My Version of the September Issue

In honor of The September Issue of Vogue, I decided to put together a list of my top places to find fashion and fashion news.

Gabifresh: I love me some Gabi Gregg. I've been a loyal follower of hers for about three years now. She's a plus size fashion blogger. She advocates for body acceptance and I love her style. She is a brand adviser for Eloquii, which in my mind is the only plus size line that does it right. You can see my earlier post about them here.

Marie Claire: My favorite magazine of all time. Nina Garcia, their fashion editor, is a genius. She along with Tim Gunn and Nicolette Mason compile some of the best advice around. Garcia is also the author of several fashion books that I plan on reading eventually. Amazon sells a subscription for $10, if you, like me, prefer the paper version.

My favorite places to shop:

Charming Charlie: I LOVE Charming Charlie. They specialize in accessories: Scarves, jewelry, shoes, and handbags. It's heaven. They're also reasonably priced.

Eloquii: I can count on Eloquii by The Limited to provide those pieces that are hard to find. A cocktail dress, classic black slacks, a high-low skirt I searched for all summer, I can be certain i  can find them there.

Torrid: This store, owned by Hot Topic, is edgy. Here is where I find my fun pieces like knee-high boots. Those boots were the perfect compliment to my skinny jeans in the winter. I am planning to buy another pair this year.

Later I'll include some pictures of my fall favorites.

UPDATE 9.23.2012!

As promised, some of my favorites for fall 2012

Shirt dress by Eloquii

I have been looking for a pair of colored jeans all summer. I may purchase these from Old Navy.

 

 

Animal print from Torrid

The fall is not complete without a cowl neck  top, also from Torrid.

UPDATE 9.25.2012!

Some when I did my first update I wanted to include this great jacket I saw but I couldn't remember where I saw it. I realized today it was Target. So I'm adding it now. I want this coat so badly. I love the collar. I like it best in navy but it comesin black and olive too. I'm determined to have it eventually.

 *All photos are from store's web sites. I own no rights to them.

Nina Simone Biopic Outrage

"It is rumored that Zoe Saldana will portray Nina Simone in an upcoming biopic" said a story from the Huffington Post.

Judging by the response to this story and my Facebook timeline, the community is quite off put by Saldana's selection.  I will agree that Saldana looks nothing like Simone but, as far as how much actors resemble real life people, sometimes Hollywood gets it right and sometimes they don't. I recall several years ago when the movie "Cadillac Records" was release and Beyoncé portrayed the iconic Etta James. Now as far as every image of Etta I have ever seem goes, she was heavy, little cute round thing. How in the world did Beyoncé's "in the gym every day," "dance through several world tours," body seem to fit the bill? I was so confused. 

This makes me think that this uproar is not about how much Saldana resembles Simone and more about the fact that Saldana is of a lighter hue than Simone. Although Bey and James are not similar looking, they are similar in skin tone. I wonder...

I'm actually not at all surprised by the actions of those in Hollywood. I'm more surprised by the actions of my peers. We already know that Hollywood does not care about how Black women are portrayed in film. The most logical action seems to stop expecting them to do so. I'm actually just kind of glad Nina Simone is even getting a biopic regardless of who is cast, but that's just me.

NYC!/ Sister Act

A few weeks ago, some friends and I went to NYC to see Sister Act on Broadway.

First, let me say, I love NYC. The shopping, the food, the tourists. It was amazing. We went to Time Square after the show. We didn't even have to look up directions. We just followed the lights. I took some pictures, not as many as  I should have and they're not great. Sorry, got caught up.

Second, Sister Act was wonderful. Raven - Symone kills her role as Doris/ Delores. Of course, there were not pictures allowed in the theatre. My seats were too far away anyway! Lol. The soundtrack hasn't been released yet but I will certainly have as soon as it is. Overall, a weekend well spent.

The Walk of Fame

Last week I went to California with my mock trial team. We participated in the Opening Round Championship Series hosted by University of California at Irvine. We won second place and qualified to go to Nationals in Minneapolis, MN. Here's a picture of our trophy.

But that's not the important part... I mean it's wonderful but not pertinent.

On our last day in LA, we were the ultimate tourists. We hit the beach, the Walk of Fame, the Kodak Theatre and the Chinese Theatre. It was amazing. It was one of those things where I didn't realize how cool it was until I was there. I took pictures of so many of my favorite TV icons. I was like a kid in a candy store. 

JULIE!!! I love Julie Andrews. I watch The Sound of Music regularly. I continue to faithfully support her films. 

Ms. Gabor, there are no words. None... I just... 

Click Stop: Washington Post Black Women Forum

The Washington Post and has created a series of special reporting focused on Black Women in America. Most of these stories were focused on the images of black women. The Post partnered with the Kaiser Foundation to complete a survey about how black women feel about the public images of themselves.


You can find all the stories from the Post's Black Women in America Series page.


The Washington Post held a forum called Peeling Back the Labels moderated by Michelle Singletary, author of Post column The Color of Money and featuring Post reporter Krissah Thompson, Howard professor of social work Tricia Bent-Goodley, and Rahiel Tesfamariam, the founder of online magazine Urban Cusp. I took the opportunity to snap some photos before the panel began. 

The Entire Panel

Howard University School of Social Work Professor, Tricia Bent- Goodley

The moderator of the panel, Michelle Singletary

My New Obession: Downton Abbey

My boss and I are both big Harry Potter fans. The other day I was telling her that my Professor McGonagall, played by Dame Maggie Smith, was one of my favorite characters. Upon hearing this, she told me that Smith was in a new show called Downton Abbey and it seemed like something I would like. It's a British drama about a family that lives on an estate called Downton Abbey; it is set in the early 1900s. The show covers long stretches of time per episode. The first two seasons cover ten years. 

How right she was! I am in love with this show. It is helping me make it through the SEVEN WEEK hiatus Glee will be on until April 10th. 

In Downton Abbey, Smith plays a matriarch with very old fashioned values and a -- let's say unique-- worldview. The video below is a compilation of some of her wittier moments. I hope you all check it out. The first season in available on Netflix. 

Quick Glee Moment

Now, y'all know how I feel about Glee. Not going to there again, but I was watching last night's episode and this particular performance struck me. It is The Troubletones singing Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)." It has a wonderful message of powering through your obstacles and not letting any thing or any one get the best of you.

I have struggled with this concept pretty much all my life. In this very insecure time, i.e. I'm graduating in May and have no concrete plans, it was really reassuring.

Anyway, my girls Heather Morris, Amber Riley, and Naya Rivera rocked this performance! I just thought  I'd share. I also included Clarkson's original version of the song. Enjoy!

5 O'Clock

Picture this: I was riding in a friend's car and this song came on the radio. I have no idea who sings it or anything, but it sounds good. I'm nodding my head. By the time the song was over I was addicted. I went to go buy it and learned that the artists were T-Pain, Wiz Khalifa, and Lily Allen.

Pardon my terminology but what!?!?!

It's the strangest combination I've seen all on one song, but it works. I've been listening to 5 o'clock non-stop since Sunday. For some reason, T-Pain is one of those artists that can pull me into hip-hop because it's really not my genre. I am not familiar with Lily Allen but she sounds beautiful in this song. She fits right in with Pain and Khalifa. 

That's my music moment, just thought I should share. 

Etta

"Sometimes I get a good feeling yeah. I get a feeling that I never never had before, no no. I just wanna tell you right now that... I believe... I really do believe that.... something's got a hold on me yeah. Oh, it must be love." -- Etta James

Etta James has passed away. My poor heart is so heavy. In fact, the reason it took me so long to create this post is because I honestly couldn't type it out. It is actually very strange behavior for me. I am the one who thinks people overreact to the death of super stars. You never knew these people personally. You have no idea what they are really like; so, why are you crying in the street over them? Now, I get it.

I was that five year old that loved old school music. I was listening to Aretha and Marvin and Diana when my peers were listening to Tupac, Biggie, and Mase. People who I still don't listen to, or rap as a whole that much. I read Etta James' biography when I was 11. I know all her songs. I have dressed up as her for parties. I struggled for hours trying to replicate her infamous eye makeup.

Her death is heart wrenching. I've been listening to her non-stop. Music has certainly lost an icon. 

That's all I can manage. 

Music Moment/ Lioness: Hidden Treasures

The first thing I did this morning was buy Lioness: Hidden Treasures, the posthumous album from Amy Winehouse. I learned about it last week and have been anxiously awaiting it ever since. The wait was well worth it. 

The cover for Lioness is classic. It includes Winehouse's signature updo, tattoos, and makeup. 

I have not been a Winehouse fan for very long. I first heard her music through my Adele pandora station and I didn't really pay attention to her music until she passed away last summer, but since then she's one of three artists I play regularly, including Adele and Beyoncé. I went back and listened to and purchased a few of her albums. 

Lioness is a mix of songs Winehouse recorded at several points in her life. Some of my favorites are "Will You Still Love Me," "Wake Up Alone," and "Body and Soul." The video for "Body and Soul" was one of the last that Winehouse recorded. I give it five stars. It'll probably all I listen to for the next several days. 

I created a collection of stories and photos about the album. Here's the link: Storify: Lioness

My New Obsession: Glee!

Hi, my name is Dilane and I'm a gleek.

I have always been a lover of music and television; Glee is a wonderful mixture of the two.  The show is about half way through its third season. It's first two seasons are available to watch instantly on Netflix, which is how I became addicted.

I watched season one about a year ago. It was entertaining but not so much so that I wanted to watch it every week. I moved on and sort of forgot about it. Then, season two became available. I didn't even realize it at first but one day it popped up in my recommendations. I was bored. It was there; so, I watched it. For the next three days I spent every free moment watching. I was behind on school work, getting places late, it was bad!

I'm all caught up now and I managed to live through that two week break they took... barely. Only because the holiday gave me something else on which to focus. Yeah, I need help. I follow them on twitter. I watch videos on my phone. I buy magazines just because the actors are on the cover. I'll even admit its a bit obsessive.

Anyway, my favorite character is Santana Lopez, played by Naya Rivera. She's complex and dynamic; I can appreciate that. Not to mention, she has attitude for days but all the other characters care about her anyway.

So there you have it. My new addiction, Glee.

I just had to share this video of Naya Rivera and her group the Trouble Tones in action. They're amazing.

Out and About: Happy Feet 2/ The Muppets

I'm back at it, movies every weekend. I love it.

I saw Happy Feet 2 two weeks ago. Let me just put it out there now, no I have no children. No, I didn't take anyone's children. My grown self went to go see Happy Feet 2 and I loved every second of it. Judge me. I'm really just a big kid who is now forced to go to work and take care of herself but a kid none-the-less.

The gist is Mumble and Gloria have a baby named Eric. Just like his father he struggles to fit in with his peers; so, he runs away. Mumble goes after him and while they're gone, Gloria and the other penguins get trapped by an iceberg. Mumble and Eric, who have a very rocky relationship, have to work together to save everyone.

It was soooo very cute. I would highly recommend it to anyone, of any age.

Last weekend, I went to go see The Muppets. Let me preface by saying, I love Miss Piggy, like its not healthy. It's two steps from being as bad as my love for Emma Watson. She was her usual hilarious self.

It's a beautiful modern spin on a classic. After being separated for years, The Muppets reunite to save their old theatre from an oil baron. They did this funny thing where they talked like they knew it was a movie. I must admit though, I wasn't expecting nor did I enjoy all the musical numbers. It was a bit much for me. Four stars

My girl, Miss Piggy. I love her attitude, spunk, and  confidence. 

Eloquii Part 2

After the launch of Eloquii last month, it took me a while to decide what to order. My coupon was going to expire; so, I decided on some business casual necessities, a pair of black slacks and a gray a-line tulip skirt.

One word: fabulous. The slacks are almost perfect. They fit well but they have a side zipper which... let's just say poses difficulty at times. The skirt is the perfect length for me and that's saying a lot because I'm that weird height were petite length is too short but average length is too long, go figure. The ruffle is so girly, a very nice accent.

In my first Eloquii post, I talked about some things I was really hoping to see in Eloquii. Based on my experience the following is the result:

• Thankfully, all their clothes are not black. They have a very popular party dress that comes in a beautiful bright gold. All their blouses come in a variety of beautiful blues, greens, and reds. I'm actually having a very hard time choosing one.
• Every dress and top does not have an empire waist! That's a big deal. I get so tired wearing variations of the same shirt over and over. It's tedious.
• It's pretty modern. There are several pieces that I really like and I think are perfect for the average working young woman.

My only critique is that Eloquii is only available online. I hope that its popularity will cause The Limited to make it available in stores. All in all, I think its a very well thought out line. I plan to patronize in the future and would encourage any plus size woman I know to do the same. Pictures coming soon.

Eloquii by The Limited

I do not consider myself a fashionista of any sense. I am however, a plus sized college student who is constantly searching for clothes that fit well and feel good. I need jeans, suits, and cocktail dresses just like the next girl; so, when I heard that The Limited was creating a plus size line I got really excited, like really really excited.

I felt this way for two reasons:
1. The administrators of Eloquii are working alongside some of our community's most trusted representatives, one of which is Gabi Gregg from Gabifresh. I trust her and I know she knows what this particular corner of the fashion world is missing.


2. I like The Limited as a brand. Many days I have walked past The Limited stores and wished that the clothes came in my size. Starting Wednesday, they will.


My hope is that Eloquii's teams understands this curvy world as much as they claim. I wear colors other than black. I do not want every dress and top I own to have an empire waist. And most of all, I do not want to dress like my grandmother at 21! I need structure and support without sacrificing style, elegance and grace.



Judging by the photos and videos on  Eloquii's Facebook, they understand these things thoroughly. I am really looking forward to seeing all they have in store for us come the 26th!

Out and About: Footloose

Y'all know I treat myself to movies whenever I get a chance. There is a movei theatre right behind my apartment building now so, I'm there quite often now. Last weekend, I went to see "Footloose."

Overall, I give it 3.5 stars. It had an awesome soundtrack and of course, lots of high energy dance routines.

The plot was pretty predictable, not only because its a remake but just because it was. Self-destructive girl, meets misunderstood guy, they take over the world-- a little town called Bomont, Ga.-- together. Its a cute, little feel-good film.

Netflix... Please Make up Your Mind

Netflix announced this morning that they will not be separating their streaming and mailing services after all. This is right after they suddenly announced they would be charging almost double for the two separate services; the price change remains.

Pick a side Netflix.

I don't know what is going on over there. I'm sure they realized that many customers, like me, were not going to not only pay for the separate services but also go to a completely separate web site to do so. All this change and back and forth is quite annoying.

I'm so glad they came to their senses. Between customer response on its web site and social media outlets and the sharp decline in its stock, Netflix got the message: changing too quickly kills business. So, just three weeks after the announcement of the separation, Netflix is reversing its hasty decision. I just hope they stick with it this time.

Click here for The New York Times article I saw this morning.

RIP Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs passed away last night. Crushed, heart broken, shocked, baffled, etc.; these are all the emotions I'm feeling.

I remember when iPods first revolutionized the music world. I had the the mini, yeah the mini, before they switched to calling them nanos. It was pink and bigger than the touch I have now. I remember when desktops had seperate CPUs and montiors and Macintoshes came in all the crazy colors. I remember when they first switche to the long flat screens and then when they figured out how to attach the CPU to the monitor.

My first iPod, learning Final Cut Pro, my first MacBook, learning iMovie, my first MacBook Pro; all these memories I would not have had it not been for his diligence and innovation. This generation owes him so much. If there is anything we can take from his life let it be that we should never quit and give our best to every. single. thing. we do.

He will be greatly missed.

Music Moment: Someone Like You

I have already blogged about one of my favorite artists, Adele.

Last year, I did a post about her album 21; yesterday, she released a video for the album's second single "Someone Like You." I am completely in awe of it.

What is shocking to me is Adele's ability to make you feel exactly what she is feeling, over and over, with what seems like no effort. She doesn't have fancy special effects, dance routines, or costumes. She just stands there and belts it out from her heart and nine times out of 10, you'll love her for it.

I almost cried watching this video; it was like I was right there with her.

Movies: Columbiana

AWESOME! That is all.

Great film staring Zoe Saldana. Its all about revenge and a vengeance of the dead. It took me two weeks to go see it because I was concerned that it wouldn't live up to the hype but I was wrong, very wrong. 

Columbiana is full of twists and turns that you never see coming. The characters are amazing. I stalled because I wasn't sure that a action packed, blow things up, kill people movie was going to showcase Saldana's talent very well.

I truly enjoyed it. 4.5 Stars

Will and Jada Hooplah

So, I went back to school this week. I am so excited to be starting my senior year; hopefully, all will go to plan and I will be graduating on 5/12/2012!

Anyway, yesterday the news a savaged with rumors that Will and Jada Pinkett Smith were separating. People were freaking out, saying that there was no hope for love or marriage... Now, I love the Smiths just as much as the next person but really?

I just cannot understand how people get so worked up and attached to celebrities. These are people that most of us have never met. Why are they your model for love and marriage anyway? How do you even know what their marriage is really like?

I'm not saying that they aren't cute; they are and they have been married a long time but I think its a tad unhealthy to mimic something when you don't truly know what it is. However, I do have to acknowledge that not everyone has healthy marriages in their everyday lives to mimic. I happen to be blessed with several. My parents, my godparents, and several of my aunts and uncles have been married for decades. Those are my marriage models.