G L I T T E R

Maybe I'm CRAAAAAAAAZY.....

2010-03-16T17:14:00.005-05:00

After an informative lunch of burritos and chips with mini Me (aka Saneeta, the new intern), I realized that I might be going crazy. Or maybe I am crazy? Sometimes you have to breakdown to breakthrough. Anywho, enjoy the music kids!!!!

Come Clean

2010-03-15T17:41:00.001-05:00

I’m rocking a serious case of the Mondays. My focus has been less than stellar and I fear that my work may suffer for it. Luckily, boss lady is away trying to figure out what women want in a fashion brand so I can allow my mind to wander for hot second. The weather is starting to go from bleak mid-winter to early flashes of spring, which generally explains why I may be so out of sorts. The transition from season to season is usually rough for me, giving way to aches and pains and the moody blues. I had hoped to forgo those old symptoms this year but it looks like they’ve come back for a repeat performance.

I think the main reason I’m feeling so blah is that I’m kinda bored. Not bored with life as life is a gift that is most treasured but just bored with status quo. Nothing particularly interesting or life-affirming is cooking. Things are coasting along at 25mph which is barely enough velocity to feel the wind on your face or tousle a single curl on your head. I want my hair to be tousled (well as much my close crop can come to being tousled). Something needs to change. Something big. I need to be shaken to my core by a person, place or thing. I need to wake up in a cold sweat, heart beating with excitement. Maybe it’s time for a makeover.

I haven’t really had a good makeover since I moved to NYC. My style is decidedly more casual but still has the same Billy je ne sais quoi; a little but traditional and a little bit rock-n-roll (but most always on sale). I think I’ve grown out of the phase when peacockery was de rigueur and everything I wore had to make a statement (usually loudly punctuated by bright colors). No more. I now want to be recognized by my strength of character rather than my strength of color balance (a tall task for someone who works in the fashion industry). I’ve been tempted several times to just burn everything in my closet and start anew. I think it is time to just come clean. It’s time to clean off the old varnish and find some slick new shellac. In other words, time to go shopping. But for what? I think I’ll have to go back to the drawing board on this one and seek inspiration on the streets of the city. As Little Edie once said “It’s very difficult to keep the line between the past and the present” and I definitely don’t want to erase it. Just retrace my steps and forge a new direction. Let’s see how this goes.

Live.Love.LANVIN!!!

2009-12-22T18:01:00.002-05:00

This is what I'm living for these days. The Spring 2010 Lanvin ads are going to be BANANAS!!! I'm gagging already!!!!!

Music (Red) Alert: Basement Jaxx

2009-09-01T01:59:00.004-05:00

If you don't know how much I love me some Basement Jaxx, you best ask somebody. That somebody would probably be my brother from another mother, Tony D. We still think that "Good Luck" is probably the best song to stomp down the runway whilst wearing panties and a spangled bra (as evidenced by the ladies of Victoria's Secret at their annual fashion show). If would have to say that my fav song by the Jaxx has to be "Hush Boy" from their 2006 album Crazy Itch Radio because when you have a girl recounting what she had to eat on her date (chicken fajita) and a video that references Hello Dolly, then you have the makings of a true master piece. In honor of the September 22nd release of their 5th studio album, Scars, which features guest spots from Santigold, Yoko Ono, and Kelis, I thought I'd give you a video retrospect of some of my fav songs and one of the new tracks on the album. Enjoy kids!!!!

Where's Your Head At (2001)

Good Luck (2003)

Hush Boy (2006)

Take Back to Your House (2006)

NEW SONG: Saga (fear. Santigold)

Basement jaxx (Feat. Santigold) - Saga by Patrice

UPDATE!!!!

2009-09-01T01:45:00.002-05:00

It's been a while but I'm finding my way back to paradise as they say. Here is what I've been up to:

I have a job now. With LOFT. Again.
I've gone on a couple dates which usually never happens.
I'm obssessed with the A&E series Hoarders.
And I broke in my new purple clogs. (J/K)

HOT MESS MOVIE ALERT: Boogie Town

2009-08-20T10:37:00.003-05:00

If you took Twilight, You Got Served, Romeo Must Die and a bottle of Wet lube and told them to get it on Roman orgy style, this is funk that would be in the air during their kertanging. I know that not all movies are Oscar-worthy but I mean could we try and make a decent film. I think my mother should try and release the footage of me potty training. I'm sure it would actually be worth the $12.50 rather than this ish. AND WHO USES THE WORD "BOOGIE" ANYMORE?!?! What do you think, kids?

Bargain Hunter: Urban Outfitters

2009-08-13T17:08:00.003-05:00

So you know I loves me some old school stuff and these shoes are making me want to do my best Buddy Holly impersonation. I love the classic oxford done in suede and leather. Plus, they are both on sale and have my size. BONUS!!! Maybe I should buy them as my going away present to myself? So long LOFT, hello gorgeous. Or one of you fine young cannibals can hook me up? Size 9 ½ please.

L'Obsession du Moment: NeNe!!!!!

2009-08-12T16:47:00.003-05:00

I flipped my shit when I saw this picture in the September issue of Real Simple. It is none other than Mrs. Linnethia "NeNe" Leakes from the Real Housewives of Atlanta (or as I like to call it Bonfire of the Trifling Ass Vanities). If you haven’t seen or heard of the show, then you are probably Helen Keller (and also dead). While the women of Atlanta aren’t as good as the classy dames of New Jersey, they still make for good TV. We’re only two episodes into the new season and we’ve already got a man of questionable sexual orientation threatening to kick Sheree’s ass and a cliffhanger that alludes to the loss of the fifth housewife, Kim’s Barbie wig. This is some good stuff. But of all the stars, NeNe’s shines the brightest. The reason I like her is because she doesn’t try and put on airs. While she seemingly has money, she still acts like she is waiting in line for her hunk of government cheese. And I love her for it. This picture just demonstrates her vivacious personality and ability to have fun no matter what the gossip folks say. I think we all could learn a lesson or two from Mrs. Leakes (or NeNe if you’re nasty). Get into her, kids!!

2009-08-11T16:36:00.001-05:00

This one is for the ladies (I’m talking to you, Mom). So we all know that J.Crew has been doing their thing and steadily refining the brand’s aesthetic while gaining a loyal (and often presidential) following but they are stepping up the accessories game as well. I love J.Crew clothing but I’m really gaga for their accessories. My mom bought a great tan leather satchel from them about 3 years ago and it still makes my heart skip a beat when I see her managing it. My mother has become quite the fashionista in her old age. Since my mother doesn’t even know what a blog is, I won’t have to suffer her wrath for that last statement. But I digress. The new Lexi bag collection is all that and a handbag full of potato chips (baked, of course). It consists of the satchel, a tote, and a clutch. While I like the other two, I’m partial to the satchel. I had the pleasure of seeing this bad boy/girl (to me, bags are gender neutral) in person this past weekend and it is SICK!!! It is roomy and the details are pretty darn nice. It screams all-American and just plain cute. While the price may turn off some ($425), I have to say that I think it is worth every penny. If you’re not able to invest in a LV or YSL, I think this one is a great alternative. And my mother is in agreement, which rarely happens. What do you think, kids?

J.Crew Lexi Satchel $425

The New Slang: Manage

2009-08-11T16:26:00.002-05:00

¹man·age

1: to handle or work an object until it becomes fierce and fabulous <manage the jacket>

"Flavia was managing that jacket in the shoot today."

UPDATE: The Party's Over

2009-08-11T13:26:00.000-05:00

It is with a heavy heart (and lighter wallet) that I must report that I shall no longer be working for Ann Taylor LOFT come next week. Things happen and I was not picked for the merchant position so I must pack my stack of Domino mags and ride off into the sunset. Like I said in the previous post, I’ve enjoyed my time here and I hoped that it would lead to bigger and better things within the organization. I now know that those bigger and better things will probably happen later on in life and of my own volition. I’ve run the gamut of emotions from being sad to angry (resulting in looking at bomb making tips online) and back to sad. I think the real reason I’m not ready to go is because I was just starting to help make things happen. I’ve got a lot ideas with moxie to match that I think a brand like LOFT could use. Sometimes it is best to look at things through a fresh set of eyes, even if they belong to a vertically challenged 27-year-old from the Carolinas. Maybe this is a sign from the man upstairs to keep my ideas to myself and save them for my own brand. Who know? I sure don’t but slowly but surely, I’ll try and make some sense of it. At any rate, it is back to the drawing board for me, kids. I’ll catch you on the flip side and keep on coming back for your doctor recommended dose of GLITTER!

The Party's Over

2009-08-07T14:12:00.001-05:00

The party's over, kids. Well, not really. But my time as a faithful intern/assistant in both fair and foul weather will come to an end as of August 14, 2009. Don’t think me daft and not good at my job. I am very good at everything I do because I get shit done and I KEEPS THE COOKIES FRESH! It just sucks that due to corporate red tape I can’t stay in this position. I’ve enjoyed my time with Miss A. and the rest of the design/visual/creative teams. While there have been some trying times, the good far and away outshine the bad. It is rare that anyone gets to work in such close proximity to some of the most creative people in the world while living the dream, so to speak. I know this isn’t the last time I will have to chance to do something as bad ass as this so I’m remaining positive. And luckily, if all goes well, I won’t have to march on down to the unemployment line and wait my turn along with the near suicidal finance fellahs. I interviewed for the merchandise coordinator (which, oddly enough, is what I went to school for but have steered clear from for years) with LOFT. While the position is light on creativity and heavy on number crunching, I know I’ll be fine. Besides, that’s what GLITTER is for! So I think you guys will be hearing even more from me if I move from the Louboutin-lined drawers of the 8^th floor to the beige madness on the 6^th. So in honor of my career change, I’d like to share my top fav memories from my time as the intern who came, saw and organized.

Buying shoes that cost more than what I made in three months.
Working with the most beautiful (not to mention nicest) models ever: Juliana, Flavia, Caroline, and Mini and having one of them call me a diva (damn skippy).
Being able to look at an original sample of a white wool bouclé coat from Alexander Wang’s first ever collection.
Sourcing organic tea bags (used as jewelry bags) from stoner hippies in Boston (insert tea party reference).
Holding Nina Garcia’s Evian bottle (which I kept in my room for a week).
Watching Kate Lanphear (I mean LanFIERCE) walk by and forgetting to breath for at least 30 seconds.
Getting a pair of AWESOME Opening Ceremony shoes from our wonderful tailor, Estevan, for my 27th Birthday.
Being constantly surrounded by the beauty of both the creative and human spirits. (PRICELESS!!)

Betty Lee Wears Guerlain

2009-08-05T15:59:00.001-05:00

To commemorate my seven-and-twenty year birthday, I decided to buy myself a little something something. Since I’m no longer able to drop coinage on something sick, I decided to just give myself the gift of scent. It has been a while since I last bought cologne and I was in desperate need. Gucci II wasn’t flicking my bean anymore so I needed something fast. I tend to gravitate towards fragrances that aren’t easily recognizable, dare I say obscure. I mean isn’t the whole goal of buying fragrances to smell alluring and always keep everyone guessing what you’re wearing? And I’ll be damned if I’m going to be like every other man and rock a typical guy fragrance (if I smell another grown ass man wearing Clinique Happy for Him I’m gonna set it off up in here). Since I like spicy woods and oriental fragrances, I decided to pick something new along those same lines. I always consult Basenotes when I am picking out scents because they have a good review of EVERY fragrance ever made as well as a listing for each note. After careful research, I decided on L’Instant de Guerlain pour Homme. It has all of my fav notes (bergamot, patchouli, and sandalwood) and it the price was right. I normally don’t take the olfactory leap of faith and buy without smelling first but I did. And I am happy I took a chance. Lil’ Instant (as I call it) starts off smelling all normal and manly then dries to an almost unisex scent that could only be described as sex and candy (the smells, not the song). I am flipping for this stuff. My only issue is that it seems to fade away to nothing so reapplication is a must around midday. All that aside, I don’t mind it at all. There is a more intense version of it that might last longer so I think I may go couch diving and find some duckets to add that scent to the rotation. Now if I could only find a man to walk by and tell me I smell good enough to eat with a Bojangle’s biscuit. Here’s hoping, kids.

OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!!!!

2009-08-04T17:05:00.002-05:00

I can't get this song out of my freaking head!!!!! But I kinda don't want to. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs do it again by making me want to get up off my thang and dance. Heads will roll indeed!

Bargain Hunter: Forever 21

2009-08-04T17:00:00.000-05:00

I'm n0t going to mince words: I don't like Forever 21. You would think that I would given my natural ability to find a bargain and make something mundane look fly as hell. I just can't do it. First of all, how do you shop there? Every location is always crowded and always junky. I've seen better organization at a 99¢ Only store. The merchandise is always littered here and there and usually damaged within minutes of hitting the sales floor like little pieces of sartorial shrapnel (left in the wake of an epic battle between two girls who no doubt needed something “sexy” to wear to the club that weekend). I just can’t deal. And living in NYC, where even people who work for the brands that Forever 21 knocks off, shop there so no matter what day or time of the week, I am guaranteed to become part of the crush of peeps. But imagine my surprise last week when I found these babies in the only safe part of the Herald Square Forever 21 (the men’s section). I FREAKING LOVE GREY!!!! I wear a grey t-shirt everyday and if I were impervious to the shade that my fellow fashionistas/fashionistos would through my way, I would rock a grey sweats every day. I’m that hardcore about grey. Needless to say, I was instantly drawn to these jeans. The cut is perfect (not too skinny and not too baggy) and they also come in a variety of other colors. While I could do without the crinkle crotch action, I’ll buy them yet and still. For autumn, I’ll be sporting these with plaid shirts, a classic black or navy blazer, and L.L. Bean boots. What do you think, kids?

Heritage 1981 Crinkle Accent Straight Jeans $22.90

Baggage Excess: Mulberry Balthazar Holdall

2009-07-31T16:21:00.001-05:00

I GAGGED when I saw this little baby on the Mulberry website. If you know me, then you know my love of all things Mulberry is starting to enter single white female territory and this sexy mutha is going to make me lose all control. I love the buckle detailing and it is the perfect size for everyday use. Not to mention, it is not too big for my petite 5’8 frame (or my huge hips and thighs). The great thing about Mulberry bags is they use quality materials and craftsmanship and the bags are not crazy expensive (I’m talking to you, Vuitton) and are built to last. The only thing that has stopped me from getting my hands on one is my cash flow (or lack thereof). That intern’s salary I’m working with does not allow for $1,000+ bags no matter how fierce they may be. Someday. The good thing about the Balthazar (which is a new addition to the men’s line for Fall 2009) is that it is not considered one of the company's "Heritage" bags so this puppy will go on sale towards the end of the season (and Mulberry knows how to do a sale up right). Fingers crossed that this man bag enters my life sooner than later. If anyone out there in the blogosphere wants to gift me this, I will perform hard labor and sexual favors in exchange. Dead serious.

L'Obsession Du Moment: Grits

2009-07-31T09:47:00.005-05:00

Every day, for the past two weeks, I have been eating the fuck out of some grits. The café here at TST is pretty awesome and they usually do it up big for breakfast and lunch. Yogurt parfaits, a bagel bar, and all the breakfast meats one could want are at my disposal. But I tend to opt out of those things and head straight for the grits. I think they remind me of growing up in SC and my mother’s peculiar aversion to them (which is reason enough for me to like them). I like to add a little bit of butter and cheese (ain’t any sugar up in my grits) with a dash of salt and pepper. Personally, I think everyone should give grits a chance. They probably deserve more of a chance than peace. Get into this, kids!

The End is the Beginning is the End.....

2009-07-21T09:44:00.011-05:00

This tear from Living was sitting on my desk when I came in yesterday. It was left by my fellow intern, Kelly, who also has a strange fascination with things of a glittery nature. I took it as a small sign from some great cosmic force. And also it was my birthday so I knew this little slip of slick paper would help me navigate the waters of my now seven and twenty year on this planet (sounds so classy when you say it like Miss Austen).

Truth be told, I’ve been wanting to give GLITTER another shot. I tried after my graduation from college but couldn’t muster up the strength (or interesting stories) to do it. I thought about giving it another go after I finally realized one of my biggest dreams by moving to NYC but shit got in the way. Basically, I've been using my powers of procrastination to block myself from living out loud. I don’t usually say everything that’s on my mind (I usually try to air on the side of diplomacy as to not offend anyone). When I first started GLITTER back in college, I used it as a free space to say what I feel and tell a little tale about some good music or a cute boy or two. I've never wanted to be one of those serious bloggers. I feel as if there are plenty of those who do a far better job than I (look to the right of this page if you don't believe me). I really just wanted to use GLITTER as a way to keep in touch with my fellow friends scattered to-and-fro. I've never been a master of keeping in touch with someone once they cease to live in the same city as me but I just want you to know (if it applies to you) that I truly do cherish each and everyone of you (cue Bette Midler singing "Wind Beneath My Wings"). I've had the great fortune of meeting the coolest people since I left the southern comfort of my parents house in 2000. Its been a crazy ride and I'm not ready to get off. So here's looking at you kids! As long as GLITTER is alive and doing fan kicks, know that I am there with you (breathing on your neck and smelling your hair). I hope y'all stop by from time to get your daily dose of fashion, fun, and all that jazz. Later gators!