A Diva State of Mind

EVENT RECAP: African Pride Ultimate Beauty Social

A Diva State of Mind — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 03:07:25 +0000

This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending the African Pride Ultimate Beauty Social at The Beacon Hotel in DC with Krystin of Be Loud Be You. This invitation only event was hosted by Erin Bailey of Scandalous Beauty, Joi-Marie of The Fab Empire, Lianne Farbes of The Makeup Girl (FYI she partnered with MAC to create the Hocus Pocus eye shadow) and Panana Jackson of Very Smart Brothas.

Me and Krystin

Hosts of the Ultimate Beauty Social

African Pride Products

The Ultimate Beauty Social featured brunch, an introduction to the new African Pride products and a very candid discussion about hair. Some of the topics included natural vs. relaxer, popular hair trends in DC, hair in the workplace, whether or not men play a role in women’s hair decisions and more. It was VERY interesting to hear the different perspectives and stories about these topics; especially the men’s point of view!

Blogger Yvonne of Pink Dollhouse discussing her experience using the African Pride Olive Miracle Growth Oil

Brunch!

Me and my blogger boos Naseya of The Seventh District & Krystin of Be Loud Be You

Gift bag goodies!

Overall, I had a great time attending the event. The brunch was good, the discussion was candid and of course it’s always great catching up with other bloggers and industry folks I hadn’t seen in awhile. I look forward to trying these new African Pride products, especially the Shea Butter Miracle Shampoo (great for those who are natural or transitioning) and Olive Miracle products.

To learn more about African Pride and the available products visit www.african-pride.com

Where To Buy Jay-Z’s Samsung Commercial “Go Home!” Sweatshirt

A Diva State of Mind — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 03:16:40 +0000

Last night during Jay-Z’s Samsung commercial, Vivi on twitter stated “I need Jay’s ‘Go Home!’ shirt. ASAPtually.” I thought I would search online to see if I could find it because I was wondering where he got it too!

Jay-Z’s “Go Home!” sweatshirt is by Surface to Air x Aaron Young. The 100% cotton sweatshirt features a ribbed crew neck, ‘Go Home!’ front dripping graphic, long sleeves, and a ribbed hem.

The sweatshirt is $170 and available at Farfetch. Either this is a hot item or very exclusive because there are only two left in each size!

What do you think? Would you wear it?

Jay-Z Announces New Album: 1 Million Copies FREE Via Samsung

A Diva State of Mind — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 02:33:17 +0000

I got on twitter during the NBA Game 5 Finals and saw someone tweet about Jay-Z making an announcement at 9:15 pm. I am here for anything Jay-Z has to announce. Not only is he a great artist, but he has gotten it right when it comes to corporate partnerships so I knew it was going to be big!

Through a 3 minute commercial that included Timbaland, Swizz Beatz, Rick Rubin and Pharrell (can we say music geniuses!), Jay-Z announced he’d be dropping a new album next month, Magna Carta Holy Grail. Since he has a partnership with Samsung, 1 million copies will be available for FREE to Samsung Galaxy S III and Galaxy S 4 users on July 4th via the Magna Carta mobile app. This means, Samsung users will be able to download his album 72 hours before it is released.

Through this deal, Jay-Z’s album has already gone platinum. Samsung is paying $5 for each album that will be available for free. That’s right ladies and gentleman, Jay-Z made $5 million before anyone has heard one lyric off the new album!

Jay-Z has been one to watch if you want to learn a thing or two about expanding your brand. Not only is he a hip hop artist, but he is linked to a record label (Roc Nation), sports agency (Roc Nation Sports Agency), a clothing line (Rocawear) and some of the most visible corporations including Budweiser and Samsung.

I’ll take a class on marketing and corporate sponsorships from Jay-Z please!!

Check out http://www.magnacartaholygrail.com/ for more information about the album and the Samsung mobile app.

Join Me At A G.L.A.M. Fashion Event Benefiting Safe Shores DC!

A Diva State of Mind — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 17:49:15 +0000

I love when two things I love, fashion and community service, come together!

On Thursday, June 20th, G.L.A.M. (Giving Labels A Meaning) is hosting a summer fashion event to benefit Safe Shores! The event will include pop-up shops, open bar, raffle, music by DJ MIM and fashion presentation. I am pretending to be a model and participating in the presentation

Featured boutiques include Carnelian Boutique, Bishop Boutique, The Andi Brand, Turquoise, Enise, Drabo Gallery and Runway on Wheels. The raffle will feature items from Fornash, Rachel Mulherin, Blair Ritchey, Hobo, The Andi Brand and Love Cortnie.

What I love is that 100% of the proceeds will benefit Safe Shores, an organization that provides intervention, hope and healing for children and families affected by abuse, trauma and violence in the District of Columbia, and prevents child abuse through education and training.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at http://givinglabelsameaning2013.eventbrite.com/ If you love fashion, why not spend your Thursday shopping, enjoying treats AND supporting a great organization?!

New Talk Show: “The Real” Featuring Tamar Braxton, Tamara Mowry-Housley & More

A Diva State of Mind — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 19:19:35 +0000

When I first heard that FOX would be premiering a new show featuring Tamar Braxton, Loni Love, Adrienne Bailon, Jeannie Mai and Tamera Mowry-Housley, I thought “now that’s an interesting bunch!” Their personalities seem extremely different so I wondered if they would have great chemistry on a talk show.

I saw the teaser for “The Real” today and I must say this might actually work. The women are bold, outspoken and bring different perspectives to the table when discussing relationships, fashion, pop culture and more.

We haven’t really seen a talk show that features hosts in their 20s and 30s, so a show like this will be refreshing to watch.

“The Real” is set to premire this summer, July 17th on FOX in the following markets:

New York WNYW FOX5 at 12:00pm
Los Angeles KTTV FOX11 at 1:00pm
Washington D.C. WTTG FOX5 at 11:00am
Philadelphia WTXF FOX29 at 11:00am
Phoenix KSAZ FOX10 at 1:00pm
Houston KRIV FOX26 at 1:00pm
Tampa WTVT FOX13 at 1:00pm

Source: The Jasmine Brand

Latest Collaboration: Isabel Marant For H&M

A Diva State of Mind — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:49:25 +0000

It’s time to get excited about another collaboration!

French designer Isabel Marant, who is responible for making wedge sneakers popular, is teaming up with H&M for a designer collaboration scheduled to hit stores November 14, 2013. The collection will feature clothing and accessories for teenagers, women and men. For H&M, Marant will create a collection of must-have pieces inspired by her signature style: urban attitude, boho elegance mixed with a rock n’roll spirit.

Isabel Marant Spring 2013

Isabel Marant Summer 2013

About the collaboration, Marant says:

“I am flattered by this collaboration. H&M works with the best designers, and this invitation is an exciting honor. I aim at creating something real – something women want to wear in their everyday lives – with a certain carefree style. I think this is very Parisian: You dress up, but don’t pay too much attention to it, and you still look sexy. The collection is infused with this kind of easiness and attitude. Everything can be combined following one’s own instincts, and my take on fashion is all about personality.”

I haven’t shopped most designer collections up until this point, but this is one I may be in line outside H&M on F street for in November!

What do you think of the new collaboration?

[VIDEO] Mean Gurlz: Hilarious or Offensive?

A Diva State of Mind — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 01:21:04 +0000

Warning: If you haven’t seen the movie Mean Girls featuring Lindsey Lohan, you may not get this video.

Former American Idol contestant and Youtube sensation, Todrick Hall, has created his own version of Mean Girls called Mean Gurlz which takes place in Compton. It’s rated R for Ratchet and that might be an understatement!

The video was featured on two blogs I follow and readers had a lot to say about the video. Some people thought it was hilarious; others not so much. Comments included:

“Black audiences and white audiences are going to be laughing about two different things.” – Malik

“I have very mixed feelings about this. It was funny. And I laugh out loud a bit but I still felt sad for laughing. EVERY CHARACTER was a extreme stereotype. I understand that there are people like this everywhere I’ve met them and know some personally BUT I’m sure there are people in Compton that act just like “Fake LiLo” There are more people in the world that AREN’T RATCHET than there are ratchet people. This is the same thing we complain abut with Tyler Perry. Yes I watched and I laughed, but I was hoping he at least had a group of people that weren’t so extreme. Hell he could have called it the “LAME group” They don’t go out the don’t twerk they just stay at home and do their homework on time. Come on Toddrick think outside the stereotype box for a bit.” – ImJustSaying

The stereotypes are definitely extreme. When I watched the video, I said to myself “oh no” at some of the scenes but I thought it was funny. On the flip side, I can understand why some folks wouldn’t like it. Comedy is a matter of taste and some folks don’t like stereotypes being used for comedic material.

What do you think about the video? Do you think it’s hilarious? Are people being too sensitive?

You’re Invited: The TuTu Tea Party

A Diva State of Mind — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:58:18 +0000

You’re invited to The TuTu Tea Party, a social gathering geared toward like-minded and creative women in search of fun, food and networking. Event hosts Denisio Truitt and Alexandra Elle hope The Tutu Tea Party will bring women all of walks of life together! The unique thing about this event is that your TuTu will be your “ticket” into the tea party. There will also be two guests who specialize in the holistic benefits of tea and Yoga. Guest will enjoy different types of tea, finger foods and gift bags!

There will only be 15 tutu tickets up for grabs so that the event is small and intimate. No worries! The ladies do plan to host the event again.

Purchase tickets at http://thetututeaparty.eventbrite.com The ticket price includes the price of your custom tutu, tea and food. All tutus are handmade by Denisio and Alex and will come in one color only, mint. Please email your ticket # and dress and/or waist size to: thetututeaparty@gmail.com once you have made your purchase. You can choose to pick up your tutu or it will be mailed to you one week prior to the event.

Celebrity Stylist June Ambrose New Show on Jay-Z “Life + Times” Website

A Diva State of Mind — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 02:31:27 +0000

Celebrity stylist June Ambrose (clients include Jay-Z, Alicia Keys and Mary J. Blige) may not be returning to VH1 but we still get to see her in action on Jay-Z’s Life + Times website. Ambrose signed on for an original video series titled “Style Boost with June Ambrose.” The first episode features Ambrose giving Life +Times internship winner Joyce Wright a makeover.

I have to admit, I’ve heard about Life + Times, but never really checked it out until now. Looks like I’ll be tuning in to watch June Ambrose in action and of course take a few notes (yes I watch styling shows and takes notes! You should never stop learning).

Her “Styled by June” show on VH1 was about giving celebrities, who hadn’t been in the public eye for a while, a new look. She worked with Jaleel White (aka Steve Urkel), Da Brat and Audrey O’Day (of Danity Kane) just to name a few. I’m interested to see the direction of this new series on Life + Times; will she be giving makeovers to non-celebrities only? Will she be helping to revamp someone’s image like she did on the old show? We will see!

You’re Invited: Drink The District – Red, White & Brew Beer & Wine Festival

A Diva State of Mind — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 03:42:32 +0000

Nothing like a beer or wine festival during the summer!!

On June 29^th and 30^th, Drink the District presents the All-American Red, White, and Brew Edition at Yards Park. Starting at $35, attendees have access to unlimited beer and wine, bottled and brewed in the U.S.A. With 50+ craft beers and 100+ wines, explore flavorful variety of tastings and indulge in full pours of your old favorites. Guests have the option of choosing one of three different sessions (Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM, 6 PM – 10 PM and Sunday 12 PM – 4 PM).

Frustrated with paying too much for too little, Drink the District was inspired to make quality beer and wine events affordable for young professionals in D.C. Drink the District is so much more than just about the brew, as it also includes local live music, backyard games and 15 of DC food trucks.

Date: Saturday, June 29^th and Sunday, June 30^th

Location: The Yards Park (355 Water Street SE Washington, D.C. 20003)

Time:

Session 1: Saturday, June 29^th, 12 pm to 4 pm
Session 2: Saturday, June 29^th, 6 pm to 10 pm
Session 3: Sunday, June 30^th, 12 pm to 4 pm

Admission: current price $35, will increase as it gets closer to the event. Purchase HERE.

FYI this deal is currently available on LivingSocial for $30 HERE.

About Drink the District:

Drink the District is a series of beverage-centric, value-driven, high energy events designed for young professionals in Washington, DC. Founded by Steuart Martens and Dan Kirner, Drink the District is a creation of the team behind Taste of DC. The inaugural DTD was held in July of 2012 and was an overwhelming success. In April 2013, DTD: Wine debuted and sold out in record time. Follow on Facebook (Drink the District) and Twitter: @Drink_District

If I wasn’t going to be on vacation the weekend of the event, I’d definitely attend!!