Essence, August 2012 Issue: YBA

I have never felt more motivated, more inspired, or more in control of my life until I opened up the August 2012 issue of Essence magazine. Literally, from cover to cover, there is something for the (aspiring) YBAs of our generation.

What does it mean to be YBA? It means to be YOUNG, BLACK, & AMAZING. It means to inspire and be inspired. It means to set goals and work toward a future. It means to be uniquely and originally YOU. If you are feeling lost, uninspired, or confused about what you want from your future, then reading this issue of Essence magazine will definitely get you out of your funk!

theybf.com

Not only does Nia Long grace the cover, but web sensation Issa Rae is featured in the issue as well! Nia Long is the oh-so fabulous and talented actress who has starred in films, such as Love Jones (1997), The Best Man (1999), and Are We There Yet? (2005). Issa Rae is the creator and star of The MisAdventures of Awkward Black Girl, a Internet web-series and a YouTube sensation.

kuchuments.blogspot.com

If you are not subscribed to Essence magazine, then go to their website at Essence.com and subscribe now!

Love,

Gem

MMAS : Rockin' the Red Carpet

There were some fashion-do's and some fashion-don'ts out on the red carpet yesterday at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards. One of my favorite looks was Jessica Biel in a Chanel white knit mini dress and Barbara Bui colorblock strappy sandals. I thought it was definitely simple and chic, especially since she accessorized very little with only a bracelet and an engagement ring!

Another savvy fashionista was the MTV Trailblazer Award recipient, Emma Stone. Emma wore a two piece Martin Grant ensemble of a black peplum top and a cream tulip skirt. She paired the look with a nude/black Brian Atwood ankle strap heel. Her make-up was light and natural, and similar to Jessica she used little to no accessories to compliment her look.

Another fab look on the red carpet was Janelle Monae. She stuck to her classic menswear look wearing a two-piece black tuxedo, patent loafers, a black fedora, and a pink lip.

So I guess simple is the new chic? ;)

Tel me what you think of Jessica's,Emma's, and Janelle's looks? Too plain or too perfect?

Voice your opinion!

Love,

Gem

My FAVE Go-To Places for Online Shopping

MODCLOTH!

              

ASOS!

                    

FOREVER 21!

                                   

NASTY GAL!

I could go on and on about how AH-MAY-ZING these places are, but if I give you all the deets then you wouldn't need to check them out for yourselves now would you? Instead I've decided to simply showcase what I love most about these places...

THEIR CLOTHING!!!

Hmmm...let's make this interesting and turn it into a game! I'm going to stitch together some photos of the clothing that each site sells, you can guess which clothes go with which online retail place and decide if they have what it takes to add to your style!

Each are awesome in their own way from the styles they showcase, to the designers they sell, to the range of prices that their items go for...I hope you fall in love with these places as much as I did!

Enjoy ;)

Love,

Gem

P.S - I'll post the answers at the bottom!

#1 :: BOWdacious

#2 :: Rebel in BLACK

#3 :: BLACK or WHITE?

#4 :: DENIM Gypsy

1modcloth.com, 2nastygal.com, 3asos.com, 4forever21.com