BEYONCE'S LEMONADE. The perfect synopsis regarding public commentary

I snatched the below commentary from a Facebook post someone shared. I absolutely loved it as it perfectly states all of my sentiments. I am a fan of Beyonce and her latest work Lemonade. I have read many people who share my views, but others counter them. They want to minimalize this piece of work to good marketing and mediocre lyrics. They don't even comment on the video/movie. I believe Bene Viera, who wrote the below, speaks the best truth. 

By: Bene Viera

I'm not one for brevity so bare with me please. There should be no think pieces about ‪#‎Lemonade‬ up yet. There is way too much to unpack. And if you're writing that it's mainly about infidelity and marital strife w/Jay you've missed the mark.

Let's start here though: Beyoncé made #Lemonade for Black women first, then Black people as a whole. Sure, others can enjoy it. But it's for us. Therefore, we really should be the ones writing about and dissecting it. If you didn't know what "call Becky with the good hair" meant without Googling, put your pen down. We don't want to read it.

Now, a lot of y'all didn't think Bey was deep enough b/c she don't wear a head wrap and light incense like your Mother Earth faves. No shade. But the imagery in #Lemonade is channeling all kinds of Oshun and Yemaya symbolism. It's heavily African influenced in every way imaginable. Then we have black feminist theory all up and through. Narrated through the words of the great warsan shire, a Somalian born poet who is the greatest of our time.

Put aside the gossip for a second to dig a bit deeper. I know it's entertaining. But this is about so much more than her working through a man cheating. It's about black womanhood and that journey of coming into your own. Deciding that love is transformative. Telling us, black people, black women, that with love and hope we will win. Realizing our power as women. And healing. Lemonade tackles lineage, generational curses, black feminism, the work women put into relationships, how anger can fuel greatness, sisterhood, loving ourselves, reconciling with being a daddy's girl while simultaneously being disappointed with how he did your mom, power, healing, freedom. Black women ALWAYS being given lemons but making lemonade. Don't reduce it to a story about infidelity. Please.

If Beyoncé doesn't inspire you to be great and pour everything into your craft and clapback through your work being great and to elevate every single time you do something, you ain't paying attention.

JUMBO HILL - An Amazing Debut Fiction Novel (the next Toni Morrison?)

JUMBO HILL is by far the best book I've written and read. Make room between your Toni Morrison and Alice Walker novels. Please order your copy now on Amazon.com. Comes in hardcopy and Kindle.

Synopsis:

Eula’s skin was fair and her looks were beautiful. As a black woman in the 1930’s she hoped it would be enough to carry her from the drudgery of existing as a poor, Southern, colored woman. Upon meeting Badge, a fast speaking city man from Pittsburgh, PA, she believed she’d found everything she’d hoped for, or did she? Soon after marriage, Eula is blindsided by unexpected tragedy, the stifling oppression felt from mothering children, joblessness and her husband’s desire for a simple life, all of which lead her on a salacious journey of escape.

When Eula Ashby moved with her husband and three

small children into the house on Jumbo Hill in the bustling city of Pittsburgh, she was convinced her dream of being an upwardly mobile negro family would be realized, but when her husband loses his job at the steel mill and work in the coal mines is infrequent at best, Eula’s hope for an exciting urban life dwindles. Not only does her city-bred husband reveal his true country nature by turning their cramped backyard into a suburban farm, but he expects his beautiful, ambitious wife to embrace the life she rejected. When this hardship is combined with more children, the death of her mother and subsequent revelation about her paternity, she spirals from the conventionalism of devoted wife and mother and into the careless, lascivious realm of scandal.

As Eula abandons traditional norms set for women and selfishly travels down a road laden with alcohol, gambling, men and provocative gratification to numb the agony of her predictable life, her neglected children and husband struggle to hold their crumbling household together and maintain their love for her.

BUYNG QUALITY CLOTHING vs. BUYING A BRAND

My friend recently visited SoCal from Dallas and wanted to go shopping. He was looking to upgrade his wardrobe and called me in for some assistance. Upon his request we headed to the Beverly Center (no he didn't want to go to Robertson Blvd. and had I known that he was a label whore I would have taken him to South Coast Plaza for a better selection). He wanted a casual look he could dress up or down so we shopped Banana Republic and Armani Exchange. My friend commented that he'd never patronized these stores even though I showed him some good, fashionable, staple pieces that he purchased. I wanted to get him into Bloomingdale's but he b-lined into Hugo Boss and ended up buying three shirts and a pair of shoes, thus ended our shopping experience. I was disappointed in the quality and lack of style in Hugo Boss. Big 5 probably sells nicer polo shirts in their golf section. More upsetting was my friend spending close to $1,000 in there.

Once we left the mall my friend asked me how he'd know if he was buying quality garments or simply buying a brand. I'm so glad you asked! I explained that his Hugo Boss purchases were buying into a brand. The shirts he bought were not stylish, were not in a unique color palatte that enhanced his skin tone, nor did the fabrics have great handfeels. I'm sure his ego was inflated knowing he could spend close to a rent payment on a few articles of clothes, but unless someone checked the label they'd have no idea his shirt wasn't from JCPenney. So here are some pointers for shopping for quality as opposed to a brand:

• THE SEWING. A good garment will be sewn well. There will be no loose threads or unraveling after a few washes/drycleaning. 
• FABRIC/HANDFEEL. A quality garment is made with quality fabric. Quality fabric is expensive, hence the higher price point. It will have a good handfeel because it's been chemically treated/washed/brushed or combed. It will either be softer, silkier, smoother or have some type of luster or texture that you do not see or feel often. This adds to the garment price but it's justified.
• COLOR. We've all tried on a garment that made us look great. It wasn't the cut that enhanced us, it was the color. That's because a very important role of a designer is to flip through pantone books and find colors that look good with different skin tones and hair color. Some designers even create new colors. choosing color is an essential job that is taken very seriously. When you receive that compliment "That color looks so great on you!" You understand why.
• FIT. Everyone's body shape is different, so no one brand is going to look good on everyone; however, some brands use very general blocks to create their patterns, subsequently the clothes "kind of" fit well enough to buy but something always looks off (the hemline doesn't hang well, fabric puckering, the waist is ill fitting, the shoulders are too broad, darts are needed, bad draping, etc),  while other brands take great care in the fit of their garments. It's not so much about buying a brand because you can afford it or purchasing a style because it's trendy. Does it look good on you? If it does then adopt that brand as a go-to. 
• STYLE. You will either pay to have a great fitting, staple garment or you will pay to have a trendy and unique quality garment. If the garment you're contemplating buying doesn't have either, hang it back on the rack and keep shopping. It takes time and expertise to create that one of a kind garment full of pleats, tucks, bias cut fabric, etc. Some garments are created by genius patternmakers who must be compensated for their craft. Garments then have to pass through the hands of several contractors to add the headset pleats or the grommets, or have the custom dyed buttons, etc. Then there's the skilled sewer who has to put the masterpiece together. 

Many high-end brands adhere to all of the above but others have built a strong name and now cut corners. I encourage people to take pride in spending a fortune on clothing if that's what they can afford to do and it makes you look like a fortune. If you buy a $100 tshirt but it's the softest, most comfortable thing you've ever put on then I applaud you for your find. But, if you are wearing $500 worth of clothes and I mistake you for shopping at Kmart you went wrong somewhere. Quality clothes look and behave as such. 

I will end this post by saying there is also nothing wrong with shopping at budget stores. There are great finds everywhere. I get some of my best compliments in my dresses from Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe. You might find your favorite outfit at Ross. The point is to be smart about shopping so you're not wasting money. 

POEM: IMPERSONATION

Posting because this poem reminds me about how I feel about someone :-)

Like the dust of a dandelion I hold you in my hand and blow you away
If I ever long to gaze upon your yellow floral mockery
I'll remember you were just a weed
stealing nutrition from my earth and spreading your strangling seed
through my fertile land
Catch the current of a turbulent wind and fly far, far away
to rob the livelihood of one who believes you're a flower.

Written by: Someone Dope

'WHITNEY' Lifetime Movie - Why'd you do it Angela Bassett?

I, like so many other Whitney Houston fans, could not wait to watch the Lifetime movie 'Whitney.' The fact that it was directed by her former Waiting to Exhale cast member and friend Angela Bassett made it even better. This was destined to be good, but unfortunately it immediately wasn't. The movie begins with Whitney Houston meeting Bobby Brown at the Grammy's and I learned soon enough that the movie's premise was more about their relationship and who Bobby Brown was during this period than about Whitney and her life or accomplishments. According to this movie Whitney was more of a coke whore who loved parties, lascivious sex and had commitment issues. The movie made sure to shine a light on the rumored lesbian relationship she had and made it a point to highlight she did not write her own music. Bobby, on the other hand, refused Whitney's drug offers, preferring his beer, was a dedicated father, and was literally at Whitney's beck and call. The actor cast to play him also looked like a Kappa whereas the actor/model chosen to play Whitney looked disheveled in most scenes. How did that happen?

Frankly, I was appalled and disappointed by this horrible depiction of Whitney Houston. We already know about the failure that she and Bobby ultimately became. Did we really need to know Bobby's version of it? If so, do a movie about him and call it by his name. Did you need to call it Whitney so we'd watch? And let's just say that Whitney was wild and liked to party. She worked hard to keep all of that under wraps and never had her name blasted in the media until her debacle of a marriage with Bobby. Why work to further besmudge a dead woman's name? Her impeccable reputation was already damaged but we as fans want to move on and look back in retrospect to the woman we fell in love with. The beautiful black woman with that amazing, infectious smile who sang perfect notes and made little black girls like me believe we could be just like her one day. We too could model in magazines or sing on tv or act in movies. And whoever Whitney might have been behind closed doors, she carried herself with nothing but class in public. Thank you though for the scene of her dry humping Bobby in the club and getting her neck licked like it was a dripping ice cream cone. How could you make this movie with the slant you took Angela? For shame.

CRONUTS ARE SEXY

I had never heard of a cronut before today. Apparently they're popular in New York and are somewhat of a craze. I will say that whoever thought these up needs to be kissed. A fellow co-worker brought in a box of donuts from DK Donuts in Santa Monica and inside where two creamed filled croissant/donut hybrids aka cronuts aka dkonuts. I'm not a huge donut fan and completely overlooked this unrecognizable delight, but then something happened. The quiet co-worker, the one you don't realize is out sick until noon and always has to repeat what she says because she whispers, bit into one and flipped the hell out! This pastry must be oozing with scrumptiousness if it made the mouse moan. There was only one more left so I grabbed a knife and sliced pieces for the rest of us. My one bite of this cronut made my head spin. It's buttery and greasy, the cream isn't too sweet and the texture is the perfect blend of crispy vs. melt in your mouth soft. If you're ever in Santa Monica YOU MUST try one of these morsels. You'll make the O face.

MILEY CYRUS' INDELIBLE STYLE - ALL TWERKING ASIDE

All twerking and "what's causing Miley's fatique" rumors aside, the woman has definitely come into her own with a style that deserves recognition. With subtle undertones of the Tokyo harajuki girl, Miley has stepped out with a physical flair that is undeniably original. I've posted a few recent photographs pulled from her Instagram. I am proud of her for being fearless in her self expression and continuing on despite some negative nods. I'm sure someone will soon capitalize on her niche look and create a Miley doll that captures this time period. Rock on.

PHARRELL WILLIAMS - Come Get It Bae

Pharrell Williams has been on fire with 2014 hits. We all fell in love with the infectious "Happy" from the Despicable Me 2 soundrack followed by his single "Brand New" featuring Justin Timberlake and now this smash with Miley Cyrus. I had to post the video because it's a feel good song with feel good visuals. I'm going to have a separate post about Miley. Say what you want about her twerking, the woman has definitely adopted her own style.

"DJANGO UNCHAINED" - The Movie, The Dolls, The Controversy

SPOILER ALERT - I TOTALLY GIVE AWAY THE STORY IN THE BELOW BLOG

THE FILM - There has been so much controversy over the Quentin Tarantino film, "Django Unchained!" Surprisingly, majority, if not all, of the ever increasing stir-up is coming from the black community. "Django Unchained" is a Western style flick portraying a newly freed slave Django (Jamie Foxx) who becomes a bounty hunter and basically goes on a legal killing spree of white criminals while searching for his wife who was recently sold to an unknown plantation. I am a huge Quentin Tarantino fan but I did not know Django Unchained was his work. I begrudgingly went to see the film with a group of friends but I entered the theater with the same misconceptions many other blacks have which is: this is a movie about slavery and I have no interest in watching some film person's interpretation of it. I had no idea what I was in for. My liking for the movie was immediate and intense. I soon recognized the classic Tarantino style of the film and after confirming with my friend that he wrote/directed it I knew the man was a genius with balls as big as Texas. Not only does the movie contain all the violent, over the top, pulpy gore that we expect from Tarantino but he offers the black community some retribution for the oppression our ancestors endured by offering this great piece of cinematic art where revenge and vindication are had.

THE CONTROVERSY - I just don't understand it. Spike Lee is adamantly opposed to this "slave" movie, however, he refuses to watch it. What bugs me is that Spike he has a legion of followers who are standing behind his ignorant viewpoint knowing his opinion is not based on any facts but simply whatever his imagination is conjuring up. Spike is known for creating controversy where none exists but at least watch the film first. As much as blacks preach about hating ignorance this pretty much takes the cake for me because his voice is loud and inappropriate. Who I do applaud is Louis Farrakhan for having the decency to watch "Django Unchained" before offering his assessment which was quite fair and accurate. Needless to say, he enjoyed the film. It's one thing for the black community to protest obvious discrimination, hatred, belittlement, etc. but to protest a film with a black protagonist/hero who can ride up to plantations, behave like an asshole then shoot every white person in the place isn't exactly a slight against our ancestors' experience. As a matter of fact, it's not our experience at all! What's more is that many blacks are forgetting that this is a fictional film directed by a man who has a library of similar work (let us not forget Inglourious Basterds). Many are dissecting this film as if it's supposed to be some kind of accurate historical depiction of slavery. Wrong! What's worse is that those doing the over-analyzation haven't watched the film! They simply heard the word "slavery" and "nigger" and went on a ballistic tyrade. Was the word "nigger" used alot? Yes, but you tell me what you think slaves were referred to? Mr. and Ms.? They were property. And to be honest Quentin's overkill and satire made the film extremely funny. And please, don't research mandingo fighting. Quentin read about it in a book and liked it so he incorporated it into his movie.

THE DOLLS - OMG. Wendy Williams talked about them with disgust on her show. Reverend Al Sharpton is boycotting their sale. Friends have facebooked about how indecent it is. So, let's clear the air. Quentin Tarantino makes COLLECTIBLE dolls of characters from ALL his films. The "Django Unchained" dolls are not some novel idea that was birthed with this particular film. They are also not slave dolls. Django was a freeman turned bounty hunter. His wife became free in the movie. By the end of the film both Django and his freed wife ride off in the night amidst a backdrop of a burning plantation then the credits roll. Aside from the Uncle Tom house nigger played by Samuel L. Jackson, there are no slave dolls. And Samuel was excellent in his role, btw. Wendy and others have compared the atrocity of the dolls to Schindler's List dolls had they existed. Please people, get the sand out your panties and walk straight. There is no comparison. If you'd simply shut up and watch the film you'd know that. If you'd simply research Tarantino and his marketing strategies for all his films you'd know that. I was an acquaintance for several years of Leapold Pfefferburg (may he rest in peace) who was a Jewish holocaust survivor and narrated the story of Schindler to the author of the book. Schindler's List was his true life story. I am offended that ANY black person would compare a fictional work of pulp art to his story. I am a 33 year old black woman and am proud of my heritage but the fact that my community can take something like "Django Unchained" and reject it only reinforces why we as a people can never thrive or get ahead.

Facebook Finds - I Love This Swimsuit

Nevermind that the model is not in hair and make-up. The one-piece swimsuit is great! The designer is Los Angeles based Maia Gysens.

ARGO The Movie is GREAT. Go See It!

I'm always eager to watch a movie based on a true story or history of events. Argo did not disappoint me in depicting a great piece of recent American history that I had very little knowledge of. I was born in 1979 so I was not really familiar with the Iran hostage situation aside from the little bit about it in passing. I thought the topic was very relatable and appropriate considering the current events in the world today. Ben Affleck did a remarkable job playing a CIA agent and also deserves kudos for directing this Oscar worthy piece of work. He really paid attention to detail in this film from the style in which the movie was shot to the set and costume design. This is the type of movie I can see high school history teachers playing to their students. I hope this movie gets an Oscar nomination. See movie synopsis below:




Based on real events, the dramatic thriller “Argo” chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis, focusing on the little-known role that the CIA and Hollywood played—information that was not declassified until many years after the event.

On November 4, 1979, as the Iranian revolution reaches its boiling point, militants storm the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage. But, in the midst of the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge in the home of Canadian Ambassador Ken Taylor. Knowing it is only a matter of time before the six are found out and likely killed, the Canadian and American governments ask the CIA to intervene. The CIA turns to their top “exfiltration” specialist, Tony Mendez, to come up with a plan to get the six Americans safely out of the country. A plan so incredible, it could only happen in the movies.

Celebrity Halloween Costumes

Do you know who you want to be for Halloween? Below are some ideas based on this year's most talked about celebrities, reality stars and public figures.

KIM KARDASHIAN AND KANYE WEST -

Just when we think Kim and Kanye are being low key about their relationship Kanye does something brilliant like gets into fights with paparazzi in Miami and breaks cameras. Way to protect your woman against questions about her ex Reggie. No lie, every gal wants a man who will get violent over her. It might have been a bit excessive but the estrogen running through me loves it!

BARACK OBAMA AND MITT ROMNEY -

I think the same friends who dressed up as Tiger Woods and caddie Steve Williams would enjoy being President Barack Obama and candidate Mitt Romney.

PREGNANT SNOOKI -

Snooki has been one of the more popular Halloween costumes for the past few years and why should it end. Now that she's pregnant it's a great way to modify and update the costume.

THE AMISH -

The Amish are so popular right now. There have been a couple of reality shows focused on this group of people and whether or not the shows are "staged" they are interesting and add some originality to reality tv.

COURTNEY STODDEN AND DOUG HUTCHISON - 

Yeeaahhhhh.......this couple. They got some attention when they first got married for Courtney being underage and Doug being like 50 then it sort of quieted down despite Courtney's outrageous, sexually charged outfits and photos that demand attention. This should be fun.

MARIAH CAREY AND NICKI MINAJ -

Nicki Minaj is always a fun custome on her own but it's doubly fun now that there's controvery between she and Mariah Carey. Although Mariah's dress is less outrageous than the harajuku style of Nicki, her diva personality will give you much character to work with.

KIRSTIE ALLEY WITH OR WITHOUT DANCE PARTNER -

For DWTS fans, Kirstie Alley is definitely a favorite star contestant. This costume allows you to get dolled up and I'm sure men at whatever Halloween party you attend will want to spin you around all night and practice their awkward salsa moves. Fun times :-)

ADELE -

This phenomenal British singer has been on fire for awhile now and she's got great style. Getting prim and glammed up with a slight 60's flair wouldn't be a bad costume choice.



Jessica Simpson Baby Photo - So What Maxwell's In A Bikini!!!

Okay, I am soooooo late to this story but I was actually online looking up baby bikinis (I'm an expectant mother of a little girl) and I ran across this article http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/13/jessica-simpson-baby-picture-bikini-photo-katie-couric_n_1880611.html?show_comment_id=196161788#comment_196161788 which really disturbed me.

Last month, Jessica Simpson appeared on Katie Couric's talkshow "Katie" and while discussing motherhood the show posted a photo of Jessica's 4 month old daughter Maxwell wearing an adorable mustard yellow crocheted bikini.

Apparently there are critics out there (primarily in Britain) who find a cute, chubby baby in a bikini inappropriate and thinks it sends the wrong message e.g .message being sexualization of a baby. Okay. Seriously????? Give me a break. IT'S A BABY!!!!

Below are excerps from the original Huffington Post article. I attached a link to the full story in my opening sentence:

"It is very disturbing to see a young baby presented to the world wearing a bikini," Claude Knights, director of the child welfare charity Kidscape, told the Daily Mail, according to Us Weekly. "Celebrity choices carry great influence, as can be seen by the manner in which their accessories and manners are copied widely."
Knights added, "It is hoped that parents will understand that 'baby bikinis' are totally inappropriate and that they contribute to the sexualization and commercialization of childhood. We should not be compromising the sanctity of our children's early years."

Daily Mail writer Tanith Carey wrote a full article criticizing Simpson's decision to show the photo her baby in a bikini. "Sharing pictures of your baby in a bikini with three million TV viewers, as Jessica did when she appeared on an American chat show? That is nothing short of inexcusable," Carey writes.
Continuing, "A cute-faced baby in a halterneck bikini, her nappy encased in the tiny knickers, leans back in what can only be described as a disturbingly adult pose, her chubby hand placed on her creased little baby thighs. Even more creepily, there’s an adult male hand coming in from out of the shot, posing the helpless tot in the style of a centrefold model."

Tanith Carey mentions in the above highlighted area that the baby is posed and it's creepy that a male hand is posing the baby. I'm sorry but the only thing creepy is you Tanith Carey and Claude Knights. I can understand not wanting to put a 7+ year old girl in a bikini because that is when sexualization starts but give me a break with the baby criticism. The above photo is completely innocent and nothing sexual is derived from it. It's unfortunate that there are people out there who look to stir controversy when there simply is none. When I visited Greece every little girl under the age of 4 was running around the beaches wearing nothing but bottoms. I thought this was a European thing so it's interesting that Brits are condemning this the fact that Jessica's daughter actually has on a top to go with the bottoms.

I'm not saying that there aren't pedophiles out there and our little girls shouldn't be protected, but babies typically aren't targets. Very, very, very few people would look at a baby and say "sexy." Was this whole article a ploy to get attention off their own Dutchess Kate and her choice to not wear a bikini? Were you on the front lines fighting against Bratz dolls and thongs for little girls? Do you fight the sale of kiddie make-up and plastic high heels? Lay off Jessica and Maxwell. IT'S CUTE!!!!

I think I'm going to start a baby bikini line out of spite for those out there who over-conceptualize sexualization. There needs to be some balance. Jeez Louise.

Rihanna and Chris Brown - Who Says She Has to be Insecure Because She Took Him Back

Okay, so it's a pretty well known, confirmed fact that Rihanna and Chris Brown are basically back together - at least physically. I've noticed, however, a certain level of backlash toward Rihanna for her decision in allowing Chris back into her life and it leaves me scratching my head and wondering why. I understand the famous fight they had left her bloody and bruised. I understand she was humiliated, left stranded and forced to call the police. I also understand that the situation made both individuals question who they were at their core and the depths their feelings of passion will take them to.

 Rihanna and Chris Brown had an often rumored intense relationship filled with extreme emotion and from what I've heard, sexual kink. Didn't you also hear the rumors that both are complete freaks? I'm not interested in the details of what they did and perhaps still do behind closed doors, but I do know that there has to be a heightened level of passsion and let's face it - craziness to get to the levels I heard this particular couple reached. (I use the word craziness in the most positive way.) Not too many people can achieve an enhanced emotional state individually or with a partner, so if you find your type of crazy in another human being you're winning and need to hold onto it. I believe Rihanna and Chris speak the same language and there aren't too many others who can understand or interpret it. I personally do not think Rihanna is the typical, insecure abused woman who goes back to her assailant out of feelings of fear, neglect, lack of self worth, etc. I think Rihanna is simply a freak who enjoys extreme emotional highs and operates on a different level than others. I'm not saying Rihanna asked to get beat up, but I think she's the type of woman who probably knows how to push certain buttons and will toe the line between simply being irrational to going ape shit. Chris is probably the same way which made their relationship beautiful, unique and proper to them. Rihanna got beat up but then she got over it because that's the type of woman she is. Hell, she might have even kicked Chris's ass a few times and we just don't know about it. The problem came with the public outcry for Rihanna to leave Chris and the threat of sponsors pulling endorsements from her. No dick is worth losing your paycheck so Rihanna had to play the role but years have passed since that eventful night and they are still in love. It is not up to us to judge their reunion. My crazy is not her crazy and vice versa. Rihanna if you are in love then follow your heart. It's not meant for us to get you. He does.

LENNY KRAVITZ CLIPS -Nokia Theater L.A.

American Woman!



Sing with me: "I want to get away....I wanna fly awaaaay...Yeah...Yeah...Yeah...

Whitney Houston Tribute

I for one was absolutely stunned when I received the phone call yesterday afternoon stating that Whitney Houston had died. I immediately googled and checked my twitter for confirmation. Yes, she had indeed passed. Soon the radio stations were playing all of her hits and I pulled my car to the side of the road so I could sing along in rememberance. I have been a fan of Whitney Houston's since 1985 when I was 6years old. I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania where I was one of two black girls and there were no black role models to look up to until Whitney. She was beautiful and could saang! I could watch her videos tirelessly on MTV and knew all the words to her songs. The first albums I ever owned was Whitney's and, ironically, New Edition. I have posted videos of some of my favorite Whitney songs.

ONE MOMENT IN TIME:


SAVING ALL MY LOVE:


STAR SPANGLED BANNER:


SO EMOTIONAL:


GREATEST LOVE OF ALL:

CHLOE SPRING 2012 FAVORITES

I will always love Chloe no matter who is designing it. Welcome to Chloe Clare Waight Keller.

ALICE & OLIVIA: SPRING 2012 READY TO WEAR

Alice and Olivia is definitely a label I gravitate toward during my shopping trips. Below are some of my favorite pics from their Spring 2012 Ready To Wear line.

CHANEL SPRING 2012

Here are some of my favorite looks from the Chanel Spring 2012 line.

SHOPPING IN SANTA MONICA, August 6, 2011

Here are some cool styles I spotted in Santa Monica during my weekly shopping adventures. Styles were found at the Santa Monica Place mall and on the 3rd Street Promenade.

The front crossover gives a nice update to the shirred sleeve dolman.

Stripe sweater knit with sheerness is popular and looks great.

I like the whole boho feel mixed with the trendiness of a

cowl neck sweater with drop stitches.

Loose dolman with center front, horizontal pleats.

It's tie dyed and drapey around the neck. Love it!

Love the subtle shark bite hem and all the seams.