Hi guys! How y'all doin? 

I've had quite a busy month, lots of working and lots of performing, and I've loved every second of it (well, the music work, not so much the traditional working lol...)! I also have some exciting news!! I'm happy to announce that I'm going on US tour with artist Sam Smith! 

I'm so elated and blessed, and thankful for this opportunity. Without friends in my corner and support from them and my family, none of this would have come into fruition. And God, I prayed that I wanted an opportunity to travel, I didn't know how, but a way, and He made a way. Thank you!

Topshop

top,

Uniqlo

pants,

Zara

heels,

Co-lab

via

TJ

Maxx

 leather backpack

I leave NYC Sunday, and the first stop of the tour is Boston, at the House of Blues. I feel like I'm coming full-circle, as I went to college in Boston, and I know that venue very well, from attending many times, even having thrown an event there my senior year! I'm hoping to see some professors and friends when I get into town! I've posted the dates so far on

my website

so check it out! 

Coming to a city near you :) 

I really am going to try to document the tour and take photos, and share my experiences with you all! I'm bringing my camera!

Hope you all are doing well, and thanks for all the support via my blog, instagram, emails... No comment goes unnoticed! Stay with me on this journey!

-Kris

photography by:

KeVain

Scrolling back to my last posts on my blog, I remember the exact mindset I was in.

I was still very excited to have finally made the big move to NYC, but I was also starting to feel more settled in my move. I was more comfortable venturing around (while still hopping on the wrong train going in the wrong direction

all the time

, lol), and simultaneously growing confidently into my womanhood. Just having complete independence and learning about myself was the experience that I was fully embracing.

I was also very inspired by the city (as I still am every day). Walking inspiration, from the people I would see, to the architecture, to the street art and graffiti in my neighborhood, to my musician friends in their element when I would attend their shows.

 I was feeling a bit anxious, as I knew I had moved to NYC for a specific reason, which was to pursue my career in music, and I was trying to figure out my first step in doing just that.

Who knew what God had planned!

The new year broke and I was recovering from a very busy work season (working as a server in Times Square is NO JOKE), and I really didn't have much else going on. I eventually got connected with my now good friend and bandmate,

Bobby Generic

(I'm the featured vocalist in his band), and we started performing together, which has been amazing! Music was picking up and it felt good to be on stage. I also started singing background vocals for my lovely friend

Nicky Egan

, which inspired me even more to continue singing, and pursuing my personal music.

I got to talking with my close friend,

Sir Shawna Corso

, about how I was interested in breaking into the background vocal scene, as she has been very successful in doing so for herself, and she encouraged me to keep putting myself out there, and gave me advice on how to do so. Not long after, she reached out to me specifically about my availability to singing backgrounds for an up-and-coming artist (who turned out to be top Billboard charting artist

Sam Smith

) who was to perform on Saturday Night Live! as his official US debut. Of course I made myself available! Through Corso, I was able to do a couple of gigs with Billboard charting artist Iggy Azalea as well. And this is how I was able to tap into the professional background vocal scene. She is a great friend and only has my best interests in her heart, and for that I thank you Shawna. Words can only say so much of my appreciation I feel for you, and the love I have for you. God has blessed me with such a great friend and sister!

H&M

top,

Zara

shorts,

Topshop

sandals

Thanks to her and another mentor I have been blessed to know,

Marlon Saunders

, I was able to perform with Sam Smith on Good Morning America, The View, David Letterman, with our group (tentatively named "Marlon's Chil'ren" lol), who is family now. I was also asked to be a background vocalist for his show at The Apollo, in which Mary J. Blige shared the stage for his last song, a duet performed of his hit single, "

Stay With Me

." 

The Apollo show was both surreal and pivotal for me. Growing up, I used to watch The Apollo, and understood how much of an important cultural institution it was- not just for Black people, but the weight it held as a music venue in the United States, and even internationally. So many greats have graced that stage, and I had not even been there to attend a concert, but I was on that stage, PERFORMING. That experience, is something I will never forget. I am grateful to have had friends on stage with me, and friends in the audience to share that experience with.

----------------

In other news, I am

SUPER

excited to announce the launch of my new website:

KrisMBrooks

This site encompasses everything that IS Kris. From music, to personal style, from blogging to vlogging! I encourage you to please take the time to navigate my site, and subscribe because there you will find updates on my life, via this blog, dates for upcoming performances (I have quite a few lined up this coming fall ;)), and an opportunity to find out more about who I am, and to see me on this journey called my life!

This is a kicking off point, and the site will continue to GROW, as I

GROW! 

Thank you for all of your continued support, patience, and love.

-Kris

Photography by:

Neat Shiny Owl

H&M

scarf and tee,

Nine West

booties,

Gap

cropped jean jacket,

Smoke Rise

faux leather jogging pants

The past month or so has been a month of growth. I'm growing into my adulthood and my womanhood and I'm accepting it with open arms. It's very comforting and exciting to see yourself mature seamlessly. Of course we all have our "moments," but I'm proud of the woman I'm becoming, and it inspires me to keep growing and living!

 I also know I'm getting older because all I want to do on the weekends is catch up on sleep lol. #old

Recently I went home for my Pop Pop's funeral. I never talk about any personal things on social media, but people who know me personally know how much my Pop Pop meant to me, and it's only natural that I share a little bit of him with you. 

He lived 91 years- 91 years! And he was a man of few words, wise in his old age, with strong opinions (we bumped heads sometimes because we were the same in that way), but he always provided me with anything I needed. ANYTHING. All I had to do was ask. He helped me get my first car, pay off college loans, and get my first NYC apartment. I wouldn't be where I am without that man! He was a lover of music, like I, and he was always playing music on his radio (always on the top 40's station) lol. I would always tweet about how I would come home and hear Katy Perry blasting from his room!

We'd also talk about hot topics like Kanye West or Beyonce lol. We would have a LOT to discuss with this new Beyonce album. Yes Lord! (I've been

tweeting

non-stop about Beyonce if you're interested to know my thoughts on the album lol)

Anyway, I miss him a lot, but I know he's resting in peace with my grandmother.

Gap

denim jacket,

H&M

scarf, earrings and tee,

Nine West

booties

On another note, I'm still working on my music, and it's coming along! It's such a lengthy process because I am a songwriter, so some of the songs I write aren't necessarily ones I'd sing... Anywho, I'm hoping to start performing around NYC early next year. I'm going to invite you to shows, so ya'll better come! Ha!

Speaking of shows, my co-worker convinced me to go to see Beyonce at Barclay's on Sunday. It's her last US date, and I'm pretty sure Jay-Z is going to be there. I saw her with my cousin this past July on the same tour, and it was pretty great. I'm ecstatic this time around because I just know she is going to perform some of her new material. I'll probably faint, but someone will record it just incase LMAO.

Knowing me, this will be my last post of 2013, and I will say that overall, 2013 has been a fantastic year. I was able to do everything I wanted to do this year. I saved money, moved to NYC, got a job, started working on my own music... It's been exciting and humbling, and I'm very grateful to have received all these great opportunities. I'm looking forward to 2014, and I know it's going to be an even better year!

What are you looking forward to in the new year?

-Kris 

Photography by 

Anthony Lewis

H&M

sweater and earrings,

Anthropologie

wide-leg pants

My favorite season is back once again! But let's hurry up and talk about these pants. Every once in awhile, I go on to anthropologie's website and look at their "sale" items. I stumbled upon these pants and gasped as they were still in stock with my size! I got them on extra EXTRA sale too! Hallelujah! lol

I love the Chevron/Aztec print vibe they have, and the colors scream 70's and I love me a wide-legged pant! They are super comfy and I feel "superfly" walking in them. Don't catch me with my shades on though! I'm on a whole 'notha level! Ha!

I'm also obsessed with my new earrings! 

These photos were taken back home in PA (I'll admit to you that I've visited home twice already) and it's always nice coming back to the quiet, laid-back suburbs

for a very short period of time

. 

Recently my lovely friend

Alex Elle

had a big hair and and brunch event at

Elberta

in Brooklyn. It was an event celebrating women with natural hair, coming together to talk about hair, protective styling, personal hair journeys! But it was also just us getting together as women, fellowshipping, networking, and eating really delicious food! I had so much fun! I met a lot of great women that day! To see more pictures/info from the event,

click here :)

Alex Elle

(middle),

Katrina Bello

(left) <3

I'm still loving every waking moment of NYC, and all the great people I'm connecting with here. I'm still focusing most of my energy on my music and working to release a project next year! Stay tuned! Oh! And make sure to "like" me on Facebook. That's where I post my updates and my music will soon be there as well! :)

-Kris

Twitter

//

Facebook

//

IG

photography by

Sasha Phyars-Burgess

brunch photography by Joshua "Lucky" Peters

Ya girl is finally in NYC! 

WOO CHILE! I made it! Praise GOD! *cue praise break*

Now, let me try to quickly give you the tea while the pot is still hot!

American Apparel

cropped tee,

ASOS

skirt, 

Super

Sunnies,

David & Young

 hat, 

Loft

snakeskin print clutch,

Gap

jean jacket,

Converse

sneakers

Long story short, I found an apartment, moved to the city, and 5 days later landed a job. It's been truly a blessing! I was hustling y'all! For real!

Since moving here, I've been to a lot of cool events around the city: concerts/shows, art events, meeting/networking with new people- coming out of my shell! And the best part has been meeting followers of my blog! Hi guys!! :)

Shot these photos the other day in Soho. I love the towny feel with the cobblestone roads, and it's an escape from all the massive sky scraper buildings. And there's so many cute boutiques to

window

shop in! lol

I just thank God for making a way for me moving to NYC. I am so grateful and really on my grind here. I moved out here to make connections and start my music career, and that is exactly what I'm doing! Can't wait for you to hear some tunes!

How are you guys? I will mention that from now on my blog posts will be consistent, this post serves as a re-launch if you will! I'm excited for this blog moving forward, and I hope you are too! Drop me a line, let me know how you're doing!

Twitter

//

Facebook

//

IG

-Kris

Photography by

Anthony Lewis

Hey guys!

Here I am, back from a hiatus. Let me tell you, life can get crazy busy sometimes!! But it's honestly great to blog again. I was itching to do so, but the break was much needed. How are you all?

In my last post you saw that all of my big puffy long hair was gone! And it's still gone! LOL. I am still in love with the short hair, And as you can see, I tapered the sides, which I love even more than my first haircut! 

These photos are from a natural hair photo shoot taken by my lovely mother and her friend Sandy. We had a lot of fun playing dress up, make-up done by Crystal Carmen (pictured middle), and it was awesome to spend the day together enjoying laughs, nice weather, and expressing our beautiful and unique natural hair! Thanks to Beautiful Affirmations for putting together this lovely shoot!

Updates from me, the school year is quickly approaching its end, and I will be headed to New York City this summer. I can't believe it's almost here! I'm SO excited, but just as nervous, as this will be a leap of faith for me. I know in my heart it's what I have to do! I've been trying to save as much money as I can (I still have bills to pay and a shopping habit to kick) JUST IN CASE I have to move there without a job. But I have faith that I'll lock in SOMETHING before I move lol... Please keep me in your prayers y'all!

My birthday is also Wednesday, May 1st, and I'll be a quarter century! Ahh! I'm actually excited to turn 25. 24 was a great year of experience, learning, and change. Transitioning into 25 will be even more major change! But I'm up for the challenge!

(This was my "Mom's Do Natural Hair" advertisement LMAO)!

On another note, I just want to mention the Boston Marathon bombing. Usually I save the politics and feminist rants for my twitter or tumblr, but I do want to say this. I was really down and out over the bombings. I understand that there are other countries that are experiencing this and far worse all over the world, but this felt personal to me. I was mad, outraged. Boston is a place I used to call home, as I spent my whole undergrad career there in school. Where the bombing took place, Back Bay, was right where my campus was. I can't even count the number of times I walked back and forth on Boylston Street, or hung out in Copley Square. My thoughts and prayers are still with all the families affected by the tragedy. One thing I know about Boston, is Boston Pride. It was great to see everyone come together in times of grief and adversity and help each other out. That was beautiful. 

On a lighter note, above is my new youtube video, me in the salon getting all my hair cut off! Check it out!

Fill me in on what's been going on with you! Hope you're well! :)

-Kris

Photography by Stephanie M. F. Brooks and Sandy Deaton Gelatt

This is my first post of 2013, and I want to wish you all a Happy New Year 13 days late! The past month has been a pretty busy one! I've been traveling to and from NYC a lot (all of which is documented via instagram) for various events, and although it's been fun, I ran my body down to a flu bug that I caught this past weekend. mehh. The chills, body aches... But luckily I sweated it all out and thanks to rest, medicine, and nurse Dad, I'm feeling much better now *blows nose.* I know, what a fun weekend, right??

I am so excited for this new year! My circle of friends and I are really supporting each other in our goals this year, and I'm on my grind, since you all know I'm moving to NYC this summer AND pursuing my music career... There's literally no room for slacking. I'm focused mane!

F21 denim shirts, scarf, & wedges, thrifted levi's jeans, thrifted Banana Republic coat, personal jewelry.

I decided one day that I wanted to wear an all denim look, so I literally took all the denim pieces from my closet and threw them on, and BOOM- this look happened. I had more denim pieces on, but decided it was a little TOO MUCH denim for one 'fit, but I think this works pretty well. I feel like I should be headed to an art studio to work on my next masterpiece, or to fix someone's leaking faucet... LOL.

I've also switched up my hair style, do you like it? I think it's pretty cool, and it's super easy to maintain! I plan to record a new video for youtube talking about this style, and my hair updates (for all you naturalistas that follow me there) as soon as I get my voice back! Stay tuned! I hope you all are doing well, drop me a line!

Have a great week!

-Kris

photography by Sasha Phyars-Burgess

I've gotten a face lift!!  Well, not me of course, but my blog!  You like?  And my commenting system is easy breezy!  You are no longer required to have a google account to leave me a message.  You can now be logged into twitter, Facebook, Google, etc. to do so.  Easy as pie!  I look forward to reading them :)

TJ Maxx hat, Chanel glasses (similar here)), The Limited blazer, F21 denim shirt (similar here), thrifted mens Levi jeans, Dolce Vita boots (similar here), personal jewelry

I thrifted these jeans while I was in NYC a few weekends ago.  Found them in the men's section, for a whopping $5!  I wanted a "dropped crotch" baggy look, while still maintaining somewhat of a figure haha.  I think this purchase goes along greatly with my "spending freeze," right Mom?

Oh, and thanks for letting me borrow your fab turquoise necklace as well (I'll miss borrowing her  wardrobe when I leave home)!  :/

As mentioned in my last post (I'm always referencing back), I stated how I had a big interview coming up.  Well, that interview happened, and it went VERY well!  That is all I will tell you for now.

Thank you to everyone who kept me in their thoughts and prayers!  You guys are AWESOME!

I've been listening to one of my favorite albums lately, Kind of Blue.  It's such a classic album, and listening to it makes me want to fall in love.  My favorite tracks are Flamenco Sketches and Blue in Green.  Gorgeous!  Lastly, on the topic of love, my 90 year old Pop Pop tells me after watching an hour of Bridezillas together, that I should just skip the wedding and elope in Vegas.  Thanks for the advice Pop Pop!

-Kris

How do you like my hair?

I'll start this post with a little story.  I saw a lady whom I hadn't seen since my early college years, and she asked me if I'm dating, then proceeds with, "WOW, I thought for sure you'd be married by NOW!"

I was a little taken aback from her statement.  I'm a young 20 something (turned 24 this past summer), out of college for only 2 years,  still living at home with my parents since economic hardships prevent me from living in New York City on my own at this present time, but she expected me to already be MARRIED??

Am I missing something here?  I plan to have a career before marriage anyway, so marriage is not really a priority for me.  But speaking of my career...

As I stated in my last post, I went to NYC for the weekend, and let me tell you- it was absolutely grand!  I stayed with my friend Nicky, and it was like a big college reunion! I got to see many of my guy and girlfriends I hadn't seen in at least a year, and it was great catching up with everyone!  I had fun exploring the nightlife in Brooklyn, fooding, thrifting, and also attending Nicky's show (she KILLED IT btw)!  Traveling around the city, I kept bumping into Berklee alums- it was pretty awesome, and I did some networking with a few bloggers while I was there too!

I realized during the trip, in consulting with my girlfriends who are musicians/music industry folks as well, that I'm just going to have to take a leap of faith and move there (which is what they all actually did).  I'm going to save a bulk of money from now all through the summer, and just go.  The economy isn't holding me back, I am holding myself back.  With my job now, I'll have a year more of experience in the specific field I want to work in, I'm more financially stable, and I might as well do it while I'm still a young independent!  NYC is all about the grind, and that's what I have to do.  I have to create the opportunity, not wait for the opportunity.  Furthermore, I can't continue to worry about what everyone else thinks I should do.  I am in control of myself, and now is a better time than ever to do it!

Really committing to this (I plan to move by the end of next summer), I'm going on a spending freeze.  I have a certain amount of money that I WILL save before moving.  I can easily get a job at a restaurant to pay dem bills while looking for a job...  But I actually have a meeting coming up for a potential employment opportunity (career affiliated) in the city, so I'll keep you guys posted!

I'm of course not excited about this spending freeze, but I actually have come up with some ways to make this kind of fun!  That'll be in the next post ;)

Another thing I realized while in the city, is that footwear is everything.  I love to wear heels, especially heeled boots, and I actually survived all weekend wearing various pairs.  My trick?  Dr. Scholl's for her high heel inserts.  LIFE CHANGING.  Get you some!

H&M jacket (old), Gap Sweater (similar here), Rachel Roy scarf (gifted), Loft corduroy cropped trousers (similar here), Joan & David leather boots (old), Super sunglasses (here), Michael Kors watch (here)

My best friend is also FINALLY back from Germany, after a year away!  She surprised me by jumping out of my closet as I entered my room as soon as I got back from New York.  She scared the living daylight out of me and Leilani, who was also at my house at the time (we were set up)!!  I'm so glad she's back!

I'll leave you with one last thought.  Something I posted on my Facebook status, that I'll be keeping in mind:

"I'm realizing that you can't wait around for the right time or opportunity to occur.  Sometimes you have to make that opportunity happen in your own time.  Which for me, is right now.  3 days in NYC have really solidified what I want and NEED to do to get to where I want to be.  I'm excited for my future.  Putting things into my own hands!"

-Kris