Fresh.Sexy.Classy. | Boris Dlugosch feat. Róisín Murphy – ‘Look Around You’ [VIDEO]

This gloomy Monday just got even better thanks to the fresh, sexy, and classy vocals of Róisín Murphy and the sophisticated production by Boris Dlugosch. That’s right, the two are back together (musically) for a late-night house groove, “Look Around You.”

It won’t be officially released until May 17th, but right now you can watch the fresh new video and just cruise to the seductive house grooves. Surely deserving a repeat, this video is packed with urban city chic and sex appeal…from the trains to the sexy lady in lingerie, this video screams house music, pleasure, romance, and travel.

Creative Ways to Keep Your Boots in Shape

Attention all boot loving friends. Do not let your boots sit inside your closet without thinking of ways to keep them upright. Yes, they are in shape when you’re wearing it, but how about when you take them off? I guess your beloved boots deserve some love before you keep them inside your closet after a long day of hugging your feet.

A little routine of dusting off your shoes and letting it air dry before putting it away can do so much to save your shoes. It is also important to be more careful when slipping on and taking off your boots to prevent any damage. Similarly, putting a boot shaper inside can maintain the shape and the luster of your favorite wedge knee high or thigh boots.

If you are willing to spend some more bucks to keep your boots in shape, here are some of the products that can do a simple but important care trick for your boots.

Boot hangers

These boot shapers can be adjusted to fit the kind of tension your boots need to keep them upright. You can also get a boot shaper with hanger so you can hang your light weight boots. Buy each pair of this for only $10 and have all your boots fit inside your closet in a neat way.

 Something Cute and Inflatable

Another fun and cute way to keep your boots in shape is through inflatable boot shaper. It is very useful in keeping your boots in great shape when traveling or when you are just at home. It is lightweight and can be bought for $10 each.

Do-it-Yourself Boot shapers

Rolled up Magazine

The most common way to keep your boots upright is by putting a rolled up magazine inside of your boots. It is not only cheap but will also make use of old magazine sitting on your living room tables.

Clean Bottle of Wine

If you have a lot of empty wine bottles around your kitchen, now is the time to make use of them. Just put the clean and empty bottles inside your calf wedge boots or knee high boots. This is not only fashion friendly but environment friendly as well.

You can also buy flexible chopping boards and roll it in a shape that will fit the calves of your boots. If you’re crazy enough to try other ways to keep your boots upright, you can do so as much as you want. Just don’t forget to share to us your ways to keep your boots in shape so all of us can enjoy a crease free thigh high boots all year round.

Afros x Curls | My Second Time-Around Going “Natural”

In 2009 I made the decision to go natural, but due to my impatient personality and moments of “identity crisis,” I decided to rekindle my addiction to the creamy crack — the relaxer (perm.)

I regularly relaxed my hair up until July 2012, but one day before taking a trip to NYC, I decided it was time to cut my hair off. I just got tired of all the work it took to keep it straight, and I briefly “dated” this guy who always made me feel bad because I didn’t go and get my hair “done.” Over and over again, he always reminded me that I’d look good if I got a weave or my hair cut into a fancy style (which would of course wash out the moment I worked out.) Well, he’d look better if he lost 75lbs…but I didn’t make him feel bad about it, but he just wouldn’t shut up about my hair. SMH.

Big Chop to Now

So, fueled by my irritation of his constant rants on what makes a Black woman beautiful (weaves and long hair, in his opinion,) I made the decision to no longer feel like I had to wear my hair that way.

I cut it. I had my mom just chop it all off. I told her it was the last time I’d ever have to force those scissors into her hands and beg her (even though she was willing) to help me make the transformation.

I made my first big chop in 2009, so July 2012 was the last time I’d have to say “I’m Going Natural.” Since then, I’ve been “natural.” I put it into quotation marks because I’m not 100% natural, considering the purple/red tint to my hair. But as far as the texture of my hair; as natural as it gets.

Even now and then I’ll rock a fro on my Black Power days. I get into an Foxy Brown (Pam Grier) mood and just love having a 70s vibe. I even had a guy tell me, “You’ve got a 1970s beauty.” Wow, such a cool compliment! He then preceded to tell me that I reminded him of a Black Hippie…yet another compliment I gladly welcomed. I love having different looks that I play around with. And the beauty of it is that I’m just doing me. I’m not even sitting their knocking girls who wear weaves, wigs, or their hair straight. Werk it and be fabulous! It’s just not for me…and you know, that’s okay.

I’m always on the hunt for new styles as my hair grows. Rock the fro, don’t rock the fro. It changes. Other days you’ll find me playing with my curls. Ihave a lot of shrinkage, so my strands are tightly coiled together, resulting in moments of pulling curls and smiling with excitement as they spring back into their place. I was never able to do that with my straight hair! Twirling my strands where fun, but pulling them and feeling the bounce is even better.

As my hair continues to grow, I play around with new products and of course, constantly feeding my natural hair inspiration database. Product wise, I keep my routine simple with Leave-in Conditioner (Motions) and a Gel (using IC Fantasia right now, but want to switch to Eco Styler). 

In need of some natural hair inspiration? Check out my favorite site to visit inspiration: http://ohh-yo-fro.tumblr.com/

Warby Parker | Dressing to Beat the Band

Dressing to Beat the Band

Written By: Kaki Read – Fashion Coordinator at Warby Parker

For many people, dressing up is a chore that they are simply do not enjoy. It can be frustrating to spend hours trying to dress for an occasion simply to find that you have missed the mark. If you want to make sure that the outfits that you choose are perfect for your needs, the key is always to dress to suit the occasion itself. Make sure that your clothes help you create the look that you need. You do not need clothes that are going to fight with your appearance; instead, create outfits that suit your requirements.

Thatcher Revolver Black

Meeting Day

When you are going to a meeting, you’ll find that even if you are not presenting yourself, you need to make a good impression on the people who are going to be there.

A sloppy or untidy look is not going to do you any favors when you are meeting with the company’s movers and shakers, so keep it as tailored and as streamlined as you can.

For example, very slim-fitting black slacks with very tall heels is one way to go. Skip the boxy blazer, and instead consider a vividly colored blouse with a mandarin collar.

For something a little different, add a pair of thick-framed eyeglasses and perhaps one or two metallic pieces of jewelry.

 Study Session

If you are someone who is going back to school to continue your education, which means that you’ll be spending a lot of time at the library. When you head to the library, you want to dress for comfort, but you of course do not want to leave comfort behind! With that in mind, consider pairing a fairly short skirt with thick tights and a pair of low-heeled shoes or flats.

Winston Walnut Tortoise

Another thing for you to remember is that libraries are very climate controlled, so dress in layers. A soft camisole or t-shirt can be dressed up with a shrug or with a long sweater coat that will keep you warm even when you are in the frostiest of archives. When you think about dressing for the library, consider keeping your colors very warm. There is something lovely and antique about many older collections, and a warm look, complete with tortoiseshell-framed glasses, offers you a fantastic way to express your studious side.

Too many people believe that they have nothing to wear. The truth is that your closet is likely jam packed with fantastic outfits. Just pull out your essentials and add accessories.