Happy New Year!!!
2010 has been a year to remember for me. I took a lot of risks tried a lot of things and learned more than I have in a long time. It was probably one of my most difficult years and I thank God for working in my life and placing the people in my life that he has. One of my closest friends who’s been with me through a fair portion of it all said to me that it is dream killing season. For the most part that is what it has felt like. There were times that I prayed and it seemed like things would just get worse. I have had people who I thought were close friends hurt me. I have been hurt by people who I took a risk on, and I have found friendships in places that I never thought I would find them. I am grateful for every obstacle. I emerge from it all realizing that the most valuable lesson God taught me this year is that my obstacles can not break me. God can break me and I am broken for him but my trials, and my hardships only make me stronger.
My advice for 2011: Pray!!! Even when it seems like you are not being heard, pray. When things go bad always take notice to the fact that you are still alive. Every obstacle is an opportunity to face our fears and conquer them. There is great truth to the FACT that if it doesn’t kill you it will make you stronger. Fight for what you want.
Finalized New Years Resolutions List
Develop my spirituality
Learn a new recipe every day
Finish my novel
Learn French
Work out every day except Sunday
Fall in love in with me
Learn to forgive
Guard my heart above all else
Appreciate EVERYTHING EVERY DAY!
Much love,
-Ju’lia Samuels
So on my New Year's resolutions, I have that I want to learn French. So I think that it is important for me to know what type of learner I am. In addition to French, I want to step my game up on researching designers, Photoshop and Dreamweaver. I want to maximize my time. Normally it takes me forever to learn something and I think that main factor of that is that I never really understood the best approach to take for me to learn something. I took a little quiz and these were my results some of it makes sense.
Lesson: Make your life easier and make sure you know what type of learner you are. Once you know, thinking out approaches to learn new material maybe easier.
Visual learners like to arrange their space and their work; remember what they see rather than what they hear and don't relay on verbal messages. Write them down. Visual learners respond to color, art, and mapping; and may know what to say but have trouble difficulty coming up with the right words. Visual learners like to have to have plan, good organizers, and would rather show you than tell you. Visual learners usually don't mind outside noise, doodle during phone conversations, classes, and meetings. Visual learners are often good spellers, and usually need to have verbal instructions repeated. They enjoy reading and would rather read than to be read to; need to see the 'whole picture' before they have a clear idea. For making decisions you might list out the pros and cons. For asking directions you might prefer a map or landmarks. And for learning skills youll probably respond better to diagrams or watch someone else do it
You are an Auditory learner! Auditory learners talk to themselves (doesn't mean your crazy); like to talk through a problem; read load; often move their lips and pronounce words as they read; and often repeat words to hear them. Auditory learners are often good speakers; speak in a rhythmic pattern; and remember what they hear. They don't visualize well; can spell better out loud; respond to patterns of sound, speech, and music. They usually find writing difficult are very talkative and love discussion. For decision-making you probably talk it over with a friend. For direction taking you prefer verbal instructions. And you'll most likely respond better to learning when you listen more than anything or have someone talk you through the problem.
Take the quiz
Yayyyyyyyyy New development. I am cooking gumbo with my grandmother. We are making chicken and sea food gumbo. I already explained that I need a recipe for everything so........ Of course I chose a Neely's Recipe. I have made this with my friends back in college once and that was it. It is a laundry list of ingredients but it is -oh so- good. I will post pictures at the end of the day.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 8 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 large tomato, diced
- 1 pound sliced okra
- 1 cup chopped cooked chicken
- 1 pound lump crabmeat
- 1 pound large shrimp
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- Dash hot sauce (recommended: Tabasco)
- Dash Worcestershire sauce
Directions
In a heavy Dutch oven,
heat oil. Add the flour and stir and cook until the mixture darkens to a brown color, about the shade of peanut butter. Add the celery, onion, green bell pepper and garlic and saute until tender.
Whisk in chicken stock, add the ketchup, chopped tomato, and okra. Let simmer for 2 1/2 hours. About 10 minutes before serving time add cooked chicken, crabmeat and shrimp and simmer. Add lemon juice, hot sauce and Worcestershire.
Pictures from cooking with grammy. Staying true to old school my grandma remixed the whole recipe. But it still turned out good!!
Like I mentioned in my post earlier, I love food. I live on the Food Network station, and I fear that I am the type of chef who needs a recipe to boil water. So this is the latest project. This recipe can be found at Food Network and comes from my latest obsession Aarti Party.
I will be doing this next week!!! For now the house is overflowing with holiday leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup quinoa, picked and rinsed well (the red kind is prettier, but either the red or the white is fine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons chopped dried cherries
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 grapefruit, zested, plus 2 tablespoons juice
- 1 head Boston lettuce, leaves separated
Directions
Bring the water and quinoa to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until quinoa is cooked and curly white germ shows, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, warm the olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the onion and spices, and saute until the onion has softened and the spices are very fragrant.
Stir in the pine nuts and fruit and saute for 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the cooked quinoa (all the water should have been absorbed) to the skillet. Stir in the grapefruit zest and grapefruit juice. Taste, and season with salt, pepper, to taste. Allow to sit off the heat for 10 minutes so the flavors seep into the quinoa.
Serve in lettuce cups.
I enjoy reading two things at a time. I am only a fan of this when the genres are completely separate. I am currently reading these two books:
Jay- Z Decoded:
The book is a biography about the lyrical genius that also offers a unique insight to his lyrics, which has been the subject of controversy for quite sometime. I have started reading it and so far it is an amazing read. It reads beautifully. I am not sure if Jay had a ghost writer but to be quite honest I don't care, but I do want to believe that he wrote these beautiful lines by hand. It's possible it's Jay!
"Marcy Houses were like tunnels we kids burrowed through. Housing projects can seem like labyrinths to outsiders, as complicated and intimidating as a Moroccan bazaar. But we knew our way around," (Page 1 of Decoded)
Nefertiti by Michelle Moran
I just bought this book at Target a few minutes ago. I can admit that I have a problem when it comes to Target. I must and always will buy something. My poison of choice is books. Say what you want, Target has the best books and I think I just purchased one of them. I am excited!
This book description came from Amazon.com
This fictionalized life of the notorious queen is told from the point of view of her younger sister, Mutnodjmet. In 1351 B.C., Prince Amunhotep secretly kills his older brother and becomes next in line to Egypt's throne: he's 17, and the 15-year-old Nefertiti soon becomes his chief wife. He already has a wife, but Kiya's blood is not as royal, nor is she as bewitching as Nefertiti. As Mutnodjmet, two years younger than her sister, looks on (and falls in love), Amunhotep and the equally ambitious Nefertiti worship a different main god, displace the priests who control Egypt's wealth and begin building a city that boasts the royal likenesses chiseled in stone. Things get tense when Kiya has sons and the popular Nefertiti has only daughters, and they come to a boil when the army is used to build temples to the pharaoh and his queen instead of protecting Egypt's borders. Though sometimes big events are telegraphed, Moran, who lives in California and is making her U.S. debut, gets the details just right, and there are still plenty of surprises in an epic that brings an ancient world to life. (July)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Well I am getting old. This is obvious. So I have a few new goals that I plan on implementing now. I have a lot interests that I would like to document. My hopes for this particular blog has now changed. I want this blog to be a true reflection of me. I am a complicated, busy, movie loving, fashion loving, poetic, foodie. I love positivity and uplifting others. So that is what I want you to see when you read this blog. My new blog will focus more on what is going on in the news. Ju'lia Catherine will become more personal. I am at the age that I feel I should be pretty clear about who I am. Unfortunately, I don't think I am. I am inviting anyone who is actually willing to take the time out of their day to read the blog to join me as I try to change what I don't like about myself and embrace what I do love about myself. I am hoping my lessons can be lessons for someone else as well.
If anyone is reading this or has been reading my blog, thank you!! I don't think it will be boring. I have been told I am pretty weird and no one really likes normal. So thanks for now. To New Beginnings.
New Years Resolutions
Meditate (intimate prayer every day)
Actually get a real hair care regimen
Stop being so shy
Increase my confidence
Learn French
Learn a new recipe every day
Write something worth reading every day
Finish my novel
Work out every day except Sunday
Deuces,
Ju’lia Samuels
I am really happy I got a few of the things I have been jonesing for. Mulberry purse from Target, Jay-Z book Decoded and the Apple is old. There was also the standard clothes but I was super excited about the purse I wanted it for so long and I was dying for the Jay-Z book.
I find that I get I get lost in thoughts about life itself #
The cascading effects of obstacles
Make it difficult for me to move in stealth
My greatest fear has always been that you knew and could read the fears written on my face
After all this time of crouching low to the ground, my body aches
This is more than I agreed to take
After a decade of hiding, I must admit that I am tired of trying
I have no energy left to please you
I have no more savvy
to forcibly humble myself to praise you!
My acceptance of your problems
And my decision to go on a conquest to rescue you
has left me
Abandoned
with no canoe
You weren’t even kind enough to leave me a rescue tube.
I am left to build myself up on bottomless seas
When if you had asked, I would have given you the last breath of air that I breathed
It’s funny how people always lecture you to be kind to others but never to yourself
It’s a problem that I don’ t know how to properly congratulate myself -
Why the most difficult thing to hear is a compliment
Even more unfortunate, if eyes rest upon me
I begin to shift
It has become hard to believe in myself
I realize now
In learning how to save the world
I never learned how to love myself
And lets be honest, how valuable can I really be
when I don’t even know how to rescue me?
Photo taken from Fashion Bomb
The Casting Society of America’s 26th annual Artios Awards at American Airlines Theater on November 1, 2010 in New York City.
I think I will post things on here that I am jonesing for as well!!!! So here it is the purse that I want and I need!!!
I was fortunate in high school to meet and know some amazing people. I have the privilege of still being able to call them friends to this day. David Michael was as phenomenal then as he is now. However, now he is in a position to make things happen. I always admired him. He was and still is my personal fashion dictionary.
If there is one thing that I want readers to take from my blog, it is that you should always strive to be able to do, in life, EXACTLY what makes you happy. In high school David lived, breathed and manifested fashion. Fast -forward nearly five years and he is doing the same thing but on a scale that is similar to him, fabulous. This is my Fashion EXchange with the living breathing Fashion dictionary and ICON David Michael- designer, stylist and visionary---- Envy it.
How long have you been designing and making clothes?
I have been designing for as long as I can remember. I know it started in elementary school and has blossomed from there. I didn't start making clothes until high school.
I have been designing for as long as I can remember. I know it started in elementary school and has blossomed from there. I didn't start making clothes until high school.
What inspires you?
Hmmm...what inspires me the most is art. It's so magnificently wondrous and illustrates the inner workings if someone's imagination. Art transforms in prints, textiles, shoes, bags etc.
Hmmm...what inspires me the most is art. It's so magnificently wondrous and illustrates the inner workings if someone's imagination. Art transforms in prints, textiles, shoes, bags etc.
We know each other how has your style changed over the years. How did it start out? Why did it evolve?
My style has finally reached a stopping point!!! (Laughs)! In high school I started to experiment with A LOT of different styles; from preppy to rockstar and everything inbetween. My mother has always encouraged me to be my own person. And my sexuality had a lot to deal with the transformation. But that is always another subject for another day.
My style has finally reached a stopping point!!! (Laughs)! In high school I started to experiment with A LOT of different styles; from preppy to rockstar and everything inbetween. My mother has always encouraged me to be my own person. And my sexuality had a lot to deal with the transformation. But that is always another subject for another day.
Magazines? Which ones do you read?
I read the usuals; Bazaar, Vogue, W, V and sometimes GQ! A lot of Sister 2 Sister.
I read the usuals; Bazaar, Vogue, W, V and sometimes GQ! A lot of Sister 2 Sister.
Which designers do you like? Who do you emulate?
Sooooo MANY DESIGNERS! I love them all, but as far as my favorite designer, it would be Giambattista Valli. He just astounds me every time! Alexander the Great (Alexander McQueen) was one of my favs before he was so popular. I love Marc Jacobs (as everyone should!). Lagerfeld gets me every time! I own a few Lagerfeld items! In order to be a designer you have to understand that you will emulate others and sometimes I feel like I do. Innovators like McQueen were completely on another level and that ain't something I can compete with! I know my design estatic...lol
Sooooo MANY DESIGNERS! I love them all, but as far as my favorite designer, it would be Giambattista Valli. He just astounds me every time! Alexander the Great (Alexander McQueen) was one of my favs before he was so popular. I love Marc Jacobs (as everyone should!). Lagerfeld gets me every time! I own a few Lagerfeld items! In order to be a designer you have to understand that you will emulate others and sometimes I feel like I do. Innovators like McQueen were completely on another level and that ain't something I can compete with! I know my design estatic...lol
Where do you shop?
I live in Atlanta, Georgia and I shop at boutiques ALL THE TIME! I'm not a mall shopper my favorite is SickBoy Vintage in Tallahassee, Fl., 774 in Atlanta, Ga HAS THE HOTTEST STUFF when it comes to accessories! Little 5 points is the BEST place to shop for me! Stefan's Vintage and Junkman's Daughter are my favorite spots.
I live in Atlanta, Georgia and I shop at boutiques ALL THE TIME! I'm not a mall shopper my favorite is SickBoy Vintage in Tallahassee, Fl., 774 in Atlanta, Ga HAS THE HOTTEST STUFF when it comes to accessories! Little 5 points is the BEST place to shop for me! Stefan's Vintage and Junkman's Daughter are my favorite spots.
How do you feel about shopping in season?
I don't shop in seasons. It's too close to buying trends. I like classic staples that never leave me outdated. Classic silhouettes will never steer you wrong!
I don't shop in seasons. It's too close to buying trends. I like classic staples that never leave me outdated. Classic silhouettes will never steer you wrong!
Style icons?
Hmmm...style icons....my mother and her 3 sisters are my overall inspiration. My aunt Vickie is a grandiose diva who always makes a statement with dashing jewelery. My aunt Verne was always elegant and pulled together right down to her Manolo. She never missed a beat. My auntie Frances showed off...period. There is a playfulness to her that I translate to clothes. My MOTHER! Ugh!!! What is there NOT to be said?! My mother's carefree bohemian nature translates into clothes! With her big natural hair and effortless chic persona! She is the epitome of CLASSIC COOL! In another life she was Carrie bradshaw, I swear.
Hmmm...style icons....my mother and her 3 sisters are my overall inspiration. My aunt Vickie is a grandiose diva who always makes a statement with dashing jewelery. My aunt Verne was always elegant and pulled together right down to her Manolo. She never missed a beat. My auntie Frances showed off...period. There is a playfulness to her that I translate to clothes. My MOTHER! Ugh!!! What is there NOT to be said?! My mother's carefree bohemian nature translates into clothes! With her big natural hair and effortless chic persona! She is the epitome of CLASSIC COOL! In another life she was Carrie bradshaw, I swear.
What is your favorite piece of clothing?
My favorite piece of CLOTHING is a hot jacket! I dress in layers even in the summer months....so I tend to like the flexibility that jackets, cozies or just outerwear in general can provide.
My favorite piece of CLOTHING is a hot jacket! I dress in layers even in the summer months....so I tend to like the flexibility that jackets, cozies or just outerwear in general can provide.
Finish this sentence clothes should____________.
Clothes should express you as a person. They do exactly that for me...sometimes.
Clothes should express you as a person. They do exactly that for me...sometimes.
What do you think of my style?
Ju'Lia, you have always had a very simple style BUT you love extravagant statement pieces! Like your winter coats of fur or an ornate bag. Your style is very polished and refined! It's always just enough to make someone double take. I love it
Ju'Lia, you have always had a very simple style BUT you love extravagant statement pieces! Like your winter coats of fur or an ornate bag. Your style is very polished and refined! It's always just enough to make someone double take. I love it
Okay I am blushing!!! Describe your style.
My style...o boy...it's a mix of different things. I love different eras of fashion, when I get dressed up formally, I love the 1920's and 50's! But I don't like to be so tied down. So I don't dress up often! On an everyday basis...I really put on whatever. I tend to look like the art student I was or sometimes like I just left a summer music festival...I'm very bohemian all the time. Lol. It reflects my attitude on life.
Fashion is artistry. Alexander McQueen, Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Jacobs, Giorgio Armani, Gianni Versace etc...all of them are the best in their media of choice. The list goes forever. Fashion to me is a walking canvas; a reverie if one's own imagination. Couture shows are my favorite because the show that fantasy, that creativity that tends to lack in ready-to-wear.
Fashion is artistry. Alexander McQueen, Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Jacobs, Giorgio Armani, Gianni Versace etc...all of them are the best in their media of choice. The list goes forever. Fashion to me is a walking canvas; a reverie if one's own imagination. Couture shows are my favorite because the show that fantasy, that creativity that tends to lack in ready-to-wear.
Are you tired of the term Fashionista?
The word fashionista is ok...I don't feel anyway about it. I just wished it was used properly.
The word fashionista is ok...I don't feel anyway about it. I just wished it was used properly.
What is your background in design?
Designing started at an early age. I taught myself. Once I started learning basic shapes I started to apply them to clothes...I haven't made anything in a while. I have been more on the styling side of the mirror. I like that better but I have six sketch books full of ideas so I'm getting back into it!
Designing started at an early age. I taught myself. Once I started learning basic shapes I started to apply them to clothes...I haven't made anything in a while. I have been more on the styling side of the mirror. I like that better but I have six sketch books full of ideas so I'm getting back into it!
What was the first thing that you made?
The first thing I ever made was a pillow! Lol! But I made my Best Friend's prom dress in '06! But prior to that in '05 a lot of people wore my designs to prom. I wasn't as serious as I am now! So sadly I don't have any pics!
The first thing I ever made was a pillow! Lol! But I made my Best Friend's prom dress in '06! But prior to that in '05 a lot of people wore my designs to prom. I wasn't as serious as I am now! So sadly I don't have any pics!
Five rules of fashion to live by?
Honestly, I don't have any rules...wait a minute, my biggest rule is to not buy into so many trends! I hate that! Trends are fabulous but if you buy too many, your WHOLE closet will be LATE (that means not fashionable)! But being stylish goes beyond clothes and shoes! I have a friend who owns her own cosmetics company, Tonnae Nicole Cosmetics. Check them out Ju'Lia at tonnaenicole.com, she opened up a whole new window as to being fashionable. Make-up is something a girl should have! You have to have the right make up to tie a look together. It's just like having the right shoes or necklace.
Honestly, I don't have any rules...wait a minute, my biggest rule is to not buy into so many trends! I hate that! Trends are fabulous but if you buy too many, your WHOLE closet will be LATE (that means not fashionable)! But being stylish goes beyond clothes and shoes! I have a friend who owns her own cosmetics company, Tonnae Nicole Cosmetics. Check them out Ju'Lia at tonnaenicole.com, she opened up a whole new window as to being fashionable. Make-up is something a girl should have! You have to have the right make up to tie a look together. It's just like having the right shoes or necklace.
Pick one accessory?
One accessory...hmmm. That's a tough one...but I will say shoes. Only because you have to have shoes on your feet at all times. A bag is optional. Especially since there are so many other options like clutch wallets, mini skinnies and even fanny packs! Lol
I really love The Gap...I'm a very basic dresser and I feel my sexiest in a white tee. I love the fit of the clothes. That's about the only place I will go in a mall for myself.
One accessory...hmmm. That's a tough one...but I will say shoes. Only because you have to have shoes on your feet at all times. A bag is optional. Especially since there are so many other options like clutch wallets, mini skinnies and even fanny packs! Lol
I really love The Gap...I'm a very basic dresser and I feel my sexiest in a white tee. I love the fit of the clothes. That's about the only place I will go in a mall for myself.
What would you like to see change in fashion industry?
In the industry, I would love to see more black and I don't mean on a dress! I would love to see more of my sisters and brothers in ads or on the catwalk.
In the industry, I would love to see more black and I don't mean on a dress! I would love to see more of my sisters and brothers in ads or on the catwalk.
What do you define as urban fashion? Is there such a thing?
Urban fashion...hmmm. There is such a thing...and I don't care for it BUT obviously there is a market for it so someone likes it...
Urban fashion...hmmm. There is such a thing...and I don't care for it BUT obviously there is a market for it so someone likes it...
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I see myself up there with Rachel Zoe. I admire her soooo much! Scratch that, I want to surpass Rachel! She is just such an inspiration! I want to be a staple at Fashion Week, all of them! It's just so much I want to do. But I most assuredly would like my business (World of David Michael) to have blossomed from there. My heart is in design but my company shifts those gears in focuses on my true passion, wardrobe styling!
Do you want to have a line one day?
Eventually yes, I do want a line of clothes. I haven't thought of a name but whatever I choose it would reflect me. Of course I want to do a women's line but lately I have taken an interest in men's fashion. I feel like the younger generation (our generation) is a little more fashion conscious. And men are now crying out for a more fashionable realm rather than the cookie cutter things that seem to flood the market every season. We want more prints and not on a tie. We want more colors and not just in our Converse. I'm thinking that if I do it, I would want it to just be a boutique. No commercial chains or anything just one location. And I want to offer the best of the best, from costume jewelry to clothes. People take a certain pride when they know that what they are wearing is exclusive...but I must say if I do all this, the prices maybe a little up there. But it's a boutique, I can haggle a little! Lol
Radiantly Yours,
David Michael
Eventually yes, I do want a line of clothes. I haven't thought of a name but whatever I choose it would reflect me. Of course I want to do a women's line but lately I have taken an interest in men's fashion. I feel like the younger generation (our generation) is a little more fashion conscious. And men are now crying out for a more fashionable realm rather than the cookie cutter things that seem to flood the market every season. We want more prints and not on a tie. We want more colors and not just in our Converse. I'm thinking that if I do it, I would want it to just be a boutique. No commercial chains or anything just one location. And I want to offer the best of the best, from costume jewelry to clothes. People take a certain pride when they know that what they are wearing is exclusive...but I must say if I do all this, the prices maybe a little up there. But it's a boutique, I can haggle a little! Lol
Radiantly Yours,
David Michael
Life in D.C. is amazing and I can honestly say that I know I am not getting the full effect. I have strict roommates but I am grateful for the place! At any rate, if I had to point out one thing I like, it would be the different personalities 
that I get to meet. The Washington D.C./ Maryland area definitely feels like the Mecca of black people right now. People seem to be really affluent here. It is refreshing, to not just see one type of group. There are college students; families, younger people and older people all nestled into the local Starbucks or Chipotle!!
Highlights:
I went to a happy hour and I took a few pictures. I felt like I was at the club. The “lounge” was over flowing with people. It was really fun because the majority of the people there were in my age range. So it is just nice to see 22 year olds with jobs unwinding from a weeks long worth of work. One time for people with jobs, yayyyyyyy!!!
Other highlights
I went to a roof top party at 3p.m. and like happy hour it was over flowing with people. Sadly I never made it to the roof. I stayed in the AC!!
Pictures in the next post!!!!
Internship highlights
*That is a picture of my desk. The other pictures are of the office!!
They are still letting me write!!!! Check out the website for my articles and many other awesome stories on the Web site, for the latest updates on your favorite stars. I still love the job. Two- minute- honest-open conversation, this internship has been a really positive experience for me. It has shown me that while there are people in this field, who will play off your insecurities and tear you down if you allow it, that it is still a wonderful profession to be in. My goal in life is to be able to do the things that I enjoy. Coming back to this has shown me how much I enjoyed it. It’s not reporting class, which in my opinion can find an error in a Pulitzer Prize winning piece. You get correction and you keep moving. So anyway other high lights, I have been transcribing interviews. I can’t say with whom because that will ruin the surprise for other people and the competition but the people were cool. Transcribing took forever though.
Another highlight, we had an office meeting to brainstorm ideas for an upcoming issue of the magazine and they actually likedsome of my ideas, ten points for me. I am super excited about that!!! So yeah, I feel like I am a super lucky intern. I get to write, offer input that is used at meetings, transcribe interviews, create interview questions and then whatever else they ask me to do. Considering what I hear about other internships, this is amazing!!!! Crazy thing is I had to be encouraged to apply. Much thanks to that person for that!!! You live and you learn.
Much Love Folks
My cell phone for the most part is my camera!!! I need batteries for my camera LAME excuse. However,I am being honest!!
****The Mia's sends her love as well!!
When I think about fashion, I think about the many definitions that we seem to have for it. For some, fashion is about keeping up with the trends and some how making it your own. For others, fashion is so much more than the latest trends. For those “others,” fashion is a reflection of what is going on in their heads, another extension of oneself. When I think about what is stylish and fashionable, my first thought is that the person’s clothing has to tell me something about them. I think the pieces I like to wear (when I make the effort, which is changing Back to the Basics aka cute at all times) demonstrates that. I like for my pieces to have a story. I also like for my pieces to be glamorous, despite my shy disposition, I like standing out.
INSERT TRISTEN SAMPSON HERE!!!
I have known dude for a long time. We attend different schools now. I am sure that he has matured but when I send him text messages and he replies with, “What’s up hoodrat?” I feel like Tristen is still the same. If there were one thing that I can say has drastically changed, I would say it his style. I feel like where he is now, and I enjoy watching the change, is a clear reflection of who he is, which is unique. I had a chance to ask him a few questions and I have to admit that I walked a way feeling a little enlightened. I find that hilarious because I remember being one of his friends, who use to poke fun at him for how he dressed. Well, not so much how he dressed, really just the skinny jeans. We did not know how he found those back then. However look at it now, you have rap duos stepping out in skinny jeans. Tristen was and remains to be, ahead of his time. This is my attempt to call out the rest of the fellas and tell you that maybe this kid is on to something!
The biggest point that I feel he made was that, there was a time when black men were more experimental with their clothing and didn’t have to deal with their sexuality being called out. Where did that go? So, this is me doing my community service. Fellas it is ok to like fashion. It is REALLY ok to be different. At the end of the day just make sure that in every thing that you do, it is a clear reflection of you. So here is the interview with the most stylish, straightest black guy I know.
Describe your style. What does it say about you?
- It's getting really hard to articulate these days, but I'd say it's something along the lines of 'downtown coffee shop minimalism.' I've never actually thought about how I might be perceived by a random onlooker, but I hope 'youthful' + 'fun' are two words that might come to mind.
I have always liked your style. Do you feel like it has changed over the years? How so?
- I guess this is where I say thanx, huh! I feel like I've come a long way in a short amount of time. The whole idea of fashion + style didn't concern me until the latter years of high school. It was very experimental, hit and miss, not having a clue but committing to an idea regardless. College has allowed me to filter and condense all my influences into something tangible and coherent. I also think having a working knowledge of fashion, past + present, has helped in my development, it's hard to make sense out of clothing when you don't bother to do your h/w.
What is your favorite piece of clothing?
- I have a genre of tee's that I professionally nicknamed my 'ride or die' t-shirts, which I'm really quite fond of. They're super thin on the verge of see-thru, solid colored tees, w/ big stretched neck openings, and they fit slightly over-sized. They're usually made from a brushed pima cotton, or cashmere blends. I call them my ride or die t-shirts because you can have a filthy dirt-nasty night out on the town, crawl home drunk, ball it up, throw it in the corner, then wake up the next morning, put it back on, throw a jacket over it, and be out the door. I kinda live for them.
Where do you shop?
- I'm pretty much an exclusive online shopper w/the exception of a few H&M pit stops throughout the year. I'm a big fan of a site called gilt.com, it's a members only type deal, so it took a while for me to get ushered in, but it's been magic ever since. It's potentially just like attending a designer sample sale, except via the inter-webs. Each day they offer up a new collections by high ranking contemporary designers. It's the only place to get the garments that you physically saw on last season's runways, for a somewhat reasonable price. Honorable mentions go out to openingceremony.us and barneys.com because their co-op range is pretty killer.....and ebay. ebay is dope.
Do you think there is a stigma that comes with being fashionable as a guy? Why or why not?
- Of course. Naturally you are going to encounter those that think your world is automatically full of candy cane, gum drops and licorice sticks and they'll completely strip + discredit you of all masculinity, but on occasion you'll have those who commend your efforts. It get's old, and then you get over it. At the end of the day, you develop a pretty flame resistant air of self confidence. There is always a positive aspect.
What do you think about urban fashion?
- I think urban fashion means a lot of things to a lot of different people. If we're talking eclectic city dwelling street wear, then I'm all for it, but I don't care so much for hip-hop inspired urban wear.
Do you think there is a belief that black guys should dress a certain way? Why or why not?
- Over the past few decades I think black culture has really narrowed the scope of what is acceptable for a modern day black male in terms of fashion. As a result, there is limited amount of individualism, because of the fear of being ridiculed. If you take a look back at black artist who were at the forefront of the soul/rhythm and blues movement like the Commodores, Earth Wind and Fire, The Isley Brothers, and who can forget bead laden Rick James, they all approached fashion from such an uninhibited place, and it's kind of sad to see that we've lost that and even frown upon it today.
Do you think that will change one day and when?
- Probably not, but I do believe that a descent amount of acceptance is obtainable.I think when people like Kanye and Jay-Z, who hold credibility within the black community, vocally speak about their admiration and respect for fashion, it definitely changes minds and opinions.
Why are you so cool?
- Every now and then, some random person on campus will walk up to me, and say something about how they've been admiring my style throughout the years, and it wrecks my brain each and every time. It's crazy to think that at a university where I am one blob out 55,000, I've somehow found a way to carve out an niche of my own, without even being consciously aware. The best part is when it's some husky gangsta' looking mofo that pays me a compliment.....has to be the closest I've ever come to feeling cool.
What does you wardrobe consist of?
- Fairly simple non-fussy stuff, all in black, white, cream, navy and grey, loads of grey. Usually just lots of loose layered tees w/out graphics, tailored trousers, blue blazers, above the knee shorts, knitted cardigans, and a variety of boots.
What is your most unique piece?
- I have this sickly amazing harness for my keys which goes up my back and across my torso. it's the perfect combination of both form and function.
What do you like to see girls wear?
- Nothing in particular, but it helps if its quietly interesting.
What is your favorite style for girls?
- I tend to like the more androgynous stuff. the whole grungy, 'I don't know if she took a shower this week', but she still looks amazingly put together kind of thing.
Who are your favorite designers ?
- Proenza Schouler....for no other reason than the fact that they just make cool shit. They're a womens wear label but I always find myself staring at their stuff wondering how I can capture the essence of their clothing with menswear pieces. I'm also a big fan of Kris Van Assche, Trussardi 1911, Marni, and 3.1 Phillip Lim
What is one piece that every guy should have? Jacket, shoes what?
- I've always kinda believed that the sole initial purpose of clothing was to shield us from the elements, and anything above and after that is just fair game. Hence, I believe every guy should carry a sense of humor and a little bit of self assurance in their front pocket.
What influences your style?
- Stylelikeu.com hands down the best place for inspiration. There is something impeccably appealing about seeing creative people in their own personal spaces, and allowing them the time to verbally articulate their own aesthetics. I waste hours of valuable pro-active time on that site. No bueno.
This is a really great fashion blog that I came across for guys!!
The Urban Gent
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