Fly

Link of the Day

so great! the world's biggest afro contest...

Quadron: Electro-Soul

Saw a bit of Quadron's performance last night and was totally diggin' it. The Danish group has an atmospheric sound that reminds me a bit of Swedish Singer Lykke Li; but there's a hint of soul and a dash of funk in their lyrics and beats. Hear Quadron's album here and let me know what you think.

Peggy Wolf

Artist Peggy Wolf has created some amazing prints of beautiful women and they're all available for purchase on her Etsy shop. The one above is one of my favorites.

C$tg

Patchwork skirts and striped leggings from C$tg Designs.

Link of the Day

Brazilian inspired goods on Etsy

FGOTW

Who? Nikole 28

Where? Los Angeles, CA

What do you do? I am a jewelry designer, student, giver of life, and friend to many. Back in January I took the plunge and started a lifestyle blog called The Moptop Maven. In it I talk about everything from hair, to self empowerment, recipes, fashion and crafts! I also have a Youtube chanel that provides tutorials on how to care for natural hair, and assist women through transitioning - My dream is to be able to take all of my many passions [cooking, photography, fashion, beauty, crafts] and launch a magazine for women of color, as I feel we are underrepresented in all aspects of media. Giving back to the community, and helping my homeless brothers and sisters is also high on my priority list, as I plan on starting a non profit this year which will provide food and resources to those in need.

What inspires you? An easier question would be what doesn't inspire me! I get inspired by long conversations with close friends, traveling, buildings, colors, shapes, insects, animals, music, poetry, and art. I would however have to say that I am most inspired by LOVE, as it is the motivating factor behind everything that I do. Being around creative, free spirits also inspires as well as motivates me. I am a firm believer in surrounding yourself around positive like minds.

Why are you fly? I am fly because I know exactly who I am. More importantly, I am happy with who I am. I am fly because I am constantly evolving into the person GOD meant for me to be. I am fly because I do not let material things define me, and I do not let selfishness dictate my path in life. I am fly because I am resilient!

Advice: Be yourself, learn yourself, and always stay true to yourself. If you have a passion for something pursue it! Don't let outside factors determine your latitude!

Lobo Mau

I'm so excited about this post. Lobo Mau's Etsy shop has been updated, and let me tell you their stuff is sooo FAB. I have that dress pictured top right as well as that awesome jumpsuit. The fabric is comfortable and perfect for summer, the prints are amazing (you're so talented Ryan!) and the silhouettes are super flattering. Get your Brazilian-on and check out the entire collection here.

Ana Metsavaht

Strikingly beautiful acrylic and collage painting by Brazilian artist, Ana Metsavaht. It almost looks like a black and white photo with layered pops of bright red and yellow. Would definitely love to see this hanging in my home.

Link of the Day

awe, until now i've never seen this interview of Michael Jackson on the set of Beat It. it made me sad that he couldn't really answer the friend question.

Creative Tip of the Week

Making connections online; when looking for advice or information from someone, ask for what you really want to know.
I love the internet, I love blogging, I love social media. I think it's an awesome way to share ideas and connect with people you wouldn't ordinarily have access to. With that access you can reach out to people you admire and respect, get them to see your work and even ask for advice. Connecting with someone who has traveled a road you're trying to explore is a great way to help you figure out your own path. But despite having that person's contact info he or she may not be as available to you as you would like.

The average person receives tons of emails, text messages and voicemails daily. If you're trying to connect with someone who is uber popular or well-known that person probably gets double, maybe even triple in comparison. It's important to consider this when you're thinking about reaching out to someone for advice or a question. Here are some tips that will help you make the most out of an initial connection. [read more]

Andrea Bocchio Necklaces

Love these elaborate woven necklaces from textile artist Andrea Bocchio.

Favela Painting

Really cool initiative by two artists (Jeroen Koolhaas and Dre Urhahn) who use bold color and fat diagonal stripes to brighten up the facades in one of Rio's poorest neighborhoods. They enlist residents to help out with the effort which turns it into a huge community project. Cool. See and learn more here. Link via NYT blog.

Inspired By: Beat It

You know I had to do an "inspired by music video" feature for Michael J. I had a really hard time trying to decide which video to use. I love Remember the Time, so much visual goodness to be inspired by there. Oh and what about Rock With You? Although it's a pretty simple video I adore that shimmery jumpsuit and the laser lights behind Michael. I thought about it and finally settled on Beat It, a video I fell in love with at the tender age of three :).

The choreography is delicious, the song is bangin' and the video is rich with fashion inspiration. You got to love the studded leather, buckles, ripped denim, and 80's tees. Enjoy these items inspired by Beat It.

See an Inspired By feature of Janet Jackson here. 

 
Red Leather Bomber Jacket; Chain Sunglasses; Denim Vest; Domo Tee; Studded Triangle Wallet; The Canyon Messenger; Flat Stud Trimmed Skirt; B-Low the Belt; Buckled Ski Bootie; Converse Shoes; Beat It Piano Keys T-Shirt.

Michael Jackson Souvenirs

When MJ passed away there were a lot of janky Michael Jackson souvenirs popping out all over the place. Everywhere you turned there was a janky poster here, a poorly designed Michael tee there. It was and still is bad. If you're looking for a little something inspired by the king I found a few fun non-janky ones to share. (Here's one I love but it's sold out.)

Silence & Noise Wool Band Jacket; Michael Jackson Acrylic Portrait; Michael Jackson - Thriller LP; MJ RIP Tee.

Neverland Lost: A Portrait of Michael Jackson

The New York Times T Magazine Blog gives us a glimpse at a new book that explores the magic and wonder of the Neverland Estate. I would definitely like to peek through and see the elaborate pieces that adorned Michael Jackson and his home. Check out more photographs from Neverland Lost: A Portrait of Michael Jackson here.