Family Business: Evin Cosby (Bill's Daughter) Opens NYC Boutique

I'm over celebrity "designed" clothing lines. I don't think I was ever really into them. Most are an insult to those who have paid their dues as a technical designer, patternmaker or illustrator. Frankly, starting a clothing line just seems sorta trite for the average celeb in 2008. Like opening a restaurant or launching a line of clothes (usually basic denim offerings and embellished tee shirts) are the only two investment options for a rapper/singer, athlete or actor.

Most of these celebs have licensing deals. They don't actually own ish. And the vast majority of people who own/run the parent companies that produce these lines have last names like Cohen, Jacobs or Berg. (I hope I didn't offend anyone but it is what it is y'all.) Just because someone is grinning in an ad campaign doesn't mean a doggone thing.



I digress. I'm not angry at all. I am actually pretty pleased because earlier this week I found out that Evin Cosby (Bill's daughter) just opened a boutique in Tribeca, NYC. PB & Caviar (Don't you love that name?) will carry pieces from newer indie designers like Melissa Odabash and Sestra Moja, as well as, cult classics like Anna Sui. And if it counts for anything, Evin did attend the Fashion Institute of Technolgy. Sure, she is working the family name a little bit (okay, maybe a lot) but I'm certainly not mad at her for it. But another graphic tee "designed" by someone who doesn't know anymore about fashion than my 5-year old neice? I would be mad at that. In addition to clothing, PB & Caviar will sell organic beauty products, home decor, children's clothing and toys. Prices for most of the items in PB & Caviar are probably on the high-end; I don't think this is the type of place to drop in and pick up a last minute top for the club. I hope to check it out this weekend. If you want to do a little checking out for yourself, head to 88 Thomas Street (Tribeca), NYC. (There doesn't seem to be a website address yet.)

THANK GOODNESS IT IS FRIDAY!

A Sneak Peek at Tracy Reese: Pre-Spring 2009

Who doesn't love the feminine, classy and well-crafted designs of Tracy Reese? While checking out Suze on Style earlier today, I came across these Pre-Spring 2009 looks from the talented designer. The items below won't be available at retail until early January; it is basically her cruise/resort collection. Don't you love? C'mon, you have to feel pretty in one of these dresses. And I am even feelin' the striped jumpsuit situation -- I actully have something very similiar from H&M, who knew (lol)?

I've always been partial to Tracy's spring/summer collections over her fall/winter ones because of her fearless use of color, prints and flowy fabrications. To me, what she does best just translates better for her spring lines. And I see she didn't disappoint with this latest offering. Notice how her Plenty (lower-priced line) doesn't skimp on quality or style. Go Tracy!

It is a tough choice but I think the cream dress is my favorite. What about you?

TRACY REESE






PLENTY

Is A Photo Shoot Ever Just A Photo Shoot?

Aren’t these pictures gorgeous? I had to share. They are my favorite selects from Monday’s WWD supplement feature story. I love red rock country -- the scenery there is simply captivating (if you’ve never been, you gotta go), this model is no-brainer beautiful and the art direction for this shoot is on point. I also dig the bold jewelry used for this story, most of which was from Barbara Flood’s Closet. In case you’re wondering why the actual clothes are sorta blah, Monday is intimate apparel day at WWD so the focus here is lingerie/innerwear.

How many like stories can we expect since Italian Vogue’s Black issue? I honestly don’t know if that is what prompted this 12 page feature (FYI: 12 pages is huge for mags, much less a trade supplement.) but it sorta makes me go hmmmm. And if the Italian Vogue issue was indeed the catalyst for this and the other similar stories that are sure to follow in coming months from mainstream mags, should we care? Will this kinda thing even be an issue (either way) two seasons from now? Leave me a comment and tell me what you think.

I have made my opinion pretty clear in previous posts but I'm curious of what others think on the matter. And for those who might be feeling that there are bigger issues "we" need to concern ourselves with, I might agree with you but I also suggest reading this. Positive self-image is pretty darn important.

Things Fall Together

God works in such mysterious ways. After completing (and enjoying) Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie earlier this summer, I decided to re-read Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. Things Fall Apart was required reading for me my freshman year of high school. Although my English teacher was quite passionate (I heart Mr. Croonquist!) about the book, I remembered very little about Okonkwo past 10th grade. So, I wanted to give it another shot. I also noticed a copy of the novel at home a few years back while organizing my makeshift library. It wasn’t from Mr. Croonquist’s class either, this copy belonged to my father. Now, my dad was an avid reader of everything from science-fiction to history and I have lots of his books but this one in particular was really special. My father passed away during the early part of my 9th grade school year so we never had the opportunity to discuss Things Fall Apart with each other. Since BB, Sr. (he's the original Bsquared) was knowledgeable on colonization and the middle passage, I'm sure he had strong opinions about it. Honestly there was very little he didn't have a strong opinion about, lol. Yes he is deceased but he left me with so much (physically, mentally and spiritually) and my re-reading this book, his book as an adult has a greater meaning then it did in 1990 when I read it out of obligation.

The icing on the cake of all this is my buddy CM gave me an indigo dyed book cover that she purchased in Ghana to protect my dad’s paperback. After hearing my story she wanted me to keep the book in tip-top shape. Wasn’t that thoughtful? Although the book is set in Nigeria, the West African connection is still there. And peep how the cost when my dad purchased it was SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS!!!

The body goes away but our spirits never die.

Where the party at?

Thank God for moments of clarity. I had one on Friday when I decided that I would indeed attend my friend's dinner party this past Saturday. She invited me to the fiesta and I agreed to go weeks ago but then after being in a funk last week I had a change of heart. Okay I'll admit it: I was having a pity party. The reason for my pity party had nothing to do with the j-o or Mr. TK (he actually walked me off the ledge). After 2 days my pity party got very boring and no one wanted to join me.

Well, I'm so thankful I ditched that lame party for my friends shindig! It was simply fabulous. My friend, VB is like a 2009 version of B. Smith. First of all she used the Italy trip she and her husband took for their anniversary as an inspiration for the menu and the decor. They celebrated their nuptials on the Almafi coast so all the food, wine and even the dessert and appetizers had a Mediterranean theme. The main course menu included salmon, fingerling potatoes and asparagus. Instead of serving the dessert in a bowl (what I would have done), she gutted out lemons and used them to serve the sorbet in. The other guests and I oooohed and ahhhhed all night at VB's creativity. We ate in her quaint backyard (they live in the 'burbs) underneath the stars with Earth, Wind & Fire playing in the background. This my cyber-friends is living. Not only was the food delish and the set-up beautiful but VB purchased most of the decorations from Tar-jay (aka Target)! That cutlery you see in the picture below is actually plastic. Yes, really.

Last but certainly not least, I just enjoy being around VB and her hubby because they are a loving and real (they have arguments over the difference between yellow and brown mustard) couple with two adorable, bright children figuring out this journey called life together. It is a blessing for me to hang out with them. Funny, I don't normally get that at the club or an "industry" party.

I had my first true dinner party last year. It was not nearly as fabulous as VB's recent gathering but I gave it my own stamp. Isn't that all we can ever do in life anyway?

Gorgeous Jewelry in the Q-Borough

So I ventured over to Jackson Heights, Queens on Saturday after attending the sweetest birthday brunch for a friend. Said friend’s fiance surprised her with the fly shindig. (Yeah the brunch had to be in this post. ‘Ole boy did real good by my amiga.) So back to my adventure in Jackson Heights. Although I live in Queens and have practically all my life, I rarely make it to that part of the borough. In fact I don’t think I’ve been there in at least five years. Dubbed "Little India", Jackson Heights boasts the largest Indian population in NYC but the neighborhood’s DNA is rapidly becoming more diverse. Just so happens that I spend most of my time on the island of Manhattan and often forget about all the other dope culture right under my nose on this side of the river. (Steinway Street in Astoria for second hand finds is next week!) Anyhoo, I had been yearning to visit J. Heights to re-up on some one-of-a-kind jewelry and a funky ottoman or two for the crib-o. No cigar on the ottomans or poufs as they are typically called. The ones I want are actually Moroccan, but I did find some awesome pillowcases for super-cheap. The real delight of the day though were the beautiful specimens below. It practically looks like a Christmas tree on my wrist and forearm. And I LOVE it! I am beyond excited about my $25 bracelets. If I do say so myself, they are s-i-c-k. And again they were: Twenty. Five. Dollars. The saleslady claimed they were usually sold for $40 but she "wanted to give me good price." I’m no rookie when it comes to negotiating prices. Take that, take that.

Aren't they pretty?

Of course this is costume jewelry, but I find the deep, rich tones of traditional Indian gold to be much more interesting that what is usually offered here in the States. The bangles are available in different color ways (this green spoke to me) and are sold in roughly half a dozen shops along 74th Street. I picked mine up at: Sahil Sari Palace, 37-39 74th Street, Jackson Heights, 718.426.9526. Perhaps you think my find is hideous or just aren’t moved in the least. You’re forgiven. However, I still suggest taking a little trip to "that other borough" to at least do some window shopping, pick up a Bollywood flick and chow down on some authentic Indian cuisine.

Just be sure you eat a little naan for me too.

P.S. - Thanks to the before mentioned friend who was feted on Saturday, I finally got my hands on a copy of the July 2008 Italian Vogue. It was certainly no easy task. One day I went into four establishments on my freakin’ lunch break only to return to my cubicle empty handed. I guess she felt sorry for me. I plan to post on it next week. I was pleased to see articles on Donyale Luna, Essence and Ebony magazines, a Q&A with Bethann Hardison and a piece by Robin Givhan (too bad I haven't a clue what they actually say). If you already have a copy, leave me a comment and let me know what you think of the history making issue.

Globe-Hopping in Style With Andrea Adams and Teri Johnson of Travelista

The road less traveled: Andrea Adams, left and Teri Johnson, right make their living racking up frequent flier miles.

How fabulous would it be to travel the world partying on yachts and soaking up diverse cultures all while bonding with one of your longtime friends? I’m talking running with the bulls in Spain one month then island hopping in Greece the next. Oh and I forgot to mention you get paid for it. Sound far-fetched? Think again. Andrea Adams and Teri Johnson of Travelista do just that. Since 2005, these Florida A&M University MBA grads have been gallivanting across the globe taping footage in various countries for their website and other digital and film platforms.

Now based in NYC, the dynamic duo were actually in between jaunts when I interviewed them. They had just returned from Morocco, were preparing to go to Turkey and made a pit stop in Atlanta in between. I have conducted my fair share of interviews over the past decade but I must confess that the Travelista gals were a certified treat! They are women of color who are truly living their lives like they’re golden by following their passions and making (unconventional) careers out of them. By the way, collectively Andrea and Teri speak 5 languages and have traveled to over 50 countries. (They have also both lived in Europe for several years.) How stylish is that? Continue reading to find out the inside scoop on getting upgraded to first-class, why the best sunblock for brown folks is probably not even sold in the U.S. and how to really save money on your next vacay.

How did Travelista begin?
Andrea: We met while studying at FAMU and first traveled together on Spring Break. I think we went to Puerto Rico. Every year our trips got better and better and our last year we went to Paris or Italy. After we graduated we continued to travel together. Before one of our excursions to Italy, we decided to record some of our trip. When we returned we showed the video to a couple of our friends who happen to be producers and it took off from there.

What is an average day like for you guys?
Teri: That is kind of a difficult question because everyday is so different. There are some days when we’re actually traveling, in the field meeting people. We spend a lot of time in pre-production so there is research, talking to the tourism boards of different countries, talking to our colleagues in various cities about the latest in nightlife and the hottest new spots so that once we arrive in a place we are pretty much ready to go.

Everyone is strapped for cash these days and the new surcharges implemented for checked luggage only magnifies matters. What are your die-hard packing rules?
Andrea:I’m notorious for only packing one bag, even for international flights. I can get multiple wears and uses out of very small but chic things. I always pack a swimsuit, a pair of white jeans, a cashmere scarf (you don’t want to use an airplane blanket), a short dress, a long dress, a blazer - it will look cute with your white jeans and your long dress and a pair of aviator sunglasses.
Teri: Also, it is important to not only pack a swimsuit but to have it in your handbag so that if your luggage arrives to your destination after you, you can still get some beach and/or pool time in.

Do you have any tips on saving money on airline flights or travel in general?
Teri: The biggest thing that we do is to rack up airline miles any way that we can. A lot of these airlines have partners so we know that Air France is partners with Continental or Delta. Now we have miles on every major airline. Not only is this good for free trips but it can also bump us up to first-class.
Andrea: Also certain credit cards offer incentives for flying with certain carriers. In addition we usually stay at private residences so not only is the trip more cost efficient but we get a more authentic experience in the city than we probably would staying in a hotel.

What shouldn’t we be packing in 2008?
Andrea: One thing I think people should have is a universal charger. That way you can charge your iPod, your BlackBerry, your laptop and your digital camera with one device.
Teri: We are big on packing our must-have beauty items but it is fun to shop in other countries and try local products. In Brazil I found the best sunblock specifically designed for people of color ironically from Johnson & Johnson called Sundown Illumine Pos-Sol.

Now what are your must-have travel accessories?
Andrea: The universal charger that I mentioned earlier, ballet flats - they are comfortable and stylish, the Flip video camera - it is inexpensive and an easy way to share videos with loved ones back home and a comprehensive travel guide that will teach you how to ask "Where is the bathroom?" in the city's native tongue.
Teri: An iPod, my favorite Chanel perfume - I stock up on samples at the cosmetics counter so that I store them in my carry-on bag and my Aveeno moisturizer with SPF 30. A compact hand sanitizer and facial mist are also a must.

What is the one place you haven’t been that you’re dying to visit?
Andrea: I haven’t been to Asia. I’m specifically interested in Tokyo and Vietnam. I’m really into massages and I’ve heard that the beauty treatments are amazing and inexpensive in Vietnam. And Tokyo is reportedly modern and cosmopolitan and I’m interested in their art scene.
Teri: I’ve always been fascinated with Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. I’m really into anthropology and the indigenous cultures in these countries.

Wanna know what exotic locale jet-setters Andrea and Teri are off to next? Read their blog here.