Kearmonie

My CURLFEST 2018 Look!

2018-07-25T16:59:00.000-07:00

This year I wanted my look to be just as chic as my hairstyle. My outfit, summertime - appropriate of course and ideal this year, a two piece fit! From Forever 21 this linen skirt and crop-top set is perfect. I completed the look with huaraches sandals and a vintage coach duffle bag.

CURLFEST 2018 hairstyle!

2018-07-22T08:32:00.001-07:00

As far as my complete look for curlfest, photos coming soon! But for now heres what I did with my hair:

Another swoop bang with something a little new, a petal loc bun inspired by my petal loc mohawk look from last month!

Brand new music from Chance The Rapper!

2018-07-19T16:30:00.000-07:00

This Morning I woke up to 4 new tracks from Chicago's superstar Chance The Rapper. Having been a huge fan in 2013 when he took the world by storm with his mixtape "Acid Rap", I was definitely eager to hear what new-new Chance could hit us with here in 2018. Listen:

Recently Chance has caught the public eye once again after proposing to his daughters mother(finally) and of course she said yes. Chance continue to make his city and fans everywhere proud, just ny being true to himself. However there will always be naysayers and Chance agrees them on stand-out single(amongst the four) "I Might Need Security". The perfect title named after a very popular Jamie Foxx standup routine, with an even more perfect sample of a joke from I Might Need Security(watch HERE). He addresses rumors and negative things that have been said about him, politics, family, his city- everything! He's the people's champ and this braggadocios diss track to everyone and they momma reminds fans why they fell in love with him in the first place- very "H to the izzo"

"I'm not no boss nigga, I'm a soldier

Kingdom builder,

man somebody shoulda told ya"

Two of the other tracks, "Work Out" and "65th and Ingleside" are coming to age stories regarding his relationship with his now Fiancé, with silly bars directed at past lovers. and then there is a new dance track/juke jam "Wala Cam" which will definitely have listeners dancing. All I can say is these four singles have the mouths of Chance the Rapper fans everywhere watering in anticipation of a possible upcoming album.

My look for Everyday People

2018-07-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

Everyday People is an org which throws huge day parties, and have garnered a large audience over the years. I've been hesitant in going being that I know they bring in large crowds and I haven't been sure if that would be an uncomfortable experience. However, there was enough space at the venue and being that it is a day party that goes from 3pm to 10pm the were groups of people who came early and left midway, or arrived midway and left when it ended - as if we were taking shifts. It worked out perfectly and my fear quickly went away as all I did was dance.

As for my outfit, I kept it simple yet funky with an aqua-green colored t-shirt dress from Asos and studded slip-on sneakers from a boutique called Purdy girl. It was very hot so I didn't need a jacket at all, I carried my vintage coach shoulder bag, and that was it!

Party on a rooftop

2018-07-01T13:44:00.001-07:00

This weekend in 90+ degree weather I went to a rooftop get together presented by local vegan chef @gemeatsvegan. Here's my outfit brought to you by UO, F21, and Payless. The Urban outfitter crop top and Forever 21 high waisted plaid shorts make the perfect pair for a chic look that still agrees with the high temperatures and the Christian Siriano twisted mules seal the deal.

Scorpio season (although it's Cancer season)

2018-06-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

All thanks to Drake, whose latest album fittingly entitled "Scorpion" has been inspiring and exciting listeners since the second it released at midnight. The 2 part deluxe album gives us everything you would expect from Drake and more. Volume 1 presents a bit of a braggadocios, "told you so" narrative which dispels all rumors/slander/and hate, featuring singles "Gods Plan" and "I'm Upset", whereas Volume 2 is the softer side of Drizzy, what he is most known for, and seems to be for the ladies featuring chart topping femme anthem "Nice For What". The choice to make 2 sides to one album was one of best decisions at this point in his career, he is not switching up on us just adding more; more honesty, more bars, and more vibes- covered with sampling, sounds bites, beats inspired by various music genres; as well as a surprise feature from Michael Jackson. We get "Yolo" Drake and we also get "Take Care" Drake in an expansive, ever-growing, ever-changing way, like some afro-futuristic shit.

Volume 1 is what you would expect from this album based on two of his latest singles and recent rap beef Drake was caught up in with Pusha T. Rumors of the two being rivals have been swarming for years, and were reignited late 2016 with the release of Drake's diss track "Two Birds, One Stone", throwing shots at both Pusha and KiD CuDi. Two months ago with the release of his latest album, "Daytona", Pusha decided to take shots at Drizzy and expose some secrets the rapper may have been keeping from the public. Always anticipating his music, the public was also dying to know "What is he going to say???", especially considering past diss tracks from the Toronto superstar. Well, he said just enough. On "Emotionless" Drizzy addresses the rumors Pusha sparked up that Drake has a child whose life he probably does not have much of a presence in, by saying: "I wasn't hiding my kid from the world, I was hiding the world from my kid". Addressing the issue from both ends by clearing his name and shining light on the fact that conflicts like this one are the very reason the public did not know about Drake's baby. Drake comes back to describing the situation throughout volumes 1 and 2, as he clears his mind and pours out his heart.

"I'm the chosen one,

flowers never pick themselves"

Aside from the mention of his son and the lyric that widened the eyes of curious listeners everywhere, "Emotionless" is a stand out track for its choir-like sample of Mariah Carey's "Emotions" and its subject matter. Drake is reading society for filth on this one, placing a mirror up to all of our faces showing how deeply superficial people are when it comes to the parts of our lives we choose to share with others. Social Media has certainly consumed us all and Drake simply calls it out straight like that. The first single from this album "God's Plan" which dropped in January follows, and then comes latest single "I'm Upset". Other stand outs include "8 out of 10" and my personal Vol. 1 fave "Mob Ties". Simply put, Volume 1 bumps, it is a great listen start to finish. Another other stand out track is "Sandra's Rose" a look at Drake's spirituality as it encompasses everything, as his mother's name is Sandra and he is the rose. Spirituality is defined as "the quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things" and this is what Drizzy digs deep into to give us this track. The last track on this side sums it all up with "Is there More?".

And now for Volume 2, the album for the ladies, the emotional side of Drake. All of the femme anthems and pseudo love songs flow seamlessly into one another on this side. Starting with "Peak", "Summer Games", and "Jaded" all open letters to past lovers about situations they may not have worked out and the order of songs seem to be intentional. At this point as we ease into Volume 2 you can feel that Drake worked really hard, especially considering that he must have recorded most of these tracks within the last 2 months. Drake is often referred to as "Mediocre" as a music artist, because he does not seem to try hard or push the art form forward. But with "Scorpion" Drake has truly outdone himself, the entire album is impressive and impactful. Next up is "Nice For What", as I stated earlier, a femme anthem celebrating women covered in samples and a New Orleans Bounce-inspired beat. "Nice For What" is a banger to say the least, arguably the best track on the entire album- Yes, both volumes - and I have not grown tired of it yet, ever since its release in April. However, a similar song "In My Feelings" comes in a close 2nd place to "Nice For What" to me, personally. It is also heavy with sampling, and samples New Orleans Bounce music as well. A love letter to an ex as he sings:

"Kiki, Do you love me?
Are you riding?
Say you'll never ever leave from beside me
Cuz I want ya, and I need ya
and I'm down for you always",

as he replaces the names each time. It is upbeat, fun, cute and one of my faves. It is hard to debate which Volume is best as they are both incredible, they are almost equal. One can say that Volume 1 has more potential hits, however, Volume 2 is probably best to listen to straight through and just vibe out to. Honestly just listen to all 25 tracks each time you give the album a listen, it is worth it. He ends off with a track entitled "March 14th" which is the day he found out that he had a son, and the song completely details his experience with that and what he was going through. Overall, this is an impressive body of work from Mr. Aubrey Graham. Personally I've been a Drake-hater for 3 sets of 3 years, so this means a lot coming from me.

Pride

2018-06-25T13:40:00.000-07:00

This year for Pride I went to the parade for the first time since the first time I went 7 years ago. My look is a repeat of a fave outfit of mine, my F21 Keith Haring top and white high waisted shorts from UO with my Blue Nike Air Max Theas. On such a hot day for roaming the crowded streets of lower Manhattan at the biggest pride parade in the US(maybe world), this fit was perfect, offering both an uncompromised amount of comfort and style.

When I arrived to 14th st and 5th ave I saw a ton of floats and people, I stuck around for hours, meeting up with friends and friends of friends and just roaming further downtown into the village, the parade seemed as if it would never end.

Quick Style with my Locs while they're in 2-strand twists

2018-06-23T13:21:00.000-07:00

While keeping my hair in 2-strand twists for about 4 days, here's a cute simple style I've decided to do.

This new Teyana Taylor is pretty G.O.O.D.

2018-06-23T11:22:00.000-07:00

KanYe West is hitting us off with all new music from his G.O.O.D. Music artists back to back, all produced by the man himself. New albums from Pusha T, KiD CuDi, Nas, KanYe, and Teyana of course.

Each album has 7 songs with the exception of TT's release K.T.S.E. which has 8.

The Harlem artist first caught public eye over a decade when she had her own episode of My Super Sweet 16, as a prospective artist on Pharrell's label. Now, she is married and she is a mother. Throughout her career she has faced a ton of ridicule for not releasing music and KanYe has also been under fire for seeming like he does not care about his artists. Well now he is shutting all of that up.

K.T.S.E. is short sweet perfection. At an even more perfect time. Teyana's fame has been on a rise since her relationship with husband Iman Shumpert garnered some attention and her starring role in KanYe's "Fade" video grabbed a ton of attention. She now has a reality show with hr family and a new nail salon in her hometown Harlem. And now a dope new album. A tale of life through Teyana's eyes, her love for her husband, her experience as a mother, what she has learned in her adult years and more. Each song is so wonderful I can't even choose a stand out of possible single, it is all fun and all good. From start to finish, its a good listen. I recommend.

Twin Shadow x LG x AFROPUNK show

2018-06-22T13:56:00.000-07:00

Last night AFROPUNK treated those two rsvp'd for this year's festival to an intimate concert featuring Twin Shadow performing music from his latest album Caer, presented by LG. This show also promoted LG's newest bluetooth speaker which is the boombox of this generation.

Attendees were greeted with a large hun the shape of the helmet on the cover of Car, filled with the LG speakers all playing stripped down portions of Twin Shadow's break out single from the album "Brace". Folks were allowed to press button on the walls of the giant helmet in order to play the portions of the songs on multiple speakers, for an immersive experience. The concert was an incredibly lively experience in such a small space, the lights, the instrumentation, and of course vocals all came together beautifully for an unforgettable little gem.

Re-twist with 2-strand twists !

2018-06-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

This month I attempted at retwisting my locs myself by doing two strand twists and heres how!

Noooo Mr. and Ms. Carter

2018-06-18T08:29:00.000-07:00

The Carters, individually the biggest superstars of our generation, have finally given listeners what we have been waiting for: a joint album. Rumors have been swarming since Jay-Z released his album "4:44" last summer on which he disclosed personal information about his marriage. In April 2016 Beyoncé released visual album "Lemonade" which was an hour long short film stringing together visuals for each song on the album with documentary like footage, as well as experimental imagery, poetry recited by Beyoncé, and more. Being one the most incredible contemporary art pieces "Lemonade" takes viewers/listeners on a journey through the hardships Bey has faced throughout her marriage with themes such as "betrayal" and "redemption". Their love has really become their "thing", which we do of course experience on the joint album fittingly entitled "EVERYTHING IS LOVE". However the entire album falls short.

What I imagined would be a combination of the kind of music we got from "4:44" and "Lemonade", it feels a bit more like your auntie and uncle doing trap karaoke. The feel lends itself to a lot of whats hot in the streets right now, with a feature from the migos, Beyoncé rapping, and Jay-Z being Jay-Z. There seems to be a specific vibe they were going for but it did not work. Beyoncé gives us sultry vocals similar to that on "On The Run II" and bars just as she did on their single with DJ Khaled "Top Off". But personally, it feels that she is holding back. Is this the Beyoncé Jay prefers? Does she feel she has to compete or keep up with him? It feels like Jay-Z featuring his wife on every track, when we all know who the better artist is here.

The first track "SUMMER" is a passionate R&B song primarily featuring vocals from Bey and just one verse from Jay. The feeling of this track is loving, sultry, and sexy; making it possibly the most bearable track on the whole album with the most replay value. Nothing else really stood out, aside maybe the first single and second track "APE SHIT". A turn up anthem heavily influenced by, and featuring vocals from, The Migos. It reminds me of one of their latest singles "Motorsport", but also a lot of Hip-Hop music out right now, a child of Trap Music. More rap-singing from Bey, more bragging about how poppin, and rich, and powerful The Carters are.

The music video is absolutely beautiful as they rented out the Louvre museum in France, where the Mona Lisa is. This makes a statement that as artists, as Black artists, they are just as valuable and important as very well know art by white people. They are dominating spaces Black people were not allowed to step foot in just a few decades ago. The chorus chants "Can't believe we made it, this is what we're thankful for", giving us an updated "Niggas in Paris" narrative.

Overall the album falls short, but I appreciate the effort. Maybe joint albums are just taboo, they don't happen often. "Watch The Throne", Jay-Z's album with KanYe West was 50% jaw-dropping incredibly moving music and 50% forgettable. Jay-Z's joint albums with R. Kelly are completely forgettable and I'm sorry I even brought them up.

As far as EVERYTHING IS LOVE goes, listen to it while you're cleaning the house, or on a long road trip and just need something in the background.

Black Women Filmmakers

2018-06-17T13:35:00.000-07:00

For a film screening I wore this Urbanworld Film Festival t-shirt featuring the names of a few well known Black Women Filmmakers. I pair the top with a high-waisted mesh layered F21 skirt, and complete the look with high-heeled black boots. A casual yet chic all Black everything outfit.

A second chance at prom

2018-06-09T13:30:00.000-07:00

The first ever alumni association at my highschool put together a prom theme highschool reunion open to all alum ranging from class of 1990-2016. This was the first of its kind at my highschool and getting the news was of course exciting for the sake of partying and nostalgia but also the prom theme made my eyes light up. I did not attend my highschool prom, so I treated this as such, I knew I was gonna go all out with hit outfit. I purchased the high-low gown from Gojane.com months ago with intentions of wearing it to another formal event, which I wound up not being able to attend. I've had the black shoes for a few months as well. My mother helped me complete this look with a set of pearls she's had for me for years and earrings and a bracelet(worn as an anklet) to match. Ultimately I wanted to do something fancy yet fun with my locs, for an elegant look it is always great to do an up-do but I choose to spice it up a bit and create a petal loc faux-hawk.

Mohawk X Loc Petals!

2018-06-09T12:14:00.000-07:00

For a high school reunion, I created a mohawk look with loc petals inspired by Chescalocs and here's how:

Another #OOTD!

2018-06-08T08:08:00.002-07:00

The outfit is all about the H&M mom jeans paired with a patterned cut-out UO Crop-top, and this look is complete with Black & White Nike Air maxes, for a simple chill everyday Black and white look.

Loc update and more!

2018-06-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

Fancy dress

2018-06-05T08:11:00.000-07:00

This look was for Urban Word NYC's annual benefit gala, a time to dress up. A very simple outfit, I wore a lacy black dress from UO and open toe black shoes. This look is complete with a coin purse(literally) by Ecote, also from UO.

Queer Abstract Feb. 2018 feature !

2018-03-30T18:19:00.000-07:00

"The Wrap Life" inspired Head wrap tutorial

2018-02-23T12:54:00.001-08:00

Really quick "turban" style

Black Panther/Wakanda Hairstyle Challenge

2018-02-19T18:43:00.000-08:00

My look for Wakanda includes an interesting hair look and a very simple outfit. See how I did my hair below. As for my look, I wore African print pants from a shop in Harlem paired with a black body suit from Urban Outfitters and black boots from GoJane. Putting together this look was quite last minute and serendipitous had to be simple yet stunning. The pants stood out to me immediately and I've had the body suit for years, easy as 1, 2, 3. I knew I had to do something incredible with my hair, I knew I wanted an up-do or my locs hanging down so I did a little bit of both. With a handful of gold accessories from the beauty supply store I bring you my Wakandan fantasy head-to-toe style.

NYE look! Post Pipe Cleaner Curl Up do with shoulder length locs!

2018-01-11T10:13:00.001-08:00

Just days after my Christmas look, some of my curls have fallen straight, while some of them are still tightly curled. It looked wild! Here's my solution for NYE along with my complete look:

As for my outfit, I was able to snag this midi spaghetti strap gold sequined dress from GoJane on sale! Along with high heeled black leather boots, appropriate for winter of course. My makeup is brought to you by Fenty Beauty(foundation), NYX(Lipstick), and Elf Cosmetics(Eye liner and Highlight)

Christmas Look!

2017-12-27T10:22:00.000-08:00

My Christmas look this year is very simple. As for hair I did the pipe cleaner curls once again, as I did for my birthday. As for my outfit, I wore my long sleeved backless metallic dress(Silence + Noise) that I wore for NYE last year.

THINK PIECE: In a world where we are embracing man feelings, why male sexuality skeeves me out.

2017-12-02T10:38:00.000-08:00

Sex sells. We live in an oversexed world, that is still rather conservative. A certain amount of sexuality or sexually themes can be considered classless and inappropriate. Though I am not one to judge or spoil anyone's fun with a heavy dose of classism or elitism, some of our favorite male musicians and celebrities creep me out.

Men like Bruno Mars and Miguel who don’t fit the typical fuck boy mold still turn me off with all the sex talk. They present themselves in beautiful ways where personal swagger and good management meet, they sing of love and sex and fun, and they cater to their femme audience. However, Bruno Mars has over-exaggerated his pimp pimp playa playa persona as of late. He praises the pinky ring, makes up flashy catches phrases with even flashier music, and he has resurrected the funk. Bruno is a regular ole blaxploitation. This has rubbed me the wrong way ever since "Locked Out of Heaven". Every time I hear "you and your ass invited, so gon get to clappin'' I cringe, I am slightly disgusted and very much annoyed. Why does every hot new pop record have to skyrocket to the top of the charts at my expense? Another example is Miguel, someone who is always sexy but maybe oversexed. He once stimulated sex on stage during a concert of his, which you can watch below. It is gross, tacky, and all the other words a 40-something church mother would say while clutching her pearls. But on top of all the tastelessness, it seems to make femmes the butt of the joke, literally.

Now I know what you are probably thinking right about now: "Kearmonie, sex is natural and fluid and it is beautiful for one to embrace their own sexuality rather than succumb to the societal norms which have unnecessarily and dangerously restricted us for centuries." or: "Kearmonie, these men do not pose a threat, why be mad at them? I'm pretty sure that you sing Cardi B's 'Bodak Yellow' at the top of your lungs, and I bet Lil' Kim's "Big Momma Thang is your theme song. What's the difference?"

Yes, all of that is true. When a woman embraces her sexuality she is badass but when a man embraces his own sexuality it still creeps me out. But I have pondered on this phenomenon and I have a few deductions. I think these awkward feelings and bad taste in my mouth may be because male sexuality, for as long as I could remember, has always been based on the objectification, exploitation, abuse, and overall mistreatment of women. We call men "playas" and that is literally what it means, they play the game, with women as the props, the pawns, and the prize. We say “pimp” or “pimpin’” and pimps literally pimp out women. Pimps are idolized for their swagger, money, and presence; along with the dehumanization and belittlement of women. A sexually confident cis/het man, or confident in general, is one who treats women as if they are disposable. This kind of man changes women quicker than the days change, and is probably extremely invested "in gettin' bitches"; at least based on what I have learned. A man who embraces his own sexuality confidently and intentionally does not really exist without a few bitches and hoes.

However, when a sexual woman embraces her sexuality she is literally reclaiming what the sexual man has already taken from her. Her sexuality has always belonged to men whether her father or our" father" who keeps her from embracing it, or every man she has ever fucked ever wanted to fuck and all those who want to fuck her. It has never been her own.

Now all this (my thinking) is influenced by pop culture, so we have to talk about the capitalization of sexuality. In what better way can we discuss this without acknowledging the late Hugh Heffer, founder, and CEO of Playboy, who Wikipedia credits as "American businessman, magazine publisher, and Playboy." Playboy, the adult magazine filled with beautifully photographed nude some, who are referred to as "playboy bunnies". Having been founded and released its first magazine in 1953, Playboy is still thriving today with even with a premium television network. Though Hugh capitalizing off some sort of sexual revolution at the time could have been a reflection of his own sexuality and who he is as a sexual being, he made millions off of women’s bodies, women who though presumably signed contracts and willingly participated did not have full agency over this image or their individual images. Young girls are taught to worship the glamorous life, the fantasy of beauty and riches, a world where women are seen and not often heard. That image is what male sexuality has used as a step stool.

Back to my original example, the Brunos, the Miguels, and even the Jidennas, all musicians; all musicians who make music which lend themselves to a sort of alternative R&B, with influence from various genres, but primarily R&B. Show business and what it has become, specifically the music industry can be the main culprit for what may be skewing my perception. Hip-Hop music has always real rap raw, direct, in your face, truthful, and raunchy. When rappers talk about bitches on their dicks and exactly what position in vivid detail I do not bat an eye because it was what I grew up on.

Whereas R&B has always sexy, sultry, and subtle. The chauvinism has always been palatable but as of late it has been way to filling, no pun intended. Like I said, the people I named do not fit the typical fuckboy mold. A fuckboy is a fuckboy, but when someone who is not easily defined as such picks up on some of the language and mannerisms it feels like they are not staying in their lane, which is downright unsettling. Am I villainizing anyone for this? No. Will I continue to be totally skeeved out? Probably.

Holiday look brought to you by Fenty Beauty and FlexiRods !

2017-11-23T21:38:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving I spent the day with family as usual and got all dressed up to stay in the house, as most people do. This outfit was simply a long ribbed sleeveless Forever 21 dress, lately, grey dresses have been a part of my personal aesthetic. The look is mostly complete due to my hair and face. I debuted Fenty Beauty's liquid foundation and added some style to my hair with flexi-rods I wore all day yesterday.

Here's how created the hair and make-up look: