Personal X Reflection X Move

Sometimes we get so caught up in what is happening right now, 

We forget what we have been through or better yet where we are headed.

There will always be a problem, always something taking our attention off of that next move.

I should know, it seems my biggest failures are when I forget the bigger picture.

Weeks pasts and I'm like, uhhhh what did I do but dwell in that mountain of a mole hill?

This life is all about a brighter future, building an empire. 

There will be a brighter day if you look up for it.

If not you'll be stuck, looking on the shaded ground for rusted pennies only to trick and trip yourself into limiting yourself.

It's already February of 2014 and I'm trying to get somewhere so profound this year.

It's my time.

Something is feeding it into my soul however, getting sidetracked and distracted only takes away that oh so precious time.

It's time. 

Move.

Beyonce X Flawless X Chinmamanda X Music Video

Beyonce does it right everytime.

I know one half of spectators are obsessed with Beyonce's album while the other half hates her guts in general (Illuminati this, overrated, blah, blah.). 
Listening to her album with a neutral listening palette I have considered "Flawless" as one of my favorite songs. Specifically the part in the song about women empowerment. Not only does it spell out Beyonce feeling slightly disrespected in the industry and being wonderfully and beautiful made like everyone else is but the assumed roles women are supposed to play in modern day society.

"We teach girls to shrink themselves...

Childish Gambino X Music Video X 3005

Childish Gambino X 3005

"Sorry, I'm just scared of the future
'til 3005, I got your back, we can do this, hold up"

NGD X More in Store X Watch

Nik_Gold Designs is my business, baby and passion. I've been working on more pieces for this year. These are some of my previous creations! If you would like to buy or use some of my pieces for styling purposes. Contact me Via FB, email (NikGoldDesigns@gmail.com) I also make custom pieces so the sky is the limit! I look forward to working with you. Press PLAY!

Nik Gold Designs - slideshows

Live GOLD in 2014

Ah, a new year. What's next?

Mission: Get better and live GOLD.

Personal X Smile X Progress

Stay safe X I love you!

These past couple of months have taught me a lot about myself than ever before.

 Seeing myself recover from obstacles and use them as stepping stones. Catching myself becoming content and immediately turning the fire up based on my goals and knowing anything you WANT you can ascertain. 

Now comes the productive winter for a rewarding summer. Staying busy progressive because I promised someone very special to me and to myself I'll be in a different place by next summer. Just wait on it! Aimed with a 2nd job, a great support system and a mind full of ideas and plans everyday I wake up with a better view of life.

***Instead of writing a list of what's wrong with life focus on the good and live life like it's golden because it certainly isn't promised.***

Take a moment out to read a poem I wrote today.

The twist

Vibrating lesions toss my body one way then another

The beauty of authenticity bares my soul willingly

While tender fascinating kisses are planted where deep bruises once laid

Warm tears of patience and appreciation trickle down my left cheek effortlessly

Never has a care burn so deep and shine so bright

Blinded by the dedication and passion

I tilt my crown to the sun and praise the mountains and valleys of the earth

My pounding rigorous breathe escapes in whispers of wonder

And finally, I own the white engrossing mist of consciousness

Reflection X Time X Growth

Time passing is inevitable and as I was looking through my pictures the other day I realized how fast it flies. When I first moved to Atlanta I was the eclectic dressing, coffee drinking, dancing blogger from New York and quickly made friends with other newbies from New Orleans, Detroit and some from Atlanta. Over time people began to appreciate my style, sarcastic personality and creative outlets. The picture below was taken by D.Sincere Photography at Fearless Weirdos Boutique in Atlanta, Georgia, long before I started working there.

 I was in the store for a fashion show and never imagined taking it as a platform to elevate me to where I wanted to be. After I left New York I wasn't sure what would happen then Atlanta became my playground to grow stronger, faster, smarter and use my uniqueness to make money, connections and build a brighter future. Wherever you are in life know that you are exactly where you need to be to get where you are going.

Natural Hair X Weave X Summer Vs Winter Styles

I love hair, changing up a look or updating an image. That's why I've learned how to transition my natural hair from summer to winter time. I've been natural for over a year (Honestly, it's been so long I just know it's been over a year could be two.) I love weave though, I don't care what anyone says, it is so easy to manage and helps my hair grow tremendously. 

Unlike the lies people say is you stop getting a perm it is not guaranteed your hair will fall out. Mind you I trimmed my own hair because an afro looks weird with straight ends... The routine I've now grown accustom to is straight hair during the winter so my hair can rest and I can deep condition my hair in between hair styles, while during the summer I love my hair out, being free, driving with the top down and loving my curls. Mind you it is a tad bit of maintenance because I wet and braid/twist my hair go to sleep and let it out. Sometimes it gets frizzy in two seconds and sometimes I resort to a little secret technique *wink. 

However, I have been using Miss Jessies, the new creamy crack and it defines my curl way more and gives it a brilliant shine, smell and bounce. I can easily go from jumping in a pool, shower to sleep, wake up and not look like a wet dog. 

What do you do to maintain your summer/winter hairstyles?

Comment below =)

Summer me

Winter me

Ciara X Body Party Iggy Azalea X Work Music Video

Ciara brings it with her new music video, "Body Party". Keeping that signature "Yes, b**** I can dance" and adding her personal life and new beau Future's first meeting experience at a mansion party here in Atlanta. To say the least I love it, the realness of fate, the choreography and Ciara! (Emoji in love face here). Experience the magic below!

I may no not a thing about being broke, 16 and living in Miami but I know I love this new Iggy Azalea. I first mentioned her on my blog (Iggy Azalea obsession 2012)

I've featured her last year and she has been semi quiet aside for signing with T.I. Check the new work out now.

 

Big Boi XNik_Gold X BEmagazine

I, Nicole Ayilola of Nik_Gold Designs have had the pleasure of writing the feature story/interview from one of my favorite rappers/creators Big Boi in @BEmagazines 2nd annual men's issue.

(If you haven't seen the first article in which I also wrote with "Think Like a Man's" producer William Packer, and former BET host now E! news host Terrance J ), BEmagazine First Men's Issue ft Nik_Gold

Not only have I been tantalized by Big Boi's creative rhythm but ultimate aura of pure genius and coolness that emits seamlessly.

You can find out more when the issue is released the first week of May. #STAYTUNED

Poem X Scorcher

Finger tip numbed
By the sizzling rhythmn of thick ashy smoke
Seeping through sea blue vessels
Breaking off citrus kisses
Underneath your seared heart
Damp traces evaporate on your mahognany hurt
While your eyes shed
Snowflakes of innocent delivery
My flaming palm guides your
Icey smooth cheek to my
Motherly chest so you can
Hear how human I am
The flame of sweet life dancing in my veins
You are nestled safely now in my scorching passion.


-Nik_Gold

Spring into Texture X Style

Spring into Texture! by nikgold featuring embellished tops

This spring is all about mixing soft and hard textures. From crochet to leather, metal to plastic and chiffon the more diversity the better. Here I combined a statement canary yellow blazer with black/white printed pants or a leather trimmed A-line skirt. Texture is added with the metal trendy cropped shirt and adding more spring flavor with the peach ankle strap pumps and pale nude gold detailed clutch!

Temperley London embellished top
$2,005 - temperleylondon.com

Alice Olivia biker jacket
aliceandolivia.com

River Island tapered pants
$45 - riverisland.com

High waisted mini skirt
ebay.co.uk

BCBGeneration ankle tie shoes
dillards.com

Oasis metallic handbag
$23 - oasis-stores.com

New Music Video X Blurred Lines

I came across this video and loved the concept. It didn't hurt that Pharrell was in it..at all. I adored the video, fashion, energy, props, even Kodak use of the striking brown skinned model throughout but the actual song seemed to drag on at one point. Needless to say I'll be hooked and repeating the lyrics in a matter of days!

More Than A Resolution!

2012 has been some year. Words cannot even explain it. I have grown and watched the world change rapidly around me. As long as I have been alive I have the same two qualities I'd love to hate, actually I'm pretty sure I hate both. That's why I'm making a change, more than a resolution but a positive change for the betterment of my life.

Between situations changing rapidly and more and more people I know just leaving Earth without notice I know how precious this life we have is. Honestly, the present is a present and people take it for granted *raises hand* I do too.

Between procrastinating and the depressing feeling of contentment and over thinking or stressing over the  BS life throws your way from time to time, one of the quicksand potholes will have you preaching "Tomorrow is a new day" instead of "Just do it" or "Now is the time!"

I realized this life is a blank canvas, every second and experience we have paints our canvas and makes it dense with intensity, lessons and the true stains of life. I'm ready for the journey and truly tired of being tired. Sleep is the cousin of death and procrastination is the devil whispering in your ear. 

Learn and live _GOLD.

Music Videos X Rihanna X Shine Bright Like a Diamond

Rihanna has done it again with this video!

Chris Brown X Rihanna are two creative individuals who are doing their art and don't give AF as they rightfully should.

When I was told Chris Brown would be the main love interest I thought I would at least see his face. I guess his features and tattoos are enough to suit.

I've marinated with the song and absolutely love it while the video leaves me in a trance. Pretty tranquil and positive vibes. Enjoy and shine bright*

Voting 2012 X Obama X Vote

This year was my first year voting, being the young and vivacious 20 year old lady that I am.

For some reason my old soul felt like I voted the first time around for Obama or just wished I did in those cold DC streets

but I did November 6th 2012 and I was elated to see life changes and history made.

Only 40 years ago President Kennedy's brother was quoted as to see America electing an "Afro-American negro" as president in approximately 40 years and I am proud to say he has been elected for a second run!

Lets be aware voting because he is of a certain race is just as ignorant as not voting at all. Learn why Obama is such a great push for ALL of the people and then support! It doesn't hurt to have a voice. It helps to have a opinion of your own!

My Clique X Like No Other

I appreciate how Kanye discusses his Mother's passing on this song. This song is also a beast regardless, Jay Z? That intro? Yeah, I love it and can relate!

My clique has been tight as rope since we met each other at Claflin University years ago and we still keep in touch. When you have a bond with people that all elevate each other, it's like magic.

We shot this photo shoot just to do it and it's been featured on fashion blogs and even reached tumblr earlier this year

***FYI: This photoshoot was 2 years ago, spot the Nik_Gold Designs accessories!

Shattered Glass Lightening Bolt Earrings (Original Pair)

Follow my girls Ty , Candice and Steff !!!