By: Mical J. Roy, Entertainment Editor

A Culmination of Many Things

 The tone is set and there are an array of moods, all of them reflecting peace and the need to bathe in the moment. Erykah Badu is in concert, and the energy billowing through the Arena is magical. The citizen’s in attendance are grown and unbothered by the smog and debris which fills the world outside. We are literally living IN the moment.

ENTER Neon Collars, Ms. Badu’s headliners, through nothing like any experience you can even begin to decipher. They appear, even before the music starts to be humbled at the experience; nevertheless, please believe they’re going to give you every ounce of energy they possess.

The live band floods the room suffocating every ear drum, so much to the point that the masses stand in awe…breathless. We are studying the lesson being offered on stage, hoping to catch every word, every note, every intricate sound as its being tossed and not thrown at us. The people appear totally satisfied. Neon seems to be so well breed. They don’t move and sing like a band whose existence is rather new. The appear to be quite seasoned, which is one of the reasons we love them.

Every selection is innovative and emergent. We’ve needed this for so long, and how fitting for them to be Erykah Badu’s musical introduction. How could they ever repay her, much rather, how could she ever repay them?

I knew I’d need a minute to march into the world of ‘NEON COLLARS’. Would I possibly be able to find out what inspires such positive energy to a group of young people? This movement they’re giving me as the adom the stage is whimsical. Teen Chic readers, you are going to love this…

 TCM: Where did you all get your name? Is there any specific meaning behind it?

NC: Ours is actually a play on words. Most people categorize their job or occupation in two ways, white or blue collar. We don’t except either and create a new collar, NEON. Being not just one color, yet many that aren’t specific, we are artists, which can be put in any color of the spectrum.

TCM: How long has Neon Collars been an offical group and when did you all get your first gig?

NC: We have only been a group for 5 months, our first show was an Autumn Festival last November in which we were asked to play.

TCM: What do you think motivates Neon Collars collectively and what does everyone bring to the table to complete the group?

NC: We are motivated by the creation of new sounds, ideas and thoughts. We are trying to open minds to something more than staying inside the box of society. We all come from different backgrounds, different parts of the country and bring fresh approaches to something that’s been around since the beginning of time, MUSIC.

 TCM: If you could offer the Teen Chic Mag readers insight pretaining to breaking into the entertainment industry, what would it be?

NC: Persistence - Practice your craft and don’t let anyone tell you you’re not good enough.

TCM: Besides the beautiful music you all make, what could you say you have in common?

NC: We all have a creative way of seeing life and music. None of us desire trying to do the same thing twice.

TCM: When you all are doing shows and on the go, name 2 things you all can’t live without?

NC: Our IPODS and good food.

TCM: What are your views on the state of our economy right now and how this may affect everyone?

NC: The economy is created to have ups and downs. It affects everyone from teachers to the president. The changes that are being made in congress and in our everyday lives will have to change so that it can become better.

TCM: Do you all consider yourself Jazz, Neo Soul, R&B, etc. or a combination of many things?

NC: To be honest, we don’t categorize ourselves at all. We really just try and create new music, we are a combination of them all because we all are from different musical backgrounds.

TCM: Tell the Teen Chic Mag readers all about your experience headlining for Ms. Erykah Badu?

NC: It was amazing, the energy, the crowd and the music. It seemed as if we hadn’t heard our own music before. It was a great experience that all artists want to feel and we got so much love from the audience at our coming out event.

TCM: Who are some of Neon Collars’ favorite artist?

NC: There are thousands of influences! Some of our favorites are The Foundation, Erykah Badu, Common, Mos Def, Jill Scott, Kanye West and hundres more “out of the box” artists.

TCM: Give us one bold adjective to describe the image you hope is being conveyed?

NC: Innovative.


Neon Collars “Reality” Live from FWMJ on Vimeo.

To learn more about Neon Collars, visit them online at www.myspace.com/neoncollars

By: Chanteau Garrett, Feature Writer

Everyone remembers the saying: “Out with the old, in with the new,” of course you do. We tend to say it almost every day when something happens or when you want to replace something for a brand new item in your life. Well the time is here for us to say, “Out with the Old,” all you need to do is just go and dig in your closets and get rid of all the old items and purchase something new. As time passes by, we just need to let some things go and not think twice about it. You are probably thinking to your self, what do I need to get rid of in my closet?  Here is a list to get you thinking of items to let go:

1.  Long denim ankle skirts  

2. Denim jean units

3. Acid wash jeans

4. Long denim jumpers sets

5. Bell bottom pants  

I know it’s hard sometimes because you think that style will be coming back soon. The things that we love the most is the hardest to let go but understand some items in your closet must go.  

We have seen over the last few years that fashion changes and we recycle fashion every two decades (meaning every 20 years). The 80’s have been the recycled fashion for the past two years. So what is next? Are we going to put away our gold rope chains, our neon colored wind suits, flats tops, the B-Boy stance, the huge radio? Well, you have to stay in tune with fashion to find out. Fashion trends come and go and you will only know if you are IN THE KNOW!  

By: Shauna Lanea, Feature Writer

Thoughts of relaxing or having fun during Spring Break is on every one’s mind. However, this time of year brings opportunities for teens to make choices that are potentially dangerous. Spring Break parties and trips all pose situations where teens need to make choices. Alcohol use is a complex issue in that it is influenced by cultural, family and community traditions. The fact that it is legal for adults and illegal for those under 21 further complicates how families deal with it.  Alcohol use can have unintended and harmful consequences for not only the teens but family and friends as well.

Teens can even be at risk when they stay at home during the break by themselves. Unsupervised time, money to spend, and peer pressure to “let loose” can be a recipe for risky behaviors, including drug use. Now a days, teens think they are invincible, but we all know that they are not. The best precautions are reminding them of the risks of alcohol, sexual activity, sunburn, date rape, vandalism and more. There are plenty of ways for teens to experience Spring Break in the fun way. It is important to know that teens are encouraged to develop their independence but that independence comes with responsibilities. Keep in mind to indulge in activities that won’t be the cause of your parent’s high blood pressure!

By: Audreyanna Garrett, Feature Writer

Need help making life changing decisions? Write in to Teen Chic Magazine and let me help.  Send all questions to audreyannagarrett@gmail.com. 

Suggested Email Format:

In the subject box please insert “Decisions-Teen Chic”

- State you name

- Where you reside

- The decision that needs to be made

Please submit by the 15th of each month to be considered for the following month’s issue. You will be notified via email if you were chosen. We all have to make life changing decisions, it is better to make them soundly and with careful consideration of every aspect of the outcome. 

Teen Chic Mag wants to help you, write in today!

As not to be bias, we decided to list our FAVS in ABC order. Please let us know if you agree with our list @ info@teenchicmag.com.

                         AZ

                     Beyonce

Day 26

                     Drake

                                    Foreign Exchange

Jay-Z

               Jennifer Hudson

              Kanye West

 Kerri Hilson

Lady Gaga

   Mary J. Blige

Musqic Soulchild

Nas

                   Neyo

              Notorious B.I.G.

                   Solange

                                                       T.I.

                                                       Tupac

                                              Whitney Houston

TCM would like to say Congratulations to the designers of Issey Miyake for being the Designer of the Month. Issey Miyake is known for his technology-driven clothing designs, exhibitions and fragrances. Mr. Miyake was born in Hiroshima, Japan and founded the Miyake Design Studio after returning to Tokyo in 1970. He began to experiment with new methods of pleating that would allow both flexibility of movement for the wearer as well as ease of care and production.

With that said, here is a little background on how he started his career. In the late 1980’s, he began to experiment with new methods of pleating that would allow both flexibility of movement for the wearer as well as ease of care and production. This eventually resulted in a new technique called garment pleating and in the 1993 Pleats Please in which the garments are cut and sewn first, then sandwiched between layers of paper and fed into a heat press, where they are pleated. The fabric’s memory’ holds the pleats and when the garments are liberated from their paper cocoon, they are ready-to-wear.

Issey Miyake “oversees the overall direction of all lines created by his company”, even though the individual collections have been designed by his staff since his retirement from the fashion world in 1997.

Like many fashion designers, Issey Miyake also has a line of perfumes. His first fragrance, the light aquatic-floral L’eau d’Issey for women, was launched in 1992. The scent was followed by L’eau d’Issey Pour Homme (for men) in 1994. Every year since 2007, Issey Miyake has brought out a “limited time only” fragrance for ladies in which he brings in a “guest” perfumer. In 2007, he launched ‘Drop on a Petal’, and in 2008 he launched ‘Reflections in a Drop’. A new Issey Miyake men’s fragrance, L’eau d’Issey Pour Home Intense, was introduced at Nordstrom in the United States in 2007, with a larger worldwide rollout following in September 2007.

By: Madison Jones, Feature Writer

There seems to be a craze for the flower power whether it is a jazzy floral print top or a boho chic ring this trend looks like it will be around for a while and Forever 21 has everything you are looking for. If you love what you see, please click the pic to be directed to their site.

FOREVER21.COM
Floral Bobby Pin Set - $3.80

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Chiffon Rose Hair Elastic - $2.80

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Floral Ring Set - $3.80

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Pearl Centered Flower Ring - $3.80

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Floral Shrug - $13.80

 FOREVER21.COM
Floral Sketch Top - $13.80

 FOREVER21.COM
Fab Floral Chiffon Top - $12.50

 
FOREVER21.COM
Floral Metallic Tunic - $14.80

FOREVER21.COM
Tropical Flowers - $19.80

FOREVER21.COM
Sondra Floral Chiffon Top - $12.50

 FOREVER21.COM
Painted Floral Chiffon Dress - $24.80

FOREVER21.COM
Rose Babydoll Dress - $22.80

 FOREVER21.COM
Floral Halter Dress - $22.80

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Fantasy Floral Dress - $27.80

FOREVER21.COM
Floral Peep Toe Pumps - $20.80

By: Stephanie A. Catchings, Health & Beauty Editor

Due to the ease, accesibility and cost-effectiveness, shaving is the most popular method of hair removal used by men and women. Disposable razors come in all shapes and sizes and are contoured to fit specific regions of the body based on the gender of the user. Using a razor to cut hair is not always the best choice because it does not remove the hair at the follicle. As a result, the hair keeps growing and the blunt cut makes it easier to see in a few as 2 - 3 days. Futhermore, shaving can make the skin more prone to ingrown hairs lead to unsightly razor bumps.

In order to make the best of shaving, try these steps to improve your outcome.

1. Wash the area that you are going to shave with soap and lukewarm water before you begin.

2. Use a shaving gel or cream with moisturizer to lubricate the skin and the razor.

3. Always use a clean and sharp razor blade.

4. Shave in the direction in which the hair grows. For example, if the leg hairs grow toward the feet, gently glide the razor from the knee to the ankle.

5. Rinse the razor blade often while shaving and do not press hard against the skin.

6. Rinse the area when shaving is complete and apply a good moisturizer to the clean-shaven area.

Tack Meet Disaster

It was the biggest track meet of the school year and it was a close race the entire meet between my school and our arch rivals. After months of practice, it was finally time for me to run the 4×4. I was the fourth leg on the relay team and my entire team was counting on me to bring home the goal.

The race began and we were off to a great start, it happened so fast and we were in the lead. In no time, it was my turn to finish the race and I was so excited. I started running and totally not paying attention I trip on the track and take down the girl in the lane next to me. My team still hounds me about not only loosing but taking someone down with me.

Summer - Pearland, TX

TEENCHICMAG.COM ♠ TEENCHICMAG.NING.COM ☻ TEEN CHIC MAGAZINE ♥

March is here and Teen Chic Magazine has been online for 4 months now. We truly appreciate the love and support that we are continuing to receive from all of our Teen Chic Mag readers and their parents. T H A N K   Y O U!!! Words cannot truly express who it feels to plan and dream and hope that one day your dream would come true and for it to actually happen…IT IS AMAZING!

This month Mical was able to see NEON COLLARS perform live and he was so moved by not only the musical flow of this group but the unique swag that they posses. Teen Chic Mag was able to attend Fashion Week in NYC in February and was also able to shoot Brittaney in Times Square. If you love what you see Brittaney wearing in the photo shoot, please stop by SERENDIPITY3 in Houston, TX where you will find the latest fashions along with tons of cute accessories. Shauna Lanea covers some Spring Break temptations, Inez is getting you ready for prom, Chanteau is on a mission to keep you stylish and Audrey is always on top of the latest poliuical issue that concerns teens.

We are looking for INTERNS and for all of those that are interested, please send your info to info@teenchicmag.com to be considered. I also wanted to remind you to check out Teen Chic Mag’s Blog at www.TeenChicMag.ning.com to see the latest new and updates from us. We do post all of our videos and behind the scenes photos on the blog as well and we would love to hear from you.

Check out the pic below…We met YOANNA HOUSE from America’s Next Top Model, she was so sweet! 

♥,
C’na Roberts
Editor-in-Chief

P.S. Remember to DREAM in GLAM & LIVE in CHIC!

By: Madison Jones, Feature Writer

 Hey Teen Chic Mag Readers!!! It’s that time again to keep you informed of the girliest movies, knee slapping comedies and the scariest thrillers.

 Watchmen - 03/06/2009

 Race to Witch Mountain - 03/13/2009

 The Last House on the Left - 03/13/2009

By: Kelli Matthews, Intern

Guys can be so unpredictable. You can never tell what they’re really looking for in a girlfriend. Do you want a good girl, a bad girl or even a punk rock kind of girl? Well I guess if you don’t as you will never know; so that is exactly what I did and you will believe the crazy responses that I got…Enjoy! I asked 4 guys:

What qualities do you look for in a girlfriend?

“Smart! She has to be intelligent and has to have a good head on her shoulders. She has to be beautiful and not just pretty and she has to be clean fresh to def, it’s a must…Oh yeah, she also has to know how to cook.”

“Personality comes first, pretty face and good hair. She can be goofy but needs to know how to be serious at times.”

“She has to be mature and know what she wants out of life. I’m not saying she has to be model material but she gots to look good. She needs to be understanding, well proportion and good hair, that’s a must!”

“Ummm…some qualities that I look for in a girl are a great personality, one that knows how to keep herself up by keeping her hair done, smelling good and no ashy feet! I just want a cool girl that hates to argue.”

By: Audreyanna Garrett, Feature Writer

One would suspect the way that the media has been publicizing Shepard Fairey’s arrest is solely based upon the fact that he created a poster, in honor of the President Obama’s vision, and is now being penalized for it. 

South Carolina native, Shepard Fairey, creator of the “Andre’ the Giant has a Posse” sticker campaign, “Obey” street art projects and President Obama’s Hope posters, was arrested due to warrants received January 24th.  The warrants were imposed because of graffiti vandalizing in two locations throughout Boston.  Fairey acquired a case to dispute copyrights of the image used in the creation of President Obama’s Hope Poster. Apparently the image was an Associated Press photo.  Fairey argues that his use of the image is protected with “fair use”; which allows exceptions based on several factors.  The case will be thoroughly reviewed because there is some truth and logic to his argument.  My assumption is that Associated Press only now wants to dispute the image because of the amount of publicity and money Fairey is receiving from his reinvention of the image. 

Fairey, a man of such talent and promise, is now subject to arrest because of 13 prior cases and poor judgment.  We must try and remember that we are individuals and that is never compromised.  We can not allow our desire to be different and challenge the odds get us in avoidable situations.  There is always a right way to be heard.  Street graffitti is illegal and if nothing else, is a ridiculous reason to be put behind bars.  Use your voice but use it wisely.

By Chanteau Garrett, Fashion Editor

This section is for you the Teen Chic Magazine readers, to express your feelings about today’s fashion. Consider it to be your own personal stories that made you laugh and think what was I thinking or just WHY?

Send me your style story and it could be published in Teen Chic Magazine. Please send all stories with pictures if possible to editorial@teenchicmag.com (Attn: Fashion Editor) we are looking forward to hearing from you.

By: Stephanie A. Catchings, Health & Beauty Editor

Spring is here which means summer is just around the corner. Since winter cover-up is no longer necessary, more skin will be seen as people head to parks, beaches, and other outdoor activities. The more skin you show, the more likely you might need depilation or hair removal. Although the decision to remove body hair is a personal one, few people appreciate being flashed and armpit bush during a nice afternoon at the pool.

To help you with the decision to shave or not to shave, Teen Chic Mag is introducing several methods of hair removal throughout the spring and summer months. Each article will feature a different hair removal techniques and its advantages and disadvantages. Those with sensitive skin or a low tolerance for pain should consider the unfortunately popular feminine mantra, “Beauty is pain…” enjoy! 

 Teen Chic Magazine was able to attend Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City and why not shoot a photo shoot of Brittaney, one of our Teen Chic Mag Models while we are there.

Special THANKS to:

SEREDIPITY3 in Houston, TX for providing all of the clothes and accessories .

Creative Director LaTas Turner for the vision and “everythang” (sorry, it’s a running joke in our office).

Stylists: Jeremy Phillips and Courtney Evans for always being in the know.

**Would you like your designs featured in Teen Chic Magazine, please contact us at Editorial@TeenChicMag.com, Attn: Fashion Editor.