Hey everybody!! As you know Thanksgiving is one day away and if you are like me, you have a busy day of preparing meals, welcoming in traveling relatives and friends, and just plain on eating until you can’t eat anymore!!
Therefore, there will not be an issue of *So Golden* this week because like you, I want to enjoy the time spend with family and friends!!
But not to worry!! The Thanksgiving holiday starts the Christmas holiday season and it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t leave you guys a little bit of music while you throw down on all the fixings; therefore, I want to share with you guys just a few of my favorite Christmas songs!
Hopefully these songs will fill your hearts with the holiday spirit while you give thanks for the things most important to you!!
*So Golden* will return next week with an All-New Flashing Lights artist, music news and fashion tips!!
Illuminating the talents of new artists; independent rhythm with a mainstream flair!
The light’s on Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews!!!!
While doing some research on this week’s Flashing Lights artist, I came across a video of a man named Troy ‘Trombone Shorty” Andrews and was blown away by his story, his passion and his love for all things music!
A New Orleans native, “Trombone Shorty” is a musician/artist that mixes Jazz with Rock, Funk, Hip-Hop and soul music to create a sound that some may say is well before his time. Given the name “Trombone Shorty” by his brother at the age of 4, Troy has become a master with the trombone and has been blessed to work along side of some of music’s greatest bands, including U2!
Not only is he an excellent musician but with high-energetic performances, he also has the vocals to back up any beat; keeping the crowd constantly on their feet! His album Backatownpeaked at #6 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart and debuted at #1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Album Chart.
“Every moment I get to be able to pick up my horn and play, that’s a blessing. Even if it’s not in front of an audience, I still take the time out and say that I’m truly blessed to be able to play a horn,” says Andrews.
An eclectic sound all is own and inspired by his city and culture that is New Orleans, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews is definitely someone that you should take the time to know if you have not already!
For more information on Trombone Shorty, check him out at www.tromboneshorty.com or follow him on Twitter!!! @Tromboneshorty!!!
*~* Introducing Trombone Shorty!!
*~* Trombone Shorty vs. legendary jazz musician, Wynton Marsalis
*~* Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue on David Letterman
*~*In Case You Missed It*~*
The latest happenings in the music!! Nov 12-Nov 18
·J. Cole’s ‘Friday Night Lights’ Mixtape Available
On November 11th, rapper J. Cole has the internet world on its feet when he released the new track ‘In the Morning’, off his third mixtape, ‘Friday Night Lights’, which dropped on November 12th. The mixtape also has a guest feature from Drake, as well.
The highly anticipated mixtape also includes tracks like, ‘Neon Valley Street’, ‘Before I’m Gone’ and ‘You Got It’, featuring Wale. Though the countdown on Cole’s website for the release of the mixtape has hit zero, Cole has yet to physically drop the tape. “I know y’all gonna shut my site down on this s---, so here’s the direct http://usershare.net/ui7m7pwkp5ha”, Cole tweeted, in regards to downloading ‘In the Morning’.
While we’re going to have to wait for the release of J. Cole’s RocNation debut album ‘ColeWorld’, due out in early 2011, his new mixtape will definitely hold us over until the time comes!
*~* J. Cole and Drake; In The Morning:
·The Game Attempts to Reunite G-Unit Via Twitter
After all the drama within the G-Unit camp over the last few years, especially betweenCompton rapper, The Game and his former mentor, 50 Cent, it’s shock that Game wants thegroup to reunite and make beautiful music again.
Putting all their differences aside, Game hit the waves of Twitter, reaching out to 50 Cent with a host of tweets, pleading that the G-Unit Commander in Chief to allow him and Young Buck back into the group so that they can create the magic that once was so dominant in the realm of hip-hop."@50cent Aye n----, get on Twitter & let's get this s--- movin!!! G-G-G-G- well, you know the rest," Game tweeted. "All it takes is 'ONE PHONE CALL'! U call me, I call BUCK, tell Banks holla at Yayo & dat puts HIP HOP @ OUR MERCY!"
Here’s what Lloyd Banks had to say about a possible reunion. "50's first album led into the G-Unit album," Banks said, "which led into my album. Now it's time to pay 50 back. It's time for me to make it easy on him. Not go to 50 to make it easy on us."
This is no the first time Game has tried to make amends with 50 Cent. Back inJuly,Gameagain jumped on Twitter to express his feeling about the situation. "He got an ego. I got an ego. Ain't nobody apologizing," Game tweeted. "Ain't nobody saying that they was wrong, but you ain't gotta do that to make amends. You just gotta get together, do the s---, and you can do it for the sake of money. We don't gotta break no peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in half and do the s---. Come to an agreement as men, get the s--- done like men."
Unfortunately for Game, 50 slighted his request tweeting, “What are you guys talking about? I don’t talk to Game. I have had no communication with him for years.”
Poor Game, it’s not looking to good for you right about now. Sometimes you have to count your losses for what they are, bust a *Kanye Shrug* and keep it moving!
Ne-Yo Welcomes Baby Girl Earlier Than Expected
The music community has definitely been bitten by the baby bug over the last year! Congratulations to R&B singer/producer Ne-Yo, on the birth of his baby girl on Nov 12. inAtlanta, Ga.
According to Allhiphop.com, Ne-Yo, born Shaffer Chimere Smith, was attending a charity event in association with his organization, Compound Foundation, when he received the word that the mother of his child, Monyetta Shaw, was currently in labor. With his mother by his side, the hit-maker left the event and rushed to the hospital to witness the birth of his daughter.
"I am 30 and I do have my first child on the way, and I'm very, very, very excited aboutthat," Ne-Yo said. "It's a New Year's baby and I'm just in a really good place right now,” Ne-Yostated in an interview earlier this summer.
Born a month and a half premature, we are wishing the baby girl, Ne-Yo and his family all the best!! Congrats again!!
·Jay Electronica Signs to Roc Nation
The roster just keeps getting bigger! On Friday November 12th, while performing at NYCnightclub The Box, Jay-Z announced that New Orleans rapper Jay Electronica has officiallyjoined the Roc Nation family!
"My whole goal is to reintroduce magic to hip-hop," Jay explained to the intimate crowd. "Wewatched this wizard do his thing. Ya'll supported him. And he's an official Roc Nation signee."After accepting his new spot in the Roc family with an official introduction -- "My name is Jay Electronica and my mama is here so you can't tell me s---" Elect took the stage to perform his hit singles 'Exhibit A' and 'Exhibit C.'
Despite his underground success over the last few years, Jay Electronica has yet to release a full-length LP. In February, he announced that he will be dropping the ‘Act II’ mixtape followed by his debut album, ‘Act III’; neither of which has made it pass the developmental stages.
*~* Jay Electronica & Jay-Z; The Dream
·Lauryn Hill Joins The Roots For Bob Marley Cover
I love reporting news that involves Lauryn Hill because it makes her comeback so much more promising. Over the weekend, L-Boogie hit the stage with The Roots at a charity event forParkinson’s disease in NYC. The event, called ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to CureParkinson’s,” was put on by actor, Michael J. Fox, who has been suffering from the neurological disease for several years, and featured Hill and The Roots collaborating on Bob Marley’s ‘Is This Love?’.
On stage, Hill belted out the lyrics to the song written by her father-in-law while also performing some of her own classic hits; such as, ‘Doo Wop (That Thing) and her Fugees hit, ‘Killing Me Softly.’
Lauryn Hill’s absence from the music world has been felt ever since her 1998 multi-platinum, Grammy-winning solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, but now that she is slowly but surely reemerging back onto the scene, I know it will be only a matter of time before her next LP drops!
*~* Lauryn Hill's Redition of Bob Marley's "Is This Love?"
·Nicki Minaj’s ‘Pink Friday’ Leaks Online
Seems like the would could not hold off another week because Nicki Minaj’s highly anticipated debut album, ‘Pink Friday’ has reportedly been leaked online, one week before its scheduled Nov. 22 release date.
In addition to her already leaked hits, Right Thru Me, Roman’s Revenge and Your Love, Minaj’s tracks, Fly featuring Rihanna, Blazin’ featuring Kanye West and Moment 4 Life featuringDrake, have also hit the would wide web! "Tap you neighbor and say #itsPinkFridayHoe," Nicki tweeted Wednesday morning; possibly making reference to ‘Pink Friday’s early release.
During a recent interview for her Billboard cover story, Minaj expressed the pain she feltwhen her hit song, Your Love, was secretly leak to the public; forcing her to release it as asingle. "I didn't like the song and I didn't put it out," Nicki explained. "Someone stole it out of the studio and put it on the Internet and I cried because I was mortified. I was humiliated and remember telling Drake, 'This is going to ruin my career."
Obviously, it did the complete opposite! It has been on heavy rotation in radio stations across the country and the ring tone on almost every female’s cell phone that I know! It also climbed to #4 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart so I’d say for a sneak move on the part of the hater that leaked it; it was an unexpected victory for Team Minaj!
Look for the official release of ‘Pink Friday’ in stores on November 22nd.
·Nas Puts ‘Lost Tapes 2’ on Hold
Back in June 2010, rapper Nas announced that he would be releasing ‘The Lost Tapes’, a compilations of unreleased material but after news hit that he would be reuniting with Pete Rock on the LP, to Queens native hit a road block. Nas reportedly sent on an angry email to record execs, firing shots at them for apparently counting the album against his deal, consequently placing a hold on the project altogether. As of right now, the rapper is focusing on his next studio album with the hopes of picking things back up with his other lingering projects.
"I record a lot of s---. I have recorded a lot of s--- over the years, and the s--- that I ain't put out on albums should be on the 'Lost Tapes,'" Nas said inan interviewwith The Source. "Because my album, my studio album, my new album is a priority for the label and of course me, to find the time to put out 'Lost Tapes' and then my record, my real record, is what we're upagainst. It's all this material and trying to get it out."
Originally intended for a December 14th release date, it is now unclear when ‘Lost Tapes 2’ will be released but know that Nas is in the studio, taking things one step at a time. "I'm in the studio, taking it step by step. It's not ready yet. I'm taking it step by step because it's so important for me and myself," he said. "I'm in a huge fight with me, so it's important that I get this one right. I don't want to leave no stone unturned on anything I say on this s---."
*~* Fashion 411 *~*
This week’s ‘Fashion 411’ is dedicated to the 17 years & under generation. As time progresses and adult fashion evolves, the same applies to children’s fashion. With young trendsetters like Jaden and Willow Smith and the newly-developed styles of little tots, Nahla Aubry (HalleBerry) and Usher Raymond V (Usher), children’s high fashion has become a high commodity in today’s society; taking over runways all over the world. As the holidays rapidly approach, I thought it would only be right to share some of the latest trends in children’s fashion that will be sure to be a hit under the Christmas tree this year!
*~* Boys’ Fashion *~*
(Usher Raymond V)
When you walk through any store, you immediately notice that the boys section is a lot smaller than the girls section. With limited options and styles, boys clothing have come along way from the pastel blue and fire trucks over the years to a style all its own! Keeping up with its fashion-forward counterparts, boys fashion is now embracing vintage styles with a modern twist! Here are just a few of the latest trends in boys’ wear!
Patterned Snap and Button Down Shirts with Contrasting Yolk
This particular look is very popular amongst fashion designers! The contrasting yolk adds a funky twist to an otherwise plain shirt. With different patterns like polka dots, stripes and diamonds and snap buttons for easy on and off, these shirts will be a hit on your little prince!
Stylist headgear---Snowboarder hats and fedoras
Military inspired hats, classic fedoras and skater style snowboarder hats are in for boys this year and since we all know that when it comes to accessories, boys lose in comparison to girls, we have to make sure we shine light on every on that we can!
Varsity Jackets and Bombers
Time to pay homage to a timeless looks that embodies everything that boys stand for! With snaps, zippers, leather accents and patches, these jackets are not only stylist but allow for individuality and creativity for any boy that wears them.
Sneakers
While there is nothing cuter than seeing a little boy in a nice pair of loafers or boots, every now and then, you just want to be comfortable and mellow out in clean pair of sneaks! No matter the brand, style or color, sneakers play a major role in the style of boys and men alike!
Quality Denim-Rolled Cuffs
You can never go wrong when it comes to denim and as boys’ fashion continues to evolve, you’re now able to rock the denim look that best fits your personality and unique sense of style.
*~* Girls’ Fashion *~*
(Nahla Aubry)
Here we go!! It’s no surprise that the fashion world and styles are dominated by women and nothing could be truer than with the fashions for girls. Designers around the world have taken notice and are flooding the runways with small versions of their hottest trends and with the help of funky fresh accessories and bold, bright colors, your mini divas will be well on their way to becoming hip, stylish fashionistas!
Skinny-Legged Cargo Pants
This style of pants is so cool and versatile. You can wear them with tees, sweaters, cardigans, tunics and just about any top that you can think of!
Ruffled Sweaters
This is a must have in your daughter’s winter wardrobe! Paired with a pair of tights or leggings, and denim skirt and a hot pair of boots and you’re created a fierce winter look!
·Graphic Tees
oAn absolute favorite in my own wardrobe; graphic tees are an important staple in any wardrobe. Short or long sleeved, these teescan be paired with a simple pair of jeans and scarf for an effortless ensemble.
·Coordinating Hat and Gloves Set
oNothing says stylish girl in the winter time than one with a set ofcoordinating hat and gloves!
·Pea Coats
oWhat would compliment her pink and brown polka dot hat and scarfset more but a chocolate brown pea coat? With a hood or without, pea coats keep her nice and warm while making her look fashion forward. You can go classic with solid colors or to add some flare, can opt for bold, bright colors and designs, such as plaid!
**Strategize, Accessorize, Mesmerize!**
Accessories: the golden touch of fashion!
Spotlighting: Boots!!!!!!
Unless you live deep in the South or on the West Coast, you can walk out of your house and tell that winter and all the snow it’ll bring is soon on its way (or may have already shown its face)! Just because the thermostat is rapidly decreasing that doesn’t mean that our sense of fashion has to go down with it! We can accomplish being warm and toasty while staying true to our fashion-savvy conscious! Again, understand that accessories are more than just jewelry but any object that allows you to accentuate your personal style and help create a look all your own! With that being said, we’re going to look at some trendy boots for men and women that are guaranteed to keep you warm while keeping you fresh!
Wherever you find your boots for the season, make sure they are a nice fit as well as a great look for you!!
*~* ATTENTION!!!*~*
Do you guys remember the days when we used to make turkeys by tracing our hands or when we used to make snowmen by connecting foam balls with toothpicks?? Well, in honor of the upcoming holiday season, next week's issue of Fashion 411 will be a **Special Holiday Issue**; paying tribute to the holidays and the fashions that made us hot!!
(Christmas '86)
(Christmas '87)
From Day 1, I have been spotlighting other people but this time around, I want to shine the light on you guys!! If you have some old pictures in the vault of yourself looking rather fly during the holidays, we want to see them! Submit your pictures of you rocking your best holiday look to SoGoldenBlog@gmail.com!!
This is my way of bringing in the holiday season and showing appreciation to you guys for supporting *So Golden* and myself!!
Deadline for picture submissions is Weds. Nov. 24th!!!!
Illuminating the talents of new artists; independent rhythm with a mainstream flair!
The light’s on: The Spoken Word Artists of the World!!
I decided to switch things up this week and shine light on who I feel are TRUE lyrists; spoken word artists. Unlike the rappers of the current time, spoken word is filled with purpose; with sustenance; with passion; with conviction. It often leaves you questioning life and the issues the plague us daily. Not just talking about cars, clothes, jewelry and the degradation of women, the individuals I selected take us back to the political consciousness and reasoning; take us back to when love was more than just getting a woman intoxicated and taking her back to your house to have sex. It takes us back to the lyrists and R&B artists of the 80s and 90s. If only we could get this much passion back on a beat, then, maybe then we can get back to the days of true music! Enjoy!!
~Urbintel; The Male Ego
~The Mad Poet; Open Your Eyes
~Bassey Ikpi; Apology to my Unborn
~Jill Scott; Aint a Ceiling
~J. Ivy; Dear Father
~Shihan; Type of Love
*~*In Case You Missed It*~*
The latest happenings in the music!!..Nov 5th-Nov 11th
·Marques Houston Granted Restraining Order Against Raz-B
It seems that former Immature front man, Marques ‘Batman’ Houston has had enough and as decided to take legal matters against former B2K member Raz-B. A judge in VanNuys,California granted Houston a restraining order against Raz-B on November 3rd, citing “emotional distress” after a video of the two getting into a heated phone confrontation hit the internet last month.
Raz-B, born DeMario Thorton, accused Houston and their former manager, Chris Stokes of child molestation. While Houston and Stokes have consistently denied such allegations, Houston cannot deny the toll all of this has had on his life. In paperwork, Houston stated, "DeMario is screaming at me, he has a deranged demeanor and is not acting like a reasonableperson. After I hung up on DeMario, he continued recording himself and falsely accused me of molesting him." As a result, Raz was ordered to stay at least 1000 feet away fromHouston, his job and his vehicle.
Houston also believes that Raz could become extremely violent if the two were to come in contact with each other and that because the infamous video has now been leakedtoseveraldifferent media sites, he is suffering from anguish and fear for his safety.
A hearing in the case is scheduled for Nov. 22.
·Shia Labeouf Set To Direct Kid Cudi Video
It seems that rapper Kid Cudi has friends in high places and when it comes to his sophomore album, his bringing out the big guns to help!
Cudi’s debut album, Man on the Moon: The End of Day received as great lift when actor Josh Hartnett (Black Hawk Down; Pearl Harbor), directed the video for his song, Pursuit of Happiness. With his second album, Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager, Cudi his raising the bar! Reportedly the Cleveland rapper has landing Transformers mega-star, Shia Lebeouf to direct a short film for the video Maniac, which features singer-songwriter St. Vincentand indie rapper Cage.
Previously, Lebeouf helmed the video for Cage’s I Never Knew You, a twisted take on Cage’s song about obsession.
Kid Cudi’s Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager hits stores on Nov 9th.
·Monica Announced That She Quit Twitter Due To A Stalker!!
Last month, R&B songstress, Monica, unexpectedly announced that she could know longer be active on the social network Twitter and abruptly deactivated her account; leaving fans speechless. Known for her continuous flow of positivity and words of wisdom on her page, Monica absence left an undeniable void on the timelines of many.
Well, good news!! Monica is once again back on Twitter and revealed that the reason why she left was due to a stalker; though it was believed that she cancelled her account due to the backlash after announcing her engagement to Los Angeles Lakers guard Shannon Brown.
"I quit Twitter for a way deeper reason," Monica said during an interview with The Big Tigger Morning Show onWashington D.C.'s WPGC 95.5. "At first we couldn't really talk about it, but we had a way more serious situation than just somebody saying something on Twitter, and legally we couldn't really talk about it at the time. It was just suggested. OK, come off Twitter, find out who some of these people are. It was not anybody on Twitter. It was someone keeping up with me through Twitter. It's been going on for years, way before Twitter, but they were using Twitter to keep up with me."
"Some people thought it was something that someone said to me on Twitter," she continued. "It was absolutely nothing like that. People have talked about and been cruel toward me, and every other artist, long before Twitter came about, so it would never be something assimple as something that somebody said."
The Georgia peach has since locked her account, protecting her tweets which can only be available for her 400,000+ followers, whom she has approved.
Monica is in preparation to release a new album sometime next year!!
Monica; Love All Over Me
·Lil Kim Disses Nicki Minaj At Queens, NY Nightclub!!
Oh, this story just keeps getting better and better! For all those that thought that Kim was going to just sit back and let Nicki Minaj fire shots her way, think again! Lil Kim raised the sakes on November 6th, calling Minaj out in her hometown of Queens, New York, at a rare performance at a nightclub.
Though Minaj denied dissing Kin in her latest track, Roman’s Revenge, Kim is not taking this laying down; going all the way in on the Young Money’s first lady during a break in her performance at club Pure.
"I got more love from Queens than this bitch do!" Kim exclaimed, receiving a wild cheer from the crowd, despite being in her adversary's hood. "I will erase this bitch's social securitynumber! First of all, I don't even need a record right now, I'll kill that bitch with my old s---! I don't never let nothing take me off my grind. As always, steady mobbin'," Kim shouted. "Money over these bum-ass b--ches."
Woo!!!!!!! This has just turned the tables.
Though nothing has been confirmed in regards to Kim’s new album, she has confirmed that she has signed with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label.
Lil Kim Disses Nicki Minaj!!
·Wiz Khalifa Released From Prison After Drug Arrest
Rapper Wiz Khalifa performed rough crowd at EastCarolinaUniversity on Nov 8th but unfortunately, the night didn’t end as smoothly as everyone hoped. The Pittsburgh rapper wasarrested after the show and was charged with multiple marijuana violations, including trafficking marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and maintaining a place for the sale of marijuana.
The 22 year-old rapper, born Cameron Thomaz, was sent to the PittCountyDetentionCenter in Greenville, NC and was given a $300,000 bond. According the reports, nine others were booked into the center at the same time, for the same charges. Released on Tuesday Nov 9th, Wiz Khalifa took to his Twitter account.
"Waken...baken...wrist still achin. thnx for tha love and support," he said. "Man, jail sux! but bein taylor'd doesn't ... finna get tha rest of these fools out and grab sum grub."
When will these rappers learn?? As of late, many rappers have been going under for drug charges (Gucci Mane, T.I. Lil Wayne) and just don’t seem to get it. But these are the peoplethatour children are looking up to?? It is a sad state that we’re in right now but I pray for the best!
·Lil Wayne Banned From Las Vegas Hotel
After making his grand return to the stage this past weekend with an appearance during Drake’s Las Vegas show, Lil Wayne was unable to end the night off in the right way. After leaving the stage at The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel, Drake and the crew headed to Wynn Las Vegas for the after-party with Weezy nowhere in sight!
Sources for the rapper told TMZ that Wayne was banned from being on the property due to his recent chain of events. The hotel felt that with Weezy every move being monitored, any slip up or negative behavior would look bad on the hotel. Not pressed on the issue and havingnoscheduled performances or appearances at WynnHotel, Wayne went to the Palms CasinoResortto celebrate on his own.
Under the terms of Wayne'sunsupervised probationstemming from a drug bust in Arizona in 2008, he is banned from drinking alcohol and doing drugs for the next three years as well as required to do 360 hours of community service in his residential city Miami. The 28-year-old must also stay away from persons engaging in criminal activity, cannot possess illegal drugs and must submit to random alcohol testing.
Lil Wayne & Drake; Miss Me Live!!
·T.I. Confined to Northern Georgia After Prison Term
Rapper T.I. is currently serving a 11-month prison term, as a result of his probation violation but unfortunately, freedom will still be out of reach after the bid is complete. Uponhisrelease next year, the rapper will be confined to the northern half of Georgia and will not be able to leave unless he has a good reason, according to TMZ.
According to court documents, T.I. will not be able to leave the Northern District of Georgia for a year, which consists of Atlanta, Gainesville, Rome and Newnan. The only exception to the rule is if he can prove it is for “verified employment within the United States”.
Additionally, Tip will not be allowed to leave Northern Georgia for more than seven days per month or in a row. And on top of his travel restrictions, the 30-year-old must participate in a drug/alcohol testing and treatment program, cannot drive a vehicle, cannot possess "any firearm, dangerous weapon, or other destructive device."
·Matt Lauer Responses to Kanye’s ‘Today’ Show Tweets
Just when you thought the worst was over, there’s more! In an effort to clear the air, Matt Lauer addressed Kanye West’s recent issue after his recent ‘Today’ show interview. Lauer felt the need to address the issue after Kanye tweeted that he felt “used” by the morning show and that Lauer attempted to “force” his answers.
Lauer went on-air to defend what he called “standard procedure” for the show; such “standard procedure” that Kanye disapproved of. He stated that it was this said procedure that causes the show to play video footage of incidents as a point of reference during the interview. In an attempt to defend the interview, the show aired some unedited footage, showing a clearly annoyed West. "How am I supposed to talk if you're going to run this thing in the middle while I'm talking," Kanye interrupts himself to say to Lauer and the producers. Check out the footage below!!
*~* Fashion 411 *~*
This edition of Fashion 411 is dedicated to my big cousin, La Tonya Williams-Betts, who wrote me, requesting that I do a fashion piece on maternity wear. Ton is expecting a little boy in a few months so I felt that it was important and necessary to show all my mommies-to be some love and let them know that they still have what it takes to be sexy, stylish and sophisticated!
*~ Maternity Fashion Trends ~*
For many, many years, expectant mothers have resorted to wearing clothing that are not only big and baggy but that did their new growing figure, absolutely no justice. During pregnancy, women go through a lot of changes; emotionally, physically and mentally and with all that goes on during these nine months, many women develop a sense of insecurity and feeling of unattractiveness.
Expecting or not, nothing lifts the spirits of a woman more than when she dons beautiful clothing and who said that just because you are pregnant, you cant look great?! Over the years, fashion as evolved and nothing could be truer in the case of maternity wear! Those frumpy, loose frocks have now evolved into lean, sleek trousers and jeans and sexy off-the-shoulder tops; pieces that compliment your natural glow.
When it comes to maternity fashion, the best examples are given by pregnant celebrities! They have the resources to afford professional stylists to help them figure out what looks good on the body and how exactly to wear it. By looking at their style and tweaking it to fit your own, personal style, you’ll develop a sexy and unique maternity style, all your own!
Here are some of the latest trends in maternity fashion:
1)Tunics: No matter the color, tunics are very popular and very stylish. They are very flattering because they are loose around the abdomen, providing comfort for the baby bump.
2)Maternity Jeans and Pants: It really hurts my heart when I see pregnant women out in public still wearing their pre-pregnancy jeans and pants; a big pregnancy-fashion No-No!!! While I understand that everyone cannot afford maternity clothes, by wearing your pre-pregnancy bottoms, you grant yourself less comfort for yourself and the baby and give yourself an overall, less flattering and polished appearance. Maternity pants offer all the comfort you need as your belly begins to expand and with different fabrics like, denim, cotton or flax and with an off-the-shoulder sweater, accessories and boots, you’ll be on your way to looking great!
3)Military-inspired: Catwalks this season have been flooded with military-inspired looks. The good news is that this style can easily be translated into maternity wear! Military style jackets with large lapels help balance out your baby bump. Dresses or tops with the military-inspired look, (brass buttons, and big pockets), are easy to dress up or down and have the ability to add a little pizzazz to your outfit.
4)Layers: Layers, layers, layers!!! You can’t go wrong with layers!! This is a great look for pregnant women as it is easier to get hotter than normal, so by layering up, you’re able to stay the right temperature and take off and put on, when necessary! Here are a few basic pieces you should have in your closet: t-shirts (graphic or plain), camisoles, thin hoodies, ponchos or cardigans. Don’t forget your accessories!!!
5)Lace: For a lot of women, they feel their most sexy when they are pregnant! Their curves are bigger and their hormones are on 10; so why not celebrate by adding more feminine articles of clothing to your wardrobe. When it comes to fashion this year, lace has become a major piece. Once itchy, lace has now become soft, sexy and sophisticated. Don’t go overboard though; gradually add lace into your wardrobe by buying a camisole with lace on the top. If you want to rock a full lace top, just make sure you feel the lace to insure that it will be comfortable on your body. This includes maternity lingerie!! (Most maternity lines have lace backed by a soft material, like cotton, to guarantee a style that looks and feels good!)
6)Safari: Safari-inspired fashion has made it presence felt for the Autumn 2010 season. Working with camels, browns and animal prints are your best bet. Again, do not go overboard with all this print; try incorporating a little bit and have fun with it! If you are one who do not feel comfortable wearing prints in public, you can release your inner animal with animal print undergarments, so even if you afraid to wear prints, you can still wear it for yourself or your main squeeze!
This was just a few fashion tips to help out my mommies-to-be!! Pregnancy is a beautiful thing and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t look beautiful, as well!! Babies are a blessing so wear it and wear it proudly!! Congrats mamas!!! *OXOX*
*~*Strategize, Accessorize, Mesmerize!*~*
Accessories: the golden touch of fashion!
Spotlighting wrist watches!!!
With technology on the rise and everyone around you pulling out a cell phone of some sort to check the time, one can easily assess that the age of the wrist watch has come and gone. Not so fast!! Though it may seem that the wrist watch has become an obsolete jewel of fashion, it’s never made a more glamorous fashion statement than it has today!
More than just a timepiece, watches have become a major accessory in the world of fashion. In multiple colors and multiple styles, such as diamond-studded, digital, small or bulky, wrist watches are back and in full-effect! Whatever your preferred brand or taste, I know that there is a wrist watch for you! Here are a few popular wrist watches for men and women! Check them out!
Women:
1)Luck Brand Watch, Women’s Black Rubber Strap-$45.00
·Lucky Brand delivers watch that looks good and fits your active lifestyle. Durable and stylish, this watch features a black rubber strap and round silvertone mixed metal case. Black dial with silvertone peace sign, stick indices and numerals. Quartz movement. Limited lifetime warranty.
·A chic modern accent for your wrist. This DKNY watch features a polished, wide bracelet in silvertonestainless steel. Stainless steel rectangular case and rectangular silvertone dial with logo and stickindices. Quartz movement. Water resistant to 30 meters. Two-year limited warranty.
·J Couture Princess watch features pink patent leather strap and round stainless steel case with dangling crown-topped J charm. Black dial with silvertone Roman numerals and hands and large iconic crown logo in hot pink. Quartz movement. Water resistant to 30 meters. Two-year limited warranty.
Men:
1)Caravelle by Bulova Watch, Men’s Stainless Steel Bracelet-$69.99
·A sophisticated watch with distinction, boldness and utmost functionality, from Caravelle by Bulova. Silvertone stainless steel bracelet and round case. Round black dial with logo, date window and stick indices. Quartz movement. Water resistant to 30 meters. Two-year limited warranty.
2)Adidas Watch, Chronograph Toronto Watch Polycarbonate Bracelet-$85.00
·Ultra-clean, chronographic design by Adidas. White polycarbonate case and bracelet. Textured white chronograph dial features silvertone stick indices, logo, luminous hands, three subdials and date window at three o'clock. Quartz movement. Water resistant to 50 meters. Two-year limited warranty.
3)G-Shock Watch, Men’s Purple Resin Strap-$99.00
·Power up your daily routine with this pearly purple watch from G-Shock. Metallic purple strap and round case. Round purple digital dial with multi-function alarm, timer, stopwatch, calendar, backlight with afterglow and logo. Quartz movement. Water resistant to 200 meters. One-year limited warranty.
~~~~~ All of these watches can be found, exclusively at Macy’s!!!
A fly, unapologetic, free-spirited "Glamour Girl"; unafraid to march to the beat of her own drum! Using music as the GPS through life, Goldn's love of music and fashion extends past the four walls of her universe and into your space! Hold on tight and enjoy the ride... It's about to get real!
(Usher Raymond V)
(Nahla Aubry)
(Christmas '86) 
(Christmas '87)
