I had an amazing time at the Nzuri Festival last month!  Our eventful weekend began with the 100 Carat Diamond Awards Gala on Friday night and the actual festival held Saturday through Sunday.  The Fashion Reign and I were busy keeping up with the numerous activities held.  

Activities included:

• Fashion Shows
  
• Pageants
  
• Culinary Contests
  
• Workshops (hair, make-up, health, etc.)
  
• Various exhibitors (apparel, jewelry, hair accessories, art, etc.)
• Live Music Performances
  
• Line Dance Tutorials
• African Dances
  

We were excited to take part in such a wonderful event and are looking forward to Nzuri 2014!  In case you missed last year, take a look at our YouTube recap!  Trust me, you'll want to attend the next festival!

Stay tuned for more of the Canvas Styles team (La Fleur NaturElle & The Fashion Reign)!

Until next time.....

I've been asked how I create the high bun protective style. Well, here is a video (my first video-yay!! lol) showing exactly what steps I take to achieve the look! It's quick and easy! Also, you can see what products I use to maintain my edges.

Product Details Here:

Hawaiian Silky 14 n 1: Sally's or any beauty supply store
Blue Duchess Spray: Family Dollar
Eco Styler Gel: Sally's or any beauty supply store
Marley Hair: Any local beauty supply store

Feel free to share/comment!!

Hello everyone!! I hope you all had a great Labor Day weekend! I surely did! There is nothing like spending quality time with family. I'm anticipating my next visit home :)  Today's post is my dressy casual style. By now, you all know I love comfy, yet cute outfits; so, this on my fave's list.  I also love the look because it is sort of retro. Pencil skirts have been around for decades. Christian Dior created the classic skirt back in the 40's . They are just as popular today as they were  then. Although my skirt is red, it is subtle and adds just enough pop to my ensemble. The black & white polka dot top is simple too; however, the V-neck/ruched sleeves make it stand out. These are great color combinations and are ideal for work, church, or even a relaxed date night. 

My hair is in a twist out style with an afro look.  I used Hawaiian Silky 14-n-1 to for the twist out.  When I want the "big hair," I use a pick to raise and lift my hair from the root. Doing so adds more volume and provides a fuller look.  I love the versatility of natural hair.  There is never a dull moment!                                                               

Outfit Details Here:

Top: Rue 21
Skirt: Boohoo
Purse: Gianni Bini (Dillard's)
Shoes: Target
Jewelry: Local Beauty Supply Store
Sunglasses: Forever XXI

 I love making fashion statements! Are you bold enough to rock "big hair" and bold reds too? Feel free to comment!

Until next time.....

I made a cute and cuddly friend during my photo shoot.  He just had to join in! #puppylove  #matcingaccessory

Happy Wednesday everyone! The best thing about approaching the middle of week is realizing the weekend is getting closer!  Today's post is somewhat of a shout out to natural hair businesses I have supported.  I just love wearing graphic tees!!!  My personality is reserved and quiet, but my t-shirts are usually the complete opposite.  I guess that's my way of expressing myself without verbally expressing myself.  Confusing, huh? lol  Nah, seriously, I adore making bold statements with my apparel selections.  My "all natural everything" tee expresses how passionate I am about my natural journey, plus it's a play on Trindad James' "All Gold Everything" song.  This is just one of many natural hair tee's I own.  I paired my t-shirt with a black blazer, leopard print flats, skinny jeans, and gold/tan accessories.  

My hair is in a twist out, which is another one of my favorite "go to" styles. I love rocking my BIG HAIR! It completes my look, especially this one in particular :-)

Outfit Details Here:

Blazer: Forever XXI
T-shirt: Natural Hair Don't Care
Skinny jeans: Wal-Mart
Purse: Burlington Coat Factory
Flats: Ross (old)
Jewelry: Shasa

Are you rocking your natural hair and cute natural tees as well?  Feel free to share....

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     B. Natural Apparel

                                                                                         Sunshine's Natural & Loving It!

Happy Monday everyone!!  So, this is my update on trying to emulate one of the Design Essentials summer styles.  I attempted to recreate the Round About Twistout & Updo, but with this hot and humid Texas weather, my style ended up being a Frohawk  (minus the mini bantu knots).  These styles are extremely simple and perfect for summer time!

Make certain you revisit the Design Essentials Summer Styles post for more hair care and summer style info.

Until next time....


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Easy, Long Lasting and Chic Summer Styles from Design Essentials® Natural   


Simple styles from Design Essentials® to keep your tresses healthy and stylish as the temperature rises.



It's summer time and July 4th is only a few days away!!  This means there will be many cookouts, summer travel and effortless hair. Design Essentials® Master Educator Deshonica Kerrie shares some of the following step-by-step techniques to help naturalistas either change up a TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro) or make a twist out last even longer on kinky, curly and wavy hair textures.   See her easy tips below!

Design Essentials® Master Educator Deshonica Kerrie (Center) poses with Design Essentials® Natural hair models styled at the 16th Annual Spring World Natural Hair Show.   

Deshonica on a Round About Twist Out & Updo

• Twist hair with Design Essentials® Natural Twist and Set Setting Lotion, twisting hair in big sections (about 3 different sections for hair that is shoulder length)
• T-shirt blot hair to prevent dripping and frizziness
• Sit  under the dryer for  5 to 10 minutes to let product set
• Separate curls by rubbing a small amount of  Design Essentials® Natural Daily Moisturizing Lotion on hands, then continue to separate hair
• To achieve fullness, take a comb and gently pull through the roots
• Once the twists start to get old, gather the hair to the top of your head and draw the hair up using a soft brush 
• Secure hair with bobby pins crisscrossing them, down, up, down, up to securely position the hair into a neat updo

All of the above mentioned Design Essentials® Natural products may be purchased at your local Sally Beauty Supply, Walgreens, ULTA and select beauty & barber supply stores.  You may also purchase these products from your local salon or online at www.DesignEssentials.com.


For more styling tips or to speak with Design Essentials® Master Educator Deshonica Kerrie, contact Minajiah Scott at 
mscott@brainchildassociates.com. 

I plan to attempt one of these styles myself over the holiday weekend!  How about you?  Feel free to comment & share!

Until next time....

Many have inquired what products I use in my hair.  Below are pictures of the actual products and the looks achieved.  I did twist outs for all of the hair styles shown. As you can see, the looks varied depending upon the product used.  My favorite is the mix of Miss Jessie's baby butter creme and Shea Moisture's curl enhancing smoothie.  The first set of pics show what I use when washing my hair and the last set shows what I use to maintain my edges.  Keep in mind, what works for my hair may not work the same for you, but it doesn't hurt to try!  

Hopefully, this bit of info helps!!

Feel free to comment!

J'ai

From senegalese, to cornrows, to micro braids.... My bff (Dametria) has frequently visited protective styles this year. I decided to show a few images of her with the different styles.  I haven't worn any braids since only being 2 months natural, but it's always good idea to protect your hair ever so often.  As you can see, Dametria isn't foreign to protecting hers.  I'm considering braids for the summer time.  What protective styles are you rocking?  Let's discuss....


J'ai

I never had the opportunity to upload photos from the Nzuri Natural Hair Show back in December of 2012, so I figure it's better late than never :) Check out some the latest in fashion and the awesome natural hair styles below.