Although we didn't have much of a winter - the official arrival of Spring has me giddy! For me, this season equals a fresh start. It is time for renewal of the mind, body, soul and of course the wardrobe.
So make a splash this spring by adding pops of color to your work and weekend wear.
Try a neon pink blazer for the office. Wear a melon shift dress for brunch with friends. Grab a yellow clutch for date night.
Too shy for the bold picks above, then try a subtle approach with bright eyeshadow, lip gloss, or nail polish.
Trust me, adding color will not only lift you spirits - it'll get you noticed! Happy spring and get to splashing!
I am sooo over the subliminaly self-deprecating images in black culture- especially in Hip-Hop. You can chalk it up to me getting older and wiser or simply because enough is enough. The latest offense is the video “Marilyn Monroe” by new female rapper Brianna Perry. Brianna is a black girl who embodies a conglomerate of alluring features- high cheeks bones, full lips, almond eyes, and a slender figure. Artistically- she has what it takes; a charismatic presence, a husky voice with a southern twang, witty punchlines and the trite albeit amicable Elmer Fudd flow (where you pronounce Ts as Ds).
So why am I offended? Brianna is comparing herself to Marilyn Monroe, which for many affirms the belief that Marilyn IS the quintessential American beauty and sex symbol and that anybody black or otherwise IS NOT. Brianna is this really the message that you want to relay to all the brown girls & sisters who for right now are your only audience? Ignorance isn’t bliss and this is yet another case of destructive imagery in Hip-Hop that has sent me over the edge. It seems that the standard for new female rappers is that you must liken your persona to an unrealistic figure to garner success and appeal: Nicki Minaj to Barbie. And I am in no way Nicki bashing because I truly love the positivity that she brings to Hip Hop: Strength - Nicki holds her own in the male dominated industry. Amidst the lyrical genius of Kanye & Jay Z, Nicki had the best verse on the “Monster” track. Fabulosity - her kaleidoscope of wigs and bold fashion choices are trend setting Talent - she writes her own rhymes, sings, raps, acts, all in different voices - and all while blinking, posing, and keeping her wig on straight. You really gotta give her credit.
But I digress… Brianna Perry, you are no Marilyn Monroe. You ARE young, gifted, and black and should have chosen an Icon of Color to suggest a likeness to. How about Dorothy Dandridge – Diahann Carroll – Angela Davis – Miriam Makeba – Cleopatra – Michelle Obama… I guess that would make too much sense or better yet give black women and our culture too much empowerment.
If we as African-Americans don’t believe- write, sing, and rap that Black is Beautiful, then who will?
Happy New Year! Albeit 8 days already in, I am still totally psyched about the start of 2011. This is the year of ME. This year I will embark on the journey of living my best life, making my passion for fashion a full time career, and marrying my soul mate. I'm excited, a tad bit anxious, and every bit focused! And just when I get distracted or doubt my abilities, God taps me on the shoulder to remind me"You got this, You CAN do it." Case in point- this past Monday, I started classes at FIT otherwise know as the Mecca of fashion education. I was excited about the class but had 1st day nerves about what to expect and nagging thoughts about if I will be able to deliver. And then in comes the Instructor, Anita D. Ellis- with her petite, chocolate self-bursting with enthusiasm, and encouragement telling me that I can do it- that we all can succeed. She would help us find our strengths to better prepare us for the fashion industry. I was beaming from ear to ear, hanging on her every word. I was in the right place- all my doubts were gone! 2nd case in point- today on the MetroNorth- on my way to the Mid Manhattan Library- I met a kindred spirit. A lovely woman who took note of my fashionable glasses (pictured above) which provoked conversation. Come to find out she is an accomplished makeup artist and works for Plus Magazine- an online magazine dedicated to Plus Size Models. And most important- she was genuine & gracious enough to offer to share her contacts. Eureka! We exchanged information and hugs & went off to our perspective destinations. Later when I did get to the library- I learned that the picture collection that I needed for my assignment was closed for renovations- LOL! A good day indeed and another tap from the man upstairs.
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!
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!
"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.
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:
