Magic Words - Marian Mereba

The best part about stumbling upon something by accident is that once you realize you found something spectacular, it almost feels like gold to you. That's how I felt a couple of months ago when I stumbled upon Marian Mereba while looking for a completely different artist's mixtape. This Ethiopian beauty and Spelman College alumn is finally on her way up in the music industry with a whole new sound that is about to change the way we hear music.

I love how Mereba's style is an infusion of boho and pieces of her native culture. She looks stunning, even in her more laid back wear!

I'll let you in on why I'm obsessed with Mereba right now. Her sound has the potential to change the way we listen to music. Her voice has the similar gentle, earthy tones that R&B and soul have brought us, while her beats have a more futuristic vibe. And she raps! Poetry to say the least.

Be sure to go download Mereba's EP "Room For Living" (the remixes version was my favorite personally). Might I suggest tracks 1, 5, 8, 9, 11, and 12? Those are just my top picks. We will be keeping our ears open for this multi-talented newcomer in the very near future. See you at the top of The Stares Marian!

Pictures provided by:

Google.com

Marianmereba.com

Angelica Florence Accessories

As any fashion goer knows, accessories not only have the power to bring out the true beauty of fashion in an outfit, but they can also bring out the personality of the wearer as well. That's why I am in love with my turquoise bracelet I received from Angelica Florence Accessories (as seen in "The Covalent Blonde")! The glass-beaded designer jewelry is handmade and can only be found on this online store. Whether you're a wearer of pearls or gemstones, Angelica Florence has the perfect accessory for anyone!

Although turquoise is my personal favorite type of jewelry stone/color to wear, you can pick your favorite kind from any of the wide selection Angelica Florence has to offer!

 Happy shopping fashion fiends!

Shop now at http://www.angelicaflorenceaccessories.co.uk/

The Covalent Blonde

Happy 2014 my good followers and fashion fiends! I make it a mission every new year to challenge myself and do one new thing out of my comfort zone. This year's mission: Go blonde! That's right guys. The first thing I've ever done extreme to my hair, and you know what? I think I really like it. I plan on keeping it for a while. Taking the Stares to your discomfort zone isn't always easy. And yet, it can be done.

Today's ensemble catered to the recent below freezing temperatures in the Athens, Georgia area. Long sleeved crop tops pair well with any maxi skirt for a cute and casual winter look that'll keep you warm in such unpredictable weather.

 I am a woman who loves color. Winter is always a great time to experiment with adding pops of color to your outfits because we have a tendency to wear earth tones and neutral tones. In this outfit, I gave a pop of color to my outfit with a purple lipstick to compliment the burgundy scarf.

Hmm. Now don't those shoes look familiar...

 Accent any look with turquoise and gold jewelry!

In 2014, make it your mission to Take the Stares to your discomfort zone! Who knows. It may end up being your new favorite place to be.

Crop Top - by Audrey (Borrowed)
Maxi Skirt - by Chelsea & Violet (Uptown Cheapskate)
Scarf - (Borrowed)
Knee High Socks - (Target)
Shoes - by Nine West (America's Thrift Store)
Gold/Turquoise Bangle Bracelets - H&M
Turquoise Beaded Glass Bracelet - Angelica Florence Accessories
Stone Ring - (Borrowed)
Bronze Ring - Forever 21

 Photography By Joy Etuk

DIY - Leg Warmers

Can you believe it only takes 3 easy steps to make your very own pair of leg warmers for the winter? Here, I'll show you!

Materials:

• Old sweater (Size depends on preference of fit of leg warmers. For example, a larger sweater will make baggier leg warmers)
• Scissors
• Needle and thread (optional)

Step 1:

Using your scissors, take your sweater and cut completely along the hem of sweater sleeve.

Step 2:
The sleeve should be completely cut off, as shown below. Repeat step one with your second sleeve.

Step 3:
You can now either sew a hem around the newly cut hole with your needle and thread, or simply tuck the excess fabric into the leg warmer, so it will look something like this.

Now you have your very own pair leg warmers! If I were you, I'd make as many as possible. It's going to be cold this winter.

Here's some more inspiration to get you started...

Concept provided by Kayla Johnson

Pictures provided by:

Wanelo.com

Google.com

Sweaters Are Ugly

The evolution of the ugly sweater has been something remarkable to watch. It started as something we'd cringe at when we'd see Aunt Sally wearing it at family Christmas dinners, then turned into a must have when fall and winter rolled around. As you can see, I've found my appreciation for them. They've become a quirky, fun anthem for taking on the cold weather. Time to Take the Stares ugly sweater style this season!

Confession: I really hate the word "jeggings". A lot. So I'm just going to refer to them as my blue leggings. I like this color blue because I can pair them with an assortment of brightly colored shirts and they'll still look really cool. 

I honestly just started getting into the nerd glasses look. But I learned they can instantly give a plainer looking outfit a real hipster vibe.

Chunky jewelry is perfect for just about everything, in my opinion, especially rings when the rest of your accessories are more understated. This purple stone always attract attention and gives my outfit just the right pop.

It is boot season. Your collection just wouldn't be complete without a pair of brown combat boots! Brown will be an especially great color shoe to have in your closet with the rest of your earth toned wardrobe this season!

 Last but not least, the ugly sweater. I get really excited to wear this sweater when fall comes around. The pattern. The knit. My favorite thing to do with almost any sweater is to layer it with a collerd shirt, like this denim one underneath my sweater shown here. I added a final touch to the ensemble with two small gold chains.

I feel like ugly is a term used to contradict what's normal and what's acceptable. It's okay to let "ugly" be a fit for inspiration sometimes. It's time to get ugly on The Stares this season. Ugly sweaters call for ugly Stares!

Sweater - Dynamite Thrift Boutique
Collared button up - (Borrowed)
Blue leggings - Target
Brown Combat boots - Missimo, Target
Giant purple gemstone ring - Forever 21
Glasses - (Borrowed)
Gold chains - (gifts)
Plum lipstick - Sephora

 Photography by Lydia Yohannes