Lacy Sweatshirt

Hey babes, welcome back to Stylesbyketa! As some of you may know, I am the owner and creator of Mauve Boutique( Instagram: http://instagram.com/mauveboutique_ ).  If you would like to read all about why I started the boutique you can read my blog post here Mauve Boutique is Launching!  – Keta Greggs https://stylesbyketa.wordpress.com/2017/07/27/mauve-boutique-is-launching/ . My favorite part about being a boutique owner is that I have an impact on trends and what is demmed fashionable! Right now I’m totally into layers and being comfortable. When I saw the Lacy Sweatshirt I just knew all my Mauve Babes had to have it. Oversized sweatshirts are already trending but this piece also adds a velvet and lace detailing at the bottom. It can be worn as a dress or with a pair of jeans. It’s stylish, uber comfortable and the material is out of this world. Here’s how I styled my Lacy Sweatshirt. A faux fur colbolt blue coat. I purchased the coat at  nastygal.com but it is completely sold out! I also wore a pair of black thigh high boots! Here are some photos(taken by Elan Holt)  of the complete look: 

Comment below your thoughts on the Sweatshirt! You also have the opportunity to slay in you Lacy Sweatshirt by using code LACY25 to purchase yours for just $25!! Click here to purchase your hoodie http://mauveboutique.bigcartel.com/product/lacy-sweatshirt !! This sweatshirt will sell out! 

Xoxo Keta

Retail Therapy

Hey babes, it’s been too long! I’m back with the same slay but with a different name. I’ve decided to change my blog name(and Instagram name) to bring some unity to my brand. Styles by Keta will be a journey into great fashion and style based on my mood and current inspirations.  If you are an old reader, thanks for the continued support! And if you are new, welcome!! 

Last week, I was indulging in a much needed retail therapy session. In the mist of trying to save, I told myself that I wouldn’t spend much(yeah right). I walked in Zara instantly thinking I failed on my mission to save. But to my surprise Zara was having a crazy sale! I picked up this bottle green jumpsuit( it was the last one on the rack) and I fell in love with it! I was complexly sold when it was my size( medium) and it was only $19.99! You can purchase the jumpsuit here https://m.zara.com/us/en/long-jumpsuit-with-ruffles-neckline-p00387268.html?v1=4997526. Update: unfortunately this piece is out of stock. 
I paired the jumpsuit with a velvet motor cycle style jacket from Forever21, the jacket can be purchased here https://www.forever21.com/us/shop/catalog/Product/F21/outerwear_coats-and-jackets/2000160202 . A scarf that I also purchased from Zara awhile back which can be purchased here https://m.zara.com/us/en/textured-scarf-with-slogan-p06756215.html?v1=4830057 . On my feet I wore a pair of blush pink patent leather booties.  
Below you will find pictures of the look all taken by Elan Holt. What are your thoughts? Comment below where you get the best deals from! 
Xoxo Keta 

Mauve Boutique is Launching! E

As a fashionista my ultimate goal is to become a fashion stylist. Fashion is my passion and making people feel confident when walking out the door is my purpose. I’ve been styling my friends since before I can remember. Recently, in February I directed and created my very first photoshoot as a fashion stylist with the help of makeup artist Tahira Devine and photographer Elan Holt. I will leave pictures below of some of the final products. 

Although producing these photos created an high stress environment; I felt like I was doing what I was born to do. I finally had enough courage to put myself out there as a fashion stylist on both micro and macro levels. Meaning, I wanted to style on an individual level and I wanted to style the culture as a whole. In order to do this I created an online boutique named Mauve Boutique. After endless nights of research and production I was finally able to introduce my passion to the world- Mauve Boutique. Some of you maybe wondering why I decided to name my store Mauve Boutique but actually it’s quite simple. I love the color Mauve and I believe it represents high fashion and sexy all in one which describes me to the core. Not to mention Mauve looks AMAZING on brown skin girls and I am here for it!! I reached out to Victoriah Designs at https://www.fiverr.com/victoriahdesign to bring my vision to life with my amazing logo. 

I will be having a launch party to Mauve Boutique on August 12th, 2017 in Philadelphia. You can come celebrate the opening of my boutique, shop and sip with me. I would love for you all to come out and celebrate Mauve Boutiques birthday with me! You can RSVP here https://mauveboutique.eventbrite.com/ But in the meantime I will leave you with some pictures of one of my pieces “Wild Rose Romper” comment your thoughts below. 

Keta 

Endo What?!

Hey Babes! Today’s post will be a little different than usual as it is not beauty related at all. So one of my guilty pleasures is to watch “Ratchet Mondays” aka all the reality shows that air on Monday nights on VH1. I watch these shows faithfully and usually there is nothing positive to take from Love and Hip Hop but tonight was different. If you do not indulged in “Ratchet Mondays” like myself, last week’s “Love & Hip Hop” revealed that rap star Remy Ma finally was going to give her husband Papoose the baby that he’s been asking for. Not only did the couple have an Ectopic pregnancy but doctors also explained to Remy that she would no longer be able to give birth naturally. While Remy did not explain why she is unable to have children, this episode definitely hit home for me.

 

For the first half of 2016, I was going insane on Web MD trying to figure out what was causing symptoms that I was having, such as extremely bad pelvic pain. I was determined to find out what was wrong with me. It got so bad that my family started calling me a hypochondriac and saying I was paranoid . In April, I went to get an ultrasound and discovered that I had two cysts, one 8cm and the other 6cm (which is humongous). I was later diagnosed with a disorder named endometriosis, where I too may have issues having a child. Endometriosis is basically a disorder that causes a lot of pain during your menstrual cycle (one time it was so bad that I had to stop driving until the pain went away). This disorder causes tissues that normally grows in your uterus to grow in other parts of a woman’s reproduction system, resulting in cysts. In August, I had surgery to get both of my cysts removed. Although I missed out on so many events and trips with my friends, I am happy to report that I am healthy today. 
I never imagined that I would be putting this story up on my blog. For starters, it is emotional and heartbreaking. My doctor did tell me that having children may be difficult but not impossible; however, it’s is still a big worry of mine. Secondly, the disorder makes me feel as if I cannot perform the main task that I was put on this earth to do -reproduce. Although this news is somewhat embarrassing, I decided to tell my story anyway, because watching “Love and Hip Hop” made me feel like I was not alone and confident enough to tell people my story. Hopefully, this blog can to help someone that is going through the same issue as myself or something similar. There were many other symptoms that I had that I choose not to share in the blog but if you have concerns feel free to email me. 

And finally, never ignore your intuition. If you feel that something is not right always always always go get checked out. Comment below and remember to stay classic and chic! 

Keta

The Trenches

Hey Babes! When the weather breaks, the trenches come out! Your outerwear is the focal point of any outfit during the colder months. I love trench coats because they add so much style and class to any look.

This lookbook is the launch of my styling career as I am trying to show off my own personal style. I am excited to announce that I am taking several styling classes and starting to take my passions seriously. I will be perusing a career as a fashion stylist. Styling is something I’ve always been interested in but I was constantly concerned with receiving my degree and securing a “promising” career. Now that I’ve been in the real world for about two years, I now understand the importance of being as happy with my work environment as I am with my income. 

So here are the looks I came up with using trench coats. Every coat seen in this lookbook was picked out from my local thrift store. Comment below your favorite look! And remember to follow your dreams! 

All photos were taken by Elan Holt. 

YOOTD- 90’s Vintage Jacket

Hey Babes! This summer an old friend invited me to their 25th birthday skating party, but not just any skating party, it was 90’s themed. I was super excited to find an outfit, so I started searching 90’s jackets. We all know that 90’s fashion was ALL about the jacket. Finally, I found a vintage Snap On jacket from etsy.com it was perfect! But there was only one problem- the seller lived all the way in Canada. Nothing an express shipping option can’t fix…right? No! I expressed shipped the jacket and it still did not make it to me in time. Although the jacket was vintage, I could not let it go to waste. So here we are! I decided to do a Lookbook with this dope jacket and here’s what I came up with. As always outfit details will be listed below and thanks for reading! 

Jacket- Etsy

Leggings- Fashion Nova 

Swim Suit- Shop Fly Nation 

Shoes- Charlotte Russe

 Stay Blessed, Stay Beautiful 

Keta

All About Crochet Faux Locs

Hey Babes,  Happy Friday Eve! 

I’ve been getting so many compliments and inquiries about my hair. I decided to answer all of your questions via blog.

I wanted faux locs for quite some time now and I finally got them. I was always hesitant to get this trendy style for 3 main reasons 1. They take a long time to install 2. It’s too much of a commitment( I like to change my hair too often) and 3. They’re a tad bit expensive. The method used to install my faux locs solved all three concerns I had- crochet!! Crochet is the best thing since lace closures. It’s takes no time to install, it’s a great protective style, and it’s much less expensive than the original faux locs. 

I purchased five packs of x2 Havana Mambo Faux Locs by Janet Collection in the color 1B. 

They were $14.99 a pack at my local beauty supply store. I absolutely love the quality of these faux locs, they look so realistic. They’re not too shiny but not dull either. Although I have 5 packs, they do not feel heavy at all. These Janet Collection Locs have very minimal frizz and unraveling. 

The Locs took about 3 hours to install with the braiding pattern taking 2/3 of the time. A college friend, Khaliah, installed my faux locs for me. She did a beautiful job and I will definitely be going back to get a touch up real soon. If you’re in the Philadelphia area and would like some bomb crochet braids at a very reasonable price contact her! I highly recommend her services. Here’s a link to access her Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/hailah_k/

I’ll leave you beauties with some pictures of my faux locs and different ways they can be styled. To achieve these looks you will need elastic hair ties, headbands and hair clips. 

I have a few everyday looks

I came up with a few edgy styles as well

Which style was your favorite? Comment below. 

Stay blessed, Stay Beautiful

Keta 

Too Dark to Contour?

Hey Babes! 

I hope you all are enjoying this beautiful Fathers Day weekend! Now let’s talk makeup! As an African American woman it is hard to find a variety of makeup products in my deep skin tone. The struggle to find the perfect foundation color is very real. Options are slim; they’re even slimmer when it comes to contour. For those of you who don’t know, contour is a makeup technique used to define or enhance the facial structure of ones face. For example, one would contour their cheekbones to give their cheeks an illusion of a more defined face- if done correctly your cheekbones should appear higher. It’s like magic! In order to contour, you should use a foundation or concealer two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Now because I already have a deep skin tone it is almost impossible to find a product to contour with- that’s two shades darker than I am. But have no fear AJ Crimson is here!! 

Aj Crimson has a new line of makeup that caters to women of color. I purchased the Highlight + Contour compact in the color Dark Shade (5/8). Not only is the color AMAZEBALLS but the quality is top notch as well. His luxurious line of makeup is the preferred cosmetic brand by many celebrities such as Angela Bassett and Brandy. 

Below is a few pictures of the compact

Next you’ll see the technique I used to apply the highlight and contour

And here’s how my face look after I blended everything in

Let’s not forget about them baby hairs and lip stick! 

I absolutely love the pigmentation and consistency of this highlighter and contour dual compact. If you have a similar complexion; you’ll love it as well. AJ Crimson has something for everyone! If you want to see all of his products here is the link to his site http://ajcrimson.com

Until next time Babes! 

Keta   

Day Party OOTD

Hey Babes!

 It’s been five months since I posted my last blog “Winter Lookbook” and I couldn’t be more excited to be back! There has been a lot of changes in the past few months but I am here stay.

Now that summer is here it’s all about the BBQ’s and rooftop day parties- I live for a good day party! Me and my girls took a trip to NYC this past weekend to indulge in the day party festivities. We went to The Attic Rooftop in Manhattan. 

I wanted to wear something comfortable but still fly.This is what I came up with- a gorgeous black cut out maxi from Boohoo.com. I paired the “Charlie” maxi dress with a simple pair of black pumps and bag to match! 

Pictures are below

What did you think of this outfit? Comment below your perfect day party or BBQ style. 
Keta

Winter Lookbook 2016

Hey Babes! A couple weeks ago I collaborated with an old friend, Trent, to put together this lookbook. Not only did he shoot the lookbook; he edited it as well. I am uber satisfied with the results! You can also find Trent’s work on his website http://glopworld.us which stands for Give Love Our People. 

Here are the three looks I came up with, hopefully I have inspired you to try some of these looks! If so comment below or tag me on Instagram @naturally__dope.

   

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 To see the video version of this lookbook click here https://youtu.be/rG8RanDcnrQ Here are all the details to all three looks, comment below your favorite look! Until next time. Stay Chic and Forever Excellent! 

Keta

Look One

Top: H&M

Jeans: Temptations( Boutique in Philadelphia on 4th and South)

Faux Fur Coat: Forever 21

Shoes: Charlotte Rousse

Choker: Claire’s 

Glasses: Cazal’s 

Look Two
Trench Coat: Boohoo.com

Top: H&M

Dress: Asos.com

Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Look Three
Bralette: Forever21.com

Skirt: Forever21.com

Faux Fur Trench: Forever21.com

Shoes: Easy Pickins