Black History Remembrance Service

Evergreen Washelli invites you to our Fourth Annual Black History Remembrance Event on Sunday, February 27, 2011 at 3:00pm, at the Evergreen Washelli Chapel in Seattle. A special Ecumenical inter-faith ceremony will be conducted where guests will have the opportunity to light candles and present floral offerings to their beloved departed.

Special Guest Speaker Dr. Robert R. Gary Sr. PhD. Special music presentation by the Inspirational Choir of Mount Zion Baptist Church of Seattle and Soloist, Dr. Gladys Hardy.

Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres provided by Catfish Corner.

The Fashion Police

My Facebook friend and cousin by marriage Tatum had a great Facebook status the other day; she pretty much appointed herself as Fashion Police and did some serious dissing on fashions gone wrong. I pride myself on knowing a good thing when I see it, and decided to ask some of my favorite “Fashion Experts” from around the globe (and Facebook) what they would ban if they were fashion police for the day. To be fair, I didn’t play favorites and listed the participants and their amazing responses in alphabetical order by first name.

Alyssa A: Men in skinny jeans, it's just gross! Why would they want to showcase their noodle legs, lack of ass, and their small little packages? Notice it's never the manly men who wear them!


 

Andy J.: I’d ban white flat shoes with black wooly tights.

Danielle S.: I would abolish skinny jeans..I think only 2% of the population can actually pull this look off...everyone is just kidding themselves...

Karen L.: Ugg Boots. I think the name says it all.

 

Lisa B: Even though they are wildly popular and riding the new 80's resurgence of style, in again everywhere-they are Bad- the snaps on top of the shoulder of women's and most especially men's shirts and jackets need to go-Members only-OUT with you!

Melanie J.:  Mullet hairstyles are absolutely disgusting.


Tatum d: My original answer still stands: I’d ban the calf-tight, up-to-the-knee boots with a skirt business suit. Extra fine if they are pleather and a bit baggy!


Legal Disclaimer: the opinions above are solely the opinions of the people surveyed and do not represent the opinions of the Klat network, Facebook, or necessarily even me in a few instances. If you disagree with any of the above opinions, please let me know in the comment section. Likewise, if you have a fashion-related pet peeve, don’t be shy. This is your chance to tell the world what you think.

What's so great about the 80's?

I guess I should start off by telling you that I was just a child during the 80s. When the decade changed I was just barely 7 years old - which might be the reason I am not a "super fan" (At least at this time). I am really curious why the 80's are so idolized though. Where I live, there is a night - ONCE EVERY WEEK - where a local bar has an 80's night. I guess I just don't get why so many people go there to listen to the same music and wear the same crappy thrift store clothes. I think some of the people in the crowd may have actually just gotten stuck in the 80's- at that very bar - and I guess my big question is why?

What was so great about that time? Is it an innocence thing - because we were not yet touched by the internet and constant communication? Is it the mixed tapes? Roller rinks? Dairy Queen get togethers? I have hear the coke was better (either of them, if you get my drift) back then - could that be it?

I see this time period as a bad time for America - this was when all the rules changed and our forgetful president (one of them) decided to sell our country to the lowest bidder. Maybe I am thinking too much about it but I just don't understand. Anyone care to explain?

Scottish Kilts: Everyday Comfort

Manly Fashion

For some time now, the kilt has been coming back in style as a casual, everyday clothing item. This a knee-length garment with pleats at the rear, that has has its origins in the Scottish Highlands from around the 16th century, is coming back back in a big way - not just in Scotland - but across the globe. If you look at the image, there is obviously a main reason why this is occurring - kilts are sexy.

The kilt provides easy access, and in some cases, even a sneak peak at what makes makes men (Scottish or not) so proud. You know what I am talking about so I don't have to elaborate, but this type of clothing can make that special place a little more comfortable than when it is being smashed into a pair of jeans or pants - so the trend has something to do with comfort as much as it does with fashion.

so the next time you are out shopping ask yourself this, "is there a way my junk could be more comfortable all day" and I am sure you wuill come to the same conclusion as the thousands who have made kilts everyday wear - that they are not only more manly than pants - but also more comfortable.

 

What makes you “Beautiful?”

I am “beautiful.” Feeling “beautiful” is one of the most amazing feelings in the world. Isn’t it? I think so. If you don’t think you are beautiful, then you should really start thinking positively that you are indeed “beautiful.” Why not? There are many ways to make yourself feel “beautiful” and at the same time it will make you feel extremely good too. Right?

I always tell my closest girlfriends that they are pretty and beautiful in their own special way. I mean…honestly every man and woman out there living in this beautiful earth have a uniquely “special” way of expressing who they are. Feeling “beautiful” is a natural human expression that we all have. There are some times when people do not realize the potential of their “beauty” and think they are not at all “beautiful” enough for themselves or for others. Say what?? Seriously folks…if you put your mindset in that way, it will totally not do you any good at all. Trust me. I’ve been there, done that before. I will never ever go back to that dark, unhealthy route. It’s too dangerous for me. And I am being completely honest. Really.

To me….feeling or being beautiful means having a close, range of really good, caring, and loving girlfriends, family, a wonderful man, my confidence, my “bubby” personality, motherly-nurturing ways, my attitude, personal image, persona, and who I am as a person are just a few of the greatest, “beautiful” qualities I admire in myself. How about you? What do you mostly admire about yourself? Anything special? And why?

I have always been very interested in the nature of how people act and behave the way they do. I used to be a psychology major during my very first year of college and have always been very curious, but yet fascinated with how beautiful people are. Really, I was. You don’t have to be an “ugly” person to feel “beautiful.” It really bothers me when people look at other individuals who may not seem pretty or beautiful to them because of the way they look on the outside. Well…how about the “inside” that mostly counts people? Have you ever thought about that? Seriously?

I am proud to say…I love feeling “beautiful” not only on the outside, but on the inside as well. What is really important to me is how I carry my “beautiful” self. I really do. I take extreme pride in the woman I am today and….still do. It’s very important to me that I keep being who I am…the “real” and “beautiful” me. Right?

So ask yourself this simple question….What makes you “beautiful?”

 

 

 

Purses: Believe it or Not, They're All About the Hardware


I got the scoop on what makes a good purse the other day. Apparently, a good purse is all about the hardware.

You may not trust me, but if you knew the source of my top-secret insider purse information, you would definitely change your mind. Let’s just say she knows clothes, she knows hair, she knows purses, and she knows architecture.

I’m kind of an ignoramus when it comes to purses—a bit of a geek actually—I carry them for two reasons: to have a place for my book(s) and to have a place for my phone. I’m less likely to carry a purse in the winter because big pockets can easily hide a cell phone.

So, back to the purses. 

According to my anonymous source, the hardware is the metal on the purse; this includes the clasps, the buckles, sometimes the straps, and any other designs on the purse. If you can’t afford (or have a strong aversion to) expensive, designer purses, take a look at the hardware on the nicer purses, purses and try to find a cheaper semi-knock-off purse to carry around.

Because for some reason I have yet to fathom, purses matter to some women for job interviews and things like that.

Women who eye purses like men eye boobs always notice this kind of sh*t and despite what you may think, the designer Coach bags are more popular in the burbs than in the big city. Again, according to my source, aka “The Purse Expert”,  there are tons of designers who make much cooler purses that won’t break the bank.

The leather (unless you are against the use of leather for clothes and/or bags) is also important. The softer the better. However, if you can’t afford the softest leather, my thinking is that it’s highly unlikely that some be-atch just waiting to judge you and your purse is going to touch your purse just to see if the leather is up to par. (At least I hope not. If you are in a bar, all bets are off on whether or not some strange chick will fondle your purse—there are a lot of weirdos out there.)

The size of the purse is up to you and what you need. Just remember a simple rule of thumb, the bigger the purse, the more shit you will pack around. It’s inevitable.

What do you think is the most important thing about a purse?

Are “Diamond’s truly a Girl’s best friend?”

Is this a really “true” statement? Are “Diamond’s truly a Girl’s best friend?” I hope this is not true. Because if it is….I think it is absolutely absurd and ridiculous too. Honestly, do girls or women need to feel beautiful in the perfect “diamonds” possible all the dam freaking time? Really?? Does that even make any complete sense?

Personally, I do LOVE diamonds, but the thing is with me and those perfect sparkly, clear-cut, and crystal-looking beautiful jewelry pieces, I could never picture myself as a woman to feel perfectly “beautiful” in them. There are many things in my life that I find truly “beautiful.” Not only do I find diamonds very beautiful, but I find bouquet of flowers, animals, my kitty cat, my loving parents, family, closest friends, wonderful man…..and many other things extremely “beautiful.” Diamonds are just beautiful women’s jewelry accessory pieces that any woman out there can wear and adorned with pure beauty and elegance. Right? But how about “Diamond’s being a Girl’s best friend?” Umm…I don’t think so. It just sounds completely wrong to think that way. We all have a brain and soul….I hope. Why always think of the perfect diamonds as your best friend?

There are many other things in the world that are WAY more important and valuable. Don’t you agree? I would think so. I do love finer things in life…I mean, who doesn’t? But I would say I WORK extremely hard to get where I am at along with achieving great potential in who I am as an individual woman and also at the same time, cherishing and appreciating many important things in my life. How about you? And folks, “diamonds” are not one of those criteria’s. Please. That is a complete waste of my time and energy to even think about adorning expensive, luscious-looking diamonds all the time. I mean…we don’t live in high-end, sweet Hollywood…now do we? Maybe some of you guys do, but I don’t.

So please folks…if you honestly think your life evolves around expensive, galore-looking diamonds, then you are completely out of your mind. And maybe a bit crazy. Who knows? I really don’t want to know the real reason if you truly think “diamonds” will truly make you happy. Uh, I hope not. There are much more greater, important things out there in life that is much more fun, rewarding, thrilling, exciting, and much much more. Don’t you want to explore parts of life and find out more? I am sure you do. Don’t we all?

I honestly think “diamonds” are a beautiful invention to the jewelry world. But the thing is, “diamonds” shouldn’t control or rule your own life to a point where nothing else matters in your daily life. Right? So before you pick up, purchase, or even wear a nice piece of diamond, ask yourself this one simple question…”Are “diamonds truly a Girl’s best friend?”

Fashion for the Air Traveler: TSA Undies?

TSA scanners revealing the private parts of Americans is a problem. Passengers wanting /needing to pass through security without showing all of their everything is a need. And so? Well, the American way of thinking: If they're a problem, there's a fix. If there is a need, there is an opportunity.

A Kentucky company has come up with TSA scanner-proof undies? Underwear that protects / hides the private parts from the TSA scanners and the leering eyes of guards?

Are they legal? Do they pass TSA rules? Something tells me that this isn't going to work.. The peekers and gropers at TSA will probably figured that the passenger who is concerned for his or her modesty to go to the length of buying expensive underwear is probably a security threat, trying to smuggle Bin Laden in his or her private parts.

Well? About these TSA undies, see the video.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Aldo Shoes

Do you love “shoes?” If you do, that’s awesome. I am a huge….and I mean “huge” shoe lover. I have always been very fascinated and “smitten” by shoes ever since I was a small girl. And now being in my almost late twenties, I still am very much in “love” with shoes. Shoes are so beautiful. They remind me of the colorful “rainbow,” because of its many arrays of pretty colors. The main reason why I am discussing about “shoes” in particular is because I had a very good experience this evening purchasing my first pair of “Aldo” shoes at the beautiful shoe boutique store.

I honestly am in “love” with “Aldo” shoes. Not only are they made with good, quality hand-made materials, but very comfortable as well. Comfortable? Yes, I mean comfortable! If you find the right pair of shoes and add some comfy “insoles” for your cute pair of shoes, you shall be fine. All my collections of “high-heels” have insoles inserted into my shoes for comfortable wear and walk. I absolutely adore my new pair of 4” black satin heels that I bought at “Aldo” shoes. I will definitely go back again. Not only is the customer service fabulous, but the shoes are so beautiful and cute too!

Aldo Shoes are displayed all across the world and are a huge “shoe-hit wonder” amongst many women. Not only do Aldo shoes make beautiful, glamorous shoes for women, but for men as well. So men…you are in luck! From quality-leather, wedge boots, satin sky-high heels, and so much more “rocking” shoes to choose from, you can rock any “Aldo” shoe in style! So why not come into any “Aldo” shoe store for an experience of a lifetime?

Every time I am browsing at Aldo Shoes, I always feel like I am at a small women’s shoe boutique store of Nordstrom or Macy’s because not only are their shoes great quality footwear, but not too overpriced like a lot of department stores are. Since it was my first time buying my first pair of high-heels, I was expecting to spend around $130. But was really surprised when I took a brief glance at the price of the pair of beautiful, satin heels and they were just a rocking $90! Tax wasn’t too bad, but still tax in the state of Washington, especially around the “Eastside” area can be pretty high and expensive. I paid close to $100 which included tax as well. Not a bad deal! I even got the last pair and small size of the black satin heels I purchased. I was so happy I came into the Aldo Shoe store just in the nick of time to walk out extremely happy with my new beautiful pair of black satin heels.

Aldo Shoes also sells a wide array of accessories for both men and women as well. You can browse through different styles of purses, clutch bags, earrings, sunglasses, aviators, wallets, hand bags, totes, and so much more! Not only is Aldo Shoes a great pit stop for shoes, but for fabulous finds on accessories as well. So come into an Aldo Shoe store nearest you for a grand sneak peek of many new and upcoming shoes! You can also check them online at aldoshoes.com

Alley Kat

I have found a favorite swanky women’s boutique store that I am very much in “love" with. Alley Kat. Located at the Super Mall in Auburn, WA, Alley Kat offers hundreds of inexpensive, low-cost brand name women’s clothing for a very affordable low-price. Now…doesn’t that sound like a great, affordable way to spend on clothing? With the economy slowing down, millions of people are trying to find ways to really “save” money. Why not shop at Alley Kat?

Alley Kat reminds me a lot like many women’s clothing store such as Forever 21, Wetseal, Mariposa, or any small private, clothing boutique stores offering amazing, great deals on brand-name clothing everyday for a low-price. I love shopping. I am ADDICTED to shopping too. It is always nice to find affordable prices on clothing that is not too expensive. It was my very first time shopping at Alley Kat with my good girlfriend who took me out to the Super Mall one night before we headed off for drinks.

And what did I purchase? I was actually very happy with the things I bought at Alley Kat. I was in need of some black tops since I will be starting school very soon in the early winter quarter…so I wanted a “jump-start” on my wardrobe closet. I bought 3 beautiful black tops, a black ruffle scarf, a thin dark navy blue accessory scarf, and 3 gorgeous women’s accessory rings for a grand total of only $70! Wow…did I really save a “bundle!” Not bad for 8 items at Alley Kat!

This wonderful, women’s boutique clothing store offers the best brand-name clothing for women of all shapes, sizes, and forms! Now, doesn’t that sound great ladies? There are many clothing stores out there that do not offer a lot of options for especially plus-size women. To me…that is very sad news because all women’s fashion brand-name clothing stores should offer clothing suitable for all women of different shapes, sizes, and forms. Right? Not every woman in today’s society is a thin, size 0 or 1 Paris Hilton, but if the fashion world may pay a little bit more attention and detail to the needs and wants of women is a definite PLUS! PLEASE!

Ladies…if you are looking for great, affordable deal on clothing, come to Alley Kat! They offer an amazing, colorful array of women’s clothing suitable for your taste, style, and life! Alley Kat even offers many great deals on women’s coats, jackets, cardigans, accessories, make-up, and much more. This women’s boutique clothing store is also very friendly to walk into and the employees at Alley Kat are wonderful. It is a very “inviting” store, which will make your shopping experience pure fun and joy! So why not step into Alley Kat for some great bargain on brand-name low-prices on women’s clothing and accessories?

For more information on Alley Kat clothing, you can check out their Facebook page at Alley Kat Clothing Company.

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