Introduce yourself!
C: My name is Christiana Greene. I live in Brooklyn, NY and I own an online vintage clothing boutique, Bum-Cake Vintage.
What is your style philosophy?
C: Work with what you have–wear what looks good on you and what you feel good in. If you feel great in it, you probably look great in it. Also, don’t be afraid to ‘dress’ outside the box–for example, if you’re into the more conservative look, but are longing for that wild, rocker leather jacket, go for it…and vice versa. Mix it up.
How would you describe your sense of style?
C: My style is ever-changing, it really depends on my mood. I can say that for the last 3 years, I’ve been in a slight granny mode. I have some sort of granny edge to my style. I love a great sexy heel, but I also live for cardigans/oversized sweaters and scarves and loafers. I just wear what I feel great in.
What is the process of deciding what to wear in the morning?
C: Whatever is clean is probably my best bet, haha. But seriously, I guess it depends on the weather and where I’m going. This winter has been super snowy, so I’ve been wearing a lot of boots–all kinds. I’m not that girl that’s like “Bad weather won’t stop me from fashion!”, I’m the first to admit that I’m a wuss when it comes to bad weather and will totally dress accordingly, even if that means looking like an eskimo.
What are the three favorite things in your closet?
C: A vintage African woven handbag that I bought from the Brooklyn Flea, a knitted bolero sweater that my grandmother handmade for me, and this great pair of white snakeskin boots that I bought from Sam Edelman. They literally go with everything.
What are some of your favorite shops/websites for clothes, shoes and accessories?
C: Since I’m always rooting for other vintage sellers, I check out a lot of small vintage boutiques throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan, or online to add to my personal wardrobe, but I still like the Brooklyn Flea the best because you get a mix of vintage sellers and local designers, which is always a great choice. If I need something quick and the flea isn’t open, I’ll hit up Zara or Free People. For shoes, I really like Sam Edelman, Nordstrom, Zara, or even Barney’s (when they’re having a sale).
How long have you been natural?
C: I think it has been about 7 years now.
How and why did you transition into natural hair?
C: I had a bad experience with color and in the midst of nursing it back to life I just really started enjoying the outcome of not straightening it.
What is your signature hairstyle?
C: I wear it out and big. The bigger the better. I’ll also throw it in a high messy bun or a low undone ponytail every now and then.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
C: I wash my hair about 1-2 times a week. My shampoo is always changing–right now I use Dr. Miracle’s Conditioning Shampoo. It’s sulfate and paraben free. I also like Shea Moisture’s Curl & Shine Shampoo. I deep condition once a week with whatever conditioner I happen to have at the moment (it’s also always changing)–most recently I’ve been using Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner.
I also do a clarifying wash about once a month by applying apple cider vinegar to my scalp for 30 minutes, I wash out, then condition. Sometimes I’ll apply Jamaican black castor oil to my scalp afterwards. I use Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and scrunch with Herbal Essences Curl Boosting Mousse while my hair is wet, then let it air dry. Once dry I can do whatever to it, but before I go to bed I cover my hair with a satin scarf if I don’t feel like wetting it and letting it air dry the next morning. That’s pretty much the routine. I do this every week.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
C: My website is Bum-Cake.com and you can check out my blog BumCakeVintage.blogspot.com.
