When it comes to fashion, Fametta Collins, 28, likes to mix things up. A native of West .jpg?resize=100%2C66)
Africa, her style straddles two continents.
Collins says she divides her time between Charlotte and Atlanta, where she works as a business manager. She’s also a visual artist. Her busy schedule means she must be deliberate in finding time for self.
Here, now, are her Style Essentials.
Q. How would you describe your personal style?
Classically based remixed. I was born in Liberia (a country on the western coast of Africa) so I like to incorporate an African modernist aesthetic to classic American fashion.
Q. What celebrities’ styles do you most admire?
In my opinion, looking classy will always be in style; that’s the main reason I can appreciate Jada Pinkett Smith’s personal approach to fashion. She’s sexy, sophisticated and chic, without being too over the top, and she always seems to have just the right amount of confidence.
Q. Where do you shop?
Wherever there are clothes, shoes and accessories for sale. I’m a very creative person, 
so I love to experiment with combining different colors, textures and fabrics. I think I have a very boundless, and somewhat revolutionary, approach to fashion.
Q. Are you into specific designers?
I think Korto Momolu is brilliant! Her pieces are like works of art, and her confidence is revealed in the style of her designs. I’m not faithful to one designer in particular, but I’m always looking for a new, fresh approach to fashion.
Q. What’s your favorite accessory?
I wear attitude as an accessory. As a matter of fact, I don’t leave home without it… I think that the right or wrong attitude can make or break almost any outfit. And I’m determined to have the “right” attitude as much as possible.
Q. Jewelry or no jewelry?
Jewelry is a must. The right accessories can make a good outfit a great one.
Q. Are you a shoe fanatic? How many pairs do you have?
I wouldn’t necessarily consider myself a shoe fanatic. I do, however, love high heels, so I’m a bit more generous when it comes to shoe spending. I love a good quality shoe that’s appealing to the eye. I probably own about 30 pairs of shoes.
Q. What item in your wardrobe can’t you live without?
Skinny jeans. I like them because they transition from season to season. They can be dressed up or down and are reasonably priced and fairly comfortable.
Q. What’s your latest fashion obsession?
The KHEPRA OBI by earth candy. It’s a double tie reversible belt with a twist. On one side there’s an African-inspired print, and on the other there’s this beautifully engineered denim. It looks amazing with just about everything in my wardrobe. Every fashionable woman should own at least one. Did I mention that no two are alike?
Q. What’s your latest fashion splurge?
My one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted, sterling silver dangle earrings. I think it may very well be my favorite accessory of the moment.
Q. Name three items you think every stylish woman should own?
A “flirty” black dress, a versatile piece of jewelry and a pair of red pumps.
Q. What’s in your makeup bag?
Skin care is a huge deal to me, so I use a skin care line called Noah’s Naturals. It’s a great, beauty line that does not use parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, propylene glycol, petroleum or artificial color in any of the products. And as far as makeup, I like to keep it natural, but I must confess that I have a bit of an addiction to eye shadows and lip glosses. MAC cosmetics are my brand of choice.
Q. Do you wear perfume? What’s your favorite fragrance?
I don’t wear perfumes. I’m partial to body oils. My favorite fragrance at the moment is love oil made by a sister out of Brooklyn name Kena Sage.
Q. How do you maintain your hair?
I absolutely love Dr. Bronner’s pure Castile Peppermint liquid soap as a shampoo. I’ve been using it for years. For a conditioner I go back and forth between Carol’s Daughter Tui leave-in conditioner and Oyin Handmade’s Frank juice herbal leave-in conditioner. All the Oyin Handmade products are amazing.
Q. How do you pamper yourself?
My schedule can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, so I have to be conscious about taking “Me Time.” I dedicate at least 30 minutes out of the day to spend completely alone. I may spend that time curled up with a good book, getting a massage or whatever I’m moved to do. The most important thing is making time for me. It’s a great way to nurture yourself.
Q. What style rules do you live by?
The rule is: There are no rules; creative expression has no limits.
