CoCo Chanel Exhibit

Hi out there! Today, we visited the CoCo Chanel Exhibit at the Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC. It was exciting to see how fashion has evolved since CoCo's days. CoCo also shared our belief that there is a grave difference between style and fashion. If the exhibit comes your way, we urge you to go see it.


http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/06/22/2399107/coco-chanels-timeless-fashion.html

It's Alive. It's Alive: Claire Huxtable, Dr. Cosby's Monster.

Phylicia Rashad as Claire Huxtable

What can be said about Claire Huxtable, the iconic wife and mother of long-running, “The Cosby Show", played by Phylicia Rashad? She is gorgeous: a career woman who birthed five kids and in her 40s can still fit into a size 6 dress. She wakes up every morning with her face already made up and her hair already done. She cooks in designer clothes and cleans while wearing four-inch heels and pearls. Claire Huxtable is perfect. Her legacy as the first Black television mother to portray old-money lady-like charm and grace, without any hint of snudiness or pretention, has endured for almost thirty years. "The Cosby Show" is in mass syndication nearly three decades after its debut, and much of the show’s popularity can be attributed greatly to "Claire Huxtable."




But Claire Huxtable ins't real. She is a creation, based on and modeled after Dr. Cosby-not Bill, but Camille.



Few people know Camille Cosby; besides hearing her name in Alicia Keys' "Unbreakable", many have no point of reference for Camille. The reason for this illusiveness is that in the early stages of her husband's career, she elected to stay behind the scenes. After the family's financial manager ripped them off in the early 80s, Camille stepped in to become the family CEO and guide her husband's career.




Bill and Camille Cosby

 Perhaps her greatest touch can be found in Claire Huxtable. In the world of sit-coms, all characters come from "somewhere." The similarities between the two women are too much to be a coincidence. Camille Cosby is beautiful. So is Claire Huxtable. Camille's maiden name is Hanks. So is Claire Huxtable's. Camille is a triple-threat: mother/wife/career women. So is Claire Huxtable. Camille raised five kids-four daughters and one son. So did Claire Huxtable. Camille is married to Bill Cosby. So is Claire Huxtable.




To many of us, Claire Huxtable in the form of Phylicia Rashad is Bill Cosby's wife. Years ago, I myself was taken aback to learn that the two were not actually married. But in essence they are, as the very being of Camille Cosby was extracted from her real life and placed into the character.



It was important for Camille to be portrayed by an actress who could capture the image that the Cosby's hoped to project on the show. In an interview with Oprah in 2000, Camille Cosby said that people will identify with what they see on TV because it feels real to them. In the spirit of that realness, the Cosby's gave the Black viewing world a gift: a woman who lifted the thoughts of a nation. In a family, it is the woman who has the burden to impart culture and knowledge. As TV's first family for eight seasons, Claire Huxtable imparted to the nation knowledge of Black families that destroyed all stereotypes and culture that instilled pride. Claire Huxtable mothered the ideals of a generation, and thanks to syndication those ideals are still alive.



Now, in a time when women like Claire Huxtable only exist on Nick at Nite and TV Land, it is hard to imagine that such a woman could exist in real life. Well, such women do exist. If one were to ever need proof, just look up Camille Cosby.

James Jones






jjoneswrites@yahoo.com
http://www.quickread.ning.com/
www.twitter.com/K2quared

Whoop That Trick! The 5 Greatest Girl Fights

Let's be honest, there is nothing more sexy or exciting than two girls going toe-to-toe, blow-for-blow. Let's take a look back at some of the best fictional female fight scenes.


1. Diamond vs. Ronnie: "The Player's Club"

2. Peaches vs. Angela: "A Low Down Dirty Shame"
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4O9RMoBucc&feature=related
 
3. Beatrix vs. Vernita: "Kill Bill Vol 1"
 
 

.

4. . Sharon vs. Lisa: "Obsessed"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEkPsese47w&feature=related

5. Catwoman vs. Laurel HHedare "Catwoman"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMpTGVHR84g&feature=related



James Jones


jjoneswrites@yahoo.com

www.quickread.ning.com

www.twitter.com/K2quared

 

Behind The Scenes: Style Vs. Fashion 2nd Collection

On May 21, 2011 (in the scorching Georgia weather) Style Vs. Fashion shot the 2nd collection for the clothing line. At first the shoot started off very hectic. Only one makeup artist and hair stylist showed up meaning the models were waaaaay behind schedule. The shooting started 2 hours late. But working with the group of people I worked with made the day go by alot smoother. Everybody (including the photographers) came together, with no complaining, and obtained excellent shots. The weather was close 90 degrees but the attitudes were positive. With this shoot I was able to debut my Custom made shoes, accessories, and brooches which were not available with the first collection. Here are a couple of behind the scenes pictures. Enjoy!!!

Models
Briana Myrie
Kimberly Manning
Sadye
Franshon Fisher
Quisha E'lom
Chasity Peeples
Shannon Marsicano


Photographers
Richard Howard
Frank Kloskowski
Mike M&R Photography
Khiry Grant

MUA
Brittany Cherese

Hairstylist
Diamond Kelly

Stylist
Jecoby Carter
Marcus Smith




Custom Made Shoes from Style Vs. Fashion




Model Briana and Hairstylist Diamond sharing a laugh



The Stylist Marcus and Jecoby arranging outfits



Jecoby and Marcus dressing the first model Briana.




Brittany beating (its a term for applying makeup) Model Chasity's face




While waiting for hair and makeup Shannon shows off her ink




Model Briana ready to head to the next set. 90 degree weather dont seem to phase her




Model Kimberly, Photographer Khiry, and I waiting to cross the street. Just the dangers of shooting outside




Waiting to shoot




Model Quisha getting her facebook but MUA Brittany




Models, Stylist, and Photogs headed to the next shooting location




model Quisha holding a pair of custom made heels




Me posing with model Kimberly, Quisha, Chasity and Franshon




at the last and final location of the day.




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Chris "Rocks" the Motherfucker with the Hat with No Doctor in the House

So, Chris Rock has made the jump from the big screen to the big stage- and what a jump it is. "The Motherf''ker with the Hat" is a drag down, laugh out loud, grab your chest for breath hit on Broadway. Rock's infamous voice brings humor and distinct character to this production. In the play, Jackie, a recovering alcoholic comes home to his junky girlfriend and discovers a strange male's hat on the nightstand and that the bed covers "smell like aquavelva and d*ck." (Jackie's words, not mine). The plot unfolds as Jackie goes to his Alcoholic Anonymous Sponsor, Ralph (Chris Rock), in order to help him find "the Motherf''ker with the hat." The crowd loved the energy of the play that lept off the stage into everyone's lap. On this particuar night, that same energy drove Bobby Cannavale (the actor playing Jackie) to put a little too much into his perfomance, causing him to cut a gash into his face right between his eyebrows during one of his irate scenes. This incident stopped the production for about twenty minutes, while the announcer repeatedly asked "is there a doctor in the house.?" Unfortunantely, there were no doctors in the house, but a nurse practitioner from the crowd ran backstage to assist the injured actor. Finally, after almost a half hour of waiting, the production resumed with Jackie sporting a new bandage over his eye. The bandage worked well with the play, as Jackie and Ralph engaged in hand to hand combat with one another in a scene toward the end of the play. This show of dedicartion from the actors proves that the show really must go on. After the curtains closed, the crowd errupted with cheers. An inside source told me that Cannavale was rushed to the hospital right after the performance. "The Motherf''ker with the Hat" is bound to slay any adult who is in search of a laugh while in New York City.



James Jones
jjoneswrites@yahoo.com


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Beyonce Fever

As soon as I heard Beyonce was coming out with a new Cd I immediately become overly excited with joy. Not only is she my favorite artist she's my favorite entertainer. People love to argue and say Whats the big deal about Beyonce and I'm here to say its her dedication to what she does. If you go to her concert, she puts on a show. Her videos are entertaining without being overly sexual or too "weird". She's dependable. She never keep her fans waiting too long for her music. Beyonce always delivers.

Check out Beyonces' new video for her song "Move your body" Its a remix to her chart topping "Get me bodied" from her critically acclaimed album "B-day." Beyonce continues to prove why she is the queen of pop/R&B. This song is a fun as the original and gives even more energy.

The video is simply shot in a school cafeteria with no professional back-up dancers just school aged kids having a great time. All in all this record is sure to be a summer anthem.

The song is all action with incredible substance guaranteed to make you dance until you pass out.
 
"Who run the world....Girls" is also a hott new video Beyonce debut this summer. Its been a while since we (as in women) had a theme song.
 
Enjoy and you to might catch Beyonce Fever too...
 
 

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Featured Designer/ Black Heart Accessories

Since I was a little girl, I have been addicted to fashion. I like to set the trends, not follow them. This mindset is what sparked my enthusiasm for jewelry design.

One day back in November of 2008, I was shopping for jewelry, but couldnt find anything I liked, or hadnt seen before. Thats when my creative side came out. I immediately began thinking of business plans and a name. The name Black Heart Accessories came about because I was just getting out of a rough relationship. I consider my jewelry to be "avant-garde" because Im not afraid to step out of the box. I challenge boundaries, and create jewelry that is very different, yet wearable. Im all about originality.

I VOW never create the same piece twice. Although jewelry is my main business, I sell all kinds of accessories (i.e. Hair accessories, room décor, and car tags etcetera).

Name: Ashlei Shannon Age: 21 City, State: Atlanta, GA/ Albany, GA Price $5-$25 URL: www.facebook.com/blackheartaccessories

TWITTER: @BHAccessoriesBHA

Email: ashlei_shannon@yahoo.com

Featured Stylist

Princess White –Creative Director/ Stylist

Princess White was born in Atlanta, GA, but she was raised in Augusta, GA due to her fathers military tour. She has always had a love for fashion, but experienced several disappoints when making attempts to start a career in the fashion industry due to the fact that her background is not in fashion. Just when she was about to close that chapter of her life she was approached by a high school classmate, Niesha Burnett in 2009. Niesha informed Princess that she would be starting SDA Talent Management, which is home to budding models, actresses, and dancers. Niesha initially asked Princess to be her assistant, but soon realized her talent spanned much further than running errands and clerical duties. Niesha then promoted her to Creative Director/Stylist for all projects involving the agency. Princess has been working with the SDA Talent Management ever since.

　 In March 2011 she was selected to work in collaboration with Derek Blanks/House of Adrene/ Ethnicity Models for the Vibe Magazine Project as a Wardrobe Assistant. . She lives and styles by the words of the great Yves Saint Laurent “Fashions fade, style is forever”. Princess is known as the “Thrift Store Queen” and the “Transformer” in her hometown of Augusta for her ability to make any item from the thrift store look brand new. When styling she uses exclusive vintage pieces that each model can take ownership of. Princess has decided to take her love for all things vintage to the next level. She is currently working on the launch of her online vintage boutique, which will be launch by the end of the year. 　　　　

Contact information

www.twitter.com/roxanne3000

www.facebook.com/foreverfashionable81

www.facebook.com/princesswhite81

706-267-4337

Princesswhite81@gmail.com

Featured Stylist

Leondra Renee/ Featured Stylist During her teenage years, Leondra realized finding the latest fashions within a small budget to fit her large bust and tall frame would be a challenge. The reality was the trendy clothes just didnt fit! She began shopping thrift stores, local boutiques, and major chain stores for pieces she could mix/match to create her look. After graduating high school she decided to further her education in fashion. Through many trials and tribulations she still managed to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design and Marketing and began pursuing her dream of owning her own fashion company.In 2009 she started Leondra Renee using her first and middle name. Under the motto "Fashion for the Fashionista on a Budget", her line provides cutting-edge fashions which brilliantly compliments your fabulous figure. She hopes her work will help highlight the beauty of all women at a price that is accessible to everyone. As a stylist, she will provide the client with unique looks with the option of having one of a kind hand made looks. Website: www.leondrarenee.com Email: Leondra.Renee@yahoo.com Leondrareneeclothing@gmail.com

The Great Migration of Style

This weekend, I took a late night flight from Charlotte to New York to attend an internship fair in Manhattan. While not particularly looking forward to the traffic, the hustle of the subways, or the crowded streets, I was looking forward to seeing the infamous New York style.

I was sixteen when I made my first trip to New York. It was the dead of winter and everyone, fashionably of course, bundled under layers of clothes. Colorful scarves, sleek coats, snazzy boots, and spiffy hats. Yep, New Yorkers had style. I returned to New York five years later, this time in fall, and witnessed that same style. Before my trip this weekend, it had been four years since I'd visited New York, and my eyes were starving for that New York flare.

Unfortunately, I left New York still hungry. This time around it wasn't like before. The New Yorkers were merely dressed, leaving their "impress" at home. There was no flare. No umph! The clothes just hung on the people as they walked. Nothing colorful,nothing sleek, nothing snazzy, nothing spiffy. Maybe I just expected too much. Or maybe I'd seen similar style in other places here in the South such as Atlanta, DC, or Charlotte. Yeah, that's it. I'd seen style in other places. It no longer has only one residence.

So in a few years, naturally, the remakes of "Sex and the City", "The Devil Wears Prada", and "Confessions of a Shopaholic" will be filmed below the Mason Dixie Line,The valid style, particular that of the South, swag as many call it, is evidence that fashion forwardness is no longer exclusive to New York. As many people have left the world's capital for new and smaller places, it seems that style has migrated as well.

Why women settle?

So this note was inspired by myself, and a couple other situations that I've noticed.... And my idea is to understand why we as women settle, specifically with MEN. We as women always settle for LESS than what we deserve from guys.... It must be a universal thing. But settling for a GUY because you are afraid to be alone is the WORST thing you could possibly do because in the end no one will be hurt but you. We as women have to understand that a man will ONLY do what you allow him to do, nothing more and nothing less. All I'm saying is, find a guy who is WORTH settling for, not some guy who you think will change and everything will become a fairytale, because the more you live in a dream, the harder it is for you to awake. (Let that marinate) We as women should stop letting guys trample over us just for the sake to say we have a MAN! You will never be happy with any guy you meet, good or bad, if you are not first happy with yourself. We all fall victim to a guy that you really like a great deal, hell may even love, but if they guy that you are so head over heals for does not reciprocate that same affection then what is the point of continuing to deal with him??? Every girl has a guy that they just can NOT let go, but if you DID let them go I PROMISE that you will find a guy who gives u everything you thought that guy was giving you a plenty more. As Kevin Hart says we put guys on too high of a pedestal... No that’s not the case! You just have to find the RIGHT guy that will SIT high on that pedestal with you. I’m not saying that I am perfect, I feel included in this letter just as much as any other girl, but we DESERVE soooo much better as women and until you think you deserve better as well, you will never find it. All self worth definitely comes from within, and it just takes some longer than others to realize that. So the next guy you are involved with ask yourself... "Is he making me happy and is he bringing out the best in me for US?" If your answer is negative then you already know what you should do. The saying says "Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot" and that statement couldn’t be more true! By Jahnna L. Hunter www.twitter.com/sexychoklit jahnna.hunter@asurams.edu

Willow Smith/ Whip My Hair

Willow Smith is the 9 year old daughter of Will and Jada Smith. She not only has impeccable style but she also has an amazing voice. I blogged about her style awhile back never thought I’d become a fan of her music. Her new hit song “Whip My Hair” is rapidly climbing the charts and even landed her a record deal with Jay- Z’s new label Roc Nation.

Even though she’s 9, Willow has a certain poise and a certainty about her self which comes out in her music and personality. She’s a burst of pure/innocent energy but has a “clear vision of who she is and who she wants to be.” Jay- Z also went on to compare her to a young Michael Jackson.. ( I wouldn’t take it that far because NO one can be the King of Pop) saying that “I can only imagine that's how Mike [Michael Jackson] was as a young kid, he knew exactly what he wanted."

I’m excited for Willow and cant wait to see the impact she leaves on Music.

Pretty Boy Swag???

Is it me or is the rap scene becoming unknowingly infatuated with suspect artist. I, myself am a die hard fan of southern, bass controlled, crunk music. I love hip-hop as a whole, being that it has always been a representation of my culture and that is my issue; I do not want metro-sexual/down-low rappers to be the face of my culture.

I embrace any and every one and firmly believe in the saying, “to each its own”, however hip hop is one of, if not the biggest genres globally. Hip-hop has always been spat at and called negative, but the message sent through such as “fight the power” gave me a sense of pride. Nowadays with artists like Kanye West and Drake and newcomers Justin Bieber and Soulja Boy with his pretty boy swag, it’s become hard to feel comfortable knowing that these are the men that our youth are idolizing.

Musically, each artist has a unique sound that has launched their careers to great heights; however, the imagery portrayed is what has been termed metro-sexual i.e. a man with gay tendencies. Now, I personally do not know any artist in the music industry but when a man claims that he has pretty boy swag, or gets hot and bothered when speaking of Lil’ Wayne, or runs on stage wearing shoulder pads to embark in a catfight with a scrawny teenager, then one’s eyebrows begin to rise. When you have songs titled, I’m a pretty bitch and I think I’m Paris Hilton, and you kiss a man fan’s hand during a concert(Lil’ B), then that’s when I think hip hop has taken a terrible turn.

Would I be upset with an openly gay rapper, no? Because then it would not be an image, but a way of life and who you are. I just have a hard time grasping the idea of a grown man who surrounds himself with a handful of women, follow fashion trends instead of being individuals, and has a diva like attitude being the men our younger generation admires.

Joshua Nelson sanelson23@gmail.com

Runaway by Kanye West

I love the Video..... I just dont get it : /

The Changing of The Guard: Class In Session

Class distinctions were once rigid, unbending social structures that one had to be born into. In times past, it was difficult if not impossible to move up or down. Breeding, pedigree, background, education, the right schools, the right colleges, and the right Greek organizations (1906-1913) were all qualifications one must have had to be a member of the black higher classes. Looking at photos from any era, one could judge the subjects class by their clothing. Style was indicative to class. Class then was more of a caste, an immobile structure.

The class structures of today are based solely on family salaries. And though most of the buying power lies in the wallets of the white upper-class, it is the black lower class that spends the most money on fashion. For those who grew up near or around project homes, they may remember that the kids who lived there often wore the latest and most expensive clothes.

One reason for this dis-correlation between earnings and spending is television. The entertainment industry has allowed those who normally wouldnt have been accepted into the upper-class to buy their way up. And those people- athletes, actors, singers, dancers, etc- have in turn brought the upper class back to the hood by influencing its occupants to buy upper-class priced clothing.

So the end result is that most families who survive off (in a year) less than what an upper-class family makes (in a month) will continue to spend money on things that they cant afford to emulate people whom they dont know. Thus, the lower-class will continue to grow poorer and the upper-class, who makes and markets these fashions, will continue to grow richer



                                                                         James R Jones
                                                               jjoneswrites@yahoo.com

Featured Video "La Roux": Impeccable Style & Individuality

La roux is an astonishing duo out of the UK.."When La Roux's uptempo synths kick in at the opening here, music fans will be instantly transported to 80's electropop memories" Not only is the song "Bulletproof amazing but thier visual style is as arresting as the music."

La Roux's lead singer, Elly Jackson's, style is one that she owns and can be compared to the timeless trends of the 80's. Her style is so influential mainly because its one of a kind. Elly Jackson is a refreshing alternative to the hashed up and mashed up graphic artists and fashionistas. She proves that you dont have to show skin and wear skimpy clothes to get fans all you need is good music.

Elly Jackson has a strong individualistic attitude and her music brings back something that was lost in the midst of the modern music today, Enjoy her video as she shows us impeccable style, immaculate visualiztaions, and unaltered music.

The Changing of the Guard: Style Versus Fashion as Defined Within the Rise of the Black Middle Class

Though most people within the black diaspora share a common history and heritage, our views on that history and heritage are skewed and separated due to our varying memberships within the class structures of our society. Though believed to be a reconstruction-period invention, the black middle class, and higher social classes still, extend as far back as the beginning of time-in Africa.

To know that we are a people with such a vast history is also to know that both style and fashion have played a major part of our culture since its ancient origins. Within every class structure, there has always existed a standard of dress which defined and divided the classes.

In modern times, it would seem that those standards have all but disappeared. The Old Guard of yesterday, a formal society consisting of top hats, pearls, silk gowns, canes, tuxedo jackets, shawls, and wingtips is being replaced with the The New Guard of today, a shapeless mass of people prone to jeans, graphic Ts, stilettos, Timberland boots, and gaudy diamonds.

When looking at the relaxed standards of dress between the classes, the question arises: Is our clothing defined by our social class? Another question can also be pondered: Does our belonging to a particular class dictate our wardrobes.

I am not an expert on fashion. But I am an expert on literature. In the African American Literature genre, our peoples travels from Africa, to Europe, to Asia, to the Carribean, and to America have been documented. Within the pages of these books also lies the testimony that clothing was essential to our culture.

Looking back allows us to look at now. And perhaps if we knew of our rise, we would understand where and how we fell- with style and fashion that is. Also, we would understand that the things we put on daily do, or at least once did, speak volumes of our backgrounds, families, home sizes, cars, back accounts, cattle heads, and yams stored in barns.

Very Stylish Kids

I've always wondered who dresses these two. They're style is impeccable and they have'nt hit puberty yet.Willow and Jadan Smith not only show thier individuality through thier clothing but the look great doing it.

What is Style Versus Fashion?

America is no longer a nation of individuality, its become a nation filled with self-gratifying groups and we’ve becoming a consuming society (especially African American youth). I’ve started this company because people will often enter a compulsive pursuit of ego-gratification (self-gratification) through fashion in order to identify with something. When Individuals fall into a frenzy of constant possesions, money, success, power, they lose their individuality, freedom, and free thought. Their obsession with fashion becomes their mind control which ultimately poisons that person and turn them into a social group other than a distinctive individual. Style Versus Fashion company focuses of Individuality “style”, as opposed to media consensus. “fashion”. You don’t need lots of money to be stylish. Style is your personality while Fashion is a social agreement usually determined by others (hence the name Style Versus Fashion)

So what is the difference between Style and Fashion?


Most people would think that there is NO difference between the two, but there are major differences.

Fashion is determined by others, usually magazines, models, media, etc. Fashion has time limits because its a trend; one day its in and the next its out. Fashion moves in cycles that are based on the collective social mood of the population and is usually looked at as a social agreement.

On the other hand, style is YOU. It's a perfect representation of yourself and who you are. Style is an extension of your attitude, personality, and instinct. Style is not material. It's a form of expression- a statement, and it's in the choices you make. Clothes are just one way of expressing style.

Fashion fades but Style is forever.

For the official site check out www.styleVERSUSfashion.com