Natural Fashionista: Chioma

Bright, bold colors. Simple style. Easy, breezy hair. These are the things that attracted me to our September Natural Fashionista, Chioma. Yet another social media find, she is truly making waves in the blogosphere with her “rock what you got” approach to fashion: re-styling pieces to create new, fresh looks.

Say hello!

Hi Loves! My name is Chioma Brown and I write the Kentucky based personal style blog, Chioma’s Evolution of Style!

How long have you been wearing your hair in its natural state and what made you decide to take that step?

I’ve been natural 3.5 years. Relaxers were beginning to really damage my hair and irritate my scalp so my then hair stylist actually told me she would never apply another relaxer on me because she loved me and was worried about my hair. That’s so rare, and I love her for doing that for me because it forced me to do what was best for the overall health of my hair.

What do you love the most about your natural hair? Any challenges you’d like to share?

I love how versatile it is and I’ve honestly fallen in love with protective hairstyles. The back half of my hair is very tightly coiled so in humid weather, I experience major shrinkage. I have been styling my hair when it’s dry a lot more this year and that has helped keep my stretched styles elongated longer.

Describe your hair care routine.

Right now, my hair care routine is very easy and minimalist as I’m currently wearing a protective style called Marley Twists. I plan to give my hair a break for a week and then try another protective style. My usual hair care routine when I have my hair out is to wash my hair every 1-2 weeks and deep condition my hair. I’ve been blowing my hair out with a heat protectant and twisting my hair with one of my favorite hair butters for elongated twist outs which I either wear out in a fro, puff, or in a faux hawk. I retwist my hair nightly and apply castor oil in my scalp every few days.

Do you feel that wearing your hair in its natural state has changed or somehow affects your overall fashion sense?

I think being natural has not only enhanced my confidence but my personal style.

How would you describe your personal style? Who or what inspires you?

Classic & Funky. I love bright colors and unique prints. It excites me to see how I can pair the two. I also love a classic midi skirt and I adore blouses and button downs.

What’s the fashion scene like in KY?

There isn’t a very large fashion scene here in KY. There is a large preppier scene and urban scene. I believe I’m an eclectic mix of both with a splash of color and fun prints. I’m thankful for the ability to travel and experience other fashion scenes with my husband and friends and of course find inspiration online through fellow style bloggers and via fashion magazines.

If you could wear one thing every day, what would that one item of clothing be?

In the Spring/Summer: Skirts. In the Fall/Winter: Blazers.

I love that CEOS is big on styling pieces one already owns as well as style on a budget. Does this include thrift and bargain shops for you? What are your favorite spots?

Absolutely! Anyone who knows me or avidly reads my blog knows I love affordable yet quality clothing. I am an avid thrifter, some of my most treasured pieces in my wardrobe are vintage/thrifted. Some of my favorite clothing stores are H&M, Forever 21, Zara, Asos, Target, & of course Thrift Stores!

Can you give us a few basic styling tips and offer some words of advice to our newbie naturals?

Wear clothing that flatters your body type, makes you feel confident and beautiful, reflects your personality, and just have fun with it!

Thank you so much for reaching out to me for this feature and for those of you reading this, it was a pleasure chatting with you! Hope to see your faces over on the blog! 🙂

Where can the readers find you on social media?

Keep up with my adventures here:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin‘

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Thank you, Chioma, for sharing your style and hair story with us! We’ll be on the lookout for more of you in the weeks to come. 😉

xoxo

Toia B.