Mad Props: President Barack Obama

Pride, a Deeper Love…

StyleScrybe’s sore today. I got spent Monday night on the floor of my cousin’s office, woke up at 5:30 AM Tuesday and then walked what seemed like a million blocks in heels to stand in the freezing cold for hours. It was well worth it, though because I was present at one of the most historical events in my life (and this country’s history). Yes, I was there… at the Inaugural Ceremony. I stood shivering in the huddled mass of people to see Michelle Obama hold the Bible Abraham Lincoln used at his swearing in while her husband, President Barack Hussein Obama, took the Oath of Office. We received tickets to the standing area at the last minute, and I could barely see the jumbotron through the bare branches of a tree. Still, my grandchildren will be able to tell their friends I was there. My mother, who was unable to make the trip to D.C. was able to live vicariously through me.

150 years ago, I would have been human chattel, 100 years ago I would have been considered a nigger, 50 years ago I would have called myself a negro, 25 years ago, I was Black, and yesterday I was African American. Today, I am American. No, all racial context of my life has not been erased. I am the granddaughter of a Black Panther, the descendant of slaves (and slaveholders and Native Americans). The hardships and atrocities faced by my forefathers and foremothers has not been forgotten nor vindicated. There is still a HUGE racial divide. Hegemony is still VERY MUCH in effect. And, just as any orphan would, my people still have MAJOR issues. (I often say I come from an orphaned race because much our our history, etc is so obscured.) However, President Obama’s presence in the Oval Office brings to mind that line from “The Jeffersons” theme song, “We’ve finally got our piece of the pie!” (I really could go on and on about the significance of the day, but then you’d get bored with me and not come back)

Oh! I wouldn’t be StyleScrybe if I didn’t take a moment to admire Mrs. Obama’s Inaugural fashion choices. She was absolutely radiant at the ceremony in her yellow-green Isabel Toledo ensemble with green J.Crew gloves and patent Jimmy Choo pumps. Later, her white Jason Wu gown was a fairy tale all its own.

The Ooooooo-Weee! (More intense than a normal fashion fix, thes Via Spiga Novella boots have me feenin’)

Life on the Fringe

Thus far, StyleScrybe’s been anti- the whole fringe thing. Yeah, I know they’re all the rage, but a woman with true style can always say “no” to a trend she doesn’t like. One look at these “Novella” boots by Via Spiga have lead me to veto my decision, though (OK, maybe not a total veto, but I’m at least making an ammendment). They’re pearlized leather, have a 4 inch heel and the shaft is tall enough for them to qualify as ef-me boots. The long fringe is simply a little hippie chic thrown into the mix (and since it’s less voluminous than most of what’s out there, I won’t look like a Woodstock relic). Plus, next year, if fringes are out, you can tie them into a bow or find something else creative to do with them. Not bad for the $212.50 Shoes.com wants for them, right?

For tha Low Low: H&M’s Bangin B.O.G.O.

Scoop- Scoop- Be- Doop…

StyleScrybe’s got the scoop on a sale you won’t want to miss. (Wrote a blog about it. Like to hear it? Here it go!) I was perusing the sale rack at h&m yesterday, when I spied with my stylish eye (yeah I like that phrase so get used to it) something that I just HAD to buy. I’d been stalking this silver loose-knit sweater tank for a while, and it FINALLY had one of those red $10 tags on it! I get it to the register and the cashier asks “You don’t want your somethin’ free?” (Repita por favor?) I mean, I’d seen the signs, but I thought the “Buy one, get one free” was only on certain sale items. Honey… EVERYTHING in the sale section is included! I’m going for round two tomorrow. Maybe I’ll see you there!

I Wish I May, I Wish I Might: Louis Vuitton Sprouse Collection

Let’s pretend I won the lottery, had a visit from my fairy godparent (he or she’s out there somewhere, I just know it) or found some other way into a whole lotta chedda. If said fantasy were to come true, please believe a MAJOR shopping spree would be very close to the top of my to-do list. ‘Til that happens, let’s play a little game of “that’s my bag.”

Urban Scrawl

StyleScrybe’s seeking a do-over of 2009′s beginning for a few folks. Seems the tides of trauma lingered a little past the ball-drop for some of my family. I’m still on “if I want it, it’s mine,” though, so right now I’m claiming a Speedy bag from Louis Vuitton’s new Stephen Sprouse Collection. Available as of January 9th, the brightly embellished collection pays tribute to, and is inspired by the work of Stephen Sprouse, the late American fashion designer and artist known for bringing downtown cool to the uptown crowd. (He also collaborated with Marc Jacobs on his first LV collection.) The collection consists of various bags, accessories and leather goods- all bearing either neon grafitti or Sprouse’s signature flowers. I’m all about the Speedy 30 in flourescent Monogram Grafitti and in Monogram Roses. However, considering they current financial climate and their pricetags of $1180 and $1310, respectively, I might have to jack somebody (B*tch run that! Run that! Ante up!) to get mine. Nah, I’m a lover, not a jacker. I’ll just pray for some freelance work (I got skills! Holla at me, bay-beh). Either that or you can catch me panhandling at the train station lol.

Beautiful! I Just Want You to Know! (Kiss My Face & E.L.F)

I’ll Take You to the Candy Shop…

Whatchu know ’bout me (whatchu whatchu know ’bout me!)? Well here’s one thing you need to know: StyleScrybe’s lip gloss is officially cool (and poppin’). Since it’s winter, I’m constantly re-hydrating my pucker, so I was super psyched to find a CP-time Christmas gift baggie loaded with lip goodies in my mailbox. When I saw the deep, bronzy color of the topaz Sheer Organic Shine by Kiss My Face, I was concerned, but I’m a sucker for anything minty (can’t beat shiny lips AND fresh breath in one pop), so I gave it a try. Once I realized the subtlety of the color and read on the tube that it’s 100% natural (and 91% organic), I was hooked. I think Opal will be my next color (they’re all named after precious jewels).

Then, the sweet side of me swooned when I spotted e.l.f.’s Candy Shop lip gloss tins. I got “Cherry Bomb” and “Frosting Fanatic” and was impressed with both. Just enough shimmer and tint with believably yummy smells and a hint of flavor.

At least this year my lips will be ready for Valentine’s Day even if my love life isn’t. Oh… BTW, StyleScrybe is single and VERY ready to mingle. Any leads?

Happy New Year! Keeping it Simple

Oh-Eight was Great, but I’m Straight…

Less than 8 hours left in ’08, and Stylescrybe is taking stock. The Giants won the Super Bowl. Barack won the election. I partied for a cause with clients in DC for Big Tiger and Vernon Davis‘ (SF 49ers) celeb weekends and in Baltimore for Terrell Suggs‘ (BAL Ravens) celeb weekend (met some FANTASTIC folks). I also cruised to Cozumel for fun on the high seas with the fam, voted in ATL and took a few other trips here and there. Oh, and a gajillion new babies in the family. Yes, some great things happened in ’08. (Can’t resist rhyming 8 with great, so please bear with me).

There were also some tough times, though. My family WENT THROUGH IT (from hospital visits to stolen cars, violent attacks, lost jobs and lost retirement plans), but we GOT THROUGH IT (and are still getting through it) as a family. There were also the personal romantic disappointments, friendship rifts and the constant struggle of being a freelancer in a tough economy. The last few months of this year have been rough, so I’m looking forward to the new year and the energy renewal that always seems to accompany January 1st. I’ve been a little down, but I’m “snatching back my happy” (thanks to big sis, super publicist, Toi Troutman for that one). World, watch out: in ’09, if I want it, it’s mine! That’s not a resolution, it’s a declaration. Who’s with me? What will you do to “snatch back your happy” in this tough economy?

P.S. I’ll be back to fashion and fun VERY soon. Stay tuned. Pretty please?

All I Want for Christmas: Fendi B.Mix Tote

Gold Diggin‘

StyleScrybe hasn’t been gotten into the holiday spirit yet. Maybe it’s the recession. I’ve decided to pull myself out of the funk with a little e-window shopping (read that as lusting and hoping Santa reads this blog). Said e-tail therapy is a lot easier thanks to the “salemail” I get everyday from Shopittome.com. Maybe I’ll start gift guides soon (cuz last year’s rocked!), but for now, it’s all about me me me me me (still one of my fave Mya songs to date). I’m currently coveting Fendi’s dark gold leather B. Mix tote. It’s size is perfect for this time of year because as I jaunt to and from parties and events I can carry small gifts and even an umbrella on rainy days. The color’s what’s up too… goes with everything! So Santa, baby, put this under the tree for me… please?

*PS- I think shopping for self was really helpful because now I’m feeling a little jingle bell-y. Stay tuned for gift guides. Smile.

That New New for You You (LA Gear Originals Get Another Run)

On the Funky Dope Remix Tip…

StyleScrybe’s doin’ the woody woodpecker, the running man, and what I remember of Oaktown’s 357′s routine to “Yeah Yeah Yeah” (Aw Yeah!) Wanna know why? Because all those things take me back to the days when I doubled up on slouch socks and rocked lace shoe strings in my LA Gears. Back then, you were pretty wiggedy wack if you didn’t have at least one pair. I had some with rhinestones on them, some others with fuschia and turquoise trim and another pair with the pink and purple twisted leather on the sides. (Couldn’t tell me nothin when I put ‘em on with my acid washed denim skirt and jacket… Oooh and my matching shoestring hair bow). I recently looked at pictures of myself from those days, happy they were over. Well, smiled too soon because they’re back. Just like 8 ball jackets, leggings, (somewhat regrettably) acid wash and so many of the things we thought we’d never wear again, throwback LA Gears have made a return!

In a partnership with indie Cali sneaker retailer, Sportie LA, LA Gear’s owner, ACI is relaunching classic styles from the Unstoppable line in updated colors and materials. (Like patent leather). The line officially launched today exclusively at Sportie LA and on its website and is slated to become available at select retailers next month. I can’t lie, I might cop a pair if they do some fuschia/ turquoise joints. They start at $74.95, but that’s not a horrible price considering they still come with 2 pairs of shoelaces!

Just for Fun: Beyonce sheds Sasha for ELLE

To Bey or not to Bey

I recently had a convo with my aunt about Beyonce. Said aunt is “saved” and seldom listens to secular music, but she’d heard some younger members of her church discussing Mrs. Jigga and her on-stage alter ego, Sasha Fierce. “Does she really have two personalities,” questioned my aunt, who then wondered if she should be concerned for homegirl’s mental health. I laughingly reassured her that it’s stage personas are common, and that lots of people have them. I didn’t tell her, but StyleScrybe has one of her own, whom I employ at events and such. She’s a lot like my normal self, except she’s not shy and can have anything she wants.

The thing about Beyonce is that until recently, we, the people didn’t really know her. The woman we’ve been getting to know since the “No No No” days was Sasha. Now, the “hottest chick in the game” is letting us into the world of the woman who can’t cook and is scared to have a baby. She opened up quite a bit in the January issue of ELLE, which just hit newsstands and features Mrs. Carter on the cover. If ole girl wasn’t all rich and famous, she seems like she could be part of my crew. Matter of fact, Sasha and my other self (who shall remain nameless to protect the innocent ) would probably have a great time together. (Not to mention I’d be raiding both broads’ closets. Girlie gets to rock the flyest gear). So what about you, sista friends? Do is there another “you” whom you call on when needed? What’s she like? When does she come out? Oh, and how many of you know the whole routine to “Single Ladies” and do it when the song comes on in the club? (While you practice that little wrist move, I’m gonna plot on copying that cover look.)

*PS- Don’t forget to the hot a$$ Ciara fashion spread toward the back of the mag. I actually started at the end and worked my way forward, so it took me a sec to recognize CiCi.

The Ooooooo-Weee! (More intense than a normal fashion fix, here’s what has me feenin’)

I Gotsta Have It

StyleScrybe’s a space cadet. I went to Target last night to pick up a few things and got all the way to the register before I realized I’d left my wallet home. While I was there, though I spied with my stylish eye a couple of items I will definitely have to buy. With the holiday season crashing down upon me, I’ll attending to a function or two, and this recession has made it impossible to buy outfits for each and still get my Santa on. Thank goodness Target’s Limited Edition line is right on time. Some of the stuff is a little too “9-5″ for me, but I fell in love with the drape tulip skirt (pictured left and only costs $24.99) and the jeweled cardigan, which is also only $24.99. (Yes, I got a little “Pointdexter” in my swag lol). They may look a little plain Jane on here, but wait till I funk them up with cool accessories and hot heels.