Just Live, Dammit.

-xx

He Say - She Say | Aerin Lauder

"Always spray perfume on a brush before you run it through your hair."

Aerin Lauder is the grand-daughter of Estee Lauder. 

& here she is as a little girl playing dress up in grandma's shoes ;) 

I used to do the exact same thing. There was nothing better than my Nana's closet when I was little.

-xx

Beauty | The Drama Mama - Pat McGrath

As I began to search for inspiration for today's post, I flicked through my Teen Vogue Handbook and went with the first thing that caught my eye. It was the work of Pat McGrath, the end-all be-all of make-up artistry. There's probably only a handful of top designers, photographers and fashion magazines that she hasn't worked with and if that doesn't peak your interest - the fact that she's almost entirely self taught should definitely raise a brow or two. 

I love make-up (on an art over beauty level) but unfortunately I don't have a steady hand for it. I can blot my shine and color my pout but that's as far it goes for me so I am always uber intrigued by those who can effortlessly and almost literally create a totally different face. Just as Pat taught herself, I'm sure I can too. & if you share my struggles, you can as well. I tend not to wear heavy makeup but I'd love to beat someone else's mug into all types of fabulous.

Pat first realized she wanted to become a makeup artist when she was in high school. "People would approach me  on the street to say how much they liked the makeup I was wearing. That's when I realized I could do makeup for a living." & not only does she do make-up for a living, she is the Creative/Design Director for Procter & Gamble Beauty (one of the world's largest beauty companies: it owns Cover Girl and Max Factor).

 

"Loving make-up is crucial to being a great make-up artist. But having innovative ideas and thinking outside the box are what will set you apart from the rest of the pack."

******

When asked to name things that inspire her ability to create a very diverse range of looks, Pat exclaimed that she gets her ideas from everything around her "books, films, TV, history, photographs, art exhibitions, nightlife, travel, fashion and nature."

 

Each show season she uses: 

* 42 Make-up Artists [on her team]

* 12 Hotel Rooms

* 55 Bags Of Make-up

* 20 Bags Of Reference Books And Images

* 822 Pairs Of False Eyelashes

* 42 Different Eyeliner Pencils

* 56 Bottles Of Foundation

* 18 Types Of Facial And Body Moisturizer

* 21 Packs Of 100-Count Make-up Wipes

"For a Quick Fix, wear mascara, put light concealer on dark under-eye circles, and apply color on at least one feature: the eyes, cheeks or lips. You'll look instantly vibrant!" -Pat McGrath

-xx

Now Playing | Carlos St. John - Ticker Tape Parade

..Idk if you guys have picked this up, but I am a huge hip-hop fan.

 I write. & I love an artist with a delivery that's not only impacting but smooth enough that you aren't just hearing words, you're listening to an actual story. I'm artsy, & though I don't sit at home with a paint brush and an easel - I'd consider myself the Picasso of visualization. ...At least, that's how I feel when I listen to good music. 

For the past few weeks, Carlos St. John has been tooting my horn [via] his ability to deliver impacting lyrics and story tell all at once. Therefore, allowing me to paint vivid pictures of his life as he introduces it to his audience through song. It started with his remix of Hard In The Paint [which, no pun intended, goes HELLA HARD]. Post that drop, he's been releasing radio worthy tunes every week. We Don't Die and Perfect are two that I suggest you catch up on. ..But before all else, get into Ticker Tape Parade.

I find that I'm really into all of his music, so I expected my usual *head bop..."this is dope"* response. 

Yea, I bopped my head. Made some faces. & I guess it's safe to say that I indeed liked what I was hearing - but a lot more than usual. Overwhelmed may be the best word to describe my exact feeling. I guess because I am a lover of ambition and passion. I felt a keen sense of that through this song which was recorded on Kanye's Runaway beat. He may sound a bit boastful, super confident but that's to be respected. & if you're out there grinding without even a little bit of "goody-goody" your recipe for success may be a tad faulty. A tad bland. 

..No judgement though. 

...but I'd hum the hell out of this hook if I were you - just saying. 

"..cuz I'm a diiiamoond, baby!"

-xx

He Say - She Say | Vashtie Kola

[Photographed: Vashtie & Big Sean. Taken by: Dante Marshall]

" Love is flawed yet perfect, unexpected yet timely. It can make you feel indestructable and on top of the world. It's a feeling that can transform with time but always exist somewhere in your heart. Love is everything to me. Without love, what is the point? Everything I do involves love...I love what I do, I enjoy being surrounded by the people I love and that love me. Love is universal and makes life worth living."

-xx

(side note) via Dante Marshall: The approach to this shoot was a little different from the norm and inspired by a spread that I’ve seen two favorite photographers do in the past. (Steven Klein and Richard Avedon) I wanted to make it look as if this celebrity power couple was followed around by paparazzi and the photos were leaked. No, V and Sean are not dating in real life but the images turned out just the way we envisioned.

Know Your Worth.

"Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are u NOT to be?"

-xx

D R E A M.

I plan to be in Manhattan, living in my high rise apartment at 28, with a name that rings more bells than one. 

A style maven known for creating coveted looks. I'll be in Europe, Africa, Asia etc. - on location! ..with my very own style team. I'll have the malti-poo that I've always wanted. He'd be brown/black. Maybe, brown and black. [shrugs] & I'd name him King. I'll be the owner of a platinum Mercedes Benz G-Wagon that I'll call Izzy [if you know me well, you'll instantly know why]. I'll be happy and in love - with myself, my career, and God willingly with someone else ;) 

-xx

Where will you be? 

People Can & Will Do What You Allow!

..Be inferior to NO ONE!

-xx

Tavi Gevinson Totally GIVES!

14 year-old Blogger, Tavi Gevinson is what I would proclaim to be "Young && Stuntin'!"

At such a young age she's styling photo shoots, sitting front row @ Fashion Week [NY, Paris, Milan], appearing in magazines, and covering them as well [see Pop Magazine]. She's even bumped heads with Seventeen Magazine about their "Fat & Ugly" headline re: Pot. 

She's young with style and a voice - living my dream and I adore her for that!  

-xx

He Say - She Say | Grace Jones

"I've always been a rebel. I never do things the way they're supposed to be done. Either I go in the opposite direction or I create a new direction for myself, regardless of what the rules are or what society says."

-xx

L.I.V.E. NOW

-xx

Life is the art of drawing without an eraser.

Out of the entire 254 people that I am following on Twitter, there's 3 ppl who give me a boost of energy and confidence, daily. One would be Rev Run and next would be his daughter Angela Simmons. ..The third person, however, is someone extremely anonymous but very powerful in her words. She goes by "The Single Woman" and has a page full of inspirational statuses. 

As I perused her page yesterday, catching up on the statuses that I missed, I saw a link for her latest column on www.examiner.com titled "Lessons Learned along the Yellow Brick Road". I found myself overwhelmed as I read it - releasing many deep sighs because finally it was as if someone got it. ..It was a relief to find that someone got ME. ..At that moment, her words were more mine than anything. The relationship that formed between author and audience mimic'd one that I have with myself. I honestly felt as if I was speaking to myself, as I often do when trying to rationalize certain things that I face. ..But the biggest lesson learned was "stop trying to control life and let life control you". It's going to do so anyway, so attempting to rationalize and consistently questioning your fate is pointless. 

..Here's what she had to say.

"Summer 2010 will undoubtedly go down in history as the summer of transition. Stretching, pulling, testing, challenging; doubts, fears, laughter, tears; tearing apart and putting back together and dancing in the sun no matter what the weather – and though the ride has sometimes been bumpy and sometimes been scary, the memories I have made on the Yellow Brick Road to my destiny have been priceless. It is often only in trusting the unknowns and letting go of our need to know the ending that we truly step into the light of our new beginning. After all, we can’t have a new beginning without first having an ending. And even if, like me, your Yellow Brick Road takes you right back where you started from, remember this: the struggles and the heartbreak and the lessons along the way have made you who you are today. 

At the end of the day, life truly is stranger than fiction. It’s messy. It’s breathtaking. It’s unscripted. It’s unexpected. There are no rules...no set guidelines...no blueprint of how it's all supposed to go down. And even if there were - who would read it? Wouldn't that take all the magic out of life?

This much is certain: “Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore." And wouldn’t you much rather surrender your life to the hands of God and fate (and the occasional tornado!) and have wonderful, Oz-like adventures with fabulous new friends and a life in color, all the while risking the occasional encounter with moody talking trees and some grumpy flying monkeys...than spend a lifetime in black and white?"

Wouldn't you??

-xx

Free Lohan!!! [from herself]

Lindsay Lohan has been tied to two DUI incidents and has found herself in three drug rehabilitation facilities - all before the age of 24. Is that not sad? ..I think Lindsay's a very talented girl and because of this, I feel there should be no free-beez given while she's in jail. At this point, she's in dire need of a good lesson! & this bothers me because one would hope that jail would be the place to turn her around but I'm far from a believer. She needs to do a full 90 days [which she won't]. & on top of this, they're allowing her to have prescription drugs as if this isn't the reason she's there in the first place. Ambien and Adderall? Sleeping pills & Speed? Seriously? <_<

I've worked with someone who was hooked on Adderall, which was also prescribed to him. He took 900 mgs a day [that's pretty much equivalent to death]. Without the medicine he seemed to be really slow, sad - just weird. He needed attention allll the time. & whenever he did take it, he was doing too many things at once - cleaning the floor while simultaneously folding shirts and standing on one arm. < total exaggeration but that's an example of how hyper one gets. It's disgusting. 

According to reports, Lindsay had a fit while in the courtyard of Century Regional Detention Facility because she was being taunted by other inmates who kept calling her "Fire Crotch". Because of her outburst of screams and tears, she was put in isolation. - Call me mean, but she'd have to sit there. Lindsay needs tough love. 

She has too much to lose. & this is not the way to give it all up.

You are indeed what you are, Lady Loh. You're talented and intelligent - this new you, will not suffice.

& your mom needs to be your manager, solely. Let me be your mom lol. She has yet to convince me that she's qualified for the gig. 

Dear Warden, ..Dead the perks! & throw away the key! 

-Loving Fan

-xx

Sincerely, Chris Thom

I have to make a confession that I spend all too much time going through and through your blogsite and your Facebook and honestly you inspire me. I'll always be your biggest fan and supporter. Your life really is amazing and I thank you for what you do for me..


As I went through my Facebook mail, I noticed a message from a friend of mine - Chris. We hadn't spoken in some time prior to me receiving this but I was really happy to know that,  though we hadn't kept in touch through our usual bbm's, he's been keeping up w| me through my blog ;) 


& of course aside from that, I am beyond touched by his kind words. My biggest goal for this blog isn't to bring you the latest fashion and trends or to provide tips on how to piece looks etc. You guys can get that from anywhere. But the odds of one going to every blog and feeling inspired by the author[s] are very slim. ...My biggest goal is to inspire my readers daily! ..because I'm inspired daily. & if I wasn't, I don't think I'd be able to express myself freely and creatively. I'm blessed, for that isn't the case. 


I adore you guys who read my blog and I thank you for your continuing support and constant feedback. It makes me better. & keeps me inspired to do what I love. <3 [see, this is tit for tat]


-xx

B E A U T Y | Angelique "Ajak" Deng

As a 12-year old Ajak and her family were forced to flee from her native country to Kakuma, Kenya due to civil unrest. Kakuma, meaning "nowhere" in Swahili is where Ajak witnessed her mom die from a malaria infection.

Like many unfortunate events, Ajak's were succeeded by great blessings. 

In 2009, Ajak signed to a modeling agency in Australia where her long legs and beautiful features grabbed the attention of New York fashion industry insiders - & she was later signed to IMG in New York, that same year. Rachel Roy, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Givenchy, John Paul Gaultier, and Chloe are a few names that she's walked for in Paris. 

...can't wait to see more of her.

-xx

He Say - She Say | Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"Dream no small dreams, for they have no power to move the hearts of men"

-Goethe

Style-Spiration | Solange

I love Solange. ...By now, this is no secret. 

& it seems that I fall more in love with her personality as I get to know her.

After checking out Refinery 29's "Peep Solange Knowles' Inspired Style" interview - I had to share my fav pics and a few Q&A's that stood out to me.

People compare her to her sister all of the time but she doesn't stand for it. As she shouldn't.
She is her own person - with a super tattooed attitude. && I love how comfortable she is with being herself. 

We all love Beyonce - she's beautiful and extremely talented but Solange possesses freedom. She exudes it through her music, her style and speech and that's one thing I admire most about her [The pretty clothes are simply a perk]. 

I aim to be free in all that I do and who I am. & that's one ideal that I wish for everyone.

Refinery 29: Who are your style heroes?
Solo: "My mom in the '70s and '80s! She was a bad bitch. Sex and the City totally jacked her steez on the camels. I have a pic of her on a camel ride in Egypt in the '80s serving the hell out of that desert! Also, Diana Ross, The Fela Kuti Queens, Björk, '70s-era Chaka Khan, Chloë Sevigny, '90s Erykah Badu."

..I actually admire all of these women. I haven't followed Mrs. Knowles too heavy but she def. has style. However, Chaka Khan and Badu  have a way of plucking my heart's strings. Chloe as well. I think my look is a combo of all 3 [with a few more included]. I have a mash-up style. It's impossible for me to stick to one thing without feeling trapped lol. [hence my mohawk - after having a full, 16in. head of weave] ;)

Refinery 29: What's your secret style weapon?
Solo: "Shoes! I'm all about the shoes! I order a ton of them online and play with my entire wardrobe until I find the right shoe. Unfortunately, so many people get it right from the head until the ankles. The shoe is very important. I can't even fuck with you if your shoe game is slacking."

Refinery 29: If your style were a song, what song would it be?
Solo: "For sure Q-Tip's 'Vivrant Thang'."

...perfect song.

Click Here for the entire interview.

-xx

Now Playing | Lauryn Hill - Unplugged [Interlude 5]

"& when they say, 'hey, that doesn't fit into our box for you.' ..we say ' well, I aint in no box. ..don't try to put me in one."
-xx

Lauryn Hill | Rock The Bells Tour

According to TheYBF Lauryn Hill is scheduled to hit the stages of the Rock the Bells tour which starts July 26th. 

"Rumors ran rampant a week ago about Lauryn returning to the stage for the event.  She wasn't announced in the initial lineup, but she was just added as a very special guest.  The Jersey native will be performing her whole classic album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill."-YBF

This is exactly what my summer needs! The tour hits NY [Randall's Island] on the 28th and 29th of July so if you're an L-Boogie fan, I suggest you clear your schedule. ...To see when the tour's coming to your city click here.

-xx

Music | Justin Beiber featuring Jaden Smith - Never Say Never

When you watch kids grow in the entertainment industry - at some point you become a distant relative. I feel as if I'm one of Jaden's cousins from far far away. Watching him in this video made me smile the whole way through. He's grown soo much, baffling me with the level of maturity that he possesses at only 11 years old.

I love the entire Smith family. Jada and Will's relationship and parental skills are one to envy. They seem to mesh so well with their children who are as equally smart and talented as their parents.

"I was born from two stars so the moon's where I'll land"

-Jaden Smith

I see you too Beiber ;)

-xx