Music: BET Awards 2015 African Artist Nominatons

A few years ago, the BET Awards added the Award category 'Best International Act: Africa.' Since it's inception, they have awarded a number of top African African international Artists with he award such as Nigerian Artist 2 Face and Ghanaian Artist Sarkodie. However, at the same time this particular award has been met with a lot of controversy and disappointment each year. 

Many African Artists and African music lovers each year have expressed their dissatisfaction with the fact that the BET Awards continues to snub the African artists nominated in the category each year by at times award two artists in a tie and also repeatedly handing out this award backstage as opposed to presenting it onstage during the live broadcast of the show. And with this, there is each year the hope and call by many for it to be televised at the next award show.

The BET Awards are goin' down tonight, so let see what happened this year...

Check out the videos of this years nominees...

Hairstyles: *New Look* Short Curls

I'm loovviinnn' this hair right now!

So, curly hair is definitely my regular look as I find it it much easier to manage and provides less work for me do when getting ready to head out. For the most part, I like to wear my hair at shoulder to mid back length, however, I've been wanting to switch it up a bit and try a shorter look for a long time. I originally wanted to do a short Rihanna type straight bob, but looked like it would be very difficult to cut and shape the hairstyle properly. I do my hair myself, therefore whenever I want to try something new I try to find a Youtube tutorial on the look. A lot of the Youtube tutorials I watched to create a short bob included the need for specific tools like a barbering razer and tiny curling irons that I do not have. So, I decided I would hold off in trying that look and start with trying a shorter curly hair look instead, and voila!

I'm really loving it so far, and have been getting a lot of positive feedback from friends.I also find that wearing this look with a hat adds and nice cute touch.

Check out my full look...

Shopping Guide & Review: Aldoshoes.com & CallitSpring.com

Many of you may know and shop at Aldo Shoes and/or Aldo Accessories as it s a very popular men and women's shoes and accessories store and a regular fixture in malls across North America. Similarly, Call it Spring is another popular shoes and accessories store that is also a brand under the Aldo Group Corporation. 

Now, I have many items from both Aldo and Call it bring and the both offer very stylish and affordable shoes and accessories. These stores are definitely also my go to place when you are looking last minute for some cute shoes or jewelry for a night out on the town.

Hairstyles: Grey Hair Trend

Jai Nice of Kloset Envy rocking her grey hair very well

I've been seeing this trend a lot lately. At first, I wasn't really feelin't it, however, over time it has grown on me. My initial thought were that it would never look good on women of colour, especially those with darker skin tone. I'm Grey hair seemed to me as too much of a contrast to ever go well together. I've now been able you see more example of ladies that have able to pull off this look well, cuz you know this look is really hard rock and can go totally wrong real quick! LOL! This has helped me to change my view and begin to like this look...so much so that I'm considering trying it myself :) Stay tuned to the blog to see if I actually try it hehehe!

Check out some more lovely ladies rocking this grey hair look...

Men's Fashion Style Profile: Davidson Petit Frere of Musika Frere Bespoke Men's Fashion Label

Now this is what I call Dapper! I came across the ever stylish New York based Haitian-American Davidson Petit Frere on Instagram a while ago and was immediately drawn to his well put together sharp style and perfectly tailored suits. He's always looking like he just stepped out of a GQ magazine photo shoot. His stylish looks shows that that there is much more to men's fashion than just putting on a suit it tie. Everything has to be perfectly tailored and on point from head to toe, including your accessories and a touch of confidence and swagg.

Check out more of Davidson's Stylish looks and his Musika Frere fashion line...

Feelin it or Nah?: Denrele Edun's White, Black & Blue Knee Length Braids

The ever eccentric Nigerian TV personality Denrele Edun just debuted his new look, rocking knee length white, black and blue braids. Now I love me some long braids, but I this is a bit to much for me LOL.

So...would you rock this look? You feelin it or Nah?

Credit: Instagram

~G~

Happy Fathers Day!

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!! I just want to wish a big happy fathers day to all the fathers out there! 

And I especially want to with a very big Happy Fathers day to my amazing Dad, the coolest most understanding dad ever and he also da hommie LOL!

I'm forever a daddy's girl :)

~G~

Beauty: Destiny Godley Natural Full Coverage Make-up Tutorial for Beginners

So, like many other females, its hard to find make-up that you like, ones that work well on your skin, and figuring out the best methods of applying make-up. Also, at times you want to try new make-up styles and looks but don't know how, right? Well, thank God for Youtube! There is nothing that you cannot find on Youtube.
There are many people on Youtube who do make-up tutorials, but one of the people that I really love to check out is Destiny Godley.
 
Check out her Natural Full Coverage Make up Tutorial for Beginners, which is great for those who like a more light and natural daytime look. I know I sure do, ain't nobody got time for applying more make-up than that in the morning hehehe!
 
~G~

#TGIF: Current Situation

TGIF!!! Currently enroute to Montreal for the weekend. Oui, oui, merci beaucoups LOL. Stay tuned to the blog for a travel diary on my adventures in Montreal :)

How are you spending your Friday?

~G

Interior Design: Decorating Your Space Using Accent Colour Pieces

Accent couch pillows

I'm very much into Interior Design and home decor. I one point I was watching the home channel everyday for hours and going to home furnishing stores a couple times a week to look for cool pieces. 

This was especially the case when I was first moving into my condo.When preparing to design and decorate a space, one must always start with choosing a colour scheme. Therefore, within my design process the first thing I did was choose my color scheme which helped to guide me in focusing on what to look for when shopping. At this point, you will also decide if you would like to implement an accent colour or to just stick with a general colour theme. In my opinion, I would strongly suggest having an accent colour if you plan using mainly neutral colour in your design scheme. I find that its always great to have a pop of colour to balance out a neutral colour scheme. 

Style Guide: One Piece Jumpsuits and Rompers

Romper & Kimono: Winners / Shoes: Urbanog.com / Belt: BCBG / Necklace: Banana Republic / Ring: Aldo / Watch: MK

I've recently gotten more into wearing one piece jumpsuits and rompers. Before, I found it hard to find a one piece outfit that fit well from top to bottom. Being that I'm busty on top, a lot of time the bottom would fit, but it was a struggle to get the top part on...le sigh. However, now I've been luckily able to find cute rompers and jumpsuits that fit perfectly and have enjoyed experimenting in wearing them in different styles. One piece outfits are great when worn casually as well as dressed up. They can also easily transition from a day to night looks. When worn casually, I like to par in with some cute flats, simple costume jewelry, long satchel bag and a short jacket or long sweater. When its time to dress it up, I'll pair them with sexy heels, gold or silver jewelry. a nice waist belt and a clutch purse.

See more of my one piece looks...

Feature: Fab at 59! Iman Covers Vanity Fair

Wow, I mean just WOOWWW!!! This woman is absolutely stunning! Iman doesn't age at all.. This Somalian beauty cover this months issue of Vanity Fair Italia where she talks about her beauty secrets and how she stays healthy. I should run and get a copy cuz I'm tryna stay looking young and fresh when I'm her age ;)

Check out more of her editorial shoot for the mag after the cut...

New Music: 'New Guy' Sarkodie Ft. Ace Hood

Last week Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie dropped his much anticipated track in collaboration with rapper Ace Hood which got a lot of people buzzing. Welcomed  with mixed reviews, many felt they could only give the full opinion once the saw the video. Well, the video finally dropped this week. I actually like the song. The flow is on point and I like that Sarkodie predominantly rapped in his native language twi. 

Some have said he should have used an African beat instead of a hip hop beat, but in my view i don't thinks so since African music is evolving into a space where there is a rise in hip hop African artists as well as a growing audience into that genre. One part I didn't get was Sarkodie is saying he's the 'new guy' then at a point Ace hood kinds dissed 'new guys' LOL

Check out the official music video for 'New Guy' and share what you think of it. 

Medase ;)

~G~

My Picks: Golden State Warriors 2015 NBA Champions

 

My Team won!!! :) Congratulations to the Golden State Warriors winning the 2015 NBA Championships!! I knew it would win in Game 6. Especially happy for Steph Curry and his daughter Riley. She is tooo cute, they must give her a mini championship ring. 

Feature: South African 'NN Vintage' Fashion Label by Nhlanhla Nciza of Mafikizolo

You all must know of the hit song 'Khona' by the South African musical group Mafikizolo. That was my sooonnnggg back when it first came out, no one could spot me from dancing whenever it came on lol! 

In every video and live performance that I saw, I always admired the cool and unique fashion style of the female member of the group Nhlanhla Nciza. She always has on the most fierce, interesting and colourful outfits on, and modern fusion of African fabrics and patterns. Therefore, it must have been inevitable and only natural for her to delve into the fashion work and establish her own design label.

Thus comes the birth of her NN Vintage label which she debuted a the Mercedez Benz Fashion Week in Johannesburg, South Africa a few months ago. Her collection included a dynamic variety of african prints, long flowing gowns and and edgy accents.

 Check out the fabulous pieces from her runway collection...

Feature: Mercedes Benz African Fashion Festival 2015

The 2015 Mercedes Benz African Fashion Festival was just held May 29 - 31 in Accra, Ghana and featured a number of up and coming fashion designers from throughout the continent.

Check of some pics from the various designer runways shows...

Travel Diaries: My London England Style Profile

My casual chic daytime look paired with wayfarer glasses and animal print accent pieces
 Shirt: Old Navy / Tights: Winners / Bag & Belt: Aldo / Scarf: H&M

I love traveling and have travelled A LOT the last couple of years. One of my favourite places that I visited was London England. I'd been there briefly before (well actually just the airport for a connection flight lol) but I've always wanted to actually go and do a proper visit to London but didn't know anyone there. Well, that changed once one of my friend moved to London to do her Masters, yaaayyy for me haha!

London is such a great city! I am so in love with their fashion, and London men dress so well even when just out casually which is impressive. While there I to put a bit of London Fashion flavour in some of my outfits. I had such a great time while there, had some funny adventures, met some cool people and definitely shopped A LOT on Oxford Street! I could definitely see myself living in London, oh how I wish.

Stay tuned for the next part of my London Travel diary, but in the mean time check out some of the looks I rocked while in London...

Music Feature: British Rapper Lady Leshurr's 'Queen's Speech'

This girl is fiyaahhhhh!!! She may look small and young but she packs a big punch with her killer flow. She's got bars and punch lines for days, has a sick flow and got the ultimate swagg in her delivery, all back by sick banging beats.
I recently discovered her as she has been trending on social media. When I checked out her 'Queens Speech' tracks, It was so good I replayed it the whole day, especial Queens Speech Pt. 3 which is my fav!

She is definitely raw talent that will be a nice fresh and new addition to the rap game, and British accent adds a nice touch to her flow. With the attention she is getting and her videos going viral, she looks like she's definitely on her way to blow up!

Let me stop writing now so I can rock to these tunes lol, y'all just press play and check out the videos...

Continue for Queens Speach Pt. 2 & Pt. 3

Beauty Trends: *Trying Something New* Purple Lip

As I have been experimenting with colour in my hair, I have also been experimenting with different make-up styles and techniques. I've started with trying more bold lip colours, and one shade that has become one of my favs is purple! I love that It works well with my dark skin tone, cuz you know it can some other bright colours just never work. I also find that it's a great pop of color that compliments neutral coloured outfits. This will definitely be my go to colour for the summer!

Check out some celebs rocking their purple lip look...

Feelin it or Nah?: Ankara Afrocentric Prom Look

I absolutely love this! Meet Kyemah McEntyre who designed and wore this beautiful ankara dashiki dress to her prom. Kyemah and his dress have been trending for the last couple of days on social media as may have praised her for not going the 'traditional' prom dress route and instead choosing to proudly wear an Afrocentric gown and look. She definitely killed it!

Real Talk: Women are Expired after the age 30 and too old for Marriage?

Ok, so Real Talk...

This is what one of my uncle's said to me in his usual attempt to find if I'm dating anyone and when I'm going to get married...I was like huh? According to him, a women's only chance to get married is in her 20's because men like their wives to be young, therefore once you're over the age of 30 you're expired and no man will want you...seriously got to be kidding me??? I totally disagree with this...
 
I believe that women should not rush into marriage and are still able and capable of getting married at any adult age, whether it be 22, 32 or 62. Those who rush and marry someone they don't even really love most likely end up miserable or divorced. I'm definitely NOT bout dat life! This had me thinking about females I've encountered that actually believe this and are desperate to get married before the age 30. Some women even go to the extent of having marriages arranged for them with men they don't even really know. Well, I'm definitely not worried and in no rush for marriage, y'all will get an invite to my wedding when I'm 40 hahaha! I'm just keepin' it real!

So Real talk, what are your thoughts on this?

~G~

Just For Laughs: Umm...Can I Get a Piece of a Burger?

 

Oh laaawwwddd, this is just a mess! LOL :P
Check out this recent viral video.

~G~

Fashion Trends: Denim on Denim

I love the Denim on Denim trend! Denim is perfect for casual everyday fashion while at the same time can be easily dressed up into a chic dressy look. In the last couple of years, we've seen this look grow in popularity with many celebrities rocking this look and designers using it within their collections. When wearing this look, one should add a pop of colour to accent the look. Here I've paired it a mustard yellow belt and gold jewelry. Top it off with a cool pair of shades and you are good to go!

Check out some celebs rockin' the denim on denim trend...

My Faves: My Show is Finally Back!! Orange is the New Black

The new season of Orange is the New Black finally drops today on Netflix!!! Can't wait to watch, probably going to binge watch in one day LOL. 

I'm not really a Neflix person, and would always heat friends talking about different Netflix series that are must watch but was never really interested. I prefer browsing regular TV, and mostly watch the news, documentaries, old sitcoms and reality shows. Reality shows are probably the only type of shows I really follow. I guess you an call me a reality show junkie, I just live for all the ratchetness hehehe!

Anyway, during season two of Orange is the New Black, I was frequently hearing more and more about how great the show was, not from just friends but also seeing it online. So, I thought, well it had Orange in its title so it must be good (you can never go wrong with anything orange ha!) so i decided to finally check it out.

#Social: Awwwww!!! Such a Cute Wedding Proposal!

 

 Awwww.!!! This is too cute! This Time Square flash mob proposal must of took a lot of time to plan. What a great guy to put so much effort and creativity in making his proposal special. *Tear drop* 

I hope my future husband sees this ohhhh, so he knows what he should do when the time comes hehehe!

Best wishes to the newly engaged couple :)

~G~

Shopping Guide & Review: ASOS.com

For those of you who are really into online shopping for clothing, you most likely already know about ASOS.com, but if you have not come across this great online shopping site, you are really missing out! ASOS is a UK based online fashion clothing store that has an extremely large selection of merchandise for both men and women. They have everything from Clothing to shoes to jewelery to accessories as well as items from many their own ASOS brand and many other designers including some high end labels.

Restaurant Review: Jazz Bristro

So I love to explore the city and check out new spots from time to time, more frequently so during the spring and summer months. Now the weather is getting warmer, the time has finally come for my various explorations!

So my friend from Guyana was recently in town, I got a few of the girls together and arranged a dinner outing to catch up with our visiting friend. I didn't really want to just go to one of our regular dinner spots, so starting googling away in search of somewhere new to try. I'm really into places with live music, it adds a more fun an interactive vibe to a dinner, so in my search I came across the Jazz Bistro which is situated at 251 Victoria St. just behind Dundas Square in Toronto. The atmosphere looked nice, the menu looked good and there was going to be a all female Cuban band performing that night (and I love me some Latin music) so I decided we'd go there and check it out.

New Music: 'Fans Mi' Davido Ft. Meek Mill

 

African musicians are definitely making big moved internationally! Check out Nigerian artists Davido's new track 'Fans Mi' in collaboration with Meek Mill.

Oh and FYI, Watch the video in its entirety. The bulk of it is a bit deceptive in regards to what 'cooking'. At first I was sitting there watching like, really Davido???...you know you ain't bout dat life! But in the end you'll be pleasantly surprised LOL.

I'm liking the song and the video, what do you think?

~G~

Hairstyles: *Trying Somthing New* Coloured Hair

Lovin' my red hair look...it looks a bit purple here though lol

So for those who know me, I definitely do not like to use colour in my hair. I generally stick to black and dark brown hair, well colou 1, 1b, 2 to be exact lol. The rare occasions that I have used a bit of colour, its always blended in with black/dark brown hair just to give a slight hint of colour highlights. However, in the last year I've decided to try something new and experiment more with colour in my hair. So far, I'm actually starting to like having coloured hair. Especially loving this red I got right now, its giving me life!!
Check out more of my coloured hair look...