Introduce yourself!
J: Hello! I’m Jasmine Alston, a full time photographer from Philadelphia who’s addicted to traveling, random adventures, and Sweet Baby Ray’s.
What is your style philosophy?
J: Comfort first! I refuse to wear anything too tight for the sake of fashion. I’m not interested in holding my breath all day. I have things to say and moves to make Lol!
How would you describe your sense of style?
J: I would describe my sense of style as sometimes-y. Sometimes I like to look chic and classic. Sometimes I like to look like a “woman of the world” wearing bold cultural prints that I’ve collected while traveling. And sometimes, I like to look slightly masculine in cutoff shirts and loose jeans. So in a nutshell, my sense of style is versatile, unapologetic, and free-spirited – just like me!
What is the process of deciding what to wear in the morning?
J: If I’m running late with no time to think, which I usually am… I’ll just throw on all of my favorite pieces. I have a pair of “comfort jeans” and some favorite sweaters that save me anytime I’m in a time crunch. However, when I’m generous enough to give myself time, I like to pick out a random piece in my closet. Then, I create a look around that. I’m on a mission to wear everything in my closet – which is a lot easier said than done!
What are the three favorite things in your closet?
J: 1. My “comfort jeans” – They’re my own variation of boyfriend jeans. They are about 2 sizes too big and were given to me by a friend. The brand is Bullhead and the fit is “Hermosa Superskinny”. I wear them ALL THE TIME! 2. A thrifted J. Crew sweater that comes down to my knees. I added some “spice” to it with a random fur collar that I also found at the thrift store. (I safety pinned the fur collar to the sweater.) I get a ton of compliments on it everywhere I go! 3. Sky high Steve Madden combat booties. These are the “go-to” boots that’ll liven up any boring outfit. They’re basic laced black booties, but the super high wedged heel gives me life.
What are some of your favorite shops/websites for clothes, shoes and accessories?
J: As a new business owner, I have to be very conscious about my expenses. Almost all of my cash flow is reinvested into my business (and traveling). That said, about 75% of my wardrobe is from the thrift store. Every now and then I’ll splurge on shoes, but it hurts my soul to spend more than $50 on anything. If you have a decent sense of style, you don’t need labels to look good!
How long have you been natural?
J: I had my last relaxer at age 11. But, I fried and dyed my hair so much that I wouldn’t even consider myself “natural” until about 2.5 years ago.
How and why did you transition into natural hair?
J: About 2.5 years ago I was at a stage where I had tried just about every hairstyle. My only next step was to cut it all off. So, that’s what I did. I started my natural journey with about 1 inch of hair.
What is your signature hairstyle?
J: My signature hairstyle is a braidout, but a low bun is always my plan B!
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
J: When I first started my natural hair journey, I was caught up in the “product junkie hype”. However, as I’ve gotten the hang of things, my regimen is a lot simpler. I co-wash and detangle about every week with Tresemme Naturals conditioner. Then I use a little of the same conditioner as a leave in, and seal with coconut oil and Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I usually do a braidout on wet hair with about 10 braids. At night, I always re-braid. Pineappling does not work for me because my curl pattern is really tight at the crown of my head. If my braidout is looking a little crazy in the morning, and I don’t have time to fix it, I’ll spray a bunch of water on my hair and put it into a low bun with some Eco-Styler gel. It’s a very chic style that works for just about any look.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
J: Yes! I have a fashion photography blog with my sister at JadeAndJas.com. I also have my photography website, www.JasmineAlston.com. And Instagram: @JasmineAlston. I travel often doing photography in different cities, so be sure to follow me to stay updated. I may be coming to your city!! 🙂
49 Responses
im headed to philly next month for 8 days after the 4th of july. What are some spots I should check out. I’d love to check out some black owned businesses too.
Hi hi Hi Jasmine, my name is Keen. I just recently came across your article on Pinterest and found my way to BGLH?. I’m new to the area and I see we share the same interests. I would love it if you would be able to show me around, or maybe we can go thrifting! Loving your pics and spon·ta·ne·i·Ty.. Keep in touch -Keen
Fo***********@***il.com
I loved everything!! How lovely!
Ugh! I just love you so much! Haha your my hair crush. Your style is so awesome <3
Thumbs up on ALL of your looks. That peach dress with silver heels tho 🙂
You are fierce!!!!
thanks dannie!! 😀
I love your look! And I love your hairstyles. I like how your clothing style is so self-expressionistic and you seem fearless in your choices. And they all work! I’m working on being bolder in my style choices. Super kewt!
Thank you Sondi!! I appreciate your comments. Good luck on your journey to being bolder with your style!! rock outtt!! 😀
Do you know of any good thrift shops in Philadelphia??? Please share! I love your style!
Thanks, I know there’s some good thrift stores in the city line area. I’ve never been to those, but I heard great things. I find that the best thrift stores are in nicer areas. Personally, I go to thrift stores in New Jersey. My favorite is the Red, White, and Blue thrift store in Berlin, NJ. It’s very organized and they ALWAYS have sales. Hope this helps.. 🙂
Yes it does! Thank you!
*main line area
My name is Jasmine Alston too! I’ve been thinking about big chopping for a while and came across this article! Anywho I love your hair and your style! You’re an inspiration and the fact that we have the same name only makes it better!
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Blue.jpg[/img]
wow Jasmine, that’s so cool that we share the same name!! lol Good luck on your journey!!! 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to read the article!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the camo dress!
Thank you!! 😉
Everything from the hair to the style to the body is Fierce!!! Go girl.
Thank you!! 😀
Exactly! You don’t need to spend tons of money when you have a sense of style. Gorgeous woman with gorgeous hair!
Glad you can relate!! Thank you!! 🙂
Okay…I’m in love with your style. I am a thrift store shopper as well. Why pay full price when someone else can lol. Rock on girl!
yesss!!! lol totally agree!!! glad we’re on the same page!
You are so fly and beautiful. I love this post!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the post! 🙂
I’m in total love with everything from her vibe to her awesome clothes. That low bun is to die for! Love it!
Thanks Brittany!! 🙂 Appreciate it!
FINALLY SOMEONE WHO GETS IT!!!! I hate spending more than 50 on one item. To me that crazy, unless it’s boots are a piece that I know I will have forever. Also when you say Sweet Baby Rays are you referring to the bbq sauce? Just wondering. I love it too 🙂
Yes, can never go wrong with a nice pair of boots!! And yes, the BBQ sauce. I put it on everything. hahaa 😉
Dope make up, clothes and poses. Can I get an Amen?
lol AMEN!! 😀
GO JASMINE!!!! SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!! This is soooo dope!!!! #proudSister
Thanks bro!! Appreciate it! *Shameless plug* –> My sister is an AMAZING singer and songwriter. Check her out!! http://www.JadeAlston.com and on IG @JadeAlston
Great figure, should have asked her about that too. I don’t think it’s a bad thing to spend a little extra on quality as long as it’s perennially stylish and not trend led. The picture in the pink dress is so lovely, she looks so happy. Great hair, nice style!
Thank you Dotty! Totally agree with the style > trend comment! Style is forever.. trends fade! 🙂
I love your hair and your style is beautiful
Thanks Jacky! 🙂
Girl you fly from head to toe!
thanks girl! 🙂
love your style! i agree wholeheartedly about what you said if you have a decent sense of style you shouldn’t have to spend money on labels! I too get 95% of my things from the thrift store and it works!
Yes, so many people underestimate the thrift store!! You can find sooo many amazing one of a kind pieces!
…”If you have a decent sense of style, you don’t need labels to look good…”
Amen. 🙂
😀
Ok maybe im a lil’ biased because im Philly born& bred lol but she is EVERYTHING!!!! Style, Hair, Face- Just beautiful
yesss.. The city of cheesesteaks and JAWNS! hahaha.. thank you so much!!! Appreciate it!
gorgeous, love it all hair clothes, style!
Thank you!! 🙂
Gorgeous! Simply gorgeous! Gorgeous hair, gorgeous style, gorgeous spirit! I love it! 🙂
Thank you so much!! 🙂