Author: Arielle Wilson

“I like my money right where I can see it: hanging in my closet.” — Carrie Bradshaw Aspiring editorial writer from Atlanta, GA. 20 yrs old. I'm just a chick who digs cool clothes and patterns. I'm not looking for the latest trends, I'm creating them.

How to Use the Versatility of Fashion to Your Advantage

A very special power that lies within fashion is that it gives people the power to be whoever they want. You can decide to be a bohemian, punk chick one day and a hip hop, vintage Barbie the next. Many people have a certain category of style they fit under, but fashion gives you the potential to be versatile and rock any and every style. I encourage everyone to dive into a fashion trend or category they aren’t familiar with; so of course I had to take my own advice. Lately, I’ve been bored with clothes so I decided to try out a style I’ve been neglecting.

I’ve been wanting to go for an edgy, sophisticated, girlboss look. So when I stumbled across this faded, black denim overall dress in Forever 21, I knew it was fate. It gives off an edgy, summer street style vibe. The patches and straps of the dress give it a hint of color, allowing you to match accessories or makeup. Patches are a popular trend that has been taking over in the fashion world. They instantly can take a piece of clothing from drab to fab, and they come in all different shapes, designs, objects, and colors. The dress is comfortable and loose, allowing you to take advantage of the summer breeze and beat the heat. This dress is definitely retro ’90s and reminds me of Tommy Hilfiger denim carpenter overalls.

To keep the edgy look, I traded in my usual style of Old Skool Vans for a pair of clear strap, lace-up heels from Fashion Nova. Nothing says girlboss like your favorite pair of little black heels. I paired this outfit with gold accessories to add a little street flare. I added gold accents to my ears, neck, and wrist to complete this outfit. I’m wearing giant gold hoops to match my giant Afrocentric hair, a gold star choker from Forever 21, and a dainty, feminine gold Casio watch.

Of course, your outfit isn’t complete without hair and makeup. These are your two most noticeable accessories. I fluffed out my curls with a pick to add volume to my hair. The bigger the hair the harder they stare! For makeup, I went with light coverage on the face and dramatic eyes. I used the Take Me To Brazil palette from BHcosmetics to add the pop of red on my eyelids and I used NYX Electric Blue liner for my waterline.

I absolutely love this look I created. I inspired myself to use the versatility of fashion and beauty to my advantage. Always try new things and find new ways to express yourself through fashion. You have a whole platform in front of you and you are the canvas. Ready. Set. Create!

How do you use the versatility of fashion to your advantage? Show us on social media and tag @Cfashionista!

Branding Yourself

In today’s society, a secret weapon has taken over the world that allows people to share themselves and what they have to offer. It’s called social media. Social media is giving people the opportunity to make money, brand themselves, and influence others. I happen to be someone who is fortunate enough to experience these opportunities, obtaining them through hard work and dedication.

My real name is Arielle, but online I’m considered CurlFriendAri the natural hair guru. I have a YouTube Channel and Instagram that focuses on natural hair, branding myself on both platforms. Becoming an influencer is something I never thought I would be able to achieve, but it all happened so quickly. I remember just a few months ago I was envious of all the girls on social media with big followings, whether it was for hair, makeup, or fashion. I thought to myself “How do I get there?” and “I want to do that!” Now, a few short months later, my following has expanded significantly enough that I was invited to an event for natural hair as a special guest speaker. Talk about branding!

If branding yourself is something you’d like to achieve, here are a few tips. First, find out what you love to do. It could be anything; animals, photography, DIY crafts, you name it. Document, record, practice, and gain knowledge on this special task or interest. Then here comes the fun part; pick a name for yourself. Pick something that describes you or what you’re interested in. Make social media accounts with your name of choice and start posting! It’s that easy. All you have to do is start. I guarantee there are a million other people interested in the same things as you.

Making a name for myself is a very challenging task but I love all the perks that come with it. For instance, when I was invited to be a special guest speaker I couldn’t believe it! I had to find the perfect outfit that represented who I was, which also goes along with branding.

I decided to go with an early ’90s style. I threw on some mom jeans I found at my local thrift store. I decided to pair it with a polyester nylon crop top from Forever 21. I also slipped on my favorite Vans to add an edgier look. For accessories, I added a black belt to tie the outfit together and put on a gold watch, hoops, and necklace matching my bag.

With everything that I am—YouTuber, natural hair advocate, influencer, and Style Guru—I try to present myself in the most honest and accurate way possible. Branding myself by being myself. Showing people who you are and what you’re interested in is the biggest way to gain a following. When you are your authentic self there is no competition.

In what way do you positively influence others? Share with us on social media! Make sure you tag @Cfashionista.