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!].

say what's good to...THE BIRDY SONG

HAHAHAHA

say what's good to...GIRL TALK

Me and Jenni of Daily Work It

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.

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!”

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)

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]

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.

say what's good to...MOREHOUSE COLLEGE

who: 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]

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!

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.

say what's good to...NOVEMBER FRENCH VOGUE

images via jezebel

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.

say what's good to...LOUIS VUITTON SS10

photos: NY mag via Imaxtree

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!

say what's good to...ROMEing Panda

love this one!

Yummy Gummy

who: Amanda and Jerome
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.

say what's good to...ANTHEM

Bachelor's Theme

Call Me Anthem


who: anthem
what: banker cum rapper
where: iamanthem
when: all day, every day
Why you should care:

Everyone who’s close to me knows about my undying love for Degrassi. So imagine my surprise when the teen soap's heart throb, Aubrey Graham, gave up his wheelchair for a microphone and started calling himself Drake. I wasn’t buying it. And neither should you. But you know what you should do? Listen to Anthem instead. Wall street drop out + buttery smooth rhymes = Drake but smarter. My picks: Bachelor's Theme (obvious summer jam) and Call Me Anthem. The up and comer is making the rounds so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for him.

say what's good to...HONEYMAG.COM

Joel the Barber. Clients include Corey Booker and Daddy Yankee

They found this guy on the side of the street, admired his studding abilities and next thing you know he's at Collective Hardware!

Fashion Director, Charles Wade

Jerome and Amanda, ROMEing Panda

who: honeymag.com

what: honeymag.com launch party

where: collective hardware gallery on the LES

when: 9/24/09

why you should care?

The popular magazine of the 90's is back up and running but this time the pages are online. For those of you who were in pre-school when Honey was in its prime (myself included), the glossy catered to bright PYTs. Champagne spiked with fresh fruit made for a happy party goers, perfect for celebrating Honey’s re-launch at Collective Hardware. Bringing Honey to the web is a fresh alternative to the WhoWhatWears, Fashionistas, and Style.coms of the world. The site features everything from in depth interviews with Solange to tips on how to care for down there. Check it out now and come back for more in October when the site has it's official launch.