Buy of the Moment-Black & White Edition

It's fair to say that when it comes to yours truly, there's NOTHING like random, inexpensive awesome fashion finds-expecially when found locally.  Thanks to local spots Designer Retail Boutique and Rust Belt Market, I picked up two items that were not only hot, but proved to be inspirations for a hot black and white outfit. Why black and white you ask? Because they're basic colors that are anything but (just ask Janelle Monae).



The Buy

black high-waisted skirt with pockets ($10-Designer Retail Boutique, Ferndale, MI)

black and ivory ethnic-style necklace ($15-Rust Belt Market),

About the Look

Pictured Above: The plain white tee gets a black pick-me-up with the skirt, necklace and black Sam Edelman alligator-print pumps

Vendor Info:

Designer Resale Boutique

175 W. 9 Mile Rd.

Ferndale, MI, 48220

Phone: (248) 840-2569

Web: http://www.dresaleb.com/

Rust Belt Market

22801 Woodward Ave.

Ferndale, MI  48220

Web: http://www.rustbeltmarket.com/

(Check them out on Facebook)

The Somewhat Ruined Weekend

So, thanks to Hurricane Irene, the AfroPunk Festival in Brooklyn, New York has been cancelled. Yours truly, unfortunately, was supposed to go. However, as festival favorite Janelle Monae says, "...gotta keep...balance". Though not easy to admit, there were some upsides, namely other opportunities to get out of the house. Such is life, apparently. To those on the eastern seabord affected by Hurricane Irene, stay safe.

Spotlight: Dance by Sol'eil

This post will begin with a caveat: Yes, I know the person that made the song that is the subject of this entry and no, I'm not featuring the song just because I know this person. It's being featured because I like it and the method used to develop the lyrics was quite innovative. Sol'eil posted on the Janelle Monae Fandroids page the other day soliciting help to write a song by describing your day in one word.  The result is "Dance".  Can't you just picture hearing it in a hip lounge or boutique or having it on full blast driving in a convertible with the top down on a late summer evening?

http://t.co/WRXF6BY

(For more information on So'leil, check out http://www.facebook.com/musicofsoleil)

A Musical Experiment

Some songs are just so beautiful they bring you to tears, or close to it. Try listening to the following songs without getting that reaction:

"Say You'll Go"-Janelle Monae
"Smile"-Janelle Monae
"Cindi"-Janelle Monae
"Star"-Janelle Monae
"Bag Lady"-Erykah Badu
"1000 Oceans"-Tori Amos
"Winter"-Tori Amos

Guaranteed or you money back ;)

About neighborhood

When was the last time you patronized a business in your neighborhood? In this megamall/megamarket world, it seems easy to overlook the store right around the corner.  Though the "mom-and-pop" shop of yesteryear has declined, local businesses remain an integral part to play in the community. Even the much maligned strip mall has its purpose in the local economy and neighborhood. Each business in each neighborhood is bringing money into the area it's in. Every business space that's occupied brings people and dollars that otherwise wouldn't exist to keep the area going. When able, take time out to buy something from at least one business within your immediate vicinity-especially new ones, ones you've never patronized before or haven't been to in a while. It's one way to help your community thrive.

Buy of the Moment

 

top: Homeslice by Emily Thornhill

price: $30



     Detroit has no shortage of creative minds. Emily Thornhill, owner and designer for Homeslice Clothing can be counted amonge the aforementioned.  One-half of the now defunct Detroit fashion powerhouse Femilia Couture, Thornhill has continued the tradition of stylish, locally made organic clothing.  When I saw the gray ruffled top pictured above hanging at the vendor booth at the Movement Festival, I had to have it.  At $30, it was definitely a buy. For a laid-back-yet-spiced-up look, I paired it black shorts and black Louis Vuitton-style cut out shoes.  It just goes to show that some of the best buys are local. Where else can you find eco-frendly clothing that's both chic and affordable? Check out Homeslice at homesliceclothing.com.

In Honor of the 1st Anniversary of The ArchAndroid

This is quite last minute, but yours truly would be remiss in not commemorating this day-the day in which one of the best albums to grace the music industry (and human ears in general) was released-The ArchAndroid by Janelle Monae.  Unfortunately, this humble blogger didn't have the chance to experience (yes, experience is the appropriate term here) Monae's first full-length work until September 20th, 2010.  However, that first listen was the beginning of a journey of immeasurable proportions which shall be briefly shared here:

On that late summer Monday, I hurriedly made my way to the Royal Oak Music Theater. To say that curiosity was my primary feeling at that moment was an understatement. While waiting for the show to start, someone I was speaking with gave a rave review of Ms. Monae. Little did I know how true their words would be.

Words are inadequate to express how impressed I was with Janelle's performance. I had to hear more of this tuxedo-clad, oxford wearing powerhouse.  After speaking with the merchandise vendor and a little bit of discerning, I decided to buy The ArchAndroid.  Per my usual music-buying routine, I take a listen as soon as I arrived home.

Right off the bat I recognized the album as nowhere near anything I've ever heard before.  It was quite interesting, in the best sense of the word.  Despite the fact it is Suites 2 and 3 of a 4 suite series, it wasn't too hard to get the gist of the story by reading the CD jacket. There were some songs that had to grow on me-in particular, Wondaland and Make the Bus. Grow on me this album definitely did, and after some research did I gain the proper ears to listen to the arrangements and message of the songs. The rest, as the saying goes, is history.

To talk about the greatness of The ArchAndroid at this point would seem in bad taste, so I'll spare you that.  However, it is essential to give a proper and pithy description that won't be found in most magazines:

Yes, The ArchAndroid is Sci-Fi themed in that it chronicles the adventures of an android in a future society.  However, the storyline and theme are multi-layred, speaking to deeper issues of self-discovery and unity and life in contemporary society. This is illustrated in many of the lyrics on the album, such as on Dance or Die ("You can pull the trigger or you can build you an ark"), Locked Inside ("The writers and the artists all are paid to tell us lies"), Cold War ("...do you know what you're fighting for?"), Tightrope ("You either follow or you lead"), and 57821 ("...lead them all back to one..."). It is an album meant to make you think, feel, challenge you, and inspire.

Whether the response when listening to The ArchAndroid is bliss, confusion, or disgust, one fact is undeniable-its sound, storyline, and theme are singular.  What's more, it's one that can only pulled off by Janelle Monae and the Wondaland Arts Society.