Dearest Ryan,

Coogler, btw. And Zinzi. I rode by the High Museum today as I was out purchasing for my business.

[Uh. I need a job, btw. 😉 ]

As I rode by the High, I thought of Black Panther, mostly, because I heard the news. Good? Bad? I dunno.

I see that you have chosen to recast Michael B. Jordan, one of my loves. That is what has prompted his open letter to be penned to you, kind Hollywood director, and super producer, wife. Please do as I have asked – though quite outlandish. 🙂

I have been a big fan of his and, yours, since CREED I. Wow, am thankful that movie exists. Michael is SO CUTE. In fact, I would go back even further, back to that movie with Zac Efron – yes, I do not remember the name of said film, but I knew then, that he was very, very cute. Update – after a quick search, the movie is called, That Awkward Moment.

Michael likes ice cream, too. I recommend, this.

But CREED cinched it for me. Yes. Creed aside, which is so, so good, I mean, really – for you to have been so novice, it came out so well. I know how hard it was to get the movie made (I have watched all of the ROCKY films and I think you made a good choice with the development of the CREED character). Really, I was very enthusiastic about your start in Hollywood. As you have received so many accolades for Fruitvale, I will not go into further details on that, however, that film is quite, quite good, too.

Michael is really talented at playing crazies.

Have you seen this?

Both of you, and Michael, are on the list.

I have reviewed the work that is forthcoming and, though I am excited (OMG – Michael, Thomas Crown Affair is top of my list next year. Just so you know, I’m going to watch both of the older films just so that I can have a healthy respect for what you have taken on. I’m sure that there is some interesting twist to the film as you are a very creative man.)

Anyway, back to Ryan. I know that are very busy. All those award wins and business meetings. Writing scripts, kids, lovely wife.

I have one ask. If you keep making Black Panther movies and shows – can you make a Kilmonger movie? This character needs more justice than just a few lines in a film, and Michael was in his mid to late 20s when he starred initially – as a visual person, and though Michael is very healthy and looks great (as you know, cause you keep casting him, he is VERY handsome), he definitely looks older. How does one travel back in time while physically racing against the clock (read below to see why this is important)? Not only that, the character isn’t alive in the arcs – or as I believe, should not be. How do they, Hollywood elite, find a way out this one? The character died from a terrible stab wound. Though they do have the ability to heal just about anything in Wakanda, I’m sure that there is some secret overlap with the Xmen – Wolverine? Sabertooth? Or so we assumed, how would he have lived? And yet, somehow, the role was reprised. I have so many issues with this, not only with Hollywood, but with entertainment in general.

Make it make sense and I’m sure it will.

My proposal is that you make a film titled, “ERIK” and that it covers his upbringing and all of the obstacles he had to overcome to get to that point in BLACK PANTHER 1.

I will be your fan regardless, however, I think that would truly bring some real depth to this character beyond what could be captured in the first move. Honestly, when I recollect on the experience of watching the first film, I was kind of lost as the Kilmonger story setting happened at a very breakneck pace. Btw, I do not think that he, Michael was that scary in the first one. To me, he is like Vegeta. He is a man seeking revenge for all that wronged him life, which is inherently unpleasant, but not necessarily scary. When thinking of this within the context of the Marvel Universe, no one really knew that ERIK was doing that, but himself ( based on what I know about what was presented with the character.) I am sure that you, Mr. Coogler, talented screenwriter and notable director, with the help of MARVEL, would truly create something great for ERIK. By the way, years ago, I quickly researched him in the MARVEL Universe and he is not good looking. Much like Vegeta, in fact. I personally, prefer, Goku.

The ARMS. Enough said. As an aside, I do have some issues with Goku as a character, though. He is kind of sucky. Really. Within the context of DBZ, he is not a great man, just a great hero who is really, a man – alien – monkey? His tail was removed – okay. He is like a lesser Superman, of sorts. Superman, though, definitely dreamed of love.

I have a few theories, however, as it pertains to ERIK’s reprisal:

Perhaps the king was not so good himself. RIP Chadwick x T’Challa.

Perhaps, Erik is a mutant.

Maybe, it just needs to be fleshed out.

I could always go back and read the comics.

Ryan and, Zinzi, hopefully we can chat one day. I also hope you read my SINNERS theory. It is somewhat embedded on my threads – SMOKE. Smoke is a day walker. That man is still alive.

Luxury Items Wish List

Trying to keep myself uplifted, so, I’m gonna dream.

Here are some items I’m dreaming of and a full bank account.

Chanel: Mini Classic Handbag

I have not seen this in person, but I think it would be a great addition to my capsule wardrobe. If the leather is like it looks here, I’m sure it can really withstand years of use. I’m sure it is really beautiful – lambskin.

Price: $5,400

Louis Vuitton Pochette

I have seen this purse in person numerous times – the design is timeless, especially with the monogram. I love it and hope to add it to my capsule in the near future. I just read about the details of the bag on the website and it is canvas.

I doubt most people know that. Looks like leather.

Price: $1660.00

Michael Kors: Bromley Over the Knee Boots

I’ve had a few pair of these and I really enjoy them, however, I would prefer that they were still full leather. I lived in these during the Fall and Winter months, however, if they continue to fall apart after a few wears, I will stick with my second hand Frye Boots, for sure (I may need to do a whole post on my Frye Boot collection). I really like the design of these boots, they are very simple and greatly enhance my Capsule Wardrobe, but come on, Michael of Michael Kors. Come on.

Plastic upper?

Price: $Varies

($250 when initially released)

Prius Plug In Hybrid

I am more of a Honda fan, but they keep discontinuing the cars that I like, so I’m moving on to Toyota. I love the new Prius design, but that price tag? It needs to be fully electric in my opinion. If I were rich, I’d buy this car and convert it. This would be an upgraded version of the CRZ for me.

Price: $47,000

Adventures in Hair Extensions: Indian Curly > Bouncy Curly?

I recently decided to give hair sourcing a try.

Idk what I was doing, but I thought why the heck not? These girls seem to make a grip! Hell, I’m kind of familiar with brand design and I know some good companies to buy hair from. After several WhatsApp message exchanges and a few different purchases…I chose not to pursue it. If you’re looking for a good vendor or two, let me know. It’s on the free.

Honestly, I do not believe that I have the same heart for hair sales as some of my favorite extension brands do, but I do think that it has been a worthwhile pursuit. I bought bundles of Raw Indian Curly, the name of it varies from brand to resale brand, however, it is not the texture I was hoping for. I keep trying to do the spiral curls at the end, and I’ve noticed that it never curls in quite the way that I would like. I made a half wig by hand on a breezy wig cap (I have special needs when it comes to the heat in GA, I can’t be out here sweating because I have approximately 10 bundles of curly hair on my head), and I really know what I am doing now. But, what I really need to figure out is how to get my ends to spiral curl a la Chaneeezy. HOW? Even after the same used products, my curls didn’t come through. I’m gonna have to work on the flick o’ da wrist. Lately I’ve been using water and aloe only to revive the curls and I think it has gone pretty well. I have noticed that the hair dries out very quickly, but somehow the hair on my faux locs extensions stays moist for months on end without needing a refresh. I’m pretty sure it is the same hair, however.

Have any of you seen this beaute? Come through SCZHAIR. I want cha sometime soon and I think I will bid the foray into extensions adieu.

Anyway,

I have decided half perm the RAW (aka VIRGIN) hair. I know this is possible. I’m also going to half perm the curlsqueen half wig that I added a 4/4 closure to to see if I can get a bouncy curly texture going for me. The curls have been falling too flat for ya girl with my hot tools, even when utilizing hair spray.

What did I learn? That basically, all hair is virgin hair. That the price of raw hair is too high. I steam my hair, I style my hair. That the overseas brands are based here in the states – possibly even ATL! No hair really tangles, unless it is very very dry. God made the best moisturizers and stylers and that is what I am using!

I have the hair needed for miracle braids, I have the hair needed for twists, wrapping hair for faux locs, all kinds of faux locs extensions, straight hair so I’m not applying too much heat to my natural hair (now over 22 inches long), and pretty soon the best curly hair extensions in the world, made by me and GOD. That was interesting but it is over. I’m turning into more of a stylist instead.

Tune in soon for updates on how the hair turns out. I’ll share pics soon.

Humanrace Skincare by Pharrell Williams

I think of this brand as a lower budget alternative to La Mer. Not only do the products contain similar ingredients but they are much, much more cost effective. I tried this skincare a little over two years ago, and I’ve watched them as they have updated the line little by little. And let’s be honest, Pharrell has truly great skin. Who would not want skin like his? I do think that I have pretty nice skin, but his is amazing! I hope to see it in person one day.

As I am aging, I thought about getting La Mer, however, the prices for the products are so high that I shopped around for alternatives. I do, truly like the products, however, I truly think that the real secret of La Mer’s efficacy lies in moisture and fermentation.

I think that Pharrell’s products in the Humanrace skincare line are good alternatives to La Mer. (I have tried La Mer, I think that the products are wonderful – just a note, if you decided to spring for La Mer, try the mattifying cream, that is my personal favorite. I do really love the HumanRace moisturizer, it does not make me overly greasy. I was a terrible oil slick during puberty, Niacinamide has changed my life.)

I tried this part of the line when it first launched and I was really pleasantly surprised and quite happy with the results. In fact, I am pretty sure that the moisturizer is meant to be a dupe of the La Mer moisturizer. The cleanser is not drying and I feel as though the products pair very nicely with other products in my skincare regime. I like to use the Retrograde gel cleanser as a full body cleanser as well. Have any of you tried Pharrell’s products line or do you think that he’s just trying to profit from his lovely skin and crazy slow aging?

Here is a video he made during covid speaking about the product launch:

Another of him and Tyler speaking about the products and how they take care of their skin:

Love him – both he and the products are Nelliel Approved!

Artist Spotlight – Youtubers

I have been on a YouTube kick for many years. 10 or so years ago, I found out about vlogging. I wanted to try my hand at it, however, my life just isn’t conducive to it. I have, however, found many, many YouTubers that have brought joy and laughter into my life in ways unexpected. I really appreciate YouTube, not only for existing, but for introducing me to these good people and giving them a platform to create in such ways.

During this time, the vloggers I watch have changed, however, I have been enjoying the ones listed below for almost 5 years now. Though they may not be in my life forever in this capacity, I do really like their work and growth. I’m sharing as I hope that you will enjoy them as much as I have.

AllyiahsFace

This vlogger has a lot of travel and fashion content. I really enjoy her personality and sense of style. I would say that she fits into a more LUXE niche, however, she puts a nice mix on the types of topics that she explores via her content. There is a lot of shopping, nail, and hair talk. She is very up on the trends and fashion. I loved that she was Atlanta based, however, she is now in New York and abroad most of the time. Her aesthetic is similar to my own. She is in her early thirties and seems to be thriving. She is so fun to watch.

InstagramTikTokYoutubePinterest

KirahOmnique

Kirah makes similar content to the aforementioned vlogger, however, these two vloggers could not be more different. I love that Kirah’s honesty. She is so fun and unique. Kirah also makes a lot of travel and beauty content. I have not watched her as frequently, however, it is so dope to see the city of Atlanta feature in her vlogs so much. She is a laugh riot, insightful, always has some cool restaurants featured, and most recently worked with Beyonce (whoa!) on a Cecred campaign.

InstagramTikTokYoutube

Sunday Listen!

Sharing one of my favorite music and fashion artist today. Pharrell Williams. The cutie. ? With such prolific amounts of work, it is hard to pick one. This man was in Atlanta this past week, however, I did not get an exclusive invite to his award ceremony. ?

His work has grown more and more unique as time has gone by.

Enjoy!



Artist Spotlight – StylesbyNoah, RAW INDIAN BOHO FAUX LOCS – BEST FAUX EVERRRR.

I recently starting buying things on Etsy. I love the unique pieces and how skilled the artists are. I have found many cool things on this website – aside from anime stickers, my explorations have taken me to the hair side of Etsy. Not only can you find bundles on the site, a la Elfin, Dhair, YGWIGS, UNICE, CURLSQUEEN, etc, you can also find very unique hair pieces like the faux locs I found one day created by StylesbyNoah. I balked a bit at the price and it just shuffled the lust for them to the back of my mind. However, I did one day shortly thereafter see her work again on Instagram and TickTok. Her work was soooooo gorgeous I had to buy a set of them. I have since installed them 3x over the last 6 months and they are still just as beautiful as they were when I first purchased them. I think she is so cute. The locs came smelling soooo, soooo good, soft, and packed in such cute pink packaging. I bought them a while ago, so I do not have any pictures to show you, however, I do plan to buy another, shorter set soon. I’ll update this post with those pictures once I receive the package.

Thank you, Noah. I do wear wigs, but you are right, these faux locs are good replacement. My head has been so cool as summer in Atlanta winds down – AND! My hair is so beautiful that people stare at me all throughout Atlanta. Noah is not stingy with the curls (how many bundles, at least two!) and I think that those of us that have ever gotten the real faux locs installed (no crochet) definitely appreciate someone that has taken the time to make something with such level of care and quality. They are not a soft loc base. I will say that it took about 3 hours for myself to install these. I have approximately 40 locs on my head and the set is 60 in total. What a deal. Before I found Noah I either made them myself, had another talented stylist do them for me, or perused YGWIGS trying to determine if I wanted that style of locs. I wish braids were this easy.

Anywho, if that doesn’t convince you, check her YouTube out. She works in Maryland. I have not met her yet but hope one day to have a set installed by her. In the meantime, I will be a loyal customer and fan of her work.

    Definitely NellielApproved. Thumbs upppppp.

    Check out her socials and tell her I sent ya. 😉