EARGASM: SS (Summer Song)

Better late than never, Sir Michael Rocks (one half of the The Cool Kids) released the video for his song "SS" ft. Latif.  This is definitely my type of song; the horns, the bass, very early 90's "native tonguish", lol.  After listening to it on repeat, I feel like I need a yacht, some wine, and a good breeze. 

P.S. Check out the threads on Latif, styled by Philly's flyest gentleman Curran Swint!!

Obsessed: Fall Boots

There is no season like fall!  You can pull out your favorite tights, blazers, turtlenecks, scarfs, and on the colder days: gloves!  Last but not least, LAYER, LAYER, LAYER!!!  I love to put on all of the items listed above together.

My biggest fall obsession would have to be boots.  I have scrawny little calves, so I prefer knee and over-the-knee for my personal silhouette, but I love all types.  Frye and Jeffrey Campbell top the list as my favorites, but can be a bit pricey.  So, when I see a pair of fly boots over $300, you know the frugalista in me is checking Steve Madden and every thrift store online and in town to see if I can get a similar style.  

Sigh...during my virtual window shopping spree, I stumbled across my latest fundraiser, "On Fire" by Jeffrey Campbell.  I have the same type of boot without the buckle details; so it will be hard for me to clearly justify this purchase.  On top of that, I hate to spend money on items that are too trendy.  I think I just talked myself out of a purchase, lol.  Check it out!!

  

source:  www.solestruck.com

FRUGALISTA: Mascara

When I left my job in cosmetics, I knew that there were certain items that I would need to replenish sooner than others:  MASCARA.  Although I own over 20 different mascaras, I needed to discard about 16 of them which put me in a bit of a dilemma.  Knowing that I would never really spend more than $10 on mascara, and after a recommendation from a former co-worker, I decided to try Covergirl's Lash Blast Volume (orange tube).  

I found my new mascara!  I have naturally long lashes, but they lack volume.  If you are looking for volume, I suggest giving it a try.  Before this, my favorites were Tarte's lights, camera, lashes, Lancome's Hynose Drama, Make up Forever's Smoky Lash, and Anatasia's Lash Lifting Mascara.  Even though I love these mascara's, when I am finished with them, that's it! 

My collection

My new FAV!

Movies: Devil

I recently went to go see M. Knight Shyamalan's recent masterpiece Devil.  I'm a big fan of  his movies; they all have underlying messages that most people don't understand or even try to.  I think it's because he usually markets them in an unfitting category.  Most of his movies are thought-provoking psychological thrillers with elements of horror and sci-fi.  However, none of them are truly scary.  It's nothing more satisfying than to leave a movie theater feeling like you've learned something.

Devil, falls in the same category as The Sixth Sense and Signs as far as "scare factor".  I think most people are afraid of the title more than anything else.  The movie focuses on the power of confession and forgiveness.  If you value those factors and can get past a few loud noises and scary movie tactics then Devil is a must see!

HAIR: To cut or not to cut?

I've been natural for 8 years now.  For some reason it took 8 years for me not to have the urge to wear it straight all the time.  Unfortunately, because I wore it straight for so long, I experienced severe heat damage.  So, my hair was basically relaxed from all of the heat.   

This will be the second time I've had this dilemma.  The first time (pic below) I grew it out and cut about 6 inches.  This time I have about 8 inches of straight hair...sigh.  My goal is to transition for 18 months before I chop.  I've been transitioning since November 2009 (almost 12 months).  After the 18 month period I should have about 9 inches of hair, which is a great starting point.  

Summer Concert Series Recap

This summer I attended two of the most amazing tours:  The Spirit Festival (Janelle Monae, B.O.B., Common, The Roots, and Erykah Badu) and Rock the Bells (Slick Rick, Rakim, DJ Premiere, A Tribe Called Quest, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Snoop Dogg and Wu-Tang)!  They were equally entertaining but I must say that seeing Tribe live for the first time was the highlight of my life.  I was on my feet, jumping, screaming, shaking, and rapping word for word.  It was just an amazing experience. Yes, Ms. Lauryn Hill tried to pull a stunt and not come out, but it was all good; Tribe made up for it.  When she did make her way to the stage, the crowd was angry, but I was just so happy to see her, it didn't matter.  Pics from both tours below...enjoy!!

Black Thought

Janelle Monae and B.O.B.

Common

Questlove

Me and my girls

Erykah Badu

Erykah and Common

Captain Kirk

Erykah

Me and Crys

Q-Tip

Phife

Busta

Ms. Lauryn

Wu

Snoop

EARGASM: Airtight Revenge

Last week I was invited to a Bilal show in my beloved Philly for the release of his 2nd album in almost 10 years, Airtight Revenge.  Let me just say as soon as I got home, I went on iTunes and bought/downloaded it.  It is amazing!!!  If you loved First Born Second, I'm sure you will love this studio followup just as much!  It's raw, thought-provoking and timeless.  His voice, over the melodic, soulful, sometimes electronic sounds just sends me to my own personal zen (please don't disturb).  So far, my favorite song is Levels!!  What's yours?

Hello world!!!

My name is Aja.  Just in case you were wondering, yes, I was named after Steely Dan's 1977 release.  Who is Steely Dan you ask?  The most awesome jazz-rock band ever!  Even if you don't know their music, you at least know the sample of "Black Cow" used by Peter Gunz and Lord Tariq's 1998 hit "Deja Vu/ Uptown Baby".  Yeah, that was all Steely Dan!

I am from Baltimore (born and raised) and attended college at Philadelphia University.  I decided to stay in Phillly 4 years after graduation to waste my time and work like a field slave in the beautiful cosmetic industry.   The entire 8 years I was in Philadelphia, I didn't get a chance to know the city and what I did know, I didn't like.  So in June 2010, I decided to quit my job, move back to Baltimore to work on my clothing line and spend time with my family and friends.  Ironically, I've been back and forth to Philly since I left and I have a new appreciation for the city that I never learned.  I even considered moving back, but who knows.  Although I love my friends and family in Bmore, I'm ready to make my next move, very soon!!  

Anyway,  this blog is going to be about me, duh.  I'm going to talk about MY hair, MY make up, what I'M wearing, and who I'M listening to because I'm so DOPE.  JUST KIDDING!!!  However, I will talk about my favorite hair and makeup products, dope music, great fashion and post pics galore!  So, stay tuned!!!!