The Greatness in YOU: Backstage with Common

As I and fellow VINTRO_x members, Victoria and Neiko, traveled from Murfreesboro to Nashville to attend a lecture from Rapper/Activist/Actor, Common, a certain excitement filled the air concerning the dopeness of who we were going to see. We drove down I-24 brainstorming questions to ask Common if we were able to grab an interview but every couple minutes one of us would interject with how awesome it would be to see someone who we all considered to be a major influence in our lives.

We arrived about 15 minutes after the event had started (Hey, don’t judge me. I had class.) and the auditorium in the Humanities building of Tennessee State University was packed into the hall. Unable to see, we moved through the crowd in the foyer and made our way around to the stage entrance. We sat backstage and I began to grab a few pics from behind the wings. While shooting, I took a listen to what Mr. Lonnie Rashied Lynn (Common) had to say.

He spoke on finding the “Greatness in Yourself.” Looking out on the young faces of the historically black TSU, he imparted words to them encouraging them to seek success from within. The two-time Grammy winner conversed about the year he went to the Grammys with 5 nominations, watched everyone around him win, and walked out empty-handed. He mused on how he figured he would win 3 of the 5 awards he was nominated for, so he wrote 3 speeches. After being passed over for his first 4 awards, he consolidated the speeches and got ready to accept the last. His final nomination comes up and he attempts a smile and clap as the man sitting next to him and his friend, Kanye West, is awarded the coveted trophy. He used this story to illustrate how you have to turn your “obstacles to possibles.” Instead of becoming bitter, he worked to become better. (Watch Video)

He continued his message of inspiration, quoting Nelson Mandela and scriptures from the bible. I’m not usually one for motivational speeches or speakers; however, there was a certain undeniable honesty in the words he spoke that was different from similar speeches I had heard. His motivational words were different because his motivations were different. I could tell he wasn’t there just to collect an appearance fee. This was not a cookie-cutter Tony Robbins speech. He was speaking on things that were real to him and how he made it through his personal struggles.
So as I search to find the greatness in myself I hope you will all do the same. Be on the lookout for my follow-up to this piece: an Interview with the SGA President at TSU who brought Common to their campus, Danny Glover. Stay Dope!!!

Khrys Hatch
Twitter.com/JPR3ofCID
and @Vintro_X

WTF? Whats Up with the V word??

So I bet, hope, AND pray you guys are wondering What's the french toast is up with whatstheVword.blogspot.com! (btw: FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @Vintro_X)

HERE'S THE DEAL!!

We (Vintro_x) have been working TREMENDOUSLY hard on getting our FIRST major fashion event off the ground. The event is not OUR (Vintro_x) event! It is an event hosted by Word-Up! and we are assisting with the Fashion Show portion of this event.

We were given this task 2 weeks ago and seeing as how the last 2 weekends have been BANANAS we have been doing nothing but SCHOOL-WORK-FASHION SHOW!! lol! So the poor blog has gone unblogged on! BUTTTTT

That shall ALL change soon! Monday, expect there to be a FULL FLEDGED blog MANIA! We will have pictures from the event! (of the models, Vintro and everything) More pics from the LookBook and MORE! So BE READY!! Spread the WORD!!

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @Vintro_X

and OH come out to the JUB on THIS Monday, November 1st for the Middle Tennessee DJ Scratch Battle featuring a DOPE Fashion Show (PRESENTED BY VINTRO_x) from 7 til 10 p.m! 5 in advance and 10 at the door!!  BE THERE!! *look at flyer*

 

LOVE YA!! - Vintro_x (again: FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @Vintro_X)

Turtle Bangs... umm pretty much mind blowing

Tonight started VERY QUESTIONABLY. Khrys, Mike and I searched the streets of Murfreesboro for something to do, anything to do. Epic fails after epic fails after epic fails began to diminish our desire and determination to find a fun free party to kick it at. We had gotten so desperate that we began to consider the Gorilla Thriller (nothing against the Alphas or their party, I just didn’t have the money for a ticket, the patience for a line, or the will power for the sea of judgment that usually waves through these kind of parties) when all of a sudden I got a couple text messages back to back, one stating that the Gorilla Thrilla had been shut down (don’t know if that’s true or not) one stating that there was a set in Campus Crossing north (an apartment very near to campus) and the last talking about a party on Ewing St… as we weighed our options, it became obvious that are best bet was the party on Ewing. So we made up our minds and began to make a move that way. Before we turned the corner we saw cars lined for days on both sides. There was a mob growing outside of the house, and at first I couldn’t decide if that was a good thing or not, but as I walked toward the large intimidating crowd my fears and suspicions began to melt away. Immediately I saw familiar faces and felt a warm vibe/spirit over the entire event. People with different colored hair, people with different tattoos, people sweats on, people dressed to impress, people doing and wearing whatever made them feel free without even the slightest worry of being judged or frowned upon.

look em up and get a t-shirt!

            I spotted a few people in the crowd immediately and took a sec to warm up and feel around the crowd, when all of a sudden one of the most amazing people in the world, JOHN ZEMAN, comes up to me and we share a thing of JOOSE (if you don’t know what it is look it up and try it, uhm AMAZING lol) and he tells me about the activities going on within the house. He tells me there is a band playing inside, and until then I hadn’t even noticed the thumping bass coming from the basement of the old house. I tried to maintain a bit more conversation but the beat was slowly bringing me in. I could hear people cheering, I could smell sweat, and I could feel the energy. As I took a deep breath I stepped into the overcrowded basement of whoever’s home we were in and quickly figured out exactly why these people were cheering at the top of their lungs and dancing and jumping like their very souls depended on it. A band called Turtle Bangs was performing. Song after song the crowd got bigger, danced harder, and screamed louder, and for good reason. The originality and spontaneity of Greg Stephen and Casey Carter (the members of Turtle Bangs) kept the crowd wanting more and more. As Greg sang louder and louder the audience had no choice but to raise their volume with him. People were moshing, fist pumping, and singing along like there was no tomorrow. As I stood on top of a couch I tried my best to record what I could with little success, a camera phone simply would do no justice for this revolutionary sound! So I quickly put my phone away and just began to enjoy the music for what it was; raw, new, and impossible to record! As I got into the music I realized I no longer was surrounded by my posse for the night (Khrys and Mike) and in a nervous hurry I began to scan the crowd when I spotted a huge afro (Khrys) slamming around in a sea of music loving moshers and to my right was mike standing next to the door with his cool face unavoidably bobbing his head to the band, once it became obvious I was not the only one having an amazing time another set of worries quickly melted away and were replaced by a new boost of energy and excitement. I could feel the drummer, Casey Carter’s bass drum vibrate the walls, windows, and souls and I began to bob my head even harder and mosh with myself in excitement (because I am afraid of the bruises that come with moshing as a group). But like all good things, they must come to an end. Turtle Bangs began to edge closer to their conclusion… all too soon for my liking and I wasn’t ready to let this hardcore fantasy of reality go, so I stayed perched on the couch trying to fight the inevitable end to a great set. Eventually my stubbornness payed off and I got to meet the two band members and was pleasantly surprised by their warm spirits and humbleness! Ugh I am up at 5:18 in the morning to write about this band not because this is just something I love to do, but because this is something I had to do!!! I tried to lay down once I got home but the energy of the show left me buzzed and excited so I skipped the bed and headed straight for the computer so that I could get this off my chest. And  I need to leave you with this, if you EVER get a chance to catch a live performance of Turtle Bangs please don’t miss it, for your own sake!!! Well I love you and perhaps it is time for me to get off my soap box, so goodnight/morning/afternoon and be safe!!!

-Victoria Jones @lizabvintro

Dear Cardigan, OH! How I Love Thee

and that is the HONEST TRUTH!! I am in love with cardigans and you should be too! =P

Cardigan worn by singer, Sam Sparro

The cozy cool comfortable button down (or zipper) sweater is a piece of SWISHTORY (swag+history. Named after James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, they are so simple yet fashionable. In all honesty Cardigans add this touch of Vintro to any outfit. Coming in ALL COLORS (all patterns, prints and such with) and for BOTH genders, there is NO EXCUSE why you do not own a cardigan. I just bought a another cardigan over Fall break and another Today! shameonme.com but thats how much I love them. I wish I could wear them DAILY!

The Grandpa/Grandma looks is UBER acceptable and you get many compliments when wearing a cardigan. Here are ways I(Starz) suggest you wear cardigans. (male and female)

Ways To Wear A Cardigan

• A Nice Bright Color Cardigan, a Slim Jean, and a good boot or pump or flat.(Male or Female)
• A funky patterened cardigan and a cute puffy skirt (ladies)
• A Simple one Colored cardigan (any material) with a snazzy Bowtie and nice slacks (looking Debnheir and suave)
• A loose cardigan with a sort of tank top,a cute belt (or get a belted cardigan) skinnies and boots (the Hobo/Hippy look for girls)

And here are places to Wear Cardigans

• Church
• School
• Job Interviews
• To The Mall
• Club
• On A Date
• To Take out the trash
• When Shampooing a Squirrel (lol)
• Stepshow *wink*
• Football Game (in your schools color) school spirit + stylish = #WIN
• Basically ANY and EVERYWHERE

And there this new like Cardigan twin, that my best friend has so dubbed a Shalanekin (pronounced sha-lane-kin) thats almsot like a cardigan but its button less and has this loose breeze feeling too it (as worn by Beyonce in the I am Yours Live Intimate Performance DVD)

But yes we in Vintro_x are INDEED cardigan lovers and WEARERS!! So WEAR CARDIGANS! your life will be BETTER!!



-_jStarz
(follow Vintro_x and Myself on twitter @Vintro_X & @i_R_Starz and 'Like' us on FaceBook Vintro(x) ) <3

Michael "Showtime" Watson at the fall shoot for VINTROx

Michael "Showtime" Watson

Like most upcoming producers/songwriters/ designers, young entrepreneur, Showtime, is working hard to reach the pinnacle of success at a prime age. Growing up, Michael Watson II's undeniable energy was acknowledged by everyone that came in his presence. He grew up loving music, art, & videos, & always speaked of being "big time" one day. His friends & family gave him the nickname of Showtime, at the age of 11, because of his talent of shining in the spotlight. At the age of 15, Michael was being mentored by Producer, EJ Porter of Drummer Boy Entertainment, & was provided the guidance that not many get to experience at such a young age. By the age of 17, Michael had created his own clothing line, Hiztory, & was featured in numerous fashion shows.

Now, at the age of 19, he is living up to that name & his creativity has sparked many highly acclaimed producers, A&R's, media and bloggers, & artists' thoughts of a star on the rise. He currently has his feet in countless projects. He recently started & created his own networking website for people all over the world to network & be given the voice that so many wish to covet. AllBuzzworthy.Com has members from all over, ranging from China & Australia, to New York & Memphis, & he hopes to expand even further worldwide; The site has generated attention from lots of media, as well as world-renown artists, including Michael McCary of Boyz II Men. He is the Music Director of the award winning, Culture Shock Magazine, which focuses on giving the world the latest & greatest in music, fashion & culture, & has interviewed countless artists & actors in the industry, including Verse Simmonds & Lil Duval. He also co-directed his first music video for R&B Singer, Alexis Nicole's "Infatuation", & has been featured on numerous sites.. But it doesn't end there. Showtime produces & writes R&B & Pop music, & is in talks for placements on mixtapes & albums with major artists. His sound is very unique, as he hopes to help transform music into something fresh and remarkable. Michael recently started another company, Showtime Media, which specializes in art, graphic work, & videos, for clients serious about maintaining professionalism & creativity in their work. Clients in need of a Director for their music videos/ commercials, album/ mixtape art, logos, clothing designs, promos, flyers, business cards, or any other art, can contact Showtime anytime to begin the process of creating mastery. In addition, Michael works closely with different artists, including Alexis Nicole, by promoting & helping build a brand around the stars that he sees have so much potential in becoming the next big thing. Down the road, Michael hopes to construct his own label/ entertainment group, Showtime Entertainment, which will focus on building & shining a major light on artists, entertainers, & producers, with so much positive energy that the world needs to witness. Showtime manages to balance all of this while furthering his education as a sophomore at Middle Tennessee State University.

These are just a few things of what Showtime has accomplished all at the age of 19, & the sky only becomes more limitless, for he believes that staying in one lane narrows the possibilities of stumbling upon greatness. With aspirations of becoming the next hottest entertainment/ music mogul & with God on his side, his future will be bright in anything that he does... Showtime will be dropping the "AllBuzzworthy" mixtape in November 2010, which is an unsigned hype project and an extension of the site, AllBuzzworthy.com.

As been stated before VINTROx's main objective is to promote creativity through all outlets and "Showtime" is definitly one to watch!
-Victoria Jone @lizabvintro

Lookbook

 Fall 2010 Lookbook Preview

(From left to right) Latashia Cooper, Michael "Showtime" Watson II, Mariel Lane

Michael "Showtime" Watson II

Latashia Cooper, Michael "Showtime" Watson II, Mariel Lane

  

Whats a Rock N Rolla?? - Free Sol

So I walk into the club Limelight last Thursday waiting to hear some really great music....We were originally there to  support the best band on MTSU's campus, Call It Dope (CID) and to see the most underrated Rapper Big Sean, what I didn't expect is to hear was some of the best music strait out of Memphis, since... hell since I was BORN! But then FreeSol walked on stage with such confidence and "swagger" that  for a moment I truly forgot why I was there, it seemed as though the forces put me in the exact spot for that exact moment to experience something truly inspiring, Freesol.  They had an edge about them that caught your attention.  The Drummer starts it off... Hes AMAZING.. You cant help but bob your head to his rhythmic beats..  Then the Guitar comes in and you start to stand up and go to the stage... You get fucking goosebumps, no goosepimples, NO NO better yet gooseboils from his amazing skills... Then Free , the lead singer comes in which sends the crowd into a frenzy. You start to jump and go crazy with the music it just digs in to your soul... Their music is a mix between Rock and Hip Hop with their own little twist on it.  They aren't normal (which ni my opinion is a good thing) and they are going to make it in this business.  THEY ARE AMAZING... But why did I title this blog What is a Rock N Rolla You say?  Because their album starts with: "People ask me Whats a Rock N Rolla?"... They ( FreeSol)  go on to explain to the audience what it means with in their album.  Its so cool.  They are some of the most down to earth people, after their set Vintro approached them to exclaim the new found love we had for them, but it was not like approaching some snot nose celebrity, but more like approaching regular people, people who have hopes and dreams, and have not forgotten where they came from, which means alot!!  I will continue to stalk them until they come to Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)  and show these people what good music is, AND hang with Vintro. :) They will probably be like O god there goes those kids that hit us up on Facebook, Twitter, and EVEN MYSPACE everyday but we will get to know them.!! :) I LOVE FREESOL!!!

#FOLLOWBACK if your reading this!!!!!!!!!!!
@MANOLOVINTRO @vintroxx

Accessory do's and dont's

DO wear your accessories layered, mitch-match and creative as possible. If you want to wear a simple gold chain with a bold wooden piece and a couple strands of pearls, then go for it. Get lot of necklaces that are different lengths and a little kick to any plain old t shirt and jeans! Once again it comes down to a confidence thing, if you know it looks good then it will look good. And please dismiss that old myth that you cannot wear gold with silver, bold hardware is in so add any necklace in that you want to

DON'T go matchy matchy! Dismiss whatever thought process you have that makes you believe that you plastic neon jewelry has to match your neon screen tee to match your neon Jordan's it is a very common mistake. Alot of people mistake this for the retro hip-hop look.... it's NOT! Bring it down a notch, the inspiration is in the right direction but your matchy plastic neon bangles, hoops, and beaded necklace that looks like something thrown at a Mardi Gras parade has effectively derailed the plan and sent in an awful direction. And i am tired of hearing them bang together in class while you write please put them on the left hand!

DO rock the bohemian jewelry that is coming back. I love these hippie inspired pieces, they add a sense of style on the more lax days and it is something easy to throw on. Now some will disagree with me on this, but long earings with the small feather on it are so DOPE, especially when worn in only one ear... It makes me happy to see that!  

Ugh this looks so cheesy and ridiculous

 DON'T keep wearing these played out peace signs. There are very few people I truly believe can still pull them off now that they have been "urbanized." It seems that as soon as an item of clothing gets to Rue 21 its probably not long before that style goes down the drain, so I would strongly recommend staying away from the peace signs unless you have impecable style AND self confidence, otherwise it is very likely that look will just come off looking cheesy! 





*This time I will end on a positive note!!!!

DO rock vintage and retro inspired jewelry! It is so easy to do, grab some clip-ons for 99 cents at the thrift store. Forever 21 is a great place for vintage and retro styled jewelry as well, but be careful because if you liked it chances are 157 other girls at your school, job, or whatever it is you do have liked it as well! So be creative with it, mix and match layer it, whatever just make it you!

-Victoria Jones @lizabvintro

Lets WHIP those Musical Tastebuds INTO SHAPE!!

let me first start this by saying. . . WHO?? aweokay.gov
M.R.A

We at Vintro_X are NOT JADED by what the world has stereotyped music into being. The "only certain people listen to certain music" stereotype. I, personally, believe that that is RETARDED! You should be free to let music REACH YOUR HEART! Just because you are African American doesnt mean you should only listen to Lil Wayne or Waka Flocka. Just because you are Caucasian you should only listen to Britney Spears or Justin Timberlake. Music transcends racial barriers, states, countries and all that mumbo jumbo! So why limit yourself to only what you consider "acceptable"?! MUSIC is MUSIC! There are artist who's music that will uplift you, if you only gave them a try. I have been in moods where certain artist could only take me out of. Come look at my Zune(wooohooo) and you'll see how musically diverse I am.

There are SOOOOOO many GREAT and TALENTED artist in the world but we choose to limit ourselves so our "homeboys" or "girlies" won't "clown" us. PLEASE clown Starz! I beg of thee! Some of this music will give you better advice than your "homeboys" and "girlies" will EVER give. JUST open your mind, and your ears and RECEIVE IT.

Here's A List of Artist (some known and unknown) that will get your musical taste buds aflotaing. and Yes majority of these artist are some of my favorites and No, I am not biased.(okay a little) 

• Beyonce
• Lady GaGa (as weird as she may be there is a message behind the music)
• Lupe Fiasco
• Paramore (GET WITH IT)
• Kings of Leon
• Kid Cudi
• Janelle Monae
• Rooney
• The Pretty Reckless
• Katy Perry
• Alicia Keys
• Common
• Kanye West
• Jay-Z
• Sam Sparro
• Shwayze
• Free Sol (just discovered them and they are blessing my soul) 
• Demi Lovato
• Amy Winehouse
• BLACKFROST
• Dawn Richard
• CALL IT DOPE! (woop woop and yes i'm a dope fiend)
• Corrine Bailey Ray
• Ashlee Simpson
• Gwen Stefani
• Fall Out Boy
• John Legend
• M.I.A (although i cant understand 55% of what she says, her beats are INSANE)
• We Are The Fallen
• Adam Lambert
• Lily Allen
• Santo Gold
• *coughs* Nicki Minaj *coughs*

and the list could go ON and ON (tweet me for more Artist)

If you like an artist that everyone thinks is slaw then thats YOUR choice! Live YOUR life and make YOUR decisions. As one of my favorite lyrics from a song says "If it's not real you can't hold it in your hand, can't feel it with your heart. and I won't believe it. BUT if it's true you can see it with your eyes and even in the dark!" (my next tattoo btw!)

Be Musically Veristale!!

-_jStarz(follow me and Vintro_x on twitter @i_R_Starz and @Vintroxx)

Ho Love Yo' self

What makes an outfit? What makes someone fashionable or trendy? What part of the outfit makes heads turn? Some say the most important addition to any outfit is the hair, some say the shoes, and others believe its in the type of jeans you wear, how dope your shirt is, skirt, jacket, accessories, or the handbag, o the list goes on. But I am afraid if any of you thought of these "typical answers" first you were WRONG. The most important part to any outfit is the amount of confidence you have in it! In this fashion world you have to be a lion. Now there is a good lion and a bad lion. You can either be Mufasa who was a the most B.A. of them all, and I know some will try to argue the fact that he died early on in the movie, but I would like to remind those buffoons (sorry I get really touchy about my favorite movie) that he died for a cause he believed in... making him a hero in my book. OR you can choose to be the cowardly lion from The Wiz  who was as confident as the next guy, until the smallest bit of opposition arose, in which he would then lose every bit of backbone he owned, and turn into a whimpering-cowering little kitten.

 In order to make a transition from the Cowardly Lion to Mufasa you have to take a few very simple steps.

You don't have to be a celeb to reach this level of confidence!

1. HO LOVE YO' SELF. This is a simple concept, love yourself better longer stronger and harder then anyone in this world. Understand that you are one of a kind and the best you there is out there! My theater teacher once explained it to us like this: they could hire the best actor in the world, and he/she could study your movements your laugh your responses your facial expressions and gestures for years, they could gain or lose weight to try and match your body figure, take speech lessons to learn to speak the same... BUT even with all the training and research in the world no one would ever be able to play a better you then you! Remember that and be the best you that you can be, which should be easy if you love yourself, and these last few steps will fall right into place with little work.

This man has enough confidence to be confused with a celeb any day

2. Be confident in yourself. There is nothing worst then seeing someone in an AMAZING outfit that is wearing them instead of them  wearing it, people who let there clothes personality outshine their own. Buy clothes that elaborate on and compliment your personality. Now that does not mean if you are shy you must buy regular "boring" clothes or even that if you are loud and boisterous that you need to buy busy, outgoing outfits. No, it means that if you wear it then you need to know in your mind and soul that you can wear it better then anyone else out there!! Do not cancel out all the hard work, attention to detail, and creativity that you put into your outfit by selling yourself short in self confidence.

3. Now one of the most important things to remember is that with all great things come some bad. If you have talked yourself into loving yourself and being confident in yourself then this last part won't be too bad. The cons that comes with loving yourself and having confidence are haters. These people due to the lack of love for themselves and the lack of confidence, have no choice but to pull down those opposite of them and while you may wanna hit, scream, or shout, just remember they may haven't been granted to the same information you have. So take a deep breathe calm down and repeat these words to them  exactly, "Ho love yourself."
Sincerely yours,
Victoria Jones

call it what? well if you're as cool as these kids you might as well CALL IT DOPE!

So as we got ready to go out tonight I got the awesome opportunity to listen to Call It Dope (CID) as they recorded a few last minute things before we left. From the way these guys (Khrys "Joshua Paul Rodgers, III," Hatch and Jeremy "Chico Rashad" Williams ) perform on stage to the way they perform off the stage in the privacy of their own home is nothing short of amazing and inspiring!! We (other vintro members and I) were all sooo ready to go and hit the party but their sheer determination and love for what they do held us in the studio for an extra 30-40 min, and while this would usually irritate THE SHXT OUT OF ME, I actually loved the experience this time. It was an easy going mix of "today" and "yesterday," a fashion forward version of the past and something, almost all generations could relate to. I was trying  to learn the words from the very first time I heard it and by the third time around I was singing along at the top of my lungs. Something about CID brings chills to my skin, inspiration to my soul, and harmonies to my head so rhythmic and catchy I can do nothing more then replay it over and over in hopes of getting it UNstuck from my head.

Now I hope this post does not come off as a tool  to blow their heads up, or as just some fan who is "doing the most," but instead as an inspirational post to those who have yet to hear them, to actually go out and take a a gander. And anyone who listened to them and has tried to disagree with anything I have said thus far would not only be lying to themselves but to everyone around. I give huge kudos to CID for their recent performance in which they opened  for Big Sean, and everything about them because their performance was disgustingly awesome! I mean I payed 15 dollars (which to a broke college student seems like a FORTUNE), not to see free soul, even though they were AMAZINGLY dope, not to see that little bitty light skinned guy that came on after them, not the lame MC's that wasted about 40 minutes, and not even Big Sean, but to see one of my favorite new bands in the world,  CALL IT DOPE!We came for CID and it was worth every cent plus some. If you have yet to check out their music I would definitely recommend it! Otherwise you're LOSING! But losing or winning I LOVE YOU ALL!!

- Victoria E Jones @lizabvintro   
 P.S. the website to check em out on is called, PureVolume.com/CallItDope

Are We Really Over Overalls

Only the edgiest of individuals can successfully take part in resurrecting the spirit of the of the once ever-so-popular overall. As the cycle of recycling fads continue, I've witnessed people of different walks of life rock the controversial ensemble...some do a superb job at it, and others not so much. For instance, sporting the overalls that you work in at the farm     with a camo hat and work shoes is not exactly a head turner, unless people are silently fading you. so to avoid such an unfortunate fate, stay away from the camo and throw on a cool beanie and some vintage boots and you're good to go!    -RoniVINTRO

letterman jacket... do or dont???

I believe Chris Brown and Drake are mainly responsible for this resurfacing trend. See I played varsity basketball so I had a letterman, but it was never about making a fashion statement, it was more about being uniform with my fellow teammates, and to be warm... (for those who know about sports basketball season is in the winter) I love the look of letterman, and they are a much better replacement to the race car jackets (which I HATE) but it has taken me a while to get used to them. At first it was nothing but goons wearing them 8 sizes too big with their butts hanging out, then the sizes got smaller and the jeans came up and got tighter. I won't lie they are definitely growing on me! They seemed so silly to me at first but they seem to make so much sense now. Even if they haven't played a single sport in their life. Pair it with some great jeans or slacks (just please pull them up) cardigan and a v neck, some dope shoes and be on your way. It is a great way to stay warm. Note: the more vintage it looks the BETTER. Its an easy dress down approach to the trench coat, do NOT get me wrong  I love love love peacoats and trench coats, but I am also growing to love varsity jackets too.

But just remember your clothes dont have to be vommit enducing just because it is cold. Put in a little extra effort, be creative and be beautiful!! I love you all and please if you own a bubble coat then let the lettermen replace it!!!
-Victoria Jones

the trip to dc

Soo I was not able to post yesterday because I was in D.C. for a quick shopping trip... Roni and I went on a ten hour bus ride to check out Washington D.C. for a couple hours, and the experience was AMAZING. I hadn't been to D.C.since I was youngster, but this was the first trip I had taken there dedicated to shopping. It was a great day to shop! The weather was AMAZING the atmosphere was enough to make me want to pack my bags and move! From the diversity, to the dope resturaunts and clubs (not that we had the time to actually hit the club... we were only there for 7 hours!!)  It truly was an amazing day full of shopping, hanging, subways, and searching, searching for Wale (my boo thang) who was no where to be found. But other then that it was  a perfect day!! If ever you get the chance to go you should!!! And visit busboys and poets! Its a great place!