Fashioned Magazine, August/July, Issue 11 by Fashioned Magazine

FASHIONED

jammy

takes her life back! Page 6

beach fashion summer lovin’ Page 8

bulgarian beauty a grad’s list woman of influence Page 10

off to college Page 14

RED, WHITE & BLUE!

HELLO! ... FROM CYNDI

Pinch me! I am still in shock that our summer is already winding down! Last I remember was still being excited about my trip to Hawaii in May and June. Next thing I know, after having a BLAST on the sands of Oahu, I now stand on the sands of Laguna, in dismay at how quickly this year is going by. Or is it just me? With our mid-to-end-of-summer issue, we thought to combine the two, and yet even with the marriage of July & August, there was so much going on, that I guess I still feel as though it were two separate issues! So with our g’bye to summer issue, we thought to capture the holding place of the senior who just recently felt like the end of the world had come as they bid their adieus to their high school besties! With that in mind this month’s cover and cover girl were a no-brainer. Hats off to our Junior Editor, Micaela Ricaforte, who graduated this summer and is wasting no time to walk right into the arms of Azusa Pacific University, my Alma Mater (Class of ‘97)! What was a no-brainer for me may not necessarily have been one for anybody else, but that is neither here nor there. Micaela is as sharp as they come. It is rare that one meets someone with such warmth, depth, talent and beauty, that is also compassionate and kind. Lastly, this girl is meant for the publishing industry, and so it was so our joy and sheer delight to have her on the cover. You will note (if you haven’t already) that as kind as she can be, it not be evident on the cover, as this month’s coverphoto is unique to us; it’s the only one we’ve had where our cover girl’s face isn’t show (not to worry, you will see it in her “Grad List” feature (page 16). You’ll also enjoy reading about this briliant young woman, but wil also sense her depth and strength. Speaking of strength, Fashioned was gifted with strong women who’ve played a tremendous role in our end-of-summer issue, as well as a vital role in the lives of those around them. If you haven’t yet already listened to Fashioned Magazine’s podcast through iTunes, whatever are you waiting for? Our first official podcast featured hair-stylist an salon owner, Jammy Avalos, whose salon, Hadassah Studio, is located in Highland Park (Los Angeles), CA. If you have ever faced anything that seems to overwhelming or impossible to get through, twelve minutes of her story will help boost your courage! She has the sweetest of voices, but this woman has GRIT! You’ll want to read her story (page 6), as she openly shares her journey through an extremely painful experience as a woman, wife and young mom. Another strong hitter comes with our interview of Bulgarian beauty and fashionista, Ceitci Demirkova, who is not only the CEO and founder of her non-profit orgainzation, which helps children in Bulgaria, Ghanna and Uganda; but she has also authored five books, helping individuals to believe and reach for the impossible. If you haven’t yet caught our YouTube channel, do! Our two-part interview with Ceitci is fascinating, as she

Above: Editor-in-Chief Cyndi Galley with author Ceiti Demirkova, after wrapping up Ceitic’s interview for Fashioned.

shares in everything from being raised in a communist country, to education, accomplishments, fashion and being single! Last, but certainly not least, we put a strong emphasis on hair this month, The Mane Event (pages 12 & 18), so be sure to read all about hair, because where hair is concerned, the struggle is REAL. BTW, Jammy shares her hair-stylist tips on our YouTube channel, so do stop by for a visit..and SUBSCRIBE! Know that you are beautiful, you are one of a kind, you deserve honor and are FASHIONED for greatness!

With much love, Cyndi

end of summer playlist

With mid-summer comes independence as grads begin prepping for college, the idea of freedeom and with the end of some convenient reltionships, even summer blues. Still, even with the saddest of hearts, music can turn a sad soul into a happy one! Here are some fun songs to capping off the summer of 2016!

1. ”independent women” - destiny’s child 2. “Freedom” - Wham! 3. “no longer a slave” - bethel 4. “Freedom reigns” - Jesus culture 5. ”Fight song” - Rachel platten 6. “eye of the tiger” - survivor 7. “summertime” - will smith 8. “Better when i’m dancin’ - meghan trainor 9. “can’t stop the feeling!” - justin timberlake

SAYING, I DO.

CHRISTINE SARA PHOTOGRAPHY CHRISTINESARA.COM

MY STORY BY JAMMY AVALOS

Every now and then, someone comes along, and as you begin to talk about who they are and listen to the journey they’ve been on, you are astonished at what you hear, and are both, encouraged and challenged by the human spirit and grit. Such is the case with hairdresser, Jammy Avalos, a single mom, and owner of Hadassah Studio, located in Highland Park, in the heart of Los Angeles. Her journey has certainly not been an easy one; and yet, her story’s hardships give us courage to make the brave decisions that need to be made. It’s easy to feel alone. Jammy’s story let’s you know, you are not. - FM I opened the salon almost four years ago, when I was going through a really hard divorce. I was in a really dark place … a mother of a six-yearold at the time and it was just really hard. My ex-husband was cheating on me with multiple women. I would cry out to God and ask him to just help me get out of this place where I was ... one day my mom said, “You need to get out or stay, but don’t tell me because it hurts me. Your dream is to open a salon. Open it and I will give you all of my life savings.” When she said that, I was really depressed and so didn’t want to look for a location or anything like that, but I just remember going for a walk (in Highland Park) and I saw a lot of locations on York Boulevard. She said to call “this place” but I kept saying, “I don’t think I want to, mom.” But I did. I listened to her and I called that place. I remember the lady saying, “There are 10 applicants before you, but go ahead and give me an application if you’d like.” So then I gave her the application, but she didn’t want to lease--she wanted month-to-month. There was a lot to do at the salon so I wasn’t sure I wanted it, but I gave her the application. Later that week I found my husband in a hotel with one of the many women—and that was three months already living like that. Knowing that he was cheating, I would just cry out to God, asking him to restore my marriage. At that time, I said, “God, I can’t do this anymore.” I was just done. I was done, but not really done, because I still wanted to be there with him. But I was done with the situation and I remember asking God to just get me out of there, that if it was of Him for me to leave my ex-husband, then He would give me that salon ... which was almost impossible because there were ten applicants before me. I remember that day, when I called out to God, that whole night I cried out. The next day, I remember very vividly, it was like 9:48 am and she (the lady) said, “Honey, you know, there was something about you that I saw and I really loved. I just know that you’re going to be very successful here. I was just in shock. I just didn’t know what was going on. I was just half awake and half asleep. She said, “I’m going to go ahead and give you that salon you want and I’m going to throw away those other applicants, and give you the first month free”! I was like, “Wow! This is God!” He wanted me out. He had a bigger purpose for me and that was the salon. The salon has brought me many women that have been broken and they’ll sit in my chair and I’m able to speak life to them ... We just have to tell people our story and let God do the rest … we don’t have to tell them, “You have to come to God.” Just tell them our story—we all have a different story, we all come into contact with different people.

So now I have the salon. It’s been a really, really hard journey, but an amazing journey. Hadassah is in the book of Esther and it says that she (Esther) was also called Hadassah. I wanted to name the salon something that was meaningful. A lot of people pick the name of the person and then add studio or haircut to it; but I decided to make it more of something intimate— that meant something to me. I love the story of Esther. It says she left everything she knew—her family, her neighbors, she left her friends … everything. It also goes on to say that she was scared to leave everything to come to the King’s Palace, in preparation to be introduced to the king. I felt like I could relate to her. I left everything I ever knew. I left my ex-husband, his friends (which were my friends), our family … I left everything and I was scared to open the salon, because I didn’t know anything about business. I am the first generation to own a business. It’s been hard, but it has been all God. Continued on page 7

I was only 27 years old when I opened the salon. I gave everything to God—I mean everything. Even when I opened the salon, I wasn’t like, “Oh, I have a salon...” God blessed me with the salon. I wasn’t perfect—I grew bitter…upset…angry. I just gave it all to God finally saying, “That’s it. The enemy’s not taking control of my life.” By doing that, God opens doors. Even now … it’s a door opening! It took almost two years to forgive. I had to forgive myself first; and I had to forgive him. I can now say I hold no anger or bitterness … I pray for him. God has healed me in many ways and that has great. I think I can say to women out there—especially to young women, or really, age doesn’t matter. This is been such a big journey in my life. I was also raised by a single mom. I was molested. My dad was incarcerated. I had an unwanted pregnancy. There were so many things that I went through in order to get to where I am today, where I feel free. There is a God and He is big and no matter your situation, your problems, or how big you think it is, He is in control. The enemy wants you to always look at your past telling you, “You did this, or you did that...” but God has something better for you. He will get you where you want to be, or where He feels is best for you. Just be you and give it to God, because God has bigger plans for everyone. Take courage and be that person. If you don’t have a father on earth, you have a (heavenly) Father. He’s big. I’m not the best hairdresser, but I do have a Father that is a King and so because of Him, is where I am today. Because of Him is my salon has been successful. Because of Him I am able to raise my daughter. Everyone has a story, and we should all share it, because we don’t know what impact it can have on the next person. My story might not help some, but perhaps the other person. In the book of Joshua, Chapter 4, they were told to get stones to remember … we all have a story and we should share it. Hadassah Hair Studio is located at 5136 York Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90042. To watch a fun video of Jammy sharing her top three hair products, visit Fashioned Magazine’s YouTube channel. Jammy’s story can be heard on Fashioned Magazine’s iTunes podcast or watched on Fashioned Magazine’s YouTube channel. To check out (or visit) Hadassah Studio online, you can locate the salon on Facebook or Instagram at @hadassahhairstudio

Pictured: Inside of Hadassah, jammy’s salon, where her favorite services include blow-outs and giving her clients gorgeous hair-color. @haassahhairstudio

Pictured above: jammy with her daughter, lela, the love of her life, is now able to raise her daughter as a single mom who is now a first generation business owner. Below: Jammy with her mom, who gifted to her, her entire life’s savings, so that jammy could start a new life on her own, doing what jammy had always dreamnt of doing, owning a hair salon.

BEACHFRONT PROPERLY this summer, Fashioned took a ride on the beachside of things ... and we loved what we found! cover-ups that are as chic, as they are functional!

across: brittany is rocking this kimono from h&m; below (l), britt sports a hawaiian print sarong, even bluer than the ocean; below (r), brittany gets cozy on sand in this oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;neil fave! Top (r) and (L), brittany pulled out her personal faves and so you know what that means ... TBA.

CHANGING A GENERATION: A DREAMER’S JOURNEY FROM BULGARIA TO THE U.S. ... AND BEYOND

AS TOLD BY CEITCI DEMIRKOVA TO CYNDI GALLEY From the moment you take just one look at Ceitci, it is clear to see that not only is she fashioned, she is fashion-forward. Looking as though she stepped right out of a Beverly Hills shop and onto New York runway, this girl is on fleek from head to toe. With her blonde locks flowing in the lightest of OC’s breeze, she is rockin’ her pleather pants, a fitted vegan blazer, underplayed with a chevron-esque gold and black fitted dress. The girl is a statement for class with an edge. Walking to help me unload my car, the strides she makes towards me are effortless in her 4” heels. Chuckling as we head to our interview, she shares her fashion no-tell secret on her look of the day, which has now become, well … no longer a secret. Humbly, yet with a sparkle in her eye, she begins. She may look young, but she’s no little girl.

two or three months when I started school!” FM: When you got accepted to school in Tulsa you still had a very limited amount of English? CD: Oh yes! I barely spoke. I was only speaking for two weeks and then I got here and then had to learn English in that first month-and-a-half, so that I could start classes.

Everything in life is a journey and… no matter where you are in life, don’t get discouraged just because it may not look like the way you think it should be right at this second. Everything changes. Just around the corner, things can change suddenly.

At 16 years of age when communism fell in Bulgaria, Ceitci knew she wanted to travel and speak all over the world, not regarding the hard facts of being a woman who spoke no English, having no money, and living in a communist country where nobody believed in God. In fact, upon moving her life to the United States, Ceitci had $100 to her name and didn’t know more than 100 words of English. I now present to you Ceitci Demirkova. “Because I was only 16 and not thinking about all the impossibilities, I thought, ‘…I’m going to go and study.’ Through missionaries that were in Bulgaria, I heard about Tulsa, Oklahoma and Victory Bible College … I got accepted and I decided, ‘Okay, I’m coming to the United States.’ Through a series of miracles that took place, I came over, started school and lived on $100 for a full year. It was a journey … and I learned English through the dictionary. With the news, I would get the dictionary out, start reading the words and I would just pray that I would have the ability to remember them. Everyday I would remember about 200 to 300 words just by reading, so I was fluent in about

A little boy from Bulgaria, thanks supporters from Ceitci’s non-profit organization.

FM: Perspective is everything. I love that because we all face things and obstacles that come against us, but it really is in how (and what) you choose to do with that—to look at it as an opportunity to overcome and have victory, or is it just something that you’re going to look at and let defeat you and keep you down? CD: It’s definitely not something I ever thought I would be doing. Now looking back, I have no regrets. For me, it’s the hardships that create the character, so it’s not that I welcome hardships, but they are going to be there. It doesn’t matter what they are, you have to make up your mind that you’re not going to be a victim of them. You can move forward through them. FM: You were 18 when you came out. I feel like for you to have been able to make that decision to move forward—because that’s a pretty bold step to come out of a communist country to the US by yourself, all alone with $100 to your name—but I feel like there was something greater and stronger that must’ve been driving you. Maybe you are a dreamer. There is a principle in Proverbs which talks about “having the vision, because without prophetic vision people, cast off restraint. So you are a woman of vision … what are some of the dreams in your heart? CD: From the moment I actually came here, I knew that I wanted to travel and speak. I knew that I also wanted to be influential in business and government—I didn’t want to just focus on one arena. I was in a college that was very much about the world, missions and reaching people from various walks of life; and so in my heart, I saw myself as a speaker. What I saw every day had to outgrow my reality—what I saw inside of myself. So when people would come and tell me, “Oh you’re just like this little girl that just showed up from Bulgaria.” In my heart, I never accepted that. I would say, “Oh no, I’m not just a little girl and I don’t just have one little story. I am changing the world … I’m going to meet presidents and I’m going to meet influencers!” My reality was more vivid inside of my mind than what was on the outside ... It didn’t matter how much money I had or didn’t have, I was already living my dream inside. Something that I did—that no one had taught me at that time (I teach this now) … I decided to look at different books, different magazines, different people on TV and I cut out pictures, I cut out the meetings that they had in different nations and just placed them on the ceiling of my bunk bed because I was so close to the ceiling, I wanted to be close to my dreams. I would wake up in the morning envisioning myself already being that. I would go to school with this little small green briefcase, and I would carry it as though I was going to a business appointment, as I was going to give speeches to the United Nations or to presidents, to the point that when people would ask me, “What do you?” or “Who do you think you are?” I would say, “I’m an ambassador and I bring good news … I am an influencer!” Even when people did not believe me, or if people are not going to believe you because they don’t see you, they are not inside of you and they don’t have your dream. Your dream is not going to be the dream of somebody else, so you gotta walk it out … speak it out and you gotta dream it for yourself before you become that. For me, it was my stepping point of how I am the person that I am today. Continued on page 25

Above: Pictured with her mom, a prominent fashion designer in communist Bulgaria, Ceitci rubbed shoulders with fashion and the runways at a very early age. Photo below: Ceitci with Bulgarian President, Rosen Plevneliev in Seattle, Washington. She envisioned working with Presidents and national leaders long before this took place.

THE MANE EVENT

Whether we’re besties, sisters, co-workers or customers in line ready to make that fun purchase at H&M or forever 21, one thing is for sure, we all have different hair types, colors, length; and yet, for most, our hair is a big deal. we thought we’d lock into a few gals and gal-pals across the u.s. to see how they each deal with hair, making it their own and loving it!

Name: DeAnna Lucas Age: 21 hometown: marshall, tx (now dallas and moving to england!) occupation: intern Natural hair: My hair’s natural color is light brown and my hair is thin and straight, unless I purposefully make it any other way. There is a bit of a natural wave, but not enough to consider my hair naturally textured. I’ve colored my hair in the past (blonde streaks in middle school YIKES and half of it Name: Summer Jennings blonde in college) and from my experience my hair looks and Age: 22 feels much healthier without dye. I used to think I had to color hometown: toronto my hair because that’s what everyone else was doing. WRONG! occupation: student (studying abroad) hair frustration: my hair ‘s inability to grow quickly, hold Natural hair: My natural hair color is a dark brown. I would curl and it’s lack of volume. describe my hair as very curly. It has a lot of volume, which I solve: Learning to work with it has been a lot of trial and love! error! I read tons of articles and watched dozens of YouTube hair frustration: growing up my hair was so thick that I never videos but ultimately it came down to what was within my knew what products to use to achieve the best results, it’s ability and actually worked. Everyone has different hair, for taken years and years for me to figure out how to get my hair example mine NEEDS hairspray to hold anything, but my best defined but not weighed down or crunchy. friend, Summer, would never use hairspray on her curls to solve: It took a lot of trial and error to get my hair to a make them stay the way I have to. I found that a wand holds place where I loved it. Every day I’m (still) learning about new really well, but a regular curling iron in my hair will fall products and new ways to do my hair. YouTube has been a God- within a few hours. I’m so thankful the messy beach waves send and I’ve learned most by watching other people’s rouare in because that is something my hair can do—messy and tines and picking and choosing what I think would be best for loose! I also go natural often because I’m into the grungy look my hair. Everyone’s curls are different and the way that my every now and then. I love giving my hair a break from tons curls like a certain product is not the way your curls may like of heat—especially in the Texas summer! If I could encourage it—it’s all about finding the best fit for your hair and rocking anyone with hair like mine who is looking for the next big tip, it no matter what. Remember, frizz is your friend, so embrace I’d say, “Do what you feel looks good on you, because at the end the volume God’s given to you. of the day, it’s about making yourself feel comfortable and beautiful!” 12

Name: Zowie murillo Age: 21 hometown: dallas, tx occupation: student Natural hair: Naturally light brown with blonde highlights; Loose, big curls and Thin hair. hair frustration: I am always frustrated with how thin it is. The most volume is at the bottom instead of the top, so it gets really poofy at the bottom. My roots are flat. Also, if it’s too dry, it gets really frizzy! solve: When I want to wear it natural, I add a little bit of coconut oil to keep it moisturized, then I’ll add curl-defining cream to keep it less frizzy. To lock in the curls, I’ll add Goddess Curls’ Botanical Gelle to keep them in place! I also add heat from a blow dryer—it makes my hair bigger and full of volume. To keep it straight I’ll put in a heat protector before using the flat iron, then at the end use coconut oil spray. To keep the fly always down! . Page Across: Best friends (L to R) Summer, Deanna and Zowie, show off their gorgeous locks of colors, shapes and sizes! Photo Right: Zowie, shares her gorgeous dark brown hair with those curls that are kept tame with her favorite, coconut oil.

photo credit: alisha phalen

HAIR YE, HAIR YE!

Above:, L to R: Ashlyn and Taylor may be sisters, be even the closest of sisters does not mean the closest of hair.

Name: Ashlyn Pike Age: 19 hometown: orange county occupation: student and an intern Natural hair: red-head with medium length hair hair frustration: My hair takes shape really well, so after putting it in a ponytail or a bun for even a minute, I’ll take it out and have a bump in my hair. Straightening my hair and keeping it straight is also hard for the same reason. solve: I’ve learned that if I don’t want to straighten my hair, twice a day I need to curl or add some loose waves to my hair. Luckily the loose-wave thing is in right now. I also love being a red head! It makes wearing blue, green, and grey super fun!

Name: Taylor Pike Age: 20 hometown: Orange County occupation: student Natural hair: I have naturally straight long, hair that is currently dyed blonde. hair frustration: It doesn’t hold a curl well because it is very straight and long. solve:I invested in a good quality curling wand and hair products and learned how to “pin curl” my hair, which made a dramatic difference at the end of the day! I also learned from YouTube hair tutorials for my specific hair type when I was bored with my everyday hairstyle!

Stars & Stripes Forever!

Above: cuffs are still the rage, especialy when finishing off that long halter-neck summer dress or romper! below: go stripes or go home. paired with red, white, blue or yellow, these striped shorts are a sure hit this summer! across: This cute & comfy tank with ripped denim will bring you more than your share of salutes to complete your hot fun in the SUMMERTIME!â&#x20AC;?

photo credit: le secret de audrey

A GRAD’S LIST BY MICAELA RICAFORTE Our cover’s It-Girl and recent grad Micaela Ricaforte, shares a number of things she values and finds fascinating, along with some everyday facts of her life and who she is, as she prepares to enter her newest phase of life ... COLLEGE! Like any high-school grad, Micaela Ricaforte has ideals and a list of what makes life, liberty and being a girl just grand!

photo credit: Nanette ricaforte

When it comes to liberty, “It’s all about knowing that God has created you and “fashioned” your days. (Psalm 139:16) When you know this, it allows you to be independent of others’ expectations and gives you freedom to be who you are with the ability to grow and make mistakes, knowing you’re covered by grace.

“I’m going to be studying journalism (surprise, surprise) at Azusa Pacific University. I’ve always known I wanted to be a writer. Journalism was actually a recent discovery for me, but it’s a perfect match! I get to hone my editing & writing skills, learning how to use them to reach audiences with truth. I’d like to become an editor at a publishing company, eventually publishing a book of my own!”

Things that make me uniquely Micaela are “... my quirky per sonality, old-fashioned mannerisms and legendary grump iness (I’m basically a grandpa). I’m very bad at replying to text messages, I can (and will) fall asleep anywhere, and I usually am always making obscure references to books that no one else has read.

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Some things one might not know about me is that ... I have a very dark sense of humor and I really like rap music. My philosophy on fashion is ... “Effortless looks best!” and what I love about fashion is it gives you, “The ability to ex press yourself and evolve your style as you grow.” Every girl should have a nice watch. Watches are func tional, timeless, and can say a lot about you.

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My favorite quote or motto to live by is William Shake speare’s “Brevity is the soul of wit.”

Every woman should know or make an effort to know her family’s heritage and culture. It has played such a significant role getting you to where you are today, and I think everyone can benefit from discovering your roots and the context of your role in history.

The most frequently played artists on my Spotify account right now are Bethel Worship, Panic! At the Disco, Leeland, Drake, and Hozier…The top three songs that pump me up are You’re the Voice (John Farnham), Try a Little Tenderness (Otis Redding), and Hallelujah (P!ATD).

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As an introvert, the only place I ever want to be is curled up with a latte and a book.

When feeling down in the dumps, talking with one of my best friends or taking time to cook a nice meal usually helps. The top three things on my fashion bucket list are: (1) Own ing a quality leather jacket, but I actually just bought my very My brother and our friend, Erin, never fail to make me first! It’s a vegan leather moto jacket from BlankNYC; (2) laugh. On a perfect day, the three of us would be cracking up Get a perm--the minute perms come back into style, I’m getting over mac ‘n’ cheese dogs at Disneyland; but when the going one. I’ve always wanted curly hair!; and (3) Rock a blazer. gets tough, I go to “My brother, my mom or my friend, Abigail. A Fili pino dish called, Caldereta is the dish that brings me comfort. I’m really loving the blog LeatherPetal.com. It’s run by Day- na, a law student-turned-model from NYC with impeccable taste. I discovered her (@daynafrazer) & her friend Duan (@ One of my besties I do life with is FM’s Social Media Direc- duanmackenzie) on Instagram a couple years ago ... I love their style! tor and Fashioned-girl herself, Ashlyn Pike! My #1 go-to outfit is an oversized tee, black skinny jeans, My one message to share with every young woman I meet leather jacket and pointed toe flats. Basically a jazzed-up would be to “Ttrust in who God created you to be and own it. jeans-and-tee-shirt combo! Be bold and be brave, because you are brilliant.”

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faux vintage jackets & crossover body purse available at sassyrack.com ... Coming SOon!

THAT SUMMER GLOW photo credit: alisha phalen

by alisha phalen As we all know, summer’s sun is shining strong, and with that comes all kinds of colors and hues—some vibrant and some subtle, yet all colorful! If you would but walk into one of the many beauty stores that help brighten the malls (MAC, Sephora, Ulta—to name a few), you may discover some pretty amazing finds! Maybe you’ve wanted to take a stab at growing in your eye-shadow look or perhaps you’ve worn the same color of blush year after year, and not it’s time for something new. Here are some new makeup items we came across at Ulta and now, are summer-ready and guess what?!?

Pictured above: carrying these few items in your clutch will help your makeup stay fresh, giving you the all-day (or night) glow you deserve! Below: a pleased hair by ashlie a (@hairbyashliea) client

THE PERFECT SELFIE HAIR BY ASHLIE ALLEN

we have a deeper collection with a whole new look! 1. Urban Decay eyeshadow palette called “Smoked” at Ulta ($20.00. This palette is a guaranteed to give your eyes a rich, smoky eye look. Not only that, this bold palette has the most gorgeous colors of deep blues, coppers, grays and emeralds. Perhaps these colors are not hues you would normally wear, but with the official rise of summer,, why not try something different kissed with vibrancy so that your eyes can say, “hello world”? 2. ELF blush palette ($6.00). For those of you who don’t know about Elf (which stands for Eyes, Lips & Face), they have amazing products that will not break the bank. This four-color palette will give you a beautiful color to your cheeks, giving you a fresh new look. 3. Wet ‘n’ Wild Bronzer. This is actually another drug-store brand, which has completely updated their products - and they fly off the shelves! Maybe like me, you don’t normally wear Bronzer, but I loved the color it gives for a glow that you sometimes can’t get from your blush. beauty tip: If you want to add a glow to your look, try substituting this bronzer for your blush to give you a flawless finished look. So now, it’s your turn ... We dare you! Next time you’re at the mall or an over-the-counter store, let your feet take you wear your face wants to go…invest in a few fun palettes and let’s glow right into fall! 18

Going for that perfect selfie hair look? Here’s what I did to get this look! (1) Balayage color of high lift brown and highlights for dimension in the hair, especially when it’s curled. (2) These curls are loose at the ends and on top of the head with very few pieces intended to be straight, giving it a more natural-looking with full-body, sassy wave/curls. (3) These curls also alternate in direction to give it that wave look. (4) A hair wand can be used or a curl iron ( when using the curl iron,

wrap around the entire hot area, rather than clamp it to twist & curl. Keep the direction of the curl in a vertical position. Release at desired temperature. Heat-protection product is recommended--my favorite is Hot Heads Iron Works by CHI. (5) For final look, use a light spray, separating curls or shake your head vigorously (don’t get whiplash, though!), to loosen up hair. (6) Frame your hair around your face (not in your face), and the perfect selfie with gorgeous hair awaits you. Have a great hair day!

BY ALISHA PHALEN

Hair comes in so many different types, and like so many women, we often want what we don’t have. If you have straight hair, you want curly; If you have curly, you want straight. If you have short hair, you want it long. The list goes on and on--not even to mention the different colors or the fact that our hair doesn’t have enough shine, is brittle, dry or damaged; and don’t even get me started on our roots. For many, hair is a very sacred thing; In fact, there is saying that says something along the lines of, “Hair is the crowning glory of a woman.” Don’t get me wrong—there are some women who could care less about their hair, but for most, that attitude is not the case. So have you ever wondered why your hair has never quite grown as long as the girl next door? While we spend much of our lives figuring out the mysteries and complexities of our hair, one thing is for sure, hair doesn’t grow out the same for us, in fact sometimes growth is extremely difficult. For example, for most Caucasian women (whose hair is rarely coarse), it’s easier to grow long. It can be cut, dyed, having heating tools, but it’s easy to grow back

photo credit: hadassah studio; hair styled by: jammy Avalos

GETTING TO THE ROOT!

due to having rounded follicles, not to mention the natural oils, assisting in hair growing long. However, that is not necessarily the case with African-American women’s hair. In many cases, it’s a little more difficult to grow long hairstyles, because the hair shaft is flat, due to and not rounded. This is also one of the reasons there is breakage, which is why Black women, many times, add oil to help keep hair from breaking. For the girls with mixed hair, it can go either way, depending on the whether your follicles or rounder or flatter. Now, keep in mind this is general, but not necessarily standard textbook, as it may not be the case for all (and so will still be based on an individual and case-by-case basis), with quite a few additional factors involved. Still, hair is sacred and one should do their best to keep it clean, with just the right amount of oils for your type of hair. The next time you see someone’s hair the exact opposite length or color, take a good look at yourself in the mirror, and remember how awesome it is just to have your head of beautiful locks! And if you, like some brave friends of ours, are in a season where you have no hair, both you and your head are beautiful and we applaud you as being a woman of strength, endurance and courage!

cassidy got married! photo credit: britney nicole photography

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FINISHING YOUR SUMMER ... STRONG

BY KELSEY LEE HOLENBECK

Summertime gatherings, lazy days, and balancing a healthy lifestyle and swimsuit baring body can blend together with ease when you stay mindful about picking and choosing where to indulge, when to refrain and remembering to stay active. Feeling great in our own skin starts and sticks with the basics – so keeping them in check (like fueling our bodies with more good stuff than bad stuff, and not becoming sedentary) is an absolute must. • Always eat breakfast, and space your meals around 3 hours apart so your body has a chance to digest what you’ve eaten without overlapping into fat-storage mode. Be willing to tough-love yourself into good self-discipline when the mindless snacking starts to creep up; those extra bites usually turn into caloric surplus and fat storage, so find ways to occupy yourself from getting the munchies between meals. • Stay hydrated by starting the first hour of being awake with at least 16 ounces of water, and drinking more throughout the day and again before going to bed. Depending on your activity levels, 80 ounces to a gallon is a great range to stay in, and your brain, body, and skin will thank you. If you’re in the mood for some flavor, try fruit-flavored teas or infuse your water with fresh or frozen fruit. • Swap the overly processed snack food for fresh produce, and healthy fats like avocado, hummus, nuts and nut butter. Having fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables in the kitchen will make healthy snacking easier, and leaves plenty of room to get creative. Try freezing cubes of watermelon and snacking on crisp veggies with a small side of dip or dressing

between meals; or create a light and crispy salad with greens, fruit, a sprinkle of walnuts and vinaigrette or blue cheese dressing. • Save the sweet treat indulgences for social gatherings or time with family, and keep your portion sizes in check – splitting desserts or opting for a smaller round of frozen yogurt is your best bet in keeping your waistline and metabolism happy. • Being willing to carve out time to stay active will help you enjoy the summer season without feeling bogged down by beverage and food-laden festivities. If you’re not already into a regular exercise routine, commit to getting outdoors or doing something that gets your heart rate up at least 3 days throughout the week, for 30 minutes or more. A good hike, bike, swim, or brisk morning or evening walk is a great way to soak up the sun and can be a great way to spend time with friends and family. Master these basics and you’ll find yourself enjoying the sun-shine’y season without battling extra bulge or feeling ultra-restricted. Kelsey Lee is a health & fitness guru, who has infiltrated the fitness world as wellness coach, personal trainer and Boot Camp instructor. Through social media, her reach has grown globally, being acknowledged from a variety of sources including NY Times and The Examiner. For more information, visit kelseylee.com or follow her on Instagram: @kelseyleedotcom and on facebook: “Kelsey Lee”.

SMALL TOWN, BIG TIME CELEBRATION

BY SUSANA SZARKO The temperature is high, the humidity is high, and so is the excitement. One by one, children and their parents are lining up their strollers, tricycles, wagons, bicycles, and some other type of uncategorizable motor-less transport, for our town’s Fourth of July Parade. The littlest ones, who stubbornly abandoned the safety of their strollers for the more exiting ride of a bicycle with training wheels, are bumping into each other; adults running to their rescue, trying to avoid a major collision and to reposition bows and streamers that came loose during the imbroglio, much of which already is covering the street. Some of the decorations were done at the last minute, a couple of streamers here and there and maybe even a bow or a flag. However, some participants really worked hard, not only decorating their bicycles but also wearing patriotic outfits complete with a decorated helmet or hat - a masterful orchestration of reds, whites and blues. Somehow our volunteer judges manage to do their job amidst the ever-moving contestants and we are ready to go.

make their way to buy hot dogs and pulled pork sandwiches. Some also stop to get their free watermelon slices that a volunteer is cutting as fast as he can.

The excitement soars once our local firefighters arrive with their bigbright-red-awe-inspiring fire truck to lead the parade. As soon as the truck turns on the flashing lights and blows the siren the procession begins, which prompts more bumping from the little ones. Three very proud Boy Scouts carrying the Flag lead the group followed by our town hero. What started as a close-knitted, organized group of people soon turns into a pleasant chaotic exhibition: the older kids, who have patiently waited at the back of the line-up on a hot day, decided that a leisurely bike ride is not as fun as chasing the fire truck, others abandon their categorical group in search of their friends, and of course there are always those who experience some technical difficulties such as decorations falling off or more bumping into each other. A very patient police officer on a motorcycle is strategically positioned at the end parade that by now is barely moving as some parents decided to abandon the fight and carry their little ones as well as their tricycles.

This year makes is our fourth time entering the parade. I am one of those people who, both plans and works for days decorating our “float.” I want to teach my daughter to celebrate this very important day and how blessed we are to experience such freedom, because once we stop celebrating we start forgetting, and once we start forgetting, we start taking things for granted. That is why I am already thinking about next year parade. I know I am going to be working on our float until the last minute, no matter how much I plan or how much I get organized. I know it is probably going to be hot and humid again. I know there will be little kids bumping me with their bicycles wheels. But I am looking forward toward my small town parade, because we will have again a Big-Time-Celebration! Happy Birthday, America!

I sit on a hay bale, sipping the refreshing drink from my coke bottle (today an aluminum can won’t do) and observe people freely enjoying their picnic on this humid Fourth of July. Our small community gathered together to celebrate. We were celebrating freedom; we were celebrating the birth of this Nation. And as I am seating here, I think how bless we are to live in such and idyllic community. There were other “bigger” parades close to our home, with mores games, more people, maybe more sophisticated floats, but I wanted to celebrate with those people who I knew by name, with my neighbors. Later on at night, we will have more hot dogs and light up sparklers and our neighbor will have a firework show, competing with the other neighbors who are crazy about fireworks…

The parade route takes us around the park where family members and neighbors are eagerly waiting with cameras calling out as familiar faces approach their destination. Patriotic music can be heard on the background and the aroma of hot dogs on the grill quickly fills the air. The parade is over but not the festivities. After the Pledge of Allegiance is recited and the National Hampton is sung, our mayor welcomes the community members and visitors. Then the parade prices are awarded and our Town Hero is recognized. Before the kids can participate in the traditional water-balloon-toss game and potato-sack race, parents

Pictured: Susana’s daughter, Audrey, proudly parading her July 4th vehicle.

Continued from page 11 FM: How long was it from that time where you began putting pictures up on the ceiling, to the first day you were able to really see it in the natural—to tangibly touch it? CD: I would say it was about two years after that I began speaking. I also started my nonprofit in the meantime and began to develop my speaking abilities of how I wanted to look, what I wanted to be like, how I wanted to express myself ... That was a journey in itself, because even though I started right away, I wasn’t everything in my dream. I had to continue to develop myself in those gifts and then I would say 15 years later is when I was on the level of meet people from various governments, to delivering speeches. I had a chance to host the Bulgarian president with his 57-member delegation in Washington. It was his first visit to the U.S. after becoming a Democratic president in Bulgaria ...I was a part of organizing the main event. He looked at me and said, “Wow you are not even nervous”, and I said, “I have dreamed of these days all of these years. It’s as though it has happened so many times, but now it’s the reality.” When you are in your reality finally after all these years of imagining it, you’re so excited, you can’t even explain it. You’re there, and you think, “I have been here 1000 times in my thoughts, but now I’m here in body … it was the beginning of many new opportunities for me. FM: That’s wonderful! What would you say to someone who really wants to walk out what they’ve envisioned, but don’t think they have what it takes to be that person that they’ve dreamed about for some time see in their heart? CD: You have to define yourself before you define a dream. If you don’t define yourself, everyone else will define you. Your impossibilities will define you, people will define you, even your dreams, if not developed, will define you; then you will be stuck underneath something that perhaps wasn’t big enough for you, or maybe it’s too small, or maybe it thought even relevant. I would say if your dream matches you, then there’s no doubt that it’s going to happen, but, when we begin to believe that are inadequate, then our inadequacy overshadows a dream or vision … you’ve got to bring your future into your present by taking from the past the best of who you are, and placing it right now.

I really believe that we all have what it takes, it just has to be defined, and you got to surround yourself with people that will help you along the way … not everybody has the best intention. If I didn’t have the perseverance in me, I probably would’ve given up just from facial expressions of doubt, but because I knew who I was ... it didn’t matter what anybody thought. You don’t ever do a dream, a vision, a calling or anything in life with the approval of somebody else. You got to do it because you know that this is you ... nobody else can be you. In my assimilation of all of these different people and what they have accomplished, I never lost myself in them because I knew my set steps and journey, of course it was a part of my faith in God, but at the same time, it was also my own responsibility to own the giftings I had been given. Now, on to fashion and being single!

Ever since I was a little girl, my mom was a fashion designer in Bulgaria, under Communism. Since I was five, I was on runway stages modeling different outfits, so I grew up with the mom who is very much into fashion. We had students and people all the time at our house. Everything around our house revolved around clothing, magazines, various materials or … the newest trends. In communism you only had a small amount of information, but I have to say, that for a deprived fashion industry, my mom had great imagination and great creativity because people would come and draw from her creativity. She was also developing people’s abilities to create through their imagination on these outfits. She could create anything just by envisioning it; and so growing up I was always dressed up like I was going to a fashion show. When people look at me today, they think that I somehow assimilated this (look) when I moved to California, but I’m like, “No, this has been in my blood; I was born in this. I was born with high heels”. She’s laughing, in fact, we both are. My mom was always in high heels, walking up and down those stairs, in the streets, pavement. Everybody looked good. They wanted to have that image because I think in those days, they didn’t have anything else … and image is not everything, but in a nation where you’re deprived from so much and your identity is stolen, image becomes your identity … for me, my mom definitely was my inspiration and the person who taught me how to do things well. Having grown up in Bulgaria, Ceitci shares that there was no color, due to everything being gray. “Even the clothing was pale. There were no smiles on people’s faces, and my mom always created colorful things ... I love color! Because of the communism we lived in, they had removed the color out of our lives. Fear depletes the color out of our lives ... and begins to look like a gray shade. If you’re afraid or if you are dealing with any type of fear, just examine which areas of your life are under bondage and say, “Okay, how do I want to bring color into those areas of my life?” Color is brought through words. It’s brought through thoughts. It’s brought through encouragement. It’s brought through observing other people’s lives who’ve overcome crucial circumstances and are now on the other side. When you begin to fill your mind with color, all of those gray thoughts disappear and then begin to implement it on the outside of you. So then the inside really comes first, then its expression comes on the outside. Another icon she looks to fit fashion? Celine Dion! As for people, Ceitci is a huge fan of being yourself & being unique, for it’s in one’s uniqueness that you were able to offer something to the world. Already having authored four books inclusive of, “If You Have God, You Have Everything”, Ceitci just finished her fifth, which is now in editing mode, entitled, “Motivated by the Impossible,” based on the principles of her circumstances being that which mentored and taught her how to get through life, to where she was no longer a victim or survivor, but an overcomer. Ceitci shares, “The book is an integration of your mind, your soul and your body. How do you function as one? By loving all of you--all of the different parts of you, bringing in the psychology, along with the practical experience and theology all in one book.” Continued on page 26

Continued from page 25 Still single, Ceitci attributes her ability to remain so, due to never being bored, living an adventurous life and not wanting to settle! “If you are at a place where you are tired of being single, then you are going to attract another person who is tired. You want to marry when you’re whole and when you know who you are. You cannot be an emotional leach to somebody else. People fall into wrong relationships out of a need to be needed or because they are needy; and both of those are wrong. Get to know yourself, be happy and get married only because you want to contribute something additional, not because you’re in need of something. You don’t ever want to compromise with mediocrity, where you have to lower yourself to please somebody else who doesn’t want to rise up.” To partner or learn more about Ceitci’s organization to help the children of Bulgaria, Ghanna and Uganda, visit changingageneration. net. Also a business coach and is a motivational speaker, you can follow her organization on Facebook.

SUBSCRIBE, FOLLOW, LIKE AND FRIEND! With all of the various platforms of social media, it is definitely a bit challenging to remember to do anything but look and move on; I mean, you definitely don’t want to miss the next thing! Before you do, move on, be sure to “subscribe” to our YouTube channel, our iTunes podcast (“Fashioned Magazine”) and on issuu com; “follow” us on Instagram and Twitter, “like” us on Face

book and please help spread the word about this FABulous magazine designed to help you be the best version of you that you were FASHIONED to be! Not only do we cover fashion & beauty’s latest trends, we want to help you get through life & come out winning! Oh yeah, we’re on Pinterest, Periscope, Snapchat (@ fashionedmag) and of course our website! See you there!

Pictured Above: Fashioned team, Micaela, Ashlyn, Cyndi & Brittany chatting it up for Fashioned’s YouTube channel. order, visit www.

Pictured: Ceitci’s merchandiss-and-book table. For information on how to order, visit www.Ceitci.org

CHANGE OF HEART...

I I I ’ve been walking about life somewhat despondent and without direction. I’ve tried just about everything to fill the emptiness I wake up to every morning. By everything, you know what I mean; Even if I’m kidding myself externally, I still feel empty, alone, sad and hurt. How is that possible?

f You are real, I accept that Jesus took my place on the cross so many years ago, so that I would come to this place and meet You here. If You are real, then you already know all I want to say. I need You and receive Your forgiveness & love. My heart and life is Yours. Make me new, right here, right now.

may have casually referenced You or never before, but I think I’m ready to now. I’ve heard about a God who is real, kind, loving, forgiving and Who can pull me out of even the darkest of places. If you are real, then I take a step towards You & ask for Your help.

If you felt this was speaking to you & want to chat with someone, email us at fashionedmagazine@gmail.com or fill out the “Contact Us” on our web at www.fashionedmagazine.com. We are here for you!

FASHIONED EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Cyndi Galley CREATIVE, DESIGN AND FASHION DIRECTORS Cyndi Galley, Janae Klatt, Alisha Phalen & Brittany Treglia EXEC. PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR/CULTURE EDITOR Brittany Treglia PHOTOGRAPHERS Britney Nicole Photography, Cyndi Galley, & Brittany Treglia SENIOR EDITORS Janae Klatt & Lorie Radina PHOTO EDITORS Cyndi Galley & Brittany Treglia JUNIOR EDITORS Micaela Ricaforte & Brittany Treglia JULY/AUG CREATIVE TEAM Cyndi Galley, Janae Klatt, Alisha Phalen, Ashlyn Pike, Brittany Treglia & Jennifer Vargas JULY/AUG COVER GIRL Micaela Ricaforte JULY/AUG WRITING TEAM Ashlie Allen, Cyndi Galley, Kelsey Lee Hollebeck, Alisha Phalen, Susana Szarko LAYOUT DESIGN Cyndi Galley FASHIONED GIRLS Virtuous Arevalos, Regina Crosby, Kenzie McMurren & Micaela Ricaforte SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR/EDITOR Ashlyn Pike SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM Cyndi Galley, Zowie Murillo, Ashlyn Pike & Brittany Treglia FM WEB-HOSTS Cyndi Galley, Brittany Treglia, Edna DeLeon, Janae Klatt, Zowie Murillo, Ashlyn Pike, Micaela Ricaforte EDITORIAL DIRECTORS Cyndi Galley WWW.FASHIONEDMAGAZINE @FASHIONEDMAGAZINE (FB & YOUTUBE) @FASHIONEDMAG (IG, PERISCOPE, SNAPCHAT & TWITTER)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

“Your hands have made me and fashioned me...” Psalm 119:73 28