Saturday, April 10, 2010




Over worked?
Need a Break?
Take a Instant Vacation!

This spring, Mark, the sassy younger sister of direct-selling brand Avon is whisking you away to the beautiful beaches of Brazil with their summer beauty collection.

“Instant Vacation Rio Collection” was created with the help of renowned Brazilian-born designer Carlos Falchi. Falchi, famous for his eclectic patchwork bags and accessory lines channeled the essence of the mark girl in this line of vibrant and playful fashion, fragrance and cosmetics.

“Rio embodies color, vibrancy and spirit, all of which are reflected in this collection,” Carlos says. “Each piece is unique and incorporates my signature features, like the colorful linings of the bags, inspired by the Copacabana boardwalk, and the unique fabrications.”

Look below for a sneak peek at the new beauty items, available for purchase on April 27th through mark representatives, on meetmark.com and via the company’s Facebook.



Big on style (yet surprisingly lightweight!), these large, intricately designed earrings are a stunning way to wear summer’s hot tribal trend



A necklace that makes you want to give into your primal urges—you know, those desires to wear a huge summer trend! 33" L (with 3" extender).



Our first-ever bikini in a print that’s oh-so Rio, because it’s based on Carlos Falchi’s exclusive watercolor! Features gold-ring details, an element repeated throughout the Carlos Falchi and mark. Rio collection. 92% nylon/8% spandex. Lining: 100% polyester. Imported.
The top has removable padding and detachable spaghetti straps so it can be worn as a halter or a bandeau. Features gold-ring details, an element repeated throughout the Carlos Falchi and mark. Rio collection. 92% nylon/8% spandex. Lining: 100% polyester. Imported.




Gold mine! Ring in summer with these metallic faux leather gladiators designed by Carlos Falchi. Not only are they super-versatile, a padded footbed makes them super-comfy, too! Imported. Whole sizes only. Half sizes, order one size up.




Tie Carlos Falchi’s fashion-forward, faux leather bag around your waist or at your shoulder and you’ll be the guaranteed golden girl (with the super-hot sense of style). Double zipper closure. Zipper pulls feature long tie finishings. 6 1/2" L x 2 1/2" W x 5" H (72" shoulder strap).




With its wide, floppy brim, this chic, Carlos Falchi-designed hat has got you covered on summer’s sunniest days. Best of all: it’s reversible (cobalt blue on one side, black on the other)! 100% cotton canvas. Imported.




Wear pieces together or separately. Sheerly, the hottest dress for summer - in our exclusive Rio-inspired print by Carlos Falchi. Detach the coordinating bright blue slip and the dress doubles as a chic beach cover-up! Dress: 100% polyester georgette. Slip: 100% polyester satin. Imported.




Whether you’re heading to Brazil or Boston, you’ll stand out with this oversized, faux leather bag dressed up with some of Carlos Falchi’s signature details, like an embossed circular pattern and plenty of pleating outside and a Copacabana boardwalk-inspired lining inside. 19 1/2" L x 14 1/2" H (9" handle drop).




Get your glow on, gorgeously! Combines bronzer and highlighter for a shimmery, golden glow. With a swirl of your brush, the compact’s three shades combine into one illuminating powder that brightens the skin or enhances a tan. Wear alone or over foundation, on shoulders or décolletage. Half-moon brush included. Oil-free and fragrance-free. 0.4 oz. net wt.





Sign of the Times




A true sign of the times is the changes in technology. With all the gadget and gizmos we walk around with nowadays, who actually uses a watch to tell time? Of all the people I know, my grandmother is the only one who I asked the time or date and she didn’t reach for her iPhone, Blackberry or some other battery operated device. So I began to wonder, has the watch become an “antique?”
There are some designers who would beg to differ. This spring, wrist wear is on the up rise. I do believe you anyone will be able to find a witch to suit their style this season. Might even make you put that phone back in your purse or pocket.
Rolex is known for watches, of course. But this spring’s collection is full of fashion forward pieces compared to the mechanical themed pieced we have seen in previous years. More leather band and metallic detailing and less metal bands and bland metallic numbering.
Even Cartier and Hermes have joined the bandwagon. Now you can add to you diamond ring and necklace with a new bling’d out watch. The perfect new accessory for any wardrobe. Cartier has taken a twist with the time tellers and added leather and gold to their repertoire of fine jewelry. So if you’re into diamonds, they can suit your taste or if you want a less flashy timepiece, they can accommodate you as well. And who wouldn’t want a watch by Hermes, they make such beautiful scarves and handbags, their watches cant help but be just as beautiful. They carry some colorful like their other accessories and some a little more basic to suit those of a more classic taste. Either way Hermes says fun and flirty fashion, these new watches don’t disappoint.
It’s only a matter of time before history repeats itself and we all, once again will be sporting watches. Fashionable wrists wear s on its way back!

-Camille Hardiman

Monday, March 15, 2010

Gorillaz- Superfast Jellyfish (Video)



For the average person this video looks like "who did it and what for?" But I'm sure just like everything else in the world, theres a deeper meaning. check out the Gorillaz Plastic Beach album review . Enjoy the visuals...

Big Boi- Fo Yo Sorrows (Feat. Too Short & George Clinton)

Chris Brown- Sex

"This one here is a panty dropper..." LOL

Lloyd Banks- Beamer, Benz, Bently (Video)

Friday, March 5, 2010

Album Review: Gorillaz "Plastic Beach"


Plastic Beach is the third installment from psychedelic pop band, the Gorillaz. On this go around the band seems to formulate a smashup experiment which continues to raise the bar musically.


Damon Albarn provided the audio aspect of the project from the songwriting to the production, receiving help from a wide range of artists. With features stretching from De La Soul to Sinfonia VIVA (orchestra), who provided the albums' introduction, Albarn cooks a melting pot of artist.

Albarns work was only complemented by English comic book artist and co-creator of the Gorillaz Jamie Hewlett with whom he created the rotating cast of four fictional characters (Murdoco Niccals, Noodles, 2D, and Russle Hobbs). The duo sought to create a cinematically life on a secluded island, enabling the listener to decipher their own hidden meaning deviating away from the darker toned theme as previously seen on “Demon Days”.

The group linked up with The Lebanese National Orchestra on the song "White Flag” and UK rappers Kano and Bashy to compose a reggae bashment peace treaty describing the ambiance of life on the island.

“Look, yo, no castaway, no survivor/ I ain't lost and this ain't shipwrecked/ I feel small in this big wide world… This ain't Atlantis, are you sure/ I nearly suffocated when I touched the shore”.

The album's lead single "Stylo" includes Bobby Womack and Mos Def on the vocals,Inviting the listener on a virtual mind trip post-pandemonium on Plastic Beach.

"oh stylo go forth/ blossom in your soul/ when you know your heart is light/ electric is the love/ when the mako flies (dangerous shark)/up from the bottom/ in your eyes then I know the twilight skies/ are not so broken hearted."

Through Plastic Beach, the Gorillaz once again reinvent their sound, as well as the caricatures that perform the songs creating a reflective sense to the reality.

In a recent interview with the popular UK music magazine NME (New Musical Express) Gorillaz front man and bass player Murdoc Niccals, stated he was hoping to emulate a euphoric feeling for audio film… and that’s exactly what they do.

Highpoints: Some Kind Of Nature, Plastic Beach, Superfast Jellyfish

Low points: Glitter Freeze



For further Gorillaz info check out @MurdocGorillaz on twitter.

Gone Too Soon: Alexander McQueen



British fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen, better known as Alexander McQueen, unexpectedly passed away on February 10, 2010 in his London flat. Although his untimely death is tragic, McQueen will also be remembered for his innovative fashion designs and more importantly for his charismatic belief in chasing one’s dreams.




McQueen was born in March 1969 in London, England to Ronald McQueen a taxi driver and Joyce McQueen, a science teacher. As the youngest of six children he was constantly constructing apparel items for his older siblings and at age 16 he felt such a deep calling to pursue fashion, that he dropped out of school and obtained and apprenticeship with Savile Row tailor Anderson & Sheppard. McQueen recognized his opportunity to learn as much as he could in tailoring and before long he was offered various promotions for different Savile Row tailors.



After successfully mastering real world experience in design, McQueen completed his education and graduated with his Masters Degree in Fashion Design from London’s most prestigious fashion school, Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. This was a pivotal point in his life, for the wardrobe collection he designed for his final semester was purchased by British magazine editor and international style icon Isabella Blow. McQueen now had a worldwide stage to display his designs and his career skyrocketed.



McQueen’s designs were often considered outrageous and cutting edge to mainstream society, however the designer always remained true to his creations and in fact used the criticism to fuel his inspirations. Even at time when many outsiders felt he was gambling his opportunities due to his rebellious style and attitude, McQueen possessed the uncanny ability to see beyond the conventional and realize the unthinkable. This ability to think outside the box made him the recipient of many awards. He was the three-time winner of The British Designer of The Year Award, named The International Designer of The Year of The Council of Fashion Designers and was awarded the title Commander In The Order of The British Empire, by Queen Elizabeth.



Along with his Haute Couture line, Alexander McQueen, he had a secondary line McQueen and a discount line for Target called McQ. McQueen’s talent to appeal to all individuals coupled with his savvy business sense, are major factors that lead to his success. Even people who are not in tune to the fashion world are touched by McQueen’s death. William Fickbohm, a graduate student at FSU, who’s interest is outside of the fashion says, “I understand how great this loss is for the fashion industry, I have read various articles about him in the Wall Street Journal illustrating his huge impact on the business side of fashion”. The fact that people outside of fashion know who McQueen is, proves what a major impact this designer had on society.

Although Alexander McQueen can never be replaced, his artistic talents and passion for the creative realm of fashion will always live on. McQueen set the great example that reaching unconventional goals requires unconventional means. He is an inspiration to every individual who has a dream.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Official Lupe Fiasco "Laser" Tour Dates Announcement!

Here's the (U.S. leg) official list for Lupe Fiasco's "Steppin Laser" Tour alongside with B.o.B.

Friday 3/5 - Bridges Auditorium - Claremont, CA - (w/B.o.B)
Saturday 3/20 - Bob Hope Theatre - Stockton, CA
Wednesday 4/07 - House of Blues - Boston, MA - (w/B.o.B)
Friday 4/09 - House of Blues (Atlantic City) - Atlantic City, NJ - (w/B.o.B)
Saturday 4/10 - The Fillmore NY at Irving Plaza - New York, NY - (w/B.o.B)
Tuesday 4/13 - 9:30 Club - Washington, DC - (w/B.o.B)
Wednesday 4/14 - Royal Oak Theatre - Detroit, MI - (w/B.o.B)
Friday 4/16 - Eagles Ballroom - Milwaukee, WI - (w/B.o.B)
Saturday 4/17 - Lund Arena (Gustavus Adolphus College) - St. Peter, MN
Sunday 4/18 - Midland Theatre - Kansas City, MO
Tuesday 4/20 - Peoria Civic Center Theatre - Peoria, IL - (w/B.o.B)
Thursday 4/22 - East Tennessee State University Center - Johnson City, TN
Friday 4/23 - UNC – Charlotte - Charlotte, NC - (w/B.o.B)
Saturday 4/24 - Worcester Polytechnic Institute - Worcester, MA
Monday 4/26 - House of Blues - Houston, TX - (w/B.o.B)
Tuesday 4/27 - House of Blues - Dallas, TX - (w/B.o.B)
Thursday 4/29 - Ogden Theatre - Denver, CO - (w/B.o.B)
Saturday 5/01 - House of Blues (Las Vegas) - Las Vegas, NV - (w/B.o.B)
Sunday 5/02 - House of Blues (Sunset) - Los Angeles, CA - (w/B.o.B)
Wednesday 5/05 - Regency Ballroom - San Francisco, CA - (w/B.o.B)
Friday 5/07 - Showbox SoDo - Seattle, WA - (w/B.o.B)

Its The Real: Charles disCharged

Sarcasm at its finest

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Jay-Z Wishes To Shoot Two Videos


At his Two Kings dinner last week, MTV asked Jay about what videos he plans to shoot next.

I wanna shoot ‘Venus vs. Mars’, that may be the last one.. I wanna shoot two, I been shooting two at one time. I’ll probably shoot ‘Venus’ and maybe ‘A Star Is Born.’ But I definitely wanna shoot ‘Venus’ — I got an amazing concept in my mind.

There probably won’t be a video for “Stranded,” though.

I don’t think there will be a video. The number is ridiculous as far as the [money generated by the Hope For Haiti Now] album. I’m excited about the whole effort we put into the telethon. I don’t think it’s entertainment, I think it’s a real thing. It’s helping real people through a real tough time, and we’ll just move on from there.

He also talked about his next album.

I didn’t really start yet. I got a couple of scraps and I got a couple of ideas. I didn’t really go into the studio yet. I’ve been toying with ideas and direction and things like that. I got one crazy record. To be honest with you, it’s crazy. I got one and we’ll build from there. Whether it comes out this year or next year, it depends on the music and how it’s coming out. I don’t really have any dates.

Courtesy of NahRight

Rich Boy- Mr. Jetson


Video: Wiz Khalifa: Kush X Orange Juice Trailer

Wiz Khalifa XXL Freshmen 2010 Freestyle (Video)

Thursday, February 11, 2010

MarVo- Sad Song

I know he looks very young, but trust me I wouldn't have put him up here if I didn't think he had IT. Hooking up with various heavy hitters in the game from Don Cannon to DJ Drama, all of them vouch for the Chi-town spitter cuz he goes in.

Download: MarVo- Sad Song

Lupe Leaks!!

Here's a couple of leaks from Lupe Fiasco. I don't if they'll be on his Lasers album, but here you go for the meantime.

Download: Lupe Fiasco- What U Want (Unfinished)
Download: Lupe Fiasco- Proceed
Download: Lupe Fiasco- Lean

Little Brother- LeftBack (Artwork & Tracklist)


Tracklisting

1. Curtain Call (Prod. By Khrysis)
2. Table For Two Feat. Jozeemo & Yahzarah (Prod. By Khrysis)
3. Tigallo For Dolo (Prod. By Khrysis)
4. Revenge Feat. Truck North & Median (Prod. By Khrysis)
5. So Cold Feat. Chaundon (Prod. By King Karnov)
6. Second Chances Feat. Bilal & Darien Brockington (Prod. By Denaun Porter)
7. Go Off Go On (Prod. By Khrysis)
8. What We Are Feat. Quiana (Prod. By Young R.J.)
9. After The Party Feat. Carlitta Durand (S1 and Caleb’s Who Shot JR Ewing Remix) (Prod. By S1 and Caleb)
10. Two Step Blues Feat. Darien Brockington (Zo’s Purple Suit With The Matching Gators Remix) (Prod. By Zo!)
11. Get Enough Pt. 2 Feat. Khrysis (Prod. By Khrysis)
12. Before The Night Is Over (Prod. By J.Bizness)
13. 24 Feat. Torae (Prod. By Khrysis)

QuESt – How Thoughtful (Mixtape)


Intellectual Rap!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

CurT@!n$ – State Of Emergency


Download: Curt@!n$– State Of Emergency

Nipsey Hussle- Talk About Me

Ehhh. Nipsey could've done better... #kanyshrug

Its The Real: They Reminisce Over Ye

They Reminisce Over Ye from jeff on Vimeo.

Big K.R.I.T – King (Video)

Here's an up and comer that I'm really supporting, Big K.R.I.T. from Meridian, Mississippi. This only the second song that I've heard from K.R.I.T., he keeps me on my toes wanting to hear more. Not to draw any comparisons, as critics love to do that, he reminds me of a "dirty south" J. Cole, even though J. Cole is from Tobacco Road. Well this is the visual and the audio for his new song, also look out for his project "K.R.I.T Wuz Here” dropping April 5th. Here's my stamp of approval

Download: Big K.R.I.T.- King

Monday, February 8, 2010

Friday, February 5, 2010

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Travis Porter- @IAMTRAVISPORTER (Mixtape)

Here's those all they way turn't up guys from the ATL, with their new mixtape @IAMTRAVISPORTER. This should be a slapper from the looks of the tracklisting. So here it is, enjoy and get max turn't!

Young Jeezy- The Takeover (Feat. Bigga Rankin)

Young Jeezy will be dropping Trap Or Die 2 this Saturday so be on the lookout for that one...

Nike “Year of the Tiger” Classic Cortez





iCop

Oddisee- Odd Winter (Mixtape)

Just a quick little mixtape from rapper/producer Oddisee reppin that DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) in case you ain't know so. This is more of an instrumental tape with a couple songs with some unknows rapping to Odd's beats. This a very great CD and I highly recommend it. FIRM Approved!

Time 4 Sum Aksion

ItsTheReal will be back in action this Monday Febuary 8th so look out for that post.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Feature DJ: DJ B Eazy


Over the years, the constant power struggle that is Hip Hop has transitioned from Coast to Coast.From New York, to the Midwest to the dirty South no one has done it quite like the West Coast. Widely respected and looked up to for their edgy sounds and aggressive in your face style- artists like NWA, ICE-T, 2 Pac, and Snoop Dogg have helped to shape and evolve the ever changing style of Hip Hop.
Now as we enter the age of the mixtape, we see new up and coming talent out of the west coast developing including Brandon Matthews better known as Dj B Eazy a native of Compton, CA and relative of the late MC Yella of the infamous N.W.A.
When asked about his first experience with music, he simply laughed and replied,” I was introduced to music very young, it’s in my blood.”
Thus making DJing a natural choice “…man, I couldn’t rap, but my love for music wouldn't let me leave hip hop alone...”
Becoming a DJ has opened a number of doors for B-Eazy and has helped him to develop a number of relationships with people around the world.
These same connections assisted B-Eazy in spinning his way from the streets of Compton to the spotlights of Las Vegas. With a number of sin city stories to tell, Eazy says “The party in Vegas doesn’t end until about 6 in the morning”
With plans to expand his reach across the globe, B-Eazy has major moves in the works! This Cali native is out to run the world, one mixtape at time.
For booking or event inquiries contact DJ B Eazy at Twitter.com/DJ_B_Eazy

Tallahassee Network of Young Professionals

Tell us a little about NYP, its origins and where it is now?
The Tallahassee Network of Young Professionals (NYP) was established in 2003 to foster personal and professional growth by connecting its members through fun and engaging activities, while simultaneously offering career enhancing opportunities. We are focused on all aspects of a young professionals’ life, and our events and gatherings offer a chance for young professionals to explore Tallahassee and meet its residents in a casual atmosphere. NYP allows you to network in different settings and opens a door to building lasting friendships.
Over the past 7 years, we’ve built a network that reaches over 1,000 local young professionals in our community. We believe 2010 will be a year in which NYP really takes off. We’ve seen a very promising and exciting increase in attendance at our events, and expect the trend to continue as more young Tallahasseans discover what NYP has to offer. Our goal for 2010 is to recruit 150 new members.
What are some current initiatives and events that NYP is working on presently?
On Friday, January 29th, NYP is hosting its 5th Annual Hometown Hoedown at the Tallahassee Museum from 7-11 P.M. The event, benefitting the museum, will feature live music by Jimmy Gillis, nighttime tours of the museum, a bonfire, southern food and cold drinks. Admission is $20, but includes unlimited food and drinks. A $5 discount will be given to those who renew or purchase a NYP membership for 2010. However, you do not have to be a member to attend the Hometown Hoedown—it is open to anyone who is looking for a new way to meet young professionals in our area.
Additionally, we’ve designated February as Membership Month for 2010. Throughout the month of February, NYP will host a series of events aimed at attracting potential new members. Membership Month kicks off with Hometown Hoedown, followed by our monthly 535 Happy Hour at the Winery at the Red Bar, a Connect YP luncheon that is co-sponsored with the United Way of the Big Bend’s For Young Leaders Only, and a How To: Make Sushi event. It’s a great way to sample what we have to offer.
What impact do you seek to make on the Tallahassee area?
We want to show the young people in our city the more vibrant side of Tallahassee—that we are not just a sleepy college town. Additionally, we want to enrich the city as a whole by providing talent and valuable resources to local businesses and cultural organizations. It’s an exciting time to be a young professional in Tallahassee, and we know we have an opportunity to help shape our city’s future.
What is the ultimate goal of NYP?
Our mission is to make Tallahassee a city where young professionals choose to live, work, play and stay. NYP is not a place to merely exchange business cards, but an organization intended to help you enjoy Tallahassee, while uniquely intersecting the benefits of enhancing your social and professional life.
What are the benefits of joining NYP?
As a paid member of NYP, you receive access to our entire network of over 1,000 local young professionals. Additionally, members enjoy discounts at many NYP events. Annual dues are $36 for a 12 month membership (February-February).
What characteristics do you look for in members?
We are not just a network—we are your peers. We are young, motivated professionals who are seeking to network, socialize and broaden our professional horizons while remembering to have a little fun along the way. However, you do not have to be a member or even a "young" professional to participate in any of our events. If you are energetic and enthusiastic about Tallahassee's young professional community, we would love to have you join us.
If someone wanted to get involved, how would they go about getting involved? Where could they receive additional information?
The best way to get involved in NYP is to attend one of our events. A great way to start is by checking out our 535 Happy Hour, which is held the first Wednesday of every month at a different local bar or restaurant (see our website for a listing of upcoming events). All you need to do is show up—there is no cover and these happy hours are open to everyone, whether or not you are a paid member. You have no excuse to say you don’t know where to meet anyone your age, because every month we provide an opportunity to do so!
Personally, this is how I was first introduced to NYP. I’d heard of NYP happy hours, but I was always reluctant to go by myself. However, one day after seeing something in the local paper about an upcoming 535 Happy Hour, I decided to go—what did I have to lose? I went by myself, but I wasn’t by myself at all that evening. I met some great people that night, and I’ve gone to almost every event since!
If you are interested in becoming a paid member to experience all of our benefits, you can purchase your membership online at our website, www.tallahasseenyp.org.
Or, if you simply want to learn more about our organization or information about upcoming events, you can visit our website (www.tallahasseenyp.org), join our Facebook page , or follow us on Twitter (@tallahasseenyp).

Roll with the Winners: Circle of Success


"You only get as far as the people you hang around." -Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.

For some it may be your family, others friends or co-workers. Whoever it may be-understand this is your Circle of Success and the company you keep plays as large a part as your achievements.

A little over a year ago, two individuals decided to make their network their net worth merging two separate clothing lines together to create Circle of Success.

With just a simple glance at their website, their message is clear-creating an association with success through clothing. Circle of Success strives to reach the capacity for the champion state of mind. Now as the brand enters their second season, the Inland Empire (a combination of Riverside & San Bernardino counties) natives remain true their message continuing to be draw inspiration from who they are and what they do as entrepreneurs as opposed to outside influences.

Since its creation, Circle of Success has rapidly gained respect and notoriety amongst the heavy hitter street brands such as Crooks & Castles, 10 Deep, Clae, and so forth. The line recently obtained their sixth store in Southern California, and co-founder Courtney Campbell expresses that this is only the beginning!

Upcoming projects include collaborations with the ever-so-popular Inland Empire brand Soulful Commando as well as partnerships with Donut Clothing. Together the companies are committed to bringing the IE out of the shadow of its neighbor and fashion capital, Los Angeles.

Wearing their area code as a badge of honor, Circle of Success has much to be proud of, creating a whole new market in an seemingly elusive arena. Amid everything else the brand has to offer, if the sole purpose is to become synonymous with greatness, then this motivated clothing line has nothing to fret.

If interested in purchasing anything from the COS brand, their online website is www.cos247.com

Feature Designer: Asha Maddali for Paisley & Brass


Tallatainment: When did you start making Jewelry? Was this always your passion?




Paisley & Brass: I started fiddling around with it at Florida State's Market Wednesdays in 2006. I started selling clothes & jewelry I wasn't wearing like at the market sort of like a little pop up consignment shop then started tweaking jewelry pieces to make them more of what I liked. Then slowly, it progressed into me selling all jewelry and fashion accessories I designed. I have always had a strong love for jewelry, especially antique and vintage pieces. I just feel that jewelry pieces are special and hold meaning for the wearer so you can keep them forever. Also they withstand trends much better than clothes!





Tallatainment: What/who is your inspiration?





Paisley & Brass: I really love tribal and ethnic pieces. My grandparents live in India so there are some really amazing chunky vintage pieces I scour for when I visit them. I also find inspiration in music, traveling and entrepreneurial people who own their own business. Living in New York City and being surrounded by so many young and talented artists as well is always motivating too to keep going and grow my business.





Tallatainment: What is your design philosophy?





Paisley & Brass: I think it is important to always design pieces you believe in. I think when you focus on trying to make things that you think will sell, it doesn't work because its been forced. I try to stay true to what I like aesthetically and luckily others have been liking it too!





Tallatainment: What aspirations do you have for your line? Would you eventually like for the pieces to retail in dept stores or boutiques?





Paisley & Brass: I would love to do a collaboration with a clothing designer or expand the assortment of product. I am currently working on these fun little embellished hair clips & pins for jackets and blazers that are really great. And as for the selling to department stores, I would love to be able to expose my jewelry to a wider audience. And selling to more boutiques is something I am continually working on.





Tallatainment: Do you do special or custom orders for clients?





Paisley & Brass: Yes, I think it is one of my favorite things to do! It feels so special to work with someone and collaborate to create a piece together that is so personalized and special to them. It is very rewarding.





Tallatainment: Do current fashion trends have an impact on the look of your pieces?





Paisley & Brass: I have always been drawn to chunky, statement pieces of jewelry and since body jewelry and armor is so popular right now, I do look at those things. I also love reading blogs and magazines and looking at street style pictures for inspiration as well.





Tallatainment: What is your ultimate goal as a designer?





Paisley & Brass: To keep building technical skills that will allow me to further explore more design possibilities while growing the business growing and the product assortment ever changing and exciting. I would ultimately love to have a little accessory empire one day!







Pictures courtesy of www.spanishmossvintage.com

Paisley & Brass Jewelry

website: www.ashaloo.etsy.com

blog: www.paisleyandbrass.blogspot.com

Man in the Mirror: MJ Inspired Fashion

There isn’t one person on the planet that wasn’t touched by Michael Jackson. Whether you listened to him on the 8 tracks, practiced your moonwalk in your mother’s kitchen or made your own rhinestone glove. We all wanted a piece and now because of some of talented designers we can!


The replicas first made their appearance last fall in the runway collection of Balmain. Balmain presented two modernized versions of Jackson infamous military style jacket. The most popular is the black with silver and crystal detail, also comes in denim. Obviously for the most elite, this jacket starts at $11,000 and has been spotted on the celeb shoulders of Beyonce’ and Rihanna.

Because Jackson is such a household name, would you expect anything less from garments inspired by him? This spring, Alice and Olivia & Arden B. have introduced their own versions. Alice and Olivia has the black jacket starting at $400, still the same boxy frame but with a sprinkle of embellishment to the lapel and the shoulders-an eye-catching piece to add to any closet. Carrie Underwood was even caught sporting hers heading to Jimmy Kimmel Live.

For those of us who don’t receive the paycheck of Grammy nominated recording artist, you can grab one from Arden B. for $78. This jacket comes in navy, has a rounded shoulder and mandarin collar instead of a cross lapel and is more of a confederate twist to the King of Pop standard. Also the embellishment is done in gray instead of silver for those who love the style but not the sparkle.

Like the records, these jackets can be appreciated by just about anyone. Pair it with a tee and some distressed denim or jazz it up with pleated front shorts and gladiator sandals. However you choose to rock it, Make it your own, He sure did!