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

A Success-ful soiree with The Real Housewives of Atlanta

Hi Lovelies!

Not long ago I was invited out to a fabulous event hosted by NeNe Leakes and Cynthia Bailey. You know Miss NeNe and Mrs. Bailey, right? Well, in case you’ve just returned from a 5 year sabbatical in sunny Siberia, these ladies are two of the stars from the mega-hit TV show The Real Housewives of Atlanta. These prime-time divas were hosting an event aptly named “Success” at the lovely Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Buckhead, Atlanta. The event featured deliciously divine cocktails, yummy appetizers, and plenty of celebrity fanfare. And if that wasn’t enough fabulocity for one night, Bravo TV was also there filming for Season 5 of the Real Housewives of Atlanta! Whooot! I also spotted RHOA stars Kandi Burruss, Kim Zolciak, and newcomer Kenya Moore at this star-studded affair.

All of the ladies looked amazing, and I can’t wait to see what Season 5 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta has in store. I’m sure there will be plenty of surprises to go along with all of the fabulous fashion and fun!

Here is a sneak preview of this event on The Real Housewives of Atlanta show. You can see me laughing in the background around :45 secs into the video (insert patter clapping):

happenings

Living the LUSH Life

Hi Lovelies!

Recently I had the most wonderful experience that cannot be summarized in mere words. This experience was to say the least an awakening of the senses and a discovery of decadent self-indulgence. This was an experience in every sense of the word… one that was filled with the essence of fresh fruit and blooming flowers surrounded by luscious candy-colored hues with the aroma of perfumes and fragrances that conjure visions of sugar plums dancing in my head.

If you’ve ever walked into Macy’s and been captivated by the enchanting scent of alluring fragrances, then you’ve likely been smitten by the seduction of LUSH Cosmetics. And once you’ve given in to temptation and sampled their products, you are never the same again. Lush Cosmetics are handmade from fresh natural products that use vegetarian ingredients with little or no preservatives. I’d have to say that I’ve been swooned by LUSH Cosmetics for quite some time now and have since amassed a small collection of their products that I keep a close guard upon. It’s true! Fort Knox is a walk in the park compared to my stash of LUSH bath bombs, bath melts, and bubble bars. I know it sounds a bit obsessive, but a girl has her needs. You’d think that I was preparing for a “fragrance-free apocalypse” with the amount of Lush products that I’ve stored up. 😀

Well as you’ve probably guessed, I absolutely adore LUSH Cosmetics, and it would be by utter destiny that one day I’d have an opportunity to host an event at this fabulous store. So, when the long anticipated chance to do just that arrived, I was so overcome with joy that I could barely contain my glee. And just like a kid in a candy store on Christmas eve, I was more than eager to unwrap each and every treat within arm’s reach. So, I gathered several of my besties (aka the Blog Fab Fashionistas (BFFs) and descended upon the LUSH store located inside Macy’s at Lenox Square for an evening filled with wonderful bath & beauty products, fabulous giveaways, goodie bags, and plenty of BFF fun!

During this scent-astic event our senses were fully pampered, and so were our faces, hands, and feet. That’s right! You see, not only does LUSH offer wonderful bath, body, and fragrance products but they also carry invigorating facial masks that are simply amazing! “Kiwi”, one of my fellow blogging besties opted for the Ayesha facial mask ($6.95) which left her skin looking radiant and full of youthful glow. LUSH carries a variety of Fresh Face Masks that are handmade with the finest essential oils, fresh fruits and veggies, deep cleansing clays and nutrient rich herbs. My other BFF “Soo Soo” decided to indulge in a foot and hand massage using LUSH’s Body Lotions. And judging by the fact that she was literally scheduling a trip to La-La Sleepy Land, she no doubt enjoyed every moment of it. 😀 We had several giveaways throughout the evening; one of which was a fabulous You’re a Star gift pack that BFF Parker won during our giveaway. Yay!!! Oh, and yours truly also walked away with a fab gift set called Wild Child. I absolutely LOVE it!!! When I saw the name “Wild Child” I immediately thought… Uh oh; they must be on to me! 😛

But, the talk of the eve was LUSH’s new Emotional Brilliance makeup line. What is it you ask? Well, LUSH has created a color wheel that allows you to choose your 3 favorite colors from the 32 possible choices to reveal the emotional state that color is associated with. This empowers you to choose your desired combination of colors that make you feel and look your best. How brilliant is that! I absolutely love the concept! Who knew that wearing a certain color would convey a specific emotion? Well, it looks like Lush has it all figured out.

We had an amazing time discovering all of the new and exciting products at LUSH Cosmetics. Big hugs and kisses to Nicole and the fabulous LUSH staff for being such gracious hosts during our BFFTweetup event. The BFF ladies really enjoyed the pampering and product samples.

Thanks to Beautiful Textures for the product samples, Vitamin Water for refreshments, and Fear4lymade Body Oils for providing the ladies with those lovely fragrance samples for our goodie bags.

And of course I must thank my fellow BFF Divas for coming out in support. We had a great time like always! Be sure to follow these amazing ladies! Pssst… Wanna join in on a little BFF fun? Signup now to become a BFF member at www.blogfabfashionistas.com.

Alicia of Ally McGlam

Kiwi of Kiwi the Beauty

Lynn of LA Lynn’s Accessory Shoppe

Parker of Everyday Runway 365

Sophia of Soo Soo Tasty

Be sure to shop LUSH Cosmetics online, and visit their shop located inside Macy’s at Lenox Square and discover why I’m “Living the LUSH Life!”

Check out more pics from our evening at LUSH Cosmetics in Lenox Square with my BFF’s:

[fbphotos id=476076085770743]

etc, etc

2nd Annual Soo Soo Tasty Charity Tasting

Ladies & Gentleman come Mix & Mingle and enjoy the Sweet Treats of Soo Soo Tasty

This event is to support Carrie Steele Pitts Children Christmas Fund.

Saturday, November 17, 2012
Time: 2:00 PM

Carrie Steele Pitts Cafe’
667 Fairburn Road
Atlanta, GA 30331

If you are unable to attend a monetary donation is much appreciated.

Purchase tickets for this event at http://soosootastycharity2012.eventbrite.com/

Your ticket includes: 2 Raffle tickets, Cake Tasting and catered food by Big Ed’s BBQ.

There will also be vendors for your shopping pleasures:
LALynn Accessories , Dawn Soul Purpose, Love Sex & Heels, Bags that Beckon, Bling by Kisha Nicole, and Recovery Room Massage

Sponsors:
TNR Business Services, EyeSoKeen Photography, Big Ed’s BBQ, SooSooTasty Cakes & Events, and BedRoomKandi by Tawana

Media Sponsors:
BFF Blog Fab Fahionsita’s & BLMGirl’s Blog Like Me

::: Cake Menu :::

The Love Collection
Key Lime Love Cake & Sweet Potato Cake
Carribean Coconut Cake

The Dream Collection
Butter Crème’ Dream Cake
Strawberry Dream Shot Glass

The Hersey Collection
Chocolate Chip Pound Cake

Teaser Collection
Velvet Red Cake Balls,
Reese’s Peanut Butter Balls
Lemoncello Pound Cake

BBQ Sampler Plate
BBQ Chicken
BBQ Pork
Mac & Cheese
Carribean Coleslaw
Vegan Bake Beans
Menu is subject to change and All Sales are Final.

Hope to see you there! just look for the Sweet Smell of Soo Soo Tasty Treats

happenings

Cirque Du Soleil is back in Atlanta with its Big Top Production

TOTEM opens for a limited engagement from now until Sunday, December 30th under the Blue-and-Yellow Big Top at Atlantic Station

Cirque du Soleil is back in Atlanta with its touring production TOTEM which premieres tonight for a limited engagement under the blue-and-yellow Big Top at Atlantic Station.

One final week-end of performances has been added today to the Atlanta engagement of TOTEM from December 28 to 30, 2012.

Tickets for TOTEM can be purchased at any time online via www.cirquedusoleil.com/totem or at the Cirque du Soleil box office, located inside the entrance tent at Atlantic Station. (Regular box office hours are from 2 hours prior to show time until 30 minutes after the beginning of the show from Tuesday through Sunday.)

Performance schedule: Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 8pm; Thursdays through Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm; Sundays at 1pm and 5pm; and dark on Mondays.

Visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/totem for the complete performance schedule.

About TOTEM

Since its world premiere in 2010, TOTEM visited over 14 different cities in 4 different countries and performed in front of more than 1.5 million spectators. TOTEM marks the 10th Cirque du Soleil Big Top touring show visit to Atlanta since 1991.

Written and directed by Robert Lepage, TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. The characters evolve on a stage evoking a giant turtle, the symbol of origin for many ancient civilizations.

Inspired by many founding myths, TOTEM illustrates through a visual and acrobatic language, the evolutionary progress of species. Somewhere between science and legend TOTEM explores the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential.

The cast of TOTEM comprises 52 performing artists from 17 countries.

The Creative team

Under the artistic guidance of Guy Laliberté and Gilles Ste-Croix, the show brings together a team of 12 creators, including Robert Lepage – Writer and Director; Neilson Vignola – Director of Creation; Carl Fillion – Set and Props Designer; Kym Barrett – Costume Designer; Bob & Bill – Composers and Musical Directors; Jeff Hall – Choreographer; Étienne Boucher – Lighting Designer; Pedro Pires – Image Content Designer; Jacques Boucher – Sound Designer; Pierre Masse – Rigging and Acrobatic Equipment Designer; Florence Pot – Acrobatic Performance Designer; and Nathalie J. Simard – Makeup Designer.

Sponsors

Cirque du Soleil gratefully acknowledges the sponsors of the TOTEM 2012 North American tour:

Cirque du Soleil

From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is a major Québec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has 5,000 employees, including more than 1,300 artists from more than 50 different countries.

Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to more than 100 million spectators in more than 300 cities in over forty countries on six continents.

For more information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/totem

Follow Cirque du Soleil on Twitter: @cirque – hashtag #TOTEM

Join Cirque du Soleil on Facebook: www.facebook.com/totemcirque

glam on

10 Fabulously Unforgettable Fragrances for Fall

It’s officially crisp and cool outside. It’s also time to start shelving those spring floral and citrusy summer-esque fragrances and consider swapping them out for a more season appropriate scent. For those of us who are experiencing summer scent withdrawal, not to fear. The coming of fall doesn’t mean that your choice of perfume has to be dark, woodsy, and musky. Rather, this season’s most popular scents range from light and clean to ones that borrow masculine notes that work well with the female body chemistry. Believe it or not, your scent is tied to what others will most remember you by (and you obviously want to be remembered as the best smelling girl on the block!). So, check out these fabulous fall fragrances that are sure to linger in their minds for quite a while.

Cartier – Baiser Volé

Cartier Baiser Volé
Baiser Volé, meaning ‘Stolen Kiss,’ will steal your heart with its essence of lily in a full, rich, floral scent.

$100 for 1.6 ounces; Nordstrom

Vera Wang – Lovestruck Floral Rush

Vera Wang Lovestruck Floral Rush
Good luck dodging Cupid’s arrow after a whiff of this beauty. This intoxicating fragrance has a rich layer of pink passion flower and leaves you with a lasting impression with hints of cashmere woods and sheer musk to sweep you off your feet.

$78 for 3.4 ounces; Macy’s

Thierry Mugler – Angel

Thierry Mugler Angel
One of the season’s hottest scents, this delightful fragrance mingles red berries, praline, and vanilla with hints of pepper and white musk for a sweet and slightly spicy effect.

$98 for 2.7 ounces; Nordstrom

Jessica Simpson – Vintage Bloom

Jessica Simpson Vintage Bloom
Inspired by the romantic moments and the scents of meadow flowers in the evening, this bright and youthful scent invites notes of crisp cotton musk and Indian sandalwood to charm and delightfully entice.

$65 for 3.4 ounces; Macy’s

Jo Malone – Blackberry & Bay Cologne

Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay Cologne
A burst of deep, tart blackberry juice, blending with the freshness of just-gathered bay and brambly woods.

$110 for 3.4 ounces; Nordstrom

Gucci – Première

Gucci Première
GUCCI Première celebrates the star in every woman. Grace sits with attitude, beauty with power. Just as a leading lady graces the red carpet with her couture GUCCI gown, so every woman deserves her GUCCI Première moment.

$105 for 2.5 ounces; Macy’s

Bvlgari – Jasmin Noir L’Essence

Bvlgari Jasmin Noir L’Essence
With its oriental, floral, woody and musky tone, this classic represents a tribute to extreme sensuality, glamour and sophistication.

$103 for 1.7 ounces; Nordstrom

BCBGMAXAZRIA – Bon Chic

BCBGMAXAZRIA Bon Chic
Luxurious notes are combined to exhibit the ultimate feminine signature in this Show-stopping fragrance that presents a signature all its own.

$75 for 3.4 ounces; Macy’s

Marc Jacobs – Dot

Marc Jacobs ‘Dot’
If the eye-catchingly adorable bottle doesn’t grab your full attention, the sweet yet sophisticated scent of this happy-go-lucky fragrance will.

$89 for 3.4 ounces; Nordstrom

Jimmy Choo – Parfum

Jimmy Choo Parfum
A sensual and irresistible limited edition for the season, this version is a sumptuous re-mastering of the original fragrance for women who desire a more intense variation of the signature scent.

$150 for 1.3 ounces; Nordstrom

Visit the Macy’s Perfume Store and Nordstrom Perfume Shop to stock up on the hautest scents for fall. With a collection of sassy scents like these, you’re sure to create many lasting memories!

arts & entertainment

Plum Wednesday One-Day Sale: Save 50% on Nutcracker Tickets Wednesday, November 21

Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker presented by Belk

Enjoy 50% off Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker Tickets on Plum Wednesday
Get tickets for yourself & as gifts for others during this one-day sale!

Click here to access this amazing discount with promo code PLUM!

Atlanta Ballet is looking to make this Thanksgiving even brighter with an exclusive 50% discount on all performances of Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker next month! You won’t want to pass up this opportunity, since it’s only available this Wednesday, November 21, 2012. Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker is always a crowd favorite, and the extra dose of magic this year from Illusionist Drew Thomas will make this production even more memorable. Go ahead and check off the names of friends, family members, coworkers, neighbors, and teachers on your holiday shopping list by purchasing tickets to Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker during the Plum Wednesday sale! Your family will definitely want to take advantage of this fantastic discount and join the Sugar Plum Fairy and all of her friends December 7 -26 at the Fabulous Fox Theatre!

*Limit 4 tickets per household. Offer valid Wednesday, November 21 from 12 am to 11:59 pm only. Cannot be used on previously purchased tickets and cannot be combined with other discounts. Offer only available online.

etc, etc, happenings

Macy’s Great Tree Lighting is set to Dazzle on Thanksgiving Day

Experience the magic of the holiday season with the lighting of the Macy’s Great Tree at Lenox Square on Thanksgiving November 22, 2012. For more than six decades generations of Atlantans have welcomed the season with the lighting of the Great Tree, and the tradition continues this year as more than 100,000 people from all over gather at Macy’s Lenox Square to witness this cherished holiday event.

Macy’s Great Tree Lighting ceremony at Lenox Square (Photo courtesy of Macy’s)

The lighting of Atlanta’s most beloved and recognized Christmas tree will take place in front of Macy’s at Lenox Square from 7 PM to 8 PM. A pre-show concert will begin at 6:15 PM. The celebration will be capped off with a fantastic fireworks finale to holiday music at 8 PM which sets the tone for the lighting of the 70-foot white pine filled with more than 4,000 lights.

WSB-TV’s Jovita Moore and David Chandley will host the live broadcast ceremony that will include a variety of performances to help light the tree including musical performances by Academy of Country Music and CMT award winner Trace Adkins, The Voice Season Two finalist Chris Mann, recording artist and star of the Nickelodeon hit series, “How to Rock,” Cymphonique Miller, Macy’s All-Star Holiday Choir, Macy’s All Star Cheer Squad, and much more!

What a moving and memorable way to kick off the holiday season! And I can’t think of anything more exciting than to spend Thanksgiving with my family at such a magical event. We will see you there!

Lenox Square is located at 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326

etc, etc

A “Unique” Plus Size Fashion Showcase

Plus Size Fashion Show at CBWW Expo Hosted by Nikka Shae

Hey Fashionistas!

I’m sooo excited!!!! Your’s truly will be hosting a fabulous Plus Size Fashion Show on Saturday, November 3rd and I can’t wait! The fun begins at 1:30PM at the fabulous TWELVE Atlantic Station. The fashion show is part of the 5th annual Health & Beauty Expo sponsored by the Center for Black Women’s Wellness.

The fashion show will feature custom designs, makeup, and accessories by an amazing group of ladies who I call the Diva Dream Team. I’ve worked with these ladies in the past and they always bring the heat! First in the lineup is Unique Sisters Designs who will be showcasing their fabulous full figured designs. I had the pleasure of working with Unique Sisters’ visionaries Nikia & Tamikia Bell during Curves Fashion Week where they outfitted me with several custom pieces to rock during the event (seen below).

Nikka Shae rocking custom Unique Sisters Designs during Curves Fashion Week

Me rocking custom Unique Sisters Designs during Curves Fashion Week

Next up on the roster are the amazing “Sass-essories” of Carisma Designs. Myself and the runway models will be “rocking” this haute collection of custom neck wear, earrings, and accessories by the fabulous TMarie. Check out a few of the pieces scheduled to make a showstopping appearance (below).

Rounding up the Diva Dream Team is the makeup stylings of Yolanda “China” Smith of Unique Faces (left). Myself and the runway models will have our faces laid by the hands of this amazing makeup artist.

AND… If that isn’t enough fabulocity for ya, the amazing Nicci Gilbert of TV One’s hit show R&B Divas will also be hosting and showcasing her fierce plus size clothing line Curvato during the fashion show.

This event promises to be spectacular, so you don’t want to miss it!

So come out and see these divas in action on Saturday, November 3rd at TWELVE Atlantic Station for a “unique” fashion showcase unlike any other!

Register to attend this event at: http://cbwwexpo2012-eorg.eventbrite.com/

style setter

Sassy Sweater Styles to Keep You Looking Haute This Fall

Fall is here! And as the temps continue to cool it’s time dig deep into your closet and pullout those sweaters and knits to heat up your style this season. But with so many types of knitwear to choose from, it’s tough to figure out which styles you need to celebrate autumn in style. Luckily Forever 21 at Lenox Square has you covered with a fab selection of sweaters and knits to keep you looking haute all season long.

Graphic:

From quirky messages to cool icons, make a statement this season with a graphic sweater.

This adorable Bunny Graphic Sweater ($22.80) is both playful and cute.

This Fitted Animal Patterned Sweater ($24.80) is perfect for both business and leisure.

Crew Neck:

While V-Neck sweaters are always a fall fave, you can’t go wrong this season with a crew neck. Crew necks are a perfect backdrop for a bold collar or collar necklace which are super trendy this season.

This Pearlescent Embellished Sweater ($24.80) would look amazing with a fab collar necklace.

Or, take the guess work out of finding a fab collar necklace and rock this Bejeweled Collar Sweater ($24.80) that features built-in bling along the neckline.

Tunics & Turtlenecks:

These retro looks are making a comeback this season.

This Cable Knit Turtleneck Sweater ($27.80) is a perfect complement to a pair of your fave denim jeans.

This Shag Turtleneck Sweater ($27.80) is super sassy and screams for a little well placed bling to jazz it up.

This sassy and chic Striped Sweater Tunic ($29.80) speaks for itself and looks great without neckwear.

Colorblock:

The colorblocking trend that we loved for both spring and summer is taking over fall fashion too.

This Colorblocked Pointelle Sweater ($24.80) is lightweight and breathable and cute atop a pair of figure hugging bottoms.

I absolutely love this Colorblocked Turtleneck Sweater ($19.80) that seems to add a slimming effect with its long lines and bold colors.

Mesh:

The netted look is one of the most versatile and it’s also the perfect in-between seasons sweater.

This Sequined Asymmetrical Sweater ($24.80) adds just the right amount of sparkle.

This Sequined Striped Sweater Tunic ($22.80) will jazz up any outfit. Remember to wear a contrasting colored piece underneath to achieve the full see-through effect.

So drop by Forever 21 in Lenox Square and turn the heat up on your fashion this fall. You can also find these fall faves online atwww.forever21.com.

happenings

Monsoon Children hosts charity event to aid Atlanta kids

Giving the Gift of Warmth charity event at Monsoon Children in Phipps Plaza

It was a clothing for a cause affair as Monsoon Children held its Giving the Gift of Warmth charity event which aids in providing winter clothing to keep Atlanta’s less fortunate children warm during the winter. This charity event benefits the Children’s Restoration Network, which is a non-profit agency that has been assisting Atlanta’s homeless children and mothers since 1993. The Children’s Restoration Network (CRN) conducts programs and special events to provide a broad range of positive experiences for over 4,000 children across more than 130 shelters and group homes in 20 countries each year.

Here’s an alarming fact: Did you know that one in 45 children experience homelessness in America each year? And even more alarming is the fact that more than 45,500 Georgia children are homeless over the course of a year.

The Giving the Gift of Warmth charity event was held at the Monsoon Children’s store located in Phipps Plaza in Atlanta, and I must say that if you’ve never been to Monsoon before you must make it a point to visit this fabulous store. They carry the latest in European fashions featuring stylish children’s clothing as well as a wide variety of accessories for adults including bags, purses, jewelry, belts, hats, scarves, and a host of other chic curiosities. During the event, guests enjoyed live music, sweet treats, sips, and discounted shopping throughout the evening. Patrons also brought in their gently used and new winter clothing to donate to this worthy cause.

What an amazing night! I had such a wonderful time. It is such a great feeling knowing that children will be warm this winter because of the compassion and generosity of organizations and businesses such as The Children’s Restoration Network and Monsoon Children, and I’m honored to have participated in such a worthwhile endeavor. Thank you Tiffani for the invite; and to Rebecca and the fabulous Monsoon Children staff for being such gracious hosts during this amazing event.

Please support The Children’s Restoration Network with your generous donation; or you can volunteer to help this amazing organization in its efforts to provide assistance to the worlds homeless and less fortunate.

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