Spotlight

Tae Heckard, model/actress, I think she's absolutely gorgeous.

If you recognize her face that's probably because you've seen her featured on a few episodes of The Game and the movie ATL.

MUSIC. If you're interested in hearing Rihanna's new album, Talk that Talk, before it is released, it is available for streaming on Grooveshark.

90s Are All That

FASHION. My style is continuously evolving, but as of late I've been in this 90s grunge/Clueless mood. I finally ordered a pair of black Doc Martens, which are currently my favorite shoes (they go with everything). Referencing Rihanna's We Found Love video, 90s fashion all the way. I loved her denim outfit with the garter belt and I can't wait till its warm again so I can wear something similar. I'm obsessing over Creepers, my next online purchase.

UPDATE. I dyed my hair a few weeks ago, in the ombre style. Since I cut my hair into a bob I kind of have this Alexa Chung thing going on. Or at least, that's the most accurate description I can give. I'll be uploading pictures soon. I was thinking about getting senegalese twists for the winter, but I'm not sure how they will look with my newly dyed hair. And I'm back to being broke, thanks to a recent unfortunate event. Today I basically got a second job? Still somewhat in question because she needs to know my Black Friday availability. Fingers crossed Chick-fil-a won't need me or I'll be able to find someone to cover my shift.

My hurr colour y'all.

Hey Y'all

MINI- UPDATE: Hey guys its been forevaaaa. College stuff has taken over my life so I never have a chance to post. But I just finished watching Rihanna's new video We Found Love, and its amazing. Melina Matsoukas, who directed this video as well as Rude Boy and S&M, has done an outstanding job of capturing who Rihanna is as an artist and her cinematography keeps you engaged. Keep up the good work Riri, this vid has only heightened my obsession hahahah. 

I'm not completely sure if that's her speaking with an Irish accent at the beginning, but I heard it was so....yeah. 

Valerie

A few days ago the talented Amy Winehouse died. Her premature death caused her to join what is known as the 27 club, which is a group of musicians who passed at the age of 27. Although not completely unexpected it is terribly devastating. Winehouse became one of my favorite musicians after I heard her single Rehab and even though I was too young to fully appreciate her style, I have grown to love her music. She will be missed and never forgotten. RIP Amy. (Title of this post is one of my favorite Amy Winehouse songs)

Tumbl

I've had a tumblr for awhile and since I'm not blogger savvy I don't know how to post the link in my sidebar or whatever so I'm just going to post it here http://marisatumbls.tumblr.com/. My tumblr is mostly photos of things I like and find interesting with a few words here and there, please check it out and follow!

Collabo

LIFESTYLE. I've been obsessed with the Jeffrey Campbell Suebee's in nude patent (styled in the current trend of flatforms) for a minute and I can finally get them! First, they were sold out in my size on Solestruck when I orginally wanted to buy them for prom, but now they are available at Akira! I will be picking up my pair either tomorrow or Tuesday. Words can't describe how excited I am to have them in my possession eeeee.

Working at Chick-fil-a has been both a blessing and a curse. Blessing because I really like the people I work with and the check that comes every two weeks :), cleaning up after people is no fun at all. 

FASHION. As of late, more and more designer "collabs" have been happening...Zac Posen for Target, Lanvin for H&M and the most recent that will be hitting an H&M near you this fall Versace for H&M. When I first read about this I literally went bananas, especially since I didn't buy anything from the Lanvin collection (which I posted about a looong time ago). Donatella Versace has created classic vinatge-ish Versace pieces for the collection. There will be 40 pieces for women and 20 for men. So be sure to mark your calendars because November 17th will be here before you know it! Below are a few photos of what to expect.

#1

A long time ago I said I was going to try my own online lookbook. Since then I have taken one picture...but I plan to keep it going from this day forward. So here's to my first "lookbook" post!

Mary Tres, 17

Cheers

LIFESTYLE: This past Wednesday I went to Rihanna's Loud concert. From what I remembered, seeing her at the Kanye Glow in the Dark tour a few years back and more recent televised performances, she wasn't much of a "performer". But apparently Riri has stepped up her game because she did not disappoint! I have been a rollercoaster fan of hers, liking her to loving her to hating her to sort of liking her to loving her to being OBSESSED with her...(a lot I know). She's brought back a little of her islandy flavor and has meshed it with her fierce, badass exterior. She exudes sex, danger, and rebellion while still maintaining her femininity. I loooooove her, she's officially my girl crush. I would have pics to post, but my camera died before she came on -___-

Indecisive

As you can tell by the title of this post I am extremely indecisive. I'm conflicted between what I want to be and who I should be, or what I want to do and should do. It's all so difficult. I just wish everything could be handed to me on a silver platter. Lately, I've been thinking a lot about what I want to do with my life and I've realized I really don't know! I'm passionate about acting and would love to pursue an acting career, but I don't know how realistic that is. I don't want to have my head in the clouds and fall one day with nothing to land on. This summer I plan to get an agent. The second school ends I'm going to be calling agencies like crazy and following through on all the steps necessary to get an agent. If I get an agent I don't expect auditions immediately, but eventually I do expect a chance. From acting I want to branch off into directing and producing; this isn't limited to film, but additionally television shows, music videos, documentaries, etc. To my parents this is all "fluff" and sometimes I can't help but second guess myself and believe them. I'm going to go for it because there is nothing worse than living a life of regret, but I have a back up plan haha.

Vashtie Kola (music video director) and Zoe Saldana (actress)

THE BACK UP PLAN. After high school, I will go to college undecided so I will be able to survey my options. When the time comes for me to declare a major I will choose psychology, double minoring in business and theatre or film studies (this is apart of my normal plan). Once I graduate I will go to med school to become a psychiatrist. I think I'd be a fairly adequate shrink, I'm good at listening to people and giving advice...for the most part.

SIDENOTE. Fashion intrigues me as well. It's always been a part of me and something I will always love. I just don't know if I can work in it. For me, it's one of those things that is sacred and I don't want ruined by the industry. I feel like I would be pressured to conform, but then again maybe not.

Rapture

Buyer's Remorse

I meant to post this soooo long ago and I'm just getting around to posting it. Since then I've lost the ring pictured below...just my luck.

LIFESTYLE. Since I've been tight on money I've been trying to buy things that I know I will actually use or wear for a while. Over spring break I went on college tours with my mom. First we went to Huntsville, Alabama to visit my aunt. We went to the mall a couple of times and there weren't many shops that I was interested in so I only bought a black open cardigan from Gap. After that we headed to Nashville to see Vanderbilt, which had a gorgeous campus and really peppy, well-dressed people :). From there we went to Missouri to see Washington University, where I did the most damage to my bank account. We went to see the arch and since there was a little souvenir shop with sweatshirts on sale my mom bought me one. Later we went to this area called "the loop" and I saw the cutest vintage store so I had to stop inside. I left with 2 necklaces, a ring, a floral shit, a guatemalan purse...and sixty dollars in the hole. When I got home I immediately had BUYER'S REMORSE, mostly because I had plans for that money hahaha. A few minutes ago I tried on the sweatshirt my mom bought, which was waaaayyyy too big so I said she could have it ($30 that could have been spent elsewhere). As I started looking at my vintage purchases I realized I could have done without one of the necklaces since it has such a short chain.

The moral of this story is try everything on before you commit and think about how often you'll wear it (is it cost efficient?).

Game

Zoe Kravitz for Eleven Paris
Isn't she just precious? Peep the nose ring!!!

Beaute

FASHION. For some reason, my parents and I were talking about Cleopatra. I thought she was supposed to be this tanned Egyptian goddess-like beauty. My dad revealed to me that she was actually a fair Grecian woman, not a total Betty (Clueless lingo!). However, she was clever, which explains why she is honoured in modern culture. To put it in perspective for me, my dad said Kim Kardashian is along the lines of what Cleopatra would have looked like. I immediately thought of her February Harper's Bazaar shoot, a tribute to one of her idols, the late Elizabeth Taylor. If you haven't seen them yet...here are a few!

Yay or Nay?

LIFESTYLE. People keep telling me I look like Gracie from British Skins. I don't watch the show so I had to google her. The actress that plays her is Jessica Sula; she's a pretty girl, interesting face. She's a lighter complexion and has longer finer hair than I. I kind of disagree, other than the fact that we have the same head shape. Those who have seen me, yay or nay?

Orange Moon

LIFESTYLE. Today I was talking about how much I wish I had a dancer body. But not a muscular dancer body, an hourglass dancer body. Mila Kunis's Black Swan body was amazing! That is basically the look I want to achieve...without starving myself (I like cookies too much) and a little more meaty. I think I'm going to purchase some workout/running shoes to tone up...just not Sketchers shape ups or Reebok running tone, which actually aren't that horrid looking I just don't like Reebok.

Mila Kunis: Black Swan

FASHION. I absolutely looooove turbans! And now I finally know how to tie them, both the half headband way and full head cover way. Now I just need to buy some really cool scarves! I'll probably be wearing one tomorrow, TEST RUN.

Solange Knowles wearing the turban well!

SIDENOTE. I know I just posted about Karreuche Tran yesterday, but something about her really catches my eye...what could it be? I'll keep watching to figure it out!

Karreuche Tran
Maybe it's the head wrap? 

Take-Out

LIFESTYLE. I haven't taken the time to update my blog in like a month, so since I have some down time...I'm taking advantage of it. Sooooo life's been pretty hectic. Play practice is so time consuming, plus ACT prep class. As I'm sure you can imagine life is just a little rough.
Saturday my dance team and I were in a Shortie Mac vid. He's not famous yet, but his song is pretty catchy. He's only eleven, which made me feel old, but also behind lol. Like what was I doing at eleven? Here's the link to his song www.imradio.com/main_index.php?f=artists_view&purl=shortiemac

SIDENOTE. Chris Brown's new model girlfriend, Karrueche Tran is best friends with my favorite Baldwin Hills star Seiko Huffman! I've always thought that Seiko was extremely beautiful and down to earth, so that says something about Karrueche's character...possibly? And they are both minis (around 5'1" to 5'3" respectively)!

The Fall, My Rise

 Thanks to the majority of Borders closing, I was able to buy Lauren Conrad's book Style and a few magazines that I normally wouldn't buy because well uhh my pockets are shallow. 

$20 to $8

BON a European mag & V an American fashion mag

$10 to $6

Thespian

LIFESTYLE. Recently I tried out for my school's play, which I wasn't planning on doing because I desperately need a job. Nonetheless, 30 minutes before auditions I managed to memorize bits and pieces of a monologue...landing me a leading role in my school's production of Jugger's Rain. So if during the early spring season of April you find yourself planless, come to see the play!

FASHION UPDATE. I've decided I want to make a lookbook. Not a lookbook of myself, but a lookbook of the well-dresed and street savvy Chicagoan. I guess it's a photo diary of some sort. People might be a little hesitant to let me take their picture, but it's worth a try! I'll start snapping tomorrow :). 

"...chains and whips excite me."

Riri's new music video, S&M. LATEX, LATEX, LATEX and puppy Perez! Rihanna's done it again with her edgy fashion and avant-garde filmography.

Saturday Night Fever

FASHION UPDATE. Out with the 80s, in with the 70s! This spring we can expect to see trends that bring us back to the disco decade. With bell bottoms and re-designed go go boots, floral and western prints, this spring you will see a sultry side of the Woodstock (1969) hippie and a more graceful side of rock and roll.

Anna Sui Spring 2011 RTW

Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 RTW

Phoenix

Am I the only one that loved these singers 2010 makeovers? Even though Rihanna's hair looks like kool-aid and Amerie's hair makes her look permanently tanned, I think both of these looks are very fitting. These colors are risky, but were both positive changes for their images.

Rihanna Red Hair 2010

Amerie Blonde Hair 2010

Tommy Ton Time!

I've been wanting to do a post on the fashion photographer, Tommy Ton, for awhile now, but I always push it back for something more relevant, since I'm pretty sure Tommy Ton is here to stay. Something about today just felt right. The pictures below were taken from his blog www.jakandjil.com/blog. Check it out if you are interested in seeing more of his work.

AFRO-disiac

It's really sad that this is my first post of the new year, but I'm just getting around to it...18 days later. As some of you know, I'm transitioning from texturized hair to natural hair so I've been trying to figure out my hair type. On top of that I've been looking for creative ways to wear my hair and products that are good for my hair, yet easy on my pockets.

I'm assuming that my natural hair will look one of these ways, either:

3c (almost positive it won't look like this)

4a? 

Or maybe even a mixture of the two...

3c/4a