Fall

As fall draws closer why not look back at some runways stills to get us inspired. First up, Zac Posen Fall RTW10. Take notes!

Hope you feel inspired!  

Bitch is the new black

In addition to a love of fashion I have a love of books. A love of reading is something my mom instilled in me from an early age. Every holiday that one can receive a gift, my mom gave me a book; Christmas, birthdays, Valentine's Day, Easter, book, book, book. Sounds corny but I loved it! I have a very active imagination and getting lost in a book is most definitely a favorite past time. So here's what I'm currently reading.

Bitch is the new Black is a memoir penned by Ms. Helena Andrews, "A sexy single and self described smart ass." She has a witty writing style and addresses issues common to the single, college educated, black woman. Within the first chapter I couldn't help thinking "My goodness, it's not just me!!" Here is a quick excerpt from Bitch is the new black.

It's three weeks until I turn twenty-eight, so three weeks and two years before I hit thirty and my face melts off. It's been one week since I started my online campaign against Dex10 , five months since we broke up in real life, and four days since I met this new guy with a cleft chin, so it's who-knows-how-long before my new nonrelationship. Call me Kiefer: my life has been operation on a ticking-time-bomb scenario for the past year.

"Dude, what is your life about?!" quizzes Gina every morning over IM like the opening bell of a boxing match, startling me into the ring of another Monday. The alarm of starting the day off single. "Ummmm, who the hell knows?" I say, too exhausted to think of anything better.

I don't feel almost twenty-eight. Not an actual adult, I'm more adult-ish. See, I'm just a girl. An awesome one of course, but just one. And like so many other little brown girls my age, I believe the problem of loving, lusting, or even "liking liking" someone can be solved with a single equation: x + y = gtfohwtbs* (if "x" ≥ 28 years old and "y" = socially retarded men).

*Get the fuck outta here with that bullshit

I'm more than half way through the 241 pages, and I can't put it down. According to the back flap Andrews is working on a film adaptation of the book, can't wait for that. You can check the book out, purchase, and read more from inside here, and more on Andrews here.

What interesting books have you read lately?

Classic

I am a real lover of classic feminine silhouettes and styles. Everything in this spread speaks me. Enjoy!

Kwel

Some interesting things I've found online. I think the blackboard brooch is soooo sweet and I want one! The watch is super interesting and would make an excellent conversation starter.

Blackboard brooch

$113

buy it

 Flash drive cufflinks

$195

buy it

Freak of Nature "Frankenwatch" Diesel

$219

buy it

Marie Claire

As a lover of fashion by default I have to be a lover of fashion publications. There are TONS out there both national and international, and keeping up with them is an impossible task. Many times I've walked out of a shop with $40 worth of magazines, those international prices can be a drag! One publication I really love is Marie Claire magazine. Every month they manage to combine interesting and relevant articles(this month I loved one about what women eat around the world, including a woman in India who starts everyday with a glass of her urine), and incredible and very translatable fashion spreads.

I can say that since Nina Garcia joined the team the fashions have seen a definite improvement. It's a magazine for today's woman who wants to know what's hot in fashion (denim in a BIG way, and not just on your butt) as well as what's happening in the rest of the world (the stay at home husband is the new status symbol). They include "real women" in every issue, what they're wearing, what they do for a living, and what affects their lives. It's a great magazine guaranteed to teach you something and inspire a shopping trip or two!

Here is a spread from The U.S. September issue. (I would cut off my pinky for those studded Louboutin's, and I love every accessory!!)

Crumbs

Crumbs Bake Shop is quickly becoming the Starbucks of deserts. Everywhere I turn people are carting around bags of cupcakes from this place. Naturally I had to see what all the fuss was about. I stumbled upon one at W.37th and Broadway. It was fairly empty so I decided to give it a go. I had the Red Velvet cupcake ($4) and a Hazelnut Latte ($3). Now at $4 a cake, you get a good sized portion and the service was very friendly. However, I was not blow away by the taste. Crumbs’ says they make the cakes by hand but for me there was no flair! Sure, I feel I got my money’s worth but I’m in no rush to go back.

Quotable

"A wise girl kisses but doesn't love, listens but doesn't believe and leaves before she is left" 
~ Marilyn Monroe