Girl Power

When it rains, it pours. As a child, I never understood when my mother told me that but I sure as heck do now. At this very moment I need to get a new phone, schedule a dentist appointment, fax documents to my tax guy, pack for a weekend getaway, return (personal) calls to about 6 people...and that is only half of it -- LOTS going on.

Whew, I had to get that out. Now back to business.

I had the plesaure of speaking at The Young Women's Leadership School in Jamaica, Queens (NY) on Tuesday. I spoke to a group of 10th graders as part of the school's Cool Women, Hot Jobs program. Every single time I participate in something like this I feel partially guilty as I always get just as much out of it (if not more) than the students. Talk about gaining perspective. While I have spoken at a school in Queens before, being in JAMAICA where I was born and raised meant a lot to me. The girls I met on Tuesday have so much promise, so much talent. They were bright-eyed and actually seemed interested in hearing about little 'ole me and what I do for a living. In me telling them to never give up and work hard even when it seems no one is paying attention, I was reminding myself of what matters most too. God is so awesome like that. Why am I sharing with you guys? Well it is probably the flyest thing I've done all year.


How can you not look at this picture and smile?

Then, last night I spent the evening in Harlem for a lovely shindig to help launch Shaun Robinson's new book, Exactly As I Am. Just as the title suggests, Robinson's book encourages young women to nuture their self-esteem. Interviews with everyone from Gabrielle Union to Nancy Pelosi are included. I mingled with more inspiring women there and picked up a copy of the book for my nieces. They can't appreciate it now but they certainly will one day.

We are blessed to be a blessing to others. The youngins are watching us y'all. They really are.

P.S. - Topshop is FINALLY opening in (Soho) NYC today! More on that later.

The British Are Coming! (Well, a lil' bit later...)

So after all the hype about Topshop coming across the pond, owner Sir Philip Green just announced that the addictive British retailer has delayed their American debut until spring of 2009. Green stresses that the delay has nothing to do with our current economy and everything to do with logistical hiccups. My Mr. TK works on construction/contracting projects all the time so I know all about a job being scheduled for completion a few months before it is actually done. Ish happens.

In the meantime and in between time, folks who can't wait to get their hands on some Topshop finds can head to their new U.S. website. For those of you still out of the loop, Topshop is the biggest and most popular place to shop on the British High Street. They offer everything from earrings and leggings to coats and boots. Shopping there is often just an experience in itself, especially at the flagship store on Oxford Street. I still think part of the thrill of snagging a Topshop find as an American is feeling that it is at least somewhat exclusive - but I digress. And when I go to London next summer (yes, I'm already plotting my next vacay) I'm still hitting up Topshop whether the U.S. store has opened or not. Big C, are you with me?


THANK GOODNESS IT IS FRIDAY!

The British Are Coming!

That’s me in the above pic during my London jaunt a few years back. I lived in London in ’03 and while my stay was brief, I became attached to several things. London is synonymous with bad cuisine, but I always managed to get delicious grub in Brixton. I also grew fond of Neal’s Yard (awesome organic health and beauty products), Portobello Road and Spitalfields Market (inexpensive vintage finds) and window shopping at Liberty or Browns (think Henri Bendel or Jeffrey with cooler interiors).

One of my absolute fave London shopping spots was Topshop. The retailer gained some American notoriety earlier this year with their Kate Moss/Barneys initiative but it’s still unknown to most on this side of the pond. Well, let me tell ya - Topshop is the TRUTH! Imagine a wallet-friendly mass retailer that combines the femininity of Zara, the trendiness of H&M with the sophistication of Club Monaco. Now imagine that same place stocking their shelves with new merchandise as often as three times a day.



I frequented the flagship store in Oxford Circus because it was walking distance from my flat and my school. I went there way too often. Sportswear, outerwear, denim, footwear, accessories, lingerie - it’s all there. Topshop is a leader of what the Brits have labeled the High Street. And dudes, there’s a Topman for y’all as well.

So, what does this really have to do with you? Topshop is officially opening up a store in the U.S. next September! Rumors have circulated about this move before but this time the talk seems legit. Now, my Topshop finds won’t feel as exclusive (picture me looking sad) but I’m still excited. WWD is reporting that the store is scheduled to open in Soho (perfect fit) and gradually expand to other locations.

If any of the nine (Thanks Barri!) folks reading have ever been to Topshop - please leave a comment and share your experience. Are you excited about the soon-to-be British transplant?