Kinky Boots

Not long ago, I blogged about some beautiful boots I was obsessing over. However, the price tag is ridiculous. Well, my sister searched for some affordable options and I will share her findings with you. Click on any of the pictures to get to their website:

Several Treats

If you ever have an opportunity to see a performance by the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, take it. Really, no matter the title or subject matter, I am certain it will be worth the trip. Thursday Night, I attended the Gala performance for DADA's Alex in Wonderland, a show which Ms. Allen brought to life at the Kennedy Center in DC and revived this year in LA. With music by James Ingram and children of all ages dancing from ballet to hip hop and tap, it was a phenomenal experience. It was also an amazing fundraiser complete with a silent auction, all the proceeds of which provide scholarships for dancers at the academy - talk about Save The Music. With school, work, tv and computers, enough of us don't remember to get some culture from time to time and participate in the arts, so get on it. You won't regret it.


All in a day's work: Before attending Alex in Wonderland, I had a major priority and that was to go to Revival, a vintage boutique our here that I read about in Vibe Vixen months ago (Rihanna edition...OMG, did you know that magazine is now defunct? That's a whole nother story). I made a mental note that I would go when I had a little money, but either the dollars weren't right or school was kicking my butt, so I couldn't make it out there until this past Thursday....Finally! I am so glad I made it at all. I went with my mom who was in town for the gala and we had a ball. The owner, Nicole Swasey (left) is adorable and fabulous and I can't wait to go back. I found a beautiful magenta cape with fox fur around the neck, but I couldn't justify the nearly $400 purchase. However, Nicole gave us a coupon for our next visit and I have been pondering all of the places that I can wear my future fox cape (another gala, my living room, the grocery store).

To LA girls and visitors hoping to stop through Revival, it's important for me to mention the website (http://www.revivalvintagela.com/) because there are a few other Revival locations in the LA area that ARE NOT Nicole's, but this fabulous vintage collection can be found in Sherman Oaks, CA (which I learned yesterday is "The Valley"). Check it out.



Behold: Paul & Joe beautiful draped tunic which I tried on at some boutique store on Sunset and thought it was hot! But it was outrageously priced! $596! UGH! Anywho, it is also on shopbob so I have been able to lust after it for a month or so. It's so fly that I thought I must share and take my word for it, because it is even more beautiful in person than in this pic. [This is really a shameless ploy for my sister to devise a plan for me to receive this gift on Christmas. Of course, if I have inspired someone to splurge on this fab top, it's all good. I don't mind a twin.]





Delightful & Inexpensive

It appears that Supermodel Iman has created her own line of affordable accessories inspired by worldly finds from her own personal collection. Tia Williams, of the blog Shake Your Beauty, quoted Miss Iman as saying "[The collection is] inspired by the vintage jewelry that my husband has given me over the years...You're never fully dressed without an accessory! They're the stars of your wardrobe." Iman's handbags and accessories are available on HSN.com. Take a look at my favorite piece from the collection below (under $50):

Oh Happy, Conflicted Day!

Until today, I had sworn off all things Sex and the City, the movie that is. I didn't want to see a trailer, a production pic, nothing. I was at peace with where it ended and I didn't want to see something that ruined such a perfect memory in my mind. Well, while checking for movie times, I came across the debut of the trailer and I couldn't resist, nor was I disappointed! View here! Love it!

Where Have I Been?

I have no excuse other than the fact that I am a student, and a hard working one, like never before. I read and write, and have 3-4 hour long classes, shoot films on weekends, and see a lot of movies. My favorite this fall was We Own The Night with Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Wahlberg. It was fantastic, but didn't get the attention it deserved. Catch up if you can and see the film. Oh, and Stardust I loved as well. Michelle Pfeiffer plays a hideous witch, and that's reason enough to see it!

So, in an attempt to ensure that I blog more (because my loyal readers sent me nasty emails), I am adopting the Bossip, YBF, and Perez way of life: Big pics, short, more frequent posts. Cross your fingers!

So, here you have it: my life in LA, a pictorial...

USC Codie




Here is a pictures of me and some of my classmates at Area. I am awful, because I have been out to a club fewer times than I can count on 1 hand since I moved to LA. I need to step my "nightlife" game up. Nevertheless, those are a few of my classmates and I think they're all fab! (I hope they don't kill me since I put their pics on the web.)










My guardian

Trudy A. Williams, Esq. - My godmother and my mom's friend since they were in preschool. You will be surprised to learn that she is, in fact, a Delta! (Despite the fact that she is completely decked out in all red, she usually wears pink. We were on our way to a Greek picnic.)
















My cousin's 21st Birthday Party
Darling Tyler turned 21 in October and we went to this amazing and beautiful Indian restaurant on Wilshire (which I can't remember the name of). The birthday girl is next to me in the center with the midnight blue dress.

Why Is This Happening?

Los Angeles: Ahhh, so beautiful and warm. Don't you just want to stay here forever?...Lies. I've been BAMBOOZLED! HOODWINKED! Los Angeles is COLD. Ok, so it's not New York cold, no snow and whatnot, but it does have a winter. It gets to the 40s at night and maybe 60s at different times during the day and chooses to be a sunny 70-someodd degrees at 2 in the afternoon. So the key, I have learned, is layering. Problem is, you need tanks to layer, you need simple shirts to layer, you need a nice drapey sweater to layer. All of this is necessary so that when you are walking to your car, class, lunch, etc in the middle of the day you don't die, or at the very least, sweat your clothes off.

So, I have been on a poor woman's search for the perfect "wear with everything" (or most things) sweater, but for some reason the trend right now is sweaters with SHORT SLEEVES. What is that about?

To the left is a Juicy sweater that my psyche was lusting after - much cuter on than in the photo. I imagined it with leggings and boots, jeans, pumps, etc. Just a casual little diddy to enjoy on a lazy afternoon. I passed on it once or twice, because I didn't want to spend the $198 (I know, ridiculous), but after so many mornings waking up to 60 degrees and reaching for it, disappointed, I decided to make it mine. I went to make my purchase and it hit me - I will have to wear a shirt under it, just to stay warm! WTF?! I had just plain forgotten, didn't realize that a sweatershirt/hoodie could possibly have short sleeves! UGH. Back to the drawing board, walking through the outdoor mall a block from my house and I found myself at Bloomingdale's with the same observation: Short sleeved sweaters. What is this torture? Then, the sweaters that are full length are $500+ or just plain ugly. Like this $598 number below:
Luckily, I have found a solution. The day I arrived in LA (August 10th), I was in awe of a black Tibi draped neck cardigan at Bloomie's. It was hot then and I didn't know what was to come, plus it was also damn near $500, so I passed reluctantly (I guess if passing is begging my mom, her saying no, and then going back each week hoping for a sale). I also searched for it online - Sometimes you can find your favorite items cheaper online - but no luck, except that Net-A-Porter had a cream colored one, but still expensive. Well, I must have done something right, because as soon as I was getting really depressed about these awful temperatures, the cream colored one went on sale! 40% off!

My Apologies

About a year ago, I said some things I am not proud of about my new best friend, Kim Kardashian. A night of sleeplessness a few weeks ago led me to catch up on my DVR and even tune to E! for a few extra hours. I caught two episodes of Keeping Up with the Kardashian's and I was dying for a few more (and have since DVR-ed the Thanksgiving marathon). I was drawn to the close-knit family: Kim's 3 Kardashian siblings, Khloe, Kourtney, and Robert Jr., their mom, Kris, and her husband, former Olympian Bruce Jenner, Kim's Kardashian-Jenner siblings, and Bruce's son Brody. In the first episode I watched, "Photo Shoot," the family rallies around Kim as she must decide whether or not to pose for Playboy - which she is terrified to do because she is aware of her unfavorable and trashy reputation. In the second episode, the family is remembering the anniversary of patriarch Robert Kardashian's death. The special thing about this family, in my observation, is the reverence the kids all have for their step-dad, Bruce, and the respect that he has for their father. You probably have to see it to understand, but for sure, Keeping Up With The Kardashian's is worth a watch.

I say all of this to say - I retract my original estimation of Kim Kardashian. No hard feelings :)

Why? Why? Why?!

If you're a woman and you have seen Common's "I Want You" video, then you probably couldn't take your eyes off of Kerry Washington's boots. Problem is, she is sneakily sashaying around Common's apartment and you never get a clear view of them. She wore what appears t be some adorable ankle high, cinched, dark gray-maybe black, suede boots - and I have searched madly for them and found only these by Paul & Joe on Shop Bop. The problem now becomes -Why? Why? WHY? are the beautiful shoes $825?! Why must I lust after them and concoct ways to come up with the money or justify the credit card debt? Please, someone, find me some similar shoes for an appropriate price - I'll owe you one.

Sensual Seduction

What a title - for anything - a blog, a song, a Morris Chestnut film! Snoop's newest song and video "Sensual Seduction" is HILARIOUS and WONDERFUL all at once! Somebody finally figured out that T-Pain and Akon don't have to be on every track if you have your own voice synthesizer. (All my love to T=Pain, nonetheless) Congrats, Snoop!

Snoop Dogg - Sensual Seduction [EXCLU]
Uploaded by PeteRock

P.S. I know I am not the only person looking forward to Snoop's new reality show, "Fatherhood," on E! Then again, I know I am reality tv show fiend, so maybe I am the only one. Below is the commercial.


I know it's been a while, but expect more from me....soon.

Is That Yo Chick

Do you remember this look? I don't mean, like, do you remember when this look was cool. I mean, do you remember when Eve looked like this!! What a transformation this style star has made. Lately, I have been admiring Eve's fashion choices. From make-up and hair to an entire wardrobe overhaul, she has become a stylish performer. With her first album in 1999, she greeted us as a hardcore Ruff Ryder, a former stripper (I am not here to spread rumors - that is supported by her imdb page) with tattoos and colorful cornrows. I have to give it up to her because her latest videos “Tambourine” and “Give It To You” really caught my attention. As you know I watch videos day and night, so I consider myself somewhat of a connoisseur. Not only do her newest videos have bright color and cute dance sequences, but Eve, herself looks amazing, absolutely adorable, and the videos are speckled with creative and classy high fashion ensembles worthy of my sincere envy. (I think I spotted the highlighter-yellow pumps she is wearing in the “Tambourine” video at Barneys – Christian Louboutin.)

It is not as though Eve ever appeared one-dimensional. She showed an interest in fashion early on with the launch of her clothing line, Fetish, and in 2003, her UPN sitcom, "Eve," where she starred as clothing designer/store owner. Somewhere in that timespan, she developed into an enviable fashionista. I am not the only one who has observed Eve's style blossom. This New York Times cover I found online stunned me. It associates her with "Fashions of the Time." The photo itself is hot and sexy and a look that couple years ago one would not expect of Eve. Also, check out this article about Eve’s new album and her transformation both physically and lyrically. She has really reinvented her image for the better.












Saving R&B

I have a friend who will kill me for writing about this artist – as he has had some unfortunate experiences with him and his ex-girlfriend - but I write as I am compelled and I must give props when due. J. Holiday is a talented new artist whose new single "Bed" is dominating radio and music video channels. However, I have been a fan since his first single “Be With Me.” The video was filmed in the famous Ben’s Chili Bowl in DC and, as a semi-native Washingtonian, that was the first thing that peaked my interest. I found, in that first video, an attractive guy with genuine lyrics and a seductive talent. I was a fan of "Be With Me" and rocked the song on my mixed tapes (y'all know I mean cds, but mixed tape sounds official, like I'm a DJ or something). Now that he has released "Bed," everybody knows who he is and it's hard not to listen. ("Bed" lyrics here) I have heard the song and seen the video over a hundred times, and with the signature "Aye, Aye, Aye, Aye--, Aye, Aye, Aye," I am drawn in. Anyone, who has heard it knows exactly what I mean. I get chills waiting to hear the repetitive pre-chorus, and ohhh, I am lost in the song now, completely taken from whatever I was previously doing.

If you don't know J. Holiday, get to know him. Jump on itunes immediately. If you do know him, together we will hope that "Bed" and "Be With Me" are some indication of his album, Bac of My Lac, due out in October.

And So It Begins...

I have always been someone who decided very quickly whether I was comfortable enough with someone to divulge my personal business. If so, I am an open book. By the same token, it doesn’t take me long to decide one should not be privy to that information. So I have walked a blurry line on this blog deciding exactly how much to say. I always wondered how Carrie Bradshaw was able to write about sex, love, and relationships to New Yorkers once a week and not feel completely naked in the street. Nevertheless, it’s probably good therapy for me and a bit of entertainment for you if I am candid.

August 10th began my life as a resident of Los Angeles. But the week before brought me much trepidation about this move for God knows why. My sister got married July 28th, one of my best friends had an engagement party (left), I lived out of suitcases and spent the whole week FedExing my belongings cross country, I got in a fight with my best friend, and I left a good man in DC. All of this left me exhausted, cautious, and insecure - insecure in the sense that my support system is seemingly disintegrating.

So, I found myself sitting on the plane leaving Texas for LA, and it is more than apparent where I am headed as two fake-breasted women sitting more than an aisle apart from one another are having a conversation. Two friends who didn't care to ask another passenger to exchange seats apparently could not go 2 hours and 43 minutes without talking to one another at the expense of the entire plane.
"Hey girl, are you sleepy? Can you believe all of the people on the standby list?"
"Like, no. A lot of them didn't get on the plane."
Woah, are they serious? Do I have to be in this conversation? That was the most ghetto, but I-live-in-LA-now-where-everyone-thinks-they're-special conversation I have ever heard. (It was almost as trife as my mom thinking she could use her blackberry to check emails while in flight.)

So a stressful and lonely couple of days followed as my mom and I unpacked my car full of ish, 13 huge boxes, and more than enough suitcases. My initial sadness slowly turned into acceptance mixed, of course, with excitement about school. Oh, and when my mom left me on Tuesday, I was again sad, especially when I was driving home from the airport and I saw a car with both a Howard sticker on the window and a USC license plate. I reached out from inside my car hoping they'd stop and say, "Hey girl! You went to Howard?! And now you're moving here? Me too!" Didn't happen. Ugh.

Things began looking up when I made plans to have dinner with my cousin, Tyler, who's in town living the bourgie life. (She is in college and travels around the country, asking her parents permission only after. If only I would have thought of that.) Don't get me wrong, she is definitely my rolldog, but much flyer than I was at 20. Me and the gals had dinner at The Belmont Cafe and I basically hung out with them until the following afternoon when my sister began emailing me about Pinkberry. I'm like "What the hell's a pinkberry?" (I thought it was some kind of fancy new Blackberry coming out or something.) Turns out it's some frozen yogurt concoction that Perez Hilton apparently blogs about (uhhh, my sister seems to be a huge fan of his blog). So, I don't even like yogurt and was ready to move along but Tyler loves it and insisted we go and now I am a fan. Like, it was REEEAAAALLLLLLY good. They have toppings like Capt'n Crunch (or however you spell it) and Granola, fresh cut strawberries, blackberries, and mangos. It was outstanding - a true treat. So here's to Leigh (my sis, if you didn't know).

I certainly can't forget about the personal highlight of my week...On Tuesday, when I went to The Belmont with Tyler and her friend, Sarah, I finally had a chance to proudly wear my pink satin avec rose Manolos. Early in the year, I saw these adorable shoes in Bazaar (my favorite of the fashion mags) with no price listed. I couldn't find them anywhere on the web, so I called the NY store and bought them (a bad habit I began in November of last year and can't quite shake). I haven't been able to really do them justice wearing them with the one sexy black dress I own, so in Dallas last week, I found this really simple and casual dress with a hint of pink and wasn't even thinking of the shoes until I got it home and I broke 'em both out on Tuesday and was SO happy.

Tidbits

As a student in television and film producing, it was not difficult to convince my mom that all the premium cable channels and a DVR are necessary parts of my life. In preparation for school, I have a list of classic films to watch, but it is important for me to keep up with current shows and films that influenced my passion to be where I am. So, even though I am in a new city with new people to meet and new sites to see, I am a slave to my tv set. While waiting for the premium cable to arrive (I should have been watching one of the films on my list), I got caught up in what is now one of my FAVORITE shows in existence. Oxygen's Tori & Dean: Inn Love is fantastic. It's a reality show that follows a Tori Spelling and her actor husband, Dean McDermott, as they embark on the business of owning and operating a bed & breakfast. The catch is - she is majorly pregnant and increasingly unable to participate in all the work that needs to be done, they are on a budget, and needing to move into the B&B (as they call it) get the business up and running before she has the baby. I am on the edge of my seat in suspense at every moment as well as totally enthralled with the dynamic between the two of them. Of course, it's tv, but I find them to be incredibly cute and loving toward one another and ridiculously HILARIOUS. I watched the entire first season in a day and just finished watching the Season 2 premiere - They are back at the B&B with the baby, the Jamiacan-born nanny, Patsy, and with some unwelcome mice in infiltrating their business. Eew. Please watch! I was not expecting to be such a fan, but I am hooked. Thanks, mom (for the DVR).

Also, thanks to HBO's Entourage for introducing me to Alice Smith. They used her song "Dream" for an episode a couple weeks ago and I bought the album on iTunes immediately (yes, I BOUGHT it). Check out her website or iTunes to hear the song and others.
Then, last night, I caught up on last week's episode with Mary J. Blige and they ended that one with a new track from Mary J. that I can't find. I am not the only one though - I have read a couple of blogs looking for the song "Grown Woman Complex." It was a hot song and I am not the biggest Mary J. fan. Hopefully, you can find it and listen to it.


A Pictorial History of My Summer (well, some parts anyway)

This is for all of y'all who keep saying, "When are you going to blog about me?" and for those who text and email me angry messages when I don't update you as to what is going on:




Miami, FL - Bye Leigh Brooks...Hello Leigh Butler. Isn't that a gorgeous cake?!







Miami, FL - A long time coming....Me and Mercedes









Coco Beach, Puerto Rico - Me & my boo. Yes, he has huge hands and it looks funny with his hand on my belly, but there's nothing under it. Ain't we cute, though, y'all?









Washington D.C. - Pre-fish fry dinner. I had a fish fry in DC to say goodbye before I moved away. Tyler, Shone, and Chervonti were my helpers. Thanks, girls!





Washington D.C. - Love blossoming!
(Yeah, I said it. I put y'all on blast) I chose this picture to celebrating the blossoming romance between two of my friends - If it doesn't work, I'll delete the pic :)



Baltimore, MD - That's Keyshia Cole, y'all and I know you think my picture sucks, it doesn't! Why? Cuz I took it. Keyshia came to Artscape in Baltimore and performed. I love Keysh (as I affectionately call her) and with her fit new figure and short haircut, she looked great (unlike in her new video which really disappointed me), but her performance in Bmore was WONDERFUL, of course. LOVE HER!





Washington D.C. - Shone came in town to see Ibiza and I gave her this dress. What you don't realize is that leapord print Escada number used to belong to my mom. That dress is HOT and she gave it to me, but I never could come close to filling it out, so I gave it to the well-endowed Shone. (a compliment of course - one of our male friends actually licked this picture when he saw it)




Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (Grapevine) - Kim's cousins, Janeen and Janelle (the two between me and Kim), the gorgeous women I look toward for guidance for when I try to get my "grown woman" on. Whether they know it or not, Kim and I find hope in everything they do and say. This pic is from a night at home with them, Brittany, Kayla, and Cindy to celebrate Kim moving to New York.





Fort Worth, TX - My love: Anthony, my godson. He's so cute!






B.F.E., TX - My ladies. Erika, Kim, and I representin' at Andrew's engagement party.








Downtown L.A. - Tyler's friend, Sarah.




Manhattan Beach, L.A. (or right outside of L.A., I don't really know) - one of my favorite line sisters is on her way to Berkley for grad school and stopped in L.A. with her boyfriend to visit his mom. Turns out, they're from Dallas and she is one of the sweetest (and chicest) mommies I know! I love Texas folk all over this country. It is no mistake that we are known for our Southern Hospitality.

The Devil Gave Me Prada

The Date: Christmas morning, ‘06.
The Location: My living room in Texas
My gift from my mom: some basic black 1-inch Prada pumps for me. The thought was there but they were just not my style. I like high high heels…and she said I could exchange them….so, duh. It was a process though. It’s not like I could go to a department store and turn in my Prada pumps. She bought them through her stylist in Chicago, who got them from Prada in Chicago. So I had to send them to the Chicago store and wait for my credit to return. $375 – OK, everything at Prada is, like $400 plus, but whatever, it’s something. So, there’s no Prada in DC where I live, but it was cool, I go to New York all the time. Ugh! But then, I kept forgetting the credit receipt every time I went up there, so finally, 6 months later, someone suggested that I take it to LA since I had to go for a visit.

In June, I went to LA to try to obtain an apartment, meet some of my future classmates, and visit with my line sisters and friends. I was there for 5 days and had lots to do, but it was a priority to go to Prada. I had to use my credit! My friend, Candace, and I went to Prada minutes before closing because I had it in my head that I wanted this black wallet I had seen in Paris during fashion week. I wouldn’t have to spend much more than my credit, so if I couldn’t find anything else cheap, that’s what I’d get. Well, with some convincing from the salesgirl and Candace, I decided on this amazing vintage-looking clutch they just got in. It was a bit more than the wallet, but how often to I get a chance to buy Prada and not pay full price anyway?

Checking out, we were hurrying because the store was closing and I pulled out my credit card ready to pay the difference and be happy with my selection.
“Umm, you don’t owe us anything, and actually you still have some credit left.”
“Really?” I said, in complete disbelief, but I didn’t want them to renege. “Uhh, how much?”
“Like $200. I can’t look it up right now.”
With that, I slid out the door too scared to try and buy my wallet and risk Prada realizing they made a huge mistake. I was plotting my next trip already. The next day, I called to make sure their computer system still reflected my $200 plus credit and ran to the store as soon as I could. I got my wallet and I couldn’t believe it! A fabulous Prada clutch and adorable wallet for a grand total of approximately $1000…and I paid $200. $200! I was baffled and grateful all at once. Oh, and don’t tell anyone ☺


Look at my flyness when I carried the clutch to the BET Awards and afterparty. First of all, I LOVE this French Connection dress. It's perfect! I have worn it to a wedding, the BET Awards, and a presidential debate. (It's on sale now at French Connection.) Check out the pic of me, my hot dress, and my fabulous bag - and my proud stylist, Mark Gill.


Ibiza!!
On Friday, July 6th, the newest presence on the DC night scene opened its doors with a couple celebs and, of course, the fantastic ME. Ibiza, named for the popular and wild Spanish party island, had its grand opening with bright lights and a swarming crowd of thousands. All jokes aside, several of my friends are involved in the creation of Ibiza from financing to PR and promotion and I couldn't be more proud! We had a ball and I am sad to leave DC because I will miss the club's imminent growth and prosperity