check it out here. This can serve as the inspiration for more affordable versions of the head scarf. Visit your local craft store, purchase a few yards of fabric, and have a small fashion show in front of the mirror. Fold and tie the scarf in ways that flatter your head and face shape to cover all your hair, or form the fabric into a headband to make it more appropriate for work.


Have no fear, Cool Pinks. There's always a way to stay fab--even when your hair is having an off-day:)

Purple Kisses: Why Purple Lipstick Belongs in Your Makeup Bag

Sure, it's risky. But you can do it--even if you're on your way to work, or that really important meeting where you've got to impress the boss. Purple lipstick is another cosmetic item that we've been warned against by older women of color. And while our aunts and grandmothers meant well when they told us not to wear purple lipstick so we wouldn't look like clowns or "women of the evening", there are several purple shades that fit your sense of fashion--and keep you from looking, uh, questionable :)

Graftobian Professional Makeup makes a lilac-hued lipstick that is ideal for Black women with cool (bluish or green) undertones. If your skin is the color of nutmeg, or has a whitish-brown shade that is similar to cocoa or a white chocolate latte, this lipstick is for you. Wearing the lipstick with a light-colored concealer under your eyes will make your lips pop without drawing unwanted attention to your face. Instead of blush, wear a bronzer, so the pink and red tones of the blush won't compete with your pout :) You can find this pretty purple lipstick  here:)

Givenchy Lipstick #562 in Purple Shine is a magenta pout paint that works well for women with warm undertones. This is a more subdued alternative to a classic red lip, and is even more beautiful with a cat eye. A subtle pink blush will help to bring this look together. And fyi, if you're wearing this liptick to work, go for a conservative hairstyle like a bun or ponytail.

Up the Amp by MAC pretty much looks good on everyone. I know it may look intimidating in the tube, but once you put it on your lips, you'll start to notice the red, orange, and pastel purple flecks in the lipstick--depending on your skin tone. Find a purple or slightly fuchsia liner to keep this lipstick intact, and use a nude or shell-colored eyeshadow to add balance to the look. This lipstick is great for a mid-week office pick-me-up, or a night on the town. Either way, it's the perfect color attraction when you want to wear all black or gray :)

Try these purple lipsticks, and send me your pics so I can feature them. Stay cool, pinks :)