Oh! Nikka | Top Atlanta Fashion, Food, Beauty & Lifestyle Blogger

happenings

Insta-Glam ReSnap: Red Pepper Taqueria

Recently I attended the one year celebration for Red Pepper Taqueria; a new and happening spot where great food and fun times are served to order. Fresh seafood, local meats, and organic ingredients are just some of the treats diners will enjoy at this Mexi-clectic eatery. From Red Pepper’s authentic take on popular eats like tacos, taquitos, and fajitas, to their vast assortment of flavorful spirits, margaritas and tequilas (well over 100 to choose from), you can immediately sense RP’s passion for food. During my visit I sampled the Chicken Taquitos and Fajitas, and finished with the most divine Chocolate Abuelita I have ever tasted. (Queue random sounds of delight) 😛

With over 20 years on the restaurant scene, Owner and Executive Chef, Mimmo Alboumeh, has created a unique dining experience at Red Pepper that Atlanta’s food lovers will no doubt enjoy. In addition to their delish roster of eats and sips, RP’s eclectic décor and lively ambiance set the tone for a great night out with friends. Diners will be pleasantly amused by the festive touches that play into the Mexi-themed backdrop like the masked luchador heads that line the table tops. Too fab!!! Red Pepper even features draft tables where patrons get a chance to show off their “beertending” skills and pour their very own beer!

Well, since we ARE talking about delicious food, and this IS an Insta-Glam ReSnap, I thought I’d give you a peek at some of what Red Pepper Taqueria has to offer. A word to the wise; computer screens are NOT edible, so view the following pics with caution. You’ve been warned! 😀

Thank you’s to Mandy and Natalie for the invite; I had such a wonderful (and delicious) time! Be sure to follow Red Pepper on the web at www.eatredpepper.com and stay connected on Facebook: @RedPepperAtlanta, Twitter: @RedPepperATL, and Instagram: EatRedPepper.

Red Pepper Taqueria is located at 2149 Briarcliff Rd NE in Atlanta at the corner of Lavista Rd and Briarcliff Rd.

happenings

Great Date Deals: Cup Date

Join our Pastry Chef and decorate cupcakes with your significant other with wine and other couples $50 per couple-includes supplies, cupcakes, wine & hors d’oeuvres.

This is a great first date!

You and your partner will team up to adorn a 6×3-inch cake with buttercream frosting. Learn tips and techniques, and then take your sweet treat home. Your cupcakes will look like they came from a professional kitchen after taking classes at The Cup.

Arrive by 6:45pm, event starts at 7pm

Get your tickets at http://www.greatdatedeals.com/vip/

happenings

From the runway to your way, it’s Simon Fashion Now!

On Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27, the seasons hottest styles will rock the runway as Lenox Square kicks off a weekend of fashion during Simon Fashion Now.

Enjoy spectacular runway fashion shows showcasing the newest trends in clothing, shoes and accessories from Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza retailers like Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, C. Wonder, Free People, Gap, Lilly Pulitzer, LOFT, Michael Stars, Original Penguin, Rebecca Taylor,Tommy Bahama, True Religion and more. Be sure to take advantage of fabulous offers, in-store events, and the amazing discounts you will find in stores.

The fashionable fun kicks off on Friday, April 26 at 6:00 p.m. in the Neiman Marcus Wing with Trends & Friends Night. Bring your friends and enjoy a fun night out. Score samples and see demonstrations from Aveda, Brooks Brothers, Chick-fil-A, Corner Bakery Café, ECCO Shoes, Pandora and many more. At 7:00 p.m., stop by the Simon Fashion Now stage in the Macy’s Court for Simon Fashion Bow Wow. Cheer on students from Bauder College in a fierce design competition as they showcase looks for dogs supported by the P.A.L.S. program and the local celebrity models who love them. Plus, enjoy hourly prize giveaways and runway fashion shows where you can see the coolest spring fashion trends that you can take home that night!

The fun continues Saturday, April 27 at 1:00 p.m. with more hourly prize giveaways and a full day of runway fashion shows. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of an interactive styling competition, Ready, Set, Style! And, be sure to take advantage of innovative Style Stops featuring interactive beauty and product demonstrations showcasing the must-haves for spring.

For more Simon Fashion Now event details visit www.simon.com/simon-fashion-now or like Lenox Square Mall at facebook.com/LenoxSquareMall.

Lenox Square Mall is located at 3393 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30326.

style setter

Phipps Plaza is gearing for a HAUTE summer with latest additions

Summer 2013 new stores opening at Phipps Plaza

Hey Stylenistas!

I’m super excited about the latest additions to the Phipps Plaza roster! Shops such as Agent Provocateur, Trina Turk, Jack Rogers, and the newly renovated Cole Haan will be opening their doors this coming summer 2013 and Atlanta shoppers will be in for a fashion treat. Atlanta summers’ are known to be sizzling hot, and the addition of these fabulous shops will definitely raise this summers’ heat index to record levels. Want to know more about these fab retailers? Here’s my take of just what you can expect.

Agent Provocateur (@TheMissAP), world-famous for their uber-sexy intimates, will turn up the Atlanta heat as they peel back the velvet curtains to their newest store at Phipps Plaza this summer. This London-based retailer of luxury lingerie, swimwear, nightwear, and a host of other girly goodies looks to ‘entice’ Atlanta shoppers with their sexy-lux style of intimate apparel. I absolutely love, Love, LOVE their collection! With its pinup-era pizzazz, girl-next-door-demure, and burlesque sex appeal, Agent Provocateur is simply too alluring to not want to indulge.

There are few retailers that can effortlessly deliver the sassiest styles each season…and then there’s Trina Turk (@ShopTrinaTurk). Atlanta shoppers will bask on the “sunny side of chic” and delight at Turk’s Palm Springs Chic/Cali-mod (California-modern) style of women’s apparel, accessories, and home décor. Trina Turk even carries a fab collection of menswear (yep). With a plethora of bright, bold, and fabulously fun prints, Trina Turk will no doubt paint the Atlanta fashion landscape a vivid (insert any dazzling color of your choice here).

American in spirit, Jack Rogers (@JackRogersUSA) was born out of resort style but has evolved into a lifestyle collection of year-round pieces. Jack Rogers offers fabulous beach-chic footwear and handbags for women who want to experience a little slice of the weekend getaway life. With inspired beginnings, Jack Rogers has been a warm weather essential for women since the 1960’s when fashion icon Jackie Kennedy first slipped on a pair of these chic sandals in Capri. Fast forward some 50+ summers into the present and now Atlanta-nistas will get to shop (and rock) these timeless treasures.

A staple in footwear folklore for nearly a century, Cole Haan (@ColeHaan) is revamping their Phipps Plaza location just in time for the summer. Cole Haan offers a fabulous collection of dame to dapper footwear that’s known for its comfort as much as its style. The brand features a wide collection of fine leather accessories including men’s and women’s dress and casual footwear, belts, handbags, gloves, as well as hosiery, scarves, hats, outerwear, and sunglasses. With its newly renovated digs, Cole Haan will continue to have Atlanta “soles” singing with joy all season long.

So be sure to stop by these and all of the other fab shops at Phipps Plaza (@ShopPhippsPlaza) this summer for the season’s hautest styles. Phipps Plaza is located at 3500 Peachtree Rd NE in Atlanta.

Psst…Wanna know the best kept secret in style & fashion? Connect to @StyleSimon on Twitter and Instagram and be Anywhere + Everywhere fashion lives!

happenings

Insta-Glam ReSnap: Fro Fashion’s Night Out

Fro Fashion Week - Fro Fashion’s Night Out

Hey Naturalistas,

Recently I had the honor of co-hosting a fun-filled event during Fro Fashion Week called Fro Fashion’s Night Out. This fabulous event was held at the uber-chic Envy Boutique (@EnvyATL) and kicked-off Fro Fashion Week’s Acid Summer edition. This social soiree featured a mix and mingle, networking, shopping, giveaways, and lots of fun! The amazing Kerrie Cooke (aka VirtuousOne) of Virtuous Styls and I shared hosting duties during the event. I had such a wonderful time mixing and mingling with all of the ladies while capturing the fun for social media. <3’s and xoxo’s to all of my BFF divas for coming out to the event!!!

Huge hugs to the amazing Tarin Boone of Fro Fashion Week for the invite, and to the always fab Jilene Coggins of Envy Boutique for being such a gratuitous hostess.

Hey, we all love a good picture showcase, right? So for this recap I decided to highlight some of the moments in a fab-u photo collage snatched from my Twitter and Instagram feed at #FFNO2013. Let’s face it, social media is the “new” addiction… and I can admit that I’m totally hooked! In fact, it’s gotten so bad that I can’t help but #hashtag #everything… #DontJudgeMe

So without further ado, here’s my Insta-Glam ReSnap of Fro Fashion’s Night Out at Envy Boutique. #Enjoy!!!

Be on the lookout for Fro Fashion Week’s this Fall as they take on the Big Apple! That’s right, FFW is headed to the NYC! Get all the deets HERE.

style setter

Trend Alert: Five Fashionable Favorites For Spring

Spring 2013 promises to be a season filled with fierce fashion and bold styles. And now that the start of the spring season is upon us, it’s time to shelve those winter wears and opt for a more bold and brighter future. Here are five of my favorite trends for spring.

	Earn your stripes (and rock em!)Stripes, one of the hottest trends for 2013, were all the rage on fashion runways. This geometric gem is a year-round favorite and designers everywhere are incorporating bold stripes into their spring lineup in a huge way. And with so many styles and colors to choose from this fashionista fave will likely be THE look for the season.STYLE TIP: Black & white stripes can be flattering to most figures, so consider opting for this contrastingly chic duo when rockin this trend.
Make a statementStatement pieces have always been on the top of my list of season must haves. And with bold neutrals hitting shelves this spring a well placed statement piece can quickly turn any look from OK to OMG in an instant.
	Lovely in laceI’m absolutely in love with the lace trend! This lady-like fabric is making a chic comeback for spring so be sure to incorporate lots of lovely lace into your ensemble.STYLE TIP: Be careful not to go overboard with too many contrasting lace pieces at once. After all, you don’t want your outfit to look too busy, or —even worst— looking like a placemat at Grandma’s dinner table.
Fabulous floral printsAnother one of this season’s hottest trends, floral prints are sprouting up everywhere! Florals are brighter, bolder, and in full bloom this spring, so show off your flower power and add some pretty petal print pieces to your wardrobe. Try saying THAT fast!STYLE TIP: Go big or go home! Not only does a big floral print make a statement but it just looks fabulous! Also try mixing bold florals with solids or stripes. This will help break up the botanicals and still give you enough bloom without looking like you just stepped out of a greenhouse.
	The bold & the beautifulWhat’s spring fashion without a splash of color? Posh pastels are a no-brainer for spring, but this season show off a bit of your fearless side and opt for a deeper yet brighter shade instead. Bold and bright tones dominated the runways so adding haute hues will keep you on trend and looking fab all season long.

So if you want to look fab this season stop by Lenox Square or Phipps Plaza to find all of the hottest trends for spring.

style setter

Mezlan Shoes Hosts Fashion Uncorked Kick-Off Event

Fashion Uncorked Kick-Off at Mezlan Shoes

Mezlan Shoes, located inside Phipps Plaza in Atlanta, played host to a fabulous kick-off event for Atlanta’s premiere fashion showcase and design competition, Fashion Uncorked. Now in its 4^th season, Fashion Uncorked features 10 emerging fashion designers who compete in a ‘Project Runway’-style design competition for a chance to win round trip airfare along with two nights stay in a luxury hotel to participate in LA Fashion Week along with an exclusive feature in Kontrol Magazine.

Guests of the event mixed and mingled while enjoying yummy treats, live music, and tasty wine, along with a host of other surprises. I was granted the opportunity to co-host this amazing event along with fellow blogger Charee Lenee. We had such a wonderful time greeting guests and conducting several fabulous giveaways throughout the evening!

If you’ve never shopped at Mezlan Shoes let’s just say that the man in your life will thank you later. These shoes definitely make a statement with unmatched sophistication. Mezlan’s timeless styles employ fine Italian leathers and genuine exotic skins that provide extra appeal to complement a man’s best clothing and sportswear.

If you want to treat the special man in your life to world-class sophistication and style, stop by Mezlan Shoes in Phipps Plaza.

About Fashion Uncorked

Fashion Uncorked is a ‘Project Runway’-style design competition that fuses wine, decadent foods, a fashionable silent auction, music and more all for a great cause! All event proceeds benefitted the Easter Seals of North Georgia and their efforts to assist children with disabilities. For more information about Fashion Uncorked visit www.fashionuncorked.com.

arts & entertainment

FELA!

Recently I had the pleasure of attending the opening night for the Tony Award winning hit musical FELA! Held at the Fabulous FOX Theatre in Atlanta, this amazing production brought out celebs and dignitaries alike who rocked the red carpet for this sold out affair. FELA! is produced by Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and Will & Jada Pinkett Smith and stars Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child and Duain Richmond in the role of Fela Kuti and features pulsating music and a heart pounding rhythm that sends your spirit soaring. From the glorious costumes to the fearless choreography and uplifting story-line, FELA! is a movement and an energy that is simply undeniable.

A spectacularly inspiring and triumphant tale of courage, passion and love, FELA! is based on the life of Fela Kuti, who created Afrobeat—a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies—and mixed these sensual eclectic rhythms with simple but powerful lyrics that openly assailed Nigeria’s corrupt and oppressive dictatorships. FELA! reveals Kuti’s life as an artist and human rights activist and celebrates his pioneering music in what has been hailed as one of the most exciting, exhilarating and vital stage experiences in recent memory.

FELA! is an experience unlike any other I have ever seen! It’s nearly non-stop movement will have even the most shy of audiences snapping and tapping to the rhythm of its infectious beat. I was moved by the story-line but it was the music and dance that kept me on my feet. My apologies to the people who were seated behind me for having to endure me singing and dancing throughout the night. 🙂

Special thanks to the fab Nicole Garner of The Garner Circle PR for the invite; I had such a wonderful time! Also huge hugs to BFF diva Kiwi the Beauty for joining me on the red carpet for a little paparazzi pizzazz! 😉

FELA! is currently embarking on a world tour with stops in cities across the country so I urge everyone to check out this amazing show when it comes to a city near you!

For information on upcoming shows visit www.felaonbroadway.com.

Here’s a sneak peek of FELA!

Check out more pics from the FELA! red carpet event. * Photos courtesy of Kiwi the Beauty

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happenings

V-Day Marietta 2013 Presents a Benefit Production of The Vagina Monologues

V-Day 2013 Marietta presents The Vagina Monologues

V-DAY Marietta 2013 will present a two-night only benefit reading of Eve Ensler’s award wining play The Vagina Monologues on March 16-17, 2013 at Good Acting Studio located at 507 Roswell St. Marietta, GA 30060. The Vagina Monologues will be performed at Good Acting Studio on March 16th, 2013 at 4pm and 8pm and again on March 17th at 3pm. Proceeds from the event will benefit Girls, Inc.

Tickets are $35 and may be purchased by visiting: www.ursulaskelly.com or www.facebook.com/vdaymarietta.

UrsulaSKelly.com in association with Good Acting Studio along with the city of Marietta is proud to be a participant in the V-Day 2013 V-Day Campaign. I’m honored to both host and be a presenter for this amazing event. I can’t wait!!!

Me with Director Michael Mario of Good Acting Studio

The fabulous presenters of The Vagina Monologue

What are The Vagina Monologues

Hailed by The New York Times as “funny” and “poignant” and by the Daily News as “intelligent” and “courageous,” The Vagina Monologues, which was first performed off-Broadway by Ms. Ensler, dives into the mystery, humor, pain, power, wisdom, outrage and excitement buried in women’s experiences.

What is V‑Day?

V-Day is a global activist movement to end violence against women and girls. V-Day is a catalyst that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise money, and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations. V-Day generates broader attention for the fight to stop violence against women and girls, including rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation (FGM), and sex slavery.

Through V-Day campaigns, local volunteers and college students produce annual benefit performances of The Vagina Monologues, A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer, Any One Of Us: Words From Prison, screenings of V-Day’s documentary Until The Violence Stops, and the PBS documentary What I Want My Words To Do To You, Spotlight Teach-Ins and V-Men workshops, to raise awareness and funds for anti-violence groups within their own communities. In 2012, over 5,800 V-Day benefit events took place produced by volunteer activists in the U.S. and around the world, educating millions of people about the reality of violence against women and girls.

Please join us as we raise funds and awareness to end violence against women and girls.

Purchase your tickets now!

happenings

Puffs and Kisses!

Recently I had the pleasure of attending a fabulous beauty event for Puffs called Puffs Kisses. This amazing event was held at Adore Hair Studio in Atlanta and benefited Dress for Success, a non-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

During the event women from the Dress for Success program were treated to beauty makeovers while celebrity hair stylist Derek J and his team lent their flair to styling the ladies’ hair. Guests of the event also indulged in the pampering fun with mini-makeovers and a nail bar, while enjoying plenty of refreshments, yummy treats, and a host of other fabulous goodies. I had a great time meeting the amazing divas from Dress for Success, chatting and tweeting with some of my BFF divas, and meeting several new faces from the blogosphere.

As part of Puff’s Kisses campaign, Puffs fans sent virtual kisses via Puffs’ Facebook page and the tissue brand donated $1 for each kiss to Dress for Success. During the event Puffs presented Dress for Success with a check for a whopping $100,000! WOW; talk about a kiss to remember! 😉 It was a pleasure speaking with Sandy Johnson, Development Director for Dress for Success, as well as meeting all of the fabulous women from the program. I felt so uplifted and inspired by the determination of these amazing women and I wish each and every one of them their much deserved success. Go ladies!!!

Special thanks to Adriana and Puffs for the invite and congrats to all of the Dress for Success divas! Smooches!!!

Check out more pics from all of the Puffs Kisses/Dress for Success events across the country on Instagram using #PuffsKiss.

For more information about Dress for Success and to support this amazing organization, please visit www.DressForSuccess.org. Also be sure to follow Puffs on Twitter and Facebook for lots of exciting and fun stuff!

Check out more pics from the Puffs Kisses/Dress for Success event. * Photos courtesy of Kiwi the Beauty

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