Happy Birthday: Aliciia

Team elleELLEeye
Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society


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eyeWrite a Poem - SWIM

I had a dream last night. I only remember bits & pieces of it, but it inspired this poem. It starts off a little depressing, but there's a good message in it, I promise! I hope it inspires you like it does me. Enjoy!

Swim

I woke up this morning and unaware of where I was.
Such a familiar place, but different enough to make me wrinkle my nose.
I tilted my head left.
The television was off.
No music, no news, no Real Housewives of NJ-
Nothing’s on the TV.
I walked to the window where I used to stare out at the people
Each with their own prerogatives, their own wishes and fears
What used to be a lively intersection is today
Blank.
Simply a road with unoccupied shacks along side it,
Call me a drama queen but I swear I saw tumbleweed having a race down the block.
I walked into the kitchen to an empty pantry and nothing but ice in the freezer.
The living room, unoccupied, uninviting and a waste of space.

I drew a blank when I began to try to fathom what has happened to this place where I’ve existed for almost 21 years.

From lively to alone
Endearing to trapping
And me, the endangered species.
What has came of my life?
Everything I used to know is gone
Everyone I used to love is unfamiliar
Or better yet, nonexistent.
Who has done this?
How could someone be so hateful?
Who could do something so coldhearted as to take away the fibers of my being?
Then at that moment, it came to me - I did it.
I allowed it.

The disappointments of my past entered into my present and they have the ability to ruin my future.
It has made me a prisoner in my own mind, a grey place which once used to be colorful.
A life that used to live which is not on life support.
But how does one believe in the people around them if they know inconsideration?
How does one believe in love when so many have done them wrong?
How does one believe in themselves when their disappointments being them such grief
It’s a never-ending cycle of misfortune that everyone goes through at one point or another
And the easiest thing to do is to drown in your own circumstances

However, I suggest you learn how to swim.

Stay Couture, Aliciia
(Picture from gcmanfrin.com)

"Spread the love and live your life; while seeking to inspire and be inspired."
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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eyeAsk: To Love or Not to Love, THAT is the Question

Relationships. Commitment. Boyfriend. Girlfriend. Wife. Husband. Lover. Friend. Romance. Passion. Sex. Loyalty. All of these things come to mind when we hear one word, LOVE. The word love means so many different things to so many different people. However, I think we can all agree that love can be a complex thing. Whenever you enter a relationship, you're taking a calculated risk while hoping that your math is correct. These are the types of things that I think about when it comes to that little four letter word. So as I ponder this in my head one day, I began to wonder why people even bother to fall in love at all. For that reason, I decided to ask this question to a few of the people that I know -

"Love is such a crazy thing. It can be beautiful but it can also end up horribly. So why love? Is there a point? Should everyone be open to being in love or should there be a proceed-with-caution sign up?"

How did they respond? Here's some of their answers...

Gavin J. said:
Everyone is different and has gone through their own experience with love. To this day, I ask myself the same question but I "proceed-with-caution" to avoid that horrible ending. No one wants that but people ultimately seek that beautiful/blissful side of it. You kind of have to be open about being in love but be cautious at the same time.

Samantha P. said:

Proceed with caution when getting to know the person, but don't proceed with caution when it comes to love. Most of the time people are rushing into love like it is a game, so they never really know the person before they fall in love (then again that isn't real love). I say Proceed with caution on who you let get close but if you trust them enough to let them get close to you, then you should love freely. Life is made up of a series of experiences and your life is shaped how it is shaped because of them. I think you have to love the wrong person and go through the bad in order to appreciate when you receive the good.

Gregory H. said:

Love is wreckless whether you proceed with caution or not. True love has the power to make you the happiest man on earth or the saddest man who ever lived. Love knows kindness and it knows weakness. You can never show your weakness to it, and if you do they it'll no longer be kind. Love knows how to take advantage- It's selfish in the sense that it only wants the best of you and if you can't give it just that then it doesn't want anything to do with you. The truer the love, the more it will hurt if the two people split. To "proceed with caution" is just taking a baby step towards the fire but it doesn't matter if you take a baby step, or a full stride, in the end. If its TRUE LOVE then it will set your mind, body and soul on fire when it all ends.

The best Creative Director ever, DANiE said:

It's hard to say. I would say "proceed with caution" because who wants to have a broken heart, but love is true when it's wholehearted so my answer is yes, "proceed with caution" but you can't be too cautious for too long.

The President of this lovely blog, ♥t i f f a n y said:

I feel that love is a wonderful thing. Whether you love your friends or are in love, I think that everyone should be open to receiving it. It's inevitable for some to be skeptical about it, especially if they've been hurt before, but I feel that love is always worth the risk. One thing I will say, is to fall in love with God first and then fall in love with yourself. After that loving others and deciding who you allow in your life on that type of level is the easy part. I'm all for love.

What's my opinion you ask? That's simple. Lord Alfred Tennyson said it best when he said "'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all."

What's your opinion? We would love to hear it!

Stay Couture, Aliciia

"Spread the love and live your life; while seeking to inspire and be inspired."
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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elleELLEeye Recap

365 days, 991 posts (and counting), 95 followers (and counting), 1146 Facebook friends (and counting), 553 Facebook fans (and counting), 6 interviews, and a zillion eyes (and counting) later, who would've thought that elleELLEeye would be what is today? Honestly, I'm not surprised. I've been a humble and modest individual my whole life and for the first time this blog has been something that I've started on my own, and has opened (and closed) a lot of doors for me. I've had the opportunity to work with, meet, and interview people that may not have crossed my path otherwise; and for that, I am grateful.

I'm happy and proud to work with a staff that continues to grow. Although I go blog crazy at times, they have been played significant role in the number of posts, topics, and writing that you see on the blog. And for the person who coined the phrase, "There's no I in team"; let me introduce you to the eyes in mine...

Kareema Bee - My buzy bee who is doing so much and still makes time for elleELLEeye. You're an extremely talented person and I'm glad to have the pleasure to know you as a friend and team member. You bring a lot to the table, along with constructive criticism that I take in and digest, advice & a growing expertise in the "business" world. I'm sure with you on the team, elleELLEeye's buzz will soon become....ummm....a bigger buzz?!

Aliciia - My little Fashionista, if I never knew one before. You know it was only right that you joined the team, I mean with a tattoo that says "Be inspired", how could we not have asked you to?! You've been a great help and I'm glad to have seen the growth of your writing before my own eyes. Keep on "Zoin' it" and Stay Couture!

Perlita - Thank you for what you have contributed. I can't wait until you have more free time on your hands so the elleELLEeye world can see more from you. Keep it HOT Perlita =)

Basquiat - You're the newest addition to the squad, and you've already become a force to be reckoned with. I appreciate your writing and your opinion on the different topics you choose to write about. You know, those "things that make you go hmm"...Looking forward to what the future has to offer you and us as a whole!

DANiE - You've been there before DAY 1! When I was testing out graphics, trying to figure out a name, to when I finally started publishing, you were elleELLEeye's #1 fan. You commented and made pictures for me, and it was only right that you joined me in this quest. You're the Kelly to my Beyoncé, the Bleek to my Jay-Z, the branch to my Michelle, and the Deuce to my Ace. You've had some crazy ideas that I've hated, and said "okay" to, and some that were great, but just didn't work out for us. The ideas of "FASHiON FiGHT", "WoRD UP", "ToP THiS" started with a thought from you, and now they're some of my favorite things about elleELLEeye. You've dealt with me being nervous as ever on our first interview with Shanelle Gabriel; which turned out great, and countless other worries. Without you, elleELLEeye would still be here, but would be missing something that it has today... Love you sis!



A special thank you and appreciation goes out to those that have associated themselves and their name with elleELLEeye; Skye Townsend, Shanelle Gabriel, Ayindé, the Oxymorrons, Iran Ortiz, Parlé Poets (Kevin Benoit, Kesed, and Marcus Wright) and all of our readers. For those of you who read, comment, share and enjoy or dislike the blog, thank you! I appreciate everyone that was and is a part of this process. See you next year ;-p


...and to think, it all started with this post, "Welcome to elleELLEeye"...
♥ t i f f a n y
Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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elleELLEeye Highlights: Inspire

If you haven't caught on by now, or if you're just tuning in to elleELLEeye's blog, the "eye" in elleELLEeye stands for "inspire". Once again we have gathered some quotes from our past interviews with Ayindé, Iran Ortiz, Shanelle Gabriel, the Oxymorrons and the poets, Kesed and Marcus Wright, of Parlé. In addition to their responses and comments on the subject of inspiration, the eyes in our team ♥ t i f f a n y, DANiE, Aliciia, and Perlita gave their own personal quotes on inspiration. We have a quote from a friend and supporter of elleELLEeye, Keemie Heart and singer, Priscilla Renea - who we hope to work with in the future. We hope that our words inspire you, as you all have us within this past year. If you are nothing else at this moment, Be Inspired.

"It is an amazing feeling when you produce something that is actually BETTER than your BEST work. That's what inspires me!" - Priscilla Renea

Three things that inspire Ayindé:
1. Good instrumentation
2. Conversation
3. Looking around and looking at buildings and what’s going on around me.

"I am inspired by plenty; and they are all different when it comes to my writing, fashion, role models and such. I'm inspired by classic pieces such as Mrs. Dalloway and magazines such as TIME magazine. They help me relax and come intact with my personal writing skills and form of writing. With Fashion I am not inspired by a particular person, but by

eras and different aspects of it; such as the 90s or the 50s. I am also inspired by brands such as American Apparel that offer the overall. I'm inspired by those that succeed in life, and use their knowledge and connections to help out the community." - Perlita

There's so many people in this world. Everyone different, with different lives and different agendas. However, when I close my eyes, I'm in a Me and Myself moment with I alone. I see dreams of success, love, and happiness. How will I get to that place, you ask? By living for my own desires, loving God and others and being inspired by the images which take hold of my heart. L.L.I. - Aliciia

"I'm inspired by tragedies and mind boggling obstacles. Something about a challenge makes my fingers tingle...bad news has a way of making me work that much harder, because when I succeed my accomplishments feels so much more rewarding." - Keemie Heart

What are 5 Things that INSPIRE you?
Kesed: Water because it can take any form, gentle or rough.
Kesed: Nature, in humans. I'm amazed by creativity and stupidity. Sometimes you have to do something stupid to get something creative.
Marcus: Everything I see, that's why I really feel [bad] for blind people.
Marcus: People who have thoughts and don't speak their mind.
Marcus: Parlé

One designer that does inspire me is Kerin Rose. I heard her story through a friend of mine and soon after was following her on Twitter. She inspires me because she goes the extra mile in everything that she does. Not only are her products beautiful but they are also of high quality. Kerin Rose is a true hustler. - Iran Ortiz

elleELLEeye: What inspires you guys?
Oxymorrons: Ony - Life. K.I - Anything we do is an extravaganza. D - Everywhere we go something is happening to us and we're like "Why is this happening?" Ony - Being an artist is a lifestyle within itself. If you're not inspired by life, you're not you! I remember K.I. was having a bad day and he came to me and I made the beat - just from that situation... But we're inspired by everything, life, fashion...

What inspired you to want to become a performer? I graduated in 2006 from Utica College with a degree in Communication Arts. I like working with kids and I worked at Harlem Children’s Zone. After working there, I worked at a financial company for 9 months and that just put me to sleep so I needed something that would keep me going. You should do something you love rather than what other want you to do. I didn’t fall asleep on stage so I knew that performing was it. I knew that I could write but I had to ask myself,"Can I write for people to listen to me?" and that's when I began slam poetry. - Shanelle Gabriel

"I'm so blessed to be constantly be in the midst of inspiring individuals. Our very earthly existence is awe inspiring and this world that we live in is full of things that provoke our senses. I am inspired by God, nature, colors, art, and love. Those elements, paired with family and friends (who have become family) are the very things that inspire me to inspire others." - DANiE

"In creating the elleELLEeye blog and brand, it has become my way of inspiring others that "Love to dream, Live to create, and hope to Inspire", to do what they love. No matter what their craft is, no matter male or female, teacher or dancer, we are all here for a reason. God has a plan for everyone and through Him anything is possible - if you believe. In me overcoming obstacles, being dedicated, creative and passionate, others will see that and want more for themselves. As said by Horace Bushnell, 'The more difficulties one has to encounter, within and without, the more significant and the higher in inspiration his life will be.' That's why I know that I can inspire others." - ♥ t i f f a n y

What inspires you?

♥TeAM elleELLEinspire
Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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eyeROCK: The Boyfriend Short

I know by this time in the summer, you're probably overwhelmed by all the trends surrounding you. The flower prints, the rompers, the cut off shorts - I can go on FOREVER. But one of my favorite trends right now is the boyfriend short. You know, the ones that kind of ride low on your waist and are baggy. I LOVE THOSE THINGS! It took me a little while to figure out how to style them up...You know, swag them out! But now that I got it, I wanna show you a few ways to wear them. I put together these looks so you can see how to rock them. Enjoy!

(Photo)

ROCK IT OUT with this red and gold combo. Red alone, is a statement color. Mixing red with the boyfriend shorts and gold accents scream "NOTICE ME". Adding the nude shoes and tank top compliment this outfit so well because it won't overpower the statement you're trying to make. This Alexander McQueen clutch is the PERFECT accent to this sexy rebel look. Last, the vintage Chanel earrings and snake pin add a little more of a WOW factor. Overall, this outfit is strong yet sexy.

I adore this sweet twist on the boyfriend short trend. If you want to look chic and business-minded while wearing the BF short, do it with subtle color hues and neutral pieces. All the pieces that I put with the boyfriend short in this set are solids because when you do solids in interesting shapes, it's bold; while still being understated. The printed scarf and molded sandals are the perfect touches of style by being uniquely tasteful. I added this great gold and white watch for that extra hint of independence. This set screams "I am woman. Watch me work it!"


Last but not least, here's a fun, non-constructed take on this hot summer trend. The mix of the boxy tee, flowing cardigan, baggy short gives that I-don't-care look while still looking interesting and wearable. By adding silver and black accessories and touches of red, the outfit transforms from something that looks thrown on to an actual look. The disheveled hair goes great with this look. If you wanted to, you could even switch out the tee for a fitted white tank and these comfortable shoes for pumps for a sexier look. With these looks to start you off, I say take the trend and go for it! Work it out, Ladies!

Stay Couture, Aliciia
Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.

Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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eyeLIKE The Budget Babe

While going about my day as normal, browsing for cool fashion sites via Google Chrome, I came across this site called The Budget Babe. I LOVE IT! It shows you a ton of very chicly put together outfits inspired by our favorite celebrities; Queen LaTifah, SJP, and Kim Kardashian - who are just a few examples. What they do is give you the celebrity's look, and show you pieces similar to the ones that that celebrity is wearing. What's so great about that? The pieces are MUCH CHEAPER! Just because it's a recession doesn't mean we have to sacrifice beauty! Need to see it to believe it? Well look...

Now, you see those numbers? They match to a caption underneath the picture; which tells you the price of the item and where to find it. You can see it on the site TheBudgetBabe.com. Check it out and have fun, Ladies!

Stay Couture, Aliciia

Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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Alicia Keys: HAUTE or HATE IT

So, here we are again with another HAUTE or HATE IT. This time, let's talk about the beautiful Alicia Keys. (Congrats to her and Swiss on their great baby news by the way!) Anyway, here she is at the Keep a Child Alive Ball in London.

Alicia is wearing a one of a kind Dolce & Gabbana strapless ruffled cocktail dress with crystal detailing. The gown is embellished with tons of petal shaped pieces of fabric, except for the band that is strategically placed to help show off her waist (and hide the baby bump). AK also has on some amazing silver, pointy Christian Louboutin toe red bottom heels. Love the shoes, but not sure about the overall look.

What's your opinion? HAUTE or HATE IT?

Stay Couture, Aliciia

Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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2010 Met Costume Institute Gala

A few day's ago was the Met Costume Institute Gala. This is an opportunity for celebrities to push the limit when it comes to fashion. This year's Gala brought out some daring, yet artistically pleasing fashion choices from your favorite celebrities. Watch Amy Palmer (senior editor of In Touch Weekly), Allure fashion director Michael Carl and Samantha Yanks (editor-in-chief of Gotham) give their fashion expertise about what celebrities like Katy Perry, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jessica Alba wore to the Gala!


Video Link

Who's your favorite from the video?

Stay Couture, Aliciia

Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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The best part is the topping!

Want smooth, shiny, made-for-touching hair? I say buy Suave Professionals shampoo and conditioner! I had to try it after I saw their commercial which shows professional stylists in awe over the product. After using it, I can say that I'm in awe too!! My hair is naturally curly and can look and feel very dull and dead. But after using these products, I feel like I have someone else's hair and this hair is great!

I used the Suave Professionals Sleek Shampoo which has silk amino acids and vitamin C to help frizz. It made my hair a lot more manageable than it usually is after a shampooing. I then used the Suave Professionals Vibrant Shine Conditioner, which also has silk amino acids as well as vitamin E for shine. My normally ruff and annoyingly frizzy hair is now soft, manageable and shiny. Honestly, I don't think I'll ever use any other product to wash my hair again. Try it out for yourself!


Stay couture, Aliciia
Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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TREND CHECK: Pastel Hair?!

Some call it innovative, others call is plain CRAZY. What am I talking about? Pastel hair! Yes... I said PASTEL HAIR! It's been spotted on the runways (Balenciaga's Fall/ Winter 2010 Collection for example) and now everyday folks and celebrities are embracing this Easter egg colored hair idea. Personally, I think it's kinda cool. It's not wearable by everyone but hey, if you can rock it I say be effFierce!! What do you think?(above picture from fashionfame.com)
(picture at right from fashionfame.com)

Stay Couture, Aliciia

Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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Spring Fashion... DUDE'S EDITION

Spring is right around the corner and whether you're male or female, we all wanna look good! Ladies, I've been putting you on for a while now. It's time I tell ya'll fella's about some fashion trends! What do I think is going to be in fashion for you guys? I'm about to tell you...

1. Short sleeved button up's: We're going to see less of the pushed up long sleeves on button up's and more of the actual short sleeves.

Vintage Red Plaid Shirt from Macy's.com

Ben Sherman "Devo" Shirt from Zappos.com

2. Cargo's and Khaki's are coming in with force!: These are great for spring because of the neutral colors and more comfortable fits

Men's Everyday Relaxed-Fit Khakis from OldNavy.com


3. Army inspired pieces: Fellas, this is a trend that has been long coming and now it's finally here so rock it out!

Men's Authentic Cargo Shorts from OldNavy.com


4. Graphic Tee's: They're going NOWHERE. They'll just be toned down.

Both Tees are Crooked Monkey from Macys.com



5. Stand out hoodies & jackets


Polo Ralph Lauren Shawl Collar Cotton-Linen Pullover from Bloomingdales.com


Ralph Lauren Black Label Hooded Jacket from Bloomingdales.com


Some continuing trends will be v-necks, fedoras, blazers, and neutrals so keep those around!!!

Men, take these trends and add work them into your own personal style for a spring step-up!!

Stay Couture, Aliciia
Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.

Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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Look Book!

Hey all you fashion/style/art lovers out there! Today I came across this cool site called LOOKBOOK.nu and I LOVE IT! I'm always looking for inspiration for designs and some styling stuff that I put together and normally I look at art and photography this is one of the few fashion sites that actually inspire me to push the bar...

This site allows people from ALL OVER THE WORLD to post pictures of outfits being worn by themselves and others. They're extremely unique and pretty impressive outfits. What adds to the coolness is that these people aren't posed in their rooms in front of the mirror, they're impromptu photo shoots!!! There's a ton of different styles from a ton of different countries. I can guarantee that you WILL be impressed. Want to see more, well there's so many AMAZING images that I cant even pick just a few!!! LOOKBOOK.nu ... CHECK IT OUT!!!!!

Stay Couture, Aliciia

Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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eye See You!!!

Today I was doing what I always do; and that is stalking things of fashion. I began to think about what my personal style will be like this spring. That's when it hit me...SUNGLASSES! Sunglasses are the perfect compliment to spring's demure colors and simple shapes. Here are some of the shades that I thought ya'll would enjoy. Find all these styles on Zappos.com.

DESIGNER: Mosley Tribes
Pair these with some khaki pants, white and brown and you can't go wrong!

Designer: Jessica Simpson
Child-like and fun, but still stylish!


Designer: Ed Hardy
These are for the rocker in you!


Designer: Chloe
I love these for when you wanna wear something unique, yet be stylish and fashionable.


Designer: Chloe
A pair of my faves...Simple yet still eye catching. A great addition to a bright piece.


Designer: Spy Optic
I have never seen a pair of pink sunglasses so worthy of the catwalk.


Designer: Sabre
LOVE THESE! Throw on a white V-Neck, some distressed tan washed blue jeans and a pair of nude pumps and you're ready to go!


Designer: Ray-Ban
For that little pop of color...


Designers: Mosley Tribes
Now THESE are what I call statement sunglasses!


Take, read, and enjoy!!

Stay Couture, Aliciia

Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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