Thursday, January 26, 2012

A Little Off the Subject but...

Disclaimer: Many of you won't read this in it's entirety because it is rather lengthy, some of you will read simply because you enjoy reading, others will read, ponder and move on.  The most important of you will read and pass it on or read and react.  I pray it is the latter.


I was watching the news last night, this morning rather, about 3 a.m. and happened upon a short maybe one minute long story covering  a shocking secret by Tim Gunn that he hadn't had sex in 29 years.  He went on to tell why, because the person with whom he was involved and loved very deeply dumped him because of his low, almost non-existent sex drive.  In tears as he shared his story, I found myself weeping with him, not for him.  How transparent and vulnerable he was to open up to total strangers about an issue seemingly so private and secure.


He went on to share that he was comfortable in his situation.  There were no apologies given for where he stood with his sexuality. I now see Tim in a totally different light.  His once pale complexion and almost ghost-like appearance now appear to me as pure and unscathed; God revealed to me in that very instant that is how he intends for all his daughters to be, until married.  It's hard ya'll and I admit I have fallen, but I fight every temptation, best I can.  Yea, on a scale from 1-10, with 10 being the most challenging, I rate this task a 50. 


Starting this organization for pre-teen and teenage girls, I realize now more than ever that God will hold me accountable for every word and deed executed before such a vulnerable audience.  I’ve got to be able to share from experience that she really is worth the wait; that God did create a man for her who will love her totally and completely for her and not simply lust after her for what she does; that  music lied to her when it told her she was nothing but a piece of ass, that the videos were spitting straight game when they told her she had to be a size 4, 6 or even 10 for a man to love her; that sex feels good in all, but I’m sure that there’s nothing more pleasing, beautiful, and intoxicating than making love to a man who promised before God that he’ll be there the next morning and five years after that and 50 years down the line.   


I enjoy working with young people, it keeps me young and more importantly they teach me to not be so far removed from the pulse of our culture.  One activity I’ve found to resonate well with the youth groups I’ve worked with is to have them read the lyrics to a few of the top ten billboard rap songs…keeping in mind that these are the songs that have the heaviest rotation on mainstream radio, which more than likely means children as young as 8 are listening.  Eight out of the ten current songs contain sexually explicit lyrics.  


I, like you, agree that music is not the enemy, but regardless of who the enemy is, we’ve got to understand that we’re dealing with a totally different kind of monster here, a corrupt culture. I digress, cause I can write a book about this so called culture…


Take away the head bobbing 808 and a beat synthetically designed to captivate you and here you have it…

Dance (A$$) – Big Sean
Wobble-dy wobble-dy wa wobble wobble
I'm st-stacking my paper my wallet look like a bible
I got girlies half naked that shit look like the grotto
How your waist anorexic and then your ass is colossal, whoop
Drop that ass make it boomerang
Take my belt off bitch I'm Pootie Tang

Tippy tow tippy tay you gonna get a tip today
Fuck that you gonna get some dick today
I walk in with my crew and I'm breaking they necks
I'm looking all good I'm making her wet
They pay me respect they pay me in checks
And if she look good she pay me in sex, do it
Bounce that ass it's the roundest
You the best you deserve a crown bitch

LOTUS FLOWER BOMB - WALE
 I could wear you out inside I could tell you like persistence,
but I make you cum in tri's I just think we need one night,
can't decide if I came right, Easy baby my thing tight, but that lotus flower just ain't right
I ain't thinking I ain't right, can't decide but I can't fight
Easy baby you the bomb and all, but I be damned if I do not land mine
 Or at least try, can I speak up? was it peace out? can we eat lunch?
Can we take shots with your flavor, flat drinks we call
 A cups I just think I need one night, slightly more if it's done right
With that gorgeous face, I don't know your name,
 it ain't important babe cuz I'mma call you Mine

Work Out – J. Cole
Let me see you get
High then go low
Now, girl won't you drop that thing down to the floor?
I’m here for one night, how far will you go?
I wanna see you (work out for me, work out for me)

If you, like me, are fed up with this crap, then I urge you to join me and my friend Asharkii in the movement of Talitha Cumi.  Click here for details.  We don’t have it all together, but why wait? 

-Kim

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Money Have I None, Style I've Got Plenty

Good Morning, Beautiful People!

Today will be busy for me as it's the first day of Counterculture Stuff (3day Sale), so I'll shall type this post real quick-like.  I've been asked lately to post more pics of my daily outfits, I had someone to tell me that she was inspired by the fact that I don't push the latest trends or high fashion names with unheard of, astronomical prices.  I mean, if I had money, I'm sure I could buy style  But lots of money have I none, style I've got plenty!  Plus ya'll know I'm big on shopping your own closet when it comes to looking fly, dope and hella stylish.  Last night I attended a watch party for President Obama's State of the Union Address.  I'll tell you more about that soon, but here's the look:

 Fave Denim Jacket (about 8 years old??, can't exactly recall but it's old) from Wal-Mart
White Blouse ( about 3 years old) Old Navy...a great place to shop staples and neutral tones (black pants, white shirts, etc).  Gray wifebeater underneath because the shirt is sheer, Hanes of course.  Every and I mean every woman on this earth, should own a white, gray, and black wifebeater-like, no sleeve tee.  They come in awesome handiness.
Gray Leggings (about two years old) Ashley Stuart
Brown Boots (about three years old) by Kenzie, bought @ Half of Half (a store I love)
Infinity Scarf (about a year old). made by a good friend, Kee who has sinced moved to Nashville and I miss her much :( I'll find out if she's still selling them and let ya'll know.
Blue Bag (about a year old) My everyday bag by Nicole Lee, bought at Eye-Con Couture.
And of course accessories almighty, most available at Urban Chocolate.
Notice how I mix my silver and gold accessories, it's so 2015...go ahead and do it now, it totally expands your options






Tuesday, January 24, 2012

New Do & Counterculture Stuff


Quick Pics of the new do!  You can say it's a honey blonde, but the actual name is Creme Soda by Jazzing.  It's the shortest it's ever been and something for me to get used to, but so far I can dig it.  What I absolutely love the most is how much more my makeup stands out.  Can't wait to sport a pink or red lip...



Just to show that there is seldom anything new under the sun in fashion.
Almost all the pieces I'm wearing are at least 2 years old.

 Blazer: About 4 years old, bought before the name change @ Goldsmith's
Blouse: Caught on sale for about $5 @ Ashley Stuart about 2 years ago
Leggings: Ashley Stuart about 2 years ago.  My favorite leggings because they're
thick and give great support,  absolute necessity if wearing a short top.
Shoes: Guess purchased from TJ Maxx or Marshalls about 3 years ago.
Accessories:  All available @ Urban Chocolate!  Vintage necklace ($4), vintage inspired aviators ($4), fabric wrapped bracelets ($3-$4), 
NEW! wooden deco post earrings ($4-$5),
arm full of charm...mini bangles (sold out but restocking soon) 
and a million stretch word bracelets ($2-$4). 

This is a great week to stop by Urban Chocolate as I present Counterculture Stuff!  Why Counterculture Stuff?  Because I am absolutely geeked about providing my customers and clients with pieces that they will not find worn by the average so called fashionable woman. I am convinced that in order for Memphis to ever be considered a fashionable city (which may never happen in my lifetime, but it is more than possible), we've got to learn how to trust our own style and stop depending on the media and celebrities to dictate our fashion

Almost all the accessories pictured will be on sale, plus I'll be selling pieces from my own personal wardrobe that have never been worn or are gently worn  (size 14/16), 
vintage pieces used inphotoshoots (sizes 0-8) 
and all kinds of stuff!

Counterculture Stuff @ Urban Chocolate
Jan 25 - Jan 27
4p - 7p
4466 Elvis Presley - Suite 260 in Whitehaven

Hope to see u there!




Friday, January 20, 2012

Color in the Fall

Color in the Fall


Mulberry bow blouse
$200 - mulberry.com

Dorothy Perkins crew neck sweater
$21 - dorothyperkins.com

H m jacket
£9.99 - hm.com

Dorothy Perkins blazer
$55 - dorothyperkins.com

Sandro cropped capri pants
£59 - net-a-porter.com

H&M elastic waist pants
£9.99 - hm.com

Giuseppe Zanotti leather shoes
$275 - giuseppezanottidesign.com

Supertrash leather booties
€100 - welikefashion.com

Dorothy Perkins high heel boots
$44 - dorothyperkins.com

ASOS suede shoes
$39 - asos.com

KG Kurt Geiger bootie boots
£85 - kurtgeiger.com

Zara bowling bag
$20 - zara.com

Vivienne Westwood leather bag
£130 - harveynichols.com

Zara quilted messenger bag
$9.99 - zara.com

Stud earrings
$6.45 - amazon.com

Oasis orange jewelry
$28 - oasis-stores.com

Gold jewelry
$50 - fantasyjewelrybox.com

Betsey Johnson sparkle jewelry
$23 - nordstrom.com

Juicy Couture prom jewelry
€59 - jades24.com

ASOS enamel earrings
$14 - asos.com

ASOS stone jewelry
$12 - asos.com

H M plastic ring
£1.99 - hm.com

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Counterculture Stuff

Counterculture Stuff



Join me @ Urban Chocolate next Wednesday - Friday for Counterculture Stuff.  Clothes, accessories, housewares & more for sale!

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

RE-Vamp!!!

Ya'll know I'm constantly changing and innovating, making moves and leaving people wondering what's next. For some reason I'm settled in the fact that when something in my life is not working, too boring or just not fitting, I re-vamp!!!  This is true in ALL aspects of my being from the spiritual to the physical and even the material.  I'm sure some would see this as a downfall, but honey if you ain't moving, then you are definitely stagnant and stale, two things I just refuse to be.  So allow me to give you a taste of a few re-vamps I'm dwelling in at the moment:

STYLING!!!
 I don't know how in the world I got away from styling...I mean, I'm not too crazy about the long hours and how physically grueling it can be, but it has got to be the most fulfilling aspect of nurturing my career in fashion. Take a look at some of my recent shoots with Audria Arnold Photography and Arekah the Goddess Photography... Oh yeah and a huge, fanatical thanks to Shoenista and Kpresha Boutique for allowing me to pull from their shops to enhance my fashion vision.  Be sure to support these locally owned, indie boutiques.






 DESIGNING!!!
I cannot paint to save my life, but I have always had an eye for colors, lines and shapes.  Here are a few of my newly designed pieces available for sale in my online shop.











This week I'm working on upcyling some unwanted pieces.  Upcycling simply means the process of turning trash into treasure...so stay tuned!


EMPOWERMENT!!!

My friend Asharkii and I finally sat down long enough to discuss our organization for young girls!!!  What we didn't want to do was wait for things to align just right before we got started. We may not have everything in in stone, but as long as we have a place to meet every month and legs, arms and a mouthpiece, then we figured no sense in waiting, we'll just plan as we go.  Our main focus is to encourage young women in grades 7-12 to aspire to be and do more in life...a tough job, I'm sure, but it's got to get done.

We're hosting an informational meet and greet for parents or guardians and for women interested in volunteering their time and talent.  Click HERE to link to the FB event page and we'll share more details soon.


SINGLE PARENTING!!!

I probably ordinarily wouldn't have put an exclamation point behind single parenting, but what the heck.  It is my life right now, right, so I might as well be excited about it.  By far, the toughest undertaking of my complex life is being a single parent. But PRAISE GOD I have a solid support system and Maddie has a father who loves her just as much as I do.  I've recently dwindled down my hours at the shop to be able to spend more time with her and I can't tell you how tough but necessary that decision was.   I never want to be in a place where I devote more time to my career than my child...been there, done that.  God has dealt with me intimately this issue and I've come to the conclusion that I love fashion, but I LOVE family...feel me?  I want to be sure when God sees fit to me send me a husband, that he understands that he and my child come before any passion I have the audacity to pursue.  I've since discovered that Maddie has a knack for writing so I'm sincerely devoted to developing and nurturing that God given gift.


RE-VAMP SALE!!!
I'm celebrating my continual life re-vamps with a sale. Yes, my life change is your gain!!!  Next Wednesday-Friday I'll be opening up shop for a mark-down sale on clothing and accessories I've used in recent photoshoots.  Plus I'll be introducing upcycled pieces and bringing out some pieces from my personal closet that I've never worn or have been gently worn.  I'll post that info soon!

I sincerely thank you all for your continued support of Urban Chocolate.  I promise, I'm just a girl with a sincere desire to make a difference in my circle of influence, forget about changing the world...and when others believe in me enough to share in my story and my struggle, it is revealed to me that I'm not in this thing alone; for that I am truly grateful.

Love Ya!!!




Sunday, January 8, 2012

Addicted

I can remember the day I first heard about Old Navy. It was back in the late 90's and I was standing with some friends, one of them pulled out a purple keychain shaped like a shoe...whatever shoe was popular at the time.  She mentioned she picked it up at this store called Old Navy and immediately I conjured up a picture of an army surplus store.  Note to self at that time...Kim, that store sounds lame.

But oh imagine my shock when I walked into Old Navy for the first time.  Fashionable clothes at affordable prices AND it was young, hip and fresh.  But what I absolutely adored the most about Old Navy was their always limitless collection of print tees...one of my first being black and short sleeved, it simply read Brooklyn in white block lettering. I blame this store for my absolute addiction.  I can imagine that I have purchased at least 30 tees from Old Navy alone, but I have owned over 100 maybe in the last 12-13 years.

Every now and then I happen upon one that matches my entire wardrobe, so naturally I end up rockin the mess out of it...case and point the tee below.


I Was Natural Before the Hype was gifted to me by the owner of Natural ADDICTees and her daughter, Ashley.  How do I love this shirt, it'll be my pleasure to count the ways:

1) The wording alone speaks for itself.  I've been on and off natural since 2001, after the birth of my daughter.
2) As mentioned, it goes with practically everything in my closet.  I can dress it up with a pencil skirt and stilettos or caz it down with a boyfriend cardigan (as pictured above)
3) I wear it about 2 times a week (don't judge me) that means I have to wash it often.  It has not faded!
4) It hugs my curves in all the right places.  I can easily say out of all the baby doll fit tees I own or have owned, this has been the best fit so far.

So a big shout out to Sonya, owner of Natural ADDICTees and her line of tees dedicated to us sistas with natural tresses or better yet to sistas like me with natural hair AND an addiction to tees!



 Sonya Burks, Owner 
(Her daughter Ashley pictured above)
Click a link below to connect with Natural ADDICTees
and

Go ahead and like her page and be sure to let her know I sent ya!