What is the value of perfection? Nothing… The air that we breathe, the life we live and the very essence of our being is exactly the same as of someone adorned, or deemed perfect. Society imposes the norm that which so many Americans fix their lives around; the best car, the best figure, the best home, the best family qualities, etc. Happiness, no matter how much we endure to obtain it, should be the object of our perfection. We need to encourage happiness of the simple things in life. So often we learn the essence of life after it is either threatened or taken away. If we can recognize the value in nothing, we will appreciate everything.

Everywhere we turn we see an example of what we need to aspire to be. We see woman and men with the “perfect” figure, the “perfect” career, the “perfect” family and the “perfect” home. I am not trying to entirely criticize and credit society for our problem; parents, in most cases, feed the contradiction by allowing the children to believe that everything they see is what they should aspire to become. Some of these social norms feed into the attitudes of envy, rebellion and hate. I am by no means saying that we should entirely omit social norm because not all are negative, for example, the promotion of healthy living, optimism, education and outlaw of illicit acts; but I am simply suggesting that we reflect on the value of perfection.

Briefly consider life without socialized standards—there would theoretically be no prejudice, segregation or social classes. Social standards encourage social division. If every person is genuinely content in their skin and with their economic situation, there would be no dissension. No rivalry leaves room for peace. The peace that we so desperately long for but do not contribute to. We are guilty of being vulnerable. We are guilty for longing to fit in, so we devalue ourselves; we discredit the very attributes that make us who we are. I am not exactly sure who is setting the standard, but I do know that we are allowing it to continue. We feed into the norm, amplifying the problem by voting against individual choice or frowning upon individualism.

The object of perfection is individual choice and happiness, and with happiness comes wealth. Wealth being defined as an overwhelming presence of peace, love for self, love for neighbors and love for life. If we embrace individualism we will soon understand its gratification. If we consent to expectations acknowledge one another for what we are, we will see the change.

BE YOU. BE INFORMED. BE INSPIRED. BE CHIC.

WeLoveFine.com is buyer friendly, giving you the option to shop by collection, whether you are a fan of Hello Kitty, Fifi Lapin, Marvel, Peanuts or more. There is also a “do it yourself” feature, where shoppers can customize their own tees!

All subscribers receive 15% off and can create a personal profile for all future orders. With every purchase, customers will also receive a free Mighty Fine tote!

Fresh graphics and fun themes run throughout this laid back collection of easy tees for the casual chic chick.

Photographer: Ron J Photography

Make Up: Chaela B.

Hair: Benne’ of BJ’s Salon

Behind the Scenes of High School Sterotypes

Dream Culture announces its biggest sale to date! Use the code “DREAM50” at checkout for half off SITEWIDE at www.dream-culture.com!  Shop your favorites from the holiday collection at markedly discounted prices! Don’t miss this rare opportunity!

The discount code will be active until January 31, 2010.

Have you been checking out Rihanna’s funky, fashion-forward outfits and wondering just how you can afford to pull them off? Well you can leave all your worries behind, because with AMI you can steal her look for less…much less!

Rihanna was just spotted out and about with her beau, Matt Kemp, wearing a pair of fierce side cut-out leggings, paired with an oversized white shirt and leather vest, maintaining her notoriously powerful and chic look yet again.

Snag her style at amiclubwear.com with the “Black Lame Side Cut Out Tight”, “Black Studded Décor Pocket Chain Faux Leather Vest”, “White Lightweight Dolman T-shirt Top” for a grand total of just $71.00!

Wale’s album Attention Deficit is the best album of 2009! His lyrical abilities are insane with guest appearances from Bun B, Melanie Fiona, J.Cole and many more. The album reached number 2 on the U.S. Billboard Rap Charts and number 3 on the U.S. R&B charts. Wale has already released 3 songs from the album Chillin, World Tour, and Pretty Girls. His music incorporates elements of  go-go,  music a dance that started in Washington D.C. This was by far the best album in 2009 hands down.

Also check out these hot sizzling albums:

Omarion: Ollusion

K’Jon: I Get Around

Don’t look drab this fall. Brighten up your look with the season’s hottest makeup trends.

When attempting to implement the new trends, remember to use only ONE focal point on your face, it’s either the eyes or lips. When you use a dark shade for the eyes, natural colors for the lips work better, and vice versa.

EYES

Purple is the popular color this fall. Plum, lavender and violet are great shades for your lids. Purple’s are actually a great compliment to green and brown eyes, so go bold.

EYEBROWS

Thick, natural eyebrows are in these days, so don’t over pluck. Just fill in sparse areas to make them look uniform.

LIPS

Don’t be afraid of a bold lip. Dark reds, bright reds and berry shades are colors that pop. Nude lips are also in style and work best to compliment a bold eye.

CHEEKS

Keep your cheeks neutral with a soft bronze or peachy shade so that you don’t overdo it.

NAILS

Berries, purples, metallic and dark colors are what’s hot. They compliment your makeup and add drama to your look.

MINERAL MAKEUP

The popularity of mineral makeup has really taken off this fall. The benefits are lighter make-up with fewer chemicals that are healthier for skin. There are many different brands to choose from so it’s easy to find the right one for you at the right price. Starter kits for some of the most popular brands are; Bare Minerals for $29.99, Loreal Bare Naturale for $13.99, and Pur Minerals for $35.99.

The trend for fall 2009 for make-up is BOLD, COLORFUL, FUN and with a hint of drama.

]]> http://www.teenchicmag.com/2010/01/this-seasons-hottest-make-up-trends/feed/ http://www.teenchicmag.com/2010/01/who-is-joya-bravo/ http://www.teenchicmag.com/2010/01/who-is-joya-bravo/#comments Sat, 16 Jan 2010 01:35:04 +0000 clarencelmcmill http://www.teenchicmag.com/?p=3320

PRESENTS

“JOYA BRAVO“

Singer/Songwriter/Rapper/Violinist, “JOYA BRAVO” is a New York native born in 1986 Queens, New York and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Conceived by Jamaican parents, Bravo’s upbringing was conservative, but musically charged.

Bravo began playing the violin at age 9. Her success eventually earned her a chair in the Metropolitan Atlanta Youth Symphony Orchestra (a highly accredited youth ensemble in the southeast region). She has performed with Grammy Award Winners The Roots at the Highline Ballroom.

As an all around creative artist, this powerhouse talent has a clear message to share with the world. She seeks to spread ideals of self-realization, collaboration and positive progression to future generations of the world through her craft. Some of Joya Bravo’s lifetime musical inspirations include: Grace Jones, Serj Tankian (System of a Down), Radiohead, Sarah Brightman, Bob Marley and many other artists her abilities supersede.

Joya Bravo VIDEO performance at SOB’s NY 2009

Download the Joya Bravo music sampler

This project, entitled “Move in Day”, is a sampler and a showcase of her eclectically chaotic, multi-dimensional, complex and beautifully crazy experiences of 2009.The songs were written with passion in times of joy, pain, love, war, longing and contentment.  Real experiences invoke real emotions; this is what Joya Bravo wish to share with you.

“If you place your faith in your feet you can walk further than you’ve ever imagined to places you have never imagined.”

Thank you and Go Be Great! Nice ta Meet Cha!

Love,

 Joya Bravo

PS. Oh, and by the way…I play the violin!

http://www.zshare.net/download/70019950842c646d/

The media has not ceased to cover the every popular tragic ending of the two year relationship between female teen idol Rhianna and Chris Brown.

What was thought to be innocent teen love was halted due to domestic violence. What was a very common argument amongst relationships lead to a brutal fight.

Many speculated whether Rhianna provoked Chris Brown; this rumor was laid to rest during her special on 20/20.

(Na can you insert part 2 of the video here? The website is listed below)

The fact that was never ignored nor denied was that Rhianna and Chris both grew up in homes where the witness domestic violence. I am sure Rhianna vowed that she would never marry a man like father and Chris did not wish to model his father’s actions toward his mother. The two fell victim to a situation that they both grew up in. It would be wrong to say either was entirely at fault for the situation. Although American morals would acclaim that Chris was extremely at fault because a man should never raise his hand to a woman; you have to question why Rhianna would allow her self to remain in a situation that unhealthy. She confirmed that the abuse exceeded 7 times and on average it takes battered women to endure at least 6 encounters of abuse before they leave.

TCM Readers, please be advised that love is not abuse. Love is not controlling. Recognize the signs and get out while there is time. Abuse is not one sided. We get easily wrapped up in the generalized perception of abuse as it is mainly targeted to women or only crucial when it happens to a woman; that is not true. Domestic violence is equally as awful whether it comes from a women or a man.

TCM Readers, please do NOT be scared to tell your story.

For more information on how to look for signs of abusive partners please visit http://www.drdaveanddee.com/ab.html.

For verification of information or to view all videos in their entirety please visit www.abcnews.go.com/2020.

It’s important to preserve your flawless skin and enviable hair when the harsh winter weather comes around. With the aid of a few modifications to your routine and a couple preventative measures you could eliminate the stress associated with not-so-glowing skin and bad hair days.

Skin is very important, as it should be especially because it’s the largest organ. As the temperature changes, so do the needs of your skin. A heavier emollient, like thick body butter will keep the skin moisturized longer than a body oil or gel.

Products that contain large amounts of shea butter and olive oil are perfect because together they are easily absorbed and form a protective barrier to block the drying cold weather from damaging your skin. Cocoa butter and coconut oil are also great natural moisturizer that work better than petroleum-based products that protect but don’t nourish the skin.

In addition to applying the right moisturizer, you should also make sure that you dress appropriately. Avoiding exposure of your skin to the bitter weather is significantly effective.

We all want our hair to look its best so here are some tips to keep it up when the temperature drops.

- Never go outside with a wet head. The wash and wear look of the summer is over, and if you want to protect your health and your hair, thoroughly dry it before leaving the house.

- If you choose to wear a winter hat to protect your head, make sure it has a lining to protect your hair from rubbing agaisnt it and causing breakage and dryness. If it doesn’t come with one, use your favorite silk or satin scarf.

- Protective styles such as up-dos, twists, and braids that keep your ends from rubbing against your clothes and being exposed to the cold air are best this time of year.

- To prevent dry hair and scalp try a hot oil treatment. If that’s too oil for your hair type, try adding a tablespoon of olive oil to your favorite conditioner instead. This small step will work wonders to prevent flakes and brittle hair.

Think preservation not hibernation this winter. Take care of your skin and hair and with these tips and tricks you can maintain your CHIC look all year round.

If  the name “David Guetta” sounds familiar to you, yes you have heard it before he is the man behind the music (producer) for “Kelly Rowland” International/Dance/Techno/Electro - Pop SMASH HIT “When Love Takes Over” and by the look of things it seems he doesn’t intend to slow down anytime soon. I can go on and on about his numerous other smash hit records with other notable and creditable artist, but this came across my email box this week that I must share with the Teen Chic Mag Readers.

Wynter Gordon is someone who has been under my radar since 2007 and is on a collaboration streak of hits right now. Wynter Gordon is a singer/song writer signed to Atlantic Records/Don Pooh Music Group and has worked with likes of Mary J. Blige, J.Lo, Danity Kane, Toni Braxton, Flo-Rida, Maino and now you can add David Guetta to that list. When I heard this record I could not help but to keep thinking to myself, “what the heck is Atlantic Records waiting for release the first single already.” If you enjoy artist such as Jodi Whately, Madonna, Grace Jones, Rihanna and Lady GaGa you will feel like you have been waiting for Wynter Gordon your whole life. She is the complete package Singer/Songwriter/and Performer.

Wynter currently released her mix-tape last month, “The Trouble with Wynter” and she delievers yet another International hit record “Renegade ft. Static Revenger” which is currently available on i-Tunes and any other MP3 distribution company right now. You can check her out at www.myspace.com/wynter1985

You can download the record from the link below :

David Guetta Ft. Wynter Gordon - Toyfriend (Full Music HD)

Timbaland

Anything that Timbaland touches turns out dope. Shock Value produced hit singles, “The Way I Are,” “Scream,” “Give It To Me,” and “Apologize (Remix)“, which all charted high on Billboard. There is no set release date, but just hearing this news has got us excited all ready.

I HAD THE CHANCE TO MEET AND INTERVIEW ONE OF THE BIGGEST R&B STARS OF TODAY! HIS HUMBLING AND CHARISMATIC PERSONALITY JUST MAKES YOU LOVE HIM MORE..

YES I’M TALKING ABOUT CHRIS BROWN! HE HAS A NEW ALBUM DROPPING DECEMBER 8TH CALLED GRAFFITTI!

HERES THE INTERVIEW!

EB: HEY CHRIS! HOW ARE YOU?

CB: IM GOOD, THANK YOU. JUST TOURING AND PROMOTING MY ALBUM!

EB: THAT’S GOOD! SO THE ALBUM GRAFFITTI DROPS DECEMEBER 8TH! HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE BACK?

CB: IT FEELS GREAT! IM JUST GLAD TO BE BACK DOING WHAT I LOVE TO DO AND GIVING THE FANS WHAT THEY DESERVE! MY FANS HAVE BEEN GOOD TO ME.

EB: I CAN TRANSFOR YA…CATCHY SONG TITLE, TELL ME HOW DID THE SONG COME ABOUT?

CB: WELL, SWIZZ BEATS PRODUCE THE SONG AND IT ALSO FEATURES HIM AND IT FEATURES LIL WAYNE AND BASICALLY IT PUTS YOU IN THE MINDSET OF THE MOVIE TRANSFORMERS. I WANTED TO CHANGE IT UP AND BE DIFFERENT AND UNIQUE!

EB: WHAT PRODUCERS DID YOU WORK WITH ON GRAFFITTI?

CB: I WORKED WITH POLOW THE DON, NEPTUNES, THE MESSENGERS, THA BIZNESS, AND THE RUNNERS…SO YEAH ITS GOING TO BE A HOT ALBUM!

EB: THE ALBUM IS GOING TO BE HOT! I CANT WAIT! U ALSO HAVE A MOVIE COMING OUT IN FEBRUARY TELL US ABOUT THAT?

CB: THE MOVIE IS CALLED TAKERS AND ITS IN THEATERS FEBRUARY 26, 2010 AND ITS STARRING ME, T.I., IDRIS ELBA, MATT DILLON, HAYDEN CHRISTENSEN AND MANY MORE. IT’S ABOUT A GROUP OF BANK ROBBERS THAT SPECIALIZE IN SPECTACULAR ROBBERIES AND WE HAVE ONE LAST JOB TO DO BUT A DETECTIVE TRIES TO INTERUPT A 20 MILLION DOLLAR HEIST…SO YEAH IM EXCITED ABOUT IT…IN THEATRES FEBRUARY 26TH!

EB: I SEE YOUR DOING BIG THINGS! I KNOW YOU HAVE TO GO BUT WE ARE GLAD TO HAVE YOU BACK AND YOU’RE DOING AN AMAZING JOB! TELL THE FANS HOW THEY CAN KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOU.

CB: THANK YOU SO MUCH IM GLAD TO BE BACK! AND I HAVE A NEW SAY NOW NUMBER AND I WANT ALL MY FANS TO CALL AND LEAVE ME A MESSAGE! THE NUMBER IS 877-CBREEZY AND I WANT ALL MY FANS TO FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER @MECHANICALDUMMY!

EB: ALRIGHT I KNOW U HAVE TO GO AND GET DRESSED BUT THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING YOUR TIME OUT TO TALK TO ME.

CB: NO THANK YOU AND ITS MY PLEASURE! THANKS AGAIN!

‘You Are Not Alone’ Winter Retreat will host several young women age 12-18 and workshops focused on health, beauty, fitness, self-esteem, and education.

ATLANTA, GA (November 20, 2009) The Lost Ones Foundation founded by celebrity stylist and fashion maven Tameka Raymond, announces its “You Are Not Alone” Winter Retreat. Held bi-annually, the inaugural winter edition will be held Saturday, December 19 - Thursday, December 23, 2009 at Chateau Élan in Braselton, Georgia (a suburb of Atlanta, GA).  Young women age 12-18 will participate in 5-day series of seminars and workshops designed to address medical and mental health issues, college preparatory information, physical fitness and nutrition, mentor matching, beauty and image consulting -conducted by leading professionals offering amazing personal experiences and knowledge in their respective fields. 

‘You Are Not Alone’ retreat serves to motivate these deserving young women and offer them positive alternatives to their lifestyles.  Potential participants age 12-18 are encouraged to submit essays describing their background and why they’re a good fit for the winter retreat.  Criteria for selection are young women - victims of early pregnancy, truancy, defiance, criminal behavior and violence, drug use, sexual misconduct, and other self-deprecatory activities.

The retreat includes 5-days of extensive one-on-one sessions and seminars resulting in empowerment tools to increase productivity in all facets of their lives. The themes for the week-long transformation experience include “You Are -Beauty, You Are- Health, You Are- Proof, You Are- Virtue, and You Are- Style”. The retreat’s final day of transformation will include a full make-over and fashion show starring participants-showcasing their new inner and outer growth.   “Our goal is to inspire, mentor and aid these troubled  young women, offering them practical and life changing retreats that will provide direction, a renewed outlook, and a strong sense of purpose”- affectionately states The Lost Ones Foundation Founder Tameka Raymond.  

All essays considered for selection to attend The Lost Ones Foundation’s “You Are Not Alone” Winter Retreat are due by December 4^th.  For more information on participant guidelines, or to make a charitable donation, visit The  Lost Ones Foundation website.

About The Lost Ones Foundation

Founded by celebrity fashion maven Tameka Raymond, The Lost Ones Foundation, Inc. is an independent non-profit organization established in 2009 which serves an alienated, marginalized community of young women age 12-18, who are often ignored, set aside, disregarded or ultimately dismissed as “The Lost Ones”.

It is the intent of The Lost Ones Foundation, Inc. to equip these young women with the tools that will encourage them to thrive, which ultimately sets them in motion to elevate the next generation. Through the building of self-esteem, there are so many obstacles that can be overcome. We want the participants to know that we are here with open arms and that “You are not alone.”

For more information about the foundation, and donations, log onto www.lostonesfoundation.org.

About The Lost Ones Foundation Founder Tameka Raymond

Celebrity stylist Tameka Raymond had aspirations to develop a career in the fashion industry as early as high school. Armed with a strong will to succeed and a sharp eye for fashion, she attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in 1994 as a Merchandising Marketing major in Los Angeles. She went on to work as a dresser for Giorgio Armani and other designer shows while attending FIDM. The resident Atlantan is probably best known for propelling Lauryn Hill’s vintage haute couture look into the limelight, branding Lauryn as an International Fashion icon. Her impressive clientele roster reads like a VIP list to the swankiest of affairs. Tameka has lent her creative talents to legendary soul singers like Patti Labelle, Chaka Khan and Aretha Franklin to chart-toppers such as Lauryn Hill, Jay-Z, Usher, Toni Braxton, Mary J. Blige, Ciara, Keri Hilson, Timbaland, Maxwell, The Fugees, Nas, T.I, Janelle Monae, Dr. Dre and more. Her work has covered top magazines Harpers Bazaar, Esquire, GQ, Rolling Stone, Seventeen, People, Teen People, The Source, Vibe and Details and graced pages of high-end fashion publications ranging from Glamour to Essence.

The duo, up until now, have been a quiet force in the platinum-charting hip hop world, helping to make hit records and remixes for The Noisettes, Lil’ Kim, The Clipse, Young Gunz, Foxy Brown, GLC and Lupe Fiasco’s electro band Hey Champ just to name a few. They’ve recently been working on Diddy’s “Last Train To Paris.” They landed their first overseas smash “Ski Hard” on electro giant Armand Van Helden’s most recent album.

After teaming up with Get Familiar and Clinton Sparks, Christian Rich is proud to bring you the long awaited “Famous Girl” EPfor their new single “Famous Girl” available on iTunes. Partnering with popular street wear brand Hellz Bellz to design the Famous Girl t-shirt, the campaign also involves the release of a CD, and digital EP of remixes and original new music executive produced by Clinton Sparks.  And if that wasn’t enough, it also includes the Famous Girl music video and production by Bjorn from Peter Bjorn & John, Clinton Sparks, and a few guest surprises!

If you aren’t keeping up with Christian Rich on one of the many media outlets including HighSnobiety.com, VH1.com, BBCICECREAM.com, HBO Zone, MTVu or E! TV’s Daily 10, be sure to stay up to date with the dynamic duo at www.ChristianRichGoods.com, www.myspace.com/CRichMusic, and www.twitter.com/ChristianRich.

Monday night @ Butter Apple, Taboo Ammo Poet and Will I Am from the Black Eyed Peas were there but sadly we didn’t see any Fergie. Oh no!

I was hosting Monday night (11/16) @ Marquee which is a celebrity night. Now I must be honest, the party was a little hood but a lot of celebrities have been showing up over the past few Mondays. November 2nd, John Legend performed live and Rihanna was there.

November 9th was the album release party for Wale and Serena Williams and Selita Ebanks attended. This Monday that passed(11/16) was athlete central with a late night pop in with some of the Black Eyed Peas members who were at Butter earlier. I actually grabbed photos with Vince Young (http://twitpic.com/puhhr) and also with the 2nd best defensive player in NBA history, Dikembe Motumba (http://twitpic.com/q1vyp). It was the birthday party for Chris Baker who is a defensive lineman for the Denver Broncos. Sadly, I didn’t get a photo with him (haha) but he seemed to have had a blast.

Thursday night (11/26) at M2 is the after party for the VICTORIA SECRET FASHION SHOW. Sadly it is a private event so all you perverted guys out there that think you can get in by paying $30, think again it is a strict guest list.

I am selling tickets for Thanksgiving Eve (11/25) at STK in NYC. Very sexy room so definitely let me know if you want tickets.

My very good friend NATE EVERSON is selling all the best mixes you hear at nightclubs on his website Loudmusic.weebly.com. If you want you can call or text him at 646-226-9928. Amazing!

Troy Gordon
Twitter.com/tnkg
Thetroyreport.com

There are people in the world who take matters of the world, matters of the heart and matters of the soul and bring them to life through art.  There are designers who take the emotions and re-create them in wearable form.  Unkommon Kolor is that HAUTE NEW design team. 

 Mr. Jeremy Biggers, member this design team, monitors closely new fashion trends and develops concepts and creative designs that depict what people want.  How they want to look.  How they want to express themselves. 

Jeremy Biggers, in a recent interview:                                                                                        

TCM: So that everyone is familiar with Unkommon Kolor and the unique derivation of the name, could you please inform us of how you all define Unkommon Kolor?

JB: Essentially we are a heavily art themed lifestyle brand that primarily focuses on t-shirts and custom hats and shoes.

TCM: Including yourself, who are affiliates of Unkommon Kolor? 

JB: Bryan Blue “Blue the Great”: Owner, Designer, Marketing Team

Jeremy Campbell “Jaye Cartel”: Owner, Designer

Jeremy Biggers “The REAL Jeremy Biggers”: Owner, Designer, Photographer, Marketing Team

Arif Merritt “The Scientist”: Web Designer, Designer

Krisaela Fraizer “Pretty Flaca”: Seamstress, Designer

Eric White “Senior Blanco”: Designer

Samantha Mattice-Lowery “Sam… with the Hair”: Designer

Mercedes Fulbright: Intern/ Marketing Team

Maricela Diggs: Intern/ Designer

TCM: What is your role in the company?

JB: I am the third owner of Unkommon Kolor.  I am also the photographer, designer, and marketer within the team.

TCM: Where can we purchase Unkommon Kolor merchandise?

JB: As it stands now you can only purchase the merchandise on our website, www.unkommonkolor.com  (unless you get it from one of us directly)  We are in the process of working with some boutiques in Dallas, Houston, LA, and possibly some other markets such as Miami, DC, NY, and Philadelphia.  We just need to finalize a few things.

TCM: This is a teen magazine so we do encourage; what would you say to encourage TCM readers?

JB: Well the main thing we encourage is being yourself, and realizing who you are is “good enough”.  Be the best you can be and NEVER take no for an answer.  If you can think it, you can do it.  Finally, “Live today like there is no tomorrow.  Learn like you will live forever.” Ghandi.

TCM: Will TCM be able to use Unkommon Kolor in the next photo shoot?

JB: We are more than happy to make that happen.

TCM: What is next for Unkommon Kolor?  What new design inspirations?

JB: We have quite a few things in the works.  Most of which we can’t discuss as of yet.  We will be dropping a HUGE line in January so we’re waiting on that.  We have some contests coming up that only members on our twitter page and blog will know about.  So, just follow us on twitter @unkommonkolor and the blog is http://unkommonkolor.blogspot.com/.

For more of UNKOMMON KOLOR be sure to visit the website at www.unkommonkolor.com.