THAT GIRL'S GOT STYLE!:: SOLANGE KNOWLES

One of my biggest style/beauty/everything else inspirations is Solange Knowles, so you can imagine how excited I was to finally see her as Who What Wear's Girl of the Month! As a WWW intern, I got an early peak into the fashion closet to see all of the amazing Solange-inspired frocks, and I must say, I am very pleased with the selections of today's GOTM story!

No matter the scene, Solange always manages to turn heads. Whether rocking ethnocentric duds from Boxing Kitten, looking incredibly chic with a funky turban wrap--which has become her style staple and has caused a trend frenzy--or piling on layers that still show simplicity, Solange has got this entire fashion flair in the bag. She's extraordinarily daring and is a usual subject of high-brow critics....But you know what they say, if they're talking about you, you must be doing something right.

While the industry can tend to turn a blind eye to the concept of diversity and shut out people of color who are overflowing with creativity, it's so awesome to see a trendsetter like Solange be able to transcend all boundaries! It is 2011, so you would think that racial ignorance would be diminished by now, but sadly, it still rears its ugly head. However, I'm so glad that Who What Wear isn't all about the color of your skin, but is more obsessed with the funky clamor of one's closet! In this industry, fashion is what we all have in common, regardless of anything else, and I'm so relieved that I work for a company who embraces that! :)

Bravo Ms. Sol-Angel! :)

THIS THING CALLED LIFE

For starters, I'd like to give a big HELLO to all of you new readers!!!!!

It wasn't until now that I actually realized I haven't posted anything in quite some time.

Online outlets like Twitter, Facebook, and even Blogger can cause us to get so caught up in the

 "who has the most followers" hype that we miss the point of it all....that is, if there is actually a point. lol

I've noticed lately that the blogosphere has gradually shifted from my outlet of expression to a burden,

where the organic drive to post whatever inspires me or comes to mind seems to suddenly be irrelevant.

Writing has never been this way for me, which is why I guess I've been on a bit of a hiatus.

I needed some time to breathe, to collect my thoughts and not get sucked into the tech-obsessed world that is such a huge part of our culture.

As crazy as it may sound, I've actually noticed a lot of personal growth that has occurred

 in this pull back from social media......and I like it. lol

I've had the opportunity to actually get things done!....even though my procrastination with homework is still a challenge I have yet to completely overcome.

I was surprised at the internal growth that resulted in me stepping away from my Macbook--and Blackberry.

The pressures surrounding the fact that I am graduating from college next month were the icing on the cake.

I've been searching like crazy to find a job, and have had no luck thus far.

But, optimism is key, which is why I've been strongly considering moving to NYC.

I'm in dyer need of a change of scenery. 

Don't get me wrong: I love California.

But I don't want to be that bitter granny who regrets never making the ballsy move to the Big Apple.

If I have kids--and even grandkids--I want to have remarkable stories about my youthful ventures,

even if they're all tales of incredible failure; at least I can say that I did it! :)

So that's where I'm at right now, getting things in order and going for the gusto.

Stay along for the ride.

W MAGAZINE: KALEIDOSCOPIC HIP POP EDITORIAL

Stylist, Lori Goldstein + W magazine = Stellarly fantabulous. {Yes, I just made that up. lol}

The crazy mix of textures and colors makes the model seem to pop right off the page. This topsy turvy editorial  is a perfect culmination of Spring fashion.

And although this spread is set to hit newsstands tomorrow, I figured I'd share my 

early scoop discovery with you!

CALL ME IRRESISTIBLE: SPRING/SUMMER BEAUTY LOOKS FOR WOMEN OF COLOR

I've been wanting to try my hand at experimenting with color combos that have been dancing around in my head all Winter, and what better time to give them a try than amidst this amazing Cali weather! I've been anticipating buying some new beauty products--lipsticks, nail polishes, and eye shadows in particular. I've never been much of a glamazon when it comes to make-up because I've always felt it should enhance your beauty rather than define it. However, I've always been a fan of the fabulousness of it all.

As a young woman of color, it's hard to find shades that appeal to my dark skin tone. Although I like mainstream beauty editorials, I do believe that at times, they can be a bit unrealistic and unable to cross cultural boundaries. If you're just as obsessed with fashion magazines as I am, this lack of universal appeal can be depressing and irritating at the same time. lol Yet oddly enough, when I spotted this editorial from Harper's Bazaar Singapore, I felt as if the make-up artist snatched some of my ideas right out of by brain when I wasn't looking! lol Although the  model, Rudi, is much more fairer skinned, her beauty looks are phenomenal and can work for women of all shades! Deep purples, bright pinks, and shimmery corals, all paired with sultry lux shades that vamp up the eyes. AAH! I can't wait to try them!!

HIDDEN ALLEYWAYS

After a long day of interning, I drove down this random alley in an effort to dodge the street traffic 

and discovered this great spot for a quick photo op!

Although there were a few sketchy prowlers that made their way by me as my camera was snapping away, 

I still managed to nab these awesome shots.

But once I caught a glimpse of the LAPD making their way toward me, I jumped in my car! lol

Not because I was afraid of them....but because I was afraid of hefty price of getting a ticket, 

since L.A. cops are known for being sticklers about giving ridiculously priced fines for photography.

THE RIDE THAT NEVER CAME

VANITY VID: MY AWESOME SPRING/SUMMER FASHION HAUL!!!

On Monday {March 21st}, I celebrated my 22nd birthday!

I truly appreciate all of your birthday wishes :)

In lieu of that and my tax return, I did a bit of shopping......Okay...a LOT of shopping! haha

I grabbed some great things from Asos, Forever 21, H&M and Cotton On for the upcoming Spring/Summer season.

And with these new additions to my already massive wardrobe, I'm definitely set for months and months to come.

UP FOR GRABS: VINTAGE UNISEX ARTSY PRINT SHIRT

After much consideration, I decided to sell this shirt.

I've worn it a few times, and since my closet is so massive, it's gotten lost among all of the other crazy stuff that I have.

Since summer is quickly on its way, I know this would be of good use to somebody out there! lol

Although it is technically a men's shirt, it definitely has universal appeal.

Check out this funky shirt and more vintage items in the online shop!

FASHION, LIGHTS, & L.A NIGHTS: WHO WHAT WEAR / JOYRICH EVENTS

Last week, all of us Who What Wear interns got to take a load off from the hustle & bustle of the office.

We enjoyed a night out at the Los Angeles boutique, Satine, for the book signing for Who What Wear's newest book, What to Wear, Where!

The newly released publication is jam packet with TONS of fashion advice 
from Who What Wear's top ladies, Katherine Power and Hillary Kerr, about what to wear for any occasion!

From job interviews to date nights, this book is an excellent go-to guide, and a necessity for every fashionista!

photo via WhoWhatWear.com

VANITY VID: PERSONAL QUESTIONS

After gaining inspiration from other Youtubers, I decided to do a personal questions video! If you all have any other questions you'd like me to answer, feel free to send them my way! :)