Polo...On Polo...On Polo

This is a trend that I have noticed in Michigan, but I don't know if it happens anywhere else. The polo from head to toe trend. They are wearing polo hats, polo shirts, polo shorts, polo underwear, and polo shoes. I see about five or six horse logos popping out, and I'm wondering if anyone should ever have on that much polo for one outfit besides the store mannequin? I like to see guys coordinate their outfits with different brands, it shows that they have their own personal flair. If all you wear is the same brand head to toe, it seems like you don't like to take risks fashion wise. What's even more interesting to me is, I wonder how the owner and the top execs of the company feel about having young African American males among their highest consuming clientele? Is it important to be a conscious buyer and be aware of the companies' actions and views, or is that not something the consumer is responsible for?

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It's Not for Everybody: Forever 21, Love Culture, H&M

I could never understand why the same t-shirt or jacket that I tried on at H&M or Forever 21 that made me look frumpy, made another girl look so fabulous. I see girls all over campus wearing clothing from these stores and making the pieces look so cute, and they are affordable on top of that. If I tried to pull off the same exact outfit i would look a hot mess, lol. I don't know if the clothing is made for girls with a box shape with a large chest, but it just doesn't work for me. The only things that I can get out of those stores are tank tops, and sometimes shirts and sweaters. So instead, I've had to turn to online websites like karmaloop, PLNDR, Klassiq, Concrete Rose, etc and boutiques like C'est La Vie, Iklektikk, etc. Even though I have to spend a little bit more money for these items, a lot of times they last longer and fit much better. Also, I have found by stepping outside the box we call the "mall", I was able to discover a lot of cool sites and boutiques that carry pieces that I never see anyone else in.

Does anyone else has similar/dissimilar sentiments?

Kim Kardashian to star in "The Marriage Counselor"

I almost chocked on my food when I read this headline....oh, where do I start?

First, why would Kim Kardashian get the role as the co-worker in the film "the marriage counselor"? I do think that she is overexposed in the media, and I still don't quite understand what's she is famous for. Nonetheless, if she portrayed the best acting skills at the audition, then she deserves the role...But I highly doubt that she had to audition for the role, and even if she did, it probably wasn't that hot.

Second, is Tyler Perry that far removed from his audience that he thinks that her name on a movie will bring in audiences? His core demographic are African Americans (mostly women), and some of them may not even know who Kim Kardashian is and even care. This seems like he is trying to alienate himself from his original fan base.

 Third, what about the starving artists? Tyler Perry has been known to give many unknown thespians the opportunity to showcase their talent, i don't understand why he stopped with this role. There are plenty of young females out there who are vying to be a major motion picture, and he chooses Kim Kardashian. A woman who is already rich, and to my knowledge has no talents worth recognition.

I could go on and on about this, but I'll stop here...what are your thoughts?

Sleepless in Seattle

I spent last week living like a rockstar in Seattle. I flew out to Seattle, WA for another conference, and I stayed in the heart of downtown Seatte. I had no idea that everything was so condensed into a few blocks. The downtown area was filled to the brim with shops, restaurants, and offices. Of course there was a Starbucks on every corner, and there were two or three on some blocks.
The shopping is ridculous out there. You have H&M, Forever 21, NikeTown, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Macys, Sephora, and sooo much more. I was so excited when I saw a cheesecake factory by my hotel, because I have to go out of state to get to one. I also went to this cool Sushi place called Blue C Sushi. Instead of the waiters bringing you your food, the sushi is placed on a small plate that sits on top of a conveyor belt that carries the food around to every table. It's a cool concept, and the sushi was good. Last but not least, Pike Market is incredible. It has tons of vendors that sell fruit, cheese, meat, fish, flowers, and wine. They also have numerous restaurants throughout the market and it's by the water. But the part about it, is it has the very FIRST starbucks store! Although I didn't buy any coffee, I had to buy one of their mugs as a souvenir. There are a lot of things that I didn't get to do while I was there..I would have loved to see West Seattle which is just across the bridge, Mt. Rainier, the Wing Luke Asian Museum, Salumi restaurant (owned by Mario Batali's father), places outside of downtown, and I didn't have time to catch the train to Portland or Vancouver. Overall, I think that Seattle is a very cool city, and it didn't hurt that it was sunny the entire time that I was there. But now that I've seen the city, I've gotta see the movie "Sleepless in Seattle". I probably won't be traveling for awhile because the fall semester has begun, so until next time "bon voyage".

                                                                Pike Place Market

 The very first Starbucks, located at Pike's Place Market. A historic monument for all of the coffee lovers.

                      The giant chess set seemed so dope to me, especially since I don't know how to play.

I just love the cheesecake factory :)

                                                                       Blue C Sushi

                                         LOL!! I had to post this picture. I saw a couple of people holding up signs like these when I was in Seattle. If you look closely to sign says "Need $ for Weed"..so ridiculous.

Mt. Rainier

A literal alley filled with restaurants and shops

 

My friends didn't want to pay $18 to go up the space needle

My Fall Clothing Essentials 2011

Being a college student, I love utilizing staple pieces that are not overly trendy and good for mixing and matching with other pieces. This is my list of essential closet pieces.

1.White Blouse
2.Rain Boots
3.Rain Coat
4.Vest
5.Blazer
6.Dark Bootcut Denim
7.Print Scarf
8.Flats
9.Pumps
10.Plain T-shirt
11.Cardigan
12.Bomber/Moto Jacket
13.Cargo Pants
14.Studs
15.Pencil Skirt
16.Cross Body Bag
17.Trench Coat
18. Black Slacks
19. Running Shoes
20.Little Black Dress
21. Peacoat
22. Hoodie
23. Yoga/Sweat Pants
24. Belts
25. Oversized Bag
Am I missing anything? Let me know.

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Worth the Splurge?...Alfie Sneakers by Christian Louboutin

This is my first post (of many) entitled "Worth the Splurge?" Everytime I see something that it very expensive I ask myself, would I spend that much money on it? Sometimes my answer is yes, many other times NO...in my book it's not about the name brand, it's about the fit, color, quality, and the usefulness.

These are the Alfie sneakers by Christian Louboutin in black and gold with a patent leather toe, velvet sides, a snack skin print in the back, and gold detailing throughout. With a price tag of $995, is it worth the splurge?

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"Red Bottoms"

This post comes after hearing this term the 1000th time and watching a peculiar interview with a former video vixen. The woman in the video talked about how upgrading your style, more specifically buying a pair of Christian Louboutins, would help your career as a video model. I can understand how your appearance would help your career when your line of work is visual and your image is very important. But does this hold weight for women in other careers? First, for anyone who doesn't know this, when someone says "red bottoms" they are talking about a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes. It's funny to me that so many women and some men have used one shoe label as the quintessential staple of every women's closet, the standrd upon which to judge a woman's style. This is not to say that people haven't done this in the past, there were the true religion jeans, the fendi spy bag, Jordans, etc...but what I have noticed with the Louboutins is that this trend has crossed color and income lines. There are women who may never be able to afford a pair of Christian Louboutins talking about how these shoes are a must for every woman. If you can't afford them, it doesn't mean that you have a black hole in your closet. Many women have and continue to look fabulous in shoes that are not Christian Louboutin.

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One shoe designer does not make or break your style. Even if you own 10 pairs of Christian Louboutins "red bottoms" it does not mean that you can coordinate an outfit. Plus, what's a red bottom if you don't have the right outfit to pair it with? If a see someone in a pair of jeans, t-shirt, and a pair of Christian Louboutin heels it does not make me think that this person has great style, if I like the shoes then I'll think that they have a great taste in shoes. Lastly, you make(wear) the shoes, the shoes do not make you. If Christian Louboutins are not your style. Then don't wear them. You have to be confident in what you wear. People can tell the difference between style that is forced and begging for attention and style that is unique to the individual.
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Although many of the shoes created by the fashion label have red bottoms, this signature feature is not a mark of authenticity. Some of the shoes do not have red bottoms, and if you have the cash to get your own pair of custom made Louboutins, then you can get whatever color you like. Take for instance Adrienne Bosh's custom made blue bottom Christian Louboutin pumps (picture below) that she wore for her wedding to Chris Bosh.

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Style Portfolio: Kim Kardashian

Although I think Kim Kardashian has been extremely overexposed in the media, I have to admit that some of her looks are fabulous. I love how she mixes and matches colors and patterns and how the looks are very feminine.

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Style Portfolio: Val of Single Ladies

Even though the character of Val on Single Ladies played by Stacey Dash is not a real person, her looks are nonetheless impeccable and the styles are true to the character. If Val were real, her closet would be my Neiman Marcus, Nordstroms, and Saks Fifth Avenue. I have to give the credit to her stylist Anthony Williams, he is a genius. I would love to see someone do an affordable recreation of some of Val's looks on the show.
                                           








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New School Year Resolution

In less than one month I will begin my first year of graduate school, and one step closer to beginning my professional career. So instead of waiting until December to create a list of New Year resolutions, I figured why not create a list for the new school year. There are six tips that I have to making this school year better than the last.

• Dress for Sucess

(I know that this term is usually reserved for the workforce, but when you think about, college is supposed to prepare you for the professional world, so why not start early.)
I think that once you get to a point in your college career where you have chosen a discipline and narrowed down your career path, what you wear in certain setting is important. You want your professors to look at you as a young professional and not just a student. I had to learn as a college student that academic and professional networking can occur almost anywhere, so you need to be on your A game at all times. So this means no more pajamas to class and always look your best. Because, even when you think no one is watching, they are!
What is even more important is how you wear your clothing. I think that the way you wear your clothing tells other people something about you. Unless, you have tons of cash to spend on designer clothing, then the pieces probably won't look like they were custom made for you. However, the clothing should fit well, because to other people this exudes confidence. It tells people, that you take pride in your personal appearance, and that you are well put together. On the other hand, if you wear very tight clothing, it translates into "I'm screaming for attention, and not in a good way" and if the clothing is too loose then you look sloppy and unkept.
Lastly, it is important to look good for yourself because it affects how you feel about yourself, which affects your productivity. Basically, when you look better, you feel better; when you feel better, you work better.

• No Procrastination

When you prorastination, you waste so much valuable time that you could be using to do other things. If I stopped, I could get twice the work done, in half the time. Many people do it for many different reasons, I do it because I'm a perfectionist. But my goal is to kick this habit, so that I can lower my stress level and become a better student

• Be a Healthier You

As you get further along in your academic career, you'll find yourself sitting at the computer for longer periods of time. What often happens when you're sitting at the computer for long periods?? SNACKING. And this behavior is very subtle, until you find that your clothing is getting tighter, and some articles of clothing don't fit at all anymore. Then when you see that you are not as in shape as you used to be, it effects your academic work. Take small steps to keep yourself active and healthy. If you want a snack, try and eat fruit instead of chips or candy. When you're on the computer typing a paper, during breaks you can do a few sit-ups or lunges. Remember, your academics are your top priority, but without your health you can't do anything.

• Enjoy Yourself

You only live once! Of we all have school, work, and other responsibilities, but all of that hard work without any time for self will lead to a crash and burn. When that happens you're at a stand still, and you have defeated yourself. The key to being able to work and play is time management. If you get to your work in a timely fashion, and don't procrastinate (see bullet point #2) then you'll have the time to do other things outside of school and work. But if you have a ten page paper due in two days, and you only one page done, then you probably shouldn't be going out.

• Work Hard

Even if you have already accomplished this goal, there is always room for improvement. Sometimes you can work too hard, by putting up obstacles in your own way. When you focus on personal strengths and work hard consistently, then you will be rewarded for it. But don't expect any handouts or a pat on the back. This is where self-motivation will become very important. Because there will be many times where your hard work will go unnoticed, and it will be that self-motivation that pushes you through till the end.

• Create a Positive Environment

The people and the things that you surround yourself with, are just as important as your own actions and character. These things can only help you or hamper you from accomplishing your goals. If you are the type of person who wants to do great things, then you have to surround yourself with positivity, otherwise the negative energy will only drag you down. You have to have friends who are positive and have dreams of their own, so that you are supportive of each other. Remember: Positive people transfer positive energy, which breeds positive thoughts and ideas.

New Beginnings

I can't believe that I finally have my blog up and running. For so long I made countless excuses about why I shouldn't start a blog, but the best way to get over your doubts and fears is to jump right in. I want to offer my own perspective on things. I want to highlight fashionable yet affordable items, showcase the trendy and fashion forward people around me, and discuss what comes to my mind.
Thank you for coming to my blog & all comments are appreciated.


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Summer at Duke University

I spent five weeks at Duke university for a summer research program. I had heard how beautiful Duke was and how much I am going to love it. I would have to agree with everyone. The campus is beautiful and it's spread out. There are trees everywhere and there is a botanical garden not far from the main campus. The only disappointment of the trip is that I was so busy that I did not get to see much of Durham, NC or visit UNC at Chapel Hill. However, I did eat some really good food at the end of my trip at Parizade's. The Salmon was cooked perfectly and Chocolate Praline Torte (picture below) was delicious. It was nice to experience life as a college student at a university far from your own school. I found the city of Durham to be surprisingly slow and laid back despite the reputation and prestige of the school. I got there and expected to find a small scale Atlanta bustling with shops and restaurants, but what I found was a much calmer and quiet city. But I was there during the summer, who knows, maybe it gets much busier when the students come back from vacation.
                                                              The University Chapel
                                                                        On Campus
                                                             Chocolate Praline Torte
                                                        Private Dining Room at Parizade


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Weekend at Niagara Falls

This past weekend I had the opportunity to travel to Niagara Falls (U.S.A.) for a conference. I had been there before, but I stayed on the Canadian side of the border. The Falls were much bigger and more beautiful than I remembered. I had  a chance to get close to the falls on the maid of the mist tour. I even had to chance to get in a little shopping. I went to the Niagara Falls Outlet Mall, and I left with two pairs od shoes. The Outlet mall is completely indoors and it has a store for everyone. They have the NIKE factory, BeBe, Ralph Lauren, Barney's New York, Juicy Couture...and a lot of other stores..too bad I only had a hour to shop..I did not have a chance to go to the Walden Galleria, and I didn't have any great food. (maybe it's all on the Canadian side?)

Niagara Falls

                                                  The Maid of the Mist Boat Tour

                                    
                                                   The Lights Show at Niagara Falls

                                                                       The Seneca Casino

                                                      The Niagara Falls Outlet Mall