Note From Yours Truly

My sincerest apologies.

From moving back home,

To moving back on campus,

Buying Books,

And the first week of classes,

It is unmistakably clear that blogging has yet to make it into my schedule.

I cannot even name when I have been on the Internet for personal use, seeing as it has strictly been course related and textbook related.

Don't fret, i will be back as soon as my busy busy campus schedule will allow it.

But until then, definitely check out the blogs I've listed. These girls have mastered blogging and never fall short of keeping you on your toes for the latest in fashion, music, love and life.

What's been happening at the close of your summer? Back to school too?

Talk to ya soon loves. ; )

- Yours Truly

Note From Yours Truly

Hey fabulous readers!

So this morning is my last morning in the office. Sad, I know. But, I am saying Bye-Bye to Brooklyn and Hello Boston. With that being said, I probably wont get around to posting until about the middle of next week. I'll be moving from here, to Boston, then back to CT Tuesday to school. I enjoyed my summer and my internship here and I have lots to blog about. Look out for my last 'NYC Experience' post that will catch you guys up on all the fun I've had.

Thanks for all the support & positive feedback. Toodles.

Talk to ya soon Ladies! ; )

- Yours Truly

Today's Beauty Secret

Vaseline is a miracle drug!

"Vaseline is your best friend. Vaseline is a great, cheap eye makeup remover. It's also great for fixing chapped, scaly lips. Slather on a bunch of Vaseline, then use a toothbrush to massage lips. Wipe the excess off on a tissue. Your lips will be smooth and soft." - Julyne Derrick

Also,

My personal favorite use.

When you spend the night out and do not have your makeup essentials to do the works, what's in your handbag will do just fine. Take out the MAC khol liner I recommended ya. By simply tracing your bottom lid and lining the top lid, youre almost there. Next, dab your hand in vaseline and lightly smear it on your eye lids above the liner. It gives off the shimmery/ glossy look a creme or matte shadow would. Next take the same finger and rub it across your lashes. It also makes the lashes stand out and makes them appear longer. Trust me, it works. Plus, its cheap, quick, and easy. - Yours truly.

Must-See TV

For me, It's All About The CW, baby.

My Fall Semester Looks Something Like This. . .

Gossip Girl - Premieres 9/18

Synopsis:"Welcome to New York's Upper East side where the wealthy and connected mingle at benefits and try to deal with their always dramatic love lives, not to mention picking colleges. Blair Waldorf is the so-called toast of adolescence in her world; she and her friends, Kati Farkas and Isabel Coates, go to a prep school and fancy parties with their rich parents. Blair is envied by her adversaries because she is thought to have the perfect life, not just because of her gorgeous boyfriend, Nate Archibald, but because she's also planning on getting into her dream college,Yale. With everyone worried about college(or procrastinating on worrying, which everyone seems to be doing), and senior year dragging along, her seemingly perfect life is interrupted by her ex-best friend, the beautiful Serena van der Woodsen, coming back into town after getting kicked out of boarding school. Serena comes back into her life, and into the eyes of Blair's boy friend. When everything Blair knows starts to fall apart, everyone will realize that her life is far from perfect. Will life in the the Upper East Side redeem itself of what it's really supposed to be? Or will the false facade reveal that the rich have the same problems as the not so rich (Jenny and Dan Humphrey), if not more. And just maybe Jenny and Dan are all the more happy with their simple, not so expectant lives" - Source

The Game - Premieres 10/3

Synopsis:"Melanie Barnett (Tia Mowry) is a first-year medical school student who has given up an offer of admission to John Hopkins University's medical school in Baltimore to follow her boyfriend Derwin (Pooch Hall), a professional football player, to San Diego, against the advice of her parents. Derwin is a first-year rookie with a fictional team called the "San Diego Sabers". As Melanie settles into her new life, she meets Tasha (Wendy Raquel Robinson), the mother of Sabers' starting quarterback Malik (Hosea Chanchez), and Kelly (Brittany Daniel), the wife of Sabers' captain Jason (Coby Bell). As she learns to balance her new roles as both med student and the partner of an NFL player, Tasha and Kelly immediately warn her to keep a close eye on her boyfriend because of the numerous "gold diggers" who approach the professional football players." source

And my secret. . .Cheetah Girls.

I actually like Disney Movies. Still a kid at heart. You know you have your kid moments. Laughing with the girls will never get old, so watching the Cheetah Girls as cheesy as their lines and songs get, it always a smile creator.

The thirds set to premiere 8/22

Synopsis: Chanel (Adrian Balion), Dorinda (Sabrina Bryan), and Aqua (Keily Williams) are back in the trequal of "The Cheetah Girls." In this film, the girls get cast in a Bollywood movie while Galleria is at college in England, so the girls travel to India. Once they're there, they find out that director wants one of the girls to be casted in the Bollywood movie. The girls have to figure out if they are sticking it together, or go alone.

Not To Mention My Obsession. . . Which airs for the 11th season on 9/3!

What's your Fall lineup? ; )

Want a Trip To Paris. . .

. . .Via 'vos lèvres' (your lips) ?

"Juicy Tubes transports you to Paris, where can-can dancers light up the stage at the Moulin Rouge"

Well, Today must be yours, as well as mine, lucky day! Lancôme has just released their limited edition Rose Fishnets Juicy Tubes colour. At $18 a pop, you can get a glimpse of a french maid fantasy come true by getting your lips on this must-have lip love. The gloss is pink with a hint of gold shimmer, just my taste. Not to mention, the bottle is decked out in sexy black fishnet and a elegant lace pattern. Oo-La-La! This beauty enticement is sold exclusively at Sephora and the Lancôme site. So, don't hesitate to make a purchase because the next beauty buff won't. Especially not yours truly. Talk about a french kiss ; ).

Eliminating the EXTRA Baggage!

All too often women tote around the over sized yet fashionable big black handbag. You know you have yours. I admit I can't leave the house without my black Juicy Couture Day Dreamer Velour Tote. Like most, it's generally congested (yes, congested) with multiples of one product, old receipts, crumbs, change, and hair pins. Sound similar to your daily disaster? When it's time to check out at the register it takes minutes on top of minutes to scramble through it looking for your debit card or the exact change, or even worse, finding your subway card when you hear the train pulling up to the platform. To all my bag ladies, this is holding you up and slowing you down. As an on-the-go girl things have to be at better access than it's been thus far and I'm here to help solve the baggage blockage with a bundle of necessities. Note: Need only one of each. Refill when necessary, not just to swallow space. So without further or do, for the excessive clutter mayhem I give you 'a girls guide to light weight toting'.

The Essentials:

1. Hand Lotion - With all outings, washing your hands is a must and they will get dry following the bathroom visit. (Aveda Hand Lotion is a great product). 2. Mints - After/Prior to dinner a tooth brush is not accessible and gum will only make you hungrier. Pop one of these in. 3. Hand Sanitizer - After riding the subway, being outside, and shaking people's hands your hands are congested with germs, so just to be on the safe side use a dab. 4. Sidekick LX -or any cellular device. A girl can't function without her connection to her besties. 5. Debit Cards- Depending on where you're headed carrying around a wad of money can be all too dangerous. Keep it quick and easy with at debit in hand. 6. Dove Cool Essentials Deodorant - Definitely the best deodorant around (let me just put that out there). Raising your arm on the subway or while dancing crazily would not possible, better yet comfortable, for you or those surrounding you without sweat guard. 7. Feminine Wipes - You never know when the dinner can lead to a night cap. After dancing and sweating the night away, hygiene may not be on point. Take a quick steal to the bathroom and freshen up (Try Summer's Eve Cleansing Cloths). 8. Mirror - Looking your best is of high importance. You don't want lunch stuck in your teeth now do you ladies? 9. Lip gloss - Is yours poppin'? Have the right gloss from the splurge worthy ones to the drugstore favorites. Only one is necessary and just to be a little lenient having a chap stick or lip balm as backup is acceptable seeing as reapplying gloss at 2am is a sticky situation. Also guys for some reason cant get with the gloss.( Try L'Oreal Colour Juice) 10. Eye Pencil - As the evening hours start to roll around, your day time makeup is just that day wear. To add a little edge have a pencil at hand. Also when it starts to run and smudge beneath the eye giving you the 'black eye' appeal, it's a vivid warning to retrace the lower lid ( I adore MAC Kohl Liner). 11. Cash- Ladies, if you're on a date be on the safe side and have enough to cover your meal in case you have to walk out on a cheap brotha' and leave him to wash the dishes in the back. You're way too fly. Also in case of an emergency cab trip or dead phone battery have singles and change. 12. Body Spray - After the perfume wears off, reapplying the fragrance can be a bit too strong and ultimately lure in the unwanted nightlife bugs. Body Spray is light and feminine (I love Pearberry from Bath&Body Works). 12. Wallet - Lastly, have a wallet. With your I.D's, Cash, and Debit needed don't let them float around and add to the unwanted clutter. Do a little organization within organization by having a wallet handy (My favorite are from Nine West. The Zebra Print is my next steal!).

The Extra Essentials:

Yes, there are a few exceptions:

1. Condoms - Especially for college students and the single sass. Having your own condoms guarantees safety. Your body is a temple and by no means do you want pregnancy, STD's, or HIV to intrude upon it. As my cousin wisely told me prior to entering the college world 'you never know when something's going to pop off'. Safe Sex 2. Keys - Getting locked out after drinking, partying, and sore feet, the last thing you want is to be stranded on the front porch or lawn. 3. Ipod - Music is my life and without it, the long bus rides from school and the paper marathons wouldn't be possible. I understand if your tunes are tugging at your leg and must accompany every trip. 4. Medication - From birth control, to allergy pills, over-the-counter and more serious medications, your health is number one. 5. Tampons/Pads/Panty Liners - Aunt Flo came for a visit at the worst time possible? Let's not leave the room with a grand exit. Better safe than sorry girls.

** For tips on how to clean your already worn out handbag check out Staci's blog at Handbag Report. Tell her I sent ya ; )

Whats in your bag? : )

Video Fab: 'Miss Independent'

My excitement, sitting on the edge of my seat, anticipating Neyo's 'Year of The Gentleman', was heightened even more after getting word on his upcoming video for 'Miss Independent'. Don't you just feel like that song is speaking directly to you? Well if the lyrics and suave vocals aren't enough to woo you, wait til' you see the official video that's set to premiere. Gabrielle Union, Keri Hilson, Lauren London and the eye candy that is Trey Songz are all set to make cameos in the video. Talk about an array of fabulosity at it's best. Try taking that all in in one breath. Well, I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see the vid. It's bound to make the countdown and I'll be sure to cast my vote for it. Until it premieres here's some video fab pics.

Teen Vogue Update

So guys, as you know almost a month ago I went up to the Conde Nast offices for an interview with the beauty director, Eva Chen, at Teen Vogue. Although it was an informative interview I was able to also interview with the beauty assistant, Maura Lynch, for a shot at becoming their Fall 2008 Beauty Intern! The interview went great as I relayed to you fab readers in a previous post, but my only assignment was to find out if my university would allow me to receive college credit and whether or not taking the internship would be possible. Bummer. After sending a bundle of emails to my advisor, career services, and the dean of academic affairs, they pushed for me to be able to take the golden opportunity, BUT I would have to quickly find a NYC community college to take only ONE class for credit (leaving me three classes behind) and I would have to find housing. Sucks huh? Unbearably too much to accomplish in the matter of two weeks. So I did what I could and emailed the ladies letting them know I would receive credit but as for my hours availability, I wasn't too certain. In the end, they could not give me the internship for the fall due to the scheduling issues, BUT, on the bright side, they want me to come and work for their office for the Summer!!! Works even better for me! Now I wont be behind in schooling and I will have another summer in the city! Thanks for the support. Best readers around! ; )

Today's Beauty Secret

As much as we 'Queens' royally crown the phrase 'Beauty Sleep', some forms of pillow action can ultimately sabotage your skin.

According to Soren White, NYC Dermatologist,:

"It sounds crazy, but the pressure on your skin from lying on one side night after night can cause permanent creases. Try to sleep on your back instead or switch to silk pillow cases, which don't pull or tug your skin that much"

Also, Little pillow creases are better for you overall than not getting sufficient rest, since our skin renews itself at night - Sapna Westley

Source : September issue of Cosmopolitan

Secret Obsession

After so much controversy has surfaced over Eva Mendes' nude Ad campaign and commercials, Calvin Klein's 'Secret Obsession' Fragrance can now be purchased on Macys.com. Although the fragrance does not launch officially in stores until the fall, you can get a head start and your hands on a bottle today!

While the commercial has been banned on U.S television networks by TV Execs, who ultimately point fingers at George Bush, the company has uploaded the unedited commercial on the web for viewers to see. Haven't seen the commercial? Check it out her on F&F!

"You must be kidding me. This country really needs a new President — this country is so messed up,” Baron told WWD, adding that if kids can watch people get killed, a little naked Mendes certainly won't hurt." - Fabien Baron, Ad's Creative Director.

Calvin Klein is a fashion leader and he challenges society and is not afraid to go againt the odds. Remembering back more than a decade ago, when controvery stirred over the racy ad for his underwear collection. That's fashion for ya, and it's guaranteed that it makes that much more men go out and purchase the product. Can't knock his hustle, sex sells.


"Being outrageous and anti-establishment makes him sexy, hip and an icon to young people. He [Calvin] says, 'I'll show blue-haired ladies what I think of this outrage.' The irony, of course, is he'll sell underwear."

Light Skinned Blacks vs. Dark Skinned Blacks

So, I was watching a re-run of the Tyra Show last night and it was on the taboo topic of Light Skinned Blacks vs. Dark Skinned blacks. When discussing the subject, she had the audience determine who fell under which skin complexion, what women felt about their skin color versus that of someone who is lighter or darker, and lastly what men felt about skin color when choosing the women they date. As a young black woman, this topic is a situation that we confront daily and often times it creates prejudice within the black community. One woman on the show who was of a lighter skinned complexion looked foolish as she degraded darker skinned women by considering herself superior and by disallowing her 12 year old son to bring home a dark skinned girlfriend. Sounds preposterous huh? Well, it's true and it's happening in our society today. As a dark skinned woman I will say that 'Black is Beautiful' period. Regardless of the shade, we are all one people. Dark skinned women have taken the fall while light skinned women have reaped benefits in other areas such as entertainment, magazine covers, and shows. Many seek the light complexion, long hair, and hazel eyes, without realizing that dark women too can have long hair without the aid of extensions. While Hazel eyes are not so common, a black woman with brown eyes can be just as beautiful. I have friends that vary in skin color and I have noticed a trend where groups of guys notice us due to my lighter skinned friends first. Has this ever occurred in your group of friends?


On the show, Whitney of 'America's Next Top Model' mentioned when guys approach her they will comment ' Your bad for a dark skinned girl'. What's that supposed to mean? I can relate all too well when I've had guys, even male friends, make the same comment. While I may brush it off with a thank you and a smile, it is wrong and meaningless. I, too, play a part by allowing them to sway me to feel as if they just said something positive, when in all actuality they are downplaying ethnic women. As equally interesting, when the men were asked who they approach the darks stuck with the darks and the lights stuck with the lights. Surprising? Yes and No, I'm of two minds. Some choose to stick with what they know because physically it looks better. Others choose to branch off to their opposite because of their taste preference as well as silly reasons such as the predicted color of their offspring's. For personal testimony, my cousin and I are opposites in complexion. I'm of darker skin and she is much lighter than I. However, she tends to date darker guys and I somehow end up with lighter guys. Pure coincidence, no such preference. My friends always joke around when I tell them I've met someone new by responding 'He's light skinned, ain't he?'. Surely enough, he usually is, but not by choice per say. I'm not the bold type, so I rarely approach men, they generally approach me. So the guys that do approach me more often are lighter skinned guys. I can remember a time when I was talking to a guy and I was supposed to head back over to his house. Instead of telling me to head over, he instead responded 'my sister's home'. What that had to do with me coming baffled me, but I let him go on. 'She and her friends are here and they're clowns. They're gonna say 'Oh she's too dark . . .'. Was I hurt? Taken aback? Hell yea. But did I say anything? No.


It's happening Ladies, and it's not so much a new thing, it's an ongoing historical thing amongst African Americans. The women who columned in Essence weren't afraid to confront the issue and Tyra wasn't afraid to bring it out on her show. As her little protege (he he), I wanted to put it in the air as well. So tell me ladies, have you ever faced the light skinned versus dark skinned issue?

Italian Vogue Models Will Be On Tyra!!

I'm excited to reveal that the beautiful black faces you've seen bless the pages of the July Issue of Italian Vogue will make guest appearances on an upcoming episode of the Tyra Banks Show. Yay! I know some of you may dismiss Tyra's show and say that she tries to hard, but I honestly love the show and watch it as faithfully as I can. Tyra has definitely adjusted to the hosting role and her show is much more personable and fun to watch, not to mention the chick is fierce and she has a way of rubbing off positively on her audience, viewers, and guests. Hey, she taught me how to smile with my eyes and has taken me very far. Now walking down the streets I dont have to hear men yelling 'You forgot something...your smile!' because it's all in the eyes, kind of similar to a smirk. Thanks Tyra. Here's some of the photos taken of the beauties while they were in NY.

If You Look Good, You Feel Good

USA is Looking Good In Their Ralph Lauren Ensemble At The Olympics, Don't They?

Music Madness

With Fall semester rolling around, music is what truly gets me through my classes and papers. Unfortunately my Ipod was stolen and I have yet to buy a new one. So, until them I'll purchase cd's. And I must say I have more than a handful that I can't wait to buy. With all of the released promo shots of these celebs, and upcoming albums, these artists are truly doing their thing and I have yet to frown when hearing their leaked tracks.

Keri Hilson.

This new edgy girl-next-door is hitting the scene by storm and shes taking it all in with more than one direction. Not only is her music inspiring and relevant to the emotional being of women, but her fashion sense is on the rise as well. As a product of Timbaland, you can expect a great beat, and with amazing vocals to match, her album is sure to sell. Her video for 'Energy' and her guest host appearance on 106th caught my attention. September 23rd be sure to cop her album.

Jennifer Hudson.

Jennifer Hudson first made a name for herself on American Idol and continued her celebrity with a role in 'Dream Girls'. With powerhouse vocals and a curvacious physique, J.H has become a role model for black women. As she continues her time in the 'Spotlight', her album release is well overdue. I have been patiently waiting to hear a record from Jennifer and finally she dropped 'Spotlight'. I love it. It is definitely an anthem for women that is sung at the top of your lungs in and around the house. Her promo pics are just as stunning and J.H has been ditching the pounds. I do, however, hope that she sticks to her curves. It's a good look for her and I dont think shedding too much weight will be flattering for her. She is currently gracing the cover of Upscale Magazine so pick up a copy if you want to hear more about her anticipated album release. Rumor has it she's dating 'Punk' from 'I Love New York 2', but she has yet to confirm/deny such rumors. Look out for her album which is said to be released September 30th under the Arista Records label.

Ciara.

Ciara has been missing in action and I have to say I have missed her. I enjoyed both of her albums and am still anticipating her third album drop. After taking a mini music break, she has begun to pop back on the music scene featured in 'Stepped on My J'z', a performance with Chris Brown on the '2008 BET Awards' as well as talk about a modeling gig with Victoria's Secret, spokesmodel for the 'Secret Obsession' fragrance, and an acting role in 'Mama, I want to sing'. Talk about a come back, huh? The film is an on screen rendition of the stage play 'Mama I Want to Sing'. Ciara co-stars aside Lynn Whitfield, her mother in the play, and Hill Harper. Her album is set to release in September under Jive Records

Lloyd.

Lloyd's sweet and sexy vocals are bound to lure you in with his third album release ' Lessons in Love'. With some of my favorite hits like 'South Side', 'You', 'Players Prayer' and 'Certified', this young man is well on his way to keeping the ladies on their toes and giving guys an easy way to get back in his ladies good grace. As Lloyd has successfully aimed to pleased with both 'Street Love' and 'Certified', he is unmistakably set to keep it up with a more mature and suave 'Lessons in Love'. With one debut single from the album 'Girls Around The World' hitting the countdown there is only more hits to come. His album dropped August 5th, so there's one back to school album you can go out and check off your list.

Neyo.

Neyo, Neyo, Neyo. Singer, Producer, Writer, Actor, Performer. Is there anything he can't do? Not only has he produced some of the hottest records for himself such as 'So Sick', 'Sexy Love', 'Do You', 'Go On Girl', 'Closer', and 'Miss Independent', he has also put his touch on hit records of other industry mates. Neyo has a record for every occurrence in life and i must admit his lyrics illustrated my AIM away message too many times to count. With 'Year of the Gentleman' set to drop September 16th, I'm setting the bar beyong high for this unique and creative vocalist. He truly puts on and produces good music. My Ipod is a must for this album, so it looks like i have to get to Apple, quick.

Solange.

Solo has been doing her best to make a statement, and that is, shes her own person. Many readily make comparisons between her and her diva sister Beyonce, but she's more than just the kid sister, shes a young woman and she's making that known now more than ever. She spoke with Parlour Magazine in an interview. . .

P: Do you think people will get your music?

S: I have never felt at home in one demographic. That’s my struggle with management and my label, getting everyone to identify that just because I’m African-American, that doesn’t mean that I’m an urban artist. I make music for people that have a sophisticated ear and are brave enough to support something non-traditional. People complain about the state of music, but there are alot of diverse and talented artists with people that support them. But their fans aren’t the ones calling the radio station, they just want to see a good show. So I said, we should just do a tour and all of the artists that are going to be a part of it will have the same voice and stance on music. So, we, Janelle Monae, Chester French, the Knux and I, got all of our managers on the phone and started making a tour happen. It’s in the very early stages, but we’re trying to put something together. continue >>

Danity Kane in Envy Magazine

Enter The Dollhouse. . .

The ladies of DK are doing their thing and welcoming you to their Dollhouse in Envy Magazine.
In the spread, you are introduced to each band member as you learn a little more about who they really are. The spread:

Haven't seen their official video for 'Bad Girl'?

See it here on F&F.

Chris Brown's Hitting The Big Screen Again

With both 'Stomp the Yard' and 'This Christmas' under his belt, the young and talented R&B heart-throb, Chris Brown, is continuing his acting career with a new flick in the near future.

“It’s a movie called ‘The Heist’ that I’m doing with T.I., Idris Elba and Matt Dillon. I’m playing a killer. I’m not going to give anything else away! It’s a bank-robbing movie, so it’s one of those action-packed films. You get a little different side of me in that movie [...] At the end of the day, I’m going to focus on my music first. [But] me being onstage enhances me being in the movie, and then me being in the movie — acting, catching characters — gives me time to transform into a different character onstage.”

The Eva's are Taking it Off

As a fan and admirer of every 'Eva' you can name (Eva Mercier, Eva Longoria, Eva Mendes) it should be of no surprise that personally I do not find either one of their ads beyond racy. These women are being bold and they are trying something new, while still preserving a level of sophisticated sexy.

Eva Mercier did surprise me when the photo surfed the net because I didnt expect to stumble across such a promo shot. None the less, she still is strikingly fierce and the photo is edgy, high fashion and acceptable in my books. As many models opt for the same look but commonly decorated in paint or leaves, Eva donned the same shot but wore only her confidence. Confidence is the best accessory and I say she wore it well.

The cuban actress whom I featured in a previous post, Eva Mendes, looks just as classy in her new ads for Calvin Klein. Despite the trashy titles other women receive upon posing in the nude, Eva Mendes has a certain light that shines and casts her as different from others. Her photos are beautiful and shes one of a handful that can pose in the nude and still be admired for her beauty

According to Lossip.com:

Eva admitted she was “thrilled” that the ad was considered too saucy for US broadcast. Eva, 33, said: “I love it. That means the ads are totally Calvin, totally provocative and a little controversial.” She continued: “In the commercial you’ll see me rolling around in bed a lot, that’s basically all I do. I have been a fan of Calvin Klein’s Obsession ads since I can remember.” She added: “I love to feel super-feminine. I love dresses and skirts and dislike jeans. I think what makes a woman sexy is confidence."

What do you Ladies think?

Photos courtesy of bossip.com

Young Hollywood is Team Obama

The ATL trio (Malika Haqq, Lauren London, Khadijah Haqq) is making non-stop appearances. Their most recent photo is from 'A Conversation With Young Hollywood' in L.A marking day three of the 12th annual Black Film Festival. Loves it! ; ). BTW. . .I want that T-Shirt!

The Evolution

I'm loving the new ads out for Jay's 'The Evolution' collection for Rocawear.

Extra Kudos for the team for having Joy Bryant gracing the ads.