The workshop

More obsession...

2010-05-10T18:01:00.000-07:00

Take a look at these prints, Dresses and models..... Find them at www.choolips.com

Black Love, Self esteem and other rants:)

2010-04-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

Over Ethiopian food the other night my girlfriends and I had a conversation about relationships. At first the conversation circled around the norm. Sex, feelings and marriage. As we conversed I noticed my friends were clear and concise about the men they were looking for, their expectations and what they would and would not tolerate. (Did I mention that my friends were white) Well being the only sister in the Ethiopian restaurant. (Beside the owners) I became overwhelmed with all these recent thoughts on the state of black women today.
Everywhere I look now days sisters are painted as some modern day old maid. We are being told that our ambitions and careers are the reasons we can't find martial bliss. That we most forgo our self-esteem and drive just to attain a ring. Well to that I say "I'll pass". Well, let's not be too hasty, There are other options. We can simply date outside our race, to this I also "pass".

But why should we?
I love black men. (Too much some may say)I adore them. They wreak of strength, power and intelligence. Their bodies seem to beat like a African drum when they walk pass, summoning one to join. However some refuse to own it.
Their confidence seems cocky and contrived.(Rooted in this hip-hop culture) instead of regal and strong. Their strength seems diminished by a cloud they have allowed to follow them.
So, instead of why aren't successful black women married? the question becomes ...what has happen to the Black man's self-esteem? While black women have found theirs, black men seem to have lost some. One could argue this is the reason black love has become extinct.
"Black girls are ruining black boys" a friend told me." How so?" I asked to no response. Some brothers argue that it starts with single black mother's raising boys alone. That is definite a point. But is it a point that only black women need to consider? Yeah,yeah, yeah...we ran you off with our demands and constant badgering. But have you ever considered where that badgering comes from? I say the heart! What black men don't understand about black women is we are their biggest advocate. Advocates that help to get things going. Shit, once its going we all enjoy the ride. (Don't we!!!) This may be hard to believe but we too want exactly what you want. But to you its just nagging and an obvious a reason to give up:(
Now don't get me wrong, some women complain about great black men. But I believe those women also struggle with self esteem. Sadly, those are the women black men choose.

I was that woman once. (The one with low self esteem) I allowed myself to be dragged through a relationship full of turmoil and low expectations. Until one day, I emerged from the fire and started to believe in myself. The relationship ended that day. I can't blame the relationship because I allowed it ...so I blame me! I allowed my self esteem to be taken away. But guess what? Since then it hasn't happened again. That man lacked self esteem but he never tried to find it. He was beaten and tired and just stopped trying. This is something that I see in my community everyday.

So where do we go from here? Honestly, I don't know. Mothers of young black boys have the power to start anew. Insuring that black boys/ men love themselves in a genuine way. Knowing who they are and believing it everyday. *sidenote, this doesn't come through coddling and lack of responsibility* However, all I can say to black men is believe, believe, believe!!!!! Because we do:)

P.S I took that picture of that lovely black couple married 50 years and still going strong. They go to the theater every Tuesday.
Stay fly!!!!

part two....obsesssion...

2010-04-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

My obsession with afros,natural hair and gorgeous black models continues...

2010-04-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

ENJOY! These lovely photos are courtesy of Ghubar magazine....get with it.... stay fly:)

AFRICA IS ALL AROUND......

2010-02-26T14:38:00.000-08:00

This is a what I'm feeling post...

Well, anyone that knows me knows that I love anything African.
I love textiles, sculpture, animals , paintings and of course the people. It seems as if the fashion world has also moved toward all things african.
One show in particular
Suno really represented.
SUNONY.COM

Some of these pics are from their summer 2010 collection..Beautiful

And now this picture by NatalieBessell on Etsy.com >>> Really speaks to me! 150.00 USD

Stay fly!!!!

To thine own self be true!!!

2010-02-22T20:34:00.000-08:00

I love fashion and whatever that means. I guess that means I love clothes and their ability to aid in a persons reinvention. However, real fashion is not for the faint of heart. I find it interesting when I hear people throw around the words "fashionista" or "stylish." Well, I believe that those words are strictly for the risk takers, the originators...those of us that would rather create the trend as oppose to following it!
A true fashionista is not afraid to make mistakes, not afraid to stand out and definitely not afraid to turn heads (be it good or bad).
So as I sat and pondered these ideas of " fashionista and stylish" My brain led me to the depth and breadth of one WOMAN that epitomizes it all. THE androgynous Grace JONES! I love Grace jones! When I was a child I was intimidated by her power and her beauty ( I blame Disney and all the lily white princesses) but as I grew older I recognized the Grace Jones in me! Grace Jones is proud of the texture of her hair, complexion, heritage and carried herself accordingly (FIERCENESS AT ITS BEST) Check her out in Eddie murphy's boomerang (LOVE IT) Grace Jones is no holds barred. She is tell it like it is. She's outspoken without speaking, She simply dares a Muthafucka to TEST Her!

I am Grace Jones and I embrace that whole heartedly.

French Vogue paid homage to Grace Jones in their December 2009 issue .After viewing the pictures, I cried ( No! I wasn't crying over the clothes that I have yet to afford.) But I wept because I pray that other young black women reading the magazine will see and identify the beauty of GRACE and embrace her as I have. Grace Jones loved herself and so should you!
Now to me that a STYLISH FASHIONISTA!

Stay FLY and NEVER EVER BE AFRAID!!!!!!!

Doesn't matter if it's BLACK OR WHITE

2009-12-13T18:48:00.000-08:00

My Current Obsession: High fashion Black and white photos !

There are times when I totally obsess over things. In the nineties, it was jet black hair and french connection. I have been known to obsess over and about leather gloves, high priced jeans and designer sunglasses. Currently, My obsession is african models photographed in black and white. These pictures are Fierce!!!! (to say the least)
So, with all these beautiful black models there is no need for blackface!

Vintage +indie+affordable=your closet saying YYYYes!

2009-11-28T22:26:00.000-08:00

I have been obsessing over the clothes on Modcloth.com for some time now. They serve up vintage,original styling that every fashionista wants and needs in her wardrobe. They do Sweaters and dresses well and you know I love that!

Simplistic but Hawt....remember the devil is in the details!

You cant F^$K with these chucks!

2009-11-28T18:31:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love Chuck Taylors. A couple of years ago I discovered the leather ones and I haven't worn any other sneaker since. So when I rolled up on these I couldn't contain myself! They can be found at Freepeople.com (pick up a sweater too..they make some of the best)

I love my Hair.....HAUTE!

2009-11-28T17:59:00.000-08:00

I love these prints. Purchase them at Ilovemyhair.com

Invest in your closet!!!

2009-09-26T13:26:00.000-07:00

Okay, I really love classic pieces of clothing...... Well that means that I have to invest in my closet. I found the best investment ever! Check this out!!!!

THIS DRESS!
This dress can be worn in several different ways. The cost is 249.00 @ shopbutterbynadia.com.

more ways....

This can easily replace your LBD.....especially in Black!!!!! Recession Proof!!!

Shopping is back ....even during a recession!!!!

2009-09-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

It's getting cold and It's time to break out my fav's !!!!!!! SWEATERS ,COATS and BOOTS....Here are a few things I have my eyes on!

Tracy Reese 298.00 @ Anthropologie (SOOOOOOOOO COOL)

Stadium Cloth Winnie 245.00 @ Jcrew.........I heart this!!!!! (the Butternut color is so sweeeeeet!)

The warm mustard cashmere tie front 198.00 @Jcrew.......This color is so sweet!!!!

Marc By MARC JACOBS PLAGUE CALF BOOT 395.00 @MJ

That's it for now...it is a recession!!!!

P.S Remember buy classic and it will last forever!!!!

The random workings of the workshop!!

2009-07-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

When I decided to write a blog, (many years ago) I thought that I wanted to concentrate on fashion. My complex mind has since ditched that idea and decided to use it as catharsis. I mean, I will still highlight things that I think are fabulous but I will also rant and complain about all things in the workshop(my head)

First Rant : I Call It "How dare you, You Crackhead MuthaF^&k%"

I'm having an enjoyable summer, catching up with friends and family, making new friends and strengthening bonds. So far , I have reevaluated my life (soooooooooo many times), tapped into some creative energy and decided that I will write a new chapter...BUT THE DEVIL IS ALWAYS LURKING(especially around me because I'm a scorpio)

Let me take you back....picture this...Summer 1995 ..Young woman in love with her high school sweetheart from the past few years. The boyfriend cute ,popular and an all around Jerk!!
He cheated, She forgave..He questioned her fashion forwardness(huh?) She brushed that off..(he still couldn't catch up if he tried)
But one night after a night of lackluster sex and overall boredom..this young fashion forward girl was ready to go home. The boyfriend dragged his feet..it got later. The young lady would have taken a cab but spent all of her money on Some fabulous LINEN SUMMER BOOTS(darling) She thought he would offer..He didn't . So she posed a question "well you can walk me home?" He responded NO!! WTF No this asshole didn't ?

Well he did and that very fashion forward lady walked home alone at two in the morning in those fabulous linen boots . Praying the entire way home..she made it home safely and never answered her phone for that jerk ..ever again! Those linen boots will never know what they symbolize!!!

Well, here we are in 2009. I decide to get some jerk chicken down on UTICA. I see a familiar face and I call out to him...He smiles..I chuckle. He says "what's up?" I say nothing...we exchange foolish talk and exchange numbers. We say goodbye! I reach my door my phone rings..(the number unfamiliar because I didn't save it) I don't pick up..it rings again..I pick up and hang up...a voice message awaits me after the last attempt.

It was him and the message reminded me of the night I walked home in those fabulous linen boots and also why I left his ass alone...He used the word "courtesy" to describe his reason for calling...LMAO (negro please)

Crazy thing is I was cleaning out my closest before I left to get that Jerk chicken and I couldn't decide what to do with those Fabulous Linen boots..keep them or throw them away?

I decided to keep them ..because they will never know what they mean to me!!

* THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING AND THAT'S JUST WHAT THEY DO AND ONE OF THESE DAYS THESE BOOTS ARE GONNA WALK ALL OVER YOU*

I never slept on her.....

2009-07-28T11:31:00.001-07:00

YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
I guess that I am late But I had to do a double take!!! Venus Is F-ING FABULOUS...OMG!!!

NO WORDS....WHAT DO YOU THINK????

Adding her to a very prestigious list of Fashionistas!!! WOW

When the resort becomes a norm!!!!

2009-07-28T10:56:00.001-07:00

HERE ARE SOME PICTURES FROM THE COLLECTION!!!

Revealed

2009-07-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

In my opinion the summer is the best season. It's the best season to travel, to eat and it is fashions biggest season ever!!! Recently, I watched a special on Roberto Cavalli"s resort collection. The dresses were full of movements and color. The makeup was fresh and clean, embodying natural beauty and sheer sexiness. To me that is summer!

In New York, Style is everywhere..it's on the corners of Williamsburg, On 125 in Harlem , In the LES and Right here in THE STUY!!!! (this is sheerly a matter of opinion)
But there is just one thing that impedes upon fashion greatness and that is bad choice of underwear:(

So as I have done before here is my Tip.....or tips(whatever !)

So everyone that knows me Knows My Number one rule...."GET GOOD BODY ARMOR" when you switch seasons you switch undies..u feel me! (it sounds nasty but you get my drift)

Summer bras: Not white, not ivory, not black but nude color bras are a requirement for tank tops, semi-sheer blouses and revealing dresses. This goes for everyone..Buy more nude...I find its sexier than black..

Nude bikini underwear: AHHHHH...Bikini underwear a forgotten treasure. Wear a white dress, skirt, slacks or shorts, but please! wear flesh-tone panties underneath. Again, the objective is to make sure your panties are invisible. Bikinis with a low waist won't rise above the surface or get stuck in The mIDDLE!!!
thongs:(preferably nude)Seamless bikinis work for almost everything but have a couple of thongs available for the ultra sexy (skin tight) dress and white trousers! Panty lines people:(
Honarable mention goes to......Strapless bras, breast petals, spanks and The PIECE DE RESISTANCE.... A SLIP(YES MA:) I SAID IT A SLIP!!!!)

I would also like to mention an absolute essential for the Summer!!! It's what I call "The SUMMER SWEATER"....Please invest in a summer sweater..... It's light weight, It fits in your purse and it will save you on a New york city Train!!! (bRRRRRRRR)

I know for most of you summer is over and you are probably thinking.."too little to late. "But it is never to late for a fashion tip ,Never!!!!!!!!..well until next time..or next year

Stay Fresh and clean!!!

Sortha like Issac Mizrahi......I'm back

2008-05-01T13:39:00.000-07:00

Just in time for the hottest season ,I return with all the tools you can use to be your most fashionable, frugal and fierce!!!!!
During my hiatus from the world wide web, I reevaluated my style, challenged my eye for trends and started doing research on what women and men need to compliment their closets , their beauty and their lives.
So without further a due...I welcome you back to the world of the Black Atelier

Je vous remercie pour votre reussite et amour.