New to the city

A few Friday's ago, I attended an event that definitely needs recognition. Living in the DMV area is not like living in NYC, where you always have a variety of things to do. So, when there is an event that strays away from the normal club and lounge scene, it definitely sparks my attention. The grand opening of Studio 85 was awesome! It screamed nothing but POSHNESS! Studio 85 is a new arts & apparel boutique in Washington, DC. The ambiance that night was definitely one that I can get used to in the DMV area.

Upon entering the event, you were greeted by the pleasant ladies of Studio 85. There was music playing and a bartender serving complimentary wine, beer, and beverages for some of DMV's finest to enjoy. Might I add that the complimentary cupcakes by "Very Good Cupcakes" were simply delicious! I'm salivating just thinking about them. Lol.

Black owned businesses definitely took their shine (e.g, Catering by Simply Deliciosa, Very Good Cupcakes, chocolate covered strawberries by BasketTreats, Jewelry by Elements of Freedom...)! 

Support black owned businesses

To top it off, I was able to watch a painter create a masterpiece, as people mingled throughout the night. I don't know about yall, but I need a painting ASAP!

The grand opening of Studio 85 was definitely a lovely event filled with lots of beautiful people. For the owners, who are sisters (Tiffany, Tammi, and Tamika), this is only the beginning. I wish you all much success! Studio 85 is new to the city and I welcome you!



The owners of Studio 85 also own their own nail polish line entitled "Studio 85 Nail Gloss" which features three collections: "District of Columbia", “City Girl”, “Southern Gal", and "Stay Beautiful".



Black Girls Rock!!!

First, I would like to thank Beverly Bond for creating a platform for recognizing black women for their tremendous accomplishments, and Debra Lee for making it possible to televise this amazing show for the world to see. October 15th was truly spectacular! I had the privilege of attending the Black Girls Rock Awards for the second year in a row! 

Black Girls Rock encourages the empowerment of women of color. For decades, African American women have been labeled as “MAD” black women. Well, Black Girls Rock has a new definition for MAD…Black woman - Making A Difference! During the course of the show, M.A.D honored young entrepreneurs who are giving back to the world through non-profit organizations they individually founded. Simply amazing! 

 If these segments were not motivation enough, then I honestly don’t know what is. 

*INSPIRED* <---- I am

The gorgeous and talented Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King hosted the remarkable award show. They did an extraordinary job! Erykah Badu “The Queen of Neo-Soul” opened signing one of my favorite songs “Apple Tree”. She was wearing a unique jacket. Erykah...where can I purchase it? I am just asking. 

Erykah’s performance was just one of the many incredible performances of the night. I have to touch upon the fourth performance by Jill Scott... *whew* 

She was phenomenal! You'll just have to see it for yourself because she is not just an a$$, in her words. May I add that her pants were definitely a must have! For those that know me, I loveee fashion, so PLEASE believe me when I say the outfits were on point! Tracee, we need to talk! Your wardrobe is INSANE…I loved every look! OM freaking G! Tracee's second fit was definitely a sequins gold # that I “need” in my closet today! Whew whew whew..I'm saying a triple whew! Loved it and trying to find it! Lol 

Estelle’s dress was nothing but immaculate. She looked great! Black sequins gowns were definitely the favorite of the evening. 6 Awards were given to 7 phenomenal black women! Academy Award-winning actress, Taraji P. Henson received the Star Power Award. Her acceptance speech was motivational and touching. “I had to stay creative or I would die” she said. WOW! That was so deep. I was moved! She even shared what her dad once said to her. He said, “You are who you hang out with.” These are the very words my mom shared with me growing up. Hence, why my entourage has really changed. Honestly, it is the best advice a parent can give their child. Tatyana Ali received the Young, Gifted & Black Award. In her acceptance speech, she shared how her mom always said to her “be a sponge. Listen, watch, and absorb everything around you”. These words definitely portrayed how important it is to educate yourself.

Honestly, you'll just have to tune in tomorrow, Sunday, November 6th, at 8 pm on BET! 

The Black Girls Rock experience was magnificent, educational, and motivational! It definitely brought me to tears. Tears of joy because I am a black woman who ROCKS!!!


                      The unveiling of my first piece coming soon..."This is why I rock!"

To donate to the black girls rock foundation please go to: blackgirlsrock.org

I'm Pregnant!!!

This is an amazing feeling. WOW!!! A new life being cultivated within my being, or should I say, instilled in me. I am blessed beyond measure. For the last few years, I honestly can say I've been going through what I call and consider to be a "pre-midlife crisis". It’s funny...no matter how many times I express with certainty to my mother that I'm currently in this stage of my life, she definitely informs me that I am clearly just delusional...lol. I've known for a long time that I'm creative, but what do you do when you are interested in so many different things?

I remember my college professor talking to the class about how important it is to find your niche. A few Sunday's ago, my pastor preached about how God blessed us all with gifts and has engraved a blueprint on how we should embrace them. So, I decided that if there is anything I'm passionate about, I mean anything that hinders me from sleeping because it's on my mind, I will put it into prayer and if it is still in my heart, I'm completing it! 

OM freaking G...

I'm pregnant!

I didn't expect it to happen this soon. I've given breath to a new life...the birth of the Uniquely Atypical Brand!!!

I’m a designer!

I wore the first piece I designed to the Black Girls Rock Awards on October 15^th and it got raving reviews!

The unveiling of my first piece coming soon!



Stay Tuned...





Loved

I recently celebrated my birthday and I'm truly grateful that God blessed me with another year. As I get older, the way I feel about my birthday doesn't change. It's a celebration of my life owwwwww!!! For those that know me, I loveeee to travel. I'm always looking for where I should go next. This year, I just wanted to be around my loved ones. God has placed the most amazing people in my life.

I've gotten to the age where the club scene is clearly not my forte. I mean why pay to sweat and be around the same faces??? 

Nonetheless, this year I just wanted to enjoy a night out on the town with my loves. 

I didn't expect anything from anyone. Honestly, their presence was a present enough. I had a blast! My family and friends never fail to show me I'm loved! Oh, and I definitely can't leave out that they blessed me with lovely gifts! I decided to share a few below! 

A limited edition from my Aunt Grace!
Contact Pink Crush and get your exclusive
jewelry at contactpinkcrush@gmail.com 

See how happy I am?

Pink Crush did it again!

Love!

A Pink Crush piece from my bestie Si! Love it!

My MP is the BEST...Ron Ron 85 Water Snake
The perfect height for me!!! ;)

Thank you to my bestie Shanae!
*sigh* 

Truly Loved!!!

The winner is...

Uniquely Atypical celeb of the week goes to *drum rolls*… Nicki Minaj! She definitely wears what she wants and could care less what anyone has to say about it. Earlier today Nicki announced The 2011 AMA Nominees and she was definitely embracing a new shade. Check out the pictures below. 

Magic

Have you ever ordered something you find to be so spectacular, you can't help, but anticipate its' arrival? Then that day comes and you are ripping the package as fast as you can like a child on Christmas Day! You are now holding that item in your hand and smiling from ear to ear because what you saw online was even more amazing in person. You then take the necessary things off to put it on. Hold on...wait a minute!?!? At that moment you come to the realization that this piece does not fit and the smile you just had dissipates into thin air. At this point, you have the strongest frown on your face. You are so irritated, it disturbs you. You think to yourself "d@mn"!!!!!

This item wasn't like the rest. I mean this wasn't your typical transaction. This was an international purchase. At this point, you scurry back to the box to find the return and exchange details. Only to later discover this item can be returned, but at your expense. Really though? You think to yourself "I just spent X amount of $ on this item and now you're telling me that I have to pay a fee to send it back and to repurchase it???" WTH!!!! I mean think about it...it's not like you can just pay a fee to return it. You've got to buy security on that package...it's an international purchase! At this point, this item you just adored, irritates you. I mean its like a love-hate relationship. I mean you love it! Look at it...what's not to love? But, you hate the fact that it doesn't fit. This is the point when my creativity sparked an idea in less than a split second. This item will be even better than when it arrived.

There you have it... A touch of MAGIC!!!

Before...



After (Front view)



After (Back view)



Project complete (Front view)



Project complete
(Side angle back view)