KG Featured on Essence's Street Style: Fierce Chi-Town Naturals!

After an early meeting at work I checked my email to find a forwarded message from my friend KDizzle. The article is from Essence and surprisingly my face appears! I immediately freak out of course. It was my hope to make the cut for the online gallery when I was asked to take the picture, but to be the featured picture for the outgoing newsletter and the Essence homepage!?!?! Totally unexpected. Still so excited! 

Click the screen shots to be redirected to Essence! 

 The event itself wasn't what I expected. In my opinion there were more clothing and jewelry vendors than resources for naturals. 

Stage at the Black Girl Long Hair (BGLH) Christmas Fest in Chicago sponsored by Taliah Waajid 

Vendors at the Black Girl Long Hair (BGLH) Christmas Fest in Chicago sponsored by Taliah Waajid 

I still loveeee being in the presence of women doing their own thing, rocking the hair that grows from their heads and working it! What a great way to end the year! YAY!

Lifestyle: I.M.A.G.I.N.E. Ceremony

One of my favorite girls KDizzleSheFresh mentors young adult women with an organization here in Detroit. When the mentoring program came to an end the girls were awarded with a ceremony. Love events like this and I'm looking forward to mentoring myself! :)

Peace & Blessings,

KG

UPlift: Meeting the Legend-Dr.Cornel West

Dr. Cornel West came to the University of Michigan last night. He spoke very candidly about race matters (pun intended) in the US and internationally. The theme was "Making Race Heard" which was perfect for the present political climate the OCCUPY movement has created. The economic disparities that have gained so much attention effect Black and Brown communities disproportionately, and although Dr.West wasn't sure where the movement is going next, he is sure it will be a movement of great proportion on a global level. 

The BEST advice that I heard from this genius of a speaker was to "be an example". Students who asked him questions and had dialogue with him were frustrated by the injustices they've witnessed. His advice was reassuring, hopeful, eloquent and humorous; the underlying answer for each question was to be an example. To show people how easy it is to do what's right, and fight for what's right. Doing anything but is cowardice according to West and I agree 100%. 

I love this man's spirit. So inspiring! Personally I am going to make a conscious effort to walk my own path in the fight for justice and equality. Whether or not it's popular or in style. That comes with self-discovery. As we all continue to grow, strive to keep sacred those virtues and morals that align with our belief system. That's the challenge in life in my opinion. Can we be moved and easily influenced by fleeting pleasures and distractions, or are we steadfast in the war that's been declared on freedom, equality and justice?

Pic: Right before he pulled out his pick and fluffed that Afro out. I promise you I love this man and I hope to speak extensively with him and be mentored by him one day!

Shout-out to his security guard, the BRUHZ! :)

Peace & Blessings,

KG

Arts & Crafts: Bangle or Bracelet Display/Holder

I've been meaning to create a way to display and store my bangle collection for awhile now. I purchased lace and fabric for it months ago! Finally set some time aside this past weekend and had some arts and crafts fun! I used a very sturdy cardboard cylinder from a rug I purchased from Pier 1. I cut it into two using my heavy duty chef knife. Measured, cut and glued! Then I realized that I didn't have beads to secure them and keep them apart. I looked around and found some old and broken earrings that had bead-like components (lol). I tied them to some cheap ribbon from a used gift bag and VIOLA! 

I am a little nervous about the ribbon, I might have to change it to a stronger material one day, but for now this works. I'm so happy my dresser is clear and free of all the bangles. I had fun and saved money! I feel much more organized too! Check out the link below for an informative instructional video. I was inspired by her!

D.I.Y. Instructional Video

Peace & Blessings,

KG

Detroit By Design Runway Show & Homeslice Label Launch

My friend KDizzle invited me to an Detroit Young Professionals event. A fashion show featuring a new label by a local Detroiter, Emily Thornhill. Naturally, I looked forward to it being a wanna-be fashionista! LOL. Although it wasn't what I expected, I loved some of her designs as well as other designers' creations that made their way down the runway. When I arrived it was packed so I wasn't able to get the best pictures, but the I had fun hanging out with a good friend!

 KDizzle and I

Peace & Blessings,

KG

Fashion Night Out in Troy, MI

I had truffles and champagne at Swarovski!

I got a lip color from Bare Escentuals. Love it so far! I'll do a make-up look and post at a later date! Gorgeous color and made from minerals!

Can't wait to try the be curly line from AVEDA!

                       MORE drinky drank! LOL!                                                Just FLY!

I was never a huge Henri Bendel fan but these clutches, bags and accessories are FAB. Definitely want a snake skinned fold over!

Fashion Show and Entrance to the High-End Side of the mall

My ALL-time favorite store is Antrhopologie! I love everything:

the clothing, the houseware, bed bath and BEYOND! LOL! I purchased something I've had my eye on for awhile. You'll probably see it in a KG the Foodie post!

Thanks Cadalliac! tyi3284 and I were SO hungry!

A cute red dress pin and earrings from Swarovski  and a go-go dancer at one of the two fashion shows. It was like a ghost -town!

 

 Overall a great night! I really had fun chillin with my girl tyi3284, sipping on cocktails and champagne and shopping! FNO wasn't bad at all. Your day is what you make it!

P.S. I cut her feet out of the pic on accident. She told me off ! LOL! j/k

tyi3284's YouTube Channel

UPlift: Meeting the Legend-Anita Baker

So I have a secret. 

I had somewhat of a sheltered childhood. Music was a love of mine growing up. I was in the church choir every year. And I loved music in general. But the selection of music that I was privy to was very limited. Smooth Jazz. Yes, I was only permitted to listen to Smooth Jazz until I was in 10th grade. That's my secret. Now, I loved the local smooth jazz channel. Kenny G, Sade, Anita Baker, Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston and even Brandy were played. There were times when at slumber parties or just out with friends I'd get a taste of TLC, Monica, No Doubt, Blink 182, Green Day or Incubus. But I still loved my Smooth Jazz. You might ask, didn't you just sneak and buy music that everyone else was listening to (Jodeci, IMX, Eve, etc)? Well...no. I grew up in a household led by a strong Black woman from the south. 

Plus, I grew up in a time where you feared your parents. LOL!

And again, I loved jazz. I wasn't curious about anything promoting drugs, sex and violence. Jazz was much more peaceful and kept me focused on life and adventure. All of this is to say: my favorite artist became Anita Baker. I loooooved to sing and my voice was deeper than average, like hers. I've thought about running into her here in Detroit a time or two, or five. Then a couple of weeks ago I got a text from tyi3284 telling me that she had a surprise performance at the African World Festival (on the day I decided not to go). I was cooking dinner then and cried. I'm not ashamed to admit that.
I tried to forget about missing a chance to see her (this would have been my 4th time). 
Yesterday I drove to the Apple store to exchange my phone due to a defective camera. 


Divine intervention took place, here's how:


1. I left work an hour later than usual.
2. The Apple Store had no available appointments, but I went anyway to try and fit into a cancelled or no-show appointment.
3. For the FIRST time I parked on the opposite side of the mall I usually park on.
4. I took the escalator, when I ALWAYS take the elevator.
5. I passed Anthropologie instead of going in, trying to stay focused on the task at hand.


Click the Read More Link to Read More and see the pic!

My Musical Lovie: Dwele

Swoon

As I try to become acclimated to this new city of mine I attend social events here and there. Recently I went to an Estelle listening party at the PV Lounge in Downtown Detroit. To my SURPRISE I saw my lovie Andwele Gardner (for you non-obessive fans that's Dwele) relaxin', chillin at the bar. Everyone seemed so non-chalant. I didn't get it. Does no one know of the magical creations he produces?  Old Lovas? My Lady? Is this mic ON? I was like OMG! Dwele! He's always so nice and receptive of my giddiness (I've only met him personally once before). I kindly requested a photo with him. He mentions how short he feels beside my six feet 2 (with heels) stature. We have an in-depth conversation (not really, but I'm claiming it anyway). That's when I realize I'm blocking the way for the people behind me to squeeze through the packed venue. I proceed. Star struck. I have a HUGE crush on Dwele's music. I can honestly say that I have seen him perform at least 5 times. When moving to Detroit I didn't realize that for him, this is home. Apparently he's always hanging out at events in the city.....*sigh* that means that I actually have an opportunity to be friends with him? 

Like maybe we can hang out in the studio....GASP!

;)

At the PV Lounge

In San Diego years ago.