TIME FOR THINGS!!!

I have been away for a little bit I know. I've been checking out the THINGS scene lately. One of my favorite things scene is Etsy and one of my favorite shops on Etsy is Grace & Sass Jewelry for cool, elegant, sassy handmade pieces. Check them out here. Here's one of my favorite items - Handmade Labradorite Necklace. Also, check out their favorite items page section. You could spend all day looking at interesting items on Etsy and ask yourself - How'd they do that??

Gray Hair, Grey Matter & Gray Area

credit - http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/10/21/npr.analyst.fired/index.html?hpt=T2

The liberal media is at it again, yall!! You know, the liberal media, the one that got Obama into the White House. But the same one, that tried to tear down Clarence Thomas in the 90s. They (the liberal media, now NPR) are trying to tear down another brother - Juan Williams. I mean what's their beef with this gray haired commentator (I mean opinionist, I mean journalist, no I mean analyst - there is a difference)? Well, it's just see. Here's the excerpt from Juan's comments on the O'Reilly Factor.

"Look, Bill, I'm not a bigot," Williams said. "You know the kind of books I've written about the civil rights movement in this country. But when I get on a plane, I got to tell you, if I see people who are in Muslim garb and I think, you know, they are identifying themselves first and foremost as Muslims, I get worried. I get nervous."

Really????? I didn't realize Juan flew commercial airlines (and now with a new million dollar deal with Fox, I doubt he will fly commercial again). I digress. But really??? How does one "identify themselves first and foremost as a Muslim"??? Could it be one's attire or appearance? And why would that get one's grey matter (i.e. nervous system)'s panties all up in a bunch?? More importantly, regardless of your political leanings, should comments like that be allowed? You decide.

Williams did try to qualify the comment, but according to NPR, they had enough. See here. They also admit that their policy for analysts and their comments has some "gray areas."

Nutty Gingrich, I mean Newt Gingrich, wants NPR's federal funding to be cut. Really??? Federal funding??? I thought NPR depended on members like me and you. I digress. But really???? Sounds like that's a tool to respond to the liberal media - cut 'em off at the knees for firing you for saying some divisive comments about a group of people. And here's some more money and air time. Those conservatives know how to look out for one another. Way to have a brother's back, Newt.

Real HouseWEAVEs of BH

credit - http://www.homorazzi.com/article/real-housewives-beverly-hills-cast-spoilers-kim-kyle-richards-lisa-vanderpump-todd-camille-grammer-adrienne-maloof-nassif/

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills premiered last week. With every RH premiere, I am constantly amazed that women of wealth have bad weaves. Adrienne Maloof, is one of my favorite BH housewives for now. But her weave is unacceptable!!!! I've done better with a ten dollar pack of hair from the beauty supply store. I assume she uses human hair but it's a bit thick and straw-like to be human hair and the color is off and it does not blend naturally with her hair texture. It's just not right.

Dumb Blonde Moment?

credit - http://www.slate.com/id/2271827

Before reading, please see all the reading notices in my previous post Dumb Brunette?

As you probably already heard, Virigina "Ginni" Thomas, the wife (and gansta now apology seeker) for Justice Clarence Thomas, called Anita Hill to extend her an olive branch so to speak (read b*tch, you better) so that Ms. Hill would apologize for what she did "with" her husband. Please see this article for more.

There's sooooooooo much I could say, but I want you to comment. Was this a dumb blonde moment? Or something more? Share your thoughts.

UPDATE - I have to say at least this. Regardless of what you think about Anita Hill, I have to give her respect for not answering the phone and cussing this woman the heck out. And even more respect for reporting this incident to the police. Luckily for Thomas, Hill thought it was a prank at first. Had she realized it wasn't, who's telling what she would have done. There is just some conduct that you expect from people with no etiquette (or like some people say, no home training). And, regardless of all the niceties in her tone, "I would love you to consider an apology sometime and some full explanation of why you did what you did with my husband" = fighting words to me.

UPDATE - Another woman speaks. Check it out here. What a soap opera!

Dumb Brunette?

credit - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/27/christine-odonnell-craziest-quotes_n_718328.html

Let's get a few things out of the way - first, let me say it's not nice to call people names. But there are dumb blonde jokes out there, so why shouldn't the word equally apply to people of all hair colors? I'll admit that I've had my dumb moments and I'm a brunette. Second, if you have any political sensitives, then please do not read this post and check out my other ones here and here, which are light and funny and have nothing to do with politics (or politricks for some of you). Third, I don't typically blog about politics -there are a ton of blogs for those (see here and perhaps here), but I use hair to talk about a lot of things.

Now, let's get to it. Christine O'Donnell (the Tea Party-er who won the Republican senate primary in Delaware or as some of you after reading this may refer to her as C. O'Dumbell) is either dumb or had a dumb moment for not knowing that the separation of church and state came from the First Amendment. For the full article, please read here. (separation of church and state - "That's in the First Amendment?" she said, smiling. - That's hilarious). Usually, one learns about the Amendments in elementary school or when one is preparing for his or her naturalization interview to become a U.S. citizen. In her case, elementary school was a long time ago. But, when you are running to become a lawmaker, it's a good idea to know the law, especially if you are making points about religion and what children should learn in public school and especially before a debate. You decide.

Or maybe she's very smart - she's got a lot of us talking and writing about her. All the buzz will factor into her brand and maybe one day, a future child of hers will end up on dancing with the stars.

By the way, here are the Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

I LOVE & WHIP MY HAIR

If you are younger than 10 years old, then this is old news. If not, then continue reading.
It's a good day to be a young woman and a young woman with curly hair. You know why? Because of Willow Smith's Whip My Hair Video is out (see my previous post here) and Sesame Street's I Love My Hair Video is out (see my previous post here). And guess what? Someone took the Sesame Street Video and remixed it to Whip My Hair. Between the mixes, remixes, and me whipping my hair to keep up with the dance moves, I'm dizzy.

To see Whip My Hair Official Video, click here

and then check out
Sesame Street Remixed to Whip My Hair

Hide your kids ....

credit - http://www.theroot.com/views/root-interview-antoine-dodson

And your hair extensions (and flat irons) too because Antoine Dodson is coming for them. He gon fiiiiin em, he gon fiiiin em and put them in his hair. Yep I said it. So Run and Tell that!!!!

If you don't know who Antoine Dodson is, check him out here and here where the youtube video has over 32 million views (and check out the original interview). He recently performed on the BET Hip Hop Awards. No need to run and tell that. For more, check out his interview by the Root.

Hair Competition - Brady v. Bieber

credit - http://www.thephinsider.com/2010/9/1/1664593/sanchez-spotted-at-justin-beiber

Tom Brady's hair distracts me in the Xfinity commercials. It makes his head look bigger than it probably is. Scratch that - his head is probably really big. Justin Bieber's hair on the other hand does not. Am I biased? Yes. Let this be a lesson - not every hairstyle looks good on everybody.

To the Little Ones - Love Your Hair!!

credit - http://www.theroot.com/buzz/emsesame-streetem-tells-girls-love-their-hair

And Whip it too!!! This is such a cute video. And the young woman singing has a lovely voice. It's catchy song too - "I wear braids and pigtails too, I love all the things my hair can do!" So so so true!!!! Great song not just for little girls but for big girls too!

This leads me to a larger question - Can this Sesame Street video help young kids break the racial stereotypes instilled in them, as demonstrated by the 1940s Clark Doll Experiment or the recent doll test conducted by CNN and help them embrace their own unique identity and the differences in others?

Keep in mind the words of Whitney Houston - "I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. SHOW THEM ALL THE BEAUTY THEY POSSESS INSIDE."

Toupee Troubles

credit - http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/sep/26/bishop-eddie-long-launches-fightback

Whether you believe that the devil is after Bishop Eddie Long and he's being wrongly accused or you believe that the devil got into Bishop Eddie Long and he did something to those young men, one thing you must agree on is this - EDDIE LONG IS WRONG for wearing this new Toupee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm not going to talk about how a man who allegedly makes a few million a year should have a better hairpiece. I'm also not going to talk about how a religious man should not be so into his appearance as to wear such a horrible hairpiece. That's not what this post is about. This is about wearing a blatant lie on your head!

You may be wondering what the heck does his hair have to do with anything, it's just hair. Well, it's a matter of the appearance of deceit! Studies have shown that some jurors will be biased for or against a defendant based on looks and that their emotions will trump rational thinking. (For more see here and here.) And let's face it, there's a negative association with bad toupees and untrustworthy men. You would think that a car salesman with a bad toupee and in a cheap suit is trying to sell you a lemon, right?

I know what you're thinking - Judge not, that ye be not judged. Well, unfortunately, in a court of law, as I stated above, for some people who may end up being jurors, emotions and bias win out over clear judgment. So, the lesson here is -- there's nothing wrong with keeping it real. It may go a long way in your credibility.

credit - http://www.nightmarefactory.com/cgi-bin/shopper?preadd=action&key=FW92015BR

almost A-B-C... just almost

credit - http://www.shadowandact.com/?p=23597

Gugu Mbatha-Raw premiered in Undercovers last night! A hit show in my opinion, and I'm not just saying that because of all the face and some body shots of the dreamy Boris Kodjoe. (He is sooooooooooooo fine. Wooooo!!!! Fanning myself.) Okay, where was I? Yes, Gugu. For all the naturals and curlies out there she might be the closest we get to Another Boldly Curly on mainstream TV. Her hair through the show was mostly natural looking, with her natural waves, and then straight and curled in one scene. No, she's not doing it like our girl Solange, but for mainstream TV, I'll take what I can get. I hope she encourages you to keep it real and keep it curly.

credit - http://www.nbc.com/undercovers/about/bios/gugu-mbatha-raw/

credit - http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-20017371-10391698.html

Whip Your Hair!!

credit - http://www.rap-up.com/2010/09/07/new-music-willow-smith-whip-my-hair/

It's only proper that after I post about Rihanna, I post about her little competition - Willow Smith. Okay, maybe not real competition, but after listening to her song, Whip My Hair, you might think so, not to mention she was recently signed by Jay-Z, who years ago signed Rihanna. Whip My Hair is now officially stuck in my ear and best of all it's about hair! Check the link and share your thoughts.

How do you solve a problem like Rihanna.....

How do you solve a problem like Rihanna?

How do you make her hair (and style) go back the old way?

(Think Sound of Music, people)

credit - http://www.people.com/people/package/gallery/0,,20302940_20425295,00.html#20845735

Let me just get right to it - this recent VMA look is not cute!!! Rihanna in years past has blown us away with her hair. I mean every young woman I'd see would rock this mohawk style after she did it.

credit - http://www.haircutshairstyles.com/rihannas_mohawk_hairstyle-383.shtml

And they are still rocking this style! Let's not forget the sweet yet edgy bob she used to rock.

credit - http://www.bet.com/Lifestyle/Style/lifestylestylerihannatransformation.htm?i=6

So what's with this red hair? Honey, you have dyed it blonde, dyed it black, worn it long, worn it hacked. This red mess needs to go, pronto!!!

So how do you solve a problem like Rihanna? Shave her head bald and make her a NATURAL. We know she has the face for it. After a few months, she can rock a cute fro. Do it, do it, Rihanna, so I can put you in the A-B-C file, like I did Solange. Oh, I know what you're thinking, you don't want to copy Solange or Sinead O'Connor. That's fine. It's okay, go bald and blonde and rock it like peach fuzz. And do it soon before everyone goes natural. Don't want to make the decision to cut it all off? That's fine too. After all that you've done to your hair, it will probably fall out, and any good hairstylist well tell you to cut it all off and start again.

Okay - one comment on Jerseylicious!!

I just posted about Jerseylicious and I thought I could move one without a snarky comment - but I can't - Is it me or does Tracy look like John Travolta's love child?







credit - http://spoiledpretty.blogspot.com/2010/05/this-q-is-jerseylicious.html
credit - http://www.sofeminine.co.uk/star/pictures-113812-john-travolta.html

Time for Things that Bling

credit - http://www.nj.com/entertainment/tv/index.ssf/2010/08/getting_personal_with_jerseyli.html

Last night I watched Jerseylicious. (Yep and you can keep your comments to yourself. In my defense though, I am the HAIR AND THINGS girl, so I have to watch such a show. Keep those comments to yourself).

One of the lovely ladies there, named Gigi wore prettiest things I've seen in a hair piece - a sparkly hair bow. But, it wasn't just any bow. It was the perfect bow!! Why? Because her big hair (I mean that as a compliment) and the bow were in the right proportion to each other. Her look was perfect and it should have been - she's a hairstylist. Now, I do not recommend trying this at home at all. You have to make sure your hair is in proportion to the bow. Gigi's hair was thick, dark, and straight, and the bow didn't overpower her hair and the hair didn't swallow up the bow. The best I could find is this bow below.

credit - http://www.asos.com/countryid/2/Talullah-Tu/Talullah-Tu-Statement-Bow-Headband/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1284798&MID=35719&affid=2135&siteID=J84DHJLQkR4-q3wFaWJyb1GVyyWcG7NikQ

Even this doesn't do Gigi's look justice. You just have to watch the show. Yes, I said watch the show. If not, fine - you can find some blingy bows here.

Iconic Hair: No taming needed

A friend of mine requested I write about Slash's crazy untamed hair from Guns N' Roses.




credit - http://www.product-reviews.net/2008/01/07/guitar-hero-3-champion-plays-on-stage-slash-from-guns-n-roses/


Slash's hair is beautiful!!!! Rock that hair like you don't care, boy! I love it. Honestly, he's the only one of Guns N' Roses whom I always liked and identified with because his hair was more like mine, well actually more like what I wanted mine to be (a little curl pattern jealousy there for you I admit - not to worry, I have embraced my curl pattern, but I digress. )



I couldn't imagine Slash with a blow out or a relaxer (see post below) or some sort of heavy product in his hair. His bold sexy persona would be in question. I mean he could end up looking like this





credit - http://things-we-heart.blogspot.com/2010/07/beauty-just-let-your-soul-glow.html


Oh sexual chocolate!! How funny, greasy, and unsexy you were! So, Slash's hair is who he is. He should never change it. So I say to my Sweet Child O Mine out there - love your hair and rock it like you don't care!!

Question to the Men with Relaxers

I saw a man today with a relaxer. His shiny black sweat laden hair distracted me. One question bounced around in my head and screamed for an answer like a two year old throwing a fit - WHY? WHY? WHY?!!!!!

I was quickly reminded of the Ivory Coast FIFA soccer player Didier Drogba whose distractingly shiny relaxed hair caused the soccer ball to slide a few times when he hit it with his head. (By the way, shout out to African countries in the world cup! Cue the vuvuzelas! Good job). Back then, I was asking the same question - WHY?




credit - http://www.fifa-tips.com/2010-fifa-world-cup-drogba-ivory-coast/

So to the fellas with relaxers, my question to you is WHY?!! What would drive you to put the conk in your hair? Were you frustrated with pressing your hair? Would it not stay straight after hours of blow drying and curling? Did you want your bangs to stop frizzing out on you on a rainy day? I really can't think of a good reason for a man to get a relaxer, except if your name is Prince (formerly the symbol, previously Prince, originally Prince Rogers Nelson). There's nothing wrong with relaxers of course. But on a man, it's just so questionable. For the fellas out there, do you make time to get touch ups when you have a relaxer? Do you get it done for certain performances, musical, theatrical, auditions for reality shows like Drag Race? If the latter, then I understand and you better work!


credit - http://www.churchofthecustomer.com/blog/2007/11/index.html





Ooooo!!

For the A-B-Cs - Another Boldly Curly

Every once in a while a woman comes along who decides to rage against the machine and do it her way. She decides to go BOLD and go CURLY and get back to the basics!!! I call that the ABCs - Another Boldly Curly!!!! That woman is Solange!!! Many of you know that a while ago she cut off her long tresses and went au naturale!!!! How inspiring! I was pleased to see that she's got some growth and she's been rocking her natural hair pretty free, without the wet look. Thanks Solange. Keep it curly! (Fierce outfit too!!).




credit - http://thatgrapejuice.net/2010/07/solange-talks-album-label-beyonce-janelle-monae/

Secretly Curly

credit - http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/2010/08/30/2010-emmy-awards-julianna-margulies-in-lwren-scott/

E!'s Fashion Police Joan Rivers was giving my girl Julianna Margulies of The Good Wife (good show by the way) some hate on her dress and her hair. The dress is interesting but her HAIR was great. It was a little more curly than she normally wears it, especially in the roots. I say she should have let her naturally curly thick hair loose in all it's glory.

Keep it natural!!

Forget the dress - what about her hair!!

Lots of people have weighed in on Anna Paquin's gladiator style dress at the Emmys. She was voted worst dressed by E!'s fashion police.

credit - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/29/anna-paquin-emmy-awards-2_n_698508.html

Worst dressed? Pish Pawsh!!! I loved the dress! And I LOVED HER HAIR STYLE!! I'm on the search for someone who can replicate that style in a braided style or in a curly hair style. I bet it's possible to do this hair style with finger waves swept into an updo. Imagine this in the front and the rest tucked in the back.

credit - http://www.hji.co.uk/image/1954-brunette-waves-qhs639.html

HAIR - THE ORIGINAL ACCESSORY

In my posts a long while back, I blogged about accessories. I love accessories. I can feel my blood pumping when I get around them. But you know what else gets me going? HAIR!! It's the best accessory - you can dye it, fry it, curl it, plump it, braid it or bald it. When you have a hair style that you love, you feel confident, don't you? It's a great compliment to an outfit and other accessories. I could go on and on.

I'm passionate about naturally curly hair. Just to be clear, naturally curly hair is hair that comes out of your head not straight. So that would probably be a majority of us. Not to worry, I won't tell on you secretly natural curly head people. (But you know who you are).

Some of us have wavy hair, some of us have kinky hair, some of us have cottony hair. Let's just lump it all into one word CURLY. Here's a pic of my friend who's hair I love. Don't you just want to touch her hair? It just looks soft!

I'M BAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Guess who
Guess who's back?

It's me, it's me! TILshopgirl is back!!! I have been away for too long pursuing my other passions in law and travel and best of all HAIR - the God-given original accessory!! I spent some time trying to figure out which passion drives me and in the end, HAIR has won out. Not to worry, I haven't quit my day job. :)

So I will be bringing you posts on hair, hair, and more hair, and some fashion (but I'm really leaving that to my fellow blogger Sassy ;). Thanks for holding it down ladies!

Boutique Mix Fashion for Haiti Earthquake Relief - 25% off all Stella & Dot Commissions to the American Red Cross Earthquake Relief Efforts

For January and February, Boutique Mix Fashion will donate 25% of all Stella & Dot commissions to the American Redcross Haiti Relief and Development Fund. Visit our Stella & Dot shop at www.stelladot.com/boutiquemix and check out the new Stella & Dot spring/summer 2010 line.

Great for anyday gifts, birthday gifts, valentine's day gifts, mother's day gifts and just because you want to look fabulous and love luxe style for less - Shop www.stelladot.com/boutiquemix

For January and February, Boutique Mix Fashion will donate 25% of all Stella & Dot commissions to the American Redcross Haiti Relief and Development Fund. Visit our Stella & Dot shop at www.stelladot.com/boutiquemix and check out the new Stella & Dot spring/summer 2010 line.

Great for anyday gifts, birthday gifts, valentine's day gifts, mother's day gifts and just because you want to look fabulous and love luxe style for less - Shop www.stelladot.com/boutiquemix