The Fashion Records

Rihanna’s Hair Goes Blonde: Are Black Women Trying to be White?

Jane — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 07:00:20 +0000

Rihanna’s hair has gone through a lot of styles in the last two year time-frame. Her speedy changes have made it harder for Rhi Rhi copycats to catch up. She’s gone from the Halle Berry crop to the red curls to now a blonde weave. She’s not shy to reveal to us via Twitter that it’s a mixture of her roots and some weave.

Now most people would immediately say that Rihanna’s blonde hair is an attempt to “be white”. I disagree. My believe is that if you can pull off many colors and styles, why wouldn’t you want to? I don’t see anything wrong with changing your looks from time to time and also diving into your own individuality in the process! So if black women are dying their hair blonde to “look white” then what’s the reason white women (who were not born blonde) doing it? You can quickly see that the argument of “black women trying to be white” is weak! Plus, out of all those white women rocking blonde hair, you would be surprised to discover that only a small percentage were actually born blonde!

The other side of this story is that the Caucasian sistas can lay in tanning booths to get darker skin and not be accused of “trying to be black”! Similarly, they can get butt and lip injections and the story goes on and on….

Rihanna’s hair is just a fun thing to do. The color, or style may not suit Rihanna as well as her previous styles but that’s what she wants to do. If she wants to re-invent herself, let her.

The Fashion Records Lookbook: Adjoa

Jane — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:59:36 +0000

Name: Adjoa Kwashie

Age: I’m young enough to be a student, but old enough to wear whatever I want.

Location: Connecticut

If you could pick 3 fashion must-haves that every woman should own, what would they be?

A black blazer.
A pair of well-fitting denim
Heels (4 inches and up)

What’s in your pockets right now?

My phone and chapstick.

What is the one biggest pet-peeve?

People who are ALWAYS late IRK me! If you say you’re going to show up at 6pm, you better be there at 5:55.

What’s a great fashion tip that you can share with The Fashion Records readers what would it be?

Do what you want. Who cares if the latest trend is, the most important thing is that you’re comfortable and you like what you wear.

What’s the most important lesson that life has taught you?

The most important lesson life has taught me is that being lazy doesn’t give you many opportunities but steady hard work will open many doors.

What’s the one place you should NEVER go on a date?

I’m pretty chill, so I can’t think of any place I wouldn’t like to go on a date. I mean, I don’t want to have a surprise trip to the dump or anything, but anywhere else would be fine.

What would you say is your signature style?

Hah! I don’t know. I don’t like to limit myself to a box, so I guess it’s safe to say, I’m a combination of all the styles out there.

Is there anyone who you admire or draw your style influences from?

My father is one of the many inspires me a whole lot! His whacky and awkward sense of style, his humor, his life story, everything about my old man inspires me. I’m also inspired by things I see in magazines, other people, and sometimes even food.

What is your most prized fashion item?

My most prized fashion item is an old vintage bag that belongs to my grandmother. She’s in Ghana (West Africa) and I don’t see her often, so I have this weird feeling like that bag is my personal connection to her.

Favorite designers:

I really don’t have one. If I like it, I wear it. I don’t care who made it.

Where do you like to shop?

I shop everywhere, from department stores to boutiques to vintage shops.

People don’t know that you….

I really love to cook! I’m a major foodian so I like to try out new recipes all the time!
I must always have some kind of music playing at all times.

Where can we find you online….

You can find me on my blog Ivy League Clique
I own a twitter: @IvyLeagueClique
You can follow me on tumblr too. www.ivyleagueclique.tumblr.com

Christina Milian and Young Money

Jane — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 21:45:29 +0000

Christina Milian has now signed onto the Young Money brand. She will be recording with them and producing from A.M to P.M. I wonder what this means? Will her sound change? Will her style change? Only time will tell.

Christina Milian was previously signed to ex beau The Dream Radio Killa Records. Good to see her moving on. She has a beautiful baby girl and it’s time we heard her focus on her music and growth again. I just hope she has her eyes on her own career as opposed to bearing Lil Wayne’s children. Oops was that said out loud?

Other stars who are also a part of the Young Money brand include Tyga, Nicki Minaj and Drake.

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The Fashion Records Lookbook: Jo Michelle

Jane — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:51:09 +0000

Name: Jo Michelle

Age: 23

Location: Orlando, FL

If you could pick 3 fashion must-haves that every woman should own, what would they be?

NUMBER 1: Red Lipstick! My favorite is “Ruby Woo” by MAC. There is something so elegant and bold about the classic rouge lip. A deliberate pop of color can make a simplest outfit daring. I don’t know, there’s just something very brave and beautiful about it; although you can’t hang it up in your closet, a red lip is a must have in every woman’s wardrobe.

NUMBER 2: Loose fitting white T-shirt! This item should be a staple in any woman’s wardrobe. I believe a woman’s attire should be relaxed and unconstrained. When I imagine effortless beauty, I picture pieces that are flowy, savvy and natural. Not premeditated or overly sexy. A loose fitting T-shirt can be paired with your favorite LUCKY brand jeans, bronze aviator glasses and an oversized bag. It can also be paired with a business suit or bohemian floor length skirt. I like for my outfits to say, “I didn’t try, but it looks like I did, huh?”

NUMBER 3: CONFIDENCE. At the end of the day, if your confidence is not shining through, NOTHING will look amazing on you. A woman must be self assured. We all should carry ourselves with such poise that whatever we decide to wear will look better on than it does on the rack because we wear the clothes, not the other way around!

What’s in your pockets right now?

[laughter]! Umm… $3.32 (change from my Chick-Fil-A meal) and a stud earring that lost its back earlier today. Hate when that happens.

What is the one biggest pet-peeve?

Customers who entirely take too long at the cash wrap. JUST SWIPE AND GO! (Can you tell all of my jobs have been in retail? And a slight shop-a-holic J) Either way, these people annoy me on both sides of the register!

What’s a great fashion tip that you can share with The Fashion Records readers what would it be?

Know what works for your body type and what you are comfortable in. Because like I stated before, if you aren’t comfortable you won’t feel confident. And without confidence, nothing you wear will look as good as it could.

What’s the most important lesson that life has taught you?

Always keep family first. There is no love stronger than your family. Never take that love for granted and cherish every moment you have with one another. To me, nothing is more important.

What’s the one place you should NEVER go on a date?

I’m spontaneous, so I will go anywhere. And when I say anywhere I REALLY mean it! If you’re on a date with the right person you two can make any place you go an adventure. I’ve had more fun in Publix showing for cereal than I’ve had during a long dinner, movie, and comedy show date.

What would you say is your signature style?

Carefree. Easy. Boho. Chic.

Is there anyone who you admire or draw your style influences from?

I can’t say that there is. And I thought about that for a LONG time! I feel I am inspired more by nature. Flowers, earth tones, the sky… I sound like SUCH a hippie.

What is your most prized fashion item?

Ummm, I would say my over-sized tan satchel that I snagged for $15 bucks at a boutique!

Favorite designers:

I’m not much a label head.

Where do you like to shop?

Forever 21, H &M, Zara, Urban Outfitters…. LOVE Those!

People don’t know….

That I paint! I love painting, sketching, anything messy and artsy

Where can you find Jody online?

We love her Youtube channel and she is a natural hair enthusiast at: Youtube.com/loveislandbeauty

Also find her on Twitter: @Jo_Michelle

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What Barry White, Kevin Hart and Others Had to Say About Love

Jane — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 02:08:12 +0000

Valentine Day is just around the corner. While I don’t really think I need a set month to remind myself of who I care about, I won’t dampen it for those who take this month of February seriously. Let people be in love and don’t mess with their chocolate-giving and gift baskets just because you don’t have someone. But I must admit, Valentine day is really not that special anymore. It’s not an exclusive celebration and I myself know that from the strangers who will tell me “Happy Valentine Day” as I checkout at the counter! Wait a minute; I thought it’s only for couples? What about the little ones who will be sending chocolate to their teachers? You see what I mean! It’s just not special and hence the value is lost. So I prefer to not make a big deal about this month but I will still acknowledge it as an affair of the heart and send my share of chocolates to my special one.

With all that said, love is really when you capture ordinary things in an extraordinary way! Barry White the legend of R&B with his smooth syrup voice and deep baritones set the level for romance. Love is a struggle, a fight, a yearning, a sweet hope. It’s wonderful to see couples in love. Here are what some celebrities have said about love.

There’s people making babies to my music. That’s nice.

~Barry White

Loving is doing anything for them, thinking about them constantly and being able to spend your whole life with that person. Liking somebody is just like, ‘Okay, I like them because of this, this and this, but I don’t knkow if I am ready to be in love with them’.

~Chris Brown

That’s all I need to hear cause I’m leavin, I’m out the do’

Never no more will you see me, this is the end

Cause now I know you’ve been cheatin, I’m a sucka for love

damn, sucka for love… sucka for love

sucka for love

~Tupac

Relationships are like farting, If you push too hard… things could get messy real fast.

~Kevin Hart

I hope life treats you kind, and I hope you have all you’ve dreamed of. And I wish to you, joy and happiness. But above all this, I wish you love.

~Whitney Houston

Nothing on this planet can compare with a woman’s love—it is kind and compassionate, patient and nurturing, generous and sweet and unconditional. Pure. ~Steve Harvey

There’s definitely a dangerous feeling when you’re in love–it’s giving your heart to someone else and knowing that they have control over your feelings. I know for me, who always tries to be so tough, that’s the dangerous thing. ~Beyonce

How could an Angel break my heart? Why didn’t he catch my falling star? I wish I didn’t wish so hard. Maybe I wished our love apart.

~Toni Braxton

You had a good girl, good girl but didn’t know how to treat her. So silly boy get out my face. Why do you like the way regrets taste?

~Rihanna

My shattered dreams and broken heart

Are mending on the shelf.

I saw you holding hands

And standing close to someone else.

Now I sit, all alone

Wishing all my feelings were gone.

Gotta get over you, nothing for me to do

But have one last cry.~Brian McKnight

Have you ever loved somebody

So much it makes you cry?

Have you ever needed something so bad

You can’t sleep at night?~Brandy

But just a memo to my ladies and gentlemen: if you man/woman is busy on Valentine’s Day to even remember a little something special to say, do or buy, you may be a side-chick or a side-man.

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50 Cent Making it Rain in Africa

Jane — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:52:15 +0000

50 Cent (aka Curtis Jackson also known as the driver behind G-Unit) was in the heart of Africa. We are not talking about him trapped in the luxury of many thread counts at his luxury hotel (Sankara). This boy actually went to the Kibera Slums! For those of you who are unfamiliar with Kibera, it is one of the most famous slums in the world and it’s located in Nairobi. He was on a charity mission with World Food Program (WFP). 50 Cent in Kenya looked like he was getting to know the locals and the city. Dan Harris is a producer from ABC Nightline who also accompanied Curtis Jackson.

50 Cent also went to a refugee camp in Somalia. You can see the rapper was responding to the after-effects of the drought that affected the Horn of Africa last year. His donations came from the sales he made from his drink brand Street King . He joined forces with Pure Growth Partners to make his dream (of rebelling against world hunger) a reality. His generosity has me having new respect for him.

How you can help 50 Cent make it rain in Africa:

Buy Street King
A portion of that money goes to ensure children get their daily meals in under-privileged places around this earth.

“To meet those kids was so inspiring, they have nothing, yet they are so positive and optimistic,” the rapper said in a statement released by the UN World Food Program. “I want to do my part so they get food and an education. I hope more people will join me to help end this devastating situation.”

Source

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Herieth Paul does a Beautiful Edun Campaign

Jane — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:21:33 +0000

Hereith Paul appears in the campaign for the brand EDUN (founded by Ali Hewson and her husband, U2 singer Bono). EDUN was started in the spring od 2005. It has 8 factories in African and more around the world.

Herieth Paul appears in the March Spring/Summer 2012 campaign. The shoot is so ethereal and beautiful in the sense that it presents a brand that encourages the economic growth of Africa via trade. The model with Hereith Paul is Ryan McGinley. There is so much peace in the photos and the butterflies make the shots even more dynamic. When I first saw the concept of the butterflies in EDUN and the brand, I thought wow that’s so real. Once you get the meaning behind the brand it all makes sense; Africa is seen as this place of “under-development” just like the caterpillar. But there lies a possibility of many butterflies emerging.

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Model Ajak Deng does Oyster Magazine

Jane — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:14:20 +0000

The model Ajak Deng is gorgeous; she is of Sudanese heritage.

Ajak Deng is glowing while wearing Tom Ford when she appeared in the Oyster Magazine spread. She was photographed beautifully by Benny Horne. She has an infectious smile and such beauty. We will for sure be following her model appearances on the runway and off the runway. She will be at the February 9th Mercedez-Benz fashion week in New York. It’s awesome seeing ethnic beauty on the runway.

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Worst Dressed Celebrity Exposed: Rihanna

Jane — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:09:12 +0000

Rihanna this is an exposure that should get you rehabilitated immediately. You look like a street walker who spent the night walking Hunts Point! I think you may have to call on Keilly Williams she needs to walk you through those streets first. This is not Spectacular at all! The one thing I notice is, a way of dressing can really ruin your whole image. It can take your innocence away and make you look like live has run hard course and we can see that here with Rihanna!

And this:

Rihanna? What happened to that beauty from the islands?

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Kiely Williams Viva la Prostitution! NOT!

Jane — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:58:21 +0000

Honestly this is old news and it happened 2 years ago but it’s an update of “I wonder where she is now”……

Kiely Williams, the former Disney star (specifically a Cheetah Girl) did this noted video “Spectacular” awhile back. Her whole appearance and casual tone about sex is truly one step away from porno! It’s so sad to see her go from a place where she could have had opportunities to this junk. Falling from opportunities to a stained image. Gurl get some P.R that is the only thing that would be Spectacular in your case! We don’t need to know that you do the night shift at Hunts Point! Keep it together between your pimp and yourself. She goes on to sing such things like:

Last I remember I was face down

Ass up, clothes off, broke off, dozed off

Even though I’m not sure of his name He could get it again if he wanted

Cause the sex was spectacular

The sex was spectacular (yeaaah)

The sex was spectacular ….

Really? Seriously? Apparently she also tried to pass her promotion of promisciousness as a public service announcement for the health and safety of women!

Kiely Williams is clearly not taking into her head the seriousness of rape! If there was a warning against unprotected-sex, it is MISSING! Does she think that victims of sexual assault wake up and go “oh geez I was raped but the boy was hot and the sex was spectacular so no biggie! “ No. Most would realize that they’ve been violated and would seek charges against the predator! So message still seems to be: “He’s hot and that’s okay”!

Where is Kiely Williams now?

Poor Kiely trying to get attention for her solo career that is non-existent! FAIL.

Kiely is filming a movie called Hollaback an indie slasher comedy! We are sure that the only people who will be seeing it are Kiely’s close friends and family. Why do I have this feeling that she’ll soon only have a career opening in the XX world?

Conclusion:

Kiely Williams please! It’s a free world out there and you may be the queen of Viva la Prostitution but, don’t bother with that morality B.S. If you are going to portray yourself as a lady of the night, that’s where our attention will be. Nothing else. This is not a complex work of literature to dissect! Call it what it is. If you want to be drunk in stranger’s beds every night, that’s your choice but call it just that and nothing else!