You're Turning Me On...

I almost always only have one thing on my brain. Usually, that thing is food. But today my mind has been wandering and keeps coming back time and again to these amazing Nike Blazers. I previously blogged oodles of love for them, but when I was out and about today and saw a random chick stomping about in them, my feelings towards these lavender SBs intensified from slight sneaker crush to full blown unrequited love. Lush light purple suede, snake-skin swoosh... my heart palpitates uncontrollably each time I visualize these babies! I can't help but fantasize about sliding them over my sock-covered toes. Pulling the padded tongue over the edge of my skinny jeans. Lacing up the black strings. Wiggling my toe around under the suede-capped toe. Lusting over the reptilian swoosh in the mirror.

Let me stop before it gets too hot in here...

Nike Blazer Premium SBS, $109

Check the... Time?

I need to cop this Fluid watch so that I can rock it on the Boulevard of Linden! Ya dig??

For those of ya'll who aren't in the know, Tribe is in my all-time top three musical (and other) best group of all time.

Jak and Jill Roundup

Oh, Jak and Jill, how I love thee! Let me count the ways...

Is it your Balmain Gladiators?


Your Chloe Boots?


Your Kirkwood Sandals?

Swoon. In Love!

Vans New Era Summer Collection

I am a huge fan of the Vans New Era line, as the " skippies" are the perfect compliment for the wardrobe of any chick on the go. The release of their summer line features a light and neutral color palate that will certainly prove easy to match with almost any summer bright, from a dress to shorts. Solid colorways (tan and grey) are available, as well as a colorway featuring Vans' signature checks, albeit in a more sophisticated paneled look.

My favorites have to be the grey/off-white and all-grey colorways, I can totally rock those with red and look fly! Peep the rest below...







(Thanks to Sneakernews for pics)

Slam

You know that Def Poetry Jam has made a cultural impact when your Daddy-- who hasn't been in the loop with anything pop-culture since The Beatles broke up-- sends you an email blast praising a poet!

Def Poetry Jam premiered on HBO in 2002, brought to the air waves thanks in part to hip-hop-media-mogul Russell Simmons. Hosted by Mos Def, the weekly series played a huge role in bringing the phenomena of spoken word poetry out of the small urban clubs (such as The Nuyorican) and to the main stage. National Slam champion poets such as Beau Sia, Mayda del Valle, Oveous Maximus, and Rafael Casal have all appeared on the show, as well as a slew of conscious celebs such as Lauryn Hill, Common, Jill Scott, and Saul Williams.

If ya don't know slam... now ya know... Peep some of my favorite, brilliant, hysterically funny, emotionally stirring poets below (and one my Pops liked!).









... and the one that Pops dug...

I'm Sorry Binkalator

Martin is one of my favorite shows of all time.

Besides being one of the most innovative examples of physical comedy, the show--often referred to as "The Black Seinfeld"--went to great pains to portray a positive romance between two upwardly mobile African Americans. Although different in so many ways (Gina was "bougey", while Martin was "crass"), they both shared a desire to be the best they could for each other and to create a safe, supportive, and happy home environment for their future together.

I loved how their relationship showed depth, warmth, and they weren't afraid to be silly with each other. When you have a man like that, don't let him go! They remind me a lot of someone I used to know...

Topshop Grand Opening!

For those of you who haven't read a blog in weeks, news flash-- Topshop is opening today!

The first stateside branch of the immensely popular UK brand will open today in Soho, New York. The four-level, 25,000 sq. foot store will feature an 11AM ribbon cutting ceremony with supermodel/designer Kate Moss (whose collaboration line with Topshop will be available for sale as well) snipping the red ropes. Other capsule collections to be sold in the massive retailer include UK fashion faves Preen and Jonathan Saunders, and the entire 3rd floor is devoted to an extensive Shoe Salon! For those of you who will be spending all of your money on pretty dresses and heels, never fear because Topshop's got you covered-- their in-house Style Studio will offer on-the-spot fashion consulting, but scones and jam as well! Makeup Forever, Valley, and Woodley & Bunny will be offering makeovers and pampering as well to all interested customers, so you can leave looking fresh!

The lovely Wendy L of Nitrolicious fame was able to get some sneak-peak previews of the new lineup, and thank god she did because i am in LOVE! The wall of oxfords, the combat bootie heels, the gilded sandals, the STUDDED BOOTIES!

Need. Desperately.

Caliente!

The Louis Vuitton Spicy Sandal.

In a variety of textures and prints, from the above featured cheetah, to lush burgundy suede and shiny snakeskins, the LV "Spicy" sandal was the standout shoe at Fashion Week in Paris this past spring. With slim roped ankle straps and tribal accented beads, it's easy to understand why the shoe was such a hit. Featuring a gilded, slim platform and feathered, lace-up detailing, we haven't seen anything quite as adventurous as this slim stiletto in recent seasons.

I am personally loving the totem-pole esque vibe of the shoe. It gives a classically sexy heel a more tribal, playful vibe. As you can see in the pics above and below, the shoe will be great paired with jeans, or with tights and can definitely stand alone as the statement piece in an outfit.

If you can afford an exorbitant amount (prices range from $1540 to $2800), click here to get details on how to be one of the first to own the shoe of the season that is gracing the heels of the fashion world's hottest!

(Thanks to Jak & Jill for pics!)

Spike Jonze Leakage...

How dope does the trailer for Where the Wild Things Are look?!

Totally one of my favorite books as a kid, probably going to be one of my favorite movies as an adult...

Does Anyone Have $550 I Can Borrow?

I love these Marc by Marc Jacobs Woven Boxer Booties. Can't you just picture yourself rockin' these with black cuffed shorts, a peach colored drapey top, and a crazy-yet-charmingly-cute fedora on a Saturday morning at brunch?

Too bad I can't afford brunch, or these booties because they are $550.

If you have $550, buy them here and check out more pics below!





(Thanks to MissCrew for the heads-up!)

K Cole Gets it Right

Keyisha Cole was spotted at a Vanity Fair party looking like... a real woman! Leaps and bounds from her less-than-polished debut on the scene, she look effortlessly beautiful, classic, and chic with her short hair and youthful frock. The pale pink color complimented her skin quite well, it was an all-around hit out of the park for Miss Cole.

I especially like her tattoo-- she is able to play every bit the lady while still reppin' her tatts! Although Keyisha has two larger tattoos on her arms, they seem to fit in with her refined style and give her just the right amount of edge without looking trashy.

You go girl!

(Thanks to High Snobette for images!)

Some T. D'Arby to get you through the work week... I hope you enjoy his funk and style as much as I do!

Mr. Loverman

Just some morning Shabba to start off your week right... this is amazing, check for the cellphone!

Hangover Much?

Some helpful global tips via Jezebel this morning...

National Geographic has offered up a cultural shmorgesboard of hangover helpers to the drunken masses! Listing various common hangover cures from around the globe, the magazine provides a beautifully illustrated chart of sorts that covers everything from Romanian tripe soup to Netherlandian beer. Now you can indulge safely this weekend, knowing that you have more options than french fries and tylenol to help you through the hard times.

You Need It: Rose La Biche

While browsing on Etsy, I came across a designer who just seemed to get it. And by "it", I mean that gentle balance between streetwear and high fashion, casual and chic, and urban and feminine. That is rare, but the San Francisco based line Rose La Biche, is doing it, and doing it well.



Lucy, designer and owner of the line, says that her vision developed out of a lack of "chic, refreshing and really unique tshirts to cheer up one's formal wardrobe or to take a simple pair of jeans to a classier level". Consisting of simple cotton t-shirts, fleece sweatshirts, and hoodies, the line features sculptural nature-inspired flourishes along the collars that lend a sophisticated vibe to the pieces. If you want to cop (and you need to!), visit her website.



Peep some of the stand-outs below:







"LIANE" top-- Slip a black blazer over this for a surprisingly sexy look. Pair with a simple, bold bangle and you're in the building!

"VOLTIGE" zip-up-- Makes your favorite
skinnies and dunks look so much more interesting!

"FROU FROU" top-- Can't even describe how sexy this would be on a summer night with a delicate heel!














Photo Credit: roselabiche