All the Met Gala drama is simmering down, my bday is come and gone, it’s not Friday yet…but don’t fret, there’s still a lot to look forward to! Let’s pick up where we left off with a hot Style Diary from the beautiful Naja Diamond. I’ve been a fan of her work and was so elated when she was down for an ABY collaboration. Let’s get into Naja’s style dos and donts.

ABY: Hi there! Tell us about yourself.

Hi I’m Naja Diamond, a Jersey girl living in the DMV area. I work in the IT field as an Application Developer by day and fashion/beauty blogger by night. I’m a lover of fashion, makeup, family and friends, a major foodie, wannabe wine connoisseur, proud doggie mommy and zombie lover. An interesting fact about me is I’m prior Active Duty Air Force and served one tour in Iraq. I document my fashion journey and style evolution From Combat Boots 2 Stilettos on my fashion/beauty blog www.NajaDiamond.com.

ABY: Wow, what a journey! You must be so proud of yourself for serving your country. What are your dressing styles? What influences your style choices?

I would certainly describe my style as girlie glam mixed with combat chic. I am influenced heavily by street fashion, celebrity style and my mood.

ABY: Fashion wise, Which brands or designers ‘speak to you’ the most?

I have always been a fan of BCBG for their fabulous prints, quality pieces, and bright bold colors. I also love Alexander Wang shoes and clothes for his chic designs and clean lines.

ABY: What do you splurge on?

Shoes, I am a complete shoe freak so I will drop a pretty penny on shoes.
ABY: You have the best skin! Like seriously. Any beauty secrets?

Always, always, always wash your makeup off at night. Also spend some time getting down a good skincare routine. For me, it was after a LOT of money and products I found that good ole Dove soap and water works best for me. I swear by moisturizer and exfoliate like once a week. Also, pick a good moisturizer, for me it is truly essential. It doesn’t have to be super expensive but shop around and pick one that works for your skin. I slather in on at night and wake up with soft, smooth skin. Your face is the first thing someone sees when they meet you so make it a pleasant experience.

ABY: Absolutely. Any stand out make-up brands for you?

I have so many but my favs are MAC foundations and eye shadows and at the drugstore I LOVE Revlon and L’Oreal everything and Maybelline has the BEST lippies/lipglosses.

ABY: Favourite Fashion Magazine.

InStyle mag is my fav with Elle and Marie Claire are a very close second. I love how InStyle does celebrity style, trends to watch, styling tips, Street Style from regular folks like myself (I’ve been featured a few times) styles for under $100 bucks; they have it all.

ABY: I’m a Marie Claire girl at heart myself. What fragrance are you loving at the moment?

I rotate fragrances daily according to my mood and outfit. Lol, I know sounds crazy but if  I’m feeling sweet it’s Jessica Simpson, particularly trendy I like Viktor & Rolf Flower Bomb, Edgy I wear Lady Gaga Fame, Fabulous and Glam I go for Givenchy or Burberry. Everyday wear I keep a L’Occitane rolling ball perfume, it’s soft and fresh and perfect for work without being overbearing.

ABY: Heels, wedge, pumps, or flats?

Heels, ALWAYS, most of the time I prefer a pump with a platform. I’m only 5’1 in real life, however in my head I’m at least 5’7. lol

ABY: Your favourite music tracks right now…?

Oh wow, this one is hard I don’t think I have a favorite. I love all kinds of music from Beyonce to Lana Del Ray to Macklamore to Juicy J. People might be surprised to know that I REALLY love ratchet rap songs, it’s awful but I’m woman enough to admit that Sage the Gemini’s song ‘Red Nose’ & ‘Gas Pedal’ makes me twerk like Mylie Cyrus, in my head, while driving in the car or at the gym.

ABY: Your favourite trends currently?

I’m loving the MOD trend right now, I have a ton of outfit ideas in my head I want to try and wear for the blog. I’m also really feeling pastels, surprisingly enough. I’ve never really been a fan but this season I’m really enjoying soft, pretty colors.

ABY: Your ultimate fashion no-nos are…

Bed clothes, bedroom slippers and hair rollers outside the house. Also chipped nail polish and worn out heels that looks like you’ve been walking on gravel for days. I see absolutely NO reason for you to be out in public looking like that.

ABY: If your life was a movie, what would be its title and who would play you?

It would be called From Combat Boots 2 Stilettos for sure which describes me perfectly for so many reasons. To me From Combat Boots 2 Stilettos represents a transition, stages in life, and evolution; this phrase definitely describes different aspects of my personality, my journey from military to fashionista, and the evolution of my style. People tell me I resemble Gabrielle Union and Shanice the singer a lot but I think I would like to be played by Sanaa Lathan or Kerry Washington.
ABY: I love that title! What are your top 5 wardrobe must-haves?

-Black pumps

-blazers

-great fitting jeans

-perfect fitting T-shirts

-and a stylish and comfy flat.

ABY: Your house is in flames, what one item would you save out of your closet and why? Wow, good question, this actually happened to me about 3 years ago and is the reason why I started my blog. I came home from a weekend out of town to find my home in flames. It was truly devastating but because of it I started my blog to document my journey of rebuilding my wardrobe which has truly been a blessing. The experience taught me a lot and ultimately has made me a better person. It also taught me that while devastating, stuff is just stuff and I wouldn’t save anything out of my closet unless that’s where my dog and laptop were. Those are the only things I would save in that situation.

ABY: Wow, that must have been tough. Sorry to hear 🙁 Your all time fashion icons are…

Audrey Hepburn for her classic and sophisticated style, Diane Ross for her glitzy and glamorous style and today Michelle Obama because she is just so modern and flawless. I LOVE me some First Lady.
ABY: Your favourite quote/saying 

“A girl should be two things: Classy and Fabulous” –Coco Chanel

What’s the verdict guys?

I say H.O.T. Curvy hotness personified!

ABY: Stay in touch!

Blog:                  www.NajaDiamond.com

Instagram:       @NajaDiamond

Facebook:         https://www.facebook.com/pages/NajaDiamondcom/153618558057150

Twitter:             https://twitter.com/NajaDiamond

YouTube:          https://www.youtube.com/user/NajaDiamond

If you want to be on Style Diary please email artbecomesyou@yahoo.com and I’ll get right back to you with details.

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Love & Light 

Lydie xx