Happy New Year! Keeping it Simple

Oh-Eight was Great, but I'm Straight...

Less than 8 hours left in '08, and Stylescrybe is taking stock. The Giants won the Super Bowl. Barack won the election. I partied for a cause with clients in DC for Big Tiger and Vernon Davis' (SF 49ers) celeb weekends and in Baltimore for Terrell Suggs' (BAL Ravens) celeb weekend (met some FANTASTIC folks). I also cruised to Cozumel for fun on the high seas with the fam, voted in ATL and took a few other trips here and there. Oh, and a gajillion new babies in the family. Yes, some great things happened in '08. (Can't resist rhyming 8 with great, so please bear with me).

There were also some tough times, though. My family WENT THROUGH IT (from hospital visits to stolen cars, violent attacks, lost jobs and lost retirement plans), but we GOT THROUGH IT (and are still getting through it) as a family. There were also the personal romantic disappointments, friendship rifts and the constant struggle of being a freelancer in a tough economy. The last few months of this year have been rough, so I'm looking forward to the new year and the energy renewal that always seems to accompany January 1st. I've been a little down, but I'm "snatching back my happy" (thanks to big sis, super publicist, Toi Troutman for that one). World, watch out: in '09, if I want it, it's mine! That's not a resolution, it's a declaration. Who's with me? What will you do to "snatch back your happy" in this tough economy?

P.S. I'll be back to fashion and fun VERY soon. Stay tuned. Pretty please?

All I Want for Christmas: Fendi B.Mix Tote

Gold Diggin'

StyleScrybe hasn't been gotten into the holiday spirit yet. Maybe it's the recession. I've decided to pull myself out of the funk with a little e-window shopping (read that as lusting and hoping Santa reads this blog). Said e-tail therapy is a lot easier thanks to the "salemail" I get everyday from Shopittome.com. Maybe I'll start gift guides soon (cuz last year's rocked!), but for now, it's all about me me me me me (still one of my fave Mya songs to date). I'm currently coveting Fendi's dark gold leather B. Mix tote. It's size is perfect for this time of year because as I jaunt to and from parties and events I can carry small gifts and even an umbrella on rainy days. The color's what's up too... goes with everything! So Santa, baby, put this under the tree for me... please?

*PS- I think shopping for self was really helpful because now I'm feeling a little jingle bell-y. Stay tuned for gift guides. Smile.

That New New for You You (LA Gear Originals Get Another Run)

On the Funky Dope Remix Tip...

StyleScrybe's doin' the woody woodpecker, the running man, and what I remember of Oaktown's 357's routine to "Yeah Yeah Yeah" (Aw Yeah!) Wanna know why? Because all those things take me back to the days when I doubled up on slouch socks and rocked lace shoe strings in my LA Gears. Back then, you were pretty wiggedy wack if you didn't have at least one pair. I had some with rhinestones on them, some others with fuschia and turquoise trim and another pair with the pink and purple twisted leather on the sides. (Couldn't tell me nothin when I put 'em on with my acid washed denim skirt and jacket... Oooh and my matching shoestring hair bow). I recently looked at pictures of myself from those days, happy they were over. Well, smiled too soon because they're back. Just like 8 ball jackets, leggings, (somewhat regrettably) acid wash and so many of the things we thought we'd never wear again, throwback LA Gears have made a return!

In a partnership with indie Cali sneaker retailer, Sportie LA, LA Gear's owner, ACI is relaunching classic styles from the Unstoppable line in updated colors and materials. (Like patent leather). The line officially launched today exclusively at Sportie LA and on its website and is slated to become available at select retailers next month. I can't lie, I might cop a pair if they do some fuschia/ turquoise joints. They start at $74.95, but that's not a horrible price considering they still come with 2 pairs of shoelaces!

Just for Fun: Beyonce sheds Sasha for ELLE

To Bey or not to Bey

I recently had a convo with my aunt about Beyonce. Said aunt is "saved" and seldom listens to secular music, but she'd heard some younger members of her church discussing Mrs. Jigga and her on-stage alter ego, Sasha Fierce. "Does she really have two personalities," questioned my aunt, who then wondered if she should be concerned for homegirl's mental health. I laughingly reassured her that it's stage personas are common, and that lots of people have them. I didn't tell her, but StyleScrybe has one of her own, whom I employ at events and such. She's a lot like my normal self, except she's not shy and can have anything she wants.

The thing about Beyonce is that until recently, we, the people didn't really know her. The woman we've been getting to know since the "No No No" days was Sasha. Now, the "hottest chick in the game" is letting us into the world of the woman who can't cook and is scared to have a baby. She opened up quite a bit in the January issue of ELLE, which just hit newsstands and features Mrs. Carter on the cover. If ole girl wasn't all rich and famous, she seems like she could be part of my crew. Matter of fact, Sasha and my other self (who shall remain nameless to protect the innocent ) would probably have a great time together. (Not to mention I'd be raiding both broads' closets. Girlie gets to rock the flyest gear). So what about you, sista friends? Do is there another "you" whom you call on when needed? What's she like? When does she come out? Oh, and how many of you know the whole routine to "Single Ladies" and do it when the song comes on in the club? (While you practice that little wrist move, I'm gonna plot on copying that cover look.)

*PS- Don't forget to the hot a$$ Ciara fashion spread toward the back of the mag. I actually started at the end and worked my way forward, so it took me a sec to recognize CiCi.

The Ooooooo-Weee! (More intense than a normal fashion fix, here's what has me feenin')

I Gotsta Have It

StyleScrybe's a space cadet. I went to Target last night to pick up a few things and got all the way to the register before I realized I'd left my wallet home. While I was there, though I spied with my stylish eye a couple of items I will definitely have to buy. With the holiday season crashing down upon me, I'll attending to a function or two, and this recession has made it impossible to buy outfits for each and still get my Santa on. Thank goodness Target's Limited Edition line is right on time. Some of the stuff is a little too "9-5" for me, but I fell in love with the drape tulip skirt (pictured left and only costs $24.99) and the jeweled cardigan, which is also only $24.99. (Yes, I got a little "Pointdexter" in my swag lol). They may look a little plain Jane on here, but wait till I funk them up with cool accessories and hot heels.

Shop to Save (Because Saving $$$ is Good but Saving Lives is Best)

Oochie Gucci La La La!

It's baaack, and it may be the drool-worthiest one yet. Yes, girls, the super-dope limited-edition Gucci cruise collection- partial proceeds of which will benefit UNICEF- is here! This time creative director, Frida Giannini, took her cue from the tatted-up trend that's everywhere from designer tees to makeup pallettes, imprinting each piece with a stylized tattoo heart over a backdrop of the brand's iconic double G motif. Prices range from $185 for a small cosmetics case to $4590 for a "Hysteria" bag (love both, but neither are pictured here with my faves), and 25% of sales from the Tattoo Heart Collection will help UNICEF provide education, healthcare, protection and clean water programs to orphans and children affected by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Oh, and this year Gucci tapped gorgeous, Grammy Award-winning glam gal, Rihanna (Pictured with Frida Giannini and Madonna) to be the global representative of the 2008 campaign. The gamine goddess is not only featured in print ads but was also on hand the other night for the line's November 19th launch and the lighting of the UNICEF Snowflake at Grand Army Plaza in New York.

Five, Six, Pick Up... (Pop Art Accessories)

I know... Go ahead... Cuss me out. I didn't give you great Obama stuff in honor of his win, left you hanging when you needed costume tips for Halloween and have basically been straight ghost lately. I'm sorry. Now you can hug me because you missed me as much as I missed you. I'd have to start a whole new blog to explain the whirlwind that's been my life over the past month, so let's just get back to regularly scheduled programming. K?

Hip Pop Hooray!

StyleScrybe thinks life's too serious these days. Between the financial crisis, foreclosures and layoffs, it seems the Fun Fairy might be missing in action. That means we've gotta inject a little whimsy wherever we can. Pop art-inspired accessories are a great way to start, especially if you're a quirky girl like me. The best part: these quick hits of happy won't be too hard on your budget. Smile.

Put granny's cameo away for safe keeping (tough economy means the "streets is watchin'"), and replace it with this funky fresh one from Kidrobot by Tarina Tarantino (SS loves her stuff!). Yeah, it'll cost ya $120, but won't it make you smile everytime you look at it? Plus, it's just as great with jeans and a tea as it is with more office-friendly looks.


If you're a chic geek, upgrade your USB game with with a Robot Happy Laura portable memory key by Active Crystals from Philips & Swarovski. Use her double-clasped chain to hook her to your belt loop, purse or anywhere else, and then off with her head when you need extra memory on the go! She'll set you back $180 but will come in handy when you visit your friend's office for lunch and her boss asks for your resume. (You've been wanting to work there forever.)

Tough times mean you gotta watch your wallet. You won't be able to take your eyes off this one by Ysaku Hanakuma on Poketo! Each side features a super bad Jiu Jitsu master on a bright backdrop, and it has slots for ID, credit card and your membership bonus card to your favorite store. (Those points sure are helpful these days, right?) Oh, and this limited edition piece of pocket art is only $20.


When it rains, it pours. But every optimist knows that just means you make a game of jumping in the puddles. If you're wearing these "Leopard" rain boots by Toki Doki x Chooka, you'll be able to keep your feet dry and your look hip while you do it. Hurry to the Giant Peach and grab a pair... these things sell out quickly! Yeah $120 is a bit much for rain boots, but you shouldn't put a price limits on smiles. Did I mention they'll go with almost anything?


I don't know about you, but I've lost the little leather tabs that pull the zippers on countless purses. No fretting for me, though, because I just find fun little zipper pulls to replace them. Up next: a metallic Qee. These friendly little helpers only cost $6.99 at Hot Topic and come in a variety of colors. You already know I'm going for fuschia (but they only had a picture of the blue one lol).

Goodies- Style a Lucky Brand Ad

Style's in Your Jeans

StyleScrybe's jockin' Lucky. Mag these days. Nah, they don't have me on payroll (maybe one day? please?), but they do have some cool contests. This one is for you chicas who always wanted to know if you have what it takes to be a stylist. Basically, style your fave pair of jeans for a night out, and submit the picture. 3 of you (er, us... heck yeah I'm entering!) will get to be in Lucky if selected as finalists. The winner (pick me, pick me!) will also get to style an ad for Lucky Brand. Good luck, and if you win, I want a shout out!

Goodies- Lucky Gift Bag Giveaway at ShopItToMe

Gotta be In It to Win It...

StyleScrybe's fingers are crossed. I just commented on the ShopItToMe blog in hopes of winning a Lucky Shops gift bag filled with TONS of great shwag. I'm not a hater, so I'm hoping you win too, but you can't if you don't enter. Go on over to ShopItToMe.com, register to receive updates when your favorite brands are on sale and post a comment on their blog about what you think of Lucky. Magazine (Yes, that period belongs there).



***Just in case you're wondering, Lucky Shops is an amazing shopping event held in NY. This year it'll be Nov 7th and 8th. Check out their website for more details or to buy tickets.

WTF Moment: Howcome Everybody's Naked?

I Guess Everybody's Right Said Fred

(Too sexy for their clothes)

So, Ciara stripped for VIBE and Eva Mendez did it for Calvin Klein. Not sure who restarted this mainstream bare-all trend, and also not sure what I think of it. On one hand, a main part of my reason for picking up the glossies is the fashion (meaning I wanna see some folks wearing clothes, whether in ads or editorial spreads. No homo, but if I wanted pics of hot, nude chicks, I'd pick up Playboy, King or some other T&A mag). On the other, I have exhibitionist tendencies, so I kinda dig it, especially since there's some class involved. (It's not like they're showing va-jay-jay or anything.) ELLE Magazine's Maggie Bullock (one of my fave editors to pitch when I was a publicist) caught up with Mizz Mendez to chat about her too-hot-for-TV commercials etc, and she revealed that (like StyleScrybe) she prefers to walk around her home sans clothes. Wanna see what else she said (or just check out the hot fashion spread)? Click here. For more of Ci Ci's photos and to let folks know what you think of them, visit My Fashion Frenzy. Tell Nikki I sent cha.

Five, Six, Pick Up... (Fun Office Supplies)

Back to Cool

BackinthedayswhenIwasyoung... I'mnotakidanymore, butsomedays IsitandwishIwasakidagain... (yeah I went there)

Remember school shopping? StyleScrybe does. (I mean, it was SHOPPING for crying out loud!) Not only did I require the freshest sneakers, the flyest jeans and illest accessories, I also needed cool school supplies too (I was a Lisa Frank kid). I don't miss the anxiety of new classes, homework or picking out the perfect enseble to start the school year. However, while strolling through stores on various errands and seeing notebooks, etc., I feel a bit nostalgic. I mean, there was something special about opening my notebook to a blank page and using a brand new pen. Stuff's starting to feel stagnant in StyleScrybeland, and I need that feeling of newness again (you know, that "maybe-i'll-get-straight-A's-and-maybe-the-cool-boy-will-wanna-go-steady" feeling). It's about time for me to shake things up a little and revive the "anything-can-happen" in me, even if it's only via a little office overhaul. How 'bout you? Well, here are a few items I found to get us all started:


We all need a little reminder here and there. These Love your Life Sticky Notes by KOCO New York kill two birds with one stone. Now, on tough days, you won't forget what's really important.





Not every magazine comes with those little stickers like the ones in Lucky, and you really shouldn't dog-ear book pages. Flower Petal Page Markers by Natsuko Kurosawa are a pretty way not to lose your place. Buy a few and stick them in your pencil cup for a bouquet you won't have to water.





I don't know about you, but I tend to keep an "everything" notebook handy to help organize my thoughts (and life). The cool thing about this spiral-bound Tokidoki "Kaiten Sushi" Journal (other than the dope cover) is the cute illustrations on the pages.




You can't write in your fun notebook with boring utensils. Thank goodness for these Jordi Lebland SOFT pens. They're refillable and come in a variety of "personalities". I'll be ordering Saffron. Which one's your fave?




A Place for everything, and everything it it's place, right? Pithy Sayings file folders keep your documents in order and your disposition pleasant.

Just So Ya Know... Shine Through It

Let Me Count the Ways

OK, so StyleScrybe wasn't one of the blessed few to receive an advance copy of Terrance Howard's new CD, Shine Through It. However, I did see him on "The View" the other day, and I'm almost motivated to count the ways that I do love he. (C'mon you know you do too, but anyway...) I'll just stick with this one... he said one of the reasons for his entry into the music game was the fact that he came across an amazing artist and knew that the best way for her to get a deal was for him to get a deal and then share the limelight. I don't know him personally, so if you have the scoop you may have me beat. However, I'm L-O-V-I-N-G "Sanctuary", and I must agree that Ilsey Juber is "the TRUTH" (that's a direct quote from TH). Check out a couple of the songs on his Myspace and then got to Amazon.com and cop the CD.

The Ooooooo-Weee! (More intense than a normal fashion fix, here's what has me feenin')

Bag in the Days

StyleScrybe's headed out of town for Labor Day weekend, and I'm hoping you are too. If you haven't found the perfect overnight bag yet, consider the via ambrosia duffel from FredFlare.com. With prep school styling and pops of color, it's a great way to travel in style. Plus it has ample pockets for you cell phone, mini toiletries, etc. Oh, the best part is that it's only $48, and it also makes a great never-know-what-the-night-may-bring purse (y'all know what i mean).

Shop to Save (Because Saving $$$ is Good but Saving Lives is Best)

Bagging Rights...

Whoever thought there'd be a day when we'd actually have to shop for shopping bags? Seriously, at one point it was simply paper or plastic. Now, there are store brand reusable bags, designer canvas totes with eco-gimmicks (that seldom hold all your groceries) and a multitude of other options. Stylescrybe's new favorite, however, is the its-las-tic bag. Made from super stretchy material, the bags can expand to twice their size and (according to the website) help your load feel a little lighter. The best part, though, is that they're manufactured in New Orleans in a factory that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina and rebuilt by survivors. In an effort to help stimulate N.O.'s struggling economy, its-las-tic also employs and outsources work almost exclusively to New Orleans natives (don't worry, I doubt they'd deny you a job if you weren't born on a bayou). Plus, 5% of sales go to Hope House, which aims to provide help and hope to those who need it. Oh, did i mention that they're cute, affordable and come in a bunch of colors n patterns?

Moment of Silence: Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes

It's So Haaard to Say Goodbyyyye...

StyleScrybe's pourin' a lil somethin' out for the "homies who ain't here." This is one of the hardest posts I've had to compose. I'm sure you've heard the news about Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes, so there's no need to rehash the details here. However, I absolutely must pay my respects. So... this is me... pourin' out a little green tea for the Kings who's bodies are no longer with us, but whose art will continue to touch us and make us smile.

The Ooooooo-Weee! (More intense than a normal fashion fix, here's what has me feenin')

Happy Birthday to Me!









Yesterday was StyleScrybe's birthday. (Don't worry... I'm still accepting well wishes, gift cards and presents.) There are quite a few pluses to having a birthday in early August: you can easily do something outdoors to celebrate (lunch on the outside patio of your fave restaurant, for instance), it's a great time to take a cruise (next year!) and you can wear your sexiest skirt and most incredible sandals! The one semi-minus is the fact that it's hard to find peridot jewelry that's cute, affordable and doesn't look like your crazy aunt's costume jewelry. If you're a light green gem girl like me, this post is for you. As I was shopping for my gift to myself this year, I came across a couple of cute pieces featuring the stone that symbolizes faith. What I like most about these is that they work whether your wearing jeans or a dress, and they're all less than $200! Now, if during your shopping you decide you'd rather get me one of these than the Donna Karan bag from a few posts ago... have at it sister!

Five, Six, Pick Up... (Hot Summer Flats)

Thong Song
StyleScrybe's got a little limp these days. (I can't reveal all the details, but I suggest not holding your drunk homie's hand to guide her through the club because she might take you with her when she falls. So much for secrecy, huh?) In addition to the pain in my knee, there's also some sorrow in my heart; I've had to stay off my stilettos for a while, so this summer, I'm an involuntary "flattie girl." Not one for looking blending in, I'm avoiding flat gladiators. That basically means I've had to "maintain my sexy" in hot, jeweled thongs (get your mind out of the gutter... I'm talking about sandals, silly). Whether you're anti high-altitude shoes, headed on a late summer sabbatical or hobbling like me, I figured you might be also in the market for a pair or two. With so many pairs out there, you may get overwhelmed, but here are five I found to get you started no matter your budget.

Flat Trippin'

Sometimes you just want something you can throw in your suitcase that's as light on your wallet as it is heavy on style. Bamboo's Joanie78 sandals are right up your alley. They're only $9.99 on Cutesygirl.com.Layin' Low

Some of you want something that's sturdy and versatile enough to take you through the summer, whether you're wearing a maxi dress or a mini. Mastisse's "Lydia" ($48.92 on Endless.com) and Franco Sarto's "Marquis" ($79.99 at Nordstrom) are just what you're looking for.







Keepin' it Short

Every now and then you come across a pair that you wanna wear forever (even after your injury heals). For that, you'll pay a little more, but the consistent compliments make them worth it. Get some go-with-everything multicolored ones like the "Annette" by Cynthia Vincent ($139.99 on Piperlime.com) or the "Navajo Jewel" by Jack Rogers ($125 on Jildorshoes.com).

I Wish I May, I Wish I Might (I'll have this Donna Karan Tote when My Pockets get Right!)

Leo and Behold

Let's pretend I won the lottery, had a visit from my fairy godparent (he or she's out there somewhere, I just know it) or found some other way into a whole lotta chedda. If said fantasy were to come true, please believe a MAJOR shopping spree would be very close to the top of my to-do list. 'Til that happens, let's play a little game of "that's my bag."

StyleScrybe's birthday is quickly approaching, and while it's not time for cake and candles yet I'm already closing my eyes and making wishes. One such wish is that some benevolent soul will buy me the oh-so-timeless Modern Leo Large Tote by Donna Karan (or pay me enough to buy it myself). It's neither trendy nor headed for "it-bag-dom", but it's classic, stylish and durable... the kind of thing that may last longer than most first marriages (another wish on my list). The $1895 price tag is about as hefty as the bag will be once filled with shoes, notebooks and makeup, but the hand crafting and sturdy shrunken lamb leather make it well worth the price.

If you'd like to contribute to the birthday bag fund, please holla at a sista and let me know where to send the collection envelope. Until then, keep an eye out for me at traffic lights with a squeegee.

Five, Six, Pick Up... (Hot Shoes for Barbecues)

Fourth of July Fly

It's Independence day, and while some people still really celebrate the United States' liberation from England, I'm sure there are a bunch of folks who are happy to have a few days of freedom from the office. Oh, plus there's the parties, cookouts and great food. You've already decided which invitations you're accepting and which dishes you're bringing where. The only dilemma: what do you wear on your feet? Stilettos get stuck in the grass, but it can be hard to look hot in flats and flip flops (vacation suggestions coming soon, though). Don't forget you might stop by that pool party at some point, and your girl made sure the guy lineup is tasty as her famed apple pie. My suggestion (by now y'all know it's the StyleScrybe way to stand above the crowd): W-E-D-G-E-S to accent your patriotic palette. All the choices out there may have your head spinning faster than a fireworks pinwheel, so here are five choices I've found to get you started:

Almost Free

If you've already blown most of your weekend budget on food and booze for the barbecues, you'll love how little stores want for these shoes. Cutesygirl.com is only charging $39.99 for these darling blue gingham "Wabi" wedges by Classified, and Amiclubwear.com only asks $18.99 for their adorable blue slingback platforms.
















For the People (with a little change to spare)

You're bringing chips and beer everywhere. Among friends, your top priority is your gear, and it's clear. (I won't tell them You bought the good stuff for your family's grill, my dear). Spangled-banner red is the way to go for you. $93 isn't much to spare at Zappos.com for these edgy graffiti-heeled "Cassidy Too" wedges by Zinc. If you're more of a pinup princess, $75 is a proper price for RSVP's "Farah" red patent pretties.














Ruling Class Only

Democracy isn't digging into your pockets (because then how'd you buy such gorgeous shoes?). You'll be at the country club this weekend, right? Even with all the bbq sauce around, you can afford to wear white. In these Dolce & Gabbana wedges, you'll be quite a sight. (OK, enough rhyming) Pop over to Neiman Marcus and drop the $595. I don't know if I've ever seen a more patriotic pair.

Just So Ya Know... (web time-killers)

Just One of Those Daaaaayyyys... That a Girl Goes Through...(c'mon, sing it with me)

StyleScrybe truly doesn't feel like doing anything productive today. I know you know the feeling (shhhhh I promise I won't tell your boss). Anywho (spelled it that way intentionally), I've decided to share some of my favorite ways to kill time online, listed in no particular order. If you have any of your own, please comment... I'm sure the other gals will be glad you did.

Websudoku.com is free, has literally millions of games and lets you see how your skills stack up against other players. (I can't seem to get past the 50th percentile... I don't let it get me down, though. I'm smart... reaaalllly I am!)


We all have to stay in touch with our inner- stylist/ wannabe art director, right (or is that just me)? At Polyvore.com you get to put together entire outfits using images from all over the web. Then, add little extra touches and voila! you've got yourself a collage. Send it my way when you're done, and check out mine too.


I first learned of this logophile's lovetoy from GalaDarling (she's the bomb-diggity, especially if you're having a bad day). You go to Wordle.net and enter whatever words you wish. Then, specify how you'd like them laid out, your fave font and your color pallette. In a few minutes you have a picture that's worth... well... however many words you want.


Shopaholics, stylelaholics and even salelaholics, this is the spot for you. Once you download the plugin, the self-proclaimed personal shopping engine lets you clip items from all over the net and save them to your own personal style list. Based on your selections, the Stylefeeder.com staff suggests more. Plus, you can choose style buddies, rate items, create wish lists and give other users your opinion on what they've chosen. (Head on over and look me up... you know the name).


Blogthings.com- OK for this one you have to be reeeaaallly bored and longing for the YM days (did I just age myself there?). Sometimes it's kinda fun though. It's one of those sites with a bunch of quizes you can take and then share the results with your friends on Myspace and Facebook.

PS...

Are y'all tired of posts without pics yet? Let me know... just trying to make this thing a little more well-rounded, but more clothes comin' soon!

Just So Ya Know...

1.2.3.4.5. I'm Alive!!!

Sooo... um... er... uh... you know how sometimes you don't call a friend for a while and then feel guilty, so you don't call for an even longer while because you think said friend may be mad or something? Well, StyleScrybe has done that exact thing to all my cyber-girls (AGAIN). My bad. I hope you haven't given all the way up on me yet, though. I've been traveling quite a bit, so this go round, I'm just going to catch you up on a few things that grabbed my attention recently... then we can get back to our (semi) regularly scheduled programming.

1. Freedom Party at Canal Room in NY- If you're in the area and want to dance the ENTIRE night with a great crowd, make your way there ASAP! I normally don't like regular Friday night parties (I'm a little bougie... sue me), but this one had me doin every dance from "the butt" to the "bogle." I'm mad I missed the first 5 years of Freedom.

2.
J Holiday- I can't lie, I semi-slept on his vocal abilities. However, a few weeks ago he sang the National Anthem beautifully at Big Tigger's Celebrity Basketball Game in DC. I got a chance to chat with him afterward, and he's a cool cat, so I'm officially an advocate.

3.
Carol's Daughter Gelee de Soleil Browning Oil- On a recent trip to South Beach with the Cutie Crew, we laid out on the sand to score some of the Sun's smooches (yeah yeah, I know). One of my girls pulled out this beach in a bottle, and i fell in love instantly. It's got SPF 15 (again, I know), so there's a little UVA/ UVB protection, and my tan was puuuurtee after my trip.

4.
Smirnoff Watermelon Vodka- A very good friend of mine put me up on this perfect summer libation. Throw a few ice cubes in a glass, some watermelon chunks and as much of this smooth, sweet goodness as you can handle. It sho' am good! (I tried to resist, but I couldn't... have a sense of humor... kay?)






5.
Rimmel London 60 Second Vinyl Shine- Girls on the go still gotta get their "shine" on, and sometimes when you're stoppin' shows, there's no time to stop at the salon. This stuff got me right in one coat and one minute. My shade of choice is the fantastically fuschia "Stop Traffic."