eyeSpy: Solange...Underrated

Can We PLEASE Acknowledge How Fly Solange Is? As you all have probably noticed, I'm a fan of the funky, bold and fierce. Originality is my forte, and I admire anyone who isn't afraid to be different. So, with that being said I'd like to take the time out to acknowledge someone who exhibits all of the above qualities, one of my fashion inspirations Solange.

We all know Solange Knowles as being the younger sibling to the superstar Beyonce Knowles but, lately Solange has mostly been noted for her FASHION. She has been seen wearing everything from nostalgic "Poetic Justice" 90's braids to bold prints, bright lips and funky shades. And let's not forget her greatest accessory, confidence. Whether or not you agree with her fashion choices, I believe we can all agree that Ms. Knowles has made a statement!




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Riss

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Conspiracy Theory: Bin Laden

Sunday May 1st, 2011 marked a day sure to go down in the history books. President Obama announced the death of Osama Bin Laden, the leader of the terrorist group Al-Quaida. And there has been skepticism ever since.

The conspiracy theories that have surrounded Bin Laden's death are mostly due to the nature of his burial, and the refusal by The White House to release photos of his body.

But, before we all shout "Conspiracy!" let us take a deeper look to see if their really is a method to The White House's "madness."

The burial: Bin Laden was buried in the Arabic Sea after his body was taken from his Pakistan compound in respect to his Islamic faith. Many may be outraged by showing any form of respect to a mass murderer but, this is the standard the U.S is trying to set to not be like those that we are fighting against.Which brings me to my next point, the photos. The White house has refused to release photos of Bin Laden's body to avoid them being seen as "trophies" of his killing. And most importantly to insure national security fearing the photos will incite violence; according to theroot.com.

Whether we agree on his killing, burial or the handling, it is safe to say that Osama Bin Laden is dead. So now we can put our skepticism to better use; the aftermath.

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The Perfect Rain Boots

We all know the saying "April showers bring May flowers." Well until those flowers get here, we have to be prepared for the showers. And the best and most fashionable way to be prepared are rain boots! My must have rain boots (which also made Oprah's list),  are from Hunter a brand known for their outstanding quality boots and durability.

These boots come in different styles, and my personal favorites are the Watling Lace Up Full Knee Boot and the Original Gloss Tall Boot; I'm a proud owner of. These boots are not just good for the spring but in the winter for slushy snowy days they will out stand the weather, and your feet will be warm - due to the fleece sock Hunter also sells. They have a lifetime warranty and you"ll be sure to be dry and fashionable on April's rainy days.


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Riss

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Black in Latin America

On April 19th, PBS aired a four part documentary series titled Black in Latin America by the theroot.com editor-in-chief, Henry Louis Gates.



Video Link

The series discussed the dynamics of being black in Latin American countries such as Haiti, Dominican Republic, Peru and Mexico. According to theroot.com

"More blacks were transported as slaves to Mexico and Peru than to the United States."

I think that this documentary was very interesting and informative. If you tuned in to Part One, be sure to leave your comments and reviews?

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Riss

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Fashion For a Cause

The act of giving is always in season but, if you combine that with fashion then your winning! So, I've found some fun fashion items that are not only cute but are for a cause.

The first fashion for a cause item that I believe is a must have for any conscious fashionista is the Julez for Japan shirt. This simple replica of the Japan flag was made by singer and my personal style icon Solange Knowles 6 year old son Daniel Julez Smith. Not only is this just a great shirt to have but to know that it was made by a 6 year old just makes it that much better. The shirt profits will go to Peace Winds, a non-profit organization that is assisting Japan with the recent devastation.Shirts can be purchased at julezforjapan.bigcartel.com.

Another conscious clothing item that not only makes you look good, but feel good, are the classic shoes from TOMS. TOMS are not only known for their classic canvas style shoes, but also the giving spirit the company holds by donating a pair of shoes for every pair bought, to a child in need. I've never heard of such a deal, but it's true. For every pair of shoes that you purchase another pair will be given to a child in need. DOPE! And may I add that you can wear TOMS with just about EVERYTHING?! Jeans, skirts, shorts and especially your newly purchased julezforjapan shirt. You can get purchase TOMS here.

These fabulous acts of philanthropy just reminds us that not only can we be fly, but conscious while doing so. And whats flyer than that?

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Riss

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TREND CHECK: FRiNGE

Despite what it looks like outside spring is officially here. And the must have piece for the spring is FRINGE.

We all know that when we think of spring fashion we usually think of bright colors, floral prints or soft palettes; and that's cool, but this spring we're going to add fringe to the list. Adding a clothing piece that has fringe will keep you current with today's trend, and will also add a little funk to your wardrobe.

You can tie fringe into your look with this Tan Fringe Suede Shopper Bag from Top Shop; this will give you that boho 70's feel. Or, you can get extra funky with the Sand Fringed Denim Jacket By Unique, also sold at Top Shop. These pieces are sure to keep you current and fly.

But, be sure to keep it simple when wearing a fringe piece you don't want to overdo it. This is a trend that you can have fun with and make it your own. Enjoy!

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Riss

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The Trunk Sale

Calling all fashionistas! There is a trunk sale, or shall I say "The Trunk Sale", going on this weekend; Saturday March 12th.

Wondering what a trunk sale is? It's kind of an indoor flea market for people who want to sell clothing, shoes, jewelry, and art. In other words, its any fashionista's heaven.

"The Trunk Sale" takes place every two months and will have a bar, a tailor on site and live music! And not only do you have a one stop shop to tons of dope items, but you can also trade or sell if you'd like to. If you have any items that you would like to get rid of, paint or make jewelry this is this place to be. There is a small fee for those who would like to sell, and the seller keeps all their profit.

You will be given your own rack or flea market. Trunk sales are the ultimate place for dope people to buy, sell or swap.

This particular trunk sale will be taken place in Williamsburg, Brooklyn 239 Troutman St apt 3L.
For more information you can contact thetrunksales@gmail.com.

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Riss

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Women of The Revolution

In honor of International Women's Day, Egyptian women took to the streets of Tahrir Square demanding equal rights and an end to sexual harassment. But, according to google.com the women of Egypt were not met with open arms but were instead taunted by crowds of men and harassed.This a painful reminder that sexual harassment is still widespread throughout Egypt, despite their progressive movement and overthrow of oppressive President Hosni Mubarak last month. The progressive movement in which many Egyptian women took part in and helped contribute to its success. Now eyeask the question while we celebrate Women's History Month...

Who will celebrate, support and fight for the women of the revolution?

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Riss

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Hipsy by Nyne Lyves

I've discovered some jewels that I just have to share with my fashion loving guys and gals. These jewels are from a Brooklyn based gal that goes by the name Nyne who hand makes funky, eclectic and bold pieces for the Hipsy ones that aren't afraid to stand out!

Nyne is mostly known for her nose chains that can be seen on Young Money's Shanell. It's fine if you don't have a nose piercing, there are other cool things that can be adorned. Such as, "The Love Below"; an ear to ear chain that is accompanied by a pink and blue feather which was inspired by the song "Pretty Pink Baby Blue" on Outkast's "The Love Below"' album. And don't worry fellas Nyne has debuted some pieces for the guys too. Her male pieces are promising for the eclectic funky man.

My personal favorite piece for the men is the "Granted" bracelet; which is "for the Man that doesn't take things for granted, for he is humble and honorable." These are a few of my favorite pieces from the "Hipsy" collection that launched earlier last week. So, if you dare to be FLY these jewels are for you and can be found at nynelyves.bigcartel.com. I hope you enjoy them as much I do!

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Riss

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eyeSee Hope for Us

In the wake of World AIDS Month there has been a medical breakthrough in HIV medicine. According to the huffingtonpost.com, doctors believe Timothy Ray-Brown, an HIV positive male known as the "Berlin patient", has been cured of HIV due to a stem cell transplant he received in 2007.

If this is true, genetically engineering stem cells will hopefully be the cure for AIDS. It has also been recently reported that HIV negative persons taking anti-retro virals given to HIV patients can reduce their risk of contracting the virus by 73%.

All of these new found medical developments has given hope to the 33 million people worldwide living with the virus and their loved ones.

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Riss
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And ANTM is... Ann!

The cycle 15 winner of America's Next Top Model is Ann the season's underdog from Dallas. Ann's win shocked most of the show's fans on the Dec 1st finale due to the fact that she was looked up as the quirky one with her super skinny, tall physique, gap teeth and shy personality.

Ann's awkwardness was especially noticeable next to the runner up Chelsey, who was the girl next door and every one's pick to win. Ann will receive a spread in Vogue Italia, a spread and cover in Beauty in Vogue, along with a feature in vogue.it. She will also receive a contract with IMG models and a $100,000 contract with Cover Girl cosmetics. Ann's win has reinforced the idea of embracing your differences and reminded us that its cool and beautiful to be different. I'll be looking forward to seeing the underdog grace magazine covers, what about you?

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Riss
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