FanMail: Dear Fantasia…

Dear Fannie Mae:

In no way do I take suicide lightly and I try my best not to pass judgment on anyone, since that is truly not my place.  With that said, your career is one where the spotlight is your office leaving you at the mercy of others’s caustic opinions.

I am hoping for your sake that all of the controversy surrounding you as of late is purely for publicity in anticipation of your upcoming release. Honestly, up until this point I was really rooting for you to overcome your less than polished ways: your frequent unprofessional absences from a Broadway production, your feet’s undeniable urge to be released like P.Diddy remix in the nineties whenever there is a crowd within a short distance, or the incessant need to have ink penetrate your epidermis whenever the scent of testosterone lingers in the air.  But the latest media circus that surrounds your “suicide attempt” has left me dumbfounded.  I ponder did you even consider your daughter as well as the friends, family and fans that love, support and depend on you?  If so, then Dr. Phil take the wheel because I believe you honestly need some counseling and a steeping hot serving of self-love.  We all make mistakes and facing those mistakes forces you to learn and improve as a person.  I understand your life is not a fairytale, but at some point we must all stop playing the victim and save ourselves.   May god grant you the common sense and mathematical skills to count your blessings.

Sincerely,

Truth With a Hint of Lie

Always Missed…Aaliyah

Today commemorates the 9th anniversary of the death of Aaliyah Dana Haughton.  I remember originally becoming a fan solely based on how tiny she was. During a time when super booties and silicon breasts were just beginning to grow of  more as a music video staple, I was often self-conscious about my weight and the curves my adolescent body had yet to grow into. Aaliyah was one of the first women I noticed in my generation with a slender figure that was celebrated for both her beauty and talent.  As beautiful as she was, her charming spirit, feminine-yet-edgy swag and genuine style were even more breath taking.

One of the things that I remember the most about “Babygirl” (better known as Aaliyah), was that she truly had a passion and enthusiasm for entertaining. She also always made sure that her fans knew how much she appreciated their love and support.  She will always be missed.  Here’s some of my favorite vids:

Barbie Becomes a Basic Broad

The last time I played with a Barbie, I was given the choice of two shades: light brown and dark brown.  “Shani” and “Asha” were about as ethnically edgy as Mattel dared to venture in the early nineties. 

(Pictured left to right) Shani, Nichelle and Asha

Marketed with the phrase “Shani means marvelous in the Swahili language…and marvelous she is!”  the dolls were primarily featured in brightly colored costume, big golden chandelier earrings and shortly afterwards “Soul Train Jamal” was introduced complete with a Kente cloth hat and a suit that resembled an MC Hammer shopping trip to the motherland.  Although, I appreciated Mattel’s effort, I couldn’t help but think that these dolls didn’t represent any identity that I could specifically relate to.

 Imagine my surprise during a short stroll down the toy aisle to see Barbie arranged in a wide variety of sista-friendly shades from caramel cutie to cocoa couture.  The “Barbie Basics” collection features 12 different Barbie® dolls draped in sexy, but sophisticated little black dresses in different styles.  The 51-year-old original plastic dream girl represents the basic beauty of women of all shades and styles. Mattel gets my vote for giving girls a tasteful array of options and infecting me with a wicked case of nostalgia.  “Barbie Basics” proves that the beauty of a woman is anything but basic…  

 

Made U Look: Fall Fashion Wishlist

For autumn 2010, I am loving the return of everything feminine w/ a hint of edgy textures including leather, lace and bows! Here’s an idea of what to keep an eye out for to fall fashionably forward:

1.) Feather Earrings: These caught my heart as soon as I saw “Pretty Little Liars” actress Lucy Hale rocking a pair.

A couple of my fav’s courtesy of www.owlita.com

2.) Anything with bows: Purses, shoes and hats are just a few fall favorites that are made extra feminine when all tied up with a bow.

Steve Madden Cammyy

shop.nordstrom.com

3.) Flowers: Add a feminine touch to anything.  When kept simple, they add a touch of something different without being too “extra”

Flower Knit Beret

www.charlotterusse.com

Big Buddha Mia Satchel

4.) Leather: Usually reserved for purses, shoes, and expensive upholstery, leather is slowly finding a way into all pieces.  Remember: Faux is just as fierce!

Louis Vuitton

Vanessa Hudgens in True Religion (Glamour Magazine)

5.) Anything in a grey/black/white color combo: Muted tones make a mature and sophisticated return just in time for autumn

Coy Minnie Mouse Tee

www.forever21.com

Aurora Almond Toe Pumps

7.) Patterned tights: Go big or go home!  Add extra drama to any outfit with this fun accessory

Baroque Tawny Tights

www.mytights.com/us/

Alexander McQueen