The Inspiration: Natural Bride & Flower Girl

Love this Boho Picnic idea for a summer wedding! check out full gallery here images by Chelsey Boatwright Photography

Solange Knowles Steps Out In NYC

Solange Knowles steps out to meet big sis Beyonce and baby Blue Ivy in New York, Wearing a stunning spring look and bey in her sky high heels has me holding my breath (please bring back the baby bjorn carrier and Charlotte Olympia flats)

Talking Thursday: Have We Moved On From Good or Bad Hair?

The natural hair scene is well and truly on the up, with Oscar nominated actresses rocking a TWA on the red carpet, major companies focusing on product lines and ad campaigns featuring women with  natural hair or the fashion industry appearing to embrace our natural kinks and curls, all hair types are being fully embraced......right?

it's seems there may still be a good and bad hair stigma not unlike the dance number in Spike Lee's  School Daze, as we step out of the close knit natural hair blogger community onto the more widely viewed websites and forums the comments and views of some people who still see certain hair types as unruly, unprofessional and unkempt

So as the popularity of natural hair grows are we having to again change the concept of good and bad hair?

The Debate: African Caribbean Society Manchester University

Blogger Crystal of the United Kinkdom tweeted a link to this debate from Manchester University, the British young women of the ACS talk about natural hair check it out and like the video on YouTube

Thandie Newton @ Eat Yourself Young Book Launch

Thandie Newton and daughter Ripley 12 attended a book launch in London town, again Ms Newton rocked her loose curls, stunning floral dress and matching mummy and daughter chanel!

Esperanza Spalding Defined Curls

Ms Spalding usually rocks a much bigger do! however here she is preforming recently without her signature fro but with what looks like her natural air dried curl pattern, what say you?

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The Doula: Erykah Badu

Fancy having the ever talented Ms Erykah Badu present at your child's birth? well it just might happen as Erykah is a qualified Doula and soon to be midwife. A Doula is a qualified birthing partner, trained in breathing techniques, providing information and being an overall calming influence during child birth. The mother of three must have some wisdom to pass along and perhaps she could sing to you.......

Spring In Our Step

Shop The Look

It's Spring and it actually feels like it! it has me thinking of my spring summer must haves and what I'll be wearing. Due to the ever expanding bump comfort will be key for me this season but never frumpy! I have my eye on a few of Topshops jersey maxi dresses, I'll also be trying my hand at Aztec inspired leggings worn with  calf length maxi dresses and tee's. Finally I'm dying to get my hands on a pair Luxe Trainers though my budget will only stretch to Nike high tops right now!

The Baby: We're Having A Baby

I'm excited to share that Mr Naturalbelle and I are expecting our first baby! I'm now in my second trimester and wanted to share this time with my wonderful readers....we are over the moon!!!!

Follow all things Baby babynaturalbelle.tumblr.com

The Hairspiration

Addicted to Etsy, Kay via Refinery29, Malaan Ajan, Gofro.tumblr.com, Fashion Gone Rogue, Solange Knowles, Naturalbelle.tumblr.com, Julia Sarr Jamois and Nikia Phoenix 

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Jourdan Dunn For Vogue Japan

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Metallic and texture skirt suits and pencil skirts with glitter and satin! yummy luxe

The Model: Grace Bol

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Ataui Deng & Jeneil Williams for Garage Magazine

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Hair Talk With Sylvia Of Love Natural Sunshine

Firstly introduce yourself? Where are you from and what do you do?

Hello! My name is Sylvia. I am originally from Indiana although I lived in North Carolina for 5 years. I am college student, aspiring writer/photographer, and the owner of the hair care site lovenaturalsunshine.tumblr.com.

How long have you been natural? If all your life what kept you from relaxing your hair?

I have been natural my whole life! I was blessed with a supportive family who always encouraged me to be myself and pursue my creative endeavours.

What were the main reasons for your choice to wear your natural hair?

I like wearing my hair natural because, for me, it is easier that way! I would not know the first thing about taking care of relaxed hair-- not to mention styling it. I also like the versatility of natural hair. I like using a pick or wide tooth comb to shape my hair. I love the volume and body that comes with natural hair… natural hair has a visible presence!

What are your earliest hair memories? How did these memories influence your hair journey today?

From the time I was little, my mom styled my hair. She would use Pink Lotion and a lot of love. Now I know that Pink Lotion contains the infamous mineral oil and I have switched to using natural/organic products. However, I learned from my mother how important it is to take care of one’s hair and how to treasure “your crown.” My sister also motivated me to cultivate my hair and after listening to my “saga of hair problems,” comforted me and gave me advice. Eventually I started my own blog (Naturalsunshine) on tumblr to share my thoughts, experiences, and advice on natural hair.

What does having natural hair mean to you? 

Being “natural” or having natural hair is just one blade of grass that makes up the landscape of me. Although, having natural hair is important to me, I like to think my hair is an extension of myself rather than a defining characteristic of my nature.

How do you keep your hair looking so good?

My regimen is simple, it’s easier for me that way! Every two weeks, I wash with

Terressentials Mud Wash, deep condition with Greek Yogurt, clarify with an Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse, and moisturize with an Aloe Vera Juice Rinse. Then, I use my homemade Aloe Vera Gel Leave-in Conditioner. Once my hair is dry, I use Shea Moisture Restorative Leave-in conditioner, coconut oil, and my homemade Shea butter mix to style my hair. Sometimes, I use Alma Heavy Cream to style my hair too. If my scalp needs to be exfoliated I use my Brown Sugar Scalp Scrub Recipe.

What products do you use in your hair?

My favorite products are natural and organic! I love the Terressentials Mud Wash. It serves as a great shampoo and conditioner. I also like the Shea Moisture Restorative Leave-in Conditioner! It is very moisturizing, aids with detangling, and does not cause major shrinkage. Finally, I like

Alma Heavy Cream

for styling, although I usually apply my own Shea butter mix to my hair as well. Alma Heavy Cream is a great oil-based moisturizer and it helps smooth down the hair shaft.

What are your go to hair style?

My go to hair styles are the twist out and the flat twist out. Both are easy to accomplish and work nicely with showing off my thick, spongy hair texture. First, I use Shea Moisture Restorative Leave-in Conditioner to hydrate my hair strands. Then, I seal the moisture in by applying coconut oil to my hair and scalp with an applicator bottle. Finally, I style my hair with my own Shea butter mix, Alma Heavy Cream, or a combination of both.

How do you protect your hair in the winter months?

In the winter months, I like to wear Kinky Twist as a protective hair style. When I have Kinky Twist, I usually moisturize my hair with a variation of my Aloe Vera Gel Leave-in recipe. If I don’t have Kinky Twist, I like sporting a colorful beanie over flat twist.

Do you have any advice for women starting out on their natural journey?

The key suggestion given to new naturals is to have patience. Although that is good advice, I say dig in! Have fun, explore, do research, and enjoy the networks of the natural hair community. Stay encouraged and be inspired by learning new things about yourself that you never knew!

Naturalsunshine is looking for natural hair curlies in the Indianapolis, Indiana area to be featured in a Photoshoot.

Visit lovenaturalsunshine.tumblr.com/photoshoot for more information about auditioning!

To read product reviews and find the recipes mentioned in this interview, please view lovenaturalsunshine.tumblr.com.

OOTD: A Very Grown Up Dress

I'm 29 today and I'm feeling very grown up, it's another grey day in the UK but I thought I would brighten it up with my turquoise shoes and rings.

Dress from River Island

Shoes from Primark

Rings from Brick Lane & Topshop

Solange Knowles For The Evening Standard

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