Year In Review: Love & Hate 2008

Unfortunately I wasn't able to do a Week In Review with photos this week. Mainly because I spent the last 10 days cooped up at home suffering from a bad case of cabin fever and a mild stomach flu. Within those 10 days nothing exciting happened whatsoever, thus no pictures. Since I can't fulfill my weekly rituals of a 7 day recap, I'm going to review the Year of 2008!

January 2008: Kicking off 2008 with a serious bang. Raising hell with Jannell. Sleeping with the enemy. Pretty much making poor life choices, but on a who cares fuck it kinda tip. Don't you see the devious intentions in my eyes?


February 2008: When girls go through a hard time you know what they do? They dye their hair pink and drink champagne on the weekends. Moet Mo Problems!


March 2008: I have a rule that when I'm on vacation I have to gain a mandatory 13 pounds. Spring Break was the feastivle of all feastivles. I have a special kinship with freaks of the night.


April 2008: The Engagment with the devil continues, but I decide that his lair is what keeps me. My friends warn me, but long and behold the sweet and naive heart of someone who is a serial monogamer. Wig nights are a quick remedy.


May 2008: The best day ever. High as a kite, basking in the sun, smelling flowers, rolling around in grass, and wearing a smocked vintage dress. Then bumping into your exboyfriend and finally that feeling of "over it" overcomes you and then you remember that it's not the end of the world afterall.


June 2008: Long Lives Long Beach, my favorite city. It's a little grimey and sometimes the men at bars flash you their penis, but it's ok. If you're hungry at 3am you can find a Mexican restaurant open for sure. Chorizo!


July 2008: Lucky 67! Ching ching...best birthday ever (so far), from the little I remember at least. Everyone was there. My LA faces, childhood friends, my future bf, even the red carpet. I lost a lot of things that night. $200, my green wig, my hat, my bag, and a little self respect, but that's what birthdays are for.


August 2008: So shit kinda hits the fan, but it's for the best. For as long as it lasted it needed to end the way it did. If there is one thing I've learned about men in my 24 years of life is that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, however...you can go to the kennell and get yourself a new puppy!


September 2008: At my wits ends and totally over the idea of men. As a result I party my ass off, celebrate this thing called Thirsty Thursdays, and shake it like a poloroid picture. Moe Bar is like my Cheers and the day I decide that I'm going to switch teams I meet him...


October 2008: Ericksson is on 28th, Jeanne on 27th, and Joey on 23rd as well as Ciera and Mel. Who needs to leave the Central District when everyone is in the neighborhood. Who needs to go to the beach when you can simulate one in the living room.


November 2008: Happy Endings. Sweet Beginnings. Sometimes Sour Aftertaste. I won't admit that I'm in love because I don't want to jinx anything and I've learned from my previous relationships that professing it becomes some sort of cop out. I'm still unsure about things like fate, destiny, and the good ol' "what's meant to be will be", but for the most part I'm really happy!


December 2008: He always said he would be gone before the year ended. And off he went. My best friend and soul mate. I like to blame my new found sobriety on Ericksson's departure. A reunion awaits in the near future.


Nevermind the details. I have a love and hate relationship with 2008, but overall it was a very full year. I did a lot of editing in my life in terms of ending relationships that served no positive purpose. I also did a lot of drinking...2008 seriously raised the bar; meaning I don't fuck with anything but top shelf. I decided that if I was ever going to be happy with my life I had to continuously stay creative and avoid being dull at all costs! I did a lot of crying, shaking my head, and I felt that sunken gut feeling one too many times, but thankfully it was all balanced out with the good company, good laughs, inspiration, and support. I like to think that 2008 was my buffer/ transitional year of getting things out of my system. Getting bitterness out of my system. Getting partying out of my system. Getting doubt and drama out of my system. I mean, we all deserve a good year to fuck off especially in our early 20's, and I've redeemed my coupon for 2008.

I'm very excited for 2009. I'm a lot more positive this time around and I have everything I need to start off in the right foot. I have a family who's got my back, friends who will ride and die with me, and my very first muse who in fact also plays a dual role as my boyfriend (pretty awesome right). I love my life! And I don't do this enough, but I thank God for the many many many blessings he has showered me with! Cheers to a New Year. I wish everyone the best in love, health, and success!

Merry Christmas!

I'm a little late, but for what it's worth...Happy Birthday Baby Jesus! Even though the snow was a pain in the ass and managed to ruin Christmas for many, at least everyone I love is safe and sound. I am very blessed to have a wonderful family, amazing friends, and the sweetest boyfriend. I am going to enjoy the last few days of 2008 and use it to reflect and plan out my future goals and next moves for 2009.

Taking It Back: Boomerang

I don't know what it is but I've always had a thing for black comedies. And I don't mean movies like "Dr. Strange Love" or "Rocky Horror Picture Show", I'm talking about funny movies that feature black African-American actors like Morris Chestnut or Taye Diggs. I know they reuse the same actors in those movies and usually have very similar premises, but they are always very entertaining. Anyway...I have been incapacitated for the last 3 days due to the fucking foot of snow outside. So what way to better entertain myself than to watch movies! I was pretty excited to see that they added an "African-American Comedies" genre in the Netflix kiosk.

P.S. This has nothing to do with the fact that my boyfriend is black...just in case you're wondering.

First on the list: Boomerang circa 1992! Boomerang is a defining movie of the 90's in terms of R&B music and fashion. If you haven't seen Boomerang in awhile, I suggest you take yourself back 16 years ago and rent the movie and download the soundtrack. Peep the music video below. Babyface and Toni Braxton in "Give You My Heart". Check out Toni's black mini dress with the cut out shoulders! I kinda need that dress right now!

Paris Art Collective: Andrea Crews

The name "Andrea Crews" is a tricky one. It is not the name of a designer, rather an art collective based in Paris France. The art collective is known for their involvement in music, performance arts, activism, and most recently fashion. A few of their pieces have even made it on one of the top luxury shopping sites, www.yoox.com. The cutting edge reconstructed pieces should be taken less than seriously. While some things aren't quite "ready to wear", select pieces from Andrea Crews is definitive proof of the fine craftsmanship and creativity founder/designer Maroussia Rebecq possesses.



Miss Crew featured an exclusive story on Andrea Crew's Spring/Summer '09 Collection titled; Sunset Empire. To see more from the line and look book visit Miss Crew Online.

Nancy Wu-Dang! Clan

Google "Nancy Wu designer" and results will show her name and work featured and published in over a hundred blogs, just in the last couple of months. Wu is a product design student at Art Center (Pasadena, CA) and her career has already taken flight! Learn more about this rising designer at www.nwudesign.com

Nike Remix project! I have a feeling Ms. Wu is signing contracts with Nike right now to design a whole new womens sneaker line for them.

Beef jerky meets Chanel. How clever?!

Kid Cudi vs. Crookers Day 'N' Nite

Week In Review: December 15th-21st

This week was a week of food, homecoming, and snow. Two of my main highlights this week was the arrival of Sunny and Syreeta! They both live in Los Angeles now and they came home to a shitload of snow. And because of the snow most of my time was spent eating and cooking. This time every year I allow myself to gain 13 holiday pounds.


Nutella and banana in a crepe with a glass of Chardonnay.

Girl's bathroom at The War Room.

Syreeta and her officer of choice. They meet again.

Reunion alas. Justine, Syreeta, me, and Jeanne.

Getting dolled up at Justine's.

Don't worry...none of us strip.

Hey girlfriend! IDK, my BFF Jeanne

Most delicious sandwich ever. Bacon, olive mayo, spinach, swiss cheese!

Struttin

Daaang!

Love the headpiece

Fancy Christmas at The Saint

Moe Bar ambiance

Festive holiday fits

Red, white, and black...the color scheme of a lifetime.

That jacket was so comfy!

My boyfriend loves his pastries.

Self Service issue F/W '08

Chee chee tree

Breaded catfish and spinach salad.

Sequel: Snow in Seattle a.k.a. My Near Death Experience

Never mind my first blog about snow in Seattle. My super lax, happy go lucky attitude about snow has got me nowhere but slipping down an icy hill on Boren Avenue, hitting another car, and a dilapidated bumper. It says "ROAD CLOSED", but I see other cars take the turn and make it down the hill just fine! I drive a Toyota Rav4. People often mistake my whip for an SUV, when it is anything but that. I really don't know why there is a 4, in RAV4, if there is no 4wheel drive on it! I know it's the lowest of the series, but the name is so misleading. I am sick of driving! I am sick of traffic, I am sick of slippery roads, I am sick of cabin fever. I am sick of watching my dogs pace back and forth, and looking at my Dad talk without his dentures on. I am sick of Top Chef marathons. I am sick of postponing meetings. I am sick of eating because there aint shit to do but eat. Please Lord Baby Jesus. Melt the snow!

Android Homme

I'm excited to see the completed line sheet of Android Homme. High end street wear just got a little higher, and a little closer to the future. Android Homme is a line that is founded on quality design, a classic and rich color scheme of silver, black, gold, and white, and functional simplicity. Based off their sneak peeks on their blog, it looks like a lot of leather will be involved in the line. What better material exemplifies a luxurious lifestyle than leather? December 25th Android Homme will take flight. Stay tuned. But for now, visit their blog for some delicious appetizers.

Head Hunting: Kelly Cutrone & Tracy Nguyen

Some people obsess and follow the careers of heartthrobs like Emile Hirsch or Chris Brown. Some people even obsess over their favorite "it" girl like Mary Kate Olsen, Kate Moss, or your average blonde drug addict Hollywood beauty. I on the other hand have been engrossed by other figures in the entertainment/ fashion industry.

Below are two women in the fashion/ entertainment industry that I look up to. And I'm not talking about Naomi Campbell or Coco Chanel. I'm talking about women who shine behind the spotlight and make things happen. They are the true masterminds in producing what the public sees. I keep up with their careers and what they're doing and it's been very inspiring to see their empires grow. I would love to work under any of these women, even if it means I'm the girl from "Devil Wears Prada". Tracy or Kelly if you're reading this call me at 206-412-4002. =) Haha. You never know!

I used to get discouraged about pursuing my career in the fashion industry for stupid reasons of course; becoming a dime a dozen, my fluctuating weight, not having enough money or a pair of Chloe' shoes, lack of resources such as a MAC computer or a Blackberry phone, my inability to showcase my popularity and status in a bigger city such as New York and Los Angeles, and having a dreaded degree in Political Science rather than Fashion Design. But I'm starting to realize that if you want something really really bad, you can get it. After reading about Kelly Cutrone and Tracy Nguyen and their personal stories on how they made it to the top I feel a little more reassured. Mind you the excerpts below are little tidbits from Wikipedia and random interviews online. I was surprised there weren't more write ups on these amazing women.

Kelly Cutrone; Head honcho of People's Revolution, and pretty much the backbone of LA Fashion Week. Her firm specializes in fashion PR. She landed a job with Susan Blond, one of the nation's top publicists. After her term with Blond was finished she became the head of PR at Spin Magazine. Before People's Revolution she also had a firm with Jason Weinberg (publicist to Madonna, Naomi Watts, among other A-list stars). Unhappy with her position at Cutrone & Weinberg she took some time off to reflect. Couple years later she launched People's Revolution. I would love to work for this woman, pick apart her brain, and acquire some of her business skills. She quoted, "fashion is the new rock & roll", and changed her career from music to fashion. Which explains the high quality, music infused fashion shows she produces. She is also accredited for the widespread fame she has brought fashion designer Jeremy Scott. If Kelly Cutrone can lead the world to believe that french fries on a sweater is the bomb.com than this woman can do anything!

Tracy Nguyen; Happy Birthday Tracy! At 28, Tracy Nguyen is running the show from LA to NY! The Washington native went to F.I.T. and studied fashion design. She moved to New York with drive, ambition, and a go-getter attitude. In an interview she mentioned that she wasn't born rich (unlike many big wigs in the industry). To me she is the perfect example of the American Dream. Her story inspires me to work hard, play hard, and work with what you got. She has worked from the bottom all the way to the top, without any financial backup or whoring herself out by being in the spotlight. She keeps a relatively low profile, and if you do research on her online you will barely find anything on her. She is the number one reason for 5WPR's success as one of the top PR firms nationwide. She has expanded her career by starting her own PR firm called IPR and has a star client list from Pamela Anderson, Lil Kim, Kelis, Estelle, and Vibe Magazine. This woman has accomplished so much at 28! P.S. Tracy Nguyen also used to work for Kelly Cutrone and People's Revolution. How about that!

Food is More Than Just Fuel, It's An Experience

To anyone who knows me, knows that food is my number one passion and interest. I eat, I dine out, I cook, I host feasts, etc. Sadly food is one of my top 3 priorities...family, friends, and food. And sometimes the order of importance varies. Yes I know. These are such gluttonous words, but without food my life would be very bland and boring. The other day my boyfriend and I were talking about food...

Osiris: "Why do you eat boring things?"
Joey: "To me food is just fuel, something to hold me over."
Osiris: "Food is more than just fuel, it's an experience!"

Sometimes Joey opts to eat things such as oatmeal, granola bars, biscuits, ramen...you know really basic things. Today he voiced his dislike for lobster and crab! Can you believe that? I was shocked. Lobster and crab are sacrificial foods made for Gods. I need to show this boy what he's missing out on.


BBQ ribe, fried chicken, potato salad, and crab & corn salad. A perfect poolside meal at Marina Del Ray. Jealous?

Shrimp gumbo with rice, cornbread, and Cajun seasoned potato salad.

Kabob seasoned to perfection. Garlic hummus that will melt in your mouth and the perfect string of vegetables to add a splash of freshness to the meal. D-lish!

This is the infamous friendship meat pie. Me and my closest friends gather around a couple times a year to devour this.

Honduran entree by Wendee Layco.

What VIP Really Stands For: Very Important Pizza

The freezing cold weather has got me all nostalgic about Los Angeles and the ugliest heatwave I experienced a couple years ago. Hence photo below...I know I should refrain from posting incriminating pictures of myself on the Internet, but sometimes I really feel like it will bring a smile to someones face and make their day. This is me after a few drinks (I suspect they were roofie induced). Don't worry. No food was wasted on set.

So Fucking Boss

PPR, LVMH, and Cloutier are examples of the kind of empire I want to build, but on a smaller scale of course, and probably an entire different approach and market. Below are some excerpts from Wikipedia giving a quick rundown of the most powerful agencies in the fashion industry. It gives me goosebumps. Both eerie goosebumps and sexy goosebumps. Meow!


* Pinault-Printemps-Redoute
PPR is a French multinational holding company specializing in retail shops and luxury brands. The company was founded in 1963 by the billionaire businessman François Pinault and is now run by his son François-Henri Pinault. It is quoted on Euronext Paris and is a constituent of the CAC 40 index. It was originally called Pinault-Printemps-Redoute, but changed its name on 18 May 2005 to simply PPR. On June 20, 2006, PPR announced that it had entered into exclusive negotiations pertaining to the sale of France Printemps after receiving a joint offer from RREEF and Borletti Group for €1.075 billion. Some companies they represent; Gucci ·Yves Saint Laurent · Sergio Rossi · Boucheron · Bottega Veneta · Bédat & Co ·Alexander McQueen · Stella McCartney · Balenciaga

* LVMH; Louis Vuitton Moet Hennesy
Usually shortened to LVMH, is a French holding company and the world's largest luxury goods conglomerates. It is the parent of around 60 sub-companies that each manage a small number of prestigious brands. These daughter companies are, to a large extent, run autonomously. The group was formed after mergers brought together champagne producer Moët et Chandon and Hennessy, a leading manufacturer of cognac. In 1987, they merged with fashion house Louis Vuitton to form the current group. The group is partly owned by the Christian Dior group, and Bernard Arnault is Chairman and CEO of both companies. His successful integration of various famous aspirational brands into the group has inspired other luxury companies into doing the same. Thus Gucci (now part of the French conglomerate PPR) and Richemont have also created extended portfolios of luxury brands. The oldest of the LVMH brands is wine producer Château d'Yquem, which dates its origins back to 1593. In 2001 De Beers launched a joint venture with LVMH in order to establish De Beers as a retail brand. LVMH created a prize called the "Prix Science pour l'Art", which nominated several scientists who would later receive the Nobel Prize. The last Prize was awarded in 1997 to Rolf Landauer. Some companies they represent; Louis Vuitton, Hennesy, Christian Dior, Marc Jacobs, Givenchy, Sephora, Guerlain, Makeup Forever, Celine, etc.

* Cloutier Agency by Chantal Cloutier
Cloutier is an agency which provides hair, make-up and wardrobe styling for motion pictures, advertising, photographic layouts and more. The agency also provides photographers for these shoots. Cloutier was founded in 1977 by Chantal Cloutier, a former fashion model. At the time, most California-based celebrities and Hollywood film studios used freelance make-up and hair artists for their photography shoots. Cloutier established a professional agency which chose the best up-and-coming artists in photography (Matthew Rolston, Herb Ritts and Paul Jasmin), make-up (Karen Kawahara and Francesca Tolot) and hair styling (Serena Radaelli and Will Carrillo). The agency has provided styling services for music videos and touring musicians such as the Backstreet Boys, Madonna, P!nk, Jewel, Tim McGraw, the Dixie Chicks, Mariah Carey and Shakira, among others; feature films such as Bruce Almighty, Dick Tracy, L.A. Confidential and The Italian Job, among others; thousands of print and television commercials for hundreds of companies; humanitarian campaigns and events by such groups as Children of the Night, Hollygrove and La Posada, among others; television shows such as Friends, Will & Grace, Ally McBeal and Frasier; and photographic shoots for magazines such as GQ, Vanity Fair and Vogue. Today, Cloutier is arguably the most influential styling agency in the world.

Four Little Ponies

After browsing through Self Service Fall/Winter '08 issue, I was inspired to tinker around on Photoshop and create a typography based graphic. Four Little Ponies grazing in the Hamptons... it's an inside joke. It's too late for me to elaborate and I'm long overdue for a good night's rest. Until next time...

Gold Coast Trading Company

I was fortunate enough to take a sneak peak at the Spring Summer 2009 line and I must say it's going to be a hit! For retailers like American Apparel the African print is a trendy means and bastardization of a culture. For Gold Coast Trading Co. these prints have an attached meaning. Founder and creator Emeka Alams fails to have a middle man in his line. He does not Google image search textiles, nor does he go to LA to purchase fabrics. Rather his design process is an organic one and consists of travel stories of his motherland. Stay tuned for launch parties, fun blogs, and great threads brought to you by G.C.T.C.


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Shameless plug of my boyfriend reppin G.C.T.C. at New Jack City Fashion Show.