From The Runway to Your Closet: Spring ’13 Must-Haves

Ah, Spring. The sun is out, the flowers are blooming, & the winter chill is calming to a light breeze. Time to break out of those heavy winter coats & show off those outfits that have been begging for a little sunlight. Every season a new set of trends come to view & I have just the pieces to make your Spring (& possibly even Summer) pop! The top fashion designers pulled out all the stops on their lines this Spring & gave us a sneak peek as to what has to be in our rotation this season. Check out these top fashion trends for Spring 2013 that will have YOU walking like a runway model!

Black & White

            You hear Spring & automatically think pastel colors & florals, however this year Spring didn’t want to be so bright. Add a few black and white outfits to give yourself a sleek and edgy look. Outfits like this can go from E-board meeting to nightclub with a few adjustments & a change of a heel. Signature outfits stand out in the best ways & you definitely don’t want to be a part of the crowd.

Stripes, Stripes, STRIPES!

            Even though everyone is into the geometric shapes this year, stripes are what’s coming up next. Bold stripes on shirt, pants/skirts, or BOTH will make you look down right cool & give your look a hipster vibe. Don’t think you can pull it off? Try it away! Trust me, you’ll be happy you did.

Peek-a-Boos

            Looking to add a little spice to your wardrobe? Cutouts are what’s hot! Dresses with cut out sides, shirts with sheer middles (cleavage alert!), or even skirts that slits go to where no man has gone before, it’s all the rage! Perfect pieces for a night on the town or just to feel hot for a day; work it out & feel confident doing it!

Statement Sunglasses

            When your Aunt Sally wore those big sunglasses that covered her entire face they looked silly, but this Spring you’ll be crowned a fashionista! Statement sunglasses with flare ends will send a simple outfit through the roof. Don’t overdo them with bulky jewelry or wild outfits. Keep it cute & the glasses will do the rest.

Bermuda Shorts

            If you’re like me & aren’t cut out for the booty shorts & stockings, then Bermuda shorts might be up your aisle. These wide legged shorts come to the knee and give any outfit a flirty flare. With all the different materials they come in, you can’t help play with the variety. They go great with a heel, flat, or combat boot. A fitted shirt & a light jacket would be perfect in my eyes, but there are so many options and a whole season to test them on!

Short Suits

            Having lunch with the girls? Get fancy & throw on blazer with a pair of pleated shorts for a business casual look. Another style that can go from business to fun within seconds, but the best part? No adjustments! Short suits will keep you cool while keeping you looking cool (get it!). A low heel is best, but of course you have to out do your friends from time to time. Throw on that 6-inch & pump it out!

Floral Pant

            Okay, okay, a little floral made it on the list. Floral is a classic, & classics never die. A bold floral pant will be divine with a simple blouse & cute shoe. Make them as bright as you want, it’s Spring! If you’re a fan of your backside, then these will definitely give your ass-sets a bit more attention. Can you handle the attention the flowers will bring?

And its that simple! With a few signature pieces, you could be the next Naomi Campbell! Keep your Iphones in your purses though. Have fun dressing!

- CookTP

Music & Films To Relax Your Mind

With the month swiftly coming to a close, midterms ending and Easter break listlessly creeping upon us, let off some well-deserved steam as you indulge in the most exciting events happening throughout New York City! 

Do you know what Lauryn Hill, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Jimi Hendrix have in common?  ALL four iconic music powerhouses have graced the notorious Apollo Theater with their beguiling presence!  Apollo’s Amateur Night continues to serve as a platform for performers to illustrate their talent (or lack thereof) as audience members are given the opportunity to firmly flex their judging muscles!   Take a break and join the Apollo Theater on Wednesday for a memorable night.  The theater is located 253 W 125th St and tickets can be brought on Ticketmaster.  Ticket prices range from $20 to $32 with an additional $5 off in advance until the day before the show!  http://www.ticketmaster.com/Amateur-Night-At-The-Apollo-tickets/artist/839690

From Sunday to Thursday night, you can ease your longing for childhood as you enjoy the latest Wizard of Oz rendition, Oz the Great and Powerful in 3D!  Just a train ride away, you can get a subtle blast from the past at Brooklyn’s Academy of Music (BAM) Theater.  Trailers for the new film illustrate an action-packed remake that’ll surely leave watchers regenerating famous lines like “there’s no place like home”!  General admission is $16, but lucky for you, prices for students is $12 with valid ID.  Show times for Sunday include: 1pm, 3:40pm, 6:30pm and 9:20pm.  Show times for Monday through Thursday include:  4pm, 6:30pm and 9:20pm.  BAM is located 30 Lafayette Ave.  For more information, visit the website.  http://www.bam.org/#Calendar

Last, but certainly not least, you can end your week with the annual hafla (Arabic for “party”) and dance celebration at  BAMcafé Live!  Friday at 10pm, you can witness the extraordinary movements of the most illustrious practitioners of raqs sharqi (belly dance) in New York City.  The bewitching rhythms of North African and Middle Eastern melodies will fill the air as special guest Carmine & Friends and Pure Onyx Movement get the crowd moving.  As always, BAMcafé Live events are abstract, one-of-a-kind and truly unforgettable! 

- Brittany Spell

Catholic Churches and the Culture of Corruption

Recently, the Catholic Archbishop of Durban, Wilfrid Fox Napier  said  pedophilia is a psychological "illness, not a criminal condition" to defend his fellow priest(s).The South African cardinal told the BBC that it is the priests who were abused that go on to abuse children in the future. I was really confused when I read that statement,  I really don’t understand how that is going to solve the problem of priest molesting kids. Priests should know better regardless of what may have happened in their past. Their position warrants them as a moral leader, if anything they are going to make those children clinically depressed and “carry on” the culture of pedophilia.

Also, in another similar case, the archdiocese of L.A covered up for the sins of one of the priest in his diocese, Father Mahoney. The Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles sneakily covered him up and paid the bill for his “mental treatment” in a church run mental centre. After a few weeks, he was simply allowed to minister again. Just like that.  No formal punishments. No suspension. Just “treatment”  to relieve him of his pedophilic lifestyle.

I hope the new pope, Jorge Mario Bergoglio ( also known as Pope Francis) does something about all the corruption that has been going on in the Catholic Church, he seems to be very humble and opts for n austere  life- like most priests should!! He also has a lot of strong views on corruption and other controversial issues in the church. Hopefully Pope Francis makes eradicating corruption –amidst other pressing issues of course- one of his priorities.

- Jasmine Mbadugha

Reggae x Jhene Aiko x Jay-Z x Drake

It’s the middle of March, and I have summer fever.  I don’t know about you guys, but I couldn’t be more ready for the summertime.  Now, for those of you who don’t know I am an islander to the core, born and raised on the tiny Island of Bermuda; and that means I grew up on Dancehall, Reggae and Soca and there is no better time for us islanders to prepare for summer than now when all the new summertime favorites start to be released.  This week I daydream of myself on the beach nonstop while listening to Machel Montano.  For those of you who’d like to daydream just as I do, I’d encourage you to listen to “The Fog”, “Drinkin’ Rum” and “She Ready” on repeat!  

Sweet Jhene Aiko has released another careless, feel good song just when we needed one.  Jhene is known for her chill out music vibe, whimsical beats and dope lyrics, she’s perfect for a feature and even better when her beautiful eerie voice that can dance all over a track.  Her new video for “Burning Man” is a beach themed summer night track that will have you pressing the replay button for sure!  Check out the video below. 

Besides the Kanye drama, sigh, with JT and Jay-Z’s “Suit and Tie”, I’m excited for the two to go on tour together!  Even if Yeezy doesn’t really like the song, the two would be something crazy on tour and presale tickets were recently released, so if you guys want to see the magic I would suggest grabbing your tickets ASAP!

http://www.ticketmaster.com/JAY-Z-and-Justin-Timberlake-tickets/artist/1837448

We underestimated him greatly.  Yes!  Drake, thank you for “5AM In Toronto”.  This is the Drake I’ve been missing, telling the world we need him and proving why he is such a great lyricist.  I was a Drake fan early, and watching him progress can make one crazy sometimes.  Yes, Drake always produces hits and gives us just what we need when Hip Hop is having a drought, but there’s nothing like a declaration of ‘you need me’.  From his mellow and meaningful hits of So Far Gone to his first album Thank Me Later and the powerful sophomore album, Take Care Drake hits the mark every time.  The uncertainty comes from his character, it’s like Drake is lost in the Hollywood lights with a reputation that begs him to man up.  I’m rooting for Drake though; I believe that he could be the best to do it in our generation simply for always knowing what to do.  If Drake does things on his own time and keeps up with the unexpected collaborations, catchy singles and deep lyrics he could be well respected in the Hip Hop community.  I’m looking forward to the release of his upcoming album Nothing Was The Same. 

   

What’s On My Replay?

5AM In Toronto – Drake

Immortals- Kid Cudi

Burning Man- Jhene Aiko

Kingin – Curren$y

Eyes Like Sky – Frank Ocean

- Alyssa Jones

Oscar Pistorius, the African O.J Simpson?

On the wee hours of Thursday morning, Valentine’s day, Oscar Pistorius was arrested for the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. She was found dead in Oscar’s Pretoria home with four gunshot wounds- two to the head and two to the upper body. Oscar and his legal team claimed it was not premeditated murder; he supposedly mistook Steekamp for an intruder and shot out of self defense. As much as I want to believe his side of the story is true, the facts just don’t add up.  Pretoria is a very affluent neighborhood; it is a gated community with security guards always on the watch. And from the pictures I have seen, his house seems pretty secure. Even if he feared there was an intruder, how did he manage to shoot her four times without noticing her voice or figure? Why did he have a gun casually in his bathroom?  Pistorius’s case is very similar to that of American footballer O.J Simpson who allegedly shot his wife dead . Is Pistorius going to become the African O.J Simpson? Even if he is found guilty, without the ‘proper evidence’, he will most likely be set free. National heroes (especially in Africa) aren't as easily prosecuted. 

Oscar Pistorius is a household name to many South Africans, and Africans alike. Dobbed as the “blade runner”, this endearing young man made world history last summer by becoming the first double amputee to run track in the Olympic Games. Oscar Pistorius was born without a fibula, making him an amputee before the tender age of one. Even though He went through rough times, Oscar never let his situation define him. He rejected pity and rose against all odds, making himself a worldwide known Paralympics star.

How this man who serves as an inspiration to many ended up in such a situation is beyond me.  Just last year, I was in awe of his courage and determination. I drew inspiration from him, and now this? His trial was moved to next Tuesday, I guess all we can do now is watch, and hope that he doesn't become the African O.J Simpson.

- Jasmine Mbadugha

For more info, read : http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21475873

Kick Back With a Little Reality TV & Sports

In the city that never sleeps—there’s always something to do.  Between digesting  immaculate meals at new eateries and perusing through vintage goodies at posh boutiques, to merely gracing the city streets with your presence, the Big Apple has much to offer.  Three prominent NYC entertainment venues include Madison Square Garden, B.B. King Blues Club & Grill and Uncle Hov’s new playground, the Barclay Center.  Events taking place at these three hotspots are guaranteed to be top-notch and sensational.  As usual, I’m here to unveil the juiciest events happening in NYC alongside the best bargains.  

            Last summer, VH1 took us ALL by storm when Love and Hip Hop Atlanta air.  Graced with an eccentric bunch, we were left stunned, excited and anxious for more juicy drama!  A part from Stevie “Stebbie” J. and Ms. Jocelyn Hernandez baby, a new superstar arose—K. Michelle.  Whether you love her, hate her or indifferent, K. Michelle is one lady dedicated to proving that she A—won’t deal with drama and B—can sing.  This Tuesday, K. Michelle will be performing at B.B King.  Tickets are currently $35 and are selling out by the minute.  I have no idea what celebrities will be showing up to support Ms. K. Michelle, but I’m sure that you will have a good time and I know that Mediatakeout will have a few of their snoops there to report on the event.  To get tickets, use this link--http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/00004A2FB8E6ADD0?artistid=1504580&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=202&tm_link=ms_home_event_link&ac_link=ms_home_event_tdusfortybelow

New York City is on fireeeeeeee!  Yes, yes folks.  Ms. Alicia Keys will be performing at the Barclay Center on April 5.  So far, Ms. Keys will be bringing 2012 and certainly 2013’s heartthrob—Miguel!  This is one show you do not want to miss.  For a stellar show like this, I can guarantee the tickets will be out soon.  Now is your chance to get your tickets.  Visit this website to check out the prices and get your seats before the time is out.  http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/00004A29E206A824?artistid=807171&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=202

For all my sports lovers, most specifically Knicks and Nets fans, I have a treat for you.  Recently, I came across a wonderful website called Scorebig.com.  Now, when I first found it and discovered how phenomenal their deals were, I was convinced they were a scam.  Nope!  Turns out, they were the best website I’ve discovered in a while.  Scorebig, in short, resells tickets to popular events, including concerts and sporting events, for killer prices.  All that you have to do is choose an event and offer a bidding price for your tickets.  Within hours to two days, they will let you know whether your bid has been accepted.  I scored 2 tickets to a Nets game sitting 10 rows away from the floor for 200 bucks!  Keep in mind; I did purchase the tickets a month and a half in advance. Visit Scorebig.com to score your tickets to the next Knicks or Nets game!

- Brittany Spell 

J. Cole Drake x Curren$y

Spring Break is almost here, and I know you’re just as excited as I am to have a break already.  So what should you listen to while your sitting on a beach, travelling home or just running around campus?  J. Cole’s Truly Yours is a definite must. While I restlessly wait for Cole to drop his second album, he gave us a little taste of what to expect.  The EP is a great display of Cole’s talent.  Its clear we are waiting for something special. ‘Can I Holla At Ya’ has this crazy beat with a Spanish guitar lacing the track while ‘Rise Above’ has Cole’s crafted story like flow that keeps it on my replay.  Then of course was the release of ‘Power Trip’ featuring Miguel, which has everyone talking.  I just can’t wait for the release of Born Sinner. 

Drake’s new single ‘Started From the Bottom’ is the type of track that you should expect to hear everywhere.  The beat is more than addictive and the flow is just right, Drake is a master at this.  But, I can’t say the lyrics do anything for me, it’s the kind of song that you keep playing, but you know Drake can do better.  While we’re on the subject of Young Money, Nicki Minaj and French Montana finally released their highly promoted ‘Freaks’ track.  This high energy track will defiantly be around for the summer, it has the kind of beat that makes you just want to dance. 

Since last week was all about the Grammy’s I didn’t mention Curren$y’s New Jet City mixtape, but I just can’t get enough of it so I knew I had to share.  Curren$y may be one of the most consistent rappers in the game.  Putting out mixtape after mixtape of his detailed beats and raspy voice floating on his tracks, New Jet City delivers just as his others do.  Some of my favorites on the tape are ‘Coolie in the Cut’, ‘Mary’, ‘Choosin’ and ‘Sixteen Switches’. 

What’s On My Replay?

Freaks – Nicki Minaj ft French Montana

You Don’t Even Know It – Rocko ft. Future & Rick Ross

‘Truly Yours’ – J.Cole

Mirrors – Justin Timberlake

Started From The Bottom- Drake