One of the cooler blogs i’ve come across in some time, Planet Awesome Kid, is pretty exciting.

It’s a blog dedicated entirely to children’s street style.

(Dress: D&G Kids / Boots: Naturino / Blazer: Jottum / Hat: SAKS )

( Cardigan: Gap Kids / Shirt: Gap Kids / Jeans: Shaun White for Target / Shoes: Faded Glory )

Fresh.

Have some more awesomeness HERE

AR!

Two interesting songs were released over the weekend. One from “American Boy” singer Estelle the other a leak from everyone’s favorite idol, Fantasia Barrino-proving just how freaky each can be.

Estelle’s “Freak” is a great track but the accompanying video does little for me. Why is she so dark in the video with those loud pink lips? That doesn’t read as ‘flattering’ to me. But either way check it out.

Fantasia’s “Control Freak” is certified crack music and I’ve been playing it on repeat all week. The sensual tune has Fantasia’s trademark raw and raspy vocals milking the seductive track. I hope she can offer more tracks that bump as hard as this one for her upcoming album.

[Download here]

Cj..

MESH.

Music.Edge.Style.Heaven

—

Last January MESH. was birthed from the minds of Aisha Johnson, Aaron Randle, & CJ Trahan II.

Last January the world was introduced to music, edge, style, and a bit of heaven.

Last January the MESHlife was created.

Last January it all began.

MESH. is excited to be celebrating our first birthday this month. Though we don’t have a particular date, January 2009 is a special month for the blog. It took the coincidental merge of three driven young individuals (the PNCs) to form the force that is MESH. The blog has quickly grown into a well-known entity in the blogosphere and is continuing to grow past all expectations. With the latest music, fashion, and lifestyle posts, MESH. has garnered the respect of many businesses and fellow lifestyle blogs. 2009 was an unforgettable year for the blog and it survived many struggles. But it’s a new year, and a new day and the MESH. PNCs are ready (along with you) to take the MESHlife to a new plateau of success. We would like to thank all of our supporters, especially those special few who have been down with us from day one (you know who you are).

Feel free to contact us as always @

Contact@theMeshlife.com

Twitter.com/theMESHlife

Also contact the PNCs personally @

Aisha

(Aisha@themeshlife.com)  (http://twitter.com/itsAK47)

Aaron

(Aaron@themeshlife.com)  (http://twitter.com/Boywonder11)

Cj

(Cj@themeshlife.com)  (http://twitter.com/CreoleJDeux)

MESH.

Jill Scott Live Performance of “You Got Me” with The Roots

I’ve been trying to find the words for this performance.

Can’t .

AR!

(p.s. Jill’s the shit)

You already know the deal. MESH dont play mess with just any old thing– nuh unh.We only bang with the best, adhering to only the highest of standards— so of course we only associate ourselves with the best as well.

[Enter Stage: House of Aura Blog]

We’d heard the name [the name's everywhere], seen the accolades [2009 Black Weblog Awards Best Teen Blog Winner], and interacted with the viewers [3000+ on Twitter]— we knew this blog was hot. So of course we have to feature them on the site. So please, take a moment as you catch up to the newest addition to our blogroll: House of Aura [http://www.houseofaura.com].

Via House of Aura..

“HouseOfAura.Com is an online Entertainment and fashion blog founded by three current college students. With business savy, intelligence, and maturity eyond their years, these young men have put together an amazing blog that reaches thousands of young viewers. The HOA crew has become trendsetters in NYC, VA, DC and NJ. Currently progressing everyday and continuing to work hard, HOUSEOFAURA will soon become a top entertainment company. HouseOfAura has a garnered a large interest from many high school and college students who crave  new music, fashion tips, and entertainment updates. Targeting audiences from ages 15-25 and with thousands of views and reads a day, the blog is quickly spreading throughout the online world.“

Check out House of Aura Blog at [http://www.houseofaura.com]

And follow them on twitter at [http://www.twitter.com/houseofaura]

Follow the HOA affiliates as well! All cool people w/hilarious tweets.

[HOA_Spekks] & [HOA_KOB]

MESH.

Romanian-Canadian model Irina Lazareanu channels Elvis Presley for METAL Magazine

Styled by Shiwa Lee

Shot by Nico and Geanfranco Meza

That Hair!

The. End.

AR!

Supermodel Sasha Pivovarova in the Pied Pipers of Rock and Vogue Fashion Editorial

Featured in the January 2010 Issue of Vogue Magazine

Shot by Steven Meisel, Styled by Grace Coddington

This post has me feeling some type of way.

On one hand, I just so happened to be lamenting the lack of “blackness” in Vogue via Twitter not 45 minutes ago. Lamenting, like so many others, the reluctance of Anna Wintour and the “powers that be” in inducing a bit of melanin into the pages of the world’s most famous fashion editorial.

So of course when I go “post hunting” the most magnetic thing I see is from none other than Vogue magazine.

In the Pied Pipers of Rock and Vogue editorial shot by reknowned photgrapher Steven Meisel and styled by probably the most-powerful-person-at-Vogue-not-named-Anna, Grace Coddington, Sasha Pivovarova poses with some of the newest, and more interesting names in Rock and Roll. With bands like MGMT, The Horrors, Chester French, and Vampire Weekend [almost all of whom have been featured here on MESH.] Vogue celebrates the history of such iconic labels [Balenciaga, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, etc.] and all they have accomplished, while simultaneously looking ahead at what the houses have in store for the future.

I love this editorial, the limited bit of it that I can see that is, for so many reasons. Coddington has always been a maven at Vogue, styling with ferocious and wreckless abandon – something that has definitely played into the magazines success – and continues to do so here. The spread oozes a fun atmosphere, and is so aesthetically beautiful, and of course Vogue has to be given a few cool points for putting new age Rock ‘N Rollers in their magazine—MGMT? Come on!

This is just a great spread, so much so that I couldn’t let my lil tiff with my homie Anna keep me from posting this gem lol.

But then again, isn’t it this same “oh-i’ll-let-this-slide” attitude that has Vogue so melanin-deficient in the first place?

I’m just a slave to the machine.

Fuck.

AR!

[PS--follow more of my rants on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/boywonder11]

and follow MESH. too of course HERE

Guys, I know it’s hard. I feel your pain.

Uusally us guys don’t have many sartorial conundrums. Either we like something, or we don’t. A look is for us, or it isn’t. That simple. It’s rare that a self assured man who knows and feels comfortable in his own style has a real hard time finding what he likes.

Rare, but not unheard of.

One of the few problems guys run into is finding that perfect winter coat. I’ve hinted at trying to help our male readers solve this problem in earlier posts, and i’m going to keep on.

For the latest in the “winter coats you should invest in” series, I look at clothing company 3ixteen. MESH has featured 3ixteen a few times in the past, and are avid fans. Their attention to detail, and contemporary spin on classic staples separates them from a lot of menswear design companies.

Above are some pieces from their Winter 2009/10 Outerwear Line, as good a place as any to start if you’re still looking for decent outerwear.

Oh, and crying about the price #weoffthat. You’re not six anymore. You want good quality, pay the good price. You know MESH is all about finding great, affordable pieces, but sometimes its necessary to invest in quality and longevity.

This is one such piece.

Enjoy, and get the looks here at the 3ixteen website.

AR!

*  *  *

Great piece of Oscar OG’s [they are veterans with this whole Academy Awards thing] Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard schooling newcomer Mo’Nique on how she’s going to feel, and how to deal with becoming the 43rd African American to be nominated for an Academy Award [for her haunting role as the physically, emotionally, and sexually abused mother in Precious] and how best to deal with her impending ascent to Hollywood royalty.

Who would have thought watching Smart Guy [Taraji], The Best Man [Terrence] and… Phat Girlz [Mo'Nique] that these three would one day be Oscar heavyweights?

Howard: “You’ve got a hell of a campaign in front of you right now.” …Mo’Nique: “Now, when you say campaign…” Howard: “Oh, it’s a campaign!”

Amazing.

AR!

Props to And The Winner Is Blog for the video.

I came upon rock band Vampire Weekend while searching for music for the HU Homecoming Fashion Show. As music supervisor, I really wanted to go further than the “shake dat booty ho” playlist that Howard was used to in previous shows. I knew it would be a risk, putting music that I felt focused more on emotion (and was more relevant to the alternative theme of the show) and less on crowd reaction in the show. Using music that the crowd might not readily identify. Definitely a risk. Some say they saw my vision, and loved the alternative infusions I put in the playlist; others wondered why they weren’t twerking in the aisles during the show.

Whatev.

I’m glad how the show turned out, and even more elated at my newfound connection with Vampire Weekend. Their music is dope– a type of smooth, indie rock. I really think you all will enjoy. Below is the video for their single “Cousins.”

The video is cool, their music cooler. Download two of my favorite VW songs: “Campus” & “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa”

Vampire Weekend – “Campus”   Download HERE

VW – “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa”  Download HERE

AR!

It’s been a pretty decent year for this year’s so called “Freshman Class” of music. Albums have been strong, and mixtapes even stronger. With the likes of Big Sean (U Know Big Sean Vol. 2) Drake (So Far Goone), Cudi (Man on the Moon), U-N-I (A Love of Supreme), Wale (Attention Deficit), etc. —

The list can go on for a minute.  But it’s not complete without the mention of singer Mike Posner.

I downloaded Posner’s recent mixtape, One Foot Out The Door, a while back, and just got around to listening to it. I really like. His raspy voice and raw lyrics are a great combination. Definitely check it out, you wont be disappointed.

And make sure the next time your taking roll for this so called “new class”… you add Mike Posner to the list.

Download One Foot Out The Door HERE

AR

Recognize: Actress Natalie Portman, clad in Chanel, evokes her inner siren on the latest cover of V Magazine.

Understand: I’ve always been a fan of the “V Covers” —who hasn’t. With all the iconic covers they’ve produced [Think Grace Jones in the Bowler Hat] the magazine’s outer casing has such an amazing aesthetic that the V Magazine cover itself has surpassed the magazine’s content.

This cover doesn’t dissappoint. The silhouette, the use of shadow, the fashion. Yet another great cover from a great publication.

AR

Come Alive – Janelle Monae

This song is ridiculous. Janelle’s too cool to be a pop star. Put her in the same category as Hendrix and Janis—her time will come when we’re ready to accept her genius.

For Your Sorrows – Big Boi Feat. George Clinton and Too Short

Do I really need to push a single that involves Big Boi, Too Short, and…GEORGE CLINTON?! Nah, didn’t think so. Sir Luscious bout to be dope as hell…

I Run This Shit Remix – Birdman Feat. Wayne

Someone explain how this track went unnoticed for so long? Not new at all, but once you press play, it’s damn near impossible to change the track. Club Banger!

I Gotta Get It – Juvenile

Mr. 400 Degreez is back. Solid first single off his upcoming album Cocky & Confident. Definite Club banger. “Yall niggas think broke look cool man” –haha great line.

Fed Up – DJ Khaled Feat. Usher, Jeezy, Rick Ross, Drake

Ok, I don’t think this is that great, [all of Khaled's music sounds the same to me]. But hey, doesn’t mean you all wont like it. Ross and Jeezy come hard.

Enjoy!

AR!

Who: “Witches” Spring/Summer 2010 Looks

Where: LA based line

Why: Quite frankly, I get a lil pissed when people just post their looks, have no website to go to, give no details on the pricing, yadda yadda yadda. Too me it just seems unprofessional– stupid really. But whatever, I can’t tell you where to find these online, hell I can’t even tell you where to find the store in LA, but I can tell you to take a good look at their incorporation of black and white, and lace, in their looks for the upcoming season. When done correctly, it can give an added spice to any ladies wardrobe; but be careful, too much of either and you look like you belong in a Buffy the Vampire slayer sequel.

All things are best in modesty

Happy Hunting.

AR

Who: Woolrich Outdoor Clothing Company

What: Mens Tailgating Jacket

Why: A great mix of a classic that can transform well into any man’s metropolitan style. Durable and stylish, this is a good investment for the fall, and with its 80% wool and 20% nylon composition lined with heavy duty cotton twill, its sure to keep you warm in the winter as well. O yea and you already know how Woolrich Coats make girls like Lil Kimberly Feel:

“I got my eye on the guy in the Woolrich coat
Don’t he know Queen Bee got the ill deep throat?
Uh! Let me show you what I’m all about
How I make a Sprite can disappear in my mouth….WHOAH!!!!“

–Lil Kim, “Jump Off”

Yes can I have that Fed Exed to my house by Thirsty Thursday please?

Thanx.

How: $189 USD. Available HERE

AR

Where: Cibao Restorante. Lower East Side Manhattan. 72 Clinton Street.

What: 3 orders of Chirrones de pollo. Buttered, crusted bread glazed with olive oil. 4 Morir Soñados [the drink; delicious!]. Empañadas. Platanos. Rice glazed in salt and olive oil served with soup.

How Much: $57 with tip. Averaged around $16 per person.

Bottom Line: 4/5

100% authentic puerto rican. No faking here–good thing half the table knew Spanish; our servers definitely didn’t know English. The food is amazing, and for about $16 each, we were all stuffed. I recommend the Chirrones de Pollo and the Morir Soñado. Together they’re orgasmic.

Goodbyes are never fun. NYC has been a blast, I’ve learned more than I could have ever imagined and grown a lot as a person. Shout out to Danyel Smith, Shirea Carroll, Janelle Grimmond, Rob Kenner, Jozen Cummings, and the countless others at VIBE. And most definitely a special thank you to Connie Orlando and Shekila Fergusson of BET.

But most importantly, thank you to Bisi, Shawny, Chiderah, Tahirah, Zaria, Tahirah, Courtney, Passion, Landon, Alex, the Morg. Stanley crew, Bene, and so many more. This summer has been unforgettable: painfully brutal, yet blissfully enjoyable.

KC is my home, DC is always on my mind, but NYC is forever in my heart. I’ll be back.

But until then.

Kiss.

AR.

What: Leather Gloves with Gold Nails

Who: Designed by Dominic Jones

How: Inquire on pricing at the Dominic Jones site HERE

AR

What: Pics from the set of the “Run This Town” video shoot.

Didn’t the old folk ever tell you “good things come in three?” If not for anything else, I can already tell the fashion in this video will make it one of my favorite in a long time. So excited.

AR

Chilling in my apartment, looking at everyone twitter how they wish they could attend the 88 Keys, B.o.B, Asher Roth, and Kid Cudi concert  @ 9:30 Club that night because it sold out. [Thought] Hmm. That would be nice to go to. Too bad I didn’t know about it before to get tickets. Then my roommate Tallas lets me know “My friend is in town. She performing with B.o.B. tonight, want to go?” [Surely!]

That was simple, got put on the guest list for a free ticket–it’s good to have friends huh?

Arrive, the place is packed, the line is long, and the drunken white folks are abundant.

Step inside during the middle of B.o.B’s set. Wow, this ni-I mean, dude is going in. Freestyle? sick. Singles? sick. I definitely need to up my collection of his music. Best freestyle of the night. Okay. I’m glad I came. Who’s next?

Asher Roth.(Shit, I don’t really listen to this dude’s music). Surprise, surprise. He starts off ripping it. Is that a huge [fake] blunt he passing to the audience? Cat is crazy. [Minutes roll by] OK, he’s still on? Why? Where’s Cudi because ol’ boy’s set is getting long. [Daydream about Homecoming until Kid Cudi comes on].

“Cudi! Cudi! Cudi!” Well, ok. The crowd is ready, where is this negro? [Lights shut off] Cudi has arrived. Ginormous (yes girormous) screen lights up. Oh shit, Cudi trying to have a real ass concert I see. Couple of song from the mixtape. Ok, Cudi I see you. “Make Her Say,” Ok Ok…can I get “Day ‘N Night” now? [Lights shut off again] “Y’all might know the words to this” Cudi says.”Day and night…..” (ahh, ish just got real). Tried to record it but the lame club people saw me and told me to stop. hmph. But Kid Cudi definitely did his thing.

Good night? I’d say yes.

Thanks to Jasmine Pratt and Ashley Thai-Wilson (B.o.B performers) for getting us in free.

Cj

Who: Lindsay Lohan

What: Elle UK Magazine

When: September 2009

5 Steps to Recovery

1. Drink A few Cocktails.

2. Pay the price in bad press.

3. Don’t give two fucks.

4. Snag Fashion spreads.

5. Collect Coins.

Problem Solved.

AR