The Trip I Never Took That Changed My Life

Earlier today I paid a visit to the Met to view the fashion exhibit I was supposed to check out last week. The fashion exhibit was well worth it but that review will come later this week. In order to get to the fashion exhibit, I had to walk through the Egyptian one first. Now, the Egyptian section of the Met is truly one of my favorite places in NYC. As I made my way through, I remembered the story about Egypt below I never posted.

While perusing a magazine rack recently, I noticed a compelling coverline on an issue of Travel & Leisure mag: The Trip That Changed My Life. I then began to think about the trips (big and small) that made a significant impression on my own life. There’s a slew of them because I learn something every place I travel to. Some stuff certainly seems more profound than others but it’s knowledge all the same.

But soon after I thought about the trip that I didn’t take that changed me. Changed for the better too. God works in such mysterious ways…

It was 1994 -- my senior year of high school. A group of my friends were in a youth social organization called Jack & Jill. (I’m sure many of you reading this were Jack & Jill members.) Well, said friends were going on a big trip to Egypt to celebrate completing high school. Several chapters were involved and the trip was in the works for some time. About a month before their actual departure, someone apparently dropped out and I was asked if I wanted to take their place. I contemplated going initially, especially after my dear mother scrambled up the funds for my possible trip. But I had mixed feelings about the invitation that led me to reconsider going. I felt as though I was an afterthought, a charity-case even. I wasn’t in the loop from the beginning and didn’t want to seem as though I was "trying to fit in". I was not a Jack & Jill member, wasn’t in on the trip from the get-go and therefore I eventually said, "No".

My 17 year-old self didn’t have the wisdom to kick my pride to the curb. I didn’t know that visiting Egypt was an opportunity to walk on the soil where civilization began, take personal pics of the pyramids that still boggle the minds of anthropologists and view the place that the Sphinx calls home. I didn’t know that a decade or so later, I wouldn’t care in the least what my then peers thought about me. Now, some 14 years later, I haven’t a clue what I did that week during Spring Break when my friends were in Cairo. But I do know that I won’t allow my ego to ever get in the way of such a fabulous opportunity again. Ever. As an adult, I try to take advantage of any and every chance to travel to a new place. And when I do finally make that trip to Egypt (because I will), it will be that much more rewarding.

Bend It Like Posh

Dear Mr. Blackwell,

I recently learned that you included Victoria "Posh" Beckham on your Worst Dressed List.

Tsk, tsk.

For the life of me, I can’t figure out why your list has become such a cultural phenomenon anyway. But then again, George Bush was elected into office twice. Well, you’ve certainly got a right to your opinion but I need to also give you mine. I know you’ll never read this letter but something about typing it is kinda liberating.

First off, Mrs. Beckham is a bad ass. Period. Fly as she wanna be. Unapologetically sexy. Take that, take that type of sexy. Forget Justin she brought it back for real. Yeah, she can afford to eat a cupcake or two. Of course she’s had work done. And no her vocal ability doesn’t wow me. But I so look forward to seeing pics of her out and about and I know I’m not alone. See, that boho, "I don’t really want you to think I care look" was getting sorta tired. Very tired in fact. There was something so refreshing about Victoria moving across the pond to L.A. and serving all her fierceness to the Uggs, "It" handbags and designer jeans, messy hair uniform wearers of La La land. Plus she manages to stay so fly while being a wife and mother. So what she has a nanny or two, or four?

Yeah, she might be a label whore, favor clothing that is typically tight, short or both but somehow she still manages to look classy and polished. And that is not easy to pull off. Look, this is coming from someone who thinks a tank top and boy shorts can be the epitome of sexy. Still I admire Victoria’s willingness to step out of the box and go slightly left. PC or not. I don’t know the lady, never met her in fact, but she always looks very comfortable in her (Botoxed) skin. Even in 5 inch heels she looks comfortable! It’s obvious that she enjoys dressing up and being the glamazon that she is. Right or wrong. Isn’t that what real style is about anyway? Being true to yourself? Victoria has discovered the silhouettes, designers and even haircuts that flatter her and she rocks with them. Yet she isn’t afraid to experiment with color, textures or even proportions. Now she is constantly wearing those Hollywood friendly oversized shades but hey on her; they do seem to work.

The most fabulous thing about the lady is that I highly doubt she’ll give a hoot about being on your list. In fact, it will probably only make her go harder. She just seems like she’s that chick. Yeah, style really does go way beyond clothes, Mr. Blackwell. I’m positive this footballer’s wife is gonna continue to flaunt her mini skirts and sky-high stilettos for many years to come.

All the best,
Bsquared

PS - Victoria Beckham is a very unlikely subject for a PPT blog post. But I had to throw my two cents your way.

Miscellany

Happy 2008! A gal is trying to accomplish a lot this year. (Don't we all start every year off with such sentiments?) I attempt to visit at least one new place annually and as I mentioned a few posts back, this year I hope to go to South Africa. Well, I just learned via WWD that Paul Smith recently opened not one but two locations in South Africa. The first was in the Jo'burg suburb of Parkhurst followed by a second in Cape Town on the prestigious Millionaire Mile of the V&A Waterfront. I'm pumped. Y'all know how I feel about Paul Smith. 'Ole Paul is not alone either. Chloe, Marni, Miu Miu, Missoni and Stella McCartney have apparently also set up shop in S.A. within the last few months. Now, before anyone goes getting their panties in a bunch, I am more excited about learning of new, raw talent when I do eventually visit South Africa. I'm so not that chick who goes to another country and shops at The Gap. The multi-colored straw fans I purchased at a market in Guinea, West Africa in '02 are hanging on my kitchen wall as I type. (They really compliment my purple kitchen.) Still, I am quite excited about one of my fave designers having two retail stores in a country I've been wanting to visit for the past couple of years. Let's just hope that South Africa doesn't resemble Disney World in the next decade...


Stayin' cool as a Guinean fan in '08

I would be remiss in mentioning Africa and not commenting on the craziness in Kenya. What the crap?! Sadly, I am not nearly as informed about the siutation as I need to be but one of my goals in 2008 is to become more aware of global news. Staying fly but being clueness about what is going on in the world has never been (and will never be) in style. In the meantime, my prayers go out to those who have been displaced, hurt or lost loved ones in this horrible ordeal.

Well, I'm off to the Met to check out The Costume Institute's new exhibit: blog.mode: addressing fashion. I will report back on it next week!

CAN’T FORGET STYLISH MOMENTS OF 2007

Ever wonder why magazines are always “rounding up” the 20 Sexiest Men On The Planet? Or why cable television seems obsessed with those 10 Hottest Celeb Couples type of shows? Well, we seem to love ‘em. In media, lists always sell. They are easy for readers to digest and typically don’t require original artwork or footage. Simply put, they are inexpensive to produce.

So, is that the reason behind this post? Nah. It was just fun to write. Hope it is equally (or more) fun for you to read. HAPPY NEW YEAR! And don’t forget to leave a comment with your can’t forget moments of the year.

Rihanna: Bahamian Bombshell

Ella. Ella. Eh, eh, eh… Pop music at its finest. She’s not a top vocalist, songwriter or even performer by any standards; but this Def Jam protégé made sure that Umbrella wouldn’t be her only hit in ’07. Proving that long and blonde aren’t the only two hair options for an R&B diva, she officially brought the bob back for the masses. With the help of her fierce hairstylist Ursula Stephen, Rihanna kept her ‘do slammin’ whether she was rockin’ it curly, bone straight, with bangs or asymmetrical.







Beyonce: We Fall Down. But We Get Up.

I wasn’t buying The Beyonce Experience hype before watching her perform at the Essence Music Festival earlier this year. I’d observed Destiny’s Child in action live before and was unmoved. Well, now I am convinced she is the quintessential entertainer. All the more reason I was so happy of Ms. B during her YouTube debacle this summer. Yeah she fell but she got right back up and danced even harder. Never missed a beat. What sealed the deal was her interview with Lola Ogunnaike on CNN where she showed a rare moment of introspection. Of the now infamous fall, Ms. Knowles said, “It wasn’t the first time I fell on stage and it won’t be the last.” What an important mantra for life. Who knew Bouncy could be profound?



Angela and Vanessa Simmons: Reality TV Stars We Can Actually Be Proud Of

While most of the young, fabulous “It Girls” were checking in and out of rehab, getting arrested or trying to cover-up some sex tape, the daughters of Rev. Run were designing sneakers (their line Pasty debuted this spring), editing magazines and landing acting gigs on The Guiding Light. Blessed with the Simmons Hustle gene, these lovely ladies have even caught the attention of The Girl Scouts of America since the American institution requested them to be their spokesperson(s). By the way, I interviewed the duo for my full-time gig earlier this year and they were just as charming and down-to-earth in person as they appear on television. Thank goodness.



Kerry Washington: Lemme Upgrade You

She’s always been cute (remember Lift?), smart (she graduated from NYC’s Spence School for Girls) and cultured (Washington lived in India before taking on acting full-time). However, she wasn’t really on my style radar until this year. Now I always check for the Bronx native to see what she’s wearing. Whether she’s taking fashion risks like pairing a canary yellow belt with a sporty mini dress and red heels, giving all-out glam by rockin’ electric blue pumps with a sequined frock or keeping it sleek and sophisticated in a floor sweeping gown – Kerry is always so very… picture perfect!







Africa Rising: The Not-So Dark Continent

In 2007, the motherland seemed to be chic. For better or worse, everyone wanted to be associated to Africa in a philanthropic way. One of the most notable examples of this was the July 2007 issue of Vanity Fair. The Conde Nast pub dedicated an entire issue to Africa and had uber-photographer Annie Leibovitz shoot twenty completely different covers for it. Then they had Bono guest edit the issue. Cover subjects included: Jay-Z, Don Cheadle, Oprah, Iman, Barack, Madonna and George Bush. Yeah, that last one confused the heck outta me too. Bottom line, it was a gangsta (and quite memorable) move regardless of what the intentions of the issue were.

Better Late Than Never

Dang Gina. I had all hopes of posting this list well over a week ago. Shoulda, woulda, coulda. I'll spare you the excuses. My guess is many of you have waited until the very last weekend to finish up (or maybe even start) your holiday shopping. So, here are some ideas for my fellow procrastinators.

Without further ado... MY OFFICIAL 2007 CHRISTMAS SHOPPING LIST:

Mi madre - A subscription renewal to one of her favorite mags: O, The Oprah Magazine. I actually gave her the initial subscription a few years ago for Christmas and I just continue to renew it. It's a gift that keeps on giving. Also, since my mother retired she has really become a jet-setter. I'm so happy about this and know that a gift card from any major airline would be put to good use immediately. Check the corresponding airline's website for more info on how to hook-up the world-traveller in your life.



Mi hermano - My big bro will be a hip-hop head for life. But he's honestly a hip-hop elitest of sorts. A Soulja Boy fan he is not. That is why I know he'll appreciate this authentic coffee table book, Born in The Bronx: A Visual Record of the Early Days of Hip Hop (Rizzoli); major bookstores nationwide. The photographs in this tome were taken by the well-respected Joe Conzo and truly captures the golden days of hip-hop.



Mr. TK (aka boyfriend/significant other)- I'm such a private person so revealing too much of my personal life on this blog is terrifying for me. But, I will say Mr. TK is still MIA. (well, sorta) We'll see what 2008 will bring. Anywho, I would enojy treating someone to a relaxing facial and/or massage at Harlem's own BBraxton. Catering specifically to men, BBraxton seems to have just the right mix of cool and masculinity my TK would desire. 212.369.3094/1400 Fifth Avenue at West 116th Street
http://www.bbraxton.com/default.asp
(Blogger isn't letting me post the pic but please check BBraxton out on their website. So sexy. So cool. Gotta love all that haberdashery being back in Harlem!)

The BFF - My best girlfriend is a working mom and rarely makes time to pamper herself because she's so dedicated to her family. But I know that she's secretly a glamourpuss and would love these pencils from Color by Cynde Watson. Isn't the packgaging slammin'?! Plus the line was created by a top make-up artist who happens to be a sister.
http://beauty.hsn.com/color-by-cynde-watson-precious-eyes-eye-color-pencil-kit_p-3656210_xp.aspx
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=276133369



My nieces - I adore stationery. Always have too. My dad ensured that I had my own personalized stash as a little girl. In keeping up that family tradition, I can't wait to get my seven and four-year old nieces a set of their own from American Stationery. This catalog based company is super-affordable but doesn't skimp on the quality or style. Now they'll have no excuse for not writing letters to Auntie B!
http://www.americanstationery.com/shopping/prod_catalog/prod_catalog.asp-cat-35-page-1



A not-so close co-worker, neighbor, hairstylist, manicurist, etc. - Gift cards, gift cards, gift cards. But I like thinking outside of the box. Movie theater tix. Barnes & Noble or iTunes hook-ups. Even a Starbucks gift card for ten bucks. In this case (we probably don't know each other that well), it really is the thought that counts.

Summer, Summer, Summertime!

The title is a stretch but I wanted to get your attention. I am overdue for a post and don’t have the time or energy to put up part two of my holiday shopping list right now. Meanwhile, I’m visiting my fam for the weekend. So funny updating this blog from my mother’s computer which for the record is much faster than mine. While on the plane traveling here, I caught up on some reading and came across the gorgeous ensemble below in the latest issue of TIME Style & Design.



This sorbet hued frock would be hot all by itself (those sleeves!) but paired with that ridiculous chunky turquoise necklace is just sinful. I think I’m even more moved by this vibrant color and ultra femininity because it’s the dead of winter and I’ve been wrapping up in layers to protect me from the harsh effects of a Northeast winter. NYC had the first real snow of the season yesterday. I admit that I rock bright colors year-round - they look so good on brown skin - but this pic (courtesy of Giambattista Valli) injected just a lil’ bit of summer into my life today and I felt the need to share.

You can thank me later. Oh, and my mom says hello.

P.S. – If you’re patiently waiting for the temps to increase where you are too, accessories can definitely help. Mittens (Don’t we prefer them over gloves?), scarves and hats in primary colors make any grey or black coat pop. And will erase those winter blues – at least for a minute.

Let’s Take It Back To The Old-School

This is going to be quick - I have Saturday morning errands to run. But I’m slowly learning that every post doesn’t have to be the same (long) length. Before I go off errand running I need to share my fabulous find of the week. Well, it’s actually the fabulous find of a co-worker of mine. Feast your eyes on the handbag below:



Bananas, right? Old-school handbags officially made their comeback a few years ago but MCM kinda stayed in the shadows. (I did peep Salt of Salt ‘N Pepa rocking a gigantic signature logo one on her reality show.) The huge logo screams "look at me" but it works here because, duh?, it’s a freakin’ MCM bag. Now if it was Gucci, Fendi, Prada, etc. it would be so obnoxious but on this bag it’s slightly kitschy. Loves. It.

For the youngins who might be clueless reading this, MCM is a European luxury brand that was uber-popular in the States from the mid 1980s to the mid 1990s. Rappers like Finesse & Synquis had outfits made out of MCM leather for their music videos. Since everything old is new again, the company appears to be attempting a comeback with a younger, hip set. The bag in the picture sells for $995 at Bloomingdale’s. (Yeah, that’s what I said.) Their other current offerings are way too gaudy for my taste. My co-worker clearly got the best of the bunch.

I hear that eBay sells authentic vintage MCM bags pretty regularly but I think I’m content sneaking a peek at my co-worker’s for now. Let’s hope she doesn’t freak out at my stares… Oh well, off to the grocery store I go!