This look is stylish and straightforward, similar to an outfit I've worn before but this time with a little pop. The Shoes! My embroidered mules are brought to you by GoJane.com and are the center piece of this look. I finish it off with my signature head wrap for more fashionable simplicity. Forever 21 jeans, an Urban Outfitters Bodysuit, and a thrifted blazer; easy as 123.
My beloved Scott Mescudi is in town for the New York leg of his Passion, Pain, & Demon Slayin' tour performing mainly songs from his latest album of that title. Here's my look for the show. I wore a lacy/floral mini skit from Forever 21, faux-garter fishnet tights from Urban Outfitters, my all time fave matte black Doc Martens also from UO, and of course my KiD CuDi T-shirt, which I've had for years, from Hot Topic. I was channeling all Alt/Punk/Emo CuDi vibes for this outfit, but certainly stayed true and kept it comfortable.
For the past week I have been prepping for this concert, not only by listening to Cudder's entire discography but by creating and 18" x 24" potrait of Scott himself on canvas using Acrylic paint. I was able to give my painting to Scott which was one of the greatest moments of my life. See below:
The show overall was such a breathtaking, out-of-body, spiritually awakening experience; at Central Park's Summerstage. Though it is not summer anymore concert goers were luckily met with 80+ degree weather, which felt even warmer while standing amongst a huge crowd. I arrived about 4 hours before "doors open"and there were already what looked like 100 people ahead of me. I was able to maneuver through the crowd and made a whole group of new friends with a bunch of strangers, who I eventually became disconnected from while flooding the concert area when gates were finally opened. The line, or just the huge crowd of people along the path leading up to summer stage, was a rather notable pastime as folks had speakers blasting CuDi's greatest as well as other dope music, and there were other fans to just chat with of course. Fans came out with all kinds of CuDi gear whether it was his custom Bape t-shirt, which he actually wore as well, or tour shirts from previous albums. When the gates opened it was the biggest sigh of relief. The sun's heat met with hours of waiting met with hundreds of people in small space cause a few fans to pass out, they were helped immediately by staff and eventually individuals were asking to be carried out of the crowd just because it was too much. I was able to get upfront but to the very far right being that there were so many people ahead of me. Pushing and shoving were not foreign concepts to this crowd, as soon as Scott came out on to the stage the crowd went crazy. I had my painting with me in my portfolio and was forced to hold it over my head. I eventually was pushed directly to the front up against the barricade and held it on the other side of the barricade for the rest of the show. When CuDi came down to see us all I was pushed so hard my ribs and hipbones felt bruised, however I wouldn't want it any other way.
The stage had a jungle theme with green trees and leaves everywhere, while we were waiting smoke started to fill the stage, throughout the show the lights were the most important aspect with CuDi being lit from all sides and different lighting arrangements for each song, each vibe, each mood. At one point foam was falling from the top of the stage as if it were snowing, and the smoke was going throughout the entire show. Visually we were transported into a different world, you can only imagine what aura the music brought with it. CuDi's energy is so high, open, and free; seeing him live was an experience like no other. As many know, the last we heard from The Lonely Stoner publicly was late last year when he announced he will be checking into rehab for his widely known Depression, and Suicidal Ideation. He has not been active on social media ever since, nor necessarily in the limelight. This was his return. Having spent some time living NYC on the eve of his career, he said he felt like he was back home. The show was the warmest of welcomes. He not only performed some hits from the latest album, he also blessed us with the classics while dancing, smiling, laughing and jumping around the whole time. It was so good to see him truly happy and to feel his energy.
He opened with "Baptized in Fire" the breakout single from "Passion, Pain, & Demon Slaying", with what was one the most explosives entrances. He went on to perform a song I assumed he would usually open with, "REVOFEV" from his second studio album "Man on The Moon Part II: The Legend of Mr. Rager". There is no doubting the energy in that space, it was non-stop, RAGE all the way through, no down time. Other singles from the album he performed include, "Frequency", "Releaser", "By Design", "Kitchen", and "Rose Golden". He threw in some throwbacks, such as "CuDi Zone" and "Pursuit of Happiness" from his debut album "Man on The Moon: The End of Day". He also brought out a surprise guest, his good friend/Day 1, King Chip to perform both "Just What I Am" and "Brothers" from CuDi's fourth studio album Indicud. I was screaming the entire time. He ended with the closer and arguably best track on his latest album, "Surfin'". Towards the end of the song there is a break which is reminiscent of African music with CuDi harmonizing, he took that time to jump off stage and greet his fans. This is when he came down to see my painting and I was able to tell him it was for him and he took it. This was such a surreal moment, I still cannot believe it happened. I was recording a video on my phone while he was performing surfing and I was still recording when he came down. Here's a video clip of the moment.
Here's another outfit for this week! A change in occupation has really affected my wardrobe for two main reasons, !. I no longer work at UO (buh-bye discount), and 2. I now work at a school(Hello Business Causal). This look is also brought to you by H&M, with the floral print dress I grabbed for only $5 ! and paired with American Apparel faux suede/patent leather oxfords. A very comfortable outfit for quite a warm day, I also brought out the red lips for today's 80 degree weather!
This Fall feels a bit like summer's leftovers, since solstice we've had mid to high 70 degree weather once it reaches high noon here in NYC, however the temperature drop is quite prevalent. Today we have a high of 71 degrees and a low of 57. As someone who works in a school during the afternoon/evening I have to be mindful of both the dress code (business casual) and the impending cool whether I will be met with come 7pm.
Today's look is brought to you primarily by H&M as I am wearing a long-sleeved grey dress, paired with Forever 21 boots, complete with a Banana Republic trench coat, and 99 cent stockings. This outfit is simple, appropriate, just warm enough and cute.
Faint melodic tones fall onto your ears as Tangina harmonizes and opens with “I’m so insecure, all I need is more... confidence” a track about self-doubt and pressure from family and friends to be a big superstar once embarking on a journey. The journey Stone took over 6 years ago, moving to NYC to chase the dream. "Confidence" intro acts as a diary entry as well as an anthem for all those doubting themselves, all those who struggle with low self-esteem, especially independent artists. A short, sweet, and beautifully vulnerable intro to this album. The next track, "Anxious", is another personal account exhibiting spiritual and mental health when it comes to negative feelings that can accompany positive things in life.
“I’m still running from my dreams,
burning down all of my trees,
wondering why I can’t breathe”.
She says "I know you’re gonna leave me, baby", a sentence that perfectly sums up anxiety attached to personal relationships and ultimately feeling like you’re all alone. Stress and Anxiety have found their way to the forefront of conversation, we as a people are finally at a point where we can say out loud I’m anxious, I’m nervous, I’m stressed out, I mentally cannot handle this. It is remarkable how Tangina can show this in her music as well. "By The Sea continues this narrative as Gina recounts a conversation with her grandmother at a time where she was truly ready to give up, yet from that conversation came great encouragement and inspiration for perseverance through her career as well as a great track. The album goes on an upbeat slow sound emotional roller coaster
A stand out track is certainly the single featuring Nelly Furtado, "Exposed". A dreamy stroll into a tragic love story, the up and downs, the guilt and the blame that comes with unfortunate situations. Filled with raw emotions as they apply to the self as well as personal relationships, "Elevate" also takes a political tone with "Black Boy", another one of my favorites. A personal letter to Stone's father but also a general statement to the condition of the Black man in America, the systems that oppress Black men, as well as how that negatively affect the rest of us. Throughout this album, Gina takes intense worldwide concepts and approaches them from a personal standpoint. She tells each story in a way that fans can definitely relate to. I love this album top to bottom and I recommend it 100%.
Reebok's recently opened flagship store at Union Square filled up quickly for it's pre-Fashion week event Friday night. A DJ, live performances, gives away, discounts, and a fashion show; this event was perfect to get Lower Manhattan's mouth watering for what NYFW must have to offer. Mixing and mingling was ideal as the DJ spun a great mix of Hip-Hop and R&B oldies as well as contemporary music. Not to mention complimentary alkaline water from Essentia. The show kicked off with none other than the fashion show, a small stage heading the catwalk and models strutting their stuff while rocking head-to-toe Reebok gear, if the 25% off wouldn't have sold you, these models certainly would have, everyone looked amazing. There were also dancers and other music artists, including Tangina Stone. Check out my recap of the event as well as a performance from Stone.
Sunday I headed down to Philly with Daz(touchofdaz.com) to film the Soultronica music festival at Trocadero Theater, as she hosted. A stacked lineup of local Hip-Hop artists, accompanied by headliner Curren$y. This show was intense, here's my recap:
This year I was only able to attend AP Fest for Day 1, so I had to make my look worth while. My outfit was a one piece jumper I purchased from the International African Arts Festival earlier this summer, which could also be worn as pants, along with my black jelly sandals. What really completed the look was my hair. I did something old with a lil something new, bantu knots and twists at the sides. Photos and hair tutorial below! The festival was as enjoyable as usual, far more crowded, as expected. This is the 3rd year the festival has charged for admittance, which oddly has not hindered attendance. Personally I feel that a festival that was once free and once truly embodied the phrase "For us, By us" has sold out by charging now. That excludes people who cannot normally afford to attend your average lavish commercialized music festival, people who Afropunk represented. Though still representing "The other Black experience", AP is losing it's original genuine image, and starting to blend in the mainstream. Nonetheless, this did not stop the always extravagant Afropunk audience from turning out. Overall it was a great time.
This look is stylish and straightforward, similar to an outfit I've worn before but this time with a little pop. The Shoes! My embroidered mules are brought to you by GoJane.com and are the center piece of this look. I finish it off with my signature head wrap for more fashionable simplicity. Forever 21 jeans, an Urban Outfitters Bodysuit, and a thrifted blazer; easy as 123.
My beloved Scott Mescudi is in town for the New York leg of his Passion, Pain, & Demon Slayin' tour performing mainly songs from his latest album of that title. Here's my look for the show. I wore a lacy/floral mini skit from Forever 21, faux-garter fishnet tights from Urban Outfitters, my all time fave matte black Doc Martens also from UO, and of course my KiD CuDi T-shirt, which I've had for years, from Hot Topic. I was channeling all Alt/Punk/Emo CuDi vibes for this outfit, but certainly stayed true and kept it comfortable.
The show overall was such a breathtaking, out-of-body, spiritually awakening experience; at Central Park's Summerstage. Though it is not summer anymore concert goers were luckily met with 80+ degree weather, which felt even warmer while standing amongst a huge crowd. I arrived about 4 hours before "doors open"and there were already what looked like 100 people ahead of me. I was able to maneuver through the crowd and made a whole group of new friends with a bunch of strangers, who I eventually became disconnected from while flooding the concert area when gates were finally opened. The line, or just the huge crowd of people along the path leading up to summer stage, was a rather notable pastime as folks had speakers blasting CuDi's greatest as well as other dope music, and there were other fans to just chat with of course. Fans came out with all kinds of CuDi gear whether it was his custom Bape t-shirt, which he actually wore as well, or tour shirts from previous albums. When the gates opened it was the biggest sigh of relief. The sun's heat met with hours of waiting met with hundreds of people in small space cause a few fans to pass out, they were helped immediately by staff and eventually individuals were asking to be carried out of the crowd just because it was too much. I was able to get upfront but to the very far right being that there were so many people ahead of me. Pushing and shoving were not foreign concepts to this crowd, as soon as Scott came out on to the stage the crowd went crazy. I had my painting with me in my portfolio and was forced to hold it over my head. I eventually was pushed directly to the front up against the barricade and held it on the other side of the barricade for the rest of the show. When CuDi came down to see us all I was pushed so hard my ribs and hipbones felt bruised, however I wouldn't want it any other way.
Here's another outfit for this week! A change in occupation has really affected my wardrobe for two main reasons, !. I no longer work at UO (buh-bye discount), and 2. I now work at a school(Hello Business Causal). This look is also brought to you by H&M, with the floral print dress I grabbed for only $5 ! and paired with American Apparel faux suede/patent leather oxfords. A very comfortable outfit for quite a warm day, I also brought out the red lips for today's 80 degree weather!
This Fall feels a bit like summer's leftovers, since solstice we've had mid to high 70 degree weather once it reaches high noon here in NYC, however the temperature drop is quite prevalent. Today we have a high of 71 degrees and a low of 57. As someone who works in a school during the afternoon/evening I have to be mindful of both the dress code (business casual) and the impending cool whether I will be met with come 7pm.
This year I was only able to attend AP Fest for Day 1, so I had to make my look worth while. My outfit was a one piece jumper I purchased from the International African Arts Festival earlier this summer, which could also be worn as pants, along with my black jelly sandals. What really completed the look was my hair. I did something old with a lil something new, bantu knots and twists at the sides. Photos and hair tutorial below! The festival was as enjoyable as usual, far more crowded, as expected. This is the 3rd year the festival has charged for admittance, which oddly has not hindered attendance. Personally I feel that a festival that was once free and once truly embodied the phrase "For us, By us" has sold out by charging now. That excludes people who cannot normally afford to attend your average lavish commercialized music festival, people who Afropunk represented. Though still representing "The other Black experience", AP is losing it's original genuine image, and starting to blend in the mainstream. Nonetheless, this did not stop the always extravagant Afropunk audience from turning out. Overall it was a great time.
