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

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

I'm 21! Now What?

On January 23, 2010, I turned 21 (inner reaction: "WHAT?!"). This time in my life is so surreal for me. I cannot believe that I am an official adult. The age of 21 seemed so far away when I was 10, celebrating the beginning of my journey into double digits land at my favorite skating rink United Skates. Oh how time flies... It is safe to say that I am not the same person I was three, four or even one year ago. Every year, I am amazed by how much I have grown as a person. Change, my friends, is the one beautiful aspect about life.

Becoming an official adult has allowed me to really think about what I want out of life. Or may be it could just be the ridiculously cute boys from the new show on MTV, The Buried Life, that have got me thinking about my "bucket list." There are so many things that I want to do with my life. I am more than just some web-savvy, loud-laughing, silly-talking, fashion-obsessed college student. Yes, I want to work at a fashion magazine. And yes, I want to influence millions of teen girls all over the world. But what else do I want to do with my life you ask? Well. I don't believe in sharing my intimate goals unless we are truly close. I will say that a lot of my life-long goals include stepping out of my comfort zone. I encourage you to do the same. Make a list and try and achieve the items on it.

xoxo

Self Control -- Try It!

An acrostic poem a friend recently made for me.
The first "A" pushed me to want more self control in my life.
I've recently discovered this amazing thing called self control. Have you heard of it?

Growing up, I never had it because by nature I have an obsessive personality. When I love or do something, I do it to the max because I believe in nothing but success. I'd like to call this passion. I'm a passionate person and find everything about life exciting! Well anyway, I recently conjured up the idea that I need a little self control in my life.

The past month or so has been hell on Earth for me. I'm an overly involved college student who's a somewhat perfectionist. I stay up until the wee hours of the morning doing school work and other tasks, only to get a couple hours of shut eye. I then have to force myself to be bright eyed and bushy tailed for my 9am class, job, internship and well, day. My unruly late nights then leave me engulfing fatty snacks, forgetting to hit the gym, catching a SINUS INFECTION and working myself to exhaustion. Despite all this unpleasant craziness, I love my life. I love being a busy body. But I think the time has come for me to say, enough is enough.

I'm going to be exploring self control by being more strict on my bedtime schedule, restricting the amount of work I put on my plate, not blowing my hard earned cash on delectable shoesies from ALDO and just leading a healthier lifestyle.

The first step into self control I took was not buying these bad boys I told you all about. ALDO is having a sale and I decided to get more for my buck. I bought two much-needed flats for the price of one! Being that I am going to see The Script in a little over a week with one of my good friends, I think a flat will go with whatever outfit I decide to wear. Now, this doesn't mean I won't get them. I'm just going to wait until I have the money.

Needless to say, I think we could all use a little self control in our lives...

xoxo

Love is Blind

Tonight I watched the Rihanna interview with Diane Sawyer. Although I am a little fishy about the timing of the interview, I think it was much needed. Riri sat there in her cream-white turtleneck dress, looking like Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct, and talked about the night she got abused by then boyfriend Chris Brown, including the events that followed. You know, where she decided to get back with him and then realized that was a dumb decision. Either way, I'm proud of her for standing up for herself and speaking out about the incident. So many girls are in abusive relationships and are either too scared to leave, think they can change their lover (via themselves or Maury Povich's bootcamp) or are blinded by love.

(About to get really personal) The latter, my friends, holds true to an ex-best friend of mine, who decided that her occasionally mentally and physically abusive boyfriend was better for her than her only best friends. I know you're thinking, "Ex-best friend? You should be there for her." Well, I/we (her best friends) tried. She changed and cut us out of her life. Well, he changed her and brainwashed her into believing that he was the only person who truly "loved" her. Ha. But before this, when she decided to officially break it off with him, I was there giving her 150% of my support. However, she went crawling back to her ugly (inside and out) boyfriend behind my back and didn't have the guts to talk to me about why. Sure I would have not agreed with the decision, but I'm a true friend and support my friends. Despite how stupid their decisions are. I don't know what she's up to, nor do I really care. It's amazing how you think you know someone, but you really don't. Oh well.

Point being, abuse can happen to anyone. And when it happens, run, because if he hits you once, he will do it again.

Moving on, what do you think of Riri's blonde hair?

xoxo

Just Thinking...

Yesterday, my school placed the Spring 2010 semester classes online (something the whole student body had been impatiently waiting for). So as I checked what classes I needed to take in order to graduate on time, reality began to set in. I have very few classes until I'm done with school (!!!). Soon, this blog won't be about "College" anymore. Okay, so I have a year to blog about this subject matter, but I'm a fan of looking towards the future; sue me.

I know I keep saying I'll be back to my normal blogging habits and then I don't blog, or I blog once a week. I just feel like this past week was just so freaking hectic. Hm. You know what, may be this is just how the year is going to be. Hectic, hectic, hectic! I'm going to own up to it and just endure the craziness. Looks like this year will keep me on my toes!

xoxo

Scared

"You know, why plan my future when it's just gonna be a wall of paint crashing down on me?"
--Malcolm from Malcolm in The Middle

In the past couple of days, I went through career doubt. But who knew that a peaceful revelation would come from my likes of watching Malcolm in The Middle! I was sitting in my room last week, thinking about the school year that lies ahead of me. It's Junior year baby--my 2nd to last year before it's time for me to head out into the "real world." I instantly began to panic! I realized that I would need to kick it into high gear and get my profession priorities straight. Ugh, I worry too much. But anyway, I thought about where I'd eventually want work, or what I think may be my dream job. I then pondered some more and realized that to outsiders, I have it all (career wise).

This is when frustration sets in.

You see, someone once called me the poster child for how to set up a career. And a professor actually told me that I should aid and speak to fellow students. Flattering, but pressure much? All I know is that I know what I love and that I'm following the path of my love--seeing where it leads me. So while I got frustrated with the fact that people are already expecting me to succeed (which I confidently know I will), I thought about the "what ifs." After seeing so many of my recent grad friends, who happen to be the same major as me, struggle to find jobs (thanks to the economy & scared-to-hire employers), III got scared. I'm scared that all my experiences will not be enough. I'm scared that my chosen path may be setting me up for failure. I'm just. Plain. Scared. But that's normal, right? To be scared? I think so.

Needless to say, after watching Malcolm in The Middle, I concocted this thought: I am without a doubt passionate about all the things I am doing. I guess I just want to see my future, but I can't. I like to plan things, but I can't... in this case. All I know is, I like to write, edit, blog, eat cupcakes, follow fashion and so much more. Where am I heading? Only time will tell; only time will tell.

Any other scared college kids out there?

xoxo

Serenity

Serenity; my summer theme.

I'm back for the summer my lovelies and this summer is all about tranquility. Tranquility to me is doing whatever I want: gorging down on as many cupcakes a I please, having the best experience at an internship that's one of a kind, going on random expeditions that include road trips, hometown friends and New York City, and of course, blogging.

Hello summer, Secretista has arrived.

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Secretista

F. YOU M.T.A.!

It's official. The M.T.A. has decided to hike up their prices.

According to The New York Times, "The board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority voted on Wednesday morning to enact a series of fare hikes and service cutbacks needed to keep the transit system from going broke." To keep the transit system from going broke? What about keeping ME from going broke? Thanks.

As of May 31, the MetroCards are going to cost $2.50, not $2.00. Monthly MetroCards are now going to cost $103 instead of $81 (?!?!?!?!). And if you live in the greater New York City areas, this affects the commuter rails as well. I spend way too much time in the city for career and personal purposes and having to pay extra really isn't helping my student budget. I've already cut back on so much and now I'll have to cut back on much more because not commuting to New York City isn't an option for me. UGH!

All I have to say is, F. YOU M.T.A. F. YOU.

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Secretista

Louboutin on Britney Spears

The video for "If You Seek Amy" premeried today and I must say the video is as confusing as the song--which makes it all the better! The video doesn't have any of the fun dancing that a Britney video usually has, but I still love it. I especially love that she wears Christian Louboutin heels in the video. And when the shoes got their own frame shots, my heart skipped a beat. Could B. Spears finally be making right fashion choices?

Britney's Louboutin Heels
Photo: Britneybash.com

In addition, I know some radio stations aren't playing the song. "If You Seek Amy" apparently has an undermined meaning, but I honestly just think it's a fun and cheeky song that one is supposed to bob their head to. And if you're old enough to get the joke, kudos to you and get your mind out of the gutter.

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Secretista

WTF: SNUGGIE

Leave it to the New York Times to have a reporter explore the wonders of the Snuggie in public. If you haven't heard of the Snuggie by now, then you must be living under a rock. I cannot believe someone actually thought to take a giant fleece blanket, put sleeves in it and say, "Why don't I sell it!" Every time that dumb infomercial comes on, my friends and I can't help but laugh hysterically. However, I will say that I kind of want to try the Snuggie in person. I'm just afraid that I'll look like an idiot; it's just a thought.

WTF: SNUGGIE
Photo: NY Times

Nevertheless, this New York Times reporter hit the streets of New York City last week with the Snuggie on. The reporter's adventures in the Snuggie are rather intriguing. Oh the joy of "As Seen on TV" items.

Are there any "As Seen on TV" items you're dying to try?

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Secretista

I'M BACK!

Snow day! Snow day! Snow day! Today marked the first snow day of the school year. It was a well deserved break because there are no school breaks in March. The snow day allowed me to finish my school work and this blog's new layout. If you haven't noticed already, I've changed my layout. I like this better. I felt like the old layout was very dark and I'm a chipper person so it didn't really fit my personality. I've nixed the music for the purposes of trying something new. All in all, I'm pleased with this layout.

Thoughts?

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Secretista

That's So High School

High School. Four years of my life I do not miss nor regret. The fashion mishaps, the inevitable cliques and the memorable moments. A recent interview on WWD with Jay McCarroll, Project Runway's first winner, has me thinking about life, high school, and the fashion industry. McCarroll said, "...when you say fashion, it kind of connotes that I would like to be part of this fashion industry in NYC, where I would have to play games and, like, talk to a bunch of a--hole vapid girls I don’t want to talk to. "--Hello high school.

I do not think the entire NYC fashion scene if filled with fake-istas, but I can see where he is coming from. And in hopes that one day I will be part of the fashion industry in NYC, the one thing I fear the most is becoming "vapid" and self-absorbed. Let's be honest; the fashion industry is a needed but somewhat superficial industry (that I love). Will I become one of those people that are so consumed by the fashion industry that I forget how much fun fashion can be? I hope not.

In life, do we ever really escape high school?

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Secretista

Grammy Schmammy

I'm not one to watch award shows at all. I'll usually catch a glimpse of the red carpet just to see what the celebrities are wearing and then I'll flip the channel because well, I don't really care (HAHA!). However, last night I didn't watch the Grammys at all; no red carpet--nothing. So today when I was watching the news and saw that M.I.A performed with T.I., Lil' Wayne, Jay-Z and Kanye, I was kind of upset I missed it. You see, I LOVE M.I.A. I started listening to her music three years ago and ever since then, I've been hooked. I also admire her ballsy fashion sense. Which makes sense as to why she was wearing the outfit below during her performance.

I love her.

Last year I saw her at the Marc Jacobs Fall 2008 show and almost freaked; but you know, I had to keep my composure because I was sneaking into the show.

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Secretista

Where'd you get that?

A question that I get asked a lot. I'm often flattered when people love my clothing because well, I do put a lot of effort into choosing the pieces I buy. And when a friend recently asked me where I get my clothes, I realized that it's not where you buy your clothes but what you buy and of course, how you wear it that makes your style so personal. It's one thing to go to a store because you're on a mission to follow the latest trend and it's another to go to a store you like and know you can find great pieces that fit your personal style.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, yes I do get my clothes from H&M, Zara, Target, and sometimes Forever21, but it's not just the stores that give me my personal flare, it's my purchasing inhibitions.

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Secretista

Delete A Facebook Friend

I'll be the first to admit I love Internet social networks. Plain and simple, I'm a Web 2.0 geek (**waves geek flag**). But I will admit that certain networks like Facebook do have their limits, and when a friend sent me this link and said, "You'll love it." I felt that it was time I shared my secret obsession (which isn't a secret anymore--hah).

Foremost, the social from CNet News reports that Burger King has created a Facebook application entitled "Whopper Sacrifice." This Facebook app will give you a coupon for a free hamburger if you delete 10 people from your friends list!

Secretly, I enjoy deleting people from my Facebook friends list. It's nothing personal. Last year I deleted close to 100 people from my friends list because well, I didn't talk to those people in-person--ever. I know everyone is different and some people enjoy having 1,000+ friends, but I don't. That being said, there are a few type of Facebook friends I do not like (and I may be guilty of being one of them, but no one's perfect):

The "we met one time" friend. That's right, you know what I'm talking about. Sure it's cool we just met and you're probably a really cool person, but uhm, I DON'T KNOW YOU THAT WELL? I'll admit it. I've done this before but it was for networking purposes. I like to stay in touch with other interns I've met, but if we had one intriguing conversation and you add me just because we met ONCE. I'll ignore the request. Or... add you, check out your profile and then delete you (**chuckles**).

The "we go/went to the same school" friend. It's awesome that we go to the same college or that we both went to the same high school, middle school, or whatever. But don't let me add you and then have you not write on my wall or something along those lines. Let's say we did go to the same school, but did we talk? Did we do more than just say hi to each other? DID WE HAVE CLASSES TOGETHER?! Let's catch-up and not be non-communicating Facebook friends. In addition, nothing erks me more than a person who goes to my college and just adds me because we go to the same school. Fool, we've never talked in-person before. Seriously, DO-I-KNOW-YOU?

The "non-communicating" friend. Of course it's hard to keep up with all your friends on Facebook, but Facebook isn't MySpace. I'm not trying to have as many friends as possible. Do NOT add me just so that we're friends. Like I said before, let's communicate; that's what Facebook is for.

What do you guys think?

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Secretista

14 days 'til my birthday!

Sleeping Suggestions?

I've been up since 3am. And as I surfed the Internet in my insomniac state, I stumbled upon this Gap commercial:


Did anyone ever go out and try the skinny black pant?

For the past week, I've had odd sleeping patterns. I went to bed at midnight and thought that my problems were solved and that I would be able to sleep until 7am--which is when my friend and I are supposed to go to the gym. Well, I was wrong. I woke up at 3am and could not fall back asleep. WHY?! WHY?! I don't know, but I guess it's my fault for staying up really late for the past 7 days and not waking up until mid-afternoon.

I'm not one to have sleeping problems and I'm really trying to stray away from taking medicine. So many of my friends take NyQuil just so they'll knock out, and I don't want to be like them.

Any suggestions?

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Secretista
15 days 'til my birthday!

Thought Flash: I Hate Black Friday

Last year was the first time I ever went shopping on Black Friday. My friend and I went at night because we thought, you know, there wouldn't be too many people. Well, wrong! There's nothing I hate more than crowds when I'm shopping. It make me feel antsy, angry, and down right annoyed. This is the very same reason why I hate Wal-Mart. Whenever I'm in there, there's a crowd; no matter what day it is.

Good sales can be found any day of the year, so why spend a day pushing and shoving for one item?

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Secretista

Twitter Me Not!

I'm no stranger to sharing my lovely text messages (remember my fart conversation with my ex-roommate? Or, the one I had with Noel @ Miss Couturable?). Well, I feel the need to share another conversation. One that sheds the light on what I think about Twitter.

AD: Do you use Twitter?

Secretista: No. I refuse to!

AD: Hahah why?

Secretista: I just don't need another reason to be addicted to the Internet.

It's true. I DON'T need another reason to be addicted to the Internet. I love this Web 2.0 generation, but I think certain things need limits (**hits private on Facebook**). It kind of scares me that through Twitter, people can know what you are doing ... all the time, but with your discretion of course. And sure this blog is bringing you all into my life, but even this has certain limits. I also don't find the amusement in telling people that "Secretista is watching ANTM" at the moment. That's what Facebook statuses are for. And so Twitter you ask, "What are you doing?" Well, I'm not telling!

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Secretista

Obama, The 44th American President!

Photo Credit: The New York Times

Can you believe it? I can't. I wasn't a supporter (YES. I said it!), but deep down in my heart I knew he would win and I kind of wanted him to--for the sake of history. It makes me angry when people automatically assume I was a die hard Obama supporter because I am black. In truth, I didn't care who won; I was wavering between the two candidates. I just wanted the new president to not screw us Americans over. Nevertheless, I am a supporter now. Why? Because he IS my new President, and I believe that as an American I am to support my President no matter how much of an idiot he may appear to be (*cough*Bush*cough*).

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Secretista