Fashion Forward

Okay Guys, by now you all must know how much I looove fashion. And so, I have entered a contest called "The Passion for Fashion Challenge" sponsored by Neiman Marcus. So be sure to cast your votes for me and tell your friends to vote and tell their friends to vote- for ME! Thanks, peace, love, & fashion!

What's Your Passion for Fashion? Challenge - Round 1 Sponsored by Neiman Marcus

Sidewalk Catwalk

We all know that Fashion is Art & Art is Fashion. To prove it, 30 top designers are displaying custom-built and styled mannequins in the heart of NYC’s Fashion District. Sidewalk Catwalk is the name of this ultra-fabulous exhibit where one-of-a kind mannequins are presented runway style down Broadway from Times Square to Herald Square.

Some of the designers include Kenneth Cole, Badley Mischka, Diane Von Furstenberg, Donna Karan and notable newcomer – Jason Wu, who created First Lady Michelle Obama’s Inaugural Ball gown.

Out of all the many beautiful displays, three captured my heart:

Nannette Lepore's 3D floral interpretation is bright, flirty, & fun.

Catherine Malandrino's Stars & Stripes Americana look is both classic and regal.

And the belle of the catwalk is Rachel Roy’s neon model mannequin. Clad in a studded bustier, chiffon mini, & over the knee boots - the look is sexy, edgy, & right on trend!

The display ends on September 3rd, so get to Sidewalk Catwalk and strike a pose with your favorite mannequin like I did!

Waiting For Superman

"What percentage of students in New York will not graduate from high school in 4 years?"

This intriguing question and startling answer can be found on the website of the upcoming film "Waiting for Superman". The documentary examines the plight of America’s public-education system with focus on the failing No Child Left Behind Act. New York City students and parents have experienced 1st hand the mismanagement and ill-leadership of NYC Government & it's Board of Education. Budget cuts, scarce resources, school closings, and frustrated teachers, parents, and students are all results of the fall out with the City's Public Education system.

How are students expected to succeed under these conditions? Geoffrey Canada, Education Reformer, Social Activist, and CEO of The Harlem Children's Zone is highlighted in the film. He pledges to lead the fight in in saving our city students and schools.

Visit www.waitingforsuperman.com to view the trailer for what promises to be a compelling film and join the movement to help save New York City schools.

Don't Call it a Comeback

As we know in fashion, major trends never really die. They just go on hiatus, then get recycled and then renewed. As a result 80’s Fashion is back in full force.

The Millenials are the main exhibitors of 80’s fashion, clad in Leggings-Skinny Jeans-Studded belts, shoes, & jackets-Knukcle rings-Midriff tops-Combat boots,High Tops, Sperry Boat Shoes, Day-Glow & Neon Colors-,etc. But do they even have an inkling as to what that decade was all about?

The Good- Music & Culture was alive; Hip-Hop got its wings, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Loose Ends, Hall & Oats all made music you can dance to. Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat made the art scene accessible to everyone. Electronics soared; rise of personal computers, video games, and cellular phones.

The Bad- Famine in Ethiopia. The AIDS Epidemic.
The death of Warhol & Basquiat.

The Ugly- Apartheid in South Africa. The Iran-Iraq War 1980-88.
High rate of illegal drug use, crime, and poverty in the inner city.

Because I am a card carrying member of Generation X, I can fully appreciate revisiting the 80's, remembering movies like Karate Kid, Mad Max, Indiana Jones, The Goonies, Breakfast Club, Can’t Buy Me Love, Purple Rain, Lean on Me, and many more… And Although you probably won’t dare catch me in a midriff top- I do wear an armful of bangles and did cut my hair in asymmetrical style, paying homage to the likes of Boy George and Salt & Pepa.

Below are modern spins on the 80’s movie, music, and fashion scene:

Glamour, Glitz, Girls.....

Glamour, Glitz, Giggles & Girls- just ‘wanna have it all!
Especially our favorite on-screen divas: Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, & Miranda. Let's head out to the movies and watch them make it happen. Sex & The City 2 is finally here! Scores of die-hard Sex & The City “Fan-sho-nistas” will bombard the box office to see the beloved fab-four.

The critics are saying that the movie is mediocre at best but who cares. The Sex and The City series and characters have created a brand that capitalizes on the ideology that women should be empowered in every facet of life! In their personal style, families, careers, and of course, their sex lives. This message remains consistent even if the storyline is not so tight! Plus we do want to see our girls living it up in Abu Dhabi and our BGF Stamford get married.

Will Carrie spend an Arabian night with Aiden? Will sweet Charlotte turn into Mommy Dearest? Will Samantha consider celibacy? (Ha!) What fabulous frocks and to-die-for stilettos will the ladies be wearing? And what new must have accessory will replace Patricia Field’s studded belt? The real fans want to know and some are spending up to $70 a ticket to find out!
Brian Atwood Studded Pumps worn by Carrie, featured in Sex And The City 2
I’m sure that despite the critics’ reviews the movie will be a feel good event - mainly because I will be seeing it with my favorite all girl crew. Oohh I can't wait to get Carrie-d away! See you at the movies, Ciao!

Mary Quite Contrary

My favorite singer of all time is the one and only, Mary J. Blige!!! I have been a fan of hers from day one, own all of her albums, go to all her concerts, and tune in to see all of her performances/TV appearances. So you know I was uber excited when I was invited to The New York Women's Foundation annual "Celebrating Women Breakfast", whose honorees included Social Justice Advocate, Margarita Rosa- Fashion Designer, Eileen Fisher- and my girl Singer, Songwriter Mary J. Blige! The fabulous event took place in the Hilton Hotel's Grand Ballroom with CNN Correspondent Soledad O'Brien as the emcee. The event was attended by over 2,000 women and a distinguished few supportive men.

Mary J. Blige- Our favorite "Around the way girl" turned Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, turned International Icon can now add Philanthropist to her list of esteemed titles. Partnering with music executive Steve Stout, Mary created the Foundation for Women's Advancement Now, otherwise know as FFAWN (www.ffawn.org).
The organization's mission is to "Inspire women from all walks of life to gain the confidence and skills they need to reach their individual potential."

I applaud Mary for singing from the depths of her soul,even when it wasn't a happy song.For falling down repeatedly and picking herself back up gracefully.
For turning the page and allowing herself to find love- first from within.
For always keeping it real. For using her celebrity to help women help themselves.
For Inspiring, Uplifting, and Shining!

We Love you Mary & congratulate you on receiving your much deserved Vision Award!

Bow-Tied

My latest shoe craving is the Cynthia Vincent "Ava" Sandal. A prim row of suede bows climb up your ankle, screaming fun & flirty. The stud detailing and rear zipper lend a rocker vibe and adds versatility. The Ava sandal comes is four colors that I describe as Pepto Pink, Desert Tan, Eclipse, and Camo Green (not shown). To get these summer must haves visit Bloomingdale's (in store only) or Shopbop.com. Oh how I would love to get bow-tied in these. But at $295, I'm gonna have to call in some favors. Let's see- Early Birthday Money, Late Graduation Money, & Back Payments plus interest from the Tooth Fairy (4 Wisdoms Removed, in 1 sitting) should cover it! Later Yall!

Veritas Lux Mea

- Finding your own identity can be hard, but once you do - Claim it- OWN it!
- Big girls do cry, but when they're done, they dry their eyes and put their best face forward
- Good friends are the fortune you hope to inherit
- Everyone needs a little dirt to grow so when disaster strikes, try to come out of it like a blossoming rose, not a cactus
- Give with reckless abandon and you will receive abundantly
- Education is privilege POWER
- Love yourself, treat yourself, be your own best friend
- You can't be everywhere all the time- sometimes saying "No" is necessary
- Negativity attracts negativity so if you want good outcomes surround yourself with positive people
- A broken heart always heals but you still need to be selective when giving it away
- Potential feeds on Persistence; If at first you don't succeed....
***************************************************************************
- I need to lose like 30 pounds- until then I'm going to be the best me in this body
- All of my missteps are part of my progress so I'm grateful
- Prayer is how I stay balanced & optimistic
- Each sunrise & sunset reminds me of how blessed I am
- Truth is my light: Veritas Lux Mea

Mute

Why can't I tell you
Just how much you mean to me
How I want to share this world
and hold your hand
Know it's okay to say you're MY MAN
No I can't tell you
That your constantly on my mind
And how I hope, I wish, I pray
for the opportune time
When we will be one
But this I can never say
That I want to open & close my eyes to you
I want to love you for all of our days
Quench your thirst, scratch your back
Learn you inside out
Increase your worth
Comfort you
Break news to You first
I want to be lifetime lovers & friends
Want a relationship that with time
Extends
into a family
Want us to be together
Happily
But this I can never say

Food is Love

To all my Foodies out there- putcha hands up! LOL! Seriously there are a couple of upcoming food festivals for all those who enjoy culture & cuisine.

First Up- The LUCKYRICE Festival www.luckyrice.com sponsored by NY 1- April 29th to May 2nd. The festival kicks off with a cocktail party at the Bowery Hotel and includes a week of fun/food themed events like the Art of Dumpling Making and a Night Market. Be sure to check out the website for ticket pricing and availability.

When the festival ends, Asian Restaurant Week begins- May 3rd to May 9th.
Some of NYC's bests restaurants and bars will feature Asian inspired dishes and tasting menus at a discounted price. Buddakan, China Grill, & Indochine are a few of the participating restaurants, see Open Table www.opentable.com for a complete listing.

Next up is The Great American Food & Music Festival- June 13th at the New Meadowlands Stadium. Celebrity Chef appearances include- Ms. Paula Deen, Tom Colicchio (Top Chef), Duff Goldman (Ace of Cakes) and others.
Musical performers include, Melinda Doolittle (American Idol), Buckwheat Zydeco, Bob Schnedider & more. Be sure to visit the site www.greatamericanfoodandmusicfest.com for details.

So there you have it- two fabulous food & music festivals to enjoy. What's not to like?

My Anthem

My name is Blamo, pronounced Blah-mo. It derives from a Liberian dialect and it means Wisdom. It's fairly simple. Only two syllables, short & sweet and when said properly has a nice ring to it. Sadly, many people completely screw it up. I've been called some of the craziest names:

• Blama 


• Lama


• Blame


• Blanca


• Bialy (like the bagel) 


• Bronco (SMH)


• and Betty (WTF?) 

Thank you Ting Tings for creating a chorus for me to break into when yet another person botches up Blamo...  

Feeling Flat

Being vertically challenged ( I'm 5'1 and 3/4ths) (and yes the extra inches count) I enjoy heels because they make me taller and my stride that much spunkier. But let me be real, by midday I'm walking like a bow-legged midget with indigestion and my heels are tossed to the side, under my desk.Wearing heels 24/7 isn't practical and it certainly isn't me. 

 

I love, love, love a nice flat. One with texture, tassels, kilties, ruffles, gemstones, peep-toes... one with personality & pizazz!

There is nothing flat about these Tod's Heaven Laccetto Loafers

I'm sure to feel 10 feet tall in these or at least 5'3 ;-)

The Classics

What are all the just rights needed to make a movie Classic?
Let's see.... A just right title coupled with a just right cast and just right performances held together by a just right storyline. That sounds just about right but it's nowhere near that simple.

It's being able to relate to the characters on the screen (16 Candles/Set It Off/Pretty Woman/Juice)
It's the grandeur and fantasy of a scene that looks so effortless (Any 007, Pirates of the Caribbean)
It's scaring the shit out of you that you close your eyes tight but then open one because you don't want to miss what comes next (Freddy, Jason, Jigsaw)
It's being able to tap into the emotions you keep sealed tight or didn't realize you had (Beaches/The Color Purple/Precious)
It's the music & the dances (Grease/Purple Rain/Dirty Dancing)

It's the Razzle Dazzle -the fashion-the glamour (Devil Wears Prada/Sex&The City/Dreamgirls)
It's the ability to make you lough out loud- until you are drooling and your side starts hurting (Coming to America/Friday/Wedding Crashers/The Hangover)
It's the catch phrases that become ingrained in your mental casings because you've repeated them over and over:
1. You told Harpo 'ta beat me.....I's married now, I said I'se married now
3. Sexual Chocolate, Sexual Chocolate
4. Puff puff pass.. you messing up the rotation
5. King Kong aint got nothing on me

Well at least that's what it is for me...
Here are some trailers to upcoming movies that promise to be Instant Classics

Vibrant Thang

This Christian Louboutin "Damask" pump takes me right back to J-A-M- JAMAICA! Last week  3 friends & I were able to ditch New York's fickle Spring weather for Montego Bay's decadent sunshine, luxurious sand beaches, and its gemstone colored ocean.


This shoe is unapologetically charismatic and vibrant just like the people on the island. Case in point, as soon as we were ready to locate our shuttle to the hotel, a fast talking overzealous bag handler quickly greeted us with compliments, freed us of our overbearing luggage and escorted us to our bus. Or should I say THE WRONG BUS! We soon discovered the mix up, (as our actual bus rode away) reclaimed our belongings, and were back out in the unforgiving tropical sun -only to see said handler accompanying a new set of female tourists. In light of the generous tip we gave him, we thought it necessary to inform him of his mistake, to which he replied- "It was jus a grammatical error!" LOL!


I can sooo see my knock-kneed self in these pumps-doing the Pepperseed & the Bogle with RiRi on blast:Come here, rude boy boy Can you get it up? Come here, rude boy boy Is you big enough? Take it, take it Baby, baby Take it, take it Love me, love me.

Homeless & Hungry?

I hate to waste food because I know that there are starving people all over the world. In New York, there are homeless people on just about every corner and definitely in every subway. As such, I always get any decent portion of leftovers wrapped up to give to a person I'm sure to come across in my travels. However on this particular day, I made this plate of gourmet sandwiches and cookies leftover from a work event for my mother. She works the night shift at a nursing home and I thought it would be nice for her & her coworkers to have a decent snack while they shoot the breeze at 3:30 am. As expected, a homeless man came on the train asking for change. I smelled him before he even approached me- torn and soiled pants, sharp long uneven nails, filthy hands. I offered him the food with a sincere smile ---not screwing up my face in disgust or covering my nose like the the people seated near me. He accepted. I was pleased. He inspected the contents once, twice, a third time and then tossed it out on the platform at the next stop. I was shocked & upset to say the least. Not only because of his ungrateful act but because what was prepared with love for my hardworking mother ended up on the platform floor.  My anger toward him was brief, gone by the time he got off the train. I chalked it up to the fact that maybe he just wasn't that hungry :-) To follow is a poem written about a time when I wasn't so giving. Enjoy!


Memory

Walking by in haste
Trying to ignore her sullen face,
too small dress of ivory tattered lace
and outstretched palm.

I denied her
Was I wrong?
As I continued on
memory of her will not be gone.
I recall her sign's plea:
"I am a disgrace
But still apart of the human race-
Please! Please help me!"

That could be me-
Would they be amiss not care?
I turn around- rush back in despair
She's no longer there
But memory of her will not let me be.

Ode to Kendra

I have five nieces and one nephew and I love them all dearly. Now I know that you are not supposed to have favorites but I do- my 9 y.o. niece Kendra.
You see Kendra was taken away from my sister who battled mental illness, and was raised by the Hale House until she was 2. Her loving and unrelenting grandma (my mother) fought to get custody and eventually Kendra came to live with us. Kendra is super smart, talented, kind and an overall good kid. But she is lacking one thing- a Father. Kendra doesn't know who her dad is and neither does my sister for that matter. She has many father figures, a grandpa & 3 uncles. But I try my best to show her more attention to help fill the void. Aunty B can't replace her father but I can make her to know that his absence doesn't make her any less special or loved.                                                  
(Kendra age 5, second from the left, with friends)


Budding Ballerina
New tights and a form fitting leotard are useless
without her magic silver-lined tutu
Puffs of tulle encircle her waist
as she poses timidly

Without her magic silver-lined tutu
she will not perform
As she poses timidly
I tell her she makes the tutu special

She will not perform unless
she knows she is the magic
I tell her she makes the tutu special
Her doubting eyes smile

She knows she is the magic
Puffs of tulle encircle her waist
Her doubting eyes smile
New tights and a form fitting leotard are useless

Sprinkle Me

Valentino Fairy Tale Pumps


Well just bathe me in pixie dust and call me Cinderella; these are absolutely exquisite. And I want both shoes placed on my feet Prince Charming, thank you!

The nude napa leather framed in rosette & organza embellishments make this shoe ethereally divine. The back tie ankle strap will ensure that these treasures stay put as you glide down the catwalk, wedding ceremony, or the streets of New York.

Are there any Fairy God Mothers (or Fathers) out there looking for a gig?

If so put me & these pumps on the top of your to-do list- thanks! LOL!!!!

Coin Toss

Heads
Your presence lifts me,
I was heartbroken to the core.
Many nights I prayed for the image of you
And was blessed with so much more
We share kisses like M&Ms
Intoxication is your scent
I have found shelter in you
Love is my landlord & pays my rent
Eternity will be our time together
We have a fire no one can tame
You are so sweet, a gift divine
I'll gladly wear your name
We dine on each others caress
And sail away on love
Hands held we skip across the moon
Shuffle and repeat all of the above

Tails
Your presence weighs me down
I wonder who is to blame
I lost myself in you
So foolish to give up my name
We no longer utter sweet nothings
Instead we scream, fuss and fight
I once could not bear to leave you
Now I plan my escape at night
Will eternity be my sentence
I ponder knowing our flame has dwindled
Is this union a gift or a curse?
I believe my heart was swindled
We are together but on our own
So we don't drown on love
Plummeting back to earth one by one
Let's try not to hold a grudge


These 2 poems reflect the stages that all relationships go through:
Brand New: Every moment together is wonderful, exciting, and perfect
True Colors:You are now comfortable in the relationship and the best behavior act you had going slowly fades- You chew with your mouth open, burp & don't say excuse. Are never on time & always have an excuse as to why. Fart on purpose in the midst of a conversion, etc.
Second Guessing: You miss being single and doing things on your own terms, on your own time, in your own way.
Rough patch: You disagree about a lot and argue more and more
Motions: You no longer react to the things that bother you and focus only on your happiness
Separation: You have grown completely cold & think it might be best to take a time out or end it before it gets worse
Renewed Love: Something changes in your heart & your mind and you remember how & why you fell in love

A relationship that stands the test of time will go through all of these, probably more than once.
And it will be that much stronger because of it.

****ADDENDUM*** Subway Lessons

In light of my subway ride home, I realized there are a few things that I forgot to mention:

• Rush hour is more than an hour: AM 7-10 , PM 4-7. So plan accordingly because the train will be crowded.
• Your bag did not pay $2.25 so move it off the darn seat.
  
• When boarding please move into the middle where there is empty space. The scores of people boarding after you don't care if you're getting off next stop.
  
• If you feel your eyes getting heavy, automatically point your head downward. The person next to you doesn't want to be head butted while you nod in & out of sleep. And they don't want their shoulder used as a head rest either.
• Please do not commence to eating a 3 course meal on the train. The train car doesn't substitute for a cafeteria or your front porch. It's INAPPROPRIATE.
• This is also not the place for personal grooming of any kind. Clipping fingernails, applying lotion to your cracked heels, digging in your ears or anything similar will not be tolerated. HIGHLY INAPPROPRIATE.
• Lastly the GOLDEN RULE, give up your seat to a pregnant or elderly person when you're able. It shows that you're kind and that you have class.
  

Subway Lessons

With all the classes offered in New York: Piano, Foreign Language, Tango, Yoga, etc. why hasn’t anyone come up with – How to Ride the Darn Subway Properly Lessons – ????
Clearly it is something that needs to be taught to the many people who move here from other cities. Refresher courses would also be available for the natives- some of you have forgotten (and the privileged only took the hail-a-cab course). That being said, I have taken it upon myself to create these guidelines for the most common offenses:

1. Please let the passengers get off before you get on. You would think this is a no brainer but so often the outgoing riders are stampeded by those boarding.

2. Book bags more than 4. 5 inches are considered a weapon. To avoid causing a possible concussion, take off the bag and hold it or put it on the ground next to you.

3. The pole is not just for you. It is to be shared with other passengers – not covered by your backside or cradled in your arms.

4. If you sit in front of the train map, don’t be surprised if tourists or the like begin to hover. Sidebar- can we please find another spot for the map or do away with them all together. THEY DON'T HELP.

5. If you have on an I-pod or headphones, I should not hear every syllable to the song especially if seated on the other end of the train. The music level should be low enough to hear any pertinent announcements and to save your hearing. And furthermore, no boom boxes!

6. Please keep your phone conversations brief and inconspicuous. I do not need to hear about the good Mexican lunch that gave you bad diarrhea for the duration of my entire train ride-thanks!

My Dream McQueen's

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High On a Shelf

He was my Present
I accepted his past
Coming from opposite planes
We couldn't avoid the crash.

Me- the Optimist
Always leading with my heart,
Sensed some damage
But thought his edginess was sharp

He- the sad boy
Turned conflicted man,
Floating on resentment
In a pool of unresolved feelings

A father who fled
His son he never knew
A mother who hit
From frustration she grew
Tired
of the child
that resembled
the man
who left them.

He wanted to love
wanted to care
But a heart this vulnerable
Would not dare
Expose itself.

Instead it remained
High
On a shelf
Out of my reach
And everyone else

I tried to endure
his love tug-of-war
the anger---the distance---
Too much to ignore

So we left,
my heart and me.

My Debut

What's a new grad who majored in English Language Arts & minored in Media Studies to do with this new found free time? Make her debut into the Blogosphere of course! I came up with the title "Poetry, Prose & Pumps" three things that I take delight in. I have been writing poetry since I was an insecure teen. Now that I am a G.A.W (grown ass woman), my writing has matured and I have a body of work that includes a play, short stories, essays, and creative writing pieces. I plan to use this space to share them from time to time. And the pumps part, well I've been in love with high heels since age 8. I would put on Mommy's best pumps and pretend I was Tina Tuner: jean jacket, black mini, big hair and all. Pictures of my most coveted shoes---the ones I wished I owned--- will be showcased on this blog as well. I'm doing this purely for me- for my love of words & writing and a mean shoe. But I do want to hear from you. Let me know when you feel me and when you don't. That's all for now folks but please stay tuned.