Project Runway's Korto Momolu: Losing Never Looked So Good

Korto Momolu: The People's Champ

I admittedly am not a huge fan of Project Runway. Reality tv just isn't really my thing. But I had the pleasure of interviewing last season's runner-up Korto Momolu from the popular Bravo series for my day gig and I must share with my PPT folks. I was so inspired by Korto's can-do attitude. She is a sweetheart, she's driven (has that immigrant do-or-die spirit) and clearly loves her family. Oh and Ms. Girl is way talented.

Read the interview and leave a comment here or on the other site to let me know what ya think. As I get updates on her collection, I'll be sure to pass them along.

I'm about to get ready for church but I hope to make some calls to PA for Barack Obama later today as we are in the final stretch of this historic election. If you would like to do this as well, visit this site for the deets. You can make calls from home or go to a phonebank center in your area. We're almost there!

Beyond Barack: We Need To Be More Aware And Get Involved Folks

Other other day Mr. TK said something that has been on my mind kinda heavy since. He was frustrated about a business situation when he mumbled, "Sometimes knowing a little about something is worse than knowing nothing at all." After I let his statement marinate for a bit, I realized how much it related to the way I (and most of the folks I know) associate with politics. While it is fantastic that we are all on Team Obama and eat, sleep and dream about the presidential election, I think most of us have forgotten about the other politicians who have a strong impact on our lives as well. Everyone (even my five and seven year old nieces) knows the importance of voting next month. And it is certainly important - without a shadow of a doubt important. But guess what? The pothole on your block that took six months to get filled? A local politician tends to that. The disgust I often have when shopping in my local supermarket because of a lack of fresh(er) veggies and poultry? A local politician. Your kid's after-school program slipping with quality extra-curricular activities? A local politician yet again.

In light of Mr. TK's comment, I want to make it known that I am far from knowledgable about politics. But, over the past year or so, I have been much more aware of what is going on with the federal government simply because of Barack Obama. And yes, this is a beautiful thing. But, me not knowing who my councilman, congressman, borough president, school district president (it shouldn't matter that I don't have children), local judges, and even the folks who run my co-op board are is pretty pathetic. NEWSFLASH: Even after Obama gets to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, we can't go back to being zoombies. Having just returned from South Africa, I am reminded of how much most Americans take democracy for granted. (Yeah, our democracy is f**ked up but try voting in Jamaica.) Add to that I'm a Black American, and there is an entire extra layer of guilt for me because some of my folks truly fought for me to have this right. And I know they didn't intend for me to just exercise it every 4 years.

Michelle Obama was on Larry King a couple of weeks ago discussing how great it is that this election has gotten people engaged again. As if we have been awoken from a deep slumber. And now I really get what she meant. (Told y'all I have delayed reactions.) I have challenged myself and I challenge you to research your local politicians so that you can really be educated. And after November 4th, keep up with what elected officials are and aren't doing in your 'hood. Yes, I'm busy, you're busy -- everyone is busy. But we all make time for the things we find important.

We've been sleeping long enough.

Sorry I have yet again posted about something not related to "conventional style" but this is what is on my heart and mind to blog about today.

Handbags, Voting and Other Randomness

I wanted to post my (long overdue) feedback to the Italian "All Black" Vogue today but no cigar. I'll try to get it up this weekend. I have an interview to transcribe for PPT that will post later this week, phone calls to return (MJ, are you reading?) and a lucrative but tedious freelance gig to work on. And I have fam (my mom!) visiting me from out of town this week. But this isn't a "woe is me" post. I'm actully feeling good, although VERY sleepy. I love having my fam around me, epecially the immediate folks. Love and my mother's potato salad (she made some for me Sunday) really does conquer all. Plus, I received the sweetest text message from Mr. TK on Monday. It was not too sappy but contained the perfect amount of sugar to make me say "Awwww!" outloud in public.

And then, I discovered the bag below. Isn't she a certified cutie pie? I think so too. She's one of my latest crushes. Surprising too since I'm not a female that typically likes pink. Actually, I tend to avoid it. But here, it somehow works for me.



The size is just right (roomy enough to hold all my stuff), the nickel hardware looks on point against the hue and the "is it or isn't it patent leather?" sheen adds the right amount of panache. I'm on a spending fast of sorts so I have no plans on purchasing this bag. Nada. But my mother taught me that it doesn't cost anything to look. For those of you who aren't fasting in the finance department, she can be yours for $450 bucks. Oh and she's only available via J.Crew's website or catalog. Like most crushes, I'll probably be over this very, very soon but in the meantime, I wanted to share. Cole Haan's accessories this season are pretty sick too...

One more thing before I go, I sincerly home all PPT readers in the U.S. of A. are registered to vote. Seriously. But just in case you aren't and/or know someone who isn't, click here. And to find out exactly when the deadline to register is for your state, click here.