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Hera Nyx is a personal invitation into my life, my thoughts, and my visions. I have a love for anything that allows me to express who I am; whether it is through something I discover, something I create or simply by the things that inspire me. Every little piece that you encounter here is a reflection of me. Read more Instagram: @Hera_Nyx
Tag Archives: inspiration
Road Trip Recap, Day 2 in Baltimore, MD
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 10th 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!
Category: Events, Inspiration
Tagged: baltimore, Concert, hip hop, inspiration, kai, maryland, mos def, music, rams head live, rap, show, style, watch the duck, yasiin bey
While browsing through a few WordPress articles the other day I stumbled across one titled, “First Steps with WordPress.” The article did a good job familiarizing beginners with WordPress functions and layouts. As I read further in the article I came across a set of questions. It made me ask myself, Why do you blog? I started to think about heranyx.com. My focus and purpose behind creating this blog in the first place. It inspired me to write this post. I want to share my thoughts with you so, here are the questions along with my answers. Read and enjoy them!
1. What am I going to do with this?
I’m going to use this blog to shake things up in the fashion world
2. Who is going to read this?
You, because you’re willing to listen and you’re intrigued by things past the surface
3. What kind of information will I be posting?
It’s fashion from my point of view. My passion, my journey, my thoughts & my visions
4. Why am I doing this?
I view things differently so, I want you to see where I’m coming from. Fashion is my outlet to express myself. It’s not just about the clothes. It’s about creative freedom. It’s about the visions in my head and finding ways to bring them to you. And sometimes I can’t find the words to help you understand. So, I paint pictures through my clothes, through my camera, and through other people. I’m doing this because this is who I am. There’s a story to tell and there’s a new light to share with the world.
5. Who am I doing this for?
I’m doing this for me and for you… the passionate, ambitious, & creative souls
6. How often am I going to be posting and adding information?
I promise not to force a post. I believe in quality over quantity. I write when I’m inspired, I take pictures when I have a vision, and I post when I have something to share with the world.
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Why do you blog?
Now, it’s your turn. Leave a comment below introducing yourself and your blog, then answer the questions above. Feel free to answer all the questions or just a few. It’s still early in the New Year of 2013 and this is a great exercise for you & your blog! I look forward to hearing your thoughts & checking out your blog!
Category: Inspiration
Tagged: 2013, Articles, blog, Blogger, fashion, First Steps, hera nyx, inspiration, new year, Passion, WordPress, writing
You know that job promotion I told you about a few posts ago? Well, let’s talk specifics. I began working at Gap in July and in September I got promoted. I am now the Women’s Stylist for Gap at SouthPark Mall in Charlotte, North Carolina! As exciting as that is, there’s more. I manage the Gap SouthPark Instagram (@Gap_SouthPark) and I am currently creating a blog for my store. I am beyond excited for this opportunity. Everything is new and it couldn’t have been at a more perfect time. The blog will be launching soon and I’m very anxious but patience is a very important part of this process.
Since I’m being specific, I might as well tell you that I was on Good Morning Charlotte (WBTV) in October. They were doing a segment on the Simon Fashion Show, a fashion show that takes place at SouthPark Mall, and I got a chance to showcase a look from our store. It was my first time on the news and it so happened to be a live segment. I’m glad I did pretty well because it was no room for a second take.
Snapshot on Good Morning Charlotte
Well, it looks like you’re up to speed about the things I’m doing and things I’ve done. I plan on telling you more about what’s going on with Hera Nyx on www.heranyx.com. So, expect more than just lovely pictures, giveaways, and great finds. We’ve established a pretty good relationship here. Plus, this is my journey it’s only right that I share my experiences. 
What are some new things that are happening for you right now? Are you working on any big projects? Give me the scoop!
Follow Gap SouthPark on Instagram: @Gap_SouthPark
Category: Inspiration
Tagged: blog, gap southpark, hera nyx, inspiration, journey, promotion, scoop
faux leather vest: Express (old) // t-shirt & jeans: Gap // booties: by wanted on Modcloth
I have to admit that Leah from Fifth & Orient Jewelry Company has an idea for the type of jewelry I like to wear. If you remember my previous posts, The Belora Metal Choker and Louvre Clover Stud Earrings, then you’ve witnessed the kind of jewelry that Fifth & Orient carries. When Leah and I spoke she told me she had something that screamed Hera. I was intrigued by her statement and quite anxious to see what she had in mind. Soon enough I received a package. Leah was right. The Serengeti Bracelet from Fifth & Orient definitely screams Hera. I tend to gravitate towards things associated with wildlife animals so, a zebra bracelet was a good choice.
Much love and thanks to Leah, Christine, and Phuong, the creators of Fifth & Orient. Be sure to check back on HeraNyx.com. You might get a chance to receive your own Fifth & Orient jewel.
What do you think of the Serengeti bracelet from Fifth & Orient?
Category: Style
Tagged: distressed, fashion, faux leather vest, fifth and orient, hera nyx, inspiration, jeans, jewelry, moods by hera nyx, puff, red lip, serengeti bracelet, v-neck, vest
I was inspired to create Hera Nyx styling bands after I purchased a headband from Aldo Accessories. The headband was basically fabric around a bendable wire. To wear it you would twist the ends together to keep the band closed. I used this concept to create my own styling bands. You can create almost anything. Here are some easy ways to wear them.
Headband
Belt
Brooch
You can also create a shape with one band and then attach it to another.
*Additional fastens are used for joining pieces*
I’m currently working on some pieces that can transition from a necklace to a bracelet and adding some funky prints and colors. Look out for future blog posts.
What pattern or color would be ideal for you? What do you think of Hera Nyx Styling Bands?
Category: DIY, Style
Tagged: belt, brooch, create, headband, hera nyx styling bands, inspiration
I’m obsessed with journals so, I made my own after Anthropologie tried to sucker me into a $22 journal. I tried to find what made it so pricey. I mean for a journal… I’m not trying to spend that much. It was a pretty simple too. I was only attracted to the cover. Things with maps on it tend to grab my attention. So clearly $22 wasn’t worth it. Moments like these call for “Do It Yourself” (DIY) projects. I enjoy getting crafty so that’s exactly what I did.
The Materials:
Scrapbook paper
Standard composition notebook(s)
Glue gun or glue stick
Scissors
Cover each notebook with your scrapbook paper. Then add a little bit of glue, with a glue gun, along the sides and the corners. Next, cut off any excess paper. You can also measure your notebook first, then cut the scrapbook paper to the same size. Either way is pretty simple!
Writing has always been an outlet for me. It was a way for me to organize my thoughts and my ideas. It’s exactly how Hera Nyx was born. This new DIY has me going “journal crazy.” It’s time to create more in different sizes, using different style journals, and creating closures for some. I’m thinking about creating one from scratch….I’ll keep you posted!
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Speaking of journals and www.heranyx.com today marks ONE YEAR for my blog!!! It started in my head, then exploded on paper, and then brought to life. “Write the vision and make it plain”
Am I the only one obsessed with journals? What are some things you’ve created on your own? Do you still like to write things out, pen and paper style?
Category: DIY
Tagged: blog anniversary, creativity, diy, inspiration, journals, vision
My visual display internship at Anthropologie was amazing!! From March to May 2012, I was a Visual Display Intern at Anthropologie. When I first inquired about the internship there wasn’t a lot of information online. So, I decided to visit Anthropologie at Northlake Mall in Charlotte, NC to get more information. I came on the right day because the display coordinator was available to speak with me. I was on interviewed on the spot. A week later I was offered the internship! Babygirl was floating! I was too excited.
During my internship every day was a thrill; I learned so much and constantly was inspired to create. I worked along some pretty amazing people too. I am proud of the work we accomplished during this three month term, and decided to share it with you.
Displays Inside Anthro
Using baskets made from a previous project, we worked together in the process of wrapping reed around metal poles, dying and cutting fabric, and then weaving the fabric through the ready-made baskets.
Using more reed I weaved a place mat for this table!
We created risers for two tables on the floor.
Potting plants and painting to enhance displays!
Painting, cutting and sewing dots!
Creating our Coral Reef Window Display!
Welcome to Poolside!
Along with many other responsibilities, I also got a chance to style & photograph employees for weekly updates to the team’s communication board. This internship has been an amazing experience. I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity, and thankful that I get to further my journey. I’ve transitioned from intern to employee!!
Hera Nyx Wants to Know…
- How was your internship?
- Any great experiences?
- Any Bad experiences?
Share your internship stories below!
Category: Inspiration
Tagged: Anthropologie, concepts, inspiration, internship, visual merchandising, visuals, window displays
May 10th, couldn’t come fast enough! Walking through Door 5 of the Knight Theater,Charlotte,NC, and seeing Esperanza was AMAZING!! In the middle of the stage, upright bass in hand, and a head full of curls. Nothing else mattered. I could hear the band but I would be lying if I said I saw them. Phoebe understood. When we looked at each other the feeling was confirmed. Esperanza has the kind of sound that soothes the soul. The kind that makes you smile without knowing. The kind you fall in love with. Yea…She does that to you.
Now, before I go any further I gotta introduce a link to my circle.When I tell people about her I feel bad when I say, “Ooh she’s my roommate.” Like I just disrespected her lol. She’s so much more than just “a roommate.” Phoebe Selene, the unknown who became the known, and is now a big part of my life. The type of people you meet and it feels like you’ve known each other forrrrrreverrrrrr.
She showed me a project she did in class. She used a tree to describe herself. Each branch read a description. The Critical Thinker. The Efficient Thinker. The Researcher. The “Neat Freak”. The Professional. The Muse. Master Teacher. The Recycler. I laughed, “Who does she think she is?” she is every one of those branches though. I really can’t explain our friendSHIP. You just have to experience The PhoeNyx!
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Decisions, Decisions
I felt like I was going on a date. What do I wear? Should I be really dressy, somewhat dressy, or straight casual? After creating a mess I finally translated my mood.
My Decision: I decided to wear a dress as a top and pair it with pants. I used my print scarf as a belt and added my teal wedges to seal the deal. Clip on earrings. No necklace. Lots of bracelets. Good to go!
- Dress: Goodwill
- Pants: Thrift Store
- Wedges: Aldo
- Earrings: Thrift Store
- Wallet: Thrift Store
- Bracelets: Charlotte Russe
Phoebe was having a battle of her own but she finally pulled it together. We both yelled out our rooms, “You got ya ticket!!” Like we checking on our gran’babies.
Her Decision: Leotard. Boom. Long skirt, jean jacket done! Clear frames, studs, statement piece, brown wedges. Let’s Go!
- Leotard: Thrift Store
- Skirt: Heirloom
- Jean Jacket: Goodwill
- Frames: ehh Hot Topic maybe?
- Studs: Mom’s drawer
- Necklace: Shi
- Wedges: Urban Outfitters
Leave or Stick Around?
Esperanza was a blessing. She warmed the entire Knight Theater with her presence. Even when she left the stage, the entire audience wanted more. So, she graciously came back and sung, “Precious.” It was beautiful. After the show we stuck around. That would be the perfect nightcap right? The line was long but it moved quickly. You know, being first is great but being last was everything!
We approached her table like,…. itbit slgjldzzghjllesn bdzzbn nlbluuzzghnhglg, no real words for our emotions, just sounds. We were blown away. She looked at us and said, “ooooohhhh I like this,” scanning our aura with her hand.
The night ended with lots of smiles and laughter. We weren’t allowed to take pictures..But somehow I ended up with a picture of Esperanza in my phone
Hera Nyx wants to know..
- Are you a fan of Esperanza?
- What do you think about our outfits?
- Favorite concert you attended and what did you wear?
Share your thoughts below!
Category: Events, Inspiration, Outifts, Style
Tagged: Charlotte, Concert, Esperanza Spalding, inspiration, Knight Theater, NC, The PhoeNyx
“Alexander McQueen has always emphasized the importance of imagination and free expression”
-Jonathan Akeroyd
This book is absolutely amazing… I mean it’s Alexander McQueen. You get amazing pictures, amazing concepts, amazing works of art. You get FASHION in an exceptional form. I appreciate and respect Alexander McQueen for going above and beyond. He wasn’t afraid to say, hey this is how I feel and this is what I’m going to create. He took his work seriously and truly loved it. His work, his words, and his accomplishments will forever be an inspiration!
On the Inside of Savage Beauty:
Two hundred and forty pages of greatness!!!
It’s definitely one to have in the inspiration vault!
- Do you already own Savage Beauty?
- Does Alexander McQueen inspire you?
- What do you love about Alexander McQueen?
Category: Books, Inspiration
Tagged: alexander mcqueen, Art, book, fashion, HN Basics, inspiration, savage beauty
Everything that inspires me is placed in the lab. You know… that place where ideas are infinite and sleep is sacrificed for creating. Pay attention to the space a person creates, for it will be a good reflection of their personality.
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Structure
I’m very particular about placement. If something doesn’t look good from all angles, I change it. It’s a similar process while getting dressed. I start with one item: jewelry, a top, or my favorite pair of jeans and build towards a look. As I add and subtract elements I take note of how well things interact. My look isn’t complete until I feel good about where each item is placed. So, with the Hera Nyx Lab, all angles are considered. I exit and re-enter to get an entrance perspective. I even stand at different corners of the room. Once I am satisfied with the layout, I then organize items accordingly.
The Heart of the Lab!
I created an atmosphere that stimulates my imagination; as a result, the ambiance motivates me to explore creativity. For that reason, colors, lighting, scents, and miscellaneous materials are essential. Depending on my mood, the lighting remains with regular lighting or switches to a red or amber light. To evoke different emotions while I work, incenses or candles are often aflame. Letters from friends and family, paintings, quotes, and pictures hang on the wall to keep me encouraged. There are also different stations in the lab: sewing, painting, blogging, photo edits, meditating, reading, and lounging.
Get Creative!
Use what you have and make it work! Remember The Versatility of a Long Skirt? Using one skirt and creating a romper or a strapless top? Well in the lab the objective is the same. That means pinning sheer fabric on a wall to add color, using a decorative fabric for a curtain, or utilizing storage for a seating area and an inspiration vault. Common materials are multifunctional.
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Every now and then the lab needs a makeover. If the energy in the room isn’t smooth or I can’t escape properly, I reevaluate. It’s important to bring back things from the “outside” that are inspirational in order to keep the atmosphere alive. Now that you’ve experienced the Hera Nyx Lab, try creating a lab of your own. Remember to think of clever ways to display items and start with materials you already have.
Hera wants to know…
- What do you think about the Hera Nyx Lab?
- What does you lab/room look like?
- What can’t you live without in your lab?
Share your thoughts below!
Category: Inspiration
Tagged: atmosphere, creation, hera nyx lab, imagination, inspiration
