I guess I should start right now, right here. Let’s see… where have I been lately? Physically I’m here where you are, feet on the ground. Mentally I’m playing freeze tag and spiritually I’m floating through a tunnel. It’s late but I’m wide awake and I feel like writing to the world. That’s exactly what I do when I post anything on here. I give the world a chance to form an opinion about me. Whether it’s about how I look, how I think or how I like to wear my clothes. I’m not afraid to put myself out there though. I’ve already spent too many precious years caring about what people think of me. When you care about what people think, you don’t move the same and you miss out on getting to know yourself. I learn something knew about me every day. And I embrace the things that make me different because it helps me to grow as a person. I can’t hold back with Hera Nyx. This platform is an opportunity for me to push what I love into the world. It keeps me going on bad days, good days, and better days. This is my passion and I want you to float in it and be inspired to do something that you love. And do it fearlessly. Not everyone is going to support you and everyone isn’t going to give you a pat on the back. Don’t look for approval, just do what you love! Speak to what moves you and don’t be sorry for having something to say. Be kind though and uplift the next person. We all have our own battles at the end of the day. From me to you it’s nothing but love.

Much love,

Hera

The post No pictures this time, just words appeared first on Hera Nyx.

(had FlyLo sign my phone case )

Remember the other day I told you I wanted to see Flying Lotus, Thundercat, and Teebs in Atlanta, GA or Asheville, NC. Well, Asheville was the golden ticket. I didn’t have to work and Knimi was down for another road trip. I mean c’mon its Thundercat & Flying Lotus! Plus, Asheville is only 2 hours away from Charlotte. So, Wednesday, April 24 we made our way to the Orange Peel. The full line up was Teebs, Thundercat, & Flying Lotus. When I first found out about the show I wasn’t familiar with Teebs, so I looked into some of his stuff. It’s intriguing and it makes me want to create. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to take pictures or record Teebs during his set but if you haven’t heard any of his sounds I encourage you to check him out.

Overall the show was on point! Teebs started the show and did his thing. Then Thundercat graced the stage… that was magical. Last was FlyLo. His set was basically a light show. It was pretty cool.  Towards the end of the show Lotus got off the stage and made his way through the crowd. Yea, the people went crazy. They were pretty much crazy (in a good way) the whole night but that stunt sealed the deal. Knimi and I received that front row love and I was able to get some decent shots during the show. It was good night with good music and good vibes. Well worth the drive and the lack of sleep. Flying Lotus and the crew are still on tour. Peep the dates below and hopefully you can experience greatness for a night.

I want to share my experiences with you, so I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. At the end of the day whether it’s an outfit post, a DIY, or a trip to Maryland I want you to take something from it.

“Yesterday you said tomorrow. Just do it!”

Much love,

Hera

(Via Pitchfork)

03-12 Austin, TX – AMOA Arthouse at Jones Center (SXSW)
04-21 Houston, TX – Warehouse Live Ballroom *#
04-23 Atlanta, GA – Masquerade (Heaven Stage) *#
04-24 Asheville, NC – Orange Peel *#
04-25 Washington, DC – 930 Club *#
04-26 Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer *#
05-05 New York, NY – Terminal 5 (Red Bull Music Academy) #$
05-12 Boston, MA – Paradise #
05-13 Montreal, Quebec – Metropolis #
05-15 Toronto, Ontario – Sound Academy #
05-16 Cleveland, OH – House of Blues Cleveland #
05-17 Milwaukee, WI – Turner Hall Ballroom #
05-18 Chicago, IL – Metro #
05-19 Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue #
05-22 Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo #
05-23 Vancouver, British Columbia – Vogue Theater #
05-24 Portland, OR – Roseland Theater #
05-25 Oakland, CA – Fox Theater #

* with Teebs
$ with Ultraísta
# with Thundercat

The post Flying Lotus,Thundercat, and Teebs at The Orange Peel! appeared first on Hera Nyx.

A few months ago I was looking through a magazine- I want to say it was Marie Claire, Elle, or Vogue and I saw a cute burgundy sweater with an animal print design on the center of the sweater. I checked the price… $425 or $450 for that sweater! I don’t remember the brand but that was a hefty price tag. My creative hands started to itch. I can make that!

 I don’t have snap shots showing you step by step but if you listen closely you’ll catch on. If not, I’m pretty sure there are plenty of YouTube videos. I apologize; I’ll be more prepared next time. Anyway here’s the breakdown. I used two thrift store sweaters and one sweater from Gap that I got for cheap, a leopard print stencil, fabric paint, stencil brushes, and  spray adhesive. 

Before you start make sure you place some extra fabric or plastic underneath your sweater so that paint doesn’t soak through onto the floor. You also want to put paper or cloth inside the sweater. This way when you begin to paint it won’t soak through to the other side. Does that make sense? I took this picture just in case.

The next few steps are easy:

1 Simply spray a light coat of adhesive onto the stencil and place it in position on your sweater

2. Next squeeze some paint onto a separate surface and dab your brush in the paint

*I used circular sponge brushes. I found it easier to move in a circular motion*

3. Then use your brush to paint the stencil. Try not to get paint outside of the stencil. You can cover unwanted areas to be safe.

4. When the entire stencil is painted painted lift the stencil off the sweater and wait for it to dry. Since I had a smaller stencil I had to reposition it each time to create a design.

5. When you finish creating your design allow the paint to dry completely before you wear it.

And just like that you’ve created your own printed sweater!

I bought some floral and polka dot stencils to get funky on random things. I’m going to buy different color fabric paint as well. You can check back later to see my creations but for now, be sure to leave your thoughts on these. As always, Discover. Create.Inspire.

Much love,

Hera

The post I came, I saw, and I created my own printed sweater! appeared first on Hera Nyx.

“It’s B-L-U and if you see the E drop em”

So, last night was pretty dope! If you missed my previous post I’ll catch you up really quick. Knimi & I drove out to Atlanta last night to catch Blu and TiRon & Ayomari perform at The Basement. A few other artists performed as well like Yamin Semali, Nemo Achida, and  Sean Falyon. DJ Xavier BLK kept us entertained between acts as well. Blu, TiRon and Ayomari were pretty much the only performers I knew of. It was good to hear/see new artists though… new to me at least. The Basement is a cool, real chill spot. Quite intimate too and of course Knimi & I were caught front row. We definitely got called out a few times haha. It was cool though. Everyone showed loved!

On another note, Flying Lotus, Thundercat, and Teebs will be performing in Atlanta, GA April 23, at The Masquerade and in Asheville, NC, April 24 at The Orange Peel. I’m tempted to make that happen whether it’s Atlanta or Asheville.  You know what? I think I might be on a music show/ concert spree. The truth is there are so many things I want to do and see. The only way it’s going to happen, is if I just DO IT! I’ve said over and over I want to see this person or I want to visit this place and I would just let the days go by doing everything else. I just let other things get in the way. Taking that trip to DC was like telling myself, “Hera, no need to waste any more time.” The trip to Africa that I want to take… that’s possible. A trip to London, Chicago, Paris, Toronto,… I’m definitely going to make that happen. A trip to see Badu, Janelle, or The Roots perform… that HAS to happen. Honestly, I’m just a wild flower trying to see the world. Discover.Create.Inspire.

Much love,

Hera

Are you down to see Flying Lotus, Thundercat, and Teebs though?

The post Pictures from The Basement in Atlanta with Blu, TiRon, and Ayomari appeared first on Hera Nyx.

this guy & this guy!

TiRon & Ayomari

Songkick & I have a pretty good relationship. I tell them some of my favorite artists and they keep me up-to-date on performances and all that good stuff. That’s how I saw this guy. Well, a few months ago I got an email telling me that Blu had a show in Atlanta along with TiRon and Ayomari on April 15, 2013. So, when tickets became available (only $10) , I got them, told a few friends, and made plans to spend my Monday taking a little drive out to Atlanta, GA. The show is tonight at The Basement in Atlanta, and the complete line up is Blu, TiRon & Ayomari, Yamin Semali, Nemo Achida, Sean Falyon and DJ Xavier BLK. So, yeah that’s what my Monday looks like and to be honest it’s much needed! I’m looking forward to a new scene, good tunes, and something different from my Monday routine. Sometimes you just have to switch it up!

Much love,

Hera

What are your plans this evening? What does your Monday usually consist of?

You can find me on Twitter or Instagram, I’ll keep you posted!

Photos via:

Prefix Mag

The Couch Sessions

The Basement Atl

The post Spending my Monday with Blu, Ayomari & Tiron! appeared first on Hera Nyx.

A few weeks ago I saw a sneak peek of her collection on Facebook. I spotted this Chi Flo Label t-shirt that I thought was dope. It was a simple black shirt with the words Chi Flo written in white. I had a vision for it, so I told Christina that I wanted to get it. That’s when I found out it was actually a men’s t-shirt. Oh well I still wanted it. You know me… I’ll find a way to make it work. Plus, I dig men’s graphic tees anyway.

(Shirt: Chi Flo // Jeans: Gap // Shoes: DSW )

I appreciate the fact that her brand reflects who she is. She’s always been different and she’s not afraid to be herself and put herself out there. From the designs, to the packaging to her little thank you notes.  Everything is sooo Christina. I support her grind and wanted to share it with you.

The Story behind her Chi Flo designs:

 ”My designs are usually inspired by things that have happened to me. I find it easiest to work that way. I could never just draw something that I can’t relate to. Like, how those knock off ‘YSL’ shirts are so in right now. They sort of make fun of high fashion in a pretty cool way.  More power to whoever makes them (I see them all over from different companies). But if I ever tried to recreate that, it just wouldn’t be me. I’d feel phony. I don’t wear YSL, I don’t like the knock off YSLs, and I don’t want to copy anyone. If I’m feeling cool one day, I’ll sit down and draw, and maybe the ‘Street Pigeon’ comes out. Or if I’m feeling artsy, the Chief Flo. If I’ve been dealing with pressure, the ‘Not Your Savior’. They really come from what’s happening in my life that I think others can relate to.” -Christina Auricchio

Christina photo by: Rob Roselli

Read more about Chi Flo here.

photo by: Rob Roselli

  Check her out & connect!

Shop: Chi-Flo

Twitter: @_ChiFlo

Instagram: @_ChiFlo

Facebook: ChiFloLLC

Email: chiflostina@gmail.com

Much love,

Hera

The post A new t-shirt brand called Chi Flo! appeared first on Hera Nyx.

 I was hyped! I started working on it a few days after I came back from my trip. I had to bring this vision to life. After taking apart the seam with a seam ripper I was done. It was that simple. No scissors needed, no frayed edges, and I didn’t have to break out Lil’ Sew & Sew (my sewing machine). I was pleased with the results!

Wear it like a Blazer

I wore it backwards and turned down the sides to imitate a cute blazer!

  Pants & Shoes: Goodwill // Earring: Forever 21 (old)

Wear it over a cute Floral dress

Dress: Forever 21 (old) // Bag: Goodwill // Shoes: Miz Mooz

Wear it with Jeans and Sneakers!

Jeans: Gap // Sneakers: Air Max

Neon Jumper and Mini Skirt

Neon jumper: Gap // Skirt: Express (old)

With a Pencil Skirt

 That pretty much sums it up. I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed sharing. Which look do you like the most? I want to hear your thoughts so definitely share it below!

Much love beautiful people,

Hera

By the way, here’s another time I wore something backwards!

The post I love the print on this dress but I had to cut it up! appeared first on Hera Nyx.

Initially it was a pair of shoes but then I decided to give the winner a choice. So, the winner gets to choose Sequin stilettos, pink stilettos, or a statement necklace.

Giveaway Items:

Sequin Stilettos by Michael Shannon

-Only worn twice

-size 7.5

-approx. 4.5 inch heel

Pink Ruffle Stilettos by BAKERS

-only worn twice

-size 7.5

-approx. 4.5- inch heel

Gold Statement Necklace

-got lucky in Goodwill

 Enter below!

_Open to U.S Residents Only_

*Read Terms & Conditions Below*

(Starts 3/22/13 @ 12am EST & Ends 4/05/13 @ 12am EST)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Day 3

The next two days/ our last two days on this trip were spent in DC. We were pretty hyped about this whole DC life. We didn’t have real plans though, kind of just went with the flow.

I heard about a shop called Treasury in Georgetown (an area in DC), so we headed in that direction. After browsing around the area we agreed it was time to eat. We walked a few a blocks, not sure what to eat but hoping something would catch our appetite. We passed a restaurant that was packed at like 2 in the afternoon. Our curiosity led us in to a spot called Busboys and Poets (on 14th & V). The atmosphere was on point; a bookstore, amazing art pieces on the wall, good music playing, and people everywhere just enjoying their food. I fell in love! After enjoying our food it was confirmed that Busboys & Poets was THE SPOT!

I’m digging their Tribal Statement too!

From there we did some thrifting at Georgia Avenue thrift store, shopping at H&M and Zara in Chinatown, and then explored what happened to be the Adams Morgan scene. Adams Morgan is a neighborhood in DC. It was pretty live too. Bars, clubs, hookah lounges, and restaurants. It was a good mixture of everything. We did hookah at Queen’s Cafe & Hookah. It was a pretty chill spot. The crowd was pretty laid back and the staff was cool. They definitely wanted you to relax and enjoy yourself. Queen’s Cafe & Hookah doesn’t serve alcohol but we had some Egyptian tea for the first time, which was pretty good.

After enjoying the Adams Morgan neighborhood we met up with a friend and went out to eat at Ben’s Chili Bowl. It was like 3am and this place was beyond packed… like over capacity packed and it wasn’t a big spacious restaurant either. Now, you would think a place this packed would be filled with angry people just wanting to eat and frustrated with the long lines but that wasn’t case. Instead it was filled with happy drunks who just wanted someone to talk to while waiting in line. It was tight in that place but everyone was so chill. We finally ordered and sat down to eat. It was all love!

Day 4: Our Last Day

On our last day we went thrifting at Value Village and then spent the rest of the afternoon chillin’,  buying souvenirs, and taking pictures near the Washington Monument.

 I came across a quote while in Busboys and Poets that was a perfect cap on our trip. It spoke volumes to everything we felt and experienced in the DMV.

“We should be inspired by people… who show that human beings can be kind, brave, generous, beautiful, strong- even in the midst of difficult circumstances”- Rachel Corrie

Overall this was a much needed trip. It was a break from our routine lives. Whatever troubles or worries we had prior to the trip were irrelevant. I was able to bond with two amazing individuals. We inspired each other. Before departing, we sent each other off with love… it’s the little things. 

The DMV was great! I will definitely be making a few more trips that way soon. I encourage you to see the world. If it’s an unfamiliar place, seek to explore it. I believe traveling is important. It’s inspirational, it’s an eye opener and it’s a chance to be moved by the unknown.

Much love, Hera

As always I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog. Be sure to leave your thoughts or simply stop by to say wassup, it’s all love here!

The post A Little Taste of that DC Life! appeared first on Hera Nyx.

Friday morning Rekai & I met up with Shawntz. She traveled to Baltimore from Toronto ready to explore. We established a pretty good friendship and finally got the chance to link up. After enjoying the hotel’s complimentary breakfast, it was only right to go thrifting.

Noelle, the waitress from Supano’s that I told you about, put us on to DeBois Textiles and Blessed Treasures of the Earth. DeBois Textiles is huge warehouse in Baltimore where they grade and sort new textile remnants. Inside there is a vintage shop and a thrift shop. The vintage shop was cool but the real deals were in the thrift shop. Huge bins labeled from women’s blazers to men’s work attire. Good prices too like $2, $3, and $5.

Blessed Treasures of the Earth was the second stop on the list. It’s a house turned into a thrift shop. The vibes were good. The owner, Love Strength, welcomed us with open arms. Her whole family was kind. Blessed Treasures of the Earth has to be one of the most organized shops I’ve ever been to. Everything was sized from Small to XL and sorted sleeveless to long sleeve. It was two floors deep with a peace of mind to shop.

 I fell in love with this Bob Marley cloth. If only it was for sale. I don’t blame them though, if I had it I wouldn’t sell it either! From there we stopped by Goodwill and just explored different areas of Baltimore before getting ready for Mr. Yasiin Bey.

Tonight’s the night!  

Tonight was the night. The main reason we were in Baltimore. Yasiin Bey aka Mos Def was performing at Rams Head Live. Before the concert I read about the Rock Star Bar. It’s next to Rams Head Live and opens a few hours before the show. You can chill and enjoy happy hour, then enter Rams Head Live ten minutes before they open the doors to everyone. Rekai, Shawntz, and I showed up ready to experience this Rock Star Bar only to find out when we got there they were closed. I mean, we did leave the hotel kind of late and as a result we got hit with waiting in a long ass line. We were in line for about 10 minutes when a little birdie mentioned that they were letting people in on the other side. So, we skated from the line and headed through two doors and voila… just like that we were standing front row!! Well, there was a row of like 10 people in front of us but WE WERE CLOSE!

Watch the Duck, a 3 man DJ group (Jesse, Eddie & Jonathan) opened up the show. Before attending the show, I had never heard of Watch the Duck. I was intrigued to hear their sound though. Jesse, who has a soulful voice is lead vocal, while Eddie makes love to the bass and Jonathan strokes the keyboard. They definitely got the crowd going. Plus, they were full of energy. You couldn’t help but to feel the vibes. Watch the Duck sound is influenced by Rap, Trap, Soul, Dance, and Dubstep. All in all they did their thang!

Soon enough Yasiin Bey graced the stage to say Peace and introduced a friend from Brooklyn. He went by the name of Kai (not sure if I spelled that right) and he performed a few songs from his upcoming album. He had good energy but the crowd gave little feedback. Yasiin stepped to the stage again and sang a whole track with Kai. Much love was shown between the two.  

Time for the Main Attraction!

He was dressed in an animal print cap, white short-sleeve oxford with a black collar, tucked in white slacks (no belt), colored socks, and black leather loafers. The MAN was quite fly. It was simple but his charismatic movements sealed the deal on the fit. He opened the show with Casa Bey from The Estatic album. You already know he had his bright red vintage style mic. The whole show he kept you entertained. He did a good bit of songs including Boogie Man, Umi Says, Traveling Man, Sunshine Screwface, Auditorium, Leader of the Gang and Got.

He was just vibing with the crowd. Dancing, singing, and dropping gems. Every time he put the mic down to dance, it was smooth. It made you want to groove with him. In between songs the crowd would call out for him to do Ms. Fat Booty (which is my jam) but Mos knew exactly what songs he wanted do. He even expressed that after the 10^th person shouted  Ms. Fat Booty. He didn’t perform it but he sang “The Panties” to me, so I couldn’t complain. Have you ever watched someone perform and they are just making loving to their craft? Yea, that’s what I witnessed that night at Rams Head Live. Even if the crowd was down to 5 people he would have moved the same way. It was nothing but love and I’m glad I got a chance to experience it live! I was definitely entertained and it felt good to be in his presence!

It was a good night and a good show. Forever in my head… a moment to relive over & over again.

 Much love  Yasiin Bey / Mos Def / Black Dante.

Peep this VIDEO to get a little taste of the show!

As always, I appreciate you taking the time to read. Thank You!

The post Yasiin Bey aka Mos Def Live in Concert! appeared first on Hera Nyx.