Man Up...

"Ya'll were very characteristic"-- Lil' Mama, America's Best Dance Crew.

Need I say more?

(Thanks to StuffFlyPeopleLike for image)

Sex of Various Varieties

"Love is Stronger than Pride"


Sade is aural sex. Her voice is so soothing, the music is so funky, it's like an explosion of juicy goodness for your eardrums.

Come to think of it, Sade is not only aural sex, but she's great for non-aural sex too. I think that's all I need to say about that for now... school yourself on some of her classics below.

"Smooth Operator"


"Nothing Can Come Between Us"


"By Your Side"

Back with a Vengance!

The ladies of the New York based streetwear phenomena MOB are back for Spring '09 and they are bringing the heat! The unveiling of the collection offers new spins on the MOB basics you've loved so far-- eye-catching hoodies, innovative bomber jackets, and smart-minded T-shirts-- and adds a few new pieces into the mix. The Chanel-inspired cardigan, in particular, displays the brand's intention to branch out grow in a new direction that has more of a classically feminine potential. Musical artist Kid Sister is the face of the line, embodying the relaxed, casual beauty the line inspires towards. The makeup and hair-- bright red lips and big, waved hair-- reminds me of a prom queen gone street! Having always been a fan of MOB, I must say I'm proud that the ladies have keep comfortable streetwear a priority, while sexin' it up for a woman of intelligence. In a nutshell, I give kudos to MOB-- this 'ish is fiyah ya'll-- and say go out and cop it!

Peep below for shots of the full collection and you know you can purchase exclusively here.

Cool Kids "Pennies"

This, however, is new... and I'm not sleepin' on it...



The cinematography is amazing, the shots are tight and well thought-out. This, for sure, is a real VIDEO. It's pretty and i love it!

Q-Tip x Amanda Diva

This has been out for a while already, but as usual I'm late... check out Q-Tip feat. Amanda Diva "ManWomanBoogie".



Eh.

I love these people separately, but I was expecting something a little more from them together? It's a nice track, cute video, but no sparks people! I'm just not feeling the sparks....

Outraged

Ad campigns like these are why I have severe dislike for anything/anyone with a penis...



As reported by Jezebel, the tagline for the above series of ads that ran in Men's Health Magazine reads "It's All About Men".


Obviously the only reason any woman would ever consider being physically fit is for a man. DUH.

Are you as infuriated as I am? Discuss...

Goodness, Gracious, Chanel!

Karl Lagerfeld unveiled the Spring Couture '09 collection for Chanel this past week, and clearly the worldwide economic slump was on his mind. Said to be influenced by a "white page", the line proved to be a departure from the wild colors, patterns, and bling that have become a standard for Lagerfeld's Chanel collections. Contrastingly, the Spring '09 designs have been simplified to a basic black-and-white. With such a somber color palate, the "bling" of the collection was all in the details this time around...


Reverting back to the suited classics that Chanel is famous for, Lagerfeld put a new, futura-esque spin on the basics. With squared off shoulders and black detailing, separates were accented by iconic, black buttons and waist-cinching, sequined bow details. Eyelet detailing was a common feature on most of the simpler frocks in the collection, and tunic tops were often paired with slim, straight legged slacks. The more dramatic gowns and pieces featured intricate blossom detailing, layers of tulle, beading, and black-and-white floral prints

The collection was accented by simple black and white-ribboned platform pumps. Netted cut-off gloves in black and white popped up every now and then and showcased white, short nails. The most flamboyant touch was definitely the ornate, floral flower headreses. Some attached to headbands, some circling the full noggin, the carefully sculpted pieces were made from paper (dope, right?! Definitely keeping with the theme...) designed exclusively for the collection by famed Japanese hairstylist Katsuya Kamo.

I loved this collection. Karl has shown that basics can be beautiful. It gives a positive message to us broke fashionistas out there that if the shitty economy is holding us back from going big, just add some accessories and you'll stay fly! View the collection in its entirety here.

(Thanks to MissCrew for info/images!)

Hayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!

Kanye enjoys Paris Fashion Week with his gays... I mean, crew!

(Thanks to Bossip for images).

'Stache Attack

TONY has late breaking "news" that Brandon Flowers, lead singer of aging hipster band The Killers, shaved his 'stache recently.

May I politely ask... WHO REALLY CARES?

(Thanks to NY Mag for image)

The Princess and the Tote

Kimmy K, eveyone's favorite padded-booty princess, was spotted in LA recently with sister Kourtney. Reggie Bush's trophy-wife-in-training was photographed toting the recently release LV Stephen Sprouse luggage bag, which we've blogged much about here at The Ladies First. Love the bag, of course (and I'll even begrudgingly admit that I love Kim!) but I think the scarf distracts from the look. Wrong move, Kimmy!

What do you guys think?

(Thanks to Jezebel for image)

The Dap is Back and Bringing You the Lovin...

The day of love is slowly creeping up on all of you unprepared guys out there! If you're still searching for the perfect Valentine's Day gift-- besides the required chocolates and flowers-- the triumphant return of Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings to a New York stage near you would be the perfect gift!

The modern queen of tortured, real soul, Sharon Jones is the vocal front for famed band The Dap Kings. Mark Ronson was one of the first to put them on for mainstream consumption-- their vintage soul, horn heavy sound has become a staple of his hit production for artists such as Daniel Merriweather and Lily Allen. In fact, Ronoson's protegee Amy Winehouse loved the mutli-cultural band so much that she chose to use them as the recording band for her Grammy winning, multi-platinum album "Back to Black". Since then, their union with Sharon Jones has garnered them much industry respect, and they are slowly amassing a dedicated and fiercely loyal fanbase.

Having recently returned from playing a string of dates out on the left coast, Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings will play on Valentines Day at The Nokia Theater. Click here to purchase your tickets today. I guarantee your woman/man will love this, and a bit of sexy soul will do both of y'all some good before you hit the bedroom!




(Thanks to Deadly Melody for Info)

YES WE CAN!

"It's been a long time coming, but tonight... change has come to America"

-Barak Obama, 44th and current President of the United States of America

(Thanks to HighSnobette for images)

Lavar Burton Would be Proud!

Shout out to the Nuyorican Poets Cafe!

The Nuyorican is a legendary New York arts and culture salon founded in 1973 by Miguel Algarin. Started as a place for artists and cultural movers-and-shakers of color to share ideas and work, the Nuyorican focused in large part on poetry and its significance in the urban community. Fostering a positive atmospehre, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe has nurtured the careers of many promising poets and played a major role in the development of the spoken word culture that came to national prominence in the 1990s. Hosting weekly poetry slams, the venue is able to bridge the gap between all cultures, ages, and walks of life who come out to enjoy the arts and get an artist's interpretation on the culture we face daily in America's urban centers.

A recent Friday night trip to the Nuyo after a lengthy absence reminded me of why I loved going there in the first place. The poets were all talented and fresh, despite their youthful faces, and host Mahogany Brown held it down! Integrating live music to bump up the audience, she lifted our spirits each time the poets' honesty and integrity brought us close to tears. Never, in my older years, have I seen such a brilliant usage of the above theme song. Growing up, I could never imagine that I'd be on my feet while holding a beer and singing along with 100 other people who all believed that "I. Can. Be. Anyyyyy-Thing!"

The Nuyorican Poets Cafe is located at 236 E. 3rd St (between Aves B & C) and hosts weekly poetry slams every Friday night at 10 pm.

Bare-Chested Weezy Does GQ

Everyone's favorite Cash Money Millionaire vet, Lil Wayne, was recently shot by famed fashion photog Terry Richardson for GQ. The shots features a bare-chested Weezy smoking while giving a remarkably honest look into the camera, as well as a shot of him with eyes closed and gun-formed fingers to head. Weezy is tatted from waist to face, and this shoot gives us an in-depth look at his numerous inkings, including the infamous teardrops on his face and the "Rolls Royce RR" on his left arm. Although I'm not the biggest fan of Young Weezy, Terry Richardson has certainly used his talents to humble a superstar and draw out a raw realness from a man that lives in a world of near-fantasy.

Fans or stans? Let us know!

(Thanks to Blogue for photos!)

Psst....

We told you we'd bring it! So open your ears to the latest gossip from the set of Still A Teen...

We hear that one of the film's stars Sue Lyn, known for her principal work in videos such as Chris Brown's "Wall to Wall" and R Kelly's "I'm a Flirt" is boinking a big-wig in the industry... Apparently, Sue Lyn's the one wearing the pants (or, in this case, panties) and runnin' this rap game, at least when it comes to this particular superstar.

Think muscles, mediocre rhymes, and shot 9 times.... we'll leave the guessing up to you!

Cuff Me...

The lovely ladies over at HighSnobette have featured this sexy and sophisticated accessory from Kiki de Montparnasse's line, the "Hooked on Me Restraints". For the somewhat steep price of $250, this bold cuff will definitely make a statement on a night out! Complete with silver accented lock and mini-key, I have a feeling that this fashion risk will pay off in the long run, if not at the club, then definitely in the bedroom...

Sofia Coppola x Louis Vuitton

Acclaimed filmmaker Sophia Coppola is a staple in the high fashion world. From Marc Jacobs to Zac Posen, she is always outfitted in the most beautiful and exclusive designers pieces on her rare walks down the red carpet. Most recently, Coppola directed a whimsical commercial spot for Dior's Miss Cherie fragrance. Add to that her just-announced collaboration with Louis Vuitton, and it's safe to say that her role as tastemaker in the industry is cemented.

Sophia's LV collaboration collection will consist of accessories, including shoes and handbags. Styled in her trademark quiet elegance, the line will feature clutches and a day bag in shades of grey suede, dark blue, burgundy, calf leather, and LV's signature logo print.

According to an interview with WWD, Coppola's collection was inspired by the following:

“To start, I wanted to make a bag for myself and then we talked about making a little capsule collection. My friends and I are always searching for the perfect day bag. It fits all your things but isn’t too big and isn’t too heavy.”

The preview items, seen below, are understated and simple, and will surely be classic pieces that will last for years to come. My favorite by far is the blue suede clutch with gold fasten-- so beautiful and refined! What are yours?

Expect the collection to debut at boutiques in March '09.

(Thanks to MissCrew for images and info!)

Knock Off Gone Bad?

I have been sweatin' these Ash hightops for a while now. Made from premium leather and accented with buckled straps, it is the perfect example of what detailing can do to take a low-end item straight to the top.

However, as beautiful as it was, I was debating spending the $165.00 (plus tax!) on it at Urban, since I can barely afford food at the moment.

However, as usual, my secret store came to the rescue with a decent knock-off for less than $30!

Melody Ehsani Spring 09 Preview

Our favorite accessory designer over here at The Ladies First, Meldoy Ehsani, has just released these images of her Sprig '09 preview line! The designs are kicked up a notch, borrowing from such high fashion sources as bakelite and patent (major trends of the moment) to match her street edge. The pieces are all whimsical and fun, capitalizing on the use of bright and bold statement colors. I personally cannot wait for the release, I need to have everything! In the meantime I'll be patiently stalking both her website and karmaloop for releases! Peep the rest of the collection below.

(Thanks to nitrolicious for images!)