I'm tired of being depressed and everyone thinking I'm just funny...

I'm not funny, I'm depressed. There is a difference, can you tell I cry every night? My sick jokes are nothing but a way for me to rid myself of the harm I wish to do to me, I am not funny. Please stop laughing at me, I am no comedy. I am no drama, I am real life and real sick. I can't do this alone no matter how hard I try. My family can't hear the screams behind my flesh, they're trapped in my lungs, I can't even hear them myself. I've silenced my sorrow because I didn't want to be "crazy," but fuck that I'm tired! Playing stable is worse than gym class and math, at least in one I can get a breath of fresh air every now and then. I've been an immigrant to my smile, a native to my wet pillow, tissue box and dark room. It's killing me to write this! I never wanted you guys to know how bad I am hurt, but this is shit I can't hold in. My emotions are worse than word vomit, so much so it's muted my voice. I haven't written a poem in months, only letters of depression asking her to flee from my being, I can no longer make play dates with her. I don't have enough time for me, to love me, to be me. I haven't been real in years because I've been hiding the truth behind my eyelids, these eyes aren't this big for nothing. I block oceans of tears whenever I blink because if I look life in the face for too long I may punch her. I try not to be violent and have ended up with the desire to be the Shakespeare of razor blades and wrists, but everyone would see that. My secrete would be out and no one will love me for the truth in my spirit they'll pity me into their sentences and add me on as a "P.S" in their prayers. I'm convinced no one really meant it when they said they loved me because they haven't see me in years, I've changed, gone bad on the inside, didn't allow any light in. She said my spirit was light but, failed to see my hips I am part Grendel, all beast. I am not funny, please stop laughing at me. I'm crying for help!

Self love lessons I've learned (in gym class)

I learned some of my biggest self love life lessons from the gym teachers I had throughout my academic career. 

Mr.Bogan(4th grade): Fat meat IS greasy so pay attention to the things in front of you. You'll learn yourself new every single day. 

Mrs.Turnerburks (5-8th grade): Love yourself now while you're young and take care of you now so later you'll be fine! You ARE beautiful no matter your weight. 

Ms.Enwall (HS Freshman year): DO NOT STOP RUNNING!!!! If life requires you to have 4 sticks you go after the 5. Never a such thing as too much investment in you. 

Mr.Hefferman (HS Junior year): Everything stops being unny when you lose focus on keeping yourself happy. (That missing F is in the failure you achieved by being able to see and still choose to be blind.)

Mr.Miller (HS Senior year): Damn right you're funny! Laugh at your own jokes and keep your spirit high no matter how bad your day was. You're a princess but, it's cute to get down, dirty and sweaty when you're on the field. The field isn't just a place for boys, girls can own that shit too! 

These may not be big lessons to you but, it's changed my life. Love these people no matter how much I HATED their gym classes. 

Dear growing up,

    I know I wished and hoped for many years that I could one day be an adult but, I now regret my thirst to be older. Growing up has to be one of the weirdest things I've ever done because now, I subconsciously seek approval in everything I do. I usually I wouldn't give a shit what people had to say. However, it seems as though in recent times all I've wanted were good reviews. I must stop this pattern of seeking validation, especially from people who probably couldn't care less about me. Don't get me wrong, my self esteem isn't at an all time low or anything dramatic of that nature. I just want to know am I on the right path to "adulting" correctly? Honestly, I'm lost.

Are adults really this damn clueless? Geesh, I feel sorry for the REAL screw ups!

   As my childhood comes to an end (although I never really had one) and I prepare to graduate high school and attend college, I feel an incredible amount of pressure from Every! Damn! Body! From my family, my job, my teachers and YES even my friends. It's like I have no other choice but to be great, or at least good. I appreciate that they want to see me be greater than where I come from. However, it seems as if they want me to be THEIR kind of greater. And if I can be honest with you here, I just am not up for that shit.
   I use to be the chubby kid who ate chocolate candies, could entertain herself and be at her happiest all alone without a care in the world. WHERE IS SHE?

WHERE IS THAT JAZZMINE?

I miss her!

 The amount of times I've dozed off in class within this first month of Senior year has to be illegal. This life I live right now is not boring, it's just so damn depressing I'd rather sleep and dream of rainbows than look reality in the face.
   I can't stay asleep though! I need a wake up call, splash of water, a come to Jesus moment, ANYTHING to keep me from giving up right now. To whom this may concern, why the hell do you trust me to make life altering decisions when you don't even trust me to use the restroom without a hall pass in school? I don't understand society! Not even sure if I want to understand this backwards BS. I just know I'm not a small kid anymore and I am scared. I feel like I'm alone in all of this and I'm told daily to just "figure it out" when I can't even figure out how to balance a checkbook (thanks to CPS cutting financial algebra this year- NICE BUDGETING *inserts sarcasm* *inserts MAJOR eye roll* *inserts MAJOR neck roll*). So, tell me again how I'm suppose to "figure life out."
   Is it too late to be a kid again? Life has stressed me out to the minimum (God, I fear what's to come next) I already have gray hairs. Dear growing up, you lied to me just like everybody else. I can't figure out why the hell I'm so surprised. As I write this I want to burst into tears, but the way my scheduling is set up emotions didn't make an appointment. I only write in pen so I can't pencil her in for a quick moment. I have work to do. Adulthood, I am disappointed in you and we still have yet to have a formal greeting.
                                                                               Sincerely,
                                                         A sad 17 year old named Jazzmine from Chicago.

Quick GPA tip

Hey all, just a quick way to help us reach our GPA goals this school year: Set a goal of the grades you want and in which classes AHEAD of time (no more waiting until the last week of the semester to get a grade change and pretend to care and your grades). See what your GPA would be and from there you can plan out what you may need to do or stop doing in some cases to help you go from good to greater. The screenshot is the website I've been going to all throughout high school to help me reach my GPA goals. It's helped greatly. What's the whole point of this? Awareness is key. If you KNOW the class you're taking may not be your strongest, seek help ahead of time when you start to see yourself sinking. No drowning this year, we are on a push to greater. You can never say you never knew because now I've told ya, knowledge is power- now use it! Hahaha! 

I wish you all a very successful and a very peaceful school year. LETS GO CLASS OF 2016!!!!!!! 

AND I haven't forgotten about the college students, they have a GPA calculator for you too. Good luck this year!

#QueenLife

#QueenLife is not just a hashtag, it's a lifestyle. We need to take back our crown. Us as growing women need to remember what it's like to be the queens we were made to be. We must demand our respect and uplift each other. Instead of competing against and tearing each other down, we need to work with and build each other up.

Also we need to uplift our men and show them how to be kings. We need our morals back. We need to be more than just a pretty face and banging body. We need to gain our allure back and stop putting out everything for show. Be ladies and not bitches and hoes. Stop self hating and embrace your beauty, flaws and all.

Food For Thought.

Besos,

Ashley Marie

T-shirt VS. Towel (Quick Tip)

Okay new naturals, here's another one for you. Drying your hair. STOP using towels to dry your hair!!! You are to always use a T-shirt. 

Why? I very recently learned why my fro was frizzing so often and it was (in my theory) that the towel absorbed the water 1. too quickly and 2. the fabric is sometimes too rough on our hair. 

The feel of a T-shirt is smooth and glides effortlessly on my curls. The towel for me would sometimes snag little parts of my hair and I couldn't have that. 

For this you don't have to buy a special kind of shirt just a regular old cotton T you have laying around the house. For me this switch allowed me anywhere from a few more frizz-less hours to a whole day. 

Wondering how to wrap your hair in a shirt? Just follow the images below.

                                                                                                                          -(Jazz)mine.

My Nail Growth

Guys ALL of my life I've struggled with nail biting. I can't help it! Sometimes it's the only way I keep from going crazy (especially during the school year). 

As a way to help me find new ways to deal with my stress I said I would not bite my nails for as long as possible. This honestly, has kept me busy. It's darn near a full time job. I've had to grow more conscious of the things I was doing every minute of the day as well as the things I would say and what I allowed to bother me. 

This not only was a quest to grow my nails but, an effort to just grow up in general. No one in my opinion can treat you like an adult if you have the nails of a child so, I stopped biting. Hahaha! 

Along with simply not biting I took a break from nail polish. I personally feel that polish doesn't help your nails be as healthy as they can be so I just stopped for a while. Besides, what was I loosing from just testing a sour theory? 

Tonight was the first time in a while I polished my nails. Even though it was with clear polish it was a great baby step I'd like to think. Is nail biting an issue for you? Send me a picture of your nails and tell me about it @fwfblog on Twitter and (or) Instagram.

                             -(Jazz)mine 

Why is lip liner important?

LINE YOUR LIPS!!!! LINE YOUR LIPS!!!! LINE. YOUR. LIPS!!!!!!!!!!

   I've been attempting to do my own makeup since 8th grade and I must say, I've come a mighty long way. However, in these past 4 years I seem to not have picked up on EVERY thing I probably should know by now. And I am sad to say that I didn't know how important lip liners are until very recently when I found myself falling out of love with lipstick. 

Lately, I've been reaching for my Carmex and cocoa butter stick as my lip of the day wear. So, as any lover of beauty would I had to get down to the bottom of what was up. 

In my investigation I found that MY LIP LINE WAS GONE. Naturally, I have a defined lip line but, when I'd put on lip stick it obviously would disappear under the color. I found that my lips would look like globs of color and I needed to fix that. So of course I went on YouTube and searched for some solutions. 

Who I found was the lovely Chanel Boateng. In her video "Lipstick Mistakes women of color can avoid," she compares and contrasts the look of lipstick with and without lip liners and I must say it was a blessing. So, to test if the same difference would go for me I went to test it out. I went to Ulta (which were having a NYX sale) and got the two liners below (plum and nude). 

I learned that lip liners were important because as 1.) a woman of color and 2.) a women with full lips I needed to not be careful with what colors I wore but, be mindful of the fact that certain things just don't look the same on all skin shades. A lip liner can cancel out some of the harshness from the the original lipstick and help it adjust to fit you. In the pictures below are the examples Chanel provided in the video which helped me greatly. I honestly believe that everyone (especially women of color) should invest in awesome liners and take their look to the next level. 

(Pictures thanks to Chanel Boateng, thanks)

Let's catch up, girl!

Wondering where we've been? 

Yeah, sorry about that. We are ladies of hard work and scholarship so, we've been working and finishing up the school year. 

DJ and I (Jazzmine) are officially seniors I'm proud to say I'm ending junior year with a 3.38 GPA and SO VERY proud of my sister DJ to say she ended with a 4.5 GPA (woot woot CLASS OF 2016). And our Boo Ashley has been hard at work making all the money. 

Due to this the blog as you can see had to take a back seat for a while. BUT BUT BUT, never fear... It's summer and we have nothing but time. 

What are your summer plans? Hit us up on Twitter to tell us. 

@fwfblog  

     Love, Jazzmine ❤️

Do You Know What Today Is...?

It's our anniversary!! Yup, that's right! Faced With Fashion is one whole year old today! Words can't describe how happy I am to share this milestone with these beautiful ladies. I couldn't have joined a better group! I love you beauts!

Besos,

Ashley Marie

Golden Lips

Ever since the photo surfaced of Khloe Kardashian's golden lips, pink nails, and diamond studded grill I've wanted to recreate it. I felt the picture spoke to my soul, so I've been on the search for golden lipstick. So naturally you'd think you might have to order it online from some cosmetic boutique trying to set themselves apart from all the other cosmetic peddling crowds. But no, I found it right at walmart in the cosmetic aisle. It's called Citron by IMAN I also found another by Milani called Bronze Beauty. Citron has a orange undertone whereas Bronze Beauty has a brown one. I have yet to find the true one in the photo which has a yellow undertone, but these two shall have to suffice. In any case, I love them both! This also means that I'm one step closer to living the picture. Now all I need is my grill! I'll keep you posted.

Here's pictures of the lipsticks:

Citron from IMAN

Bronze Beauty from Milani

Besos,

Ashley Marie

The Beauty Myth .

Hey Yall! 

  I know that everyone is use to the normal fashion post from my fellow bloggers and I , but it's time for something new! Recently I've been reading this book called The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf. The beauty myth is an obsession with the physical perfection that traps the modern woman in an endless spiral of hope, self-conciousness, and even leads to self-hatred as one tries to fulfill society's impossible definition of "the flawless beauty". This book brings up very controversial topics and aspects that coincides with the beauty myth such as: culture, the workplace, religion, sex hunger and violence. 

    So here is where you all come in, what is your view point on this so called "beauty myth"? Do you still think it's prevalent to us today in society? I really want to hear your voice on this topic so please don't forget to mention me on all social media! I would love to be able to interact with all of you and share my ideas as well! 

  Fierce & Love,

 Dari J.

New products (Hair Care)

I recently had the chance to go out and get some new things for my hair and one thing I picked up was this Shea Moisture Hair Masque. It smells wonderful and it truly did add hydration to my hair. The thick consistency was a plus as well! #Recommended 

This Tea Tree oil is great as well. After a wash and condition I mixed this with my hair masque and applied to hair from root to tips. Then, I let my twists set for about 2-3 hours and got a cool twist out. #Recommended

Now this conditioner isn't "new," I've used it once before. However, for the sake of you ladies knowing what I used on this mornings twist out here you go. This is from the Carols Daughter for Kids line and I LOOOOOVE it!!!!! It's THE BEST conditioner I've ever used hands down! Smells great, feels great and leaves my hair super soft and lovely. #HighlyRecommended 

This cream of nature shampoo wasn't my favorite, but it did smell great. And that's a BIG thing that I look for. Like any shampoo it did its job very well. It says it helps detangle... Yeah, no! Not in these curls. It was cheap probably about $4-$5. #Recommended

Results......... 

Kim Slay-dashian❤️❤️❤️

   Hey y'all! 

  Can I just say that I am absolutely in love with Kim Kardashians blonde hair! She is constantly taking risk and continues to own each and everyone of them. The icy blonde compliments her down to a T! It brings out her edgy features, high cheekbones and brown eyes! Girl you better WERK! 

  

And to every lady and gent continue to take risk and be you!! Whether it's blonde, purple, red or blue..OWN IT

 So I would like to know who's your fashion role model this season? Tag me and let me know on Instagram and twitter! 

Fierce & Love,

Dari J. 

You're Worthy

So there is this show, "Being Mary Jane" on BET and that Mary Jane Paul is very inspiring. First season of Being Mary Jane I noticed all of the post it notes all around her house with affirmations on them. If you aren't familiar with the show I'll tell you what you need to know: Mary Jane is trying to find herself basically and in doing so she finds her self under different men. This is a way to show insecurity in a woman. Hence why she has affirmations on her walls to remind her she's worthy. 

So, I'm 16 (17 on April 25th whoo whoo) and as any teen girl I'm finding how to love myself. I'm a young lady so I won't be doing like Ms.Mary Jane and crawling under men to find my love, but what I did take from her journey are the post-it note reminders. 

Having to look these reminders in the face everyday I wake up is mentally positioning me to come back from a few recent set backs. In life things happen that damage and bruse us and sometimes they aren't always avoidable. I learned that for me to grow into the princess God has designed me to be I need to think and speak like a princess. 

All of my life I've lived by a lesson my Auntie Sharon taught me long ago after a cousin of mine called me a fatty or something to that nature. She said: "tell him sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you." 

That's the first time I had known of such a thing and this state of mind has pushed me to where I am now. 

If God didn't say it it doesn't matter. Good, bad, cute and ugly. What people on earth has to say about you does not determine your worth. As long as you know you are amazing that's all that matters. You are highly favored no matter how hard you may fall, just know where to turn when you want to get back up. 

       Looooove you always, Jazzmine. 

--- If you ever want to talk you can always find us and (or) me on social media. Also you can email us: facedwithfashion@gmail.com 

Twitter: @fwfblog @WrittenByJazz 

Instagram: @fwfblog @jazz_inspired 

What my skin loves... And can't forget the hair

      Okay girls, the seasons are changing and my skin and hair are going through a rough time. So here's what I did: I switched up my soaps and started using a body scrub and a new hair lotion. I'm a black young lady so my skin can get a little rough at times when not taken proper care of. 

    The old soap: 

While this is a good product, it just isn't great for me all year. It doesn't give me the moisture I need like it says it will. I found that things with oatmeal and Shea Butter work best for me.

    My new soap: 

This has a lighter smell that I actually prefer in warmer weather (the Dove was great, but highly perfumed). Shea butter and oatmeal protects and strengthens skin and can help heal minor cuts and burns (which I get all the time working in a restaurant). 

     Before I wasn't exfoliating like I needed to so I had dead skin that needed to GO!!! Really cheap at target I got this Sugar Scrub: 

    

    Notice that this has Shea Butter in it as well. My skin really loves this stuff. It has really helped my skin feel softer to the touch and look better and less dull. 

             What my hair loves now...

    When I wash my hair I can just put this on with a little (and I do mean a little) olive oil and have intensive moisture for about a week without worrying about moisturizing again. I also use this for quick moisture in between washing and conditioning.

   What are your favorite moisturizing products? Tell me on Twitter and (or) Instagram @fwfblog 

         Love, Jazzmine ❤️

Glitter Nails

If you live on the west side of Chicago or in Oak Park and have been trying to take it to the next level with your nail game, Glitter Nails Salon is the place to go. Located on Madison street right before Oak Park Ave, it's nestled right in the middle of the block among other small shops. The salon is black owned and is comprised of about six nail technicians along with a receptionist. 

The salon is know for their extraordinary nail art. Each technician has their own skill set and types of nail art they excel at, but are amazing at anything. All you need is a picture and they'll be able to recreate it with their own flare that will fit to your style and personality. The downside is they don't do walk-ins and they are temporarily closed on Mondays. That is due to the fact that they have many clients making appointments that they have very little down time. If you definitely would like to get in, calling to make an appointment would be your best bet.

Here are a few examples of the beautiful work being created:

If you love what you see, and like to see more follow them on IG at @GlitterNailSalon. Don't forget to get those appointments in ASAP! 

Besos,

Ashley Marie

Is it spring yet?

Hey Y'all!! 

Winter is now officially over. Not only does that mean no more snow, but a lot more new trends! I'm so excited to see what you all will be stepping out and owning this season! Don't forget about the different pastel colors, continue to embrace the scarfs and boyfriend jeans! Those are a must! And never forget be fierce!! 

  Reach out to me with some of your favorite spring styles with #FWFSpring! 

 

Fierce & Love,

Dari J. @fwfblog 

Shoot by #high.tie_photos

   Getting in front of the camera wasn't always an easy thing for me. Some days I still find it hard to do, but to my surprise it is always a way for me to find what I love about myself. 

  

 Sure I find stuff that I dislike but, that's human nature, right? What I have to do for myself is tell me that I am beautiful. I have to train myself to know that I am perfectly made in the vision of God. 

   

 Building self esteem is HARD work, it's honestly a full time job. You can't part time love yourself, it's an all day thing. You can do it! You can and will find the beauty in yourself... You just have to be willing to do the work. No one can love you enough for yourself. 

    

Ever want more tips and help on how to love you better each and everyday? Hit me on Twitter or IG @fwfblog OR you can always email: facedwithfashion@gmail.com  

The onesie

I'm not the oldest thing in the world but I can still have a blast from the past every now and then. This shirt like thing I have on in the photo above is called a onesie. 

We wore these as babies, but I found them in adult sizes. The onesie is the perfect "tuck in" shirt. It creates a smooth look and eliminates those bumps and grooves from the extra shirt you tuck in. 

Your clothes are suppose to accentuate your curves, not make new ones. So we need to be extra careful with certain things like shapers and T-shirts because unknowingly they can have us appear larger. 

     Dress smart my loves, Jazzmine

Twitter: @FWFblog

            @WrittenByJazz

Instagram: @fwfblog

                 @jazz_inspired 

Nudes ❤️

Hey Y'all! 

  Unlike my girls Ashley and Jazz I'm still learning this whole make-up thing. To be completely honest I am afraid to branch out and try new colors and shades. But what I have noticed is that nude colors are where I am most comfortable. Not too bright or too dark. Plus a nude lip slays DAHLING! 

  I recently found myself stumbling in confusion around Sephora, a well-know make up store, trying to figure out what exactly to buy. After hours and hours of searching I finally came across a nude eye pallet, a nude lip liner and a nude lipstick. Which I am very much in love with! Not only does sephora offer decent prices their make-up is amazing! 

  I highly reccommend that all you lovebugs stop into sephora one day! My favorita thing is my Urban Decay: Naked 2 ( lol yes I've tried 1 as well). The shadow colors are very diverse and it last a very long time. 

  Any make-up tips for me? Don't forget to follow me on social media and tag me! 

Instagram: darianna_j

Twitter: darianna_j 

Fierce&Love,

Dari J. 

  

Happy Hair

If you haven't been keeping up with me on Instagram you've been missing out on my great hair days. I'm natural and I love it! When I first went natural I was a little scared, but it's working out for me. My hair color is... Different to say the least. Sometimes it looks orange, reddish or brown and black. However, I don't hate it! I've had many hair colors in my life time, you name it I had it. I've had red, blue (turned green from a hair coloring fail), light brown, dark brown, black and now this...  Last week I made my first "puff." I was overly excited, I had some sort of a ponytail and Lord knows I missed it. Before I cut my hair I always wore a ponytail and it was my go to style. This puff is the quickest and easiest thing for me in the mornings.  What's your go to style? Tweet me a picture and (or) hashtag #FacedWithFashion on Instagram @fwfblog 

New York Fashion Week 😍

 New York Fashion week has finally arrived to show off the best of the best! They came, slayed and conquered. From Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs and many many more! 

  Here are my Favorite pieces from the show:

  

                 MARC JACOBS

                CALVIN KLEIN

               RALPH LAUREN

               HUGO BOSS

Fierce & Love,

Dari J.