what: Empire State of Mind remix
where: The Colbert Report
when: 12/15/09
why you should care:
In keeping with my current New York obsession - check out the Alicia Keys x Colbert version of Empire State of Mind. What the hell is on his head?
Monday, December 21, 2009
say what's good to...WHY I LOVE NEW YORK
who: Gawker Media
what: 123 Reasons Why to Love New York
where: Gawker.com
when: 2005
why you should care:
Every once in a while, when all the forces are perfectly aligned, I’ll find myself having one of those SATC Carrie Bradshaw moments. As I stroll down the streets of NY in my YSL pumps, jazz saxophone playing in the background, I can’t help but wonder…[insert Bradshaw babble]
It’s hard to explain my New York love affair to anyone who doesn't live here. When friends or family come to visit, they can’t quite understand why I’d want to live in a glorified box (aka my apartment) with two other (wonderful) people, work in an industry where you’re never skinny enough, or be forced to ride the subway with homeless men who have made said subway cars their bed for the evening.
To these people I present my favorites from Gawker’s 123 Reasons Why to Love New York Right Now. While the original list came out in 2005 not much has changed…only solidifying my Empire State of Mind (hahaha – everybody say YEAH!)
1. Because we scorn the fat.
2. Because we can drink until 4 AM.
3. Because we have our drugs delivered to our doors.
4. Because all we have to do is walk down the street in order to be propositioned for sex.
5. Because we get to push tourists if we're late for work.
28. Because i-bankers and hipsters can peacefully coexist. ²
29. Because there's always a free drink available somewhere.
30. Because we know Sex and the City is a crock of shit. ²
31. Because we know Friends is a crock of shit.
43. Because we eat McDonald's ironically.
54. Because our pigeons have rabies.
60. Because it's easy to stalk famous people.
68. Because anybody can be a DJ.
75. Because your parents don't love to come visit.
76. Because you can walk down the street and fart and nobody will notice. ²
80. Because fifth floor walk-up apartments are great for the glutes.
86. Because you can be a gay man and reasonably keep both a wife and a boyfriend.
89. Because we worship high fashion in collapsible tents.
94. Because your cab driver is probably more interesting than you are.
100. Because gift bags. ¹
102. Because "summer" really does make sense as a verb.
113. Because city kids have been there and done that before you even got here. ²
120. Because doing your own laundry is for rich suckers.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
say what's good to...SHY RONNIE
who: Rihanna x Andy Sandberg
what: digital short
when: 12/5/09
where: Saturday Night Live
why you should care: Definitely one of the best digital shorts since Lazy Sunday. What other SNL videos do you guys like?
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
say what's good to...FENDI
who: Erik Lewis
what: Rock pianist
where: Fendi store, 5th avenue
when: November
why you should care: I had the chance to check out an amazing rock pianist I've been following for a while. He goes by ELEW, but I've always know him simply as Erik. This guy rocks the keys so hard that he gets cramps in his arms! I mean, really? No wonder Brooke Shields was swooning all over him...
Me and Lols
ELEW and Brooke Shields. She loved him
The crowd at the store was bananas!
Me and ELEW
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
say what's good to..INSTYLE ON THE TODAY SHOW!
who: InStyle magazine...and me!
what: Morning segment
where: NBC Today Show
when: 11/9/2009
why you should care:
Every once in a while I'm asked to help show off some glorious fashions for the different stories we put together at InStyle. Remember the November "Best Of The Web" story I told you guys to pick up? Well here's a little video from NBC's Today Show where my boss talks about it and I model one of the looks! What do you guys think? Should I go pro? Hahaha.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Thursday, November 5, 2009
say what's good to...RIHANNA
who: RIHANNA x DIANE SAWYER
what: ABC exclusive interview
when: 11/05/2009
where: Good Morning America
why you should care:
For the first time Rihanna breaks the silence about Chris Brown and how she's coping with life after domestic abuse. What do you guys think about this interview? Is it her JOB to be a role model for little girls?
Friday, October 30, 2009
say what's good to...THIS IS IT
who: Take a wild guess
what: documentary premiere
where: Time Square, New York NY
when: October 28th, 2009
why you should care:
SCENE
Lola: So are you going with me or not?
Me: No I'm done with all of this MJ stuff...I really want to go work out
Lola: No seriously, I think we should go. I think it's, like, a thing.
Me: Ughhhh fine. But I want popcorn...and a hotdog.
END SCENE
...And that's how I found myself at the sneak premiere of "Michael Jackson's This Is It." When I pulled up to the theater (in the pouring rain, mind you) and saw all the glittery fedora-wearing ushers, I was glad Lola pushed me into going (thanks, sis!). When I tell you that the event was star studded, I mean, I walked in and sat next to Rachel Dratch, behind Andy Cohen (who was bopping to the music like it was his job), and in front of Alexander Wang. Russel Simmons was down the aisle and when I walked out Spike Lee and Amy Sedaris were walking with me. It really was one last gathering for all the industry folks to honor the musical genius that was Michael Jackson.
As the light's dimmed and Kenny Ortega, director of the film, came on to say his hello's to everyone watching (the premiere was broadcast in 17 locations simultaneously - Spain, Japan, Los Angeles, Amsterdam to name a few) I didn't know what to expect. Would it be tasteless and exploitative? Long and boring? Well...it was about 20 minutes too long, but definitely not boring and very respectful. For once, we actually got to see the King of Pop in rehearsal action. Phrases like "You gotta let it simmer. Let it bathe in the moonlight," when he felt the band was rushing, or "Lights out, let it burn" (his version of "it's a rap") showed us what a hard working perfectionist MJ really was. While rumors may have swirled about possible illness or drug use, all we saw was a hard-hitting dancer that schooled everyone around him. Full run throughs of "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Thriller", and "Beat It" were unbelievable, but my favorite parts of the evening involved MJ's iconic fashions! Red skinny jeans, gold sequin harem pants, brogues, TWO Balmain jackets (one with a silver studded lapel, the other leather) and animal print shirts. Dude had every piece of clothing I've longed for! Plus the body...he was as skinny as a 15 year old Russian model (gross on him, hot in fashion). Every designer's dream.
As I walked out of the theater, there were mixed reviews. Some thought it needed a good editor and others felt it was just right. We could all agree though, that we were left feeling a little empty. We desperately wanted to go to the actual tour...but knew how that was going to end up. So, all-in-all, while the celebration had a bit of an anti-climactic end...but it definitely wasn't...BAD [womp womp..ha!].
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
say what's good to...GIRL TALK
who: Girl Talk
what: Mash-up DJ
when: October 25th, 2009
where: Pier 94, New York NY
why you should care:
Now, I'm usually not one for live music, my bff Paula will attest to that, but I took in the Girl Talk concert because all I had to do was test drive a Kia car to get two free tickets. Easy peasy and definitely worth it. What Girl Talk (real name Gregg Gillis) does is take small samples from other music (ie: Goodies by Ciara, Pop by N'Sync, Wonderwall by Oasis, and Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve), mash 'em up into one of sixteen tracks on the album and release it. Fifteen different hits in one song - perfect for a chronic car radio station changer like myself. As the NY Times magazine once said, pretty much a lawsuit waiting to happen, but in person, it's a damn fun dance party. I don't know how he does it, but the audience looked like they were having some sort of religious experience. Arms (and other body parts) flailing, clothes coming off, hyper-sweaty dudes...sounds like fun right? Check out this site if you wanna hear it for yourself and take a look at more pictures below.
nice photobomb, chick.
Friday, October 23, 2009
say what's good to...TRACY MORGAN x BARNES & NOBLE
please excuse my crappy photography
Who: Tracy Morgan
What: Reading of "I Am the New Black"
When: October 22, 2009
Where: Barnes & Noble, Union Square
Why you should care:
When I heard Tracy Morgan was giving a talk/reading about his new book “I Am the New Black” I knew this was not to be missed. Would he be drunk? How late would he be? Can he actually read? Well, folks, the answers are no, 10 minutes, and I don’t know because he never actually read from the novel (but I assume yes). What he did do, though, is drop some crazy knowledge on those that were able to get past the fact that he wasn’t performing stand up comedy and actually speaking from his heart. And so friends, I bring you… Tracy Morgan’s Pearls of Wisdom.
On life: “How do you prepare for life? You wake up in the morning and you live”
On Lorne Michaels: “Every Jewish motherfucker has to love one black guy. I’m just glad Lorne Michaels chose me”
On his talent: “I make mistakes. That’s all I got – mistakes. The funny and all that? That’s him [God] working through me”
On his arrival at the pearly gates: “When I get to heaven and I see God and he’s chewing his DoubleMint gum, I just want him to say good job man”
On reality television: “Shows like Real Chance of Love and Flavor of Love have girls acting disposable. Selling their lives for cock…or a clock.”
On his world today: “I’m not a part of the black community and I’m not a part of the white community. I’m a part of the entertainment community. If I go back to my old hood, they’ll rob me. If I go to a white hood, they’ll call the cops!”
On his novel: “This is just the tip of the iceberg. I’m a 40 year old Black man! You think 198 pages is enough to tell my story? This is just the beginning honeychild. This book is my cocoon, but look what happened. I’ve emerged as a beautiful black butterfly”
And finally…
To anyone on the streets: “Slow down man! Take the iPod’s out ya ears and start making eye contact! If you see me say hello…you never know, I might impregnate you!”
Thursday, October 22, 2009
say what's good to...QUOTE OF THE DAY
Cindi Leive: Have designers shifted their way of thinking since Michelle Obama or the recession?
Robin Givhan: After spending three weeks looking at runway shows, I have to say I don't necessarily think that designers have shifted their thinking. To see Balmain eighties shoulders and rock-and-roll jeans with chain mail in them doesn't make me think that anything has necessarily shifted because of our First Lady. The fact is that we're all still clinging to this idealized woman. And as much as they love and rave about Michelle Obama, when it comes down to who is that fantasy woman that they are connecting to, pining for, putting their clothes on for a fashion show, she's still five ten, and a size 2, and about 21 on a good day.
-Robin Givhan regarding Michelle Obama at the "Future of Fashion" discussion with Cindy Lieve, EIC of Glamour magazine, Isaac Mizrahi, Ashley Olsen, at the 92Y in (NYmag)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
say what's good to...THE LAST CRACK HIPSTER!
I don't think this is what they had in mind
Who: The Last Crack Hipster
What: Character profile
When: October 21, 2009
Where: New York Observer
Why you should care:
Crack – the ever-elusive drug that people are always talking about. Ever wonder what exactly that stuff is? How to make, cook or buy it? Well never fear! Spencer Morgan of the NY Observer hung out with the Last Crack Hipster and his interesting (to say the least) account of said meeting completely breaks it down for us. Apparently, according to the LCH, crack is no longer wack, nor is it “the bogeyman that they [the media] has made it out to be. Instead, it’s the last drug the fuck-the-man, too-cool-for-school, downtown set can claim as their (rather, our) own. Coke and weed are for the yuppies now. Well…that’s certainly one way to look at it. Another, is that it’s a terrible drug that destroys tons of lives, families, and friendships. But hey, that’s just my opinion. What do you think? [NYO via Gawker]
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
say what's good to...TILDA SWINTON!
who: Tilda Swinton
what: fashion spread
where: Another magazine
when: Spring/Summer 2009
why you should care: People outside of the fashion industry seriously sleep on Tilda Swinton. She's a little...different (her open marriage and all) but I really enjoy how daring she is. Swinton could care less about what people think of her. This is an old spread, but I still haven't been able to take it down from my cube at work. What do you think?
say what's good to...InStyle!
who: me!
what: InStyle magazine
when: November 2009
where: newsstands everywhere!
why you should care?
Because I work there, silly! Pick up the November issue of InStyle magazine to check out this AMAZING story I helped put together.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
say what's good to...MOREHOUSE COLLEGE
what: "Appropriate Attire Policy"
where: Atlanta, GA
when: October 2009
why you should care:
This past week all-male school, Morehouse College, passed a very interesting dress code. Generally, when schools dictate what students can and cannot wear on campus it's really not that big of a deal. Like many others before it, Morehouse has said that the guys can't wear baggy pants, do-rags, pajamas in public...most things they (in my opinion) shouldn't be wearing in the first place. So what's so major about this crack down, that CNN, amongst others, have taken to covering it? Well...Morehouse has decided that the boys can no longer cross-dress. Yep. The HBCU has decided that the distinguished gentlemen of Morehouse have to cut out the high heels, purses, and lipstick. Um...I don't know about you guys, but I wasn't aware that cross-dressing was so prevalent on their campus. Or why anyone cares so much in the first place. A spokesperson for Morehouse says that "a gay lifestyle is leading them [the boys] to dress a way we do not expect of Morehouse men." Which leads me to wonder what exactly is expected of Morehouse men and why cross-dressing affects it. It also makes me wonder where this policy leaves the women at sister school Spellman College. Will they (lesbians included) no longer be allowed to wear oversized jeans, Timberland boots, have short hair? What do you guys think? Does the policy make sense? Why was it even instituted in the first place? Let me know what you think in the comments! [cnn]
Friday, October 16, 2009
say what's good to...RYAN LESLIE
Who: Ryan Leslie
What: TRANSITION
When: On shelves November 3rd
Where: Chung King Studios, downtown New York
Why you should care:
I had the opportunity to attend a listening party for Universal Motown artist Ryan Leslie last week and if I had to describe his latest album, Transition, in two words I’d say: Really. Surprising. But in a good way! I have to admit; I’ve slept on him up until now. Was never sure what his persona was supposed to be. Good boy gone bad? Nerd transformed to womanizer? Could never quite put my finger on it. Still can’t, but I don’t care because this album is damn good. Plain and simple. While Leslie has stayed true to his R&B crooner ways, the Harvard grad’s also embraced his rock and roll side, infusing tons of heavy guitar beats and hard hitting drums. My picks? “Never Gonna Break Up” and “You’re Not My Girl.” Official videos are on Leslie’s site, but check out my behind the scenes film from the listening below. What do you guys think? Are we dieing for Leslie or still a little sleepy? Leave your thoughts in the comments!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
say what's good to...MICHAEL JACKSON...kind of
who: Kurt Hugo Schneider
what: Off the chain singer
where: YouTube
when: now!
why you should care:
You may or may not know this, but I have an inner chorus geek that manifests itself in a number of different ways. I performed in musicals all through elementary and middle school (claim to fame: Grace in the Holmes Middle School production of Annie Jr.) and during high school not only did I join the all women’s choir, yes folks, I even found myself playing the tambourine for Annandale Singers – my alma mater’s madrigal troupe. Laugh all you want, but we were the shit. So when I stumbled upon this YouTube video by Kurt Hugo Schneider needless to say, I was more than excited. Not only does he have an absolutely stunning voice, dude sings EVERY SINGLE PART in this medley. No seriously, take a closer look. All six of those guys (minus the beat boxer) are the same person. Can you do that? From what I’ve found so far, he’s done this medley, a cover of "Don’t Stop Believing" by Journey plus a whole bunch of other well- known pop songs. Don’t sleep on this dude, guys. I have a feeling he’s going to be huge one day.
Monday, October 12, 2009
say what's good to...NOVEMBER FRENCH VOGUE
Who: Lara Stone
What: Magazine photo shoot
When: November 2009
Where: French Vogue
Why you should care:
This month’s French Vogue features a spread with one of my favorites, Dutch model, Lara Stone. Celebrated in the fashion world for being “so different” Stone is a size 4/6, has a gap in her teeth, and (surprise) has breasts. Basically, she is – wait for it – a woman! Toss in the editor-in-chief of French Vogue, Carine Roitfeld (also one of my favorites), and you have a win/win situation. Except when Roitfeld pushes the envelope a little too far. Known for her penchant to shake things up, the editrix decided to paint Stone’s entire body brown. Now, Roitfeld is French, so she may not have fully understood said implications when she ok’d the spread, but photographer Steven Meisel, born and bred in America, should have. I’m not claiming blatant racism; I’m just saying that maybe people should think things through next time. As Jezebel says, “painting white people black for the entertainment of other white people is offensive.” What do you think? Were Roitfeld and Meisel intentionally racist? Is this even blackface? Let me know in the comments.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
say what's good to...LOUIS VUITTON SS10
who: Louis Vuitton
what: Afro’s for everyone
when: 10/7/09
when: Paris, France
why you should care:
What’s fashion’s golden boy giving us this season? It was Geisha girl at the namesake show, while Marc by Marc reignited my love for all things Denise Huxtable. Oversized sweaters! Prints! Saturated colors! But at the LV show in Paris, Jacobs took us in another direction, serving up what Grazia has called a "ghetto fab mash up". Complete with over sized Afros (five mini wigs sewed together), Jacob’s let fans know that over-the-top everything was back in action. Raccoon tails attached to monogrammed purses? Furry clogs? Sparkles? Batik patterns? Yes, we saw it all. At once, sometimes. But hey, when you get an audible whoop from the Creative Director of Vogue, maybe less really isn’t more.
say what's good to...MAJOR FREAK OUT.
i know everyone's seen this before, but it's seriously one of my favorite youtube videos. ha!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
say what's good to...ROMEing Panda
love this one!
Yummy Gummy
what: Sick jewels
where: ROMEingPanda
when: honeymag party
why you should care?
If you're looking for the newest in jewelry, than check out ROMEing Panda by Jerome Solomon and Amanda Marcuson. I first caught up with Jerome and Amanda at the honeymag.com party, and while the crayon ring Amanda was rocking is what first caught my eye, her gummy bear knuckle busters are what had me coming back for more. I had a chance to check out the “Yummy Gummy” collection and it turns out the treats are custom molded out of lucite. Real candy or not, I know what’s satisfying my sweet tooth for the fall. J & A, don't be surprised if Marc Jacobs comes calling. I'm thinking MMJ fall '10. Gummy bears are definitely the new Legos. My picks: 3’ finger Clear on Clear ring and Gummy Panda pin in red.
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