These are a Few of My Favorite Things...

These are a Few of My Favorite Things...

I am on the internet constantly.  I am always looking at new sites, my sites, competing sites and every site in between.  During my numerous cyber journeys, these are a few of my favorite sites I have stumbled across.

Vintage Vixen

I absolutely love Vintage Vixen (click here to view the blog)  The resident bloggers April Ainsworth and Michelle Brisendine know fashion and vintage clothing is their specialty.  They update the site weekly with different vintage pieces or articles about women who were fashion models in the 40's, 50's and 60's.  This blog is amazing for anyone interested in fashion-especially vintage!  What makes Vintage Vixen a cut above the other vintage sites, is that most of the clothes they feature, they have for sale on their web site, VintageVixen.com.  If you visit them, tell them I (HEART) Retail Therapy sent you.**Disclaimer** do not touch the Sexy Mocha Negligee with Lace Bust & Slit Skirt !  It's mine!

Mint Demode

When I first came across Mint Demode, I literally sat there and read all the blog posts. (Yes, I need a life...if you're looking for new friends, be sure to email me here - smile:))  The Mint Demode blogger, Kelly Schmidt, is awesome...literally awesome.  She writes tips about fashion, style, interior design, bargain hunting and even shares delicious recipes!  I do not know much about her personally but Kelly is fabulous!  She is like Martha Stewart with a Chicago swag!  I promise you, check out Mint Demode (here), it will quickly become a weekly cyber stopping place.

On the 6th

On the 6th is definitely a lifestyle/news blog.  You will find great articles about current events, pop culture and fashion.  The site owner, Tha Entertainer, is pretty cultured himself being a singer, songwriter, and musician.  Make sure you check out his blog here, you won't regret it.

Coffee & Dreams

Coffee &Dreams is a really authentic blog...it is a mashup of fashion, art, life and culture, presented in a clean artistic fashion.  The site owner Cherelle describes herself as, "Future art director and cinema professor living in Washington, DC."  If that isn't fierce, I don't what is.  Her blog enchants me (maybe I am biased because she is in DC!) with the clean lines, beautiful photography and hints of spirituality.   Be sure to check out her post, Six Types of Love.  Support her blog here

and lastly,

The Indian Makeup Diva

The site owner is a graduate student and free lance make up artist.  She has been blogging for 6 years (!) and shares cosmetic reviews, advice and tips on all things makeup.  Every once in a while she comments on current events and politics (especially surrounding the fashion and beauty industries) which makes this blog that much more entertaining.  Check out the Indian Makeup Diva here

Happy reading Retail Addicts!

Continue Reading

Slave to Trends?

I snatched this from the blog, On The 6th "90% Fact 10% Other You Decide"

AVENUE L: STYLE CONSCIOUS, NOT STYLE OBSESSED

AVENUE L

By Lyric Chanel

STYLE CONSCIOUS, NOT STYLE OBSESSED

CHANEL IMAN IS ALWAYS STYLISH BUT NEVER LOOKS TREND OBSESSED (LOVE HER!!)

Trends are fun...I think that's one thing we can all agree. What's not fun about staying up on the latest trends is when they become our OBSESSION. Magazines become our Bible & celebrities become our gods...uhh NO. I have one God & one Bible and trends don't define me. Nor should they define you. Being trend obsessed in an attempt to express individuality makes you just like everyone else. There are billions of people in the world & at least 50% are up on every HOT trend and rockin the same exact thing you’re rockin. Doesn't that make you less of an individual & more of a copy? I think so.

Don't get me wrong. I LOVE FASHION. I think looking like you have style & sense is necessary. But I am by no means trend obsessed. I wear what I want, I follow trends here and there, but I always add my own seasoning to the main dish. A trendsetter is not someone who wears what everyone else wears. A trendsetter wears what the average trend obsessed individual never would have come up with. This blog is my idea of style…fashion with a twist. I promise to make the trend I choose mean something to you, so you don't feel like a clone of the style obsessed girl standing next to you. Feel me?

S.T.U.D.

STUDS are “IN” fashionistas. Studded vests, studded bangles, studded ballet flats.

Get carried away, but not too carried away. ONE or TWO jaw dropping studded

pieces are enough. You don't want to look like an asteroid...and you will... if you overdo it. Especially if your studs are gold.

S.T.U.D. = Surrender to UR Destiny. Stay true to yourself, stay true to your style, and do what it takes to become whatever you want to become. When you're wearing your studded vest & the girl across from you is wearing a studded piece too, just remember you're an original...with your own destiny.

I love my Dolce Vita Studded Flats.

Fashion editor for Harper’s Bazaar (Australia),

Christine Centenera, rocking boyfriend jeans and a studded jacket.

Continue Reading

Gucci, Gucci, Louis, Louis, Fendi, Fendi, Prada and Why Kreayshawn is an Assault on Hip Hop

Gucci, Gucci, Louis, Louis, Fendi, Fendi, Prada and Why Kreayshawn is an Assault on Hip Hop

Crunk Feminist Collective did and excellent piece about Kreayshawn (check them out here) and how her whole image and style (and more importantly music) are an assault on Black Women. (Which I agree wholeheartedly) SO I will leave that topic alone...I will also forget (temporarily) that her sister (which will remain nameless because I do not want to give her any "shine" nor any more publicity) says the n-word more than members of a Ku Klux Klan leader (or more than you would hear at a Tea Party rally, for that matter). I'll forget about that and focus on her style. After all, this is a fashion blog...is it not?

To the left is Kreayshawn's outfit in her Gucci, Gucci song. At first glance, the outfit is cute. Similar to an urban Madonna circa "Borderline", okay, no problem. A lot of kids I see in the metro DC area are (and have been) dressing like this (for a while now) However, reading the blogs whether they be music or fashion oriented, they tout her as the urban Lady Gaga! "Her style is unique", "she's so fashionable", one blog gushed. Really, is she? What makes her style so unique? As a Black woman who was born in the early eighties, I remember my sister and her friends dressing similarly (in the 80's!). Her haircut? Very MC Lyte, and Pepa'ish (from Salt N Pepa) Matter of fact, artists ranging from hip hop to punk have been expressing a similar style of clothes for a good 4 or 5 years now.

My point (or question) is why when a white person imitates "Black urban fashion" that they are the pinnacle of fashion, worthy of a million dollar Def Jam deal, when Black people who dress themselves like that everyday~are largely ignored and ridiculed by society at large for their style of dress? I remember non urban fashionistas ridiculing Pepa for her asymmetrical cut, and I promise you the Source or any other fashion mag wasn't beating down MC Lyte's door to add her to their covers. And while the everyday Black Woman in inner cities and suburbs were the originators of this fashion, they get absolutely no credit for it, much less a record deal, a magazine cover or even a blog shout out!

Maybe my opinions run deeper than just style. I will admit that. But let's call it what it is, a white girl imitating Black culture (which is not new, mind you). She is not extremely fashionable. To me, fashion is supposed to be creative and ORIGINAL! How you rock your Gucci, Gucci, Louis, Louis, Fendi, Fendi, Prada is what makes you fashionable...not looking at the runways or what MC Lyte, Salt and Pepa and every other African American woman wears or styles their hair and copy it piece for piece, strand for strand.

Besides Kreayshawn being a mediocre rapper, with an ignorant "sister" who uses the n-word profusely, she is an assault on hip hop lovers, especially Black Women whom love hip hop. She copies our swag, our demeanor, our hair which we are ridiculed for (and called nappy headed hoes by radio hosts who still earn a living, somehow) however, when she does it (or any other white person), she is considered the pinnacle of style. Do you see the hypocrisy? When did not being yourself and a copy cat become cool?

Continue Reading

Conformity in Fashion

Conformity in Fashion

"Conformity is the act of matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours to what individuals perceive is normal of their society or social group. This influence occurs in small groups and society as a whole, and may result from subtle unconscious influences, or direct and overt social pressure. Conformity can occur in the presence of others, or when an individual is alone. For example, people tend to follow social norms when eating or watching television, even when alone."

"fash·ion

[fash-uhn]

noun

1.

a prevailing custom or style of dress, etiquette, socializing, etc.: the latest fashion in dresses.

2.

conventional usage in dress, manners, etc., especially of polite society, or conformity to it: the dictates of fashion; to be out of fashion. "

Okay, maybe fashion by it's very definition is "conforming" to what society feels is appropriate. But what happened to clothing being an expression of self? Yes, I love the runway looks and I do add pieces of what's "in style" in my wardrobe (if I like them, mind you! Not because EVERYONE is wearing them!) However, maybe it's just me...but I really hate to see so many women everyday, who may be wearing different colors or pieces...but essentially have the same outfit on!

Please love the outfit you're wearing but do not mimic the exact same outfit you saw on someone else or on an advertisement! Is society decaying to the point where there is no originality? Coming off of the DC Metro, I saw 10 women, with the same style of hair, same style of shirt, same style of leggings and similar boots. Some had nice bags, nice sunglasses or other jewelry but they were basically carbon copies of what Lucky Mag said was in style. Some of the women looked nice. They did. However some of them, even with an identical outfit, did not look so stunning because the style of clothing was not made for their bodies...Believe me I understand lumpy and bumpy...but please do not wear anything that conforms to your cottage cheese butt and thighs-even if it is in style!

The other frustrating aspect of this lack of originality by the everyday fashionista, is even in cultural subgroups, that you could count on for wild and different clothing are conforming as well! Even self described "punk rockers" are doing their best Chrissie Hynde or Blondie (circa 81) impression. (Think Avril Lavigne) While people like Chrissie and Blondie could and should inspire, it doesn't mean you should mimic the outfit exactly! Where is your personality? Does this truly reflect your style? Furthermore, does it flatter your body?

Think about the creative designers we love so much who design the newest and latest items...They did not go copy what everyone else was doing on the runway! Their fashions are unique and original...maybe inspired by someone or something, however, they expressed it in their own way. I believe we should all be inspired and express ourselves in our own words and in our own style.

Besides, the way individual, everyday people dress (who consider themselves fashionable but look like everyone else) is revealing where society is going in general. With the suppression of originality (and anything different) and everyone on the street wearing the exact same outfit...we all look like lambs marching into the slaughter. *Sigh*

Life is too short to try to be someone else or EVERYONE else.

Continue Reading

Naturally Beautiful Hair-Tips from Elite Pro

You already know that I'm not really one for rules, but really, if I have to think about five things that have transformed my hair in the past year, I can clearly say that they are: 1. Find a professional who can care for your hair. As I said earlier, for me, the most important thing about going to the hair salon is knowing that they're taking care of my hair and that, above all, my hair's health is the most important thing. As you can imagine, many stylists have cut my hair, and most of the time they put the beauty of the cut above what is really best for your hair. That's why I'm so loyal to my salon, because I know that they are going to make sure my hair appears healthier each time, and not just that it has a beautiful color or cut. So this is the first rule: talk with your stylist and make sure you understand what he or she recommends. Your stylist will teach you how to take care of your hair and strengthen it.

2. Use high-quality products.

At my salon they use Joico products, so ever since I've been going there I've been using their product line to take care of my hair. The difference between this brand and others is that your hair can recover from damage in a short period of time. It isn't cheap, but the price is similar to those of other salon brands that I used to use. Here's the best thing of all. Before, when nothing seemed to work, I never stopped trying new products and over time I spent more and more money. Now I use just one shampoo, one hair mask, one conditioner, and one hair protector that strengthens my hair.

3. Protect your hair.

Protect your hair - not only from the obvious styling tools, like curling irons and hairdryers, but also from excessive brushing, vigorous rubbing with a towel, bands that pull your hair too tightly, hairstyles that are too rigid, and products that are too aggressive. Now I know that my hair is as fragile as the skin on my face, so when I brush my hair I'm very careful not to break it. Long ago, I switched to using a natural-bristle brush and, although it takes longer to detangle my hair, it breaks a lot less, so it's worth the effort.

4. Follow a beauty ritual.

Just as you do with your face, follow a beauty ritual for your hair. Since I have dry hair, I wash my hair two or three times each week, and on those days I use a lot of products to care for my hair: I give myself a gentle massage as I apply the shampoo (as is done in hair salons). I put on a hair mask and let it sit for 20 minutes, and I detangle my hair very gently. The rest of the time, if I need to detangle my hair, I do it with a soft brush, without pulling.

5. Strengthen your natural hair.

Finally, make sure that you strengthen your hair. I've spent years straightening my hair each day, but my hair is actually curly. Now, although sometimes I straighten it, most of the time I leave it curly, adding a few touches with a flat iron to "stylize" the part in front, and then I'm ready. And it takes less than half the time needed to straighten my hair. This is another important point: it's time to opt for a haircut that really suits your hair type and not just what's in fashion or what your stylist likes.

Continue Reading

Magic Show in Vegas!!

I love these Cadillac Kicks!  

Twice a year, there is a huuuge (I mean huge) trade show in Vegas where established and up and coming designers introduce boutiques and store owners their new lines.  

From the site,

"MAGIC Connects, Inspires and Fuels the World of Fashion.

MAGIC is where the international community of apparel, accessories and footwear professionals trades information, previews trends, builds business and shops fashion unlike anywhere else in the industry. Each February and August, tens of thousands of attendees from over 80 countries meet more than 5,000 emerging-to-established brands to spark the strategic connections that become the relationships of tomorrow.

MAGIC unites the largest and most influential network of buyers, brands, media and decision makers via innovative initiatives, exclusive access to cutting-edge information and conveniently merchandised show areas: WWDMAGIC, FN PLATFORM, MENS/WEAR, STREET, S.L.A.T.E., POOLTRADESHOW, PROJECT and SOURCING at MAGIC. Recently named to Trade Show Executive’s Fastest 50 roster of rapidly growing events, February 2011 marked the launch of RIDE Unltd., the high-octane home of all things action sports, and The Concourse at WWDMAGIC, an interactive destination providing an insider perspective on the trends shaping the lives of today’s teens and young women.

By combining incomparable commercial potential, creative inspiration and connection opportunities, MAGIC has become the most influential force in fashion. With an average of nearly $200 million in per-day order volume and 85% of the top 50 retailers in attendance, more business is done at MAGIC than any other fashion retail trade event—making MAGIC the definitive platform for conducting the business of fashion."

Besides the actual trade show, a number of parties, fashion shows, seminars and general debauchery take place during the 3 or 4 day show.  To attend, you must register and be apart of the press or apart of the fashion industry.  (Or have really good connections!)

Continue Reading