RIP Secretista

This is the end of Secretista and the beginning of Dara Adeeyo. That's my real name in case you didn't know. It was fun while it lasted, but I'm ready to move on. Visit my new site to get the deetz on the change.

XOXO


P.S. I've disabled commenting to avoid spam.

Do you/would you bleach your skin?

My instant response is HECK NO, but a recent visit to my Dermatologist has me saying maybe...

I LOVE my milk chocolate skin tone. Mmm; I taste and look so good, I make you want to say "Hershey is" when I walk into a room... Ha!

The idea of bleaching skin actually sickens me. Every time I think about it, I revert back to my freshman year of college where I learned about skin bleaching via my Anthropology Race & Ethics class (WATCH: A Girl Like Me).

In some black communities and countries like Jamaica and Thailand, skin bleaching is common. It has to do with the idea of beauty and lighter skin being more desirable. This obsession with whiter skin can be traced back to times where those who were considered farmers had a lower status and tended to be darker from being in the sun all day (i.e., slaves and farmers/peasants from ancient China). Thus, having lighter skin is now a way to define ones status in a world with no definite cast system.

So anyway, a recent visit to my new Dermatologist changed my mind (slightly) about skin bleaching. Anxious about meeting my new doctor for the first time, I was ready to see him and go back to using my daily facial regiments. You see, I ran into some health insurance issues and stopped using my normal prescribed products completely (eek!), causing me to breakout like I was some prepubescent teen. HELLO, I'M 21!

Since I was 10 years old, I've been going to a Dermatologist. I've also been using the same acne meds for 10 years. About 90% of my skin care products aren't over-the-counter and since I have sensitive skin, I don't have the luxury of trying all the fun less-expensive-than-prescription topicals. 

But back to my visit with the new doc...

During my consultation there was talk about pills (?!), Epiduo and Hydroquinone. Epiduo is the new popular prescribed topical in the world of Acne. Remember when Differin was in? Tried it. It was poop. However, when he mentioned Hydroquinone, I scratched my head - never heard of it. Hydroquinone is the by-prescription-only bleach cream. I have bad scarring from picking my pimples (nothing feels as good as popping a zit), so doc recommended I use the cream to lighten my dark spots because it will fade them quicker. I plan on only using it at night because I'm scared what will happen to my face after I apply it and then expose my skin to the sun. I also plan on using the tiniest amount possible and stopping once I see a good or bad change in my skin.

Thoughts? Do you use bleaching cream or something similar?



XOXO

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*Editor's Note (7/3/10) : I've been too scared to use the cream. It was a waste of money. It cost over $100 because it wasn't covered by my insurance. WASTE! I've been using Bio Oil on and off for over a year now and I'll just stick to that.

Sway.com Coming This Fall!

Hmm. So, a new site called Sway.com is come this fall. This is a site that will give its members access to cute dresses everyday. I'm thinking it might be the youth version of Gilt Groupe, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Thoughts?

XOXO

CURRENT OBSESSION: The Power Femme

I love a good Power Femme. It's a good look and a good attitude.

To me, a PF is a woman who takes her life by the horns and lives her life the way she wants it to be lived. She doesn't let anyone dictate her next earth shattering move. My current favorite Power Femme is Christina Aguilera. She has reinvented herself so many ways and manages to stay on top. I not only lover her AMAZING singing voice, but also that she is always trying to empower woman. You can agree with me or not. If you don't, listen to this song.

Needless to say, I'm sort of a Feminist. I'm not a bra burning and male hating Feminist. Although, I don't think that's the correct way to describe any Feminist because if you believe in equal rights for all genders, then you are technically a Feminist.

Anyway, I questioned my Feminist ways last year as I sat in my Intro to Women's Studies class. I'll take you back with me...

My mind is somewhere else. This crazy weather (cold then hot then cold again) has got me sniffing and wiping my snot-infested nose. And being in the basement of an academic building listening to two professors (that's right. I have TWO professors for one class) rant about post-feminism bullshit is the last place I want to be. At least I've got my good friends sitting behind and next to me. We're obnoxiously loud in class with our laughs--like it's high school all over again.

Professor A is a tiny silver-haired lady with eyes that bug out like a mad African man (dad, is that you?). I've never seen her make eye contact with any of us students. She's always staring at the back wall, forcing me to constantly look back to see if there's anything there. There isn't. Professor B is another tiny lady who is much younger and a little off beat with her nose ring and disheveled short chestnut-colored hair. Both nice.

We're in the middle of discussing Sojourner Truth (I think) when Professor A blurts out (like she always does), "I have a question for you!" Great. We'll never get back on topic. "Why do women wear heels?"

My focus went from my chocolate chip muffin to her. What did she just say? And like she heard my thoughts she repeated, "Whyyyy do women wear heels?!"

I shoved the last piece of my muffin in my mouth, swallowed and raised my hand instantly. I mean, I am the shoe queen. "Well, I don't know about other women but I wear them for personal reasons. I love the extra height, the way I look and the way I feel." Proud of my answer, my focus went right my to my muffin. Are there any crumbs? GOD, I'm hungry.

"Hmm. Interesting." Professor A said. Other girls in class began to answer. Some liked the length it gave their legs and some, actually a lot, responded that they just liked them because they did and never thought about it.

"Well." Professor A began. "Why do you feel the need to wear heels? You should not feel the need to wear heels. It doesn't do anything for you other than make your feet hurt. They are pointless. That's all I wanted to say."

Stop. Did she just? I mean, really. Did I just get chastised for liking heels? Oh. No. My hand shot up. "I mean, it's not like I FEEL the NEED to wear heels. I wear them because I like them. I wear them because they are cute. I wear them because I love shoes. There's no deeper meaning to the reason I wear heels, other than it's for sartorial reasons."I can get a little sassy in class.

Professor A responded, "All right, but don't blame me when you have feet problems in the future." Too late. My arch hurts when I wear flats.

That discussion turned me off for the rest of the semester. Any woman who looks down on heels and ridicules me for my fantastic footwear decisions was dead in my book. I began to think, was I not a Feminist because I believe in wearing heels is a woman's GOD given right? Later in class we got into the discussion of marriage. Let's just say that I got put down because I wanted to have a "traditional" wedding ... 

This is when I realized that being a Feminist wasn't about oppressing the "traditional" aspects of being a woman. To me, being a Feminist means believing in equal rights for women in society. I'm not saying chivalry should die because I truly adore a man who holds the door for me. Seriously. When a man holds the door open for me I look at them like they are my knight in shinning armor. But, I think that a woman should be allowed to feel like she can fulfill her woman-like duties, whatever that may be, without the burden of betraying her fellow Feminist Fatales. Thus, the birth of the Power Femme.

XOXO

Photo: Style.com

WEDGE WANTS: Wisteria Chiffon Tie Wedges

WHERE TO BUY: Topshop

PRICE: $135 

WHY: Red is the color of passion and also number 1 out of all the colors I love (if you didn't know). There's also something remotely romantic yet sexy about the shoe. Perfect for a date and a night out on the town. There's only one size left on the website, but you might be able to snag it at the nearest Topshop.

XOXO

MUST WATCH: Mahogany Starring Diana Ross

Over the weekend, I was aimlessly flipping the TV channels when I stumbled upon a familiar face wearing a chic camel trench coat paired with a burgundy scarf and sweater. That familiar face was none other than Diana Ross. I could instantly tell what I feasted my eyes on was a movie that was set in the 1970s. My channel changing spastic finger stopped. Mahogany was the name of the film. Secretly for the past month, I've been on a Diana Ross kick. I don't know why (Seriously). Her and BoA are my go-to stations on Pandora. But yes, I've been on a DR diva kick, so I was super excited to sit and watch the entire film.

For those who don't know, Mahogany is about Tracy (Diana Ross) who is an aspiring fashion designer. Her dreams take her to Rome where she is then pushed into a whirlwind known as the fashion industry, leaving her humble abode in Chicago. "Success is nothing without someone you love to share it with" was the underlined meaning of the entire movie. All in all, it's a must watch. If not for the actual storyline, then for the decadent fashion that Diana Ross dons.

Begin watching it below. My orders.

Source: YouTube

XOXO

Hemma Trunk Show Friday June 11, 2010

Friday June 11, 2010, Hemma is having a trunk show in Soho to showcase the collection. This African-inspired and 100% eco-friendly line will have all their delectable pieces available. A percentage of the sales will be going to La Yahoushua middle school in Ghana.

XOXO

SPOTTED: Jeffrey Campbell's Snick Back in Stock!

Remember these JC badboys I introduced to you guys back in March? Well, they're back! You can purchase them on Solestruck.com or Lori's Shoes.

But psst, Solestruck is cheaper and word is from a Jeffrey Campbell insider that they will have the Snicks available in black very soon:

@JCshoes: @Secretista "Black should be up tomorrow... Or so I heard! WORD."

You're welcome.

XOXO

My Top 5 Platform Wedges of The Summer

'Tis the season for shoes!

Summer is not my favorite season. In fact, I actually hate it. I hate the weird looking bugs that seem to come out of nowhere and I hate the frequent hot and humid days. However, I do like the summer for one reason: SHOES.

Summer allows a footwear fashionista like moi to pull out all the stops. Sandals and pumps, oh my! I'm so happy that one of the current shoe trends happens to be platform wedges. And as the self-proclaimed Wedge Wizard, I've decided to put together a list of my top 5 must-buy platform wedges of the season!

*The list is in random order.


1. Hoofkin, $69.98 Aldoshoes.com. What type of countdown would this be if I didn't have my beloved shoe store addiction ALDO?


2. Smith by Jeffrey Campbell, $124.95 Solestruck.com. All hail the platform wedge master maker Jeffrey Campbell. If you don't own a pair of JC shoes yet, then you're missing out.


3. Darneshia Sandal, $108 French Connection. The classic Espadrille! If you can only have one platform wedge this summer, make it an Espadrille. This material never goes out of style.


4. Enigma, $62 Lori's Shoes. I find that a shoe with cork material in the heel is usually light on the feet.


5. Daybreak, $89.95 Steve Madden. I love, love this shoe. It's a perfect combination of a shoe that is light on the feet and is on trend with zipper detailing.


XOXO

College Chronicles -- Courses

Aaand, I'm back to blogging regularly!

I've decided to write and reflect on the past 3 years and the next year of my life as an undergraduate college student in a new series on my blog called College Chronicles. I've been informally blogging about my college adventures, but now I've decided to log it -- story style. Enjoy!

Brr, it's cold.

It's always so freakin' cold in this classroom. Why are the windows open? It's the end of February!

I'm at my 5th and final class of the day, Italian Literature. It's 2:15 in the afternoon and I've been running on fumes -- pulled another almost all-nighter; I stayed up till 4am to finish writing a paper (I'm a slight procrastinator). How I made it to my 8am class on-time is still beyond me. Why I look like shit, is beyond me as well. Oh well, only 90 minutes until lunch. I can make it.

A sharp pain shoots me in my left temple.

No, I can't make it.

Frantically I search the front pocket of my backpack for a piece of gum and mumble to myself, "C'mon, I know I have a piece of Orbit Bubblemint lying around somewhere in here. A-ha!" I touch something that feels like a stick of gum. I pull out my hand swiftly and oops, that's a tampon. I hope none of my classmates saw that. I sift around in the pocket some more and finally pick up a piece, shove it in my mouth and shut my eyes as I savor the sugary mintness. I hope no one in my class saw that either.

My peppy preppy professor jolts into class. He's like a lightening bolt, always super charged about the day's lecture. I wish I felt the same way, but unfortunate for him, I dislike the literature for our class. And to top it off, I'm not a naturally deep thinker and Professor Pep loves to take it to that level.

"The virtue of the characters are tested in this story," Professor begins his rant on this week's reading. "As we see on page..." I zone out. Sorry Professor, you lost me at virtue.

The last time I was involved in a class discussion about virtue was the previous school year during the fall semester of my sophomore year in a philosophy course. Worst course decision, ever. That is when I decided that I was not a pointless deep thinker (watch: Annie Hall) and knew that it would take a large army within me to push through courses I did not like...

... Eh, that's all I've got for now...

Elephants in Fashion: June 2009 Vogue UK with Daria Werbowy

I don't know how I stumble upon these editorials with my favorite animal in the whole widest world (the last three words bring me back to childhood), the Elephant, but I'm glad I do! The image below is a snippet from an editorial with Daria Werbowy for the June 2009 issue of Vogue UK. It takes place in India and is appropriately titled Indian Summer. Check out the rest of the spread by clicking here.

Source: Fashionising.com



xoxo


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H&M's Style Eye Premiere Episode

Source: YouTube

Last week, H&M debuted the first episode in their Style Eye series. I LOVE H&M! I think the store has a lot of great items that will help someone young at heart hone their sense of style. The series follows three friends, who each have a different taste for fashion, shop around H&M and find  pieces that fit their personal style; showing, that you can define your style at H&M!

xoxo

Elephants in Fashion: Forever 21 Rhinestone Elephant Ring

I usually don't do my Elephants in Fashion posts on anything other than editorials, but when I saw the ring below that Ria-Michelle from Withering Rose had tweeted at me, I just had to share it with all of you! It's a Rhinestone Elephant Ring from Forever 21 and I think it's to-die-for. I'd love to one day have a totally diamond embellished ring like this, but uh, that's a little out of my College kid budget and this F21 ring is just the right price. So, just look and be in awe of this precious ring.

^^Look at its cute butt!
Photo source: Forever 21

xoxo


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Alicia Keys' "Unthinkable (I'm Ready)" Music Video -- Interracial Dating

Alicia Keys released her new video for Unthinkable (I'm Ready) today. It tackles interracial love. I'm a huge supporter of interracial relationships. The video is very powerful and covers the struggle between Alicia Keys' white lover (played by Chad Michael Murray) and her disapproving family. The video goes through different decades and showcases that hate towards interracial couples is still a problem today. Watch it below. This video comes out about a month before Loving Day, which is a day geared towards fighting racial prejudice.

Source: YouTube


xoxo

Channeling Jackie O

As I slipped on my sweet potato-colored shift dress, gold flower pearl earrings, bone-colored peep toe platform pumps, pearl/gold hair clip and elephant pin, I couldn't help but be astonished at the fact that my junior year of college was coming to a close. I thought, "Could this really be happening? ... I'm forgetting my ring and bracelet!" -- Ha. No. -- I actually thought, "Could this really be happening? ... I'm a summer away from finishing my college career (unless I decide to go to Grad school) and I'm preparing for my 2nd to last Student Government Association formal as an undergrad." Gallivanting around campus and basking in my new life venture as a "college kid" seemed like it was just yesterday. Freshman year, where did you go?

The formal was Friday and I decided to channel Jackie O. I've always considered my style to be inspired by the 1960's, so it felt right to don the orange frock to the left. The dress is from Target's Merona Collection, which I absolutely love. I've grown to be a big fan of the Merona brand from Target, especially the dresses. All the dresses are always classically chic and can be dressed up or dressed down.

Anyway, I paired the tangy dress with mostly gold and light-colored accessories. I didn't want to look too Halloween-like so I made sure to sport bone-colored pumps from Aldo and my bag is from Zara. The only thing I regret about the outfit is not ironing down the creases from the dresses fold. But I kind of think it adds to the primp and proper look, no? Charlotte York would be very proud...

Photos by Scarlett Hubbard

xoxo

Elephants in Fashion: 1996 L'Uomo Vogue with Daryl Hannah

Daryl Hannah shot by Michel Comte for 1996 L’Uomo Vogue magazine.
Photo Courtesy: Celebrition

Look what I found while surfing the web, or uh, procrastinating my work. Who knew this eye patch wearing Kill Bill star could be so glamorous! See the rest of the photos from the photoshoot here.

xoxo

I'm Not Super Woman

Me mid dance at a Fashion Club event.

FINALLY. The Spring 2010 semester is almost over (one more day of classes!!). I can smell and taste Summer. This semester was by far the worst. It kick-started with some devastating family news, which I still haven't really dealt with because I've been too busy working to truly mourn; but, how do you mourn? How do you mourn for someone you loved unconditionally who died thousands of miles away not remembering who you were due to an illness? I don't know and that is what kills me every single day during my normal daily hustle and bustle. The semester continued with professors I thought I would love turning into head-nodding rendering speakers and a student body that made me want to rip out my hair because everyone seemed disinterested in everything. Anyway, enough of the extra deep stuff.

If there's anything I've learned this semester, it's that I'm not Super Woman. It's no secret to anyone who knows me that I'm a huge multitasker with a slight Type A personality who thinks I can do it all... at the same time. I've come to learn that yes, I can do as many things as I want, but it all comes with heavy sacrifices. I don't remember the last time I had a good night sleep. In fact, I am writing this post at 4 in the morning instead of sleeping (I mistakenly took a nap after class and screwed up my sleep clock.). Anyway, I've made a decision to stop devoting my time to things that I do not 100% care about. I'm over spreading myself ultra thin. I mean, who wants to eat a sandwich with a thin layer of peanut butter?! Not me. I guess what I'm trying to get at is that I don't feel complete unless I'm trying to save the world while writing a 5-paged paper on Japanese Literature; but, I need to learn my limits because after all, I'm not Super Woman...

Yet.

xoxo

Angela and Vanessa Simmons' Baked Goods!

As a total food (specifically cupcakes) and fashion enthusiast and "good girl," I am a strong supporter of Vanessa and Angela Simmons. I think the two of them are awesome role models for young girls, and I see a lot of myself in them. They are young, fun, wholesome and hardworking girls. Some of their sneakers aren't exactly my cup of tea (then again, sneakers in general aren't), but I believe that Pastry is just-right for their targeted audience. The girls recently released a new shoe called Home Sweet Home. Inspired by Dorothy's ruby red slippers from The Wizard of Oz, Home Sweet Home heels come in a sparkly pink or black color and are paired with flats. Meaning, each pair of HSH heels you order comes with a matching flat--genius!

Also, the Simmons sisters have redone their website! Check it out at LovePastry.com.

xoxo

The Sequined Beanie

I'm a huge fan of hats. On days when I roll out of bed with no time to do my hair how I want, I plop on a hat. I'm currently searching for a medium sized fedora in a neutral shade. Any suggestions?

Anyway, I was at a photo shoot back in October for my school's magazine and I paired one of the models with a royal blue sequined beanie. Truth be told, prior to the shoot, I never saw such a sequined head accessory. And up until Wednesday's airing of Ugly Betty, I was convinced a sequined hat, specifically the beanie, was a piece that should be worn by someone young.

Take a look and tell me your thoughts!




Christina (Ashley Jensen) from Ugly Betty in a black sequined beanie.
Photo courtesy: Modeny.com


Royal blue sequined beanie on a student model.

xoxo

In It To Win It: TFLN Book Giveaway on College Candy

TFLN -- The four-letter acronym that's synonymous to most students like "FML." If there's anything I've learned as a college kid, I've learned that a student's life is prone to procrastination. I've made many attempts to "break-up" with procrastination as it is a time consuming habit, but I've come to accept that the desire for at-the-moment distractions is a part of my life for the next year and a half. And in the past, one of reasons I sometimes stayed up late was because I was busy browsing through Texts From Last Night. Stupid? Yes. Addicting? VERY. I guess the reason I find TFLN so interesting is because I've never had any of the crazy moments like depicted in texts on the site (I'm a slight Goody Two-Shoes).

Moving on, the creators of the hilarious site have put together a book and College Candy will be giving away THREE copies! To enter, head over to TFLN, find your favorite text of all time, copy it and then paste it into the comments section in this post on the College Candy website with your full name.

Would you buy this book?


xoxo