You should recognize the name! I have covered him several times; from his Lootswaay Fest  music events to his Lootswaay apparel, I have come to know, love, and appreciate Robert Reasons Brown! We were able to recently connect and chat a bit about what he has been up to. Reasons finished school in May and will be graduating with a marketing degree on June 13th from Bluefield State College. Since finishing school, Reasons has been pushing forward with his music, his designing, his basketball game, and his latest venture -the Honey Comb Experience. 

"The vision is clear," he told me, "to move foward. Now I have more opportunities, I have more resources to pull from. I have a resume and references. Now is the time." Even a pandemic could not slow him down; though his event was initially postponed, he took the time to plan and create. He has new music in the form of Lone Fish 2 -which we will come back to. 

The Honey Comb Experience is Reason's latest endeavor. It is an exclusive, invitation only event. It could be described as a church for creatives in that it focuses on bringing together creative minds to learn, to support, to encourage, to celebrate and to network.. "It is going to be a pure and organic vibe, " Reasons explained, That desire to bring creative minds together is how the Honey Comb Experience began. In fact it already began with a kick off in May. A house was rented and there were split rooms to help social distance. There were screenings with temperature checks, face masks and hand sanitizers were provided. At the end of the night there was a concert! Reasons really thought of everything. It was a laid back way to introduce people to his vision and be confident in his purpose. 

​While it was a success, there was ALOT of behind the scenes work that went into it. "I had to drive three hours away the day of to pick up equipment, drive three hours back and still set up," Reasons explained. That is why, Honey Comb will be invitation only. "I only want people who are serious and driven. The cream of the crop. This is not a party, this is a way to bring people together and to learn. We will provide you with resources you need, it is up to you to use them. There will be time to unwind afterwards, but this is not a party." 

The next event is planned for Sept 19th and it is aimed for a larger scale. For example, artists will host classes, there will be inspirational talks in the afternoon, specifically the first black comic book author will be sharing his journey, his struggles, and how he over came them. There will be chefs and pop up shops -all in all it will be a whole day event. Reasons has a manifester mentality to him. He is a pusher and wants to see people succeed and grow. That is what he is hoping to accomplish with the Honey Comb Experience. 

In addition to preparing for Honey Comb, Reasons has been really pushing his music and his clothing line. I'll start with his clothing line. Now on the Lootswwway site you can find the 'Dreamer' hat, jackets, and shirts -which I am about to order! The meaning behind it is to have a dream and to go for it. That is what Robert -Reasons- is all about. He sets goals, he dreams big, he goes for it. He accomplishes those goals. And what a more fitting time than now to have someone so optimistic, so encouraging, so willing to bring people up. With tensions so high in the country, Robert is exactly the person to turn to. He will make you feel so inspired and courageous. He wants to see everyone be their best and succeed. 

This actually brings me to another wonderful fact about Reasons that he is passionate about. And that is him being a father. "I haven't spoken about it much in the past," he explained, "but fatherhood is a top priority to me and it was a private thing to me for a while. Now, I'm trying to open up more. I want it to be known. I want to be a good example and a leader for other single parents. I want to make my kids proud, as well as cultivate them and give them more opportunities. I want them to be the best versions of themselves."

Reasons, I have no doubt your kids are going to grow up to be unstoppable. And you have a large community here to help you out any time. In this time of distress and uncertainty, you are the type of person we need to lead, to bring together, to inspire. You are truly one of a kind! 

One last thing I want to shout out is that Reasons has new music coming out! Yes! Lone Fish 2 will be coming out on Sept 10th (which just happens to be his birthday!) and if you're interested he will have a concert on June 13th at the Power House Studio  from 6 to 9pm. If you cannot wait that long, his single 'GOTTI' is out now on social media and streaming services like ITunes and Spotify. This new is sure to be a hit! It is letting the world know exactly who Reasons Brown is....


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Unapologetically.





Lootswaay

Hello and Happy Monday! 

Today I have another two-way styling post for you. I'm using one of my favorite mixed prints combos. This skinny scarf which has a bit of a paisley print to it -which is a little hard to see granted. And a white button down shirt. I think what I like most about it is that the print mixing is subtle, it is the color contrast that I really like. 

The first look kind of grabbed my attention because it almost has an old school, Britney vibe to it. Ya know, the Baby One More Time era. Hey, Britney is amazing and you cannot tell me other wise! But it really does have a school-girl vibe to it or even a men's wear vibe you could argue. 

Now I tried it untied as well with the skirt, but it just did not have the same effect. So I switched the skirt for these red, wide legged pants. I can't really put my finger on what it is about this look that I like so much. But I really do! I like the colors in the mix and again the prints. I think also has a vague men's wear vibe to it. 

I hope you guys like it! Thanks so much for reading! 

Hope you guys have a great week ahead! 

XOXO

Shirt: LOFT
Scarf: Target
Skirt: Forever 21
Pants: LOFT
Heels: Target
Bag: Versona
Shades: Hashtag Sunglasses

Show of hands, who all is kind of tired of the rain? 

I feel like it has been raining for a month! And while typically I love a good rainstorm -especially at night- I am kind of ready for some sun shine. Maybe it is fitting given the horrific things going on right now. Tensions are high, everyone is taking sides and are ready to wage war -guys an we take a collective deep breath and try harder to be extra kind to each other? Shit is crazy -sorry yet again Mom and Dad- but we can help make it a little less crazy by being respectful of each other -even others with differing opinions or views- we can try a little harder to be kind to each other. We can't get through this storm unless we are a team and working together to make things better. 

Okay. that's all the serious talk for now. 

Today's post will be brief. I told you I was not through with this crop top, which has become one of my favorite pieces! I am finding new way to styling all the time. Today's pairing; paper bag, pleather shorts, with angled mules, and a Target crossbody bag! 

It is pretty simple but so charming and flirty, I just loved the pairing! 

Thank you so much for reading! 

Stay safe! I love you guys! 

XOXO


Crop Top: Apricot Lane Boutique
Shorts: K LA Boutique
Mules: Versona
Bag: Target
​Shades: Hashtag Sunglasses

Hello and Happy Monday! 

Happy Memorial Day! 

I hope you're enjoying this long weekend while still staying safe! Today I am sharing a different post with you! It is a beauty post! A question/comment I get a lot is about my eye lashes and which kind of mascara I use. Now my professional make up artist friends please be kind to me! I'm now way nearly as skilled in the trade as you are and there maybe far superior mascaras out there, these are the ones that I like the best for me. 

​First up we have one of my all time favorite mascaras -Miss Manga Voluminous by L'Oreal. 

I have been using this for years and it never fails me! There is actually another version with a gold top that I prefer a bit better. The wand on it is a bit sturdier. The want on this fuchsia capped version bends a bit more. You still get the same effect, but I just prefer the other a bit more. 

The bristles on this are thick and grab your lashes from the root up to the top resulting in thick, long lashes. 

I especially use it when I have an event to go to. Or a night out -remember those!? 

I do typically try to save this for special occasions because for some reason they don't sell this in stores anymore. You can still find it online though, so that is where I get it. 

​So following up on the finer more intricate brushes, here are two of my favorites. Both are from Wet n' Wild. What I love about these two is that  they seem to comb my lashes through. 

Now, I could be completely wrong about this. But it seems to work for me. I like to use two types of mascaras on a daily basis. I use one to get a full lash going, then use the other for lengthening and volume. 

Here lately, I have been starting with the Manga, Butterfly or Bambi Eye -which we will get to- to get the lash lengthening going, and then either the Max Volume or the Mega Length to kind of combo out the lashes. It doesn't hurt that it gets a little additional length to it. Sometimes I reverse it and prefer to comb out the lashes first, then go for the volume. It really just depends on the day, my mood, what I feel like trying that day... I honestly am not sure if it even matters which order you go in.  

​And finally, we have Bambi Eye Mascara also from L'oreal!

This rounded brush and thick bristles is meant to give you the doe-eye'd look. Hence the name 

I tried it on a whim, and quickly fell for it. It does give you a doe-eye'd look. It lengthens you lashes right up! In my opinion it is very similar to the Manga mascara. 

Unlike the Butterfly mascara, this whisks your lashes upwards instead of winged outwards. 

Depending on the day/event/or my mood I switch between all of these mascaras. 

Thank you so much for reading! I hope this helps you a bit next time you are in the market for a mascara! Stay safe and have a wonderful weekend! =)


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Miss Manga, Voluminous Butterfly, and Bambi Eye Mascara: L'Oreal 
Max Volume Plus and Mega Length Mascara: Wet n' Wild

Hello and Happy Friday! 

SOO... not only am I having phone issues, I am now in the market for a new laptop. To be fair the laptop has been a long time coming. It has been having issues for a bit now. So this is completely out of the blue. And ya know, maybe it won't be so bad. A fresh start is always good. Set backs can get me down. But they can also be a new beginning. They teach you patience,  resourcefulness, creativity, gratitude, and the will to keep going. 

SO I am posting today, from my parents computer! AND as soon as I'm published I will be off to Best Buy in search of a new laptop! 

Today I am in love with this color combo! So, I had been looking for other ways to wear both this hot pink jumpsuit and this crop top. The jumpsuit has been one of my favorite pieces for a while now. BUT how else can you wear a jumpsuit? Well as it turns out, you can style them several different ways! I've worn it as a stand alone piece. I've paired it with a denim jacket. And today, I'm pairing it with a crop top. I also have another idea you will probably see later on. Today it was the color combo that really intrigued me. I had no idea how it would actually look, so I just tried them together on a whim. 

There are two things I like about this look. 1. I think part of it is the lengths. You have the crop top, which is short -of course- and hits right above the waist which oddly lengthens me a tiny bit. There is also the cropped legs of the jumpsuit, which I have always love about it. Something lovely and unique that sets it apart from other jumpsuits. Another thing is the colors! I love the color combo going on in this look. Again, that was what initially caught my eye. I feel like everything is in the relatively same color family. 

One other thing I like about it is the silhouette it creates! 

I hope you enjoy this post and wish me luck in my quest for a new phone/laptop!  Hopefully next time I post it will be from a new laptop! =) 

XOXO

Jumpsuit: Versona
Crop Top: Apricot Lane Boutique
Heels: Versona
Bag: Target
Shades: Hashtag Sunglasses 
​Necklace: LOFT 

Hey my loves! 
 
Happy Monday! I hope you are all doing well and staying safe! 

Today has been a tricky one. I try to post outfits ahead of time -plan and take pictures to use throughout the week. Well... I didn't get to that this particular post, so I was planning looks throughout the work day and this is what I fell upon. I felt a casual look would be nice. Something you can dress up or down. I got to show off two of my favorite boutique heels. 

BUT then I rediscovered my favorite cargo pants and thought 'wow these pieces would pair perfectly together!' So... I tried it! And I personally loved it! These cargo pants have been such a great find! They style so well! 

So now I am curious, which look do you guys like more? The distressed jeans? Or the cargo pants? I love both I won't lie to ya! I'd wear both out to events, or lunches or concerts... I mean... when these things are a thing again of course. But I do love the look of both! 

Please comment and let me know what you think! 

Thanks for reading!

XOXO

Happy Friday!!! 

Okay my fashion fam, this look is a bit different. Not drastically different, but a little bit. Now, when I do stripes I really love incorporating as many stripes as possible. This is one of my favorite looks when it comes to stripes.

Stripes almost literally from head to toe! 

Between the shirt and the bag both being stripes but opposite color pattern. I love the contrast. There is also the stripes that come to a point on the bag that add additional contrast to the stripes. Then of course the heels with the stripe-like straps! Man oh man I love these shoes! They are comfortable and eye catching! One of my absolute favorite pair of shoes I own I have had them for a few years now and love them just as much! I may have a blog coming up on heels... so you maybe seeing them again soon! 

Of course I wanted a pop of color so, I paired it with this yellow sweater from Shein.com. It is comfortable and cozy, it maybe a bit warm now but I'm very happy with this purchase! Not only is it a bit of color, but it also adds some texture to this look, which I really appreciate. 

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Stay safe please! I'm so thankful for all of the support! 

See you Monday!

XOXO


Shirt: Target
Shorts: Victoria's secret
Heels and Bag: Versona
Sweater: Shein.com
Shades: Hashtag Sunglasses

Hey you guys! My Dad did a thing! 


Well, to be accurate, he has been doing his thing since.. well perhaps it was a life time in the making! 

​

​​It began as a kid when he was growing up in Wooster, Ohio. Bryan had an interest in music from a young age. From his mom's old records to the singles his father used to bring home. Although he recalled it was his cousins that really influenced his musical tastes. "I would listen to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones with them," he recalls. But it was those influences that encouraged him to purse the guitar. "I wanted to be in a band," Bryan said.

Well, that dream did not leave him ever. Bryan began writing songs of his own. One of his very first was 'Psychiatrist In Disguise.' While that song didn't go far, his song-writing and creating did begin. Since then he has written many amazing songs. Songs that have gone far! Songs that have reached many different people, and songs that have had more of an impact that I would bet he ever would have imagined. 

This made me wonder, how does he come up with these songs?  "It can be a lot of different things," he explained, "a lot of times it is a theme or title from a sermon or something I read from the Bible that just sticks with me. It hits a nerve and from there I begin brainstorming. There are certain points I want to cover specifically, then the rest seems to work itself out."

​This worship team my dad leads is called Promise. Why promise? Well it is because of all of God's promises. I honestly can't really remember when my dad wasn't leading Promise. And one memory that sticks out to me is after one song everyone clapped. My dad was taken aback and for me, I felt so proud and happy for him. It was just a moment where it felt like something so special was happening. Which begged me to ask what was his favorite moment. "Just being able to be a blessing to others," he said, "certainly there have been some fun experiences. I enjoy playing at coffee houses, I enjoy the feedback I get from people -how the music has touched their lives, that's always wonderful to hear. Another fun experience was recording our last CD. It was such a great experience. From the actual recording and how the recording came out to a music video that captured the record making process. The whole experience was a joy."  

The Lord does work in the most mysterious of ways. My dad -Bryan- had a love for music and wanted to play in a band. Well, here he is leading a band for the last 20 years! He is making cds!  He is writing some of the most amazing songs!  His latest venture is launching his own website; www.bryanvanderhill.com, where he releases a song of the month that you can buy/download. You an find his music on Google Play, Spotify, Itunes, Deezer, Amazon, and Youtube! ​

​I would highly recommend checking them out! I know I'm a bit biased but he is truly talented! Not only is he talented, but seeing my Dad make these bold moves inspired me to make bold moves, like starting my blog! 

I'm eager to see where Bryan's music takes him. The sky is the limit! I hope you enjoy this post as much as I enjoyed creating it! I hope you check out my Dad's music and are moved by it! 


www.bryanvanderhill.com

Hey all! Happy Monday!

So this look is something I have been kind of working on for a bit. Which is funny since it is such a laid back look. I tried it a few times and for some reason it did not seem right. Well, today, I am not sure what I did different -except change bags- and loved the result.

Its a perfect look for this crazy Charlotte weather. Its chilly in the morning but then warms up! This look is pretty warming and yet also breathable. Not to mention I love my chucks! I can't get enough of them! I feel like they really complete the look!

Plus this Shein graphic tee is so sassy and chill! It has been one of my favorite tees I've purchased! 

Thank you so much for reading! Stay Safe and if all goes well, I'll see you Wednesday for a special post! Fingers crossed!!

XOXO

Sweater: LOFT
Tee: Shein.com
Chucks: Target
Shades: Hashtag Sunglasses ​
Bag: Target

Hello and Happy Saturday! 

I don't usually post on Saturdays, but yesterday I was having some technical issues and the day got away from me. 

Any how, I'm back today! 

This graphic t-shirt dress has been with me for a little while now. It was one of my first Shein finds maybe a year or so ago -give or take. But it is so comfortable and so cute! Not to mention easy to wear! I've gone the head to toe blue route -where I paired it with blue heels and a blue bag. I've paired it with sneakers -that's the most effortless way to go. And today I'm mixing prints by pairing it with a trench vest and sling back heels, cheetah print booties.

I really love the dramatic length differences between the dress and the trench vest. I think that is was drew me to pair them together. 

Thanks for reading and I hope you are having a great weekend! 

See you Monday!

XOXO

Dress: Shein.com
Shoes: Fab'rik Boutique
Vest: Forever 21
Bag: Shein.com
Shades: Hashtag Sunglasses