01/08/2013
Sharlinda's Guide to Staying Sexy
The always fabulous Sharlinda is the modern-day woman. She's wife to Q. Parker of R&B group 112. She's mother to daughter Kahdijiha and son Lil' Q. And she's a self-made business exec, who co-owns Atlanta hot spot Tu La 2 salon with twin sister, Brié. Outspoken and occasionally over-the-top, Sharlinda wants it all...especially when it comes to fashion. Meet the queen of excess by checking out her Q&A below! Then, catch her on the series premiere of Big Rich Atlanta January 23 at 8/7c on Style!
How would you describe your personal style?
Sexy! Every outfit I wear has to be sexy. I don't care if I'm wearing sweats, jeans, workout clothes…it has to be sexy. I like sparkle, shimmer, glitter. I love to be glam. If anyone else looked at me, they would say I'm a girlie girl. However, I like to get it quick. My stuff is organized. I don't spend a lot of time getting ready. I don't need the bubble baths or anything to get my look together.
How do you ensure that you look sexy while doing mundane things like running erands and housekeeping?
When I'm cooking, I'll wear a sequined apron. When I'm running errands, I'll rock a loose, fitted shirt with skinny jeans, cute flat shoe and shades. When I travel, I'll bring as few bags as possible!
Who do you look up to for fashion inspiration?
My style icons are Jackie O., Michelle Obama, Beyoncé and J.Lo because they all have such great style.
How does your style differ from twin sister's?
Our styles are similar. We can actually shop for each other.
What are your must-have pieces for your wardrobe in the spring/summer and fall/winter?
For spring/summer, I like to wear long sundresses. For winter/fall, my must-haves are definitely hats and scarves. I love hats!
What do you love about wearing hats?
When you walk around with a hat, it makes me feel secure. I love the secludedness. You can feel like you're peeping out.
What kind of bags do you like to carry on a daily basis?
I am so versatile. I'm not into one brand or shape. I'm very easy.
What's your philosophy on accessorizing with jewelry?
I always wear statement jewelry. Sometimes, I'll wear more than one statement jewelry. I break all the rules with everything.
What has been your most memorable splurge ever?
A few years ago, I went to the Versace store in Las Vegas. The store was locked down and we shopped. Everyone was standing on the outside of the store and we purchased anything and everything that we absolutely wanted inside the store. I loved everything I got—dresses, bags, shoes, belts, everything!
What are your tips for busy moms who want to look sexy?
For moms who feel like they've lost it, turn to the Style Network, look at some magazines, find fashions that are in your comfort zone. Don't try to look too edgy like the young girls. Find out what works for you, like a pencil skirt with a flat boot. Create your ownlook that's safe for you depending on how old your children are. If you have a 1-year-old or 2-year-old, you don't want heels. You don't always have to have a face full of makeup. Get a tinted moisturizer and rub a pea size in your hand. That makes everything look different. Also, always keep your hair done.
What's your signature scent?
Creed and the Bonds. You don't have to stick to one scent. Creed and Bond have a variety of scents, and I mix them. They blend very well. You can mix and match and no one will know what you have one except you! You're creating your own scent. I should say that my favorite scent is my scent called Tu La 2. We launched it seven or eight years ago. We're revisiting it right now. We're meeting with the chemist to mix it as we speak. It will be under the lines of Creed and Bond—something woodsy, not too fruity.
Do you like to collect anything in terms of fashion?
I collect sunglasses. That's my thing. My husband and I love sunglasses. It depends on the occasion. We have a nice collection. My husband gave some away, so we probably have 80 pairs now. We normally have hundreds of them. We have a display and we put some up and my husband has some in his drawer.
Do you collecting anything for your home?
Butterflies! I have a connection with butterflies. I was pregnant once, miscarried and everything was decorated for my baby with butterflies, so I just continued that on for about 10 years. I don't display it. I may have cards with butterflies. I may have a scarf with butterflies. There are a few butterfly pieces in my china cabinet. There may be a few jewelry pieces with a butterfly on it. It's very private. I especially love my crystal butterfly Christmas ornament. I put it up every year on my Christmas tree.
What's your favorite flower?
I love the color and the brightness of a sunflower. It just seems so fun and innocent.
What are some of your hobbies and passions?
I really love decorating and event planning.
What are your makeup must-haves? What's your beauty look?
My makeup must-haves are tinted moisturizer, lip gloss, mascara and shimmery cheek blush. I usually like to do soft eyes. As far as I my beauty look, I like to look natural, not too caked up.
How do you like to wear your nails? What tip do you have for ensuring your nails always look their best?
I like to wear my nails cut short with the 14-day gel manicure, so my polish can last. I wear all colors. My No. 1 nail maintenance tip is to keep cuticles moisturized.
Any advice to women who want to be a successful entrepreneur?
Find something you love and work hard at it and stay focused.
WATCH: Meet Sharlinda, Kahdijiha & Brié >>
Keep checking back to StyleNetwork.com for more Q&As with cast of Big Rich Atlanta.
