What We Talkin’ Bout: A 2010 Recap Mashup

 

What Had Happened Was…

It happens at the end of every year. Loads and loads of “looking back” lists. Well, 2010 was full of fodder. This has been SOME year! From BP’s oil spill, to Snooki, to Lady Gaga’s meat dress, To Willow Smith’s “Whip My Hair” and Justin Beiber’s… hair. (I’m hoping I’ll get to the personal reasons at some point before the ball drops, but today’s about the things that affected everyone… or at least other people than myself.) Since I’m big on self indulgence and short on time… I’ll just share a few rundowns of things that mattered to me (see, there goes that self absorption). My personal favorite is Jimmy Fallon’s Late Night Carolers singing “12 Things That Happened In 2010”

ELLE’s list was in slide show format had a more fashionable slant (of course). Daphne Guinness (pictured below, photo via Elle.com) made the list by buying Isabella Blow’s wardrobe (I’m actually kinda jealous in a way). My biggest issues with the list:

1. I SWEAR there had to be something more important in fashion this year than Dakota Fanning being named Homecoming Queen of Hollywood High for the second year in a row. (I really don’t understand why it made the list… because she wears designer clothes? What rich kid doesn’t?)

2. How can you mention Fashion Week’s relocation to Lincoln Center without at least a head-nod in the direction of of the ‘Fashion in Action’ silent protest staged by a group of Black women in response to Essence Magazine’s hiring of a white fashion director instead of selecting from a large number of qualified Black ones. (Oh… that’s right, we’re still marginal. I’m sure someone somewhere is saying ‘take that, affirmative action!’)

Find out what other lists you should check out after the jump…

 

Note to Self: Be Brave

 

This one is for all the entrepreneurs out there. It takes lots of courage to step out on your own. I don’t know how many times people have said I should get a “regular” job so that my income will be consistent (who doesn’t want a steady paycheck, paid vacations and sick days, right?). Well, the office life isn’t for everyone. I have no interest in 40 for 40, and they way it’s looking these days, I don’t know how well that’ll work in the long run for ANYONE. I’m an entrepreneur at heart. It’s in my blood. I think I get it from my grandmother. This road isn’t an easy one, but it’s rewarding. So… Shout out to my fellow brave ones. (Image is a poster from the Lilco Letter Press Etsy Shop)

I’m an In the Streets Chick: Belvedere Intense Unfiltered Party

Let’s Have a Toast to The…

I think I may have somehow forgotten to mention this, but worked on the digital outreach for Belvedere Vodka’s “A Bartender’s Dream Job” Contest and the launch of the new Intense Unfiltered variety (never did see blog posts from certain bloggers- who attended the tasting AND got comp bottles, but I know that comes with the territory). They had two launch parties for Intense Unfiltered this week in New York- one on Monday or Tues (which I was unable to attend) and another last night. (Here I am with one of my fave Belvedere folks. Our pic was on Guest of a Guest.)

Intense Unfiltered is made using food-grade grains and formulated to maintain its flavor, so it’s perfect for consumption by itself (like a scotch or cognac), but it also works well in certain cocktails. The Intense Sunrise and Intense Gimlet were served at the party, and while I actually prefer Intense Unfiltered neat, the gimlet was my favorite of the two cocktail choices. (I somehow couldn’t make any of them last long enough to take a pic, but here’s one of the sunrise.)

Intense Unfiltered is also 80 proof… that’s stronger than a lot of other vodkas, but it’s smooth enough that I think a lot of partygoers missed that point (especially a certain young lady who was clearly drunk very soon after the party started). However, a certain group of gents (Team Mancini) toasted and tippled with class all night. Cheers!

Technorati Tags: Belvedere Vodka,parties,industry events,StyleScrybe Consulting

Note to Self: Keep Breathing

 

Things in my world get crazy, as I’m sure they do in yours. The economic climate has finally hit home. Literally. Sometimes you just have to remember to breathe. Breathe deeply, breathe deliberately. Inhale solutions and positivity, and exhale your troubles. Taking square breaths as I type. Know someone who’s having a rough time? Get them this poster (or another uplifting one) from Farouche’s Etsy Shop.

Check it Out, Yo: Lombardi on Broadway

Play on... (Playa')

I recently got a call from a fellow PR diva inviting me to see and then share my thoughts on a new Broadway play about NFL coaching legend, Vince Lombardi. Here's the catch, though, tickets were for that night (meaning I had about 8 hours to find a date... YIKES!). I accepted, went solo and had a great experience (yeah, I'm one of those girls who enjoy football... AND plays... and who doesn't mind enjoying either experience alone). The story, narrated by a young journalist-cum-author Michael McCormick (played by Keith Nobbs), took the audience on a journey from Coach Lombardi's days in New York, through his career in Green Bay, and then to his death.

Lombardi's showing at Circle in the Square, a theater with stadium style seating and a rounded stage in the middle (kinda like a football field). They made awesome use of the space, using projectors and minimal-yet-apropo props to move the story along. At one point, they projected footage of on old game onto the floor, as Coach Lombardi (played by Dan Lauria, whom you may remember as the dad from The Wonder Years) paced and yelled at his team. Although Lauria was alone on the stage, he was in the middle of the action (dope). 

My inner romantic (I know, I lost G-points for that admission) got caught up in the relationship between Vince Lombardi and his wife, Marie (played by Judith Light, the mom from Who's the Boss). It was one of love, support, understanding and gentle chiding (I want a love like that! *Tony Thompson voice). The loving gazes they exchanged, the willingness to sacrifice for each other, the fighting back tears in this scene or that... all beautiful and well-acted. (I wouldn't mind having Marie's fur coats or beaded sweaters.)

My lecherous eye got a treat at Lombardi, too. Robert Christopher Riley (who played Dave Robinson) was a nice piece of eye candy (word to Lombardi *Drake Voice*). Yeah, yeah, he was a good actor, too. But I kept getting caught up in that magnetic smile and smooth stride of his.

Then there were the speeches Coach Lombardi gave his team (how many famous inspirational quotes have come from this man?). Seriously, I wanted to go take over the world right then and there... or at least tackle someone, or score a touchdown. I wondered as I watched if the guys I've worked with, like Calvin Pace, Vernon Davis and others feel that way when their coaches talk to them. (I've heard that Rex Ryan is great at motivating the guys.) Oh, and I can't forget they way he went to bat for his players, when it came to fair pay and when it came to racism. With the potential lockout looming over the NFL, I could only think about my guys and their coaches. (Let's all just hope they get what's fair... guess you can tell whose side I'm on.) 

Football politics aside, I suggest going to see this play whether your a fan of sports, love, laughter or plain old good acting.

Check it Out, Yo: If the Shoe Doesn't Fit

Tonight, I'm Cleanin' Out My Closet

There are 2 things everyone knows about me (well, everyone who knows me, anyway). The first is that my favorite color is fuchsia (unrelated to most other facts, but still an important one to know). The second is that I love shoes (so much that I have a blog dedicated to them- and booze). I've actually been contemplating selling off a few pairs, but haven't been able to decide on how to do it. Craigslist isn't exactly the safest option, people only want to spend pennies at most flea markets and certain auction sites are so saturated already. Plus the fees aren't worth what I'll be able to get for the shoes. I recently connected with Ellen Simes, a fellow fan of spirits and shoes, who owns iftheshoedoesntfit.com, an online shoe auction website. (Kismet?) With low fees and a user-friendly format, iftheshoedoesntfit.com provides an easy and affordable way to sell, swap or shop for shoes. Now I know what to do with my shoes. The shoes you see here are among the ones I'm considering auctioning off. Which would you be more likely to bid on? 

Joey O Sandals (worn twice)

BCBG Wedges (worn once)

Unisa Ballerina Flats (never worn)

*Note- iftheshoedoesntfit.com is also a new client of mine. (Feel free to contact me for a press release, bio, images or other information).

For My Inner 6 Year Old: Sesame Street's "I Love My Hair"

Go On And Stare (See if I Care)...

People have come to know me for wild hair, it seems. At one point I wore a long weave with fuchsia streaks in the bangs. Then there was the HUGE Diana Ross-like weave. Now, I wear my natural hair, dyed to a light reddish brown and shaped in any number of ways. Some folks have combination skin, but I have combination hair. I'd say at least 5 different textures converge atop my head. That means I have both "good" and "bad" hair... plus some in between (kidding, I was raised to understand that good hair is hair well-kept). As a child, I enjoyed all the things my hair could do. During my tweens, teens and early adulthood, I struggled with breakage and scalp burning from perms. My coils, kinks, straight strands and I have reconciled, though, and I'm happy to say that once again, I love my hair! Shouts to Sesame Street for this song.

Check It Out, Yo: Achraf Amiri's Fashion Illustrations

The Art of Storytellin'... Or Vice Versa...

There. Are. No. Words. Well, there's one... WERK! Seriously, the commentary made by Achraf Amiri's art is... well... you tell me.

 

Yes, I love fashion, but I don't live for it. I devour certain monthly mags and habitually check for a few daily blogs. And, yes, I get supa dupa fly. Still, the glam world won't be the death of me (no sir-E). With NYFW on the horizon, I hope that last image helps some of my designer-obsessed homies keep things in perspective.

Collabo Row: Lanvin X H&M for Holiday 2010

Can't Help But Wait...

H&M picks some of the best bedfellows. EVER. Whether it's Madonna, Victor & Rolf or any other of the long list of impressive names, they always draw huge (and often brutal) crowds. No matter the mash-up the debut day line is guaranteed to be blocks long. This time, it's Lanvin that has fashion whores lusting. The collection will be released in November, just in time for the holidays. Santa, Baby, I suggest you start taking notes now. I'm sure items from this collection will top many-a-list.

The Oooh Weee: VS PINK NFL Gear Has Me Feenin

The JETS Set 

 











Here's another little factoid about me. In my role as a PR consultant, I work on the accounts of a few professional football players, one of whom is NY JETS linebacker, Calvin Pace (@jetsPACE97 on twitter). Yes, that means I get to attend a game or two. No, that doesn't mean I wear a signed #97 jersey (or ANY jersey) to those games. They simply don't look good on me. You can imagine my delight, then, when I got wind that Victoria's Secret PINK released a line of NFL themed gear, and the New York JETS are a featured team. Yay! This season I'll be reppin' my set in accented team T-shirts. This short sleeved one ($36.50 and available HERE) will do the trick while it's warm out. The scoop neck means I can serve up a little sexy in the stands (never know whom you'll see where). Then, when the temp drops, I can switch to the three quarter sleeve green one ($39.50 and available HERE). (Now, I just need to figure out what shoes I'll wear.)

You Get the Gas Face: Predatory Job Posts

Don't Try to Play Me Out (Yo-Yo Voice)

As a freelancer, I often find myself perusing the pages of craigslist.org for gigs. Occasionally, there's something good. However, I often find ads by people who basically want to bend you over without even shaking your hand first (What I look like?)... and they attempt to make it seem like it'll be a good thing for YOU. Here's one that left me especially incensed:

We are looking for talented writers who love to write about fashion (I'm one of those). While working with our company you will network in the fashion industry and contribute by providing your opinion about the latest trends and the latest gossip on celebrities and everything fashion! (Sounds good so far, right?)

Gain the experience necessary necessary by working with an online fashion retailer to work for top industry magazines like: Seventeen, Glamour, Teen Vogue, Marie Claire, InStyle, Harper's Bazaar, Hearst Digital Media Teen Network (Seventeen.com, CosmoGirl.com, DonateMyDress.org), O magazine, Reader's Digest, Details magazine, Us magazine, Star magazine, DKNY, CNBC, Philadelphia magazine, Charlotte magazine, KJEE 92.9 Santa Barbara, Nerve.com, The Patriot News, MVOL.com, Urban Zen Foundation, and O'Neill and Associates Public Relations, among others. (Wait, did they say working with them will give you the experience you need to work with ANY of the top mags we see on stands EVERYWHERE? So writing a couple of blog posts for these folks will get me a gig at Harper's Bazaar? Sign me up... ASAP! *Insert eye roll* Methinks they doth name drop too much)

To be considered as a Contributing Writer, please reply with your resume and two writing clips to this posting. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and we are always looking for the best journalists around! (They're looking for the "BEST" journalists around? I think I could be one of those, given the right opportunity. Resume and two writing clips? I got that.)

• Location: Manhattan
• it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
• Compensation: no pay (Ah-Ha! Therein lies the rub. Ummm... if there's no pay... this is an internship. It should offer college credit. If it's not going to be set up as an internship, there should be some other kind of perks system! Also, you will NOT get the best journalists around... at least not any with experience. Further, this position is for an online fashion retailer, not a well-known website or even a top blog. Not so sure how much weight that byline will carry.)

Don't get me wrong, I know that not EVERY gig will pay... Hell, some really cool gigs don't pay in financial form. However, working toward the branding of an online retailer SHOULD pay (even if it's in product), unless it's an internship. Just felt the need to share. Style stuff coming soon. Until then...


Hugs & High Heels! (Smooches & Stilettos)

I'm back... AGAIN

Can it Be I Stayed Away Too Long?

I know... you've all but forgotten me. Well I'm back, and the nature of the StyleScrybe blog is making a little shift. Did you know I'm a PR consultant and copywriter? Well... that's a large part of what keeps me away from you for such extended periods. However, I'm figuring that by incorporating some of those other aspects, I'll be able to post more often. All we can do is try, right? You'll still get fun fashion and lifestyle info, but you'll also get my thoughts on other related topics. Don't make that face. You're gonna love it.  I've done a redesign, too. Since I've changed so much since I started- and then sorely neglected- this baby of mine, I figured it should change too. Stay tuned.

The Ooooooo-Weee! (More intense than a normal fashion fix, these Fred Flare Flats have me Feenin)

Ready for These Jellies

Don't know about you, but I can't stand the rain (against my window). However, I'm sure we'll see quite a bit of it as weepy April approaches. That said, Spring means it's time to stock up on rubbers (pun intended, but I'm talking about shoes here). I usually prefer not to wear boots when the temperature climbs above 60 degrees, so these adorable "Darling Bow Jelly Flats" by Dirty Laundry (Available on FredFlare.com for $42) will make the perfect addition to my shoe wardrobe. The ribbon bow is probably a bit soggy when wet, but the little vents in the shoe will keep my feet from getting too funky, and there's a cushy insole for comfort. Oh, and the vivid red will work well with nautical and floral themes this season. Are they to cutieliscious for ya, babe?

Beautiful, I Just Want You To Know... Your Fave Products are TSA Approved

A Small World Afterall...
OK, so I don't know if you know, but I don't believe in checking luggage. I've traveled for 2 weeks with just a rollerboard and tote bag (and YES, I carried my laptop, 8 pairs of heels, 4 pairs of jeans, about 6 dresses, 2 blazers, dunno how many shirts... I think you get the point). I sometimes have a hard time finding miniatures of my fave beauty products to fit into my 1 quart zip-top plastic bag, though (and you should see the hard times some of my friends have). Yes, we could just buy empty travel bottles, but those tend to take up too much space. (I need face wash, body wash, perfume, makeup remover, moisturizer, skin oil, hair oil for the fro, toothpaste, and the list goes on.) Oh, plus I'm picky. (Cue super hero music) I just stumbled upon (and I mean that as in StumbleUpon) 3floz.com, and it's so the bomb! (Rhyme intended.)  Whereas you often have to buy an entire tester kit for a certain brand, whether you want all the prodcuts or not, this site gives you the choice between kits or individual pieces. It's a little more expensive than Target or the HUGE mini section at Bed, Bath & Beyond, but if you MUST have your Dr. Hauschka toner, it's worth your while. The "Air Repair Kit" you see pictured is a little steep for me, but it sure looks interesting...

Five, Six, Pick Up... (Hearts for Valentine's Day)

No Chocolate Covered Candy Hearts...
StyleScrybe's having another solo Valentine's Day (Bah Humbug), but I'm not bitter. As a matter of fact, me, myself and I actually make quite the nice threesome. Since I'm a romantic, though (eff Vday!), I decided to share some of the heart- centric finds with which I've fallen in love.

Betsey Johnson Leopard Bow Heart Ring, ($35.00 by Betsey Johnson at Nordstrom), ASOS Heart Seam Sheer Tights ($14.20 at Asos),



Vivienne Westwood + Melissa Lady Dragon Heart II Slingback Pump ($150.00 by Vivienne Westwood at Endless.com), Heart Purse- Red ($45.00 at Harmony Lane)

ASOS Heart Insert Pencil Ponti Dress ($63.91 at Asos)

Shop to Save (Saving $ is good, but saving lives with Fashion for Haiti is great)

So Let's Start Giving...

A month ago, a large magnitude earthquake rocked Haiti's capital city, killing untold numbers of people and leaving Port-Au-Prince in ruins. In the direct aftermath, peole donated money, clothing and other necessary items to the best of their abilities. Telethons were held, celebrities collaborated on songs, and there seemed to be a general feeling of compassion. However, many of us have short attention spans. Once a story leaves manstream news reports, it also tends to leave the minds of the masses. Well, the fashion industry, via the CFDA's Fashion for Haiti initiative, hasn't forgotten. On February 16th, the "Fashion for Haiti" T-shirt will go on sale at stores throughout the country. Net proceeds from the sale of the $25 tees will be donated by the CFDA Foundation to the Bush Clinton Haiti Fund, which is raising funds for "immediate, high impact relief" and also continued relief over time. I'm a size small, so while you're out buying yours, feel free to get me one. Yes, I'll be buying one for myself, too, but this way I can cut one up, and still have one intact to wear with my black leggings and zebra print high heeled rain boots. (YES... I you read that right. I have them in leopard print, too.)
P.S. If you click HERE, you'll see which retailers are selling the shirts. You'll also find other fashionable ways to assist relief efforts.

I Wish I May, I Wish I Might (I'll have this Judith Leiber Ganesh Clutch when my pockets get right)

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, though, let's play a little game of "that's my bag."

Meditation in a Clutch


I seriously heart sparkly things, especially if they're colorful (I've been that way since my TinyScrybe days). I'm also drawn to objects of a spiritual nature. That said, the fact that StyleScrybe is madly in love with the Judith Leiber Ganesh fine crystal-embellished clutch is a no brainer. Widely revered as the Lord of Beginnings and the Lord of Obstacles, Ganesh is one of the most easily recognized deities in Hindu and Buddhist belief systems. Stylescrybe could definitely benefit from the removal of a few obstacles (like the one that's keeping her from the $5,595.00 Net-A-Porter wants for this bejeweled beauty). I'm gonna have to do more than sing in the subway for this one... but if I give an arm, what will I use to carry it? For now, I'll be grooving to SWV's "New Beginning" (remember that?) Maybe it'll stir a money-making scheme. Ohmmmm.