Got A Sweet Tooth...

Run down to your corner store!!

Courtesy of the Food Trust and Good magazine

BODEGA is an independent outfitter based out of Boston, MA that specializes in unique and exclusive streetwear for men, including sneakers, caps, clothing, accessories, and outerwear. But there's a catch!! Of course I could just tell you what it is, but that's no fun....

Check out BODEGA
http://www.bdgastore.com/bodega/newsite/home.html
6 Clearway Street
Boston, MA
(617) 421-1550

Don't get what the big deal is? To learn more about BODEGA (and spoil the surprise), click here:

http://www.freshnessmag.com/v4/2006/06/13/freshness-feature-bodega-boston-ma/

Courtesy of Clinton Hill Blog

TREND ALERT: Stars & Stripes

This just in! It is now acceptable to wear different prints and patterns...TOGETHER! This new trend was unveiled during Spring Fashion Week 2009, thanks to a number of designers who put various patterns together in unexpected ways. One model was seen wearing a striped top with a dotted skirt. Let's see how long it takes the laggards to catch on. But for the BOLD and beautiful, you can do it! --just take your time and do it right! Make sure when mixing your prints and patterns of choice, they complement (in every sense of the word) and coordinate. Otherwise, the fashion police will be on your tail, and they're not always forgiving!

Michael Kors

Check out Spring 2009 Fashion Week's Other 15 Most Wearable Trends right here...it gets better!

http://www.glamour.com/fashion/2008/09/spring-2009-fashion-weeks-most-wearable-trends?slide=1

Welcome to the Suite Life...Presidential, That Is

So, as many would agree, the Obamas are a colossal big deal...and we love to love them (I know I do) !! Needless to say, America's 1st Family is a representation of all things favorable: poise, humility, moral integrity, brilliance, and let's not forget--first-rate fabulosity!!

January 20, 2009...a day that will go down in history...

"A New Birth of Freedom"
...commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln

Washington, DC
National Mall--Lincoln Memorial
estimated 1.8 million attendees (I was one of them)
West Front, U.S. Capitol

12:06 p.m.

BARACK OBAMA BECOMES THE 44TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES! --not to mention, the first African-American...

And the Obamas were surely dressed for the occasion!

The Obamas descending the stairs of the U.S. Capitol.

It is no surprise that Michelle Obama has become the modern-day Jackie O...

who is remembered for her great sense of style and elegance. For her daytime outfit, our First Lady Michelle Obama is photographed here wearing a jewel-collared, pale yellow-gold sweater and sheath dress ensemble with a matching lace coat by Isabel Toledo.


Onlookers watched in awe, wondering how the First Lady managed to stay warm during the inauguration ceremony, which took place on one of the coldest days of the year, I'm sure. But what many of us did not know is that there was actually a hidden layer of pashmina (fleece) lining her ensemble. How's that for cleverness! Isabel Toledo gets major points for that one! The veteran Cuban-born designer says that she chose the "lemon-grass" color of the outfit, because it represents optimism. This was no accident. Barack Obama also based the message of his campaign on the fundamentals of hope and optimism. The First Lady put the finishing touches on her ensemble with a green pair of leather gloves from J.Crew. Michelle Obama is also wearing dark green Jimmy Choo kitten-heel pumps.

Sasha (7) and Malia (10)

Their outfits were provided by crewcuts, the children's division of J.Crew, and both of their coats were tied with velvet ribbon--just like Mommy!

...and later that evening...

Our First Lady wore a white, one-shouldered style, floor-sweeping gown designed by 26-year old designer Jason Wu to the inaugural balls.

Say what you will about her choices of fashion, but in my eyes, the Obamas can do no wrong!

Congratulations again to our Mr. President, Barack Obama! And best of luck to his administration! We're behind you 100%

A CHANGE HAS FINALLY COME!!!!

A Diva is a Female Version of a Hustler, Part Deux

In the past, the term 'Diva' has had a negative connotation. Don't get me wrong, there are a few bad apples (and they shall remain nameless) who have tried to ruin it for the whole bunch. Still, singer/songwriter/entertainer, and let's not forget oh-s0-fab, Miss Bey has revamped the cliché expression, and all for the better.

Beyoncé tells us that a 'diva is a female version of a hustler.' But what she doesn't tell us is what it takes to be a TRUE diva. So now STOP THE TRACK--let me state facts! Check out the TOP FIVE to make a diva come alive!

To all the ladies in the place with...

1. STYLE and grace

This is the most obvious trait of a diva.

"Style is a magic wand, and it turns everything to gold that it touches."
~Logan Pearsall Smith

Beyoncé at "Notorious" movie premiere in New York City

Just like hubby Jay-Z said, 'You can pay for school, but you can't buy...'

2. CLASS

"Class is an aura of confidence that is being sure without being cocky. Class has nothing to do with money. Class never runs scared. It is self-discipline and self-knowledge. It's the sure footedness that comes with having proved you can meet life." ~Ann Landers

IMAN photo'd here with David Bowie

3. AMBITION

Plain and simple, divas have drive....

Take for instance a few of our spotlight divas: BEYONCÉ (hello!), MARIAH (hello!), not to mention diva-licious TV talk show host Oprah Winfrey. Let's not forget her protégé, Tyra Banks, who has also accomplished a number of 'firsts.' These women are divas on so many different levels, and nothing short of admirable. Keep it coming, divas!

...and when these two divas aren't working hard...

THEY'RE OUT TOGETHER PARTYING IN ST. BART'S!!!! :o)

Oprah Winfrey and Tyra Banks

4. PHILANTHROPY

To all of my little divas-in-training--it's not always about YOU. As defined, philanthropy is the act of donating money, goods, services, time and/or effort to support a socially beneficial cause.

By way of illustration, Alicia Keys, a true diva herself and an honorary member of the esteemed sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., is notably the ambassador for Keep a Child Alive. She has travelled to countries such as Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa, speaking to teens and young adults who have been directly impacted by the AIDS epidemic. She is the poster child of what it means to give back to one's community. Diva or no diva, we should all applaud Alicia Keys for her efforts and contributions to [hu]mankind.

Alicia Keys hosts the Keep a Child Alive Charity Ball in London.

Money means nothing if you don't have anyone to share it with, right? Well, Beyoncé donated a whopping $4 million dollar salary from her role in Cadillac Records to help Phoenix House, an American drug treatment organization that runs 98 residential and outpatient rehab programs throughout the United States, and treats over 5000 addicts a day.

Last but not least (and I bet you didn't see this one coming)...

5. ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

"I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, MAN!"~Jay-Z

This is a recent trend that has hit the entertainment world by storm! But move over big boys! The divas are taking over! From trendy clothing lines like "Baby Phat," "The House of Dereon," "Fetish," and "Just Sweet" by Kimora Lee, Beyoncé, Eve, and Jennifer Lopez respectively to perfume lines ("M" by Mariah Carey, "Glow" and "Still" by Jennifer Lopez, and "True Star" by Beyoncé), divas are getting their feet wet.

You can't really make money working for someone else, so ladies, take notes! And when that day comes when someone has the nerve to ask you "Where yo' boss at??," you can tell 'em--I AM THE BOSS!! Recognize game....

In short, anyone can be a diva. As I hope you've learned, being a diva is about more than just being beautiful and 'fly' and having swagger. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...besides, make up can do us wonders anyway. Style is eternal. Confidence is key. Strut your stuff with pride. Class is a must-have. Tisk, tisk...it isn't classy to throw a cellphone at someone when you don't get your way. Understand that we were put here on this earth to help others, and if you're not helping others, then...you're just a waste of space. And remember, a diva is a female version of a hustler, but you can't match a hustler without a hustle!

Check out Beyoncé's latest video, "Diva," right here...

http://video.aol.com/video-detail/beyonce-diva/1894555551

Tell me what you think!

...But Tonight, I'm Cleaning Out My Closet

AND JUST IN TIME FOR THE NEW YEAR, TOO!

As the New Year quickly approaches, many of us want to start it off 'fresh and new,' because it is a new year, right?? For the lot of us, this is the equivalent to second chances...the chance to finally get that 4.0 [g.p.a.] you've been aiming for, a new 'do (hairdo, that is) perhaps...or even a new outlook on life--resolutions, anyone?! But what about a new wardrobe...?

As you go through your closet...

You come across an old, beady sweater that your Aunt Velma gave you for your birthday several years ago. No question here. Toss it!

What about that old leather skirt? "Hmm...It's so cute. Too bad it doesn't even fit anymore." Toss it!

"This old jersey dress...what a joke!" TOSSED!



At the end of your tossing extravaganza, you realize that you have nothing to show for [it] but an empty closet and a pile o'plenty in the middle of your bedroom.

"So now what? I have all of these unwanted clothes...."

SWAP 'EM!!

Clothes swapping is the "eco-friendly way to be stylish," according to BBC Green--an alternative to throwing away unwanted clothes and buying new ones, ultimately reducing waste and saving energy. It's a way to recycle your wardrobe. You can still be fashionable without spending a dime! Who would've thunk it?! Swishing is the catchy new term used in place of 'swapping instead of shopping.' Gill Hart from suite101.com calls this latest fashion phenomenon the ethical answer to shopping. In its November 2007 issue, Marie Claire praises swishing for combining four of fashion's current obsessions, including "fast fashion, value for money, vintage and ethical consumerism in one guilt-free package" (Hart). Everybody wins! You can swap things that you don't wear, giving them to someone else who will, walk away with a new outfit, updating your wardrobe, and/or even turn unwanted items into cash. Things that aren't swapped can be donated to local non-profit homeless shelters and your favorite charities. Elle magazine even goes so far as to calling swishing " The underground party scene." Speaking of, why not throw your very own swishing party?!



Learn how to organize a swapping, or swishing, party here:

http://www.bbcgreen.com/Lifestyle-Family/Fashion/Clothes-swapping-parties

http://www.lifeorganizers.com/cm_articles/16_organize_a_clothes_swap_189.html

Don't have the time or the space to throw a party? No worries! You can even swap clothes online! The great thing about swapping online is that you can swap things with people from all different parts of the world, and you know what that means--EXCLUSIVITY!

Check out these sites:

http://www.swapstyle.com/

http://www.clothingswap.org/about.htm

http://www.bigwardrobe.com/

Just remember, swishing doesn't have to be for women's clothing only. You can swap anything, including but not limited to, furniture, books, baby's clothing, children's clothing, and even men's clothing. Thus, anyone can swap--even men! In these times of economic hardship, take advantage of penny-pinching outlets like these!

To learn more about swishing, check out:

http://womensfashion.suite101.com/article.cfm/swishing_the_new_way_to_shop

http://www.swishing.org/

A Diva is the Female Version of a Hustler

Diva (dē'və) n., pl. -vas or -ve (-vā).

1: an operatic Prima Donna.

2: a usually glamorous and successful female performer or celebrity, ex. a fashion diva; especially : a popular female singer , ex. pop divas.

[et. from Italian diva "goddess," from Latin diva (same meaning); feminine of dīvus, god] (Merriam-Webster Student Dictionary).

Contemporary artists like Beyoncé [Knowles...or Carter], Mariah [Carey], and Mary J. [Blige] have all paved the way for girls all around the world. These haute couture hotties are known for more than just their designer duds. They weren't always sittin' on top of the world.

Take Mariah Carey, for instance. She certainly wasn't born with a silver spoon. In her hit single "Make It Happen," off her sophomore album, Emotions, Mariah recalls a moment "not more than three short years ago" when she was "abandoned and alone without a penny" to her name. Sometimes she couldn't even eat. In the song, she encourages her listeners to believe in themselves with accompanied prayer, using personal struggle to get the point across. Today, she serves as an inspiration to us all, living proof that tough times don't last for long.

Frank Micelotta Photoshoot

June 12, 1990

Then there's Mary J. Blige, also known as M.J.B. the M.V.P. And she is the most valuable player, indeed. Mary J. is more than the just the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul (as if that weren't enough). She's a STORYTELLER. Many hip-hop artists glorify the conditions of inner-city living. She rose above it--the drugs, the poverty, domestic abuse. What didn't kill her only made her stronger (and who isn't glad for that). Never blinded by her success or jaded by her turbulent past, Mary J. Blige has always been and continues to be true to herself.

Last, but not least, we have Bee--not yours truly, but the [Queen] Bee, Beyoncé (duh). She has every reason to feel like she's that (oops!), now doesn't she? Beyoncé has reached a level of success that most of us can only dream of at the young age of 27. She's not even 30 yet for crying out loud! And already she has countless Grammy's and over 75 million albums sold under her belt! That's not even the half of it...I could go on, but I'd need a separate blog for that! Even so, all that glitters is not gold...Beyoncé has paid the price for her fame. On the brightside, every cloud has a silver lining--through it all, Beyoncé has still managed to come out on top!

Beyoncé at ABC Studio (2006)

So what do my three favorite ladies have in common?

Aside from the fact that the trio joined voices in 'Just Stand Up!', a fight for cancer....

Click on following link to see footage of this phenomenal collaboration

http://video.aol.com/video/just-stand-up-feat-mariah-carey-beyonce-mary-j-blige-rihanna-miley-cyrus-and-more/2301272

THEY'VE ALL POCKETED THE TERM 'DIVA'! "She ain't no diva!"

OH!! ...but they are...

Find out what makes a 'diva' a diva in the continuation, "A Diva is a Female Version of a Hustler, Part II."

Peek-A-Boots

The peep-toe boot featured here is by Jeffrey Campbell

Who ever said that fashion had to make sense????

A recent trend that has been hitting the map is the peep-toe boot and bootie.

::sigh:: So much has been said about the ever so controversial "peek-a-boot." Many fashion critics bash the peep-toe boot for lacking practicality.

I guess I see where they're coming from. Actually, I lied--I definitely see where they're coming from, and they are absolutely right! Who would ever waste their money on these things?! We are in a RECESSION, and I am not trying to spend money on a pair of peek-a-boots for the sake of fashion--just to be "in style," you know, keeping up with the Joneses. After all, I thought the point of wearing a boot in the first place was to keep ALL of your foot warm.

This 'fashionable' trend raises alot of questions. A boot that you can't wear when it's cold, or raining, or snowing?? I don't quite get it. So when is the right time to sport the peek-a-boot? I'll get to that....

This one's even got FRINGE! Hideous, right?

The reality of it is this...fashion doesn't have to make sense! Does it make sense to wear Uggs in the summer...with dresses...or in the rain?? NO. Does it make sense to wear shorts with tights? NOT REALLY. Does it make sense to wear knit hats/berets in the summer?? Ehh, it depends. (for the guys) Shorts with construction boots?? I'm sure you already know the answer to that. But either way, it's ALL been done...and some of these faux pas get the green light...others get the 'heave-ho.' I'll leave it up to you to decide which ones.

Moving on...if you MUST have this 'must-have,' and you need some advice on how to wear it, I would say...experiment...trial and error.... Most of these boots are manufactured in solid colors, making it easy for you to pair them up with your fall/winter fashion favorites. Depending on its style, I could see the peek-a-boot being worn in place of the peep-toe pump. As skeptical as these things make me, I must admit, they are très chic--combined with the sexiness and feminity of an open-toe pump plus the security of a boot.

Personally, I thought that the idea of the peep-toe boot was so dumb...

THAT I WENT OUT AND BOUGHT A PAIR FOR MYSELF!!

Even Sarah Jessica Parker is getting in on the fun!! No pressure...well...maybe just a little....

Still not convinced?! Chloe--tell 'em somethin'!!

YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!!!!