Archive for June, 2013

Rachel Jeantel: Is This How We Treat Our Own?

Rachel Jeantel is a witness in the Zimmerman murder trial. She was the last person to speak to Trayvon Martin before he was killed last February.  She took the witness stand for the first time on Wednesday and it didn’t take long before folks, especially black folks, had something to say!

I’m not going to lie, when I first heard Rachel, I was caught off-guard by her speech. I thought “What is she saying? She needs to speak up. She needs to speak slowly so they can hear her.” But the more I watched, the more I understood that she did not want to be at the trial. It was obvious that Rachel is still dealing with the reality that her friend is gone and based on some of her responses on Wednesday, she feels guilty about being the last person Martin talked to the night he died.

Maybe English isn’t her first language (some have said that she spoke Spanish and Creole first before she learned English); maybe she needed to be coached by the Prosecutor and his team; maybe she doesn’t meet your beauty standards, but that does not justify the heavy criticism she has received via social media.

According to The Root, Writer Sherri Williams of Backbone Women Online compiled a Storify of some of the tweets and memes and further noted: “The black respectability police pondered if her father is in her life. They said if George Zimmerman is acquitted it would be her fault because of her sassy attitude. Black folks said girls like Jeantel are the type to keep away from their children.”

Really?? To those that have so much to say, what do you look like? Do you speak or write perfect English? Have you ever had to testify at a murder trial for a family member or friend? Why are we always so critical of each other?

Unfortunately Rachel isn’t the first to receive heavy criticism. Do you remember the fiasco over Gabrielle Douglas’ hair? I never understood why her hair became such a big deal. The girl was competing in the OLYMPICS and (black) folks were sitting around asking why her edges weren’t straight. Really?? What does your hair look like when you sweat? The girl was focusing on bringing home a gold medal.

It is always easy for us to be critical when we have never been in someone’s shoes.  But it times like this, I don’t think it would hurt if we showed a little compassion.  We have to do better!

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Finding Love Overseas: Is It Possible?

Would you date someone if they lived in another country? I never thought this could possibly work until I had a conversation with a friend a few weeks ago about a guy she’s dating.

My friend Nancy* was introduced to Dan* via email in March. They were introduced for networking purposes. She was making some major decisions regarding her career and he had been down a similar path so a mutual family member thought it was a good idea that they be introduced.

Nancy initially sent an email to Dan with the intent of networking only. After all, she didn’t really know him so at that point she was hoping he would be a resource to answer career questions she had. But the more and more they talked, via phone and video chats (there was no catfishing going on here!), the more comfortable they became which lead to a mutual attraction.

So after months of “dating,” Nancy caught a flight to London to visit Dan for a week. And I can’t wait to hear about her trip! It’s one thing to date someone in another state. But dating someone overseas requires some serious preparation! I’m not sure how often people dating in different states go without seeing each other, but when you’re dating overseas you can’t get up and visit as often as you’d like. You may go months without seeing each other, unless your ballin’ and can just get up and go when you feel like it. 

For me, my primary love language is quality time meaning I seek quality interaction and communication with others.  That text book definition could mean that technically talking to someone regularly would be fulfilling, but I know me and I like to be in the presence of others. So I’m not sure I’d be the best candidate for a long distance relationship, especially one overseas but everyone is different.  If you met a person of the opposite sex at an event, through a mutual friend, etc. and they lived in another country, would you entertain the idea of dating them?

 Photo: Manifesting My Destiny

*Names have been changed

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Now Playing: Daley “Alone Together” Feat. Marsha Ambrosius

When I first heard the song “Alone Together,” I thought it was a Marsha Ambrosius song. After all, it’s been two years since she released Late Night, Early Mornings. I heard the song again last night and thought to myself “I need to download this ASAP!” I searched “Alone Together Marsha Ambrosius” online and the UK artist Daley popped up. Turns out, it’s his song and she’s featured on it.

No I’m not crazy. If you heard the song you’d think it just her singing too. Marsha Ambrosius and Daley sound so much alike! Without the visuals, it sounds like one person singing. 

Either way, it’s a beautiful song and I can’t wait to add it to my playlist. Check it out!

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You’re Invited: Dress for Success Washington, DC Summer Tag Sale

Time for another Dress for Success Washington, DC Tag Sale!  

This Saturday’s tag sale will help the organization make room in the boutique for new pieces and raise money to support Dress for Success Washington, DC programs. Stop by Saturday to update your wardrobe and support a great organization!

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Ask Keri: What Should I Wear On A First Date?

Last week, Shivawn of Love + Labels & Joneses contacted me to write a guest post on what to wear for a movie date and outdoor date. Check out the post below!

Dating can sometimes be stressful, but choosing the right outfit shouldn’t be! When it comes to dressing for a date, you want to be stylish and dress appropriately (what you wear to dinner is going to be different than what you’d wear to go bowling). Most importantly, you want to be comfortable. If you’re comfortable, you will feel more confident; therefore, focusing less on what you’re wearing and more on your dating experience.

If you’re going to the movies, the perfect date outfit is casual chic. Blazer, jeans and heels are the epitome of casual chic but you can take it up a notch by wearing a printed blazer like this floral one from Dorothy Perkins with a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans and sandals.  Use neutral eye shadow colors to create a smokey eye and top the look off with a nude lip.

The blazer will keep you warm in the movie theatre since they are sometimes chilly. Most likely you’ll go out for dinner and/or drinks afterwards so this is an outfit that can easily transition from one activity to the next.

The second outfit suggestion is one for an outdoor date. From music festivals to touring the city, an outdoor date means you’ll want to leave the heels at home! Go for a fun and flirty look in a printed romper like this one from Nordstrom paired with gladiator sandals (a huge trend this season).

Since you’ll be out all day, you’ll want to protect yourself from the sun with a cute straw hat, sunglasses and of course sunscreen.  It’ll be too hot outside for a full face of makeup; instead add coral blush or bronzer on your cheeks and complete the look with tinted lipgloss for a sunkissed glow.

What do you think of these looks? Would you wear them on a date?

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Where To Buy Beyoncé’s Instagram Aztec Crop Tee and Chevron Skirt

You aren’t the only one who shops at Topshop; Beyoncé does too! The diva appears to shop there often. She has been seen in a variety of Topshop pieces so it was no surprise when she posted another Instagram picture last night wearing a Topshop ensemble.

Beyoncé mixed prints by pairing a Chevron Print Tube Skirt with a top that looks like a variation of the Aztec Crop Top Tee.

Both pieces are available at Nordstrom. The top is $24 and the skirt is $44. The top is also available at Topshop.

Looks like Beyoncé has been inspired by her sister Solange lately. Solange is the queen of mixing prints and Beyoncé has been embracing printed ensembles a lot lately which I think is great! The spring/summer season is the perfect time to to have some fun and add color and prints to one’s wardrobe.

What do you think of the crop top and skirt? Would you wear those pieces?

Photos: Beyonce’s Instagram/Nordstrom

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You’re Invited: Jump Into Summer Happy Hour

Summer officially begins this Friday! If you’re looking to end your work week at a happy hour like most DC folks do, check out the Jump into Summer Happy Hour  on Friday, June 21st at Puro Cafe. The event is hosted by DC Lady Bloggers Dana J of skinnygirlsliketoeattoo.com, Tamika Wilkins of mydesignersdreams.blogspot.com and Sarea-Flo of sareais.blogspot.com.

Guest will enjoy happy hour food and drinks specials while socializing with other DC creatives!

RSVP at http://jumpintosummerdc.eventbrite.com/

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EVENT RECAP: African Pride Ultimate Beauty Social

This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending the African Pride Ultimate Beauty Social at The Beacon Hotel in DC with Krystin of Be Loud Be You.  This invitation only event was hosted by Erin Bailey of Scandalous Beauty, Joi-Marie of The Fab Empire, Lianne Farbes of The Makeup Girl (FYI she partnered with MAC to create the Hocus Pocus eye shadow) and Panana Jackson of Very Smart Brothas.

Me and Krystin

Hosts of the Ultimate Beauty Social

African Pride Products

The Ultimate Beauty Social featured brunch, an introduction to the new African Pride products and a very candid discussion about hair.  Some of the topics included natural vs. relaxer, popular hair trends in DC, hair in the workplace, whether or not men play a role in women’s hair decisions and more. It was VERY interesting to hear the different perspectives and stories about these topics; especially the men’s point of view!

Blogger Yvonne of Pink Dollhouse discussing her experience using the African Pride Olive Miracle Growth Oil

Brunch!

Brunch!

Me and my blogger boos Naseya of The Seventh District & Krystin of Be Loud Be You

Gift bag goodies!

Overall, I had a great time attending the event. The brunch was good, the discussion was candid and of course it’s always great catching up with other bloggers and industry folks I hadn’t seen in awhile. I look forward to trying these new African Pride products, especially the Shea Butter Miracle Shampoo (great for those who are natural or transitioning) and Olive Miracle products.

To learn more about African Pride and the available products visit www.african-pride.com

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Where To Buy Jay-Z’s Samsung Commercial “Go Home!” Sweatshirt

Last night during Jay-Z’s Samsung commercial, Vivi stated on twitter “I need Jay’s ‘Go Home!’ shirt. ASAPtually.” I thought I would search online to see if I could find it because I was wondering where he got it too!

Jay-Z’s “Go Home!” sweatshirt is by Surface to Air x Aaron Young. The 100% cotton sweatshirt features a ribbed crew neck, ‘Go Home!’ front dripping graphic, long sleeves, and a ribbed hem.

The sweatshirt is $170 and available at Farfetch. Either this is a hot item or very exclusive because there are only two left in each size!

What do you think? Would you wear it?

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Jay-Z Announces New Album: 1 Million Copies FREE Via Samsung

I got on twitter during the NBA Game 5 Finals and saw someone tweet about Jay-Z making an announcement at 9:15 pm.  I am here for anything Jay-Z has to announce. Not only is he a great artist, but he has gotten it right when it comes to corporate partnerships so I knew it was going to be big!

Through a 3 minute commercial that included Timbaland, Swizz Beatz, Rick Rubin and Pharrell (can we say musical geniuses!), Jay-Z announced he’d be dropping a  new album next month, Magna Carta Holy Grail. Since he has a partnership with Samsung, 1 million copies will be available for FREE to Samsung Galaxy S III and Galaxy S 4 users on July 4th via the Magna Carta mobile app. This means, Samsung users will be able to download his album 72 hours before it is released.

Through this deal, Jay-Z’s album has already gone platinum. Samsung is paying $5 for each album that will be available for free. That’s right ladies and gentleman, Jay-Z made $5 million before anyone has heard one lyric off the new album!

Jay-Z has been one to watch if you want to learn a thing or two about expanding your brand. Not only is he a hip hop artist, but he is linked to a record label (Roc Nation), sports agency (Roc Nation Sports Agency), a clothing line (Rocawear) and some of the most visible corporations including Budweiser and Samsung.

I’ll take a class on marketing and corporate sponsorships from Jay-Z please!!

Check out http://www.magnacartaholygrail.com/ for more information about the album and the Samsung mobile app.

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