Nilajazine

Welcome to Goddess Talk: Nilaja by Cheryl Brooks

2011-01-23T02:34:00.000+01:00

Welcome to Goddess Talk: Nilaja by Cheryl Brooks: "If you are looking for creativity, bold and beautiful. You have Found it featuring The Hottest Handbags around. Visit her website ..."

Fall Dresses 2010

2010-07-19T22:03:00.001+02:00

Summer Handbags!!

2010-06-28T14:45:00.000+02:00

This is NIlaja's Beaches Bag!

Well, it's time to "lighten up" and put down some of those items that you normally carry with you all year long! Summer is the time for sunglasses, sunscreen and flip flops! What I enjoy carrying in the summer is my basket-woven bags, fabric textures and of course, denim. At any age and on any occasion, you can choose bold fabrics and lots of color!

Remember that with the heat, it is important to carry less make-up or be sure to put it in plastic containers to avoid leaks and spills! We've certainly have had enough of that around here. I am noticing that even some of these eco-friendly shopping bags that only cost 99 cents could double as a summer bag. And please ladies, if you are going to wear a long, beautiful floral print dress, do not pair it with an unattractive over-the-shoulder bag. Keep it pretty....

Stay cool......carry less....have fun.

Enjoy!

Sex and the City 2 - It was more than just fashion!

2010-06-01T21:24:00.001+02:00

Yesterday, I got to see my television-gone-movie BFFs in their second film! As I anticipated, the clothes were absolutely phenomenal. I have never seen an attorney look so fabulous! I have jokingly called myself the "Black Sarah Jessica Parker," so I love, love, love Carrie's style...who else could wear a slogan t-shirt with a formal skirt and make it look so cute. If I miss anything about living in New York City, it was walking out of my brownstone apartment looking stylish, even if the only place I was going was to Fairway to shop for groceries. By the way, as a side bar, I was selected to be an extra in Sex and the City while living in NYC in 2000...had a previous engagement, though!

Whether Darren Starr intentionally plan to have us all fall in love with India, Bollywood, or the culture, I must say, that I enjoyed gazing at the very handsome butler of SJP, the dessert sands and the fact that the American Dollar could get you lots of shoes for a really cheap price. And those ladies stayed at the most amazing hotel...I am sold and want to take my best friends and go to India.....and let some men pick out the most colorful and attractive India-appropriate clothes for me.

I did not forget to mention the gay wedding, which was only made memorable by the presence of Liza!!!!!! Let's hear it for aging these days. Betty White, Liza, Tina....I ain't mad at cha! Liza was embarrassing and enjoyable all at the same time. In fact, I loved her rendition of Single Ladies and the slightly altered musical arrangement at the end. What a way to start the movie. I think for my anniversary party, I'll be wearing a tux and a cute lil' black crown like my girl Sarah was rockin'.

It was all about women and our super-human power that we declare publicly and privately in any situation, in any country. My biggest takeaway was remembering to Respect others, young, old, gay, and culturally-different....please, please, please bring us a Sex and the City 3....I wanna keep growing up or never growing up with these ladies.

The Luxury Brands Loved by the World!

2010-05-18T19:18:00.000+02:00

Undoubtedly, we have all been affected by the recession of 2007, but some brands have found a way to get back on top! A growing business like my own, Nilaja could learn something from the heavy hitters. Hey, and maybe some of you can learn what it takes to market a brand in times of economic hardship.

Millward Brown Optimor’s annual list of the World’s Most Powerful Brands was released last month. (A little background: Millward Brown is part of WPP, a massive company that’s made up of a bunch of advertising firms, including Grey and Ogilvy & Mather. Optimor does brand analysis for many of these firms.)

Here are the top ten most powerful luxury brands in the world, according to Millward Brown:

1. Louis Vuitton
Last year’s ranking: 1
Overall Brand Value: up 2% to $19.78 billion
Louis Vuitton’s focus on its heritage as a travel brand helped it to retain its core customer–the jet setter.
2. Hermès
Last year’s ranking: 2
Overall Brand Value: up 8% to $8.46 billion
The majority of Hermès is still family-owned (71% is family; 29% is public shares), which means it has the luxury of taking risks when it wants to and staying the course when it doesn’t. For instance, the company–which also owns shoemaker John Lobb–chose at the end of 2009 to buy Shang Xia, a new brand based in China tailored to the Chinese consumer. What’s more, not only does the company charge far more for its handmade leather bags than its competitors, it also keeps tight control on who can sell those bags. (That’s why you shouldn’t find Hermès leather goods anywhere but its own retail boutiques.) This year, the firm also chose to focus on its heritage, sponsoring a horse competition in Paris.
3. Gucci
Last year’s ranking: 3
Overall Brand Value: up 2% to $7.59 billion
Gucci’s partnership with Christie’s–in which the firm appraises vintage Gucci luggage and handbags–gave it a one-up on its competitors. Now, the PPR-owned luxury goods maker has a tighter control its secondary market.
4. Chanel
Last year’s ranking: 4
Overall Brand Value: down 11% to $5.55 billion
Chanel’s dip in brand value is a sign of the times, according to Millward Brown Optimor director Pierre Dupreelle. During the recession, consumers turned to more practical products. While Chanel still attracted many with its classic quilted bags, cosmetics and fragrances, those determined to buy just a few investment pieces stayed away from the ready-to-wear. However, Dupreelle feels that consumers are looking for some newness in 2010, which Karl Lagerfeld always brings to the runway. He predicts the fashion house will see an uptick over the next couple of years.
5. Hennessy
Last year’s ranking: 6
Overall Brand Value: down 1% to $5.37 billion
This LVMH-owned cognac brand is ultra popular in China.
6. Rolex
Last year’s ranking: 5
Overall Brand Value: down 14% to $4.74 billion
Rolex, along with many other high-end watch and jewelry makers, suffered greatly throughout the recession.
7. Moët & Chandon
Last year’s ranking: 8
Overall Brand Value: down 12% to $4.28 billion
While it’s not as strong as it once was, Moët is still the top champagne brand.
8. Cartier
Last year’s ranking: 7
Overall Brand Value: down 19% to $3.96 billion
Cartier’s dip in sales affected its ranking. The Richemont-owned brand reported lower sales through its own boutiques and a more severe decline in sales to third party retailers.
9. Fendi
Last year’s ranking: 9
Overall Brand Value: down 8% to $3.20 billion
Fendi, which is pretty much only known for its string of hit “It” bags here in the US, has an incredible presence in Asia. LVMH is aiming to position the brand, whose ready-to-wear line is designed by Karl Lagerfeld, as its answer to Gucci.
10. Tiffany & Co.
Last year’s ranking: unranked
Overall Brand Value: up 6% to $2.38 billion
While Tiffany didn’t even rank on last year’s list, the brand was heralded in 2009 for its refusal to discount, as well as its plans for expansion in both Asia and Western Europe.

source: www.fashionista.com

shopping tip: buy the originals and not the replicas.....it's just polite and classy.

I heart Earth - Eco Fashion Tips

2010-04-22T18:47:00.003+02:00

I love the Earth! I just realized
that Earth Day started forty years ago! I thought that it was a new trend, because we recently discovered how our bad habits are destroying our planet. When I lived in Harlem, I used to see people come to the end of my street and dump trash! That really changed my mind about my attitude. I used to get tired of trying to recycle everything in my brownstone apartment! Out of necessity, I became an Eco-friendly designer! Now, it is my goal to search for products that are organic and recycle to create beautiful items.

Here's some "Green" fashion tips for saving our planet.....every Nilajanista should do her part:

Give clothes to the Goodwill.
Have a swap party with your friends, instead of buying new clothes or accessories. One of your girls might be tired of her Prada.
Wash everything in cold water. Your clothes last longer anyway.
Put your clothes in a consignment store. You may not get rich but you could treat yourself to a lil' something with the extra $$$$$$.
Turn dingy t-shirts into cleaning rags. They are perfect for dusting.
Design something new with the clothes that bore you....for example, you can turn a t-shirt into a cute scarf...scarves are all the rage this season.

Happy Earth Day......Cheryl

What Men Really Think About Your Hair

2010-04-21T03:04:00.000+02:00

I found this article interesting, considering what some women will do to their hair and what men like. I've always like changing my hairstyles quite frequently. When I got married, my hair was short. I grew it long because my husband liked long hair. It started to grow on me too. (No pun intended!) In fact, I think that I started to become a bit obessive about taking care of it. Under my bathroom cabinet, you will find a mini-hair salon! I am over that phase now but I say all of this to say that I really didn't give much thought to what the opposite sex thought of my hair........but it certainly does matter to some.

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/what-men-really-think-about-your-hair-1268349/

Source: Cosmopolitan

Stylin' on Polyvore

2010-02-17T02:16:00.000+01:00

check out some of my creations:

Baby Phat meets Button Clutch by Cheryl Brooks featuring Brooks bags

Imagine a Nilaja Bag by Cheryl Brooks featuring J Crew pants

The Hisory of Denim.....

2010-02-13T23:50:00.000+01:00

http://www.denimblog.com/denimblog/the-history-of-the-wonderful-fabric-denim/

Here's great article from denim blog on the history of denim.

Denim is hot this Spring!!!!!

2010-02-04T00:48:00.000+01:00

If you're a nilajanista like me, you are excited about what hit the runway for Spring 2010! Well, seeing as though I live in denim, and sew denim almost everyday, it was nice to see it coming down the runway when designers like Stella McCartney and Ralph Lauren hit the scene. And not just pants, I saw shirts, skirts and handbags!!!! Did I say handbags? Yeah!!!! Well, I have also had my eye on denim bags in the stores and if you wanna be a realtrendsetter, you might want to get one of mine!!!!! I've got to pat myself on the back this time. Take a look for yourself at Bebe and Michael Kors....then check me out.

What's really nice about denim this Spring is that you can mix and match from head to toe.....are rules are off! So have fun this spring....and live in denim. Quite frankly, for those of us who love it....it's always in style!

Go to the link below to preview one of my upcoming designs from my BC2 Collection.

Bringing Joy,

Cheryl

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=209009&l=3297423aba&id=100000092242342

How to Select a Purse

2010-01-04T02:56:00.000+01:00

Before you buy a new handbag, it is important to consider your needs, lifestyle, and sense of style. If you're like me, you own alot of accessories and one handbag would never fit one occasion. But there are also some individuals who give more thought to making a decision for the perfect purse. Here are some questions to ask yourself, prior to spending alot of money.....or very little:

1. What's a must-have to carry with you?

a. Just my keys and credit card.

b. Keys, wallet, cell phone, makeup, and other assorted items.

c. What don't I carry?

2. How would you describe your personal style?

a. Casual

b. Classic

c. Trendy

3. What's you schedule like?

a. Relaxed

b. Hectic

c. Always changing

4. What matters most?

a. Comfort

b. Practicality

c. Style

5. Which of the following best describes your body-type?

a. Athletic

b. Curvy

c. Slender

Mostly A's: You like to keep it simple, so look for a small bag that won't cramp your style. Messenger bags or other chic over-the-shoulder purses are a great choice for you.

Mostly B's: You are practical and always on the move, so you need a bag that reflects your busy lifestyle. Look for structured bags with many pockets to accommodate your always changing needs.

Mostly C's: A big, bold bag is a great choice for your style and needs. Oversize bags are a great choice for the fashion-forward who want to stay on top of the latest trends.

No matter what bag you choose, you should always keep your bag well organized and only carry what you absolutely need. Overstuffed bags can lead to a variety of problems, including neck strain, headaches, and back pain. Make it a habit to sort through your bag at least once a month to remove any unnecesary items.

'Click the Share button to create links to this email on popular social networking and bookmarking size like Facebook, Twitter, and Digg.'

2009-12-24T02:55:00.000+01:00

'Click the Share button to create links to this email on popular social networking and bookmarking size like Facebook, Twitter, and Digg.'

The Nilaja Video Commercial - The Bling Collection

2009-12-22T05:42:00.000+01:00

The Long, belted cardigan.

2009-12-19T23:03:00.000+01:00

I am so glad to see the cardigans get some love this season. I especially like the idea of belting a long one. Add some heels and you've taken your outfit from librarian to diva. The belt will enhance your waistline. Go a little crazy with the choice of a belt and make it fun. This year, even stores like Kmart is selling cashmere cardigans.

Time to shop nilaja!!!!!

2009-11-29T04:51:00.000+01:00

So many social networks, so many websites! Believe me, I am trying to visit all of them constantly. What a weekend: Black Friday and now the extremely tweeted, Tiger Woods' golf accident. I love the internet! It has given the entire world a global opportunity to express themselves. It's really become a TMI (Too Much Info) society. Do I really want everyone to know what I am doing every second of the day? And from where I am doing it from? And who I am doing it with?

Well, I do want you all to know that I want you to visit and shop at http://www.nilajabycherylbrooks.com, because that is what I have been doing since 2003: growing my business. From the days of filling the front porch with bleached denim to where I am today. Enjoy the holiday season....I'll be back to blog on something soon!

I am going to try to keep this blog as spontaneous as I possibly can.....Peace! Check out the CB bag in the pic.

Cheryl