Introduce yourself!
K: Hello, my name is Kym Williams. I live in Long Beach, California {I heart Long Beach}. I just recently quit my job of 9 years as a buyer for a resell store to go pursue a new passion of creating fashion ads and eventually magazine editorials {a girl can dream can’t she?} I guess it would be considered as a Creative Director/Marketing pursuit. I’m ecstatic about the opportunities the future holds for me!
What is your style philosophy?
K: My style usually revolves around a few things, my mood, how I feel about my body that day (which I have no doubt most girls on the planet can relate to) and whatever it is that I am currently inspired by in the moment. So overall the philosophy is to make sure I feel as confident and comfortable with myself as possible when I walk out the door. Whether I’m in jeans or a nice dress; the better I feel about myself, the happier and more pleasant I’ll be. My style philosophy is to radiate light from inside and out.
How would you describe your sense of style?
K: Well, I am currently obsessed with supermodels from the 90′s so naturally I am influenced by all the great designers of that time such as: Gianni Versace, Chanel, Pierre Balmain and Jean Paul Gaultier to name a few. So definitely 90′s and 80′s inspired. I believe “retro” would be the most accurate term to box my style into.
What is the process of deciding what to wear in the morning?
K: I usually have a pretty good idea of what I want to wear when it’s time to get dressed. Most times because I’ve bought something new so I know for a fact I want to wear that item. From there my whole outfit will revolve around that piece whether it’s a pair of earrings, a purse, shoes or a skirt. Even if it’s as simple as a pair of mint colored polka dot socks that I’m looking forward to wearing, my whole outfit will be centered around those socks. Now there are those days when deciding what to wear feels impossible. You could imagine the difficulties, but for the most part that’s how it goes.
What are the three favorite things in your closet?
K: Hmmm…such a tough question! I have so many things that I love very deeply. If I had to choose, I would say a red Valentino inspired jacket that I purchased from H&M a few years ago. The fabric is gathered to look as though it’s made out of flowers. It has pointy shoulder pads so the sleeves sit up. I have emoji heart eyes for that thing. Another favorite would be a pair of Balenciaga heels that I’ve probably only worn 3 or 4 times, but love to stare at them in my closet. They look like Dr. Martens with cut outs on both sides with a 5 inch heel. So good. Lastly, I’ll have to go with a newly acquired piece sent to me from a brand called Nakimuli. It’s called the “Big Black Dress”. Form fitting and sleeveless at the top and it bells out like no other at the bottom. I dress it up with a pair of strappy open toe shoes or down with a pair of Dr. Martens. I adore it.
What are some of your favorite shops/websites for clothes, shoes and accessories?
K: Well, for my budget I love love love Zara and H&M for their more fashion forward styles at affordable prices. I prefer shoes of higher quality and design (even though they lack comfort just the same). Nordstrom Rack, Off 5th and Neiman Marcus’s “Last Call” are my favorites for their designer deals. I mean, it’s still expensive, but significantly less than paying full retail for a pair of Marni or Stella McCartney shoes. It’s tough having Bergdorf Goodman taste with an H&M budget!
How long have you been natural?
K: Honestly, I wouldn’t consider myself “natural”. Between washing my hair and the end result, there is a considerable amount of effort put into the effect. {giggling} But I’ve been wearing a “natural” look for like the last 12 years.
How and why did you transition into natural hair?
K: When I was young the trend was going to the shop every two weeks to get it pressed and flat ironed. Coming fresh from the shop was the best feeling. At some point I grew tired of the “press and curl” and started wearing a big curly “fro” if you will. The fro eventually evolved to what it is now.
What is your signature hairstyle?
K: My signature style is loose roller curls with a short curly bang. I feel best in that hairstyle.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
K: My hair leads and I follow. Here’s a skit to help explain.
Me: Can we have big, fluffy, curly hair today?
Hair: Sure, kymmy. I can make that happen. No problem.
*(Less than 24 hours later)*
Me: I loved you so much yesterday. Do you think we can make that happen again?
Hair: Oww, girl, I don’t think so. I’m thinking it’s a Bun day. You cool with that?
Me: ;(
That pretty much sums it up. As far as hair products, I use Mane ‘n Tail Shampoo and Conditioner. It’s the best for my hair texture. My hair has lot of natural oils so after the shampoo and conditioner it doesn’t really need much more product than that.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
K: I should have a blog coming soon. I’m not completely sold on the idea yet but you can find me on Instagram for now: @k_merica.
