BGLH Style: Erykah in Texas

Introduce yourself!
E: My name is Erykah and I’m currently living in Texas. I’m a shop girl at Saks Fifth Ave and I have a personal style blog!

What is your style philosophy?
E: For me it’s not about a name brand but more about a dope concept that works. I’ve always been a huge supporter and consumer of vintage clothing! Since I was young I’ve always had a strong fascination with old-age garments. I guess in some weird way I feel that the clothing has more character because there is a story behind it.

How would you describe your sense of style?
E: I think it’s hard to describe style because then you put yourself in a box. My style can range from punk to afrocentric, or go from urban to androgynous depending on the what kind of mood I’m in, or what I’m inspired by at the moment. As a Nigerian girl growing up in America I feel like my style is heavily influenced by my parents. I always try to infuse African traditions and western culture into my style of dress.

What is the process of deciding what to wear in the morning?
E: When getting dressed in the morning I like the process to feel organic. I love experimenting with different fabrics, prints, colors, and textures. I usually try to build an outfit around a great piece of jewelry, or a pair of shoes.

What are the three favorite things in your closet?
E: 1. My most coveted piece would probably be my Crisca Escada elephant pant suit that I found at a consignment shop.
2. A very rare Nigerian wax print skirt that mom passed down to me.
3. Marchesa caftan gown that I scored at a Goodwill.

What are some of your favorite shops/websites for clothes, shoes and accessories?
E: 80% of my clothing comes from thrift and vintage shops. When I’m on the hunt for newer collectables I usually frequent openingceremony.com, theoutnet.com, and ebay.com.

How long have you been natural?
E: Almost 3 years in total. I chopped my hair off twice because I felt that I needed to re-learn my hair.

How and why did you transition into natural hair?
E: I was tired of the weave, I was tired of the perm, I was tired of constantly complaining about what I could and could not do because of my hair… I had my best friend chop it off on the living room floor of our apartment and from that day forward I never looked back.

What is your signature hairstyle?
E: ‘rough and stuff with my afro puff’

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
E: I like low maintenance hair so I try to keep the grooming process as simple as possible. I co-wash my hair once a week with all natural Everyday Shea Moisturizing Conditioner that I purchase at Whole Foods. I shampoo my hair every 3-4 weeks with Alaffia Coconut and Shea Daily Hydrating Shampoo. I particularly like the shampoo because the key ingredients consist of African black soap with an infusion of lemon grass. Throughout the week I keep my hair moisturized with coconut oil and raw African shea butter. I usually twist out my hair every other night with As I Am Twist Defining Cream or Eden BodyWorks All Natural Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme. I love experimenting with new products as my hair takes on different forms!

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
E: Blog: www.erykahachebe.com
Instagram: erykahachebe