Men, if you’re out of ideas on a beautiful gift for someone special in your life, I suggest a love letter.  Simple, sweet, romantic and forever treasured.  

Here is a short excerpt of a love letter written by Ludwig van Beethoven addressed to his ‘Immortal Beloved’, whose identity has not been established.  

You - my Life - my All - farewell.
Oh, go on loving me – never doubt the faithfullest heart.
Of your beloved
L
Ever thine.
Ever mine.
Ever ours.

Damn.  He had me at hello.

Love.  

Till the next episode…

I recently checked out a girly urban art party in the Town called Femme Cartel with nothin but female artists showing their wares. These ladies are passionate, talented and fearless.  Check the pics out below.      

Kimlynh (on the left)

Maria Fatima Urbi

The Few and Far family.  

This coming Friday is yet another first Friday of the month aka Oakland Art Murmur.  If you haven’t yet definitely come see what I’m talking about.  You’ll be glad you did.   Oh and come say hi.  Me and my crew will be here.    

Till the next episode…

Significant events:

June 23 – Nintendo 64 video game system is released in Japan.

August 28 – Their Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Wales, are formally divorced.

September 7 – Tupac is shot.  Dies six days later. 

October 23 – OJ Simpson civil trial begins.

November 5 – Bill Clinton defeats Bob Dole to win second term in US Presidential election.

Album releases:

All Eyez on Me – Tupac

The Score – Fugees

Stakes is High – De La Soul

Hard Core – Lil’ Kim

ATLiens – OutKast

One in a Million – Aaliyah

The main form of communication:

Me and my click, circa 1996.

Try to take the crew and we don’t play, play…

Click here to view the embedded video.

ROOTS.

Till the next episode…

Laser Etched Boombox Earrings

Pink Lipstick

Zig Zag Ring

MaryJane Beanie

Weekly manicures.  Yes…weekly.

Till the next episode…

And on that note, here’s a photo journal of my 2011. 

Black Thought from the Roots @ 1015 Folsom – 01/28/2011

DREAM DAY 2011 @ the Oakland Metro Theatre – 02/19/2011

Boots Riley from the Coup

Hopie Spitshard

LA trip – 03/26/2011 – 03/28/2011

Rodarte exhibit @ the MOCA

Hip Hop exhibit @ the Grammy Museum

Doug E. Fresh @ Yoshi’s SF – 03/31/2011

Impromptu sighting of Phife Dog at opening night of the ATCQ documentary Beats, Rhymes & Life in Berkeley, CA

LA trip – 07/23/2011 – 07/24/2011

Art in the Streets exhibit @ MOCA Geffen

Bob Marley exhibit @t the Grammy Museum

MaryJane Clothing Launch Party @ Famous Four Colors Gallery – 08/05/2011

Erick Sermon at Mezzanine SF – 08/12/2011

The Do-Over @ the Phoenix Hotel SF – 09/18/2011

Me and my brother from the same Mother!

Happy 1st Birthday MaryJane!!! @ Somar, Oakland – 12/2/2011

MaryJane’s Holiday Party @ 330 Ritch, SF – 12/17/2011

Team MaryJane Lane @ Kingpin Disco – 12/18/2011

 Cheers 2011.  Hello 2012!  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Ever forward, never backward.  Till the next episode…

Here’s a sensuous poem written by my beautiful cousin, a talented spoken word artist, that captures the essence of that very moment.

FIRST KISS
by Annie De La Cerna

You watch me in the moonrise
behind the shadows of the sun,
while tribal drums mesmerize
our familiar souls.
Swallowing the air
with magical stares,
with bass articulations
and harmonic undulations,
dramatic rhythms and sharp scales,
our mortal beings dance entranced
with intoxicated smiles,
versatile hips dip
around my brown midtown.
I fantasize sweet, innocent sin
watching your waist want me,
Taunt me,
Tempting me,
Talking to me,
Absorbing the rising force inside mine
releasing a recipe made from
the energy made between our thighs.
Smiling eyes
legalize the forbidden entice,
Invite me to play in conversations
that splash me
leaving me wet.
We greet and reacquaint the
unfamiliar zones
overwhelming me with the elements of surprise.
Your hand caresses my face.
Your caramel canvas comes towards me,
unforeseen soft lips lay on top of mine.
Tender, teasing, tantalizing
tongues touch
for the first time.
You say it was the hypnotize in my eyes
that make you want to taste me.
Leaving me weak,
breathless.
I cannot speak.
I thirst to see.
I listen to feel
for another sip of your surreal
Kiss.

Cuz I’m a sucka for love.  Till the next episode.  

“The sweetest thing I’ve ever known, was like the kiss on the collarbone.“
L-Boogie | Sweetest Thing | Love Jones

Then Mary J. arrived…the summer I graduated high school, the summer of first love, the summer we didn’t sleep.  When it was all about pagers, house parties, pool hustlin, 40s, deuce deuces, fake IDs, puff jackets, tims, polo, nautica, tommy hil.  It was the summer of discovering the WHOLE Bay and my world got a little bigger.  Boys had to have VERBAL game.  Ladies had to be clever. And talkin on the phone was how we got to know each other.  Add the Golden Era of Hip Hop and you have perfection.  When Mary dropped What’s the 411, I was deep in it.  She taught love, heartbreak, style, confidence…and I learned.  Learned how to be, how not to be, how to hold myself, how to love myself, how to let go.  Thank you Queen of Hip Hop Soul.  I am what I am today because of you.  So when anyone asks “Ay yo what’s the 411 hon?”.  I can truly say “I got it goin’ on hon.” 

Click here to view the embedded video.

The holidays are fast approaching, which means it’ll soon be time for merry-making, celebrating and partying…oh my!  I’m taking stock of my closet and making sure I’m on my A++ game for the season.  Here’s a peek at some of my goods.  

VINTAGE FUR

Yes, it’s real.  But it’s also vintage.  I got this WAY before the fur ban, when Foxy was lookin half Black and Filipino and Faith remembered how Biggie used to love her.  These rabbits gave their lives in the Seventies so I figure it’s gravy.  Vintage fur is AOK in my opinion but if you do buy fur now, faux is the only way to go.  *Plea to PETA.  No red paint please!   

CUSTOM MADE EMBROIDERED INDIAN SILK SHANTUNG MINIS

I got these beautiful things at a thrift store.  Thrift stores have the best finds IF you’re willing to dig (and sneeze).  Now if only I could figure out how to get into what was apparently made for a pre-teen figure…hmmmm.

BLAZER

This goes with everything.  Like seriously, EVERYTHING.  And if you see me in it, it’s because it goes with…EVERYTHING.  haha.

MOTORCYCLE BOOTS

These do too…minus the helmet.

SKINNIES and HIGH WAISTED TROUSER JEANS

Must.  Haves.  If.  You’re.  Tall.  And.  Skinny.  Sorry.  Everyone.  Else.  

BAGS

Baby got bags.

JEWELRY

I’m a jewelry buff.  I like keeping the fits simple and the jewelry impressive.  The downside of being a jewelry buff is the not so organized, throw all the jewelry here whilst staggering to the vanity after a long night of outstanding (if I say so myself) drinking.  Someone.  Anyone.  Please untangle this hot mess for me.  Reward given.

I’m ready to eat, drink and be merry (while staying holiday fitted in the hood)!  So where the invites at?  HOLLER!!!

Death is inevitable.  And with yesterday’s passing of Hip Hop legend Heavy D at the very young age of 44, we are reminded exactly how short life can be.  In the words of Steve Jobs: “No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because death is very likely the single best invention of life. It is life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new.” 

“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart… Stay hungry. Stay foolish.” 

Life.  It’s a series of momentous events and choices.  Choices which can be the best, most satisfying decisions we’ve ever made.  And other times…not quite.  But believe that every move you make is meant to be.  I am a true believer of fulfilling your destiny.  Finding your treasure. Your instincts are already telling you what your destiny is.  All you have to do is listen.  We are all here for a reason and your heart knows what that reason is.  Your intuition is THE guide to what your heart wants.  Listen to it.  Follow it.  Even if you don’t know what it is, take steps every day to get you closer to it.  So that when that inevitable day comes, you know you’ve done everything you possibly can, to fulfill your heart’s reason for being.

Here are some beautiful altars currently on display at Smashbox Gallery.  Dia de los Muertos, a reminder for each one of us to start living life, now.    

Wishing you a peaceful journey Heavy D. 

|Sunrise| May 24, 1967 – |Sunset| November 8, 2011

Click here to view the embedded video.

“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.  You’ve got to find the treasure, so that everything you have learned along the way can make sense.”

– The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo

Some highlights from this birthday month…

Dinner at Limon Rotisserie with my mains.

Bourbon & Branch.  Where passwords are necessary, photography isn’t allowed, cocktails are divine, secret passages hide behind bookcases, easy speaking is mandatory hence “speakeasy” and people watching is a must.

Somar and House of Music with the Worthy Foes Crew.  These artists are rock steady…talented, beautiful and down.  These ladies are definitely worthy foes…to whoever considers them as such.  haha.

Carneros Della Notte in Napa.  With a personalized tour by Dave the owner.  This dude…I mean really, this dude…all I gots to say is Dave is the man!    Former chauffeur of Robert Mondavi, founder of wine.com and now keeping it simple with a small boutique winery only putting out small batches of what he believes in.  From rags to riches, this guy stays humbled and grateful.  I’m honored to have met such an amazing mind.  Stay tuned to this winery ya’ll.  He gots Flavor Flav AND Manny Pacquiao bottles comin out!

From the loves.

36′s last sunset.

This lucky girl is just way too blessed to be stressed.

Till the next episode…

Official Website | crownthequeens.com
Facebook | /crownthequeens
Twitter | @crownthequeens

Some about me basics…

Born year of the Tiger.  And yes, he’s hanging off a money tree.

My brand.

Today’s right hand.  I have a thing for big chunky jewelry.  Bigger is ALWAYS better.

Buy me a drank…Ketel One Dirty, dirty.

Bay Area rep through and through.  You can take the girl out the Bay but you can’t take the Bay out the girl.  Yay Areaaaa!!!

Till the next episode.

Now available for the ladies, Ladylike Summer Tanks in white, grey, and black.

Not only are we dressing Cam, but we are also making sure his little brother, Kaylyn is equally as stylish.

I find out that Cam is for sure presenting the Best Play award.  He decides that he wants to wear the scarf creation I designed on the
red carpet and switch to the pocket scarf when he presents.  Not a bad idea I thought.  He either is going to make the best dressed list or the worst dressed with the scarf onside the jacket I am featuring on him.  Let’s hope it starts a trend, all I need is for Kanye to cosign it!

Cam was going to wear a G-shock but Alan Friedman came through with the classic yet stylish TW Steel watch.

We were feeling the Happy Socks.

Once we got to the red carpet, I prepped Cam on what to expect and how to work it.  He is new at at being an A lister.

He walked the carpet with style.  I predict this will be a frequent event for Cam.  – Oh and yes, that is Lindsey Vaughn in the back round.

I loved her Sports Illustrated cover.  It was definitely shocking.

Stoudemire was my favorite NBA player last year.

This was nice of DUB magazine to make this ride for mini-me.

Brian Wilson was names one of the best dressed.  I guess if you are provocative you get all the attention… but the suit is dance wear!

Another interview for Cam with ESPN inside the Venue.  He is only thinking about food.

Carlos and the amazing Laura.  This talent wrangler was so awesome that I asked her to work on the music video I am directing in a few weeks.

It’s like old times.  My besty, Jilly and my hero Serena.

Now Serena too made the best dressed list.  BTW, that is not her Birkin bag – it is mine.

I wasn’t expecting a massage from Cee-lo back stage.

Here is Cam presenting with Amber Heard and Cee-lo.  Did you notice the pocket scarf or blonde blonde girl wants handsome black quarterback.

Blake Griffin with his Espy.  He actually beat Cam to get this award.  Who is he looking for?  Jordan Sparks?

That smile is a cash machine.  I hope I did a good job and the endorsements roll so we can do it again.

There wasn’t much of a budget, so I started designing backwards.  I picked out a few color “stories” from a large group of ties, scarfs, and pocket squares from Jared M.  I have been working with Jared since the Kevin Garnett days.  The accessories and furnishings are the fashion in a man’s suit.

Next, I picked a grey sharkskin fabric from a an overwhelming pile of fabric swatches.  First it was blue, then it was grey.  I saw lots of pictures of Cam in a blue suit.   It was a hard call.  Grey is my favorite color… Grey it is.

This is what a custom suit looks like when is it professional constructed by a tailor.  I now is than 24 hours after choosing the fabric and the body style – I had the makings of a suit.  Now I need to show it to Cam.

Up in the hotel room of the agent, Miranda, my fabulous assistant and friend, helped me set up.

Kaitlin Anthony, of Jared M, the suit maker, came to help me with the fitting of Cam.  I don’t think I could have done it with out her.
She is awesome and can dress a killer tie.

Carlos is doing business.  Making plans for Venus to play tournaments on her way to the US open.

Cam can’t seem to understand what the suit will look like with out all of these white lines.  He may actually be nervous.  His only request was Urban Preppy.

We tried the different color stories.  The girls thought this one was going to be the winner (before he tried it on).  I knew it was never going to be “the one”.

Now this isn’t the suit I made.  After the day was over I went to the ESPN party hosted by Serena – and ran into Cam.  I wasn’t sure he remembered me from earlier in the day.

I also ran into my old friend GSP.  The ultimate fighter.  I think he is awesome.

And yes, my old friends who I always love to see.  V and Tanya.  Dancing again like we did at the Shore Club.  I look like I am having fun, but I am wondering how the tailor is doing with the final touched on the suit and custom shirt……

Of all the flavors I’ve sampled here, the K Pomegranates remain my absolute favorite! The flavor is such an unexpected turn from your usual chocolate covered fruit/nut – both sour and sweet and the perfect ratio of chocolate to fruit. These are a MUST every time I’m within a 3-mile radius of the place. Unfortunately I ate the entire bag before pictures could be taken… Go. Indulge. Tell Alex I sent you and thank me her later.

We ate all of our meals in the restaurant adjacent to the hotel. There were others in the area but nothing that stayed open super late, or was close enough in proximity for my constantly frozen self. By the end of our trip we’d had nearly everything on the menu – that’s what happens when you’re fat kids and indulge in 4hour dinners with 7 courses!

I honestly don’t remember what anything below is called, but they were all delicious! Given the range of its neighboring countries, (Italy, Germany and France) different areas of Switzerland are influenced by its respective neighbor. In speaking with some locals, we learned that despite being such a small country, Switzerland boasts a broad spectrum of cuisine and culture. This restaurant in particular curated a nice mix of meats, pastas and potatoes. Not too many veggies though, haha.

I love anything that holds a close resemblance to Italian food. This was by far my favorite dish, and perhaps also the most familiar. Can’t wait to go to Italy!!!

This was the only dish I wasn’t fond of – way too salty for my taste. It had a consistency like gnocchi but crispier on the outside (pan fried?) The manager of the hotel personally made us a late night dish the evening before with the same ingredient; apparently it’s a staple in local cuisine. Yummy when it’s not drenched in salt!

The following day we were all set to go to Vegas to join the Rhythm Natives band and Bambu for the Smugglers Tour.

Jon and I checked in late to the hotel but since it was a busy day for check in’s the front desk agent upgraded our room to a suite since our room was sold out. Sweet right?

We joined the fam at Eye Candy Lounge in Mandalay Bay and stayed out like crazy Vegas person would’ve done.

Saturday, the team met up at Salo Salo Grill, a filipino restaurant for brunch, which turned into a late lunch since everyone slept somewhere after 5am. This definitely hit the spot for us!Bagoong fried rice

Laaing

We ordered like 12 dishes however I was already eating when the first 4 came along.

Turon with Ube ice cream

We all split and did our thing for a couple hours. Hubby and I stopped by the LV Premium Outlets and also Stussy and Undefeated.Having visited Stussy LA and SF, I was quite used to the welcoming experience. Seemed like LV had more folks there, and no one really paid us no mind. However, since I’m blogging on FL, I might as well get this out. I believe I saw Neek walk into Undefeated from Stussy, I was very close to saying what’s up but didn’t know if he would remember me as the girl from NT that would talk about trading shoes since we both wore the same size. Vince, had hit me up on my blog telling me to say what’s up to Neek at Stussy LV, so I’m more than sure that the person I saw was actually him. If I’ve seen the roster for SFC, I think he still blogs with us. So… to Neek/Neek_Supreme/Punk_emo on NT, what up old NT friend. – soled 0ut (jeri)

Shouts out to Pat at Undefeated for taking care of us!

Everyone met back up for The Smuggler’s Tour’s first stop: Tunay.

Taken during soundcheck.

Had I known that the men responsible for the sound in that building were part of Kool & The Gang, I would’ve asked for a photo or something!

Just Pudge came through as the DJ for the RN set. Little did I know that there were more acts before the Rhythm Natives, and one in between RN and Bam’s? Politics got in the way and the guy who threw the event went right before Bam. I’m not necessarily hating on the him, he just dug a deep deep hole for him to lay in placing his set after Rhythm Natives. I’m saying this because every time I see RN perform they really do come correct live. They may have an upper hand because they are a live band, but also their sets are clean, and dope!  Rhythm Natives

As expected, Bambu killed it with his set. I think this was my third time seeing him perform. He has great showmanship and what I love about his performances is that he really does incorporate his DJ (Phatrick) in his set. Another thing is he spreads awareness to the youth, keeps it real with his music, and his audience. His set is refreshing, entertaining, and LIVE.

Pardon the behind the stage photo!

DJ Phatrick

RockyRivera was in the building looking lovely as always, funny because I’ve seen her a couple times but didn’t get too close to introduce myself. I’m glad to have finally met her. Shes so fly!

randomly bumped into friends of mine from socal and Reno! Esta on the left of the photo–who also produced the “A Dollar” track on Bam’s Exact Change Reloaded), my girl: Lanie from LV, my bro: Jeff Bernat to my left, and EP. Odd that we reunite in Vegas of all places? Either way, It was lovely seeing them.

After the performances the crew met up at Insert Coins. This place blew my mind. It was a gamer’s paradise. We all wished there were more arcade games, but i’d say a good 1/8th of the room was filled with arcades. one side of the room had booths of video consoles, hell, they even had xbox360 and ps3 consoles at the bar!

Games galore, good music, live dj, dance floor, alcohol + bar = greatness. The downfall for me was the indoor smoking. That was a bit overboard given there are absolutely no windows in that venue.

The following day Jon and I checked out of our hotel, met up with Jackie and Boj for our complimentary buffet then spend the day on the strip. We went shopping, had dinner at PUCK (Wolfgang) Pizzaria & Cucina, and stayed late to watch the water show. =)

Enjoy!!

]]> http://fatlace.com/ladylike/the-smugglers-tour-vegas-in-photos/feed/ 0 http://fatlace.com/ladylike/queens-vancouver/ http://fatlace.com/ladylike/queens-vancouver/#comments Sun, 03 Apr 2011 19:08:22 +0000 Patrizzle http://fatlace.com/lacedup/?p=23177 Word has been buzzin’! Rose Raflores, one of Vancouver’s tastemakers has set the date to launch her very own ladies street wear store + clothing line, Queens next month. Mark your calendars! May 2011. Opening in the historic Gastown, it will be sure to make a lot of ladies happy and lookin’ F-L-Y. Stay tuned!

Queens official website, http://www.crownthequeens.com
Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/crownthequeens
Follow on twitter, @crownthequeens

Click here to view the embedded video.

I am loving Stussy’s Spring/Summer’11 collection and lookbook! Featuring fun prints in swimwear, cut-out tees and sundresses, Stussy gets fierce but still maintains tomboy chic with signature wovens and updated M65s. Photographer Lauren Ward definitely captivates street-meets-sass in this season’s lookbook. Check the rest of the collection and ditch those sneakers for your platforms!

It’s on sale for $200 on Karmaloop (originally $300)

I. Am. In. Love.

Seriously American Apparel? We get that your brand is completely sexist and loves exploiting women but this is an all time new low. So beyond cheesy.

via: The Coveted