Let's Go to Barneys to See Christian!

So my birthday is on June 19th and last year I got the most amazing pair of Christian Louboutin Alta Dama pumps from my parents. I kid you not, I've worn the shoes maybe five times since then and they're like my most prized possession. I've since promised myself that luxuries like this are mandatory. Every girl (that wants to) should know what it feels like to put on a pair of Loubou's. I swear that I feel like a million bucks once they're on and they make the simplest outfit pop! This year, I will get another pair even it kills me. My parents have created a monster and I'm currently working my butt off and saving for my second pair... In the meantime, check out these fab shoes that can all be found at Barneys New York.


Pictured to the left is the awesome Christian Louboutin Coussin caged ankle bootie. I'm thinking of one word, WOW! The shoes are so sexy and edgy. So whenever you've got a spare $1600, pick me up a pair in a size 36. I'd prefer them in the peanut butter brownish color. I was unable to get a picture of them so just visit Barneys' web page to check them out!


Next up we're checking out the black Alta Spritney, also by Christian Louboutin. These will cost you about $900. And as the post suggests, they can also be purchased on the Barneys website.



Lastly, these Maggie pumps are sent from heaven. I've seen celebs such as Victoria Beckham rocking them and they're super cute! The pumps oh so classy and they're moderately priced at $930. If you wanna purchase them head on over to Barneys.

What are your thoughts? Are these shoes worth splurging or what? And which pair is your fave?

Top Notch Entertainment Presents...

Anybody who knows me, knows that I listen to very little rap music and like very few hip hop artists. With this as the case, I've been reluctant to post any rap related blogs. Up until now that is! I'm sharing a video by Young Magic (YM) and I share this video with you for two reasons. One being the fact that it's pretty cool and even with the excess amount of rappers in the Los Angeles area, YM seems to shine. The second reason is that it was directed by Ramses Perryman. Ramses and I attended school together at one point and he is a good friend of mine. I recall having a conversation with Ramses about our goals for the future and I must admit that when he said he wanted to direct films, I was leery. I was inclined to think about how difficult it would be for him to break into the competitive industry, but had not once thought that maybe he possessed natural talent. It's sad how we doubt others based off of our own fears. Shame on me because after watching this video I see that his work is beyond industry quality and it definitely makes me give YM's song a listen. Again, I'm no rap expert but this video is better than many others that I've seen. Enough of my rambling... Peep the video below!



To find out more about YM and his music feel free to visit his MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/YoungMagic
or follow him on twitter: @YMLegend

To get in contact with Ramses to praise him for his awesome directorial skills you can also follow him @RPerryman.

What are your thoughts about the video?

Album Review: Usher's Raymond v. Raymond

No lie, I feel like I have the absolute best taste in music so the following review should be looked at with high regards. Although Usher's latest album, Raymond v. Raymond, will be in stores on March 30th, I was able to listen to it beforehand because I'm media (LoL)...

Usher's sixth studio album, Raymond vs. Raymond, is automatically expected to top 2004's Confessions after his last album, Here I Stand, failed to do so based on album sales. Luckily, Usher's two singles "Daddy's Home" and "Lil Freak" featuring rapper Nicki Minaj have already created a noteworthy buzz for the album. All are wondering if Usher is "back" after critics and fans alike cited his marriage to Tameka Foster as a reason for his last album's lack of success. (Quite frankly, that's the dumbest crap I've ever heard. A true fan would buy an album regardless of whether the artist is single or not. Here I Stand had plenty of great songs and should have sold way more albums. But this post isn't about that album, now is it?) Raymond v. Raymond has four standout tracks, one of which is the single "Daddy's Home" while the others are the controversial "Papers," the melodic "There Goes My Baby" and "Guilty" featuring T.I. If "Guilty" is not the next single, I'd be extremely surprised because it is hands down the best song on the entire album. It tells the tale of a woman's assumptions in a relationship leaving the man "guilty as charged" with or without actual proof. The song has a nice play on words and seeing as though it features a rapper that has recently been released from prison, I just know it would do well on the charts. Have Usher's people call my people if they need any PR assistance in this matter!

Others have been raving about the song "OMG" featuring Will.I.Am and how Usher's label should push it as the next single. Although I disagree, I think the song is decent. As far as other good songs on the album, "Mars vs Venus" and "Foolin' Around" get honorable mentions. I genuinely enjoy these songs and I'm sure others will too. To answer the question that all may have, Raymond v. Raymond DOES NOT top Confessions, but no album that Usher does ever will as far I can predict. That album may very well be his career highlight, but that should take nothing away from this latest effort. The state of the music industry just sucks right now because albums aren't selling thanks to piracy. I do hope that Usher gets the shine he deserves though because this album is pretty good.

The album is worth purchasing so please visit Usher's official website to pre-order the album and receive instant MP3s: www.usherworld.com/home

I previously provided a link to DOWNLOAD my favorite song from the album, "Guilty", for your listening pleasure BUT had to take it down to avoid copyright infringement... Spread the word about Usher's album though... I hope you've enjoyed this review. What are your thoughts? Is Usher back?

The Road to Success. . .

is often a long and lonely one.

After speaking with a dear friend today, I felt obligated to write a post. She made a comment to me about not knowing what to do with her life and I was immediately intrigued. I asked her what she meant by that and she simply replied "I've been out of high school for five years and I'm not where I'm supposed to be." That sentence alone caused me to create this post. Do you believe that you are where you are "supposed to be" in life? Your answer to this question is more than likely "no" because we as humans tend to never be completely satisfied. I consider the American Dream to be the perfect example of this concept. Prosperity is what is sought as we continue on this journey that is commonly known as life. Even with this as the case, I could not help but be bothered by my friend's view on her life.

I may not be the most overtly religious person, but I know that God has a plan for each of us and we are right where He wants us to be. Often times, the path that we set for ourselves does not directly match up with the plan that God has. This may be the cause of some of this stress that we often encounter. I, for one, know that many of my problems are ones that I've caused. I don't desire to make this a diary entry with my personal issues exposed, but I do wish to let YOU know that you should never feel lost in life. These overinflated expectations that we have for our lives are a result of the media. We are often too busy trying to keep up with the Jones' and stay fly to have whatever type of images appeals to the masses. I encourage you to write down a list of goals, both short-term and long-term, for your life. Then write down a plan of action so that you will be able to reach these goals. Too many of us fail to plan yet we plan to succeed. It just doesn't add up. It may take longer for you to reach your goals than it does for those around you, but you should not be paying attention to others. This journey is yours and your alone.

Let me know if you agree or disagree with my thoughts... I love to receive feedback and healthy debates are always nice. Do you believe that you are where you need to be? Why or why not? Should people compare themselves with others to determine their level of success?

I leave you with this great quote that I found online

"Success often comes to those who have the aptitude to see way down the road." Laing Burns, Jr.

Why We Settle For Bad Romances...

While listening to the radio, I happened to finally listen to the lyrics from Lady Gaga's hit single, "Bad Romance." I never really paid attention to the song before today, but it's pretty catchy. As the song went off, I began to think about the idea of a bad romance and what it means to me. Lady Gaga says "I want your love, I want your revenge. I want your love, I don't wanna be friends." and it totally struck a chord. We often ignore signs that would normally steer us away from an individual that may not be right for us because we dread being alone. OK, you're probably thinking

Why did Alex think so hard from simply listening to a Lady Gaga song?

and you're right for questioning my thinking, but I have a point. I mean, take a listen to Melanie Fiona's "And It Kills Me" when she sings "But I can't be alone, I need you to come on home. I know you're messing around, but who the hell else is gonna hold me down?" THIS HAS TO BE THE DUMBEST THING I'VE EVER HEARD!

I must admit, it's usually women that settle and make these sacrifices. Why is that? Are we that unhappy being single? Why do women seem to be so emotionally unstable and downright stupid for putting up with nonsense just to remain in a relationship. I'm honestly not equipped to do this, if I catch a guy in a lie or suspect foul play then it's a wrap! I'm not suggesting that people start thinking like me because I have serious trust issues, but use some common sense when it comes to relationships. Geez Louise! Heres some advice: If someone is lying to you, playing games with your emotions or just plain not treating you the way you treat them, it's time to let it burn. What are your thoughts?

Hmmmm. Do you still want to write a bad romance?

Why Aren't We in the Kitchen?

After speaking with a friend, I've come to the conclusion that I do not know very many females my age that cook on a regular basis if at all. I'm 22 years old and I cook pretty often seeing as though I live alone and need to save money. If I don't cook dinner then I'd need to eat out at least twice daily and that can be extremely expensive. That's it. That's why I cook! It's honestly the only reason I cook so I can't act holier than thou. I will be making candied yams for the first time tonight so wish me luck! Cooking is a learning process for me and I'm beginning to enjoy it more. I met a guy and he had a great philosophy for he looks at cooking as an art form. He compares his dishes to works of art that he enjoys creating. I haven't quite gotten to this point yet, but hey. I must admit that if I had the means or a schedule that would allow me to dine out daily, I probably would. But what about you or those you know?

After doing a little field research I've noticed that women want to be wined and dined while being courted. This is fine and dandy, but how long should this last? Doesn't everyone want to stay at home and have dinner while watching movies or something? We've all heard the saying

"The best way to a man's heart is through his stomach..."

yet some refuse to cook. Is it because women have gotten lazy over the years? Are men no longer worthy of us slaving in the kitchen? Have societal roles changed that much? Granted, women no longer have to be extremely submissive and are often the ones bringing home the bacon but is a home cooked meal every once in a while too much to ask? Women complain that there are no "good men" around but in the event that we find one, will we be prepared? Cooking is an essential part of life and if you desire to get married and have children one day, I suggest that you start practicing now. If you ask me, some of this obesity is directly related to the lack of cooking that exists nowadays. I know women with children who buy fast food each day for some type of convenience. This is getting out of control! What are your thoughts?

Maybe I'm just old fashioned...

A Change Is Gonna Come

Hey Ya'll,

Once again time has flown and it's been a while since my last post. I'm sure you weren't checking daily for updates or anything, but it is my dream that one day people will be. I don't desire to be a popular blogger for I consider myself a journalist. I hope that I will be able to use this site for practice and possibly build a network through it. If I'm learning anything while majoring in the field of Communications, it's that it's not WHAT you know, it's WHO you know! I titled this post "A Change Is Gonna Come" because I truly believe that changes will be happening in my life. I hope you noticed and enjoyed the banner I put up. Also, check out my logo pictured above. Isn't it lovely? It's courtesy of Hilltop Consulting and I'm extremely thankful. I'm one step closer to being "official." Whatever that means...

I will be updating the site more often so stay tuned... I'm currently working on a research paper about the lack of African American families shown on primetime television. Let me know your thoughts. I think it's a brilliant topic and I look forward to doing the research! Do you think that there are any television shows that depict African Americans is a good light?