ISSUE 6 WELCOME TO THIS WEEK’S FIERCE LIST…

Please excuse my ‘no show’ last week Friday. I had a funeral and a 1st birthday party (for Boss Lady) to attend to – so it just wasn’t going to happen… sorry.

Right, let’s get this out the way… OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA! He’s in! We have a black first lady… ok, we don’t the US do, but hey – you know what I mean. How fantastic did it feel (and still feels) to have watched him walk down the steps of the Capitol Building to pledge his oath. I kept raving on about it to my other half and he said I was behaving as if it was my brother becoming president. However, when Obama began to recite the 35 word oath, he turned and said to me ‘ok, I’m feeling what you’re feeling its making me feel weird inside, but in a good way’. You know this!

I doubt you’re sick of hearing ‘OBAMA RAMA’ however I do intend to stop ‘gushing’ shortly. Just need to say, we know anything is possible if we have determination, focus and drive. If you’re unhappy with love, ‘CHANGE’ it. If you’re unhappy with work ‘CHANGE’ it. If you’re unhappy with how you currently live your life ‘CHANGE’ it. You may not be able to completely change everything immediately, but make small steps to do so… Obama has shown us what seems impossible is most definitely possible… all we need to do is now take control. Whatever aspect of your life you would like to change, why not stop reading now (go on, I’ll allow you to switch screens or move away from your PC or Mac this time only), and do something which will help you to become one step closer to achieving your goals.
Good luck, hope you all reach your destination.
xxxx

THIS WEEK EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT… OBAMA: INAUGURATION

Ok, you didn’t think I was going to gloss over this in my intro did you? Come on… this was history in the making, a whole section of the Fierce List is required to cover this – I know you agree with me.

So let’s start of with the first sight viewers and revellers got to see of Obama walking down the stairs of the Capitol Building, pre pledging his oath. The overwhelming look of joy was so touching to see right? I was totally taken in with him and was so happy I was able to witness the first steps of his incredible journey to becoming the President of the United States.


Secondly, the beautiful grin beaming from his face, as he stood up beside his wife to recite the 35 word oath. Even when Chief Justice John Roberts stumbled on the words, President Barack Obama, patiently waited until Roberts corrected himself to which he continued to recite the oath. However according to many reports, they say that President Obama (oooh how I love saying this…), made the error which is highly irritating as I’m sure this wasn’t the case. Any how… he’s the President – who cares!


Thirdly, the speech… If I’m honest (and not that I’m particularly ashamed), I don’t remember former President George Bush’s inauguration, however President Obama’s is one that I will probably remember forever.


I’m not big on speeches, however I’m sure many historians will remember President Obama’s speech as a memorable one. One which was well delivered and did what it was suppose to do; an attempt to pull the Democratic party towards the political centre as well as a call to the United States to rise and fight its current troubles. However, what made it special for me and also made me gutted I wasn’t present in Washington DC to witness the inauguration myself, was the fact that I wanted to be part of history and say that I witnessed the first African American president enter the White House with my own two big eyes… plain and simple. Who knows if this will be something that will happen again in our lifetime? The words from his speech that I would have rejoiced at, should I have been in Washington was when he said “… a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.” Do you remember how you felt after he said this? Do you remember how the crowed roared after he said this? Well, you can’t blame them… Such a beautiful moment, that will stay with me as long as I live.


Fourthly, President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and Malia and Sasha looking like a beautiful, beautiful family. I love the fact there is a black family in politics that black people can look up to and be nothing but proud of. (Rev Run, don’t worry, I still love you and your family!)


Fifthly, First Lady Michelle Obama’s inaugural ball dress by designer Jason Wu – she looked truly stunning. Oh and I forgot to mention the outfits for the Malia and Sasha too, best looking daughters of a President I’ve ever seen.


Finally, President Obama asking his wife and First Lady for the “At Last” dance of the inauguration day whilst listening to the soulful voice of Beyonce. The sight was truly beautiful. Plus Mr President can move... and has ‘bare’ lyrics! She how he got his ‘mac’ on with his wife in the video below.

FASHION NEWS: NEW FALKE SPRING/SUMMER FASHION

Falke? Who is Falke? Ladies, for those who are not in the know, Falke is a German based company who create high quality and elegant fashion hosiery. You can trust their products to not only last (don’t bother with Primani tights – waste of time and money better for you to invest in a pair which will last more than a day or two), but to provide you with sleek comfort and style.

Anyhow, the new Falke fashion hosiery has arrived to e-tailer mytights.com and it includes stripes and florals, basically something for everyone… In particular, I like the Monroe Hold ups in Lily (see above picture). The style is vertical stripes which run from toe to the thigh and they are available in black too. Either way you go, both colours will inject the pizzazz needed for a boring boardroom outfit. (Ladies, don't underestimate the coloured tights trend... they really can liven up a look). Hold up, did I tell you they are £19.57? I know, I know, more money than sense right? Cha… they’re worth it.

I’VE GOT MY EYE ON YOU… LAURA IZIBOR

Laura Izibor, a 21-year old Irish/Nigerian soul-singing songwriter and pianist from Dublin, has already started to make waves on the music scene. She started creating a buzz last year with her debut single ‘From my heart to yours’ released by Atlantic, as well as opening shows for the likes of Angie Stone, The Roots, Al Green and Aretha Franklin. Songstress Franklin picked her after hearing her play at a gig in the states from the side stage. Izibor mentions in a recent interview it was ‘one of my favourite scary moments’.

At just 15 she entered and won, Ireland's prestigious 2FM Song Contest before making Irish music history in 2006 by becoming the first unreleased artist ever to be nominated for a Meteor Irish Music Awards, Ireland's equivalent to the Brits, which she won too.
If you think you’ve heard her music before but can’t think where, it may be due to the her tracks appearing in films such as PS I Love You and TV shows such as Grey's Anatomy and MTV's The Hills, which she wrote all by herself… impressive for such a young talent.

Compared to the likes of Ms Hill and Ms Keys she also co-produced and recorded in Dublin, New York, Atlanta and Philadelphia. There is something about her which reminds me of Marsha Ambrosius from Floetry… (I think it’s in the eyes?).
Anyhow, they're going mad for her in Ireland. "The soul of Ireland," was the headline of one Irish newspaper article and you can’t blame them. I’m sure if she was back home in Nigeria they would be claiming her too.

If you can’t wait till the release of the second single, check out her debut … http://video.stv.tv/bc/entertainment-music-videos-20081017-laura-izibor/

The single Shine is released on 23 February, and the album Let the Truth Be Told on 9 March.

TREND WATCH: SOFT LEATHER JACKET

Jeez… if the credit crunch wasn’t biting at my wallet so fiercely, then I would have invested in several different types as there are too many on the high street right now. So many in fact, I’ve had to put a temporary ban on my weekly trips to Bluewater with Boss Lady just in case the MasterCard decides to pop out for a quick swipe.

For instance, let’s take the white studded leather jacket from Topshop. Costing £130, its biker chic and it’s a definite statement piece. It’s new for spring (I think) and I’m hoping it will be available online in the next few weeks (Well, I am but my accountants not)…as I’m not about to trek to Oxford Circus to go fight through the crowds made up of London College of Fashion students, young teenage girls and their Mum’s who have come down to London for a ‘day trip to Topshop’s flagship’ and tourists… no thanks.

Also, I’m eagerly waiting for what Reiss and All Saints have to offer on this trend, as you know anything they produce is 100% ‘hot’. A message to all ‘Fierce List retailers ‘Hurry up with the sales already. Everyone knows the stock left is rubbish as all the good stuff goes in the first few days, (if not first week) of the sales. We’re ready for the new gear’.

I’M IN NEED OF A … OLLIE & NIC CLIPFRAME PURSE

Regular readers already know I like, actually I love retro looking things. Could be clothing, accessories, home ware, whatever. If it has a retro look about it, then I most probably want to own it.

So, when I stumbled across this Ollie & Nic Ginger Clipframe Purse I was immediately excited, as it’s about time I upgrade from my current Orla Keily wallet. It will keep your money & cards safe to hand whilst oozing old school chic. Priced at £25, it’s a bargain and its yet to arrive at the Ollie & Nic HQ, but you can add your name to the waiting list and be notified as soon as its available. Put me down for one, yes zur.

BEAUTY BUYS: DRY SHAMPOO – KMS CALIFORNIA HAIRPLAY MAKEOVER SPRAY

I’ve had my hair chemically straightened (relaxed), for a few years now and have only been using dry shampoo for about a year or so, however I’m not quite sure how I lived without it. Oh, actually I am… I would just get off my backside and wash my hair, but now I don’t have to… LOL

With the aim of restyling your tresses, dry shampoo is excellent for quick touch ups as the matte spray absorbs excess oil, enhancing texture and building bulk where necessary. So if you’re like me who likes to oil her scalp regularly, but ends up greasing it just a bit too much with ‘Blue Magic’, this is something you need to have on your bathroom shelves if you want to be saved from looking like you have the ability to fry an egg sunny side up on your head.

Now, for those who have more money than sense, you can opt for the more expensive brands like Bumble and Bumble and buy their Hair Powder for £15 a pop. For those who wish they had more money than sense, you can buy the more reasonably priced Batiste Dry Shampoo (can pick up from Boots for £2) or my brand of choice KMS California Hairplay Makeover Spray, £13.40 from http://www.hqhair.com/ (Yes, I can see I have more money than sense… Well, that’s not exactly true, but hey I can dream for the money bit…)

THE LAST WORD… THE ‘GOSPEL’ ACCORDING TO DMX

So who knew Rapper DMX had 8 children?! To say I was shocked was an understatement. The eldest is 16 years old and youngest is 3 months… So how old is he? Judging by his recent recording with FOX NEWS from the Arizona jail he’s currently in, he looks old enough to me my Dad and I’m hitting the big 3.0 this year!

Anyhow, why is it every time a rapper does wrong or they want to reinvent themselves, that’s when they turn to God and become preachers? Mc Hammer did it. Mase did it and now according to this video clip, DMX believes his next calling from the Lord is to become a preacher. (I’m currently doing the ‘W’ sign with my hands).

Check the clip below for the full interview… not sure if I believe that he is genuine about the whole ‘preacher’ thing, however should I be wrong, I wish him all the best…



Til Next Week
xx

ISSUE 5 WELCOME TO THIS WEEK’S FIERCE LIST…

Christmas break finished already? Yep, sorry guys… To those who bunked off work on 5th January, I hope you had a decent excuse? To those who braved it or simply were ready and motivated to go – good on you.

I was one of the latter – I was happy to get back to my desk (actually, I didn’t really have a break from work over the hols if I’m honest). Anyhow, a new year is upon us and I’m looking forward to it. New opportunities and adventures are to come and with days until the first black president of the United States is to enter the White House, I for one am DAMN excited (which reminds me, I must buy my Obama t-shirt). The realism of a black president isn’t the only thing that’s exciting me for Jan… the fact the US drama ‘Brother & Sisters’ is back to More4 (started yesterday) makes me smile too… how I love Kevin for his gayness and Robert McCalister for being Robert McCalister (played by the ‘fine’ Rob Lowe). Also, I would include Celebrity Big Brother, but I’m not supposed to be watching it… (after all it is mindless drivel, however that’s why it’s so good).

Anyhow, whichever way you are feeling towards the New Year, I wish you a very happy one; may all your aspirations come true.
Enjoy.

THIS WEEK EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT… REDUNDANCY MISERY

To say we are going through a recession is an understatement. Well, it seems this way to me. The amount of close friends and friend of friends, who have been affected by the current financial climate, leading them to be made redundant, is a joke. Two girlfriends, one working for a well known retailer as a menswear buyer, the other working as an event manager for a disability charity; redundant. A young male (who my other half mentors), redundant. My sister-in-law (to be… let me not get ahead of myself) friend’s husband; redundant. We could be here for a while, I mean, there’s probably another five or six if I think about it. As someone who is self employed, I’m glad to say it hasn’t affected me and I hope it stays that way as the spreading of this ‘dreaded infection’ doesn’t appear to be slowing down.

The latest cut in interest rates comes amid further signs that some firms are continuing to struggle. I mean, my Mum is going to get a shock when she returns from her 3 month holiday to find Woolworths no longer exists… her shock will probably then turn into annoyance, when she realises she missed out on their closing down sales. (She loves to bag a bargain, even if it is just Woolies).

Yesterday, Nissan announced it is cutting 1,200 jobs, or a quarter of the workforce, at its Sunderland factory due to falling sales and the administrators of music, games and DVD chain Zavvi have closed 22 of the firm's stores with immediate effect, at a cost of 178 jobs. (I bet Richard Branson is glad he passed it on to his friend, eh? Not that it would even make a dent in his zillions). However, not all companies are struggling. Sainsbury's has reported its "best ever Christmas performance", saying sales rose 4.5% in the 13 weeks to 3 January compared with a year earlier. Can’t say I’m surprised… Sainsbury’s are thief’ (said the ‘street’ way). It’s all about Asda and Lidl (for orange and apple juice) thanks.

FASHION NEWS: PORTOBELLO TOO FAR TO TREK? SHOP ONLINE!

My time is becoming more and more precious and gone are the days where I could spend my weekends walking around Greenwich, Spitalfields, Portobello and Camden markets, in search for unique finds. Well that’s all about to change… Pret a Portobello is a brand new fashion market on the net, dedicated to selling fashion and accessories direct from the world famous Portobello Road as well as other London markets.

With the crap weather that’s gracing the UK now, you can be sure I for one am not leaving my house, especially to go to West London so it’s a blessing for me that I actually don’t have to. Direct access to great new designs and quirky fashions is just what I want to hear.

For those who like to haggle, no worries. They have a section called ‘Let’s Trade’ where you barter with their online market trader, so some real bargains are to be had.

You’ll either love me or hate me for telling you about this, because once you start you won’t know how to stop… sorry. I've got my eye on the vintage pink polka dot dress...

I’VE GOT MY EYE ON YOU…KESH

Only 21 years of age - this designer, DJ and party queen has got the ‘cool kids’ nation eating from the palm of her hands.

Of Malaysian and Trinidadian parentage and raised in Crawley, the East Sussex resident has been making waves in the fashion industry ever since she was discovered, namely due to Kanye West who approached her regarding her t-shirt label. Taken from a recent interview she said, “he came up to me in a club in New York like ‘Keeeaaash’ and I was like, ‘Er, no, it’s Kesh’ and he goes ‘Yeah that’s what I said’. Anyway we end chatting and he said he’d seen me on MySpace and I ended up dropping a t-shirt to his studio and we sat there whilst Mos Def sang for about three hours”. By this encounter, she ended up forging a relationship with the ‘Louis Vuitton Don’ himself and featuring on the ‘Drunk And Hot Girls track’… Right place at the right time is an understatement.

Regardless of luck, Kesh is a grafter and should be commended on her success thus far. With an established t-shirt label business, (KeShirts) with followers including Lupe Fiasco, Santogold and Mariah Carey, she’s stopped selling online as she is soon to launch her label ‘KESH’ at boutique street wear shops in London as well as New York, Sweden, Japan and Russia. Her aim is for the label to be ‘exclusive’ for everyday people rather than the celebrities. It means so much more going out to buy it, rather than receive it as a freebie – I suppose, however, us PR’s live for the freebies. Best part of the job thanks… Nowadays, Kesh and her label can be seen on the pages of Vogue, ID, Pop, Arena, FHM, Fader and The Independent. At such a young age, she is setting the tone for her fellow ‘age mates’. “You only get one life, you can’t waste it, so you have to go with and work as hard as you can for something you want’. Her work achievements should be an inspiration to us all, including me and I’m 8 years older.

Myspace.com/that_girl_kesshia
Therealkesh.blogspot.com

TREND WATCH: HAREM PANTS

Last Spring Summer they graced high street stores. One fashion year later and they’re back…
I loved them then and I love them now. They’re not for everyone granted (kind of like marmite) however; I just love how they look on. Ok, take note ladies. I said ‘I liked how they look on’ and I didn’t mention ‘how they looked on me’. I’m 5’2 (ok, 5’1 and a bit), so wearing trousers which resemble the Mc Hammer look in the hit track ‘Can’t Touch This’ with my height (or lack of) doesn’t shout I’ll be able to do them justice.

According to the fashionista’s at Vogue, Harem pants should be worn following the below strict instructions:

- Perfect for any woman with a slim top half – the voluminous silhouette of the trousers will level the playing field below the waist (‘Count me out then, I’m a 34 GG’)
- Define a waist by always tucking in tops (‘Yep, everyone he loves fashion knows this)
- Make the most of the season’s elaborate, waisted belts and use your midriff as a staging ground for adornment (‘Easy peesy’)
- For the most flattering shape, keep it tight on top; a camisole top or tailored jacket is perfect (‘Yep, go on…’)
- If opting for volume on top as well as on the legs, be sure to always keep the waist cinched (‘ I have purchased many a belts to achieve this look’)
- Heels should be one thing: high (‘I wouldn’t have it any other way’)

Ok, so I only fall short on 1 out of 6, but still I’ve witnessed a short chick ‘attempt’ (I repeat, ‘attempt’) to wear harem pants and if I knew her, I would have let her know I’d be happy to give her a lift home to change – even if she had only just arrived at the bar.
For those who want to have a go, ASOS do a great pair which come in black and khaki for £20 (see picture above) or if you’ve got some cash to splash, try Ginger & Smart for their cotton mix version for £260.

I’M IN NEED OF A … MULBERRY BAYSWATER BAG

With a price tag of £750, I doubt this will be gracing my arm anytime soon, however I can dream. The bag and the version I like is so Guns ‘n’ Roses esque… you know, rock n roll. (Ok, I could have just said that couldn’t I?) I’m not talking about the standard natural leather version in black, chocolate or oak, no no. I’m talking about the alligator silver one. Maybe if I offer Mulberry my services to ‘product place’ the bag on one of the ‘sexier clients’ I work with; I may be able to sort myself out with this baby?

BEAUTY BUYS: GIVENCHY MAGIC KAJAL

Ok, so I recently went out and decided to ‘up’ my make up stakes with a new look… ‘Cats eyes’. I wish I took a picture of my creation as I received several compliments including one from the boyf’. Anyhow, that made me think that a dedicated make up shopping trip was well overdue, so I started looking into new bits I’d be hoping to purchase.

My friends and family know I love dress up, so always tend to make their lives easier (as well as me happy), by buying store vouchers as my birthday present and I always seem to get several for Selfridges which is fab as it means I don’t have to feel guilty indulging in higher priced mascara’s or foundations etc. This leads me perfectly to the Givenchy Magic Kajal. It’s new for Spring Summer 09 it’s a posh version of what us ‘normal’ people call a ‘kohl pencil’ or for the youngsters ‘eyeliner’ pencil.

Pictured above its beauty is sooooo unnecessary, but that’s why I like it. If my boyfriend thinks he could try using this as a substitute for a pen as he takes down a number someone’s giving him over the phone, he is mad (and yes ladies, he has done this before, but luckily it was with a Rimmel). At £12.50, he would end up with the same look as I, as I would be sure to give him a black eye.

THE LAST WORD… GUCCI AND RIHANNA

‘Tattoo Heart Collection is Gucci’s latest advertising campaign; devised to help benefit the charity Unicef, which I’m sure you all know works to help orphans and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa. For the campaign they sourced inspiration from the ‘Good Girl Gone Bad’ beauty Rihanna, who worked with Gucci’s creative director Frida Giannini to create the ‘white TATTOO HEART COLLECTION’. Gucci will donate 25% of the sale to support the charity, this has been valid since 19 November and will end 31 January.

If you ever needed a reason to splash out on designer clobber, here’s a great one. For more information and to view the behind the scenes featuring Rihanna visit Gucci.com/unicef. The collection is most definitely hot and the Bajan princess is not looking too bad either.

Til’ Next Week…
xx