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4 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2014 www.DeluxMag.com
[Stuff]
TERRANCE HOWARD’S:
EMPIRE
Lee Daniels has smacked his name on a TV series for the first time, for FOX’s new drama “Empire,” and a fresh trailer has arrived with the news. The “sexy and powerful new drama” stars Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Trai Byers, Jussie Smollett and newcomer Bryshere Gray, a family affair with a powerful music company Empire Entertainment in its center. Howard plays the delectably named Lucious Lyon, a hip-hop titan who got his start in the streets. He has three sons -- Hakeem, Jamal and Andre -- and a vicious ex-wife Cookie (Henson). They all get along famously and never fight and share the wealth equally, the end. Just kidding, this family looks like it has 99 problems... but it’s soundtrack ain’t one. Hitmaker Timbaland is on deck composing original music written and heading up music supervision for the show, so you can at least count on some rhymes and lines while the swords come out. The show is by Lee Daniels and Emmy Award winner Danny Strong, who worked together on “The Butler.” Daniels directed the pilot. Here are four more things you should know about this show, based on new info and the pilot:
1 Lucious has only three years to live.
“Music save my life.” Sure, but music is no cure for Lou Gehrig’s disease, which Howard’s character is diagnosed with early in the clip. He’s told he may have less than the three year sentence, so depending on how much time transpires over a season, we may be looking at a limited lifetime of Howard on the show.
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2 All three of Lucious’ sons have strike against them.
Lucious has issued the directive that one of his three sons is to inherit the music throne when he’s gone. His youngest Hakeem is a talented musician, but the lazy playboy type; Jamal is a prodigy, too, but he’s gay and his father thinks it’s a “choice”; and eldest Andre is already the CFO of the co., but lacks the charisma that daddy wants in his mini-mogul.
3 The ex-con ex-wife is after the throne.
Let’s just take a minute and appreciate the fact that Henson’s character’s name is Cookie... OK, good. Kim, errr, Cookie has her own empiric talents, though she’s been wasting away in the pokey for crimes it seems Lucious’ company committed. She helped launch Empire and is out of jail early and ready to get what’s hers: half the company. And she’s got her favorite next-of-kin, too.
4 There is a secret looming over the company that would kill it dead.
Lucious is keeping a dirty ditty from the public that would dust the Empire -- who among his sons know? As he grooms successors, he’s got to keep face. Could it be that Empire has no legs to stand on, despite the relative slew of next-in-liners (and their girlfriends, and their assistants, and their friends)? “Empire” will premiere this fall on FOX.
5 MUST HAVES TO START AN EMPIRE
DELUX MAGAZINE
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DELUX MAGAZINE NO. 34
CONTENTS
Keith N Griffin II
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PUBLISHER/CO-FOUNDER @DeluxMagazine Lawrence Bryant Co-Founder @lbfoto1 Michael Winfield Co-Founder @brklynstl Kyle A Griffin Co-Founder Brian Shields Co-Founder
59
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Leneia Weston-O’Hara Leneia@DeluxMag.com
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Fashion Editor Letitia McPherson-Young Letitia@DeluxMag.com Beauty Editor Rochelle Walker CocoRochelle@DeluxMag.com Writers Seven L Maxwell Tiffany Nashville Omar O’Hara
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regular featured
Stuff 05 11 THE PEOPLE’S CHAMPTEF PO People Who Inspire 11 24 COVER: DWELE Art + Culture 13 44 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Finance 15 49 FEATURE: PO JOHNSON Hair 17 56 COMMUNITY: “IF CHANGE IS Beauty + Health 27 GOING TO COME” Where 54 63 CITY GARDEN MONTESSORI Delux Seen 58
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Graphic Design Studio 76 Arthur Smith Photographers Lawrence Bryant McArthur Smith Allen B. Thompson Keith N Griffin II Arlis Davis Jam-X Sales | Ads@deluxmag.com Keith A. Willis Sr Cam Cobb (Stl) Lauren Phillips Leamond Sloan (KC) Brandon Kendrick (KC) Interns (The Lifesaver) Ashley Publicist/PR Rep Tashia Devouex Heidi Pearson
DELUX MAGAZINE No. 34 November/December · Year 5 · PUBLISHER Keith Griffin II GRAPHIC DESIGN G5IVE MEDIA GROUP SUBSCRIPTIONS $19.99/YR. Mail Subsciption Cards and Payment to PO BOX St. Louis Mo 63118 DISTRIBUTOR Cowley Distributing Jefferson City MO IPAD APP Available in itunes store WEBSITE www.delux-mag.com ADVERTISING Email Ads@deluxmag.com SUBMISSIONS Email submissions@deluxmag.com PRESS RELEASES Email PR@deluxmag.com
Editor’s Note
The holiday season is here, and like most everyone, I am preparing to have many great celebrations and share love and laughter with my family and friends. It’s very easy to become wrapped up - and even overwhelmed - with all the things we *think* we HAVE to do for the holidays. Between co-workers, family, friends who are like family, church, school, volunteer organizations... the list goes on, doesn’t it? We become “busy” for a variety of reasons. Some bury themselves in activities because they truly LOVE to be busy. Others find they are in the center of a hurricane they didn’t intentionally create, and fear stepping to either side or getting caught up in the whirlwind. Then, there are people like me who want to be busy because we want to forget anything negative, and stay focused on the positive. We soak up all the love, and revel in all the fun... I NEED good times because I lost someone I love very much, and this time of year is difficult for me. And I know I’m not alone. And now, neither are you! We have an opportunity to overcome the challenge of missing our loved ones by simply being there for someone else. Giving. If you have time, volunteer. It has made all the difference in my life, and I hope sharing my secret will help someone else uncover a way to enjoy an overwhelmingly happy and beautiful holiday. I have two challenges for anyone reading this letter: 1. Delux is adopting a family for the holidays. If you are interested in joining us, please email me: Leneia@DeluxMag.com. I will send information about the family, and a general idea about what we’d like to do for them. You can donate gifts, services, etc. to help create a memorable holiday season. Reach out and join us in giving. We would be honored and delighted to have your help! Our goal is to provide a very DELUX Christmas for a deserving family, and we can’t wait! 2. Just BE. It’s very easy to get caught up in Pinterest-Perfect lives, right? We have a level of expectation for everything. We should be organized and it should be as planned, we should be on time, we should be prepared, we should have it all together, and we should always be perfect... and the *should be* keeps us from remembering to *just be.* I challenge us all to be present, and enjoy every moment possible. And please email me if you think about it, and share your experiences of “being” this holiday season. I’d love to hear from you! Much Love to all. Warmly, Leneia Weston - O’Hara
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[Stuff]
CALYANN BARNETT
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ENZO ANGIOLINI ‘Brettani’ platform bow pump, patent leather upper, plum; also in dark grey, taupe or black, $99.95. In Women’s Shoes exclusively at Nordstrom and nordstrom.com.
If you’re loving some of the styles that star basketball players like Dwyane Wade, Rajon Rondo, Josh Smith and LaMarcus Aldridge are rocking, then Calyann Barnett is about to be your new favorite person. Stylist to celebrities and athletes, Barnett has taken some of the most boringly dressed men and turned them into fashion icons, styling them in everything from handsome suits to funky prints. And with a personal taste that could rival some of the most well-dressed bloggers and fashion week veterans, Barnett is making a name for herself dressing NBA players off the court. Growing up in Miami, and starting college with a major in business administration and a minor in criminal justice, Barnett confesses knew she didn’t want to pursue business, but wasn’t quite sure how her love of fashion could become a career. “When I first went to school and college I had no idea what a stylist was!”
“Serenading The Street” Cbabi Bayoc” SO ... WHAT’S A CBABI? “... WELL LET ME TELL YOU. IT’S A CREATIVE BLACK ARTIST BATTLING IGNORANCE SO GUESS WHAT.....YOU CAN BE A “CBABI” TOO! I DON’T MIND.” www.cbabibayoc.com
8 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2014 www.DeluxMag.com
Rapper’s Delight: The Hip Hop Cookbook features 30 recipes inspired by your favourite Hip Hop artists of today and yesteryear. Split into three categories of Starters, Mains and Desserts, the book includes a wide range of delights such as Wu-Tang Clam Chowder, Public Enemiso Soup, Run DM Sea Bass and Busta Key Lime Pie. Each of the recipes is accompanied by a bespoke piece of artwork, created by one of 30 of the best upcoming illustrators. Rapper’s Delight celebrates the many humorous parallels between food and Hip Hop, making it a must-have for fans of both.
The Queen Bey inspired “We Be All Night” pillowcase is the perfect bedroom decor piece, adding that special sexual spice to every waking night. Made from 100% cotton and fits the standard size pillow. 10” L x 5” H x 3” W Please allow 1-3 weeks for shipping.
www.Fancy.com
RIANA LYNN
A SELF-MADE ENTREPRENEUR
“I am an entrepreneur on a mission. I believe in Change, and I believe we all are here to make some sort of difference…”
Riana Lynn found her passion in food+health entrepreneurship after being grounded in a science and technology-based education. In 2010 she started pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors while completing a Masters Degree to solve gaps in our food and health systems. After realizing the need to fill gaps in the food industry with her Rivive Group consulting projects, she was inspired to launch her food tech startup, FoodTrace, a software and traceability application to help businesses with the sourcing management while building stronger and more knowledgeable consumers, restaurants, distributors and farms. Riana worked in Washington D.C. with the White House Council on Women & Girls and Office of Public Engagement. She also taught herself how to code! Raised by a single-mother and taught by grandparents who value farms, fresh food and longevity, Riana has always sought to discover new ways to promote healthier food choices and access. She has been on a mission to build revenue streams and improve health outcomes. She considers entrepreneurship and public-private partnerships our vehicles for change across the world. Courtesy of: rianalynn.com
GET IN YOUR ZONE: Tasha Allen O’Hara’s Journey to Being Fit for Life How did you go from casually losing weight to becoming a figure competitor?
GUILTY CONSCIENCE FASHION FOR FOOD EMERGING DESIGNER WINNER Written by: Letitia McPherson-Young
Adagio Smith, the creative mastermind behind the luxury urban brand Guilty Conscience, is revving up for very busy Autumn/Winter 14/15 season. After recently being thrust into the limelight amid winning the Emerging Designer Competition in Fashion for Food, Guilty Conscience was displayed in Macy’s Chesterfield Mall. Adagio, who admittedly confessed he as many talents, including hairstylist, has been working round the clock producing his most fascinating collection yet. The self-taught designer favors coupling luxurious fabrics like textured leather and weighty knits and wools with urban couture construction to create stunning urban wear that is colorful and aesthetically pleasing. Delux Magazine was granted an exclusive preview of the new Fall/ Winter Guilty Conscience collection as well as a first look at his newly launched Accessories Collection!
I met Alex Ellis, owner of TCP (The Complete Package), my figure competition coach, trainer, and nutrition counselor. She is phenomenal in every sense of the word. She educates me and monitors what I eat. She holds me accountable for everything I do with my diet and exercising. Alex writes out my plans and I follow them to the letter. I do not exceed my meals or cut them short. I initially started out just utilizing her nutritional counseling services, but when I saw a way to get in the BEST shape of my life, I begged her to get me there. It has been a wonderful experience. I can’t say enough about her. Dedication to the program is key… I recently stepped on stage at my First Figure Competition after 25 weeks of discipline and drive, and it was worth every bit of effort I put into the process. I won 2nd place and qualified for DFAC Worlds in Miami, Florida in November, 2014!
What is the most important advice you could offer readers? Have a plan. Know what you are going to do in the gym before you walk through the door, and stay until it’s done. Know what you will eat before you start the day. Pack your food and keep it nearby. Plan to succeed!
What’s your secret? Staying true to my goals and sticking to my plan. I started a blog on social media to be transparent about my ups and downs of weight loss. I wanted people to know that “it aint easy, but it ain’t impossible.” By publicly affirming my goals, I had no choice but to stick to my word. I motivate others, and they hold me accountable. I can’t thank my social media followers enough. They were the reason I never quit. Find what motivates you and cling to it for dear life until you reach your goal!
DELUX MAGAZINE
9
PEOPLE WHO
IN SP IRE TEF POE
THE MIKE BROWN RESISTANCE: After the Cameras are Gone
Kareem Jackson is the single truly trusted voice in the wake of what he calls, “The Mike Brown Rebellion.” You may know Mr. Jackson as Tef Poe. We all know him as our guide through the trenches of the civil unrest in St. Louis, and as our beacon of truth. When the media portrayed their version of the events in Ferguson, one could easily follow Tef Poe on Twitter and get a more accurate account of current events. He was a mediator, friend, and voice of reason to a generation of broken hearts. His leadership and tireless activism are an inspiration. We cannot keep up with all the accolades, honors, awards, mentions, and awesomeness that is Tef Poe, and we
cannot stress enough that his efforts cannot be lauded enough. We can take a moment to share the words he spoke which have brought us to tears. Forever, the images of the injustices are burned into our collective memory, and have united us with a strength to see justice through to the end. This isn’t over; we are still fighting the civil war of 2014.
“We need help here CNN has left but the police are more brutal than they were before I fear for what’s next” - Twitter
“It was as if he was publicly lynched by the Ferguson Police Department and his body was left on display as a mechanism of fear,” Kareem writes in his piece for Time Magazine. “This is a world issue. This is about human rights. You sent tanks, TANKS to gas children. I pulled children out of tear gas! And that was on your watch. And you’re gonna answer for that,” he says to the Clayton City Council. “F*ck the Ferguson Commission and @GovJayNixon Indict the Killer Cop appoint a special prosecutor since u want to quote me you can quote that” - Twitter
DELUX MAGAZINE
11
Embracing Diversity and Expanding the Brand
Ericca Willis
Who's Who Diversity in Color Publisher 314.473.5257 mswhoswhoinstl@aol.com
[Art+Culture]
HARLEM STAND UP
The Dance Theatre of Harlem The country’s first African-American ballet company returns to St. Louis in all its splendor, glory and magnificence! Dance St. Louis presents Dance Theatre of Harlem on November 7-8 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. It’s been a decade since Dance Theatre of Harlem performed in St. Louis, and the company itself took an eight-year hiatus in 2004. Now, the newly relaunched company with a 45-year history performs an eclectic, demanding repertoire at the highest level, ranging from new and classical to neoclassical and contemporary. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the resurgence of this globally acclaimed dance institution.
WHO: Dance St. Louis WHAT: Dance Theatre of Harlem WHEN: Friday, November 7 at 8 p.m. & Saturday, November 8 at 2 & 8 p.m. WHERE: Touhill Performing Arts Center TICKETS: $40-65 for evening performances; $40 for Saturday matinee Since its relaunch Dance Theatre of Harlem, which consists of 18 racially diverse dance artists, has received outstanding accolades, critical acclaim and extensive media attention. Under the artistic direction of the remarkable and esteemed Virginia Johnson, former Dance Theatre of Harlem principal dancer and founding member, the company continues to take the world by storm. Founded in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell and the late Karel Shook, Dance Theatre of Harlem was considered “one of ballet’s most exciting undertakings” (The New York Times, 1971). After its establishment, the company received unparalleled international acclaim and unprecedented success. Audiences all over the world were touched with performances of Creole Giselle, Agon, Dougla, Les Biches, Swan Lake, A Streetcar Named Desire, Firebird, Fall River Legend and more than a hundred ballets in the company’s repertoire. It has been said that Dance Theatre of Harlem definitively debunked historical stereotypes and opinions that African Americans could not dance ballet.
St. Louis Program (Program is subject to change.) The St. Louis program features a new ballet by one of America’s most diverse and sought after choreographers, Darrell Grand Moultrie, a Julliard graduate, performer and master teacher who has been on faculty at several artistic institutions in the United States and has choreographed everything from national commercials and works on Broadway to ballet. Dance Theatre of Harlem performs the world premiere of Moultrie’s ballet in Washington, D.C. in October, a few weeks prior to the St. Louis performances. The company also performs New Bach. Choreographed by Robert Garland and set to music by J.S. Bach, New Bach was created for the first company, performed by the Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble, and now comes into the new company’s repertoire. Dance Theatre of Harlem Founder Arthur Mitchell instilled the dynamism of neoclassical ballet into the company, and Robert Garland has captured its essence with New Bach. Infused with popular dance vernacular, the work is a supreme expression of post-modern-urban neoclassicism and is a tribute to George Balanchine’s neoclassical ballet. The company also pays tribute to legendary choreographer George Balanchine in another way, performing his Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux. The St. Louis program includes innovative choreographer Ulysses Dove’s Dancing on the Front Porch of Heaven (Odes to Love and Loss), set to “Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten” by Arvo Pärt, noted as one of the most performed contemporary composers in the world. Dancing on the Front Porch of Heaven, subtitled Odes to Love and Loss, was choreographed for the Royal Swedish Ballet in 1993 during a challenging period in Ulysses Dove’s life. Having lost 13 close friends and relatives, among them his father, Dove explained, “To me, Arvo Pärt’s music can send souls to heaven. I want to tell an experience in movement, a story without words, and create a poetic monument over people I loved.” Dove’s spare but demanding choreography invites dancer and viewer alike to live in each moment as if it were the last.
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10/27/14 1:39 PM
LIVING ON MORE by Royce Sutton Senior Vice President, Fifth Third Bank
It is true that many million dollar lottery winners are bankrupt within a few short years and that the list is long with names of professional athletes who lose all of their riches shortly after their playing career ends. These sad stories make us question how a person could lose so much money in such a short period of time. What we find most often is these “rags to riches to rags” stories occur because the person did not have a healthy perspective on money nor a wise financial plan to prepare them for their moment of prosperity. We, too, could find ourselves in the same unfortunate circumstance if we are ill prepared for a sudden improvement in our financial situation during what I call a “Moment of More”. What would you do if you suddenly experienced a surprising upward change in your income? What decisions would you make? With whom would you consult to make the best choices with your new, unexpected money? These are the type of questions you should ask because in a moment of more, you will have a number of important decisions and lifestyle adjustments to make that will affect you and those around you. In fact, the elevated stress that accompanies unexpected financial success could cause you to make a series of poor decisions that cost you your windfall, your personal joy, your health and much more. So thinking about how you can responsibly handle a moment of more means that you will need to plan and make a number of adult decisions that ensure you will not squander the moment or live your life in an adolescent dream land. For example, an average adolescent’s dream would be to spend their money on depreciating assets or trendy low-value items like cars, jewelry, clothes, attention, parties and shopping sprees at the mall--only to quickly discover that the money, the new family members and friends are gone just as quickly as the money. Instead, a savvy, forward thinking focus will help you make financial decisions which preserve your moment of more, perhaps even beyond your lifetime. There is a wise old saying that “the rich have things and the wealthy have investments”. This should be our guide in these moments. If you have received a raise, were awarded a large cash settlement or your business idea has suddenly taken off, then recognize that you have arrived at a moment of more. Perhaps you have reduced your monthly expenses by paying off debts or you have been given a cash gift; these are other moments of more. To fully maximize this moment, below is a list of important things to consider that will allow you to enjoy your wealth longer and create a financial legacy that represents your wisdom and careful planning.
STAGE 1 – FIRST 30 DAYS • Be prepared for it! Plan by having a list of wise things that you would do if you received $1,000 or $10,000 in unexpected money. Make paying off debt and securing sound investments high priority action items. • Have a cooling off period. Make no new financial commitments for 3-6 months to allow time for clear thought and seek trustworthy financial advice. • Make a list of the things that bring you joy
(family, travel, learning, peace of mind.) Build your priorities from this list and maximize those experiences.
• Develop a monthly spending plan that you will monitor regularly. • Be careful who you tell about your new money. Many will have ideas about what you should do with your money. • Clean up your credit, now! You cannot prosper with impaired credit. Enter personal relationships slowly and carefully. • Learn how to tell yourself and others “NO”.
STAGE 2 – DAYS 30 - 90 • Meet with knowledgeable financial professionals (banker, accountant and attorney) to discuss your plans and how to protect your money. Note: If you are paying a fee for advice be sure to ask the person how they are paid. • Reduce your debts and put the additional savings toward your long term financial goals-like retirement. • Don’t buy depreciating assets • Inventory the condition of your assets and use the new money to repair them, if needed, or take care of the delayed maintenance items. • Invest in your own development (education, training, self improvement, money management class or a learning a foreign language). • Know the true price of a purchase and seek high quality at the lowest possible price. Don’t be afraid to negotiate. • If someone asks you for money then ask questions: Why do you need this? What other options have you sought out? How will it be used? What is your backup plan if I choose not to give you what you ask? Would you be willing to put our agreement in writing? • Avoid financial ventures that you don’t fully understand or ones that make big promises.
STAGE 3 – SIX MONTHS + • Consider a charitable contribution to a reputable non-profit that supports what you value or shares your passion. • Invest in a better education or prepare future resources for your child or grandchild. • Don’t become someone’s personal ATM. • Start a business after you have written a solid business plan and understand how the business will prosper with your active involvement. • Pay your taxes!!
PHOTOS BY ANDREW ECCLES
MOTOWN® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF UMG RECORDINGS, INC
NOVEMBER 18-30 • FOX THEATRE 314-534-1111 or MetroTix.com
FAB STYLES > PRODUCTS > TRANSITION TIPS
HAIR
NATURAL LEADER Natural hair is a growing trend, and so is the business for naturals. There are a bevy of products on the market making numerous claims to make your hair curly, reduce frizz and so much more. Darrius Peace, a natural hair stylist, instructor and author for fourteen years, provides a simple list of products that will help any naturalista achieve long lasting, healthy, and natural curls.
THELIST WATER
Take advantage of water by putting some in a spray bottle. Water is a secret to styling when doing twists and other natural hair styles.
SHAMPOO
After styling and adding products to your hair you must wash out build up. Keep a good shampoo for moisturizing and clarifying for maintaining your tresses.
CONDITIONER
Conditioner is a must for maintaining moisture. Your hair needs moisture to prevent breakage and conditioner will help maintain the moisture in your hair.
OIL
Oils are best for the hair and scalp. Your natural hair needs oil to maintain and grow. Natural oils like coconut, olive, almond and grape-seed are great options.
CREAMS, BUTTERS & MILKS
It’s not a “must,” but using creams, butters and hair milks is good to have in your product cabinet when trying keep your hair soft and maintain moisture.
GELS
Gel is a great option when you’re looking to maintain definition for a long period of time. Remember: if you use this, make sure you use your clarifying shampoo during your wash day.
SETTING FOAMS & LOTIONS
Keep your curls tight with setting lotion. If you’re looking to dry your curls under the dryer, setting lotion is a great option to keep them intact.
GREASES & POMADES
Remember your long tresses as a child? Remember the products that were used? Now remember grease? Lock in the moisture with grease. Grease is the word!
SERUMS
Shine enhancements provide intense shine, and protects the hair against humidity. Apply this as a final product after styling.
Read more on Darrius Peace “Secrets to Mastering Natural Hair” by visiting
myhairaintnappy.com
18 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2014 www.DeluxMag.com
BLACK HAIR CARE BASICS Taking care of African-American hair can be particularly difficult. Two experts weigh in on the proper black hair styling techniques, black hair products, weaves, and more. We talked to Tippi Shorter, hairstylist to Alicia Keys, Rihanna, and Vanessa Williams, and we spoke to Titi Branch, co-owner of Miss Jessie’s salon in Brooklyn, New York, about caring for black hair. African-American hair tends to be more fragile, shrinks more when dry (wet hair can be up to twice as long as dry hair), and has more elasticity. They answered our top care questions:
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR HAIR? Both experts agreed that washing your hair once is week was plenty. Because African-American hair is naturally drier, washing it more frequently would overdry the hair — plus it’s highly unlikely your hair will look oily in a week. Due to the extra curly, kinky nature of the hair, oil doesn’t get a chance to travel the whole way down the hair shaft, says Branch.
WHAT’S THE BEST TECHNIQUE FOR STRAIGHTENING OR BLOW-DRYING HAIR? Using a comb attachment to the blow dryer is a must, says Shorter. Blow-drying wet hair takes a lot of pulling with a brush, and that can end up breaking the hair. Since African-American hair is much more fragile, Branch recommends letting the hair air-dry or sitting under a dryer for a short period before blowdrying to minimize on tugging time.
ARE WEAVES GOOD OR BAD FOR YOUR HAIR? WHICH METHOD IS BETTER: GLUE OR SEWING? Both agree that weaves can be good for your hair as long as the proper care steps are taken and you go to an experienced stylist. In fact, a sewn weave protects your natural hair since you won’t be straightening or exposing your natural hair to any outside elements. Glued-in weaves, however, tend to rip out your natural hair at removal and should be avoided.
HOW DO YOU CARE FOR A WEAVE? Shorter recommends visiting your stylist every two to three weeks to make sure your weave stays as tight as possible. A loose weave can pull on your hair. She
recommends that you make sure to cleanse your scalp as thoroughly as possible to prevent buildup and flaking. When should you take out your weave and put in a new one? Between 1.5 and 3 months. And after two consecutive “weavings,” you should probably let your hair rest for a few weeks before putting in a new one.
WHAT ARE SOME MYTHS ABOUT AFRICAN-AMERICAN HAIR THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO DISPEL? Myth #1: “That black hair can’t grow long,” says Branch. It grows at the same rate as other hair types — half an inch per month. However, the hair is extra dry and fragile, which makes it prone to breakage. In fact, it can break at the same rate that it’s growing. The hair can grow long if you moisturize it all the time and nourish the hair with the right products. Myth #2: “Some people think you can over-condition your hair, but that’s a lie,” says Shorter. If you’re using a conditioner for “damaged, dried” hair, it will have a lot of protein. However, too much protein makes your hair hard, especially if you’re sleeping with the product in it. The opposite then happens: the hair hardens and breaks. Luckily there is no such thing as too much moisturizing and moisture makes the hair soft and pliable.
WHAT ARE SOME PRODUCTS THAT EVERY AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMAN SHOULD HAVE? For Branch, it’s all about one word: Moisturize! She recommends four essential types of products: 1. A moisturizing shampoo, like Ojon’s Ultra Hydrating Shampoo, $18 2. A moisturizing deep-conditioning treatment, like Ojon’s Restorative Hair Treatment, $21 3. A moisturizing styling product, like Tresemmes Anti-Frizz Secret Smoothing Cream, $4.75 4. A moisturizing hair dress to replenish hair daily, like Biosilk’s Silk Therapy Serum, $12.99 Shorter is a big fan of Tresemme’s line of curl products, especially the Flawless Curls Definition Jelly ($4.35) and the Flawless Curls Shampoo ($5).
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ppy with the results and no eczema flare ups" Carrissa W. California
ub is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. My husband loves it on me!" Allison V. Pennsylvania
nted delightful body scrub is amazing. We can't get enough of this stuff, the results were great. Mhe Magazine Team Georgia
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"This deliciously scented delightful body scrub is amazing. We can't get enough of this stuff, the results were great. Mhe Magazine Team Georgia
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ning body wash onto my loofah and fell in love!" Ginger A. New York
"I poured the Hello Good Morning body wash onto my loofah and fell in love!" Ginger A. New York
ust like the body wash and left my skin glowing!" Marina M. New Mexico
"This scrub smells amazing just like the body wash and left my skin glowing!" Marina M. New Mexico
or words the scent is amazing and the body wash is heavenly. It didn't dry out or irritate my skin" Cynthia H. Florida
"Oh my goodness! I am lost for words the scent is amazing and the body wash is heavenly. It didn't dry out or irritate my skin" Cynthia H. Florida
ppy with the results and no eczema flare ups" Carrissa W. California
“My skin has been so happy with the results and no eczema flare ups" Carrissa W. California
ub is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. My husband loves it on me!" Allison V. Pennsylvania
"This body scrub is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. My husband loves it on me!" Allison V. Pennsylvania
nted delightful body scrub is amazing. We can't get enough of this stuff, the results were great. Mhe Magazine Team Georgia
"This deliciously scented delightful body scrub is amazing. We can't get enough of this stuff, the results were great. Mhe Magazine Team Georgia
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10
BAD THINGS TO DO TO BLACK HAIR Don’t Commit These Deadly Hair “Sins”
Have you ever wondered why your hair doesn’t seem to flourish the way you think it should? The ends are always dry or it’s thinning despite your best efforts at hair care. Although it sometimes seems we’re doing everything we can to take good care of our tresses, that’s not always the case. Are you committing any of these “hair crimes?” If so, that may be why you’re not seeing as much growth or shine. These 10 bad things we do to black hair can negatively impact its health, so if you see yourself doing any of them, stop...and see if the health of your mane doesn’t improve! 3. STRIPPING RELAXERS
If you use mayonnaise to try and strip a relaxer from your hair, at least you’re not doing it permanent damage (though you’re not doing anything else besides coating your hair with a condiment). But if you use dish detergent, harsh shampoos or products that promise to strip chemicals out, then you are very likely causing your hair harm. Relaxers are permanent -- once applied to the hair, the chemical process changes it. Nothing will strip a relaxer, so save your vinegar, coconut milk and detergent. Either practice patience or do the big chop.
4. USING THE WRONG PRODUCTS
1. TOO MUCH HEAT
The tools that make our lives easier can also damage our hair when they’re misused. That daily “bump” with your trusty curling iron can slowly but surely dry your ends. Even a one-time application with scorching heat can permanently kill your hair, so take it easy. Try gentler methods for providing curl and volume to your tresses, such as wrapping at night or satin-covered rollers. The occasional pass with a thermal styling tool should be safe, but always use a heat protectant as a barrier between a hot iron and your hair.
2. BLEACHING
Bleaching is for white clothing, and when it comes to black hair, you need to ask yourself if you want healthy locks or to be a platinum blonde -- because you usually can’t have both. Natural hair can sometimes withstand this extreme lightening, but not without heavy and frequent conditioning, but if you wear yours relaxed, choose another color, preferably one that doesn’t lift your natural shade more than three levels.
Walk into most drugstores or discount stores and chances are you’ll see the “ethnic hair” aisle, or little out-of-the-way corner. It’s where retailers stock products marketed toward African American consumers. The problem is that many of these products aren’t good for black hair. They often contain suffocating ingredients like petroleum, or are so heavy that there’s no way your hair will “bounce and behave.” Instead of reaching for the first jar that promises instant growth (no such thing), look at the ingredients label. If petroleum or petrolatum is one of the first listed, put it back. You can also leave the ethnic aisle altogether and expand your shopping horizons. Brands like Paul Mitchell work with all hair textures. Your health food store is a great place to shop. There’s no need to use cheap, poorly made products that don’t benefit your mane.
5. SHAMPOOING TOO OFTEN
Daily shampooing is fine for some hair textures, but black hair isn’t one of them. Even if you shampoo the recommended once or twice a week, make sure you’re using gentle cleansers. Avoid any that contain sodium lauryl sulfate -- it’s the ingredient that gives shampoo lots of lather, which is perfect for stripping natural oils out, the opposite of what you want for well-moisturized tresses that don’t break.
6. NOT SHAMPOOING OFTEN ENOUGH
Think about this: unless you walk around wearing a hat all day long, your hair is subject to dust, dirty air, grime and pollution. You wash your body every day -- hopefully. While you shouldn’t wash black hair every day, it needs to see some water more often than once a month. Not shampooing and letting dirt build up will not grow your hair. At least once a week is a good schedule to follow for shampooing, but consider your lifestyle, too. If you exercise frequently, you may need to incorporate co-washes into your regimen; if your hair is very short and natural, cleansing it three times per week isn’t going
to be as drying as if your hair is relaxed and colored. Whatever shampoo routine you follow, make it regular.
7. PULLING HAIR TIGHT
A hairstyle shouldn’t hurt, and if yours does, or causes tiny bumps to develop at your hairline, it’s too tight. Too many children and women have painful hairdos that aren’t necessary. This doesn’t mean you can’t wear a sleek ponytail if you know it looks good on you, but it does mean you need to loosen it before bed and not wear this same style day after day. Braids are a wonderful low-maintenance, protective ‘do when done correctly. When done incorrectly, they can be a fast track to sparse hairlines and permanent hair loss.
8. OVERPROCESSING
By now, you probably know not to apply relaxer to previously processed hair, but with so many people applying chemicals at home, it’s all too easy to make this mistake. Add permanent color (especially shades that lighten) to straightened hair and you often have a recipe for disaster, or at least overprocessed tresses. To avoid this hair crime, it’s best to see a stylist for relaxer and color applications. It’s also a good idea to have an honest stylist on hand, one who will tell you that ash blonde isn’t going to do anything for your relaxed hair except dry it out. Sometimes, we can’t get everything we want in our hairstyle -- that’s what weaves are for.
9. ROUGH HANDLING
Almost everyone gets tangles at some point, but it’s how you handle them that determines whether you retain your hair or whether you pull it out. Instead of yanking at tangles, work through them with your fingers first and then with a wide-tooth comb. Detangle while your hair is saturated with conditioner if necessary.
10. HOLDING ON TO SPLIT ENDS
Ladies who are trying to grow longer locks often have a hard time with this one, but cutting away split ends is essential for healthy hair. Would you rather have a lengthy mane with thin, see-through sections where it’s broken off? Or would you rather start off shorter, but with strong, thick locks? Unfortunately, some women choose the first option and walk around with unhealthy hair that shows. Split ends don’t fix themselves -- you must trim them away as needed to prevent them from traveling further up the hair shaft and splitting even more.
24 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2014 www.DeluxMag.com
DWELE.
Don’t sleep on Detroit, peeps! Born Andwele Gardner, Dwele was moved to begin writing songs at the tender age of ten, after his father was tragically murdered right outside his home. Gardner attended Cody High in Detroit. Growing up on Detroit’s west side, Dwele’s musical love spawned from listening to soul music such as Motown legends Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, and he cut his musical teeth studying jazz on the radio. Dwele spent a year studying music at Wayne State but then opted for an informal education, making music at his home while living in Dearborn. His demo, 1998’s The Rize, created all kinds of buzz around D-Town. He joined forces with the amazing Detroit hip-hop group Slum Village. He was then signed to Virgin on the strength of his songwriting and performance skills. Dwele released Subject in 2003 and solidified his high place among European audiences with a slam-dunk tour that summer. His second album, Some Kinda..., followed in 2005 and hit on the Top 10 of the R&B chart. A few years later, he murdered the hook on Kanye West’s hit single “Flashing Lights,” then signed to Koch/eOne to release Sketches of a Man (2008) and W.ants W.orld W.omen (2010). Both albums maintained the singer’s streak of Top Ten R&B albums and kept him in the spotlight. “If you only knew me through my music, you’d think that I was a quiet guy that wears sandals and linen,” Dwele says frankly. “That’s not me. I’m from Detroit, I like designer brands and I’ve got a crazy side.” He is one of R&B’s smoothest singer-songwriter-producers, and Dwele has penned a plethora of romantic ballads, from “Find A Way” to “I’m Cheatin’.” It is potentially difficult to see the expressive tenor as something other than a shy poetic lover. And perhaps that is the greatest attribute of Andwele Gardner: his unbridled imagination creates visions of a whole new world for his listeners to get lost. “My songs wake me up. I’ll have a song in my head but in my dream, I hear it on the radio,” Dwele says of his creative process. “Then I wake up and realize there’s no radio playing, so I hurry to my studio and lay the song down.” And so Dwele’s fifth album Greater Than One, out on August 28, was born. Guided to make “bedroom music” along with impassioned ballads for this set of work, Dwele took some time since his fourth work on 2010’s W.ants. W.orld. W.omen (W.W.W) to gather inspiration from an international perspective. What resulted was a singular, limited edition project and a precursor to Greater Than One which fans will have to see to hear. “One of the more forward songs is called ‘Obey,’” Dwele says of the string-driven track, which begins with an apology for possibly “going too far” and threatening to pull his lover’s hair “if it’s real.” “It’s about when you get into a relationship and you’re experiencing each other for the first time. You never really know how far to take it, this song is a guide for that.” Yes. We want to see that.
Chantelle Young GAME CHANGER
Chantelle Brown-Young (also known as Winnie Harlow) is raising the bar on beauty standards and causing us all to do a double take. This 20-yearold Toronto native is breaking the fashion industry’s cookie-cutter mold after appearing on Cycle 21 of America’s Next Top Model. She has vitiligo, a skin condition which has resulted in white patches on her dark skin. Made well-known by Michael Jackson, vitiligo causes depigmentation of the skin. “I have my flaws, but I love them and embrace them, they are mine,” she said in a 2011 video called “Vitiligo: A Skin Condition not a Life Changer.” Though she was not the season winner, she has not stopped working since departing the show. She’s the star of global fashion brand Desigual’s fall campaign. Chantelle’s social media accounts reveal she has waltzed down several catwalks, starred in a music video, and photographed by the incomparable Nick Knight, who has lensed everyone from Karlie Kloss to Kate Moss. We are watching her dreams come to fruition with bated breath. It is difficult to imagine someone could look at this stunning woman and see her as anything but amazing. The world is full of people with varied perceptions of beauty, and sometimes the dissenting opinions can be unkind and cut deeply. Cruelly bullied in her youth and nicknamed “zebra,” and “cow,” Chantelle admits to considering suicide due to low self-esteem. Then, she made a decision. “I just decided I’m going to tell myself that I am beautiful and this is how I may be for the rest of my life. I need to accept it, embrace it and enjoy it,” Brown-Young told the New York Post. When she made that decision, everything for her life began to change. Though she was rejected by every modelling agency in Toronto, photographers, designers, and runway directors discovered the magnificence that the agency’s narrow vision missed. Unrepresented, she was invited to walk in several Fashion Art Toronto shows in 2013. The same year, America’s Next Top Model producers caught wind of Chantelle fever. Once discovered by Tyra Banks, Chantelle was requested to compete in the 21st cycle of America’s Next Top Model. “A lot of people have a story and a background, but mine is painted on my body,” she says in her plea video for the reality show. Chantelle Brown-Young proves self-confidence and determination are key to change perceptions of body image and beauty standards. The beauty describes herself as a ‘vitiligo spokesmodel’ on Instagram, where she has more than 300,000 followers rallying behind her as she continues to push boundaries and challenge the fashion industry and social stereotypes of what it means to be beautiful. She is truly molding the definition of what is traditionally considered stylish, beautiful, and high fashion. Chantelle is among a number of esteemed peers who are also not allowing the societal norms stop their aspirations. Sierra Sandison, the winner of Miss Idaho 2014, proudly rocked her insulin pump during the swimsuit competition, and body builder Blake Beckford, who suffers from ulcerative colitis, was unapologetic and shameless as he posed shirtless with his colostomy bag. “It’s my genuine opinion that it’s those quirks that make you gorgeous,” Chantelle says. “Let whatever quirks you have shine.”
BREAKING BAD: The Beauty Rut Written By: Heather Blunt
These 10 bad beauty habits might be doing more harm to your skin and hair than you think. Break those bad beauty habits now and slip into a better regimen to rejuvenate and revive! 1. SLEEPING BEAUTY. Sleeping in our make-up is probably the biggest problem on all of our lists. We all get tired, busy with other duties and can cause us to be so fatigued that we just forget to take off our make-up. So, as soon as you get in the door, go straight to the bathroom and get to wiping. Just take it off, ladies. It’s just like not sleeping in your contacts. Just take them out and put your glasses on. 2. NAIL BITING. Come on, it’s disgusting. Do you have any idea how much bacteria and germs are under your nails? This habit is so unappealing and just not sexy. It can make you look very anxious, nervous and like you aren’t that classy lady that you think you are. Just stop. 3. PIMPLE POPPING. Do not, I repeat, Do not mess with your pimples. Touching it causes it to look ten times worse and swollen. When we do this, it can extend the healing process and leave a scar in the end. 4. DIRTY UTENSILS. How many times have you let your make-up brushes go longer than the recommend 3 days to 1 week before giving them the usual bath? Let me answer this one for you: PLENTY. Washing all the brushes with proper technique to prevent damaging the hairs of the brush and then letting them dry is such a hassle. Here’s the tip: do it on a Friday night. They will be dry for you by Saturday afternoon and ready for use. 5. WRONG FACE CLEANSER AND MOISTURIZER. Not all soap is good for your face. And not all moisturizer is meant to be placed on the face either. When purchasing a cleanser and moisturizer, take into consideration the season, your skin needs, and your skins challenges. If you have oily skin, live in a humid city, and are prone to break outs, you should get an oil free cleanser along with a light weight oil free moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15. For dry skin, consider an oil based cleanser and a very hydrating moisturizer that won’t clog the pores. These steps are crucial for keeping youthful skin. 6. NO SUNSCREEN. It is necessary for all skin tones and ethnicities. The sun’s rays can be harmful. It doesn’t matter if you are going out, or will be inside all day. Use a moisturizer or foundation with an SPF for your face. For the body: use a lightweight spray sunscreen on top of your favorite body lotion.
7. OVER-EXFOLIATING. While exfoliating the skin is a wonderfully healthy thing to do, you can over exfoliate. There is no need to do this every day. Just once every three days for the face. Over time, too much exfoliating can start to deplete your skins’ natural oils and can cause dryness, redness and irritation. Go easy on the scrubs. 8. MAKEUP PACKRAT. Do you hold on to your lipsticks for just a year to long? Well, we all have products that we’ve kept for just too long. Be sure to not use expired make-up products. See my handy guide: Mascara - 4months Concealer - 12 months Foundation - 12 months/oil based last up to 18 months. Powders - 2 years Cream & gel liners - 1 year Lip liner - 3 years Pencil eye liner - 3 years but sharpen regularly Eye shadow - 3 years Nail polish- 1 year 9. SLICK PONYTAILS. These sleek and beautiful styles can put a lot of tension on the scalp and cuticle of the hair, causing damage and breakage. It is suggested that whenever possible you should wear loose styles that don’t require much tension on the hair. So, relax that ponytail. 10. HYDRATION, HYDRATION, HYDRATION. We must drink plenty of water above all else to keep our skin youthful and beautiful. Water is the main carrier of nutrients throughout your body and is quite possibly the single most important contributor to healing and preventing acne flare-ups. Drinking enough water will dissolve waste products in your system so it can be easily removed and flush out. Without enough water, there won’t be much to dissolve these product wastes and toxics... causing it to build up in your system and causing your body to expel these product wastes and toxics through your lungs and skin. And this can and will result in acne breakout. No one can change overnight, but take into consideration these tips and tricks, and you will not only see a difference but you will also feel the difference on the inside and out!
OPEN RELATIONSHIPS:
Open for business or closed for repairs? I sat down one Saturday with two models and a business owner. I can honestly say I am nowhere near the life of the party, but after two amaretto sours and an internal pep talk to myself to initiate more conversations, I blurt out the question, “Does anyone here believe in open relationships?” Everyone looks up in with a collective look of ‘Orrin what the hell are you talking about?’ look on their faces. As I begin to explain my random outburst, I wonder: What the hell really is an open relationship and is this the new monogamy? The general consensus is that an open relationship has the stigma of “when we are together we are together and when we are not we are NOT!” That seems fine from a male point a view; as if we are not already cheating. The mere fact that our girlfriend would give us license to do more than window shop is absolutely exhilarating. But that’s not what the focus of this article is about. The focus is: after deciding to be in an open relationship while we men are running around humping every leg in town… we are quick to forget that our girlfriend - our ‘oh so understanding girlfriend’ - is in an open relationship too. I don’t care what we as men say publicly to our friends, women, and or anyone that will listen. We are an insecure breed. An “I can do it but you can’t,” bunch. Wait, am I breaking man law? The fact of the matter is while we men seem to always be in an open, it never really registers to us as men that she will be seeing other guys too. I mean really guys; let’s put everything in perspective. We are, or at least all want to be, alpha males. We don’t like sharing our hot wings, sharing our six pack of Bud Ice. And as much as we fake the funk, we don’t - and I mean DO NOT - like sharing our women. Think about it. In the movies, Morris Chestnut is reconsidering marrying the love of his life because she had one night of indiscretion – and all the while he was cheating his ass off. Or on a much larger scale, where we as men are allowed to be real life porn stars, women are cast down as hoe, slut, and whatever other four or five letter word you can think of. Even I do it…. Errrr I mean I’ve done it. I would cheat, and not think anything of it. But if I’ve found out my woman cheated, I would use words that in a nutshell boil down to, “b*tch you nasty.” I’ve said all of this to say: Fellas! Treat your women and your relationship as you would want your woman to treat the relationship. In the end, I can’t say whether open relationships are right, wrong, or in between. That’s for you to decide. But I leave on an old cliché, “Do until others as…” Blah blah blah…. You know the rest. Fellas just remember that instead of sleeping around on her, feeling pissed and heartbroken that she honored the open relationship that YOU suggested, or being the dirt bag we guys are capable of being, just join in and do it together. The couple that ménage à trois together stays together! - Orrin Carter (@odiggler)
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WHO ARE YOU, PART 2: THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE By: Karen Banks, M.Ed., PLPC, Therapist & Owner of Trinity Wellness, LLC Wouldn’t it be nice to be at peace with life; to live each day intentionally and being true to yourself? In the last issue, I gave some helpful tips on how to find your values, a first step in discovering who you are. If you missed it, visit my blog for the details http://trinitywellstl.blogspot.com. One of the next moves to discovering who you are is learning to live authentically. What is living authentically? Living authentically means to be real, be aware, and to know who you are and live it. It is about casting the persona aside. It means to no longer be afraid of your true self and to embrace both your imperfections & weaknesses and talents & strengths. It is about being human. Living according to your authentic self means to be connected to your values and live life in accordance with the things important to you, no matter how unpopular it may seem. Why is living authentically important? If you feel as if you are living a lie, dressing and acting like someone else, or are generally unhappy or feel disconnected, you are likely not living authentically. Living on a stage and playing a role causes stress and conflict in our lives. On the converse, living authentically allows for us to build deeper connections with people, avoid inner conflicts, and live free of the “would of-should of-could of” guilt. Tips to encourage living authentically: (along with some helpful quotes) • Be open-minded. Be open to different perspectives and learning new things. However, don’t feel as if you have to jump from one thing to the next. • Trust your instinct. You inner voice is the only one you should be listening to. If you get the feeling that something isn’t right, stop! A lot of the conflict you have in your life exists simply because you’re not living in alignment; you’re not be being true to yourself (Steve Maraboli). • Do you! If you are weird and quirky (or not), that’s OK! Have the courage to stand out and stand up for what you believe in. Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is nobody else who is your-er than you (Dr Seuss). • Be honest about who you are. Authenticity is not about hiding the ugly parts of ourselves, it is about embracing them. Being vulnerable can be one of the hardest things about living authentically, but it is what makes us human. If you are not being true to yourself, not only are you cheating yourself, but you are cheating those around you from experiencing the real you. Always be a first-rate version of yourself instead of a second-rate version of someone else (Judy Garland). • Let go. Erykah Badu said it well: “Bag lady, you gone miss your bus, draggin all them bags like that”. If you are too busy holding on to your past, how can you possibly be living in the present? Many times, it is ourselves we need to learn to forgive so that we can move on. When there are no enemies within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you (African proverb). • Meditate. Meditating is a practical way to learn to live in the present. Check out my blog for some helpful meditation tips. Allow yourself a few moments every day to sit in silence with your thoughts. It might be uncomfortable to get to know yourself, but embrace it and accept that you are always evolving. (Check out the next issue of Delux to learn about reinventing yourself.) Learning to live authentically is hard work. It will take constant practice but the reward is immeasurable. Be brave enough to be you; the privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are (Carl Jung). I would love to hear from you about your experiences with living authentically (or not). Reach out via email at info@trinitywellnessstl.com, visit my blog at http://trinitywellstl.blogspot.com , and follow me on Twitter @TrinityWellSTL for more mental health and wellness tips.
Óscar Arístides Renta Fiallo known professionally as Oscar de la Renta, passed away on October 20, 2014 from cancer complications. He had a magnetic charm and fierce loyalty, with no fear of standing up for what he believed. He was an icon, and his presence will be missed. “He always said accept your friends for who they are, not for who you want them to be. Oscar was everything you could want a friend to be,” writes Anna Wintour.
One of Oscar’s greatest accomplishments is building La Casa del Niño, an orphanage and school for the children of La Romana. La Casa del Niño cares for 1,200 children daily, providing schooling for up to 8th grade and daycare for newborns on up so their mothers can work. “He personally supported an orphanage in the Dominican Republic. This was one of his passions—he provided housing, food, education, and hope for those beautiful children,” pens Andre Leon Talley.
Diamonds
WHO SAYS YOU CAN’T BUY YOUR GIRL A BEST FRIEND?
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Bvlgari Cerchi Astrale Diamond 18 K White Gold
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Mrs. Winston High Jewelry Timepiece
Designed for the man who has everything, the world’s most expensive cufflinks come in 18k white gold, with a centerpiece of over 21 carats of canary yellow diamonds flanked by 10.76 carats of baguette-cut white diamonds. These elegant accessories are secured with diamond whale-flip back closures. JacobAndCo.com
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SPRING 2015 TREND REPORT
Suede for Spring - Altuzarra
Strike a Match – Diane Von Furstenberg 32 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2014 www.DeluxMag.com
Teansperancy – Michael Kors
Flower Power – Michael Kors
Military Inspired – Ralph Lauren
Military Inspired – Ralph Lauren
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GET YOUR FRINGE ON
The key to gettting your fringe on this fall/winter season is SIMPLICITY! As usual, the trend is not so curve-friendly. Fringe has the tendency to widen the silhouette. To maintain your luscious bod, find pieces with fringe detailing instead of a full piece. And if you choose boots or booties, make sure to wear them with the skinny-fit jeans or pants. Another fun way to jump on the bandwagon without fully commiting if you’re still not sure is to use a statement piece. A great fringe bag or necklace will be swell with most anything. This is an easy way to incorporate into your everyday chic. And finally, don’t overkill with more than one statement piece. One is plenty!
DELUX.COM OR IPAD APP FOR MORE WITH BOSEDE
BOSEDE EARKANDIE PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT YOU: My name is BOSEDE IYEWARUN. I am A SELF TAUGHT JEWELRY DESIGNER & THE CEO OF EARKANDIE! Earkandie! was FOUNDED on 11/11/2011 due to a growing demand of “Paparazzi & Celebrity Inspired” Jewelry and Accessories in the Midwest. No longer will the fashion savvy have to travel to LA, NY and ATL to get the designer fashions that they crave! EarKandie! is here to cater to anyone who follows the fashion trends and loves sporting the looks at an affordable price. YOU are her target audience! EarKandie! stays conscious of the changing trends nationwide and is therefore committed to YOU! Hot Fashions! Edgy designs! Couture Styles! Creating pieces outside the box for Ladies, Gentlemen & Children! My BRAND Sets the standard by which ALL OTHERS ARE MEASURED. WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO START YOUR BUSINESSES? The story is quite humorous actually. Back when the ORIGINAL Basketball wives debuted, I immediately fell in love with their jewelry and accessories. I remember I had just gotten my hair cut really low and I knew big earrings looked great with short hair. I was so fascinated by the styles and colors, I searched the internet for Basketball wife earrings and BINGO! All the huge hoops I was crazy about came up in my search with photos of the celebrity wearing the jewelry. I found 5 different pair in the jumbo hoops and ordered them from EBay. I paid $189.00 for 5 pair of earrings. When it was all said and done, every time I wore a pair to work, I had to keep my friends from trying to take them from me. They were all so persistent, I ended up SELLING 4 pair OFF my ears! It was at that point I realized I was not the only one who followed celebrity and paparazzi fashion. Many ladies are also interested in those pieces. I did a little research and discovered the only real places ladies and gentlemen can find celebrity inspired jewelry was either online or in NY, LA or ATL. I decided to make 15 pairs of hoops a few weeks after my ordeal at work, and by close of business the day I took in the Hoop Earrings, I had them all sold and $350. Which was my very first investment into EarKandie!
WHAT WAS THE DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR COMPANY? The day I stood on stage at the 1st Annual EarKandie! Fashion Show Extravaganza and realized there was a true Earkandie! following! For a very first show… the room was packed! WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE TO YOUNG WOMEN TODAY LOOKING TO GO INTO ENTREPRENEURSHIP? Without a doubt, the biggest advice is to understand that everyone has an agenda. You have to be clever and smart and make smart choices in the partnerships you choose to be a part of and the ones you prefer to pass on. Integrity and great Work Ethic are critical to running a successful and reputable company. Your REPUTATION is all you have! WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BEST AND WORST MOMENTS AS A BUSINESS OWNER? The best have been the countless messages I receive. Folks that approach me with such kind words of how I have touched them in some way or another through my shows, my group forum on Facebook or through working with my younger models and sharing various things that motivate me daily. My worst moments have been realizing that there is still that unhealthy competition out there. I realize I alone can’t save this fashion industry in our city but it would be so nice if we could all find a way to all come together to make it work. We would get so much more accomplished! WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR PERSONAL STYLE ICONS? The one and only Coco Chanel. “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” -- Coco Chanel
DELUX.COM OR IPAD APP FOR MORE WITH TONY DAVS
MADE MOGUL
M.A.D.E. Moguls has a goal to reach as many young people as possible and give them the tools and needed to become successful entrepreneurs while building character and teaching them valuable, transferable life skills, which will ultimately provide them with alternatives to unemployment, low paying jobs and destructive life choices. The objective of this program is to provide a unique experience for youth to gain valuable hands on experience while learning the fundamental basics of business. Their programming is based on the concept that youth should not only learn entrepreneurship; they should also get the opportunity to put it into practice. The founder of M.A.D.E. Moguls, Mr. Tony Davis, is truly a gift to the youth of St. Louis, MO. Citing business industry giants such as Magic Johnson and 50 Cent, Tony has a phenomenal eye for seeing greatness. M.A.D.E. Moguls teaches and encourages business life skills such as idea development, public speaking, and decision making, and Tony is the perfect leader.
ABOUT MADE MOGULS NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION Made Moguls is a youth program I started back in 2011. Our mission is to help shape the next generation of entrepreneurs by preparing them in areas of entrepreneurship and financial literacy. We teach students basic business concepts and encourage them to explore their options to create their own business opportunities in the future.
DEFINING MOMENTS Interacting with different youth, I realized that many of them had big entrepreneurial ideas and dreams but no real idea of the steps to take to achieve them or the tools they would need to be successful.
INSPIRATIONS I noticed a lack of programs that actually addressed entrepreneurial education in a real way, and I wanted to create a program that could be educational, fun and the youth could relate to culturally as well.
ADVICE Be Inspired. Be Great.
ON LEADERSHIP All of my best and worst moments usually come from the same thing: my attitude to get a job done by any means, even if it means I have to do it all myself. And sometimes that can help you, but it can hurt you as well.
BUSINESS ICONS Some of my personal business icons are people like Jay-Z, Magic Johnson, Sean Combs, and 50 Cent. These are people who I admire because they were able to achieve great things in business and still preserve their cultural beliefs and identities.
MANTRA I’m not even sure where I heard it first, but it stuck with me, and that’s, “He who believes he can’t and he who believes he can are both usually right…”
y a d i l o H c i Ch THIS HOLIDAY SEASON IS ALL ABOUT GLITZ AND GLAM
Curated and written by: Letitia McPherson-Young, Fashion Editor Get excited! ‘Tis the season for glitzy holiday soirees, and you know what that means. That’s right, lots of decking the halls and getting all decked out. This holiday season is all about glam. Delux Magazine’s Holiday Chic Mini Look Book features styles that are perfect for your holiday festivities and your beautiful body! Lead Stylist: Letitia McPherson-Young, Styling Assistant & Coordinator: Ashley Williams, @styledbyashley_ Lead Hairstylist: Zeina Sparks, @zeinasparks Hairstylist: Mia Denson, @mia_cosmogirl Makeup Artist: Krysten McCrary, @krystenmccrary Photographer: McArthur Photography, @mcaurthur_25 Location: The Rustic Goat St. Louis, MO
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Dress: Red & Black Cocktail gown by Shukuru Couture, St. Louis, MO www.shukurucouture.com Shoes: Bronx Diba, Earth City, MO 314-373-1280 Earrings: Hyper Haute by Erika Dunk, Available at Honey’s Child Boutique
38 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2014 www.DeluxMag.com
Dress: Temptation by Qristyl Frazier Designs, Available at Honey’s Child Boutique, Downtown St. Louis 314-875-0011
Shukuru Couture Tassel High-Low Cocktail dress, available at Honey’s Child Boutique Shoes: Bronx Diba, Earth City, MO 314-373-12801
Leather/Vinyl Peplum Busiter and Zippered Zebra Midi Skirt: Rue 114 Available at Honey’s Child Boutique Golden Acryllic Choker by Zenzii available at Honey’s Child Boutique
Dress: Textured Knit Peplum, Bebe St. Louis Galleria 314-862-8400 Shoes: Bronx Diba, Earth City, MO 314-373-1280 Clutch: Cameo de Bore, Belleville IL, http://cameodebore.squarespace.com/ Jewelry: Zenzii, Available at Honey’s Child Boutique
Dress: Deep V Embellished Dress, Bebe Saint Louis Galleria, 314-862-8400 Shoes: Bronx Diba, Earth City, MO 314-373-1280 Earrings: Hyper Haute by Erika Dunk, available at Honey’s Child Boutique
40 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2014 www.DeluxMag.com
NETFLIX: BINGEING BY THE LIGHT Our favorite Netflix shows are listed for you to enjoy a TV guide of marathoning shows for your cuffin season spooning pleasure. The binge TV trend knows no race, class, sex, or religion. It seems we’re all finally equal when partaking of the chill sessions to zero-out our brains and emotionally rush into someone else’s storyline for a while. From romcom to sitcoms, and the most sinfully mind-glazing TV drama of immersive characters: it’s all right here. These are the shows you should binge on during the cozy cold winter. Chillax to the warm glow of the mesmerizing TV screen, and grab the wine. This list will keep you clicking “just one more” episode after episode – and don’t forget the Biscoff cookie butter and pear slices to add yet another layer of decadence to the experience!
HOUSE OF CARDS (TV SERIES) US politics are addictively wicked and grimy in House Of Cards. Powerful acting, a gripping plot and, well… Kevin Spacey. Spacey’s depiction of a callous congressman’s scrap to the top of the VIP pile is mesmerizing, and the cold, clinical manner in which he partners up with his on-screen wife (Robin Wright), is brilliantly chilling. It’s worth getting a Netflix subscription for this alone.
ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK Orange Is the New Black is a Netflix original series. Like its sibling House Of Cards, it’s enthralling, addictive and vulgar. And hilarious. Based on a true story, it follows the life of an upper middle-class New Yorker who ends up in women’s prison for a crime committed ten years previously – and through flashbacks explores her life (and the colorful lives of her fellow inmates) before incarceration.
30 ROCK (TV SERIES) Intelligent, gorgeous, and ridiculously funny Tina Fey slays with a sardonic take on a fictitious variety show, not unlike her Saturday Night Live roots. The best part of the entire series is hearing Tracy Jordan say, “Liz Lemon.” I’m smirking right NOW!
DEXTER (TV SERIES) Dexter tells the story of Dexter Morgan, America’s favorite serial killer. As a blood spatter expert, he spends his day solving crime, and his night committing them. Dexter lives by a strict code of honor that is both his saving grace and lifelong burden.
LUTHER (TV SERIES) Because Idris Elba. The end.
SKINS (TV SERIES) Erase every memory you have of the watered-down MTV U.S. version of Skins if that’s the only experience you have with the show. The original UK version more insane, more heart-wrenching, and more stoned. Every two seasons rotates in a new cast of screwed-up teen characters engaging in all-out debauchery and putting my 20’s to shame, but in a way that’s startlingly realistic and true to modern issues. Drugs, teen pregnancy, anxiety, and homosexuality, anyone? Yes, please!
JERICO (TV SERIES) A classic apocalypse tale, Jericho tells the story of a small American town in the days and months after a nuclear war. The themes will be familiar to anyone who’s played the Fallout games or watched The Walking Dead (minus the zombies) THE RICHES (TV SERIES) A tight-knit family of Irish drifters assumes the identities of an affluent Southern family in this dramedy. Dahlia and Wayne learn that the luxury life isn’t necessarily easy -- especially when your past keeps returning to haunt you.
BLACK-ISH Black-ish is an American sitcom starring Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, that debuted on ABC during the 2014–15 television season. The single-camera comedy centers on an upper-middle-class African-American family. Andre Johnson has a great job, a beautiful wife, Rainbow, four kids, and a colonial home in the ‘burbs. But has success brought too much assimilation for this black family? With a little help from his dad, Dre sets out to establish a sense of cultural identity for his family that honors their past while embracing the future.
Styled by Jesse J. Collections  Dress -stockroom.com  Crown Mariana Harutunian  Shoes- Boohoo  2. romper Tafreshi  Necklace - Mariana Harutunian ;Wings- Shoes -koi coutureCo Stylist - Sheeree Wings- mccormick 42 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2014 www.DeluxMag.com
DELUXCOVER
PALOMA FORD Sexy, sultry, and hypnotizing indie songstress Paloma Ford has one foot on a springboard, and the other in the air. She is poised to fly among the stars where she belongs. With a solid industry track record of success and hard work, Paloma is making her dreams come true on her own terms. A few clicks through the massive social media empire of Paloma allows glimpses into the multi-faceted personality of this chanteuse, and we L.O.V.E. her! She’s a Janet fan. What’s not to love? Paloma Ford’s first album, titled Nearly Civilized, will arrive next month. Her vocals weave their way around minimalist arrangements of commanding hip hop beats. Voice gliding across the track with effortless cool, Paloma has a talent transcending genre. “Now, you can be a lot of different things at one time,” She says. “I grew up in a hip hop culture. That’s what I’m really into, so that’s what I’m doing. When I say hip hop, I’m still a singer. I am a SINGER singer. The music is considered hip hop because it’s drum driven. It’s not traditional R&B.” The pleasant dissonance of the grit in the track production mixing with her sweet voice is a familiar fusion with her definitive stamp on the sound.
from Sacramento, D&D has worked with Chris Brown, Ciera, and several more notables. “They’re singers and writers and just awesome guys. They really helped get my sound out – a cool, new style of R&B that they’ve developed,” she states. “As soon as I started working with them, I knew these were the guys I wanted to work with because it was an instant chemistry. They understood where I needed to go vocally, and where music needed to be sonically for me. So we took the time the last couple of years really cultivating a sound for myself and really developing the right lane for me and really developing myself as an artist. That turned into allowing me to turn in some hooks for artists like Meek Mill.”
“I always wanted to be a singer,” says Paloma. Some of her inspiration comes from her mother’s love of singer-songwriters. “Sade is a huge muse of mine. I can always go back to her and draw inspiration. She is one of my mother’s favorite artists, and we always had her playing in the house. I always loved Sade – she’s a big influence in my life.” She also says her passion comes from her earliest memories of her father always playing music. “When I grew older and moved away, he’d send me boxes of CD’s.”
Paloma continued to carve out her own space in the competitive industry. The work and drive it takes to develop her craft in the vocal arena was no small feat. “A couple of years ago, I met my producers I’m working with now, D&D Production.” Two brothers
Paloma laughs, “I’m a college dropout – the one semester I went to college, I only went to music and that was only because we got to perform every two weeks and learn new cool tricks to sing.” “I was so one-track minded,” Paloma recalls. “All I wanted to do was be a singer, and figure out what I could do to make that happen. I felt like I was wasting money being there. I would literally just sit through class. My parents weren’t too happy with that. My mother always supported me, and my father was more like BE A DOCTOR or LAWYER. Music didn’t go over well. Not that he wanted to discourage me and my dreams, he just wanted me to have a stable life. School was easy for me, and he wanted me to just get a degree and do something that’s more guaranteed.” The tune her Dad sings today has a very different vibe. “He’s proud of me now. He’s proud that I stuck to what I believed in and that I didn’t take “NO” for an answer. It’s so funny now, because my Dad was the hardest on me, and now my Dad is a super fan. My Mom is always just happy for me. She’s happy when I’m happy and sad when I’m sad.”
A true California girl, Paloma is originally from Long Beach, and grew up in the valley of LA. “I’m an LA girl. I love LA – wouldn’t trade it for any place in the world! I love my city,” she says. Her single Summer In California featuring Snoop Dogg and IAMSU! is a fun breezy piece and reiterates her California love. Her mother moved to Ohio, which is where she ended up graduating from high school. Then, she went back to LA to pursue music. “I moved back to LA and got a series of production deals. Then I got really lucky and was in the right place and the right time and ended up doing background vocals for Macy Gray. I was 19 when that happened. Ever since then, I’ve just stayed in some type of a music situation. I was signed to Rico Love at one point,” Paloma says. Rico Love is the man responsible for producing some of pop, hip-hop and R&B’s hottest hits with a phenomenal track record in the industry working with greats like Nelly, Diddy, and Beyonce. “I just stayed in the music industry doing backup vocals and working.”
driving force in her goals. “First and foremost – my earliest inspirations outside of Sade are Michael and Janet Jackson. I was obsessed with Michael and Janet. As I got older, it went from Janet to Aaliyah. Janet, Aaliyah, and Sade are all the same kind of singer, as in, they’re very laid back in the way they approach their songs. Aaliyah - from JR high on - she was everything to me. The way she worked with Timbaland, that’s how I feel when I work with my producers. When we go in the studio – even if it doesn’t make the album we always make something special. Like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis with Janet. The music from that era when she worked with them is just classic music. Old Janet. Rhythm Nation to Velvet Rope. I love her.”
Paloma shares the same sentiment of happy wishes for her darling little boy. “I have a son named Stazzi James. He is 5. He goes to Montessori. I’m so thankful for it,” she shares about her little one. “He is like a little adult. He’s really into Dinosaurs,” she laughs. Family is obviously important to her. Paloma has gained notoriety through her recent feature on the song, I Don’t Know. “I sent in some hooks for Meek Mill, and he asked me to record the song, and he liked how I delivered it. It ended up being his first single,” Paloma says. “It was cool working with him. I had a preconceived notion of what he might be like, and it was nothing like that. He was cool. Really nice. He works hard, and he works fast, and he’s just a beast in the studio, so I really just took some notes,” she recollects. On Paloma Ford’s newest release, Let Me See, Meek Mill reciprocated the feature and dropped two rounds of delicious bars on a great single. Paloma always wanted to be a musician, and never had any other aspirations. With her gentle and unfussy delivery of pop-driven lyrics, Paloma cites some of the greatest performers of our time as a
Outside of the music grind, Paloma’s well-known stylistic sense is another artistic outlet. “Fashion is definitely a passion of mine,” Paloma says. “I always loved to dress even before I knew what fashion was. My Mom has funny stories about me being obsessed with certain pieces – like little shoes I would wear and never take off when I was little.” Her keen eye has since developed. “Growing up my step mom was very into brand names. I learned from her, and became interested in designers. I’m a huge Chanel fan.” Slowly developing her own Urban street wear clothing line, Paloma is stealthily learning the fashion industry ropes. “Villans LA and I did a t-shirt collab. It’s street wear with a high end feel. I want people who can’t afford Givency to feel like they’re wearing Givency. That t-shirt is out now.” http://villansla.com/villans-x-paloma-ford-tee/
44 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2014 www.DeluxMag.com
MERCEDES BENZ ST LOUIS In addition to providing the drivers of St. Louis,
Missouri with a cornucopia of new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, E-Class, M-Class, GLK-Class, GL-Class vehicles and used cars, we at Mercedes-Benz of St. Louis are dedicated to all of your automotive needs. Namely, that includes helping you find the model that best suits your lifestyle and your budget through conversations with our sales consultants and lease and financing experts.
FOR HIM
46 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2014 www.DeluxMag.com
FOR HER
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SHE SO DANDY
This handbag transforms effortlessly from Day as a top handle handbag to Night when folded over as a clutch! Your fingertips will glisten as the Swarovski crystal embellished tassel sways to and fro. Shop this perfectly versatile and equally as stylish piece for any season and for any reason; along with other unique styles online at SheDandyBoutique. com. $90.00 cdansberry@shedandyboutique.com www.shedandyboutique.com
BIGGER IS BETTER
Designer of Fabulous Oversized Clutches ..join the lady-like movement! .we specialize in fabulously hand-created oversized clutches! www.cameodebore.com
ITS LIKE BUTTA BABY
This 100% natural product contains unrefined shea butter from the shea beans of Africa. It also contains a beautiful combination of Sweet Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E Oil, Olive Oil, and natural Essential Oils for fragrance. We also offer a non-nut oil version as well!
WIPE ME DOWN
The Makeup Eraser is made from a proprietery blend of polyester. Water is the only thing needed for Makeup Eraser to work. Warm or hot water works best. Makeup Eraser does not have “loops” in its material and will not grab Eyelash Extensions. Makeup Eraser is chemical free, it will not harm Permanent or Tattooed makeup, nor will it loosen/dissolve Eyelash Extension glue. Unlike Microfiber, Makeup Eraser will not dry your skin. $19.97, www.magicalmakeuperaser.net
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INSPIREDKNOTS
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For the audiophiles on your list, the new X-mini CLEAR delivers outstanding, studio-quality sound clarity, with sound separation exceeding current standards in the portable speaker market. With a stylish, transparent back design displaying near zero wire sound engineering and built in mood lighting, the X-mini CLEAR is one of the cleanest and clearest sounding portable audio systems available. The X-mini CLEAR will be available globally mid-November at: www.x-mini.com
KATE SPADE NEW YORK- two of a kind bottle stopper and corkscrew set $50 NESPRESSO VERTUOLINE coffee and espresso maker with aerocchino milk frother $299.99 KATE SPADE NEW YORK- darling point 2-piece double old-fashioned set $50 SCHMIDT BROTHERS titan 5-piece cutlery set $99.99 Martha Stewart Collection Copper Accent 12 Piece Cookware Set $149.00
SEX POSITIVE STL Immergence from the Underground • by Seven L. Maxwell
Sex and sexuality is taboo in America, and in most urban areas it’s almost unspeakable. Although society places a stigma on women and sexuality, there are also communities of sexually aware individuals who are silently standing in the shadows looking for a safe place to explore their innermost inhibitions. At a time where mainstream media manipulates the minds of consumers through sexual stimulation, there aren’t many avenues for selfexploration and education. Sure, everyone’s a freak these days, but there are those with sexual appetites that can’t be appeased with a mundane missionary position. Since 2010, the founders of Sex Positive St. Louis (SEX+STL) developed a forum for erotic enthusiasts to explore just about anything that excites them. What began as an online resource has branched out into one of the most open forums for people to explore and understand sexual stimuli in untraditional aspects. Kendra Holliday, Johnny Murdoc, David Wraith, and Anna Bent are the pioneers of SEX+STL. After solidifying their stance, they came together on a mission to bridge the gap in the seemingly sexually repressed community of St. Louis. “We wanted to provide a safe place for people to discuss and explore sexuality in a positive manner because the media so often portrays sex in an ignorant or negative way. We knew there was a lot of information that people were lacking that was not accessible. So the four of us started out as an online resource. We only had a website.” Co-founder, Kendra Holliday continued, “We then started off with one happy hour to see if there were people who wanted to come and join us. That happy hour, we had 100 people attend. After that, we kept adding events to our schedule. Now we have nearly 1000 members in our group and it’s grown really nicely. We offer all types of different options and ways for people to try out different things and let them stretch their comfort zone at their own pace and at their own level.” SEX+STL hosts, sponsors, promotes and partners with others hosting SEX+ events that bring together
both novices and experts on any aspect of sexuality. Membership is open to those who are over 18 and interested in exploring other options. By offering members the freedom to explore their sexual selves within their own community, they are able to connect with people with shared interests as they desire. “[SEX+STL has] expanded and connected subcultures that were already there,” co-founder David Wraith adds. “There was a polyamorous community, a swinger community, a BDSM community, and a nudist community [to name a few] in St. Louis before SEX+STL, and while there was some overlap, these communities were largely segregated. I think SEX+STL has brought these communities together and brought new people into them.” By offering public and private events, SEX+STL offers a variety of topics and exhibitions to educate and inspire the audience to embrace their body with the intent to improve body image and sexual self-esteem. “We have happy hours. We have public events for people to meet like-minded people. We have a lot of events at Shameless Grounds, which is in South City, and that place is a Sex+ coffee shop so it’s a perfect fit for us and we’ll hold discussion groups there. We’ll talk about really important issues in our culture like: non-monogamy, sexual health—all kinds of different topics. Once people attend our public events, and we get to know them—and we help build rapport and trust—then they’re allowed to attend our private events,” Holliday adds. “Our private events are held in private residences and are not advertised publically. Those events are usually clothing-optional, which means that people can opt whether to wear clothes or not. But it’s a way for people to feel comfortable and it’s very liberating. It teaches body positivity and it’s such a neat thing. “We’ve done sexually explicit demos and part of it is very exciting and new for people to experience. Part of it truly is educational and eye-opening for people so they can learn about this stuff and decide if it’s something they’d like to explore, or just curious. It’s really neat to dispel the myths that are so common.” Holliday elaborates, “We have different themes. For instance, one time, we had a Scar-and-Tell event where the 12 people who attended, all undressed
and each told something about our body—a scar that we had—and it was really therapeutic. It was a really positive event, and people really loved that one. We’ve also done a breast event for women only, and we’ve done genital events for women only. We also had one for guys—which, of course I didn’t go to but we had our male co-founders doing that one. Some of them have open attendance, but some we reserve for women only because we’ve found that men are overwhelmingly eager and excited to get involved in our group, but women feel more reserved and repressed, so they need more encouragement and opportunity to explore these things.” With every sensitive subject, there’s always a concern about the privacy of its members, but Wraith sheds insight on that issue. “The founders of SEX+STL are all very public about our lives. [Since sex is still] secretive and taboo in our society, when we started back in 2010, people thought we wouldn’t respect the privacy of people who came to our events, which isn’t true at all. I think we did a good job of disputing this myth until very recently when we got a lot of press, including being on CNN. For the record, no one was featured in any of that coverage who didn’t do so voluntarily.” “I’d like to see us reach more people. I’d like to attract more people of color, more people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender and more elders, especially women,” Wraith adds. Growing from four members to nearly 1000 members in their group, over 1,400 followers on Twitter and over 1,700 followers on Facebook, SEX+STL is constantly expanding the sexual awareness of the community. With constant interaction and education within a well-kept community, they are achieving their mission, but they can’t do it alone. “SEX+STL is a community effort and we want to know what needs people have that we can help to meet. If anyone has an idea for a sex positive event, and they’re willing to put a little sweat equity into helping us produce it, thfey can contact use via our website: http://sexstl. com/.”
photo courtesy of Lawrence Bryant
Po
n o s n h o J #POJOLOVESYOU
With courage to live out loud and offering zero apologies for it, watching Po Johnson on VH1’s LA LA’s FULL COURT LIFE is a breath of fresh air to the usual reality rhetoric. We love her. She doesn’t shy away from her truth, or from topics which might seem too heavy. Her very nature embodies a graceful veracity with her take-it-or-leave-it cavalier tone, and an instant levity is brought to the situation. The reality co‐star has been a fan favorite for three seasons now, and we can’t seem to get enough of watching her blossom into the chic style maven with a delicious edge. Beyond her gorgeous singing and enviable persona, we will always love her for her sensational style. When BET asked Po about her fashion sense, she said, “I would call my style a freedom style. I try to illustrate whatever it is that I feel. Freedom of creativity. I don’t know if that makes sense. Someone once asked me, ‘What are you thinking about when you get dressed? Why would you put on that color and that color and that color?’ And I thought, well I don’t know, it just made sense to me. I’m an eccentric person, but again I wasn’t a communicative person when I was younger, so I tried to express myself in different forms of art: writing, drawing and to me getting dressed is another form of art. That’s how I show people who I am.” Po’s style evolution is exquisite. Fashion is definitely a canvas for her, and she has fun with it. Whether it is a bold pattern, a wild color choice, or heavy accessories, she rocks it with a casual audacity. The bodacious bod doesn’t hurt, either. She can don a dominatrix-inspired cat suit or a pair of ripped jeans and look gorgeous. We’re anxiously awaiting her upcoming debut album The Diary of a Love Drunken Monkey, so until then, enjoy her beauty RIGHT HERE in Delux!
The Walgreens Expressions challenge is a program sponsored by Walgreens to encourage teens to make healthy choices through creative expression. High School Students are given a chance to write a poem, essay or short story, make paintings, drawings or sculptures, or create a music video, song or skit about topics that effect them everyday. Topics include but are not limited to bullying, self-esteem, teen pregnancy prevention, std prevention, saying no to drugs, and staying in school. The winners of the challenge are awarded $2000 for first place and $1250 for second. The program is based in Chicago and St. Louis because in these cities teens suffer from the highest rates of teen pregnancy and stds. Walgreens is committed to raising awareness about these issues. Each year they have donated over $30,000 in cash and prizes to Expressions Challenge participants. This is an awesome program because it’s a chance to begin dialogue with youth about issues they face everyday. Healthy teens truly do create a healthy future! Visit our website at www.expressionschallenge.com and like out social media pages twitter & ig: @expressionschal and Expressions Challenge on Facebook. Written by Bell Darris
52 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2014 www.DeluxMag.com
IF CHANGE IS GONNA COME. . . By: Dr. Christi Griffin is the Founder and President of The Ethics Project www.TheEthicsProject.org
Over the last several months, there have been more meetings in the St. Louis Metropolitan area than any one person could possibly navigate. Those who understand that change will never come without fervent and devoted effort wore themselves ragged running from one well intended meeting to another. Many aspects of our political system, police departments, courts, economy and criminal justice system have been examined, discussed, dissected and left with their ugliness spilled out for the world to see. Finally, the community has come together in a unified effort to bring about long awaited change. Change is needed. The festering wounds of racism, intimidation, brutality, segregation, denial, exploitation and discrimination have reached a point where amputation, surgery and years of rehabilitation are required. The cancerous hatred that decades of complacency allowed to spread through every part of our political, educational and economic systems has reached its pinnacle and metastasized in the brain. The system as it currently exists simply can’t be given a pill and sent back on its way. The life support of lies and stolen gain need to be disconnected. Failing to do so only delays the inevitable. Not since the days of Montgomery, Selma, Birmingham and Memphis have we seen such concerted effort to wrangle justice from the jaws of hate. “Power concedes nothing without demand” and that truth combined with sheer oblivion has created a wall of resistance. To date, power has conceded little. In light of that reality, in light of the historical proof that racism and oppression will merely tighten its grips, the call for change must not relent. The protest should not only persist but increase in number. The economic demands that go unheard when delivered merely by the shouts of brave and intolerant protesters must be augmented by acts of empowerment that that rattle the cage. If the polite, albeit angry demands for fairness and justice go unmet, the volume must be turned up. If protests yield only menial gains, it’s time to speak a language that’s understood. If economic loss is the only thing that garners attention, then economic loss it must be. With hold your money and make sure others do as well. Be intentional in who you support and who can support others. But we can’t expect change from those who hold the power if change we’re not willing to give. If change is going to come, we have to acknowledge our complicity in the rouse. Complicity in the current state of affairs if only by our neglect. Too many of us drink the Kool Aide in every flavor it’s served, far too willing to accept free lunches, free cell phones, free rent and free advice. We’ve called the man “honky”, racist and all but a child of God but take every hand out that in turn makes him rich. We’ve let them take the tax dollars of those diligent enough to secure a good job and convert them to riches for the rich. We let the
music the produce shape the minds of our beloved and television to shape the very view we have of ourselves. We get mad because “whitey” hates us reserving that right for ourselves. Self-hate, self-harm, self-destruction. We can’t expect those imbued with privilege to walk away from its spoils if we who want to share in their benefits don’t want to head their way. We can’t be the recipients of economic gain if our hands are clutching the benefits of lack. We can’t demand jobs but cling to the bed when we get them. We can’t expect “entitlements” and expect enough to buy weave. We can’t accept public housing and park a Cadillac outside. We’ve had a love affair with poverty and were it like a crown. It garners sympathy, earns us rights and paves a dangerous path. It leaves open a narrow door through which only those willing to release its comforts can walk. It’s the very tool the oppressor uses to not only keep us down but to raise themselves up. It’s the ticket to prison and a lifetime denied. Wealth comes at a price. If means gratification delayed; it means getting scraped and bruised, it means putting down the gun and picking up the pace. It requires walking away from home boy and spending nights alone. Wealth mean giving up things you want to secure the things you need. It means setting your eye on lofting goals and sacrificing to get there. Success means following the path of those who made it rather than the rap that racism wrote. It means having children you can afford and spouses you can believe. Elevating the masses means elevating our thoughts and carving a new path. If we’re going to denounce a police department who would give out 300 tickets to one person, we have to denounce the person who would get them. We can’t expect the system to change if we don’t. We can’t expect to spew profanity and wonder why hate spews back. We can’t sag day and night and think someone will offer a job. You either want to work or you want to sag. If you want to fit into opportunity you have to make opportunity fit. We can’t expect the Powers that Be to give up the comforts they gained at our expense if we’re not willing to surrender some comforts ourselves. Despite the obstacles set up at every turn, choices must be made to defeat them. If one Black person made it, we all can make it. But it takes unity and pride. It takes those who have made it to realize the help they received. It means reaching out with the compassion and tenacity that was a gift to us. It means reaching out and accepting the hand up. If we want to demand change, then change we must. And the first person we should look to is ourselves.
Lunc h Hours
Monday–Friday 11am-2pm 2617 Washington Avenue Saint Louis, Missouri 63103
Dinner Service Wednesday 5pm -10pm Thursday 5pm -12am Friday 5pm -1:30am Saturday 5pm -1:30am
Live M usic
Wed-Friday 7pm-9pm Find us on facebook Follow us on twitter @theRusticGoat
314. 371 . 4031 www.RusticGoat.com
WHERE. Unearthed are the hip, sexy, and often underappreciated venues in the Gateway City. Our insiders guide takes you to places to see and be seen. Entertainment options are surging. Get out and experience St. Louis like the tastemaker you are. Come see us! DELUX MAGAZINE
55
LifeStyle PARKTOWN AUDI
» Parktown Audi has been
in business and at the same location for over 35 years! In fact, Parktown was the first Porsche and Audi Franchised Dealer in the St. Louis area. They have continued to be the industry leader for Porsche and Audi maintaining the highest level of integrity and customer service that one can find in the automotive industry.
10th STREET GALLERY
» Solomon Thurman and Pat Smith-Thurman are no strangers to the art world. Thet previously held a downtown studio/gallery on Locust for more than 10 years. Painting for more than 35 years, Artist Solomon is also a researcher and teacher 419 North 10th St. 63101
GINGERBAY
BAND BOX CLEANERS» Band Box Cleaners, 1110 Locust
» All customized facial treatments begin with a skin analysis by our licensed esthetic professionals. Spa wraps are provided for your comfort during your service. 437 S Kirkwood Rd 314-966-0655
Street and Band Box Cleaners East, 219 North 7th Street, serving the downtown community since 1925! Our cleaners and laundry service for men & woman is second to none. Offering same day service for those who need it! Monday-Friday we open at 7:00 a.m. and on Saturdays we open at 10:00 a.m. other services, like alterations and commercial cleaning available. Call 314.421.3122 or 314.436.4353. Proudly owned and operated by the Impellizzer family.
Dining
THE SHAVED DUCK» Located in the Tower Grove neighborhood, this
BBQ restaurant and smokehouse focuses on rustic American cuisine, specifically its hickory and traditional smoked pork, chicken, beef, and of course duck! Featured on Food Network star Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, this low-key restaurant has become a staple of St. Louis cuisine. 2900 Virginia Avenue • St. Louis, MO 63118 • (314) 776-1407
MISSION TACO
» Having successfully opened its newest location
in Soulard, Mission Taco Joint continues its critical acclaim of 2013. Serving true traditional Mexican cuisine, the Mission continues to elevate itself and serve crowds of customers in its original and recently opened locations.
JUNIPER» For the soul-foodies who still want to enjoy an elegant dinner atmosphere, Juniper offers it all. It’s a one stop shop for all the traditional Southern style cuisine like fried chicken, hush puppies, chicken and waffles, and cornbread. Mm-hmm! 360 N Boyle Ave. • St. Louis MO • 314.329.7696
908 Lafayette Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63104 6235 Delmar Boulevard, Saint Louis, MO 63130
Shopping
LOVE YOUR CURVES
» Honey’s Child Boutique 1927 Washington Ave. St. Louis, MO 63103 (314) 875-
RUNGBOUTIQUE
0011
» 9739 Manchester Rd St. Louis, MO 63122 (314) 918-0575
St. Louis’ first and only
Rung is to bolster the confidence of professional women in the business world by offering professional attire at affordable prices in a boutique atmosphere that provides a fun and uplifting experience. With a significant portion of the profits going to support the work of the Women’s Foundation of
contemporary, indie and international designer boutique exclusively for women size 12 & up.s.
Greater St. Louis, Rung brings professional fashion full circle.
EAST + WEST MENS BOUTIQUE
» 205 N. Kirkwood Rd. Kirkwood, MO 63122 (314) 835-1419
New mens boutique in downtown Kirkwood in St. Louis, MO. East + West specializes in casual apparel, footwear, apothecary, and accessories for the modern man. Our goal is to bring unique, quality, and authentic products to St. Louis. 56 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2014 www.DeluxMag.com
Music + Poets DEMO
THE RUSTIC GOAT
» The Demo’s intimate capacity coupled with
» The Coliseum brings a host of
its state of the art sound system, intelligent
entertainment options to Wash Ave. An
light show and video capability, provides
homage, of sorts, to the original St. Louis Coliseum, which was located across the street until the early 1950s, the new venue is a hot spot not only for live music, but for live events of all types—from comedians and fashion shows to seminars and product launches. 2619 Washington Ave. - St. Louis, MO 63103
THE UPSTAIRS LOUNGE
concert goers with a big room experience in a
» You won’t find a sign for Upstairs.
comfortable, dance/party friendly environment.
know. Directly above Mekong on the corner of Grand
The Demo is ground zero for all type of
and Hartford, The Upstairs Lounge is the go-to place for
progressive music- including rock, punk, indie,
inexpensive drinks, dancing and local DJs spinning every
hip-hop, EDM, garage, funk, and soul, but don’t
night of the week. The unpretentious atmosphere and
be surprised when anything from afrobeat to
diverse crowd is the true alternative to the St. Louis club
folk shows up on the schedule!
scene. If you’re into that kind of thing...
4191 Manchester Ave - St Louis, MO 63110
3131 South Grand Boulevard - St Louis, MO 63118
NightLife THE COLISEUM
You just kind of
THE MARQUEE
» The Marquee Restaurant & Lounge in upscale midtown hosts the hottest events and
» The Coliseum brings a host of entertainment options to Wash
sexiest St. Louisans. Begin your evening with
Ave. An homage, of sorts, to the original St. Louis Coliseum, which
a well-executed dinner and keep your seat
was located across the street until the early 1950s, the new
for an evening of perfectly prepared drinks in
venue is a hot spot not only for live music, but for live events of
cozy, private booths.
all types—from comedians and fashion shows to seminars and
1911 LOCUST AVE • 314-436-8889
product launches. 2619 Washington Ave. - St. Louis, MO 63103
ELMO’S LOVE LOUNGE
SOHO STATUS
» SoHo in The Grove merges contemporary comfort food in the fullservice restaurant with a bustling and diverse nightlife experience. The sophisticated vibe bears credence to a tastemaker’s crowd. 4229 Manchester Ave, St Louis, MO 63110 (314) 932-5554
» Elmo’s Love Lounge is a friendly place where mature adults can eat, drink, and enjoy the peaceful setting around beautiful bartenders with the vibe of Love 7828 Olive Blvd - University City
Culture DANCE SAINT LOUIS
FOX THEATER» The story of
2015 season kicks off
MOTOWN Records empire, along with the
» Dance St. Louis 2014with pure excitement/ November 7-8 The Dance Theater of Harlem will hold stage to witness the first
JAZZ ST. LOUIS » Jazz at the Bistro is the best way to experience great music in one of the top venues in the
how Barry Gordy started the unprecedent
country as the kick off their 20th seasono with
spearheading the careers of Diana Ross,
a completely revitalized
Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson, and
venue. Grand Openinf
many more. The show kicks off November
scheduled for Oct 3rd
18-30th. St. Louis MO
with Wynton Marsalis.
African-American ballet company . This will be an event you won’t want to miss. 3547 Olive Blvd ste 301 • 314-534-6622 • dancestlouis.org
ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY AT POWELL HALL <<<You have to hear it live! 718 N. Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63103 314-5341700
REPERTORY THEATER
» October 29th- November 16th come witness the story of A KID LIKE JAKE at The Repertory of St. Louis. Come enjoy live entertainemtn first hand. 130 Edgar Rd Stl, MO
3536 Washington Ave St. Louis MO 63103 314-289-4030 .jazzstl.org
noW oPen in BrenTWooD Dinner niGhTly + lunch Daily + sunDay Brunch @10aM
Market-Fresh Fish.
Polished Casual
®
atMosPhere.
CheF-Coat serviCe.
Yep, that’s Bonefish Grill. Brentwood • 8780 eager road • (314) 918-1649 located at the intersection of eager road and south Brentwood Blvd, next to Drury inn and suites
GET A $20 HOLIDAY BONUS CARD!
with a purchase of $100 in gift cards.
Make your reservation today BonefishGrill.coM
BONE FISH GRILL
NOW SERVING IN BRENTWOOD BONEFISH GRILL 8780 Eager Rd Brentwood, MO 63144 (314) 918-1649 www.BoneFishGrill.com
Bonefish Grill is now open next to the new Drury Hotel located at the intersection of Brentwood Boulevard and Eager Road in Brentwood. The self proclaimed “fresh fish experts” restaurant in the line of Fleming’s, Roy’s, Carrabba’s and Outback Steakhouse’s parent company Bloomin’ Brands celebrated this, their now 203rd store, with a ribbon cutting featuring Brentwood mayor Pat Kelley, and the store’s managing partner Brian Willett. Willet stressed his dedication to the brand and the community, including his desire to work with charitable organizations including a commitment to Make a Wish foundation at the opening event Monday, October 20th. Bonefish Grill describes the atmosphere of the restaurant as “polished casual,” including fresh seafood dining, entertainment, and bar which focuses on unique, hand-crafted cocktails as well as regional beers and other libations. This “polished casual” environment is relaxed, but with a pulled together and precise feel. The Brentwood location features a large patio, private dining area, and is designed in a way to accommodate groups of any size, without that segmented, quarantined feeling normally experienced in larger, corporate establishments. We had the pleasure of a sneak peek sampling of their menu, that while diverse is not intimidating, and includes something for everyone.
As silly as the name may be, we recommend taking the risk of audible embarrassment and order the “Bang Bang Shrimp.” This item was described to us as a signature, and sought after item within the Bonefish fanbase, and we were promised you’ll certainly hear other patrons order it, too. The quality of the items presented, and the freshness of the seafood, far exceeded the modest price point. One item of note for us is the brunch standout, surf and turf eggs benedict with filet mignon, lobster, poached egg and Hollandaise sauce ($13), that not only boasted hearty, complimentary flavors, but generous portions. While they may be “fresh fish experts,” Bonefish did not stray far from sister establishments Outback and Fleming’s with a savory truffle butter filet mignon ($MP) that would satisfy even the most vehement fish-protester. If you can temper yourself and leave room for dessert their seasonal Pumpin Spice Creme Brulee ($7.30), which, while served in a portion large enough for three is just too good to share. by: Peter Wheelerm Delux Foodie
BOUNDLESS WITH SHAN KEITH Written by Letitia Young, Fashion Editor
Shan Keith, local fashion designer and Project Runway: Under the Gunn finalist, treated his fashionably affluent spectators to an evening that oozed with glam, luster and pizazz. His new collection, simply entitled Boundless, lived up to its name by pushing the boundaries and introducing concepts that are yet to be seen in even the elitist catwalks. Chocked full of texture, gems, sequins, lace and prints, the Boundless Collection will give its wearers infinite wardrobe options. Here are my top looks from the collection. Photos courtesy Kay Shea Photography
60 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2014 www.DeluxMag.com
RISING STARS OF CITY GARDEN MONTESSORI
Keith
Hafsa
Samantha
1618 Tower Grove Ave, St Louis, MO 63110 (314) 664-7646 www.citygardenschool.org
The Crew of 321 is a classroom in a school called City Garden Montessori. Its address is 1618 Tower Grove Ave. I am Avery Banks, and one of the members of The Crew. We have the most pets in a classroom in our school. We also have really good teachers. In my opinion, we have the coolest teachers in the world. The teachers’ names are Mrs. Butler, Ms. Newell, and Ms. Miller. Our teachers are wonderful because they give us a great education. Mrs. Butler always sets up fun Excursions/Field Trips. In my opinion, The Crew of 321 is the best class in the world. I like The Crew of 321 the most because of our pets Tipper, Speedy, Scarlet, George, Digman,, Pluto, Smith and the fish. Let me explain all of them to you. Our first pet, Tipper (a ferret), is the smelliest animal we have. Speedy is very speedy and that is how we came up with his name. When I was in preschool Mrs. Butler’s assistant teacher was bitten by Speedy. Mrs. Butler had to take the time to look up how to get a tokay gecko off a person. To get a gecko off your finger, you must tickle it! Our next pet is Scarlet (rose tarantula). Scarlet sometimes scares us because she acts like one leg is stuck in the top of the lid of her habitat. We worry because she could die if she takes a long fall and her air pocket pops. Our next animal to talk about is our bird, George Washington Carver. We try to take him out of his cage everyday so that he can sit on our shoulders. We always reach our goal! I think we should have a sheet that is in alphabetical order so everyone gets a turn. Next is our snake Digman. He eats a mouse once a week. Sometimes we get the chance to watch him eat the mouse. The next pets we have are our fish. The fish die every once in awhile and some have still survived from last year. Just two more to go! Pluto! Pluto is a blue tongued skink. His favorite things to eat are strawberries and hard-boiled eggs. Smith is the newest pet we have in our classroom. He’s a baby-bearded dragon. It’s really awesome because we can see the life cycle of a babybearded dragon. I love all of our animals in The Crew of 321.
62 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2014 www.DeluxMag.com
Hello, my name is Hafsa Palada and I would love to tell you about Smith. Smith lives in The Crew of 321. The Crew lives in City Garden Montessori Charter School. I love City Garden because of The Crew and other classes. Smith is a baby-bearded dragon. He eats crickets and bearded dragon food. I always wonder what his food taste like. If you tasted it you might not like it, but I have not tasted it yet. Smith’s habitat is not very messy because we have to clean it every month. He feels nice, bumpy, hard, and smooth. He also feels fat and baggy with a touch of silk. He feels small and cold. If he were mine I would take very good care of him. If he were mine I would always get him out. I wish he were mine because then I could always look at him and study him everyday. I would make sure he is healthy and has food and water and his habitat is clean. My feelings about Smith are very strong. I love Smith very much. If he were yours you would probably love him as much as I do.
Hello! My name is Keith Norvell Griffin III; some of you know me as Tril. Today I am going to be talking about my pets Rocky, Jet, and Lola. If you want to know more about my pets, keep reading because my pets are funny. The first pet I will tell you about is my dog, Jet. Jet has a lot of fleas. One morning, I was scared because he was bleeding from scratching his fleas too much. I worry he might hurt himself and I don’t want that to happen. However, what really scares me is when he fights with my other dog. My second dog’s name is Rocky. Rocky is very fat and nasty. He dumps diapers out of the trashcan and it is gross. My last pet, Lola, is so fuzzy. She sheds a lot with just one touch. Every night my dogs go upstairs and flip open Lola’s cage! My pets have a great time experiencing each other and it is so cool to watch. All of my pets are extremely cuddly. I can’t really snuggle with Lola because she snores but I do it sometimes so I do not hurt her feelings. I love all of my animals, and I know if you met them you would too!
Avery
Hello! My name is Samantha Siemer and I am eight years old. My school is City Garden Montessori Charter School. My classroom is called The Crew of 321. Our name is THE DISCOVERY. We have a bunch of pets. Scarlet is our beautiful rose tarantula. Smith is our spiky bearded dragon. George is our soft cockatiel. Speedy is our interesting tokay gecko. Digman is our scaly California king snake. Houdini is our flexible chameleon. Tipper is the pet I am going to talk about. Tipper is a ferret. A ferret is much like a weasel, but ferrets are longer. Ferrets grow up to be about 25 inches long, and weasels grow up to be 12 to 18 inches. There are two kinds of ferrets: the domestic ferret and the black-footed ferret. Black footed ferrets are almost extinct. Tipper is a tan-colored domestic ferret. She lives in a humungous cage. Tipper is so soft! I love holding her. Tipper’s cage really stinks. It smells like hair, litter, and worst of all, poo! It really is stinky. There are several reasons why it stinks so much. She sheds just like any other mammal. She digs. Yes, you heard me; she digs in her little box. That’s why she smells like litter. Isn’t that gross? I saved the yuckiest (in my opinion) for last. It smells like poo because Tipper poops a whole lot. Secondly, her poop doesn’t always make it into the litter box. Usually it’s stacked up in a pile on the second floor of her cage. Even if Tipper’s poo makes it into the litter box, there is still a pretty big pile of poop in the box. That’s why she smells like poo. Tipper used to have a green-striped half circle bed with black straps so that it can hang up on her cage. That bed got too old. You might think, how can her bed get old? It got old because Tipper shed and she did her business in it. So it stunk and we had to throw it away. Tipper was basically forced to sleep in her litter box. She stunk like a sewer. So not too long ago actually Mrs. Butler bought her another bed. Her bed is red and shaped like a die. It has three holes, two on the sides and one on the top. I don’t know why there is a hole on the top. Maybe it’s for ferrets that like to climb? Well, anyway, Tipper never uses it. She only uses the openings the sides. She really loves her bed. I can tell. She has a couple of bells hanging from her cage. Whenever the song Happy by Pharrell is played in the classroom, she rings her bells. It’s so funny! I love Tipper. I hope that if you ever meet Tipper you will love her as much as I do.
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64 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2014 www.DeluxMag.com
[Who Got Next?]
DEAR WHITE PEOPLE: A SATIRE ABOUT BEING A BLACK FACE IN A WHITE PLACE
Remember when Black movies didn’t neccesarily star a dude in a fat suit and a wig? Or have major plot twists timed to Gospel numbers for no apparent reason? No? Damn... Well believe it or not there was a time when “Black Art-House” was a thing. When movies like Do The Right Thing, Hollywood Shuffle, and Boyz In The Hood were breaking box office records as well as making us laugh, cry, and think in ways movies hadn’t before. The humble producers of DEAR WHITE PEOPLE, a satire about being a black face in a white place, long to bring those days back. But we can’t do it without you! DEAR WHITE PEOPLE follows the stories of four black students at an Ivy League college where a riot breaks out over a popular “African American” themed party thrown by white students. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, the film will explore racial identity in “post-racial” America while weaving a universal story of forging one’s unique path in the world. There hasn’t been a film like DEAR WHITE PEOPLE in a long time, and it’s sure to cause a stir once it gets to the big screen.
Winner of the 2014 Sundance Film Festival’s Special Jury Award for Breakthrough Talent, Dear White People is a sly, provocative satire of race relations in the age of Obama. Writer/director Justin Simien follows a group of African American students as they navigate campus life and racial politics at a predominantly white college in a sharp and funny feature film debut that earned him a spot on Variety’s annual “10 Directors to Watch.” When Dear White People screened at MOMA’s prestigious New Directors/New Films, the New York Times’ A.O. Scott wrote, “Seeming to draw equal measures of inspiration from Whit Stillman and Spike Lee, but with his own tart, elegant sensibility very much in control, Mr. Simien evokes familiar campus stereotypes only to smash them and rearrange the pieces.” The unexpected election of activist Samantha White (Tessa Thompson) as head of a traditionally black residence hall sets up a college campus culture war that challenges conventional notions of what it means to be black. While Sam leverages her notoriety as host of the provocative and polarizing radio show “Dear White People” to try to prevent the college from diversifying Armstrong Parker House, outgoing head-of-house Troy Fairbanks (Brandon P. Bell), son of the university’s dean (Dennis Haysbert), defies his father’s lofty expectations by
applying to join the staff of Pastiche, the college’s influential humor magazine. Lionel Higgins (Tyler James Williams), an Afro-sporting sci-fi geek, is recruited by the otherwise all-white student newspaper to go undercover and write about black culture—a subject he knows little about—while the aggressively assimilated Coco Conners (Teyonah Parris) tries to use the controversy on campus to carve out a career in reality TV. But no one at Winchester University is prepared for Pastiche’s outrageous, illconceived annual Halloween party, with its “unleash your inner Negro” theme throwing oil on an already smoldering fire of resentment and misunderstanding. When the party descends into riotous mayhem, everyone must choose a side. Dear White People is written, directed and produced by Justin Simien. The film stars Tyler James Williams (“Everybody Hates Chris,” Peeples), Tessa Thompson (For Colored Girls, “Veronica Mars”), Kyle Gallner (A Nightmare on Elm Street, CBGB), Teyonah Parris (“Mad Men,” They Came Together), Brandon P. Bell (“Hollywood Heights”), Malcolm Barrett (The Hurt Locker), Brittany Curran (“Chicago Fire”), Marque Richardson (“The Newsroom”) and Dennis Haysbert (“24,” Far From Heaven).
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68 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2014 www.DeluxMag.com