Introduce yourself!
J: Hi! My name is Joy Adaeze and I am a Nigerian-American personal style blogger of JoyLovesFashion.com, a Stylist/Image Consultant (Cover Girl, NBC, Fashizblack) and Fashion Writer (New York Magazine’s The Cut, Huffington Post and HelloBeautiful. I also used to have a style blog on Essence.com: Daily Style Chronicles. I live in NYC!
What is your style philosophy?
J: Look good, Feel great! That’s what I tell all my clients! As an Image Consultant I help my clients figure out what their personal style is. The next step is wearing pieces that bring out the best in you!
How would you describe your sense of style?
J: My style is fearless, fun and ever-changing! Color and print are my BFFs 🙂
What is the process of deciding what to wear in the morning?
J: I go by my mood. It’s all very organic. If I am feeling classic, I rock tailored looks. If I’m in a flirty mood, it’s all about showing off the legs, honey!
What are the three favorite things in your closet?
J: 1- My vast array of self-made silk turbans! I am working on my own line coming out later this year! Everyone always asks where I get them, so I knew it was time to turn it into a business.
2- Mercura sunglasses! They are the most beautiful things! I get them from the designer’s showroom in The Chelsea Hotel, NYC.
3- My new Khirma Eliazov leather and crocodile bag. Khirma is a brilliant designer and former Vogue Accessories Editor. I’ve been in love with her bags since she started 4 years ago! She has a store downtown and she’s a sweetheart! I’m really into beautifully made accessories that are unique and tell a story. That’s why Mercura and Khirma Eliazov are my faves.
What are some of your favorite shops/websites for clothes, shoes and accessories?
J: Clothes: Bergdorf Goodman, ASOS, Intermix
Shoes: L.A.M.B., Pour la Victoire
Accessories: I love searching through eBay for really affordable and unique accessories. I contribute to their blog, Style Stories, and as an “eBay influencer” (a group of bloggers who curate content), I spend a lot of time scoping out the merchandise. I just did a roundup on ear cuffs on eBay and there are some sick pieces!
How long have you been natural?
J: It’s been 3 fabulous years, since August 2010.
How and why did you transition into natural hair?
J: I always hated the process of getting my hair relaxed! I am extremely tender headed. So when me hair started to get really damaged, I was more than ready for a change! I cut my hair into a super duper short (barely 1/2 inch long) ‘do. It was so refreshing! Haven’t looked back since 🙂
What is your signature hairstyle?
J: Turbans, dahlin’! I’ve been in love with them forever. Growing up in a Nigerian household you see many fabulous and elaborate headties. My mom has a closet full! I think they are so regal and chic. I’ve been wearing them on and off since high school. Plus, the silk fabric of my turbans keeps the moisture in your hair, so it’s a win-win!
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
J: I am a BIG fan of Ouidad products and they have a line for us natural ladies! I recently partnered with them through my blog JoyLovesFashion and as their Curl Correspondent for New York Fashion Week. They gave me a super chic tapered cut (complete with a part!) over the summer and I’ve been in love with it since. It’s really easy to maintain and I go for a trim every 6 weeks. I wash my hair with Ouidad’s Curl Recovery Ultra Nourishing Cleansing Oil. Then, I condition with Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Conditioner, leave it in for a few minutes and rinse out with cool water. After that, I deep condition with Ouidad’s Melt Down Extreme Repair Mask, which makes my hair really soft. I style with Ouidad’s Curl Recovery Curl Defining Souffle and their Botanical Boost leave-in conditioner. I alternate between wearing my hair out in this Grace Jones-esque ‘do and rocking my silk turbans.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
J: Yes, yes! You can find me on my personal style blog: JoyLovesFashion.com! You can also find me on Instagram @joy_adaeze. Four times a week, I contribute to HelloBeautiful.com as their freelance Fashion Editor. I create Get The Look celeb content, Trend stories and a really fun story on Friday’s called Wardrobe Wars. Would love for you to check it out!
