The verdict is in. New York curlies go hard y’all. Damn hard. I’m JUST getting home, literally walked in the door a second ago, and ‘beat’ isn’t even the word. I can barely see straight, so I’ll keep this quite short–
1. The response to my 3 year blogging anniversary party was overwhelming. After receiving 1500 rsvps in 48 hours and changing venues to accommodate more curlies, sadly, we were only able to ticket 650 of those interested. I was flattered and frustrated… happy and disappointed. I wanted everyone to be able to attend, but (1) a venue that holds 2000 folks in NYC would cost abajillion dollars, and (2) I wouldn’t get a chance to meet and mingle with everyone and y’all know how my midwest ass does. *smiles big, waves and motions for a hug*
2. The L’Oreal Mizani sponsored event was nothing short of amazing… wall to wall curly splendiferousness. More than 600 curlies turned out and it was all. the. way. live. I had a ball and from what I could tell, everyone else did too. Boogie was there and I heard she danced all night… until she passed out of course. Oh, and I extended invites to past interviewees Janet ‘Aunt Viv’ Hubert and Karyn ‘Hilary Banks’ Parsons in hopes for a Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reunion of sorts… and they came! Big thanks to Mr. sweetdrk1, Ben of onethurteen for snapping some amazing pics!!!!
3. The after party with Christina of LoveBrownSugar at Pranna rocked my socks. I ate, drank (more), and schmoozed with fellow bloggers and those curlies that wanted to keep the party going. Patron shots all around!
4. The ever flyy Folake of Stylepantry.com helped me conceptualize what became my fit for the evening. I wanted help ‘color blocking’ and she sent me several amazing options to choose from. I pulled from her ideas, sprinkled in a bit of my own flavor and this is what we ended up with–
- Gray Boyfriend Blazer (2 years old)- Urban Outfitters
- Chambray Shirt- J Crew
- Brick Red Jeggings- Pac Sun
- Green Snakeskin Court Show- Zara
- Chunky gold chain- Express
As for the hurr, just as I did for my Wanda Sykes and pumpkin patch adventures, I dry twisted with… [scary music here]… Dax Green… GREASE… *drops mic, runs off stage*
Later Gators,
Nik
What was the name of the twisted rod type tool used to curl one of the Mizani models hair? Started with an L…
It was awesome meeting you at the after party! Loving the photos. Christina, you and I were such an eclectic fashion mix. I love it! See you at your next NYC event!!
Nikki that's me in the first pic with you!!! I was soo super duper excited to meet you!! Continue to do what you do because you are an inspiration not only to me but to other curlies out there. Xoxo
Looks like I am the only one out of the DAX loop but then again my mom may have used the stuff in my hair when I was little and I didn't even know it. Hmmm… Anywho, all the pics came out gorgeous and everyone looks so fab. Nikki, love the outfit. 🙂
I used to have the longest, most shiny, and STURDY braids off of the Dax Green when I was little. I am not mad at you at ALL! I think we would all agree that it does your twist outs VERY well!
This was my first curly girl event and I absolutely cannot WAIT for the next one. I was absolutely overwhelmed and so appreciative of the positive atmosphere…Everyone was complimenting each other & "oohing & aahing" over hair styles & outfits! It was a BEAUTIFUL display of sisterhood.
Nikki….ummmmm…DAX is the truth! lol..it IS the secret formula. I haven't used it since I was younger but back in they day whenever we were done with washing and drying regime, we always cornrowed our hair with DAX. My little cousin uses it to press her hair. My entire family swears by it..so I totally get it. I haven't returned to it since I permed and went natural again. Does it attribute to any dandruff or flaking?
This is why I LOVE your site. You don't condemn the naturals who've decided to use hair grease and all the other taboo items. I for one stay using the green Dax! So now we're grease sisters!LOL. Your hair looks gorgeous as usual! Glad the event was a success!
OK if ya'll using Dax then I might just have to get out the Ultra Sheen (it screams 1970s) LOL.
looks like a FABULOUS event! I sholl aint mad at the dax grease! I been using royal crown for my twist outs and gots some blue magic too! So rock on! Grease and water worked back then and it can still works right now!
Nikki,
My mother keeps telling me that everything they did in the past couldn't have been ALL wrong. It looks like you have proven her right. Rock on with your Dax!
great pictures!
Nikki, your outfit is divine. I may or may not copy it (almost) exactly…
and can we please talk about Boogie's amazing bone structure?? Those cheeks are already model material.
i love me some Dax grease! takes me back to my childhood when my grandma would press my hair using that good old dax! hair was greasy and heavy as hell but i looked GOOD!!! aww good times good times!
CN you brought out the celebrities! Aunt Vivian and Hilary are black royalty, I really wish I had gotten a ticket. Thanks for bringing so many positive beautiful people together. I appreciate all you do and wish you much continued success.
Feeling the blazer.
Lmao don't run your hair looks fab! My Gia! Omg I adore her! Always camera ready! NYC was amazing! I had a blast, they showed up Nd out for you! Happy anniversary!
I LOVE how Gia is at every event! Too cute! Looks like a great time.
tiannamae.blogspot.com
I just said "AWWW BOOOGIE" all aloud like I knew your daughter lol!!! But she's so dang cute! But everybody and their hair look all pretty and nice 🙂
Pictures are fab!! As with every CN meet up, it looks like everyone had a blast. Alright, I need the scoop on the "hur grease." I may have to dig to the back of the cabinet underneath the sink if I could get results like that!!
I ain't mad at ya Nik! Shoot, mineral oil has its benefits! I read a great article on NC.com ago about the differences between coconut oil and mineral oil and mineral oil does have certain areas where it is better than coconut and sealing is one of them. I remember the article said it was really good at facilitating clumping and sealing out frizz inducing humidity. I always say, do what works for you. I used to mix grease with gel for my WnGs and that did me lovely for many years! I used a light grease (TCB Lite), but still pretty sure it contained mineral oil. I advanced to Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter and I preferred that because it didn't leave grease marks on my car seat like the TCB did though!! LOL!!
And the event was so much fun! Can't wait until you do the one in Philly;)!
Shelli
LMAO.. you had me laughing like I saw a freakin clown at 6 yrs old!!! OMG Im so sorry I missed it, NYKERS aint no joke! lol.. it looked beautiful well organised so much so that if I attend an event such as that one, I always use yours as a gage of 'classy'! About the Grease, that was so damn funny, but hell everybody know they use that issh on the hair on tha low! I love my grease and I aint mad at you! its all u booboo
Hi Nikki! I'm still on a high from this past Thursday's gathering. Your event was my first ever meetup & it was sooo awesome to be amongst my fellow naturalistas as well as meeting you & your lovely family. Thanks again for this event & for posing for a pic w/me.
Nikki you are gorgeous!
The party looks as if it was really fun. Everyone looks fab. And that last smiling photo of Baby G is too cute!
I've been waiting for a hot minute for you to drop the "secret product under review". Now I know why you "dropped the mic and ran off the stage". You've seriously returned to grease?! OK — where can I pick some up? LOL LOL LOL! Seriously, you must post back when you have a minute as to what lead you back ….like, what was your process, did you just wake up and say, "Hmm…let me try some Dax Green (really laughing hard right now)".
I need the full and complete 4-1-1 – STAT!
~Rhonda C
Girl, you are hilarious! I ain't mad at you….Do you boo! I'm glad you had a good time. Wish I could have been there.
thanks! I don't use much and it turns out so fluffy and feels 'protected' and moisturized for so much longer. Corinne Bailey Rae, Amel Larrieux and Chicoro made me do it!
Wow everyone looks gorgeous in all of the pictures, and glad to see you had fun. NYC definitely loved some CN 🙂 if you ever come to GA again I may try to swing by. Look at baby Gia, always ready for the camera with a smile :). Also the grease and twists of your hair looks good. I recently brought some Royal Crown Hair Dressing after watching "Jcokes7" video on YT and did my twists. They came out sweet and very moisturized as well.