Dear White People

A satire about being a black face in a very white place. Watch the trailer here!

Pomegranate Moscato Punch

The perfect sparkling beverage for your next big party or girl's night in!

Natural Hair T-Shirts

Stand tall and proud of your natural roots with these natural hair t-shirts!

Sincerely, The Universe

A simple and creative idea for paying it forward and spreading positivity!

Meet Adama Paris

Adama Paris reflects the spirit of young contemporary women. She bridges cultures and walks along all women who refuse to be defined by one limited image often controlled by one brand and one culture.

30 January 2012

Trendy Cakes

I came across this photo and I just had to share!  This is fabulous beyond words. 



The only thing better would be a Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Louboutin cake.  Yes, it does exist.


Lazy Grey - Stop 'N' Think

This song is from Lazy Grey's 2nd solo album Banned in Queensland.  The beat is nice and the lyrics are deep and thoughtful.  His accent makes him a little difficult to understand but if you listen carefully, you'll be surprised by his lyrical content.  In this song, he discusses his battle with drugs and alcohol.  He knows they're destroying his body and mind and getting in the way of his success but he struggles to let it go.  A talented young emcee, speaking on a real situation that people live with every day...imagine that!  I'm sure you've never heard of him, though.

27 January 2012

Casual Friday

Here is a cute casual look, perfect for date night or dinner with the girls.  What's even more exciting is that most items shown are less than $100.  Which piece is your favorite?

Casual Friday



25 January 2012

His & Hers


These pillowcases really make me wish for a significant other.  Being a prima donna who has a "special pillow" that only I can fall asleep on (yes, I know), these pillow covers would make identifying MY pillow so much easier.  My only question...is there also a King & Queen set??

23 January 2012

1950s Vintage

My vintage find of the day comes from Etsy shop BessGeorgette.  Have I mentioned that I LOVE Etsy??  They have so many fun, unique items that are impossible to find elsewhere.  Like this 1950s Vintage Jacket by Lilli Ann.  This jacket features asymmetric pleating in three different shades of brown and three ornate metal buttons to fasten the front.  Why do I love this piece?  The neutral color creates lots of options for pairing this piece from a pencil skirt and slingbacks to jeans and pumps. The asymmetrical design forces you to wear this jacket buttoned, so you will always look polished.  The waist is nipped, which will provide that curvy, feminine look we're always striving for.  As far as I'm concerned, you can't go wrong with this jacket!  It screams, look at me in a sophisticated, classic manner.  Visit BessGeorgette's shop for more vintage looks like this!



Photos courtesy of BessGeorgette.

Common - Blue Sky

This man needs no introduction.  Here is some Monday morning motivation! 

22 January 2012

Minimergency Kit

Do you remember the sewing kit your grandmother used to keep in her purse? Very practical but it fell short in many aspects.  This Minimergency Kit by Ms. & Mrs. ($16.00) takes being prepared to the next level with the Good Luck Series.  Each patent pouch (measures 3.5" x 2" x 2") is adorned with one of five good luck charms: a Chinese symbol of good fortune, a wishbone, an evil eye (to ward off wardrobe malfunctions), a horseshoe, and a four-leaf clover. 


Available in multiple colors, these kits contains 16 must-haves: Hairspray, Clear Nail Polish, Nail Polish Remover, Emery Board, Lip Balm, Earring Backs (how clever is that!!), Clear Elastics, Sewing Kit, Double-Sided Tape, Stain Remover, Deodorant Towelette, Pain Reliever, Tampon, Breath Freshener, Dental Floss, and Adhesive Bandages.  Most importantly, it's cute and fashionable.  There is also a Minimergency Kit for Moms!!  What more could you ask for?  This is perfect to keep in your purse or give as a gift.  Which color and charm is your favorite?

18 January 2012

Embrace the Brrr

I'm looking forward to balmy temperatures just as much as the next warm weather lover.  But alas, we do have a few more months of nasty cold weather.  If you're looking for an uber-feminine, unique and unforgettable coat for the last few months of winter, you have to check out the Aoisos online store.  A friend of mine referred me to this site, I fell in love, and I've visited almost every day since.  I'm plotting on how I can manage to get at least three of their coats.  Ironically, even though I don't like coats, winter or the cold, these beautiful outer garments will have me welcoming chilly temps with opening arms.


16 January 2012

Little Dragon - After the Rain

Little Dragon is a Swedish electronic band whose lead vocalist is Swedish-Japanese singer, Yukimi Nagano.  Yukimi has a smooth, sultry voice that's hard to forget.  Their music has a neo-soul vibe similar to artists such as Jill Scott and Erykah Badu.  Here is some easy listening to get you into the groove and smooth out your Monday morning.

13 January 2012

Weekend Wasted


The perfect gear for weekend lounging, no fuss yet still stylish.  Here are our budget-friendly fashion picks.  All items are $50 or less.  From left to right:
Navy Bobble Lightweight Scarf $12 - www.janenorman.co.uk 
Crop 'NY' Baseball Jacket (Blue) $34 - www.dressrail.com
P. Helena Sunglasses $15 - www.mango.com
Simple Women's Satire Elastic Fashion Sneaker $37 - www.amazon.com
Cheap Monday Tight Summer Blue $50 - www.generalpants.com.au
Club Manhattan Earrings Chain Fever (Silver) $25 - www.welikefashion.com
Glamour Kills Keep Calm and Dream on Tee $27 - www.zumiez.com 
Taylor Swift Speak Now Rubber Bracelet $10 - www.taylorswift.com 
Mini Bowling Bag $30 - www.zara.com

10 January 2012

Keep Calm

I've found two "Keep Calm" designs that I'd love to make into t-shirts.  What do you think?

Photo courtesy of 8ekta8.


Miss or Glitz

Perfecting My Formalwear One Piece ($123.99) - Heading to the pool has become a formal event. With an eye for playful, head-turning styles, Fables by Barrie creates swimwear like this one-piece swimsuit. This black and white halter top swimsuit, designed to look like an elegant tuxedo, features a red bow and black buttons down the center. Tuxedo jackets are in for Spring 2012, so why not a tuxedo swimsuit?  What do you think? Would you were this "fancy" get-up to your next pool party?

08 January 2012

RoomService, Please!

 Allow me to introduce a place that embraces and enables my addiction to vintage: RoomService.  Owned by husband and wife team, John and Taryn Bernard, the RoomService Los Angeles production facility houses an upholstery operation, custom carpentry, metal fabrication, paint and finishing all under one roof!  Their mission: "To create trendsetting, stylish, customizable furniture that everybody can afford".  They operate on the belief that "your home should be your personal fantastic eclectic haven."  Their inspiration?  "Groovy furnishings and fun prints of the 60s mod, the glitz and glam of the old Hollywood Regency era, and the clean lines of European design. From architecture, music, fashion, art and nature".  Believe me when I tell you, they've hit the upholstery nail on the head.  If my home (and budget) were large enough, I'd own everything in this store. Seriously. They offer customization for all of their furniture pieces, which means unique, one-of-a-kind pieces to make your home as fabulous as you can stand it.  Their use of vintage design, combined with a contemporary interpretation of color give their pieces a timeless appeal.

Trendy RoomService furnishings have been made for retail stores such as Miss Sixty, Forever 21, Nordstrom, and Guess, graced the silver screen in movies like Vanilla Sky, and 40 Year Old Virgin and customized for music videos by 50 Cent, Alicia Keys, and Mary J. Blige. 


Don't have the budget for RoomService pieces just yet? Not to fear, a long list of celebrity clients ensure that this company will be around for quite some time.  Do you love RoomService as much as I do?  Share with me some of your favorite designs.

06 January 2012

Amazing Make-up Transformation

Watch this video as You Tube user dope2111 transforms to Drake using only make-up!  The similarity is stunning.  She has many more videos with celebrity transformations so be sure to visit and subscribe to her channel.

Nicki Minaj for OPI


Nicki Minaj's nail polish line by OPI will hit shelves this month.  As you may have already guessed, her colors are bright, bold and unique.  Using song and album titles as inspiration for color names, those looking for nude-colored polishes may want to look elsewhere.  Nicki's collection includes five shades and one shatter.  While her songs may never make it onto my iPod, these colors may likely end up on the tips of my fingers.

From left to right: Super Bass (shatter), Metallic 4 Life, Save Me, Fly, Did it On Em, Pink Friday

Black Girls RUN!

Running is something I started incorporating into my fitness regime earlier this year.  For me, it's a great way to burn off energy and stress.  I can get lost in my thoughts, leave the world behind, and burn off a few extra calories all at the same time.  We all know the health benefits associated with running but maybe you've never gotten into running.  Maybe you don't know where to start or you find running boring. 
Toni & Ashley, Founders of Black Girls RUN!
In 2009, Toni Carey and Ashley Hicks created Black Girls RUN! in an effort to tackle the growing obesity epidemic in the African American community and provide encouragement and resources to both new and veteran runners.  The mission of Black Girls RUN! (BGR!) is to encourage African American women to make fitness and healthy living a priority.  The most wonderful thing about this organizations and their subsidaries all around the country is that all fitness levels are welcomed.  The idea behind BGR! is not only to meet other women who share the same desire to maintain good health, but also encourge you to bring your sister, aunt or mother with you.  Regardless of your fitness level (or ethnicity), there is always room for you at BGR! Visit their web page www.blackgirlsrun.com to learn more about the organization, get BGR! gear and find a BGR! running group near you. So get running and preserve the sexy!

03 January 2012

SBTRKT - Wildfire

SBTRKT (pronounced Subtract) is a London-based producer who lets the music speak for itself.  He performs behind a mask every time he plays out.  The name SBTRKT came about to create a musical identity separate from any single person.  This track features vocals by Little Dragon singer, Yukimi Nagano.  

I love the beat and vocals on this track.  It just makes me wanna get up and dance.  There is a remix that features hip-hop artist 
Drake but (aside from the beat) it sounds like everything else that comes on the radio.  The original rendition feels fresh and creative.




01 January 2012

Rhianna Receives Racist Remarks


I recently learned about racial comments that appeared in a Dutch magazine about popular R&B singer Rhianna.  Andrea Brown, author of the blog The Uptown Lounge, has a more thorough account of the article.  Some of the "highlights" of the write-up refer to Rhianna's shoes as  "pornheels" and refer to her as "ghetto a**" and a "n*ggab*tch".  Read the entire article here via The Uptown Lounge.

It's sad to learn these types of things are still happening in 2012.

Black History in Danger

A local Ohio newspaper recently wrote an article about the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center located in Cincinnati.  The Freedom Center, which has been open since 2004, is in danger of closing because it does not attract enough visitors and cannot cover its operating expenses.
The Freedom Center's exhibits offer visitors unique, illuminating and inspiring experiences.  Brothers of the Borderland is one of the permanent exhibits sponsored by the Boeing Company.  This exhibit immerses guests in a thrilling flight to freedom showcasing the courage and cooperation of two abolitionists in Ripley, OH as they aid a woman risking it all to flee slavery.  The 25-minute film features a segment narrated by Oprah Winfrey that introduces the main historical figures John Parker and Rev. John Rankin.  The film is shown in an "experiental" theatre, complete with fog rising from the river and crickets chirping in the background.

Museums all across the country draw thousands of visitors each year featuring various historical exhibits yet this beautiful museum is in danger of closing its doors.  I have my own opinions about why a museum that documents one of America's darkest times is struggling financially.  Why do you think the Freedom Center has not been as successful as other museums in our country?